Probabilistic Choice Models

We examine a number of probabilistic choice models in which people might form their beliefs to play their strategies in a game theoretic setting in order to propose alternative equilibrium concepts to the Nash equilibrium. In particular, we evaluate the Blavatskyy model, Returns Based Beliefs (RBB) model, Quantal Response Equilibrium (QRE) model, Boundedly Rational Nash Equilibrium (BRNE) model and the Utility Proportional Beliefs (UPB) model. We outline the foundational axioms for these models and fully explicate them in terms of probabilistic actions, probabilistic beliefs and their epistemic characterizations. We test the model predictions using empirical data and show which models perform better under which conditions. We also extend the Blavatskyy model which was developed to consider games with two actions to cases where there are three or more actions. We provide a nuanced understanding of how different types of probabilistic choice models might predict better than others

Effect of visual feedback on the occipital-parietal-motor network in Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait.

Freezing of gait (FOG) is an elusive phenomenon that debilitates a large number of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients regardless of stage of disease, medication status, or deep brain stimulation implantation. Sensory feedback cues, especially visual feedback cues, have been shown to alleviate FOG episodes or even prevent episodes from occurring. Here, we examine cortical information flow between occipital, parietal, and motor areas during the pre-movement stage of gait in a PD-with-FOG patient that had a strong positive behavioral response to visual cues, one PD-with-FOG patient without any behavioral response to visual cues, and age-matched healthy controls, before and after training with visual feedback. Results for this case study show differences in cortical information flow between the responding PD-with-FOG patient and the other two subject types, notably, an increased information flow in the beta range. Tentatively suggesting the formation of an alternative cortical sensory-motor pathway during training with visual feedback, these results are proposed as subject for further verification employing larger cohorts of patients

The Results of Treatment with Streptomycin Plus Pyrazinamide in Patients with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Despite Prolonged Treatment with Isoniazid Plus PAS

This report presents the findings during a year or more of observation of 20 South Indian patients who, after an initial course of isoniazid plus PAS, were treated with streptomycin plus pyrazinamide for active pulmonary tuberculosis. The combination of streptomycin plus pyrazinamide was chosen, first, because of its likely therapeutic effectiveness, since all the patients had streptomycin-sensitive strains of bacilli, secondly, because it presented an opportunity to study supervised drug administration in domiciliary patients in a community in which the selfadministration of antituberculosis drugs could not be depended on (Fox, 1958 ; Tuberculosis Chemotherapy Centre, 1959, 1960 ; Velu et al., 1960). The patients were either unsuitable for or unwilling to undergo surgery

Antigenic determinants on chicken riboflavin carrier protein. A study with monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies raised against chicken egg white riboflavin carrier protein were classified into seven categories each recognizing a distinct epitope. Of these, six were directed against conformation dependent epitopes and one to a sequential epitope. The roles of lysine residues and the post-translationally attached phosphate and oligosaccharide moieties in the antigenicity of riboflavin carrier protein recognized by the monoclonal antibodies were investigated. The binding region of three monoclonal antibodies could be located within the 87-219 amino acid sequence of the protein and one antibody among these recognized a sequence of 182-204 amino acid residues. All the monoclonal antibodies were able to recognize riboflavin carrier proteins present in the sera of pregnant rats, cows and humans indicating that the epitopes to which they are directed are conserved through evolution from chicken to the human

Parallel Connected VSI Inverter using Multi-carrier based Sinusoidal PWM Technique

This paper explains the simulation and modelling of Parallel operation of VSI inverter using multi-carrier based PWM technique. By this proposed method three level inverter output voltages generated instead of using multilevel inverter or two level dual VSI inverter. This system employs single dc voltage source, which gives supply to both VSI inverter by using parallel connection. The multi-carrier based pulse width modulation technique affianced to control the inverter power switches. The proposed system offers improved output voltage, better current control and reduced harmonic distortion. The simulation results of this proposed system was verified using matlab/simulink

A Sub-Region Based Space Vector Modulation Scheme for Dual 2-Level Inverter System

This paper deals the implementation of 3-level output voltage using dual 2-level inverter with control of sub-region based Space Vector Modulation (SR-SVM). Switching loss and voltage stress are the most important issues in multilevel inverters, for keep away from these problems dual inverter system executed. Using this proposed system, the conventional 3-level inverter voltage vectors and switching vectors can be located. In neutral point clamped multilevel inverter, it carries more load current fluctuations due to the DC link capacitors and it requires large capacitors. Based on the sub-region SVM used to control IGBT switches placed in the dual inverter system. The proposed system improves the output voltage with reduced harmonic content with improved dc voltage utilisation. The simulation and hardware results are verified using matlab/simulink and dsPIC microcontroller

A panel of microsatellites to individually identify leopards and its application to leopard monitoring in human dominated landscapes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Leopards are the most widely distributed of the large cats, ranging from Africa to the Russian Far East. Because of habitat fragmentation, high human population densities and the inherent adaptability of this species, they now occupy landscapes close to human settlements. As a result, they are the most common species involved in human wildlife conflict in India, necessitating their monitoring. However, their elusive nature makes such monitoring difficult. Recent advances in DNA methods along with non-invasive sampling techniques can be used to monitor populations and individuals across large landscapes including human dominated ones. In this paper, we describe a DNA-based method for leopard individual identification where we used fecal DNA samples to obtain genetic material. Further, we apply our methods to non-invasive samples collected in a human-dominated landscape to estimate the minimum number of leopards in this human-leopard conflict area in Western India.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study, 25 of the 29 tested cross-specific microsatellite markers showed positive amplification in 37 wild-caught leopards. These loci revealed varied levels of polymorphism (four-12 alleles) and heterozygosity (0.05-0.79). Combining data on amplification success (including non-invasive samples) and locus specific polymorphisms, we showed that eight loci provide a sibling probability of identity of 0.0005, suggesting that this panel can be used to discriminate individuals in the wild. When this microsatellite panel was applied to fecal samples collected from a human-dominated landscape, we identified 7 individuals, with a sibling probability of identity of 0.001. Amplification success of field collected scats was up to 72%, and genotype error ranged from 0-7.4%.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results demonstrated that the selected panel of eight microsatellite loci can conclusively identify leopards from various kinds of biological samples. Our methods can be used to monitor leopards over small and large landscapes to assess population trends, as well as could be tested for population assignment in forensic applications.</p

Pénicillines retard et posologie

Le contrôle de la pénicillinémie peut fournir des indications précieuses pour la fixation de la posologie des diverses formes thérapeutiques qu’il appartient bien entendu à l’observation clinique de vérifier. En principe, la posologie /kg. doit varier en fond ion inverse du poids : alors que la dose type est de 5.ooo U/kg. chez I‘ homme. elle doit être portée à 10.000 U/kg. chez le chien elle peut être réduite à 2.ooo U/kg. chez le cheval. Le contrôle de la pénicillinémie nous a par ailleurs permis de constater les analogies qui existent entre l’ enfant et le chien en ce qui concerne l’absorption, l’élimination, les variations considérables du retard et de la concentration sanguine, e

SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF SIDDHA FORMULATION MUTHUCHIPPI PARPAM-A REVIEW

The traditional Siddha system of medicine was made available to common people by saints of south India called as Siddhars. While the timeline of its origin seems to be unpredictable, this ancient medicine interrelates nature and human beings in terms of five basic elements or Pancha bootham viz, earth, water, fire, air and space. Presence of all these five basic elements in the human body and universe in a balanced proportion seem to govern the three vital humours of our body called Vatham, Pitham and Kapham. Any alterations in any of these humours is said to be the cause of Dosham or disease. Hence the Material Medica of this system consists of herbal origin(Mooligai), Mineral origin (Thathu) and animal origin of both land and ocean (Jeevam). According to the Siddha philosophy, these natural resources are the constitutions of these five basic elements and therefore have the ability to prevent and treat the Doshams (diseases) that are caused due to the altered humours. Parpam a potent Siddha formulation with a shelf life of 100 years is usually prepared by grinding mineral or animal sources with herbs followed by a process called Pudam(Incineration). Muthuchippi parpam (Calcinated shell of Pearl oyster) is one such drug of marine origin which has been indicated in the Siddha literature for a wide variety of diseases.This review article analysis the scientific facts behind the traditional use of Muthuchippi parpam

Comparative study of adenosine deaminase activity, insulin resistance and lipoprotein(a) among smokers and healthy non-smokers

Background: Adenosine deaminase also known as adenosine aminohydrolase involved in purine metabolism. Its primary function is development and maintenance of immune system. The main objective of the study was to estimate adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme and find its correlation with lipoprotein(a) and insulin resistance among smokers and healthy non-smokers.Methods: Fifty smokers and fifty healthy non-smokers were selected based on WHO definition. ADA, lipid profile and glucose was estimated on a fully automated analyser by IFCC approved methods and lipoprotein(a) was done by latex enhanced immune-turbidimetric assay method respectively.Results: After appropriate screening ADA activity and insulin was significantly elevated among smokers when compared with healthy non-smokers. A positive correlation was found between pack size of cigarette and ADA activity and also with Lp(a) respectively. In addition, there was no correlation between serum lipid profile and ADA activity.Conclusions: Adenosine deaminase activity was increased in patients in response to nicotine which is the key component of cigarette smoke. These findings indicate that nicotine and carbon monoxide can alter lipoprotein synthesis and also modify LDL to oxidized form which can lead to ischemic heart disease