Generalization of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems

The paper aims at several objectives. The adaptive network-based fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) of Jang is extended to the generalized ANFIS (GANFIS) by proposing a generalized fuzzy model (GFM) and considering a generalized radial basis function (GRBF) network. The GFM encompasses both the Takagi-Sugeno (TS)-model and the compositional rule of inference (CRI)-model. A local model, a property of TS-model, and the index of fuzziness, a property of CRI-model define the consequent part of a rule of GFM. The conditions by which the proposed GFM converts to TS-model or the CRI-model are presented. The basis function in GRBF is a generalized Gaussian function of three parameters. The architecture of the GRBF network is devised to learn the parameters of GFM, since it has been proved in this paper that GRBF network and GFM are functionally equivalent. It is shown that GRBF network can be reduced to either the standard RBF or the Hunt's RBF network. The issue of the normalized versus the nonnormalized GRBF networks is investigated in the context of GANFIS. An interesting property of symmetry on the error surface of GRBF network is investigated in the present work. The proposed GANFIS is applied for the modeling of a multivariable system like stock market.

Two new anti-plasmodial flavonoid glycosides from Duranta repens

The CHCl(3)-soluble fraction of the whole plant of Duranta repens showed anti-plasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, with IC(50) values of 8.5 ± 0.9 and 10.2 ± 1.5 μg/mL, respectively. From this fraction, two new flavonoid glycosides, 7-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-3,4'-dihydroxy-3'-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-5,6-dimethoxyflavone (1) and 7-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl(6'''-p-hydroxcinnamoyl)-3,4'-dihydroxy-3'-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-5,6-dimethoxyflavone (2), along with five known flavonoids, 3,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-5,6-dimethoxyflavone (3), 3,7-dihydroxy-3'-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-5,6,4'-trimethoxyflavone (4), 5,7-dihydroxy-3'-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl)-3,6,4'-trimethoxyflavone (5), 3,7-dihydroxy-3'-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-buten-yl)-5,6,4'-trimethoxyflavone (6), and 7-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-3,5-dihydroxy-3'-(4''-acetoxy-3''-methylbutyl)-6,4'-dimethoxyflavone (7), have been isolated as anti-plasmodial principles. Their structures were deduced by spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The compounds (1-7) showed potent anti-plasmodial activities against D6 and W2 strains of Plasmodium falciparum, with IC(50) values in the range of 5.2-13.5 μM and 5.9-13.1 μM, respectively.

Xanthine oxidase/tyrosinase inhibiting, antioxidant, and antifungal oxindole alkaloids from Isatis costata

Phytochemical investigations on the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the whole plant of Isatis costata Linn. (Brassicaseae) led to the isolation of the oxindole alkaloids costinones A (1), B (2), isatinones A (3), B (4), indirubin (5), and trisindoline (6). Compounds 1-6 displayed significant to moderate inhibition against xanthine oxidase enzyme with IC50 values ranging from 90.3+/-0.06 to 179.6+/-0.04 microM, whereas the standard inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (allopurinol) had an IC(50) value of 7.4+/-0.07 microM. Compounds 1 (IC50 7.21+/-0.05 microM), 2 (IC50 9.40+/-0.03 microM), 3 (IC50 11.51+/-0.07 microM), 4 (IC50 12.53+/-0.06 microM), 5 (IC50 14.29+/-0.09 microM), and 6 (IC50 17.34+/-0.04 microM) exhibited pronounced activities when compared with the standard tyrosinase inhibitor L-mimosine (IC50 3.70+/-0.03 microM), along with DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 226, 270, 300, 320, 401, and 431 microM, respectively. The crude extract and compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 showed significant antifungal activity against Trichophyton schoen leinii, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Trichophyton simii, and Macrophomina phaseolina.

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage presenting as late onset neonatal jaundice

Clinical manifestations of adrenal hemorrhage vary depending on the degree and rate of hemorrhage, as well as the amount of adrenal cortex compromised by hemorrhage. We report here a case of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage that presented with late onset neonatal jaundice. The cause of adrenal hemorrhage was birth asphyxia.

Relationship of glycaemia and triglycerides with BMI in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism arising from defect in insulin secretion or action or both. The clinical guidelines recommend measurement of BMI as "vital signs" for evaluating the obese and diabetic patients.

METHODS

This study was carried out on 160 diabetics, which were divided on the basis of BMI into obese (120) and non-obese (40) diabetics from Peshawar district. All patients had their triglycerides and glucose checked after over night fast.

RESULTS

The serum triglyceride in diabetics having BMI >30 (obese) was increased as compared to patients having BMI <30 (non-obese). The comparison of serum glucose level in obese diabetics was found to be significantly raised as compared to non-obese diabetics.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

It was concluded that dyslipidemia is common in all diabetics. The abnormal triglyceride level can improve with good glycaemic control, but do not reach the normal state. Good glycaemic control, Reducing BMI, periodic checkups of lipids and blood glucose are recommended for all diabetics in order to avoid complications.

A study of testing‐effort dependent inflection S‐shaped software reliability growth models with imperfect debugging

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to incorporate the exponentiated Weibull (EW) testing‐effort function (TEF) into inflection S‐shaped software reliability growth models (SRGMs) based on non‐homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP). The aim is also to present a more flexible SRGM with imperfect debugging.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the EW TEFs and discusses inflection S‐shaped SRGM with EW testing‐effort to get a better description of the software fault detection phenomenon. The SRGM parameters are estimated by weighted least square estimation (WLSE) and maximum‐likelihood estimation (MLE) methods. Furthermore, the proposed models are also discussed under imperfect debugging environment.

Findings

Experimental results from three actual data applications are analyzed and compared with the other existing models. The findings reveal that the proposed SRGM has better performance and prediction capability. Results also confirm that the EW TEF is suitable for incorporating into inflection S‐shaped NHPP growth models.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents the WLSE results with equal weight. Future research may be carried out for unequal weights.

Practical implications

Software reliability modeling and estimation are a major concern in the software development process, particularly during the software testing phase, as unreliable software can cause a failure in the computer system that can be hazardous. The results obtained in this paper may facilitate the software engineers, scientists, and managers in improving the software testing process.

Originality/value

The proposed SRGM has a flexible structure and may capture features of both exponential and S‐shaped NHPP growth models for failure phenomenon.

Response of buffalo spermatozoa to low temperatures during cryopreservation

This is the first detailed report on the response of buffalo spermatozoa to low temperatures during freezing. The study determined the critical temperature zone for buffalo spermatozoa and developed a suitable freezing rate for this species. Semen from four Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls diluted in Tris-citric acid was frozen in a programmable freezer. Motion characteristics, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome morphology were determined at +4, 0, –5, –10, –20, –30, –40, –50, –80 and –196°C by removing semen straws from the freezer at exactly these temperatures and rewarming them at 37°C. The first statistical decline in sperm motility and lateral head displacement was observed at –40°C. For all other parameters, there was biphasic decline: for curvilinear velocity, at 0°C and –50°C; and for plasma membrane integrity and acrosome morphology, at –30°C and –50°C. In a second series of experiments, buffalo spermatozoa were frozen using slow (–10°C min–1), medium (–20°C min–1) or fast (–30°C min–1) freezing rates, between –10°C and –80°C. Freezing of buffalo spermatozoa at a rate of –30°C min–1 yielded higher post-thaw motion characteristics, plasma membrane integrity and normal acrosomes. In conclusion, different sperm characteristics respond differently at low temperatures and the freezing of buffalo spermatozoa at a higher rate ensures higher post-thaw semen quality.

Effects of Starting Material and Reaction Temperature on the Morphology and Physical Properties of Polyurethane Foams

Polyurethane foams (PUFs) were prepared by mixing poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) and isocyanates in the ratio of 1:1.03 in the presence of additives such as catalyst, blowing agent and surfactant. The effects of types of starting material in PUF formulation on cell morphology and properties were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that starting material highly affected the morphology of PUF cells. Process parameters such as concentration of starting material and reaction temperature were investigated using SEM, foam density and capacity of water absorption. It was found that foam density depends on the cell size. While, the capacity of water absorption is depends on the percentage of the open cells and cell size. PUF samples have cell size between 200 to 600 μm, density in the range of 0.03 to 0.06 g cm-3, percentage of open cell at 25 to 60% and capacity of water absorption between 6 to 30%.

Testicular development and establishment of spermatogenesis in Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls

Fifteen longitudinally reared Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) were slaughtered at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo of age (n=3 per group) to observe testicular development and to examine qualitatively the establishment of spermatogenesis. With the age held constant, scrotal circumference and testes weight were correlated (0.95; P<0.05). Testes weight increased from 3.5+/-0.7 at 1 mo of age to 185+/-30g at 24 mo of age. Seminiferous tubules diameter developed in a linear fashion (57microm at 1 mo and 178microm at 24 mo), and the lumen formed at 12 mo of age. Differentiation of basal indifferent supporting cells to Sertoli cells started at 6 mo, and formation of Sertoli cells completed near 12 mo of age. Gonocytes predominated at 1 mo, but by 12 mo, most had been replaced by spermatogonia, thus rapid proliferation of tubular contents occurred at 12 mo (testes weight=75g). Spermatocytes were first observed at 12 mo, and their number increased through 18 and 24 mo. Establishment of spermatogenesis, as reflected by appearance of significant number of spermatids, occurred by 18 mo of age (testes weight 122g). Thus, the establishment of spermatogenesis was progressive from birth, and marked changes were observed during the last 6 mo.

Economical and environmental implications of solid waste compost applications to agricultural fields in Punjab, Pakistan

Application of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) to agricultural soils is becoming an increasingly important global practice to enhance and sustain soil organic matter (SOM) and fertility levels. Potential risks associated with heavy metals and phosphorus accumulations in surface soils may be minimized with integrated nutrient management strategies that utilize MSWC together with mineral fertilizers. To explore the economic feasibility of MSWC applications, nutrient management plans were developed for rice-wheat and cotton-wheat cropping systems within the Punjab region of Pakistan. Three-year field trials were conducted to measure yields and to determine the economic benefits using three management strategies and two nutrient doses. Management strategies included the application of mineral fertilizers as the sole nutrient source and application of mineral fertilizers in combination with MSWC with and without pesticide/herbicide treatments. Fertilizer doses were either based on standard N, P and K recommendations or on measured site-specific soil plant available phosphorus (PAP) levels. It was found that combining MSWC and mineral fertilizer applications based on site-specific PAP levels with the use of pesticides and herbicides is an economically and environmentally viable management strategy. Results show that incorporation of MSWC improved soil physical properties such as bulk density and penetration resistance. The PAP levels in the surface layer increased by the end of the trials relative to the initial status. No potential risks of heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) accumulation were observed. Treatments comprised of MSWC and mineral fertilizer adjusted to site-specific PAP levels and with common pest management showed highest cumulative yields. A basic economic analysis revealed a significantly higher cumulative net profit and value-to-cost ratio (VCR) for all site-specific doses.

The timing of calcium measurements in helping to predict temporary and permanent hypocalcaemia in patients having completion and total thyroidectomies

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative hypocalaemia commonly occurs after extensive thyroid surgery and may require calcium and/or vitamin D supplements to alleviate or prevent the symptoms. In this study, we determined the risk factors for developing hypocalcaemia and whether early serum calcium levels can predict the development of or differentiate between temporary or permanent hypocalcaemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 162 patients who either had a completion or total thyroidectomy formed the basis of this prospective study. Serial serum calcium measurements were recorded as well as details of the operation, pathology, indications for surgery, number of parathyroids identified at operation and any complications.

RESULTS

Eighty-four (52%) patients did not develop hypocalcaemia but 69 (43%) were found to have temporary hypocalcaemia and 9 (5%) had permanent hypocalcaemia. Hypocalcaemia was more common after total than completion thyroidectomies and the identification of parathyroids at operation appears to have a significant adverse effect on outcome. The calcium levels measured on day 1 postoperatively and the slope (serum calcium levels of day 1 postoperative minus day of operation) were statistically significant in predicting the development of hypocalcaemia and possibly to differentiate between temporary or permanent hypocalcaemia.

DISCUSSION

Although almost half the patients having extensive thyroid surgery developed hypocalcaemia (as defined by any postoperative corrected serum calcium level of < 2.12 mmol/l) only 24% had a serum calcium of < 2.12 mmol/l associated with clinical symptoms of hypocalcaemia or a calcium level of < 2.0 mmol/l. Only 5% had persistent hypocalcaemia defined as requiring exogenous supplements at 6 months' postoperatively. Patients having a completion thyroidectomy appear to be less likely to develop hypocalcaemia perhaps as a result of any iatrogenic effects on the parathyroids at the first operation being reversed before the second operation. Identification and, therefore, exposure of parathyroids at operation may have an adverse effect on the blood supply to the glands affecting their function.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum calcium levels measured 6 hours' post-surgery and on day 1 postoperatively can be useful in predicting if the patient will develop hypocalcaemia and the slope may indicate whether the hypocalcaemia will be temporary or permanent. Patients with toxic goitres and those having a one-stage total thyroidectomy are most at risk of developing hypocalcaemia.

Design and development of a portable gamma radiation monitor

A portable gamma radiation monitor has been designed and developed. The monitor can be used effectively in the dose range from 0.07 to 500 mGy/h due to gamma rays of energy greater than 65 keV. The monitor overestimated radiation doses and the uncertainty in the measured dose rate has been found to be < or = 30%. The response of the monitor can be considered isotropic within an acceptable error of +/-30%. Provision has also been added to use the monitor as an installed radiation monitor. In installed mode, it can be operated from a remote location up to 1 km and the timing history can be stored on a personal computer.

Inflammatory pseudotumours of the liver: a spectrum of presentation and management options

PURPOSE

To review the current management options in inflammatory pseudotumours via analysis of ten cases from this unit the largest experience of this pathology in a Western series. To assess the medical and operative options available for this condition and the varying outcomes and the lessons learned in this unit over the time period.

RESULTS

Data from the ten cases were analysed and a comprehensive review of the published literature to date has detailed 128 case reports with 215 cases of inflammatory pseudotumour of the liver. Data analysed included patient demographics, diagnostic modalities, details of treatment and eventual outcome. The data was tabulated using an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel 2004 for Mac 2004.Version 11.0). Categorical variables were compared using Pearson's chi(2) test and p values <0.05 were defined as statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows (Version 9.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).

CONCLUSION

Emphasis is placed on a preferred medical management initially for this tumour with a good prognosis coupled with regular follow up. There may be a need for surgical resection cases where diagnosis is unclear or the patient is not responding to medical treatment with progression of disease or symptoms.

Repenins A-D, four new antioxidative coumarinolignoids from Duranta repens Linn

Phytochemical investigations on the CHCl(3)-soluble fraction of the whole plant of Duranta repens Linn. led to the isolation of four new coumarinolignoids, Repenins A-D (1-4), along with the known coumarinolignoids, cleomiscosin A (5) and durantin A (6). Their structures were determined by modern spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and chemical studies. The compounds (1-6) showed potent antioxidative scavenging activity against DPPH radicals, with IC(50) values in the range 0.420-0.625mM. Repenin B (2) displayed the strongest scavenging potential with IC(50) values of (0.420mM).