A Subspace Identification of δ-Operator State-Space Model

This paper derives a subspace identification algorithm for a δ-operator state-space model by using the methods due to Moonen et al. [11], [12], [21]. Since the δ-operator model converges to a continuous-time model as the sampling interval goes to zero, the algorithm obtained is applicable to the identification of continuous-time medels. A method of computing the state vector from the block Hankel matrix is developed. Simulation studies show the present algorithm provides good results for the case of a low N/S ratio. Improvement of the algorithm for the case of a higher N/S ratio remains to be done

Pure-Nickel-Coated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Prepared by Electroless Deposition

Pure-nickel-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been prepared by electroless deposition. Gluconic acid and hydrazine were respectively used as the complexing and reducing agents for nickel ions. The deposits were heat-treated. The microstructures and magnetic properties of the deposits were examined. The MWCNTs were homogeneously coated with pure nickel and their surfaces were relatively bumpy. These pure-nickel-coated MWCNTs exhibited ferromagnetism and had higher magnetizations and coercivities than electroless Ni-P alloy-coated MWCNTs. The bumpy morphology of the pure-nickel coating became relatively smooth on heat-treatment.ArticleELECTROCHEMICAL AND SOLID STATE LETTERS 13: D94-D96(2010)journal articl

ナゼ アレルギー シッカン ワ ゾウカ シテ イルノカ : エイヨウガク ノ タチバ ヨリ

Allergy, in the form of atopic diseases such as atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, is a chronic disorder of increasing importance in the developed countries. Although several environmental exposures, including dietary factors, infection, and microflora, have been implicated in the cause of allergic diseases, these relationship remains unclear. In respect to dietary factor, one of the candidates that contribute to the disease is polyunsaturated fatty acid because many reports showed that n-3 fatty acids have property to suppress the inflammatory immune response. Therefore, it is possible that intake of fatty acids at unsuitable n-3/n-6 ratio causes the allergic disease. Other than fatty acid, it has shown that higher concentrations of vitamin E intake are associated with lower serum IgE concentration and a lower frequency of allergen sensitization

Fabrication of metal coated carbon nanotubes by electroless deposition for improved wettability with molten aluminum

Ni-P alloy coated and Au/Ni-P alloy double-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated using electroless plating. Three types of electroless Ni-P alloy plating baths were prepared to coat the MWCNTs with Ni-P alloy films of varying phosphorus content. Electroless gold coating of the Ni-P alloy coated MWCNTs was also carried out using a non-cyanide bath. The microstructures of the coatings on the MWCNTs were examined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The wettability of the metal-coated MWCNTs with molten aluminum was also evaluated. MWCNTs coated with Ni-P alloy films containing 9-25 at.% phosphorus content were fabricated by electroless deposition. Electroless gold deposition on the Ni-P alloy coated MWCNTs to form Au/Ni-P alloy double-coated MWCNTs was also possible. The wettability of the metal-coated MWCNTs with molten aluminum was significantly improved compared to that of non-coated MWCNTs. The coating metals of the MWCNTs dissolved into the molten aluminum, resulting in good wettability between the MWCNTs and molten aluminum and dispersion of the resulting bare MWCNTs in the aluminum matrix. The dissolved coating metals formed stable compounds with molten aluminum.ArticleSURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY. 212:207-213 (2012)journal articl

Leisure-time, occupational, and commuting physical activity and risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese workers: a cohort study

Table S1. Association between moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity exercise during leisure and risk of type 2 diabetes. Table S2. Risk of type 2 diabetes associated with specific type of leisure-time exercise. (DOCX 47 kb

Regulation of dendritic spine morphology by an NMDA receptor-associated Rho GTPase-activating protein, p250GAP

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66364/1/j.1471-4159.2008.05335.x.pd

Estimation of Newtonian noise from KAGRA cooling system

KAGRA is the first km-scale gravitational wave detector to be constructed underground and employ cryogenics to cool down its test masses. While the underground location provides a quiet site with low seismic noise, the cooling infrastructure is known to generate large mechanical vibrations due to cryocooler operation and structural resonances of the cryostat. As cooling system components are relatively heavy and in close proximity to the test masses, oscillation of gravity force induced by their vibration, so-called Newtonian noise, could contaminate the detector sensitivity. In this paper, we use the results from vibration analysis of the KAGRA cryostat to estimate cooling system Newtonian noise in the 1-100 Hz frequency band. Our calculations show that, while this noise does not limit the current detector sensitivity or inspiral range, it will be an issue in the future when KAGRA improves its sensitivity. We conclude that KAGRA may need to implement Wiener filters to subtract this noise in the future

Effect of Ethanol in Paclitaxel Injections on the Ethanol Concentration in Exhaled Breath

BACKGROUND: Ethanol is included in certain injectable preparations of anticancer drugs to increase their solubility. Since the volume of ethanol in these preparations is approximately half of the total injection volume, the potential inhibitory effects of ethanol on the central nervous system cannot be disregarded, especially considering that patients may drive immediately after administration of the medication. Therefore, the concentration of ethanol was examined in exhaled breath after administration of paclitaxel, an anticancer medication containing ethanol. METHODS: The ethanol concentration in exhaled breath immediately after an intravenous infusion of paclitaxel was measured in 30 patients, using a balloon-type gas detector tube. Correlations between the concentration of ethanol in exhaled breath and the total amount of ethanol administered or the intravenous infusion speed were calculated. RESULTS: The mean ethanol concentration in exhaled breath was 0.028 ± 0.015 mg/L. The correlation between the ethanol concentration in exhaled breath and the total dose of ethanol was weak (R(2) = 0.25; p = 0.055), while the intravenous infusion speed showed a stronger positive correlation with the concentration of ethanol in the breath (R(2) = 0.49; p = 0.11). The maximum concentration of ethanol measured in exhaled breath (0.06 mg/L) was equivalent to 40% of the threshold for drunk driving, as specified in the Road Traffic Act in Japan. CONCLUSION: In this study, no patient had a breath ethanol concentration exceeding the legal threshold for drunk driving. However, it is still advisable for patients to avoid driving after receiving paclitaxel injections. When driving cannot be avoided, patients should wait for a sufficient time after receiving the injection before driving