Robust optimization utilizing the second-order design sensitivity information

This paper presents an effective methodology for robust optimization of electromagnetic devices. To achieve the goal, the method improves the robustness of the minimum of the objective function chosen as a design solution by minimizing the second-order sensitivity information, called a gradient index (GI) and defined by a function of gradients of performance functions with respect to uncertain variables. The constraint feasibility is also enhanced by adding a GI corresponding to the constraint value. The distinctive feature of the method is that it requires neither statistical information on design variables nor calculation of the performance reliability during the robust optimization process. The validity of the proposed method is tested with the TEAM Workshop Problem 2

Genome-wide analysis to predict protein sequence variations that change phosphorylation sites or their corresponding kinases

We define phosphovariants as genetic variations that change phosphorylation sites or their interacting kinases. Considering the essential role of phosphorylation in protein functions, it is highly likely that phosphovariants change protein functions and may constitute a proportion of the mechanisms by which genetic variations cause individual differences or diseases. We categorized phosphovariants into three subtypes and developed a system that predicts them. Our method can be used to screen important polymorphisms and help to identify the mechanisms of genetic diseases

The interplay between real and pseudo magnetic field in graphene with strain

We investigate electric and magnetic properties of graphene with rotationally symmetric strain. The strain generates large pseudo magnetic field with alternating sign in space, which forms a strongly confined quantum dot connected to six chiral channels. The orbital magnetism, degeneracy, and channel opening can be understood from the interplay between real and pseudo magnetic field which have different parities under time reversal and mirror reflection. While the orbital magnetic response of the confined state is diamagnetic, it can be paramagnetic if there is an accidental degeneracy with opposite mirror reflection parity

End of the World Perspective to BCFT

In this work, we study the end-of-the-world (EOW) branes anchored to the boundaries of BCFT${}_2$ dual to the BTZ black hole. First, we explore the thermodynamics of the boundary system consisting of the conformal boundary and two EOW branes. This thermodynamics is extended by the tension appearing as the effective cosmological constant of JT black holes on the EOW branes. The tension contribution is identified with the shadow entropy equivalent to the boundary entropy of the BCFT${}_2$. The thermodynamics of the JT black holes and the bulk of BCFT${}_2$ can be combined into a novel grafted thermodynamics based on the first law. Second, we focus on the observer's view of the EOW branes by lowering the temperature. We show that the EOW branes generate a scale called ``reefs" inside the horizon. This scale also appears in the grafted thermodynamics. At high temperatures, observers on the EOW branes see their respective event horizons. The reef starts to grow relatively to the horizon size at the temperature, $T_{grow}$. As the temperature cools down the reef area fills the entire interior of the JT black holes at the temperature $T_{out}$. Then, the observers recognize their horizons disappear and see the large density of the energy flux. At this temperature, the two JT regions become causally connected. This connected spacetime has two asymptotic $AdS_2$ boundaries with a conformal matter. Also, we comment on the grafted thermodynamics to higher dimensions in Appendix B.Comment: 29 pages, 9 figure

Visual Function after Primary Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation in Pediatric Unilateral Cataract: Stereopsis and Visual Acuity

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between binocular function and vision after cataract removal and primary posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) implantation in children with unilateral cataract and to identify visual function differences according cataract type. METHODS: Clinical records of 2- to 6-year-old patients with unilateral cataract removal and primary PC-IOL implantation were reviewed retrospectively. Visual acuity and ocular alignment were measured. Sensory fusion was assessed with the Worth 4-dot test, and stereoacuity with the Titmus stereo test. Cataracts were classified according to cause, lens opacity location, age at onset, and presence of strabismus. Clinical characteristics of patients who obtained good visual function were identified. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included. Among 22 (46.8%) with good vision (20/40 or better), only 6 (27.3%) achieved good binocular function (the presence of fusion and 100 seconds of arc or better of stereoacuity). Visual acuity was better in eyes with good binocular function (p=0.002). No other variables were significant for achieving good binocular function. CONCLUSIONS: The removal of unilateral cataract in a visually immature child can result in a combination of good visual acuity and binocular function. Good binocular function is closely related to good visual acuity

Handspinning Enabled Highly Concentrated Carbon Nanotubes with Controlled Orientation in Nanofibers

The novel method, handspinning (HS), was invented by mimicking commonly observed methods in our daily lives. The use of HS allows us to fabricate carbon nanotube-reinforced nanofibers (CNT-reinforced nanofibers) by addressing three significant challenges: (i) the difficulty of forming nanofibers at high concentrations of CNTs, (ii) aggregation of the CNTs, and (iii) control of the orientation of the CNTs. The handspun nanofibers showed better physical properties than fibers fabricated by conventional methods, such as electrospinning. Handspun nanofibers retain a larger amount of CNTs than electrospun nanofibers, and the CNTs are easily aligned uniaxially. We attributed these improvements provided by the HS process to simple mechanical stretching force, which allows for orienting the nanofillers along with the force direction without agglomeration, leading to increased contact area between the CNTs and the polymer matrix, thereby providing enhanced interactions. HS is a simple and straightforward method as it does not require an electric field, and, hence, any kinds of polymers and solvents can be applicable. Furthermore, it is feasible to retain a large amount of various nanofillers in the fibers to enhance their physical and chemical properties. Therefore, HS provides an effective pathway to create new types of reinforced nanofibers with outstanding properties.ArticleSCIENTIFIC REPORTS. 6:37590 (2016)journal articl