ImmunologyToday,voL 7, No. 9, 1986
.r Vl WSsing both the aggregation properties of various amphiphiles and the biological effects induced by their interaction with cell membranes, can be expected to throw new light on membrane function, with implications for drug delivery in general, and immunosuppression in particular. This work is currently supported by a research and development contract from the Commonwealth Government. We thank Jane Bell and Eva Radlinska for excellent technical assistance. This is publication No. 231 from the Clinical Immunology ResearchUnit of the PrincessMargaret Children's Medical Research Foundation.
References
1 Ninham, B.W., Overbeek,J.Th. G. and Zettlemoyer,A.C. (eds) (1982) Advances in Colloid and Interface Science(Vols 16 and 17) 2 Ashman, R.B.and Ninham, B.W. (1985)Mol. Immunol. 22, 609 3 Ho, M. and Ashman, R.B.(1979)Aust. J. Exp. BioL Med. Sci. 57,425 4 Ho, M (1980)Infect. Immun. 27, 767
This month two software packages designed to display graphic data from the research laboratory are reviewed. Interactive Microware's CURVE FITTER-PC and SCIENTIFICPLOTTER-PCare written in BASICand allow data to be entered from the keyboard. Jandel Corporation's DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH uses a digitizing pen to enter data and allows for computerized measurement of lines, curves and areas. Interactive Microware's SCIENTIFIC PLOI-I-ER-PC and CURVE FITTER-PC are two programs designed to produce graphic displays of data from the research laboratory for output to dot matrix printers or plotters. The user steps through the program by answering a series of questions. Laboratory data and responses to these questions may be saved on a diskette. Function keys are used to: automatically step through the program; list files on the diskette; configure the printer; activate the cursor on the graphics screen; save files; select printer; plot data; and restart or quit the program. There are a series of 9 screens which ask how the user wishes to plot the data. Pressing the 'home' key starts the current screen of questions again. Pressing the 'escape' key redraws John Weilerand LukeSloanare in the Department of InternalMedicine, Universityof Iowa, Iowa City,IA 52242, USA (~ 1986, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V,, Arnsterdam
5 Lems,S.PM., Capel, P.J.A.and Koene, R.A.P.(1980) Transplant. Proc. 12,283 6 Klaus,G.G.B. and Chisholm, P.M. (1986) lmmunol. TodayT, 101 7 Israelachvili,J.N., Horn, R.G.and Marcelja, S. (1980) Quart. Rev. Biophys. 13, 121 8 Israelachvili,J.N., Mitchell, D.J. and Ninham, B.W. (1976) J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. II 72, 2526 9 Mitchell, B.J.and Ninham, B.W. (1981)2. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. II 77, 609 10 Evans,D.F., Kachar, B. and Ninham, B.W. (1984)J. Colloid Interface Sci. 100, 287 11 Evans,D.F., Mitchell, D.J. and Ninham, B.W. (1984)J. Phys. Chem. 88, 6344 12 Evans,D.F. and Ninham, B.W. (1983)J. Phys. Chem. 87, 5025 13 Talmon, Y., Evans,D.F. and Ninham, B.W. (1983) Science 221, 1047 14 Brady,J.E., Evans,D.F., Kachar, B. eta/. (1984)J. Am. Chem. Soc. 106, 4279 15 Ninham, B.W. and Parsegian,V.A. (1971)./. Theor. Biol. 31, 4O5 16 Parsegian,V.A. (1974)Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 238, 362 1 7 Kachar, B., Evans,D.F. and Ninham, B.W. (1984)J. Colloid. Interface Sci. 100, 287
Graphic software for the research laboratory fromJohnM. Weiler and LukeB. Sloan the graph and allows the user to stop at a particular screen (from 0 to 7 for CURVE FII-i-ER-PC or 0 to 8 for SCIENTIFIC PLOTIER-PC). SCIENTIFIC PLOI-IER-PC can plot data using a line graph, bar graph, pie chart or stock chart with or without error bars. Data may be entered from the keyboard, a text edited file or a previously saved file on the diskette. Features include the ability to: select colors for symbols, lines and labels; automatically scale the axes; place grid dots on a plot; locate axes and labels; designate symbols; and enter titles and labels. Thus, it is possible to overlay and view multiple data sets on one graph. Demonstration plots with data and instructions are provided to help the user learn how to enter responses. The user will probably begin by loading some of these sample data and format files, then step through the program following the manual while doing so. Pressing the enter key causes the default value to be chosen allowing the user to step through the program quickly. In the automatic mode, the program steps through these questions rapidly. CURVE FITTER-PC is similar to S C I -
0167 - 4919/86/$02.00
ENTIFIC PLO-I-I-ER-PCbut it has fewer features to display the data and more options to fit the points. One can choose to average and smooth data points, interpolate data points, use linear, geometric, exponential or polynomial least squares fitted data or even advanced routines such as cubic splint of Stineman interpolation. The demonstration plots that are provided indicate the versatility of these programs. SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC includes demonstration examples of line graphs (ERRBAR graph of temperature versus absorption with error bars; DUAL - graph of temperature versus absorption to be overlayed onto ERRBAR; LOGLOG - log axes and values of range energy relation for beta particles and electrons in aluminum; P3000- the function Sin [X/10]; P 4 0 0 0 - the function Sin [X]/X), bar graphs (BARGR - vertical bar graph; BARGL horizontal bar graph), pie chart and stock chart (STOCK - high, low, close chart with Y-axis log values and X-axis labeled in months). CURVE FI-i-FER-PC is provided with demonstration examples such as PEAK (averaging and smoothing of data), STINE (using Stineman interpolation
283
computerinterface to fit a curve), GEOM (using geometric least squares), and CUBIC (using cubic polynomial least squares). These programs are written in Microsoft's PC BASIC and the program source code is provided although not well documented. This would allow a knowledgeable user to modify the program to suit his needs. One error in both programs is that if the user neglects to enter a data point he cannot simply insert it. He must back up to the point that was missed and reenter all the points that follow that point. One solution to this problem is to use a text editor to enter the data and then incorporate the data into the program itself at 'line O-9000'. CURVE FITTER-PC should be combined with SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC so that curve fitting can be performed using the options of SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC. IMl's programs do not produce graphics that most journals would accept although a graphic artist or graphic program could use the data to prepare publication quality graphics. Nevertheless, these programs could be useful to the laboratory in which a large amount of non-publication quality plots of data are required. Users will have to determine if it is worth the time neces-
sary to learn and use SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC and CURVE FITTER-PC. DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH, by The Computer Colorworks, is a software graphics package which includes a digitizing device allowing input of graphic images. DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH is similar to other popular graphic packages such as the KOALAPAD or PC PAINTBRUSH, except that this package has some unique features designed for the research scientist. The software is contained on three diskettes and is most conveniently run from a hard disk drive. The digital input device is a plastic rectangular case (8" x 1 11/2" x 1%"; 20 cm x 29 cm x 4 cm) from which extends a 'pen' connected by two dacron strings (connected to rheostats). A plastic card (9" x 111/4"; 23 cm x 29 cm) is inserted into a lip of the case and the pen may be drawn across it. The pen has a tip which when pressed turns on its ability to record on the screen in various parts of the program. When the program is first run, the user 'calibrates' this digital device by pressing the pen six times in various areas of the plastic card. Then the main menu appears allowing the user to run the Graphic
Technicalinformation InteractiveMicroware'sSCIENTIFICPLOTtER-PCand CURVEFITtER-PCare availablefrom POBox 139, StateCollege,PA16804, USA(814-238-8294) Price: SCIENTIFICPLOTtER-PC$95.00 CURVEFITFER-PC$95.00 Copyprotected:no Errorhandling:good Availableto run on: IBM PCand MSDOSmachines Documentation:good Performance:fair-good Specialnote: producesgraphicsthat are not adequatefor publication Easeof use:good Overallevaluation:good Language:MicrosoftInterpretedBASIC(BASlCAon IBMPC) TheComputerColorworks'DIGITALPAINTBRUSHisavailablefrom 3030 BridgewaySuite201, Sausalito,CA 94965, USA(415-331-3022) Price: IBM PC$495(versiontested) Apple It $299 Copyprotected:no Errorhandling:good Availableto run on: IBM PCand AppleII Documentation:fair-good Performance:good Specialnote: issoldwith graphicspad included; requiresa gameadapterfor IBM PC Easeof use:good Overallevaluation:good Language:unknown
Immunology Today, vol. 7, No. 9, 1986
Design Program, Measurement/ Estimate Program, Graph/Chart Program, Printout Program, Presentation Program or to run DOS commands, change the output device, recalibrate the digital input device or quit the program. The user makes a selection by pressing a key from the keyboard or by pressing the digital pen and the next menu appears. In the Graphic Design Program, the user may draw (free hand) or place lines, boxes, ovals or curves on the screen. He may turn on the grid or zoom into the image on the screen. If he makes a mistake, he may erase the last entry ('oops') or may clear the screen (,clear'). The user may define an area of the screen to fill with color. Entering 'alpha' turns on the ability to enter text and a number of fonts are available. The Graphic Design Program has three sub-menus which allow selection of brushes to paint the screen (various colors, patterns, thickness), editing images (select part of screen, make it larger or smaller, move it, 'stamp' it into place, move selected colors in selected portions of screen or call up images already stored) and disk operations (get picture, load font or library or palette, show files on diskette, save picture or palette, delete files, change designated disk drive). This routine is fun because the user may enter any design by tracing the pattern on the plastic card. A demonstration slide provided by Computer Colorworks, shows cardiac ejection fractions, formulae and a picture of the heart in diastole and systole. The Measurement/Estimate Program allows users to integrate areas from various curves and plots. This is digitization at its finest. The user may designate a standard unit (inches, pounds, milligrams) and then define the size of one such unit. Otherwise integration is in pixels (unitless space on the screen). The user may: define two x,y coordinates and then interpolate other x,y locations on the screen; measure distances along lines; and measure areas of closed spaces on the screen. The user may send the results of these measurements directly to a printer having labeled each measurement. A diskette utility allows the user to: get (or save) pictures, standards, data from the diskette; show files on the diskette; delete files; and change to a
Immunology Today, voL 7, No. 9, 1986
compulerinlerf, cel
different disk drive. The program also offers statistical analyses of the data (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standard error of mean, covariance, correlation coefficient, t test, regression). Data for statistical analysis may be entered using the pen or be loaded from a previously saved file. However, it is more difficult to load data from the keyboard and this is not well described in the manual. Once the data have been entered, one may analyse using regression analysis and plot the data automatically. These graphic screens may be saved and labels and titles placed on them later using the Graphics Design Program. The Graphic/Chart Program allows the user to enter line charts, vertical and horizontal bar charts and pie charts rapidly. Data are entered using the pen or by typing in values on the chart. Thirty-two data points. may be displayed per chart and four graphs may be in memory at one time; they may be superimposed on each other. The user may transfer quickly from any of the four types of charts (e.g. from a bar to a line chart). Plots may be moved, scaled up or down and access to the disk is available to save or load files. The Presentation Program is designed to allow the user to treat
himself or others to a computer slide show of DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH images. The Printout Program allows the user to send the images to a Polaroid Palette camera or to dot matrix black-and-white or color printers. In general the manual is thorough but not entirely adequate. It lacks a tutorial, and at times is confusing with no clear definitions of how to perform specific operations. For example, it should state how to enter numeric data in the Measurement Program. Some operations are not stated, although they can be performed; how are error bars placed on a chart (presumably using the Graphics Design Program)? Some commands necessary for the user are in the manual and must be remembered (such as the use of the function keys). An overlay for the function keys might be provided. Function keys are used in the Graphic Design Program to zoom (F1), turn on grids (F2-small, F4large, F6-1arger, F8-1argest), center text (F3), change background (F5), use keyboard to draw (FT), shut off zoom, grid and F7 (F9), turn on or off grid (F10). Sample files should have been provided for each part of the program allowing the new user to understand how to enter data or graphics.
The graphics produced by DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH are probably not adequate for publication but are adequate for making slides and for local presentation of data. The digital input device is easy to use but is bulky. It requires desk space that is at least 111/2" x 17" (29 c m x 42 cm). An alternative input device might be a mouse or a smaller digital pad. DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH is certainly fun to use and may well fill a niche in the research laboratory. Perhaps its greatest use will be to generate pictures. A user can easily display a variety of body parts, experimental objects or animals which can be placed with text or laboratory data. Examples are provided showing a physician, nurse, computer, logic diagrams, chemical structures and maps. The ambitious user could enter similar pictures and produce interesting and informative graphics.
Books received
Biology- Immune Recognition of Protein Antigens Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1985. $30.00 (x+ 197 pages) ISBN0 879 69185 9
Publishers, 1985. $89.00/Dfl 240.00 (xxv+378 pages) ISBN0 444 80628 8
Reviewcopiesof the following bookshave beenreceived.Bookswhich havebeen reviewedin full in ImmunologyTodayare not included. Theappearanceof a book in this list doesnot precludethe possibilityof its beingreviewed in the future.
M. S. Losowsky and R. V. Heatley (eds) Gut Defences in Clinical Practice Churchill Livingstone, 1986. £35.55 (318 pages) ISBN 0 443 03212 2 W. Pruzanskiand E. C. Keystone Paraproteins in Disease- Investigation of Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Churchill Livingstone, 1985. £30.00 (xii+ 195 pages) ISBN0 443 02060 0 W. Graeme Laverand Gillian M Air (eds) Current Communications in Molecular
Henry C. Pitot Fundamentalsof Oncology Marcel Dekker Inc., 1986. $24.75 USA/S29.50 rest of the world (xii+532 pages) ISBN0 824 77457 4 S. K. Singhal and T. L. Delovitch (eds) Mediators of Immune Regulation and Immunotherapy ElsevierScience Publishers, 1986. $65.00 (xxi+257 pages) ISSBN0 444 01040 8 Jean-FrancoisBach and Terry B. Strom The Mode of Action of ImmunosuppressiveAgents Elsevier Science Publishers, 1985. $111.00/Dfl 300.00 (xix+419 pages)ISBN0 444 80646 6 Norman B. Finter and Robert K. Oldham (eds) Interferon Vol. 4: In vivo and Clinical Studies ElsevierScience
| |
This is one of a series of occasional articles on the growing range of software and computer-controlled instrumentation available for use in the immunology laboratory. Reprints will not be available. Correspondence about the series (including offers of reviews or material for review) should be directed to this journaps editorial office or to the series editor, John Weiler.
Marc Feldmann, Jonathan R. Lamb and James N. Woody (eds) Human T Cell Clones Humana PressInc., 1985. $65.00 USA/S75.00 rest of the world (xv+455 pages) ISBN0 896 03084 9 J. M. Cruse and R. E. Lewis(eds) Immunoregulation and Autoimmunity S. Karger AG, 1986. SFr186.00/DM223.00/ $79.25/£58.20 (viii+340 pages) ISBN3 805 54076 0 F. Decary and G. A. Rock (eds) Platelet Serology: Research Progressand Clinical Implications S. Karger AG, 1986. SFr98.00/DM117.00/$41.75/£30.70 (vi+ 123 pages)ISBN 3 805 54208 9 Emil Skamene(ed.) Genetic Control of Host Resistanceto Infection and Malignancy Alan R. LissInc., 1985. £75.00 (xxxiii+848 pagges)ISBN 0 845 14102 3
285
.r Vl WSsing both the aggregation properties of various amphiphiles and the biological effects induced by their interaction with cell membranes, can be expected to throw new light on membrane function, with implications for drug delivery in general, and immunosuppression in particular. This work is currently supported by a research and development contract from the Commonwealth Government. We thank Jane Bell and Eva Radlinska for excellent technical assistance. This is publication No. 231 from the Clinical Immunology ResearchUnit of the PrincessMargaret Children's Medical Research Foundation.
References
1 Ninham, B.W., Overbeek,J.Th. G. and Zettlemoyer,A.C. (eds) (1982) Advances in Colloid and Interface Science(Vols 16 and 17) 2 Ashman, R.B.and Ninham, B.W. (1985)Mol. Immunol. 22, 609 3 Ho, M. and Ashman, R.B.(1979)Aust. J. Exp. BioL Med. Sci. 57,425 4 Ho, M (1980)Infect. Immun. 27, 767
This month two software packages designed to display graphic data from the research laboratory are reviewed. Interactive Microware's CURVE FITTER-PC and SCIENTIFICPLOTTER-PCare written in BASICand allow data to be entered from the keyboard. Jandel Corporation's DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH uses a digitizing pen to enter data and allows for computerized measurement of lines, curves and areas. Interactive Microware's SCIENTIFIC PLOI-I-ER-PC and CURVE FITTER-PC are two programs designed to produce graphic displays of data from the research laboratory for output to dot matrix printers or plotters. The user steps through the program by answering a series of questions. Laboratory data and responses to these questions may be saved on a diskette. Function keys are used to: automatically step through the program; list files on the diskette; configure the printer; activate the cursor on the graphics screen; save files; select printer; plot data; and restart or quit the program. There are a series of 9 screens which ask how the user wishes to plot the data. Pressing the 'home' key starts the current screen of questions again. Pressing the 'escape' key redraws John Weilerand LukeSloanare in the Department of InternalMedicine, Universityof Iowa, Iowa City,IA 52242, USA (~ 1986, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V,, Arnsterdam
5 Lems,S.PM., Capel, P.J.A.and Koene, R.A.P.(1980) Transplant. Proc. 12,283 6 Klaus,G.G.B. and Chisholm, P.M. (1986) lmmunol. TodayT, 101 7 Israelachvili,J.N., Horn, R.G.and Marcelja, S. (1980) Quart. Rev. Biophys. 13, 121 8 Israelachvili,J.N., Mitchell, D.J. and Ninham, B.W. (1976) J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. II 72, 2526 9 Mitchell, B.J.and Ninham, B.W. (1981)2. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. II 77, 609 10 Evans,D.F., Kachar, B. and Ninham, B.W. (1984)J. Colloid Interface Sci. 100, 287 11 Evans,D.F., Mitchell, D.J. and Ninham, B.W. (1984)J. Phys. Chem. 88, 6344 12 Evans,D.F. and Ninham, B.W. (1983)J. Phys. Chem. 87, 5025 13 Talmon, Y., Evans,D.F. and Ninham, B.W. (1983) Science 221, 1047 14 Brady,J.E., Evans,D.F., Kachar, B. eta/. (1984)J. Am. Chem. Soc. 106, 4279 15 Ninham, B.W. and Parsegian,V.A. (1971)./. Theor. Biol. 31, 4O5 16 Parsegian,V.A. (1974)Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 238, 362 1 7 Kachar, B., Evans,D.F. and Ninham, B.W. (1984)J. Colloid. Interface Sci. 100, 287
Graphic software for the research laboratory fromJohnM. Weiler and LukeB. Sloan the graph and allows the user to stop at a particular screen (from 0 to 7 for CURVE FII-i-ER-PC or 0 to 8 for SCIENTIFIC PLOTIER-PC). SCIENTIFIC PLOI-IER-PC can plot data using a line graph, bar graph, pie chart or stock chart with or without error bars. Data may be entered from the keyboard, a text edited file or a previously saved file on the diskette. Features include the ability to: select colors for symbols, lines and labels; automatically scale the axes; place grid dots on a plot; locate axes and labels; designate symbols; and enter titles and labels. Thus, it is possible to overlay and view multiple data sets on one graph. Demonstration plots with data and instructions are provided to help the user learn how to enter responses. The user will probably begin by loading some of these sample data and format files, then step through the program following the manual while doing so. Pressing the enter key causes the default value to be chosen allowing the user to step through the program quickly. In the automatic mode, the program steps through these questions rapidly. CURVE FITTER-PC is similar to S C I -
0167 - 4919/86/$02.00
ENTIFIC PLO-I-I-ER-PCbut it has fewer features to display the data and more options to fit the points. One can choose to average and smooth data points, interpolate data points, use linear, geometric, exponential or polynomial least squares fitted data or even advanced routines such as cubic splint of Stineman interpolation. The demonstration plots that are provided indicate the versatility of these programs. SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC includes demonstration examples of line graphs (ERRBAR graph of temperature versus absorption with error bars; DUAL - graph of temperature versus absorption to be overlayed onto ERRBAR; LOGLOG - log axes and values of range energy relation for beta particles and electrons in aluminum; P3000- the function Sin [X/10]; P 4 0 0 0 - the function Sin [X]/X), bar graphs (BARGR - vertical bar graph; BARGL horizontal bar graph), pie chart and stock chart (STOCK - high, low, close chart with Y-axis log values and X-axis labeled in months). CURVE FI-i-FER-PC is provided with demonstration examples such as PEAK (averaging and smoothing of data), STINE (using Stineman interpolation
283
computerinterface to fit a curve), GEOM (using geometric least squares), and CUBIC (using cubic polynomial least squares). These programs are written in Microsoft's PC BASIC and the program source code is provided although not well documented. This would allow a knowledgeable user to modify the program to suit his needs. One error in both programs is that if the user neglects to enter a data point he cannot simply insert it. He must back up to the point that was missed and reenter all the points that follow that point. One solution to this problem is to use a text editor to enter the data and then incorporate the data into the program itself at 'line O-9000'. CURVE FITTER-PC should be combined with SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC so that curve fitting can be performed using the options of SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC. IMl's programs do not produce graphics that most journals would accept although a graphic artist or graphic program could use the data to prepare publication quality graphics. Nevertheless, these programs could be useful to the laboratory in which a large amount of non-publication quality plots of data are required. Users will have to determine if it is worth the time neces-
sary to learn and use SCIENTIFIC PLOTTER-PC and CURVE FITTER-PC. DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH, by The Computer Colorworks, is a software graphics package which includes a digitizing device allowing input of graphic images. DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH is similar to other popular graphic packages such as the KOALAPAD or PC PAINTBRUSH, except that this package has some unique features designed for the research scientist. The software is contained on three diskettes and is most conveniently run from a hard disk drive. The digital input device is a plastic rectangular case (8" x 1 11/2" x 1%"; 20 cm x 29 cm x 4 cm) from which extends a 'pen' connected by two dacron strings (connected to rheostats). A plastic card (9" x 111/4"; 23 cm x 29 cm) is inserted into a lip of the case and the pen may be drawn across it. The pen has a tip which when pressed turns on its ability to record on the screen in various parts of the program. When the program is first run, the user 'calibrates' this digital device by pressing the pen six times in various areas of the plastic card. Then the main menu appears allowing the user to run the Graphic
Technicalinformation InteractiveMicroware'sSCIENTIFICPLOTtER-PCand CURVEFITtER-PCare availablefrom POBox 139, StateCollege,PA16804, USA(814-238-8294) Price: SCIENTIFICPLOTtER-PC$95.00 CURVEFITFER-PC$95.00 Copyprotected:no Errorhandling:good Availableto run on: IBM PCand MSDOSmachines Documentation:good Performance:fair-good Specialnote: producesgraphicsthat are not adequatefor publication Easeof use:good Overallevaluation:good Language:MicrosoftInterpretedBASIC(BASlCAon IBMPC) TheComputerColorworks'DIGITALPAINTBRUSHisavailablefrom 3030 BridgewaySuite201, Sausalito,CA 94965, USA(415-331-3022) Price: IBM PC$495(versiontested) Apple It $299 Copyprotected:no Errorhandling:good Availableto run on: IBM PCand AppleII Documentation:fair-good Performance:good Specialnote: issoldwith graphicspad included; requiresa gameadapterfor IBM PC Easeof use:good Overallevaluation:good Language:unknown
Immunology Today, vol. 7, No. 9, 1986
Design Program, Measurement/ Estimate Program, Graph/Chart Program, Printout Program, Presentation Program or to run DOS commands, change the output device, recalibrate the digital input device or quit the program. The user makes a selection by pressing a key from the keyboard or by pressing the digital pen and the next menu appears. In the Graphic Design Program, the user may draw (free hand) or place lines, boxes, ovals or curves on the screen. He may turn on the grid or zoom into the image on the screen. If he makes a mistake, he may erase the last entry ('oops') or may clear the screen (,clear'). The user may define an area of the screen to fill with color. Entering 'alpha' turns on the ability to enter text and a number of fonts are available. The Graphic Design Program has three sub-menus which allow selection of brushes to paint the screen (various colors, patterns, thickness), editing images (select part of screen, make it larger or smaller, move it, 'stamp' it into place, move selected colors in selected portions of screen or call up images already stored) and disk operations (get picture, load font or library or palette, show files on diskette, save picture or palette, delete files, change designated disk drive). This routine is fun because the user may enter any design by tracing the pattern on the plastic card. A demonstration slide provided by Computer Colorworks, shows cardiac ejection fractions, formulae and a picture of the heart in diastole and systole. The Measurement/Estimate Program allows users to integrate areas from various curves and plots. This is digitization at its finest. The user may designate a standard unit (inches, pounds, milligrams) and then define the size of one such unit. Otherwise integration is in pixels (unitless space on the screen). The user may: define two x,y coordinates and then interpolate other x,y locations on the screen; measure distances along lines; and measure areas of closed spaces on the screen. The user may send the results of these measurements directly to a printer having labeled each measurement. A diskette utility allows the user to: get (or save) pictures, standards, data from the diskette; show files on the diskette; delete files; and change to a
Immunology Today, voL 7, No. 9, 1986
compulerinlerf, cel
different disk drive. The program also offers statistical analyses of the data (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standard error of mean, covariance, correlation coefficient, t test, regression). Data for statistical analysis may be entered using the pen or be loaded from a previously saved file. However, it is more difficult to load data from the keyboard and this is not well described in the manual. Once the data have been entered, one may analyse using regression analysis and plot the data automatically. These graphic screens may be saved and labels and titles placed on them later using the Graphics Design Program. The Graphic/Chart Program allows the user to enter line charts, vertical and horizontal bar charts and pie charts rapidly. Data are entered using the pen or by typing in values on the chart. Thirty-two data points. may be displayed per chart and four graphs may be in memory at one time; they may be superimposed on each other. The user may transfer quickly from any of the four types of charts (e.g. from a bar to a line chart). Plots may be moved, scaled up or down and access to the disk is available to save or load files. The Presentation Program is designed to allow the user to treat
himself or others to a computer slide show of DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH images. The Printout Program allows the user to send the images to a Polaroid Palette camera or to dot matrix black-and-white or color printers. In general the manual is thorough but not entirely adequate. It lacks a tutorial, and at times is confusing with no clear definitions of how to perform specific operations. For example, it should state how to enter numeric data in the Measurement Program. Some operations are not stated, although they can be performed; how are error bars placed on a chart (presumably using the Graphics Design Program)? Some commands necessary for the user are in the manual and must be remembered (such as the use of the function keys). An overlay for the function keys might be provided. Function keys are used in the Graphic Design Program to zoom (F1), turn on grids (F2-small, F4large, F6-1arger, F8-1argest), center text (F3), change background (F5), use keyboard to draw (FT), shut off zoom, grid and F7 (F9), turn on or off grid (F10). Sample files should have been provided for each part of the program allowing the new user to understand how to enter data or graphics.
The graphics produced by DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH are probably not adequate for publication but are adequate for making slides and for local presentation of data. The digital input device is easy to use but is bulky. It requires desk space that is at least 111/2" x 17" (29 c m x 42 cm). An alternative input device might be a mouse or a smaller digital pad. DIGITAL PAINTBRUSH is certainly fun to use and may well fill a niche in the research laboratory. Perhaps its greatest use will be to generate pictures. A user can easily display a variety of body parts, experimental objects or animals which can be placed with text or laboratory data. Examples are provided showing a physician, nurse, computer, logic diagrams, chemical structures and maps. The ambitious user could enter similar pictures and produce interesting and informative graphics.
Books received
Biology- Immune Recognition of Protein Antigens Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1985. $30.00 (x+ 197 pages) ISBN0 879 69185 9
Publishers, 1985. $89.00/Dfl 240.00 (xxv+378 pages) ISBN0 444 80628 8
Reviewcopiesof the following bookshave beenreceived.Bookswhich havebeen reviewedin full in ImmunologyTodayare not included. Theappearanceof a book in this list doesnot precludethe possibilityof its beingreviewed in the future.
M. S. Losowsky and R. V. Heatley (eds) Gut Defences in Clinical Practice Churchill Livingstone, 1986. £35.55 (318 pages) ISBN 0 443 03212 2 W. Pruzanskiand E. C. Keystone Paraproteins in Disease- Investigation of Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Churchill Livingstone, 1985. £30.00 (xii+ 195 pages) ISBN0 443 02060 0 W. Graeme Laverand Gillian M Air (eds) Current Communications in Molecular
Henry C. Pitot Fundamentalsof Oncology Marcel Dekker Inc., 1986. $24.75 USA/S29.50 rest of the world (xii+532 pages) ISBN0 824 77457 4 S. K. Singhal and T. L. Delovitch (eds) Mediators of Immune Regulation and Immunotherapy ElsevierScience Publishers, 1986. $65.00 (xxi+257 pages) ISSBN0 444 01040 8 Jean-FrancoisBach and Terry B. Strom The Mode of Action of ImmunosuppressiveAgents Elsevier Science Publishers, 1985. $111.00/Dfl 300.00 (xix+419 pages)ISBN0 444 80646 6 Norman B. Finter and Robert K. Oldham (eds) Interferon Vol. 4: In vivo and Clinical Studies ElsevierScience
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This is one of a series of occasional articles on the growing range of software and computer-controlled instrumentation available for use in the immunology laboratory. Reprints will not be available. Correspondence about the series (including offers of reviews or material for review) should be directed to this journaps editorial office or to the series editor, John Weiler.
Marc Feldmann, Jonathan R. Lamb and James N. Woody (eds) Human T Cell Clones Humana PressInc., 1985. $65.00 USA/S75.00 rest of the world (xv+455 pages) ISBN0 896 03084 9 J. M. Cruse and R. E. Lewis(eds) Immunoregulation and Autoimmunity S. Karger AG, 1986. SFr186.00/DM223.00/ $79.25/£58.20 (viii+340 pages) ISBN3 805 54076 0 F. Decary and G. A. Rock (eds) Platelet Serology: Research Progressand Clinical Implications S. Karger AG, 1986. SFr98.00/DM117.00/$41.75/£30.70 (vi+ 123 pages)ISBN 3 805 54208 9 Emil Skamene(ed.) Genetic Control of Host Resistanceto Infection and Malignancy Alan R. LissInc., 1985. £75.00 (xxxiii+848 pagges)ISBN 0 845 14102 3
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