Identification of FIR Wiener systems with unknown,non-invertible,polynomial non-linearities

Wiener systems consist of a linear dynamic system whose output is measured through a static non-linearity. In this paper we study the identification of single-input single-output Wiener systems with finite impulse response dynamics and polynomial output non-linearities. Using multi-index notation, we solve a least squares problem to estimate products of the coefficients of the non-linearity and the impulse response of the linear system. We then consider four methods for extracting the coefficients of the non-linearity and impulse response: direct algebraic solution, singular value decomposition, multi-dimensional singular value decomposition and prediction error optimization.     

The induction of c-Fos in the NTS after taste aversion learning is not correlated with measures of conditioned fear.

The induction of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (c-FLI) in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) has been shown to be correlated with behavioral expression of a conditioned taste aversion (CTA). However, because this cellular response is also dependent on an intact amygdala, it may represent the activation of a stress-related autonomic response. The present experiments addressed this possibility by evaluating the correlation between c-FLI in the intermediate division of the NTS (iNTS) and 2 measures of conditioned fear: freezing and changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Exposure to the taste conditioned stimulus (CS) resulted in a marked induction of c-FLI in the iNTS, whereas exposure to a fear CS did not. Further, exposure to a taste CS did not selectively lead to increases in MAP or HR. Results suggest that induction of c-FLI in the iNTS may reflect the activation of a cell population whose function is unique to the CTA paradigm. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A phase I study of recombinant human soluble interleukin-1 receptor (rhu IL-1R) in patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia

PURPOSE: The recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor (rhu IL-1R) is a soluble truncated form of the type 1 full-length membrane-bound receptor that binds IL-1 with identical affinity to that of the membrane form. As such, it may have clinical potential by sequestering IL-1, thereby preventing it from binding to its membrane-bound receptor and eliciting a biological effect. As IL-1 has been shown to regulate leukemic cell proliferation in an autocrine fashion, a phase I trial of rhu IL-1R was conducted in patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: The study group comprised 11 patients who were sequentially treated on one of three dose levels, receiving a single intravenous (i.v.) bolus dose on day 1 followed by 13 days of daily subcutaneous (s.c.) injections with the option of an additional 14 days of treatment if a response of stable disease or better was achieved. Dose level 1 i.v. bolus 500 microg/m2, s.c. dose 250 microg/m2 per day (five patients); dose level 2 i.v. bolus 1000 microg/m2, s.c. dose 500 microg/m2 per day (three patients); dose level 3 i.v. bolus 2000 microg/m2, s.c. dose 1000 microg/m2 per day (three patients). Owing to limited drug availability, the study was designed to only examine these three dose levels. RESULTS: rhu IL-IR was well tolerated. There was no grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicity related to the study drug and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. No IL-1R-blocking antibodies developed during the course of the study. Serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF were undetectable before, during and after rhu IL-IR administration. The terminal half-life after i.v. dosing was at least 7-12 h, and after s.c. dosing 2-4 days. Serum levels of rhu IL-1R up to 360- and 25-fold those of pretreatment levels were achieved after i.v. and s.c. dosing respectively. No patient had a complete, partial or minor response to treatment; four had stable disease and seven had progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: rhu IL-1R therapy was safe but did not have any apparent antileukemic effect at the doses administered.     

Field and laboratory aging of polymeric distribution cableterminations. I. Field aging

This, two-part paper, describes the results of a research project aimed at understanding the magnitude of aging of polymeric cable terminations used in distribution. The termination types evaluated are currently used; hence, they have satisfied IEEE Standard 48. This standard does not address the issue of aging. Terminations made from 3 different polymer families and porcelain were evaluated. Presented in Part I, are the results of field aging from 5 outdoor sites in the USA over a 3 year period; and in Part II, results from accelerated aging fog chamber laboratory tests. The results from field aging show that only minor changes were produced. Some differences were observed in the electrical performance of formulations within the same polymer family, and among different polymer families. However, it was concluded that the performance of the terminations evaluated would not be compromised by aging produced changes in the weathershed housing     

Severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Mycobacterium avium complex in a patient receiving immunosuppressive therapy

Intense immunosuppressive therapy is used frequently for treatment of systemic vasculitides, collagenoses, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and after organ transplantation. Numerous serious treatment-related side effects include localized or disseminated opportunistic infections, and require careful monitoring of immunosuppressed patients. Gastrointestinal infections with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) or other nontuberculous mycobacteria have been previously identified in HIV seropositive patients only. We now report the first case of an HIV seronegative patient who received immunosuppressive therapy for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The patient presented with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed to have ulcerative colitis due to infection with MAC. The patient recovered promptly after administration of antimycobacterial therapy. MAC infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in all immunodeficient patients. The significance of repeated colonoscopy to obtain multiple biopsy specimens with histological examination for foam cells and specific staining for acid-fast organisms is emphasized.