Biomedical subjects

T W Barrett

Publications and source records attributed to T W Barrett.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1976

The molecular dynamics of hyaluronates in solution.

The dynamic properties of hyaluronate solutions are discussed with relevance to some problems in sensory physiology (mechanoelectrical transduction), renal physiology, interstitial fluid regulation, and especially to the causes of open-angle glaucoma. With respect to the last problem: as recent biochemical evidence indicates that the hyaloid membrane does not exist, it now seems worthwhile to consider the increase in intraocular pressure present in the eye with glaucoma to be due--at least in the open-angle case--to a change in the specific gravity and hydrophilic nature of the hyaluronic acid in the vitreous body in particular, as well as in the trabecular meshwork. Densimetric experimental evidence indicates that the hyaluronate system could, indeed, produce the pressure changes seen in glaucoma, if intraocular pH changed but slightly. A hypothesis concerning the effect of acetazol amide on intraocular pressure is also presented.

Body Fluids↗

PubMed1976

On the Comorosan effect.

A possible explanation for the necessary and sufficient irradiation to produce the controversial Comorosan effect is discussed. Using a modified quantum theory requiring a definition of the relation of four parameters of a light signal instead of the usual two, the lack of superposition of irradiating sources is accounted for as well as the ineffectiveness of all parts of the total visible spectrum. The most effective average wavelength for obtaining the effect is unique merely because of the appropriateness of the bandwidth of the filter. Changing the filter bandwidth in a way related to a change in the average wavelength should produce the effect at other average wavelengths. The storage of energy within the irradiated substance is considered to be due to either a resonance effect with photon annihilation or a Raman effect with photon scattering.

Enzymes↗

PubMed1976

Mechanoelectrical transduction in hyaluronic acid salt solution is an entropy-driven process.

An electrical potential develops between the ends of a column of hyaluronic salt solution displaced from a resting position by gentle pressure. A previous study demonstrated that such displacement changes the optical rotary dispersion properties of the salt, either increasing the rotation in the direction already shown by the salt before displacement or changing and increasing the rotation in the opposite direction, depending on the direction of the displacement. The present investigation demonstrates that the loss of bound water component across a membrane separating the solution and water is corelated with the extent of the column displacement. In addition, a return of the column to the position before displacement is correlated with a return of the water component across the membrane-but not at the same rate as the exodus. The data seem consistent with the hypothesis that the hyaluronic acid salt, when strained, adopts a less entropic configuration, releasing bound water and thus increasing the entropy of water component. This change in the distribution of entropy is reversible; i.e., Eddington's "time's arrow" is reversible with respect to the water component of the solution.

Female↗

PubMed1975

Hyaluronic acid salt--a mechanoelectrical transducer.

Hyaluronic acid transduces a very gentle pressure into an electrical potential. Such pressure, depending on its direction, changes the optical rotary dispersion properties of the salt, either increasing the rotation in the direction already shown by the unpressured salt or changing and increasing the rotation in the opposite direction. These finding have implications for understanding the function of the cochlear and vestibular fluids, renal function, and the approximation to frictionless motion of normal joints.

Chlorides↗

PubMed1975

Structural information theory based on electronic configurations.

The topic of this paper is how different forms of acoustical information may be measured. The specific problem addressed is how information is transferred from a three-dimensional source of longitudinal waves to a one-dimensional vibrating membrane. In previous papers1,12, the author has demonstrated through the derivation of different forms on informational 'quanta' that the modulating envelopes for the wave packets representing these quanta are functional solutions to the Weber equation (the Helmholtz equation in parabolic cylinder coordinates). The geometrical structure described by the Weber equation suggests a resonance effect existing between an 'angular momentum' involving an 'azimuthal quantum number' and one involving a 'magnetic quantum number' in analogy with structural chemistry formulations12. In the present paper, the geometrical formulation is carried further. A sound source is commonly spherical, therefore solutions are found for the wave equation in spherical coordinates, giving a precise meaning to the 'azimuthal' and 'magnetic quantum number' analogy. These informational wave packets are then translated into a one-dimensional representation because of the nature of the receiver (the tympanic membrane). The difference between descriptions of electromagnetic and acoustical forms of energy is presented as consisting in the number of variables remaining constant in the acoustical formulation (as compared with the electromagnetic) but not in the basic geometrical formulations, which are primary.

Hearing↗

PubMed1974