A single-phase algorithm for mining high utility itemsets using compressed tree structures

Mining high utility itemsets (HUIs) from transaction databases considers such factors as the unit profit and quantity of purchased items. Two-phase tree-based algorithms transform a database into compressed tree structures and generate candidate patterns through a recursive pattern-growth procedure. This procedure requires a lot of memory and time to construct conditional pattern trees. To address this issue, this study employs two compressed tree structures, namely, Utility Count Tree and String Utility Tree, to enumerate valid patterns and thus promote fast utility computation. Furthermore, the study presents an algorithm called single-phase utility computation (SPUC) that leverages these two tree structures to mine HUIs in a single phase by incorporating novel pruning strategies. Experiments conducted on both real and synthetic datasets demonstrate the superior performance of SPUC compared with IHUP, UP-Growth, and UP-Growth+ algorithms.     

Non-resonant RF and microwave response: A novel technique for the characterization of superconducting materials

When examined using continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, the highT _c superconductors give rise to intense, low field, ‘non-resonant’ absorption signals in the superconducting state. This phenomenon can be used as a highly sensitive, contactless technique for the detection and characterization of superconductivity even in samples containing only minute amounts of the superconducting phase. Further, it can also be applied to the determination of material parameters of interest such asJ _c andH _c2 in addition to being a powerful way of distinguishing between weak-link superconductivity and bulk superconductivity. The details of these aspects are discussed.     

Effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins on growth of Bifidobacterium bifidus in milk

The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins in milk using neutrase on the growth of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium bifidus was evaluated by estimation of microbial growth, acidity, viscosity and flavour production. A significant increase in the growth of B bifidus was observed in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk. The setting time of bifidus‐cultured milk was advanced by about 12 h at 5% degree of hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins prior to cultivation also significantly increased the viscosity of the product. An approximately 60% increase in viscosity of the product was observed in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk. Production of steam‐volatile monocarbonyls as an indication of development of flavour was also higher in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk. The concentration of steam‐volatile monocarbonyls was 2.47 µmol per 100 ml in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk but only 1.84 µmol per 100 ml in control milk at the setting point of the curd. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

10-Gb/s error-free transmission under optical reflection using isolator-free 1.3- /spl mu/m InP-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Error-free transmission through 10-km single-mode fiber at 10 Gb/s under -13-dB optical reflections has been demonstrated for the first time using a directly modulated 1.3-/spl mu/m InP-based VCSEL without any optical isolator. The 13-GHz relaxation oscillation frequency and stable polarization suppresses relative intensity noise degradation under optical reflection. Only 1-dB error-free power penalty has been observed with optical reflection set with the worst polarization direction.     

Characterization of Mixed Neodymium Lanthanum Heptamolybdate Crystals Grown by Gel Encapsulation Technique

Crystals of mixed NdLa heptamolybdates (max. size0.75×0.75×0.75 mm3) grown by silica gel technique were characterized using EDAX, IR, optical and scanning electron micrscopies.X-ray as well as electrn diffraction. The composition of the crystals was determined as (Nd1/2 La1/2 )2 Mo7O24·35H2O.The crystals exhibit varied morpholgies including square and octagonal platelets, cuboids, multifaceted crystal in coalesced and aggregated forms and spherulites.The XRD results indicate crystallinity of the grown material. Electron diffraction results suggest thermal instability of the material. IR results show the presence of peaks due to water and metal-oxygen bonds     

ERCP and CT findings of ectopic drainage of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate ERCP and CT findings of ectopic drainage of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb. CONCLUSION: Although rare, the diagnosis of ectopic drainage of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb is important to prevent inadvertent damage during biliary tract or gastric surgery and to clarify the cause of chronic peptic ulcers.     

Use of the polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of leprosy

A case is described in which a pericardial branch of a nongrafted left internal mammary artery communicated directly with the distal left anterior descending artery, following saphenous vein bypass grafting. This type of collateralization following coronary artery bypass surgery seems to be very rare, and perhaps could protect the myocardium from severe ischemia.     

Acromioclavicular joint cyst and rotator cuff tear

The role of a depressor factor, atrial natriuretic peptide, in the development of arterial hypertension in adolescents with pubertal hypothalamic syndrome was studied in 52 patients and 13 healthy males aged 13-24 years. The duration of disease was 2-11 years. Radioimmunological methods were used to measure plasma atrial natriuretic peptide, plasma renin activity, and serum aldosterone. Patients with borderline arterial hypertension were found to have a significant reduction in their atrial natriuretic peptide levels, and this correlated directly with the renin-aldosterone system, demonstrating insufficiency of the depressor system in patients with pubertal hypothalamic syndrome and the involvement of atrial natriuretic peptide in the development of arterial hypertension, along with disturbances in the functional relationship between atrial natriuretic peptide and the renin-aldosterone system.     

Serum amyloid P component scintigraphy and turnover studies for diagnosis and quantitative monitoring of AA amyloidosis in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate aspects of the natural history of AA amyloidosis complicating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and its response to therapy with chlorambucil. METHODS: Scintigraphy and 7-day turnover studies were performed in JRA patients with histologically proven (n = 35) or clinically suspected (n = 30) AA amyloidosis, following intravenous injection of 123I and 125I-labeled serum amyloid P component (SAP). Prospective monitoring studies were performed over 2-3 years in 20 patients with amyloidosis. All but 2 amyloidosis patients were treated with chlorambucil. RESULTS: Positive scanning results were obtained in all patients in whom imaging was performed within 12 years of positive biopsy findings of amyloid and in 5 patients with clinically suspected amyloidosis. Negative scanning results with normal SAP metabolism, indicating regression of amyloid, were obtained in 4 patients whose amyloidosis had been in full clinical remission for more than 12 years. Prospective monitoring studies in patients whose JRA-associated inflammatory activity was in remission demonstrated regression of amyloid in 8 patients and no substantial changes in 8 others; however, in 4 further patients with active inflammation, there was accumulation of amyloid. There was a very poor correlation between the amount of amyloid present at a particular site and the resultant organ dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Radiolabeled SAP scintigraphy and turnover studies are useful complementary tools in the diagnosis, screening, and quantitative monitoring of type AA amyloidosis in JRA. The amyloid deposits may progress and/or regress at different rates in different anatomic sites over short periods.