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At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

PubMed1986

A microcomputer-based real-time system for measurement and analysis of umbilical flow velocity waveforms obtained by Doppler ultrasound.

A microcomputer-based system for real-time acquisition and analysis of umbilical arterial blood flow velocity waveforms is described. The spatial peak umbilical flow velocity is transduced by a pulsed Doppler flowmeter and digitized by the microcomputer. The computer allows for coherent averaging of flow velocity over several heart cycles in order to minimize noise that is uncorrelated with the fetal heart beats. In addition, it can compute flow velocity indices that do not require knowledge of the angle of beam incidence or umbilical arterial cross-sectional area. The averaged waveform as well as the computed indices may be displayed in real time. Further, these results may be saved on disk along with other relevant clinical information to be subsequently merged into a relational data base covering all patients monitored. Not only does the system facilitate accurate measurement of umbilical flow velocity waveforms, but the relational data base may also be used to evaluate the clinical significance of these measurements in a patient population.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

PubMed1987

A microcomputer-based system for the management of vascular surgical references.

As the number and diversity of contributions to the medical literature continue to grow at an astronomic rate, vascular surgeons are feeling increasingly frustrated in their efforts to remain current with the latest developments in their specialty. The introduction of powerful, inexpensive microcomputers and "user-friendly" programs for data base management has made it possible to organize large amounts of information for subsequent review. Using such a microcomputer-based system, we developed a practical approach to the storage and retrieval of vascular surgical references, which permits virtually unlimited numbers of articles to be catalogued and quickly retrieved with multiple search parameters. This system has been operational in our Division of Vascular Surgery for nearly a year and currently contains more than 3000 journal articles that are readily available for resident teaching, patient care, and research.

Information Systems↗

PubMed1987

Microcomputer-aided measurement of puff parameters during smoking of low- and medium-tar cigarettes.

A portable microcomputer-assisted flow transducer was developed for analysing puff parameters during smoking of low- and medium-tar cigarettes. Smoke flow was determined by measuring pressure difference between two sites within an orifice flowmeter. According to the Bernoulli equation, the pressure difference is proportional to the square of flow. For calibration of the method, various sizes of air volumes were puffed through the flowmeter by a piston syringe. The calibration curve, which consisted of the flow as a function of the square root of pressure difference, was linear (r = 0.98). The automatic microcomputer analysis consists of the following variables: mean flow and mean volume of inhaled smoke gas, puff duration, time interval between two puffs, number of puffs and total volume inhaled. Eight volunteers smoked 10 low- and 10 medium-tar cigarettes during the cross-over experiments. The investigation indicated that the total inhalation volume of smokers in the case of low-tar cigarettes is twice as large as in the case of medium-tar cigarettes.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

Utility of a microcomputer as an external memory aid for a memory-impaired head injury patient during in-patient rehabilitation.

Memory deficit is one of the most frequent cognitive complications encountered after brain injury. It is recognized as difficult to treat. Over the past decades, various strategies of memory remediation have been used. Among them, prosthetic devices, such as notebooks and alarms, have shown some benefit. This study describes the case of a 22-year-old man who demonstrated deficits in memory and executive function. In an in-patient rehabilitation setting, a microcomputer was introduced as an external memory aid. With this intervention, the patient demonstrated an immediate improvement in the ability to attend every therapy and ask for every medication on his schedule. This case study demonstrates the usefulness of a microcomputer as an external memory aid for a memory-impaired head injury survivor.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Application of the microcomputer to occupational health data management.

The use of the microcomputer offers a simple, inexpensive solution to the numerous problems associated with data management in an occupational health program. A system has been developed which uses commercially available data management software supplemented by optional programs tailored to the specific application. The system is capable of maintaining files of personal and area monitoring data, material toxicity and safety information, noise level data, audiograms, OSHA forms 101 and 200, and employee information relevant to the industrial hygienist's needs. The cost is less than $4000.00, which is well below that of most alternative systems. Its flexibility and economy should make this innovative use of the microcomputer an attractive method of occupational health data management.

Computers↗

PubMed1985

Computerized spirometry using a portable microcomputer.

The reliable conduct of pulmonary function studies, while in the field, is increasingly important as various standards mandate this activity. Versatile, portable and accurate equipment is required. A lightweight and computerized portable spirometer system is discussed, PSPIRO, which uses a standard volumetric spirometer and a briefcase-sized microcomputer. The system, compact enough to be easily moveable by one person, performs tests for FVC, FEV(1), FEV(3), the percentage of predicted pulmonary function for each, and the ratio of FEV(1)/FVC. Back extrapolation is used to establish the start of each forced expiratory maneuver, reproducibility checks are performed, and accuracy is within acceptable epidemiologic standards. A small, portable analog to digital interface (PLAD) was developed for performing A/D conversions through the RS-232C port of the portable microcomputer.

Humans↗

PubMed1987

Collection and analysis of complex ELISA data using a microcomputer.

A system for automatic Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) data collection and processing is described. Hardware for the system consists of a Dynatech microplate reader and Apple II series microcomputer. Software developed by the authors allows automatic configuration of the reader and direct data input from the microplate reader to the microcomputer. After optical density data is input through the interface, it can be printed out as either optical density values, or as scaled values (from 0 to 9) in a color-coded matrix. Data can be stored and later recalled in either format, allowing several sets of data to be merged into one large, color-coded chart. Results from several different microplates can be combined and sorted in a single printout to expedite interpretation of data.

Computers↗

PubMed1987

Optimised microcomputer-guided quantitative microradiography on dental mineralised tissue slices.

It is well realised that the contact microradiographic method is the most direct method that gives position-dependent information on the mineral content of calcified tissue and its loss. We developed a microcomputer-guided microradiographic system which features fast operation by the experimenter with a low appearance of errors. Tooth tissue slices of 75 micron thickness are cut with a sawing machine. Images (Cu K alpha radiation) of the tooth slice and an aluminium step wedge (exposure 10-15 s) are made on film (Kodak SO-253). The images of step wedge and tooth slice are scanned in a densitometer (1 micron X 30 microns slit), which is fitted with an XY table (0.5 micron steps). A microcomputer (Apple IIe) is programmed to control the XY table and to record the optical film transmission. Scans of the images are plotted on the computer screen. The calibration step optical film transmission values are determined by the operator by adjusting a computer-generated bar onto the individual steps shown on the screen. The dose-density relation of the film is approximated by the program by a fourth-degree polynomial using the step-wedge data. The resulting curve is used to convert the tooth-slice data into a mineral volume percentage. To enable the calculation of total mineral loss (in kg m-2) (loss integrated over depth), the operator adds the assumed diagram for sound enamel onto the display. This is done by adjusting computer-generated bars to the scan of the tooth slice shown on the screen. The resolving power in the image made by the microradiographic system is 3 microns X 30 microns. On the basis of the analysis of random errors and a comparison with chemical analysis of tooth slices we claim that the error in mineral volume percentage amounts to 4% of its value. Starting with a microradiographic image of a tooth slice 5 min are required to obtain a microradiographic curve on paper and to obtain a value for mineral loss.

Humans↗

PubMed1985

Nonlinear regression on a microcomputer: which program?

Eleven published programs for performing nonlinear regression using a microcomputer have been reviewed. They have been assessed according to many criteria, especially: application, program language, algorithm used, method for calculating partial differentials, facility for weighting, desirable input and output features, robustness during execution, memory requirements, accessability, ease of implementation and evaluation and testing. No one program contains all the desirable characteristics discussed, but guidance is given as to which might be the most suitable for a particular purpose or for a given microcomputer system.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1985

Optimal alignments of biological sequences on a microcomputer.

An algorithm and a program have been developed which enable optimal alignments of biological sequences on an 8-bit microcomputer. The compiled program can process sequences up to 1000 residues on a Commodore 64. Since this program was written originally in the BASIC language, it may readily be adapted to other microcomputers with small changes.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1985

A microcomputer program for the identification of tRNA genes.

A microcomputer program which locates tRNA genes within long DNA sequences is described. The search is performed either by identifying tRNA-like secondary structures or by locating eukaryotic RNA polymerase III promoter consensus sequences. The program is also useful in finding inverted repeats allowing the formation of stem-loop secondary structures in tRNA. The program has been developed in BASIC and 6502 Assembler and runs on the Apple II plus and IIe microcomputers. The execution is quite fast; all the operations are carried out in 1-90 s, depending on the required task and on the sequence length.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1988

ANTHEPROT: a package for protein sequence analysis using a microcomputer.

A simple microcomputer package is described to make the theoretical analysis of protein sequences. Several methods designed to compare two sequences, to model proteolytic reactions and to predict the secondary structure, the hydrophobic/hydrophilic regions and the potential antigenic sites of proteins have been included in an Apple II microcomputer software. The package comprises 21 programs as well as the secondary structure database of Kabsch and Sander (1983).

Algorithms↗

PubMed1982

Portable microcomputer software for nucleotide sequence analysis.

The most common types of nucleotide sequence data analyses and handling can be done more conveniently and inexpensively on microcomputers than on large time-sharing systems. We present a package of computer programs for the analysis of DNA and RNA sequence data which overcomes many of the limitations imposed by microcomputers, while offering most of the features of programs commonly available on large computers, including sequence numbering and translation, restriction site and homology searches with dot-matrix plots, nucleotide distribution analysis, and graphic display of data. Most of the programs were written in Standard Pascal (on an Apple II computer) to facilitate portability to other micro-, mini-, and and mainframe computers.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1982

A microcomputer program for analysis of nucleic acid hybridization data.

The study of nucleic acid hybridization is facilitated by computer mediated fitting of theoretical models to experimental data. This paper describes a non-linear curve fitting program, using the 'Patternsearch' algorithm, written in BASIC for the Apple II microcomputer. The advantages and disadvantages of using a microcomputer for local data processing are discussed.

Computers↗

PubMed1985

Applications of microcomputer spreadsheet packages as adjuncts to multiple logistic regression analysis.

This paper illustrates how a microcomputer spreadsheet package can be used by epidemiologists to facilitate the computation of multiple logistic regression (MLR) probabilities, as well as odds ratios and associated confidence intervals, given the coefficients of the MLR model. By formatting a spreadsheet, data entry is greatly simplified, and computations are accomplished without any arithmetic manipulations on the part of the user. This approach makes it feasible for clerical support staff to assist in the computation of seemingly complex expressions. The increasing availability of microcomputers in clinical and research settings suggests that numerous analytic applications are amenable to this approach, thereby decreasing reliance on mainframe computers and desk-top calculators.

Computers↗

PubMed1986

Forensic diagnosis coding and retrieval by microcomputer.

A system is described for coding of anatomic--including forensic--pathologic diagnoses from necropsy cases using a microcomputer. The SNOMED software from the College of American Pathologists is utilized. RAM-disk software is employed to enhance the speed of operation of the system. The microcomputer can be operated by clerical staff versed in medical terminology. Speed of entry and retrieval, with minimal manual interaction, is an important aspect of operation. Equipment and storage costs are minimal.

Forensic Medicine↗

PubMed1986

Measuring the problem-solving ability of students and residents by microcomputer.

Potential uses for microcomputers in medical education include evaluation of students and residents. A computer program developed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia presents simulated patient cases and then scores participants' clinical problem-solving in the cases by comparing their performances with those of five faculty members. In the study reported here, the authors investigated the validity and reliability of this evaluation system. Total scores were significantly different among faculty members, residents, and third-year students on only the most difficult of the three cases included in the study. Performance was not related to the user's general analytic ability or to locus of control. This result suggested there is not a "type" of person who is better at medical problem-solving on a microcomputer. A prophecy formula was used to determine that nine cases would be needed to achieve an adequate level of reliability in measuring the ability of a student or a resident. Implications of selecting a battery of cases for the system are discussed.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed1991

A model of a microcomputer database system to assist medical schools in recruiting and retaining students.

A model for a microcomputer database to aid a school's efforts to recruit and retain students is presented. The model is based upon a working system developed by the author at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. The article discusses data needs for adequate records of the recruitment and retention efforts, especially those concerning minority students, and how these records can be used to administer and evaluate programs. The model provides a framework for microcomputer data files, record fields, relationships, and system development and maintenance considerations.

Colorado↗