Development of a polarization strain sensor system using a neural network

We propose a polarization strain sensor system based on the principle that the polarization state of light propagating in a single-mode fiber changes when external strains change. We use a three-layer feedforward neural network for data processing. Learning is performed by training a designed neural network using the experimental data as training data. In addition, the output obtained for the test data using the trained neural network is in good agreement with the experimental data used as the test data. This result demonstrates the feasibility of both the sensor system and data processing method

A Robust Decentralized Load Frequency Controller for Interconnected Power Systems

A novel design of a robust decentralized load frequency control (LFC) algorithm is proposed for an inter-connected three-area power system, for the purpose of regulating area control error (ACE) in the presence of system uncertainties and external disturbances. The design is based on the concept of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC). Estimating and mitigating the total effect of various uncertainties in real time, ADRC is particularly effective against a wide range of parameter variations, model uncertainties, and large disturbances. Furthermore, with only two tuning parameters, the controller provides a simple and easy-to-use solution to complex engineering problems in practice. Here, an ADRC-based LFC solution is developed for systems with turbines of various types, such as non-reheat, reheat, and hydraulic. The simulation results verified the effectiveness of the ADRC, in comparison with an existing PI-type controller tuned via genetic algorithm linear matrix inequalities (GALMIs). The comparison results show the superiority of the proposed solution. Moreover, the stability and robustness of the closed-loop system is studied using frequency-domain analysis

Adrenergic receptor (ADR) genotype influences the effects of strength training on mid-thigh intermuscular fat

Sarcopenia results in an increase in intermuscular fat (IMF) and low density muscle (LDM), which is associated with adverse health and functional consequences. Although strength training (ST) is considered an intervention of choice for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, little is known about its effect on IMF or LDM. Regional fat alterations resulting from exercise interventions may be influenced by adrenergic receptor (ADR) beta2 Gln27Glu and ADR alpha2b Glu12/Glu9 gene polymorphisms. To examine the influence of these polymorphisms on mid-thigh IMF, LDM and normal density muscle (NDM), we studied 46 older men and 52 older women before and after a 10-week single leg knee extension strength training (ST) program. The ST program resulted in a substantial increase in one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength (P = 0.0001) and NDM (P = 0.0001), but no significant changes in IMF and LDM in the whole group. However, IMF was significantly reduced with ST in subjects carrying ADR beta2 Glu27 (-2.3 cm2, P = 0.028), but no significant change was observed with ADR beta2 Glu27 noncarriers (+1.5 cm2, P = 0.14). The decrease in IMF in those with the ADR alpha2b Glu9 allele was approaching significance (-1.9 cm2, P = 0.066), and significantly different (-2.9 cm2, P = 0.043) from a nonsignificant increase in IMF in the ADR alpha2b Glu9 allele noncarriers. ADR beta2 Glu27 carriers who also carried the ADR alpha2b Glu9 allele experienced a significant loss of IMF with ST (-3.8 ± 1.6 cm2, P = 0.018). These results suggest that the response of IMF to ST is influenced by ADR beta2 Gln27Glu and ADR alpha2b Glu12/Glu9 polymorphisms

Nucleus accumbens shell small conductance potassium channels underlie adolescent ethanol exposure-induced anxiety

Alcohol use typically begins in adolescence, increasing the likelihood of adult mental disorders such as anxiety. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the consequences of adolescent alcohol exposure as well as the behavioral consequences remain poorly understood. We examined the effects of adolescent or adult chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on intrinsic excitability of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) and anxiety levels. Rats underwent one of the following procedures: (1) light-dark transition (LDT) and open-field (OF) tests to evaluate anxiety levels and general locomotion; (2) whole-cell patch clamp recordings and biocytin labeling to assess excitability of striatal MSNs, as well as morphological properties; and (3) western blot immunostaining to determine small conductance (SK) calcium-activated potassium channel protein levels. Three weeks, but not 2 days, after CIE treatment, adolescent CIE-treated rats showed shorter crossover latency from the light to dark side in the LDT test and higher MSN excitability in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS). Furthermore, the amplitude of the medium afterhyperpolarization (mAHP), mediated by SK channels, and SK3 protein levels in the NAcS decreased concomitantly. Finally, increased anxiety levels, increased excitability, and decreased amplitude of mAHP of NAcS MSNs were reversed by SK channel activator 1-EBIO and mimicked by the SK channel blocker apamin. Thus, adolescent ethanol exposure increases adult anxiety-like behavior by downregulating SK channel function and protein expression, which leads to an increase of intrinsic excitability in NAcS MSNs. SK channels in the NAcS may serve as a target to treat adolescent alcohol binge exposure-induced mental disorders, such as anxiety in adulthood

Safety and security of remote monitoring and control of intelligent home environments

Intelligent home environments are one of the major application areas of pervasive computing. Safety and security are two most important issues in the remote monitoring and control of intelligent home environments. This article takes safety and security into consideration together and proposes a phone-out-only policy for ensuring security and virtual home environments for safety. A remote monitoring and control system for a security camera is used to illustrate the new methodologies for safety and security. By using the demonstration system people are able to easily monitor and control a security camera, central heating, microwave oven and washer from anywhere by using mobile phones. Our system distinguishes from the existing DTI (Department of Trade and Industry in the UK) next wave technologies and a few of on-going EU projects in the ways of dealing with safety and security and its simplicity. Remote monitoring and control of intelligent home environments can be of great benefits to the working families and holiday makers and has a great commercial potential