Cracking the code: a decode strategy for the international business machines punch cards of Korean war soldiers.

During the Korean War, International Business Machines (IBM) punch cards were created for every individual involved in military combat. Each card contained all pertinent personal information about the individual and was utilized to keep track of all soldiers involved. However, at present, all of the information known about these punch cards reveals only their format and their significance; there is little to no information on how these cards were created or how to interpret the information contained without the aid of the computer system used during the war. Today, it is believed there is no one available to explain this computerized system, nor do the original computers exist. This decode strategy is the result of an attempt to decipher the information on these cards through the use of all available medical and dental records for each individual examined. By cross-referencing the relevant personal information with the known format of the cards, a basic guess-and-check method was utilized. After examining hundreds of IBM punch cards, however, it has become clear that the punch card method of recording information was not infallible. In some cases, there are gaps of information on cards where there are data recorded on personal records; in others, information is punched incorrectly onto the cards, perhaps as the result of a transcription error. Taken all together, it is clear that the information contained on each individual's card should be taken solely as another form of personal documentation.

Punch card programmable microfluidics.

Small volume fluid handling in single and multiphase microfluidics provides a promising strategy for efficient bio-chemical assays, low-cost point-of-care diagnostics and new approaches to scientific discoveries. However multiple barriers exist towards low-cost field deployment of programmable microfluidics. Incorporating multiple pumps, mixers and discrete valve based control of nanoliter fluids and droplets in an integrated, programmable manner without additional required external components has remained elusive. Combining the idea of punch card programming with arbitrary fluid control, here we describe a self-contained, hand-crank powered, multiplex and robust programmable microfluidic platform. A paper tape encodes information as a series of punched holes. A mechanical reader/actuator reads these paper tapes and correspondingly executes operations onto a microfluidic chip coupled to the platform in a plug-and-play fashion. Enabled by the complexity of codes that can be represented by a series of holes in punched paper tapes, we demonstrate independent control of 15 on-chip pumps with enhanced mixing, normally-closed valves and a novel on-demand impact-based droplet generator. We demonstrate robustness of operation by encoding a string of characters representing the word "PUNCHCARD MICROFLUIDICS" using the droplet generator. Multiplexing is demonstrated by implementing an example colorimetric water quality assays for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate content in different water samples. With its portable and robust design, low cost and ease-of-use, we envision punch card programmable microfluidics will bring complex control of microfluidic chips into field-based applications in low-resource settings and in the hands of children around the world.

Data storage and retrieval system for a nuclear medicine department.

A mark sense IBM data card was designed specifically for the nuclear medicine department. The data card functions as a flow sheet with coded information added in sequence by secretary, technician, and physician. Statistical information, patient identification, quantitative results, physician interpretation, and discharge diagnosis can be easily coded and entered on the card by the appropriate individual. The completed card can be punched, filed, and retrieved by machine. Filing and retrieving can also be done by hand for flexibility. The stored data can easily by programmed and converted to computer handling and storage. The card is inexpensive to produce. Card design is extremely flexible for varying needs. If sorting and punching equipment is not available, this can be contracted for in the community as low cost.

Classification of human cataracts.

A stereoscopic system of lens photography was developed and was applied in the classification of different forms of cataract. Lenses, after surgical extraction, can be classified by a technician, independent of ophthalmological collaboration. This system meets the needs of the laboratory scientist and has been adopted by the Cooperative Cataract Research Group.

Punch card data processing in haematology.

A method of processing haematological laboratory data based on the IBM 870 system is described. As the cards are being punched with the identification particulars of the patient and source of the sample, a worksheet is automatically generated on which the tests are indicated. The results of the laboratory tests are recorded by the technician on the worksheet and reproduced on the punch cards which are subsequently used for the automatic printout of the results on self-adhesive preprinted labels. The resulting report is clear and legible and is transferred onto the request/report document. The data processing is carried out by clerk/typists who have been trained as punch card operators. The present workload of approximately 2,000 items of information obtained from some 170 samples per day is handled by one punch card operator in less than three hours. The punch cards are manipulated in a sorter for quality control purposes and are stored for subsequent retrieval of information.

Indexing and filing of pathological illustrations.

An inexpensive feature card retrieval system has been combined with the Systematised Nomenclature of Pathology (SNOP) to provide simple but efficient means of indexing and filing 2 in. x 2 in. transparencies within a department of pathology. Using this system 2400 transparencies and the associated index cards can be conveniently stored in one drawer of a standard filing cabinet.

Use of a computer for producing microbiological reports and for data storage and processing.

A simple 'fail-safe' system is described that produces microbiology reports on a computer teleprinter and stores results on the magnetic tapes and discs of a computer for instant retrieval and epidemiological analysis. The system, which has been in operation for over a year, involves the use of a modified conventional NCR request form. The top portion, which is completed manually by the laboratory staff, is coded by writing numbers in hatched boxes. The data thus written on to the bottom portion are transcribed by punch operators on to paper tape and this data input is verified by double punching. The reports are normally produced automatically by the computer terminal telprinter, but in case of mechanical failure the manually completed request forms can be returned to wards and outpatient departments. The system permits a wide choice of options for epidemiological analysis, and six programmes are described, one of which produces a digest of the overall percentage antibiotic sensitivities of organisms from various sites.

An evaluation of the autoanalyzer SMA-4.

The Technicon AutoAnalyzer SMA-4 has been systematically evaluated. Carry-over from the sample cups was found to be within an acceptable range. The precision and accuracy of the four parameters determined by the instrument have been investigated. The haemoglobin results were found to be accurate. There was good agreement with leucocyte counts performed on the model A Coulter electronic cell counter. After certain modifications had been made in the manifold, satisfactory degrees of accuracy were also obtained for the erythrocyte counts. Although the determination of the haematocrit by conductance is influenced by a variety of factors, the mean coefficient of variation was found to be 0.83% and 95% of the results agreed within +/- 2% of those obtained by the microhaematocrit centrifugation method.A logistic assessment of the SMA-4 when it was put into routine use indicated the need to select blood samples without excess anticoagulant, to calibrate the instrument before each run, to test for instrumental drift, to use a rapid method of correcting stoppages, and, if concurrent reporting is carried out, to employ the part-time services of a second operator. The presence of dust in the environment was found to have a deleterious effect on both the mechanical and electronic components of the system requiring preventive maintenance. It should be possible, by interfacing an analogue-digital converter and automatic punch, to produce data compatible with records.

Data processing in haematology.

The output from a Coulter model S is captured by a specially designed silent interface which visualizes the results, automatically prints the data on a continuous paper roll and transmits the information to a card punch located in a data processing room. Further requested test data and patient identification data are subsequently added manually to the punch card. The completed deck of cards is used in an off-line batch mode on a dedicated laboratory computer to format report documents, produce ward listings, and quality control information. A punch card off-line method is also described for blood group and related data.

Selection of an experimental unit in rat caries studies.

In two separate experiments, none of the 14 subunits examined consistently ranked dentifrices similarly to the ranking obtained when the individual rat was used as the experimental unit. Arbitrarily dividing the rat into subunits and then comparing results among these subunits may lead to false conclusions since the rankings using subunits vary within each experiment and from experiment to experiment.

Summary code for ocular herpes simplex.

A code for herpetic eye disease is presented. This simplifies the management of individual patients, and the up-to-date code summary of each case is easily maintained thus facilitating assessment of interrelating factors. It is suggested that the pattern of herpetic eye disease may have prognostic and epidemiological significance. This system has simplified retrieval of such data.

Implementation and evaluation of a competency-based dietetic program.

To assure that graduates of coordinated undergraduate programs have attained required entry-level competencies, dietetic educators need to assess, guide, and account for the progress of students and analyze their own effectiveness. A model has been developed to assist educators in attaining accountability in a competency-based dietetic program. Required competencies and sub-competencies are defined.

A simple coding system for a diagnostic X-ray department.

A simple coding system that codes the work done and diagnoses is described. It is economical and designed to withstand changes in staff.

The use of a computer in a hand clinic.

We have developed a computerised system for the storage, retrieval and analysis of the workload of a hand clinic. In a study of 800 patients we have found it superior to a punched card system collecting similar information. The computer system functioned reliably and achieved its user specification. It should prove a useful tool in helping a surgeon in matters of audit, research and disease or accident prevention but its long term performance in this regard requires evaluation.

[Results with the Clinicard analyser in a paediatric hospital (author's transl)]. / Erfahrungen mit dem Clinicard-Analyser an einer Kinderklinik

The most important chemical pathological investigations which require to be undertaken in the emergency laboratory of a paediatric hospital are of the serum electrolytes, blood glucose, cerebrospinal fluid glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, bilirubin and calcium. It is imperative to have the opportunity of controlling these parameters both during the day and night. In order to be independent of the presence of a technician we were interested in finding an instrument which can be used by untrained personnel and gives results of sufficient accuracy. Hence, the clinicard analyser was tested in regard to reproducibility and accuracy of results when used by highly-trained technicians and by persons without knowledge of laboratory work. It was established that the values obtained by these two groups are similar and sufficiently reproducible for emergency use. The accuracy of the instrument was tested with 2 charges of cuvettes and with different control sera. In the case of total proteins differences were found between the different control sera used. The values obtained for blood urea nitrogen and for blood glucose lay within the range given for Labtrol and for Seronorm. The accuracy of bilirubin was tested with 5 different control sera and all values lay within the ranged given by the factory. Calcium was tested with Labtrol and Fluinorm and also with sera and urines from different patients. The values were within the range given for the test sera and were comparable to those measured with the calcium analyser of EEL, but were about 7% lower than those determined using atomic absorption. The values obtained for cerebrospinal fluid glucose correlated well with those obtained by the routine method.

A new computer memory for biology and medicine using the laser card.

A new computer memory using a laser beam to impress dimples on a standard credit card has been devised which contains about 2 million bytes (700 typed pages) and which has been formatted with software to permit access to a complete medical record which can be carried by the patient and updated at each encounter with the health care system. The system has been tested in an outpatient clinic with considerable success.

Practical recording of dental caries increment.

Records obtained from regular dental patients at initial examination are transferred to punch cards. Subsequent data entered on punch cards. Provision is made for transferring basic and amended information to new cards when required. Analysis of incremental data can be used to evaluate changes in practice and assess work load.

Factor analysis of comprehensive examinations.

In working toward new, integrated curricula, dental schools have often failed to concurrently revise their evaluative techniques to be more compatible with the objectives of the curriculum. One question of major importance is whether the schools are totally aware of their students' capabilities or are graduating students proficient in some fields while lacking in others. Is the student's overall or total score satisfactory even though deficiencies may exist in certain areas? This latter situation is a real possibility when the simple sum of subtest scores is used as the primary means in assessing students. Using factor analysis, the scores on the subtests of eight dental school comprehensive examinations (total of 1,023 subjects, on first-, second-, and third-year examinations given between December 1970 and May 1972) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine were examined. The results, culled from the correlation matrices, Chi-square analysis, and factor matrices, indicated that the subtests did not form a homogenous unit (one, general factor), and hence that use of the total score is questionable.

[Information retrieval system of the pathoanatomical department]. / Informatsionno-poiskovaia sistema patologoanatomicheskogo arkhiva.

An information search system (ISS) of pathological archive was developed and introduced into practice in the Department of Pathomorphology of the N. V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency. A bank of data for 1977-1979 consisting of 8400 perforated cards corresponding to 4200 autopsies has been accumulated. A computer-oriented card has been developed for recording of preadmission, clinical, and anatomical diagnosis. Treatment of the materials in a ES-1020-1022 computer permitted to reduce the labour consumption in the analysis of clinico-anatomic diagnoses, to improve the quality of documentation, and to create the bank of data based on the archives of the Pathomorphology Department. To increase the volume and value of the input information dictionaries-codifiers of various operative interventions, kinds of anesthesia, histological types of neoplasias, etc. have been created in addition to the "International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Traumas, and Causes of Death". The results obtained with the employment of the "Archive" ISS open broad prospects for creation of an automatized system of pathological archives.