Automated classification of MMPI profiles into psychotic, neurotic or personality disorder types.

A Fortran program has been developed which can objectively classify Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory (MMPI) profiles as being psychotic, neurotic, personality disorder, or indeterminate types. The method used is a set of configural rules, 'Henrichs' rules for males'. The only input data required are K-corrected T scores, which are the end product of standard scoring techniques. To automate these rules it was necessary to rewrite them so that all decisions were the result of arithmetic comparisons or logical tests using only and, or and not. In particular, examination of the Welsh code, which many rules required, had to be stimulated by the use of several sorted arrays. The program has been carefully tested and is in the use in our computer lab.     

Evaluation of the rates of biological processes from tracer kinetic data. IV. Digital simulation of nucleic acid metabolism in bacteria

A flexible computer program was set up to simulate the kinetics of the amounts of radioactivity and the amounts of substance in various classes of nucleic acids for a generalized biological system. This program works by transferring numbers from registers to other registers corresponding to the amounts of isotope label or the amount of substance moving from one pool or compartment to another for each successive time interval. It is practical to choose the time interval small enough so that the same results are accurately obtained with this type of computation as with the analytical solution for the most realistic and complicated case previously formulated. Much more complicated situations now can be treated with this recursion program and questions of relevance to current molecular biology can be answered. The questions treated in this paper are directed to enteric microorganisms and are as follows. (1) What are the conditions under which a short pulse reflects net synthesis and what are the conditions where it reflects total synthesis? (2) What are the conditions that measurement of intermediate pool specific activity can yield information about the turnover and concentration of unstable macromolecules in the system? (3) How prolonged can a pulse be and still label the species of RNA substantially in proportion to their rates of synthesis? (4) What are the amounts and rates of synthesis and degradation of ribosomal precursors best fitting data in the literature?     

EvoS: A Prescription for What Ails Pre-Medical Education?

Pre-medical students are certainly a widely varied group, with different motivations and experiences, different skills sets and interests. However, they often tend to approach their undergraduate education as a necessary evil that they must endure in order to achieve their ultimate goals. This article summarizes recent literature addressing some of the questions that have been raised regarding pre-medical education programs. Are students prepared for the intellectual, emotional, and even physical challenges of medical training? What deficiencies are commonly seen in entering medical students? What are students’ perceptions of how well their pre-medical studies helped them? Many of these studies have resulted in a call for more science training, while some have advocated for less, but with an enhanced focus on humanistic studies. We supply a brief outline of our Evolutionary Studies (EvoS) program and reflect upon how participation in this program can enhance pre-medical students’ education. Importantly, we argue that EvoS can expand students’ depth of understanding of science, as well as nurture their ability to think about the needs of their patients and the context of their medical practice.     

The Claude Bernard Distinguished Lecture. In pursuit of meaningful learning

The Bernard Distinguished Lecturers are individuals who have a history of experience and expertise in teaching that impacts multiple levels of health science education. Dr. Joel Michael more than meets these criteria. Joel earned a BS in biology from CalTech and a PhD in physiology from MIT following which he vigorously pursued his fascination with the mammalian central nervous system under continuous National Institutes of Health funding for a 15-yr period. At the same time, he became increasingly involved in teaching physiology, with the computer being his bridge between laboratory science and classroom teaching. Soon after incorporating computers into his laboratory, he began developing computer-based learning resources for his students. Observing students using these resources to solve problems led to an interest in the learning process itself. This in turn led to a research and development program, funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), that applied artificial intelligence to develop smart computer tutors. The impact of problem solving on student learning became the defining theme of National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported research in health science education that gradually moved all of Dr. Michael's academic efforts from neurophysiology to physiology education by the early 1980's. More recently, Joel has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the Physiology Education Research Consortium, a group of physiology teachers from around the nation who collaborate on diverse projects designed to enhance learning of the life sciences. In addition to research in education and learning science, Dr. Michael has devoted much of his time to helping physiology teachers adopt modern approaches to helping students learn. He has organized and presented faculty development workshops at many national and international venues. The topics for these workshops have included computer-based education, active learning, problem-based learning, and the use of general models in teaching physiology.     

Schools as Incubators of Democratic Participation: Building Long-Term Political Efficacy with Civic Education

Despite a growing consensus that civic education is an important aspect of political socialization, little research has prospectively examined how gains made during civics courses are maintained after high school. This study used a quasi-experimental design to examine longer-term effects of the Student Voices program, which was originally evaluated in Philadelphia public high schools during the 2002–2003 school year. Following the 2004 presidential election, researchers recontacted students who had participated in the program for one or two semesters and students who had been in control civics classrooms. A structural equation model indicated that students who experienced two semesters of the program reported greater self-efficacy for political participation and that this effect carried over to increased political attentiveness as well as to knowledge of candidate positions. In addition, political attentiveness increased knowledge and voting in the election. However, neither knowledge nor efficacy had direct effects on voting once attentiveness was controlled. The results suggest that a supplementary civics education program such as Student Voices can increase subsequent participation in politics by building long-term gains in political self-efficacy and skills in using the news media to follow government and political affairs.     

Computer-assisted identification of anaerobic bacteria.

A computer program was developed to identify anaerobic bacteria by using simultaneous pattern recognition via a Bayesian probabilistic model. The system is intended for use as a rapid, precise, and reproducible aid in the identification of unknown isolates. The program operates on a data base of 28 genera comprising 238 species of anaerobic bacteria that can be separated by the program. Input to the program consists of biochemical and gas chromatographic test results in binary format. The system is flexible and yields outputs of: (i) most probable species, (ii) significant test results conflicting with established data, and (iii) differential tests of significance for missing test results.     

Computer-assisted identification of anaerobic bacteria.

A computer program was developed to identify anaerobic bacteria by using simultaneous pattern recognition via a Bayesian probabilistic model. The system is intended for use as a rapid, precise, and reproducible aid in the identification of unknown isolates. The program operates on a data base of 28 genera comprising 238 species of anaerobic bacteria that can be separated by the program. Input to the program consists of biochemical and gas chromatographic test results in binary format. The system is flexible and yields outputs of: (i) most probable species, (ii) significant test results conflicting with established data, and (iii) differential tests of significance for missing test results.     

Image processing software for enhanced visualization of faint or noisy autoradiographic images

A computer program for digital image processing is described which can be implemented using scanning densitometer hardware pre-existing in most biology departments plus computer video hardware which may either pre-exist in the biology department or would represent a moderate upgrade over an already planned computer purchase. The primary purpose of this computer program is to provide contrast enhancement of faint or low contrast autoradiograph images and to implement background subtraction and digital smoothing methods which permit visualization of blurry electrophoresis bands against noisy backgrounds. However, the program also has modest editing capabilities that allow its use in the routine preparation of images for publication. Finally, the program has facilities for deblurring, edge enhancement and multiple image averaging, which give it usefulness in other forms of photographic analysis.     

A dedicated database program for cataloging recombinant clones and other laboratory products of molecular biology technology

A novel computer database program dedicated to storing, cataloging, and accessing information about recombinant clones and libraries has been developed for the IBM (or compatible) personal computer. This program, named CLONES, also stores information about bacterial strains and plasmid and bacteriophage vectors used in molecular biology. The advantages of this method are improved organization of data, fast and easy assimilation of new data, automatic association of new data with existing data, and rapid retrieval of desired records using search criteria specified by the user. Individual records are indexed in the database using B-trees, which automatically index new entries and expedite later access. The use of multiple windows, pull-down menus, scrolling pick-lists, and field-input techniques make the program intuitive to understand and easy to use. Daughter databases can be created to include all records of a particular type, or only those records matching user-specified search criteria. Separate databases can also be merged into a larger database. This computer program provides an easy-to-use and accurate means to organize, maintain, access, and share information about recombinant clones and other laboratory products of molecular biology technology.     

Whole slide images and digital media in pathology education, testing, and practice: the Oklahoma experience

Examination of glass slides is of paramount importance in pathology training. Until the introduction of digitized whole slide images that could be accessed through computer networks, the sharing of pathology slides was a major logistic issue in pathology education and practice. With the help of whole slide images, our department has developed several online pathology education websites. Based on a modular architecture, this program provides online access to whole slide images, still images, case studies, quizzes and didactic text at different levels. Together with traditional lectures and hands-on experiences, it forms the back bone of our histology and pathology education system for residents and medical students. The use of digitized whole slide images has a.lso greatly improved the communication between clinicians and pathologist in our institute.     

Reviewing the curriculum

The potential use of IT in secondary biology teaching is enormous, although it is a huge undertaking and fairly daunting to newcomers. Computer learning packages and the web can offer a variety of opportunities for learning, ranging from non-interactive content provision to highly interactive student-centred learning experiences. The learning materials in use in New South Wales (NSW) schools include information web sites, computer learning packages as tutorial or revision material, computer learning packages made by the students, virtual field trips, simulations, and virtual laboratories. In addition, students and teachers are using the web for communicating amongst themselves via email, newsgroups and discussion lists, videoconferencing for both local and global communications, and telecollaborative projects. This article will focus on materials used in student learning, and on the forms of electronic communication in use within the school system. A list of resources is provided.     

A tool for the morphological analysis of mixtures of lipids and water in computer simulations

When analyzing computer simulations of mixtures of lipids and water, the questions to be answered are often of a morphological nature. They can deal with global properties, like the kind of phase that is adopted or the presence or absence of certain key features like a pore or stalk, or with local properties, like the local curvature present at a particular part of the lipid/water interface. While in principle all of the information relating to the global and local morphological properties of a system can be obtained from the set of atomic coordinates generated by a computer simulation, the extraction of this information is a tedious task that usually involves using a visualization program and performing the analysis by eye. Here we present a tool that employs the technique of morphological image analysis (MIA) to automatically extract the global morphology—as given by Minkowski functionals—from a set of atomic coordinates, and creates an image of the system onto which the local curvatures are mapped as a color code.     

Plant Taxonomy Today

A computer program for genetic models which has some useful and labour saving features is described. The program allows students with only a rudimentary knowledge of programming to cope easily with complex genetic models. Some applications of the program are discussed.     

Teleeducation and telepathology for open and distance education.

Our experience in creating and using telepathology system and multimedia database for education is described. This program packet currently works in the Department of Pathology of University Medical School in Poznan. It is used for self-education, tests, services and for the examinations in pathology, i.e., for dental students and for medical students in terms of self-education and individual examination services. The system is implemented on microcomputers compatible with IBM PC and works in the network system Netware 5.1. Some modules are available through the Internet. The program packet described here accomplishes the TELEMIC system for telepathology, ASSISTANT, which is the administrator for the databases, and EXAMINATOR, which is the executive program. The realization of multi-user module allows students to work on several working areas, on random be chosen different sets of problems contemporary. The possibility to work in the exercise mode will image files and questions is an attractive way for self-education. The standard format of the notation files enables to elaborate the results by commercial statistic packets in order to estimate the scale of answers and to find correlation between the obtained results. The method of multi-criterion grading excludes unlimited mutual compensation of the criteria, differentiates the importance of particular courses and introduces the quality criteria. The packet is part of the integrated management information system of the department of pathology. Applications for other telepathological systems are presented.     

A generalized system for automation of enzyme assays

A flow system was developed, using a Technicon AutoAnalyzer, that is readily adaptable to a range of enzyme assays. The system includes lines for pumping substrate, cofactor, buffer and enzyme and for generating linear gradients. By using a variable-speed proportioning pump the incubation time may be continuously varied, and the system also allows for continuous variation in the pH, substrate or cofactor concentration, incubation temperature and enzyme concentration. A FORTRAN V program was written that uses instrument calibrations to calculate the flow rates in the individual lines, the incubation time and the characteristics of the gradient used. The computer then prints out instructions for preparation of reagents to give a required reaction mixture, weighing sheets for stock solutions and the results of the assay in international units in suitable tables and graphs. The flow system and computer program are designed to facilitate the automation of manual assays. A detailed example is given of the use of the system [the assay of three dehydrogenases in yeast: l(+)-lactate dehydrogenase, d(-)-lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase], and the general applications of the method are discussed. The program has been deposited as Supplementary Publication no. SUP 50002 at the National Library for Science and Technology, Boston Spa, Yorks. LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies may be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1970), 116, 7.     

DIODA: delineation and feature extraction of microscopical objects.

A computer program is described for delineation and measurement of microscopical objects, such as cells and chromosomes, which may have been scanned using absorbance, fluorescence or reflectance microscopy. The quality of the object delineation is optimized through the controur ratio, which is simply computed from the object contour. Geometrical features, like the perimeter and area are computed. A new definition is introduced for the background region, especially suited for the analysis of closely packed objects. This definition is based upon a comparison between total staining material content values resulting from a variety of methods and circumstances. The program is principally intended for use in the on-line real-time environment of a small laboratory computer, but may be used off-line as well. It has facilities for displaying the results and the process by which they are produced. A program module is described for displaying scan data on a bilevel display using an adaptation of the sigma-delta method.     

Anti-cancer effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract in vitro through cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in human breast and larynx cancer cell lines

The in vitro anti-cancer effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract (CALE) was evaluated in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and human larynx carcinoma Hep-2 cell lines. CALE preferentially inhibited the growth of both the cell lines in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 400 and 500 μg for MCF-7 and Hep-2 cells, respectively. The results showed the anti-cancer action is due to nuclear fragmentation and condensation, associated with the appearance of A₀ peak in cell cycle analysis that is indicative of apoptosis. In addition, CALE treated MCF-7 and Hep-2 cells had decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and increased expression of pro-apoptotic Bax protein, eventually leading a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These results demonstrated that CALE inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 and Hep-2 cells through induction of apoptosis, making CALE a candidate as new anti-cancer drug.     

The Education and Training of Biology Teachers

A technique for the numerical identification of bacteria using normalized likelihoods calculated from a probabilistic database is described, and the principles of the technique are explained. A simple computer program, which can be used to perform the calculations and identifications on a microcomputer in undergraduate classes, is presented. The program is annotated so that the steps in the calculation can be linked to the equivalent steps in the program to assist in teaching the principles of programming. Specimen results from the program, and examples of how they should be interpreted and explained, are given. It is expected that the program will be of use to teachers of undergraduates to teach the principles of numerical identification and an important use of computers in biology.     

Evoked potential measurement and analysis on a small laboratory computer

A program is described for the collection and subsequent analysis of somatosensory evoked potentials using a LINC-8 computer. The program allows simple evoked-potentials analysis in centers where a small laboratory computer may be available but sophisticated instrumentation such as a computer of average transients is not available. This program provides an efficient method of easily obtaining information concerning the conduction pathways of the nervous system as well as the cerebral function; the program can be implemented on small laboratory computers which most hospitals currently own, without the associated cost or complexity of additional hardware in the laboratory. Combining utilization of a small laboratory computer with an easily programmable method provides an approach for evoked potential analysis which is well within the financial and technical scope of most neurophysiology laboratories.     

A computer program for stepwise logistic regression using maximum likelihood estimation

A computer program has been written which performs a stepwise selection of variables for logistic regression using maximum likelihood estimation. The selection procedure is based on likelihood ratio tests for the coefficients. These tests are used in a forward selection and a backward elimination at each step. The use of the program is illustrated by several examples.