On the characterization of a finite random field by conditional distribution and its Gibbs form

In this paper, we show that the methods of mathematical statistical physics can be successfully applied to random fields in finite volumes. As a result, we obtain simple necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of a finite random field with a given system of one-point conditional distributions. Using the axiomatic (without the notion of potential) definition of Hamiltonian, we show that any finite random field is Gibbsian. We also apply the proposed approach to Markov random fields.Comment: 14 page

An automated vital sign monitoring system for congestive heart failure patients

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a cardiovascular disorder that affects approximately 4.6 million Americans and is a leading cause of death in the United States. Current research shows that strategies to promote early recognition and treatment of symptoms and enhance self-care management behaviors reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. However, mechanisms to monitor patients' health status and behaviors are limited by constraints imposed by the patient's geography, infirmity, or resources. Remote monitoring supports a more dynamic connection between healthcare providers and patients, improves health promotion and patient care through monitoring of health data, communicates health reminders, and makes provisions for patient feedback. This paper will describe two versions of Weight and Activity with Blood Pressure Monitoring System (WANDA [22]) that leverages sensor technology and wireless communication to monitor health status of patients with CHF. The WANDA system is built on a three-tier architecture consisting of sensors, a web server, and back-end database tiers. The system was developed in conjunction with the UCLA School of Nursing and the UCLA Wireless Health Institute to enable early detection of key clinical symptoms indicative of CHF-related decompensation in a real-time automated fashion and allows health professionals to offer surveillance, advice, and continuity of care and triggers early implementation of strategies to enhance adherence behaviors. The small study has enabled patients to reduce or maintain the number of readings which are out of the acceptable range. For diastolic, systolic, and heart rate values, the t-test results show that the WANDA study is effective for patients with CHF. © 2010 ACM

Medical image of the week: iatrogenic pneumothorax

Figure 1: AP Chest X Ray showing an unfortunate placement of a feeding tube (yellow tracing) as it passes through the left mainstem bronchus and loops into the left pleural space causing a moderate size pneumothorax (arrows)

Medical image of the week: iatrogenic pneumothorax

Figure 1: AP Chest X Ray showing an unfortunate placement of a feeding tube (yellow tracing) as it passes through the left mainstem bronchus and loops into the left pleural space causing a moderate size pneumothorax (arrows)

Qualité bactériologique des eaux distribuées dans l'habitat à Paris en 1984

L'expérience acquise depuis plus de dix ans à Paris, très certainement en France, est fondée sur le contrôle sanitaire systématique de très nombreux points d'eau dans l'habitat (1605) et des bâtiments publics (45), sur la vérification systématique de la qualité des eaux avant la mise en service des immeubles neufs rénovés en totalité (1708), enfin sur l'étude analytique et technique des doléances formulées par les usagers (657). Ces divers types d'interventions ont permis, par l'étude de la flore bactérienne dominante des échantillons «contaminés», de déterminer l'origine présumée contaminants observés (fécale, non strictement fécale, hydro tellurique), de éventuellement les causes techniques et/ou sanitaires de ces contaminations donc de contribuer à l'amélioration de la conception et de l'entretien des réseaux intérieurs des immeubles (tuyauteries, bâches de surpression, ballons, dispositifs de protection, post-traitements, appareils ménagers...). Dans cet esprit, de Legionella, encore difficile (226 échantillons analysés), constitue un témoin de déficiences techniques des circuits de distribution et de systèmes de traitement d'air

An automated vital sign monitoring system for congestive heart failure patients

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a cardiovascular disorder that affects approximately 4.6 million Americans and is a leading cause of death in the United States. Current research shows that strategies to promote early recognition and treatment of symptoms and enhance self-care management behaviors reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. However, mechanisms to monitor patients' health status and behaviors are limited by constraints imposed by the patient's geography, infirmity, or resources. Remote monitoring supports a more dynamic connection between healthcare providers and patients, improves health promotion and patient care through monitoring of health data, communicates health reminders, and makes provisions for patient feedback. This paper will describe two versions of Weight and Activity with Blood Pressure Monitoring System (WANDA [22]) that leverages sensor technology and wireless communication to monitor health status of patients with CHF. The WANDA system is built on a three-tier architecture consisting of sensors, a web server, and back-end database tiers. The system was developed in conjunction with the UCLA School of Nursing and the UCLA Wireless Health Institute to enable early detection of key clinical symptoms indicative of CHF-related decompensation in a real-time automated fashion and allows health professionals to offer surveillance, advice, and continuity of care and triggers early implementation of strategies to enhance adherence behaviors. The small study has enabled patients to reduce or maintain the number of readings which are out of the acceptable range. For diastolic, systolic, and heart rate values, the t-test results show that the WANDA study is effective for patients with CHF. © 2010 ACM