Finding approximate matches in large lexicons

Approximate string matching is used for spelling correction and personal name matching. In this paper we show how to use string matching techniques in conjunction with lexicon indexes to find approximate matches in a large lexicon. We test several lexicon indexing techniques, including n-grams and permuted lexicons, and several string matching techniques, including string similarity measures and phonetic coding. We propose methods for combining these techniques, and show experimentally that these combinations yield good retrieval effectiveness while keeping index size and retrieval time low. Our experiments also suggest that, in contrast to previous claims, phonetic codings are markedly inferior to string distance measures, which are demonstrated to be suitable for both spelling correction and personal name matching.     

Use of the 15N natural abundance technique to quantify biological nitrogen fixation by woody perennials

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) associated with trees and shrubs plays a major role in the functioning of many ecosystems, from natural woodlands to plantations and agroforestry systems, but it is surprisingly difficult to quantify the amounts of N₂ fixed. Some of the problems involved in measuring N₂ fixation by woody perennials include: (a) diversity in occurrence, and large plant-to-plant variation in growth and nodulation status of N₂-fixing species, especially in natural ecosystems; (b) long-term, perennial nature of growth and the seasonal or year-to-year changes in patterns of N assimilation; and (c) logistical limitations of working with mature trees which are generally impossible to harvest in their entirety. The methodology which holds most promise to quantify the contributions of N₂ fixation to trees is the so-called `¹⁵N natural abundance' technique which exploits naturally occurring differences in ¹⁵N composition between plant-available N sources in the soil and that of atmospheric N₂. In this review we discuss probable explanations for the origin of the small differences in ¹⁵N abundance found in different N pools in both natural and man-made ecosystems and utilise previously published information and unpublished data to examine the potential advantages and limitations inherent in the application of the technique to study N₂ fixation by woody perennials. Calculation of the proportion of the plant N derived from atmospheric N₂ (%Ndfa) using the natural abundance procedure requires that both the ¹⁵N natural abundance of the N derived from BNF and that derived from the soil by the target N₂-fixing species be determined. It is then assumed that the ¹⁵N abundance of the N₂-fixing species reflects the relative contributions of the N derived from these two sources. The ¹⁵N abundance of the N derived from BNF (B) can vary with micro-symbiont, plant species/provenance and growth stage, all of which create considerable difficulties for its precise evaluation. If the%Ndfa is large and the ¹⁵N abundance of the N acquired from other sources is not several ¹⁵N units higher or lower than B, then this can be a major source of error. Further difficulties can arise in determining the ¹⁵N abundance of the N derived from soil (and plant litter, etc.) by the target plant as it is usually impossible to predict which, if any, non-N₂-fixing reference species will obtain N from the same N sources in the same proportions with the same temporal and spatial patterns as the N₂-fixing perennial. The compromise solution is to evaluate the ¹⁵N abundance of a diverse range of neighbouring non-N₂-fixing plants and to compare these values with that of the N₂-fixing species and the estimate of B. Only then can it be determined whether the contribution of BNF to the target species can be quantified with any degree of confidence. This review of the literature suggests that while the natural abundance technique appears to provide quantitative measures of BNF in tree plantation and agroforestry systems, particular difficulties may arise which can often limit its application in natural ecosystems.     

Revisiting the size selective performance of EPA's high-volume total suspended particulate matter (Hi-Vol TSP) sampler

Under the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for airborne lead, measurements are conducted by means of a high-volume total suspended particulate matter (Hi-Vol TSP) sampler. In the decade between 1973 and 1983, there were 12 publications that explored the sampling characteristics and effectiveness of the Hi-Vol TSP, yet there persists uncertainty regarding its performance. This article presents an overview of the existing literature on the performance of the Hi-Vol TSP, and identifies the reported sampler effectiveness with respect to four factors: particle size (reported effectiveness of 7%–100%), wind speed (?36% to 100%), sampler orientation (7%–100%), and operational state (107%–140%). Effectiveness of the Hi-Vol TSP was evaluated with a solid, polydisperse aerosol in a controlled wind tunnel setting. Isokinetic samplers were deployed alongside the Hi-Vol TSP to investigate three wind speeds (2, 8, and 24 km h^?1), three sampler orientations (0°, 45°, 90°), and two operational states (on, off) for aerosols with aerodynamic diameters from 5 to 35 µm. Results indicate that particle diameter was the largest determining factor of effectiveness followed by wind speed. Orientation of the sampler did not have a significant effect at 2 and 8 km h^?1 but did at 24 km h^?1. In a passive state, the Hi-Vol TSP was collected between 1% and 7% of available aerosol depending on particle size and wind speed. Results of this research do not invalidate results of previous studies but rather contribute to our overall understanding of the Hi-Vol TSP's size-selective performance. While results generally agreed with previous studies, the Hi-Vol TSP was found to exhibit less dependence on these four factors than previously reported.

© 2017 American Association for Aerosol Research     

LDL particle size in subjects with previously unsuspected coronary heart disease: relationship with other cardiovascular risk markers

PURPOSE: We report a retrospective series of 850 patients treated by external irradiation for carcinoma of the eyelid at Institut Curie and we compare our results with other techniques: brachytherapy and surgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eight hundred fifty patients were treated by external radiotherapy for carcinoma of the eyelid. None of these patients have been previously treated. All the patients were classified according to the TNM classification of (UICC). We distinguished five histological types and five clinical groups according to the site of the skin tumor. Three modalities of external radiotherapy were used: contact therapy, conventional radiotherapy, and electrontherapy. We reviewed the clinical files of the 850 patients who went regularly at follow-up visits. RESULTS: We report the 5-year survival results--alive with no evidence of disease: 72%; alive with progression: 2%; died from tumor progression: 0.5%; died from intercurrent disease: 19.5%; and lost to follow-up: 5%. The 5-year local control rate was 97.5%. We observed 45 failures--lymph node, metastatic, and local--and emphasize this last group by presenting the results of treatment of these local failures. We studied the complications of treatment: 2.3% of corneal complications, 2% of cataracts, and 1.4% of serious ocular complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results concerning local failures and loss of the eye are comparable to those reported for other techniques involving brachytherapy or surgery. Overall, external radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment, as it ensures a high local control rate and provides perfectly satisfactory functional and esthetic results. It seemed particularly useful to report this series in that few publications are available on this subject that, nevertheless, constitutes a topical issue.     

Caecal disease in equids

OBJECTIVE: To review the breed, age, gender, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of horses with caecal disease presented to a referral centre. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 96 cases. PROCEDURE: The breed, age, and gender of the study population were compared with the corresponding hospital population for the same period. The means (+/- SD) for clinical and laboratory findings were recorded for each caecal disorder. Treatment was categorised as medical or surgical, and outcome was recorded. RESULTS: Caecal diseases included impaction (40% of total cases), rupture associated with concurrent unrelated disease (13%), rupture with parturition (9%), rupture with no associated disease (5%), infarction (11%), torsion (9%), abscess or adhesion (7%), tumour (3%), and miscellaneous conditions (3%). The breed or gender of affected horses did not differ from the hospital population, although horses > 15 years were more frequently represented (P < 0.05). This age group was specifically more predisposed to caecal impaction (P < 0.05), as were Arabian, Morgan, and Appaloosa breeds (P < 0.05). In horses with caecal impaction transrectal examination was the most useful diagnostic procedure; 90% of affected horses treated medically were discharged while horses treated by typhlotomy alone, or typhlotomy and blind end ileocolostomy, had survival rates to discharge of 71% and 86%, respectively. Horses with caecal rupture associated with concurrent un-related disease showed no signs of impending rupture; all were receiving phenylbutazone, all were euthanased, and 50% had caecal ulceration at necropsy. Of horses with caecal rupture with parturition 56% had prior dystocia; in two-thirds the site of rupture was the ileocaecal junction and all were euthanased. Horses with caecal rupture with no associated disease died or were euthanased; rupture was idiopathic. Horses with caecal infarction usually had signs of abdominal pain and abdominal fluid changes consistent with peritonitis; transrectal examination was nonspecific, and typhlectomy was successful in seven of eight horses. Horses with caecal torsion had signs of severe, acute abdominal pain and typhlectomy was successful in three of five horses. Diagnosis of caecal adhesion or abscess was assisted by transrectal palpation in two of seven horses and surgical treatment was successful in two of five horses. A caecal tumour was diagnosed in three horses aged 20 years or older that presented with chronic weight loss. Other caecal diseases were uncommon. CONCLUSION: Caecal disease is uncommon in equids but some specific features of the history and physical findings can alert the veterinarian to the possibility of caecal involvement in horses with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Medical or surgical therapy can be effective in horses where caecal rupture has not occurred.     

Relation between coronary artery disease, aortic stiffness, and left ventricular structure in a population sample

With the use of the degenerated nucleotides that contain the conserved sequence of G protein-coupled receptor, we have identified a 648-bp clone (HDGRC02) from human genomic DNA with significant sequence homology to human neurotransmitter receptors. HDGRC02 was then used as a probe for the screening of full length gene. From human Lambda DASH II genomic library, a 1.6 Kb clone encoded a full length gene was isolated and named putative neurotransmitter receptor (PNR). PNR has a single open reading frame which predicts a 38.3 KD protein of 338 amino acids with seven transmembrane domain topography. The amino acid sequence of PNR exhibits considerable homology to the rat 5-HR1D receptor with 35% amino acid identity and 56% amino acid similarity. PNR also shows significant sequence homology to the 5-HT1D receptor from Japanese puffer fish fugu, to the 5-HT4L receptor from mouse, to the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor and to the D2 dopamine receptor. Northern blot analysis indicates that PNR is expressed in skeletal muscle and selected areas of the brain. A chromosome mapping study located the PNR gene with human chromosome band of 6q23. The findings in the present study demonstrate that PNR is a putative neurotransmitter receptor.     

Acanthamoeba keratitis: multicentre survey in England 1992-6. National Acanthamoeba Keratitis Study Group

AIM: To investigate the frequency, outcomes, and risk factors for acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in England during the past 4 years. METHODS: An ophthalmologist in 12 of the 14 regional health authorities (RHAs) coordinated identification of patients in their region presenting with AK between 1 October 1992 and 30 September 1996. Clinical and postal patient questionnaire data were analysed. RESULTS: 243 patients (259 eyes) with an AK diagnosis were identified, equating to an annualised incidence of 0.14 per 100,000 individuals. UK resident patients for each year numbered 50, 71, 73, and 32 respectively. Among patients with sufficient data 170/237 (72%) were diagnosed early (within 30 days of presentation), 197/218 (90%) were treated with polyhexamethyl biguanide and/or chlorhexidine, and 40/243 (16%) underwent surgery. Visual acuities of 6/12 or better were achieved by 222/259 (86%) eyes, including 84 eyes of patients under review or lost to follow up. Non-contact lens (CL) wearers were associated with delayed diagnosis, increased need for surgery and a poorer visual outcome (only 10/18 eyes, 56%, achieved 6/12 acuity). 225/243 (93%) patients were CL wearers, and 205/243 (84%) were soft CL (SCL) users. Among SCL user respondents, previously identified risk factors--swimming with CL (47/138, 34%), non-sterile CL rinsing (11/138, 8%), omitted disinfection (85/138, 62%), and chlorine release disinfection (65/138, 47%)--were identified for 125/138 (91%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Earlier diagnosis and more effective medical therapy have improved the prognosis for most AK patients. The study demonstrates the highly preventable nature of the disease: 91% of the SCL wearers could have avoided the disease by refraining from inadvisable practices, and a marked fall in frequency was seen after intensive media attention to AK, possibly in conjunction with increasing penetrance of new CL products. Since the frequency of AK appears to be largely determined by the ever changing trends in CL use, continued monitoring is indicated.     

Soy isoflavones improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal and perimenopausal women

The possibility that the heightened cardiovascular risk associated with the menopause, which is said to be ameliorated by soybeans, can be reduced with soy isoflavones was tested in 21 women. Although several were perimenopausal, all have been included. A placebo-controlled crossover trial tested the effects of 80-mg daily isoflavones (45 mg genistein) over 5- to 10-week periods. Systemic arterial compliance (arterial elasticity), which declined with age in this group, improved 26% (P < .001) compared with placebo. Arterial pressure and plasma lipids were unaffected. The vasodilatory capacity of the microcirculation was measured in nine women; high acetylcholine-mediated dilation in the forearm vasculature was similar with active and placebo treatments. LDL oxidizability measured in vitro was unchanged. Thus, one important measure of arterial health, systemic arterial compliance, was significantly improved in perimenopausal and menopausal women taking soy isoflavones to about the same extent as is achieved with conventional hormone replacement therapy.