A smoothing SQP method for nonlinear programs with stability constraints arising from power systems

This paper investigates a new class of optimization problems arising from power systems, known as nonlinear programs with stability constraints (NPSC), which is an extension of ordinary nonlinear programs. Since the stability constraint is described generally by eigenvalues or norm of Jacobian matrices of systems, this results in the semismooth property of NPSC problems. The optimal conditions of both NPSC and its smoothing problem are studied. A smoothing SQP algorithm is proposed for solving such optimization problem. The global convergence of algorithm is established. A numerical example from optimal power flow (OPF) is done. The computational results show efficiency of the new model and algorithm. © The Author(s) 2010.published_or_final_versionSpringer Open Choice, 21 Feb 201

Enhanced Automatic-Power-Decoupling Control Method for Single-Phase AC-to-DC Converters

Existing control schemes for single-phase ac-to-dc converters with active power-decoupling function typically involve a dedicated power-decoupling controller. Due to the highly coupled and nonlinear nature of the single-phase system, the design of the power-decoupling controller (typically based on the small-signal linear control techniques) is cumbersome, and the control structure is complicated. Additionally, with the existing power-decoupling control, it is hard to achieve satisfied dynamic responses and robust circuit operation. Following a recently proposed automatic-power-decoupling control scheme, this paper proposes a nonlinear control method that can achieve enhanced large-signal dynamic responses with strong disturbance rejection capability without the need for a dedicated power-decoupling controller. The proposed controller has a simple structure, of which the design is straightforward. The control method can be easily extended to other single-phase ac-to-dc systems with active power-decoupling function. Simulation and experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed control method on a two-switch buck-boost PFC rectifier prototype

Enhanced Delivery of Rituximab Into Brain and Lymph Nodes Using Timed-Release Nanocapsules in Non-Human Primates.

Tumor metastasis into the central nervous system (CNS) and lymph nodes (LNs) is a major obstacle for effective therapies. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have revolutionized tumor treatment; however, their efficacy for treating metastatic tumors-particularly, CNS and LN metastases-is poor due to inefficient penetration into the CNS and LNs following intravenous injection. We recently reported an effective delivery of mAb to the CNS by encapsulating the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab (RTX) within a thin shell of polymer that contains the analogs of choline and acetylcholine receptors. This encapsulated RTX, denoted as n-RTX, eliminated lymphoma cells systemically in a xenografted humanized mouse model using an immunodeficient mouse as a recipient of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and fetal thymus more effectively than native RTX; importantly, n-RTX showed notable anti-tumor effect on CNS metastases which is unable to show by native RTX. As an important step toward future clinical translation of this technology, we further analyzed the properties of n-RTX in immunocompetent animals, rats, and non-human primates (NHPs). Our results show that a single intravenous injection of n-RTX resulted in 10-fold greater levels in the CNS and 2-3-fold greater levels in the LNs of RTX, respectively, than the injection of native RTX in both rats and NHPs. In addition, we demonstrate the enhanced delivery and efficient B-cell depletion in lymphoid organs of NHPs with n-RTX. Moreover, detailed hematological analysis and liver enzyme activity tests indicate n-RTX treatment is safe in NHPs. As this nanocapsule platform can be universally applied to other therapeutic mAbs, it holds great promise for extending mAb therapy to poorly accessible body compartments

A General Approach to Programmable and Reconfigurable Emulation of Power Impedances

Starting with a brief review on the existing methods of impedance emulation, this paper addresses a general and systematic approach to programmable and reconfigurable emulation of power impedances. The proposed approach not only enables the impedance value to be programed, but also allows the characteristics (i.e., type) of the impedance to be reconfigured instantly during the operation. Based on the proposed control method, emulation of at least six types of emulated power impedances (EPI) can be easily attained. In particular, it is theoretically and practically demonstrated that the impedance characteristic can be emulated through a combination of different functions. The systematic derivation of these functions is explained. New techniques that compensate the circuit power losses are introduced. This general approach has been practically verified in several EPI. Both steady-state and dynamic performance of these EPI confirm the programmability and reconfigurability. It is envisaged that the proposed method can be applied to a range of functions, such as power filtering, energy storage, and even power conversion based on direct impedance control

Lasing oscillation in a three-dimensional photonic crystal nanocavity with a complete bandgap

We demonstrate lasing oscillation in a three-dimensional photonic crystal nanocavity. The laser is realized by coupling a cavity mode, which is localized in a complete photonic bandgap and exhibits the highest quality factor of ~38,500, with high-quality semiconductor quantum dots. We show a systematic change in the laser characteristics, including the threshold and the spontaneous emission coupling factor by controlling the crystal size, which consequently changes the strength of photon confinement in the third dimension. This opens up many interesting possibilities for realizing future ultimate light sources and three-dimensional integrated photonic circuits and for more fundamental studies of physics in the field of cavity quantum electrodynamics.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure

A novel oxygen carrier 'YQ23' suppresses the liver tumor metastasis by decreasing circulating endothelial progenitor cells and regulatory T cells

published_or_final_versio

The space group classification of topological band insulators

Topological band insulators (TBIs) are bulk insulating materials which feature topologically protected metallic states on their boundary. The existing classification departs from time-reversal symmetry, but the role of the crystal lattice symmetries in the physics of these topological states remained elusive. Here we provide the classification of TBIs protected not only by time-reversal, but also by crystalline symmetries. We find three broad classes of topological states: (a) Gamma-states robust against general time-reversal invariant perturbations; (b) Translationally-active states protected from elastic scattering, but susceptible to topological crystalline disorder; (c) Valley topological insulators sensitive to the effects of non-topological and crystalline disorder. These three classes give rise to 18 different two-dimensional, and, at least 70 three-dimensional TBIs, opening up a route for the systematic search for new types of TBIs.Comment: Accepted in Nature Physic

Strain-induced partially flat band, helical snake states, and interface superconductivity in topological crystalline insulators

Topological crystalline insulators in IV-VI compounds host novel topological surface states consisting of multi-valley massless Dirac fermions at low energy. Here we show that strain generically acts as an effective gauge field on these Dirac fermions and creates pseudo-Landau orbitals without breaking time-reversal symmetry. We predict the realization of this phenomenon in IV-VI semiconductor heterostructures, due to a naturally occurring misfit dislocation array at the interface that produces a periodically varying strain field. Remarkably, the zero-energy Landau orbitals form a flat band in the vicinity of the Dirac point, and coexist with a network of snake states at higher energy. We propose that the high density of states of this flat band gives rise to interface superconductivity observed in IV-VI semiconductor multilayers at unusually high temperatures, with non-BCS behavior. Our work demonstrates a new route to altering macroscopic electronic properties to achieve a partially flat band, and paves the way for realizing novel correlated states of matter.Comment: Accepted by Nature Physic

In situ epitaxial MgB2 thin films for superconducting electronics

A thin film technology compatible with multilayer device fabrication is critical for exploring the potential of the 39-K superconductor magnesium diboride for superconducting electronics. Using a Hybrid Physical-Chemical Vapor Deposition (HPCVD) process, it is shown that the high Mg vapor pressure necessary to keep the MgB$_2$ phase thermodynamically stable can be achieved for the {\it in situ} growth of MgB$_2$ thin films. The films grow epitaxially on (0001) sapphire and (0001) 4H-SiC substrates and show a bulk-like $T_c$ of 39 K, a $J_c$(4.2K) of $1.2 \times 10^7$ A/cm$^2$ in zero field, and a $H_{c2}(0)$ of 29.2 T in parallel magnetic field. The surface is smooth with a root-mean-square roughness of 2.5 nm for MgB$_2$ films on SiC. This deposition method opens tremendous opportunities for superconducting electronics using MgB$_2$

Intracellular interferons in fish : a unique means to combat viral infection

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