Process-oriented Iterative Multiple Alignment for Medical Process Mining

Adapted from biological sequence alignment, trace alignment is a process mining technique used to visualize and analyze workflow data. Any analysis done with this method, however, is affected by the alignment quality. The best existing trace alignment techniques use progressive guide-trees to heuristically approximate the optimal alignment in O(N2L2) time. These algorithms are heavily dependent on the selected guide-tree metric, often return sum-of-pairs-score-reducing errors that interfere with interpretation, and are computationally intensive for large datasets. To alleviate these issues, we propose process-oriented iterative multiple alignment (PIMA), which contains specialized optimizations to better handle workflow data. We demonstrate that PIMA is a flexible framework capable of achieving better sum-of-pairs score than existing trace alignment algorithms in only O(NL2) time. We applied PIMA to analyzing medical workflow data, showing how iterative alignment can better represent the data and facilitate the extraction of insights from data visualization.Comment: accepted at ICDMW 201

Braneworld Dynamics of Inflationary Cosmologies with Exponential Potentials

In this work we consider Randall-Sundrum braneworld type scenarios, in which the spacetime is described by a five-dimensional manifold with matter fields confined in a domain wall or three-brane. We present the results of a systematic analysis, using dynamical systems techniques, of the qualitative behaviour of Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker type models, whose matter is described by a scalar field with an exponential potential. We construct the state spaces for these models and discuss how their structure changes with respect to the general-relativistic case, in particular, what new critical points appear and their nature and the occurrence of bifurcation.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, RevTex 4. Submitted to Physical Review

The who, what, why, and how-to guide for gastrostomy tube placement in infants

The decision to place a gastrostomy tube in an infant can be confusing and difficult for both parents and professionals. A unified team approach is critical to communication and collaboration. Once the decision is made, coordinated parent education, discharge planning, and community integration are essential to facilitate a safe discharge. This article reviews the indications and options for gastrostomy placement, outlines current concepts in gastrostomy tube care, and answers the most frequently asked questions about the discharge and home care of infants with a gastrostomy tube. Copyright © 2003 by The National Association of Neonatal Nurses

Neonatal intestinal obstruction

While the causes of newborn intestinal obstruction are diverse, a systematic approach can be used to differentiate the most common causes. The antenatal history, initial presentation, physical examination, and plain radiographs frequently can establish the diagnosis. The choice of additional diagnostic imaging, such as an upper or lower gastrointestinal series or ultrasound, should be based on the results of the initial workup. The basic principle of treating neonatal intestinal obstruction is to relieve the mechanical obstruction, whether the cause is due to luminal or extraluminal obstruction. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2005

Principles of perioperative care of the pediatric surgical patient

Are Children Little Adults?: During fetal development, infancy, and childhood, rapid changes occur in physiology that usually are not observed in adult life. The unique physiology at each stage of development accounts for the occurrence of many diseases predominant in specific groups, such as necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants, intussusception in toddlers, and appendicitis in older children and teenagers. The wide variations in physiology and the diversity of diagnoses that result from these changes account for the appeal of practicing pediatric surgery, but they can be an initial source of frustration for the student with initial experience only with adult patients. The use of principles for managing adults in the perioperative period frequently is not helpful for the pediatric surgical patient. Using principles that recognize the uniqueness of each stage of development can simplify the approach to the pediatric surgical patient. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2005

Inguinal hernia in the premature infant: management of a common problem.

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on premature infants. Improved survival rates in the NICU have led to an increase in the incidence of premature infants with inguinal hernias. The NICU nurse, often the first to notice an inguinal hernia in a premature infant, should understand the etiology, basic pathophysiology, and nursing care for this condition

Neonatal intestinal obstruction

While the causes of newborn intestinal obstruction are diverse, a systematic approach can be used to differentiate the most common causes. The antenatal history, initial presentation, physical examination, and plain radiographs frequently can establish the diagnosis. The choice of additional diagnostic imaging, such as an upper or lower gastrointestinal series or ultrasound, should be based on the results of the initial workup. The basic principle of treating neonatal intestinal obstruction is to relieve the mechanical obstruction, whether the cause is due to luminal or extraluminal obstruction. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2005