Nucleic acid-based cross-linking assay for detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus DNA

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are involved in cleavage of rRNA, modification of rRNA nucleotides and, perhaps, other aspects of ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotic cells. Scores of snoRNAs have been discovered in recent years from various eukaryotes, and the total number is predicted to be up to 200 different snoRNA species per individual organism. We have created a comprehensive database for snoRNAs from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which allows easy access to detailed information about each species known (almost 70 snoRNAs are featured). The database consists of three major parts: (i) a utilities section; (ii) a master table; and (iii) a collection of tables for the individual snoRNAs. The utilities section provides an introduction to the database. The master table lists all known S. cerevisiae snoRNAs and their major properties. Information in the individual tables includes: alternate names, size, family classification, genomic organization, sequences (with major features identified), GenBank accession numbers, occurrence of homologues, gene disruption phenotypes, functional properties and associated RNAs and proteins. All information is accompanied with appropriate literature references. The database is available on the World Wide Web (http://www.bio.umass. edu/biochem/rna-sequence/Yeast_snoRNA_Database/snoRNA_ DataBase.html), and should be useful for a wide range of snoRNA studies.     

采空区可视化集成系统信息管理研究与应用

矿山深部资源开采形成的采空区是矿山主要灾源之一,实现其有效数字化管理是矿山安全生产的重要课题。为完善自主研发的采空区三维建模可视化集成系统的功能结构,实现矿山采空区的数字化安全管理,在数据库功能需求分析及采空区信息分类整理的基础上,设计了集成系统采空区信息数据库的功能结构及数据库表结构,以Microsoft Visual Studio 2010为开发工具,运用Visual C++及SQL语言成功实现了数据库平台的构建,并将开发的采空区信息数据库在凡口铅锌矿采空区管理中展开了实际应用。实践表明,采空区信息数据库的开发有效地完善了集成系统的功能结构,初步实现了采空区的数字化管理,为开展采空区周边相关开采工程设计提供了有益借鉴。     

EpoDB: a prototype database for the analysis of genes expressed during vertebrate erythropoiesis

EpoDB is a database of genes expressed in vertebrate red blood cells. It is also a prototype for the creation of cell and tissue-specific databases from multiple external sources. The information in EpoDB obtained from GenBank, SWISS-PROT, Transfac, TRRD and GERD is curated to provide high quality data for sequence analysis aimed at understanding gene regulation during erythropoiesis. New protocols have been developed for data integration and updating entries. Using a BLAST-based algorithm, we have grouped GenBank entries representing the same gene together. This sequence similarity protocol was also used to identify new entries to be included in EpoDB. We have recently implemented our database in Sybase (relational tables) in addition to SICStus Prolog to provide us with greater flexibility in asking complex queries that utilize information from multiple sources. New additions to the public web site (http://www.cbil.upenn.edu/epodb) for accessing EpoDB are the ability to retrieve groups of entries representing different variants of the same gene and to retrieve gene expression data. The BLAST query has been enhanced by incorporating BLASTView, an interactive and graphical display of BLAST results. We have also enhanced the queries for retrieving sequence from specified genes by the addition of MEME, a motif discovery tool, to the integrated analysis tools which include CLUSTALW and TESS.     

Lumbar lordosis in spinal fusion. A comparison of intraoperative results of patient positioning on two different operative table frame types

STUDY DESIGN: One hundred one patients undergoing spine surgery for degenerative conditions were entered into a prospective radiographic evaluation of changes in lumbar lordosis as affected by positioning on two different operative tables. OBJECTIVES: The hypothesis of the present study is twofold: 1) the positioning of patients on specific types of operative tables may affect significantly the overall degree of lumbar lordosis obtainable, and 2) certain operative positioning may more accurately reproduce physiologic standing lateral lumbar lordosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In the management of degenerative and post-traumatic spinal deformities, lumbar fusion using posterior instrumentation permits more accurate and physiologic lordotic positioning of the involved fusion segments of the lumbar spine. However, various types of operating frames are available for use in this type of surgery, and despite the overall importance of correct lordotic positioning, there is some question as to what effect on positioning, as measured in degrees of lumbar lordosis, a particular frame might have. METHODS: Total, multisegmental, and unisegmental Cobb angle measurements of preoperative standing lateral radiographs and intraoperative lateral radiographs after positioning on respective operative tables were determined. Fifty-one patients were positioned on an Andrews-type table, and 50 patients were positioned on the four-poster-type frame. Statistical comparison using analysis of variance testing of changes in lordosis before and after surgery between study groups was evaluated. RESULTS: Lumbar lordosis measured from L1 to S1 with standing lateral radiographs showed a combined mean preoperative measurement of 45.18 degrees, with no statistical significance between groups. In comparison, there was a statistically significant difference between intraoperative measurements from L1 to S1 on the Andrews table versus the four-poster frame, revealing an average of 32.81 degrees versus 47.71 degrees, respectively (P < 0.005). Multisegmental lordosis measurement from L2 to S1 displayed statistical significance between groups, with a combined preoperative standing lateral radiograph average of 43.32 degrees, and intraoperative values of 31.28 degrees on the Andrews table versus 45.34 degrees on the four-poster frame (P < 0.005). Multisegmental lordosis measurements from L4 to S1 displayed statistical significance between groups, with a combined preoperative standing lateral radiograph average of 31.40 degrees and intraoperative values of 23.14 degrees on the Andrews table versus 32.94 degrees on the four-poster frame (P < 0.005). Segmental lordosis at L5-S1 was less dependent on frame type, with a combined preoperative standing lateral radiograph average of 20.53 degrees and intraoperative measurements of 20.06 degrees on the Andrews table versus 21.02 degrees on the four-poster frame (P < 0.43). CONCLUSION: Results from the present study display a statistically significant difference between multisegmental and total lumbar lordosis, depending on the type of operative table used in patient positioning. Segmental lordosis at L5-S1 depended less on frame type. This table-dependent positional change in lumbar lordosis could be incorporated easily into a lumbar fusion procedure, especially when supplemented with instrumentation, affecting the permanent overall degree of lordosis. These results suggest that a more physiologic degree of lumbar lordosis is obtained accurately with use of an operative table similar to the four-poster frame.     

基于Surpac的甘冲石灰石矿地质数据库研究及应用

为解决甘冲石灰石矿矿山现有地质资料存在的许多难题,以Surpac软件系统为平台,将矿山开采和补充勘探积累的大量地质勘探资料进行综合分析和规范化处理,定义了4个地质数据库结构表,录入了全矿区32个钻孔有效数据,最后建立了甘冲石灰石矿地质数据库。同时,在建立地质数据库基础上进行了地质钻孔的三维显示,进行了地质样品的统计分析和组合分析等应用工作。     

如何建立导线测量资料的计算机管理模式

根据导线测量资料的不同用途和特点,建立井下资料数据库、工程资料数据库及台账资料数据库等三个级别的数据库.为实现对这些资料库管理的需要,还建立了井下目录库、工程目录库及台账目录库.这两种类型数据库的建立及它们之间的关系,就构成了导线测量资料计算机的管理模式.     

Changes in expression site control and DNA modification in Trypanosoma brucei during differentiation of the bloodstream form to the procyclic form

The 2 x 2 table is an invaluable tool for displaying bivariate binary data. It is easy to find examples of correlated binary response in biopharmaceutical experiments and clinical research and analysis of these data is a current research topic. The most common hypothesis tested for 2 x 2 tables of correlated proportions is that of homogeneity of the marginal proportions or, equivalently, the hypothesis of table symmetry. The 2 x 2 table of correlated proportions is rich with information and we present a survey of some of the analyses relevant for these data. Using asymptotic theory, we develop estimators of relevant parameters and associated test statistics that are of interest. We discuss interval estimation using arguments proposed by Quesenberry and Hurst (1) and Goodman (2). These interval estimators do not rely on estimation of the covariance matrix and are not necessarily equivalent to those obtained using modified chi-square statistics.     

Rule-Based Model for Traffic Accident Visualization and Analysis

This research develops and tests a computerized model for intersection accident data visualization and analysis. The model implemented a rule-based visualization module that automatically constructs the collision diagram according to traffic flow conflicts, where accident characteristics can be analyzed either individually or collectively. A data acquisition module was developed for accessing accident databases maintained in state transportation and public safety departments. Using a local database management system as part of the model, the user can select to analyze any accident data through Structured Query Language statements. In addition, this model has implemented a data analysis and graphing module for comparing similarities and identifying differences in accident data and for presenting the results of the analysis through charts and tables. The model was tested with accident data obtained from the Ohio Department of Public Safety in a number of scenario studies, and some of them were presented in this paper as examples. Because the model is very time efficient and user friendly, it can be developed into an effective engineering tool for field applications.     

Empirical solvent-mediated potentials hold for both intra-molecular and inter-molecular inter-residue interactions

Whether knowledge-based intra-molecular inter-residue potentials are valid to represent inter-molecular interactions taking place at protein-protein interfaces has been questioned in several studies. Differences in the chain connectivity effect and in residue packing geometry between interfaces and single chain monomers have been pointed out as possible sources of distinct energetics for the two cases. In the present study, the interfacial regions of protein-protein complexes are examined to extract inter-molecular inter-residue potentials, using the same statistical methods as those previously adopted for intra-molecular residue pairs. Two sets of energy parameters are derived, corresponding to solvent-mediation and "average residue" mediation. The former set is shown to be highly correlated (correlation coefficient 0.89) with that previously obtained for inter-residue interactions within single chain monomers, while the latter exhibits a weaker correlation (0.69) with its intra-molecular counterpart. In addition to the close similarity of intra- and inter-molecular solvent-mediated potentials, they are shown to be significantly more residue-specific and thereby discriminative compared to the residue-mediated ones, indicating that solvent-mediation plays a major role in controlling the effective inter-residue interactions, either at interfaces, or within single monomers. Based on this observation, a reduced set of energy parameters comprising 20 one-body and 3 two-body terms is proposed (as opposed to the 20 x 20 tables of inter-residue potentials), which reproduces the conventional 20 x 20 tables with a correlation coefficient of 0.99.     

Empiricist Framework for TQM Implementation in Construction Companies

As a management philosophy, total quality management (TQM) is implemented differently in firms. This study investigates the implementation level and the types of TQM practices adopted in construction companies. Eight elements had been identified from both organizational-/management- and construction-related studies to represent the TQM spirit. These elements are top management leadership, customer management, people management, supplier management, quality information management, process management, organizational learning, and continual improvement. A questionnaire survey was conducted to solicit the implementation level of the identified TQM elements. The survey findings indicate that customer, process management, and top management leadership were implemented at a higher level than the remaining elements with quality information management implemented at the lowest level. Important practices that constitute each element were also identified. Based on the findings, we propose a TQM implementation framework for construction companies.     

用表格数据库进行PLC系统的标准化设备设计

介绍了计算机辅助设计的一种新方法，以建立表格数据库的方式，通过数据转换，完成了ＰＬＣ系统的标准化设备设计。给出了表格数据库的基本格式及建表方法，该设计方法已在若干工程项目上获得良好的应用效果。     

基于大数据的深部找矿靶区定量成矿预测——以大桥地区金矿为例

常规的地球化学采样介质和遥感信息难以鉴别深部矿信息,地球物理信息可以反映深部矿的信息,但传统地球物理信息解释的多解性,影响了深部找矿靶区预测的精度和效果.为了消除物探信息的多解性,提高深部找矿靶区预测精准度,本文应用大数据思想和方法对甘肃省西秦岭大桥地区航磁数据进行深度挖掘,构建基于航磁信息的金找矿靶区定量预测系列模型...     

Database and software for the analysis of mutations at the human hprt gene

A computerized database containing DNA sequence information regarding human HPRT mutants has been created. The database itself is in the dBASE format and contains information on about 1500 mutants. In addition, an IBM PC compatible software package to analyze the information in the database has been developed. Both the database and software are freely available via the Internet.     

Impact of Shallow Groundwater on Evapotranspiration Losses from Uncultivated Land in an Irrigated River Valley

In many agricultural regions of the West, decades of intensive irrigation have produced shallow water tables under not only cultivated fields but also the nearby uncultivated land. It is possible that the high water tables under the uncultivated lands are substantially increasing evapotranspiration (ET) rates, which would represent an unnatural and potentially nonbeneficial consumptive use. The objective of this paper is to quantify loss of water that occurs from uncultivated lands in a semiarid irrigated river valley (the Lower Arkansas River Valley in southeastern Colorado). A remote-sensing algorithm is used to estimate actual ET rates on 16 dates on the basis of Landsat satellite images. On the same dates, water table depths, soil moisture values, and soil water salinities are measured at up to 84 wells distributed across three study sites. On the basis of a water balance of the root zone, it is estimated that 78% of the ET is supplied by groundwater upflux at these sites. It is also observed that the ET and groundwater upflux decrease with increasing water table depth. A regression analysis indicates that the spatial variations in ET are most closely related to variations in vegetation-related attributes, whereas soil moisture and water table depths also explain substantial amounts of the variation. Valley-wide implications for reducing nonbeneficial ET through water table control also are discussed.     

In-hospital malnutrition: indications of postoperative evolution

BACKGROUND: The question of the minimum number of Papanicolaou (Pap) smear slides that must be rescreened to draw statistically valid conclusions regarding the accuracy of screening often is raised. No method for generating answers in varying laboratory circumstances has achieved widespread application; standard statistical sample size calculations may represent such a resource. METHODS: A series of tables was constructed to display minimum required numbers of rescreens, with each table representing differing hypothetical laboratory circumstances. To use each table, assumptions must be specified in advance as to prevalence of abnormality, definition of error, baseline false-negative proportions (FNPs) of performance, and a degree of increase in FNPs that is considered a departure from baseline warranting concern, among others. RESULTS: The authors constructed four sample tables displaying minimum numbers of slides that must be rescreened in differing specified laboratory scenarios. Depending on assumed conditions and predetermined levels of satisfactory and unsatisfactory accuracy, the range of numbers is very broad (38-10,000). One example representing likely conditions indicates that 1040 slides must be reexamined; in another scenario, a sample size of 300 is sufficient. CONCLUSIONS: The minimum number of rescreened slides needed to draw statistically valid conclusions regarding Pap smear screening accuracy can be calculated using standard statistical methods. However, a number of assumptions must be detailed in advance. The authors offer this as a practical guide and a continuation of a general inquiry regarding Pap smear error rate measurement and display. The use of these tables raises at least as many questions as it answers, but still may represent a significant advance. Future efforts at further numeric characterization of aspects of Pap smear screening performance are warranted to enable rational decision making when performance is examined in the course of quality assurance, and during quality control and regulatory activities. [See editorial on pages 127-9, this issue.]     

Simpson's paradox and the analysis of memory retrieval.

According to Simpson's paradox (E. H. Simpson, 1951), if 2 or more contingency tables are collapsed into one, the resulting table may show a relationship between variables different from those shown by any of the original tables. Thus, a positive or negative relationship or stochastic independence may be shown by every component table, but be masked, in the collapsed table, by one of the other characteristics. This paradox has implications for the analysis of memory retrieval, particularly when the focus of interest is the relationship between success and failure on 2 retrieval attempts. Several recent issues in the memory literature are discussed in this connection, with emphasis on confounding effects of S differences, item differences, and S-item interactions. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analyzing bivariate continuous data grouped into categories defined by empirical quantiles of marginal distributions

Epidemiologists sometimes study the association between two measurements of exposure on the same subjects by grouping the original bivariate continuous data into categories that are defined by the empirical quantiles of the two marginal distributions. Although such grouped data are presented in a two-way contingency table, the cell counts in this table do not have a multinomial distribution. We describe the joint distribution of counts in such a table by the term empirical bivariate quantile-partitioned (EBQP) distribution. Blomqvist (1950, Annals of Mathematical Statistics 21, 539-600) gave an asymptotic EBQP theory for bivariate data partitioned by the sample medians. We demonstrate that his asymptotic theory is not correct, however, except in special cases. We present a general asymptotic theory for tables of arbitrary dimensions and apply this theory to construct confidence intervals for the kappa statistic. We show by simulations that the confidence interval procedures we propose have near nominal coverage for sample sizes exceeding 60 for both 2 x 2 and 3 x 3 tables. These simulations also illustrate that the asymptotic theory of Blomqvist (1950) and the methods that Fleiss, Cohen, and Everitt (1969, Psychological Bulletin 72, 323-327) give for multinomial tables can yield subnominal coverage for kappa calculated from EBQP tables, although in some cases the coverage for these procedures is near nominal levels.     

斯太尔汽车故障诊断系统数据结构组织设计

根据斯太尔汽车故障诊断系统的功能及任务,对数据库E-R模型、数据表、故障编码、数据表间的关系等几个方面进行详细设计,尤其对故障编码进行设计,设计时以提高系统可扩展性为目标进行数据结构组织。整个系统以斯太尔车辆结构关系树为主线,将故障模式和故障原因串联起来,合理地组织数据结构,最终为汽车发动机故障诊断系统建立完整合理的数据库提供数据基础。     

KEYnet: a keywords database for biosequences functional organization

KEYnet is a database where gene and protein names are hierarchically structured. Particular care has been devoted to the search and organisation of synonyms. The structuring is based on biological criteria in order to assist the user in the data search and to minimise the risk of loss of information. Links to the EMBL data library by the entry name and the accession number have been implemented. KEYnet is available through the World Wide Web at the following site: http://www.ba.cnr.it/keynet.html. Recently KEYnet has incorporated specific gene name classifications, which can be browsed starting from the above-mentioned KEYnet home page: the Mitochondrial Gene Names classification and the Rat Gene Names classification. KEYnet database has also been structured in a flatfile format and can be queried through SRS (http://bio-www.ba.cnr.t:8000/srs).     

热工数据库系统的设计与开发技术

针对热工数据类型多，多数数据非线性强．相关图表查阅不便且读数误差大的现状，本文提出利用计算机强大的数据存储处理能力建立热工数据库系统，实现热工数据的快速准确查询，并介绍了热工数据库管理系统的功能特点及设计开发技术。将数据插值、神经网络等函数逼近的方法应用于查询程序的定制，大大加强了系统的查询功能，使系统的查询范围不仅仅局限于数据库中已有的数据记录．本文以饱和水及饱和蒸汽热力性质数据库为例，说明了系统查询功能的实现方法与效果。应用结果表明，热工数据库管理系统查询热工数据．速度快、精度高，不受人为因素影响，具有较大的实用价值。