Parkinsonian gait patterns quantification from principal geodesic analysis

Pattern Analysis and Applications - Parkinson is a neuromotor disease caused by dopamine deficiency that produces progressive alterations in locomotion. Gait analysis is a primary alternative to...     

Steady-state MSE convergence of LMS adaptive filters withdeterministic reference inputs with applications to biomedical signals

We analyze the steady-state mean square error (MSE) convergence of the LMS algorithm when deterministic functions are used as reference inputs. A particular adaptive linear combiner is presented where the reference inputs are any set of orthogonal basis functions-the adaptive orthogonal linear combiner (AOLC). Several authors have applied this structure always considering in the analysis a time-average behavior over one signal occurrence. We make a more precise analysis using the deterministic nature of the reference inputs and their time-variant correlation matrix. Two different situations are considered in the analysis: orthogonal complete expansions and incomplete expansions. The steady-state misadjustment is calculated using two different procedures with equivalent results: the classical one (analyzing the transient behavior of the MSE) and as the residual noise at the output of the equivalent time-variant transfer function of the system. The latter procedure allows a very simple formalism being valid for colored noise as well. The derived expressions for steady-state misadjustment are contrasted with experimental results in electrocardiographic (ECG) signals, giving exact concordance for any value of the step size     

Experimental characteristics of optical crosspoint switch matrix and its applications in optical packet switching

This paper presents the experimental results of the switching performances of the fast reconfigurable optical crosspoint switch (OXS) matrix. This paper demonstrates unicast optical packet switching for a 10-Gb/s payload at various modulation formats and a 155-Mb/s nonreturn-to-zero label. Reconfigurable time as fast as 2 ns is achieved because of the optimized control circuit and device fabrication. The power and wavelength dependence for the payload and the capability of multihop operation are investigated as well. The functionalities of the OXS acting as an optical switch and an optical buffer are demonstrated in the optical network node experiment. Very good switching property is obtained for the OXS, which clearly validates OXS as a potential technique for future high-speed Internet-protocol-over-wavelength-division-multiplexing networks.     

Imidazoli(di)ne compounds interact with the phencyclidine site of NMDA receptors in the rat brain

The effects of several imidazoli(di)ne compounds on the binding of the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist [3H](+)-MK-801 (dizocilpine) to rat brain membranes were studied. These compounds fully inhibit radioligand binding with potencies in the micromolar range. The obtained profile of drug affinity correlated well with the potency of the same compounds promoting insulin release by blocking ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the rat insulinoma cell line RIN-5AH. It is suggested that imidazoli(di)ne compounds interact with cation channels sharing a common phencyclidine binding site (e.g. NMDA receptors, K+ channels and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) and that this could be the basis of some biological effects of imidazoli(di)nes.     

Effets de la dynamique des évanouissements sélectifs dans un égaliseur et une boucle de récupération de porteuse couplés

The tracking behaviour of a decision-feedback equalizer coupled to a carrier recovery loop, in the presence of a dynamic multipath fading activity has been studied. Minimum phase?non minimum phase type fading transitions with notch depth variation rates up to 120 dB/s, and fadings sweeping accross the signal band at 300 MHz/s have been considered. Free interaction between the two adaptive devices is allowed. Simulated tap gains are compared to those theoretically obtained in order to justify the observed rms error increase which can eventually lead to the system outage. The extra freedom degree arising in the recovered carrier seems not to disturb the correct behaviour of the coupled system.     

Characterization of steroid 21-hydroxylase gene mutations in a oligosymptomatic form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia: family study

BACKGROUND: 21-hydroxilase deficiency accounts for over 90% of all cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). There is a non-negligible incidence of both severe and nonclassical forms of this genetic disorder. Enzyme deficiency is due to mutations in the gene encoding adrenal 21-hydroxylase (named CYP 21B) and is inherited in an autosomical recesive way. Complete or partial impairment of enzyme activity has been correlated with the different clinical forms of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present paper CYP 21B gene analysis results obtained in a family with two kindred affected by a nonclassical form of the disease are shown. Clinical assessment of these two kindred showed a very mild form of the disease, whereas biochemical results suggested a late-onset partial 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Genotyping for deletions and 10 point mutations in the CYP 21B gene was performed by Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridation technique. RESULTS: Molecular genetic analysis performed in the two affected patients and two further relatives allowed us to detect the presence of different mutations in the two alleles of the CYP 21B gene. One of these mutations was severe (655G) and came from maternal line, whereas the other was mild (Val281Leu) and originated in paternal line. CONCLUSION: Molecular genetic analysis allows the possibility of finding severe (and non-expected) mutations in patients with clinically mild and late-onset forms of the 21-hydroxylase deficiency.     

Effects of feeding formate-treated alfalfa silage or red clover silage on omasal nutrient flow and microbial protein synthesis in lactating dairy cows

Eight ruminally cannulated Holstein cows that were part of a larger lactation trial were blocked by days in milk and randomly assigned to replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares to quantify effects of nonprotein N (NPN) content of alfalfa silage (AS) and red clover silage (RCS) on omasal nutrient flows. Diets, fed as total mixed rations, contained 50% dry matter from control AS (CAS), ammonium tetraformate-treated AS (TAS), late maturity RCS (RCS1), or early maturity RCS (RCS2). Silages differed in NPN and acid detergent insoluble N (% of total N): 50 and 4% (CAS); 45 and 3% (TAS); 27 and 8% (RCS1); 29 and 4% (RCS2). The CAS, TAS, and RCS2 diets had 36% high-moisture shelled corn and 3% soybean meal, and the RCS1 diet had 31% high-moisture shelled corn and 9% soybean meal. All diets contained 10% corn silage, 27% neutral detergent fiber, and 17 to 18% crude protein. Compared with RCS, feeding AS increased the supply of rumen-degraded protein and omasal flows of nonammonia N and microbial protein, which may explain the improved milk yield observed in the companion lactation trial. However, omasal flow of rumen-undegraded protein was 34% greater on RCS. Except for Arg, omasal flows of individual AA, branched-chain AA, nonessential AA, essential AA, and total AA did not differ between cows fed AS vs. RCS. Within AS diets, no differences in omasal AA flows were observed. However, omasal flows of Asp, Ser, Glu, Cys, Val, Ile, Tyr, Lys, total nonessential AA, and total AA all were higher in cows fed RCS1 vs. cows fed RCS2. In this trial, there was no advantage to reducing NPN content of hay-crop silage.     

A reduction in milking frequency and feed allowance improves dairy cow immune status

Twice-daily milking is the most common milking regimen used globally. A reduction in milking frequency to once daily, combined with a reduced feed allowance (FA), could reduce the physiological stress associated with the transition to peak milk production, and hence improve immune function. This study investigated how milking frequency and FA affect dairy cow immune status. Cows (n = 48) were milked once a day (OAD) or twice a day (TAD) on 1 of 2 FA: high (HFA) or low (LFA), in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. After the mean calving date of March 11, HFA cows were offered ad libitum grass silage and 7 kg of concentrates/cow per day until March 22, then 4 kg of concentrates/cow per day until April 17, and thereafter allocated 31.3 kg of dry matter (DM) grass/cow per day. The LFA cows were offered 4 kg of concentrates/cow per day, 1 kg of concentrates/cow per day, and allocated 19 kg of DM grass/cow per day for the same respective periods. Milk yield was recorded daily and body condition score weekly, and somatic cell count was performed at approximately 2-wk intervals. Blood samples were collected prepartum (d -7 to -1) and at d 1 to 7, d 14 to 21, and d 42 to 49 postpartum. Total and differential leukocyte percentage, IFN-γ production in response to concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin, and cortisol, haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations were evaluated. Cows milked OAD had reduced milk yield and body reserve mobilization, but higher somatic cell counts. Milking frequency and diet had no effect on total leukocyte counts. Cows milked OAD had a higher lymphocyte percentage and lower monocyte percentage, and tended to have a lower neutrophil percentage than cows milked TAD. In addition, the LFA cows had a higher eosinophil percentage than cows fed the HFA. Milking frequency and diet had no effect on IFN-γ, Hp, SAA, or cortisol production. Utilization of strategies to reduce milk yield at the beginning of the lactation could not only reduce body reserve mobilization, but also help to maintain a functioning immune system, and thus improve cow welfare.     

Large-scale integration of renewable and distributed generation of electricity in Spain: Current situation and future needs

Similar to other European countries, mechanisms for the promotion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources (RESs) and combined heat and power (CHP) production have caused a significant growth in distributed generation (DG) in Spain. Low DG/RES penetration levels do not have a major impact on electricity systems. However, several problems arise as DG shares increase. Smarter distribution grids are deemed necessary to facilitate DG/RES integration. This involves modifying the way distribution networks are currently planned and operated. Furthermore, DG and demand should also adopt a more active role. This paper reviews the current situation of DG/RES in Spain including penetration rates, support payments for DG/RES, level of market integration, economic regulation of Distribution System Operators (DSOs), smart metering implementation, grid operation and planning, and incentives for DSO innovation. This paper identifies several improvements that could be made to the treatment of DG/RES. Key aspects of an efficient DG/RES integration are identified and several regulatory changes specific to the Spanish situation are recommended.     

Optimising the inactivation of grape juice spoilage organisms by pulse electric fields

The effect of some pulsed electric field (PEF) processing parameters (electric field strength, pulse frequency and treatment time), on a mixture of microorganisms (Kloeckera apiculata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus hilgardii and Gluconobacter oxydans) typically present in grape juice and wine were evaluated. An experimental design based on response surface methodology (RSM) was used and results were also compared with those of a factorially designed experiment. The relationship between the levels of inactivation of microorganisms and the energy applied to the grape juice was analysed. Yeast and bacteria were inactivated by the PEF treatments, with reductions that ranged from 2.24 to 3.94 log units. All PEF parameters affected microbial inactivation. Optimal inactivation of the mixture of spoilage microorganisms was predicted by the RSM models at 35.0 kV cm^− 1 with 303 Hz pulse width for 1 ms. Inactivation was greater for yeasts than for bacteria, as was predicted by the RSM. The maximum efficacy of the PEF treatment for inactivation of microorganisms in grape juice was observed around 1500 MJ L^− 1 for all the microorganisms investigated. The RSM could be used in the fruit juice industry to optimise the inactivation of spoilage microorganisms by PEF.