Apple IIe Microcomputer Research Articles

Radial and longitudinal asymmetry of human pharyngeal pressures during swallowing

Radial asymmetry of upper esophageal sphincter resting pressure has been previously described; however, neither radial nor longitudinal asymmetry of pharyngeal pressures has been demonstrated. The authors used a specially designed intraluminal transducer catheter (Konigsberg; Konigsberg Instruments, Pasadena, CA) with four solid-state transducers separated by 3 cm and oriented circumferentially at 90 ° intervals to measure pharyngeal pressures. Two wet swallows at each 1-cm interval along the length of the pharynx were measured in 12 normal volunteers (10 male, 2 female; mean age, 38 years). Pressure data were collected on-line by an Apple IIe microcomputer (Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA) at 100 Hz and analyzed for both radial and longitudinal asymmetry. Significant (P < 0.05) longitudinal asymmetry was shown in all positions except right lateral. Radial asymmetry was present for the first 4 cm only, with anterior and posterior pressures significantly (P < 0.05) higher than lateral pressures. It was concluded that pharyngeal pressure responses show both axial and longitudinal asymmetry in the distal pharynx. Awareness of transducer position and orientation is essential in the evaluation of pharyngeal pressures.

Toy Control Program Evaluation

The Toy Control Program for the Apple IIe microcomputer is a software and hardware package developed for the training of single-switch scanning skills. The specially designed scanning programs provide on screen visual feedback and activate a battery-powered toy to reinforce performance. This study examined whether the training of preschool subjects in single-switch scanning skills with the Toy Control Program would result in increased task completion scores and increased levels of attention to task, as compared with conditions of toy activation only and microcomputer programs with screen reinforcement only. The results showed that the subjects paid significantly more attention to the toys as reinforcers (p less than .01). No significant difference was found for the performance results of the three conditions. These findings support the use of a program like the Toy Control Program, which integrates the instructional capabilities of a computer with the reinforcement potential of a toy and the creativity of a therapist.

Color modulation of Doppler spectra with the use of a personal computer

This paper describes a method for the use of a personal computer in developing color modulated spectral maps of blood flow echoes from a Doppler flowmeter. The acoustical signal from a Doppler flowmeter is digitized and transformed into the frequency domain with a fast Fourier technique with the use of an Apple IIe microcomputer in conjunction with a Motorola 68000 co-processor. The resultant transform is displayed as a pseudo three-dimensional, color modulated spectral map by way of a color monitor, or a television projector onto the meeting room screen. We have found this technique to be useful in appreciating differences in blood flow from different hydraulic conditions, as well as in helping the medical students appreciate these differences in pulsatile flow in various arteries.

Effects of body position and bolus consistency on the manometric parameters and coordination of the upper esophageal sphincter and pharynx

The development of a solid-state intraluminal sphincter transducer has alleviated many of the problems associated with manometric studies of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and pharynx (P). We used this technology to study the effect of position (upright vs. supine) on resting UES pressures and the pressure dynamics of the UES/P complex during both wet and dry swallows in 11 normal volunteers and the effects of foods of different consistencies on the UES/P swallow dynamics in 10 normal volunteers. The UES/P coordination parameters were defined as the 15 time intervals that can be measured between any 2 of 6 pertinent points: the beginning, peak, and end of the pharyngeal contraction and the beginning, nadir, and end of the UES relaxation. Data from both the circumferential transducer used to measure sphincter pressures and a standard microtransducer used to measure pharyngeal pressures were collected on-line by an Apple IIe microcomputer and analyzed by programs written in our laboratory. Significant changes in swallow coordination were measured between upright and supine swallows of the same bolus size, between wet and dry swallows in the same position, and among foods of varying consistencies. Resting UES pressure was unchanged by position and pharyngeal contraction pressure was unchanged by bolus size or consistency.

Vibrational relaxation in SiF4 using a computer-controlled ultrasonic interferometer

A variable-path ultrasonic interferometer has been modified to permit automatic data collection and analysis utilizing an Apple IIe microcomputer and an ADC interface board possessing a crystal-controlled clock for precision data sampling. The micrometer screw is driven by a synchronous motor also controlled by the interface board. The system allows rapid sampling and recording of the crystal driving voltage for each resonant node in the gas column, thereby reducing running time and improving overall accuracy and sensitivity. For SiF4, the (single) vibrational relaxation time was found to be (2.20±0.14)×10−8 s at a temperature of 304 K and 1 atm of pressure.

Pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter manometry in humans

Manometric studies of pharyngeal-upper esophageal sphincter (UES) coordination during swallowing have proven difficult. Asymmetry of the UES makes pressure measurements with a single, unoriented transducer suspect. Perfused systems lack the necessary response rate for measuring peak pharyngeal contraction pressures. Precise quantification of the coordination of pharyngeal contractions and UES relaxations during swallowing is difficult because of rapid pressure changes. We tested a modified solid-state transducer that measures pressures over 360 degrees. This transducer was placed in the proximal UES with a second, single transducer 5 cm proximal. Data were collected and analyzed with an Apple IIe microcomputer. A computer program was developed to measure nine timing sequences, UES resting pressure, nadir of UES relaxation, and pharyngeal contraction pressures. We studied 21 volunteers with six swallows each for dry, 5, 10, and 20 ml of water. Dry swallows differed significantly (P less than 0.05) from wet (5 ml). All timing sequences became progressively longer with increasing bolus size. Residual pressures were unchanged. Timing sequences were also measured for wet (5 ml) and dry swallows in seven volunteers using a Dent sleeve and single perfused orifice in the UES; no differences were seen.

Intonation and Fundamental Frequency in Male-to-Female Transsexuals

Twenty speakers, diagnosed as male-to-female transsexuals, produced conversational recordings of speech and voice. The samples were submitted to perceptual evaluations and to acoustic analysis by means of a Visi-Pitch, Apple IIe microcomputer system. Transsexuals categorized as having female voices had higher fundamental frequencies (fo), less extensive downward intonations, a higher percentage of upward intonations and downward shifts, and a smaller percentage of level intonations and level shifts than transsexuals categorized as having male voices. The lowest average fo identified as belonging to a female speaker was 155 Hz. Higher (more feminine) ratings on the masculinity-femininity dimension correlated with fo (r = .89), percentage of level shifts (r = -.67), percentage of downward shifts (r = .50), percentage of level intonations (r = -.43), and percentage of upward intonations (r = .40). Findings are discussed in terms of the relative perceptual salience of average fundamental frequency and patterns of intonation for female voice quality.

Effects of a task-specific warm-up on anaerobic power.

Twenty-four untrained (UT) males (age 21 +/- 2.5 yr, height 1.77 +/- 0.05 m, weight 75.3 +/- 10.1 kg, values mean +/- SD) performed the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WT) under two conditions, cold (C) and following a warm-up (WU). Trials were separated by a minimum of 48 h. A modified Monark 818 cycle ergometer was interfaced with an Apple IIE microcomputer and peak power (PEAK), mean power (MEAN) and fatigue index (FI) determined. The WU trial consisted of an 8 min incremental continuous cycling bout (cadence 90 rev.min-1) with 5 min rest before the WT. During the C trial subjects completed only the WT. A repeated measures design was employed with order of trials counterbalanced. ANOVA revealed no significant differences for PEAK or MEAN between WU or C conditions. However FI was significantly greater (p less than 0.05) following the WU. A significant correlation (r = 0.45, p = 0.03) was obtained between WU intensity and FI. These findings suggest that our UT subjects were fatiguing themselves during the WU. Future studies are needed to assess whether a task-specific WU in which FI is not impaired would lead to improvements in PEAK and MEAN. Investigators should be aware that a self-spaced WU may increase FI in the WT in UT subjects.

The Rate of Vascularization of Coralline Hydroxyapatite

Coralline hydroxyapatite (CHAP) is a porous, biocompatible bone-graft substitute manufactured by the Replamineform process. The use of this material in the experimental and clinical settings for maxillofacial onlay grafting has been recently described. This study was designed to quantitate the rate of vascularization of coralline hydroxyapatite when used in an onlay application to membranous bone in an animal model. Sixteen onlay grafts of coralline hydroxyapatite (0.5 X 0.5 X 1.0 cm Interpore 200) were placed in a subperiosteal location on the nasal dorsum of 2- to 3-kg male New Zealand white rabbits. The grafts and nasal bones were harvested en bloc at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after onlay. Prior to harvest, injectable silicone visualizing agent (Microfil*) was injected by means of carotid artery cutdown. The decalcified specimens were examined on a digitizing pad to count the number of vessels appearing in the blocks of hydroxyapatite. Counting was summed and integrated by an Apple IIe microcomputer. A significant difference (p less than 0.05) was noted in both the number of vessels and the fraction of implants infiltrated by vessels between 1 and 4 weeks. The usefulness of these previously undescribed data may be in their extrapolation to onlay grafts of coralline hydroxyapatite in maxillofacial reconstruction in humans.

A microcomputer lab for psychology based on a hierarchical learning model

This paper describes a psychology laboratory based on a CORVUS-networked system of Apple IIe microcomputers. It also describes the specific software applications used in each of a range of psychology courses, and the skills developed through each of the specific applications. While no empirical data is yet available to support formal evaluation of this type of instruction, initial student and faculty responses to its implementation have been very favorable. The model described here may be useful to other psychologists who are interested in providing microcomputer experiences for their students.

An Apple IIE microcomputer program for multiple non-independent comparisons by the Scheffe's test

When more than two groups of observations from the same set of experimental data are compared and pairwise tested for equality of their means, appropriate statistical treatment of the data is required. The overall variation in the set of data must be considered, and also the statistical non-independence of each pairwise comparison must be taken into account. We describe a simple Apple IIE microcomputer program that applies the Scheffe's test for multiple comparisons. A numerical example and a sample output of this program are also included. The listing of the program is reported in the Appendix.

A measurement system to detect small plant movements

A measurement system based on a photodiode array technique is presented, together with some results from recordings of phototropic responses of Avena sativa L. (cv. Seger I) coleoptiles.A commercial photodiode array (RL‐256G) was used, controlled by a likewise commercial control board RC‐301. Electronic circuits were built to connect the control board to the interface card IO‐801 of an Apple IIe microcomputer. The circuits constitute a fast temporary memory, which mainly contains two shift registers and two timers. Programs, which control the measurements, have been written and are presented.Detailed recordings of blue light induced phototropic movements are presented: resolution and other features of the equipment are discussed.

A simple microcomputer interface for tail-flick determination

An inexpensive means of tail-flick latency data acquisition and analysis using an Apple IIe microcomputer and three simple interface circuits is described. Descriptions of the software and hardware are provided with schematics and program listings. The measurement, storage, and analysis of the data are integrated in one system.

Continuous Monitoring of Hydrogen Chloride in Combustion Atmospheres and in Air

A continuous analyzer for hydrogen chloride gas, based on a French standard method, has been utilized for measurement of HCl in laboratory-generated combustion atmospheres and in air. The method is based on continuous titra tion of chloride with silver in aqueous solution. The process is monitored by commercially available automated titration equipment, a mass flowmeter and a dedicated Apple IIe microcomputer. Pure HCl in air was monitored in a steady-state flow-through system and compared to sampling by soda lime tubes. Hydrogen chloride in PVC smoke (both flaming and nonflaming combustion conditions) was monitored in both flow-through and static environments, in cluding an apparatus designed for steady-state combustion. The advantages, disadvantages and recommendations for further study of this technique are discussed.

Acquisition and analysis of GFAAS data

Since its inception as an analytical technique some 30 years ago atomic absorption spectrometry has become a firmly established method for the analysis of trace metals. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry provides the analyst with the capability of analysis of solutions containing μg l-1 levels of the analyte, but, because of the transient nature of the signals, a sophisticated approach to the data aquisition and handling of data is required. Most modern commercial graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometers have built in microprocessors for this purpose but they often have limited capability for extensible user programs and limited data storage facilities. In this communication we describe the use of an Apple IIe microcomputer for the acquisition of data from a Pye Unicam SP9 graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Details of the interface which utilizes an in-house designed AD converter, and an overview of the Pascal and assembler programs employed are given. The system allows the user to record, store and dump the graphical display of the furnace signalsfor all analyses performed. Files containing details of peak height, and area are formatted on an eight-column spreadsheet. Details of sample type, concentrations of standards, dilutions and replication are entered from the keyboard. The calibration graph is constructed using a moving quadratic fit routine and the concentrations of the analyte in unknown solutions calculated. In addition to this, greater processing power and integration of the data into other analytical schemes can be achieved by exporting the data to other software packages and computers. Details of data transfer between the Apple IIe and an Amstrad PC 1512 are given. Some examples of the use of the system in the development of an analytical methodfor silver in plant material are given.

A Microcomputer-monitored Mosquito Flight Activity System

A microcomputer data-acquisition interface for a mosquito acoustic actograph system is described. The actograph has 32 activity chambers, each with its own microphone and circuit board. Each recording chamber is connected to an Apple IIe microcomputer with peripheral units. The computer simultaneously monitors the flight activity of all the mosquitoes in the 32 chambers and determines an activity score, total number of flights, and the total flying time for each mosquito in each 30-min period of a day, Data collection is facilitated by a multifunction program that allows the activity of all 32 mosquitoes to be monitored throughout an experiment. The user may look back at any 30-min period recorded on the data disk file. At the conclusion of an experiment, the computer prints a log report of group averages, activity scores, number of flights, and flying time.

Acquisition and analysis of fast single channel kinetic data on an apple IIe microcomputer

We describe a method for acquisition and analysis of single channel kinetic data, that uses a ubiquitous microcomputer, the Apple IIe (and is thus cheap), and is yet sensitive and powerful (analysis of up to 6000 events per run of the program; event detection only limited by the amplifier bandwidth). For data acquisition, the original record is converted into an idealized record of open and closed times, using half amplitude threshold analysis or a two-cursor window discriminator. A Time Interval Meter (TIM) has been developed that measures the durations of the TTL-signal from the window discriminator and stores up to 256 intervals in a FIFO-buffer. Each cycle of the TIM is completed within 1 γs. The, largely Pascal, software reads the intervals from the FIFO-buffer and stores them in the main memory of the microcomputer (cycle time 70 γs). The package is completed with Pascal programs for statistical analysis, including histogram construction of open and closed times, non-linear fit of up to 3 exponentials and correlation analysis.

Interfacing the DIGICO flux-gate spinner magnetometer to an APPLE IIe microcomputer

Summary. A hardware configuration and program are described for interfacing a DIGICO spinner rock magnetometer to an APPLE microcomputer. This configuration provides full control of measurements and permits storage of the results on floppy or hard discs. A similar configuration can be used to operate the anisotropy unit.

Investigation of oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria with the aid of an Apple IIe microcomputer

Investigation of oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria with the aid of an Apple IIe microcomputer

Digital image acquisition in scanning electron microscopy

AbstractDigital image acquisition is of great interest in SEM, as can be proven by the number of ways in which images can be improved by processing with this technique (Desai and Reimer 1985, Hawkes 1981).In the case of the system described here, this interest is enlarged by the facility of storage and retrieval of images. In addition, a digital image becomes the only quantitative result when the “MEBIS” (Microscope Electronique à Balayage In Situ)is used as an automatic control tool whithin an industrial production line (Franceschi and Le Floch 1985).This paper describes a system for acquisition, storage and processing of the images given by “MEBIS”, or other SEM if the scanning system includes a remote command. Software for preliminary processing for local representation is presented.The main advantages of this system are its ease of use and its compactness; it is developed around the familiar and low‐cost Apple IIe microcomputer, presented in a portable version including a 5 video screen and a single disk drive in a ruggedized housing.