960 research outputs found
Model predictive control using MISO approach for drug co-administration in anesthesia
In this paper, a model predictive control system for the depth of hypnosis is proposed and analyzed. This approach considers simultaneous co-administration of the hypnotic and analgesic drugs and their effect on the Bispectral Index Scale (BIS). The control scheme uses the nonlinear multiple-input–single-output (MISO) model to predict the remifentanil influence over the propofol hypnotic effect. Then, it exploits a generalized model predictive control algorithm and a ratio between the two drugs in order to provide the optimal dosage for the desired BIS level, taking into account the typical constraints of the process. The proposed approach has been extensively tested in simulation, using a set of patients described by realistic nonlinear pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models, which are representative of a wide population. Additionally, an exhaustive robustness evaluation considering inter- and intra-patient variability has been included, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the analyzed control structure
Quantum Nature of the Big Bang: Improved dynamics
An improved Hamiltonian constraint operator is introduced in loop quantum
cosmology. Quantum dynamics of the spatially flat, isotropic model with a
massless scalar field is then studied in detail using analytical and numerical
methods. The scalar field continues to serve as `emergent time', the big bang
is again replaced by a quantum bounce, and quantum evolution remains
deterministic across the deep Planck regime. However, while with the
Hamiltonian constraint used so far in loop quantum cosmology the quantum bounce
can occur even at low matter densities, with the new Hamiltonian constraint it
occurs only at a Planck-scale density. Thus, the new quantum dynamics retains
the attractive features of current evolutions in loop quantum cosmology but, at
the same time, cures their main weakness.Comment: Typos corrected. Revised version to appear in Physical Review
Functional renormalization group in the broken symmetry phase: momentum dependence and two-parameter scaling of the self-energy
We include spontaneous symmetry breaking into the functional renormalization
group (RG) equations for the irreducible vertices of Ginzburg-Landau theories
by augmenting these equations by a flow equation for the order parameter, which
is determined from the requirement that at each RG step the vertex with one
external leg vanishes identically. Using this strategy, we propose a simple
truncation of the coupled RG flow equations for the vertices in the broken
symmetry phase of the Ising universality class in D dimensions. Our truncation
yields the full momentum dependence of the self-energy Sigma (k) and
interpolates between lowest order perturbation theory at large momenta k and
the critical scaling regime for small k. Close to the critical point, our
method yields the self-energy in the scaling form Sigma (k) = k_c^2 sigma^{-}
(k | xi, k / k_c), where xi is the order parameter correlation length, k_c is
the Ginzburg scale, and sigma^{-} (x, y) is a dimensionless two-parameter
scaling function for the broken symmetry phase which we explicitly calculate
within our truncation.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, puplished versio
A model and application of vibratory surface grinding
This paper presents a model of surface grinding with superimposed oscillation of the workpiece. The parameters of the model were experimentally derived and the equations of motions of the system were solved using MATLAB. The results obtained showed a significant decrease in the amplitude of the relative vibration between the wheel and workpiece when the oscillation was superimposed onto the feed motion of the workpiece. A range of experimental work was undertaken and the results showed that the vibratory process had a superior performance in absolute terms with reference to conventional grinding. Low forces along with longer tool life were recorded with the added vibration. A notion of dynamic relief was introduced to express the efficiency of the vibratory process. Copyright © 2018 by ASME
Quantum geometry and the Schwarzschild singularity
In homogeneous cosmologies, quantum geometry effects lead to a resolution of
the classical singularity without having to invoke special boundary conditions
at the singularity or introduce ad-hoc elements such as unphysical matter. The
same effects are shown to lead to a resolution of the Schwarzschild
singularity. The resulting quantum extension of space-time is likely to have
significant implications to the black hole evaporation process. Similarities
and differences with the situation in quantum geometrodynamics are pointed out.Comment: 31 pages, 1 figur
Is it possible to estimate the Higgs Mass from the CMB Power Spectrum?
General Relativity and Standard Model are considered as a theory of dynamical
scale symmetry with definite initial data compatible with the accepted Higgs
mechanism. In this theory the Early Universe behaves like a factory of
electroweak bosons and Higgs scalars, and it gives a possibility to identify
three peaks in the Cosmic Microwave Background power spectrum with the
contributions of photonic decays and annihilation processes of primordial
Higgs, W, and Z bosons in agreement with the QED coupling constant, Weinberg's
angle, and Higgs' particle mass of about 118 GeV.Comment: version to appear in Yadernaya Fizik
Prediction of preterm birth with and without preeclampsia using mid-pregnancy immune and growth-related molecular factors and maternal characteristics.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate if mid-pregnancy immune and growth-related molecular factors predict preterm birth (PTB) with and without (±) preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN:Included were 400 women with singleton deliveries in California in 2009-2010 (200 PTB and 200 term) divided into training and testing samples at a 2:1 ratio. Sixty-three markers were tested in 15-20 serum samples using multiplex technology. Linear discriminate analysis was used to create a discriminate function. Model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS:Twenty-five serum biomarkers along with maternal age <34 years and poverty status identified >80% of women with PTB ± preeclampsia with best performance in women with preterm preeclampsia (AUC = 0.889, 95% confidence interval (0.822-0.959) training; 0.883 (0.804-0.963) testing). CONCLUSION:Together with maternal age and poverty status, mid-pregnancy immune and growth factors reliably identified most women who went on to have a PTB ± preeclampsia
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