Neural network based tracking control of a flexible macro-micro manipulator system.

In this paper, we address the problem of stable tracking control of a flexible macro-micro manipulator (M(3)) system. A two-layer neural network is utilized to approximate the nonlinear robot dynamic behavior of the M(3) system, and the controllers for the macro and micro arms are developed without any need for prior knowledge of the dynamic model of the controlled M(3) system. A learning algorithm for the neural network using Lyapunov stability theory is derived. It is shown that both the tracking error and the weight-tuning error are uniformly ultimately bounded under this new control scheme. Simulation results are presented and compared to those obtained using a PD controller.     

Differential risks of subsequent vascular events for transient ischaemic attack and minor ischaemic stroke.

Using a prospective hospital-based registry, 146 patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) were compared with 376 patients with minor first-ever ischaemic stroke with respect to the 3-month risk of subsequent vascular events, in order to clarify the distinctions between the disease entities. All patients were enrolled within 48 h of onset. The risk factor distribution for the two groups was comparable, except that the TIA patients had more previous TIAs. Large artery atherosclerosis (34%) and small vessel occlusion (32%) were the main aetiologies in the TIA group, whereas small vessel occlusion (49%) was the major cause in the stroke group. The 3-month risk of combined endpoints of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death for TIA patients was higher than that for the minor stroke group (15.1% vs. 3.2%; hazard ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval 2.3-9.3 in multivariate analysis). Large artery atherosclerosis and male sex were the other significant predictors. TIA may demand more urgent management than minor stroke. The fact that aetiology is a predictor, highlights the need for rapid diagnostic tests to establish pathogenesis.     

Antitumor activity of five new platinum complexes having a glycolate leaving ligand.

In an attempt to develop a new anticancer platinum complex with greater or equivalent antitumor activity but reduced side effects compared with cisplatin (CDDP), a series of new platinum complexes having a glycolate leaving ligand was synthesized. Among them, five complexes were selected for further development on the basis of adequate water solubility, low nephrotoxicity and high antitumor activity in a murine system. The chemosensitivity of these five complexes was examined in MTT assay against two human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell lines, PC-9 and PC-14, and two human stomach adenocarcinoma cell lines, MKN-45 and KATO III. Their IC50 and relative antitumor activity (RAA) values were compared with those of CDDP and 254-S, a second-generation platinum complex with a glycolate leaving ligand under phase III clinical trial. The lowest mean IC50 value was observed in CDDP, followed by SKI 2034R and SKI 2033R. In this study, the antitumor activity was evaluated in terms of RAA values and SKI 2034R showed the highest RAA value. The order of RAA values was SKI 2034R > CDDP > SKI 2032R > SKI 2033R > SKI 2030R > SKI 2029R > 254-S. Based on the RAA order, we have recommended SKI 2034R as the most promising candidate for further development of a clinically useful platinum complex.     

便携式野战—Ⅰ型多功能骨科手术器械

一种便携式野战多功能骨科手术器械。重量仅１．１ｋｇ，体积为２１５ｍｍ×１０５ｍｍ×１５ｍｍ，如铅笔盒，而功能多达３３种，具有结构紧凑、操作简便、一械多用、轻巧便携。价廉实用、效价比高的特点。是基层巡诊、抢险救灾救治中适用的骨科器械。     

BUERGER'S DISEASE IN HONG KONG: A REVIEW OF 89 CASES

Background : A retrospective analysis of 103 case records from 1978 to 1996 with a provisional diagnosis of Buerger's disease was undertaken at the Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital. The aim of the study was to elucidate the clinical course and evaluate the results of surgical intervention of Buerger's disease in Hong Kong Chinese people. Methods : Fourteen patients were subsequently excluded from the study because of inability to fulfil our diagnostic criteria. Data on clinical presentation, investigations, indications and results of surgical intervention were reviewed. Sympathectomies and arterial reconstructions were performed on 42 and four patients, respectively, for critical ischaemia or rest pain. Outcome was analysed with respect to the rate of ulcer healing, pattern of recurrence and limb loss. Results : The patients were all young male heavy smokers with a mean age of 36.5 years. The majority of patients (80%) presented with ischaemic ulceration or gangrene. Vascular reconstruction was undertaken in four patients and satisfactory long-term results were obtained in three patients. Sympathectomy was able to relieve symptoms in 87% of operated patients and ischaemic ulceration healed in 2.6 (mean) ± 1.7 (SD) months after the operation. If the patient continued to smoke, surgical intervention did not exempt the patient from a relapse or amputation. Conclusion : Sympathectomy provides short-term pain relief and promotes ulcer healing in patients with Buerger's disease but carries no long-term benefit. Complete abstinence from smoking is the only means of arresting the progression of the disease.     

单侧鼻前庭切口经蝶切除垂体腺瘤

对１６例垂体腺瘤采用单侧鼻前庭切口经蝶切除，效果满意，既可减少手术创伤，又缩短了手术距离，且避免了美容缺陷，是一种设计巧妙，较为实用的手术方法，尤其适用于生长激素腺瘤。     

Demonstration of synergistic effects of hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy using the chick chorioallantoic membrane model.

The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to study vascular effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and hyperthermia (HPT) and the synergism of these modalities. The CAM is a convenient medium for monitoring the modifications of the vasculature. It is possible to view the CAM and to examine structural changes of individual blood vessels in real time. Moreover, the CAM is a closed system which lends itself to mathematical modeling of the temporal and spatial temperature profile and in which HPT can be performed quantitatively and to a selected depth, using different lasers. A porphyrin-type photosensitizer solution was applied to areas of the CAM, defined by teflon O-rings placed on the surface. Uptake dynamics of the sensitizer into the CAM was determined by analyzing its fluorescence in vivo. The CAM area was irradiated with a dual-wavelength laser system composed of a dye laser at 644 nm (to induce PDT) and a CO2 laser at 10.6 microns (to bring about HPT). Damage to the CAM vasculature, due to combined PDT+HPT, was compared to the outcome of the separate modalities, and a synergistic effect of about 40% was observed.