Global annealing genetic algorithm and its convergence analysis

A new selection mechanism termed global annealing selection (GAnS) is proposed for the genetic algorithm. It is proved that the GAnS genetic algorithm converges to the global optimums if and only if the parents are allowed to compete for reproduction, and that the variance of population's fitness can be used as a natural stopping criterion. Numerical simulations show that the new algorithm has stronger ability to escape from local maximum and converges more rapidly than canonical genetic algorithm.     

Fast image retrieval using color-spatial information

In this paper, we present an image retrieval system that employs both the color and spatial information of images to facilitate the retrieval process. The basic unit used in our technique is a single-colored cluster, which bounds a homogeneous region of that color in an image. Two clusters from two images are similar if they are of the same color and overlap in the image space. The number of clusters that can be extracted from an image can be very large, and it affects the accuracy of retrieval. We study the effect of the number of clusters on retrieval effectiveness to determine an appropriate value for “optimal' performance. To facilitate efficient retrieval, we also propose a multi-tier indexing mechanism called the Sequenced Multi-Attribute Tree (SMAT). We implemented a two-tier SMAT, where the first layer is used to prune away clusters that are of different colors, while the second layer discriminates clusters of different spatial locality. We conducted an experimental study on an image database consisting of 12,000 images. Our results show the effectiveness of the proposed color-spatial approach, and the efficiency of the proposed indexing mechanism. Received August 1, 1997 / Accepted December 9, 1997     

DISCRETIZED SUB‐OPTIMAL TRACKER FOR NONLINEAR CONTINUOUS TWO‐DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS

The discretized quadratic sub‐optimal tracker for nonlinear continuous two‐dimensional (2‐D) systems is newly proposed in this paper. The proposed method provides a novel methodology for indirect digital redesign for nonlinear continuous 2‐D systems with a continuous performance index. This includes the following features: (1) the 2‐D optimal‐linearization approach of the nonlinear 2‐D Roesser's model (RM), (2) the dynamic programming‐based discretized quadratic optimal tracker for linear continuous 2‐D systems, (3) the steady‐state discretized quadratic sub‐optimal tracker for linear continuous 2‐D systems, and (4) the discretized quadratic sub‐optimal tracker for nonlinear continuous 2‐D systems. Illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure.     

MicroRNA-155 Mediates Augmented CD40 Expression in Bone Marrow Derived Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Symptomatic Lupus-Prone NZB/W F1 Mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multi-organ autoimmune disease characterized by hyperactivated immune responses to self-antigens and persistent systemic inflammation. Previously, we reported abnormalities in circulating and bone marrow (BM)-derived plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) from SLE patients. Here, we aim to seek for potential regulators that mediate functional aberrations of pDCs in SLE. BM-derived pDCs from NZB/W F1 mice before and after the disease onset were compared for toll-like receptor (TLR) induced responses and microRNA profile changes. While pDCs derived from symptomatic mice were phenotypically comparable to pre-symptomatic ones, functionally they exhibited hypersensitivity to TLR7 but not TLR9 stimulation, as represented by the elevated upregulation of CD40, CD86 and MHC class II molecules upon R837 stimulation. Upregulated induction of miR-155 in symptomatic pDCs following TLR7 stimulation was observed. Transfection of miR-155 mimics in pre-symptomatic pDCs induced an augmented expression of Cd40, which is consistent with the increased CD40 expression in symptomatic pDCs. Overall, our results provide evidence for miR-155-mediated regulation in pDC functional abnormalities in SLE. Findings from this study contribute to a better understanding of SLE pathogenesis and ignite future interests in evaluating the molecular regulation in autoimmunity.     

Nonclassical dynamics with time- and intensity-dependent coupling

Nonclassical light and collapse-revival dynamics are consequences of dynamical quantum interference in transient photon-atom interaction. We study the time evolution of atom and photons in a high quality cavity for time-dependent atom-field coupling, with different initial field states and initial atomic states. The inversion for initial superposed atomic state seems to be independent of initial classical fields but can be stimulated by the Schrodinger cat field. Interesting effects of the transient coupling are found through analysis of the collapse-revival in population inversion and the features in the Wigner function. Oscillatory coupling coefficient can prolong the occurrence of collapse, in analogy to the Zeno effect. The intensity atom-field coupling duration is an important parameter for controlling atomic inversion and producing frozen nonclassical light in the cavity after the atom-field coupling ceases.     

Virtual Interpersonal Touch: Expressing and Recognizing Emotions Through Haptic Devices

ABSTRACT

This article examines the phenomenon of Virtual Interpersonal Touch (VIT), people touching one another via force-feedback haptic devices. As collaborative virtual environments become utilized more effectively, it is only natural that interactants will have the ability to touch one another. In the work presented here, we used relatively basic devices to begin to explore the expression of emotion through VIT. In Experiment 1, participants utilized a 2 DOF force-feedback joystick to express seven emotions. We examined various dimensions of the forces generated and subjective ratings of the difficulty of expressing those emotions. In Experiment 2, a separate group of participants attempted to recognize the recordings of emotions generated in Experiment 1. In Experiment 3, pairs of participants attempted to communicate the seven emotions using physical handshakes. Results indicated that humans were above chance when recognizing emotions via VIT but not as accurate as people expressing emotions through nonmediated handshakes. We discuss a theoretical framework for understanding emotions expressed through touch as well as the implications of the current findings for the utilization of VIT in human-computer interaction.     

An experimental investigation on the effects of exponential window and impact force level on harmonic reduction in impact-synchronous modal analysis

A novel method called Impact-synchronous modal analysis (ISMA) was proposed previously which allows modal testing to be performed during operation. This technique focuses on signal processing of the upstream data to provide cleaner Frequency response function (FRF) estimation prior to modal extraction. Two important parameters, i.e., windowing function and impact force level were identified and their effect on the effectiveness of this technique were experimentally investigated. When performing modal testing during running condition, the cyclic loads signals are dominant in the measured response for the entire time history. Exponential window is effectively in minimizing leakage and attenuating signals of non-synchronous running speed, its harmonics and noises to zero at the end of each time record window block. Besides, with the information of the calculated cyclic force, suitable amount of impact force to be applied on the system could be decided prior to performing ISMA. Maximum allowable impact force could be determined from nonlinearity test using coherence function. By applying higher impact forces than the cyclic loads along with an ideal decay rate in ISMA, harmonic reduction is significantly achieved in FRF estimation. Subsequently, the dynamic characteristics of the system are successfully extracted from a cleaner FRF and the results obtained are comparable with Experimental modal analysis (EMA).     

Temperature and voltage sensings by mode‐mode interference in polarization‐maintaining optical fibers

Abstract

Two optic fiber sensing systems for temperature and voltage have been developed which utilize the mode‐mode interference of the two orthogonally polarized modes, HE^x _II and HE^y _II, in two commencal polarization‐maintaining fibers (bow‐tie and elliptical core fibers). A package of controlled programs in a Macintosh computer, which can record and process all related data automatically, is established for temperature sensing. The signal drifting problem in voltage sensings has been investigated, and the elimination of signal drifting is obtained by the phase tracking with direct current technology The agreement between the sensing results for temperature and dynamic voltage and those predicted by experimental principles is satisfactory, which confirms the validity of the developed sensing systems.     

Improving proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance with carbon nanotubes as the material of cathode microporous layer

The cathode microporous layer (MPL) is fabricated by various multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and its influence on the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is evaluated. Three types of CNT with different dimensions are employed in the experiments, and the conventional MPL made by acetylene black (AB) is also considered for the purpose of comparison. The results show that the employment of CNT as MPL composition indeed may improve fuel cell performance significantly in comparison with the case of AB. The type of CNT with the largest tube diameter and straight cylinder in shape exhibits the highest cell performance. The corresponding optimal CNT loading and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content in the MPL are also evaluated. Results show that the case of cathode MPL composed of 1.5 mg cm^?2 CNT and 20 wt% PTFE exhibits the best performance in all the experimental cases. The present data reveal that the application of CNT for MPL fabrication is beneficial to promote PEMFC performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.