The Basics of Technical Communicating The Basic of Technical Communication
synapse, and it also diminishes the amplitude of the observed response relative to that which occurred in the synaptic region. Quantitative in vivo measurements such as these are required so that models of the dynamics of dopamine neurotransmission can be tested. Recently, Justice published an extensive mathematical model of the nerve terminal region that can not only predict the type of behavior observed in this experiment but also a variety of other experimental conditions (33). The combined use of quantitative measurements and sophisticated models will allow a more complete understanding of the neurotransmission process. Future directions
B. Edward Cain ACS Profissinal Rejemor Rexk
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ommunications skills—they're a must for successful scientists. Now you can increase your effectiveness and improve your communication skills with this new, easyto-use reference book. With 18 chapters, this handy guide starts with the basics, such as eliminating wordiness and jargon in technical communications, using correct punctuation, and selecting appropriate verbs. From there, you'll learn how to assemble your papers and gather data for both written and oral reports. You'll learn correct documenting procedures, including footnoting and writing a bibliography. You'll cover the use of visual aids and graphics, abstract preparation, the use of computers and proofreading. A wide variety of practical applications is covered in this volume, including laboratory and business reports, journal publications, grants and proposals, business correspondence, resumes, and memos. The Basics of Technical Communicating is a convenient, essential reference—one that you'll use time and time again! It complements The ACS Style Guide and Writing the Laboratory Notebook to give scientists a complete package for professional development in technical communication skills. by B. Edward Cain, Rochester Institute of Technology
The success of the experiments described above lays a groundwork for the future. It is clear that the low levels of dopamine in the extracellular fluid are primarily a result of the potent uptake system that regulates dopamine concentration. This makes it unlikely that high concentrations of dopamine can diffuse from one synapse to another. However, this observation is for just one brain region, and it will be interesting to test whether this generalization occurs in other brain regions. Furthermore, we can only infer what is occurring in the synapse—smaller probes are required to test this. In addition, the response time is limited by the Nafion film. Therefore, more selective coatings are required with shorter transport times through the film. Although the other electroactive neurotransmitters can be detected with these electrodes, they have not yet been investi-
gated on the subsecond time scale. Much of the work to date has been done in anesthetized animals, and further work is required in unanesthetized animals. Furthermore, the sensitivity and selectivity needs to be improved so that the release of dopamine during the normal (as opposed to stimulated) firing of neurons can be measured. A whole new area of research inspired by Adams's original article is the measurement of events in single cells. Methods are being developed to measure the static and dynamic concentrations inside neurons. Microbore column chromatography has been used to separate the components of a single homogenized cell from an invertebrate (34). Microelectrodes are also being developed to probe dynamic changes from inside cells (35, 36). These types of probes are required to see the part of the neurotransmission process that is being ignored with extracellular measurements. Finally, we note the point that Adams made 12 years ago—an understanding of chemical communication between neurons does not mean that the ways in which the brain functions are fully understood. However, it should provide one additional clue in the overall attempt to understand the intricacies of brain function. Research in this area has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
References (1) Adams, R. N. Anal. Chem. 1976, 48, 1126A-1138A. (2) Rose, G.; Gerhardt, G.; Strômberg, I.; Olson, L.; Hoffer, B. Brain Res. 1985,341, 92-100. (3) Nicholson, C.; Phillips, J. M. J. Phy-
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Figure 10. Convolution of the modeled response. The changes in dopamine concentration predicted from a simple uptake/release model of dopamine dynamics in the extracellular fluid are shown by Curve A. Curve Β illustrates the impulse response function associated with diffusion of dopamine from its site of release to the electrode surface. When Curves A and Β are convoluted with the Fourier transform approach, the result is Curve C.
778 A · ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 60, NO. 13, JULY 1, 1988
