Generic eigenvalue assignment by memoryless real output feedback

By extensive use of methods from algebraic geometry, X. Wang proved that arbitrary pole placement by static output feedback is generically possible for strictly proper plants with n states, m inputs, and p outputs, if n < mp. Here we show the same result using no more of algebraic geometry than the definition of genericity

The triad of renal function, erythropoietin and haemoglobin in old age

Knowledge of physiological changes in renal function, EPO and haemoglobin level and their impact at old age are essential for clinicians especially those working with older patients. The results of the studies presented in this thesis provide more insight in the physiological aspects of age related decline in renal function and the relation with erythropoietin production and the maintenance of haemoglobin levels at old age. Furthermore, these results allow us to speculate about the predictive value of renal function, EPO and haemoglobin as markers of mortality in a clinical population of oldest old patients. Proper knowledge of these markers could contribute to increased attention of clinicians for the increased mortality risk of their oldest old patients. Furthermore, knowledge of these markers could be helpful in tailor made medicine, individual prognostication and decision making procedures, in the oldest old patients.UBL - phd migration 201

Generic eigenvalue assignment by memoryless real output feedback

By extensive use of methods from algebraic geometry, X. Wang proved that arbitrary pole placement by static output feedback is generically possible for strictly proper plants with $n$ states, $m$ inputs, and $p$ outputs, if $

Cyanoprokaryota водоемов Левобережного Полесья (Украина)

Приведены данные о видовом составе Cyanoprokaryota разнотипных водоемов Левобережного Полесья. Обнаружено 154 вида (160 внутривидовых таксонов) водорослей. Впервые для изученной территории указано 45 видов и внутривидовых таксонов, 12 из которых — новые для флоры Украинского Полесья.Представлено дані про видовий склад Cyanoprokaryota різнотипних водойм Лівобережного Полісся. Знайдено 154 види (160 внутрішньовидових таксонів) водоростей. Вперше для досліджуваної території вказано 45 видів і внутрішньовидових таксонів, 12 з яких – нові для флори Українського Полісся.The data on cyanophycean flora of water bodies of Left-Bank Polissya have been presented. Totally 154 species (160 infr. taxa) have been found. 45 species and infraspecies taxa are first cited for studied area, among them 12 are new for Forest zone

Global Spread of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium from Distinct Nosocomial Genetic Complex

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have caused hospital outbreaks worldwide, and the vancomycin-resistance gene (vanA) has crossed genus boundaries to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Spread of VRE, therefore, represents an immediate threat for patient care and creates a reservoir of mobile resistance genes for other, more virulent pathogens. Evolutionary genetics, population structure, and geographic distribution of 411 VRE and vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium isolates, recovered from human and nonhuman sources and community and hospital reservoirs in 5 continents, identified a genetic lineage of E. faecium (complex-17) that has spread globally. This lineage is characterized by 1) ampicillin resistance, 2) a pathogenicity island, and 3) an association with hospital outbreaks. Complex-17 is an example of cumulative evolutionary processes that improved the relative fitness of bacteria in hospital environments. Preventing further spread of this epidemic E. faecium subpopulation is critical, and efforts should focus on the early disclosure of ampicillin-resistant complex-17 strains

Compliance, hysteresis, and collapsibility of human small airways

We tested the hypothesis that airway wall dimensions are important determinants for the mechanical properties of airways. Lung tissue was obtained from 31 smokers with different degrees of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were operated on for a solitary lung lesion. Segments of small airways (n = 35) were mounted on cannulas in an organ bath and inflated and deflated cyclically between +15 and -15 cm H(2)O. For each airway this was done at baseline, after methacholine, and after isoprenaline. Specific compliance (sCdyn), specific hysteresis (seta), and pressure at which the airways collapsed (Pcol) were calculated from each recording. Airway wall dimensions were measured morphometrically. Lung function parameters of airflow obstruction were correlated to sCdyn, seta, and Pcol. At baseline, after methacholine, and after isoprenaline sCdyn was 0.059, 0.052, and 0. 085 cm H(2)O(-)(1), seta was 13.5, 12.9, and 7.1%, and Pcol was -3.4, -3.5, and -1.9 cm H(2)O, respectively. Differences between sCdyn, seta, and Pcol after methacholine and after isoprenaline were highly significant (p < 0.001). Of all dimensions studied, smooth muscle area, but not total wall ar