Protein Information Resource: a community resource for expert annotation of protein data.

The Protein Information Resource, in collaboration with the Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences (MIPS) and the Japan International Protein Information Database (JIPID), produces the most comprehensive and expertly annotated protein sequence database in the public domain, the PIR-International Protein Sequence Database. To provide timely and high quality annotation and promote database interoperability, the PIR-International employs rule-based and classification-driven procedures based on controlled vocabulary and standard nomenclature and includes status tags to distinguish experimentally determined from predicted protein features. The database contains about 200,000 non-redundant protein sequences, which are classified into families and superfamilies and their domains and motifs identified. Entries are extensively cross-referenced to other sequence, classification, genome, structure and activity databases. The PIR web site features search engines that use sequence similarity and database annotation to facilitate the analysis and functional identification of proteins. The PIR-Inter-national databases and search tools are accessible on the PIR web site at http://pir.georgetown.edu/ and at the MIPS web site at http://www.mips.biochem.mpg.de. The PIR-International Protein Sequence Database and other files are also available by FTP.

The protein information resource (PIR).

The Protein Information Resource (PIR) produces the largest, most comprehensive, annotated protein sequence database in the public domain, the PIR-International Protein Sequence Database, in collaboration with the Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences (MIPS) and the Japan International Protein Sequence Database (JIPID). The expanded PIR WWW site allows sequence similarity and text searching of the Protein Sequence Database and auxiliary databases. Several new web-based search engines combine searches of sequence similarity and database annotation to facilitate the analysis and functional identification of proteins. New capabilities for searching the PIR sequence databases include annotation-sorted search, domain search, combined global and domain search, and interactive text searches. The PIR-International databases and search tools are accessible on the PIR WWW site at http://pir.georgetown.edu and at the MIPS WWW site at http://www. mips.biochem.mpg.de. The PIR-International Protein Sequence Database and other files are also available by FTP.

The PIR-International Protein Sequence Database.

The Protein Information Resource (PIR; http://www-nbrf.georgetown. edu/pir/) supports research on molecular evolution, functional genomics, and computational biology by maintaining a comprehensive, non-redundant, well-organized and freely available protein sequence database. Since 1988 the database has been maintained collaboratively by PIR-International, an international association of data collection centers cooperating to develop this resource during a period of explosive growth in new sequence data and new computer technologies. The PIR Protein Sequence Database entries are classified into superfamilies, families and homology domains, for which sequence alignments are available. Full-scale family classification supports comparative genomics research, aids sequence annotation, assists database organization and improves database integrity. The PIR WWW server supports direct on-line sequence similarity searches, information retrieval, and knowledge discovery by providing the Protein Sequence Database and other supplementary databases. Sequence entries are extensively cross-referenced and hypertext-linked to major nucleic acid, literature, genome, structure, sequence alignment and family databases. The weekly release of the Protein Sequence Database can be accessed through the PIR Web site. The quarterly release of the database is freely available from our anonymous FTP server and is also available on CD-ROM with the accompanying ATLAS database search program.

The PIR-International Protein Sequence Database.

From its origin the Protein Information Resource (http://www-nbrf. georgetown.edu/pir/) has supported research on evolution and computational biology by designing and compiling a comprehensive, quality controlled, and well-organized protein sequence database. The database has been produced and updated on a regular schedule since 1984. Since 1988 it has been maintained collaboratively by the PIR-International, an association of data collection centers engaged in international cooperation for the development of this research resource during a period of explosive acquisition of new data. As of June 1997, essentially all sequence entries have been classified into families, allowing the efficient application of methods to propagate and standardize annotation among related sequences. The databases are available through the Internet by the World-Wide Web and FTP, or on CD-ROM and magnetic media.

The Protein Information Resource (PIR) and the PIR-International Protein Sequence Database.

From its origin, the PIR has aspired to support research in computational biology and genomics through the compilation of a comprehensive, quality controlled and well-organized protein sequence information resource. The resource originated with the pioneering work of the late Margaret O. Dayhoff in the early 1960s. Since 1988, the Protein Sequence Database has been maintained collaboratively by PIR-International, an association of macromolecular sequence data collection centers dedicated to fostering international cooperation as an essential element in the development of scientific databases. The work of the resource is widely distributed and is available on the World Wide Web, via FTP, E-mail server, CD-ROM and magnetic media. It is widely redistributed and incorporated into many other protein sequence data compilations including SWISS-PROT and theEntrezsystem of the NCBI.

Aldehyde-induced platelet aggregation.

Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, malondialdehyde, glutaraldehyde and paraldehyde, when added in vitro to platelet-rich plasma, generate a similar distinct platelet aggregation response which is dose dependent when measured with a manual visual microscopic technique and by computerized image analysis, 'computerized platelet aggregation analysis'. Light transmission aggregometry did not measure this aggregation in a reliable manner. The aggregating reaction was specific to the aldehyde group and was not seen when the aldehyde was replaced by an alcohol, ketone, or acetate group in the case of acetaldehyde. The maximal aggregating effect of these aldehydes was directly proportional to the number of aldehyde groups per molecule. Aggregation was found to require the presence of plasma, but not von Willebrand's factor.

Sex differences in blood protein patterns: a computer-assisted electrophoretic analysis of mid-molecular weight range proteins of human serum.

We have studied the sexual dimorphism of human serum proteins between the ranges of approximately 60,000 and 150,000 daltons using computerized imaging and densitometry. Methodology is presented, based on the TEXAC computer system for the detection, segmentation and integration of protein bands. The results are discussed in terms of potential future applications in computerized medical diagnosis.

Cost containment in the concentrated care center: a study of nursing, bed and patient assignment policies.

In an effort to deliver the best possible care to seriously ill patients in the most cost-effective manner, Georgetown University has developed the Concentrated Care Center (CCC) as an essential component of the medical center complex. The design of the CCC, together with the application of controlled variable staffing procedures, permits considerable flexibility in the assignment of nurses (as well as patients) to individual units. This report outlines certain research hypotheses regarding policies designed to increase the cost-effectiveness of patient care in the CCC environment. Statistical techniques based on the theory of stochastic processes are developed to test these hypotheses and a FORTRAN IV computer program is developed to analyze one year of operational data from the CCC.

Computer applications in analysis, mapping and cataloging of proteins separated by two dimensional electrophoresis.

Two dimensional electrophoretic separation of complex mixtures of proteins can only be exploited to its fullest potential using sophisticated computerized spot detection, quantification, pattern recognition, pattern normalization, data reduction and data storage. We present a discussion of some of the technical problems and of the options available which will ultimately lead toward full computerization of the data.

A physician questionnaire study of the net cost of computerized tomographic scanning.

This paper reports the results of a physician questionnaire study of the net cost impact of CT Scanning on the health care system. The study objective is accomplished by questioning physicians, on a case-by-case basis, on the number and type of diagnostic tests and hospital care which would have been provided in lieu of CT. These findings indicate that CT Scanning, while expensive on a per use basis, results in significant cost savings on a per case basis because it eliminates the need for multiple alternative tests and hospital stays. Finally, the controversy over the cost of CT Scanning is attributed not to the intrinsic merits of CT but rather to structural elements within the health care system which create disincentives to economize.

CT techniques.

Since the advent of whole-body CT scanning in 1974, many studies have been made in its application to all parts of the body. One of the most fruitful areas has been CT of the spinal cord. The only limitation appears to be the technique used; there is no substitute for a good technique. We shall first review standard CT techniques, then mention special techniques for spinal cord work, and finally discuss the future.

Decision theory model of the emergency medical triage process.

The major objective of this research project was to apply the scientific discipline of decision-making to the problem of identifying the appropriate receiving hospital for persons injured in accidents. This problem, which is usually referred to as the prehospital triage process, is enormously important in terms of maximizing the critically injured patient's chances for survival. The long term objective of this research program, for which this project was a pilot study, is to develop an interactive computer system to support decisions regarding triage of patients at the scene of medical emergencies. The completed system will offer guidance to the paramedic in deciding whether to transport the emergency victim to the nearest hospital for stabilization and further evaluation or directly to the hospital best equipped to deal with the specific conditions of the victim.