Variable-length lapped transforms with a combination of multiple synthesis filter banks for image coding.

A class of lapped transforms for image coding, which are characterized by variable-length synthesis filters, is introduced. In this class, the synthesis filter bank (FB) is first defined with an arbitrary combination of finite impulse response synthesis filters of perfect reconstruction FBs. An analysis FB is then obtained using direct matrix inversion or iterative implementation of Neumann series expansion. Moreover, to improve compression, we introduce a unitary transform that follows the analysis FB. This class enables a greater freedom of design than previously presented variable-length lapped transforms. We illustrate several design examples and present experimental results for image coding, which indicate that the proposed transforms are promising and comparable with conventional subband transforms including wavelets.     

氢浆制备特性及其潜在应用

概述氢浆的制备特性及其在空间技术中用作推进剂的可能性     

Lipid Bilayers on a Picoliter Microdroplet Array for Rapid Fluorescence Detection of Membrane Transport

This paper describes picoliter‐sized lipid bilayer chambers and their theoretical model for the rapid detection of membrane transport. To prepare the chambers, semispherical aqueous droplets are patterned on a hydrophilic/hydrophobic substrate and then brought into contact with another aqueous droplet in lipid‐dispersed organic solvent, resulting in the formation of the lipid bilayers on the semispherical droplets. The proposed method implements the lipid bilayer chambers with 25‐fold higher ratio of lipid membrane area (S) to chamber volume (V) compared to the previous spherical droplet chambers. Using these chambers, we are able to trace the time‐course of Ca²⁺ influx through α‐hemolysin pores by a fluorescent indicator. Moreover, we confirm that the detection time of the substrate transport is inversely proportional to the S/V ratio of the developed chambers, which is consistent with the simulation results based on the developed model. Our chambers and model might be useful for rapid functional analyses of membrane transport phenomena.     

Three dimensional analysis of Fabry-Perot resonator

It is well known that the Fabry-Perot resonator generates an electric field concentrated in its central region. Therefore, we propose the use of the Fabry-Perot resonator as a microwave heating applicator. For microwave heating, it is necessary to analyze closely the electromagnetic field of the Fabry-Perot resonator. In this paper, we analyze the Fabry-Perot resonator by a numerical method, which is derived from the Bergeron formulation for the equivalent circuit of the three-dimensional electromagnetic field. Numerical results show that the electromagnetic field of the Fabry-Perot resonator is effective for microwave heating.     

Output power control of wind turbine generator by pitch angle control using minimum variance control

Effective utilization of renewable energies such as wind energy as a replacement for fossil fuels is highly desirable. Wind energy is not constant and wind generator output is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, which causes the power output of wind turbine generators (WTGs) to fluctuate. In order to reduce output power fluctuations of wind farms, this paper presents an output power leveling control strategy for wind farms based on both the mean and the standard deviation of wind farm output power, a cooperative control strategy for WTGs, and a pitch angle control method using a generalized predictive controller (GPC) intended for all operating regions of WTGs. Simulation results using an actual detailed model for wind farm systems show the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 154(2): 10–18, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20247     

桦树沟V矿体无底柱分段崩落法开采技术分析

结合酒钢镜铁山矿桦树沟矿区倾斜矿体赋存条件及开采工艺,就矿体倾角对无底柱分段崩落法矿石残留和放矿条件的影响以及矿山开采技术进行了分析研究,发现采场的退采方向、切割方法以及回采上盘沿脉巷道等矿山现行开采技术存在一定的缺陷,严重影响矿山的正常生产和矿石的正常回收。通过对采场的退采方向、切割槽位置、分段联络巷道的布置等开采技术优化分析,建议矿山采取分段退采方向改为由上盘向下盘退采,切割立槽布置在上分段下盘矿岩交界处,上盘联络巷道布置距上盘矿岩交界3~5m处等技术措施,有助于充分回收残留矿石,提高矿石回采率。     

Optimal Thermal Unit Commitment Integrated with Renewable Energy Sources Using Advanced Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper presents a methodology for solving generation planning problem for thermal units integrated with wind and solar energy systems. The renewable energy sources are included in this model due to their low electricity cost and positive effect on environment. The generation planning problem also known by unit commitment problem is solved by a genetic algorithm operated improved binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Unlike trivial PSO, this algorithm runs the refinement process through the solutions within multiple populations. Some genetic algorithm operators such as crossover, elitism, and mutation are stochastically applied within the higher potential solutions to generate new solutions for next population. The PSO includes a new variable for updating velocity in accordance with population best along with conventional particle best and global best. The algorithm performs effectively in various sized thermal power system with equivalent solar and wind energy system and is able to produce high quality (minimized production cost) solutions. The solution model is also beneficial for reconstructed deregulated power system. The simulation results show the effectiveness of this algorithm by comparing the outcome with several established methods. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Hepatic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells in a three-dimensional culture system using polyurethane foam

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a type of pluripotent stem cell line isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts and characterized by an almost unlimited self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential in vitro into multiple cell lineages. Therefore the use of ES cells has recently received much attention as a novel cell source for various hybrid artificial organs. To use ES cells, it is necessary to be able to produce functional matured cells from ES cells in large quantities. In this study, we applied polyurethane foam (PUF)/spheroid culture, which enables spontaneous spheroid formation and mass cultivation of cultured cells, to mouse ES cells for hepatic differentiation. Mouse ES cells spontaneously formed spherical multicellular aggregates (spheroids) in the pores of the PUF within 1 d. To induce hepatic differentiation, specific growth factors were added to the culture medium. Mouse ES cells proliferated by day 20, and high cell density (about 1.0 x 10(8) cells/cm(3)-PUF) was achieved. Differentiating ES cells expressed endodermal-specific genes, such as alpha-fetoprotein, albumin and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The activity of ammonia removal of mouse ES cells per unit volume of the module was detected by day 21 and increased with culture time. Maximum expression levels were comparable to those of primary mouse hepatocytes. Mouse ES cells could express liver-specific functions at high level because of the high cell density culture and hepatic differentiation. These results suggest that the PUF/spheroid culture method could be useful to develop mass differentiation cultures.     

从济南奥体中心看大型体育中心的智能化发展

结合济南奥体中心的智能化设计,探讨大型体育中心智能化子系统的集成化、网络化、专业化及高度安全性要求的发展趋势。     

Optimal configuration of power generating systems in isolated island with renewable energy

In isolated islands, usually diesel generators supply electric power. However, there are problems, e.g., a lack of fossil fuel, environmental pollution etc. So, isolated island, e.g. Miyako island, installs renewable energy power production plants. However, renewable energy power production plants are very costly. This paper presents an optimal configuration of power system in isolated island installing renewable energy power production plants. The generating system consists of diesel generators, wind turbine generators, PV system and batteries. Using the proposed method, operation cost can be reduced about 10% in comparison with diesel generators only from simulation results.