Some remarks about moment controllability for linear stochastic systems

The moment controllability of linear systems containing white multiplicative noise processes is considered. We introduce the definition ofpth moment controllability and we present a technique for obtaining sufficient conditions for this controllability. An example is given to illustrate the technique.     

Does the vitamin D receptor genotype predict bone mineral loss in haemodialysed patients?

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene BsmI-polymorphism is a genetic determinant of bone metabolism. DESIGN: To test this hypothesis, the relationship between VDR genotypes, bone mineral density (baseline and after 18 months) and parameters of calcium metabolism and bone turnover were investigated prospectively in 88 haemodialysed patients not receiving active vitamin D metabolites. METHODS: Whole body, lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In addition calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, osteocalcin serum concentrations, alkaline phosphatase activity and intact 1,84 PTH levels were measured. RESULTS: VDR genotype BB, Bb and bb were found in 27, 49 and 24% of patients. Initial BMD (g/cm2) of whole body, lumbar spine and femoral neck did not differ between genotypes (whole body: BB 1.055 +/- 0.120, Bb 1.082 +/- 0.102, bb 1.128 +/- 0.120; lumbar spine: BB 1.075 +/- 0.199, Bb 1.079 +/- 0.185, bb 1.099 +/- 0.170; femoral neck: BB 0.808 +/- 0.160, Bb 0.862 +/- 0.127, bb 0.842 +/- 0.125; mean +/- SD), but the decrease of whole body and femoral neck BMD during 18 months was significantly (P < 0.02) different between the genotype groups (whole body: BB -0.048 +/- 0.028, Bb -0.031 +/- 0.029, bb -0.024 +/- 0.023; femoral neck BB -0.044 +/- 0.069, Bb -0.032 +/- 0.081, bb -0.012 +/- 0.029 g/cm2). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests faster mineral loss in BB genotype of VDR in haemodialysed patients.     

Application of Yakubovich criterion for stability of nonlinear stochastic systems

Frequency domain criteria for stability of a class of multiloop nonlinear stochastic systems are presented in this paper. The Yakubovich criterion is used in the investigation of asymptotic stability with probability one. The obtained results are illustrated by the example.     

Classification in a fuzzy environment

In this paper a method of designing a pattern classifier in the presence of fuzzy data (patterns represented in a linguistic manner) is provided. The classifier formulas are studied in a general setting of fuzzy relation equations. Special attention is focused on feature ordering while coping with fuzziness.     

Influence of flotation reagents on the wet grinding of quartz

A study has been made of the grinding of quartz in a porcelain laboratory ball mill as a function of pH and concentration of surfactants.In view of the grinding tests performed and the literature data on the surface properties of quartz, the grindability of quartz must be assumed to be dependent on surface charge; the grindability is a minimum under conditions of zeta-potential equal to zero. Extreme sensitivity of grinding to a concentration of Fe species has been found.     

Blood vessels of epineurium of ischaidic nerve in the man

Blood vessels were examined within epineurium of 38 ischiadic nerves from corpses of men and women aging 26 to 65 years. The studies demonstrated that large eyeholed and fine meshed vascular plexuses are formed in both components of ischiadic nerve. The plexus maintain communication with axial arterial and venous vessels which run in the outer layer of epineurium and with interfascicular vessels located in connective tissue of interfascicular epineurium.     

A region analysis algorithm for the live variables problem

An algorithm to solve the “live variables” problem on reducible flow graphs is presented. It is based on the concept of a region of a flow graph. The algorithm is compared for time complexity with the well-known round-robin version of the iterative algorithm on “self-replicating” families of reducible flow graphs. The results of comparison are inconclusive in that the region analysis algorithm requires fewer bit-vector operations on some graphs and more on others.     

Effect of enkephalins and endorphins on cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells and macrophages/monocytes in mice

The effect of [Met5]enkephalin, [Leu5]enkephalin, proenkephalin, dynorphin-(1-17) or beta-endorphin on the cytotoxic (51Cr release assay) activity of natural killer cells and macrophages/monocytes was studied in mice. It was found that a single i.p. injection of [Met5]enkephalin, [Leu5]enkephalin, beta-endorphin, dynorphin or proenkephalin as well as repeated treatment with both enkephalins increased natural killer cell activity. In vitro only [Met5]enkephalin stimulated natural killer cells. Opioid peptides did not affect the cytotoxic activity of macrophages/monocytes. In addition to functional alterations, both enkephalins and beta-endorphin increased the percentage of cells with natural killer phenotype. The results of this study suggest that the increase in natural killer cytotoxicity after opioid peptides injected once or for 14 days may result from an increased number of natural killer cells in the spleen.     

Morphology of the abdominal hemolymph nodes in the Wistar rats

In 26 Wistar rats the morphology of 30 renal and 20 splenic lymph nodes were investigated. The left renal nodes are usually singular as compared to multiple right renal nodes. Microscopically they present segmental structure with erythroidal elements located mainly in the medullary cords. The splenic nodes, 1 to 5 in number do not show segmental structure but have uniformly dispersed erythroidal elements.     

Fuzzy system identification via probabilistic sets

The paper deals with the applications of probabilistic sets in system theory, especially in system identification and the design of fuzzy logic controllers. Fuzzy systems described by means of fuzzy relational equations and Λ-fuzzy systems are discussed. The identification procedure is based on some ideas of clustering techniques and probabilistic sets. Numerical examples using fuzzy and nonfuzzy data are used to illustrate the theory.