Using previous models to bias structural learning in the hierarchical BOA.

Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) are stochastic optimization techniques that explore the space of potential solutions by building and sampling explicit probabilistic models of promising candidate solutions. While the primary goal of applying EDAs is to discover the global optimum or at least its accurate approximation, besides this, any EDA provides us with a sequence of probabilistic models, which in most cases hold a great deal of information about the problem. Although using problem-specific knowledge has been shown to significantly improve performance of EDAs and other evolutionary algorithms, this readily available source of problem-specific information has been practically ignored by the EDA community. This paper takes the first step toward the use of probabilistic models obtained by EDAs to speed up the solution of similar problems in the future. More specifically, we propose two approaches to biasing model building in the hierarchical Bayesian optimization algorithm (hBOA) based on knowledge automatically learned from previous hBOA runs on similar problems. We show that the proposed methods lead to substantial speedups and argue that the methods should work well in other applications that require solving a large number of problems with similar structure.

Use of genetic algorithms with multivariate regression for determination of gelatine in historic papers based on FT-IR and NIR spectral data.

Quantitative non-destructive analysis of individual constituents of historic rag paper is crucial for its effective preservation. In this work, we examine the potentials of mid- and near-infrared spectroscopy, however, in order to fully utilise the selectivity inherent to spectroscopic multivariate measurements, genetic algorithms were used to select spectral data derived from information-rich FT-IR or UV-vis-NIR measurements to build multivariate calibration models based on partial least squares regression, relating spectra to gelatine content in paper. A selective but laborious chromatographic method for the quantification of hydroxyproline (HYP) has been developed to provide the reference data on gelatine content. We used 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) to derivatise HYP, which was subsequently determined using reverse-phase liquid chromatographic separation and fluorimetric detection. In this process, the sample is consumed, which is why the method can only be used as a reference method. The sampling flexibility afforded by small-size field-portable spectroscopic instrumentation combined with chemometric data analysis, represents an attractive addition to existing analytical techniques for cultural heritage materials.

Mechanism of DNA substrate recognition by the mammalian DNA repair enzyme, Polynucleotide Kinase.

Mammalian polynucleotide kinase (mPNK) is a critical DNA repair enzyme whose 5'-kinase and 3'-phoshatase activities function with poorly understood but striking specificity to restore 5'-phosphate/3'-hydroxyl termini at sites of DNA damage. Here we integrated site-directed mutagenesis and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) combined with advanced computational approaches to characterize the conformational variability and DNA-binding properties of mPNK. The flexible attachment of the FHA domain to the catalytic segment, elucidated by SAXS, enables the interactions of mPNK with diverse DNA substrates and protein partners required for effective orchestration of DNA end repair. Point mutations surrounding the kinase active site identified two substrate recognition surfaces positioned to contact distinct regions on either side of the phosphorylated 5'-hydroxyl. DNA substrates bind across the kinase active site cleft to position the double-stranded portion upstream of the 5'-hydroxyl on one side, and the 3'-overhang on the opposite side. The bipartite DNA-binding surface of the mPNK kinase domain explains its preference for recessed 5'-termini, structures that would be encountered in the course of DNA strand break repair.

[Endemic incidence of Mycobacterium kansasii infection in Karvina District 1968-1999; overview of the descriptive characteristics]. / Endemický výskyt mykobakteriózy kansasii v okrese Karviná v letech 1968-1999, prehled deskriptivních charakteristik.

The objective of the submitted work was to present a summary of basic epidemiological data in a group of 1034 subjects from whom during the period between 1968-1999 Mycobacterium kansasii was isolated. In the analysis of the group principles of the descriptive epidemiological method were used. In the first years, when diseases were recorded and the number of cases increased, epidemiologists of the District Hygiene Station in Karviná made an investigation. The objective was to describe the clinical aspect and based on epidemiological investigations to analyze data and to find an answer to basic links of the spread of infection, i.e. source, route of transmission to susceptible subjects and based on the assembled findings, to suggest the necessary epidemiological provisions. Interhuman transmission was not proved in any of the patients. The causal agent of the infection is most probably transmitted through water (by the aerogenic route). The Karviná district belongs to the largest investigated endemic areas in the world.

Linkage problem, distribution estimation, and Bayesian networks.

This paper proposes an algorithm that uses an estimation of the joint distribution of promising solutions in order to generate new candidate solutions. The algorithm is settled into the context of genetic and evolutionary computation and the algorithms based on the estimation of distributions. The proposed algorithm is called the Bayesian Optimization Algorithm (BOA). To estimate the distribution of promising solutions, the techniques for modeling multivariate data by Bayesian networks are used. The BOA identifies, reproduces, and mixes building blocks up to a specified order. It is independent of the ordering of the variables in strings representing the solutions. Moreover, prior information about the problem can be incorporated into the algorithm, but it is not essential. First experiments were done with additively decomposable problems with both nonoverlapping as well as overlapping building blocks. The proposed algorithm is able to solve all but one of the tested problems in linear or close to linear time with respect to the problem size. Except for the maximal order of interactions to be covered, the algorithm does not use any prior knowledge about the problem. The BOA represents a step toward alleviating the problem of identifying and mixing building blocks correctly to obtain good solutions for problems with very limited domain information.

Endemic incidence of infections caused by Mycobacterium kansasii in the Karviná district in 1968-1995 (analysis of epidemiological data--review).

The Karviná district (northwestern part of North Moravia and Silesia) is typical by its industrial character, above all mining of black coal which is coked and which led to the devastation of the countryside. The ratio of light industry is low. In a small area (347 km2) there is a population of 824 inhabitants per km2. The population is concentrated in particular in urban agglomerations of the flat block type. Up to 1990 almost 55% of the population was employed in heavy industry. Due to its industrial activities, incl. metallurgical plants and ironworks in nearby Ostrava and Trinec, the district is one of the areas with a heavily contaminated atmosphere in particular with solid aerosol containing toxic metals (the values of solid aerosol varied on average between 100 and 150 micrograms/ml), the elevated values of Nox due to contamination from traffic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons were not negligible either during the investigation period. Since 1968 an endemic incidence of mycobacteria has been recorded which is due to Mycobacterium kansasii. At first only an occasional incidence was involved, since 1973 there has been a more substantial increase with a maximum in 1983 (64 cases) and thus up to 1995 there are 961 cases on records, incl. 787 (81.8%) in men and 174 (18.2%) in women. From the total number of recorded M. kansasii in 937 instances (97.3%) the lungs were affected (777 men, 160 women). The mean annual incidence was 34.3 cases, i.e. 12.03 per 100,000 population (28.1, i.e. 20/100,000 in men, 6.2, i.e. 4.28/100,000 in women). As to age, 78.8% of cases are recorded in the age bracket from 25 to 64 years (in men 81%, in women 68.9%). The highest specific morbidity in men is in the age group from 45-54 years (on average 73.13 per 100,000 per year), in women in the age group from 75 to 84 years (on average 9.75 per 100,000 per year). As to occupation, the ratio of mine employees at the time of contraction of the disease (incl. retired miners) was 52.2%), other workers 14.6%--all stigmatized by an increased dust concentration in other workplaces in heavy industry. As far as the domicile is concerned, the incidence was by far highest in Havírov (more than 56%), followed by Karviná (26.7%). These towns are inhabited mostly by miners. As to the mode of assessment 68.8% cases were diagnosed on account of pulmonary complaints and during dispensarization (stigmatization by dust) and 24.6% cases during preventive radiodiagnostic examinations of miners lungs. It did not prove possible to reveal the source. Interhuman transmission was not proved in any of the patients. The causal agent of the infection is most probably transmitted through water (by the aerogenic route). M. kansasii was isolated from drinking water (560 samples, in 7% M. kansasii was found), as well as in industrial water. In 1971-1995 a total of 1231 samples of industrial water were examined (scrapings and untreated water). From these M. kansasii was isolated in 43.7% (538 specimens). In soil samples (93) and small mouse-like rodents (187) M. kansasii was not detected. The authors confirm that the development of disease depends in a decisive way on the susceptibility of the individual which in turn depends in particular on exposure to dust with possible lung damage and contamination of the atmosphere. In the district there is a high incidence of recurring acute diseases of the airways in children, incl. allergies affecting the airways. In the towns of Karviná, Havírov, Orlová, Bohumín and Ceský Tesín there is a high ratio of children with reduced immunity. In November 1981 to January 1982 987 first form pupils were examined for postvaccination TB allergy (standard tuberculin and avian tuberculin were used). The reactivity to avian tuberculin was higher than to standard tuberculin (see results). The highest ratio of intense reactions (30%) was recorded in children from Havírov where there is also the highest specific (and simple) incidence in adults.

[1000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies--evaluation of complications]. / Tisíc laparoskopických cholecystektomií--hodnocení komplikací.

At the Department of Surgery in Liberec since the middle of 1992 to the end of 1995 one thousand laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. Peroperative cholangiography is not used as a routine method. The percentage of conversions declined from 10% to 3% as the technical skill improved. The period taken up by the operation decreased from 140 minutes in the first operation to 15-30 minutes in non-complicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The most serious complication was a lesion of the choledochus, resolved by a Y-Roux anastomosis. The patients were discharged on the second or third day after operation and are followed up in the out-patient department.

[Laparoscopic suturing of perforated duodenal and prepyloric ulcers]. / Laparoskopická sutura perforovaného duodenálního a prepylorického vredu.

The authors submit an account of five patients with a perforated duodenal and prepyloric ulcer. All patients were treated by laparoscopy only. A laparoscopic suture of the perforated ulcer was made without omentoplasty with lavage and drainage. The patients recovered without complications. Early mobilisation and rapid convalescence are the greatest advantage of the minimal invasive approach in general. Laparoscopic treatment of a perforated ulcer is safe method when handled by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

[Complications observed in the surgery of aneurysms of the circle of Willis in a perspective of early operation]. / Les complications observées dans la chirurgie des anévrysmes du polygone de Willis dans une optique d'intervention précoce.

This report concern a series of 100 consecutive patients operated by direct attack for intracranial ruptured aneurysms (mortality: 14%, complete removal: 70%). 35% of this patients have been early operated before the 96e hour. In this series, only one case of spasm was observed. But we have observed other neurosurgical complications, analysed and compared to the postoperative course of the patients who had delayed operations.

The immediate asthmatic response to allergen challenge.

One hundred and three bronchial asthma patients with a suspected allergic component developed 133 positive immediate asthmatic (bronchus-obstructive) responses (IARs) to bronchial challenge with allergen (BP). The onset of IAR was within 10 minutes, the maximum within 45 minutes, and the resolution of the response within 120 minutes after the challenge. All IARs were highly significant in comparison with the control test (p less than .01). The association of IAR with other diagnostic parameters was the following: positive disease history in 82 IAR cases (= 62%); positive immediate skin response in 91 IAR cases (= 68%); increased total serum IgE in 54 IAR cases (= 41%); positive specific IgE in the serum in 59 IAR cases (= 44%); increased serum concentration of IgG in 36 IAR cases (= 27%), of IgM in 17 (= 13%), and of IgA in 3 IAR cases (= 2%); increased blood eosinophilia in 36 (= 27%) and blood leukocytosis in 19 IAR cases (= 14%); increased bronchial reactivity to histamine in 74 of 103 patients with IAR (= 72%); body temperature increased during nine IAR cases (= 7%); and 131 IAR cases (= 98%) were accompanied by bronchial and 62 (= 47%) by general malaise complaints. The IAR showed a very good reproducibility and significant dose-response relationship (P less than .01). In conclusion, the IAR is an important diagnostic parameter for the allergic component due to immediate hypersensitivity in the bronchial tree. The correlation of other diagnostic parameters with IAR was not satisfactory. They should therefore be regarded as diagnostic supplement only.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[X-ray computed tomography in a series of aneurysms of the circle of Willis]. / L'apport de la tomodensitométrie dans une série d'anévrysmes du polygone de Willis.

During four years, 80 patients with intracranial aneurysms were examined by a CT scanner. The CT was helpful for: The rapid and easy diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Direct visualization of intracranial aneurysms. Detecting intracerebral or intraventricular hematoma and distribution of subarachnoid clots. The limitations and pitfalls of CT were: No abnormality was seen on 16 scans (20%). The identification of the source of bleeding in multiple intracranial aneurysms.

[A series of 106 cases of ruptured aneurysms operated on during the 1st week]. / Une série de 106 cas d'anévrysmes rompus opéres pendant la première semaine.

The authors report 106 intracranial aneurysms operated on during the first 7 days post S.A.H. The résults according to grade and operative day are compared to the results of litterature, operative indications according to grades and spasms are given.

[Intracranial aneurysm and polycystic kidneys]. / Anévrysmes intracrâniens et maladie polykystique des reins.

Five cases of intracranial aneurysms with polycystic kidneys are reported: --15% of polycystic kidneys have an intracranial aneurysm, and about 4% - 5% of intracranial aneurysms are joined with polycystic kidneys; --the surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysm with this association doesn't present more risk than an intracranial aneurysm, and the surgical prognosis isn't bad; --the pathogeny isn't clear. This association is perhaps a congenital elastic system disease.

[Scanography in head injuries. Critical study of 500 cases]. / La scanographie en traumatologie crânienne. Etude critique de 500 cas.

In 22 months, about 2 000 patients were hospitalized for head injury and 410 of these had computerized tomography to determine the presence and extent of intracranial pathology. 165 patients had normal C.T. scan, and in 245 cases the scan showed an intracranial pathology: 132 brain contusions, 45 epidural hematomas, 36 subdural hygromas, 32 chronic subdural hematomas, 8 intracerebral hematomas, 2 pneumocephalus. The C.T. scan is a very useful technique for evaluation of the head injured patient in emergency. For epidural hematomas, mortality rate which was 16% before C.T. scan period decreased to 8% after C.T. scan period. The C.T. scan has a definite advantage over angiography in brain contusions. Instead of seeing only mass effect, one can tell on C.T. scans whether the abnormality is a small hematoma, an area of contused swollen brain, an hemorrhagic contusion, or a brain oedema. The surgical decisions are more precise with this information. In the management of head injury, we think that C.T. scan must be repeat because many patients developed new lesions and delayed hematomas: intracerebral, subdural, epidural.

Endemic occurrence of Mycobacterium kansasii in water-supply systems.

Of a total number of 1079 drinking water and colliery service water samples examined in an area of the North-Moravian Region Czechoslovakia, characterized by endemic occurrence of M. kansasii infections, 233 [21.6%] samples were found to be contaminated by mycobacteria, of these 20 [1.9%] by M. kansasii. Of additionally examined 510 water samples from the municipal water-supply network, which were collected in hospital laboratories and clinical departments as well as in the households of patients with M. kansasii infection and their possible contacts, 171 [33.5%] samples showed presence of mycobacteria, of these 18 [3.5%] were M. kansasii-positive. This mycobacterial species was isolated from the drinking water samples collected in two hospitals in the core of the endemic area, e.i. in the district of Karviná. In the district of Ostrava, where the drinking water supply, bot for colliery and households facilities, is provided from the same water-supply system, the presence of M. kansasii in the municipal water-supply network was not proved, but it was isolated from 5 samples of colliery drinking water. Further 114 samples taken from the local water treatment plant supplying the endemic area with drinking water were found to be free of M. kansasii species.

[Anaesthesia for computerised axial tomography in children (author's transl)]. / Attitude anesthésique pour examens tomodensitométriques céphaliques chez l'enfant.

Computerised axial tomography requires total immobility, which must be obtained by a simple and safe technique of anaesthesia. Three anaesthesia techniques were used and analysed in 54 children aged less than 5 years: the technique of the feeding bottle, sedation with pentobarbital or diazepam and general anaesthesia with ketamine hydrochloride. The technique of the feeding bottle can be proposed in selected patients. Sedation can be also used but judiciously, not to deep. The systematic use of an depression immobilizing mattress with these two techniques gives better results. Intramuscular ketamine hydrochloride, when not contrindicate (intracranial hypertension or acute hydrocephaly), has been used always successfully.

[Plastic coating in the surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Late results of twenty cases (author's transl)]. / L'enrobage par matière plastique : complément important de la chirurgie actuelle des anévrysmes des artères cérébrales suites éloignées d'une série opératoire de 20 cas.

The authors reported the late results of a serie of fifteen intracranial aneurysm treated by plastic coating. These fifteen patients belong to a group of twenty cases operated with this technic. Four patients were pre-operatively in stade V. One patient died massive pre-frontal infract probably to retractor. In the same period, seventy-two others patients were operated for intracranial aneurysm by usual clip. The fifteen patients with plastic coating have been from two years to seven years observed. One case of minor epilepsy, one case of meningitis good imprevoded were noted. In this serie, no relapsing meningeal hemorrhage, is noted.

[The neurosurgical treatment of the cerebral localisations of the alveolaris (multilocularis) echinococcosis (author's transl)]. / Exérèse chirurgicale des localisations cérébrales de l'échinococcose multiloculaire.

A case of adult woman surgically treated for hepatic alveolaris ecchinococcosis on 1975 is presented. On 1976, a hypertensive intracranial syndrome is treated by removal of a right temporal kystic localisation. On 1977, a new localisation is successfully raised. The authors, in a short review of the literature note that these cerebral localisations are not always terminal. The alveolaris ecchinococcosis is now autochthonous in France.