Pole assignment with optimal performance

A unified gradient-based treatment for optimizing certain performance indices under the constraint of pole assignment is provided. By introducing a free optimization parameter and solving a Sylvester matrix equation, compact gradient formulas are derived for general purpose gradient descent numerical implementation. Special problems including robust stability pole assignment and H2 sensitivity reduction are employed to illustrate the technique.published_or_final_versio

On parametric stability margin maximization using state feedback pole assignment

In this paper, the maximization of the parametric stability margin of state-space uncertain systems under the constraints of pole assignment is investigated. The class of systems considered is where the uncertainty may be modelled as the, possibly nonlinear, variation of a parameter appearing in the entries of the system and input matrices. The continuity and differentiability of the stability margin are discussed. A gradient-based procedure is formulated for the maximization of the stability margin with the corresponding gradient provided. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the technique.published_or_final_versio

Active routing service for the next-generation network/ISDN3

In recent years, a new routing method, known as active routing, has been emerging. This involves using active packets to configure customized network paths. Based on a Markov decision model, this paper presents an active routing service for active networks in general and the next generation network, called ISDN3, in particular. Our aim is to determine the active routing policy so as to minimize the network cost. Theoretical analysis is presented to show the advantages of our proposal as compared with three other approaches.published_or_final_versio

ISDN3: The next generation networks

Two generations of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), namely ISDN1 and ISDN2, have been developed in the last century. In our view, the convergence of ATM, Internet and active networks will form the basis for the next generation networks called ISDN3. In this paper, we first review ISDN1 and ISDN2 as well as the Internet and active networks. We then discuss some fundamental questions related to the design of ISDN3. Finally, we compare ISDN3 with ISDN1 and ISDN2, and outline what ISDN3 might look like.published_or_final_versio

Diagnosis of dihydropyrimidinase deficiency in a Chinese boy with dihydropyrimidinuria

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A novel duplication at the putative DNA polymerase alpha arrest site and a founder mutation in Chinese in the IVD gene underlie isovaleric acidaemia

Isovaleric acidaemia is a rare inherited organic acidaemia associated with a characteristic odour in affected patients. Fewer than 40 causative mutations have been reported to date. We report a case in a Hong Kong Chinese neonate who presented with respiratory distress and acute encephalopathy requiring aggressive resuscitation and treatment. Residual gross motor developmental delay was still observed at the age of 16 months. The child was subsequently found to harbour a known missense mutation (c.A1199G [p.Y371C]) and a novel 4-bp duplication (c.1148_1151dupGCTA [p.Y355X]) in the IVD gene. We suggest that the former is a founder mutation in the Chinese population and propose an explanation for the duplication event. Strategies that may achieve early diagnosis and prompt treatment include raising awareness of this condition, implementation of a tandem mass spectrometry neonatal screening programme, and local acquisition of appropriate medications for these metabolic diseases.published_or_final_versio

Predictors of treatment outcome in patients treated with radical chemoradiotherapy for stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Proffered SessionBACKGROUND: Chemoradiation has been well established as standard treatment for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previous studies have shown that the tumour size as well as its metabolic activity predict treatment outcome after definitive treatment for early-stage disease. We would like to investigate if there are any clinical and metabolic predictors of treatment outcome for stage III NSCLC after chemoradiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 56 consecutive patients (46 males and 10 females) treated with radical concurrent chemoradiation for their stage IIIA (n=21) and IIIB (n=35) (AJCC 7th edition) unresectable non-small cell lung cancer between July 2006 to February 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. 42 patients had positron emission tomography with integrated computed tomography (PET-CT) scan performed at diagnosis. Of which 14 patients also had PET-CT scan after induction chemotherapy and before concurrent chemoradiation. All received concurrent chemoradiation +/- induction ...postprin

Hyperornithinaemia-hyperammonaemia-homocitrullinuria syndrome: a treatable genetic liver disease warranting urgent diagnosis

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