iWorx Newsletter

About iWorx

iWorx has everything you need to add excitement and distance learning to any physiology teaching program. Our products include data acquisition hardware, professionally -developed physiology courseware, innovative web tools, and a full selection of transducers, cables, front ends and accessories.

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1. Experiment: Heart Sounds

For centuries, physicians have assessed the cardiac health of patients by listening to the sounds created by the opening and closing of the valves between the chambers of the heart and vessels leaving the heart. Subtle differences in heart sounds can indicate irregularities in the heart and blood vessels. Practitioners continue the diagnosis by using tools like echocardiography to visualize the structure and functionality of the heart.

In this experiment, students record the heart sounds that occur during the cardiac cycle using a heart sound monitor placed on the four prescribed auscultation areas around the heart. The first heart sound (S1) occurs during the early phase of ventricular contraction and is produced by closing of the atrioventricular valves, which prevents blood flow back into the atria as the ventricle contracts. The second heart sound (S2) occurs when the ventricles relax and is produced by the closing of the semilunar valves, which prevents blood from flowing back into the ventricles from the large blood vessels. The ECG of the subject is also recorded as the heart sounds are recorded so students can visualize when heart sounds occur during the ECG cycle.

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2. Article: HSM-300 Heart Sounds Microphone

The HSM-300 is a simple device which converts the sound waves, created by the opening and closing of heart valves, into voltages which can be recorded and displayed. A piezo-electric sensor, mounted on the side of the HSM-300, picks up the vibrations created by the heart sounds. The piezo crystals on the sensor convert the changes in pressure created by the vibrations into voltages. These voltages are usually recorded along with the ECG of the subject to identify the specific heart sounds that occur during ventricular contraction and relaxation. Learn more about the HSM-300 from this tech note.

Special Offer to iWorx Users
For a limited time, iWorx is offering its customers a 30% discount on purchase of the HSM-300 used in the experiment featured above.

Part No.	Item	List Price	Newsletter Special

HSM-300	Heart Sounds Monitor	$270	$189

Order Today!

3. Download: Settings for the experiment on Heart Sounds
and the Other Experiments Recently Published in the
iWorx Newsletter

If you plan to use any of the experiments or manuals announced in recent editions of the iWorx Newsletter, you should obtain a copy of the settings group used to configure LabScribe for these experiments. Click here to download copies of the settings groups for the experiments or manuals announced since May 2004. Once you have a copy of the settings group, just drop the group into the LabScribe folder on your hard drive, and use the Settings menu to load the group and a list of its experiments.

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Download copies of the settings groups for the experiments and manuals announced since May 2004.

4. Web Resources

In this month’s experiment, heart sounds is recorded in conjunction with a subject’s ECG. Learn more about the relationship between the electrical and mechanical events taking place in the heart by going to these Web sites.

On this page we have also accumulated a host of links to informative, external physiology Web sites and conveniently categorized them into major sub categories for easy reference.

5. LabsOnCD - A Requirement for Distance Learning
Physiology Curriculum

LabsOnCD is an excellent tool for Distance Learning Physiology Courseware. The browser-based CD includes 31 virtual animal and human lab experiments in neuromuscular, respiratory, and cardiovascular physiology. The virtual labs are totally self-contained and require no additional lab manuals, courseware, or supplies.

Each lab includes a topical overview, background, equipment set-up and lab procedure, quiz questions, and an interactive LabPlayer that displays recorded data from real experiments and allows students to manipulate and record data just as they would in a "wet" lab. Data can be captured and logged in an online Lab Journal that can be later copied to a new document or sent via email. Labs are further enhanced with animations, diagrams, and video clips.

The virtual labs can be accessed on a CD or from the Web and are designed specifically for student self-learning environments.

See more information, view an online demonstration, and request a free 30-day evaluation copy.

6. Trade-in Specials

We have recently acquired a large supply of GRASS FT03 variable range Force transducers and P23id / P23xl reusable pressure transducers. Many of these items are BRAND NEW and are offered at up to 75% off original list price. Call for price and availability but hurry these will go fast. Also check with us about trade in allowances for your older Powerlab or Biopac equipment. See specials