The Linear Model under Mixed Gaussian Inputs: Designing the Transfer Matrix

Suppose a linear model y = Hx + n, where inputs x, n are independent Gaussian mixtures. The problem is to design the transfer matrix H so as to minimize the mean square error (MSE) when estimating x from y. This problem has important applications, but faces at least three hurdles. Firstly, even for a fixed H, the minimum MSE (MMSE) has no analytical form. Secondly, the MMSE is generally not convex in H. Thirdly, derivatives of the MMSE w.r.t. H are hard to obtain. This paper casts the problem as a stochastic program and invokes gradient methods. The study is motivated by two applications in signal processing. One concerns the choice of error-reducing precoders; the other deals with selection of pilot matrices for channel estimation. In either setting, our numerical results indicate improved estimation accuracy - markedly better than those obtained by optimal design based on standard linear estimators. Some implications of the non-convexities of the MMSE are noteworthy, yet, to our knowledge, not well known. For example, there are cases in which more pilot power is detrimental for channel estimation. This paper explains why

Dietary supplementation of Cinnamomumverum J. Presl and Curcuma longa L. extract on growth performance, antioxidant and metabolic enzymes activities in experimental rats

242-248Cinnamomumverum J. Presl and Curcuma longa L. have many biologically active metabolites, such as sterpenoids, phenolics with proven health benefits. The present study was undertaken to analyze the effect of cinnamon and turmeric extract on growth, blood parameters, and metabolic enzyme activities of albino Wistar rats. Methanol extract of cinnamon and turmeric mixture was supplemented in rat feed at 2.5 and 5% concentration, respectively and administered for 30 days. During the course of study, body weight, feed given, feed consumed data were collected at regular intervals. After the experimental period, animals were sacrificed, tissues separated, homogenized and assayed for the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), alanine aminotransferase (AAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The results showed significant increase in liver catalase activity of treated animals and no significant changes in LDH, MDH, ALT and AST. No abnormalities were observed in the histopathology staining of tissue section. Overall, output of the present study could be useful for production of spices based antioxidant rich products for human health

Study on yield and quality of flowered and non-flowered turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plants

Study on yield and quality of flowered and non-flowered turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plant

Quality Assurance in Spices and Spice Products - Modern Methods of Analysis

Spices spice the food of humans and play an important role in making our food palatable. Many spices are important in flavouring and seasoning of foods and form major ingredients in beverages and pharmaceuticals. &nbsp

Rural Health Clinic Readiness for Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition: Preparing for the Evolving Healthcare Marketplace [Working Paper]

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model reaffirms traditional primary care values including continuity of care, connection with an identified personal clinician, provision of same day- and after-hours access, and positions providers to participate in accountable care and other financing and delivery system models. However, little is known about the readiness of the over 4,000 Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to meet the PCMH Recognition standards established by the National Council for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The authors present findings from a survey of RHCs that examined their capacity to meet the NCQA PCMH requirements, and discuss the implications of the findings for efforts to support RHC capacity development. Key Findings: Based on their performance on the “must pass” elements and related key factors, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are likely to have difficulties gaining National Center for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition. RHCs perform best on standards related to recording demographic information and managing clinical activities, particularly for those using an electronic health record. RHCs perform less well on improving access to and continuity of services, supporting patient self-management skills and shared decision-making, implementing continuous quality improvement systems, and building practice teams. RHCs are likely to need substantial technical assistance targeting clinical and operational performance to gain NCQA PCMH Recognition

Adoption and Use of Electronic Health Records by Rural Health Clinics: Results of a National Survey [Working Paper]

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are a vital source of primary care services with more than 4,000 clinics serving rural communities. Relatively little is known about the extent to which RHCs have adopted and are using electronic health records (EHRs) to support clinical services. Because EHR adoption is an essential element for inclusion in accountable care organizations, patient centered medical homes, and health plan provider networks offered on state and national health insurance marketplaces, EHR implementation will be increasingly important to RHCs if they are to remain competitive participants in the evolving healthcare market. Key Findings: Nearly 72 percent of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) have an operational electronic health record (EHR), with 63 percent indicating use by 90 percent or more of their staff. Slightly over 17 percent of RHCs without an EHR plan to implement one within six months, and 27 percent plan to do so within seven to twelve months. Common barriers to EHR implementation include acquisition and maintenance costs (72 percent), lack of capital (51 percent), and concerns about productivity and income loss during implementation (45 percent). RHCs continue to lag on some meaningful use measures, but perform well on measures related to clinical care and patient management. With Regional Extension Centers facing the loss of federal funding it is important to identify additional resources to assist RHCs in maximizing EHR adoption and use

Effect of storage of fresh turmeric rhizomes on oleoresin and curcumin contents

The turmeric varieties Suvarna (PCT·B), Suguna (PCT·13) and Sudarshana (PCT·14), were harvested and stored for a period of nine months. Samples were analysed forcurcumin and oleoresin at monthly intervals. Curcumin and oleoresin levels were not affected by sotrage. The marginal increase in these constitutents after sprouting is only relative as the nutrients like carbohydrates ge t progressively depleted with the progress of sprouting and growth of the sprout. The distribution of curcumin in mother rhizomes and fingers are also discussed. &nbsp

Adoption and Use of Electronic Health Records by Rural Health Clinics: Results of a National Survey [Policy Brief]

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are a vital source of primary care services with more than 4,000 clinics serving rural communities. Relatively little is known about the extent to which RHCs have adopted and are using electronic health records (EHRs) to support clinical services. Because EHR adoption is an essential element for inclusion in accountable care organizations, patient centered medical homes, and health plan provider networks offered on state and national health insurance marketplaces, EHR implementation will be increasingly important to RHCs if they are to remain competitive participants in the evolving healthcare market. This study demonstrates that RHCs are approaching parity with other physician practices in terms EHR adoption and use, however, some RHCs, such as provider-based clinics, report lower rates of EHR adoption than other clinics. Key Findings: Nearly 72 percent of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) have an operational electronic health record (EHR), with 63 percent indicating use by 90 percent or more of their staff. Slightly over 17 percent of RHCs without an EHR plan to implement one within six months, and 27 percent plan to do so within seven to twelve months. Common barriers to EHR implementation include acquisition and maintenance costs (72 percent), lack of capital (51 percent), and concerns about productivity and income loss during implementation (45 percent). RHCs continue to lag on some meaningful use measures, but perform well on measures related to clinical care and patient management. With Regional Extension Centers facing the loss of federal funding it is important to identify additional resources to assist RHCs in maximizing EHR adoption and use

Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Record by Rural Health Clinics [Policy Brief]

Little information is available on the rate of Electronic Health Record (EHR) adoption by Rural Health Clinics. (RHCs). This study was conducted to identify the rates of EHR adoption among a national random sample of RHCs and the extent to which RHCs that have adopted an EHR are likely to achieve Stage 1 meaningful use. To achieve Stage 1 meaningful use and qualify for meaningful use incentive payments, eligible health professionals must, at a minimum, meet CMS defined criteria for the required 14 core measures. Fifty-nine percent of RHCs report having an EHR, and independent RHCs were more likely than hospital-based RHCs to have an EHR. Common barriers to EHR adoption by RCHs include acquisition and maintenance costs, lack of capital, and potential productivity or income loss during transition