Gaussian process model based predictive control

Gaussian process models provide a probabilistic non-parametric modelling approach for black-box identification of non-linear dynamic systems. The Gaussian processes can highlight areas of the input space where prediction quality is poor, due to the lack of data or its complexity, by indicating the higher variance around the predicted mean. Gaussian process models contain noticeably less coefficients to be optimized. This paper illustrates possible application of Gaussian process models within model-based predictive control. The extra information provided within Gaussian process model is used in predictive control, where optimization of control signal takes the variance information into account. The predictive control principle is demonstrated on control of pH process benchmark

SEM, AES, WDS i korozijsko testiranje oksidnih i nitridnih zaštitnih slojeva oblikovanih toplinskom obradom nerđajućeg čelika

Protective oxide and/or nitride layers on AISI 321 stainless steel were prepared by thermal treatment in air and two controlled atmospheres in a laboratory simulation of an actual technological procedure. Samples’ surface was imaged by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), elemental composition of the substrates was checked by Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) and depth profiles of the samples were measured by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). Since protective layer thicknesses were found to be of the order of hundreds of nanometers an attempt was made to obtain some fast averaged information about layers composition by Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) with appropriately adjusted primary beam energy. Electrochemical corrosion testing was also performed on samples.Zaštitne oksidne i/ili nitridne slojeve na AISI 321 nerđajućem čeliku pripremljen toplinskom obradom materijala na zraku i u 2 kontrolirana tipa atmosfera kao laboratorijsku simulaciju stvarnog tehnološkog procesa. Slike površine uzoraka dobijene tehnikom SEM, sastav substrata metodom WDS a za profilnu analizu upotrijebljena je spektroskopija Augerovih elektrona (AES). Kako je ustanovljeno da su debljine formiranih zaštitnih slojeva reda veličine nekoliko stotina nanometara pokušalo se doći do ocjene o prosječnom sastavu unutar sloja upotrijebom tehnike WDS uz odgovarajuće odabranu energiju primarnog elektronskog snopa. Na uzorcima je provjereno i korozijsko testiranje

A new marker based on the avian spindlin gene that is able to sex most birds, including species problematic to sex with CHD markers

We have developed a new marker (Z43B) that can be successfully used to identify the sex of most birds (69%), including species difficult or impossible to sex with other markers. We utilized the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata EST microsatellite sequence (CK309496) which displays sequence homology to the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the avian spindlin gene. This gene is known to be present on the Z and W chromosomes. To maximize cross-species utility, the primer set was designed from a consensus sequence created from homologs of CK309496 that were isolated from multiple distantly related species. Both the forward and reverse primer sequences were 100% identical to 14 avian species, including the Z chromosome of eight species and the chicken Gallus gallus W chromosome, as well as the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus. The Z43B primer set was assessed by genotyping individuals of known sex belonging to 61 non-ratite species and a single ratite. The Z and W amplicons differed in size making it possible to distinguish between males (ZZ) and females (ZW) for the majority (69%) of non-ratite species tested, comprising 10 orders of birds. We predict that this marker will be useful for obtaining sex-typing data for ca 6,869 species of birds (69% of non-ratites but not galliforms). A wide range of species could be sex-typed including passerines, shorebirds, eagles, falcons, bee-eaters, cranes, shags, parrots, penguins, ducks, and a ratite species, the brown kiwi, Apteryx australis. Those species sexed include species impossible or problematic to sex-type with other markers (magpie, albatross, petrel, eagle, falcon, crane, and penguin species)

Quantitative analysis of residual protein contamination of podiatry instruments reprocessed through local and central decontamination units

<p>Background: The cleaning stage of the instrument decontamination process has come under increased scrutiny due to the increasing complexity of surgical instruments and the adverse affects of residual protein contamination on surgical instruments. Instruments used in the podiatry field have a complex surface topography and are exposed to a wide range of biological contamination. Currently, podiatry instruments are reprocessed locally within surgeries while national strategies are favouring a move toward reprocessing in central facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of local and central reprocessing on podiatry instruments by measuring residual protein contamination of instruments reprocessed by both methods. Methods</p> <p>The residual protein of 189 instruments reprocessed centrally and 189 instruments reprocessed locally was determined using a fluorescent assay based on the reaction of proteins with o-phthaldialdehyde/sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate.</p> <p>Results: Residual protein was detected on 72% (n = 136) of instruments reprocessed centrally and 90% (n = 170) of instruments reprocessed locally. Significantly less protein (p < 0.001) was recovered from instruments reprocessed centrally (median 20.62 μg, range 0 - 5705 μg) than local reprocessing (median 111.9 μg, range 0 - 6344 μg).</p> <p>Conclusions: Overall, the results show the superiority of central reprocessing for complex podiatry instruments when protein contamination is considered, though no significant difference was found in residual protein between local decontamination unit and central decontamination unit processes for Blacks files. Further research is needed to undertake qualitative identification of protein contamination to identify any cross contamination risks and a standard for acceptable residual protein contamination applicable to different instruments and specialities should be considered as a matter of urgency.</p&gt

Prenatal and Perinatal Risk Factors for Autism in China

We conducted a case–control study using 190 Han children with and without autism to investigate prenatal and perinatal risk factors for autism in China. Cases were recruited through public special education schools and controls from regular public schools in the same region (Tianjin), with frequency matching on sex and birth year. Unadjusted analyses identified seven prenatal and seven perinatal risk factors significantly associated with autism. In the adjusted analysis, nine risk factors showed significant association with autism: maternal second-hand smoke exposure, maternal chronic or acute medical conditions unrelated to pregnancy, maternal unhappy emotional state, gestational complications, edema, abnormal gestational age (<35 or >42 weeks), nuchal cord, gravidity >1, and advanced paternal age at delivery (>30 year-old)

Circulating microRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common age-related bone disease worldwide and is usually clinically asymptomatic until the first fracture happens. MicroRNAs are critical molecular regulators in bone remodelling processes and are stabilised in the blood. The aim of this project was to identify circulatory microRNAs associated with osteoporosis using advanced PCR arrays initially and the identified differentially-expressed microRNAs were validated in clinical samples using RT-qPCR. A total of 161participants were recruited and 139 participants were included in this study with local ethical approvals prior to recruitment. RNAs were extracted, purified, quantified and analysed from all serum and plasma samples. Differentially-expressed miRNAs were identified using miRNA PCR arrays initially and validated in 139 serum and 134 plasma clinical samples using RT-qPCR. Following validation of identified miRNAs in individual clinical samples using RT-qPCR, circulating miRNAs, hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-4516 were statistically significantly differentially-expressed between non-osteoporotic controls, osteopaenia and osteoporosis patients. Further analysis showed that the levels of these microRNAs were associated with fragility fracture and correlated with the low bone mineral density in osteoporosis patients. The results show that circulating hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-4516 could be potential diagnostic biomarkers for osteoporosis in the future

The SPECTRA Collaboration OMERACT Special Interest Group: Current Research and Future Directions

Objective High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) has the potential to improve radiographic progression determination in clinical trials and longitudinal observational studies. The goal of this work was to describe the current state of research presented at Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) 2016 and ensuing future directions outlined during discussion among attendees. Methods At OMERACT 2016, SPECTRA (Study grouP for xtrEme-Computed Tomography in Rheumatoid Arthritis) introduced efforts to (1) validate the HR-pQCT according to OMERACT guidelines, focusing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and (2) find alternatives for automated joint space width (JSW) analysis. The Special Interest Group (SIG) was presented to patient research partners, physicians/researchers, and SIG leaders followed by a 40-min discussion on future directions. Results A consensus definition for RA erosion using HR-pQCT was demonstrated through a systematic literature review and a Delphi exercise. Histopathology and perfusion studies were presented that analyzed the true characteristics of cortical breaks in HR-pQCT images, and to provide criterion validity. Results indicate that readers were able to discriminate between erosion and small vascular channels. Moderate reliability (ICC 0.206–0.871) of direct erosion size measures was shown, which improved (> 0.9) only when experienced readers were considered. Quantification of erosion size was presented for scoring, direct measurement, and volumetric approaches, as well as a reliability exercise for direct measurement. Three methods for JSW measurement were compared, all indicating excellent reproducibility with differences at the extremes (i.e., near-zero and joint edge thickness). Conclusion Initial reports on HR-pQCT are promising; however, to consider its use in clinical trials and longitudinal observational studies, it is imperative to assess the responsiveness of erosion measurement quantification