Arterial cannula shape optimization by means of the rotational firefly algorithm

This article presents global optimization results of arterial cannula shapes by means of the newly modified firefly algorithm. The search for the optimal arterial cannula shape is necessary in order to minimize losses and prepare the flow that leaves the circulatory support system of a ventricle (i.e. blood pump) before it reaches the heart. A modification of the standard firefly algorithm, the so-called rotational firefly algorithm, is introduced. It is shown that the rotational firefly algorithm allows for better exploration of search spaces which results in faster convergence and better solutions in comparison with its standard version. This is particularly pronounced for smaller population sizes. Furthermore, it maintains greater diversity of populations for a longer time. A small population size and a low number of iterations are necessary to keep to a minimum the computational cost of the objective function of the problem, which comes from numerical solution of the nonlinear partial differential equations. Moreover, both versions of the firefly algorithm are compared to the state of the art, namely the differential evolution and covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategies.     

Impulse noise reduction using hybrid neuro-fuzzy filter with improved firefly algorithm from X-ray bio-images

Noise filtering performance in medical images is improved using a neuro-fuzy network developed with the combination of a post processor and two neuro-fuzzy (NF) filters. By the fact, the Sugeno-type is found to be less accurate during impulse noise reduction process. In this paper, we propose an improved firefly algorithm based hybrid neuro-fuzzy filter in both the NF filters to improve noise reduction performance. The proposed noise reduction system combines the advantages of the neural, fuzzy and firefly algorithms. In addition, an improved version of firefly algorithm called searching diversity based particle swarm firefly algorithm is used to reduce the local trapping problem as well as to determine the optimal shape of membership function in fuzzy system. Experimental results show that the proposed filter has proved its effectiveness on reducing the impulse noise in medical images against different impulse noise density levels.     

基于分级免疫萤火虫算法的桥梁振动传感器优化布置研究

针对结构健康监测系统设计的振动传感器优化布置问题,在基本萤火虫算法的基础上引入等级划分策略和免疫机制,提出了一种分级免疫萤火虫算法。采用二重结构编码,弥补了基本萤火虫算法只能用于连续优化问题的不足;建立等级划分制度,使不同等级种群内部形成独立的搜索空间,维持了种群多样性,并让优质个体得以保留;引进免疫机制,进行萤火虫的选择、记忆、交叉和变异,增强了算法的全局搜索能力和局部寻优能力;文末利用足尺Benchmark桥梁模型,对算法参数进行了敏感性分析,并开展了振动传感器优化布置方案的选择。结果表明,与基本离散型萤火虫算法相比,分级免疫萤火虫算法的计算效率和寻优结果均有显著提升,能够很好地解决振动传感器优化布置问题。     

Fibre optic biosensors with immobilized bioluminescence enzymes

A fibre optic biosensor involving immobilized bioluminescence enzymes associated with a glass fibre bundle has been designed. The firefly luciferase fromPhotinus pyralis, as well as the bacterial luciferase-oxidoreductase system from eitherVibrio fischeri orVibrio harveyi, have been immobilized on preactivated polyamide membranes. First, the validity of the approach is demonstrated by performing the microdetermination of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and sodium dehydrogenase (NADH) in a batch system. The detection limits are equal to 0.1nm for ATP and 0.3nm for NADH. With the NADH-based system, the extension of the biosensor potential to other analytes (ethanol, sorbitol and oxaloacetate) has been achieved using suitable dehydrogenases co-immobilized with the bacterial system. Second, the fibre optic biosensor is associated with a specially designed flow cell for the continuous-flow bioluminescent assay of NADH over the range 2 pmol-1 nmol with an r.s.d. of 3.4% at 0.1 nmol. Finally, a multifunction biosensor for the determination of either ATP or NADH using a single bioluminescence-based fibre optic probe is described. This was made possible by co-immobilizing the firefly luciferase with the bacterial system on the same preactivated polyamide membrane.     

A Pareto firefly algorithm for multi-objective disassembly line balancing problems with hazard evaluation

The safety hazards existing in the process of disassembling waste products pose potential harms to the physical and mental health of the workers. In this article, these hazards involved in the disassembly operations are evaluated and taken into consideration in a disassembly line balancing problem. A multi-objective mathematical model is constructed to minimise the number of workstations, maximise the smoothing rate and minimise the average maximum hazard involved in the disassembly line. Subsequently, a Pareto firefly algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. The random key encoding method based on the smallest position rule is used to adapt the firefly algorithm to tackle the discrete optimisation problem of the disassembly line balancing. To avoid the search being trapped in a local optimum, a random perturbation strategy based on a swap operation is performed on the non-inferior solutions. The validity of the proposed algorithm is tested by comparing with two other algorithms in the existing literature using a 25-task phone disassembly case. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to solve a refrigerator disassembly line problem based on the field investigation and a comparison of the proposed Pareto firefly algorithm with another multi-objective firefly algorithm in the existing literature is performed to further identify the superior performance of the proposed Pareto firefly algorithm, and eight Pareto optimal solutions are obtained for decision makers to make a decision.     

Firefly luciferase enzyme fragment complementation for imaging in cells and living animals

We identified different fragments of the firefly luciferase gene based on the crystal structure of firefly luciferase. These split reporter genes which encode for protein fragments, unlike the fragments currently used for studying protein-protein interactions, can self-complement and provide luciferase enzyme activity in different cell lines in culture and in living mice. The comparison of the fragment complementation associated recovery of firefly luciferase enzyme activity with intact firefly luciferase was estimated for different fragment combinations and ranged from 0.01 to 4% of the full firefly luciferase activity. Using a cooled optical charge-coupled device camera, the analysis of firefly luciferase fragment complementation in transiently transfected subcutaneous 293T cell implants in living mice showed significant detectable enzyme activity upon injecting d-luciferin, especially from the combinations of fragments identified (Nfluc and Cfluc are the N and C fragments of the firefly luciferase gene, respectively): Nfluc (1-475)/Cfluc (245-550), Nfluc (1-475)/Cfluc (265-550), and Nfluc (1-475)/Cfluc (300-550). The Cfluc (265-550) fragment, upon expression with the nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide of SV40, shows reduced enzyme activity when the cells are cotransfected with the Nfluc (1-475) fragment expressed without NLS. We also proved in this study that the complementing fragments could be efficiently used for screening macromolecule delivery vehicles by delivering TAT-Cfluc (265-550) to cells stably expressing Nfluc (1-475) and recovering signal. These complementing fragments should be useful for many reporter-based assays including intracellular localization of proteins, studying cellular macromolecule delivery vehicles, studying cell-cell fusions, and also developing intracellular phosphorylation sensors based on fragment complementation.     

激光测速仪定焦系统设计

为满足激光测速仪在米级距离的测速需要,设计了一种激光测速仪定焦系统.通过光束分析仪测量距离激光出射口不同位置处的光斑半径,利用函数拟合的方法得到激光束腰斑半径与腰斑位置.采用望远镜系统作为定焦系统的基本结构,通过MATLAB软件穷举定焦系统的各项参数,记录满足条件的参数.根据操作过程中的实际条件选择其中一种数据搭建定焦...     

Modulation of firefly luciferase bioluminescence at bioelectrochemical interfaces

This paper describes a method by which the activity of an immobilized enzyme can be modulated electrochemically at an electrode. The particular example studied, involving the enzyme firefly luciferase being immobilized in a gelatin film of thickness <1 μm, provides a useful model system since changes in the catalytic activity can be measured instantaneously through the natural bioluminescent emission. Using this biointerfacial arrangement, we have been able to demonstrate the reversible switching off and on of the enzyme's activity. Through a series of mechanistic studies, we have been able to determine that the bioluminescence response is modulated (on long time scales) as a consequence of the electrochemical depletion of protons at the electrode interface resulting in a local increase in pH.     

基于改进萤火虫算法的有限元模型修正

针对标准萤火虫算法后期收敛速度慢、收敛精度低、易陷入局部最优解的问题,提出了参数自适应策略的改进萤火虫算法,建立了基于改进萤火虫算法的有限元模型修正方法。通过隔代随机吸引度因子扩大了算法搜索路径,提升了算法遍历性,避免计算陷入局部最优;通过自适应步长因子使得算法寻优过程中能随迭代次数逐渐减少随机搜索范围,从而提高收敛速度。单、多峰测试函数计算结果表明,改进算法显著提高了收敛速率与收敛精度;简支梁数值算例与某刚构桥实桥有限元模型修正结果表明,简支梁参数最大误差由初始的66.7%降低至修正后的1.08%,刚构桥频率最大误差由14.47%降低至3.25%。所提方法具有良好的更新精度,适用于大型复杂结构的有限元模型修正。     

脉冲激光模拟器

介绍了一种用于测试激光测距机系统性能的脉冲激光模拟器。该模拟器由１０６４ｎｍ半导体浙江器、准直光学系统、驱动电路、同步及延迟电路、仿真计算软件等组成,可以模拟脉冲激光测距机在各种大气条件下,对不同距离及不同特性的目标测距时的回波信号。     

Bioluminescence detection system of mutagen using firefly luciferase genes introduced in Escherichia coli lysogenic strain.

A rapid and convenient microbial sensing system for mutagens was developed based upon the induction of prophage from Escherichia coli lysogenic strain and bioluminescence. The system consisted of lysogenic E. coli encoding firefly luciferase genes and a photodetection system. Measurement of mutagen mitomycin C was achieved by measuring the luminescence intensity emitted from E. coli lysogenic strain for the recombinant phage in the presence of luminescence substrates. Approximately 1 h after addition of mitomycin C, the luminescence began to be observed, and 3 h after, it attained a level of 2 times greater than that of 1 h. Irradiation with ultraviolet light also produced light based on induction of phage from the E. coli lysogenic strain for the recombinant phage. On the other hand, when nonmutagenic toxic compounds like sodium azide were added to the reaction medium, luminescence was not observed. Mitomycin C could be detected within 1 h with this sensing system, at concentrations down to 10(2) ng/assay.     

Operation of a Ti:sapphire laser pumped by a 499-nm green laser

We report, for the first time, to our knowledge, the operation of a tunable Ti:sapphire laser pumped by a third-order Raman XeCl-H(2) laser system at 499 nm with a 60-ns pulse duration. The slope efficiency is 59% for this laser, producing pulses of 20-ns duration. The highest conversion-energy efficiency obtained is 41%, with an output energy of 1.2 mJ. The tuning range for a single set of cavity mirrors is 680-834 nm and is limited mainly by the mirror reflectivity. This study shows that a combined laser system based on a XeCl excimer laser can offer wavelength diversity.     

双端差分吸收激光雷达系统

研究和设计了一实验性双端差分吸收激光雷达系统。其光源为一台双波长双脉冲可调谐Cr:LiSAF激光器,利用BBO晶体腔内倍频和腔内调Q技术,实现了二次和三次谐波输出;激光系统的合作目标为远处一平面镜,光源发射光脉冲和信号采集由微机系统控制。该系统用于测量大气中的NO2和SO2的浓度分布。     

平场机激光自动控制系统的研制

介绍了一种新型激光自动控制系统,它是利用激光扫描发出平面信号再将其进行光电转换成电信号,用此信号控制平场机械,并使推铲自动跟踪在一个基准平面上。整个系统是一个闭环的自动控制系统。这种激光自动控制平场机,能实现自动控制推平场地,可广泛应用于水电站工程碾压混凝土平仓,大面积农田平整,长距离水渠、输油管沟基自动挖平等作业中,大大提高了作业效率。     

The national ignition facility high-energy ultraviolet laser system

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), currently under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is a stadium-sized facility containing a 192-beam, 1.8 MJ, 500 TW, ultraviolet laser system together with a 10-m diameter target chamber with room for nearly 100 experimental diagnostics. When completed, NIF will be the world's largest and most energetic laser experimental system, providing an international center to study inertial confinement fusion and the physics of matter at extreme energy densities and pressures. NIF's 192 energetic laser beams will compress fusion targets to conditions required for thermonuclear burn, liberating more energy than required to initiate the fusion reactions. Other NIF experiments will allow the study of physical processes at temperatures approaching 10⁸ K and 10¹¹ Bar, conditions that exist naturally only in the interior of stars, planets and in nuclear weapons. NIF is now entering the first phases of its laser commissioning program. The first four beams of the NIF laser system have generated 106 kJ of infrared light and over 10 kJ at the third harmonic (351 nm). NIF's target experimental systems are also being installed in preparation for experiments to begin in late 2003. This paper provides a detailed look the NIF laser systems, the significant laser and optical systems breakthroughs that were developed, the results of recent laser commissioning shots, and plans for commissioning diagnostics for experiments on NIF.     

Development of a chirped pulse amplification laser with zigzag slab Nd:glass amplifiers dedicated to x-ray laser research

A chirped pulse amplification laser with zigzag slab Nd:glass amplifiers dedicated to x-ray laser research is described. The laser provides a 1.6 ps duration pulse with approximately 7 J energy at a repetition rate of 0.1 Hz. In the power amplifier system, laser light is amplified in a two-step manner: The first step is image-relayed multipass amplification up to approximately 1 J with a 10 mm x 10 mm beam. The second step is double-pass amplification up to >10 J with a 10 mm x 90 mm beam. By using this laser system, the saturated amplification of the Ni-like Ag laser at a wavelength of 13.9 nm has been successfully demonstrated.     

Rapidly tuning miniature transversely excited atmospheric-pressure CO2 laser

An experimental study of a rapidly tuning miniature transversely excited atmospheric-pressure CO2 laser is reported. To rapidly shift laser wavelengths over selected transitions in the 9-11 microm wavelength region, we have utilized a high-frequency stepping motor and a diffraction grating. The laser is highly automated with a monolithic microprocessor controlled laser line selection. For the achievement of stable laser output, a system of laser excitation with a voltage of 10 kV, providing effective surface corona preionization and allowing one to work at various gas pressures, is utilized. Laser operation at 59 emission lines of the CO2 molecule rotational transition is obtained and at 51 lines, the pulse energy of laser radiation exceeds 30 mJ. The system can be tuned between two different rotational lines spanning the wavelength range from 9.2 to 10.8 microm within 10 ms.     

Iodine stabilized dye laser system for frequency measurements in the visible and near IR region of the spectrum

An iodine stabilized dye laser system is described that provides traceable measurement of reference frequencies in the visible spectrum from 540 to 670 nm and in the near infrared at 1.15 /spl mu/m. The system allows calibration of the widely used 633 nm, 612 nm, and 543 nm HeNe laser systems. Also, frequency measurements of a polarization stabilized 1153 nm HeNe laser have been performed via frequency doubling and comparison with the dye system operating on the corresponding 576 nm lines. Studies of the shift sensitivities of the system at various wavelengths of interest are described for variation of iodine cell pressure, laser modulation amplitude, and optical saturation power. The dye system was also stabilized to hyperfine components associated with the 6-3 P(33) iodine transition and compared with a 633 nm iodine stabilized HeNe standard.     

On-line surveillance of a dynamic process by a moving system based on pulsed digital holographic interferometry

A method based on pulsed digital holographic interferometry for the measurement of dynamic deformations of a surface by using a moving system is presented. The measuring system may move with a speed of several meters per minute and can measure deformation of the surface with an accuracy of better than 50 nm. The deformation is obtained by comparison of the wavefronts recorded at different times with different laser pulses produced by a Nd:YAG laser. The effect due to the movement of the measuring system is compensated for by digital processing of the different holograms. The system is well suited for on-line surveillance of a dynamic process such as laser welding and friction stir welding. Experimental results are presented, and the advantages of the method are discussed.     

主动式双波长红外激光测温标定实验研究

基于主动式双波长红外激光的测温方法,可实现对未知发射率表面真实温度的测量。高精度的标定源是保证双波长红外测温系统测温精确性的重要基础,但目前双波长测温领域的研究工作缺乏关于标定实验结果的公开报道。因此,设计搭建了主动式红外激光测温标定源,研究该标定源的稳定性和均匀性,并对双波长激光测温系统进行标定。结果表明:所搭建主动式双波长红外激光测温标定源稳定性良好,1 173 K时20 min内温度最大偏差为0.22 K;表面温度均匀性良好,1 173 K时表面温度标准偏差为0.34 K;标定源表面真温在923 K以上时,采集信号相对标准偏差小于0.7%。标定实验结果证明所搭建标定源可靠性良好,能够对主动式双波长红外激光测温系统进行精确标定。