Quantitative tools for examining the vocalizations of juvenile songbirds.

The singing of juvenile songbirds is highly variable and not well stereotyped, a feature that makes it difficult to analyze with existing computational techniques. We present here a method suitable for analyzing such vocalizations, windowed spectral pattern recognition (WSPR). Rather than performing pairwise sample comparisons, WSPR measures the typicality of a sample against a large sample set.

The SBW-MATLAB interface.

The SBW-MATLAB Interface allows MATLAB users to take advantage of the wide variety of tools available through SBW, the Systems Biology Workbench (Sauro et al. (2003) OMICS, 7, 355-372). It also enables MATLAB users to themselves create SBW-enabled tools which can be freely distributed.

Next generation simulation tools: the Systems Biology Workbench and BioSPICE integration.

Researchers in quantitative systems biology make use of a large number of different software packages for modelling, analysis, visualization, and general data manipulation. In this paper, we describe the Systems Biology Workbench (SBW), a software framework that allows heterogeneous application components--written in diverse programming languages and running on different platforms--to communicate and use each others' capabilities via a fast binary encoded-message system. Our goal was to create a simple, high performance, opensource software infrastructure which is easy to implement and understand.

Is a diagnosis-based classification system appropriate for funding psychiatric care in Alberta?

Objective: This study evaluated the appropriateness of the Refined Group Number (RGN) classification system for funding psychiatric discharges in Alberta.

Method: Multiple regression was used to calculate the amount of variation explained (R2) in length of stay by RGNs for psychiatric discharges. The distribution of short-stay cases (less than 5 days) was also reviewed.

The family-oriented medical record.

The usual form of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record is primarily focused on the individual, and thus has serious deficiencies for the family-oriented physician. This paper presents a practical, office-tested medical charting system that incorporates features of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record and allows the recording of aspects of the family situation that are of particular importance to the family physician. The essential features of the chart are described and the special features, advantages, and disadvantages are discussed.