LPV-based quality interpretations on modeling and control of diabetes

In this study we introduce different novel interpretations in the case of Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) methodology, which are directly usable in modeling and control design in diabetes research. These novel interpretations are based on the parameter vectors of the LPV parameter space. The theoretical solutions are demonstrated on a simple, known Type 1 Diabetes Model used in intensive care

Energy Consumption Analysis Of Machining Centers Using Bayesian Analysis And Genetic Optimization

Responding to the current urgent need for low carbon emissions and high efficiency in manufacturing processes, the relationships between three different machining factors (depth of cut, feed rate, and spindle rate) on power consumption and surface finish (roughness) were analysed by applying a Bayesian seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) model. For the analysis, an optimization criterion was established and minimized by using an optimization algorithm that combines evolutionary algorithm methods with a derivative-based (quasi-Newton) method to find the optimal conditions for energy consumption that obtains a good surface finish quality. A Bayesian ANOVA was also performed to identify the most important factors in terms of variance explanation of the observed outcomes. The data were obtained from a factorial experimental design performed in two computerized numerical control (CNC) vertical machining centers (Haas UMC-750 and Leadwell V-40iT). Some results from this study show that the feed rate is the most influential factor in power consumption, and the depth of cut is the factor with the stronger influence on roughness values. An optimal operational point is found for the three factors with a predictive error of less than 0.01% and 0.03% for the Leadwell V-40iT machine and the Haas UMC-750 machine, respectively

Observation-Based Data Driven Adaptive Control of an Electromechanical Device

The model-based approach in control engineering works well when a reliable plant model is available. However, in practice, reliable models seldom exist: instead, typical “levels” of limited reliability occur. For instance, Computed Torque Control (CTC) in robotics assumes almost perfect models. The Adaptive Inverse Dynamics Controller (AIDC) and the Slotine Li Adaptive Robot Controller (SLARC) assume absolutely correct analytical model form, and only allows imprecise knowledge regarding the actual values of the model parameters. Neglecting the effects of dynamically coupled subsystems, and allowing the action of unknown external disturbances means a higher level of corrupted model reliability. Friction-related problems are typical examples of this case. In the traditional control literature, such problems are tackled by either drastic “robust” or rather intricate “adaptive” solutions, both designed by the use of Lyapunov’s 2 nd method that is a complicated technique requiring advanced mathematical skills from the designer. As an alternative design methodology, the use of Robust Fixed Point Transformations (RFPT) was suggested, which concentrates on guaranteeing the prescribed details of tracking error relaxation via generation of iterative control signal sequences that converge on the basis of Banach’s Fixed Point Theorem . This approach is essentially based on the fresh data collected by observing the behavior of the controlled systems, rather than in the case of the traditional ones. For the first time, this technique is applied for order reduction in the adaptive control of a strongly nonlinear plant with significant model imprecisions: the control of a DC motor driven arm in dynamic interaction with a nonlinear environment is demonstrated via numerical simulations

Diameters in preferential attachment models

In this paper, we investigate the diameter in preferential attachment (PA-) models, thus quantifying the statement that these models are small worlds. The models studied here are such that edges are attached to older vertices proportional to the degree plus a constant, i.e., we consider affine PA-models. There is a substantial amount of literature proving that, quite generally, PA-graphs possess power-law degree sequences with a power-law exponent \tau>2. We prove that the diameter of the PA-model is bounded above by a constant times \log{t}, where t is the size of the graph. When the power-law exponent \tau exceeds 3, then we prove that \log{t} is the right order, by proving a lower bound of this order, both for the diameter as well as for the typical distance. This shows that, for \tau>3, distances are of the order \log{t}. For \tau\in (2,3), we improve the upper bound to a constant times \log\log{t}, and prove a lower bound of the same order for the diameter. Unfortunately, this proof does not extend to typical distances. These results do show that the diameter is of order \log\log{t}. These bounds partially prove predictions by physicists that the typical distance in PA-graphs are similar to the ones in other scale-free random graphs, such as the configuration model and various inhomogeneous random graph models, where typical distances have been shown to be of order \log\log{t} when \tau\in (2,3), and of order \log{t} when \tau>3

Regional and large-scale patterns in Amazon forest structure and function are mediated by variations in soil physical and chemical properties

Forest structure and dynamics have been noted to vary across the Amazon Basin in an east-west gradient in a pattern which coincides with variations in soil fertility and geology. This has resulted in the hypothesis that soil fertility may play an important role in explaining Basin-wide variations in forest biomass, growth and stem turnover rates. To test this hypothesis and assess the importance of edaphic properties in affect forest structure and dynamics, soil and plant samples were collected in a total of 59 different forest plots across the Amazon Basin. Samples were analysed for exchangeable cations, C, N, pH with various Pfractions also determined. Physical properties were also examined and an index of soil physical quality developed. Overall, forest structure and dynamics were found to be strongly and quantitatively related to edaphic conditions. Tree turnover rates emerged to be mostly influenced by soil physical properties whereas forest growth rates were mainly related to a measure of available soil phosphorus, although also dependent on rainfall amount and distribution. On the other hand, large scale variations in forest biomass could not be explained by any of the edaphic properties measured, nor by variation in climate. A new hypothesis of self-maintaining forest dynamic feedback mechanisms initiated by edaphic conditions is proposed. It is further suggested that this is a major factor determining forest disturbance levels, species composition and forest productivity on a Basin wide scale

Branch xylem density variations across Amazonia

International audienceMeasurements of branch xylem density, Dx, were made for 1466 trees representing 503 species, sampled from 80 sites across the Amazon basin. Measured values ranged from 240 kg m?3 for a Brosimum parinarioides from Tapajos in West Pará, Brazil to 1130 kg m?3 for an Aiouea sp. from Caxiuana, Central Pará, Brazil. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in average Dx across the sample plots as well as significant differences between families, genera and species. A partitioning of the total variance in the dataset showed that geographic location and plot accounted for 33% of the variation with species identity accounting for an additional 27%; the remaining "residual" 40% of the variance accounted for by tree to tree (within species) variation. Variations in plot means, were, however, hardly accountable at all by differences in species composition. Rather, it would seem that variations of xylem density at plot level must be explained by the effects of soils and/or climate. This conclusion is supported by the observation that the xylem density of the more widely distributed species varied systematically from plot to plot. Thus, as well as having a genetic component branch xylem density is a plastic trait that, for any given species, varies according to where the tree is growing and in a predictable manner. Exceptions to this general rule may be some pioneers belonging to Pourouma and Miconia and some species within the genera Brosimum, Rinorea and Trichillia which seem to be more constrained in terms of this plasticity than most species sampled as part of this study

Chemotherapy induces Notch1-dependent MRP1 up-regulation, inhibition of which sensitizes breast cancer cells to chemotherapy

Background Multi-drug Resistance associated Protein-1 (MRP1) can export chemotherapeutics from cancer cells and is implicated in chemoresistance, particularly as is it known to be up-regulated by chemotherapeutics. Our aims in this study were to determine whether activation of Notch signalling is responsible for chemotherapy-induced MRP1 expression Notch in breast cancers, and whether this pathway can be manipulated with an inhibitor of Notch activity. Methods MRP1 and Notch1 were investigated in 29 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer, using immunohistochemistry on matched biopsy (pre-NAC) and surgical samples (post-NAC). Breast epithelial cell cultures (T47D, HB2) were treated with doxorubicin in the presence and absence of functional Notch1, and qPCR, siRNA, Western blots, ELISAs and flow-cytometry were used to establish interactions. Results In clinical samples, Notch1 was activated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Wilcoxon signed-rank p < 0.0001) and this correlated with induction of MRP1 expression (rho = 0.6 p = 0.0008). In breast cell lines, doxorubicin induced MRP1 expression and function (non-linear regression p < 0.004). In the breast cancer line T47D, doxorubicin activated Notch1 and, critically, inhibition of Notch1 activation with the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT abolished the doxorubicin-induced increase in MRP1 expression and function (t-test p < 0.05), resulting in enhanced cellular retention of doxorubicin and increased doxorubicin-induced apoptosis (t-test p = 0.0002). In HB2 cells, an immortal but non-cancer derived breast cell line, Notch1-independent MRP1 induction was noted and DAPT did not enhance doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Notch inhibitors may have potential in sensitizing breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutics and therefore in tackling chemoresistance