Multi-scale AM–FM analysis for the classification of surface electromyographic signals

In this work, multi-scale amplitude modulation–frequency modulation (AM–FM) features are extracted from surface electromyographic (SEMG) signals and they are used for the classification of neuromuscular disorders. The method is validated on SEMG signals recorded from a total of 40 subjects: 20 normal and 20 abnormal cases (11 myopathy, and 9 neuropathy cases), at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), from the biceps brachii muscle. For the classification, three classifiers are used: (i) the statistical K-nearest neighbor (KNN), (ii) the self-organizing map (SOM) and (iii) the support vector machine (SVM). For all classifiers, the leave-one-out methodology is used to validate the classification of the SEMG signals into normal or abnormal (myopathy or neuropathy). A classification success rate of 78% for the AM–FM features and SVM models was achieved. These results also show that SEMG can be used as a non-invasive alternative to needle EMG for differentiating between normal and abnormal (myopathy, or neuropathy) cases.     

Translation of the mRNAs coding for the major hemolymph proteins of Ceratitis capitata in cell-free system: comparison of the translatable mRNA levels to the respective biosynthetic levels of the proteins in the fat body during development

Four major hemolymph polypeptides (ceratitins) with molecular weights between 8.1 X 10(4) and 8.7 X 10(4) daltons have been identified in the fat body of late Ceratitis capitata larvae. Total fat body RNA from late larvae was translated in reticulocyte lysate, and the predominant in vitro translation products were shown to be the ceratitin precursors. The biosynthesis of these proteins during postembryonic development was studied in both tissue culture and cell-free system. Comparison of the biosynthetic patterns obtained in the two systems suggests a linear relationship between messenger concentration and protein synthesis. Three of these polypeptides show a coordinate pattern of synthesis and are immunologically related. After pupation, all four ceratitins are reabsorbed by the fat body where they accumulate.     

Chemistry of the diazeniumdiolates. I. Structural and spectral characteristics of the [N(O)NO]- functional group.

Ions of structure X[N(O)NO]-, examples of which have seen increasing use as probes for studying the biology of nitric oxide (NO) over the past decade, have a varied chemical history spanning nearly two centuries. Nevertheless, they have not been widely appreciated for their physicochemical similarities. Here we begin a series of systematic inquiries into the fundamental chemistry of such compounds aimed at identifying both the characteristics that justify considering them as a group and the factors that contribute to observed differences in their physicochemical properties. In the present paper, X-ray structures in which X is SO3- (1), O- (2), Ph (3), and Et2N (5), as well as that of the gem-disubstituted carbon derivative CH2[N(O)NO]2-(2) (4), are compared. All their O-N-N-O systems are essentially planar, with cis oxygens and an N-N linkage exhibiting considerable double-bond character. The ultraviolet spectrum of the isolated chromophore consists of a relatively intense ( approximately 6-10 mM(-1) x cm(-1) per [N(O)NO]- group) absorption at 248-250 nm (for 2 and 5) that is red shifted by through-space Stark interactions (e.g., by approximately 10 nm in 1 and 4) as well as by conjugative interaction with X (lambda(max) = 284 nm for 3). Infrared and Raman spectra for the widely used pharmacological probe 5 were determined, with analysis of vibrational modes being aided by comparison with the spectra of the [15N(O)15NO]- isotopomer and density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level. To address confusion that has arisen in the literature resulting from rather widespread use of differing trivial designations for this class of compounds, a unifying nomenclature system is recommended in which compounds containing the [N(O)NO]- moiety are named as diazeniumdiolates. It is hoped that these and other efforts to understand and predict the physicochemical similarities and differences among different members of the diazeniumdiolate class will aid in reaping their full potential in the area of rational drug design.     

Quantitative comparisons ofin situ microbial biodiversity by signature biomarker analysis

Microscopic examinations have convinced microbial ecologists that the culturable microbes recovered from environmental samples represent a tiny proportion of the extant microbiota. Methods for recovery and enzymatic amplification of nucleic acids from environmental samples have shown that a huge diversity existsin situ, far exceeding any expectations which were based on direct microscopy. It is now theoretically possible to extract, amplify and sequence all the nucleic acids from a community and thereby gain a comprehensive measure of the diversity as well as some insights into the phylogeny of the various elements within this community. Unfortunately, this analysis becomes economically prohibitive if applied to the multitude of niches in a single biome let alone to a diverse set of environments. It is also difficult to utilize PCR amplification on nucleic acids from some biomes because of coextracting enzymatic inhibitors. Signature biomarker analysis which potentially combines gene probe and lipid analysis on the same sample, can serve as a complement to massive environmental genome analysis in providing quantitative comparisons between microniches in the biome under study. This analysis can also give indications of the magnitude of differences in biodiversity in the blome as well as provide insight into the phenotypic activities of each community in a rapid and cost-effective manner. Applications of signature lipid biomarker analysis to define quantitatively the microbial viable biomass of portions of an Eastern USA deciduous forest, are presented.     

A Simple Methodological Approach for Counting and Identifying Culturable Viruses Adsorbed to Cellulose Nitrate Membrane Filters

We identified conditions under which Buffalo green monkey cells grew on the surfaces of cellulose nitrate membrane filters in such a way that they covered the entire surface of each filter and penetrated through the pores. When such conditions were used, poliovirus that had previously been adsorbed on the membranes infected the cells and replicated. A plaque assay method and a quantal method (most probable number of cytopathic units) were used to detect and count the viruses adsorbed on the membrane filters. Polioviruses in aqueous suspensions were then concentrated by adsorption to cellulose membrane filters and were subsequently counted without elution, a step which is necessary when the commonly used methods are employed. The pore size of the membrane filter, the sample contents, and the sample volume were optimized for tap water, seawater, and a 0.25 M glycine buffer solution. The numbers of viruses recovered under the optimized conditions were more than 50% greater than the numbers counted by the standard plaque assay. When ceftazidime was added to the assay medium in addition to the antibiotics which are typically used, the method could be used to study natural samples with low and intermediate levels of microbial pollution without decontamination of the samples. This methodological approach also allowed plaque hybridization either directly on cellulose nitrate membranes or on Hybond N+ membranes after the preparations were transferred.     

Exploitation of a 650 bp probe for quantification of Pneumocystis carinii.

Signals obtained from serial dilutions of rat-derived Pneumocystis carinii DNA were used to assess the sensitivity of a 650-bp DNA probe which recognises both cystic and non-cystic forms. Enhanced chemiluminescence was selected as a non-radioactive detection method and signals could be semi-quantitated by scanning densitometry. This technique was used to examine the inhibitory effect of pentamidine in vitro indicating that DNA probes might be useful tools in the search for a novel therapeutic agent.     

Effect of supplemental dietary biotin on performance of lactating ewes

Seventy-two lactating Chios ewes were used in two experiments to determine effects of supplemental dietary biotin on productivity and milk composition. The first experiment started after weaning on day 42 postpartum, and lasted 20 weeks, while the second started on week 24 postpartum and lasted 12 weeks. In both experiments, ewes were allocated, after equal distribution relative to milk yield, body weight, time of lambing, and lactation number (i.e., two or three), into three groups of 24 ewes each, and were accommodated in three floor pens/groups of eight ewes/treatment. Ewes were fed one of three diets varying in supplemental biotin (BIOTIN0, no supplemental biotin; BIOTIN3, 3 mg supplemental biotin/ewe/day; BIOTIN5, 5 mg supplemental biotin/ewe/day) in each experiment. Milk, fat, protein, lactose and ash yield, and milk fat content increased linearly (P<0.012) with increased dietary biotin in both studies. Dietary biotin supplementation improved the productive performance of these lactating ewes at both an early and late stage of lactation.