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.

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.

[A genetic-demographic approach in anthropological research. VI. The methodological aspects of collecting, storing and analyzing large blocks of genealogical and biodemographic data]. / Genetiko-demograficheskii podkhod v antropologicheskikh issledovaniiakh. VI. Metodicheskie aspekty sbora, khraneniia i analiza bol'shikh massivov genealogicheskikh i biodemograficheskikh dannykh.

A new method of collection and presentation of the genealogical data in nontraditional (nongraphic) way is proposed. The collection of genealogical data within a population is organized through the family lists presented in perforated cards. The quick and correct identification of any population member realizes by colour tab indexes. The principles of arrangement and algorithms of organization of population tab card system are described.

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.

Auditing the vascular surgical audit.

The results are presented of vascular surgical audits in Oxford over the 10 years 1975-85. Changes observed include the decreasing use of endarterectomy (other than carotid), the introduction of transluminal angioplasty, and fewer lumbar sympathectomies. The number of major amputations has increased relative to arterial reconstructions. Our audit methods over the 10 years included the use of punch cards, two different computer programs, and a simple weekly audit of cases. The relative merits of these methods are compared. Numbers of procedures performed in Oxford were compared with expected figures calculated from the Hospital In-patient Enquiry, the Lothian audit, and the Vascular Surgical Society survey. In general the calculated and actual numbers are similar. Difficulties in finding comparable operation categories and the totally inadequate classification of nationally collected data highlight the need for improved audit in vascular surgery.

Punched-card aid in rheumatological diagnosis.

A punched-card diagnostic system is described for use in rheumatological practice. The system is based on pattern recognition and provides a list of both common and rare possible diseases. The system is simple and can be manufactured cheaply, and may be of particular use to family doctors in remote areas of practice. The system has also potential as an educational tool for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of medicine.

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.

[Use of files for forms no. 063y in planning preventive immunization]. / Primenenie reiter-kartotek formy No. 063y pri planirovanii profilakticheskikh privivok.

The use of color-coded files, form No. 063y (prophylatic immunization records), with special cards, having a double row of perforations at the top, and with colored riders for the indication of months in planning and coverage with immunization considerably facilitates work in planning prophylactic immunization. The files can be rather easily analyzed for the coverage of the population groups with immunization without reading each card. As the plan of immunization for the current year is realized, the riders are used for planning the immunizations for the following years. Thus, at the end of the current year the plan for the next year, indicating the monthly schedule, and the kinds of immunization, is ready.