Non-linear minimum variance estimation for discrete-time multi-channel systems

A nonlinear operator approach to estimation in discrete-time systems is described. It involves inferential estimation of a signal which enters a communications channel involving both nonlinearities and transport delays. The measurements are assumed to be corrupted by a colored noise signal which is correlated with the signal to be estimated. The system model may also include a communications channel involving either static or dynamic nonlinearities. The signal channel is represented in a very general nonlinear operator form. The algorithm is relatively simple to derive and to implement

Comprehension of wh-questions in a case of mixed dementia

We investigated processing of wh-questions and declarative sentences with differing syntactic complexity in a case of mixed dementia (FA). FA was impaired in her ability to understand syntactically complex declarative sentences and syntactically complex wh-questions beginning with which but not complex who questions. This profile, novel in dementia, is similar to that reported for people with agrammatic aphasia and discerns a ‘‘fault line’’ of the language system along a syntactic/semantic paramete

Detection of filaggrin gene mutation (2282del4) in Pakistani Ichthyosis vulgaris families.

The aim of this study was to detect an 811 bp filaggrin (FLG) gene fragment known to carry a mutation 2282del4 which causes ichthyosis vulgaris. Seven clinically examined ichthyosis vulgaris families were included in this study. An 811 bp FLG gene fragment was targeted in the genomic DNA of all the members of the seven families by PCR amplification using known primers RPT1P7 and RPT2P1. Successful amplification of an 811 bp FLG gene fragment in all the families suggested the possible role of the 2282del4 mutation in causing ichthyosis vulgaris in Pakistani population

Significance of pyuria in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in neonates

OBJECTIVES: To determine the significance of pyuria as a predictor of culture proven urinary tract infections (UTI) in neonates and to assess the frequency of urinary tract anomalies in neonates with pyuria. METHODS: Prospective study conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital; (Liaquat National Hospital Karachi) for a period of 4 months from April 2008 to August 2008. One hundred and ten consecutive infants \u3c or = 28 days of age admitted to the NICU of Liaquat National Hospital for medical reasons were included in the study. Information regarding age, gender, antenatal history, birth weight, clinical examination, laboratory findings and outcome were recorded on a questionnaire. Septic work up was performed and urine samples were collected using urethral catheterization. Patients showing any number of white blood cells on microscopy were included and their urine sent for culture. All patients had Ultrasound done during their hospital stay and those patients with any renal abnormality were further investigated with Micturating cyestoretherogram (MCUG) at 6 weeks. RESULTS: Out of one hundred and ten patients admitted, thirty five patients showed the presence of pus cells in urine and were included in the study. Of the 35 neonates with pyuria, 71.4% had no growth in urine cultures and 38.2 % neonates with insignificant pyuria (\u3c or = 9 cells in urine) showed a positive culture. The renal ultrasound was normal in 51.4% neonates with pyuria although it was abnormal in 100% of the subjects with higher number of pus cells in urine (\u3e 20 pus cells). CONCLUSION: Pyuria is not a useful marker for the diagnosis of culture proven UTI in neonates it cannot be used as an indicator of underlying renal abnormality, though it may have some utility in neonates with \u3e 20 /numerous pus cells

Molecular studies of ichthyosis vulgaris in Pakistani families.

Objective: To target and amplify a 1.5 kb FLG gene fragment known to carry R501X mutation responsible for causing ichthyosis vulgaris. Study Design: A case series. Place and Duration of Study: Centre for Molecular Genetics, University of Karachi and Dermatology Department, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, from October 2007 to December 2008. Methodology: Clinically examined seven ichthyosis vulgaris families were included in this study. The 1.5 kb FLG gene fragment was located in the genomic DNA of both the affected (patients) and unaffected (normal, controls) members of the families by PCR amplification using known primers FilF3 and RPTIP6. Results: Amplification of 1.5 kb FLG gene fragment was successful in four families while one family showed amplification of the gene fragment in 3 members (one affected and two normal). Two families showed no amplification. Conclusion: The results obtained during this study suggested the possibility of the R501X mutation as being one of the major causes of ichthyosis vulgaris in Pakistan. In addition, the study also revealed the possibility of the presence of novel FLG gene mutations in our population

Adherence to Lifestyle Advice and reatments in Pakistani Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that has become a major health care concern, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Lifestyle modification and appropriate pharmacotherapy are shown to improve blood glucose levels, lipid abnormalities and blood pressure. It is not known how many patients adhere to advice and drugs prescribed. This study aimed to determine adherence to lifestyle and therapeutic advice. Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study was conducted among patients attending the diabetic clinic at the Aga Khan University Hospital, using a structured questionnaire. Adult patients with T2DM and with at least one year duration of diabetes were included in the study. Results: Participants were aged between 32 and 92 years old with a mean age of 55.7 years old (SD ± 10.7). Mean duration of diabetes was 10.7 years old (SD ± 7.7). Majority (94%) of the patients were literate. Around half (47.3%) of the patients have had achieved glycemic target (HbA1c \u3c 7%). Above target glycemic control was more common among patients with ischemic heart disease (68.1%), neuropathy (64.8%) and those on insulin (62.5%). Self-reported non-adherence for blood sugar monitoring (9.5%), physi cal activity (61.7%), tobacco use (43.4%) and foot care (43.9%) were noted. About 25% of the participants were not fully adherent to dietary advice. None of the patients from our study reported non-ad- herence to medications. Good adherence to physical activity was found in males with college degree. The highest percentage of tobacco use (33.3%) was reported among businessmen. Conclusion: We noted low adherence to advice for physical activity, tobacco use and SMBG, but a high adherence to prescribed medications and insulin. This was a selected group visiting a teaching hospital. This will need to be studied further in the community and efforts are required to motivate patients

Linking entrepreneurial orientation with innovation performance in SMEs; the role of organizational commitment and transformational leadership using smart PLS-SEM

Entrepreneurial orientation has become an enormously significant construct in the innovation studies literature. Predominantly for SMEs, its role has been widely recognized in almost all regional contexts across the globe. The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of entrepreneurial orientation, transformational leadership and organizational commitment on innovation performance. The data for the present study were collected from 1095 employees working at various levels in SMEs. The present study used partial least square structural equation modeling to examine the constructed hypotheses. The findings suggested the significantly positive direct relationships among entrepreneurial orientations, organizational commitment and innovation performance. Besides, organizational commitment positively mediated the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and innovation performance. Additionally, this study also found the significant moderation of transformational leadership among entrepreneurship orientation and organizational commitment. Leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises should practice entrepreneurial orientation (innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking) and transformation leadership (articulating a compelling vision, focus on goal achievement, and creative problem solving) to enhance the innovation performance of their firms. Moreover, this study provides a robust mechanism for leaders at SMEs to develop strategies for enhancing the willingness of the firms to bring innovation and offer new products and services. The policymakers should enhance the emotional attachment of employees with their firms, sense of moral obligation to remain with the firm which will, in turn, increase the organizational commitment of employees for innovation performance. The study provides empirical evidence to the resource-based view in the context of SMEs. The study delivers solid theoretical and practical implications to experts, leaders and policymakers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio