357 research outputs found
Multivariable norm optimal iterative learning control with auxiliary optimization
The paper describes a substantial extension of Norm Optimal Iterative Learning Control (NOILC) that permits tracking of a class of finite dimensional reference signals whilst simultaneously converging to the solution of a constrained quadratic optimization problem. The theory is presented in a general functional analytical framework using operators between chosen real Hilbert spaces. This is applied to solve problems in continuous time where tracking is only required at selected intermediate points of the time interval but, simultaneously, the solution is required to minimize a specified quadratic objective function of the input signals and chosen auxiliary (state) variables. Applications to the discrete time case, including the case of multi-rate sampling, are also summarized. The algorithms are motivated by practical need and provide a methodology for reducing undesirable effects such as payload spillage, vibration tendencies and actuator wear whilst maintaining the desired tracking accuracy necessary for task completion. Solutions in terms of NOILC methodologies involving both feedforward and feedback components offer the possibilities of greater robustness than purely feedforward actions. Robustness of the feedforward implementation is discussed and the work is illustrated by experimental results from a robotic manipulator
Understorey plant community and light availability in conifer plantations and natural hardwood forests in Taiwan
Questions: What are the effects of replacing mixed species natural forests with Cryptomeria japonica plantations on understorey plant functional and species diversity? What is the role of the understorey light environment in determining understorey diversity and community in the two types of forest?
Location: Subtropical northeast Taiwan.
Methods: We examined light environments using hemispherical photography, and diversity and composition of understorey plants of a 35‐yr C. japonica plantation and an adjacent natural hardwood forest.
Results: Understorey plant species richness was similar in the two forests, but the communities were different; only 18 of the 91 recorded understorey plant species occurred in both forests. Relative abundance of plants among different functional groups differed between the two forests. Relative numbers of shade‐tolerant and shade‐intolerant seedling individuals were also different between the two forest types with only one shade‐intolerant seedling in the plantation compared to 23 seedlings belonging to two species in the natural forest. In the natural forest 11 species of tree seedling were found, while in the plantation only five were found, and the seedling density was only one third of that in the natural forest. Across plots in both forests, understorey plant richness and diversity were negatively correlated with direct sunlight but not indirect sunlight, possibly because direct light plays a more important role in understorey plant growth.
Conclusions: We report lower species and functional diversity and higher light availability in a natural hardwood forest than an adjacent 30‐yr C. japonica plantation, possibly due to the increased dominance of shade‐intolerant species associated with higher light availability. To maintain plant diversity, management efforts must be made to prevent localized losses of shade‐adapted understorey plants
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Quantum fluctuations of charge order induce phonon softening in a superconducting cuprate
Quantum phase transitions play an important role in shaping the phase diagram
of high-temperature cuprate superconductors. These cuprates possess intertwined
orders which interact strongly with superconductivity. However, the evidence
for the quantum critical point associated with the charge order in the
superconducting phase remains elusive. Here we show the short-range charge
orders and the spectral signature of the quantum fluctuations in
LaSrCuO (LSCO) near the optimal doping using high-resolution
resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. On performing calculations through a
diagrammatic framework, we discovered that the charge correlations
significantly soften several branches of phonons. These results elucidate the
role of charge order in the LSCO compound, providing evidence for quantum
critical scaling and discommensurations associated with charge order
Localization for Yang-Mills Theory on the Fuzzy Sphere
We present a new model for Yang-Mills theory on the fuzzy sphere in which the
configuration space of gauge fields is given by a coadjoint orbit. In the
classical limit it reduces to ordinary Yang-Mills theory on the sphere. We find
all classical solutions of the gauge theory and use nonabelian localization
techniques to write the partition function entirely as a sum over local
contributions from critical points of the action, which are evaluated
explicitly. The partition function of ordinary Yang-Mills theory on the sphere
is recovered in the classical limit as a sum over instantons. We also apply
abelian localization techniques and the geometry of symmetric spaces to derive
an explicit combinatorial expression for the partition function, and compare
the two approaches. These extend the standard techniques for solving gauge
theory on the sphere to the fuzzy case in a rigorous framework.Comment: 55 pages. V2: references added; V3: minor corrections, reference
added; Final version to be published in Communications in Mathematical
Physic
Quantum fluctuations of charge order induce phonon softening in a superconducting cuprate
Quantum phase transitions play an important role in shaping the phase diagram
of high-temperature cuprate superconductors. These cuprates possess intertwined
orders which interact strongly with superconductivity. However, the evidence
for the quantum critical point associated with the charge order in the
superconducting phase remains elusive. Here we show the short-range charge
orders and the spectral signature of the quantum fluctuations in
LaSrCuO (LSCO) near the optimal doping using high-resolution
resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. On performing calculations through a
diagrammatic framework, we discovered that the charge correlations
significantly soften several branches of phonons. These results elucidate the
role of charge order in the LSCO compound, providing evidence for quantum
critical scaling and discommensurations associated with charge order
Significant Biochemical, Biophysical and Metabolic Diversity in Circulating Human Cord Blood Reticulocytes
10.1371/journal.pone.0076062PLoS ONE810-POLN
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxin binders for optical biosensor technology: problems and possibilities for the future: a review
This review examines the developments in optical biosensor technology, which uses the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance, for the detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins. Optical biosensor technology measures the competitive biomolecular interaction of a specific biological recognition element or binder with a target toxin immobilised onto a sensor chip surface against toxin in a sample. Different binders such as receptors and antibodies previously employed in functional and immunological assays have been assessed. Highlighted are the difficulties in detecting this range of low molecular weight toxins, with analogues differing at four chemical substitution sites, using a single binder. The complications that arise with the toxicity factors of each toxin relative to the parent compound, saxitoxin, for the measurement of total toxicity relative to the mouse bioassay are also considered. For antibodies, the cross-reactivity profile does not always correlate to toxic potency, but rather to the toxin structure to which it was produced. Restrictions and availability of the toxins makes alternative chemical strategies for the synthesis of protein conjugate derivatives for antibody production a difficult task. However, when two antibodies with different cross-reactivity profiles are employed, with a toxin chip surface generic to both antibodies, it was demonstrated that the cross-reactivity profile of each could be combined into a single-assay format. Difficulties with receptors for optical biosensor analysis of low molecular weight compounds are discussed, as are the potential of alternative non-antibody-based binders for future assay development in this area
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