Index characterization of differential–algebraic equations in hybrid analysis for circuit simulation

Modern modeling approaches in circuit simulation naturally lead to differential–algebraic equations (DAEs). The index of a DAE is a measure of the degree of numerical difficulty. In general, the higher the index, the more difficult it is to solve the DAE. The modified nodal analysis (MNA) is known to yield a DAE with index at most two in a wide class of nonlinear time‐varying electric circuits. In this paper, we consider a broader class of analysis method called the hybrid analysis. For linear time‐invariant RLC circuits, we prove that the index of the DAE arising from the hybrid analysis is at most one, and give a structural characterization for the index of a DAE in the hybrid analysis. This yields an efficient algorithm for finding an optimal hybrid analysis in which the index of the DAE to be solved attains zero. Finally, for linear time‐invariant electric circuits that may contain dependent sources, we prove that the optimal hybrid analysis by no means results in a higher index DAE than MNA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Construction of simulation model for spray flash desalination system

This paper describes a simulation model for a spray flash desalination system which makes fresh water from sea water by using the temperature difference between warm surface sea water and cool deep sea water. The spray flash desalination system can be modeled by using the energy conservation law and the mass conservation law. Simulation results of the model are compared with the experimental results and show the accuracy of the proposed simulation model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(4): 9–17, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20975     

Application of step‐response test for evaluation of uncertainty of standard measuring system for lightning‐impulse high voltage

In evaluating the uncertainty of the standard measuring system for lightning‐impulse high voltages, which is composed of a standard voltage divider, a digital recorder, and calibrators, step‐response tests of the standard voltage divider may be useful. In this paper, a convolution algorithm is employed to calculate the output impulse voltage waveforms from measured step‐response waveforms. The uncertainties of peak‐value measurement due to the influence of the nominal epoch, uncertainty of the peak‐value measurement due to dispersion of the AC scale factor, and uncertainty of the virtual front‐time measurement due to long‐term stability are evaluated. Furthermore, the error of the virtual front time of the output waveforms is discussed. The front part of the step‐response waveform, t≤ T₃₀%, does not influence the error of the virtual front time. Therefore, for the standard voltage divider, the step‐response parameters, that is, the experimental response time, partial response time, settling time, and overshoot, have almost nothing to do with the error of the virtual front time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(2): 24–32, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.21279     

Study of shunt type SFCL equipped with electromagnetic repulsion switch for large capacity

Using a high‐temperature superconductor, we constructed and tested a model Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL). The SFCL that we proposed has a vacuum interrupter with electromagnetic repulsion mechanism. We set out to construct a high‐voltage‐class SFCL. We produced an electromagnetic repulsion switch equipped with a 24‐kV vacuum interrupter (VI). However, the opening speed becomes slower, because the larger vacuum interrupter needs a heavier‐weight contact. For this reason, the current which flows in a superconductor may not be interruptible within a half cycle of current. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to change the design of the coil connected in parallel and to strengthen the electromagnetic repulsion force at the time of opening the vacuum interrupter. Thus, the design of the coil was changed, and in order to examine whether the problem is solvable, a current limiting test was conducted. We carried out a current limiting test using second‐generation (2G) HTS wire. The element used in this experiment has a stainless steel stabilizer on both sides of the wire. In the experiment we succeeded in interrupting the current of a superconductor within a half cycle. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 173(4): 20–27, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.21039     

Electrical Breakdown Properties and Space Charge Formation in High Temperature Region in Ultraviolet Ray Irradiated PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most popular insulating material for electric wiring instruments. However, an exothermic reaction above 150 °C may cause deterioration of the insulating properties of PVC. Therefore, it is important to clarify the heat degradation in PVC, not only to investigate the ignition of electrical wiring products but also to use electrical products safely. It is known that ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes chemical deterioration of PVC and an increase in its conductivity. Generally, it has been thought that the electrical breakdown properties, electrical conduction, and insulating performance are affected by space charge accumulation in an insulating material. A high temperature pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) system usable up to 250 °C has been developed, and the PEA system can measure the space charge distribution and conduction current in the high temperature range simultaneously. In this investigation, the space charge distribution and conduction current were measured up to electrical breakdown in a non‐UV irradiated sample (normal PVC) and in 353 nm and 253 nm UV‐irradiated PVC samples in the range from room temperature to 200 °C in a DC electric field. In the short wavelength UV irradiated PVC sample (253 nm, 300 h), a deterioration of breakdown strength at 90 °C to 150 °C and negative packet‐like charges were observed at 60 °C and 100 °C, a positive charge accumulated in front of both the anode and cathode above 90 °C, and a higher electric field near the cathode side because the positive charge of the cathode side was greater.     

Fat Bloom Caused by Partial De-Oiling on Chocolate Surfaces after High-Temperature Exposure

Fat bloom in chocolate is a substantial problem that affects its sensory properties, such as texture and appearance. This phenomenon is because of diffuse light reflection on a roughened surface of chocolate, caused by structural changes of fat crystals subjected to various temperature conditions. The purpose of this study is to characterize the fat bloom formed through gradual two-step cooling after exposure to temperatures (35–37 °C) slightly above the cocoa butter Form βV melting point (33.8 °C). To clarify the fat bloom formation process, the structural changes in cocoa butter and on the chocolate surface, at the dynamic thermal condition for bloom formation, was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that an entirely light brown fat bloom occurred, even in the absence of the Form βVI or other polymorphic transformation. Microscopic observation showed that the light brown appearance was because of the porous structure on the chocolate surface. This porous structure was formed by liquid oil moving inside of chocolate from the surface. The formation of a coarse network and the subsequent de-oiling, because of movement of unsolidified liquid fat into the chocolate, appeared to be the main causes of bloom formation. Therefore, a coarsened fat network and oil movement besides the conventional principles of polymorphic transformation of cocoa butter should be considered.     

Multifaceted Analysis of IL-23A- and/or EBI3-Including Cytokines Produced by Psoriatic Keratinocytes

Interleukin (IL) 23 (p19/p40) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and is upregulated in psoriasis skin lesions. In clinical practice, anti-IL-23Ap19 antibodies are highly effective against psoriasis. IL-39 (p19/ Epstein-Barr virus-induced (EBI) 3), a newly discovered cytokine in 2015, shares the p19 subunit with IL-23. Anti-IL-23Ap19 antibodies may bind to IL-39; also, the cytokine may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. To investigate IL23Ap19- and/or EBI3-including cytokines in psoriatic keratinocytes, we analyzed IL-23Ap19 and EBI3 expressions in psoriasis skin lesions, using immunohistochemistry and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) stimulated with inflammatory cytokines, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-Ms/Ms). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that IL-23Ap19 and EBI3 expressions were upregulated in the psoriasis skin lesions. In vitro, these expressions were synergistically induced by the triple combination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17A, and interferon (IFN)-γ, and suppressed by dexamethasone, vitamin D3, and acitretin. In ELISA and LC-Ms/Ms analyses, keratinocyte-derived IL-23Ap19 and EBI3, but not heterodimeric forms, were detected with humanized anti-IL-23Ap19 monoclonal antibodies, tildrakizumab, and anti-EBI3 antibodies, respectively. Psoriatic keratinocytes may express IL-23Ap19 and EBI3 proteins in a monomer or homopolymer, such as homodimer or homotrimer.     

Abscopal Effect of Frozen Autograft Reconstruction Combined with an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Analyzed Using a Metastatic Bone Tumor Model

We evaluated the abscopal effect of re-implantation of liquid nitrogen-treated tumor-bearing bone grafts and the synergistic effect of anti-PD-1 (programmed death-1) therapy using a bone metastasis model, created by injecting MMT-060562 cells into the bilateral tibiae of 6–8-week-old female C3H mice. After 2 weeks, the lateral tumors were treated by excision, cryotreatment using liquid nitrogen, excision with anti-PD-1 treatment, and cryotreatment with anti-PD-1 treatment. Anti-mouse PD-1 4H2 was injected on days 1, 6, 12, and 18 post-treatment. The mice were euthanized after 3 weeks; the abscopal effect was evaluated by focusing on growth inhibition of the abscopal tumor. The re-implantation of frozen autografts significantly inhibited the growth of the remaining abscopal tumors. However, a more potent abscopal effect was observed in the anti-PD-1 antibody group. The number of CD8+ T cells infiltrating the abscopal tumor and tumor-specific interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing spleen cells increased in the liquid nitrogen-treated group compared with those in the excision group, with no significant difference. The number was significantly higher in the anti-PD-1 antibody-treated group than in the non-treated group. Overall, re-implantation of tumor-bearing frozen autograft has an abscopal effect on abscopal tumor growth, although re-implantation of liquid nitrogen-treated bone grafts did not induce a strong T-cell response or tumor-suppressive effect.     

Preparation of High-Performance Co3O4 Catalyst for Hydrocarbon Combustion from Co-Containing Hydrogarnet

Supported Co₃O₄ catalysts were prepared via the calcination of Co-containing hydrogarnet, (Ca_3-x Co _x )Al₂(SiO₄)_{3- y} (OH)_4y , at 400 °C. Such precursors with various extents of substitution were synthesized from the hydrothermal reaction of a stoichiometric mixture of calcium oxide, amorphous silica, alumina sol, and cobalt hydroxide at 200 °C. It was found that the catalyst consisted of Co₃O₄, CaO, and mayenite and exhibited a high activity for the combustion of propylene, benzene, and toluene at temperatures below 300 °C.     

Influence of rapid thermal annealing at varied temperatures on conductivity activation energy and structural properties of Si-doped β-Ga2O3 film grown by pulsed laser deposition

Si-doped β-Ga₂O₃ was generally activated by high-temperature annealing (over 600?°C) due to its strong bonding energy. Considering the electronic applications using β-Ga₂O₃ such as various power devices with low power consumption, it is strongly required to decrease the device process temperature including the impurity activation process. In this article, in order to decrease the impurity activation process temperature, we proposed the rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment to activate the Si atoms in the β-Ga₂O₃ films since RTA treatment can give the high thermal energy to specimen in a short time and investigated the influence of RTA treatment with various temperatures on conductivity activation energy, and structural properties of Si-doped β-Ga₂O₃ film. Si-doped β-Ga₂O₃ films were hetero-epitaxially grown on c-plane sapphire substrate by pulsed laser deposition method. Crystallinity, surface roughness, and electrical properties of specimens were investigated by changing the RTA temperatures. Crystallinity and surface roughness of Si-doped β-Ga₂O₃ films were not significantly influenced by RTA treatment at temperatures range of 100–700?°C. Conductivity activation energy of specimens with RTA treatment was about 50–100?meV and did not depend on RTA temperatures. As a result, even Si-doped β-Ga₂O₃ film with RTA treatment at 100?°C showed a relatively good conductivity. Based on the experimental results in this study, it can be said that RTA treatment is useful method to decrease the temperature of activation process for Si-doped β-Ga₂O₃ thin films without serious structural degradations.