Robust variables control charts based on sample means

In-control probability properties of variables control charts for mean population surveillanc

Simplified solutions for two-person percentile games

Specialized zero-sum game solution using expected values for evaluation of marked set assurance probability in two-person percentile game

Generally applicable N-person percentile game theory for case of independently chosen strategies

Method for determining outcomes and optimum strategy for all players in discrete N-person game theory with independently chosen strategie

Median two person game theory and examples of its flexibility in applications

Probability distribution in two person game theor

Is the subtropical jet shifting poleward?

The tropics are expanding poleward at about 0.5∘ per decade in observations. This poleward expansion of the circulation is consistently reported using Hadley cell edge metrics and lower-atmospheric tropical edge metrics. However, some upper-atmospheric tropical metrics report smaller trends that are often not significant. One such upper-atmospheric metric is the subtropical jet latitude, which has smaller trends compared to the Hadley cell edge. In this study we investigate the robustness of the weak trends in the subtropical jet position by introducing a new method for locating the subtropical jet, and examining the trends and variability of the subtropical jet latitude. We introduce the tropopause gradient method based on the peak gradient in potential temperature along the dynamic tropopause. Using this method we find the trends in the subtropical jet latitude are indeed much smaller than 0.5∘ per decade, consistent with previous studies. We also find that natural variability within the subtropical jet latitude would not prevent trends from being detected if they were similar to the Hadley cell edge, as trends greater than 0.24∘ per decade could reliably be detected using monthly data or 0.09∘ per decade using daily data. Despite the poleward expansion of the tropics, there is no robust evidence to suggest the subtropical jet is shifting poleward in either hemisphere. Neither the current diagnostic methods nor natural variability can account for the small subtropical jet trends. The most likely explanation, which requires further investigation, is that the subtropical jet position is not tied dynamically to the Hadley cell edge

Residual stress redistribution during elastic shake down in welded plates

Residual stresses are a consequence of welding in various structures such as ships and offshore structures. Residual stresses can be relaxed or redistributed according to the load levels during operation. The elastic shakedown phenomenon can be considered as one of the reasons for this change. This paper studies the relaxation/redistribution of weld residual stress during different levels of shakedown in a butt-welded plate chosen according to ship design and welding procedures. Welding was performed on DH36, a ship structural steel. Neutron diffraction was used to measure residual stresses in these plates in the as-welded state and after different levels of shakedown. A mixed hardening model in line with the Chaboche model is determined for both weld and base material. A numerical model is developed to estimate the shakedown limit on butt-welded plate. Further, the redistribution of residual stress in a numerical weld model according to the different levels of shakedown limit is studied. Based on the shakedown limit of the butt-welded plate, a shakedown region is determined, where the structure will undergo elastic shakedown in the presence of an existing residual stress field if the maximum stress on the load section after a few initial cycles is in the shakedown region

Treatment of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with liver transplantation

Ten patients received liver transplants for unresectable epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). At the time of transplantation, four patients had microscopic metastases to the hilar lymph nodes, and one of the four also had metastases to a rib. The fifth patient had metastases to the lung, pleura, and diaphragm. The remaining five patients were believed to be free of metastatic disease. Two of these five patients died of metastatic disease at 3 and 16 months, respectively, after transplantation. Interestingly, all five patients with metastatic involvement are currently alive 40.6 ± 22 months (mean ± standard error of mean [SEM]) after transplantation, although one of these patients currently has metastatic disease to the lungs and mediastinum. Thus, the projected 5‐year actuarial survival rate is 76%, with two patients at risk after the third year. In conclusion, liver transplantation is a reasonable procedure for bulky, otherwise unresectable, EHE even in the presence of metastatic disease. Copyright © 1988 American Cancer Societ

Resource allocation and health technology assessment in Australia: Views from the local level

Objectives: Several studies have shown that a key determinant of successful health technology assessment (HTA) uptake is a clear, fair, and consistent decision-making process for the approval and introduction of health technologies. The aim of this study was to gauge healthcare providers' and managers' perceptions of local level decision making and determine whether these processes offer a conducive environment for HTA. An Area Health Service (AHS) aimed to use the results of this study to help design a new process of technology assessment and decision making. Methods: An online survey was sent to all health service managers and healthcare providers working in one AHS in Sydney, Australia. Questions related to perceptions of current health technology decisions in participants' own institution/facility and opinions on key criteria for successful decision-making processes. Results: Less than a third of participants agreed with the statements that local decision-making processes were appropriate, easy to understand, evidence-based, fair, or consistently applied. Decisions were reportedly largely influenced by total cost considerations as well as by the central state health departments and the Area executive. Conclusions: Although there are renewed initiatives in HTA in Australia, there is a risk that such investments will not be productive unless policy makers also examine the decision-making contexts within which HTA can successfully be implemented. The results of this survey show that this is especially true at the local level and that any HTA initiative should be accompanied by efforts to improve decision-making processes. Copyright © 2009 Cambridge University Press