Analysis of variance and Westlake's test of bioavailability data using a programmable minicalculator

A program for the HP-41 CV calculator with adapted printer is described for the analysis of variance of bioavailability data based upon the areas under the curve measured during a two-way cross-over pharmacokinetic study of two different drug formulations. The program can also perform the test of Westlake to compute the 95% confidence interval and determine if both formulations are bioequivalent.     

A convenient program for the rapid calculation of sedimentation coefficients in linear salt or sucrose gradients

A program is presented for calculating s_20,w values from data obtained by zone sedimentation in linear sucrose or salt gradients in a variety of rotors at temperatures ranging from 0° to 20°C. The program can be either run with the use of high-speed computers or performed with the aid of a small calculator in a reasonably short time.     

The use of a pocket-size, programmable calculator for phenotype tallying of a three-point cross.

A program is presented which permits use of a pocket-size programmable calculator, the HP-65, to tally phenotypes resulting from a three-point cross. For practical purposes the total number recorded for any of the eight possibel phenotypic combinations is unlimited. Although programmed operation of the calculator for tallying purposes is slower than a single purpose instrument designed for tallying, this deficiency is componensated by the computational capability of this instrument.     

A calculator program for clinical application of the Bayesian method of predicting plasma drug levels

A pharmacokinetic program that allows individualization of drug dosage regimens through the Bayesian method is described. The program, which is designed for the Hewlett-Packard HP-41 CV calculator, is based upon the one-compartment open model with either instantaneous or zero-order absorption. Individualized estimation of the patient's kinetic parameters (clearance and volume of distribution) is performed by analyzing the plasma levels measured in the patient as well as considering the population data of the drug. After estimating the individual kinetic parameters by the Bayesian method, the program predicts the dosage regimen that will elicit the desired peak and trough plasma levels at steady state. For comparison purposes, the least-squares estimates for clearance and volume of distribution are calculated, and dosage prediction can also be made on the basis of the least-squares estimates. The least-squares estimates can be used to calculate population pharmacokinetic parameters according to the Standard Two-Stage method. Several examples of clinical use of the program are presented. The examples refer to patients with classic hemophilia who were treated with Factor VIII concentrates. In these patients, the Bayesian kinetic parameters of Factor VIII have been estimated through the calculator program. The Bayesian parameter estimates generated by the HP-41 have been compared with those determined by a Bayesian program (ADVISE) designed for microcomputers.     

Area estimation in pharmacokinetic studies using a hand-held programmable calculator

A short program for area analysis in pharmacokinetic studies using the Hewlett-Packard HP41C hand-held programmable calculator is described. Area under the concentration-time curve is calculated firstly within defined time limits and then with extrapolation to infinite time using the slope constant of the terminal phase. Input of concentration-time data is simple and there is no limit on the number of time-concentration co-ordinates which can be entered for area calculation.     

An off-line data processing system for biochemistry profiling based on a 2K programmable calculator.

An off-line data processing system based on a Hewlett Packard 2K programmable calculator to be used with a biochemistry profiling system is described. The program is in two sections. A Data Acquisition phase calculates results from Auto Analyser II peak heights after corrections for drift and stores them on magnetic tape cassettes. Quality control statistics are produced. A Reporting phase types the profile results on self-adhesive pre-printed labels to be attached to the test-request form and also prepares a laboratory record sheet. The system is routinely used to process up to 2000 peak heights per day. Non-profile heights may also be read using this program.     

A computer program for the morphometric analysis of cell profiles.

A computer program which yields values for the volumes, surface areas, and volume/surface area ratios of cell profiles is described for use on a desktop calculator (minicomputer). This program uses standard morphometric procedures, and incorporates data obtained from electron micrographs at two levels of sampling. The main program yields values for the 'average cell volume' at the tissue level of sampling. Two options at the cellular level of sampling are also included which yield values for the volumes, surface areas and volume/surface area ratios for the organelles. The first option allows an analysis of 'whole cells' containing equatorial profiles through the nucleus, while the second option permits a 'fractional' approach using segments of the cells. Finally, some of the advantages of the two options are discussed.     

A simple program which processes liquid scintillation counting data from samples containing both 125I and 3H under conditions of varying quench

A simple program was written for a programmable calculator which enabled simultaneous measurement of ³H and ¹²⁵I by liquid scintillation counting. The program uses quench correction curves to calculate the effects of quench in each sample and calculates the amount of each isotope present by solving a linear equation set simultaneously.     

Estimation of the most probable number with a programable pocket calculator.

The most-probable-number method has many potential applications, particularly if many tubes per dilution and many dilution levels are used. Increasing the number of cultures is possible with modern automatic and semiautomatic equipment. However, available tables are not sufficiently detailed to handle data from a large number of culture tubes used in an assay. This paper provides a computer program capable of handling the necessary arithmetic and written for a hand-held, advanced programable calculator.     

A calculator package for pharmacokinetic application

A calculator program package is given for the computation of the parameters of two different pharmacokinetic models: the 'one compartment open model' with first order absorption, and the 'two compartment open model' with rapid intravenous injection, using the peeling method. If parameters are known, simulation of these systems can be done for single and repetitive doses. The package includes an area under curve (AUC) program for the evaluation of clearance. The algorithms were applied for TI 58,59 and HP 97 calculators and they can be widely used in clinical practice.     

NONPARAMETRIC ANALYSIS FOR TRINARY SENSORY DATA

Sensory evaluation data is sometimes collected using trinary category scales. Nonparametric data analysis for such data is discussed and a homogeneity statistic for trinary data is proposed which is simple enough to calculate with a pocket calculator. A statistic for identifying market segmentation in trinary data is also suggested.     

Statistical analysis and graphical representation the temporal and distributive properties of urodynamic data.

A collection of programs are described to analyze and display urodynamic data on a digital plotter. Utilizing a small programmable calculator, routines have been written to characterize the temporal and distributive properties of experimentally observed ureteral peristalses and associated urine output. The encoding pricipals used are designed to optimally use limited calculator memory.     

Two simple programs for the analysis of data from enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays on a programmable desk-top calculator

We have designed two programs for use with an inexpensive programmable calculator which rapidly and accurately convert raw data generated from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays directly into antigen concentration. The first program computes and compares effective doses (ED₅₀)'s between a standard and each unknown sample assayed. The ED₅₀ from the unknown sample is then multiplied by a concentration factor which yields the unknown concentration. The second program linearizes the sigmoidal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titration curve using a logit-log transformation of the data in order to compute unknown concentration values. Both programs employ stringent limit conditions to decrease “nonsense” calculations. Data are then processed by a least-squares best-fit linear regression analysis.     

Isolation and Identification of 2-Methylxanthopurpurin-7-methylether from the Mycelium of Alternaria porri

An attempt was made to estimate the base composition of DNA from UV absorption spectrum of its enzymatic digest. Preheated DNA sample was denatured, dialyzed and hydrolyzed to nucleotides with nuclease P1. A half of the digest was dialyzed and absorbance of the un-dialyzed digest was read at 16 different wavelengths with the dialyzed one as a reference. The data were input to a computer with standard extinction coefficients. The G+C contents thus obtained were fairly reproducible and reliable. An easier computing with a table calculator was found to be satisfactory for a routine work. It was noted that mathematically correct program does not always give reasonable answers. Base compositions of some DNA estimated by this method were also reported.     

Computation of decompression schedules for single inert gas-oxygen dives using a hand-held programmable calculator

An algorithm for on-site computation with a hand-held programmable calculator (TI-59, Texas Instruments) of single inert-gas decompression schedules is described. This program is based on Workman's 'M-value' method. It can compute decompression schedules with changes in the oxygen content of the breathing mixture and extension of stay at any decompression stop. The features of the program that enable calculation of atypical dive profiles, along with the portability of small calculators, would make such an algorithm suitable for on-site applications. However, since dive profiles generated by the program have not yet been tested, divers are warned not to generate schedules until their safety has been established by field tests.     

A programmable calculator program for rapid logarithmic extrapolation, and calculation of mean transit time from an indicator-dilution curve.

Reconstruction of the primary indicator-dilution curve is accomplished by exponential curve-fit from a set of points obtained on the downslope of the curve. Curve-fit is simplified by requiring entry of indicator concentrations (Yi) only, where time increments (Xi) are made self-generating in the program. Similarly, calculation of mean transit time requires only the entries of Yi. Stored values supply the needed quantities for calculations of cardiac output and the central blood volume as defined by the injection and the sampling sites. The Texas Instrument TR 52 model hand-held programmable calculator is utilized in this program but it should be adaptable to other programmable calculators. The present program provides a procedure for rapid reconstruction of the primary indicator-dilution curve, and hence calculations of cardiac output, mean transit time and central blood volume.     

YUPI<Superscript>®</Superscript>, a regional footprint calculator

Purpose

Many tools to quantify the environmental impact of human decisions have been developed, but all of them seem to have a limited application at the regional or local level. A free-of-charge, Argentina-based personal footprint calculator software (YUPI^®) has been developed in order to raise awareness among local citizens about the environmental impacts generated by their daily habits. The extensive use of the tool will generate information suitable for future scientific studies based on local data.

Methods

The software calculates the ecological, carbon, and water footprints of individuals, implementing specific regional data from Argentina developed by the CLIOPE group, complemented with data from the Water Footprint Network and the Global Footprint Network. The calculator was developed focusing on interface attractiveness, ease of use, language simplicity, and a good trade-off between completion time and fullness.

Results and discussion

The YUPI^® software allows its users to understand at a glance their contribution to the environmental impacts of modern society and to quantify the reduction opportunities they have at hand. The program’s language and variables reflect local lifestyle choices, making the filling process accessible for children. The calculator was placed online as an educational tool for teachers and students from all educational levels, and it was also used by visitors in local science and educational fairs. Valuable data was collected for future initiatives on impact mitigation.

Conclusions

Amplified by the mass media, the new tool has helped raise awareness and discussion about the individual environmental footprint, both in the educational and in the domestic terrain. The strategy of creating a simple, easily administered, and widely available quiz helped bridge the gap between the academy and the people, making available to them the continuously updated information generated by the research groups. This is facilitating citizen not only to understand the complexity of the environmental problems but also to take informed actions leading to their mitigation.

     

The electronic spreadsheet as a general-purpose programming tool

Electronic spreadsheets computerise the traditional layout ofany tabulation or complex calculation done with pencil, paperand calculator. They therefore have great potential in aidingroutine calculations which might be done by these means or witha small BASIC computer program. Their simple structure and strongaffinity with traditional methods make them particularly suitablefor those who have not yet mastered the art of programming.However, a necessarily brief review of their application toscience and technology demonstrates that this potential is notbeing realised in comparison with their widespread usage inthe business world. The application of both Multiplan and Visicalcrunning respectively on the Macintosh and the Apple He microcomputersin four types of calculation is demonstrated: tabulation, curve–fittingand statistics, simulation, and numerical approximation. Advantagesare found in the concurrent display of data and results, theease of correction or modification of data and the escape fromtraditional linear programming methods. The spreadsheet formatimposes its own constraints. It is not so flexible as BASIC,it demands more memory and may have a slower execution timethan a program written in a high–level language, and itis more difficult to produce graphical output.     

Calculator-assisted measurements of photosynthetic,respiration and photorespiration rates in a closed gas exchange system

A closed gas exchange system has been designed for connection to the Hewlett-Packard programmable calculator controlled data acquisition system to provide a complete process of measuring and control. The system enables routine measurements of photosynthetic and dark respiration rates at different irradiances and different carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations and leaf temperatures, and also a simple and rapid automatic control of irradiance according to the actual photosynthetic rate.