Multi-Cohort Intelligence algorithm: an intra- and inter-group learning behaviour based socio-inspired optimisation methodology

ABSTRACT

A Multi-Cohort Intelligence (Multi-CI) metaheuristic algorithm in emerging socio-inspired optimisation domain is proposed. The algorithm implements intra-group and inter-group learning mechanisms. It focusses on the interaction amongst different cohorts. The performance of the algorithm is validated by solving 75 unconstrained test problems with dimensions up to 30. The solutions were comparing with several recent algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy, Artificial Bee Colony, Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm, Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimisation, Backtracking Search Optimisation Algorithm, and Ideology Algorithm. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was carried out for the statistical analysis and verification of the performance. The proposed Multi-CI outperformed these algorithms in terms of the solution quality including objective function value and computational cost, i.e. computational time and functional evaluations. The prominent feature of the Multi-CI algorithm along with the limitations is discussed as well. In addition, an illustrative example is also solved and every detail is provided.     

Identification of benz(othi)azepine-binding regions within L-type calcium channel alpha1 subunits

To identify the binding domain for diltiazem-like Ca2+ antagonists on L-type Ca2+ channel alpha1 subunits we synthesized the benzazepine [3H]benziazem as a novel photoaffinity probe. [3H]Benziazem reversibly labeled the benzothiazepine (BTZ)-binding domain of partially purified skeletal muscle Ca2+ channels with high affinity (Kd = 12 nM) and photoincorporated into its binding domain with high yield (>66%). Antibody mapping of proteolytic labeled fragments revealed specific labeling of regions associated with transmembrane segments S6 in repeats III and IV. More than 50% of the labeling was found in the tryptic fragment alanine 1023-lysine 1077 containing IIIS6 together with extracellular and intracellular amino acid residues. The remaining labeling was identified in a second site comprising segment S6 in repeat IV and adjacent residues. Unlike for dihydropyridines, no labeling was observed in the connecting IIIS5-IIIS6 linker. The [3H]benziazem photolabeled regions must be in close contact to the drug molecule when bound to the channel. We propose that the determinants for high affinity BTZ binding are located within or in close proximity to segments IIIS6 and/or IVS6. Therefore the binding domain for BTZs, like for the other main classes of Ca2+ antagonists, must be located in close proximity to pore-forming regions of the channel.     

Cytokine induction of platelet activation

A three-dimensional, two-part model of the foot, for use in a simulation of human gait, is presented. Previous simulations of gait have not included the foot segment (e.g. Siegler et al., 1982, J. Biomechanics 15, 415-425) or have fastened it to the ground (e.g. Onyshko and Winter, 1980, J. Biomechanics 13, 361-368). A foot model based on viscoelastic elements (e.g. Meglan, 1991, Ph.D. thesis, Ohio State Univ.), allows more freedom of movement and thus models the physical system more closely. The current model was developed by running simulations of the foot in isolation from just before heel contact to just after toe-off. The driving inputs to the simulation were the resultant ankle joint forces and moments taken from a gait analysis. Nine linear, vertically oriented spring/damper systems, positioned along the midline of the foot were used to model the combined viscoelastic behaviour of the foot, shoe and floor. Associated with each vertical spring/damper system were two orthogonally placed, linear, horizontal dampers used to provide the shear components of the ground reaction force. Torques at the metatarsal-phalangeal joint were supplied by a linear, torsional spring and damper. Control about the vertical axis and the long axis of the foot was achieved by the use of linear, torsional dampers. The predicted kinetic and kinematic values are very similar to those taken from the gait analysis. The model represents an improvement over previous work because the transition from swing to stance was smooth and continuous without the foot being constrained to any specific trajectory.     

Survival in lung reperfusion injury is improved by an antibody that binds and inhibits L- and E-selectin

The selectins are a three-member family of leukocyte, platelet, and endothelial cell adhesion proteins that mediate leukocyte traffic into normal and inflamed tissues. P-selectin is expressed by endothelial cells and platelets, E-selectin by endothelial cells, and L-selectin by circulating leukocytes. To determine if selectin-mediated leukocyte adhesion influences the development of lung reperfusion injury, we studied hemodynamics and respiratory and inert gas exchange in sheep subjected to 3-hour in situ left lung ischemia followed by 6-hour left lung reperfusion with the right lung excluded. Ten minutes before reperfusion, eight animals received EL-246 (1 mg/kg intravenously), a novel antihuman selectin antibody that recognizes and blocks both L- and E-selectin and cross-reacts in sheep. Eight control animals with ischemia received no treatment, whereas three received an isotype-matched antihuman L-selectin antibody that does not cross-react in sheep (DREG-56, 1 mg/kg intravenously). Eight sham control sheep underwent an identical operative procedure but were never subjected to ischemia. Volume-cycled, pressure-limited (20 cm H2O) mechanical ventilation was consistent in all animals throughout the experiment. Six-hour survival in EL-246 recipients (100%) was significantly higher than in either ischemic control sheep (37.5%) or DREG-56 recipients (33.3%), but gravimetric lung water was equivalent in EL-246 recipients (5.9 +/- 1.7 ml/kg), ischemic control sheep (8.3 +/- 3.0 ml/kg), and DREG-56 recipients (9.1 +/- 2.6 ml/kg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Advances in SHRUTI—A Neurally Motivated Model of Relational Knowledge Representation and Rapid Inference Using Temporal Synchrony

We are capable of drawing a variety of inferences effortlessly, spontaneously, and with remarkable efficiency—as though these inferences are a reflex response of our cognitive apparatus. This remarkable human ability poses a challenge for cognitive science and computational neuroscience: How can a network of slow neuron-like elements represent a large body of systematic knowledge and perform a wide range of inferences with such speed? The connectionist model SHRUTI attempts to address this challenge by demonstrating how a neurally plausible network can encode a large body of semantic and episodic facts, systematic rules, and knowledge about entities and types, and yet perform a wide range of explanatory and predictive inferences within a few hundred milliseconds. Relational structures (frames, schemas) are represented in SHRUTI by clusters of cells, and inference in SHRUTI corresponds to a transient propagation of rhythmic activity over such cell-clusters wherein dynamic bindings are represented by the synchronous firing of appropriate cells. SHRUTI encodes mappings across relational structures using high-efficacy links that enable the propagation of rhythmic activity, and it encodes items in long-term memory as coincidence and coincidence-error detector circuits that become active in response to the occurrence (or non-occurrence) of appropriate coincidences in the on going flux of rhythmic activity. Finally, “understanding” in SHRUTI corresponds to reverberant and coherent activity along closed loops of neural circuitry. Over the past several years, SHRUTI has undergone several enhancements that have augmented its expressiveness and inferential power. This paper describes some of these extensions that enable SHRUTI to (i) deal with negation and inconsistent beliefs, (ii) encode evidential rules and facts, (iii) perform inferences requiring the dynamic instantiation of entities, and (iv) seek coherent explanations of observations.     

Cyclazocine revisited

Recently synthesized compounds which have long-term mu antagonist activity and short-term kappa agonist effects prevent self-administration of cocaine and morphine in rats. Cyclazocine, a compound synthesized in 1962 and studied in animals and man in the 1960's and in the early 1970's is a mu antagonist in rats and man and is a potent kappa agonist in both species. It also prevents self-administration of cocaine and morphine in rats. Although it produces unpleasant side effects in man, subjects become tolerant to these side effects but not to the antagonistic actions of the drug after prolonged administration.     

Effect of the callipyge phenotype and cooking method on tenderness of several major lamb muscles

We conducted three experiments to determine the effects of the callipyge phenotype on the tenderness of several major lamb muscles and to determine the effect of method of cookery on the tenderness of callipyge lamb at 7 d postmortem. In Exp. 1, chops from normal (n = 23) and callipyge (n = 16) carcasses were open-hearth-broiled. Warner-Bratzler shear force values of longissimus, gluteus medius, semimembranosus, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, adductor, and quadriceps femoris were 123, 44, 28, 26, 19, 16, and 13% greater, respectively, for callipyge (P < .05). In Exp. 2, muscles from normal (n = 18) and callipyge (n = 18) carcasses were oven-roasted. Shear force of triceps brachii was 11% greater for callipyge (P < .001); however, phenotype did not affect shear force of supraspinatus (P = .87) or psoas major (P = .64). In Exp. 3, a trained sensory panel evaluated leg roasts and open-hearth-broiled leg chops from normal (n = 60) and callipyge lamb carcasses (n = 60). Callipyge chops were less tender than normal chops (P < .05). Regardless of callipyge phenotype, muscles were more (P < .05) tender when roasted; however, the effect of method of cookery on tenderness scores was greater for callipyge muscles than for normal muscles. Callipyge roasts and normal roasts had similar tenderness (P = .58), and callipyge roasts were more tender than normal chops (P < .05). Regardless of cooking method, callipyge samples were less juicy than normal samples (P < .05). These data demonstrate that the callipyge phenotype will likely reduce consumer satisfaction due to reduced tenderness and juiciness; however, reduced tenderness in callipyge leg muscles could be prevented by ovenroasting.     

Clinical documentation of end-stage renal disease due to hypertension

Hypertensive end-stage renal disease (ESRD) purportedly accounts for 25% of new ESRD patients each year in the United States, but remains poorly understood. Clinical features include normal renal function at diagnosis of hypertension, family history of hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and minimal proteinuria. We evaluated clinical and historic data documenting the diagnosis of hypertensive ESRD in 43 patients with ESRD attributed to hypertension who were referred to our center for renal transplantation. Hypertensive ESRD patients were more likely to be black patients with left ventricular hypertrophy compared with our overall population. Few of the hypertensive ESRD patients had undergone kidney biopsy, none of whom had classic features of benign nephrosclerosis. Less than 5% of patients had hypertension documented at any time with normal renal function. Based on our review, it is clearly possible that the number of patients reaching dialysis and transplantation with renal failure attributed to hypertensive ESRD may be overestimated.