A Jacobi-type method for computing balanced realizations

A new numerical scheme for computing balancing coordinate transformations in linear systems theory is presented. The method is closely related to the Jacobi method for diagonalizing symmetric matrices. Here the minimization of the sum of traces of the Gramians by orthogonal and nonorthogonal Jacobi-type rotations is considered. The algorithm is shown to be globally convergent to a balancing transformation that arranges the Hankel singular values in a prescribed ordering. Local quadratic convergence of the algorithm is shown.     

Efficient multitasking in a dual-core CPU system

The paper offers an associative-neural-net method to optimize resource allocation between independent tasks in a multiprocessor system. In the case of a dual-core CPU the method allows the task to be fully solved in O(M) operations. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Micromechanical three-axial tactile force sensor for micromaterial characterisation

 A three-axial tactile force sensor for the investigation of micromechanical structures has been developed using silicon micromachining technology. The sensor is capable of performing mechanical micro material characterisation such as the determination of the spring constant of complex micromechanical structures. Another application for this sensor is dimensional metrology where it has been tested as a 3D probe in a test set-up for coordinate measurements.     

Quantum chemical studies on protonation of some substituted thiazole derivatives

The acidity constants, pK(a) values for protonation of some substituted thiazole derivatives were calculated by using AM1 and PM3 basis sets of semi-empirical methods and B3LYP/6-31G(d) basis sets of density functional theory (DFT) calculated physical and thermodynamic parameters. Correlation search among the experimental and calculated acidity constants, pK(a) values, revealed that the best correlation exist between the experimental and ab initio calculated pK(a) values with a regression of R(2)=0.98.     

Efficient storage of healthcare data in XML-based smart cards

In this paper we present storage structures for efficiently processing XML path queries on healthcare data stored in smart cards using XML format. In the design of the storage structures that we present, properties of healthcare data and fundamental types of queries on the healthcare data are taken into account as well as the constraints of the smart cards. We compare the space and time efficiency of the proposed storage structures for various types of queries.     

On the analysis of stochastic divide and conquer algorithms

This paper develops general tools for the analysis of stochastic divide and conquer algorithms. We concentrate on the average performance and the distribution of the running time of the algorithm. As a special example we analyse the average performance and the running time distribution of the (2k + 1)-median version of Quicksort. Online publication October 13, 2000.     

Integration of medical responsibility

The article describes responsibility as a term with six relations and four different levels. It analyses the conflicts between different addresses, levels and values and emphasizes the need to integrate the responsibilities of the physician. The term "responsibility" provides a more differentiating analytical tool for conflicts in medical acting than the so-called "principles of biomedical ethics".     

Contribution to the history of gerontology in Germany in the 2nd half of our century

In this paper some trends of gerontology during the last 45 years in Germany are described. A survey of the development of gerontology in the former GDR is followed by an analysis of the "Zeitschrift für Alternsforschung" from 1980-1990. The main result is the predominance of publications on the care system since the middle of the 1980s. With regard to the development of gerontology in the western part of Germany, an analysis of publications in the "Zeitsschrift für Gerontologie" from 1968-1991 shows changes in the main topics during this period. Until the middle of the 1970s there was a predominance of publications in the field of: intelligence, learning, memory and perception. The emphasis of publications from 1977-1985 was on stress and coping. In the middle of the 1980s there was an increasing interest in the analysis of social network and competence in the elderly. The paper discusses these trends of gerontological research in the eastern and western parts of Germany.     

A trial with diclofenac HEP plaster as topical treatment in minor sport injuries

Diclofenac HEP plaster was tested in an open study in the treatment of different traumatic sport and overload injuries, to confirm the results of efficacy and tolerability already shown in other clinical studies. A total of 101 patients were assigned to treatment and were eligible for the evaluation of results at the end of a 14-day treatment period. The average score of spontaneous pain, assessed by means of a verbal scale and a visual analogical scale, showed a clear difference in pain rating between the beginning and end of treatment. In general 60% pain reduction was observed. The difference in analgesic activity was already apparent on the 7th day of treatment (-28%). The reduction of pain was confirmed by changes in another subjective sign related to the injury: provoked pain. This symptom decreased in a manner comparable to spontaneous pain: 61% pain reduction after 2 weeks of treatment. Global assessment of efficacy, performed by the investigator at the end of treatment, showed the clear therapeutic activity of local treatment with diclofenac HEP plaster. Satisfactory results were obtained and only 18% of the patients (most of them with chronic and persistent pain) experienced ineffective pain relief at the end of the 2-week treatment. The beneficial effects of diclofenac HEP plaster on pain are confirmed by the patients' assessment, since almost identical scores were obtained. It is striking that the overall tolerance of diclofenac HEP plaster, applied topically twice a day for 2 weeks, was "good" or "excellent" in the 101 patients treated. Any side effect was reported on the patient's card and all the patients completed the study.