In this paper, we extend the maximum likelihood (ML) training algorithm to the minimum classification error (MCE) training algorithm for discriminatively estimating the state-dependent polynomial coefficients in the stochastic trajectory model or the trended hidden Markov model (HMM) originally proposed in [2]. The main motivation of this extension is the new model space for smoothness-constrai...

This paper briefly reviews the development of earthquake resistant design of buildings. The state-of-the-art of seismic design is discussed from the viewpoint of the performance criteria of buildings. These are (a) serviceability from frequent minor-intensity earthquake motions, (b) repairability from an infrequent but major-intensity earthquake motion, and (c) life safety from the maximum poss...

Dynamic slope stability in open-pit mines still remains a challenging task in the computational mining design. Earthquake and blasting are two significant sources of dynamic loads that can cause many damages to open-pit mines in active seismic areas and during exploitation cycles. In this work, the effects of earthquake and blasting on the stability of the NW slope of Chadormalu mine are compar...

Background—This study investigated whether the extent of perfusion defect determined by intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated by primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) relates to coronary flow reserve (CRF) for assessment of myocardial reperfusion and is predictive for left ventricular recovery. M...

Multi-criteria Evaluation (MCE) is increasingly being used in the assessment of natural resource management options which involve complex ecological, economic and social outcomes and interactions. This paper draws on the results of research experiences and reviews MCE applications to identify methodological issues with conducting MCE and future research possibilities. Some of the key issues tha...

Most of the existing seismic design codes are based on the empirical knowledge accumulated through systematic earthquake damage data collection and their analysis. Required levels of protection and seismic design forces gradually are increased after each series of catastrophic earthquakes particularly in developed countries. Many efforts have been made through experimental and analytical studie...

OBJECTIVES The association of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) association with major coronary events (MCE) has been well documented, nevertheless data are lacking for populations with a low incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). We aimed to assess the association of PAD with MCE in a Mediterranean population. DESIGN Prospective survey of 699 55-74 year-old men representative o...

BACKGROUND We hypothesized that myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) with leukocyte-targeted microbubbles could temporally and spatially characterize the severity of postischemic myocardial inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS In 9 open-chest dogs, either the left anterior descending or left circumflex coronary artery was occluded for 90 minutes (n=6), while the remaining dogs served as no...

Large rotating magnetocaloric effect (MCE) has been observed in some single crystals due to strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy. By utilizing the rotating MCE, a new type of rotary magnetic refrigerator can be constructed, which could be more simplified and efficient than the conventional one. However, compared with polycrystalline materials, the high cost and complexity of preparation for sin...