Biomedical subjects

W D Gray

Publications and source records attributed to W D Gray.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Argus: a suite of tools for research in complex cognition.

Argus simulates a radar-like target classification task. It was developed to support research in measuring and modeling cognitive work load. Argus is used in both single-subject and team modes. However, the Argus system is more than just a simulated task environment. Argus features flexible experimenter control over cognitive work load, as well as extensive data collection and data playback facilities to support the iterative nature of research in complex behaviors. In addition, embodied computational models interact with Argus using the same interface as do human subjects. In this paper, we describe these features, as well as the task simulation. In addition, we describe how the system has been used for experimentation. We conclude with a comparison of Argus with other complex task environments.

Cognition↗

PubMed2000

Milliseconds matter: an introduction to microstrategies and to their use in describing and predicting interactive behavior.

Interactive behavior is constrained by the design of the artifacts available (e.g., a mouse and button) as well as by the ways in which elementary cognitive, perceptual, and motor operations can be combined. Any 2 basic activities, for example, (a) moving to and (b) clicking on a button, can be combined to yield a limited number of microstrategies. The results of an experimental study suggest that alternative microstrategies can be deployed that shave milliseconds from routine interactive behavior. Data from a usability study are used to explore the potential of microstrategies for (a) bracketing the range of individual performance, (b) profiling individual differences, and (c) diagnosing mismatches between expected and obtained performance. These 2 studies support the arguments that the microstrategies deployed can be sensitive to small features of an interface and that task analyses at the millisecond level can inform design.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Contending with complexity: developing and using a scaled world in applied cognitive research.

Scaled worlds preserve certain functional relationships of a complex task environment while paring away others. The functional relationships preserved are defined by the questions of interest to the researcher. Different scaled worlds of the same task may preserve and pare away different functional relationships. In this paper we use the example of Ned to discuss the use of scaled worlds in applied cognitive research. Ned is based on a detailed cognitive task analysis of submarine approach officers as they attempt to localize an enemy submarine hiding in deep water. For Ned we attempted to preserve the functional relationships inherent in the approach officer's information environment while paring away other aspects of his task environment. Scaled worlds attempt to maintain the realism inherent in the preserved functional relationship while being tractable for the researcher and engaging to the participant.

Cognitive Science↗

PubMed1981

Preclinical toxicologic studies of netilmicin.

1-N-Ethylsisomicin (netilmicin), a semisynthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic, was given parenterally to mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and dogs for toxicological evaluation. Acute signs of toxicity were consistent with neuromuscular blockade. Results of teratological studies in rats and rabbits were negative; the only effect observed was wavy ribs, a minor developmental variation, in rats. No effects were found on fertility, reproduction, or development of offspring. Single daily doses of 60 mg/kg s.c. for 10 weeks in young rats and 30 days in young dogs were non-toxic. No indication of toxicity was found in rats and dogs given single daily doses of 7.5 mg/kg i.v. for 2 weeks. Daily i.m. doses caused signs of neuromuscular blockade in rats after 2 weeks at 100 mg/kg and after 1 month at 50 mg/kg, and in dogs after 2 months at 75 mg/kg; dose levels of 150 mg/kg did not cause renal failure. No ocular changes or impairment of vestibular or auditory function were evident at any dose studied. Comparison with tobramycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin at s.c. doses of 50 or 150 mg/kg per day for 4 weeks showed netilmicin to be less nephrotoxic in rats than tobramycin or gentamicin and only slightly more nephrotoxic than kanamycin. Only mild changes were seen microscopically in kidneys of dogs given netilmicin at daily doses of 75 mg/kg i.m. for 3 months. The renal effects of netilmicin given at high multiples of the human therapeutic dose were one-half to one-third less that those of gentamicin and were not severe at any dosage.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed1980

Atlantoaxial dislocation and Down's syndrome.

The phenotypic features of Down's syndrome are easily recognized and include characteristic facial features, hypotonia, ligament laxity, transverse palmar creases and mental subnormality. Associated manifestations and complications are also familiar and involve almost every organ system. Congenital heart defects, bowel malformations and a tendency to leukemia are common attendant problems. Less common, however, are defects of the skeletal system; in fact, the most recent edition of a standard pediatric textbook makes no mention of anomalies of the vertebral column. The purpose of this paper is to call attention to the association between Down's syndrome and atlantoaxial dislocation, which in our patient resulted in quadriplegia and eventually death.

Axis, Cervical Vertebra↗

PubMed1976