A Modified Error Function to Improve the Error Back-Propagation Algorithm for Multi-Layer Perceptrons

This paper proposes a modified error function to improve the error back-propagation (EBP) algorithm for multi-Layer perceptrons (MLPs) which suffers from slow learning speed. It can also suppress overspecialization for training patterns that occurs in an algorithm based on a cross-entropy cost function which markedly reduces learning time. In the similar way as the cross-entropy function, our new function accelerates the learning speed of the EBP algorithm by allowing the output node of the MLP to generate a strong error signal when the output node is far from the desired value. Moreover, it prevents the overspecialization of learning for training patterns by letting the output node, whose value is close to the desired value, generate a weak error signal. In a simulation study to classify handwritten digits in the CEDAR [1] database, the proposed method attained 100% correct classification for the training patterns after only 50 sweeps of learning, while the original EBP attained only 98.8% after 500 sweeps. Also, our method shows mean-squared error of 0.627 for the test patterns, which is superior to the error 0.667 in the cross-entropy method. These results demonstrate that our new method excels others in learning speed as well as in generalization.     

Hydrolytic stability of a series of lactam-based cationic bleach activators and their impact on cellulose peroxide bleaching

A series of five cationic bleach activators containing lactam-based leaving groups of varying ring size was synthesized and characterized. The hydrolytic stability of each activator was determined via HPLC-based analysis of hydrolysis products, titration of available oxygen, and whiteness assessment of cellulosic fibers using a peroxide-activator bleaching system following solution storage for various times under controlled conditions. Aqueous alkaline solutions of each activator hydrolysed at different rates with the slowest rates observed with the ω-octalactam ring system, the largest ring size investigated, and the most rapid hydrolysis was found with a six-membered lactam ring based activator. The whiteness of cotton bleached with stored bleach activator solutions inversely correlated with the hydrolysis rate for each activator. The hydrolysis rate followed pseudo first order kinetics.     

Voltage control strategy for maximum torque operation of aninduction machine in the field-weakening region

In this paper, a novel field-weakening scheme for the induction machine is presented. The proposed algorithm, based on the voltage control strategy, ensures the maximum torque operation over the entire field-weakening region without using the machine parameters. Also, by introducing the direct field-oriented (DFO) control, which is insensitive to the variation of machine parameters in the field-weakening region, the drive system can obtain robustness to parameter variations. Moreover, the speed sensorless control can be achieved in the very-high-speed range, where the utilization of the speed sensor is limited. Experimental results for the laboratory induction motor drive system confirm the validity of the proposed control algorithm     

Photochemical properties of UV-absorbing chemicals in phase-controlled polymer microspheres

In this study, a different UV (ultra-violet) ray absorption system is presented in which butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM, a model UV-A absorbent, 320–400 nm) is stabilized in phase-controlled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres. The photochemistry of BMDM in the microspheres was investigated considering its phase characteristics therein. Analysis by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction showed that the BMDM in the microspheres was present in a non-crystalline state. The phase control of BMDM in the polymer microspheres has an excellent ability to protect against UV-A, whilst maintaining its photostability and thermal stability. The results obtained in this study illustrate well that the phase control of the UV absorbents in polymer microspheres is another key factor that determines their photochemistry and photostability in the final formulations.     

Interconnected Metallic Membrane Enabled by MXene Inks Toward High-Rate Anode and High-Voltage Cathode for Li-Ion Batteries

The ever-increasing popularity of smart electronics demands advanced Li-ion batteries capable of charging faster and storing more energy, which in turn stimulates the innovation of electrode additives. Developing single-phase conductive networks featuring excellent mechanical strength/integrity coupled with efficient electron transport and durability at high-voltage operation should maximize the rate capability and energy density, however, this has proven to be quite challenging. Herein, it is shown that a 2D titanium carbide (known as MXene) metallic membrane can be used as single-phase interconnected conductive binder for commercial Li-ion battery anode (i.e., Li₄Ti₅O₁₂) and high-voltage cathodes (i.e., Ni_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂). Electrodes are fabricated directly by slurry-casting of MXene aqueous inks composited with active materials without any other additives or solvents. The interconnected metallic MXene membrane ensures fast charge transport and provides good durability, demonstrating excellent rate performance in the Li//Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ cell (90 mAh g⁻¹ at 45 C) and high reversible capacity (154 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 C/0.5 C) in Li//Ni_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ cell coupled with high-voltage operation (4.3 V vs Li/Li⁺). The LTO//NMC full cell demonstrates promising cycling stability, maintaining capacity retention of 101.4% after 200 cycles at 4.25 V (vs Li/Li⁺) operation. This work provides insights into the rational design of binder-free electrodes toward acceptable cyclability and high-power density Li-ion batteries.     

Weather-insensitive optical free-space communication using gain-saturated optical fiber amplifiers

This paper presents a weather-insensitive optical free-space communication (OFSC) method supporting optical packet channels. It operates optical fiber amplifiers (OFAs) used as boosters in gain-saturation regions. When the propagation loss gets too high, it decreases the average packet rate, or the average packet length, or both, to increase the optical power level launched into the free space. As a demonstration, 8 /spl times/ 10 Gigabit-Ethernet (GbE) channels were transmitted over a terrestrial distance of 2.4 km. One gain-saturated free-space optical repeater is used at the halfway.     

"On the fly" continuous generation of alginate fibers using a microfluidic device

In this paper, we introduce a new continuous production technique of calcium alginate fibers with a microfluidic platform similar to a spider in nature. We have used a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device embedded capillary glass pipet as the apparatus for fiber generation. As a sample flow, we introduced a sodium alginate solution, and, as a sheath flow, a CaCl2 solution was introduced. The coaxial flows were generated at the intersection of both flows, and the sodium alginate was solidified to calcium alginate by diffusion of the Ca2+ ions during traveling through the outlet pipet. The diameter changes in the sample and sheath flow variations were examined, and the size of alginate fibers was well regulated by changing both flow rates. In addition, we have measured the elasticity of dried fibers. We evaluated the potential use of alginate fibers as a cell carrier by loading human fibroblasts during the "on the fly" fabrication process. From the LIVE/DEAD assay, cells survived well during the fiber fabrication process. In addition, we evaluate the capability of loading the therapeutic materials onto the alginate fibers by immobilized bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate in the fibers.     

Gradient generation by an osmotic pump and the behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells under the fetal bovine serum concentration gradient

This paper describes a method to generate a concentration gradient using an osmosis-driven pump, without the need for bulky peripheral devices, such as an electric syringe pump or a pneumatic pump. By the osmosis, the flow in the microfluidic channel can be controlled even to a very slow speed (nanolitre scale), which enables its application to generate the stable and wide (width = 4 mm) concentration gradient profile, even within a short flow path. A computational simulation was also performed to predict the local distribution of the solute concentration and velocity-pressure profile in the microfluidic chip. The performance of the osmosis-driven pump was evaluated by culturing human mesenchymal stem cells within the concentration gradient of fetal bovine serum. The effects of the gradient on attachment, viability and morphology of the cells were analyzed and quantified. The cell density in a higher serum concentration region was twice greater than that in the pure culture media. The compact, cost-effective, self-powered and osmosis-based gradient generation system can be useful for biomedical and chemical applications.     

A low-energy-consumption electroactive valveless hydrogel micropump for long-term biomedical applications

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have attracted considerable interest in the field of microfluidics due to their ability to transform electrical energy directly into mechanical work through swelling, bending, and other deformations. In particular, electroactive hydrogels hold great promise for biomedical micropumping applications such as implantable drug delivery systems. In such applications, energy consumption rate and durability are key properties. Here, we developed a valveless micropump system that utilizes a hydrogel as the main actuator, and tested its performance over 6 months of continuous operation. The proposed micropump system, powered by a single 1.5 V commercial battery, expended very little energy (less than 750 μWs per stroke) while pumping 0.9 wt% saline solution under a low voltage (less than 1 V), and remained fully functional after 6 months. CFD simulations were conducted to improve the microchannel geometry so as to minimize the backflow caused by the valveless mechanism of the system. Based on the simulation results, an asymmetric geometry and a stop post were introduced to enhance the pumping performance. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system as a drug delivery pump, an anti-cancer drug (adriamycin) was perfused to human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) using the pump. The present study showed that the proposed system can operate continuously for long periods with low energy consumption, powered by a single 1.5 V battery, making it a promising candidate for an implantable drug delivery system.