Zeros and design of control systems for distributed parameter systems

The zeros for a class of distributed parameter systems are analysed from the view points of control systems design. For systems without zeros in the right half-plane, the problem of stabilization, disturbance localization and the design of a zero sensitivity system and an inverse system are considered.     

Impact of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients: Risk factors and associations with prognosis

The risk factors of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and the impact of CAC on cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths, and all‐cause deaths in hemodialysis (HD) patients have not been fully elucidated. We examined the CAC score (CACS) in 74 HD patients using electron‐beam computed tomography. Fifty‐six patients underwent a second electron‐beam computed tomography after a 15‐month interval to evaluate CAC progression. We evaluated (1) the risk factors for CAC and its progression and (2) the impact of CAC on the prognosis. In the cross‐sectional study, HD vintage and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) were the independent risk factors for CAC. In the prospective cohort study, delta CACS (progression of CAC) was significantly correlated with hsCRP, fibrinogen, and serum calcium level in the univariate analysis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that only hsCRP was the independent risk factor for CAC progression in HD patients. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed that cardiovascular events (P<0.0001), cardiovascular deaths (P=0.039), and all‐cause deaths (P=0.026) were significantly associated with CACS. In conclusion, CAC had significantly progressed in HD patients during the 15‐month observation period. Microinflammation was the only independent risk factor for CAC progression in HD patients. The advanced CAC was a significant prognostic factor in HD patients, i.e., which was strongly associated with future cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths, and all‐cause deaths.     

Microstructure of Yolk from Fresh Eggs by Improved Method

Methods were examined to fix hen's egg yolk while retaining its original sol structure and to elucidate the fine structure of fresh yolk by using the freeze-cutting fixation method with liquid nitrogen. In fresh native yolk, histological differences were observed in the yolk spheres in each layer and latebra part. These spheres were closely packed in the vitelline membrane, with various sizes and shapes. Protein granules with high electron density were noted in the yolk sphere and their distribution and shape differed between the outer and inner layers.     

Creep-fatigue interaction properties of nickel-based superalloy 617

High-temperature fatigue properties were investigated for a nickel-based superalloy 617 as a typical candidate material for high-temperature components using an advanced ultra super critical (A-USC) power plant. Creep-fatigue data obtained by strain-controlled tests at 700 ? C was analyzed for the superalloy 617 focused on position of hold at peak strain in comparison with continuously cycled tests. The fatigue life was the shortest with the hold tensile strain wave, which showed mainly intergranular fractu...     

城市生活垃圾热解气化技术研究进展

从城市生活垃圾热转化方式的比较入手,简要阐明了热解气化过程,讨论了各类热解气化反应器的优缺点,概述了城市生活垃圾热解、气化实验研究进展以及热解气化技术中试及应用情况。通过比较各类实验研究,明确了热解温度、加热速率对热解产物产量及产物分布的影响,气化温度、氧气当量比(RO)对含氧气化反应的影响,气化温度、水蒸气与城市生活垃圾质量比(S/M)对水蒸气气化反应的影响。指出了城市生活垃圾热解气化实验研究热点在于优化控制参数,提高反应速率,促进目标产物高值化,抑制其它产物及污染物的生成,以及城市生活垃圾热解气化技术的发展方向。     

Permeability and Diffusivity of d-Limonene Vapor in Polymeric Sealant Films

The permeability (P) and Diffusivity (D) of d-limonene vapor in nine polymeric sealant films were measured and compared at a vapor concentration of 0.719 mg/L over the range 25–45°C. The sorption of d-limonene (q_s) was determined by a temperature programmed desorption (TPD) method. Equations to predict P and D for the different films were derived as a function of q_s or temperature (T_mp) of differential scanning calorimeter measured melting points (DSCmp) of the films. Results indicated a tendency of test films with smaller values of q_s and higher T_mp to have higher barriers against loss of d-limonene due to absorption.     

Determination of Emulsifying Properties of Some Proteins by Conductivity Measurements

A method was developed to measure the emulsifying activity and emulsion stability of proteins using a simple apparatus consisting of a glass column with a conductivity cell. A significant correlation was observed between the emulsifying activity and emulsion stability of 10 proteins determined by the conductivity method examined in this paper and the turbidity method of Pearce and Kinsella (1978). These results suggest that the emulsifying properties can be estimated by measuring changes in the conductivity of emulsion. The advantages of the conductivity method are to measure accurately and simply the emulsifying properties of proteins, because this method directly and automatically measures changes in the physical constant (that is, conductivity) of emulsion.     

Relation between pole assignment and LQ regulator

In this paper we demonstrate a connection between the pole assignment technique and the linear optimal regulator technique, namely there exist common Lyapunov functions between two closed-loop systems synthesized by each method. From this property, we derive a useful theorem for pole assignment.     

Modulation of the phenotypic and functional properties of phagocytic macrophages by wear particles from orthopaedic implants

An attempt was made to assess the local chronic inflammatory response in patients with failed orthopaedic implant that is clinically associated with osteolysis, bone and bone marrow necrosis. The main objective was to analyse the heterogeneity of the macrophage functional subsets in the bone–implant interface membrane and to evaluate their possible role in the development of an erosive inflammatory lesion within the bone. Immunohistology was performed on 21 specimens of the bone–implant interface obtained from 17 patients during revision arthroplasty, and synovial membranes from rheumatoid (RA, n=4), and osteoarthritis (OA, n=4) patients. Three well-characterized monoclonal antibodies (MAb) recognizing antigenic determinants on specific functional subsets of macrophages (M) were used. RFD1 (interdigitating reticulum cells/antigen presenting cells, (APC), RFD7 (mature phagocytic macrophages), and RFD9 epithelioid cells and foreign body giant cells (FBGC). RFD1 was expressed on a variable number of perivascular and synovial lining M in both RA and OA synovia, at a frequency of 25%–40%. In cases with total joint replacements, the interface showed a marked increase in the expression of RFD1 (20%–90%). A considerably greater percentage of RFD1 positive M and FBGC was noted in the interfaces from cases with a high level of detectable metal particulate wear debris (mean 80%, range 60%–90%) than in cases with polyethylene wear debris (mean 30%, range 0%–50%), p 0.0001. RFD7 labelled most tissue M in each group. Immunoreactivity for RFD9 was restricted to FBGC in all cases analysed. The finding of elevated expression of RFD1 on metal-containing M and FBGC in the bone-implant interface suggests an increase in antigen-presenting phenotype and indicates that metal particles have more impact in the induction of immune-mediated responses. Such responses are characterized by sustained cellular hyperreactivity and phenotypic changes in M subsets.     

Spectrum assignability of parabolic distributed parameter systems

The pole assignment problem of a parabolic distributed parameter system with boundary or pointwise inputs is studied. The problem is solved under a weak restriction on the separation of the open-loop poles and the closed-loop ones. A characteristic equation whose roots are the poles of the closed-loop system is first given and it is shown that the infinite number of open-loop poles can be uniformly moved by means of a suitable linear feedback.