A systolic array for nonlinear adaptive filtering and pattern recognition

A systolic array for multi-dimensional fitting and interpolation using (nonlinear) radial basis functions is proposed. The fit may be constrained very simply to ensure that the resulting surface takes a pre-determined value at one or more specific points. The processor, which constitutes a form of nonlinear adaptive filter, behaves like a neural network based on the multi-layer, feed-forward perceptron model. One obvious application of such a network is as a pattern classifier, the constraints being used to ensure the correct classification of selected patterns.     

Early postoperative feeding after elective colorectal surgery is not a benefit unique to laparoscopy-assisted procedures

Fungal infection of the face is frequently misdiagnosed, since the typical ringworm, erythematous, slightly scaling, indistinct borders are only uncommonly seen on the face. Herpes zoster is a common infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that transmits varicella (chickenpox). Granulomatous reactions such as granuloma annulare, pseudolymphoma, sarcoidal reaction, and eruptive keratoacanthoma have been described in herpes zoster scars. We describe here the first reported case of dermatophytosis occurring in healing herpes zoster lesions. This condition has not been previously reported.     

An inhibitor of macrophage chemotaxis produced by neoplasms

The accumulation of macrophages at neoplastic sites may be an important event in immunologically mediated tumor killing. The implantation of syngeneic neoplasms in mice, however, was found to depress the animal's ability to localize macrophages at inflammatory sites. A low-molecular-weight (6,000 to 10,000) factor released by growing neoplasms that inhibits the accumulation of macrophages in vivo and chemotactic responsiveness in vitro was identified. The factor is active in the inhibition of macrophages and is ineffectual at retarding the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Neoplastic cells may thus abrogate immunosurveillance by releasing products that prevent potentially tumoricidal macrophages from accumulating at sites of developing malignancies.