Neuro-fuzzy hybrid control system of tank level in petroleum plant

Shown in this paper is a practical method of control using neural network and fuzzy control techniques, where a neural network estimates the target of fuzzy control. The neural network is used to estimate the transient state of a plant which has nonlinear processes such as refrigerating and filtering. The suitable control target pattern for fuzzy control is selected according to this estimation. This method is applied to control the tank level of a solvent dewaxing plant for: 1) changing the tank outflow rate smoothly, and 2) keeping the tank level stable. The results show that this system can control the tank level effectively in both steady state and transient state     

Identification of Fuzzy Relations with Multiple Hyperplanes by Genetic Algorithm in Structural Design

Abstract: This paper proposes a method for formulation and quantification of human subjective evaluations and uncertain numerical values by using multiple hyperplanes based on the results of questionnaires distributed to structural designers that are composed of four questions about structural design and planning, i.e., ( Q 1) structural damage , ( Q 2) structural economy in a macroscopic sense , ( Q 3) structural safety, and ( Q 4) opening patterns in facade. In this paper, some hyperplanes in multidimensional spaces are used as a method to identify fuzzy relations (states) in intelligent fuzzy networks for seismic structural planning. A genetic algorithm is employed as a search method for optimal formulations and is proved to be very effective as a method for such an identification.     

Treatment of sepsis by extracorporeal elimination of endotoxin using fiber-immobilized polymyxin B

To remove endotoxin directly from the blood, an affinity adsorbent (PMX) has been developed. PMX is composed of a ligand of polymyxin B and a carrier of polystyrene fibers. We treated 16 patients, suffering from septic shock or multiple organ failure by PMX-F hemoperfusion. The pretreatment level of endotoxin decreased significantly from 80pg/ml to 21pg/ml on average 2 hours after the hemoperfusion. The hyperdynamic status in the cardiac index and the decreased systemic vascular resistance, which are characteristic to endotoxin shock, were normalized after the treatment. In septic shock patients with systolic pressure under 10mmHg, the systolic pressure increased significantly from pretreatment level. Nine of the sixteen patients remained alive for two weeks after the therapy, and seven out of the nine patients discharged alive. Hemoperfusion with PMX is likely to become an effective treatment for sepsis and septic shock.     

Lead Oxide Coatings on Sol–Gel-Derived Lead Lanthanum Zirconium Titanate Thin Layers for Enhanced Crystallization into the Perovskite Structure

An improved method is described for the sol–gel preparation of PLZT thin layers in the perovskite structure. The method uses a PbO cover coat. Details are reported for the sol-gel processing route and heat-treatment conditions. Through use of this method it is possible to prepare singlephase perovskite material with improved properties. The deleterious effect of additional phases—which are not present when a PbO cover coat is used—is attributed to Pb loss from the surface during thermal processing. Examples are given for PLZT thin layers integrated on Si with and without a PbO cover coat. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties were always found to be superior for coated structures.     

The deleterious effects of exogenous angiotensin I and angiotensin II on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Angiotensin II is well known to have a cardiotoxic effects. However, it is still unclear whether exogenous angiotensin I or angiotensin II has a deleterious effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. To examine this deleterious effects, we administered angiotensin I and angiotensin II to perfused hearts before ischemia, and measured creatine kinase (CK) release and cardiac function during subsequent reperfusion. Wistar Kyoto rats were used and the hearts were perfused by the Langendorff technique at a constant flow (10 ml/min). Seven hearts were perfused for 20 min and then subjected to 15 min of global ischemia (Control). In the experimental groups, during the 5 min before ischemia, we administered 100 ng/ml angiotensin I (Ang I; n = 9), 1 microgram/ml enalaprilat (ACEI; n = 5), both agents (ACEI + Ang I) (n = 6), or 10 ng/ml angiotensin II (Ang II; n = 6). The perfusates were then sampled to measure angiotensin II. After 15 min of ischemia, the hearts were reperfused with control perfusate. Throughout the 20 min of reperfusion, the effluent was collected to measure cumulative CK release. Angiotensin I increased coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) by 32 +/- 4 mmHg, however, the angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor inhibited the increase of CPP by angiotension I (11 +/- 1 mmHg) (p < 0.01). The contents of angiotensin II in the effluent in Ang I and Ang I + ACEI were 11.5 +/- 1.9 ng/ml and 4.0 +/- 0.5 ng/ml (p < 0.01). After 20 min of reperfusion, the left ventricular developed pressure was unchanged in all of the groups. CPP was also unchanged by ischemia in all of the groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)