847 research outputs found
Accurate and effective multidrugresistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection method using gap-filling ligation coupled with high-resolution capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism
1111Ysciescopu
Hierarchical fuzzy control for C-axis of CNC turning centers using genetic algorithms
A combined PD and hierarchical fuzzy control is proposed for the low-speed control of the C-axis of CNC turning centers considering the effects of transmission flexibility and complex nonlinear friction. Learning of the hierarchical structure and parameters of the suggested control strategy is carried out by using the genetic algorithms. The proposed algorithm consists of two phases: the first one is to search the best hierarchy, and the second to tune the consequent center values of the constituent fuzzy logic systems into the hierarchy. For the least total control rule number, the hierarchical fuzzy controller is chosen to include only the simple two-input/one-output fuzzy systems, and both binary and decimal genes are used for the selection, crossover and mutation of the genetic algorithm. The proposed approach is validated by the computer simulation. Each generation consists of 30 individuals: ten reproduced from its parent generation, ten generated by crossover, and the other ten by mutation. In the simulations, the C-axis is assumed to be driven by a vector-controlled AC induction motor, and the dynamic friction model suggested by Canudas de Wit et al. in 1995 is used
Energy Spectrum of Bloch Electrons Under Checkerboard Field Modulations
Two-dimensional Bloch electrons in a uniform magnetic field exhibit complex
energy spectrum. When static electric and magnetic modulations with a
checkerboard pattern are superimposed on the uniform magnetic field, more
structures and symmetries of the spectra are found, due to the additional
adjustable parameters from the modulations. We give a comprehensive report on
these new symmetries. We have also found an electric-modulation induced energy
gap, whose magnitude is independent of the strength of either the uniform or
the modulated magnetic field. This study is applicable to experimentally
accessible systems and is related to the investigations on frustrated
antiferromagnetism.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures (reduced in sizes), submitted to Phys. Rev.
Universal corrections to the Fermi-liquid theory
We show that the singularities in the dynamical bosonic response functions of
a generic 2D Fermi liquid give rise to universal, non-analytic corrections to
the Fermi-liquid theory. These corrections yield a term in the specific
heat, terms in the effective mass and the uniform spin susceptibility
, and term in . The existence of these
terms has been the subject of recent controversy, which is resolved in this
paper. We present exact expressions for all non-analytic terms to second order
in a generic interaction and show that only U(0) and matter.Comment: references added, a typo correcte
Using enzyme activities as an indicator of soil fertility in grassland - an academic dilemma.
Grasslands play an important role in conserving natural biodiversity and providing ecosystem functions and services for societies. Soil fertility is an important property in grassland, and the monitoring of soil fertility can provide crucial information to optimize ecosystem productivity and sustainability. Testing various soil physiochemical properties related to fertility usually relies on traditional measures, such as destructive sampling, pre-test treatments, labor-intensive procedures, and costly laboratory measurements, which are often difficult to perform. However, soil enzyme activity reflecting the intensity of soil biochemical reactions is a reliable indicator of soil properties and thus enzyme assays could be an efficient alternative to evaluate soil fertility. Here, we review the latest research on the features and functions of enzymes catalyzing the biochemical processes that convert organic materials to available plant nutrients, increase soil carbon and nutrient cycling, and enhance microbial activities to improve soil fertility. We focus on the complex relationships among soil enzyme activities and functions, microbial biomass, physiochemical properties, and soil/crop management practices. We highlight the biochemistry of enzymes and the rationale for using enzyme activities to indicate soil fertility. Finally, we discuss the limits and disadvantages of the potential new molecular tool and provide suggestions to improve the reliability and feasibility of the proposed alternative
Capicua deficiency induces autoimmunity and promotes follicular helper T cell differentiation via derepression of ETV5
High-affinity antibody production through the germinal centre (GC) response is a pivotal process in adaptive immunity. Abnormal development of follicular helper T (T(FH)) cells can induce the GC response to self-antigens, subsequently leading to autoimmunity. Here we show the transcriptional repressor Capicua/CIC maintains peripheral immune tolerance by suppressing aberrant activation of adaptive immunity. CIC deficiency induces excessive development of T(FH) cells and GC responses in a T-cell-intrinsic manner. ETV5 expression is derepressed in Cic null T(FH) cells and knockdown of Etv5 suppresses the enhanced T(FH) cell differentiation in Cic-deficient CD4+ T cells, suggesting that Etv5 is a critical CIC target gene in T(FH) cell differentiation. Furthermore, we identify Maf as a downstream target of the CIC-ETV5 axis in this process. These data demonstrate that CIC maintains T-cell homeostasis and negatively regulates T(FH) cell development and autoimmunity. ? The Author(s) 2017.117Nsciescopu
Effects of the field modulation on the Hofstadter's spectrum
We study the effect of spatially modulated magnetic fields on the energy
spectrum of a two-dimensional (2D) Bloch electron. Taking into account four
kinds of modulated fields and using the method of direct diagonalization of the
Hamiltonian matrix, we calculate energy spectra with varying system parameters
(i.e., the kind of the modulation, the relative strength of the modulated field
to the uniform background field, and the period of the modulation) to elucidate
that the energy band structure sensitively depends on such parameters:
Inclusion of spatially modulated fields into a uniform field leads occurrence
of gap opening, gap closing, band crossing, and band broadening, resulting
distinctive energy band structure from the Hofstadter's spectrum. We also
discuss the effect of the field modulation on the symmetries appeared in the
Hofstadter's spectrum in detail.Comment: 7 pages (in two-column), 10 figures (including 2 tables
Near-Limb Zeeman and Hanle Diagnostics
"Weak" magnetic-field diagnostics in faint objects near the bright solar disk
are discussed in terms of the level of non-object signatures, in particular, of
the stray light in telescopes. Calculated dependencies of the stray light
caused by diffraction at the 0.5-, 1.6-, and 4-meter entrance aperture are
presented. The requirements for micro-roughness of refractive and reflective
primary optics are compared. Several methods for reducing the stray light (the
Lyot coronagraphic technique, multiple stages of apodizing in the focal and
exit pupil planes, apodizing in the entrance aperture plane with a special
mask), and reducing the random and systematic errors are noted. An acceptable
level of stray light in telescopes is estimated for the V-profile recording
with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than three. Prospects for the limb
chromosphere magnetic measurements are indicated.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure
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