An interval algorithm for finding all solutions of non‐linear resistive circuits

In this letter, an efficient algorithm is proposed for finding all solutions of non‐linear (not piecewise‐linear) resistive circuits. This algorithm is based on interval analysis, the dual simplex method, and the contraction methods. By numerical examples, it is shown that the proposed algorithm could find all solutions of systems of 500–700 non‐linear circuit equations in acceptable computation time. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anthocyanins,but not Anthocyanidins,from Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Alleviate Pruritus via Inhibition of Mast Cell Degranulation

Abstract: We have previously reported that bilberry anthocyanins exhibit an anti‐pruritic effect in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis. It has been reported that anthocyanins are particularly sensitive to thermal treatment and are easily hydrolyzed to anthocyanidins when exposed to high temperatures. The objective of this study was to compare the anti‐pruritic effect of anthocyanin‐rich quality‐controlled bilberry extract and anthocyanidin‐rich degraded extract using a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis. BALB/c mice with allergic contact dermatitis induced by 4 weeks of repeated application of 2,4,6‐trinitro‐1‐chlorobenzene (TNCB) were administered Bilberon‐25 orally for 4 weeks after sensitization with TNCB. The effect of Bilberon‐25 on pruritus was evaluated by measurement of scratching behavior. RBL‐2H3 mast cells were used to investigate the effect of Bilberon‐25 on degranulation in 48/80‐stimulated mast cells. Compared with nonheated Bilberon‐25, the proportion of anthocyanins in heated Bilberon‐25 decreased, and the proportion of anthocyanidins was increased in heated‐time dependent manner. Treatment with non‐heated Bilberon‐25 significantly attenuated the TNCB‐induced increase in scratching behavior, whereas treatment with 2 h‐heated Bilberon‐25 did not. Moreover, 300 μg/mL nonheated Bilberon‐25 showed significant inhibition of degranulation in RBL‐2H3 mast cells, whereas 2 h‐heated Bilberon‐25 had no effect at any concentration studied. It is assumed that the inhibitory effect of bilberry anthocyanins on pruritus might be mediated, at least in part, by its inhibitory effect on mast cell degranulation. In conclusion, the anthocyanin‐rich but not anthocyanidin‐rich bilberry extract may be a useful dietary supplement for skin diseases involving pruritic symptoms, such as chronic allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and rhinitis.     

Modeling and optimizing a sub-centralized LED lamps provision system for rural communities

Providing clean and sustainable energy for all is an ever elusive challenge, especially encountered in remote and poor rural areas. Cost-effective solutions have been found through renewable energy systems (RES) which, when combined with specialized products like rechargeable lamps using light emitting diodes (LED), can provide the basic energy needs (lighting) of rural homes, while replacing fossil-fuel based energy sources (e.g. kerosene lamps). The investigation presents an LED lamps provision system which circumvents the cost and technical challenges that currently hamper LED lamps diffusion into communities. Based on an actual rural island case (Pangan-an Island, Philippines), a sub-centralized lamp rental and charging system was mathematically modeled and analyzed (analytically and numerically) to identify the optimal states and policies, along with the effects of certain parameters, which promote financial viability and supply sustainability. It was found that a dynamically optimized lamp(s) purchase policy yields better financial returns than a statically optimized policy. Furthermore, it was realized that a sub-centralized lamps rental approach can serve as a complementary energy provision system for rural electrification projects by providing for the lower-tier energy demand market of low income users within a community.     

A Water‐Soluble Mechanochromic Luminescent Pyrene Derivative Exhibiting Recovery of the Initial Photoluminescence Color in a High‐Humidity Environment

Switching of the luminescence properties of molecular materials in response to mechanical stimulation is of fundamental interest and also has a range of potential applications. Herein, a water‐soluble mechanochromic luminescent pyrene derivative having two hydrophilic dendrons is reported. This pyrene derivative is the first example of a mechanochromic luminescent organic compound that responds to relative humidity. Mechanical stimulation (grinding) of this pyrene derivative in the solid state results in a change of the photoluminescence from yellow to green. Subsequent exposure to water vapor induces recovery of the initial yellow photoluminescence. The color change is reversible through at least ten cycles. It is also demonstrated that this compound can be applied as a mechano‐sensing material in frictional wear testing for grease, owing to its immiscibility in non‐polar solvents and its non‐crystalline behavior. Transmission electron microscope and atomic force microscope observations of samples prepared from dilute aqueous solutions of the pyrene derivative on suitable substrates, together with dynamic light scattering measurements for the compound in aqueous solution, indicate that this amphiphilic dumbbell‐shaped molecule forms micelles in water.     

Laser brazing of a dissimilar joint of austenitic stainless steel and pure copper

In many industries, there are applications that require the joining of stainless steel and copper components; therefore, the welding of dissimilar stainless steel/copper joints is a common process. For this investigation, the optimal brazing conditions and suitable filler metals for laser brazing of stainless steel/copper lap joints were studied. Tensile shear force increases with increases in the laser spot diameter or in the laser irradiation angle, which is associated with increased bonding width; however, as bonding width approaches 2 mm, tensile shear force reaches a saturated value due to fracturing at the HAZ of the Cu base plate. In order to obtain joints with high tensile shear strength, laser brazing was optimized by using Cu–Si-based filler metal under the following conditions: laser power, 4 kW; spot diameter, 3 mm; laser irradiation angle, 80°; irradiation position shift, 0.6 mm; brazing speed, 0.30 m/min; and filler metal feed speed, 0.30 min. Concerning filler metals, it was found that the Ni–Cu type showed relatively large tensile shear force even at high welding speeds in comparison with those of the Cu–Si, Cu, Cu–Ni, Ni–Cu and Ni types, respectively.     

Multiple uses of Essential Oil and By-Products from Various Parts of the Yakushima Native Cedar (Cryptomeria Japonica)

This article presents multiple potential uses of the Yakushima native cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), known in Japan as the Yaku-sugi tree. The Yaku-sugi was divided into four parts: leaves, branches with leaves, branches, and stems. We obtained the essential oil, hydrosol, distillation residue, and distillation wastewater from the trees. Essential oil and hydrosol were determined to be volatile organic compounds. All samples were screened for the following bioactivities: antioxidative, antibacterial, and anti-melanogenesis activities. Freeze-dried distillation residue was tested to assess whether it had a deodorizing effect. The main component of the leaf essential oil was found to be monoterpenes. In contrast, the stem essential oil mainly contained sesquiterpenes. In terms of bioactivities, the leaf essential oil showed antibacterial activity and the stem essential oil showed anti-melanogenesis activity. Distillation residue and wastewater showed many activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-melanogenesis activities. Moreover, the residue had a deodorizing effect against ammonia.     

Synthesis of anatase TiO_2 with exposed {001} and {101} facets and photocatalytic activity

Anatase titanium(Ⅳ) oxide(TiO_2) particles with exposed {001} and {101} facets were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of amorphous TiO_2 with H_2O_2-NH_3 solution. Crystal phase, shape, and size of TiO_2 particles are found to be greatly dependent on the ratio of H_2O_2-NH_3 solution. The prepared TiO_2 particles with specific exposed crystal faces show higher photocatalytic activity for acetaldehyde decomposition than commercial spherical TiO_2 particles. This result implies that recombination is prevented by spatial separation of redox sites in the particles because of selective migration of electrons and positive holes to specific exposed crystal faces and/or different reactivity of electrons and positive holes on the specific exposed crystal face.     

Relationship between electron sensitivity and chemical structures of polymers as electron beam resists. VI: Electron sensitivity of various acetalized poly(vinyl alcohol)s

Acetalized poly(vinyl alcohol)s which were synthesized from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and aldehyde or ketone were evaluated as electron beam (EB) resists, in order to investigate the relationship between EB sensitivity and chemical structures of the polymers. It was found that the acetalized PVAs were easily crosslinked by EB exposure. The main mechanism of crosslinking may be radical reaction at acetal group. The sensitivity of the acetalized PVA depended on the structure of the acetal group. Acetalized PVAs synthesized from benzaldehyde, in which the electron attracting group was substituted on the benzene ring and from linear aliphatic aldehyde having a long alkyl chain, had high sensitivity. A high sensitivity of 7.2 × 10⁻⁷ C/cm² was attained when the acetalized PVA synthesized from p-chloro-benzaldehyde was used. Acetalized PVAs synthesized from PVA and aldehyde having a cyclic structure had an excellent dry etching durability and were suitable as negative EB resists.