An Approach to Value-Based Modeling of Information Flows

This article presents a new approach to modeling information flows within today's information systems environments characterized by electronic commerce. We treat information as a resource whose value is fundamentally multidimensional in nature. In this article we consider the economic and psychological dimensions of the value of information. It is argued that it is meaningless to model the value of information in isolation away from the context and the specific parties between which this information is exchanged. We therefore focus exclusively on modeling information flows rather than information itself. To achieve this, we propose a formal framework for describing transactions involving information flows. The framework consists of a generalized model for representing information transactions and for defining a set of fundamental properties of multiparty transactions. These properties are fairness, constructiveness, and monopoly. Where applicable, they are defined for individuals, transactions, and a system of transactions. The proposed model reveals the nature of individual transactions and markets, and consequently has important implications for simulation of market scenarios and to help arrive at effective policies for pricing and market regulations.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging

In this part we shall outline the challenges one faces while developing time-domain radiofrequency (RF) EPR imaging spectrometer for in vivo studies. Time-domain or FT-EPR is quite a different animal compared to the CW modality. The evolution of FT-EPR instrumentation at the National Cancer Institute, NIH, USA and representative examples of application in cancer research are outlined in this article.     

Teaching Component-Based Software Engineering: A Formal Approach and Its Evaluation

This paper summarizes the RESOLVE approach for introducing component-based software engineering (CBSE) early in the undergraduate CS curriculum, and an evaluation of its impact at two institutions. Principles taught include a modular style of software development, human understandable, yet formally-specified component behavior, maintainability, as well as ‘classical’ issues such as efficiency analysis and reasoning. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of student outcomes and end-to-end changes in student attitudes show mostly positive results that are statistically significant, confirming that (1) CBSE principles can be taught without displacing essential classical principles, (2) students can understand and reuse components based on mathematical specifications, and (3) student attitudes towards software engineering can be altered in directions heretofore often assumed to be difficult to achieve.     

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1 in a random group of adult onset diabetics of indian subpopulation

Glycosylated Hemoglobin (GHb) was estimated using cation exchange resin binding method in 50 non diabetic healthy controls and 500 maturity onset diabetics. Percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin levels in controls was 7.27±0.456 (range 6.0–8.04) and 9.47±0.98 (range 8.2–13.63) in diabetic group. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels remain unaffected inspite of transient rise of serum glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test. Significantly elevated GHb A₁. Furthermore significant elevation of GHb A₁ was noticed in diabetics with all secondary complications suggesting poor glycemic control in these patients. The diabetics having retinopathy, nephropathy or diabetic foot had relatively higher GHb levels compared to patients having coronary artery disease or hypertension.     

Antihyperglycemic effect of water extract of dry fruits of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Terminalia chebula</Emphasis> in experimental diabetes mellitus

Water extract of dry fruits ofTerminalia chebula (Hindi-Harda, Telugu-Karakkaya) at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight improved the glucose tolerance as indicated by 44% of reduction in the peak blood glucose at 2^nd hour in glucose tolerance test in diabetic (streptozotocin induced) rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with an initial fasting blood glucose of 253±9.4 mg/dl daily once with the water extract (200 mg/kg) for two weeks brought down the fasting blood glucose to 123±8.4 mg/dl which is only slightly above the normal value. These results indicate that water extract of Terminalia chebula improves glucose tolerance and brings down fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats.     

Assessment of Oxidative Stress Markers and Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Elderly Patients Without and with Coronary Artery Disease

We aimed to assess whether measuring carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and oxidative stress markers such as protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde, nitrate and glutathione in plasma of elderly patients without and with coronary artery disease (CAD) identifies early risk for CAD. A total of 50 cases with cardiovascular risk factors over the age of 60 years without CAD, and 50 patients with angiographically documented CAD over the age of 60 years were included in the study. Control group consists of 200 healthy individuals without the risk factors. Demographic details were obtained from all the subjects and CIMT measured by high frequency ultrasound and oxidative stress markers such protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde and total glutathione were determined in plasma by spectrophotometric methods. The distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in without CAD and CAD cases were smokers (16 vs 56 %), hypertension (26 vs 64 %), diabetes (16 vs 56 %) and dyslipidemia (18 vs 58 %) and positive family history (4 vs 38 %). None of the control group had any cardiovascular risk factors. Among the CAD cases, 16 % had single vessel disease, 44 % had double vessel disease and 40 % had triple vessel disease. The CIMT was significantly increased in CAD cases as compared to cases without CAD and healthy controls. On the other hand, CIMT was significantly increased in cases without CAD as compared to healthy controls. CIMT also increased with the duration of diabetes in patients without CAD and severity of disease in CAD cases. The levels of oxidants like plasma malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, were significantly elevated and antioxidant glutathione levels and nitrate levels were significantly reduced in cases with and without CAD as compared to healthy controls. Oxidative stress markers and CIMT was found to be significantly increased in patients with cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, family history of CAD, dyslipidemia, hypertension and smoking when compared to patients without risk factors. In patients with diabetes, CIMT increased as duration of disease increases and also in poorly controlled diabetes. In CAD group, when number of vessel involvement (severity of coronary disease) increases, the CIMT also increases confirming that CIMT is a quantifiable risk factor for CAD.     

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance imaging

EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) imaging is particularly useful in monitoring hypoxic zones in tumors which are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapeutic treatment. This first part of the article covers aspects of CW (continuous wave) imaging with details of FT (pulsed Fourier Transform)-EPR imaging covered in Part 2, to be published in the next issue of Resonance.     

Analysis of protein posttranslational modifications by mass spectrometry: With special reference to haemoglobin

Mass spectrometry provides a convenient platform for the study of different protein post translational modifications from clinical specimen. Analysis of different post translational modifications of hemoglobin like glycation and glutathionylation can provide useful information on the disease progression and the possible outcome of therapies. In the present study, we have addressed post translational modifications of hemoglobin like glutathionylation and glycation in relation to diabetes and chronic renal failure. We found that both alpha and beta chains of human hemoglobin are glycated irrespective of the extent of glycemia as evidenced by a mass increment of 162 Da. The phenomenon of glutathionylation was observed with only the beta globin chain of hemoglobin probably due to the presence of an accessible cysteine residue indicated by a mass increment of 305 Da. Also, the extent of gltuathionylation observed in the CRF patients could correlate with the severity of the oxidative stress owing to renal replacement therapies like dialysis and transplantation.     

A cognitive-motivational model of decision satisfaction

Satisfaction is a condition that contributes to the development of intrinsic motivation and a continuing motivation to learn. Research that helps to identify the factors that contribute to learning satisfaction is useful for educators. This paper introduces the Cognitive-Motivational Model of Decision Satisfaction, a model that extends Kruglanski's work on closure and builds on Keller's work on the motivational aspects of instruction and learning. Focusing on decision-making activities in a learning context, this model recognizes the importance of information-processing in judgmental tasks and specifies confidence as a major contributing factor to learning satisfaction. Some potential applications to both classroom and computer-based learning environments are suggested.