This paper introduces a nonparametric frequency-domain scheme for tuning closed-loop systems. A linear quadratic criterion is used for guiding the system towards an optimal-regulation state. The computation of tuning directions is performed with unbiased estimates of "rst and second derivatives of the cost function. In order to provide cautious adjustments of the controller parameters, this sch...

High-resolution sedimentological and micropaleontological studies of several deep-sea cores retrieved from the levees of the Celtic and Armorican turbidite systems (Bay of Biscay — North Atlantic Ocean) allow the detection of the major oscillations of the British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) and ‘Fleuve Manche’ palaeoriver discharges over the last 30,000 years, which were mainly triggered by climate ...

To evaluate morbidity in Hybrid Radical Prostatectomy (HRP, hybridized laparoscopic and open retropubic radical prostatectomy). The operative and pathological outcomes obtained in 25 consecutive patients who underwent HRP were reviewed. The median operating time was 220 min, median blood loss was 550 ml, and no patient required an allogenic blood transfusion. No severe postoperative complicatio...

Successful surgical palliation for carcinoma of the cardia and lower oesophagus is often compromised by anastomotic failure or local recurrence. These complications follow technical difficulty in achieving adequate resection and a safe anastomosis through inappropriate surgical exposure, often via the left chest. A technique of oesophagogastrectomy is described employing a simultaneous right ab...

Spinal cord hemangioblastomas account for about 10% of spinal cord tumors. They usually arise from the dorsolateral pia mater and are characterized by their significant vascularity. The principles and techniques of safe resection are different than those employed for the more commonly occurring intramedullary glial tumors (e.g. ependymoma, astrocytoma) and consist of circumferential detachment ...

Objective: To show that endoscopic excision of rhinosporidiosis carries less risk of recurrence. Materials and methods: Five consecutive patients of rhinosporidiosis were placed for endoscopic excision. The various sized mass were excised completely with safe margin under better illumination, magnification and hemostasis using 30° endoscope with camera and monitor. All the patients were started...

Since its introduction in 1983, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has emerged as a safe and effective method to treat rectal lesions including benign tumors, early rectal cancer, and rectal fistulas and strictures. This minimally invasive technique offers the advantages of superior visualization of the lesion and greater access to proximal lesions with lower margin positivity and specimen...

Trichilemmal carcinoma is a rare cutaneous cancer that usually occurs on photoexposed areas in elderly individuals. Most of the time, there is a unique lesion that presents a papulonodular aspect with possible keratosis or ulceration on the top of it. We report on a case of this rare tumor, discussing various aspects of this entity and possible therapy. Simple excision with adequate safety marg...

In the recent functional linguistic literature, the notion of syntactic complexity and similar concepts have received considerable attention. Yet, when trying to operationalize syntactic complexity as an independent variable in statistical research designs, it soon emerges that the notion is somewhat underdefined. I will report the results from an experiment comparing three measures of syntacti...

We use experimental methods to investigate whether pledges of commitment can improve cooperation in endogenously-formed partnerships facing a social dilemma. Treatments vary in terms of the individual’s: (1) opportunity to commit to their partner; (2) the cost of dissolving committed partnerships; and (3) the distribution of these dissolution costs between partners. Our findings show that pledg...