Search for high-performance probe-fed stacked patches using optimization

High-performance circular probe-fed stacked patch antenna designs are explored through the use of numerical optimization. New trends are sought to aid understanding and to suggest novel solutions. We describe the optimization technique, present a new design trend relating efficiency and bandwidth to the choice of substrate dielectric, and propose and demonstrate a novel, optimized antenna achieving 33% bandwidth whilst maintaining greater than 80% surface wave efficiency.     

A Rough Set Approach to Estimating the Game Value and the Shapley Value from Data

A value of a game v is a function which to each coalition S assigns the value v(S) of this coalition, meaning the expected pay–off for players in that coalition. A classical approach of von Neumann and Morgenstern [6] had set some formal requirements on v which contemporary theories of value adhere to. A Shapley value of the game with a value v [14] is a functional Φ giving for each player p the value Φ_p(v) estimating the expected pay-off of the player p in the game. Game as well as conflict theory have been given recently much attention on the part of rough and fuzzy set communities [11,8,1,4,7,2]. In particular, problems of plausible strategies [1] in conflicts as well as problems related to Shapley's value [3,2] have been addressed.We confront here the problem of estimating a value as well as Shapley's value of a game from a partial data about the game. We apply to this end the rough set ideas of approximations, defining the lower and the upper value of the game and, respectively, the lower and upper Shapley value. We also define a notion of an exact coalition, on which both values coincide giving the true value of the game; we investigate the structure of the family of exact sets showing its closeness on complements, disjoint sums, and intersections of coalitions covering the set of players. This work sets open a new area of rough set applications in mining constructs from data. The construct mined in this case are values as well as Shapley values of games.     

Acoustic emission for detecting deterioration of capacitors under aging

There is continuous pressure on production cost reduction of foil-based capacitors, widely used in domestic appliance. Therefore, investigation of the deterioration mechanisms within capacitors is important to reduce their production costs at maintained reliability. These mechanisms were observed in two capacitors batches of classes Y2 (27 nF) and X2 (470 nF). An acoustic emission signal was observed when the capacitors were polarized by excessive voltage. This signal is induced by partial discharges that can lead to capacitor destruction. Next, the capacitors were aged at elevated temperature and also in presence of excessive polarization. We conclude that the acoustic emission signal can predict deterioration of dielectric insulation resistance in capacitors of class Y2. The observed destruction of capacitor of class X2 is caused mainly by detachment of the sprayed metalized contacts that is induced by overheating during partial discharges sparking.     

On the Effect of pH,Temperature, and Surfactant Structure on Bovine Serum Albumin–Cationic/Anionic/Nonionic Surfactants Interactions in Cacodylate Buffer–Fluorescence Quenching Studies Supported by UV Spectrophotometry and CD Spectroscopy

Due to the fact that surfactant molecules are known to alter the structure (and consequently the function) of a protein, protein–surfactant interactions are very important in the biological, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Although there are numerous studies on the interactions of albumins with surfactants, the investigations are often performed at fixed environmental conditions and limited to separate surface-active agents and consequently do not present an appropriate comparison between their different types and structures. In the present paper, the interactions between selected cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants, namely hexadecylpyridinium chloride (CPC), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate, monopalmitate, and monooleate (TWEEN 20, TWEEN 40, and TWEEN 80, respectively) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in an aqueous solution (10 mM cacodylate buffer; pH 5.0 and 7.0) by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy supported by UV spectrophotometry and CD spectroscopy. Since in the case of all studied systems, the fluorescence intensity of BSA decreased regularly and significantly under the action of the surfactants added, the fluorescence quenching mechanism was analyzed thoroughly with the use of the Stern–Volmer equation (and its modification) and attributed to the formation of BSA–surfactant complexes. The binding efficiency and mode of interactions were evaluated among others by the determination, comparison, and discussion of the values of binding (association) constants of the newly formed complexes and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS). Furthermore, the influence of the structure of the chosen surfactants (charge of hydrophilic head and length of hydrophobic chain) as well as different environmental conditions (pH, temperature) on the binding mode and the strength of the interaction has been investigated and elucidated.     

An optical method for rapid examination of check development in decorative plywood panels

Common methods for assessment of surface checking in decorative plywood panels rely on manual handling and visual inspection of specimens, a laborious procedure practically limiting the number of materials and variables that may be considered within one project. In this study, a new automated optical method for detection and measurement of checks has been developed. This method was based on the digital image correlation principle, which allowed identification of checks as small as 0.2 mm wide and 1 mm long. Continuous measurement allowed reliable check counts, and measurement of check dimensions as they develop during exposure to drying conditions. A check severity index has been proposed. The method has been validated in exposure tests conducted in harsh but realistic conditions, to increase the likelihood of checking and reduce the test duration to 4 h. In addition, an innovative test setup allowed near simultaneous monitoring of check development in up to 48 panel specimens sized 30?×?30 cm. The efficiency of the method allows studies to examine an unprecedented number of treatments and replicates.     

Toll-Like Receptor and Accessory Molecule mRNA Expression in Humans and Mice as Well as in Murine Autoimmunity,Transient Inflammation,and Progressive Fibrosis

The cell type-, organ-, and species-specific expression of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are well described, but little is known about the respective expression profiles of their accessory molecules. We therefore determined the mRNA expression levels of LBP, MD2, CD36, CD14, granulin, HMGB1, LL37, GRP94, UNC93b1, TRIL, PRAT4A, AP3B1, AEP and the respective TLRs in human and mouse solid organs. Humans and mice displayed significant differences between their respective mRNA expression patterns of these factors. In addition, the expression profiles in transient tissue inflammation upon renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, in spleens and kidneys from mice with lupus-like systemic autoimmunity, and in progressive tissue fibrosis upon unilateral ureteral obstruction were studied. Several TLR co-factors were specifically regulated during the different phases of these disease entities, suggesting a functional involvement in the disease process. Thus, the organ- and species-specific expression patterns need to be considered in the design and interpretation of studies related to TLR-mediated innate immunity, which seems to be involved in the tissue injury phase, in the phase of tissue regeneration, and in progressive tissue remodelling.