Testing the Limits to Accurate Comminution Dates: A Progress Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccione, G.; Blackburn, T.; Edwards, G. H.

2017-12-01

The ability to resolve the timing of fine particle production holds potential for contributing to several Earth Science sub-disciplines including glaciology, eolian and fluvial geomorphology, soil production, and fault dynamics. A relatively new geochronologic tool, U-series comminution dating, has shown potential to directly date the timing of particle comminution. This system's sensitivity to particle size arises from a physical disequilibrium in the 238U decay chain generated by the ejected loss of intermediate daughter products (e.g. 234U). It is the goal of this ongoing study to develop and test analytical procedures to improve the accuracy of comminution dating. In the geologic settings explored by previous studies, comminution dates integrate both the time of particle transport and time since deposition. To better test the accuracy of comminution dates, our study focuses on settings where silt has experienced little to no transport time, specifically, glacial moraines in the Eastern Sierras and Rock Avalanches in the San Gabriel Mountains, both locations with existing independent geochronologic constraints. Previous studies demonstrate the dependency of U-series comminution date on grain size and shape. Here we show that mineralogy of samples also plays a role, possibly controlled by the uranium content and crystal bond strength. To separate samples by size and mineralogy, we use dry sonic-sieving, density and magnetic separation. Non-detrital materials deposited on the rim of comminuted grains have an isotopic composition that is unrelated to the isotopic evolution since comminution and therefore must be removed through a multi-step leaching procedure. Leaching is complicated by the fact that areas within the comminuted crystal that have experienced physical fractionation are contained within damaged zones and are prone to being leached themselves, which removes areas of interest from the crystal. We present progress made on a sample processing method developed to alleviate complications that affect comminution age measurements. Initial 234U/238U measurements for untreated silt from an 800ka Sierran glacial till are up to 6% above secular equilibrium, while samples processed with this method have measured ratios as low as 3% below secular equilibrium.

Identification of Microbial Communities in Open and Closed Circuit Bioelectrochemical MBRs by High-Throughput 454 Pyrosequencing

PubMed Central

Huang, Jian; Wang, Zhiwei; Zhu, Chaowei; Ma, Jinxing; Zhang, Xingran; Wu, Zhichao

2014-01-01

Two bioelectrochemical membrane bioreactors (MBRs) developed by integrating microbial fuel cell and MBR technology were operated under closed-circuit and open-circuit modes, and high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing was used to investigate the effects of the power generation on the microbial community of bio-anode and bio-cathode. Microbes on the anode under open-circuit operation (AO) were enriched and highly diverse when compared to those on the anode under closed-circuit operation (AC). However, among the cathodes the closed-circuit mode (CC) had richer and more diverse microbial community compared to the cathode under open-circuit mode (CO). On the anodes AO and AC, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla, while Firmicutes was enriched only on AC. Deltaproteobacteria affiliated to Proteobacteria were also more abundant on AC than AO. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Desulfuromonas, which are well-known electrogenic bacteria, were much higher on AC (10.2%) when compared to AO (0.11%), indicating that closed-circuit operation was more conducive for the growth of electrogenic bacteria on the anodes. On the cathodes, Protebacteria was robust on CC while Bacteroidetes was more abundant on CO. Rhodobacter and Hydrogenophaga were also enriched on CC than CO, suggesting that these genera play a role in electron transfer from the cathode surface to the terminal electron acceptors in the bioelectrochemical MBR under closed-circuit operation. PMID:24705450

Outcome of low profile mesh plate in management of comminuted displaced fracture patella.

PubMed

Singer, Mohamed S; Halawa, Abdelsamie M; Adawy, Adel

2017-06-01

To assess the clinical results of using mesh plate in management of displaced comminuted fracture patella. Between January 2014 and October 2015, nine patients with closed displaced comminuted fracture patella were fixed using mesh plate and 2mm mini screws. All fractures united after an average of 10 weeks. At final follow-up of an average 19.6 months, average postoperative Lysholm score was 89.1±4.9, and average Postoperative Böstman scale was 27.2±3.1. No hardware related complications were recorded. Low profile mesh plate is a good option in management of comminuted fracture patella with good clinical outcome. This new surgical technique may be particularly useful in comminuted fractures when patellectomy would otherwise be considered. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and engineering of intracellular-metabolite-sensing/regulation gene circuits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Wang, Meng; Li, Sijin; Zhao, Huimin

2016-01-01

The development of high-throughput phenotyping tools is lagging far behind the rapid advances of genotype generation methods. To bridge this gap, we report a new strategy for design, construction, and fine-tuning of intracellular-metabolite-sensing/regulation gene circuits by repurposing bacterial transcription factors and eukaryotic promoters. As proof of concept, we systematically investigated the design and engineering of bacterial repressor-based xylose-sensing/regulation gene circuits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrated that numerous properties, such as induction ratio and dose-response curve, can be fine-tuned at three different nodes, including repressor expression level, operator position, and operator sequence. By applying these gene circuits, we developed a cell sorting based, rapid and robust high-throughput screening method for xylose transporter engineering and obtained a sugar transporter HXT14 mutant with 6.5-fold improvement in xylose transportation capacity. This strategy should be generally applicable and highly useful for evolutionary engineering of proteins, pathways, and genomes in S. cerevisiae. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sediment residence times constrained by uranium-series isotopes: A critical appraisal of the comminution approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handley, Heather K.; Turner, Simon; Afonso, Juan C.; Dosseto, Anthony; Cohen, Tim

2013-02-01

Quantifying the rates of landscape evolution in response to climate change is inhibited by the difficulty of dating the formation of continental detrital sediments. We present uranium isotope data for Cooper Creek palaeochannel sediments from the Lake Eyre Basin in semi-arid South Australia in order to attempt to determine the formation ages and hence residence times of the sediments. To calculate the amount of recoil loss of 234U, a key input parameter used in the comminution approach, we use two suggested methods (weighted geometric and surface area measurement with an incorporated fractal correction) and typical assumed input parameter values found in the literature. The calculated recoil loss factors and comminution ages are highly dependent on the method of recoil loss factor determination used and the chosen assumptions. To appraise the ramifications of the assumptions inherent in the comminution age approach and determine individual and combined comminution age uncertainties associated to each variable, Monte Carlo simulations were conducted for a synthetic sediment sample. Using a reasonable associated uncertainty for each input factor and including variations in the source rock and measured (234U/238U) ratios, the total combined uncertainty on comminution age in our simulation (for both methods of recoil loss factor estimation) can amount to ±220-280 ka. The modelling shows that small changes in assumed input values translate into large effects on absolute comminution age. To improve the accuracy of the technique and provide meaningful absolute comminution ages, much tighter constraints are required on the assumptions for input factors such as the fraction of α-recoil lost 234Th and the initial (234U/238U) ratio of the source material. In order to be able to directly compare calculated comminution ages produced by different research groups, the standardisation of pre-treatment procedures, recoil loss factor estimation and assumed input parameter values is required. We suggest a set of input parameter values for such a purpose. Additional considerations for calculating comminution ages of sediments deposited within large, semi-arid drainage basins are discussed.

Fabrication of a multiplexed microfluidic system for scaled up production of cross-linked biocatalytic microspheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mbanjwa, Mesuli B.; Chen, Hao; Fourie, Louis; Ngwenya, Sibusiso; Land, Kevin

2014-06-01

Multiplexed or parallelised droplet microfluidic systems allow for increased throughput in the production of emulsions and microparticles, while maintaining a small footprint and utilising minimal ancillary equipment. The current paper demonstrates the design and fabrication of a multiplexed microfluidic system for producing biocatalytic microspheres. The microfluidic system consists of an array of 10 parallel microfluidic circuits, for simultaneous operation to demonstrate increased production throughput. The flow distribution was achieved using a principle of reservoirs supplying individual microfluidic circuits. The microfluidic devices were fabricated in poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) using soft lithography techniques. The consistency of the flow distribution was determined by measuring the size variations of the microspheres produced. The coefficient of variation of the particles was determined to be 9%, an indication of consistent particle formation and good flow distribution between the 10 microfluidic circuits.

High-Throughput Fabrication of Flexible and Transparent All-Carbon Nanotube Electronics.

PubMed

Chen, Yong-Yang; Sun, Yun; Zhu, Qian-Bing; Wang, Bing-Wei; Yan, Xin; Qiu, Song; Li, Qing-Wen; Hou, Peng-Xiang; Liu, Chang; Sun, Dong-Ming; Cheng, Hui-Ming

2018-05-01

This study reports a simple and effective technique for the high-throughput fabrication of flexible all-carbon nanotube (CNT) electronics using a photosensitive dry film instead of traditional liquid photoresists. A 10 in. sized photosensitive dry film is laminated onto a flexible substrate by a roll-to-roll technology, and a 5 µm pattern resolution of the resulting CNT films is achieved for the construction of flexible and transparent all-CNT thin-film transistors (TFTs) and integrated circuits. The fabricated TFTs exhibit a desirable electrical performance including an on-off current ratio of more than 10 5 , a carrier mobility of 33 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , and a small hysteresis. The standard deviations of on-current and mobility are, respectively, 5% and 2% of the average value, demonstrating the excellent reproducibility and uniformity of the devices, which allows constructing a large noise margin inverter circuit with a voltage gain of 30. This study indicates that a photosensitive dry film is very promising for the low-cost, fast, reliable, and scalable fabrication of flexible and transparent CNT-based integrated circuits, and opens up opportunities for future high-throughput CNT-based printed electronics.

Fixation of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures with bone fragments separated by soft tissue using a novel double ligature technique: A case report.

PubMed

Ju, Wei-Na; Wang, Cheng-Xue; Wang, Tie-Jun; Qi, Bao-Chang

2017-11-01

Clavicle fractures are common, and mostly occur in the midshaft. Methods for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures are evolving, as they improve clinical outcomes compared with traditional conservative management. However, fixation of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures with bone fragments separated by soft tissue remains a challenge. Here, we present a case of comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture with a bone fragment separated from the main fracture by soft tissue. Left comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture. We treated this patient with a novel double ligature technique using absorbable suturing. In the past 7 years, we have treated >50 patients with this technique. We have achieved good clinical outcomes with no complications. We recommend widespread use of our novel double ligature technique for treating comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures with bone fragments separated by soft tissue.

Fixation of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures with bone fragments separated by soft tissue using a novel double ligature technique

PubMed Central

Ju, Wei-Na; Wang, Cheng-Xue; Wang, Tie-Jun; Qi, Bao-Chang

2017-01-01

Abstract Rationale: Clavicle fractures are common, and mostly occur in the midshaft. Methods for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures are evolving, as they improve clinical outcomes compared with traditional conservative management. However, fixation of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures with bone fragments separated by soft tissue remains a challenge. Patient concerns: Here, we present a case of comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture with a bone fragment separated from the main fracture by soft tissue. Diagnosis: Left comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture. Interventions: We treated this patient with a novel double ligature technique using absorbable suturing. Outcomes: In the past 7 years, we have treated >50 patients with this technique. We have achieved good clinical outcomes with no complications. Lessons: We recommend widespread use of our novel double ligature technique for treating comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures with bone fragments separated by soft tissue. PMID:29137088

Grinding kinetics and equilibrium states

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opoczky, L.; Farnady, F.

1984-01-01

The temporary and permanent equilibrium occurring during the initial stage of cement grinding does not indicate the end of comminution, but rather an increased energy consumption during grinding. The constant dynamic equilibrium occurs after a long grinding period indicating the end of comminution for a given particle size. Grinding equilibrium curves can be constructed to show the stages of comminution and agglomeration for certain particle sizes.

Method of burning sulfur-containing fuels in a fluidized bed boiler

DOEpatents

Jones, Brian C.

1982-01-01

A method of burning a sulfur-containing fuel in a fluidized bed of sulfur oxide sorbent wherein the overall utilization of sulfur oxide sorbent is increased by comminuting the bed drain solids to a smaller average particle size, preferably on the order of 50 microns, and reinjecting the comminuted bed drain solids into the bed. In comminuting the bed drain solids, particles of spent sulfur sorbent contained therein are fractured thereby exposing unreacted sorbent surface. Upon reinjecting the comminuted bed drain solids into the bed, the newly-exposed unreacted sorbent surface is available for sulfur oxide sorption, thereby increasing overall sorbent utilization.

Primary Ankle Arthrodesis for Severely Comminuted Tibial Pilon Fractures.

PubMed

Al-Ashhab, Mohamed E

2017-03-01

Management of severely comminuted, complete articular tibial pilon fractures (Rüedi and Allgöwer type III) remains a challenge, with few treatment options providing good clinical outcomes. Twenty patients with severely comminuted tibial pilon fractures underwent primary ankle arthrodesis with a retrograde calcaneal nail and autogenous fibular bone graft. The fusion rate was 100% and the varus malunion rate was 10%. Fracture union occurred at a mean of 16 weeks (range, 13-18 weeks) postoperatively. Primary ankle arthrodesis is a successful method for treating highly comminuted tibial pilon fractures, having a low complication rate and a high satisfaction score. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e378-e381.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

The effect of treatment strategy on stone comminution efficiency in shock wave lithotripsy.

PubMed

Zhou, Yufeng; Cocks, Franklin H; Preminger, Glenn M; Zhong, Pei

2004-07-01

The comminution of kidney stones in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a dose dependent process caused primarily by the combination of 2 fundamental mechanisms, namely stress waves and cavitation. The effect of treatment strategy with emphasis on enhancing the effect of stress waves or cavitation on stone comminution in SWL was investigated. Because vascular injury in SWL is also dose dependent, optimization of the treatment strategy may produce improved stone comminution with decreased tissue injury in SWL. Using an in vitro experiment system that mimics stone fragmentation in the renal pelvis spherical BegoStone (Bego USA, Smithfield, Rhode Island) phantoms (diameter 10 mm) were exposed to 1,500 shocks at a pulse repetition rate of 1 Hz in an unmodified HM-3 lithotripter (Dornier Medical Systems, Kennesaw, Georgia). The 3 treatment strategies used were increasing output voltage from 18 to 20 and then to 22 kV every 500 shocks with emphasis on enhancing the effect of cavitation on medium fragments (2 to 4 mm) at the final treatment stage, decreasing output voltage from 22 to 20 and then to 18 kV every 500 shocks with emphasis on enhancing the effect of stress waves on large fragments (greater than 4 mm) at the initial treatment stage and maintaining a constant output voltage at 20 kV, as typically used in SWL procedures. Following shock wave exposure the size distribution of fragments was determined by the sequential sieving method. In addition, pressure waveforms at lithotripter focus (F2) produced at different output settings were measured using a fiber optic probe hydrophone. The rate of stone comminution in SWL varied significantly in a dose dependent manner depending on the treatment strategies used. Specifically the comminution efficiencies produced by the 3 strategies after the initial 500 shocks were 30.7%, 59% and 41.9%, respectively. After 1,000 shocks the corresponding comminution efficiencies became similar (60.2%, 68.1% and 66.4%, respectively) with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.08). After 1,500 shocks the final comminution efficiency produced by the first strategy was 88.7%, which was better than the corresponding values of 81.2% and 83.5%, respectively, for the other 2 strategies. The difference between the final comminution efficiency of the first and second strategies was statistically significant (p = 0.005). Progressive increase in lithotripter output voltage can produce the best overall stone comminution in vitro.

Theory and implementation of a very high throughput true random number generator in field programmable gate array

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Yonggang, E-mail: wangyg@ustc.edu.cn; Hui, Cong; Liu, Chong

The contribution of this paper is proposing a new entropy extraction mechanism based on sampling phase jitter in ring oscillators to make a high throughput true random number generator in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) practical. Starting from experimental observation and analysis of the entropy source in FPGA, a multi-phase sampling method is exploited to harvest the clock jitter with a maximum entropy and fast sampling speed. This parametrized design is implemented in a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, where the carry chains in the FPGA are explored to realize the precise phase shifting. The generator circuit is simple and resource-saving,more » so that multiple generation channels can run in parallel to scale the output throughput for specific applications. The prototype integrates 64 circuit units in the FPGA to provide a total output throughput of 7.68 Gbps, which meets the requirement of current high-speed quantum key distribution systems. The randomness evaluation, as well as its robustness to ambient temperature, confirms that the new method in a purely digital fashion can provide high-speed high-quality random bit sequences for a variety of embedded applications.« less

Theory and implementation of a very high throughput true random number generator in field programmable gate array.

PubMed

Wang, Yonggang; Hui, Cong; Liu, Chong; Xu, Chao

2016-04-01

The contribution of this paper is proposing a new entropy extraction mechanism based on sampling phase jitter in ring oscillators to make a high throughput true random number generator in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) practical. Starting from experimental observation and analysis of the entropy source in FPGA, a multi-phase sampling method is exploited to harvest the clock jitter with a maximum entropy and fast sampling speed. This parametrized design is implemented in a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, where the carry chains in the FPGA are explored to realize the precise phase shifting. The generator circuit is simple and resource-saving, so that multiple generation channels can run in parallel to scale the output throughput for specific applications. The prototype integrates 64 circuit units in the FPGA to provide a total output throughput of 7.68 Gbps, which meets the requirement of current high-speed quantum key distribution systems. The randomness evaluation, as well as its robustness to ambient temperature, confirms that the new method in a purely digital fashion can provide high-speed high-quality random bit sequences for a variety of embedded applications.

Filling Open Screw Holes in the Area of Metaphyseal Comminution Does Not Affect Fatigue Life of the Synthes Variable Angle Distal Femoral Locking Plate in the AO/OTA 33-A3 Fracture Model.

PubMed

Grau, Luis; Collon, Kevin; Alhandi, Ali; Kaimrajh, David; Varon, Maria; Latta, Loren; Vilella, Fernando

2018-06-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical effect of filling locking variable angle (VA) screw holes at the area of metaphyseal fracture comminution in a Sawbones® (Sawbones USA, Vashon, Washington) model (AO/OTA 33A-3 fracture) using a Synthes VA locking compression plate (LCP) (Depuy Synthes, Warsaw, Indiana). Seven Sawbones® femur models had a Synthes VA-LCP placed as indicated by the manufacturers technique. A 4cm osteotomy was then created to simulate an AO/OTA 33-A3 femoral fracture pattern with metaphyseal comminution. The control group consisted of four constructs in which the open screw holes at the area of comminution were left unfilled; the experimental group consisted of three constructs in which the VA screw holes were filled with locking screws. One of the control constructs was statically loaded to failure at a rate of 5mm/min. A value equal to 75% of the ultimate load to failure was used as the loading force for fatigue testing of 250,000 cycles at 3Hz. Cycles to failure was recorded for each construct and averages were compared between groups. The average number of cycles to failure in the control and experimental groups were 37524±8187 and 43304±23835, respectively (p=0.72). No significant difference was observed with respect to cycles to failure or mechanism of failure between groups. In all constructs in both the control and experimental groups, plate failure reproducibly occurred with cracks through the variable angle holes in the area of bridged comminution. The Synthes VA-LCP in a simulated AO/OTA 33-A3 comminuted metaphyseal femoral fracture fails in a reproducible manner at the area of comminution through the "honeycomb" VA screw holes. Filling open VA screw holes at the site of comminution with locking screws does not increase fatigue life of the Synthes VA-LCP in a simulated AO/OTA 33-A3 distal femoral fracture. Further studies are necessary to determine whether use of this particular plate is contraindicated when bridging distal femoral fractures with metaphyseal comminution.

High Density Polyetherurethane Foam as a Fragmentation and Radiographic Surrogate for Cortical Bone

PubMed Central

Beardsley, Christina L; Heiner, Anneliese D; Brandser, Eric A; Marsh, J Lawrence; Brown, Thomas D

2000-01-01

Background Although one of the most important factors in predicting outcome of articular fracture, the comminution of the fracture is only subjectively assessed. To facilitate development of objective, quantitative measures of comminution phenomena, there is need for a bone fragmentation surrogate. Methods Laboratory investigation was undertaken to develop and characterize a novel synthetic material capable of emulating the fragmentation and radiographic behavior of human cortical bone. Result Screening tests performed with a drop tower apparatus identified high-density polyetherurethane foam as having suitable fragmentation properties. The material's impact behavior and its quasi-static mechanical properties are here described. Dispersal of barium sulfate (BaSO4) in the resin achieved radio-density closely resembling that of bone, without detectably altering mechanical behavior. The surrogate material's ultimate strength, elastic modulus, and quasi-static toughness are within an order of magnitude of those of mammalian cortical bone. The spectrum of comminution patterns produced by this material when impacted with varying amounts of energy is very comparable to the spectrum of bone fragment comminution seen clinically. Conclusions A novel high-density polyetherurethane foam, when subjected to impact loading, sustains comminuted fracture in a manner strikingly similar to cortical bone. Moreover, since the material also can be doped with radio-opacifier so as to closely emulate bone's radiographic signature, it opens many new possibilities for CT-based systematic study of comminution phenomena. PMID:10934621

Patellar Shape-Memory Fixator for the Treatment of Comminuted Fractures of the Inferior Pole of the Patella

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xin-Wei; Shang, Hui-Juan; Xu, Shuo-Gui; Wang, Zhi-Wei; Zhang, Chun-Cai; Fu, Qing-Ge

2011-07-01

Comminuted and displaced fractures of the inferior pole of the patella are not easy to reduce and it is difficult to fix the fragments soundly enough to allow early movement of the knee. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the internal fixation technique with Patellar Shape-Memory Fixator (PSMF) in acute comminuted fractures of the inferior pole of the patella. We retrospectively studied 25 patients with comminuted fractures of the inferior pole of the patella who were treated with PSMF and followed up for a mean period of 26 months (14 to 60). All the fractures healed at a mean of 6 weeks (5 to 7). The mean grading at the final follow-up was 29.5 points (27 to 30) using the Bostman score, with no observable restriction of movement. No breakage of the PSMF or infection occurred. No delayed union, nonunion, and infection were seen. This technique preserved the length of the patella, reduced the comminuted fragments of the inferior pole and avoided long-term immobilization of the knee.

Meteorite-asteroid spectral comparison - The effects of comminution, melting, and recrystallization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Beth E.; Fanale, Fraser P.; Salisbury, John W.

1992-01-01

The present laboratory simulation of possible spectral-alteration effects on the optical surface of ordinary chondrite parent bodies duplicated regolith processes through comminution of the samples to finer rain sizes. After reflectance spectra characterization, the comminuted samples were melted, crystallized, recomminuted, and again characterized. While individual spectral characteristics could be significantly changed by these processes, no combination of the alteration procedures appeared capable of affecting all relevant parameters in a way that improved the match between chondritic meteorites and S-class asteroids.

Novel application of DEM to modelling comminution processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delaney, Gary W.; Cleary, Paul W.; Sinnott, Matt D.; Morrison, Rob D.

2010-06-01

Comminution processes in which grains are broken down into smaller and smaller sizes represent a critical component in many industries including mineral processing, cement production, food processing and pharmaceuticals. We present a novel DEM implementation capable of realistically modelling such comminution processes. This extends on a previous implementation of DEM particle breakage that utilized spherical particles. Our new extension uses super-quadric particles, where daughter fragments with realistic size and shape distributions are packed inside a bounding parent super-quadric. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach in different particle breakage scenarios and examine the effect of the chosen minimum resolved particle size. This incorporation of the effect of particle shape in the breakage process allows for more realistic DEM simulations to be performed, that can provide additional fundamental insights into comminution processes and into the behaviour of individual pieces of industrial machinery.

Combined Orbital Fractures: Surgical Strategy of Sequential Repair

PubMed Central

Hur, Su Won; Kim, Sung Eun; Chung, Kyu Jin; Lee, Jun Ho; Kim, Tae Gon

2015-01-01

Background Reconstruction of combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures with a comminuted inferomedial strut (IMS) is challenging and requires careful practice. We present our surgical strategy and postoperative outcomes. Methods We divided 74 patients who underwent the reconstruction of the orbital floor and medial wall concomitantly into a comminuted IMS group (41 patients) and non-comminuted IMS group (33 patients). In the comminuted IMS group, we first reconstructed the floor stably and then the medial wall by using separate implant pieces. In the non-comminuted IMS group, we reconstructed the floor and the medial wall with a single large implant. Results In the follow-up of 6 to 65 months, most patients with diplopia improved in the first-week except one, who eventually improved at 1 year. All patients with an EOM limitation improved during the first month of follow-up. Enophthalmos (displacement, 2 mm) was observed in two patients. The orbit volume measured on the CT scans was statistically significantly restored in both groups. No complications related to the surgery were observed. Conclusions We recommend the reconstruction of orbit walls in the comminuted IMS group by using the following surgical strategy: usage of multiple pieces of rigid implants instead of one large implant, sequential repair first of the floor and then of the medial wall, and a focus on the reconstruction of key areas. Our strategy of step-by-step reconstruction has the benefits of easy repair, less surgical trauma, and minimal stress to the surgeon. PMID:26217562

Functional Laser Trimming Of Thin Film Resistors On Silicon ICs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Michael J.; Mickanin, Wes

1986-07-01

Modern Laser Wafer Trimming (LWT) technology achieves exceptional analog circuit performance and precision while maintain-ing the advantages of high production throughput and yield. Microprocessor-driven instrumentation has both emphasized the role of data conversion circuits and demanded sophisticated signal conditioning functions. Advanced analog semiconductor circuits with bandwidths over 1 GHz, and high precision, trimmable, thin-film resistors meet many of todays emerging circuit requirements. Critical to meeting these requirements are optimum choices of laser characteristics, proper materials, trimming process control, accurate modeling of trimmed resistor performance, and appropriate circuit design. Once limited exclusively to hand-crafted, custom integrated circuits, designs are now available in semi-custom circuit configurations. These are similar to those provided for digital designs and supported by computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Integrated with fully automated measurement and trimming systems, these quality circuits can now be produced in quantity to meet the requirements of communications, instrumentation, and signal processing markets.

Influence of intra-oral sensory impairment by anaesthesia on food comminution and mixing in dentate subjects.

PubMed

Yoshida, E; Fueki, K; Wakabayashi, N

2015-06-01

Sensory input from sensory receptors regarding food morsels can affect jaw motor behaviours during mastication. The aim was to clarify the effects of intra-oral sensory input on the food-comminuting and food-mixing capacities of dentate subjects. Eleven dentate subjects without sensory dysfunction in their oro-facial region participated in this study. Local anaesthesia was achieved on the periodontal structures and on the oral mucosa of the subjects' preferred chewing side by injecting a lidocaine solution with adrenalin. At baseline (control) and after anaesthesia, data on the subjects' food-comminuting and food-mixing capacities were gathered. The food-comminuting capacity was quantified by measuring the degree of pulverisation of peanuts (objective hardness; 45.3 [Newton, N]) after a prescribed 20 chewing strokes. The food-mixing capacity was measured as the degree of immixture of a two-coloured paraffin wax cube after 10 chewing strokes. Wax cubes of three different hardness levels were used (soft, medium and hard: 20.3, 32.6 and 75.5 [N], respectively) and were chewed in random order. After anaesthesia, the subjects' food-comminuting capacity significantly decreased (P < 0.001), as did the food-mixing capacity for each hardness level of the wax cubes (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was observed between the objective hardness values and the anaesthesia effects for the food-mixing capacity (P < 0.05), indicating that after anaesthesia, deterioration of the mixing capacity increased as the hardness increased. In conclusion, intra-oral sensory input can affect both food-comminuting and food-mixing capacities. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Complex networks in confined comminution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, David M.; Tordesillas, Antoinette; Einav, Itai; Small, Michael

2011-08-01

The physical process of confined comminution is investigated within the framework of complex networks. We first characterize the topology of the unweighted contact networks as generated by the confined comminution process. We find this process gives rise to an ultimate contact network which exhibits a scale-free degree distribution and small world properties. In particular, if viewed in the context of networks through which information travels along shortest paths, we find that the global average of the node vulnerability decreases as the comminution process continues, with individual node vulnerability correlating with grain size. A possible application to the design of synthetic networks (e.g., sensor networks) is highlighted. Next we turn our attention to the physics of the granular comminution process and examine force transmission with respect to the weighted contact networks, where each link is weighted by the inverse magnitude of the normal force acting at the associated contact. We find that the strong forces (i.e., force chains) are transmitted along pathways in the network which are mainly following shortest-path routing protocols, as typically found, for example, in communication systems. Motivated by our earlier studies of the building blocks for self-organization in dense granular systems, we also explore the properties of the minimal contact cycles. The distribution of the contact strain energy intensity of 4-cycle motifs in the ultimate state of the confined comminution process is shown to be consistent with a scale-free distribution with infinite variance, thereby suggesting that 4-cycle arrangements of grains are capable of storing vast amounts of energy in their contacts without breaking.

Use of a real-size 3D-printed model as a preoperative and intraoperative tool for minimally invasive plating of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures.

PubMed

Kim, Hyong Nyun; Liu, Xiao Ning; Noh, Kyu Cheol

2015-06-10

Open reduction and plate fixation is the standard operative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. However, sometimes it is difficult to achieve anatomic reduction by open reduction technique in cases with comminution. We describe a novel technique using a real-size three dimensionally (3D)-printed clavicle model as a preoperative and intraoperative tool for minimally invasive plating of displaced comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures. A computed tomography (CT) scan is taken of both clavicles in patients with a unilateral displaced comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture. Both clavicles are 3D printed into a real-size clavicle model. Using the mirror imaging technique, the uninjured side clavicle is 3D printed into the opposite side model to produce a suitable replica of the fractured side clavicle pre-injury. The 3D-printed fractured clavicle model allows the surgeon to observe and manipulate accurate anatomical replicas of the fractured bone to assist in fracture reduction prior to surgery. The 3D-printed uninjured clavicle model can be utilized as a template to select the anatomically precontoured locking plate which best fits the model. The plate can be inserted through a small incision and fixed with locking screws without exposing the fracture site. Seven comminuted clavicle fractures treated with this technique achieved good bone union. This technique can be used for a unilateral displaced comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture when it is difficult to achieve anatomic reduction by open reduction technique. Level of evidence V.

Toward a generalized and high-throughput enzyme screening system based on artificial genetic circuits.

PubMed

Choi, Su-Lim; Rha, Eugene; Lee, Sang Jun; Kim, Haseong; Kwon, Kilkoang; Jeong, Young-Su; Rhee, Young Ha; Song, Jae Jun; Kim, Hak-Sung; Lee, Seung-Goo

2014-03-21

Large-scale screening of enzyme libraries is essential for the development of cost-effective biological processes, which will be indispensable for the production of sustainable biobased chemicals. Here, we introduce a genetic circuit termed the Genetic Enzyme Screening System that is highly useful for high-throughput enzyme screening from diverse microbial metagenomes. The circuit consists of two AND logics. The first AND logic, the two inputs of which are the target enzyme and its substrate, is responsible for the accumulation of a phenol compound in cell. Then, the phenol compound and its inducible transcription factor, whose activation turns on the expression of a reporter gene, interact in the other logic gate. We confirmed that an individual cell harboring this genetic circuit can present approximately a 100-fold higher cellular fluorescence than the negative control and can be easily quantified by flow cytometry depending on the amounts of phenolic derivatives. The high sensitivity of the genetic circuit enables the rapid discovery of novel enzymes from metagenomic libraries, even for genes that show marginal activities in a host system. The crucial feature of this approach is that this single system can be used to screen a variety of enzymes that produce a phenol compound from respective synthetic phenyl-substrates, including cellulase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase, tyrosine phenol-lyase, and methyl parathion hydrolase. Consequently, the highly sensitive and quantitative nature of this genetic circuit along with flow cytometry techniques could provide a widely applicable toolkit for discovering and engineering novel enzymes at a single cell level.

Titanium Mesh Shaping and Fixation for the Treatment of Comminuted Mandibular Fractures.

PubMed

Dai, Jiewen; Shen, Guofang; Yuan, Hao; Zhang, Wenbin; Shen, Shunyao; Shi, Jun

2016-02-01

Treating comminuted mandibular fractures remains a challenge. In this study, we used titanium mesh to treat comminuted mandibular fractures. Nine patients with traumatically comminuted mandibular fractures who received open reduction and internal stable fixation with titanium mesh were retrospectively reviewed. Open reduction-internal stable fixation was performed 7 to 10 days after primary debridement of the facial trauma. After the fractured mandible and the displaced fragments were reduced, the titanium mesh was reshaped according to the morphology of the mandible, and the reduced bone fragments were fixed with the reshaped titanium mesh and screws. Then, the surgical effects were evaluated during routine follow-up. Most of the displaced fragments were preserved and exhibited a favorable shaping ability in restoring the morphology of the mandible during surgery. No intraoperative complications were encountered. In addition, all patients were infection free, with no obvious resorption in the fixed fragments after surgery. The mandible also exhibited favorable morphology and offered sufficient bone mass for dental implantation or a denture prosthesis. We conclude that titanium mesh shaping and fixation can effectively treat comminuted mandibular fractures with little bone fragment loss, little soft tissue exposure, a low infection rate, and favorable mandibular morphology. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comminution of solids caused by kinetic energy of high shear strain rate, with implications for impact, shock, and shale fracturing.

PubMed

Bazant, Zdenek P; Caner, Ferhun C

2013-11-26

Although there exists a vast literature on the dynamic comminution or fragmentation of rocks, concrete, metals, and ceramics, none of the known models suffices for macroscopic dynamic finite element analysis. This paper outlines the basic idea of the macroscopic model. Unlike static fracture, in which the driving force is the release of strain energy, here the essential idea is that the driving force of comminution under high-rate compression is the release of the local kinetic energy of shear strain rate. The density of this energy at strain rates >1,000/s is found to exceed the maximum possible strain energy density by orders of magnitude, making the strain energy irrelevant. It is shown that particle size is proportional to the -2/3 power of the shear strain rate and the 2/3 power of the interface fracture energy or interface shear stress, and that the comminution process is macroscopically equivalent to an apparent shear viscosity that is proportional (at constant interface stress) to the -1/3 power of this rate. A dimensionless indicator of the comminution intensity is formulated. The theory was inspired by noting that the local kinetic energy of shear strain rate plays a role analogous to the local kinetic energy of eddies in turbulent flow.

Adaptable Design Improvements for Electromagnetic Shock Wave Lithotripters and Techniques for Controlling Cavitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Nathan Birchard

In this dissertation work, the aim was to garner better mechanistic understanding of how shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) breaks stones in order to guide design improvements to modern electromagnetic (EM) shock wave lithotripters. To accomplish this goal, experimental studies were carefully designed to isolate mechanisms of fragmentation, and models for wave propagation, fragmentation, and stone motion were developed. In the initial study, a representative EM lithotripter was characterized and tested for in vitro stone comminution efficiency at a variety of field positions and doses using phantom kidney stones of variable physical properties, and in different fluid mediums to isolate the contribution of cavitation. Through parametric analysis of the acoustic field measurements alongside comminution results, a logarithmic correlation was determined between average peak pressure incident on the stone surface and comminution efficiency. It was also noted that for a given stone type, the correlations converged to an average peak pressure threshold for fragmentation, independent of fluid medium in use. The correlation of average peak pressure to efficacy supports the rationale for the acoustic lens modifications, which were pursued to simultaneously enhance beam width and optimize the pulse profile of the lithotripter shock wave (LSW) via in situ pulse superposition for improved stone fragmentation by stress waves and cavitation, respectively. In parallel, a numerical model for wave propagation was used to investigate the variations of critical parameters with changes in lens geometry. A consensus was reached on a new lens design based on high-speed imaging and stone comminution experiments against the original lens at a fixed acoustic energy setting. The results have demonstrated that the new lens has improved efficacy away from the focus, where stones may move due to respiration, fragmentation, acoustic radiation forces, or voluntary patient movements. Using the traditional theory of brittle fragmentation and newfound understanding of average peak pressure correlation to stone comminution, the entire set of stone comminution data for lens comparison was heuristically modeled using a Weibull-style distribution function. This model linked both the average peak pressure and shock wave dose to efficacy, including their respective threshold parameters, and demonstrated correlation of coefficients to cavitation activity. Subsequently, this model was used in prediction of stone comminution efficiency from mimicked respiratory motions in vitro, which compared favorably to actual simulated motion studies using both the new and original lenses. Under a variety of mimicked respiratory motions, the new lens produced statistically higher stone comminution efficiency than the original lens. These results were confirmed in vivo in a swine model, where the new lens produced statistically higher stone comminution after 1,000 and 2,000 shocks. Finally, a mechanistic investigation into the effects of cavitation with the original lens was conducted using an integrated, self-focusing annular ring transducer specially designed for tandem pulse lithotripsy. It was found that cavitation and stone comminution efficiency are progressively enhanced by tandem pulsing as source energies of both the primary LSW and trailing pressure pulse increase, which suggests that cavitation and stress waves act synergistically to enhance the efficacy in kidney stone fragmentation.

Comminuting irradiated ferritic steel

DOEpatents

Bauer, Roger E.; Straalsund, Jerry L.; Chin, Bryan A.

1985-01-01

Disclosed is a method of comminuting irradiated ferritic steel by placing the steel in a solution of a compound selected from the group consisting of sulfamic acid, bisulfate, and mixtures thereof. The ferritic steel is used as cladding on nuclear fuel rods or other irradiated components.

Sensor readout detector circuit

DOEpatents

Chu, Dahlon D.; Thelen, Jr., Donald C.

1998-01-01

A sensor readout detector circuit is disclosed that is capable of detecting sensor signals down to a few nanoamperes or less in a high (microampere) background noise level. The circuit operates at a very low standby power level and is triggerable by a sensor event signal that is above a predetermined threshold level. A plurality of sensor readout detector circuits can be formed on a substrate as an integrated circuit (IC). These circuits can operate to process data from an array of sensors in parallel, with only data from active sensors being processed for digitization and analysis. This allows the IC to operate at a low power level with a high data throughput for the active sensors. The circuit may be used with many different types of sensors, including photodetectors, capacitance sensors, chemically-sensitive sensors or combinations thereof to provide a capability for recording transient events or for recording data for a predetermined period of time following an event trigger. The sensor readout detector circuit has applications for portable or satellite-based sensor systems.

Sensor readout detector circuit

DOEpatents

Chu, D.D.; Thelen, D.C. Jr.

1998-08-11

A sensor readout detector circuit is disclosed that is capable of detecting sensor signals down to a few nanoamperes or less in a high (microampere) background noise level. The circuit operates at a very low standby power level and is triggerable by a sensor event signal that is above a predetermined threshold level. A plurality of sensor readout detector circuits can be formed on a substrate as an integrated circuit (IC). These circuits can operate to process data from an array of sensors in parallel, with only data from active sensors being processed for digitization and analysis. This allows the IC to operate at a low power level with a high data throughput for the active sensors. The circuit may be used with many different types of sensors, including photodetectors, capacitance sensors, chemically-sensitive sensors or combinations thereof to provide a capability for recording transient events or for recording data for a predetermined period of time following an event trigger. The sensor readout detector circuit has applications for portable or satellite-based sensor systems. 6 figs.

Quantitative Prediction of Stone Fragility From Routine Dual Energy CT: Ex vivo proof of Feasibility.

PubMed

Ferrero, Andrea; Montoya, Juan C; Vaughan, Lisa E; Huang, Alice E; McKeag, Ian O; Enders, Felicity T; Williams, James C; McCollough, Cynthia H

2016-12-01

Previous studies have demonstrated a qualitative relationship between stone fragility and internal stone morphology. The goal of this study was to quantify morphologic features from dual-energy computed tomography (CT) images and assess their relationship to stone fragility. Thirty-three calcified urinary stones were scanned with micro-CT. Next, they were placed within torso-shaped water phantoms and scanned with the dual-energy CT stone composition protocol in routine use at our institution. Mixed low- and high-energy images were used to measure volume, surface roughness, and 12 metrics describing internal morphology for each stone. The ratios of low- to high-energy CT numbers were also measured. Subsequent to imaging, stone fragility was measured by disintegrating each stone in a controlled ex vivo experiment using an ultrasonic lithotripter and recording the time to comminution. A multivariable linear regression model was developed to predict time to comminution. The average stone volume was 300 mm 3 (range: 134-674 mm 3 ). The average comminution time measured ex vivo was 32 seconds (range: 7-115 seconds). Stone volume, dual-energy CT number ratio, and surface roughness were found to have the best combined predictive ability to estimate comminution time (adjusted R 2  = 0.58). The predictive ability of mixed dual-energy CT images, without use of the dual-energy CT number ratio, to estimate comminution time was slightly inferior, with an adjusted R 2 of 0.54. Dual-energy CT number ratios, volume, and morphologic metrics may provide a method for predicting stone fragility, as measured by time to comminution from ultrasonic lithotripsy. Copyright © 2016 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comminuted distal femur closed fractures: a new application of the Ilizarov concept of compression-distraction.

PubMed

El-Tantawy, Ahmad; Atef, Ashraf

2015-04-01

The treatment of intra-articular distal femur fractures with severe metaphyseal comminution is challenging. It is important to choose a technique that provides secure fixation, minimum tissue handling, and early ambulation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the outcomes of application of Ilizarov concept as an early definitive treatment of comminuted distal femur closed fractures. A total of 17 male patients (mean age 28.53±6.33 years) presented with comminuted distal femur fractures (with 10 type C2 and 7 type C3-2 fractures according to AO/ASIF system) were included in this prospective study. Initial fixation of the articular fragments was done by inter-fragmentary screws, percutaneously through a limited open approach, and stabilization was completed by Ilizarov fixator. The procedure included acute shortening, through the comminution, followed by gradual re-distraction to compensate the created shortening. Radiological and functional results were assessed according to ASAMI evaluation system. The mean amount of intra-operative shortening was 3.68±0.53 cm. The mean external fixation index was 37.24±2.53 days/cm. The mean follow-up period was 18.18±1.91 months. All fractures united primarily in an average 137.65±4.12 days, with no evident angular deformity or limb-length discrepancy. None of the cases required a second major procedure or bone graft. The functional results were excellent in three cases, good in 12, and fair in two patients. The Ilizarov concept of acute compression-distraction is a valuable alternative for the treatment of distal femur fractures with severe metaphyseal comminution.

A novel technique of using a miniature plate in combination with tension band wiring to treat comminuted patellar fractures

PubMed Central

Gao, Song; Liu, Xuqiang; Zhang, Fengtian; Gao, Tian; Zhang, Zhihong; Dai, Min

2018-01-01

Abstract Traditionally, tension band fixation has been used for treating simple fracture patterns; however, fixation remains a challenge, especially for comminuted fractures. We describe a new method of operation using a combination of a miniature plate with tension band wiring to treat comminuted patellar fractures. The aim of this technique is to transform complicate fractures into simple transverse fractures. As far as we know, no studies using a similar method have been found. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a novel technique in which a miniature plate is used in combination with tension band wiring to treat comminuted patellar fractures. Between March 2013 and May 2015, 16 patients with closed, displaced, comminuted fractures of the patella were included in the present study. All subjects underwent fixation using a combination of a miniature plate with a tension band wire. Knee function and patient status were evaluated at 12 months using the Böstman knee score and Lysholm knee scale. The average follow-up period was 15.6 months (range, 12–20 months). At the 12-month follow-up, bone healing was satisfactory in all patients. The average postoperative Lysholm score was 91.6 ± 1.4 (range, 84–97). The average postoperative Böstman scale score was 26.4 ± 0.5 (range, 22–30), thereby indicating excellent results in 4 patients and good results in 12. No patients required reoperation. The results demonstrate that this new technique is an effective and safe treatment option for comminuted patella fractures, as it is associated with good clinical outcomes. PMID:29642160

Surgical treatment of comminuted mandibular fractures using a low-profile locking mandibular reconstruction plate system

PubMed Central

Kanno, Takahiro; Sukegawa, Shintaro; Nariai, Yoshiki; Tatsumi, Hiroto; Ishibashi, Hiroaki; Furuki, Yoshihiko; Sekine, Joji

2014-01-01

Objective: The treatment of comminuted mandibular fractures is challenging due to the severity of associated injuries and the need for a careful diagnosis with adequate treatment planning. Recently, open reduction and stable internal fixation (OR-IF) with a load-bearing reconstruction plate have been advocated for reliable clinical outcomes with minimal complications. This clinical prospective study evaluated OR-IF in the surgical management of comminuted mandibular fractures with a new low-profile, thin, mandibular locking reconstruction plate. Materials and Methods: We prospectively assessed OR-IF of comminuted mandibular fractures with a low-profile locking mandibular reconstruction plate in 12 patients (nine men, three women; mean age 32.2 [range 16-71] years) between April 2010 and December 2011. The clinical characteristics and associated clinical parameters of patients were evaluated over a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Results: Traffic accidents caused 50% of the fractures, followed by falls (25%). Four patients (33.3%) had associated midfacial maxillofacial fractures, while five patients had other mandibular fractures. Seven patients (58.3%) needed emergency surgery, mostly for airway management. Anatomical reduction of the comminuted segments re-established the mandibular skeleton in stable occlusion with rigid IF via extraoral (33.3%), intraoral (50%), or combined (16.7%) approaches. Immediate functional recovery was achieved. Sound bone healing was confirmed in all patients, with no complications such as malocclusion, surgical site infection, or malunion with a mean follow-up of 16.3 (range 12-24) months. Conclusions: OR-IF using a low-profile reconstruction plate system is a reliable treatment for comminuted mandibular fractures, enabling immediate functional recovery with good clinical results. PMID:25593862

Quantitative prediction of stone fragility from routine single and dual energy CT: proof of feasibility

PubMed Central

Ferrero, Andrea; Montoya, Juan C.; Vaughan, Lisa E.; Huang, Alice E.; McKeag, Ian O.; Enders, Felicity T.; Williams, James C.; McCollough, Cynthia H.

2016-01-01

Rationale and Objectives Previous studies have demonstrated a qualitative relationship between stone fragility and internal stone morphology. The goal of this study was to quantify morphological features from dual-energy CT images and assess their relationship to stone fragility. Materials and Methods Thirty-three calcified urinary stones were scanned with micro CT. Next, they were placed within torso-shaped water phantoms and scanned with the dual-energy CT stone composition protocol in routine use at our institution. Mixed low-and high-energy images were used to measure volume, surface roughness, and 12 metrics describing internal morphology for each stone. The ratios of low- to high-energy CT numbers were also measured. Subsequent to imaging, stone fragility was measured by disintegrating each stone in a controlled ex vivo experiment using an ultrasonic lithotripter and recording the time to comminution. A multivariable linear regression model was developed to predict time to comminution. Results The average stone volume was 300 mm3 (range 134–674 mm3). The average comminution time measured ex vivo was 32 s (range 7–115 s). Stone volume, dual-energy CT number ratio and surface roughness were found to have the best combined predictive ability to estimate comminution time (adjusted R2= 0.58). The predictive ability of mixed dual-energy CT images, without use of the dual-energy CT number ratio, to estimate comminution time was slightly inferior, with an adjusted R2 of 0.54. Conclusion Dual-energy CT number ratios, volume, and morphological metrics may provide a method for predicting stone fragility, as measured by time to comminution from ultrasonic lithotripsy. PMID:27717761

The effects of moderate coal cleaning on the microbial removal of organic sulfur. [Quarterly] technical report, December 1, 1991--February 29, 1992

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Srivastava, V.J.

The purpose of this project is to investigate the possibilities of developing an integrated physical/chemical/microbial process for the pre-combustion removal of sulfur from coal. Microorganisms are capable of specifically cleaving carbon-sulfur bonds and removing substantial amounts of organic sulfur from coal; however, the removal of organic sulfur form coal by microorganisms is hampered by the fact that, as a solid substrate, it is difficult to bring microorganisms in contact with the entirety of a coal sample. This study will examine the suitability of physically/chemically treated coal samples for subsequent biodesulfurization. During the current quarter, chemical comminution and combined chemical treatment/explosivemore » comminution experiments have been performed to generate coal samples with increased surface area and porosity. Ammonia vapor was found to be the most effective chemical comminution agent and the optimum conditions for combined chemical treatment/explosive comminution have not yet been determined.« less

Improvement in electron-beam lithography throughput by exploiting relaxed patterning fidelity requirements with directed self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hao Yun; Liu, Chun-Hung; Shen, Yu Tian; Lee, Hsuan-Ping; Tsai, Kuen Yu

2014-03-01

Line edge roughness (LER) influencing the electrical performance of circuit components is a key challenge for electronbeam lithography (EBL) due to the continuous scaling of technology feature sizes. Controlling LER within an acceptable tolerance that satisfies International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors requirements while achieving high throughput become a challenging issue. Although lower dosage and more-sensitive resist can be used to improve throughput, they would result in serious LER-related problems because of increasing relative fluctuation in the incident positions of electrons. Directed self-assembly (DSA) is a promising technique to relax LER-related pattern fidelity (PF) requirements because of its self-healing ability, which may benefit throughput. To quantify the potential of throughput improvement in EBL by introducing DSA for post healing, rigorous numerical methods are proposed to simultaneously maximize throughput by adjusting writing parameters of EBL systems subject to relaxed LER-related PF requirements. A fast, continuous model for parameter sweeping and a hybrid model for more accurate patterning prediction are employed for the patterning simulation. The tradeoff between throughput and DSA self-healing ability is investigated. Preliminary results indicate that significant throughput improvements are achievable at certain process conditions.

Clast comminution during pyroclastic density current transport: Mt St Helens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawson, B.; Brand, B. D.; Dufek, J.

2011-12-01

Volcanic clasts within pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) tend to be more rounded than those in fall deposits. This rounding reflects degrees of comminution during transport, which produces an increase in fine-grained ash with distance from source (Manga, M., Patel, A., Dufek., J. 2011. Bull Volcanol 73: 321-333). The amount of ash produced due to comminution can potentially affect runout distance, deposit sorting, the volume of ash lofted into the upper atmosphere, and increase internal pore pressure (e.g., Wohletz, K., Sheridan, M. F., Brown, W.K. 1989. J Geophy Res, 94, 15703-15721). For example, increased pore pressure has been shown to produce longer runout distances than non-comminuted PDC flows (e.g., Dufek, J., and M. Manga, 2008. J. Geophy Res, 113). We build on the work of Manga et al., (2011) by completing a pumice abrasion study for two well-exposed flow units from the May 18th, 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens (MSH). To quantify differences in comminution from source, sampling and the image analysis technique developed in Manga et al., 2010 was completed at distances proximal, medial, and distal from source. Within the units observed, data was taken from the base, middle, and pumice lobes within the outcrops. Our study is unique in that in addition to quantifying the degree of pumice rounding with distance from source, we also determine the possible range of ash sizes produced during comminution by analyzing bubble wall thickness of the pumice through petrographic and SEM analysis. The proportion of this ash size is then measured relative to the grain size of larger ash with distance from source. This allows us to correlate ash production with degree of rounding with distance from source, and determine the fraction of the fine ash produced due to comminution versus vent-fragmentation mechanisms. In addition we test the error in 2D analysis by completing a 3D image analysis of selected pumice samples using a Camsizer. We find that the roundness of PDC pumice at MSH increases with distance from source, as does the quantity of fine-grained ash. In addition, we have made the first steps towards determining the proportion of fine ash produced by comminution with distance from source. These results are being tested by numerical methods to understand the effect of an increase in fine ash on overall flow dynamics of the PDCs in which they were produced.

Comminution of solids caused by kinetic energy of high shear strain rate, with implications for impact, shock, and shale fracturing

PubMed Central

Bažant, Zdeněk P.; Caner, Ferhun C.

2013-01-01

Although there exists a vast literature on the dynamic comminution or fragmentation of rocks, concrete, metals, and ceramics, none of the known models suffices for macroscopic dynamic finite element analysis. This paper outlines the basic idea of the macroscopic model. Unlike static fracture, in which the driving force is the release of strain energy, here the essential idea is that the driving force of comminution under high-rate compression is the release of the local kinetic energy of shear strain rate. The density of this energy at strain rates >1,000/s is found to exceed the maximum possible strain energy density by orders of magnitude, making the strain energy irrelevant. It is shown that particle size is proportional to the −2/3 power of the shear strain rate and the 2/3 power of the interface fracture energy or interface shear stress, and that the comminution process is macroscopically equivalent to an apparent shear viscosity that is proportional (at constant interface stress) to the −1/3 power of this rate. A dimensionless indicator of the comminution intensity is formulated. The theory was inspired by noting that the local kinetic energy of shear strain rate plays a role analogous to the local kinetic energy of eddies in turbulent flow. PMID:24218624

High throughput estimation of functional cell activities reveals disease mechanisms and predicts relevant clinical outcomes

PubMed Central

Hidalgo, Marta R.; Cubuk, Cankut; Amadoz, Alicia; Salavert, Francisco; Carbonell-Caballero, José; Dopazo, Joaquin

2017-01-01

Understanding the aspects of the cell functionality that account for disease or drug action mechanisms is a main challenge for precision medicine. Here we propose a new method that models cell signaling using biological knowledge on signal transduction. The method recodes individual gene expression values (and/or gene mutations) into accurate measurements of changes in the activity of signaling circuits, which ultimately constitute high-throughput estimations of cell functionalities caused by gene activity within the pathway. Moreover, such estimations can be obtained either at cohort-level, in case/control comparisons, or personalized for individual patients. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated in an extensive analysis involving 5640 patients from 12 different cancer types. Circuit activity measurements not only have a high diagnostic value but also can be related to relevant disease outcomes such as survival, and can be used to assess therapeutic interventions. PMID:28042959

Microfluidic Automation using elastomeric valves and droplets: reducing reliance on external controllers

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung-Jin; Lai, David; Park, Joong Yull; Yokokawa, Ryuji

2012-01-01

This paper gives an overview of elastomeric valve- and droplet-based microfluidic systems designed to minimize the need of external pressure to control fluid flow. This concept article introduces the working principle of representative components in these devices along with relevant biochemical applications. This is followed by providing a perspective on the roles of different microfluidic valves and systems through comparison of their similarities and differences with transistors (valves) and systems in microelectronics. Despite some physical limitation of drawing analogies from electronic circuits, automated microfluidic circuit design can gain insights from electronic circuits to minimize external control units, while implementing high complexity and throughput analysis. PMID:22761019

9 CFR 318.23 - Heat-processing and stabilization requirements for uncured meat patties.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... requirements for uncured meat patties. 318.23 Section 318.23 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND... uncured meat patties. (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Patty. A shaped and formed, comminuted, flattened cake of meat food product. (2) Comminuted. A...

9 CFR 318.23 - Heat-processing and stabilization requirements for uncured meat patties.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... requirements for uncured meat patties. 318.23 Section 318.23 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND... uncured meat patties. (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Patty. A shaped and formed, comminuted, flattened cake of meat food product. (2) Comminuted. A...

9 CFR 318.23 - Heat-processing and stabilization requirements for uncured meat patties.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... requirements for uncured meat patties. 318.23 Section 318.23 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND... uncured meat patties. (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Patty. A shaped and formed, comminuted, flattened cake of meat food product. (2) Comminuted. A...

Assessing the specific energy consumption and physical properties of comminuted Douglas-fir chips for bioconversion

Treesearch

Yalan Liu; Jinwu Wang; Michael P. Wolcott

2016-01-01

Size reduction homogenizes the bulk biomass and facilitates downstream feedstock handling, transportation, and storage. Effects of feeding rate, mill-type (hammer and knife mill), screen size, and moisture content on comminution energy consumption of commercial Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) pulp chips were quantified. The resulting particles...

Design and Clinical Application of Proximal Humerus Memory Connector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Shuo-Gui; Zhang, Chun-Cai

2011-02-01

Treatment for comminuted proximal humerus fractures and nonunions are a substantial challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Plate and screw fixation does not provide enough stability to allow patients to begin functional exercises early after surgery. Using shape memory material nickel titanium alloy, we designed a new device for treating severe comminuted proximal humerus fractures that accommodates for the anatomical features of the proximal humerus. Twenty-two cases of comminuted fracture, malunion, and nonunion of the proximal humerus were treated with the proximal humeral memory connector (PHMC). No external fixation was needed after the operation and patients began active shoulder exercises an average of 8 days after the operation. Follow-up evaluation (mean 18.5 months) revealed that bone healing with lamellar bone formation occurred an average of 3.6 months after surgery for the fracture cases and 4.5 months after surgery for the nonunion cases. Average shoulder function was 88.5 according to the criteria of Michael Reese. PHMC is an effective new device to treat comminuted proximal humerus fractures and nonunions. The use of this device may reduce the need for shoulder joint arthroplasty.

Hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture and consequences of a comminuted greater tubercle fragment.

PubMed

Hoel, S; Jensen, T G; Falster, O; Ulstrup, A

2016-04-01

A prerequisite for a satisfying functional result in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus with hemiarthroplasty is anatomical reduction, fixation and healing of the tuberculi around the prosthetic neck in order to restore normal function of the rotator cuff. This was a retrospective study to examine the outcome after hemiarthroplasty using a prosthetic stem designed to optimise re-attachment and healing of the tuberculi (Aequalis; Tornier and Global Fx, DePuy). A special emphasis was on the effect on outcome a comminuted greater tubercle might have. At follow-up, clinical results were evaluated using the Constant score and WOOS index. All patients had radiographs taken of the injured shoulder. Quality of tubercle healing and prosthetic height were estimated; acromiohumeral distance was registered as well as greater tubercle comminution and resorption. Thirty-four patients with 35 hemiarthroplasties were included. Mean age was 71 years (range 47-88) at the time of injury. At follow-up (mean 38 months, range 23-67), the mean Constant score was 44 points (range 18-87). The mean WOOS index was 58 (range 15-96). A comminuted tubercle was associated with tubercle resorption and superior migration of the arthroplasty. Also, there was a correlation for the functional Constant score, but for the WOOS index, there was none. Like several other studies, we generally saw a group of patients with limited pain but poor range of movement in the shoulder. Our hypothesis was that comminution of the greater tubercle would correlate with both rotator cuff arthropathic radiographical features and more detrimental functional scores than average. Thus, a subtype of fracture could be identified at the time of injury and perhaps be allocated to a different treatment than hemiarthroplasty. Due to a limited number of patients in this study, we are unable to make any strong statistically supported conclusions regarding this hypothesis. Level 4 evidence.

PVC-based composite material containing recycled non-metallic printed circuit board (PCB) powders.

PubMed

Wang, Xinjie; Guo, Yuwen; Liu, Jingyang; Qiao, Qi; Liang, Jijun

2010-12-01

The study is directed to the use of non-metallic powders obtained from comminuted recycled paper-based printed circuit boards (PCBs) as an additive to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate. The physical properties of the non-metallic PCB (NMPCB) powders were measured, and the morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of the NMPCB/PVC composite material were investigated. The results show that recycled NMPCB powders, when added below a threshold, tended to increase the tensile strength and bending strength of PVC. When 20 wt% NMPCB powders (relative to the substrate PVC) of an average diameter of 0.08 mm were added, the composite tensile strength and bending strength reached 22.6 MPa and 39.83 MPa, respectively, representing 107.2% and 123.1% improvement over pure PVC. The elongation at break of the composite material reached 151.94% of that of pure PVC, while the Vicat softening temperature of the composite material did not increase significantly compared to the pure PVC. The above results suggest that paper-based NMPCB powders, when used at appropriate amounts, can be effective for toughening PVC. Thus, this study suggests a new route for reusing paper-based NMPCB, which may have a significant beneficial environmental impact. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reliability of the Robinson classification for displaced comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures.

PubMed

Stegeman, Sylvia A; Fernandes, Nicole C; Krijnen, Pieta; Schipper, Inger B

2015-01-01

This study aimed to assess the reliability of the Robinson classification for displaced comminuted midshaft fractures. A total of 102 surgeons and 52 radiologists classified 15 displaced comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures on anteroposterior (AP) and 30-degree caudocephalad radiographs twice. For both surgeons and radiologists, inter-observer and intra-observer agreement significantly improved after showing the 30-degree caudocephalad view in addition to the AP view. Radiologists had significantly higher inter- and intra-observer agreement than surgeons after judging both radiographs (κmultirater of 0.81 vs. 0.56; κintra-observer of 0.73 vs. 0.44). We advise to use two-plane radiography and to routinely incorporate the Robinson classification in the radiology reports. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A bipolar population counter using wave pipelining to achieve 2.5 x normal clock frequency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Derek C.; De Micheli, Giovanni; Flynn, Michael J.; Huston, Robert E.

1992-01-01

Wave pipelining is a technique for pipelining digital systems that can increase clock frequency in practical circuits without increasing the number of storage elements. In wave pipelining, multiple coherent waves of data are sent through a block of combinational logic by applying new inputs faster than the delay through the logic. The throughput of a 63-b CML population counter was increased from 97 to 250 MHz using wave pipelining. The internal circuit is flowthrough combinational logic. Novel CAD methods have balanced all input-to-output paths to about the same delay. This allows multiple data waves to propagate in sequence when the circuit is clocked faster than its propagation delay.

Minimizing Leg Length Discrepancy After Intramedullary Nailing of Comminuted Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Quality Improvement Initiative Using the Scout Computed Tomography Scanogram.

PubMed

Gheraibeh, Petra; Vaidya, Rahul; Hudson, Ian; Meehan, Robert; Tonnos, Frederick; Sethi, Anil

2018-05-01

To prevent leg length discrepancy (LLD) after locked femoral nailing in patients with comminuted femoral shaft fractures. Prospective consecutive case series aimed at quality improvement. Level 1 Trauma Center PATIENTS:: Ninety-eight consecutive patients with a comminuted femoral shaft fracture underwent statically locked intramedullary nailing, with a focused attempt at minimizing LLD during surgery. A computed tomography scanogram of both legs was performed on postoperative day 1 to assess for residual LLD. Patients were offered the option to have LLD >1.5 cm corrected before discharge. LLD >1.5 cm. Twenty-one patients (21.4%) were found to have an LLD >1.5 cm. An LLD >1.5 cm occurred in 10/55 (18%) antegrade nail patients and 11/43 (26%) retrograde nail patients (P = 0.27). No difference was noted based on the mechanism of injury, surgeon training and OTA/AO type B versus C injury. Ninety of 98 patients left with <1.5 cm LLD, 13/21 had a correction all to ≤0.6 cm, and 8 decided to accept the LLD and declined early correction. No patient left the hospital with an LLD >1.5 cm after locked intramedullary nailing for a comminuted femoral shaft fracture without being informed and the option of early correction. We recommend using a full-length computed tomography scanogram after IM nailing of comminuted femur fractures to prevent iatrogenic LLD. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Multipass rotary shear comminution process to produce corn stover particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dooley, James H; Lanning, David N

A process of comminution of corn stover having a grain direction to produce a mixture of corn stover, by feeding the corn stover in a direction of travel substantially randomly to the grain direction one or more times through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cutting discs (D) arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of corn stover travel.

Chemical comminution and deashing of low-rank coals

DOEpatents

Quigley, David R.

1992-01-01

A method of chemically comminuting a low-rank coal while at the same time increasing the heating value of the coal. A strong alkali solution is added to a low-rank coal to solubilize the carbonaceous portion of the coal, leaving behind the noncarbonaceous mineral matter portion. The solubilized coal is precipitated from solution by a multivalent cation, preferably calcium.

Chemical comminution and deashing of low-rank coals

DOEpatents

Quigley, David R.

1992-12-01

A method of chemically comminuting a low-rank coal while at the same time increasing the heating value of the coal. A strong alkali solution is added to a low-rank coal to solubilize the carbonaceous portion of the coal, leaving behind the noncarbonaceous mineral matter portion. The solubilized coal is precipitated from solution by a multivalent cation, preferably calcium.

A heuristic model of stone comminution in shock wave lithotripsy

PubMed Central

Smith, Nathan B.; Zhong, Pei

2013-01-01

A heuristic model is presented to describe the overall progression of stone comminution in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), accounting for the effects of shock wave dose and the average peak pressure, P+(avg), incident on the stone during the treatment. The model is developed through adaptation of the Weibull theory for brittle fracture, incorporating threshold values in dose and P+(avg) that are required to initiate fragmentation. The model is validated against experimental data of stone comminution from two stone types (hard and soft BegoStone) obtained at various positions in lithotripter fields produced by two shock wave sources of different beam width and pulse profile both in water and in 1,3-butanediol (which suppresses cavitation). Subsequently, the model is used to assess the performance of a newly developed acoustic lens for electromagnetic lithotripters in comparison with its original counterpart both under static and simulated respiratory motion. The results have demonstrated the predictive value of this heuristic model in elucidating the physical basis for improved performance of the new lens. The model also provides a rationale for the selection of SWL treatment protocols to achieve effective stone comminution without elevating the risk of tissue injury. PMID:23927195

[Treatment of conmminuted patellar fractures with internal Ni-Ti patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation].

PubMed

Tan, Hong-lie; Qian, Chen; Zhao, Jin-kun; Shi, Yan; Zhou, Qi

2009-02-01

To study the clinical efficacy of the treatment of comminuted patellar fractures with internal NiTi-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation. From March 2004 to June 2007, 38 cases of fresh comminuted patellar fractures were treated with internal NiTi-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation. There were 25 males and 13 females,ranging from 21 to 64 years (mean 42.5 years). All were comminuted fractures with displacement, 16 cases were 3 fragments, 14 cases were 4 fragments, 8 cases were 5 fragments. There were other fractures in 8 cases. During followed-up, knee function and complications were evaluated. All patients were followed up for 8 to 24 months (mean 15 months) and obtained complete bone union. No case of implant was loosening and fragment displacement, traumatic arthritis occured in 2 cases. Under Lysholm & Gillquist score, the results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 19, fair in 2. Internal Ni-Ti-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation is one of the ideal methods for the treatment of comminuted patellar fracture, which could provide satisfied reduction, reliable fixation and good functional recovery.

Using high-throughput barcode sequencing to efficiently map connectomes

PubMed Central

Peikon, Ian D.; Kebschull, Justus M.; Vagin, Vasily V.; Ravens, Diana I.; Sun, Yu-Chi; Brouzes, Eric; Corrêa, Ivan R.; Bressan, Dario

2017-01-01

Abstract The function of a neural circuit is determined by the details of its synaptic connections. At present, the only available method for determining a neural wiring diagram with single synapse precision—a ‘connectome’—is based on imaging methods that are slow, labor-intensive and expensive. Here, we present SYNseq, a method for converting the connectome into a form that can exploit the speed and low cost of modern high-throughput DNA sequencing. In SYNseq, each neuron is labeled with a unique random nucleotide sequence—an RNA ‘barcode’—which is targeted to the synapse using engineered proteins. Barcodes in pre- and postsynaptic neurons are then associated through protein-protein crosslinking across the synapse, extracted from the tissue, and joined into a form suitable for sequencing. Although our failure to develop an efficient barcode joining scheme precludes the widespread application of this approach, we expect that with further development SYNseq will enable tracing of complex circuits at high speed and low cost. PMID:28449067

All-optical mapping of barrel cortex circuits based on simultaneous voltage-sensitive dye imaging and channelrhodopsin-mediated photostimulation

PubMed Central

Lo, Shun Qiang; Koh, Dawn X. P.; Sng, Judy C. G.; Augustine, George J.

2015-01-01

Abstract. We describe an experimental approach that uses light to both control and detect neuronal activity in mouse barrel cortex slices: blue light patterned by a digital micromirror array system allowed us to photostimulate specific layers and columns, while a red-shifted voltage-sensitive dye was used to map out large-scale circuit activity. We demonstrate that such all-optical mapping can interrogate various circuits in somatosensory cortex by sequentially activating different layers and columns. Further, mapping in slices from whisker-deprived mice demonstrated that chronic sensory deprivation did not significantly alter feedforward inhibition driven by layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Further development of voltage-sensitive optical probes should allow this all-optical mapping approach to become an important and high-throughput tool for mapping circuit interactions in the brain. PMID:26158003

Ipsilateral intact fibula as a predictor of tibial plafond fracture pattern and severity.

PubMed

Luk, Pamela C; Charlton, Timothy P; Lee, Jackson; Thordarson, David B

2013-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in fracture pattern and severity of comminution between tibial plafond fractures with and without associated fibular fractures using computed tomography (CT). We hypothesized that the presence of an intact fibula was predictive of increased tibial plafond fracture severity. This was a case control, radiographic review performed at a single level I university trauma center. Between November 2007 and July 2011, 104 patients with 107 operatively treated tibial pilon fractures and preoperative CT scans were identified: 70 patients with 71 tibial plafond fractures had associated fibular fractures, and 34 patients with 36 tibial plafond fractures had intact fibulas. Four criteria were compared between the 2 groups: AO/OTA classification of distal tibia fractures, Topliss coronal and sagittal fracture pattern classification, plafond region of greatest comminution, and degree of proximal extension of fracture line. The intact fibula group had greater percentages of AO/OTA classification B2 type (5.5 vs 0, P = .046) and B3 type (52.8 vs 28.2, P = .013). Conversely, the percentage of AO/OTA classification C3 type was greater in the fractured fibula group (53.5 vs 30.6, P = .025). Evaluation using the Topliss sagittal and coronal classifications revealed no difference between the 2 groups (P = .226). Central and lateral regions of the plafond were the most common areas of comminution in fractured fibula pilons (32% and 31%, respectively). The lateral region of the plafond was the most common area of comminution in intact fibula pilon fractures (42%). There was no statistically significant difference (P = .71) in degree of proximal extension of fracture line between the 2 groups. Tibial plafond fractures with intact fibulas were more commonly associated with AO/OTA classification B-type patterns, whereas those with fractured fibulas were more commonly associated with C-type patterns. An intact fibula may be predictive of less comminution of the plafond. The lateral and central regions of the plafond were the most common areas of comminution in tibial plafond fractures, regardless of fibular status. Level III, case control study.

Evaluation of Fibular Fracture Type vs Location of Tibial Fixation of Pilon Fractures.

PubMed

Busel, Gennadiy A; Watson, J Tracy; Israel, Heidi

2017-06-01

Comminuted fibular fractures can occur with pilon fractures as a result of valgus stress. Transverse fibular fractures can occur with varus deformation. No definitive guide for determining the proper location of tibial fixation exists. The purpose of this study was to identify optimal plate location for fixation of pilon fractures based on the orientation of the fibular fracture. One hundred two patients with 103 pilon fractures were identified who were definitively treated at our institution from 2004 to 2013. Pilon fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification and included 43-A through 43-C fractures. Inclusion criteria were age of at least 18 years, associated fibular fracture, and definitive tibial plating. Patients were grouped based on the fibular component fracture type (comminuted vs transverse), and the location of plate fixation (medial vs lateral) was noted. Radiographic outcomes were assessed for mechanical failures. Forty fractures were a result of varus force as evidenced by transverse fracture of the fibula and 63 were due to valgus force with a comminuted fibula. For the transverse fibula group, 14.3% mechanical complications were noted for medially placed plate vs 80% for lateral plating ( P = .006). For the comminuted fibular group, 36.4% of medially placed plates demonstrated mechanical complications vs 16.7% for laterally based plates ( P = .156). Time to weight bearing as tolerated was also noted to be significant between groups plated medially and laterally for the comminuted group ( P = .013). Correctly assessing the fibular component for pilon fractures provides valuable information regarding deforming forces. To limit mechanical complications, tibial plates should be applied in such a way as to resist the original deforming forces. Level of Evidence Level III, comparative study.

Comparative study of comminuted posterior acetabular wall fracture treated with the Acetabular Tridimensional Memory Fixation System.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuntong; Zhao, Xue; Tang, Yang; Zhang, Chuncai; Xu, Shuogui; Xie, Yang

2014-04-01

Posterior wall fractures are one of the most common acetabular fractures. However, only 30% of these fractures involve a single large fragment, and comminuted acetabular posterior wall fractures pose a particular surgical challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between patients who received fixation for comminuted posterior wall fracture using the Acetabular Tridimensional Memory Fixation System (ATMFS) and patients who underwent fixation with conventional screws and buttress plates (Plates group). Between April 2003 and May 2007, 196 consecutive patients who sustained a comminuted posterior wall fracture of acetabulum were treated with ATMFS or conventional screws and buttress plates. Operative time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, and any intra-operative complications were recorded. Plain AP and lateral radiographs were obtained at all visits (Matta's criteria). Modified Merle d' Aubigne-Postel score, and Mos SF-36 score were compared between groups. Fifty patients were included in the analysis with 26 in the ATMFS group and 24 in the Plates group. The mean follow-up time was 57.5 months, ranging from 31 to 69 months. All patients had fully healed fractures at the final follow-up. There was no difference in clinical outcomes or radiological evaluations between groups. Patients with comminuted posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum treated with the ATMFS or conventional screws and buttress plate techniques achieve a good surgical result. Both techniques are safe, reliable, and practical. Use of the ATMFS technique may reduce blood loss and improve rigid support to marginal bone impaction. The use ATMFS may need additional support when fractures involve the superior roof. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advances in gallium arsenide monolithic microwave integrated-circuit technology for space communications systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhasin, K. B.; Connolly, D. J.

1986-01-01

Future communications satellites are likely to use gallium arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated-circuit (MMIC) technology in most, if not all, communications payload subsystems. Multiple-scanning-beam antenna systems are expected to use GaAs MMIC's to increase functional capability, to reduce volume, weight, and cost, and to greatly improve system reliability. RF and IF matrix switch technology based on GaAs MMIC's is also being developed for these reasons. MMIC technology, including gigabit-rate GaAs digital integrated circuits, offers substantial advantages in power consumption and weight over silicon technologies for high-throughput, on-board baseband processor systems. In this paper, current developments in GaAs MMIC technology are described, and the status and prospects of the technology are assessed.

Microfluidic automation using elastomeric valves and droplets: reducing reliance on external controllers.

PubMed

Kim, Sung-Jin; Lai, David; Park, Joong Yull; Yokokawa, Ryuji; Takayama, Shuichi

2012-10-08

This paper gives an overview of elastomeric valve- and droplet-based microfluidic systems designed to minimize the need of external pressure to control fluid flow. This Concept article introduces the working principle of representative components in these devices along with relevant biochemical applications. This is followed by providing a perspective on the roles of different microfluidic valves and systems through comparison of their similarities and differences with transistors (valves) and systems in microelectronics. Despite some physical limitation of drawing analogies from electronic circuits, automated microfluidic circuit design can gain insights from electronic circuits to minimize external control units, while implementing high-complexity and high-throughput analysis. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Comminuted supracondylar femoral fractures: a biomechanical analysis comparing the stability of medial versus lateral plating in axial loading.

PubMed

Briffa, Nikolai; Karthickeyan, Raju; Jacob, Joshua; Khaleel, Arshad

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of medial and lateral plating of a medially comminuted supracondylar femoral fracture. A supracondylar femoral fracture model comparing two fixation methods was tested cyclically in axial loading. One-centimetre supracondylar gap osteotomies were created in six synthetic femurs approximately 6 cm proximal to the knee joint. There were two constructs investigated: group 1 and group 2 were stabilized with an 8-hole LC-DCP, medially and laterally, respectively. Both construct groups were axially loaded. Global displacement (total length), wedge displacement, bending moment and strain were measured. Medial plating showed a significantly decreased displacement, bending moment and strain at the fracture site in axial loading. Medial plating of a comminuted supracondylar femur fracture is more stable than lateral plating.

Regolith evolution in the laboratory - Scaling dissimilar comminution experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cintala, Mark J.; Horz, Friedrich

1990-01-01

Repeated impacts into fragmental targets simulating unconsolidated debris on planetary surfaces have provided empirical insight into the evolution of planetary regoliths. The techniques of dimensional analysis have been employed to quantify and examine the relationships between the more important variables in the evolution of these experimental regoliths. Application of this method to the results of 10 experimental series shows that the quantity of comminuted target mass is directly proportional to (1) the number of impacts, (2) the diameter of the projectile, (3) the mean size of the crystals, (4) the mean grain size of the evolving regolith, (5) the total target mass, (6) the impactor density, and (7) the ratio of the impact velocity to the velocity of sound in the target rock. The comminuted mass is inversely proportional to the density of the target rock and the sorting of the regolith.

Comminuted inferior pole fracture of patella can be successfully treated with rim-plate-augmented separate vertical wiring.

PubMed

Cho, Jae-Woo; Kim, Jinil; Cho, Won-Tae; Gujjar, Pranay H; Oh, Chang-Wug; Oh, Jong-Keon

2018-02-01

We present the surgical technique of rim-plate-augmented separate vertical wiring for comminuted inferior pole fracture of the patella and report the clinical outcomes. Between July 2013 and January 2016, 13 patients (7 male and 6 female) who were diagnosed with comminuted inferior pole fracture of the patella in preoperative computed tomography and underwent a minimum of 1 year of follow-up were enrolled in this study. Mean patient age was 57.7 years (range 28-72 years). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation by rim-plate-augmented separate vertical wiring. Bony union, complications, range of motion and Bostman score were the clinical outcomes. Bony union was achieved in all cases at an average of 10 weeks after surgery (range 8-12). There was no loss of reduction and fixative failure during follow-up. The average range of motion was 127° (range 120°-130°). The mean Bostman score at last follow-up was 29.6 points (range 27-30) and graded excellent in 12 patients. Rim-plate-augmented separate vertical wiring demonstrated secure fixation and favorable clinical outcomes. This study provides evidence for its effectiveness as a fixation method for treating displaced, comminuted inferior pole fracture of the patella.

A differential memristive synapse circuit for on-line learning in neuromorphic computing systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, Manu V.; Muller, Lorenz K.; Indiveri, Giacomo

2017-12-01

Spike-based learning with memristive devices in neuromorphic computing architectures typically uses learning circuits that require overlapping pulses from pre- and post-synaptic nodes. This imposes severe constraints on the length of the pulses transmitted in the network, and on the network’s throughput. Furthermore, most of these circuits do not decouple the currents flowing through memristive devices from the one stimulating the target neuron. This can be a problem when using devices with high conductance values, because of the resulting large currents. In this paper, we propose a novel circuit that decouples the current produced by the memristive device from the one used to stimulate the post-synaptic neuron, by using a novel differential scheme based on the Gilbert normalizer circuit. We show how this circuit is useful for reducing the effect of variability in the memristive devices, and how it is ideally suited for spike-based learning mechanisms that do not require overlapping pre- and post-synaptic pulses. We demonstrate the features of the proposed synapse circuit with SPICE simulations, and validate its learning properties with high-level behavioral network simulations which use a stochastic gradient descent learning rule in two benchmark classification tasks.

Ability of modern distal tibia plates to stabilize comminuted pilon fracture fragments: Is dual plate fixation necessary?

PubMed

Penny, Phillip; Swords, Michael; Heisler, Jason; Cien, Adam; Sands, Andrew; Cole, Peter

2016-08-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the screw trajectory of ten commercially available distal tibia plates and compare them to common fracture patterns seen in OTA C type pilon fractures to determine their ability to stabilize the three most common fracture fragments while buttressing anterolateral zones of comminution. We hypothesized that a single plate for the distal tibia would fail to adequately stabilize all three main fracture fragments and zones of comminution in complex pilon fractures. Ten synthetic distal tibia sawbones models were used in conjunction with ten different locking distal tibia plate designs from three manufacturers (Depuy Synthes, J&J Co, Paoli, PA; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN; and Stryker, Mawa, NJ). Both medial and anterolateral plates from each company were utilized and separately applied to an individual sawbone model. Three implants allowing variable angle screw placement were used. The location of the locking screws and buttress effect 1cm above the articular surface was noted for each implant using axial computed tomography (CT). The images were then compared to a recently published "pilon fracture map" using an overlay technique to establish the relationship between screw location and known common fracture lines and areas of comminution. Each of the three main fragments was considered "captured" by a screw if it was purchased by at least two screws thereby controlling rotational forces on each fragment. Three of four anterolateral plates lacked stable fixation in the medial fragment. Of the 4 anterolateral plates used, only the variable angle anterolateral plate by Depuy Synthes captured the medial fragment with two screws. All four anterolateral plates buttressed the area of highest comminution and had an average of 1.25 screws in the medial fragment and an average of 3 screws in the posterolateral fragment. All five direct medial plates had variable fixation within anterolateral and posterolateral fragments with an average of 1.8 screws in the anterolateral fragment and an average of 1.3 screws in the posterolateral fragment. The Depuy Synthes variable angle anterolateral plate allowed for fixation of the medial fragment with two screws while simultaneously buttressing the zone of highest comminution and capturing both the anterolateral and posterolateral fragments with five and three screws respectively. The variable angle anteromedial plate by Depuy Synthes captured all three main fracture fragments but it did not buttress the anterolateral zone of comminution. In OTA 43C type pilon fractures, 8 out of 10 studied commercially available implants precontoured for the distal tibia, do not adequately stabilize the three primary fracture fragments typically seen in these injuries. Anterolateral plates were superior in addressing the coronal primary fracture line across the apex of the plafond, and buttressing the zone of comminution. None of the available plates can substitute for an understanding of the fracture planes and fragments typically seen in complex intra-articular tibia fractures and the addition of a second plate is necessary for adequate stability. Level IV. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Low Power and High Throughput Self Synchronous FPGA Using 65nm CMOS with Throughput Optimization by Pipeline Alignment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefan Devlin, Benjamin; Nakura, Toru; Ikeda, Makoto; Asada, Kunihiro

We detail a self synchronous field programmable gate array (SSFPGA) with dual-pipeline (DP) architecture to conceal pre-charge time for dynamic logic, and its throughput optimization by using pipeline alignment implemented on benchmark circuits. A self synchronous LUT (SSLUT) consists of a three input tree-type structure with 8bits of SRAM for programming. A self synchronous switch box (SSSB) consists of both pass transistors and buffers to route signals, with 12bits of SRAM. One common block with one SSLUT and one SSSB occupies 2.2Mλ2 area with 35bits of SRAM, and the prototype SSFPGA with 34 × 30 (1020) blocks is designed and fabricated using 65nm CMOS. Measured results show at 1.2V 430MHz and 647MHz operation for a 3bit ripple carry adder, without and with throughput optimization, respectively. We find that using the proposed pipeline alignment techniques we can perform at maximum throughput of 647MHz in various benchmarks on the SSFPGA. We demonstrate up to 56.1 times throughput improvement with our pipeline alignment techniques. The pipeline alignment is carried out within the number of logic elements in the array and pipeline buffers in the switching matrix.

Multipass comminution process to produce precision wood particles of uniform size and shape with disrupted grain structure from wood chips

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dooley, James H; Lanning, David N

A process of comminution of wood chips (C) having a grain direction to produce a mixture of wood particles (P), wherein the wood chips are characterized by an average length dimension (L.sub.C) as measured substantially parallel to the grain, an average width dimension (W.sub.C) as measured normal to L.sub.C and aligned cross grain, and an average height dimension (H.sub.C) as measured normal to W.sub.C and L.sub.C, and wherein the comminution process comprises the step of feeding the wood chips in a direction of travel substantially randomly to the grain direction one or more times through a counter rotating pair ofmore » intermeshing arrays of cutting discs (D) arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of wood chip travel.« less

Investigation on the supercritical CO(2) extraction of the volatile constituents from Juniperus communis obtained under different treatments of the "berries" (cones).

PubMed

Chatzopoulou, Paschalina; de Haan, Andre; Katsiotis, Stavros T

2002-09-01

The present investigation reports the experimental data a) from the recovery and the composition of the extract under super critical fluid extraction from Juniperus communis L. "berries" (cones), and b) their comparison with those of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation. For the extraction of the juniper oil different values of temperature and pressure were applied; furthermore, the degree of comminution of the plant material was also considered - a) integral "berries" and b) comminuted "berries". The quality of the oil recovered from the "berries" by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was found to be highly dependent on the applied conditions. The comminution affected greatly the oil recovery and consequently the final composition of the extracts. Significant differences were recorded between the supercritical CO(2) extract and the distilled oil, the latter being more enriched in monoterpenoid hydrocarbons.

Comminution and sizing processes of concrete block waste as recycled aggregates.

PubMed

Gomes, P C C; Ulsen, C; Pereira, F A; Quattrone, M; Angulo, S C

2015-11-01

Due to the environmental impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW), recycling is mandatory. It is also important that recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are used in concrete to meet market demands. In the literature, the influence of RCAs on concrete has been investigated, but very limited studies have been conducted on how the origin of concrete waste and comminution processes influence RCA characteristics. This paper aims to investigate the influence of three different comminution and sizing processes (simple screening, crushing and grinding) on the composition, shape and porosity characteristics of RCA obtained from concrete block waste. Crushing and grinding implies a reduction of RCA porosity. However, due to the presence of coarse quartz rounded river pebbles in the original concrete block mixtures, the shape characteristics deteriorated. A large amount of powder (<0.15 mm) without detectable anhydrous cement was also generated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microfabricated AC impedance sensor

DOEpatents

Krulevitch, Peter; Ackler, Harold D.; Becker, Frederick; Boser, Bernhard E.; Eldredge, Adam B.; Fuller, Christopher K.; Gascoyne, Peter R. C.; Hamilton, Julie K.; Swierkowski, Stefan P.; Wang, Xiao-Bo

2002-01-01

A microfabricated instrument for detecting and identifying cells and other particles based on alternating current (AC) impedance measurements. The microfabricated AC impedance sensor includes two critical elements: 1) a microfluidic chip, preferably of glass substrates, having at least one microchannel therein and with electrodes patterned on both substrates, and 2) electrical circuits that connect to the electrodes on the microfluidic chip and detect signals associated with particles traveling down the microchannels. These circuits enable multiple AC impedance measurements of individual particles at high throughput rates with sufficient resolution to identify different particle and cell types as appropriate for environmental detection and clinical diagnostic applications.

A model for simulating the grinding and classification cyclic system of waste PCBs recycling production line.

PubMed

Yang, Deming; Xu, Zhenming

2011-09-15

Crushing and separating technology is widely used in waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) recycling process. A set of automatic line without negative impact to environment for recycling waste PCBs was applied in industry scale. Crushed waste PCBs particles grinding and classification cyclic system is the most important part of the automatic production line, and it decides the efficiency of the whole production line. In this paper, a model for computing the process of the system was established, and matrix analysis method was adopted. The result showed that good agreement can be achieved between the simulation model and the actual production line, and the system is anti-jamming. This model possibly provides a basis for the automatic process control of waste PCBs production line. With this model, many engineering problems can be reduced, such as metals and nonmetals insufficient dissociation, particles over-pulverizing, incomplete comminuting, material plugging and equipment fever. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reversible Conversion of Dominant Polarity in Ambipolar Polymer/Graphene Oxide Hybrids

PubMed Central

Zhou, Ye; Han, Su-Ting; Sonar, Prashant; Ma, Xinlei; Chen, Jihua; Zheng, Zijian; Roy, V. A. L.

2015-01-01

The possibility to selectively modulate the charge carrier transport in semiconducting materials is extremely challenging for the development of high performance and low-power consuming logic circuits. Systematical control over the polarity (electrons and holes) in transistor based on solution processed layer by layer polymer/graphene oxide hybrid system has been demonstrated. The conversion degree of the polarity is well controlled and reversible by trapping the opposite carriers. Basically, an electron device is switched to be a hole only device or vice versa. Finally, a hybrid layer ambipolar inverter is demonstrated in which almost no leakage of opposite carrier is found. This hybrid material has wide range of applications in planar p-n junctions and logic circuits for high-throughput manufacturing of printed electronic circuits. PMID:25801827

A 32-bit Ultrafast Parallel Correlator using Resonant Tunneling Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kulkarni, Shriram; Mazumder, Pinaki; Haddad, George I.

1995-01-01

An ultrafast 32-bit pipeline correlator has been implemented using resonant tunneling diodes (RTD) and hetero-junction bipolar transistors (HBT). The negative differential resistance (NDR) characteristics of RTD's is the basis of logic gates with the self-latching property that eliminates pipeline area and delay overheads which limit throughput in conventional technologies. The circuit topology also allows threshold logic functions such as minority/majority to be implemented in a compact manner resulting in reduction of the overall complexity and delay of arbitrary logic circuits. The parallel correlator is an essential component in code division multi-access (CDMA) transceivers used for the continuous calculation of correlation between an incoming data stream and a PN sequence. Simulation results show that a nano-pipelined correlator can provide and effective throughput of one 32-bit correlation every 100 picoseconds, using minimal hardware, with a power dissipation of 1.5 watts. RTD plus HBT based logic gates have been fabricated and the RTD plus HBT based correlator is compared with state of the art complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) implementations.

Using high-throughput barcode sequencing to efficiently map connectomes.

PubMed

Peikon, Ian D; Kebschull, Justus M; Vagin, Vasily V; Ravens, Diana I; Sun, Yu-Chi; Brouzes, Eric; Corrêa, Ivan R; Bressan, Dario; Zador, Anthony M

2017-07-07

The function of a neural circuit is determined by the details of its synaptic connections. At present, the only available method for determining a neural wiring diagram with single synapse precision-a 'connectome'-is based on imaging methods that are slow, labor-intensive and expensive. Here, we present SYNseq, a method for converting the connectome into a form that can exploit the speed and low cost of modern high-throughput DNA sequencing. In SYNseq, each neuron is labeled with a unique random nucleotide sequence-an RNA 'barcode'-which is targeted to the synapse using engineered proteins. Barcodes in pre- and postsynaptic neurons are then associated through protein-protein crosslinking across the synapse, extracted from the tissue, and joined into a form suitable for sequencing. Although our failure to develop an efficient barcode joining scheme precludes the widespread application of this approach, we expect that with further development SYNseq will enable tracing of complex circuits at high speed and low cost. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

ASB Clinical Biomechanics Award Paper 2010: Virtual Pre-Operative Reconstruction Planning for Comminuted Articular Fractures

PubMed Central

Thomas, Thaddeus P.; Anderson, Donald D.; Willis, Andrew R.; Liu, Pengcheng; Marsh, J. Lawrence; Brown, Thomas D.

2010-01-01

Background Highly comminuted intra-articular fractures are complex and difficult injuries to treat. Once emergent care is rendered, the definitive treatment objective is to restore the original anatomy while minimizing surgically induced trauma. Operations that use limited or percutaneous approaches help preserve tissue vitality, but reduced visibility makes reconstruction more difficult. A pre-operative plan of how comminuted fragments would best be re-positioned to restore anatomy helps in executing a successful reduction. Methods In this study, methods for virtually reconstructing a tibial plafond fracture were developed and applied to clinical cases. Building upon previous benchtop work, novel image analysis techniques and puzzle solving algorithms were developed for clinical application. Specialty image analysis tools were used to segment the fracture fragment geometries from CT data. The original anatomy was then restored by matching fragment native (periosteal and subchondral) bone surfaces to an intact template, generated from the uninjured contralateral limb. Findings Virtual reconstructions obtained for ten tibial plafond fracture cases had average alignment errors of 0.39 (0.5 standard deviation) mm. In addition to precise reduction planning, 3D puzzle solutions can help identify articular deformities and bone loss. Interpretation The results from this study indicate that 3D puzzle solving provides a powerful new tool for planning the surgical reconstruction of comminuted articular fractures. PMID:21215501

High-Pressure-Induced Comminution and Recrystallization of CH3 NH3 PbBr3 Nanocrystals as Large Thin Nanoplates.

PubMed

Yin, Tingting; Fang, Yanan; Chong, Wee Kiang; Ming, Koh Teck; Jiang, Shaojie; Li, Xianglin; Kuo, Jer-Lai; Fang, Jiye; Sum, Tze Chien; White, Timothy J; Yan, Jiaxu; Shen, Ze Xiang

2018-01-01

High pressure (HP) can drive the direct sintering of nanoparticle assemblies for Ag/Au, CdSe/PbS nanocrystals (NCs). Instead of direct sintering for the conventional nanocrystals, this study experimentally observes for the first time high-pressure-induced comminution and recrystallization of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite nanocrystals into highly luminescent nanoplates with a shorter carrier lifetime. Such novel pressure response is attributed to the unique structural nature of hybrid perovskites under high pressure: during the drastic cubic-orthorhombic structural transformation at ≈2 GPa, (301) the crystal plane fully occupied by organic molecules possesses a higher surface energy, triggering the comminution of nanocrystals into nanoslices along such crystal plane. Beyond bulk perovskites, in which pressure-induced modifications on crystal structures and functional properties will disappear after pressure release, the pressure-formed variants, i.e., large (≈100 nm) and thin (<10 nm) perovskite nanoplates, are retained and these exhibit simultaneous photoluminescence emission enhancing (a 15-fold enhancement in the photoluminescence) and carrier lifetime shortening (from ≈18.3 ± 0.8 to ≈7.6 ± 0.5 ns) after releasing of pressure from 11 GPa. This pressure-induced comminution of hybrid perovskite NCs and a subsequent amorphization-recrystallization treatment offer the possibilities of engineering the advanced hybrid perovskites with specific properties. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

MicroRNA-mediated regulatory circuits: outlook and perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cora', Davide; Re, Angela; Caselle, Michele; Bussolino, Federico

2017-08-01

MicroRNAs have been found to be necessary for regulating genes implicated in almost all signaling pathways, and consequently their dysfunction influences many diseases, including cancer. Understanding of the complexity of the microRNA-mediated regulatory network has grown in terms of size, connectivity and dynamics with the development of computational and, more recently, experimental high-throughput approaches for microRNA target identification. Newly developed studies on recurrent microRNA-mediated circuits in regulatory networks, also known as network motifs, have substantially contributed to addressing this complexity, and therefore to helping understand the ways by which microRNAs achieve their regulatory role. This review provides a summarizing view of the state-of-the-art, and perspectives of research efforts on microRNA-mediated regulatory motifs. In this review, we discuss the topological properties characterizing different types of circuits, and the regulatory features theoretically enabled by such properties, with a special emphasis on examples of circuits typifying their biological significance in experimentally validated contexts. Finally, we will consider possible future developments, in particular regarding microRNA-mediated circuits involving long non-coding RNAs and epigenetic regulators.

Fractures Due to Gunshot Wounds: Do Retained Bullet Fragments Affect Union?

PubMed

Riehl, John T; Connolly, Keith; Haidukewych, George; Koval, Ken

2015-01-01

Many types of projectiles, including modern hollow point bullets, fragment into smaller pieces upon impact, particularly when striking bone. This study was performed to examine the effect on time to union with retained bullet material near a fracture site in cases of gunshot injury. All gunshot injuries operatively treated with internal fixation at a Level 1 Trauma Center between March 2008 and August 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Retained bullet load near the fracture site was calculated based on percentage of material retained compared to the cortical diameter of the involved bone. Analyses were performed to assess the effect of the lead-cortical ratio and amount of comminution on time to fracture union. Thirty-two patients (34 fractures) met the inclusion criteria, with an equal number of comminuted (17) and non-comminuted fractures (17). Seventeen of 34 fractures (50%) united within 4 months, 16/34 (47%) developed a delayed union, and 1/34 (3%) developed a nonunion requiring revision surgery. Sixteen of 17 fractures (94%) that united by 4 months had a cumulative amount of bullet fragmentation retained near the fracture site of less than 20% of the cortical diameter. Nine out of 10 fractures (90%) with retained fragments near the fracture site was equal to or exceeding 20% of the cortical diameter had delayed or nonunion. Fracture comminution had no effect on time to union. The quantity of retained bullet material near the fracture site was more predictive of the rate of fracture union than was comminution. Fractures with bullet fragmentation equal to or exceeding 20% of the cortical width demonstrated a significantly higher rate of delayed union/nonunion compared to those fractures with less retained bullet material, which may indicate a local cytotoxic effect from lead on bone healing. These findings may influence decisions on timing of secondary surgeries. Level III.

Fractures Due to Gunshot Wounds: Do Retained Bullet Fragments Affect Union?

PubMed Central

Riehl, John T.; Connolly, Keith; Haidukewych, George; Koval, Ken

2015-01-01

Background Many types of projectiles, including modern hollow point bullets, fragment into smaller pieces upon impact, particularly when striking bone. This study was performed to examine the effect on time to union with retained bullet material near a fracture site in cases of gunshot injury. Methods All gunshot injuries operatively treated with internal fixation at a Level 1 Trauma Center between March 2008 and August 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Retained bullet load near the fracture site was calculated based on percentage of material retained compared to the cortical diameter of the involved bone. Analyses were performed to assess the effect of the lead-cortical ratio and amount of comminution on time to fracture union. Results Thirty-two patients (34 fractures) met the inclusion criteria, with an equal number of comminuted (17) and non-comminuted fractures (17). Seventeen of 34 fractures (50%) united within 4 months, 16/34 (47%) developed a delayed union, and 1/34 (3%) developed a nonunion requiring revision surgery. Sixteen of 17 fractures (94%) that united by 4 months had a cumulative amount of bullet fragmentation retained near the fracture site of less than 20% of the cortical diameter. Nine out of 10 fractures (90%) with retained fragments near the fracture site was equal to or exceeding 20% of the cortical diameter had delayed or nonunion. Fracture comminution had no effect on time to union. Conclusions The quantity of retained bullet material near the fracture site was more predictive of the rate of fracture union than was comminution. Fractures with bullet fragmentation equal to or exceeding 20% of the cortical width demonstrated a significantly higher rate of delayed union/nonunion compared to those fractures with less retained bullet material, which may indicate a local cytotoxic effect from lead on bone healing. These findings may influence decisions on timing of secondary surgeries. Level of Evidence Level III PMID:26361445

Quality control methodology for high-throughput protein-protein interaction screening.

PubMed

Vazquez, Alexei; Rual, Jean-François; Venkatesan, Kavitha

2011-01-01

Protein-protein interactions are key to many aspects of the cell, including its cytoskeletal structure, the signaling processes in which it is involved, or its metabolism. Failure to form protein complexes or signaling cascades may sometimes translate into pathologic conditions such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. The set of all protein interactions between the proteins encoded by an organism constitutes its protein interaction network, representing a scaffold for biological function. Knowing the protein interaction network of an organism, combined with other sources of biological information, can unravel fundamental biological circuits and may help better understand the molecular basics of human diseases. The protein interaction network of an organism can be mapped by combining data obtained from both low-throughput screens, i.e., "one gene at a time" experiments and high-throughput screens, i.e., screens designed to interrogate large sets of proteins at once. In either case, quality controls are required to deal with the inherent imperfect nature of experimental assays. In this chapter, we discuss experimental and statistical methodologies to quantify error rates in high-throughput protein-protein interactions screens.

Coal recovery process

DOEpatents

Good, Robert J.; Badgujar, Mohan

1992-01-01

A method for the beneficiation of coal by selective agglomeration and the beneficiated coal product thereof is disclosed wherein coal, comprising impurities, is comminuted to a particle size sufficient to allow impurities contained therein to disperse in water, an aqueous slurry is formed with the comminuted coal particles, treated with a compound, such as a polysaccharide and/or disaccharide, to increase the relative hydrophilicity of hydrophilic components, and thereafter the slurry is treated with sufficient liquid agglomerant to form a coagulum comprising reduced impurity coal.

METHOD FOR PRODUCING THORIUM TETRACHLORIDE

DOEpatents

Mason, E.A.; Cobb, C.M.

1960-03-15

A process for producing thorium tetrachloride from thorium concentrate comprises reacting thorium concentrates with a carbonaceous reducing agent in excess of 0.05 part by weight per part of thoriferous concentrate at a temperature in excess of 1300 deg C, cooling and comminuting the mass, chlorinating the resulting comminuting mass by suspending in a gaseous chlorinating agent in a fluidized reactor at a temperatare maintained between about l85 deg C and 770 deg C, and removing the resulting solid ThCl/sub 4/ from the reaction zone.

Reversible conversion of dominant polarity in ambipolar polymer/graphene oxide hybrids

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Ye; Han, Su -Ting; Sonar, Prashant; ...

2015-03-24

The possibility to selectively modulate the charge carrier transport in semiconducting materials is extremely challenging for the development of high performance and low-power consuming logic circuits. Systematical control over the polarity (electrons and holes) in transistor based on solution processed layer by layer polymer/graphene oxide hybrid system has been demonstrated. The conversion degree of the polarity is well controlled and reversible by trapping the opposite carriers. Basically, an electron device is switched to be a hole only device or vice versa. Finally, a hybrid layer ambipolar inverter is demonstrated in which almost no leakage of opposite carrier is found. Wemore » conclude that this hybrid material has wide range of applications in planar p-n junctions and logic circuits for high-throughput manufacturing of printed electronic circuits.« less

[Optimization of dissolution process for superfine grinding technology on total saponins of Panax ginseng fibrous root by response surface methodology].

PubMed

Zhao, Ya; Lai, Xiao-Pin; Yao, Hai-Yan; Zhao, Ran; Wu, Yi-Na; Li, Geng

2014-03-01

To investigate the effects of superfine comminution extraction technology of ginseng total saponins from Panax ginseng fibrous root, and to make sure the optimal extraction condition. Optimal condition of ginseng total saponins from Panax ginseng fibrous root was based on single factor experiment to study the effects of crushing degree, extraction time, alcohol concentration and extraction temperature on extraction rate. Response surface method was used to investigate three main factors such as superfine comminution time, extraction time and alcohol concentration. The relationship between content of ginseng total saponins in Panax ginseng fibrous root and three factors fitted second degree polynomial models. The optimal extraction condition was 9 min of superfine comminution time, 70% of alcohol, 50 degrees C of extraction temperature and 70 min of extraction time. Under the optimal condition, ginseng total saponins from Panax ginseng fibrous root was average 94. 81%, which was consistent with the predicted value. The optimization of technology is rapid, efficient, simple and stable.

A Computational/Experimental Platform for Investigating Three-Dimensional Puzzle Solving of Comminuted Articular Fractures

PubMed Central

Thomas, Thaddeus P.; Anderson, Donald D.; Willis, Andrew R.; Liu, Pengcheng; Frank, Matthew C.; Marsh, J. Lawrence; Brown, Thomas D.

2011-01-01

Reconstructing highly comminuted articular fractures poses a difficult surgical challenge, akin to solving a complicated three-dimensional (3D) puzzle. Pre-operative planning using CT is critically important, given the desirability of less invasive surgical approaches. The goal of this work is to advance 3D puzzle solving methods toward use as a pre-operative tool for reconstructing these complex fractures. Methodology for generating typical fragmentation/dispersal patterns was developed. Five identical replicas of human distal tibia anatomy, were machined from blocks of high-density polyetherurethane foam (bone fragmentation surrogate), and were fractured using an instrumented drop tower. Pre- and post-fracture geometries were obtained using laser scans and CT. A semi-automatic virtual reconstruction computer program aligned fragment native (non-fracture) surfaces to a pre-fracture template. The tibias were precisely reconstructed with alignment accuracies ranging from 0.03-0.4mm. This novel technology has potential to significantly enhance surgical techniques for reconstructing comminuted intra-articular fractures, as illustrated for a representative clinical case. PMID:20924863

Effect of processing variables on the outgrowth of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 spores in comminuted meat cured with sorbic acid and sodium nitrite.

PubMed Central

Robach, M C

1979-01-01

The effects of the initial pH and a "short pump" on the outgrowth of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 spores in comminuted cured pork were studied. Fresh ground pork was cured with salt, sugar, phosphate, ascorbate, and varying amounts of sodium nitrite and sorbic acid. The product was comminuted and inoculated with 1,000 spores of C. sporogenes per g. The meat was stuffed into 1-ounce (ca. 28.4-g) aluminum tubes, cooked to 58.5 degrees C, cooled, and incubated at 27 degrees C to observe for swells. Product cured with 0.2% sorbic acid in combination with 40 ppm sodium nitrite (40 microgram/g) had better clostridium inhibition than did product cured with 120 ppm nitrite within a pH range of 5.0 to 6.7. The sorbic acid-40 ppm nitrite combination also gave better clostridial protection than did the 120 ppm nitrite alone when reduced amounts of curing ingredients were present. PMID:44445

Effect of processing variables on the outgrowth of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 spores in comminuted meat cured with sorbic acid and sodium nitrite.

PubMed

Robach, M C

1979-11-01

The effects of the initial pH and a "short pump" on the outgrowth of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 spores in comminuted cured pork were studied. Fresh ground pork was cured with salt, sugar, phosphate, ascorbate, and varying amounts of sodium nitrite and sorbic acid. The product was comminuted and inoculated with 1,000 spores of C. sporogenes per g. The meat was stuffed into 1-ounce (ca. 28.4-g) aluminum tubes, cooked to 58.5 degrees C, cooled, and incubated at 27 degrees C to observe for swells. Product cured with 0.2% sorbic acid in combination with 40 ppm sodium nitrite (40 microgram/g) had better clostridium inhibition than did product cured with 120 ppm nitrite within a pH range of 5.0 to 6.7. The sorbic acid-40 ppm nitrite combination also gave better clostridial protection than did the 120 ppm nitrite alone when reduced amounts of curing ingredients were present.

Comminution process to produce precision wood particles of uniform size and shape with disrupted grain structure from wood chips

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dooley, James H; Lanning, David N

A process of comminution of wood chips (C) having a grain direction to produce a mixture of wood particles (P), wherein the wood chips are characterized by an average length dimension (L.sub.C) as measured substantially parallel to the grain, an average width dimension (W.sub.C) as measured normal to L.sub.C and aligned cross grain, and an average height dimension (H.sub.C) as measured normal to W.sub.C and L.sub.C, and wherein the comminution process comprises the step of feeding the wood chips in a direction of travel substantially randomly to the grain direction through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cuttingmore » discs (D) arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of wood chip travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (T.sub.D), and wherein at least one of L.sub.C, W.sub.C, and H.sub.C is greater than T.sub.D.« less

Impact comminution of glasses: Implications for lunar regolith evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cintala, Mark J.; Smith, Sheila; Hoerz, Friedrich

1993-01-01

Glasses are important parts of every lunar regolith sample, whether in the form of indigenous melts such as mesostasis or pyroclastics, or as quenched impact melts. The modal proportions of agglutinitic impact melts alone can exceed 50 percent for some mature regoliths, and glasses are commonly the most dominant single component of lunar soils. They therefore participate in and possibly affect all evolutionary processes to which regoliths are subjected, such as comminution and attendant chemical fractionation as a function of grain size, the retention of solar-wind products, the production of superparamagnetic iron, and others. Because they are such an integral part of lunar regoliths, a more complete understanding of regolith evolution must include the role played by these vitreous components. This contribution examines the comminution behavior of a variety of glasses and a fine-grained basalt under conditions of repetitive impact, and compares this behavior to those of crystalline components, such as lithic fragments and major rock-forming minerals.

INTERFRAGMENTARY SURFACE AREA AS AN INDEX OF COMMINUTION SEVERITY IN CORTICAL BONE IMPACT

PubMed Central

Beardsley, Christina L.; Anderson, Donald D.; Marsh, J. Lawrence; Brown, Thomas D.

2008-01-01

Summary A monotonic relationship is expected between energy absorption and fracture surface area generation for brittle solids, based on fracture mechanics principles. It was hypothesized that this relationship is demonstrable in bone, to the point that on a continuous scale, comminuted fractures created with specific levels of energy delivery could be discriminated from one another. Using bovine cortical bone segments in conjunction with digital image analysis of CT fracture data, the surface area freed by controlled impact fracture events was measured. The results demonstrated a statistically significant (p<0.0001) difference in measured de novo surface area between three specimen groups, over a range of input energies from 0.423 to 0.702 J/g. Local material properties were also incorporated into these measurements via CT Hounsfield intensities. This study confirms that comminution severity of bone fractures can indeed be measured on a continuous scale, based on energy absorption. This lays a foundation for similar assessments in human injuries. PMID:15885492

Nature of the Martian surface as inferred from the particle-size distribution of lunar-surface material.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, C. C.

1971-01-01

Analysis of lunar particle size distribution data indicates that the surface material is composed of two populations. One population is caused by comminution from the impact of the larger-sized meteorites, while the other population is caused by the melting of fine material by the impact of smaller-sized meteorites. The results are referred to Mars, and it is shown that the Martian atmosphere would vaporize the smaller incoming meteorites and retard the incoming meteorites of intermediate and large size, causing comminution and stirring of the particulate layer. The combination of comminution and stirring would result in fine material being sorted out by the prevailing circulation of the Martian atmosphere and the material being transported to regions where it could be deposited. As a result, the Martian surface in regions of prevailing upward circulation is probably covered by either a rubble layer or by desert pavement; regions of prevailing downward circulation are probably covered by sand dunes.

Effectiveness of external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation for the treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures.

PubMed

Han, L R; Jin, C X; Yan, J; Han, S Z; He, X B; Yang, X F

2015-03-31

This study compared the efficacy between external fixator combined with palmar T-plate internal fixation and simple plate internal fixation for the treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures. A total of 61 patients classified as type C according to the AO/ASIF classification underwent surgery for comminuted distal radius fractures. There were 54 and 7 cases of closed and open fractures, respectively. Moreover, 19 patients received an external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation, and 42 received simple plate internal fixation. All patients were treated successfully during 12-month postoperative follow-up. The follow-up results show that the palmar flexion and dorsiflexion of the wrist, radial height, and palmar angle were significantly better in those treated with the external fixator combined with T-plate compared to those treated with the simple plate only (P < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in radial-ulnar deviation, wrist range of motion, or wrist function score between groups (P > 0.05). Hence, the effectiveness of external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation for the treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures was satisfactory. Patients sufficiently recovered wrist, forearm, and hand function. In conclusion, compared to the simple T-plate, the external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation can reduce the possibility of the postoperative re-shifting of broken bones and keep the distraction of fractures to maintain radial height and prevent radial shortening.

Management of comminuted patellar fracture with non-absorbable suture cerclage and Nitinol patellar concentrator.

PubMed

Lue, Tan Hong; Feng, Liu Wei; Jun, Wang Ming; Yin, Li Wu

2014-12-01

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a fixation technique for comminuted patellar fracture using non-absorbable suture cerclage and nickel-titanium patellar concentrator (Ni-Ti PC). Twenty-nine consecutive patients with displaced comminuted patellar fractures accepted internal fixation procedure using Ni-Ti PC augmented with different types of non-absorbable suture cerclage. During follow-up, the clinical grading scales of Böstman, including range of movement, pain, work, atrophy, assistance in walking, effusion, giving way, and stair-climbing, were used to evaluate the clinical results. Complications including implant loosening, fragment displacement, bone nonunion, infection, breakage of the implants, painful hardware, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis were also assessed. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 27 months. The bone union radiographically occurred approximately 2.5 months without implant loosening and fragment displacement. According to Böstman method, satisfactory results were obtained, and the mean score at final follow-up was 28 (range 20–30) points. Twenty-two patients with excellent results had mean score of 29.8 ± 0.5 (range 28–30) and seven patients with good results had mean score of 22.7 ± 3.14 (range 20–27). No postoperative complications, such as infection, dislocation, breakage of the implants, painful hardware, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis, were observed. Ni-Ti PC fixation with non-absorbable suture cerclage is a feasible approach for comminuted patellar fractures. Firm fixation with this technique resulted in satisfactory outcomes without obvious complications.

The use of 3D-printed titanium mesh tray in treating complex comminuted mandibular fractures

PubMed Central

Ma, Junli; Ma, Limin; Wang, Zhifa; Zhu, Xiongjie; Wang, Weijian

2017-01-01

Abstract Rationale: Precise bony reduction and reconstruction of optimal contour in treating comminuted mandibular fractures is very difficult using traditional techniques and devices. The aim of this report is to introduce our experiences in using virtual surgery and three-dimensional (3D) printing technique in treating this clinical challenge. Patient concerns: A 26-year-old man presented with severe trauma in the maxillofacial area due to fall from height. Diagnosis: Computed tomography images revealed middle face fractures and comminuted mandibular fracture including bilateral condyles. Interventions and outcomes: The computed tomography data was used to construct the 3D cranio-maxillofacial models; then the displaced bone fragments were virtually reduced. On the basis of the finalized model, a customized titanium mesh tray was designed and fabricated using selective laser melting technology. During the surgery, a submandibular approach was adopted to repair the mandibular fracture. The reduction and fixation were performed according to preoperative plan, the bone defects in the mental area were reconstructed with iliac bone graft. The 3D-printed mesh tray served as an intraoperative template and carrier of bone graft. The healing process was uneventful, and the patient was satisfied with the mandible contour. Lessons: Virtual surgical planning combined with 3D printing technology enables surgeon to visualize the reduction process preoperatively and guide intraoperative reduction, making the reduction less time consuming and more precise. 3D-printed titanium mesh tray can provide more satisfactory esthetic outcomes in treating complex comminuted mandibular fractures. PMID:28682875

Design of high-throughput and low-power true random number generator utilizing perpendicularly magnetized voltage-controlled magnetic tunnel junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hochul; Ebrahimi, Farbod; Amiri, Pedram Khalili; Wang, Kang L.

2017-05-01

A true random number generator based on perpendicularly magnetized voltage-controlled magnetic tunnel junction devices (MRNG) is presented. Unlike MTJs used in memory applications where a stable bit is needed to store information, in this work, the MTJ is intentionally designed with small perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). This allows one to take advantage of the thermally activated fluctuations of its free layer as a stochastic noise source. Furthermore, we take advantage of the voltage dependence of anisotropy to temporarily change the MTJ state into an unstable state when a voltage is applied. Since the MTJ has two energetically stable states, the final state is randomly chosen by thermal fluctuation. The voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect is used to generate the metastable state of the MTJ by lowering its energy barrier. The proposed MRNG achieves a high throughput (32 Gbps) by implementing a 64 ×64 MTJ array into CMOS circuits and executing operations in a parallel manner. Furthermore, the circuit consumes very low energy to generate a random bit (31.5 fJ/bit) due to the high energy efficiency of the voltage-controlled MTJ switching.

FPGA Implementation of Metastability-Based True Random Number Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hata, Hisashi; Ichikawa, Shuichi

True random number generators (TRNGs) are important as a basis for computer security. Though there are some TRNGs composed of analog circuit, the use of digital circuits is desired for the application of TRNGs to logic LSIs. Some of the digital TRNGs utilize jitter in free-running ring oscillators as a source of entropy, which consume large power. Another type of TRNG exploits the metastability of a latch to generate entropy. Although this kind of TRNG has been mostly implemented with full-custom LSI technology, this study presents an implementation based on common FPGA technology. Our TRNG is comprised of logic gates only, and can be integrated in any kind of logic LSI. The RS latch in our TRNG is implemented as a hard-macro to guarantee the quality of randomness by minimizing the signal skew and load imbalance of internal nodes. To improve the quality and throughput, the output of 64-256 latches are XOR'ed. The derived design was verified on a Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA (XC4VFX20), and passed NIST statistical test suite without post-processing. Our TRNG with 256 latches occupies 580 slices, while achieving 12.5Mbps throughput.

On the computational aspects of comminution in discrete element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudry, Mohsin Ali; Wriggers, Peter

2018-04-01

In this paper, computational aspects of crushing/comminution of granular materials are addressed. For crushing, maximum tensile stress-based criterion is used. Crushing model in discrete element method (DEM) is prone to problems of mass conservation and reduction in critical time step. The first problem is addressed by using an iterative scheme which, depending on geometric voids, recovers mass of a particle. In addition, a global-local framework for DEM problem is proposed which tends to alleviate the local unstable motion of particles and increases the computational efficiency.

Effective Processing of the Iron Ores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuskov, Vadim; Kuskova, Yana; Udovitsky, Vladimir

2017-11-01

Effective technology for a complex wasteless processing of the iron ores has been designed and includes three main components (plats): comminution plant, briquette plant, pigment plant. The comminution is done per energy effective technology. Using of briquetting for ores clotting enables the costs cut and brings to a higher level of environmental safety of the process. Briquette formation can be done as a regular pressing, as an extrusion. Developed technology allows to produce high quality competitively products for metallurgy industry and red iron oxide pigments. The whole production line impacts the environment in a minimal manner.

Comminution of Aeolian Materials on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, John R.

1998-01-01

The research task had a two-year performance period for the investigation of aeolian processes on Mars. Specifically, we were investigating the comminution of sand grains as individual particles, and as bulk populations. Laboratory experiment were completed for the individual particles, and results led to new theory for aeolian transport that is broadly applicable to all planetary surfaces. The theory was presented at the LPSC and the GSA in 1998 and 1997 respectively. Essentially, the new theory postulates that aeolian transport is dependent upon two motion thresholds- an aerodynamic threshold and a bed-dilatancy threshold.

Gas fluidized-bed stirred media mill

DOEpatents

Sadler, III, Leon Y.

1997-01-01

A gas fluidized-bed stirred media mill is provided for comminuting solid ticles. The mill includes a housing enclosing a porous fluidizing gas diffuser plate, a baffled rotor and stator, a hollow drive shaft with lateral vents, and baffled gas exhaust exit ports. In operation, fluidizing gas is forced through the mill, fluidizing the raw material and milling media. The rotating rotor, stator and milling media comminute the raw material to be ground. Small entrained particles may be carried from the mill by the gas through the exit ports when the particles reach a very fine size.

Metals Recovery from Artificial Ore in Case of Printed Circuit Boards, Using Plasmatron Plasma Reactor

PubMed Central

Szałatkiewicz, Jakub

2016-01-01

This paper presents the investigation of metals production form artificial ore, which consists of printed circuit board (PCB) waste, processed in plasmatron plasma reactor. A test setup was designed and built that enabled research of plasma processing of PCB waste of more than 700 kg/day scale. The designed plasma process is presented and discussed. The process in tests consumed 2 kWh/kg of processed waste. Investigation of the process products is presented with their elemental analyses of metals and slag. The average recovery of metals in presented experiments is 76%. Metals recovered include: Ag, Au, Pd, Cu, Sn, Pb, and others. The chosen process parameters are presented: energy consumption, throughput, process temperatures, and air consumption. Presented technology allows processing of variable and hard-to-process printed circuit board waste that can reach up to 100% of the input mass. PMID:28773804

Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology for space communications applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connolly, Denis J.; Bhasin, Kul B.; Romanofsky, Robert R.

1987-01-01

Future communications satellites are likely to use gallium arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated-circuit (MMIC) technology in most, if not all, communications payload subsystems. Multiple-scanning-beam antenna systems are expected to use GaAs MMIC's to increase functional capability, to reduce volume, weight, and cost, and to greatly improve system reliability. RF and IF matrix switch technology based on GaAs MMIC's is also being developed for these reasons. MMIC technology, including gigabit-rate GaAs digital integrated circuits, offers substantial advantages in power consumption and weight over silicon technologies for high-throughput, on-board baseband processor systems. For the more distant future pseudomorphic indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and other advanced III-V materials offer the possibility of MMIC subsystems well up into the millimeter wavelength region. All of these technology elements are in NASA's MMIC program. Their status is reviewed.

Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology for space communications applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connolly, Denis J.; Bhasin, Kul B.; Romanofsky, Robert R.

1987-01-01

Future communications satellites are likely to use gallium arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated-circuit (MMIC) technology in most, if not all, communications payload subsystems. Multiple-scanning-beam antenna systems are expected to use GaAs MMICs to increase functional capability, to reduce volume, weight, and cost, and to greatly improve system reliability. RF and IF matrix switch technology based on GaAs MMICs is also being developed for these reasons. MMIC technology, including gigabit-rate GaAs digital integrated circuits, offers substantial advantages in power consumption and weight over silicon technologies for high-throughput, on-board baseband processor systems. For the more distant future pseudomorphic indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and other advanced III-V materials offer the possibility of MMIC subsystems well up into the millimeter wavelength region. All of these technology elements are in NASA's MMIC program. Their status is reviewed.

From a meso- to micro-scale connectome: array tomography and mGRASP

PubMed Central

Rah, Jong-Cheol; Feng, Linqing; Druckmann, Shaul; Lee, Hojin; Kim, Jinhyun

2015-01-01

Mapping mammalian synaptic connectivity has long been an important goal of neuroscience because knowing how neurons and brain areas are connected underpins an understanding of brain function. Meeting this goal requires advanced techniques with single synapse resolution and large-scale capacity, especially at multiple scales tethering the meso- and micro-scale connectome. Among several advanced LM-based connectome technologies, Array Tomography (AT) and mammalian GFP-Reconstitution Across Synaptic Partners (mGRASP) can provide relatively high-throughput mapping synaptic connectivity at multiple scales. AT- and mGRASP-assisted circuit mapping (ATing and mGRASPing), combined with techniques such as retrograde virus, brain clearing techniques, and activity indicators will help unlock the secrets of complex neural circuits. Here, we discuss these useful new tools to enable mapping of brain circuits at multiple scales, some functional implications of spatial synaptic distribution, and future challenges and directions of these endeavors. PMID:26089781

Metals Recovery from Artificial Ore in Case of Printed Circuit Boards, Using Plasmatron Plasma Reactor.

PubMed

Szałatkiewicz, Jakub

2016-08-10

This paper presents the investigation of metals production form artificial ore, which consists of printed circuit board (PCB) waste, processed in plasmatron plasma reactor. A test setup was designed and built that enabled research of plasma processing of PCB waste of more than 700 kg/day scale. The designed plasma process is presented and discussed. The process in tests consumed 2 kWh/kg of processed waste. Investigation of the process products is presented with their elemental analyses of metals and slag. The average recovery of metals in presented experiments is 76%. Metals recovered include: Ag, Au, Pd, Cu, Sn, Pb, and others. The chosen process parameters are presented: energy consumption, throughput, process temperatures, and air consumption. Presented technology allows processing of variable and hard-to-process printed circuit board waste that can reach up to 100% of the input mass.

Real-time distributed scheduling algorithm for supporting QoS over WDM networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kam, Anthony C.; Siu, Kai-Yeung

1998-10-01

Most existing or proposed WDM networks employ circuit switching, typically with one session having exclusive use of one entire wavelength. Consequently they are not suitable for data applications involving bursty traffic patterns. The MIT AON Consortium has developed an all-optical LAN/MAN testbed which provides time-slotted WDM service and employs fast-tunable transceivers in each optical terminal. In this paper, we explore extensions of this service to achieve fine-grained statistical multiplexing with different virtual circuits time-sharing the wavelengths in a fair manner. In particular, we develop a real-time distributed protocol for best-effort traffic over this time-slotted WDM service with near-optical fairness and throughput characteristics. As an additional design feature, our protocol supports the allocation of guaranteed bandwidths to selected connections. This feature acts as a first step towards supporting integrated services and quality-of-service guarantees over WDM networks. To achieve high throughput, our approach is based on scheduling transmissions, as opposed to collision- based schemes. Our distributed protocol involves one MAN scheduler and several LAN schedulers (one per LAN) in a master-slave arrangement. Because of propagation delays and limits on control channel capacities, all schedulers are designed to work with partial, delayed traffic information. Our distributed protocol is of the `greedy' type to ensure fast execution in real-time in response to dynamic traffic changes. It employs a hybrid form of rate and credit control for resource allocation. We have performed extensive simulations, which show that our protocol allocates resources (transmitters, receivers, wavelengths) fairly with high throughput, and supports bandwidth guarantees.

A Comprehensive Study of Internal Distraction Plating, an Alternative Method for Distal Radius Fractures.

PubMed

Jain, Mohit J; Mavani, Kinjal J

2016-12-01

The management of highly comminuted distal radius fractures still remains a major treatment challenge. Articular comminution and compromised bone quality are the culprits. One novel approach is the technique of Internal Distraction Plating which involves "bridging" the fracture with the use of a standard 3.5mm plate applied dorsally in distraction from the radius, proximal to the fracture, to the long finger metacarpal distally, bypassing the comminuted segment. The plate is removed once fracture union has been achieved. The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the role of internal dorsal distraction plating as an alternative method in the treatment of fracture distal radius in terms of special indications, technique and outcome. This study was a prospective longitudinal study on 20 patients (mean age 62 years) treated with internal distraction plating for comminuted distal radius fractures with specific indications. Regular follow-ups with standard radiographs and analysis were done upto 24 months. Functional outcome were assessed by DASH Score and the Gartland and Werley demerit score. At final follow-up, all fractures had united and X-rays showed mean palmar tilt of 7°, positive ulnar variance of 0.5mm, radial inclination of 18° and average loss of 2mm of radial height. Mean range of motion values for wrist flexion 46°, extension 50°, pronation 79° and supination 77° At final follow-up, the mean DASH score was 32. 85% patient had excellent to good result as per Gartland and Werley demerit score. This construct has yield satisfactory clinical and radiographic results with these very challenging injuries. The purpose of this study was to report the radiographic and the functional outcomes of treatment with this technique. External fixator and volar plating in communited distal end radius fractures are not always satisfactory in old age with osteoporotic bone because of complications associated with them. The current technique represents an alternative that provides union of the comminuted distal radius fracture with anatomical alignment, optimal range of motion and with minimal clinical disability.

Plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing of completely displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle: a prospective randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Fuglesang, H F S; Flugsrud, G B; Randsborg, P H; Oord, P; Benth, J Š; Utvåg, S E

2017-08-01

This is a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the functional outcomes of plate fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of completely displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle in the active adult population. We prospectively recruited 123 patients and randomised them to either plate fixation or ESIN. Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at one to six weeks post-operatively. They were followed up at six weeks, three and six months and one year with radiographs, and their clinical outcome was assessed using both the DASH and the Constant Score. Plate fixation provided a faster functional recovery during the first six months compared with ESIN, but there was no difference after one year. The duration of surgery was shorter for ESIN (mean 53.4 minutes, 22 to 120) than for plate fixation (mean 69.7 minutes, 35 to 106, p < 0.001). The recovery after ESIN was slower with increasing fracture comminution and with open reduction (p < 0.05). Both methods return the patients to their pre-injury functional levels, but plate fixation has a faster recovery period in comminuted fractures than ESIN. ESIN has a shorter operative time and lower infection and implant rates of failure when using 2.5 mm nails or wider, suggesting that this is the preferred method in mid-shaft fractures with no comminution, whereas plate fixation is the superior method in comminuted fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1095-1101. ©2017 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

Stone Comminution Correlates with the Average Peak Pressure Incident on a Stone during Shock Wave Lithotripsy

PubMed Central

Smith, N.; Zhong, P.

2012-01-01

To investigate the roles of lithotripter shock wave (LSW) parameters and cavitation in stone comminution, a series of in vitro fragmentation experiments have been conducted in water and 1,3-butanediol (a cavitation-suppressive fluid) at a variety of acoustic field positions of an electromagnetic shock wave lithotripter. Using field mapping data and integrated parameters averaged over a circular stone holder area (Rh = 7 mm), close logarithmic correlations between the average peak pressure (P+(avg)) incident on the stone (D = 10 mm BegoStone) and comminution efficiency after 500 and 1,000 shocks have been identified. Moreover, the correlations have demonstrated distinctive thresholds in P+(avg) (5.3 MPa and 7.6 MPa for soft and hard stones, respectively), that are required to initiate stone fragmentation independent of surrounding fluid medium and LSW dose. These observations, should they be confirmed using other shock wave lithotripters, may provide an important field parameter (i.e., P+(avg)) to guide appropriate application of SWL in clinics, and facilitate device comparison and design improvements in future lithotripters. PMID:22935690

Stone comminution correlates with the average peak pressure incident on a stone during shock wave lithotripsy.

PubMed

Smith, N; Zhong, P

2012-10-11

To investigate the roles of lithotripter shock wave (LSW) parameters and cavitation in stone comminution, a series of in vitro fragmentation experiments have been conducted in water and 1,3-butanediol (a cavitation-suppressive fluid) at a variety of acoustic field positions of an electromagnetic shock wave lithotripter. Using field mapping data and integrated parameters averaged over a circular stone holder area (R(h)=7 mm), close logarithmic correlations between the average peak pressure (P(+(avg))) incident on the stone (D=10 mm BegoStone) and comminution efficiency after 500 and 1000 shocks have been identified. Moreover, the correlations have demonstrated distinctive thresholds in P(+(avg)) (5.3 MPa and 7.6 MPa for soft and hard stones, respectively), that are required to initiate stone fragmentation independent of surrounding fluid medium and LSW dose. These observations, should they be confirmed using other shock wave lithotripters, may provide an important field parameter (i.e., P(+(avg))) to guide appropriate application of SWL in clinics, and facilitate device comparison and design improvements in future lithotripters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced High-Rate Shockwave Lithotripsy Stone Comminution in an In Vivo Porcine Model Using Acoustic Bubble Coalescence.

PubMed

Alavi Tamaddoni, Hedieh; Roberts, William W; Duryea, Alexander P; Cain, Charles A; Hall, Timothy L

2016-12-01

Cavitation plays a significant role in the efficacy of stone comminution during shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). Although cavitation on the surface of urinary stones helps to improve fragmentation, cavitation bubbles along the propagation path may shield or block subsequent shockwaves (SWs) and potentially induce collateral tissue damage. Previous in vitro work has shown that applying low-amplitude acoustic waves after each SW can force bubbles to consolidate and enhance SWL efficacy. In this study, the feasibility of applying acoustic bubble coalescence (ABC) in vivo was tested. Model stones were percutaneously implanted and treated with 2500 lithotripsy SWs at 120 SW/minute with or without ABC. Comparing the results of stone comminution, a significant improvement was observed in the stone fragmentation process when ABC was used. Without ABC, only 25% of the mass of the stone was fragmented to particles <2 mm in size. With ABC, 75% of the mass was fragmented to particles <2 mm in size. These results suggest that ABC can reduce the shielding effect of residual bubble nuclei, resulting in a more efficient SWL treatment.

Comminution process to produce precision wood particles of uniform size and shape with disrupted grain structure from wood chips

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dooley, James H.; Lanning, David N.

A process of comminution of wood chips (C) having a grain direction to produce a mixture of wood particles (P), wherein the wood chips are characterized by an average length dimension (L.sub.C) as measured substantially parallel to the grain, an average width dimension (W.sub.C) as measured normal to L.sub.C and aligned cross grain, and an average height dimension (H.sub.C) as measured normal to W.sub.C and L.sub.C, wherein W.sub.C>L.sub.C, and wherein the comminution process comprises the step of feeding the wood chips in a direction of travel substantially randomly to the grain direction through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arraysmore » of cutting discs (D) arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of wood chip travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (T.sub.D), and wherein at least one of L.sub.C, W.sub.C, and H.sub.C is less than T.sub.D.« less

Dispersion strengthened nickel-yttria sheet alloy produced from comminuted powders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sikora, P. F.; Quatinetz, M.

1973-01-01

An investigation was conducted to determine whether a nickel matrix with yttria as a dispersoid could be produced by a comminution and blending (wet attrition-NASCAB) approach. Concentration of yttria, powder cleaning temperature, screening (sieving) of the powders, and amount of thermomechanical working were major variables. Tensile strength and stress-rupture life at 1093 C were determined. A product containing 4v/o Y2O3, cleaned at 315 or 371 C with screening exhibited 1093 C tensile strength equivalent to NASCAB Ni-4ThO2 and to commercially produced thoriated nickel sheet.

Methods of pretreating comminuted cellulosic material with carbonate-containing solutions

DOEpatents

Francis, Raymond

2012-11-06

Methods of pretreating comminuted cellulosic material with an acidic solution and then a carbonate-containing solution to produce a pretreated cellulosic material are provided. The pretreated material may then be further treated in a pulping process, for example, a soda-anthraquinone pulping process, to produce a cellulose pulp. The pretreatment solutions may be extracted from the pretreated cellulose material and selectively re-used, for example, with acid or alkali addition, for the pretreatment solutions. The resulting cellulose pulp is characterized by having reduced lignin content and increased yield compared to prior art treatment processes.

Effects of Stone Size on the Comminution Process and Efficiency in Shock Wave Lithotripsy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ying; Nault, Isaac; Mitran, Sorin; Iversen, Edwin S.; Zhong, Pei

2016-01-01

The effects of stone size on the process and comminution efficiency in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) are investigated by experiments, numerical simulations, and scale analysis. Cylindrical BegoStone phantoms with approximately equal height and diameter of either 4-, or 7- or 10-mm, in a total aggregated mass of about 1.5 g, were treated in an electromagnetic shock wave lithotripter field. The resultant stone comminution (SC) was found to correlate closely with the average peak pressure, P+(avg), incident on the stones. The P+(avg) threshold to initiate stone fragmentation in water increased from 7.9 to 8.8 to 12.7 MPa, respectively, when the stone size decreased from 10 to 7 to 4 mm. Similar changes in the P+(avg) threshold were observed for the 7- and 10-mm stones treated in 1,3-butanediol where cavitation is suppressed, suggesting that the observed size dependency is due to changes in stress distribution within different size stones. Moreover, the slope of the correlation curve between SC and ln(P‒+(avg)) in water increased with decreasing stone size, while the opposite trend was observed in 1,3-butanediol. The progression of stone comminution in SWL showed a size-dependency with the 7- and 10-mm stones fragmented into progressively smaller pieces while a significant portion (> 30%) of the 4-mm stones were stalemated within the size range of 2.8 ~ 4 mm even after 1,000 shocks. Analytical scaling considerations suggest size-dependent fragmentation behaviour, a hypothesis further supported by numerical model calculations that exhibit changing patterns of constructive and destructive wave interference, and thus variations in the maximum tensile stress or stress integral produced in cylindrical and spherical stone of different sizes. PMID:27515177

Two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test for evaluating masticatory performance in children with mixed dentition: validity and reliability study.

PubMed

Kaya, M S; Güçlü, B; Schimmel, M; Akyüz, S

2017-11-01

The unappealing taste of the chewing material and the time-consuming repetitive task in masticatory performance tests using artificial foodstuff may discourage children from performing natural chewing movements. Therefore, the aim was to determine the validity and reliability of a two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test for masticatory performance (MP) assessment in mixed dentition children. Masticatory performance was tested in two groups: systemically healthy fully dentate young adults and children in mixed dentition. Median particle size was assessed using a comminution test, and a two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test was applied for MP analysis. Validity was tested with Pearson correlation, and reliability was tested with intra-class correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman plots. Both comminution and two-colour chewing gum mixing ability tests revealed statistically significant MP differences between children (n = 25) and adults (n = 27, both P < 0·01). Pearson correlation between comminution and two-colour chewing gum mixing ability tests was positive and significant (r = 0·418, P = 0·002). Correlations for interobserver reliability and test-retest values were significant (r = 0·990, P = 0·0001 and r = 0·995, P = 0·0001). Although both methods could discriminate MP differences, the comminution test detected these differences generally in a wider range compared to two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test. However, considering the high reliability of the results, the two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test can be used to assess masticatory performance in children, especially at non-clinical settings. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Uranium comminution age tested by the eolian deposits on the Chinese Loess Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Le; Liu, Xiangjun; Li, Tao; Li, Laifeng; Zhao, Liang; Ji, Junfeng; Chen, Jun; Li, Gaojun

2017-06-01

The 234U/238U ratio of fine particles can record the time since their separation from bed rock because of the disruption of uranium series equilibrium introduced by the recoil of daughter 234Th nuclei (precursor of 234U) out of particle surfaces during the decay of 238U. Application of the uranium comminution age method, which has great potential in tracing production and transportation of sediments is however complicated by the weathering dissolution of 234U depleted particle surfaces, the difficulty in determining the fraction of recoiled nuclei, and the precipitation of exogenetic 234U. Here we minimize these complications by using a newly developed precise size separation using electroformed sieve, and a chemical protocol that involves reductive and oxidative leaching. Eolian deposits collected from the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) were used to test the validity of our method. Possible effects of weathering dissolution were also evaluated by comparing samples with different weathering intensities. The results show decreasing 234U/238U ratios in fine eolian particles with increasing sedimentation age, agreeing well with the theoretical prediction of the comminution age model. This successful application of the uranium comminution age approach to the eolian deposits on the CLP is also aided by a stable dust source, the low weathering intensity, the lack of consolidation, and the well-defined age model of the deposits. A transportation time of 242 ± 18 ka was calculated for the eolian deposits, which indicates a long residence time, and thus extensive mixing, of the dust particles in source regions, partly explaining the stable and homogeneous composition of the eolian dust over glacial-interglacial cycles.

Ultra-Reliable Digital Avionics (URDA) processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branstetter, Reagan; Ruszczyk, William; Miville, Frank

1994-10-01

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) developed the URDA processor design under contract with the U.S. Air Force Wright Laboratory and the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electro-Sensors Directorate. TI's approach couples advanced packaging solutions with advanced integrated circuit (IC) technology to provide a high-performance (200 MIPS/800 MFLOPS) modular avionics processor module for a wide range of avionics applications. TI's processor design integrates two Ada-programmable, URDA basic processor modules (BPM's) with a JIAWG-compatible PiBus and TMBus on a single F-22 common integrated processor-compatible form-factor SEM-E avionics card. A separate, high-speed (25-MWord/second 32-bit word) input/output bus is provided for sensor data. Each BPM provides a peak throughput of 100 MIPS scalar concurrent with 400-MFLOPS vector processing in a removable multichip module (MCM) mounted to a liquid-flowthrough (LFT) core and interfacing to a processor interface module printed wiring board (PWB). Commercial RISC technology coupled with TI's advanced bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor (BiCMOS) application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and silicon-on-silicon packaging technologies are used to achieve the high performance in a miniaturized package. A Mips R4000-family reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor and a TI 100-MHz BiCMOS vector coprocessor (VCP) ASIC provide, respectively, the 100 MIPS of a scalar processor throughput and 400 MFLOPS of vector processing throughput for each BPM. The TI Aladdim ASIC chipset was developed on the TI Aladdin Program under contract with the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command and was sponsored by the Advanced Research Projects Agency with technical direction from the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electro-Sensors Directorate.

Reflective optical imaging method and circuit

DOEpatents

Shafer, David R.

2001-01-01

An optical system compatible with short wavelength (extreme ultraviolet) radiation comprising four reflective elements for projecting a mask image onto a substrate. The four optical elements are characterized in order from object to image as convex, concave, convex and concave mirrors. The optical system is particularly suited for step and scan lithography methods. The invention increases the slit dimensions associated with ringfield scanning optics, improves wafer throughput and allows higher semiconductor device density.

LIRA: Lightweight Incentivized Routing for Anonymity

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

client performance in the public Tor network, we compare download times in a vanilla Tor experiment with measurements of Tor collected by the TorPerf...circuit scheduling algorithm ( vanilla Tor), our new Proportional Throughput Differentiation scheduler (diffserv) based on work by Dovrolis et al. [33...life, which is also the default in our vanilla experiment and in public Tor. In our diffserv experiment, we isolate the new scheduler from the LIRA

An efficient platform for genetic selection and screening of gene switches in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Muranaka, Norihito; Sharma, Vandana; Nomura, Yoko; Yokobayashi, Yohei

2009-01-01

Engineered gene switches and circuits that can sense various biochemical and physical signals, perform computation, and produce predictable outputs are expected to greatly advance our ability to program complex cellular behaviors. However, rational design of gene switches and circuits that function in living cells is challenging due to the complex intracellular milieu. Consequently, most successful designs of gene switches and circuits have relied, to some extent, on high-throughput screening and/or selection from combinatorial libraries of gene switch and circuit variants. In this study, we describe a generic and efficient platform for selection and screening of gene switches and circuits in Escherichia coli from large libraries. The single-gene dual selection marker tetA was translationally fused to green fluorescent protein (gfpuv) via a flexible peptide linker and used as a dual selection and screening marker for laboratory evolution of gene switches. Single-cycle (sequential positive and negative selections) enrichment efficiencies of >7000 were observed in mock selections of model libraries containing functional riboswitches in liquid culture. The technique was applied to optimize various parameters affecting the selection outcome, and to isolate novel thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitches from a complex library. Artificial riboswitches with excellent characteristics were isolated that exhibit up to 58-fold activation as measured by fluorescent reporter gene assay. PMID:19190095

Combinatorial materials synthesis and high-throughput screening: an integrated materials chip approach to mapping phase diagrams and discovery and optimization of functional materials.

PubMed

Xiang, X D

Combinatorial materials synthesis methods and high-throughput evaluation techniques have been developed to accelerate the process of materials discovery and optimization and phase-diagram mapping. Analogous to integrated circuit chips, integrated materials chips containing thousands of discrete different compositions or continuous phase diagrams, often in the form of high-quality epitaxial thin films, can be fabricated and screened for interesting properties. Microspot x-ray method, various optical measurement techniques, and a novel evanescent microwave microscope have been used to characterize the structural, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of samples on the materials chips. These techniques are routinely used to discover/optimize and map phase diagrams of ferroelectric, dielectric, optical, magnetic, and superconducting materials.

Use of artificial intelligence in the production of high quality minced meat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapovsky, B. R.; Pchelkina, V. A.; Plyasheshnik, P. I.; Dydykin, A. S.; Lazarev, A. A.

2017-09-01

A design for an automatic line for minced meat production according to new production technology based on an innovative meat milling method is proposed. This method allows the necessary degree of raw material comminution at the stage of raw material preparation to be obtained, which leads to production intensification due to the traditional meat mass comminution equipment being unnecessary. To ensure consistent quality of the product obtained, the use of on-line automatic control of the technological process for minced meat production is envisaged. This system has been developed using artificial intelligence methods and technologies. The system is trainable during the operation process, adapts to changes in processed raw material characteristics and to external impacts that affect the system operation, and manufactures meat shavings with minimal dispersion of the typical particle size. The control system includes equipment for express analysis of the chemical composition of the minced meat and its temperature after comminution. In this case, the minced meat production process can be controlled strictly as a function of time, which excludes subjective factors for assessing the degree of finished product readiness. This will allow finished meat products with consistent, targeted high quality to be produced.

Parameters influencing the yield and composition of the essential oil from Cretan Vitex agnus-castus fruits.

PubMed

Sørensen, J M; Katsiotis, S T

2000-04-01

Mature and immature fruits of a Cretan Vitex agnus-castus L. population were chosen to investigate different parameters such as comminution, maturity, distillation period and extraction method influencing the essential oil yield and composition. The effect of the comminution and the maturity of the plant material showed highly significant differences in yield and composition of the essential oils obtained, as well as the distillation duration from one to five hours and the method applied (hydrodistillation and simultaneous distillation extraction). The variation of 36 essential oil components due to the parameters applied was studied. The results showed that many different essential oil qualities can be obtained from the same plant material according to the parameters employed in its extraction. Entire fruits hydrodistilled for one hour yielded an oil much richer in monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds whereas the best combination to obtain an oil rich in less volatile compounds is by SDE of comminuted fruits for five hours. For mature fruits the main components varied as follows due to the parameters studied: sabinene 16.4-44.1%, 1,8-cineole 8.4-15.2%, beta-caryophyllene 2.1-5.0%, and trans-beta-farnesene 5.0-11.7%.

Management of displaced comminuted patellar fracture with titanium cable cerclage.

PubMed

Yang, Li; Yueping, Ouyang; Wen, Yuan

2010-08-01

Management of a displaced comminuted patellar fracture is challenging. Tension band wiring and lag screw fixation are not suitable for such a fracture pattern. Stainless steel wiring with various configurations has been the mainstay of treatment. However, issues of loss of fixation and breakage of wire have not been resolved yet. Partial or total patellectomy is the last resort with a detrimental effect on quadriceps power. Braided titanium cable is stronger in tensile strength and better in fatigue resistance than the stainless steel monofilament wire, and the tension of fixation could be controlled by a graded instrument in its application. We used titanium cable to treat 21 consecutive patients with displaced comminuted patellar fracture. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 24 months (12 to 32 months). The mean score at the final follow-up was 27 points (25 to 30) using the Böstman method. There was no complication except breakage of one cable at the sixth week after the operation and the fracture had united despite the breakage. This technique is simple and effective for these difficult fractures and avoided prolonged immobilisation of the knee. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Embedded Hyperchaotic Generators: A Comparative Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadoudi, Said; Tanougast, Camel; Azzaz, Mohamad Salah; Dandache, Abbas

In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of FPGA implementation performances, in terms of throughput and resources cost, of five well known autonomous continuous hyperchaotic systems. The goal of this analysis is to identify the embedded hyperchaotic generator which leads to designs with small logic area cost, satisfactory throughput rates, low power consumption and low latency required for embedded applications such as secure digital communications between embedded systems. To implement the four-dimensional (4D) chaotic systems, we use a new structural hardware architecture based on direct VHDL description of the forth order Runge-Kutta method (RK-4). The comparative analysis shows that the hyperchaotic Lorenz generator provides attractive performances compared to that of others. In fact, its hardware implementation requires only 2067 CLB-slices, 36 multipliers and no block RAMs, and achieves a throughput rate of 101.6 Mbps, at the output of the FPGA circuit, at a clock frequency of 25.315 MHz with a low latency time of 316 ns. Consequently, these good implementation performances offer to the embedded hyperchaotic Lorenz generator the advantage of being the best candidate for embedded communications applications.

Design space exploration of high throughput finite field multipliers for channel coding on Xilinx FPGAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Schryver, C.; Weithoffer, S.; Wasenmüller, U.; Wehn, N.

2012-09-01

Channel coding is a standard technique in all wireless communication systems. In addition to the typically employed methods like convolutional coding, turbo coding or low density parity check (LDPC) coding, algebraic codes are used in many cases. For example, outer BCH coding is applied in the DVB-S2 standard for satellite TV broadcasting. A key operation for BCH and the related Reed-Solomon codes are multiplications in finite fields (Galois Fields), where extension fields of prime fields are used. A lot of architectures for multiplications in finite fields have been published over the last decades. This paper examines four different multiplier architectures in detail that offer the potential for very high throughputs. We investigate the implementation performance of these multipliers on FPGA technology in the context of channel coding. We study the efficiency of the multipliers with respect to area, frequency and throughput, as well as configurability and scalability. The implementation data of the fully verified circuits are provided for a Xilinx Virtex-4 device after place and route.

Microfluidic Pneumatic Logic Circuits and Digital Pneumatic Microprocessors for Integrated Microfluidic Systems

PubMed Central

Rhee, Minsoung

2010-01-01

We have developed pneumatic logic circuits and microprocessors built with microfluidic channels and valves in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The pneumatic logic circuits perform various combinational and sequential logic calculations with binary pneumatic signals (atmosphere and vacuum), producing cascadable outputs based on Boolean operations. A complex microprocessor is constructed from combinations of various logic circuits and receives pneumatically encoded serial commands at a single input line. The device then decodes the temporal command sequence by spatial parallelization, computes necessary logic calculations between parallelized command bits, stores command information for signal transportation and maintenance, and finally executes the command for the target devices. Thus, such pneumatic microprocessors will function as a universal on-chip control platform to perform complex parallel operations for large-scale integrated microfluidic devices. To demonstrate the working principles, we have built 2-bit, 3-bit, 4-bit, and 8-bit microprecessors to control various target devices for applications such as four color dye mixing, and multiplexed channel fluidic control. By significantly reducing the need for external controllers, the digital pneumatic microprocessor can be used as a universal on-chip platform to autonomously manipulate microfluids in a high throughput manner. PMID:19823730

Homogeneous Entropy-Driven Amplified Detection of Biomolecular Interactions.

PubMed

Kim, Donghyuk; Garner, Omai B; Ozcan, Aydogan; Di Carlo, Dino

2016-08-23

While a range of artificial biochemical circuits is likely to play a significant role in biological engineering, one of the challenges in the field is the design of circuits that can transduce between biomolecule classes (e.g., moving beyond nucleic acid only circuits). Herein, we design a transduction mechanism whereby a protein signal is transduced into an amplified nucleic acid output using DNA nanotechnology. In this system, a protein is recognized by nucleic acid bound recognition elements to form a catalytic complex that drives a hybridization/displacement reaction on a multicomponent nucleic acid substrate, releasing multiple target single-stranded oligonucleotides in an amplified fashion. Amplification power and simple one-pot reaction conditions lead us to apply the scheme in an assay format, achieving homogeneous and rapid (∼10 min) analyte detection that is also robust (operable in whole blood and plasma). In addition, we demonstrate the assay in a microfluidic digital assay format leading to improved quantification and sensitivity approaching single-molecule levels. The present scheme we believe will have a significant impact on a range of applications from fundamental molecular interaction studies to design of artificial circuits in vivo to high-throughput, multiplexed assays for screening or point-of-care diagnostics.

Electrically driven monolithic subwavelength plasmonic interconnect circuits

PubMed Central

Liu, Yang; Zhang, Jiasen; Liu, Huaping; Wang, Sheng; Peng, Lian-Mao

2017-01-01

In the post-Moore era, an electrically driven monolithic optoelectronic integrated circuit (OEIC) fabricated from a single material is pursued globally to enable the construction of wafer-scale compact computing systems with powerful processing capabilities and low-power consumption. We report a monolithic plasmonic interconnect circuit (PIC) consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) cascading detector, Au-strip waveguides, and electrically driven surface plasmon polariton (SPP) sources. These components are fabricated from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor)–compatible doping-free technique in the same feature size, which can be reduced to deep-subwavelength scale (~λ/7 to λ/95, λ = 1340 nm) compared with the 14-nm technique node. An OEIC could potentially be configured as a repeater for data transport because of its “photovoltaic” operation mode to transform SPP energy directly into electricity to drive subsequent electronic circuits. Moreover, chip-scale throughput capability has also been demonstrated by fabricating a 20 × 20 PIC array on a 10 mm × 10 mm wafer. Tailoring photonics for monolithic integration with electronics beyond the diffraction limit opens a new era of chip-level nanoscale electronic-photonic systems, introducing a new path to innovate toward much faster, smaller, and cheaper computing frameworks. PMID:29062890

Methodically Modeling the Tor Network

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

relays for their circuits: the choice is weighted by the rela- tive difference in the perceived throughput of each relay in an attempt to balance...network. A lack of details about and justifications for such choices obscures the level of faithfulness to the live network and decreases confidence...first byte of the data payload is shown in (a) and (b), and time to the last byte in (c) and (d), for various download sizes. ping process . File download

Vitrified chemically bonded phosphate ceramics for immobilization of radioisotopes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wagh, Arun S.

2016-04-05

A method of immobilizing a radioisotope and vitrified chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBPC) articles formed by the method are described. The method comprises combining a radioisotope-containing material, MgO, a source of phosphate, and optionally, a reducing agent, in water at a temperature of less than 100.degree. C. to form a slurry; curing the slurry to form a solid intermediate CBPC article comprising the radioisotope therefrom; comminuting the intermediate CBPC article, mixing the comminuted material with glass frits, and heating the mixture at a temperature in the range of about 900 to about 1500.degree. C. to form a vitrified CBPC articlemore » comprising the radioisotope immobilized therein.« less

Recovering metallic fractions from waste electrical and electronic equipment by a novel vibration system.

PubMed

Habib, Muddasar; Miles, Nicholas J; Hall, Philip

2013-03-01

The need to recover and recycle valuable resources from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is of growing importance as increasing amounts are generated due to shorter product life cycles, market expansions, new product developments and, higher consumption and production rates. The European Commission (EC) directive, 2002/96/EC, on WEEE became law in UK in January 2007 setting targets to recover up to 80% of all WEEE generated. Printed Wire Board (PWB) and/or Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is an important component of WEEE with an ever increasing tonnage being generated. However, the lack of an accurate estimate for PCB production, future supply and uncertain demands of its recycled materials in international markets has provided the motivation to explore different approaches to recycle PCBs. The work contained in this paper focuses on a novel, dry separation methodology in which vertical vibration is used to separate the metallic and non-metallic fractions of PCBs. When PCBs were comminuted to less than 1mm in size, metallic grades as high as 95% (measured by heavy liquid analysis) could be achieved in the recovered products. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Management of gunshot wounds to the mandible.

PubMed

Peleg, Michael; Sawatari, Yoh

2010-07-01

The gunshot wound to the mandible is a unique traumatic injury. The resultant injury from the gunshot wound is diverse because of the variability of the projectile, motion, velocity, and tissue characteristics. When a high-velocity projectile strikes the mandible, often times the wound will consist of a severely comminuted mandible surrounded by nonvital soft tissues and the implantation of multiple foreign bodies. This represents a challenge for the treating surgeon. The anatomy and function of the mandible make it such that the care of the gunshot wound requires a combination of trauma and reconstructive surgeries. There are varying techniques advocated for the management of gunshot wound to the face. However, for the comminuted mandible fracture sustained from a gunshot wound, an approach involving the fabrication of an occlusal splint, intermaxillary fixation, aggressive debridement of hard and soft tissues, and immediate reconstruction with a titanium plate is a comprehensive approach that can restore the appropriate function and contour of the patient. At the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Miami, this approach to the comminuted mandible fracture secondary to the gunshot wound has led to the effective management of this specific subset of injury. The complication rate is comparable with the current literature and provides an advantage as a 1-stage management to restore appropriate function and cosmesis to the patient.

Biomechanical Property of a Newly Designed Assembly Locking Compression Plate: Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

PubMed Central

Liu, Da

2017-01-01

In this study, we developed and validated a refined three-dimensional finite element model of middle femoral comminuted fracture to compare the biomechanical stability after two kinds of plate fixation: a newly designed assembly locking compression plate (NALCP) and a locking compression plate (LCP). CT data of a male volunteer was converted to middle femoral comminuted fracture finite element analysis model. The fracture was fixated by NALCP and LCP. Stress distributions were observed. Under slow walking load and torsion load, the stress distribution tendency of the two plates was roughly uniform. The anterolateral femur was the tension stress area, and the bone block shifted toward the anterolateral femur. Maximum stress was found on the lateral border of the number 5 countersink of the plate. Under a slow walking load, the NALCP maximum stress was 2.160e+03 MPa and the LCP was 8.561e+02 MPa. Under torsion load, the NALCP maximum stress was 2.260e+03 MPa and the LCP was 6.813e+02 MPa. Based on those results of finite element analysis, the NALCP can provide adequate mechanical stability for comminuted fractures, which would help fixate the bone block and promote bone healing. PMID:29065654

A 3-dimensional-printed patient-specific guide system for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of a comminuted mid-diaphyseal humeral fracture in a cat.

PubMed

Oxley, Bill

2018-04-01

To report the use of a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed patient-specific reduction guide system to facilitate minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of a humeral fracture in a cat. Case report. A 9-year-old male neutered domestic short hair cat weighing 4.4 kg. A 9-year-old male domestic short hair cat was presented with a comminuted, mid-diaphyseal left humeral fracture. Computed tomographic data were processed to yield 3D mesh representations of both humeri and subsequently manipulated in computer-aided design software. The mirrored, intact humerus was used as a template for appropriate spatial orientation of the major proximal and distal fracture fragments. Patient-specific Ellis pin orientation guides and a reduction guide were designed and 3D printed. The guide system was used intraoperatively to align the major fracture fragments before application of locking internal fixation via standard MIPO surgical portals. Internal fixation of the fracture resulted in appropriate bone alignment. Recovery was uncomplicated, with early return to normal limb function and radiographic evidence of advanced fracture healing after 4 months. A 3D-printed patient-specific reduction guide system facilitated accurate alignment of a comminuted humeral fracture during MIPO without intraoperative imaging. © 2018 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Development of cataclastic foliation in deformation bands in feldspar-rich conglomerates of the Rio do Peixe Basin, NE Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicchio, Matheus A.; Nogueira, Francisco C. C.; Balsamo, Fabrizio; Souza, Jorge A. B.; Carvalho, Bruno R. B. M.; Bezerra, Francisco H. R.

2018-02-01

In this work we describe the deformation mechanisms and processes that occurred during the evolution of cataclastic deformation bands developed in the feldspar-rich conglomerates of the Rio do Peixe Basin, NE Brazil. We studied bands with different deformation intensities, ranging from single cm-thick tabular bands to more evolved clustering zones. The chemical identification of cataclastic material within deformation bands was performed using compositional mapping in SEM images, EDX and XRD analyses. Deformation processes were identified by microstructural analysis and by the quantification of comminution intensity, performed using digital image processing. The deformation bands are internally non homogeneous and developed during five evolutionary stages: (1) moderate grain size reduction, grain rotation and grain border comminution; (2) intense grain size reduction with preferential feldspar fragmentation; (3) formation of subparallel C-type slip zones; (4) formation of S-type structures, generating S-C-like fabric; and (5) formation of C‧-type slip zones, generating well-developed foliation that resembles S-C-C‧-type structures in a ductile environment. Such deformation fabric is mostly imparted by the preferential alignment of intensely comminuted feldspar fragments along thin slip zones developed within deformation bands. These processes were purely mechanical (i.e., grain crushing and reorientation). No clays or fluids were involved in such processes.

Quality of comminuted sausages formulated from mechanically deboned poultry meat.

PubMed

Mielnik, Maria B; Aaby, Kjersti; Rolfsen, Knut; Ellekjær, Marit R; Nilsson, Astrid

2002-05-01

Comminuted sausages formulated with mechanically deboned poultry meat-MDPM (turkey or chicken, frame or neck) treated in different ways before production (vacuum packed MDPM or air packed skeletons deboned at production) and stored frozen for 6 or 18 weeks have been studied using a full-factorial design and chemical, physical and sensory analysis. MDPM was obtained from a Beehive separator. Comminuted sausages with MDPM from turkey frames, stored at -25 °C as skeletons, packed in air for 18 weeks developed marked rancid odour and flavour which could also be detected by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the concentration of volatile compounds. Vacuum packed mechanically deboned meat irrespective of species and carcass part could be stored for up to 18 weeks and used in formulation of sausages without any serious changes in their sensory profiles. Instrumental colour differences between sausages were mainly due to species. Turkey sausages were darker, redder and less yellow than chicken sausages. Moisture and fat contents were influenced by carcass part and to a lesser extent depended on species and storage time. Principal least squares regression (PLS2) showed close relationships between instrumental parameters and sensory attributes. TBARS, hexanal and volatile compounds were highly correlated with rancid flavour while redness (a(∗)) was strongly related to sensory colour hue and colour strength.

[Surgical treatment for Lisfranc injuries accompanied by the base crashing of the second metatarsal bone].

PubMed

Huang, Jie-feng; Zheng, Yang; Chen, Xin; Zha, Kai; Du, Xi-wen; Chen, Jun-jie; Tong, Pei-jian

2015-02-01

To discuss the clinical effects of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treatment of patients with Lisfranc injury combined the second metatarsal base comminuted fracture. From March 2007 to June 2012, 7 patients with Lisfranc injury combined the second metatarsal base comminuted fracture were treated including 5 males and 2 female aged from 22 to 51 years old (means 42 years), 4 of sprain and 3 of traffic injury. According Myerson classification, there was 1 case of type A, 3 of type B and 3 of type C. Kirschner wire was used to fix Lisfranc ligament placing from the medial cuneiform bone to the second metatarsal base during the operation. After the operation American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) criteria system were applied to evaluate the foot and ankle function. Preoperative and postoperative AP, lateral and oblique X-ray and CT scan were collected for radiographic evaluation. All patients were followed up from 12 to 20 months (16.8 months in average). According to AOFAS criteria system, 3 cases were excellent result,3 good, 1 fair. All the wounds were primary healing without skin necrosis, infection, Kirschner loose,broken, or other complications. Kirschner wire had good clinical efficacy for fixing Lisfranc ligament injury with the second metatarsal base comminuted fracture, and could avoid arthrodesis.

Characterization of an atmospheric pressure air plasma source for polymer surface modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shujun; Tang, Jiansheng

2013-10-01

An atmospheric pressure air plasma source was generated through dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). It was used to modify polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) surfaces with very high throughput. An equivalent circuit model was used to calculate the peak average electron density. The emission spectrum from the plasma was taken and the main peaks in the spectrum were identified. The ozone density in the down plasma region was estimated by Absorption Spectroscopy. NSF and ARC-ODU

Mask pattern generator employing EPL technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshioka, Nobuyuki; Yamabe, Masaki; Wakamiya, Wataru; Endo, Nobuhiro

2003-08-01

Mask cost is one of crucial issues in device fabrication, especially in SoC (System on a Chip) with small-volume production. The cost mainly depends on productivity of mask manufacturing tools such as mask writers and defect inspection tools. EPL (Electron Projection Lithography) has been developing as a high-throughput electron beam exposure technology that will succeed optical lithography. The application of EPL technology to mask writing will result in high productivity and contribute to decrease the mask cost. The concept of a mask pattern generator employing EPL technology is proposed in this paper. It is very similar to EPL technology used for pattern printing on a wafer. The mask patterns on the glass substrate are exposed by projecting the basic circuit patterns formed on the mother EPL mask. One example of the mother EPL mask is a stencil type made with 200-mm Si wafer. The basic circuit patterns are IP patterns and logical primitive patterns such as cell libraries (AND, OR, Inverter, Flip-Flop and etc.) to express the SoC device patterns. Since the SoC patterns are exposed with its collective units such as IP and logical primitive patterns by using this method, the high throughput will be expected comparing with conventional mask E-beam writers. In this paper, the mask pattern generator with the EPL technology is proposed. The concept, its advantages and issues to be solved are discussed.

Development of a high-performance multichannel system for time-correlated single photon counting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peronio, P.; Cominelli, A.; Acconcia, G.; Rech, I.; Ghioni, M.

2017-05-01

Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) is one of the most effective techniques for measuring weak and fast optical signals. It outperforms traditional "analog" techniques due to its high sensitivity along with high temporal resolution. Despite those significant advantages, a main drawback still exists, which is related to the long acquisition time needed to perform a measurement. In past years many TCSPC systems have been developed with higher and higher number of channels, aimed to dealing with that limitation. Nevertheless, modern systems suffer from a strong trade-off between parallelism level and performance: the higher the number of channels the poorer the performance. In this work we present the design of a 32x32 TCSPC system meant for overtaking the existing trade-off. To this aim different technologies has been employed, to get the best performance both from detectors and sensing circuits. The exploitation of different technologies will be enabled by Through Silicon Vias (TSVs) which will be investigated as a possible solution for connecting the detectors to the sensing circuits. When dealing with a high number of channels, the count rate is inevitably set by the affordable throughput to the external PC. We targeted a throughput of 10Gb/s, which is beyond the state of the art, and designed the number of TCSPC channels accordingly. A dynamic-routing logic will connect the detectors to the lower number of acquisition chains.

Wafer-scale high-throughput ordered arrays of Si and coaxial Si/Si(1-x)Ge(x) wires: fabrication, characterization, and photovoltaic application.

PubMed

Pan, Caofeng; Luo, Zhixiang; Xu, Chen; Luo, Jun; Liang, Renrong; Zhu, Guang; Wu, Wenzhuo; Guo, Wenxi; Yan, Xingxu; Xu, Jun; Wang, Zhong Lin; Zhu, Jing

2011-08-23

We have developed a method combining lithography and catalytic etching to fabricate large-area (uniform coverage over an entire 5-in. wafer) arrays of vertically aligned single-crystal Si nanowires with high throughput. Coaxial n-Si/p-SiGe wire arrays are also fabricated by further coating single-crystal epitaxial SiGe layers on the Si wires using ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition (UHVCVD). This method allows precise control over the diameter, length, density, spacing, orientation, shape, pattern and location of the Si and Si/SiGe nanowire arrays, making it possible to fabricate an array of devices based on rationally designed nanowire arrays. A proposed fabrication mechanism of the etching process is presented. Inspired by the excellent antireflection properties of the Si/SiGe wire arrays, we built solar cells based on the arrays of these wires containing radial junctions, an example of which exhibits an open circuit voltage (V(oc)) of 650 mV, a short-circuit current density (J(sc)) of 8.38 mA/cm(2), a fill factor of 0.60, and an energy conversion efficiency (η) of 3.26%. Such a p-n radial structure will have a great potential application for cost-efficient photovoltaic (PV) solar energy conversion. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Biomechanical comparison of double-row locking plates versus single- and double-row non-locking plates in a comminuted metacarpal fracture model.

PubMed

Gajendran, Varun K; Szabo, Robert M; Myo, George K; Curtiss, Shane B

2009-12-01

Open or unstable metacarpal fractures frequently require open reduction and internal fixation. Locking plate technology has improved fixation of unstable fractures in certain settings. In this study, we hypothesized that there would be a difference in strength of fixation using double-row locking plates compared with single- and double-row non-locking plates in comminuted metacarpal fractures. We tested our hypothesis in a gap metacarpal fracture model simulating comminution using fourth-generation, biomechanical testing-grade composite sawbones. The metacarpals were divided into 6 groups of 15 bones each. Groups 1 and 4 were plated with a standard 6-hole, 2.3-mm plate in AO fashion. Groups 2 and 5 were plated with a 6-hole double-row 3-dimensional non-locking plate with bicortical screws aimed for convergence. Groups 3 and 6 were plated with a 6-hole double-row 3-dimensional locking plate with unicortical screws. The plated metacarpals were then tested to failure against cantilever apex dorsal bending (groups 1-3) and torsion (groups 4-6). The loads to failure in groups 1 to 3 were 198 +/- 18, 223 +/- 29, and 203 +/- 19 N, respectively. The torques to failure in groups 4 to 6 were 2,033 +/- 155, 3,190 +/- 235, and 3,161 +/- 268 N mm, respectively. Group 2 had the highest load to failure, whereas groups 5 and 6 shared the highest torques to failure (p < .05). Locking and non-locking double-row plates had equivalent bending and torsional stiffness, significantly higher than observed for the single-row non-locking plate. No other statistical differences were noted between groups. When subjected to the physiologically relevant forces of apex dorsal bending and torsion in a comminuted metacarpal fracture model, double-row 3-dimensional non-locking plates provided superior stability in bending and equivalent stability in torsion compared with double-row 3-dimensional locking plates, whereas single-row non-locking plates provided the least stability.

Internal fixation of complex fractures of the tarsal navicular with locking plates. A report of 10 cases.

PubMed

Cronier, P; Frin, J-M; Steiger, V; Bigorre, N; Talha, A

2013-06-01

Tarsal navicular fractures are rare and treatment of comminuted fractures is especially difficult. Since 2007, the authors have had access to 3D reconstruction from CT scan images and specific locking plates, and they decided to evaluate whether these elements improved management of these severe cases. Between 2007 and 2011, 10 comminuted tarsal navicular fractures were treated in a prospective study. All of the fractures were evaluated by 3D reconstruction from CT scan images, with suppression of the posterior tarsal bones. The surgical approach was chosen according to the type of lesion. Reduction was achieved with a mini-distractor when necessary, and stabilized by AO locking plate fixation (Synthes™). Patient follow-up included a clinical and radiological evaluation (Maryland Foot score, AOFAS score). Eight patients underwent postoperative CT scan. All patients were followed up after a mean 20.5 months. Union was obtained in all patients and arthrodesis was not necessary in any of them. The mean Maryland Foot score was 92.8/100, and the AOFAS score 90.6/100. One patient with an associated comminuted calcaneal fracture had minimal sequella from a compartment syndrome of the foot. The authors did not find any series in the literature that reported evaluating tarsal navicular fractures by 3D reconstruction from CT scan images. The images obtained after suppression of the posterior tarsal bones systematically showed a lateral plantar fragment attached to the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament, which is essential for stability, and which helped determine the reduction technique. Locking plate fixation of these fractures has never been reported. Comminuted fractures of the tarsal navicular were successfully treated with specific imaging techniques in particular 3D reconstructions of CT scan images to choose the surgical approach and the reduction technique. Locking plate fixation of the navicular seems to be a satisfactory solution for the treatment of these particularly difficult fractures. Level IV. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

[Effectiveness of mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire in treatment of comminuted Jones fracture].

PubMed

Yan, Rongliang; Qu, Jiafu; Cao, Lihai; Liu, Hongda; Chen, Jianghua; Gao, Yan; Peng, Yi

2018-05-01

To summarize the effectiveness of mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire in treatment of comminuted Jones fracture. Between January 2011 and October 2016, 25 cases with comminuted Jones fracture were treated with mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire. There were 9 males and 16 females with an average age of 31.4 years (range, 16-66 years). The fractures located on the left side in 11 cases and on the right side in 14 cases. The causes of injury included spraining in 21 cases, falling down in 3 cases, and bruise in 1 case. The bone fragment of all cases was more than 3 pieces. The fracture line was mostly Y-shape or T-shape. Twelve of them were combined with other fractures. The time from injury to operation was 1-9 days (mean, 5 days). The mini locking plate and Kirschner wire were removed at 9-12 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, the pain was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the function by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. All incisions healed by first intention. All cases were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 21.7 months. Fracture union was observed in all patients without complications such as nonunion, delayed union, and malunion. The fracture union time was 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.4 weeks). At 12 months postoperatively, the VAS score was 1.15±0.87; the AOFAS score was 89.45±6.24, and the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 92%. The procedure of mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire for comminuted Jones fracture has such advantages as convenient operation, more rigid fixation, high rate of fracture healing, and good functional recovery in foot.

Sediment transport time measured with U-Series isotopes: Resultsfrom ODP North Atlantic Drill Site 984

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DePaolo, Donald J.; Maher, Kate; Christensen, John N.

High precision uranium isotope measurements of marineclastic sediments are used to measure the transport and storage time ofsediment from source to site of deposition. The approach is demonstratedon fine-grained, late Pleistocene deep-sea sediments from Ocean DrillingProgram Site 984A on the Bjorn Drift in the North Atlantic. The sedimentsare siliciclastic with up to 30 percent carbonate, and dated by sigma 18Oof benthic foraminifera. Nd and Sr isotopes indicate that provenance hasoscillated between a proximal source during the last three interglacialperiods volcanic rocks from Iceland and a distal continental sourceduring glacial periods. An unexpected finding is that the 234U/238Uratios of the silicatemore » portion of the sediment, isolated by leaching withhydrochloric acid, are significantly less than the secular equilibriumvalue and show large and systematic variations that are correlated withglacial cycles and sediment provenance. The 234U depletions are inferredto be due to alpha-recoil loss of234Th, and are used to calculate"comminution ages" of the sediment -- the time elapsed between thegeneration of the small (<_ 50 mu-m) sediment grains in the sourceareas by comminution of bedrock, and the time of deposition on theseafloor. Transport times, the difference between comminution ages anddepositional ages, vary from less than 10 ky to about 300 to 400 ky forthe Site 984A sediments. Long transport times may reflect prior storagein soils, on continental shelves, or elsewhere on the seafloor. Transporttime may also be a measure of bottom current strength. During the mostrecent interglacial periods the detritus from distal continental sourcesis diluted with sediment from Iceland that is rapidly transported to thesite of deposition. The comminution age approach could be used to dateQuaternary non-marine sediments, soils, and atmospheric dust, and may beenhanced by concomitant measurement of 226Ra/230Th, 230Th/234U, andcosmogenic nuclides.« less

A Multidisciplinary Approach to High Throughput Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Pourmodheji, Hossein; Ghafar-Zadeh, Ebrahim; Magierowski, Sebastian

2016-01-01

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a non-contact, powerful structure-elucidation technique for biochemical analysis. NMR spectroscopy is used extensively in a variety of life science applications including drug discovery. However, existing NMR technology is limited in that it cannot run a large number of experiments simultaneously in one unit. Recent advances in micro-fabrication technologies have attracted the attention of researchers to overcome these limitations and significantly accelerate the drug discovery process by developing the next generation of high-throughput NMR spectrometers using Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS). In this paper, we examine this paradigm shift and explore new design strategies for the development of the next generation of high-throughput NMR spectrometers using CMOS technology. A CMOS NMR system consists of an array of high sensitivity micro-coils integrated with interfacing radio-frequency circuits on the same chip. Herein, we first discuss the key challenges and recent advances in the field of CMOS NMR technology, and then a new design strategy is put forward for the design and implementation of highly sensitive and high-throughput CMOS NMR spectrometers. We thereafter discuss the functionality and applicability of the proposed techniques by demonstrating the results. For microelectronic researchers starting to work in the field of CMOS NMR technology, this paper serves as a tutorial with comprehensive review of state-of-the-art technologies and their performance levels. Based on these levels, the CMOS NMR approach offers unique advantages for high resolution, time-sensitive and high-throughput bimolecular analysis required in a variety of life science applications including drug discovery. PMID:27294925

Ultra-high-throughput Production of III-V/Si Wafer for Electronic and Photonic Applications

PubMed Central

Geum, Dae-Myeong; Park, Min-Su; Lim, Ju Young; Yang, Hyun-Duk; Song, Jin Dong; Kim, Chang Zoo; Yoon, Euijoon; Kim, SangHyeon; Choi, Won Jun

2016-01-01

Si-based integrated circuits have been intensively developed over the past several decades through ultimate device scaling. However, the Si technology has reached the physical limitations of the scaling. These limitations have fuelled the search for alternative active materials (for transistors) and the introduction of optical interconnects (called “Si photonics”). A series of attempts to circumvent the Si technology limits are based on the use of III-V compound semiconductor due to their superior benefits, such as high electron mobility and direct bandgap. To use their physical properties on a Si platform, the formation of high-quality III-V films on the Si (III-V/Si) is the basic technology ; however, implementing this technology using a high-throughput process is not easy. Here, we report new concepts for an ultra-high-throughput heterogeneous integration of high-quality III-V films on the Si using the wafer bonding and epitaxial lift off (ELO) technique. We describe the ultra-fast ELO and also the re-use of the III-V donor wafer after III-V/Si formation. These approaches provide an ultra-high-throughput fabrication of III-V/Si substrates with a high-quality film, which leads to a dramatic cost reduction. As proof-of-concept devices, this paper demonstrates GaAs-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), solar cells, and hetero-junction phototransistors on Si substrates. PMID:26864968

Percutaneous Distraction Pinning for Metacarpophalangeal Joint Stabilization After Blast or Crush Injuries of the Hand.

PubMed

Langford, Matthew A; Cheung, Kevin; Li, Zhongyu

2015-09-01

Unstable, severely comminuted fractures of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint are difficult to treat. Closed treatment and casting of these fractures often fail to maintain proper alignment and impede wound care where concomitant open injuries such as gunshot wounds are present. Conventional pinning or plating techniques are not feasible if extensive bone loss and comminution are present. A distraction pinning technique represents a potential alternative, but results with this approach, to our knowledge, have not been reported. The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the effectiveness (defined as osseous union and joint stability) of distraction pinning for comminuted fractures involving MCP joints after gunshot or crush injuries; (2) to report the short-term results in terms of pain and function in a small group of patients who underwent MCP distraction pinning; and (3) to evaluate complications and return to work status of these patients in the short term. We reviewed 10 patients with comminuted pilon-type fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx or metacarpal head treated with wire distraction fixation from 2005 and 2014. During that period, we used this technique to treat all patients whose fractures were deemed too comminuted for plating or pinning, and during that period, no other techniques (such as simple external fixation) were used for patients meeting those indications. The minimum followup was 6 months; eight of the 10 patients were accounted at a median of 10 months (range, 6-89 months). The median age was 47 years (range, 28-57 years), and seven of the eight were male. Kirschner wire fixation frames were removed 3.5 to 6 weeks after the index surgery when fracture consolidation was confirmed on radiography by the treating surgeon. Stability and range of motion of the MCP joint were assessed using physical examination, radiographs, and goniometer by the treating surgeon. Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at latest followup or by telephone, and complications were assessed by chart review. All fractures were healed with stable MCP joints. Eight patients reported having no pain or minimal pain of their injuries to the hand. The median finger and thumb MCP arc of motion were 80° (range, 70°-105°) and 30° (range, 0°-60°), respectively. The median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3 (range, 0-41). One patient underwent a second surgical procedure for bone grafting and soft tissue coverage. Three patients developed pin site irritations and were treated with oral antibiotics. Six patients returned to their original job. The distraction pinning technique provides reliable osseous union and joint stability of comminuted pilon-type fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx or metacarpal head, even with associated open wounds. Future studies will need to evaluate these patients at longer term followup and compare this approach with other available techniques, because arthrosis, stiffness, and progressive loss of function seem likely to occur given the severity of these injuries. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Low Profile Mesh Plating for Patella Fractures: Video of a Novel Surgical Technique.

PubMed

Verbeek, Diederik O; Hickerson, Lindsay E; Warner, Stephen J; Helfet, David L; Lorich, Dean G

2016-08-01

Patella fractures can be challenging to treat particularly in the presence of inferior pole comminution. In this video we present a novel surgical technique for the treatment of patella fractures using a small fragment low profile mesh plate. Key points are the surgical exposure with direct visualization of the articular reduction, the preparation of the mesh plate to accommodate patellar anatomy and the augmentation of the construct using Krackow sutures to address inferior pole comminution. Low profile mesh plating allows for multiplanar fixation of patella fractures while avoiding implant and fixation problems related to tension band fixation. Our early experience with this technique is encouraging and it appears that this technique is useful for the treatment of the majority of patella fractures.

Uncontacted tire explosion causing trauma to bilateral lower extremities: A case report.

PubMed

Yu, Ming-Yang; Su, Yun; Meng, Xiang-Jun; Luan, Bo-Wu; Gu, Gui-Shan; Sun, Qiang; Zhao, De-Wei

2017-06-01

It is uncommon for tire explosion related injuries on the lower extremity. The bilateral lower extremities were injured by tire explosion when the patient was seated in a bus. She sustained an open fracture with partial bone loss in the right calcaneus (a comminuted fracture in the right ankle joint) and a closed comminuted fracture in the left tibia and fibula. This damage was caused by uncontacted tire explosion, thanks to a thick floor between the exploded tire and the patient's feet. This type of injury on lower extremity caused by uncontacted tire explosion was uncommon. Copyright © 2017 Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biologic fixation through bridge plating for comminuted shaft fracture of the clavicle: technical aspects and prospective clinical experience with a minimum of 12-month follow-up.

PubMed

Jung, Gu Hee; Park, Chang-Min; Kim, Jae-Do

2013-12-01

For comminuted shaft fracture of clavicle, the operative goal, aside from sound bone healing without complications of direct reduction, is maintenance of the original length in order to maintain the normal biomechanics of adjacent joint. Our bridge plating technique utilizing distraction through a lumbar spreader was expected to be effective for restoring clavicular length with soft tissue preservation. However, there are two disadvantages. First, there is more exposure to radiation compared to conventional plating; and second, it is difficult to control the rotational alignment. Despite these disadvantages, our technique has important benefits, in particular, the ability to preserve clavicular length without soft tissue injury around the fracture site.

Automated Monitoring and Analysis of Social Behavior in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Dankert, Heiko; Wang, Liming; Hoopfer, Eric D.; Anderson, David J.; Perona, Pietro

2009-01-01

We introduce a method based on machine vision for automatically measuring aggression and courtship in Drosophila melanogaster. The genetic and neural circuit bases of these innate social behaviors are poorly understood. High-throughput behavioral screening in this genetically tractable model organism is a potentially powerful approach, but it is currently very laborious. Our system monitors interacting pairs of flies, and computes their location, orientation and wing posture. These features are used for detecting behaviors exhibited during aggression and courtship. Among these, wing threat, lunging and tussling are specific to aggression; circling, wing extension (courtship “song”) and copulation are specific to courtship; locomotion and chasing are common to both. Ethograms may be constructed automatically from these measurements, saving considerable time and effort. This technology should enable large-scale screens for genes and neural circuits controlling courtship and aggression. PMID:19270697

A front end readout electronics ASIC chip for position sensitive solid state detectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kravis, S.D.; Tuemer, T.O.; Visser, G.J.

1998-12-31

A mixed signal Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip for front end readout electronics of position sensitive solid state detectors has been manufactured. It is called RENA (Readout Electronics for Nuclear Applications). This chip can be used for both medical and industrial imaging of X-rays and gamma rays. The RENA chip is a monolithic integrated circuit and has 32 channels with low noise high input impedance charge sensitive amplifiers. It works in pulse counting mode with good energy resolution. It also has a self triggering output which is essential for nuclear applications when the incident radiation arrives at random. Different,more » externally selectable, operational modes that includes a sparse readout mode is available to increase data throughput. It also has externally selectable shaping (peaking) times.« less

Modular integration of electronics and microfluidic systems using flexible printed circuit boards.

PubMed

Wu, Amy; Wang, Lisen; Jensen, Erik; Mathies, Richard; Boser, Bernhard

2010-02-21

Microfluidic systems offer an attractive alternative to conventional wet chemical methods with benefits including reduced sample and reagent volumes, shorter reaction times, high-throughput, automation, and low cost. However, most present microfluidic systems rely on external means to analyze reaction products. This substantially adds to the size, complexity, and cost of the overall system. Electronic detection based on sub-millimetre size integrated circuits (ICs) has been demonstrated for a wide range of targets including nucleic and amino acids, but deployment of this technology to date has been limited due to the lack of a flexible process to integrate these chips within microfluidic devices. This paper presents a modular and inexpensive process to integrate ICs with microfluidic systems based on standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology to assemble the independently designed microfluidic and electronic components. The integrated system can accommodate multiple chips of different sizes bonded to glass or PDMS microfluidic systems. Since IC chips and flex PCB manufacturing and assembly are industry standards with low cost, the integrated system is economical for both laboratory and point-of-care settings.

High-Throughput Mapping of Single-Neuron Projections by Sequencing of Barcoded RNA.

PubMed

Kebschull, Justus M; Garcia da Silva, Pedro; Reid, Ashlan P; Peikon, Ian D; Albeanu, Dinu F; Zador, Anthony M

2016-09-07

Neurons transmit information to distant brain regions via long-range axonal projections. In the mouse, area-to-area connections have only been systematically mapped using bulk labeling techniques, which obscure the diverse projections of intermingled single neurons. Here we describe MAPseq (Multiplexed Analysis of Projections by Sequencing), a technique that can map the projections of thousands or even millions of single neurons by labeling large sets of neurons with random RNA sequences ("barcodes"). Axons are filled with barcode mRNA, each putative projection area is dissected, and the barcode mRNA is extracted and sequenced. Applying MAPseq to the locus coeruleus (LC), we find that individual LC neurons have preferred cortical targets. By recasting neuroanatomy, which is traditionally viewed as a problem of microscopy, as a problem of sequencing, MAPseq harnesses advances in sequencing technology to permit high-throughput interrogation of brain circuits. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental demonstration of a real-time high-throughput digital DC blocker for compensating ADC imperfections in optical fast-OFDM receivers.

PubMed

Zhang, Lu; Ouyang, Xing; Shao, Xiaopeng; Zhao, Jian

2016-06-27

Performance degradation induced by the DC components at the output of real-time analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is experimentally investigated for optical fast-OFDM receiver. To compensate this degradation, register transfer level (RTL) circuits for real-time digital DC blocker with 20GS/s throughput are proposed and implemented in field programmable gate array (FPGA). The performance of the proposed real-time digital DC blocker is experimentally investigated in a 15Gb/s optical fast-OFDM system with intensity modulation and direct detection over 40 km standard single-mode fibre. The results show that the fixed-point DC blocker has negligible performance penalty compared to the offline floating point one, and can overcome the error floor of the fast OFDM receiver caused by the DC components from the real-time ADC output.

Experiences with the AEROnet/PSCN ATM Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurak, Richard S.; Lisotta, Anthony J.; McCabe, James D.; Nothaft, Alfred E.; Russell, Kelly R.; Lasinski, T. A. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

This paper discusses the experience gained by the AEROnet/PSCN networking team in deploying a prototype Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) based network as part of the wide-area network for the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) Program at NASA Ames Research Center. The objectives of this prototype were to test concepts in using ATM over wide-area Internet Protocol (IP) networks and measure end-to-end system performance. This testbed showed that end-to-end ATM over a DS3 reaches approximately 80% of the throughput achieved from a FDDI to DS3 network. The 20% reduction in through-put can be attributed to the overhead associated with running ATM. As a result, we conclude that if the loss in capacity due to ATM overhead is balanced by the reduction in cost of ATM services, as compared to dedicated circuits, then ATM can be a viable alternative.

Charge-sensitive front-end electronics with operational amplifiers for CdZnTe detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Födisch, P.; Berthel, M.; Lange, B.; Kirschke, T.; Enghardt, W.; Kaever, P.

2016-09-01

Cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe, CZT) radiation detectors are suitable for a variety of applications, due to their high spatial resolution and spectroscopic energy performance at room temperature. However, state-of-the-art detector systems require high-performance readout electronics. Though an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is an adequate solution for the readout, requirements of high dynamic range and high throughput are not available in any commercial circuit. Consequently, the present study develops the analog front-end electronics with operational amplifiers for an 8×8 pixelated CZT detector. For this purpose, we modeled an electrical equivalent circuit of the CZT detector with the associated charge-sensitive amplifier (CSA). Based on a detailed network analysis, the circuit design is completed by numerical values for various features such as ballistic deficit, charge-to-voltage gain, rise time, and noise level. A verification of the performance is carried out by synthetic detector signals and a pixel detector. The experimental results with the pixel detector assembly and a 22Na radioactive source emphasize the depth dependence of the measured energy. After pulse processing with depth correction based on the fit of the weighting potential, the energy resolution is 2.2% (FWHM) for the 511 keV photopeak.

High-Throughput Light Sheet Microscopy for the Automated Live Imaging of Larval Zebrafish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Ryan; Logan, Savannah; Dudley, Christopher; Parthasarathy, Raghuveer

The zebrafish is a model organism with a variety of useful properties; it is small and optically transparent, it reproduces quickly, it is a vertebrate, and there are a large variety of transgenic animals available. Because of these properties, the zebrafish is well suited to study using a variety of optical technologies including light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), which provides high-resolution three-dimensional imaging over large fields of view. Research progress, however, is often not limited by optical techniques but instead by the number of samples one can examine over the course of an experiment, which in the case of light sheet imaging has so far been severely limited. Here we present an integrated fluidic circuit and microscope which provides rapid, automated imaging of zebrafish using several imaging modes, including LSFM, Hyperspectral Imaging, and Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy. Using this system, we show that we can increase our imaging throughput by a factor of 10 compared to previous techniques. We also show preliminary results visualizing zebrafish immune response, which is sensitive to gut microbiota composition, and which shows a strong variability between individuals that highlights the utility of high throughput imaging. National Science Foundation, Award No. DBI-1427957.

Asymmetric Multilevel Outphasing (AMO): A New Architecture for All-Silicon mm-Wave Transmitter ICs

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-12

power-amplifiers for mobile basestation infrastructure and handsets. NanoSemi Inc. designs linearization solutions for analog front-ends such as...ward flexible, multi-standard radio chips, increases the need for high-precision, high-throughput and energy-efficient backend processing. The desire...peak PAE is affected by less than 1% (46 mW/(46 mW 1.8 W/0.4)) by this 64-QAM capable AMO SCS backend . 378 IEEE JOURNAL OF SOLID-STATE CIRCUITS, VOL. 48

Notes on implementation of sparsely distributed memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keeler, J. D.; Denning, P. J.

1986-01-01

The Sparsely Distributed Memory (SDM) developed by Kanerva is an unconventional memory design with very interesting and desirable properties. The memory works in a manner that is closely related to modern theories of human memory. The SDM model is discussed in terms of its implementation in hardware. Two appendices discuss the unconventional approaches of the SDM: Appendix A treats a resistive circuit for fast, parallel address decoding; and Appendix B treats a systolic array for high throughput read and write operations.

The development of 8 inch roll-to-plate nanoimprint lithography (8-R2P-NIL) system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Lai Seng; Mohamed, Khairudin; Ooi, Su Guan

2017-07-01

Growth in semiconductor and integrated circuit industry was observed in the past decennium of years for industrial technology which followed Moore's law. The line width of nanostructure to be exposed was influenced by the essential technology of photolithography. Thus, it is crucial to have a low cost and high throughput manufacturing process for nanostructures. Nanoimprint Lithography technique invented by Stephen Y. Chou was considered as major nanolithography process to be used in future integrated circuit and integrated optics. The drawbacks of high imprint pressure, high imprint temperature, air bubbles formation, resist sticking to mold and low throughput of thermal nanoimprint lithography on silicon wafer have yet to be solved. Thus, the objectives of this work is to develop a high throughput, low imprint force, room temperature UV assisted 8 inch roll to plate nanoimprint lithography system capable of imprinting nanostructures on 200 mm silicon wafer using roller imprint with flexible mold. A piece of resist spin coated silicon wafer was placed onto vacuum chuck drives forward by a stepper motor. A quartz roller wrapped with a piece of transparent flexible mold was used as imprint roller. The imprinted nanostructures were cured by 10 W, 365 nm UV LED which situated inside the quartz roller. Heat generated by UV LED was dissipated by micro heat pipe. The flexible mold detaches from imprinted nanostructures in a 'line peeling' pattern and imprint pressure was measured by ultra-thin force sensors. This system has imprinting speed capability ranging from 0.19 mm/s to 5.65 mm/s, equivalent to imprinting capability of 3 to 20 pieces of 8 inch wafers per hour. Speed synchronization between imprint roller and vacuum chuck was achieved by controlling pulse rate supplied to stepper motor which drive the vacuum chuck. The speed different ranging from 2 nm/s to 98 nm/s is achievable. Vacuum chuck height was controlled by stepper motor with displacement of 5 nm/step.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siol, Sebastian; Dhakal, Tara P.; Gudavalli, Ganesh S.

High-throughput computational and experimental techniques have been used in the past to accelerate the discovery of new promising solar cell materials. An important part of the development of novel thin film solar cell technologies, that is still considered a bottleneck for both theory and experiment, is the search for alternative interfacial contact (buffer) layers. The research and development of contact materials is difficult due to the inherent complexity that arises from its interactions at the interface with the absorber. A promising alternative to the commonly used CdS buffer layer in thin film solar cells that contain absorbers with lower electronmore » affinity can be found in ..beta..-In2S3. However, the synthesis conditions for the sputter deposition of this material are not well-established. Here, In2S3 is investigated as a solar cell contact material utilizing a high-throughput combinatorial screening of the temperature-flux parameter space, followed by a number of spatially resolved characterization techniques. It is demonstrated that, by tuning the sulfur partial pressure, phase pure ..beta..-In2S3 could be deposited using a broad range of substrate temperatures between 500 degrees C and ambient temperature. Combinatorial photovoltaic device libraries with Al/ZnO/In2S3/Cu2ZnSnS4/Mo/SiO2 structure were built at optimal processing conditions to investigate the feasibility of the sputtered In2S3 buffer layers and of an accelerated optimization of the device structure. The performance of the resulting In2S3/Cu2ZnSnS4 photovoltaic devices is on par with CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 reference solar cells with similar values for short circuit currents and open circuit voltages, despite the overall quite low efficiency of the devices (-2%). Overall, these results demonstrate how a high-throughput experimental approach can be used to accelerate the development of contact materials and facilitate the optimization of thin film solar cell devices.« less

Turbulent Water Coupling in Shock Wave Lithotripsy

PubMed Central

Lautz, Jaclyn; Sankin, Georgy; Zhong, Pei

2013-01-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that stone comminution decreases with increased pulse repetition frequency as a result of bubble proliferation in the cavitation field of a shock wave lithotripter (Pishchalnikov et al., 2011). If cavitation nuclei remain in the propagation path of successive lithotripter pulses, especially in the acoustic coupling cushion of the shock wave source, they will consume part of the incident wave energy, leading to reduced tensile pressure in the focal region and thus lower stone comminution efficiency. We introduce a method to remove cavitation nuclei from the coupling cushion between successive shock exposures using a jet of degassed water. As a result, pre-focal bubble nuclei lifetime quantified by B-mode ultrasound imaging was reduced from 7 s to 0.3 s by a jet with an exit velocity of 62 cm/s. Stone fragmentation (percent mass < 2 mm) after 250 shocks delivered at 1 Hz was enhanced from 22 ± 6% to 33 ± 5% (p = 0.007) in water without interposing tissue mimicking materials. Stone fragmentation after 500 shocks delivered at 2 Hz was increased from 18 ± 6% to 28 ± 8% (p = 0.04) with an interposing tissue phantom of 8 cm thick. These results demonstrate the critical influence of cavitation bubbles in the coupling cushion on stone comminution and suggest a potential strategy to improve the efficacy of contemporary shock wave lithotripters. PMID:23322027

Fast, High-Precision Readout Circuit for Detector Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rider, David M.; Hancock, Bruce R.; Key, Richard W.; Cunningham, Thomas J.; Wrigley, Chris J.; Seshadri, Suresh; Sander, Stanley P.; Blavier, Jean-Francois L.

2013-01-01

The GEO-CAPE mission described in NASA's Earth Science and Applications Decadal Survey requires high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution measurements to monitor and characterize the rapidly changing chemistry of the troposphere over North and South Americas. High-frame-rate focal plane arrays (FPAs) with many pixels are needed to enable such measurements. A high-throughput digital detector readout integrated circuit (ROIC) that meets the GEO-CAPE FPA needs has been developed, fabricated, and tested. The ROIC is based on an innovative charge integrating, fast, high-precision analog-to-digital circuit that is built into each pixel. The 128×128-pixel ROIC digitizes all 16,384 pixels simultaneously at frame rates up to 16 kHz to provide a completely digital output on a single integrated circuit at an unprecedented rate of 262 million pixels per second. The approach eliminates the need for off focal plane electronics, greatly reducing volume, mass, and power compared to conventional FPA implementations. A focal plane based on this ROIC will require less than 2 W of power on a 1×1-cm integrated circuit. The ROIC is fabricated of silicon using CMOS technology. It is designed to be indium bump bonded to a variety of detector materials including silicon PIN diodes, indium antimonide (InSb), indium gallium arsenide (In- GaAs), and mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) detector arrays to provide coverage over a broad spectral range in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectral ranges.

7 CFR 65.160 - Ground chicken.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... comminuted chicken of skeletal origin that is produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and... OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, CHICKEN, GOAT MEAT, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, MACADAMIA NUTS, PECANS...

7 CFR 65.160 - Ground chicken.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... comminuted chicken of skeletal origin that is produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and... OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, CHICKEN, GOAT MEAT, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, MACADAMIA NUTS, PECANS...

7 CFR 65.160 - Ground chicken.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... comminuted chicken of skeletal origin that is produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and... OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, CHICKEN, GOAT MEAT, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, MACADAMIA NUTS, PECANS...

7 CFR 65.160 - Ground chicken.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... comminuted chicken of skeletal origin that is produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and... OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, CHICKEN, GOAT MEAT, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, MACADAMIA NUTS, PECANS...

7 CFR 65.160 - Ground chicken.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... comminuted chicken of skeletal origin that is produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and... OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, CHICKEN, GOAT MEAT, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, MACADAMIA NUTS, PECANS...

Comparison of thermal compatibility between atomized and comminuted U{sub 3}Si dispersion fuels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ryu, Woo-Seog; Park, Jong-Man; Kim, Chang-Kyu

1997-08-01

Thermal compatibility of atomized U{sub 3}Si dispersion fuels were evaluated up to 2600 hours in the temperature range from 250 to 500{degrees}C, and compared with that of comminuted U{sub 3}Si. Atomized U{sub 3}Si showed better performance in terms of volume expansion of fuel meats. The reaction zone of U{sub 3}Si and Al occurred along the grain boundaries and deformation bands in U{sub 3}Si particles. Pores around fuel particles appeared at high temperature or after long-term annealing tests to remain diffusion paths over the trench of the pores. The constraint effects of cladding on fuel rod suppressed the fuel meat, andmore » reduced the volume expansion.« less

METHOD FOR PRODUCING CEMENTED CARBIDE ARTICLES

DOEpatents

Onstott, E.I.; Cremer, G.D.

1959-07-14

A method is described for making molded materials of intricate shape where the materials consist of mixtures of one or more hard metal carbides or oxides and matrix metals or binder metals thereof. In one embodiment of the invention 90% of finely comminuted tungsten carbide powder together with finely comminuted cobalt bonding agent is incorporated at 60 deg C into a slurry with methyl alcohol containing 1.5% paraffin, 3% camphor, 3.5% naphthalene, and 1.8% toluene. The compact is formed by the steps of placing the slurry in a mold at least one surface of which is porous to the fluid organic system, compacting the slurry, removing a portion of the mold from contact with the formed object and heating the formed object to remove the remaining organic matter and to sinter the compact.

Woody biomass size reduction with selective material orientation

DOE PAGES

Dooley, James H.; Lanning, David N.; Lanning, Christopher J.

2013-01-01

Roundwood logs from forests and energy plantations must be chipped, ground, or otherwise comminuted into small particles prior to conversion to solid or liquid biofuels. Rotary veneer followed by cross-grain shearing is demonstrated to be a novel and low energy consuming method for primary breakdown of logs into a raw material having high transport and storage density. Processing of high moisture raw logs into 2.5 – 4.2 mm particles prior to drying or conversion consumes less than 20% of the energy required for achieving similar particle size with hammer mills while producing a more uniform particle shape and size. Asmore » a result, energy savings from the proposed method may reduce the comminution cost of woody feedstocks by more than half.« less

Comminution process to produce wood particles of uniform size and shape with disrupted grain structure from veneer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dooley, James H.; Lanning, David N.

Comminution process of wood veneer to produce wood particles, by feeding wood veneer in a direction of travel substantially normal to grain through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cutting discs arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of wood veneer travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (Td), to produce wood particles characterized by a length dimension (L) substantially equal to the Td and aligned substantially parallel to grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) aligned normal to W and L, wherein the W.times.H dimensions definemore » a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces with end checking between crosscut fibers.« less

Comminuted mandibular fracture in child victim of dog bite.

PubMed

de Carvalho, Matheus Furtado; Hardtke, Luiz Augusto Paixão; de Souza, Max Filipe Cota; de Oliveira Araujo, Vasco

2012-08-01

Dog bites represent lesions commonly found in Hospital Emergency Clinic. This type of lesion may cause severe harm to patients, but it rarely affects the underlying bone structure causes facial fracture. This study aims to illustrate a rare clinical case in which a pediatric patient presented a comminuted fracture in the mandible which evolved into a unilateral avulsion of the mandibular condyle, body fractures as well as a mandibular ramus and hemiface that had been deformed, with multiple lacerations and loss of soft-tissue mass. Intermaxillary fixation was performed using the Ivy method, followed by internal rigid fixation using miniplates and screws in attempt to reconstruct the child's mandible. After 2 years of follow-up, a satisfactory esthetics and functional results could be observed. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Controlled cavitation to augment SWL stone comminution: mechanistic insights in vitro.

PubMed

Duryea, Alexander P; Roberts, William W; Cain, Charles A; Hall, Timothy L

2013-02-01

Stone comminution in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) has been documented to result from mechanical stresses conferred directly to the stone, as well as the activity of cavitational microbubbles. Studies have demonstrated that the presence of this cavitation activity is crucial for stone subdivision; however, its exact role in the comminution process remains somewhat weakly defined, in part because it is difficult to isolate the cavitational component from the shock waves themselves. In this study, we further explored the importance of cavitation in SWL stone comminution through the use of histotripsy ultrasound therapy. Histotripsy was used to target model stones designed to mimic the mid-range tensile fracture strength of naturally occurring cystine calculi with controlled cavitation at strategic time points in the SWL comminution process. All SWL was applied at a peak positive pressure (p+) of 34 MPa and a peak negative pressure (p-) of 8 MPa; a shock rate of 1 Hz was used. Histotripsy pulses had a p- of 33 MPa and were applied at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 100 Hz. Ten model stones were sonicated in vitro with each of five different treatment schemes: A) 10 min of SWL (600 shocks) with 0.7 s of histotripsy interleaved between successive shocks (totaling to 42 000 pulses); B) 10 min of SWL (600 shocks) followed by 10 min of histotripsy applied in 0.7-s bursts (1 burst per second, totaling to 42 000 pulses); C) 10 min of histotripsy applied in 0.7-s bursts (42 000 pulses) followed by 10 min of SWL (600 shocks); D) 10 min of SWL only (600 shocks); E) 10 min of histotripsy only, applied in 0.7-s bursts (42 000 pulses). Following sonication, debris was collected and sieved through 8-, 6-, 4-, and 2-mm filters. It was found that scheme D, SWL only, generated a broad range of fragment sizes, with an average of 14.9 ± 24.1% of the original stone mass remaining > 8 mm. Scheme E, histotripsy only, eroded the surface of stones to tiny particulate debris that was small enough to pass through the finest filter used in this study (<2 mm), leaving behind a single primary stone piece (>8 mm) with mass 85.1 ± 1.6% of the original following truncated sonication. The combination of SWL and histotripsy (schemes A, B, and C) resulted in a shift in the size distribution toward smaller fragments and complete elimination of debris > 8 mm. When histotripsy-controlled cavitation was applied following SWL (B), the increase in exposed stone surface area afforded by shock wave stone subdivision led to enhanced cavitation erosion. When histotripsy-controlled cavitation was applied before SWL (C), it is likely that stone surface defects induced by cavitation erosion provided sites for crack nucleation and accelerated shock wave stone subdivision. Both of these effects are likely at play in the interleaved therapy (A), although shielding of shock waves by remnant histotripsy microbubble nuclei may have limited the efficacy of this scheme. Nevertheless, these results demonstrate the important role played by cavitation in the stone comminution process, and suggest that the application of controlled cavitation at strategic time points can provide an adjunct to traditional SWL therapy.

Intraobserver and interobserver agreement in the classification and treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.

PubMed

Jones, Grant L; Bishop, Julie Y; Lewis, Brian; Pedroza, Angela D

2014-05-01

With the recent emphasis on performing open reduction and internal fixation on midshaft clavicle fractures with complete displacement, comminution, and >2 cm of shortening, it is important to determine the reliability of orthopaedic surgeons to assess these variables on standard plain radiographs and to determine the agreement among orthopaedic surgeons in choosing the treatment. To determine the intra- and interobserver reliability in the classification of midshaft clavicle fractures via standard plain radiographs and to determine the intra- and interobserver agreement in the treatment of these fractures. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Charts of patients seen by the 2 senior authors from 2006 to 2011 were reviewed to identify patients treated for clavicle fractures (CPT codes 23500 and 23515). Anteroposterior and 30° cephalad radiographs were selected, representing midshaft clavicle fractures treated both operatively and nonoperatively. Thirty pairs of radiographs were included in the investigation. The radiographs were standardized for size to allow accurate measurements within a non-PACS (picture archiving and communications system) program, and a PDF document was created with all representative radiographs. Clinical scenarios were created for each set of radiographs, and the evaluators were asked to (1) measure the degree of shortening in millimeters, (2) determine the percentage displacement, (3) determine whether the fracture was comminuted, and (4) state whether they would treat the fracture operatively or nonoperatively. The radiographs, along with instructions on how to use the measuring tool with Adobe Reader, were distributed to 22 shoulder/sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, then reordered and redistributed approximately 3 months later. Sixteen surgeons completed 1 round of surveys, and 13 surgeons completed both rounds. Interrater agreement was moderate for displacement of 0%-49% (κ = 0.71, P < .001) and >100% (κ = 0.73, P < .001), with minimal agreement for displacement of 50%-100% (κ = 0.39, P < .001). There was moderate interrater agreement for the presence/absence of comminution (κ = 0.75, P < .001). Interrater agreement was weak for shortening of 0-5.0 mm (κ = 0.58, P < .001) and >30.0 mm (κ = 0.51, P < .001), with minimal agreement for shortening of 5.1-10.0 mm (κ = 0.22, P < .001) and no agreement for the other 4 categories. Interrater analysis showed weak agreement on whether surgical treatment was recommended (κ = 0.40, P < .001). Intrarater agreement was strong for comminution (κ = 0.80, P < .0001), moderate for both displacement (κ = 0.76, P < .001) and operative treatment (κ = 0.64, P < .001), and minimal for shortening (κ = 0.38, P < .001). The following variables statistically predicted whether surgery was recommended (P < .001): (1) the odds of surgery were 2.26 if comminution was noted, holding displacement and the interaction between displacement and shortening constant, and (2) the odds of surgery were 3.37 if there is displacement of >100% compared with displacement of 0%-49%, holding comminution and shortening constant. Standard plain unilateral radiographs of the clavicle are insufficient to reliably determine the degree of shortening of clavicle fractures and the need for surgery among shoulder/sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. Consideration should be made to not use shortening as the sole determinant for whether to proceed with surgical intervention or to use other radiographic modalities to determine the amount of shortening.

Cryosorption Pumps for a Neutral Beam Injector Test Facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dremel, M.; Mack, A.; Day, C.

2006-04-27

We present the experiences of the manufacturing and the operating of a system of two identical cryosorption pumps used in a neutral beam injector test facility for fusion reactors. Calculated and measured heat loads of the cryogenic liquid helium and liquid nitrogen circuits of the cryosorption pumps are discussed. The design calculations concerning the thermo-hydraulics of the helium circuit are compared with experiences from the operation of the cryosorption pumps. Both cryopumps are integrated in a test facility of a neutral beam injector that will be used to heat the plasma of a nuclear fusion reactor with a beam ofmore » deuterium or hydrogen molecules. The huge gas throughput into the vessel of the test facility results in challenging needs on the cryopumping system.The developed cryosorption pumps are foreseen to pump a hydrogen throughput of 20 - 30 mbar{center_dot}l/s. To establish a mean pressure of several 10-5 mbar in the test vessel a pumping speed of about 350 m3/s per pump is needed. The pressure conditions must be maintained over several hours pumping without regeneration of the cryopanels, which necessitates a very high pumping capacity. A possibility to fulfill these requirements is the use of charcoal coated cryopanels to pump the gasloads by adsorption. For the cooling of the cryopanels, liquid helium at saturation pressure is used and therefore a two-phase forced flow in the cryopump system must be controlled.« less

Combinatorial genetic perturbation to refine metabolic circuits for producing biofuels and biochemicals.

PubMed

Kim, Hyo Jin; Turner, Timothy Lee; Jin, Yong-Su

2013-11-01

Recent advances in metabolic engineering have enabled microbial factories to compete with conventional processes for producing fuels and chemicals. Both rational and combinatorial approaches coupled with synthetic and systematic tools play central roles in metabolic engineering to create and improve a selected microbial phenotype. Compared to knowledge-based rational approaches, combinatorial approaches exploiting biological diversity and high-throughput screening have been demonstrated as more effective tools for improving various phenotypes of interest. In particular, identification of unprecedented targets to rewire metabolic circuits for maximizing yield and productivity of a target chemical has been made possible. This review highlights general principles and the features of the combinatorial approaches using various libraries to implement desired phenotypes for strain improvement. In addition, recent applications that harnessed the combinatorial approaches to produce biofuels and biochemicals will be discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Behaviour of one-step spray-coated carbon nanotube supercapacitor in ambient light harvester circuit with printed organic solar cell and electrochromic display.

PubMed

Tuukkanen, Sampo; Välimäki, Marja; Lehtimäki, Suvi; Vuorinen, Tiina; Lupo, Donald

2016-03-09

A printed energy harvesting and storage circuit powered by ambient office lighting and its use to power a printed display is reported. The autonomous device is composed of three printed electronic components: an organic photovoltaic module, a carbon-nanotubes-only supercapacitor and an electrochromic display element. Components are fabricated from safe and environmentally friendly materials, and have been fabricated using solution processing methods, which translate into low-cost and high-throughput manufacturing. A supercapacitor made of spray-coated carbon nanotube based ink and aqueous NaCl electrolyte was charged using a printed organic photovoltaic module exposed to office lighting conditions. The supercapacitor charging rate, self-discharge rate and display operation were studied in detail. The supercapacitor self-discharge rate was found to depend on the charging rate. The fully charged supercapacitor was used as a power source to run the electrochromic display over 50 times.

Cell-Free and In Vivo Characterization of Lux, Las, and Rpa Quorum Activation Systems in E. coli.

PubMed

Halleran, Andrew D; Murray, Richard M

2018-02-16

Synthetic biologists have turned toward quorum systems as a path for building sophisticated microbial consortia that exhibit group decision making. Currently, however, even the most complex consortium circuits rely on only one or two quorum sensing systems, greatly restricting the available design space. High-throughput characterization of available quorum sensing systems is useful for finding compatible sets of systems that are suitable for a defined circuit architecture. Recently, cell-free systems have gained popularity as a test-bed for rapid prototyping of genetic circuitry. We take advantage of the transcription-translation cell-free system to characterize three commonly used Lux-type quorum activators, Lux, Las, and Rpa. We then compare the cell-free characterization to results obtained in vivo. We find significant genetic crosstalk in both the Las and Rpa systems and substantial signal crosstalk in Lux activation. We show that cell-free characterization predicts crosstalk observed in vivo.

Fracture reduction and primary ankle arthrodesis: a reliable approach for severely comminuted tibial pilon fracture.

PubMed

Beaman, Douglas N; Gellman, Richard

2014-12-01

Posttraumatic arthritis and prolonged recovery are typical after a severely comminuted tibial pilon fracture, and ankle arthrodesis is a common salvage procedure. However, few reports discuss the option of immediate arthrodesis, which may be a potentially viable approach to accelerate overall recovery in patients with severe fracture patterns. (1) How long does it take the fracture to heal and the arthrodesis to fuse when primary ankle arthrodesis is a component of initial fracture management? (2) How do these patients fare clinically in terms of modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and activity levels after this treatment? (3) Does primary ankle arthrodesis heal in an acceptable position when anterior ankle arthrodesis plates are used? During a 2-year period, we performed open fracture reduction and internal fixation in 63 patients. Eleven patients (12 ankles) with severely comminuted high-energy tibial pilon fractures were retrospectively reviewed after surgical treatment with primary ankle arthrodesis and fracture reduction. Average patient age was 58 years, and minimum followup was 6 months (average, 14 months; range, 6-22 months). Anatomically designed anterior ankle arthrodesis plates were used in 10 ankles. Ring external fixation was used in nine ankles with concomitant tibia fracture or in instances requiring additional fixation. Clinical evaluation included chart review, interview, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, and radiographic evaluation. All of the ankle arthrodeses healed at an average of 4.4 months (range, 3-5 months). One patient had a nonunion at the metaphyseal fracture, which healed with revision surgery. The average AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 83 with 88% having an excellent or good result. Radiographic and clinical analysis confirmed a plantigrade foot without malalignment. No patients required revision surgery for malunion. Primary ankle arthrodesis combined with fracture reduction for the severely comminuted tibial pilon fracture reliably healed and restored acceptable function in this highly selective patient group. Ring external fixation may be a useful adjunct to internal fixation, and this concept should be further studied. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Suppression of large intraluminal bubble expansion in shock wave lithotripsy without compromising stone comminution: Methodology and in vitro experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Pei; Zhou, Yufeng

2001-12-01

To reduce the potential of vascular injury without compromising the stone comminution capability of a Dornier HM-3 lithotripter, we have devised a method to suppress intraluminal bubble expansion via in situ pulse superposition. A thin shell ellipsoidal reflector insert was designed and fabricated to fit snugly into the original reflector of an HM-3 lithotripter. The inner surface of the reflector insert shares the same first focus with the original HM-3 reflector, but has its second focus located 5 mm proximal to the generator than that of the HM-3 reflector. With this modification, the original lithotripter shock wave is partitioned into a leading lithotripter pulse (peak positive pressure of 46 MPa and positive pulse duration of 1 μs at 24 kV) and an ensuing second compressive wave of 10 MPa peak pressure and 2 μs pulse duration, separated from each other by about 4 μs. Superposition of the two waves leads to a selective truncation of the trailing tensile component of the lithotripter shock wave, and consequently, a reduction in the maximum bubble expansion up to 41% compared to that produced by the original reflector. The pulse amplitude and -6 dB beam width of the leading lithotripter shock wave from the upgraded reflector at 24 kV are comparable to that produced by the original HM-3 reflector at 20 kV. At the lithotripter focus, while only about 30 shocks are needed to cause a rupture of a blood vessel phantom made of cellulose hollow fiber (i.d.=0.2 mm) using the original HM-3 reflector at 20 kV, no rupture could be produced after 200 shocks using the upgraded reflector at 24 kV. On the other hand, after 100 shocks the upgraded reflector at 24 kV can achieve a stone comminution efficiency of 22%, which is better than the 18% efficiency produced by the original reflector at 20 kV (p=0.043). All together, it has been shown in vitro that the upgraded reflector can produce satisfactory stone comminution while significantly reducing the potential for vessel rupture in shock wave lithotripsy.

The use of chemical treatments for improved comminution of artificial stones.

PubMed

Heimbach, D; Kourambas, J; Zhong, P; Jacobs, J; Hesse, A; Mueller, S C; Delvecchio, F C; Cocks, F H; Preminger, G M

2004-05-01

The acoustic and mechanical properties of various stone compositions are significantly different and thus result in varying degrees of fragility. Consequently, results to shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) are influenced accordingly. We report the results of a study of fragility of various stone compositions, and the influence on each stone's baseline physical properties and fragility when exposed to various chemolytic solutions. Before SWL artificial stones of differing compositions were irrigated with various chemolytic solutions. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones were treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), stones composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate hydrogen were treated with hemiacidrin, and stones made of uric acid (UA) were treated with tromethamine. Synthetic urine served as a control for all stone groups. Using an ultrasound transmission technique, longitudinal wave propagation speed was measured in all groups of artificial stones. Stone density was also measured by using a pycnometer (based on Archimedes' principle). Based on these measurements transverse (shear) wave speed (assuming a constant Poisson's ratio), wave impedance and dynamic mechanical properties of the artificial stones were calculated. Moreover, the microhardness of these artificial stones was measured, and fragility testing using SWL with and without pretreatment with the previously mentioned chemolytic solutions, was performed. Wave speed, wave impedance, dynamic mechanical properties and microhardness of EDTA treated COM stones and tromethamine treated UA stones were found to decrease compared to untreated (synthetic urine) control groups. The suggestion that chemolytic pretreatment increases stone fragility was verified by the finding of increased stone comminution after SWL testing. Combining this medical pretreatment and SWL, the findings demonstrate a significant impact of various solvents on stone comminution, in particular EDTA treated COM stones, tromethamine treated UA stones and hemiacidrin treated magnesium ammonium phosphate hydrogen stones. These data suggest that by altering the chemical environment of the fluid surrounding the stones it is possible to increase the fragility of renal calculi in vitro. These results indicate that appropriate chemical treatments may provide a useful adjunctive modality for improving the efficacy of stone comminution during shock wave lithotripsy.

Impact experiments into multiple-mesh targets: Concept development of a lightweight collisional bumper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoerz, Friedrich; Cintala, Mark J.; Bernhard, Ronald P.; Cardenas, Frank; Davidson, William; Haynes, Gerald; See, Thomas H.; Winkler, Jerry; Gray, Barry

1993-01-01

The utility of multiple-mesh targets as potential lightweight shields to protect spacecraft in low-Earth orbit against collisional damage is explored. Earlier studies revealed that single meshes comminute hypervelocity impactors with efficiencies comparable to contiguous targets. Multiple interaction of projectile fragments with any number of meshes should lead to increased comminution, deceleration, and dispersion of the projectile, such that all debris exiting the mesh stack possesses low specific energies (ergs/sq cm) that would readily be tolerated by many flight systems. The study is conceptually exploring the sensitivity of major variables such as impact velocity, the specific areal mass (g/sq cm) of the total mesh stack (SM), and the separation distance (S) between individual meshes. Most experiments employed five or ten meshes with total SM typically less than 0.5 the specific mass of the impactor, and silicate glass impactors rather than metal projectiles. While projectile comminution increases with increasing impact velocity due to progressively higher shock stresses, encounters with multiple-meshes at low velocity (1-2 km/s) already lead to significant disruption of the glass impactors, with the resulting fragments being additionally decelerated and dispersed by subsequent meshes, and, unlike most contiguous single-plate bumpers, leading to respectable performance at low velocity. Total specific bumper mass must be the subject of careful trade-off studies; relatively massive bumpers will generate too much debris being dislodged from the bumper itself, while exceptionally lightweight designs will not cause sufficient comminution, deceleration, or dispersion of the impactor. Separation distance was found to be a crucial design parameter, as it controls the dispersion of the fragment cloud. Substantial mass savings could result if maximum separation distances were employed. The total mass of debris dislodged by multiple-mesh stacks is modestly smaller than that of single, contiguous-membrane shields. The cumulative surface area of all penetration holes in multiple mesh stacks is an order of magnitude smaller than that in analog multiple-foil shields, suggesting good long-term performance of the mesh designs. Due to different experimental conditions, direct and quantitative comparison with other lightweight shields is not possible at present.

Biomechanical comparison of three different plate configurations for comminuted clavicle midshaft fracture fixation.

PubMed

Uzer, Gokcer; Yildiz, Fatih; Batar, Suat; Bozdag, Ergun; Kuduz, Hacer; Bilsel, Kerem

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare the fixation rigidity of anterior, anterosuperior, and superior plates in the treatment of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures. Six-hole titanium alloy plates were produced according to anatomic features of fourth-generation artificial clavicle models for anterior (group I; n = 14), anterosuperior (group II; n = 14), and superior (group III; n = 14) fixation. After plate fixation, 5-mm segments were resected from the middle third of each clavicle to create comminuted fracture models. Half the models from each group were tested under rotational forces; the other half were tested under 3-point bending forces. Failure modes, stiffness values, and failure loads were recorded. All models fractured at the level of the distalmost screw during the failure torque, whereas several failure modes were observed in 3-point bending tests. The mean stiffness values of groups I to III were 636 ± 78, 767 ± 72, and 745 ± 214 N ∙ mm/deg (P = .171), respectively, for the torsional tests and 38 ± 5, 20 ± 3, and 13 ± 2 N/mm, respectively, for the bending tests (P < .001 for group I vs. groups II and III; P = .015 for group II vs. group III). The mean failure torque values of groups I to III were 8248 ± 2325, 12,638 ± 1749, and 10,643 ± 1838 N ∙ mm (P = .02 for group I vs. II), respectively, and the mean failure loads were 409 ± 81, 360 ± 122, and 271 ± 87 N, respectively (P = .108). In the surgical treatment of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures, the fixation strength of anterosuperior plating was greater than that of anterior plating under rotational forces and similar to that of superior plating. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Midterm follow-up results on Asian femoral intramedullary nail for the treatment of segmental and comminuted femoral fractures].

PubMed

Li, Lang; Gao, Feng; Huang, Qi; Li, Qiang; Xie, Lin; Zhang, Bin

2016-06-01

To investigate midterm follow-up results on Asian femoral intramedullary nail in treating segmental and comminuted femoral fractures. Between June 2011 and October 2012,16 patients with segmental and comminuted femoral fractures were treated with minimally invasive reset and Asian femoral intramedullary nail under extension table. Among them, there were 10 males and 6 females aged from 21 to 49 years old with an average of 34.5 years old; the time from injury to operation ranged from 3 to 24 d with an average of 9.1 d. There were 6 cases were type C1,2 cases were type C2 and 8 cases were type C3 according to AO classification. X-ray of femoral segment at 3,6 and 12 months after operation were applied for evaluating fracture healing. Harris score of hip joint and HSS score of knee joint were used to evaluate postoperative function. All patients were followed up from 24 to 36 months with an average of 28.4 months. Operative time was from 88 to 112 min with an average of 90.7 min; blood loss ranged from 150 to 200 ml with an average of 188.75 ml; the time of fracture healing was from 5 to 9 months with an average of 5.4 months. All incision were healed at stage I. No loosening, breakage of internal fixation and displacement of fracture were occurred. There were no significant differences in Harris score of hip joint at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation (F = 0.07, P = 0.893 > 0.05), 10 cases obtained excellent results, 5 good and 1 moderate. There was no obvious meaning in HSS score of knee joint (F = 0.08,P = 0.876 > 0.05), 9 cases obtained excellent results, 6 good and 1 poor. Asian femoral intramedullary nail could treat segmental and comminuted femoral fractures by using variety of less invasive ways,which has advantages of less trauma, quick recovery of function and satisfied midterm following-up results. But long term following-up effects remains to be seen.

Integration of functional myotubes with a Bio-MEMS device for non-invasive interrogation.

PubMed

Wilson, Kerry; Molnar, Peter; Hickman, James

2007-07-01

We have developed a biological micro-electromechanical system (Bio-MEMS) device consisting of surface-modified microfabricated silicon cantilevers and an AFM detection apparatus for the study of cultured myotubes. With this system we are able to selectively stimulate the myotubes as well as report on a variety of physiological properties of the myotubes in real time and in a high-throughput manner. This system will serve as the foundation for future work integrating multiple tissue types for the creation of Bio-MEMS analogues of complex tissues and biological circuits.

Modeling heterogeneous processor scheduling for real time systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leathrum, J. F.; Mielke, R. R.; Stoughton, J. W.

1994-01-01

A new model is presented to describe dataflow algorithms implemented in a multiprocessing system. Called the resource/data flow graph (RDFG), the model explicitly represents cyclo-static processor schedules as circuits of processor arcs which reflect the order that processors execute graph nodes. The model also allows the guarantee of meeting hard real-time deadlines. When unfolded, the model identifies statically the processor schedule. The model therefore is useful for determining the throughput and latency of systems with heterogeneous processors. The applicability of the model is demonstrated using a space surveillance algorithm.

Comminution process to produce engineered wood particles of uniform size and shape with disrupted grain structure from veneer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dooley, James H; Lanning, David N

Comminution process of wood veneer to produce wood particles, by feeding wood veneer in a direction of travel substantially normal to grain through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cutting discs arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of veneer travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (Td), to produce wood particles characterized by a length dimension (L) substantially equal to the Td and aligned substantially parallel to grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) substantially equal to the veneer thickness (Tv) and aligned normal to Wmore » and L, wherein the W.times.H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces with end checking between crosscut fibers.« less

Comparison of fibrinogen- and collagen-based treatments for penetrating wounds with comminuted femur fractures in a Swine model.

PubMed

Rothwell, Stephen W; Sawyer, Evelyn; Lombardini, Eric; Royal, Joseph; Tang, Haiyin; Selwyn, Reed; Bodo, Michael; Settle, Timothy L

2013-01-01

Military servicemembers in combat operations often sustain injuries to the extremities from highspeed projectiles, resulting in bleeding and comminuted open fractures. Severe injury with bone fragmentation can result in limb amputation. Surgical treatment options include materials that promote osteogenesis and bone proliferation, such as growth hormones, stem cells, or mineralized matrix adjuncts. However, none of these are amenable to use by the first responder, nor do they address the question of hemorrhage control, which is a common problem in traumatic injuries. Our hypothesis was that treatment with a fibrinogen-based protein mixture at the time of the bone injury will provide both hemostasis and a supportive environment for preservation of injured bone. A comminuted femur fracture was produced in 28 female Yorkshire swine, and one of four treatments was instilled into the wound immediately after injury. Each animal was evaluated for the following parameters: inflammation, new bone growth, osteoclast proliferation, callus formation, and femur wound cavity fill, using post-mortem computed tomography and analysis of histological sections. Overall, salmon fibrinogen?thrombin and porcine fibrinogen?thrombin showed a trend for improved healing based on bone filling and calcification. However, statistically significant differences could not be established between treatment groups. These findings indicate that a fibrinogen?thrombin matrix may be a useful as an immediate response product to enhance fracture healing. Salmon fibrinogen?thrombin has the advantages of cost and a pathogen profile compared to mammalian fibrinogens. 2013.

Management of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures by distal femoral locking plate: A retrospective study.

PubMed Central

Thukral, Rajiv; Marya, SKS; Singh, Chandeep

2015-01-01

Background: Management of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures is difficult. Osteoporosis, comminution and bone loss, compromise stability with delayed mobility and poor functional outcomes. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with anatomic distal femoral (DF) locking plate permits early mobilization. However, this usually necessitates bone grafting (BG). Biological fixation using minimally invasive techniques minimizes periosteal stripping and morbidity. Materials and Methods: 31 patients with comminuted periprosthetic DF fractures were reviewed retrospectively from October 2006 to September 2012. All patients underwent fixation using a DF locking compression plate (Synthes). 17 patients underwent ORIF with primary BG, whereas 14 were treated by closed reduction (CR) and internal fixation using biological minimally invasive techniques. Clinical and radiological followup were recorded for an average 36 months. Results: Mean time to union for the entire group was 5.6 months (range 3-9 months). Patients of ORIF group took longer (Mean 6.4 months, range 4.5-9 months) than the CR group (mean 4.6 months, range 3-7 months). Three patients of ORIF and one in CR group had poor results. Mean knee society scores were higher for CR group at 6 months, but nearly identical at 12 months, with similar eventual range of motion. Discussion: Locked plating of comminuted periprosthetic DF fractures permits stable rigid fixation and early mobilization. Fixation using minimally invasive biological techniques minimizes morbidity and may obviate the need for primary BG. PMID:26015610

Light-Triggered Ternary Device and Inverter Based on Heterojunction of van der Waals Materials.

PubMed

Shim, Jaewoo; Jo, Seo-Hyeon; Kim, Minwoo; Song, Young Jae; Kim, Jeehwan; Park, Jin-Hong

2017-06-27

Multivalued logic (MVL) devices/circuits have received considerable attention because the binary logic used in current Si complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology cannot handle the predicted information throughputs and energy demands of the future. To realize MVL, the conventional transistor platform needs to be redesigned to have two or more distinctive threshold voltages (V TH s). Here, we report a finding: the photoinduced drain current in graphene/WSe 2 heterojunction transistors unusually decreases with increasing gate voltage under illumination, which we refer to as the light-induced negative differential transconductance (L-NDT) phenomenon. We also prove that such L-NDT phenomenon in specific bias ranges originates from a variable potential barrier at a graphene/WSe 2 junction due to a gate-controllable graphene electrode. This finding allows us to conceive graphene/WSe 2 -based MVL logic circuits by using the I D -V G characteristics with two distinctive V TH s. Based on this finding, we further demonstrate a light-triggered ternary inverter circuit with three stable logical states (ΔV out of each state <0.05 V). Our study offers the pathway to substantialize MVL systems.

Inverter circuits on freestanding flexible substrate using ZnO nanoparticles for cost-efficient electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidor, Fábio F.; Meyers, Thorsten; Müller, Kathrin; Wirth, Gilson I.; Hilleringmann, Ulrich

2017-11-01

Driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), flexible and transparent smart systems have been intensively researched by the scientific community and by several companies. This technology is already available for consumers in a wide range of innovative products, e.g., flexible displays, radio-frequency identification tags and wearable electronic skins which, for instance, collect and analyze data for medical applications. For these systems, thin-film transistors (TFTs) are the key elements responsible for the driving currents. Solution-based materials such as nanoparticle dispersions avail the fabrication on large-area substrates with high throughput processes. In this study, we discuss the integration of ZnO nanoparticle thin-film transistors and inverter circuits on freestanding polymeric substrates enclosing the main issues concerning the transfer of the integration process from a rigid substrate to a flexible one. The TFTs depict VON between -0.2 and 1 V, ION/IOFF > 104 and field-effect mobility >0.5 cm2 V-1 s-1. Additionally, in order to enhance the transistors and inverters performance, an adaptation on the device configuration, from an inverted coplanar to an inverted staggered setup, was conducted and analyzed. By employing the inverted staggered setup a considerable increase in the contact quality between the semiconductor and the drain and source electrodes was observed. As the integrated devices depict electrical characteristics which enable the fabrication of electronic circuits for the low-cost sector, inverters were fabricated and characterized, evaluating the circuit's gain as function of the applied supply voltage and circuit's geometric ratio.

CRISPR-enabled tools for engineering microbial genomes and phenotypes.

PubMed

Tarasava, Katia; Oh, Eun Joong; Eckert, Carrie A; Gill, Ryan T

2018-06-19

In recent years CRISPR-Cas technologies have revolutionized microbial engineering approaches. Genome editing and non-editing applications of various CRISPR-Cas systems have expanded the throughput and scale of engineering efforts, as well as opened up new avenues for manipulating genomes of non-model organisms. As we expand the range of organisms used for biotechnological applications, we need to develop better, more versatile tools for manipulation of these systems. Here we summarize the current advances in microbial gene editing using CRISPR-Cas based tools, and highlight state-of-the-art methods for high-throughput, efficient genome-scale engineering in model organisms Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We also review non-editing CRISPR-Cas applications available for gene expression manipulation, epigenetic remodeling, RNA editing, labeling and synthetic gene circuit design. Finally, we point out the areas of research that need further development in order to expand the range of applications and increase the utility of these new methods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

High-Throughput Printing Process for Flexible Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyun, Woo Jin

Printed electronics is an emerging field for manufacturing electronic devices with low cost and minimal material waste for a variety of applications including displays, distributed sensing, smart packaging, and energy management. Moreover, its compatibility with roll-to-roll production formats and flexible substrates is desirable for continuous, high-throughput production of flexible electronics. Despite the promise, however, the roll-to-roll production of printed electronics is quite challenging due to web movement hindering accurate ink registration and high-fidelity printing. In this talk, I will present a promising strategy for roll-to-roll production using a novel printing process that we term SCALE (Self-aligned Capillarity-Assisted Lithography for Electronics). By utilizing capillarity of liquid inks on nano/micro-structured substrates, the SCALE process facilitates high-resolution and self-aligned patterning of electrically functional inks with greatly improved printing tolerance. I will show the fabrication of key building blocks (e.g. transistor, resistor, capacitor) for electronic circuits using the SCALE process on plastics.

Evaluation of coloring efficacy of lac dye in comminuted meat product.

PubMed

Divya; Singh, R P; Baboo, B; Prasad, K M

2011-06-01

Effect of incorporation of graded levels (4, 6, 8, 10, 25 ppm) of lac dye on coloring efficacy and possible use of this natural color in processed meat products was studied. Inclusion of lac dye at different concentrations did not affect the pH significantly whereas a linear increase in the Lovibond red color unit of chicken nuggets was noted with raising the level of lac dye from 4 to 10 ppm. The sensory rating for color was highest at addition level of 25 ppm of lac dye and it was comparable to color score of the product containing 200 ppm sodium nitrite. Lac dye inclusion in nuggets at all concentrations studied had better antimicrobial properties as compared to 200 ppm sodium nitrite. It was concluded that lac dye from 10 to 25 ppm could be incorporated in comminuted meat products as a natural colorant with antimicrobial action.

Better Axial Stiffness of a Bicortical Screw Construct Compared to a Cable Construct for Comminuted Vancouver B1 Proximal Femoral Fractures.

PubMed

Griffiths, Jamie T; Taheri, Arash; Day, Robert E; Yates, Piers J

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to biomechanically evaluate the Locking attachment plate (LAP) construct in comparison to a Cable plate construct, for the fixation of periprosthetic femoral fractures after cemented total hip arthroplasty. Each construct incorporated a locking compression plate with bi-cortical locking screws for distal fixation. In the Cable construct, 2 cables and 2 uni-cortical locking screws were used for proximal fixation. In the LAP construct, the cables were replaced by a LAP with 4 bi-cortical locking screws. The LAP construct was significantly stiffer than the cable construct under axial load with a bone gap (P=0.01). The LAP construct offers better axial stiffness compared to the cable construct in the fixation of comminuted Vancouver B1 proximal femoral fractures. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Autopsy Features of Fatal Donkey Attack.

PubMed

Fogel, Lajos; Varga, Gyula; Hubay, Marta; Felszeghy, Endre; Varga, Peter; Byard, Roger W

2018-05-02

Lethal donkey attacks have very rarely been described. The case of a 65-year-old man who was found deceased on a country road with 2 domestic donkeys nearby is, therefore, reported. Examination of the body revealed contusions and lacerations of the face and scalp, a comminuted fracture of the left maxilla, comminuted fracturing of the right radius and ulna and of the left anterior superior iliac spine, a flail chest, and pulmonary contusions. In addition, there were bite marks on the left thigh, right buttock, right axilla/upper arm, and left cheek which corresponded to the dental arcades of the donkeys. Death had resulted from blunt chest trauma due to an attack by 1 or 2 donkeys. Deaths and serious injuries are much more commonly caused by horses; however, this case shows that even domesticated donkeys may also rarely be capable of inflicting significant trauma and so should be approached with circumspection.

Combinatorial Reactive Sputtering of In2S3 as an Alternative Contact Layer for Thin Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

Siol, Sebastian; Dhakal, Tara P; Gudavalli, Ganesh S; Rajbhandari, Pravakar P; DeHart, Clay; Baranowski, Lauryn L; Zakutayev, Andriy

2016-06-08

High-throughput computational and experimental techniques have been used in the past to accelerate the discovery of new promising solar cell materials. An important part of the development of novel thin film solar cell technologies, that is still considered a bottleneck for both theory and experiment, is the search for alternative interfacial contact (buffer) layers. The research and development of contact materials is difficult due to the inherent complexity that arises from its interactions at the interface with the absorber. A promising alternative to the commonly used CdS buffer layer in thin film solar cells that contain absorbers with lower electron affinity can be found in β-In2S3. However, the synthesis conditions for the sputter deposition of this material are not well-established. Here, In2S3 is investigated as a solar cell contact material utilizing a high-throughput combinatorial screening of the temperature-flux parameter space, followed by a number of spatially resolved characterization techniques. It is demonstrated that, by tuning the sulfur partial pressure, phase pure β-In2S3 could be deposited using a broad range of substrate temperatures between 500 °C and ambient temperature. Combinatorial photovoltaic device libraries with Al/ZnO/In2S3/Cu2ZnSnS4/Mo/SiO2 structure were built at optimal processing conditions to investigate the feasibility of the sputtered In2S3 buffer layers and of an accelerated optimization of the device structure. The performance of the resulting In2S3/Cu2ZnSnS4 photovoltaic devices is on par with CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 reference solar cells with similar values for short circuit currents and open circuit voltages, despite the overall quite low efficiency of the devices (∼2%). Overall, these results demonstrate how a high-throughput experimental approach can be used to accelerate the development of contact materials and facilitate the optimization of thin film solar cell devices.

Significance of a Pronator Quadratus–Sparing Approach for Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Comminuted Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Radius

PubMed Central

Itoh, Soichiro; Yumoto, Myu; Kanai, Misa; Yoshida, Wataru; Yoshioka, Taro

2016-01-01

Background: The preservation of the integrity of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle is expected to have many benefits, particularly in cases of highly comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Therefore, we examined the significance of a PQ muscle–sparing approach for volar locking plate (VLP) fixation of these types of fractures. Methods: Sixty-five patients who sustained AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type C2 and C3 distal radius fractures were treated with VLP fixation using either a PQ muscle release and repair (PQ-releasing group, n = 30) or a PQ muscle–sparing approach (PQ-sparing group, n = 35). Radiographic parameters, active range of motion (ROM), percentage of the grip power of the injured hand compared with that of the opposite hand, wrist pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score (disability/symptom) were evaluated monthly up to 12 months after surgery. Results: The mean VAS score was significantly lower in the PQ-sparing group at 2, 3, and 4 months postoperatively than in the PQ-releasing group. Furthermore, the mean Quick DASH score in the PQ-sparing group was significantly lower than that in the PQ-releasing group at 1 and 2 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences, however, in the other functional parameters in the groups through the observation period. Conclusions: The PQ muscle–sparing approach appears to achieve satisfactory results in patients undergoing VLP fixation of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. PMID:27418895

Capitellar Erosion after Radial Head Arthroplasty: A Comparative Biomechanical Study of Operated Radial Head Fractures on Cadaveric Specimens.

PubMed

Chytas, I D; Antonopoulos, C; Cheva, A; Givissis, P

2018-03-23

We asked whether either open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA), common techniques used for the confrontation of displaced or comminuted radial head fractures, are correlated with cartilage wear of the capitulum. We hypothesized that neither ORIF nor RHA are correlated with capitellar cartilage wear. On 5 cadaveric elbow specimens, osteotomies were employed to simulate radial head comminuted fractures followed with ORIF by Herbert screws. Radial heads were also excised from other 5 cadaveric elbow specimens and were replaced by metallic monopolar implants. Finally 2 elbows were not operated and used as a control group. Custom-made rotary machines, working unstoppably, generated 700.000 pronation and supination forearm movements at an 110° arc of motion. The elbow joints were examined with pre- and postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and the articular surfaces of the capitula were resected and sent for histopathology study. In the 2 cadaveric elbows of the control group and the 4 elbows treated with ORIF no cartilage damage was found. The fifth one displayed cartilage fissures which were classified according to International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system as grade I cartilage damage. On the contrary, all 5 elbows treated with RHA sustained complete cartilage loss, exposure of the subchondral bone and were classified as ICRS grade IV cartilage damage. Our study suggests that metallic monopolar RHA after a displaced or comminuted radial head fracture carries a high risk of rapidly evolving cartilage loss of the capitulum. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Internal Fixation of Transverse Patella Fractures Using Cannulated Cancellous Screws with Anterior Tension Band Wiring.

PubMed

Khan, I; Dar, M Y; Rashid, S; Butt, M F

2016-07-01

Aims : To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of anterior tension band wiring technique using two cannulated cancellous screws in patients with transverse (AO34-C1) or transverse with mildly comminuted (AO34-C2) patellar fractures. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 25 patients with transverse fracture or transverse fracture with mildly comminuted patella fractures. All the patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using two parallel cannulated screws and 18G stainless steel wire as per the tension band principle. Results : There were eighteen males (72%) and seven females (28%). The age group ranged from 24 to 58 years, with mean age of 38 years. The most common mode of injury was fall (72%) followed by road traffic accident (20%) and violent quadriceps contraction (8%). Transverse fracture was present in 60% and transverse fracture with mild comminution in 40% of patients. Mean time to achieve union was 10.7 weeks (range 8-12 weeks). Mean ROM at three months was 113.8 degree (90-130) and at final follow up this improved to 125.4 degrees (range 100-140). There was one case of knee stiffness and no case of implant failure was observed. Patients were evaluated using Bostman scoring, the mean score at three months being 26.04 which improved to 27.36 at the end of final follow up at one year. Conclusion : Cannulated cancellous screws with anterior tension band wiring is a safe, reliable and reproducible method in management of transverse patellar fractures, with less chances of implant failure and soft tissue irritation.

Early results of a simple distraction dynamic external fixator in management of comminuted intra-articular fractures of base of middle phalanx.

PubMed

Mansha, Muhammad; Miranda, Sanjay

2013-12-01

Treatment for comminuted fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint (pilon injuries) remains a challenge. We present our short term results of twelve pilon fracture dislocations treated by closed reduction and application of a distraction dynamic external fixator. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcomes and compare them to the original description by Hynes and Giddins. A cohort of 12 consecutive patients with pilon fracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint (comminuted fracture of the base of middle phalanx, longitudinally unstable with joint subluxation), were treated with this method over the study period. Data was collected by an independent observer at last follow-up appointment in the clinic. The outcome measures recorded were; level of residual pain, arc of motion, X-ray appearance, return to work and satisfaction with the procedure. The study group comprises of 7 male and 5 female patients at a mean age of 38.1 years (range 21-70 years). The average range of movement achieved was 13-87° at a mean follow-up of 16.4 weeks (Range 12-42 weeks). Early return to work, good pain relief and high level of patient satisfaction were achieved. No serious complication was noted during this period. We used the construct with slight modification of the original description and we feel this modification may help to reduce the pin site infection. We found the results reproducible and based on our experience we recommend this technique to treat these complex intra-articular fractures of base of middle phalanx.

Prognostic value of computed tomography classification systems for intra-articular calcaneus fractures.

PubMed

Swords, Michael P; Alton, Timothy B; Holt, Sarah; Sangeorzan, Bruce J; Shank, John R; Benirschke, Stephen K

2014-10-01

There are several published computed tomography (CT) classification systems for calcaneus fractures, each validated by a different standard. The goal of this study was to measure which system would best predict clinical outcomes as measured by a widely used and validated musculoskeletal health status questionnaire. Forty-nine patients with isolated intra-articular joint depression calcaneus fractures more than 2 years after treatment were identified. All had preoperative CT studies and were treated with open reduction and plate fixation using a lateral extensile approach. Four different blinded reviewers classified injuries according to the CT classification systems of Crosby and Fitzgibbons, Eastwood, and Sanders. Functional outcomes evaluated with a Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (MFA). The mean follow-up was 4.3 years. The mean MFA score was 15.7 (SD = 11.6), which is not significantly different from published values for midfoot injuries, hindfoot injuries, or both, 1 year after injury (mean = 22.1, SD = 18.4). The classification systems of Crosby and Fitzgibbons, Eastwood, and Sanders, the number of fragments of the posterior facet, and payer status were not significantly associated with outcome as determined by the MFA. The Sanders classification trended toward significance. Anterior process comminution and surgeon's overall impression of severity were significantly associated with functional outcome. The amount of anterior process comminution was an important determinant of functional outcome with increasing anterior process comminution significantly associated with worsened functional outcome (P = .04). In addition, the surgeon's overall impression of severity of injury was predictive of functional outcome (P = .02), as determined by MFA. Level III, comparative series. © The Author(s) 2014.

Diffusion tensor imaging using multiple coils for mouse brain connectomics.

PubMed

Nouls, John C; Badea, Alexandra; Anderson, Robert B J; Cofer, Gary P; Allan Johnson, G

2018-06-01

The correlation between brain connectivity and psychiatric or neurological diseases has intensified efforts to develop brain connectivity mapping techniques on mouse models of human disease. The neural architecture of mouse brain specimens can be shown non-destructively and three-dimensionally by diffusion tensor imaging, which enables tractography, the establishment of a connectivity matrix and connectomics. However, experiments on cohorts of animals can be prohibitively long. To improve throughput in a 7-T preclinical scanner, we present a novel two-coil system in which each coil is shielded, placed off-isocenter along the axis of the magnet and connected to a receiver circuit of the scanner. Preservation of the quality factor of each coil is essential to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance and throughput, because mouse brain specimen imaging at 7 T takes place in the coil-dominated noise regime. In that regime, we show a shielding configuration causing no SNR degradation in the two-coil system. To acquire data from several coils simultaneously, the coils are placed in the magnet bore, around the isocenter, in which gradient field distortions can bias diffusion tensor imaging metrics, affect tractography and contaminate measurements of the connectivity matrix. We quantified the experimental alterations in fractional anisotropy and eigenvector direction occurring in each coil. We showed that, when the coils were placed 12 mm away from the isocenter, measurements of the brain connectivity matrix appeared to be minimally altered by gradient field distortions. Simultaneous measurements on two mouse brain specimens demonstrated a full doubling of the diffusion tensor imaging throughput in practice. Each coil produced images devoid of shading or artifact. To further improve the throughput of mouse brain connectomics, we suggested a future expansion of the system to four coils. To better understand acceptable trade-offs between imaging throughput and connectivity matrix integrity, studies may seek to clarify how measurement variability, post-processing techniques and biological variability impact mouse brain connectomics. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comminuted olecranon fracture fixation with pre-contoured plate: Comparison of composite and cadaver bones

PubMed Central

Hamilton Jr, David A; Reilly, Danielle; Wipf, Felix; Kamineni, Srinath

2015-01-01

AIM: To determine whether use of a precontoured olecranon plate provides adequate fixation to withstand supraphysiologic force in a comminuted olecranon fracture model. METHODS: Five samples of fourth generation composite bones and five samples of fresh frozen human cadaveric left ulnae were utilized for this study. The cadaveric specimens underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning to quantify the bone quality. The composite and cadaveric bones were prepared by creating a comminuted olecranon fracture and fixed with a pre-contoured olecranon plate with locking screws. Construct stiffness and failure load were measured by subjecting specimens to cantilever bending moments until failure. Fracture site motion was measured with differential variable resistance transducer spanning the fracture. Statistical analysis was performed with two-tailed Mann-Whitney-U test with Monte Carlo Exact test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in fixation stiffness and strength between the composite bones and human cadaver bones. Failure modes differed in cadaveric and composite specimens. The load to failure for the composite bones (n = 5) and human cadaver bones (n = 5) specimens were 10.67 nm (range 9.40-11.91 nm) and 13.05 nm (range 12.59-15.38 nm) respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P ˂ 0.007, 97% power). Median stiffness for composite bones and human cadaver bones specimens were 5.69 nm/mm (range 4.69-6.80 nm/mm) and 7.55 nm/mm (range 6.31-7.72 nm/mm). There was a significant difference for stiffness (P ˂ 0.033, 79% power) between composite bones and cadaveric bones. No correlation was found between the DEXA results and stiffness. All cadaveric specimens withstood the physiologic load anticipated postoperatively. Catastrophic failure occurred in all composite specimens. All failures resulted from composite bone failure at the distal screw site and not hardware failure. There were no catastrophic fracture failures in the cadaveric specimens. Failure of 4/5 cadaveric specimens was defined when a fracture gap of 2 mm was observed, but 1/5 cadaveric specimens failed due to a failure of the triceps mechanism. All failures occurred at forces greater than that expected in postoperative period prior to healing. CONCLUSION: The pre-contoured olecranon plate provides adequate fixation to withstand physiologic force in a composite bone and cadaveric comminuted olecranon fracture model. PMID:26495247

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitra, Kalyan Yoti, E-mail: kalyan-yoti.mitra@mb.tu-chemnitz.de, E-mail: enrico.sowade@mb.tu-chemnitz.de; Sowade, Enrico, E-mail: kalyan-yoti.mitra@mb.tu-chemnitz.de, E-mail: enrico.sowade@mb.tu-chemnitz.de; Martínez-Domingo, Carme

Inkjet Technology is often mis-believed to be a deposition/patterning technology which is not meant for high fabrication throughput in the field of printed and flexible electronics. In this work, we report on the 1) printing, 2) fabrication yield and 3) characterization of exemplary simple devices e.g. capacitors, organic transistors etc. which are the basic building blocks for logical circuits. For this purpose, printing is performed first with a Proof of concept Inkjet printing system Dimatix Material Printer 2831 (DMP 2831) using 10 pL small print-heads and then with Dimatix Material Printer 3000 (DMP 3000) using 35 pL industrial print-heads (frommore » Fujifilm Dimatix). Printing at DMP 3000 using industrial print-heads (in Sheet-to-sheet) paves the path towards industrialization which can be defined by printing in Roll-to-Roll format using industrial print-heads. This pavement can be termed as 'Bridging Platform'. This transfer to 'Bridging Platform' from 10 pL small print-heads to 35 pL industrial print-heads help the inkjet-printed devices to evolve on the basis of functionality and also in form of up-scaled quantities. The high printed quantities and yield of inkjet-printed devices justify the deposition reliability and potential to print circuits. This reliability is very much desired when it comes to printing of circuits e.g. inverters, ring oscillator and any other planned complex logical circuits which require devices e.g. organic transistors which needs to get connected in different staged levels. Also, the up-scaled inkjet-printed devices are characterized and they reflect a domain under which they can work to their optimal status. This status is much wanted for predicting the real device functionality and integration of them into a planned circuit.« less

A microprocessor based high speed packet switch for satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arozullah, M.; Crist, S. C.

1980-01-01

The architectures of a single processor, a three processor, and a multiple processor system are described. The hardware circuits, and software routines required for implementing the three and multiple processor designs are presented. A bit-slice microprocessor was designed and microprogrammed. Maximum throughput was calculated for all three designs. Queue theoretic models for these three designs were developed and utilized to obtain analytical expressions for the average waiting times, overall average response times and average queue sizes. From these expressions, graphs were obtained showing the effect on the system performance of a number of design parameters.

Implementation of a system to provide mobile satellite services in North America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johanson, Gary A.; Davies, N. George; Tisdale, William R. H.

1993-01-01

This paper describes the implementation of the ground network to support Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). The system is designed to take advantage of a powerful new satellite series and provides significant improvements in capacity and throughput over systems in service today. The system is described in terms of the services provided and the system architecture being implemented to deliver those services. The system operation is described including examples of a circuit switched and packet switched call placement. The physical architecture is presented showing the major hardware components and software functionality placement within the hardware.

High throughput reconfigurable data analysis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bearman, Greg (Inventor); Pelletier, Michael J. (Inventor); Seshadri, Suresh (Inventor); Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor)

2008-01-01

The present invention relates to a system and method for performing rapid and programmable analysis of data. The present invention relates to a reconfigurable detector comprising at least one array of a plurality of pixels, where each of the plurality of pixels can be selected to receive and read-out an input. The pixel array is divided into at least one pixel group for conducting a common predefined analysis. Each of the pixels has a programmable circuitry programmed with a dynamically configurable user-defined function to modify the input. The present detector also comprises a summing circuit designed to sum the modified input.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, T.; Hu, M.; Guo, Q.

Here we report a study of printing of electronics using an office use laser printer. The proposed method eliminates those critical disadvantages of solvent-based printing techniques by taking the advantages of electroless deposition and laser printing. The synthesized toner acts as a catalyst for the electroless copper deposition as well as an adhesion-promoting buffer layer between the substrate and deposited copper. The easy metallization of printed patterns and strong metal-substrate adhesion make it an especially effective method for massive production of flexible printed circuits. The proposed process is a high throughput, low cost, efficient, and environmentally benign method for flexiblemore » electronics manufacturing.« less

Recovery of metals from waste printed circuit boards by a mechanical method using a water medium.

PubMed

Duan, Chenlong; Wen, Xuefeng; Shi, Changsheng; Zhao, Yuemin; Wen, Baofeng; He, Yaqun

2009-07-15

Research on the recycling of waste printed circuit boards (PCB) is at the forefront of environmental pollution prevention and resource recycling. To effectively crush waste PCB and to solve the problem of secondary pollution from fugitive odors and dust created during the crushing process, a wet impacting crusher was employed to achieve comminution liberation of the PCB in a water medium. The function of water in the crushing process was analyzed. When using slippery hammerheads, a rotation speed of 1470 rpm, a water flow of 6m(3)/h and a sieve plate aperture of 2.2mm, 95.87% of the crushed product was sized less than 1mm. 94.30% of the metal was in this grade of product. Using smashed material graded -1mm for further research, a Falcon concentrator was used to recover the metal from the waste PCB. Engineering considerations were the liberation degree, the distribution ratio of the metal and a way to simplify the technology. The separation mechanism for fine particles of different densities in a Falcon concentrator was analyzed in detail and the separation process in the segregation and separation zones was deduced. Also, the magnitude of centrifugal acceleration, the back flow water pressure and the feed slurry concentration, any of which might affect separation results, were studied. A recovery model was established using Design-Expert software. Separating waste PCB, crushed to -1mm, with the Falcon separator gave a concentrated product graded 92.36% metal with a recovery of 97.05%. To do this the reverse water pressure was 0.05 MPa, the speed transducer frequency was set at 30 Hz and the feed density was 20 g/l. A flow diagram illustrating the new technique of wet impact crushing followed by separation with a Falcon concentrator is provided. The technique will prevent environmental pollution from waste PCB and allow the effective recovery of resources. Water was used as the medium throughout the whole process.

Behaviour of one-step spray-coated carbon nanotube supercapacitor in ambient light harvester circuit with printed organic solar cell and electrochromic display

PubMed Central

Tuukkanen, Sampo; Välimäki, Marja; Lehtimäki, Suvi; Vuorinen, Tiina; Lupo, Donald

2016-01-01

A printed energy harvesting and storage circuit powered by ambient office lighting and its use to power a printed display is reported. The autonomous device is composed of three printed electronic components: an organic photovoltaic module, a carbon-nanotubes-only supercapacitor and an electrochromic display element. Components are fabricated from safe and environmentally friendly materials, and have been fabricated using solution processing methods, which translate into low-cost and high-throughput manufacturing. A supercapacitor made of spray-coated carbon nanotube based ink and aqueous NaCl electrolyte was charged using a printed organic photovoltaic module exposed to office lighting conditions. The supercapacitor charging rate, self-discharge rate and display operation were studied in detail. The supercapacitor self-discharge rate was found to depend on the charging rate. The fully charged supercapacitor was used as a power source to run the electrochromic display over 50 times. PMID:26957019

Reducing DNA context dependence in bacterial promoters

PubMed Central

Carr, Swati B.; Densmore, Douglas M.

2017-01-01

Variation in the DNA sequence upstream of bacterial promoters is known to affect the expression levels of the products they regulate, sometimes dramatically. While neutral synthetic insulator sequences have been found to buffer promoters from upstream DNA context, there are no established methods for designing effective insulator sequences with predictable effects on expression levels. We address this problem with Degenerate Insulation Screening (DIS), a novel method based on a randomized 36-nucleotide insulator library and a simple, high-throughput, flow-cytometry-based screen that randomly samples from a library of 436 potential insulated promoters. The results of this screen can then be compared against a reference uninsulated device to select a set of insulated promoters providing a precise level of expression. We verify this method by insulating the constitutive, inducible, and repressible promotors of a four transcriptional-unit inverter (NOT-gate) circuit, finding both that order dependence is largely eliminated by insulation and that circuit performance is also significantly improved, with a 5.8-fold mean improvement in on/off ratio. PMID:28422998

REBL: design progress toward 16 nm half-pitch maskless projection electron beam lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCord, Mark A.; Petric, Paul; Ummethala, Upendra; Carroll, Allen; Kojima, Shinichi; Grella, Luca; Shriyan, Sameet; Rettner, Charles T.; Bevis, Chris F.

2012-03-01

REBL (Reflective Electron Beam Lithography) is a novel concept for high speed maskless projection electron beam lithography. Originally targeting 45 nm HP (half pitch) under a DARPA funded contract, we are now working on optimizing the optics and architecture for the commercial silicon integrated circuit fabrication market at the equivalent of 16 nm HP. The shift to smaller features requires innovation in most major subsystems of the tool, including optics, stage, and metrology. We also require better simulation and understanding of the exposure process. In order to meet blur requirements for 16 nm lithography, we are both shrinking the pixel size and reducing the beam current. Throughput will be maintained by increasing the number of columns as well as other design optimizations. In consequence, the maximum stage speed required to meet wafer throughput targets at 16 nm will be much less than originally planned for at 45 nm. As a result, we are changing the stage architecture from a rotary design to a linear design that can still meet the throughput requirements but with more conventional technology that entails less technical risk. The linear concept also allows for simplifications in the datapath, primarily from being able to reuse pattern data across dies and columns. Finally, we are now able to demonstrate working dynamic pattern generator (DPG) chips, CMOS chips with microfabricated lenslets on top to prevent crosstalk between pixels.

Internal nitrogen removal from sediments by the hybrid system of microbial fuel cells and submerged aquatic plants

PubMed Central

Xu, Peng; Xiao, En-Rong; Xu, Dan; Zhou, Yin; He, Feng; Liu, Bi-Yun; Zeng, Lei; Wu, Zhen-Bin

2017-01-01

Sediment internal nitrogen release is a significant pollution source in the overlying water of aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to remove internal nitrogen in sediment-water microcosms by coupling sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) with submerged aquatic plants. Twelve tanks including four treatments in triplicates were designed: open-circuit (SMFC-o), closed-circuit (SMFC-c), aquatic plants with open-circuit (P-SMFC-o) and aquatic plants with closed-circuit (P-SMFC-c). The changes in the bio-electrochemical characteristics of the nitrogen levels in overlying water, pore water, sediments, and aquatic plants were documented to explain the migration and transformation pathways of internal nitrogen. The results showed that both electrogenesis and aquatic plants could facilitate the mineralization of organic nitrogen in sediments. In SMFC, electrogenesis promoted the release of ammonium from the pore water, followed by the accumulation of ammonium and nitrate in the overlying water. The increased redox potential of sediments due to electrogenesis also contributed to higher levels of nitrate in overlying water when nitrification in pore water was facilitated and denitrification at the sediment-water interface was inhibited. When the aquatic plants were introduced into the closed-circuit SMFC, the internal ammonium assimilation by aquatic plants was advanced by electrogenesis; nitrification in pore water and denitrification in sediments were also promoted. These processes might result in the maximum decrease of internal nitrogen with low nitrogen levels in the overlying water despite the lower power production. The P-SMFC-c reduced 8.1%, 16.2%, 24.7%, and 25.3% of internal total nitrogen compared to SMFC-o on the 55th, 82th, 136th, and 190th days, respectively. The smaller number of Nitrospira and the larger number of Bacillus and Pseudomonas on the anodes via high throughput sequencing may account for strong mineralization and denitrification in the sediments under closed-circuit. The coupled P-SMFC system has shown good potential for the efficient removal of internal nitrogen. PMID:28241072

Internal nitrogen removal from sediments by the hybrid system of microbial fuel cells and submerged aquatic plants.

PubMed

Xu, Peng; Xiao, En-Rong; Xu, Dan; Zhou, Yin; He, Feng; Liu, Bi-Yun; Zeng, Lei; Wu, Zhen-Bin

2017-01-01

Sediment internal nitrogen release is a significant pollution source in the overlying water of aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to remove internal nitrogen in sediment-water microcosms by coupling sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) with submerged aquatic plants. Twelve tanks including four treatments in triplicates were designed: open-circuit (SMFC-o), closed-circuit (SMFC-c), aquatic plants with open-circuit (P-SMFC-o) and aquatic plants with closed-circuit (P-SMFC-c). The changes in the bio-electrochemical characteristics of the nitrogen levels in overlying water, pore water, sediments, and aquatic plants were documented to explain the migration and transformation pathways of internal nitrogen. The results showed that both electrogenesis and aquatic plants could facilitate the mineralization of organic nitrogen in sediments. In SMFC, electrogenesis promoted the release of ammonium from the pore water, followed by the accumulation of ammonium and nitrate in the overlying water. The increased redox potential of sediments due to electrogenesis also contributed to higher levels of nitrate in overlying water when nitrification in pore water was facilitated and denitrification at the sediment-water interface was inhibited. When the aquatic plants were introduced into the closed-circuit SMFC, the internal ammonium assimilation by aquatic plants was advanced by electrogenesis; nitrification in pore water and denitrification in sediments were also promoted. These processes might result in the maximum decrease of internal nitrogen with low nitrogen levels in the overlying water despite the lower power production. The P-SMFC-c reduced 8.1%, 16.2%, 24.7%, and 25.3% of internal total nitrogen compared to SMFC-o on the 55th, 82th, 136th, and 190th days, respectively. The smaller number of Nitrospira and the larger number of Bacillus and Pseudomonas on the anodes via high throughput sequencing may account for strong mineralization and denitrification in the sediments under closed-circuit. The coupled P-SMFC system has shown good potential for the efficient removal of internal nitrogen.

Design and development of cell queuing, processing, and scheduling modules for the iPOINT input-buffered ATM testbed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Haoran

1997-12-01

This dissertation presents the concepts, principles, performance, and implementation of input queuing and cell-scheduling modules for the Illinois Pulsar-based Optical INTerconnect (iPOINT) input-buffered Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) testbed. Input queuing (IQ) ATM switches are well suited to meet the requirements of current and future ultra-broadband ATM networks. The IQ structure imposes minimum memory bandwidth requirements for cell buffering, tolerates bursty traffic, and utilizes memory efficiently for multicast traffic. The lack of efficient cell queuing and scheduling solutions has been a major barrier to build high-performance, scalable IQ-based ATM switches. This dissertation proposes a new Three-Dimensional Queue (3DQ) and a novel Matrix Unit Cell Scheduler (MUCS) to remove this barrier. 3DQ uses a linked-list architecture based on Synchronous Random Access Memory (SRAM) to combine the individual advantages of per-virtual-circuit (per-VC) queuing, priority queuing, and N-destination queuing. It avoids Head of Line (HOL) blocking and provides per-VC Quality of Service (QoS) enforcement mechanisms. Computer simulation results verify the QoS capabilities of 3DQ. For multicast traffic, 3DQ provides efficient usage of cell buffering memory by storing multicast cells only once. Further, the multicast mechanism of 3DQ prevents a congested destination port from blocking other less- loaded ports. The 3DQ principle has been prototyped in the Illinois Input Queue (iiQueue) module. Using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices, SRAM modules, and integrated on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), iiQueue can process incoming traffic at 800 Mb/s. Using faster circuit technology, the same design is expected to operate at the OC-48 rate (2.5 Gb/s). MUCS resolves the output contention by evaluating the weight index of each candidate and selecting the heaviest. It achieves near-optimal scheduling and has a very short response time. The algorithm originates from a heuristic strategy that leads to 'socially optimal' solutions, yielding a maximum number of contention-free cells being scheduled. A novel mixed digital-analog circuit has been designed to implement the MUCS core functionality. The MUCS circuit maps the cell scheduling computation to the capacitor charging and discharging procedures that are conducted fully in parallel. The design has a uniform circuit structure, low interconnect counts, and low chip I/O counts. Using 2 μm CMOS technology, the design operates on a 100 MHz clock and finds a near-optimal solution within a linear processing time. The circuit has been verified at the transistor level by HSPICE simulation. During this research, a five-port IQ-based optoelectronic iPOINT ATM switch has been developed and demonstrated. It has been fully functional with an aggregate throughput of 800 Mb/s. The second-generation IQ-based switch is currently under development. Equipped with iiQueue modules and MUCS module, the new switch system will deliver a multi-gigabit aggregate throughput, eliminate HOL blocking, provide per-VC QoS, and achieve near-100% link bandwidth utilization. Complete documentation of input modules and trunk module for the existing testbed, and complete documentation of 3DQ, iiQueue, and MUCS for the second-generation testbed are given in this dissertation.

Fabrication of a customized bone scaffold using a homemade medical 3D printer for comminuted fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Do-Kun; Jung, Joo-Young; Shin, Han-Back; Kim, Moo-Sub; Choe, Bo-Young; Kim, Sunmi; Suh, Tae Suk; Lee, Keum Sil; Xing, Lei

2016-09-01

The purpose of this study was to show a 3D printed reconstruction model of a bone destroyed by a comminuted fracture. After a thoracic limb of a cow with a comminuted fracture was scanned by using computed tomography, a scaffold was designed by using a 3D modeling tool for its reconstruction and fabricated by using a homemade medical 3D printer. The homemade medical 3D printer was designed for medical use. In order to reconstruct the geometry of the destroyed bone, we use the geometry of a similar section (reference geometry) of normal bone in the 3D modeling process. The missing part between the destroyed ridge and the reference geometry was filled with an effective space by using a manual interpolation. Inexpensive materials and free software were used to construct the medical 3D printer system. The fabrication of the scaffold progressed according to the design of reconstructed bone by using this medical 3D printer. The material of the scaffold was biodegradable material, and could be transplanted into the human body. The fabricated scaffold was correctly inserted into the fractured bone in place of the destroyed portion, with good agreement. According to physical stress test results, the performance of printing resolution was 0.1 mm. The average geometrical error of the scaffold was below 0.3 mm. The reconstructed bone by using the fabricated scaffold was able to support the weight of the human body. No process used to obtain the result was complex or required many resources. The methods and results in this study show several possible clinical applications in fields such as orthopedics or oncology without a need to purchase high-price instruments for 3D printing.

Innovations in shock wave lithotripsy technology: updates in experimental studies.

PubMed

Zhou, Yufeng; Cocks, Franklin H; Preminger, Glenn M; Zhong, Pei

2004-11-01

We developed innovations in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) technology. Two technical upgrades were implemented in an original unmodified HM-3 lithotriptor (Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Kennesaw, Georgia). First, a single unit ellipsoidal reflector insert was used to modify the profile of lithotriptor shock wave (LSW) to decrease the propensity of tissue injury in SWL. Second, a piezoelectric annular array (PEAA) generator (f = 230 kHz and F = 150 mm) was used to produce an auxiliary shock wave of approximately 13 MPa in peak pressure (at 4 kV output voltage) to intensify the collapse of LSW induced bubbles near the target stone for improved comminution efficiency. Consistent rupture of a vessel phantom made of single cellulose hollow fiber (i.d. = 0.2 mm) was produced after 30 shocks by the original HM-3 reflector at 20 kV. In comparison no vessel rupture could be produced after 200 shocks using the upgraded reflector at 22 kV or the PEAA generator at 4 kV. Using cylindrical BegoStone phantoms (Bego USA, Smithfield, Rhode Island) stone comminution efficiencies (mean +/- sd) after 1,500 shocks produced by the original and upgraded HM-3 reflectors, and the combined PEAA/upgraded HM-3 system, were 81.3% +/- 3.5%, 90.1% +/- 4.3% and 95.2% +/- 3.3%, respectively (p<0.05). Optimization of the pulse profile and sequence of LSW can significantly improve stone comminution while simultaneously decreasing the propensity of tissue injury during in vitro SWL. This novel concept and associated technologies may be used to upgrade other existing lithotriptors and to design new shock wave lithotriptors for improved performance and safety.

Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for nonunion after nonoperative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.

PubMed

Liu, W; Xiao, J; Ji, F; Xie, Y; Hao, Y

2015-04-01

The optimal treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures remains controversial. Nonunion is usually considered to be an uncommon complication following a nonoperatively treated clavicle fracture. Not every midshaft clavicular fractures shares the same risk of developing nonunion after nonoperative treatment. The present study was performed to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic independent factors that are independently predictive of nonunion in patients with midshaft clavicular fractures after nonoperative treatment. We performed a retrospective study of a series of 804 patients (391 men and 413 women with a median age of 51.3 years) with a radiographically confirmed midshaft clavicle fracture, which was treated nonoperatively. There were 96 patients who underwent nonunion. Putative intrinsic (patient-related) and extrinsic (injured-related) risk factors associated with nonunion were determined with the use of bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses. By bivariate analysis, the risk of nonunion was significantly increased by several intrinsic risk factors including age, sex, and smoking and extrinsic risk factors including displacement of the fracture and the presence of comminution (P<0.05 for all). On multivariate analysis, smoking (OR=4.16, 95% CI: 1.01-14.16), fracture displacement (OR=7.81, 95% CI: 2.27-25.38) and comminution of fracture (OR=3.86, 95% CI: 1.16-13.46) were identified as independent predictive factors. The risk factors for nonunion after nonoperative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures are multifactorial. Smoking, fracture displacement and comminution of fracture are independent predictors for an individual likelihood of nonunion. Further studies are still required to evaluate these factors in the future. Level III, case-control study. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A comparison of the open reduction-internal fixation and resection arthroplasty techniques in treatment of Mason Type 3 radial head fractures.

PubMed

Akman, Yunus Emre; Sukur, Erhan; Circi, Esra; Ozyalvac, Osman Nuri; Ozyer, Fatih; Ozturkmen, Yusuf

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare a series of patients surgically treated with ORIF or early resection arthroplasty due to isolated comminuted radial head fractures. Between the years 2009 and 2013, 34 patients with isolated comminuted fractures of the radial head (Mason Type 3) had been operated (ORIF in 19 patients, resection arthroplasty in 15 patients). The mean age of the patients in the ORIF group was 38.5 years and 54 years in the resection group. The carrying angle (CA) and ulnar variance were measured bilaterally, and radiographs were reviewed for degenerative elbow arthritis. The Mayo elbow performance score, Turkish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH-T) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical results. The mean follow-up period in the ORIF group was 40.2 months and 44.4 months in the resection group. In the ORIF group, 11 patients were clinically rated excellent, six good, and two fair. In the resection group, seven patients had excellent, five had good, and two had fair scores. We did not find a statistically significant difference between the ORIF and resection groups regarding the clinical and radiological outcomes. With these short-term results, resection arthroplasty may be considered an effective method in the treatment of isolated comminuted radial head fractures, as it is less technically demanding and it also allows for early postoperative motion. However, the patients should be evaluated in detail, regarding ligamentous injuries prior to resection arthroplasty. Level III, Therapeutic study. Copyright © 2016 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study on Sumbawa gold ore liberation using rod mill: effect of rod-number and rotational speed on particle size distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasetya, A.; Mawadati, A.; Putri, A. M. R.; Petrus, H. T. B. M.

2018-01-01

Comminution is one of crucial steps in gold ore processing used to liberate the valuable minerals from gaunge mineral. This research is done to find the particle size distribution of gold ore after it has been treated through the comminution process in a rod mill with various number of rod and rotational speed that will results in one optimum milling condition. For the initial step, Sumbawa gold ore was crushed and then sieved to pass the 2.5 mesh and retained on the 5 mesh (this condition was taken to mimic real application in artisanal gold mining). Inserting the prepared sample into the rod mill, the observation on effect of rod-number and rotational speed was then conducted by variating the rod number of 7 and 10 while the rotational speed was varied from 60, 85, and 110 rpm. In order to be able to provide estimation on particle distribution of every condition, the comminution kinetic was applied by taking sample at 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes for size distribution analysis. The change of particle distribution of top and bottom product as time series was then treated using Rosin-Rammler distribution equation. The result shows that the homogenity of particle size and particle size distribution is affected by rod-number and rotational speed. The particle size distribution is more homogeneous by increasing of milling time, regardless of rod-number and rotational speed. Mean size of particles do not change significantly after 60 minutes milling time. Experimental results showed that the optimum condition was achieved at rotational speed of 85 rpm, using rod-number of 7.

A Method for Measuring the Effective Throughput Time Delay in Simulated Displays Involving Manual Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jewell, W. F.; Clement, W. F.

1984-01-01

The advent and widespread use of the computer-generated image (CGI) device to simulate visual cues has a mixed impact on the realism and fidelity of flight simulators. On the plus side, CGIs provide greater flexibility in scene content than terrain boards and closed circuit television based visual systems, and they have the potential for a greater field of view. However, on the minus side, CGIs introduce into the visual simulation relatively long time delays. In many CGIs, this delay is as much as 200 ms, which is comparable to the inherent delay time of the pilot. Because most GCIs use multiloop processing and smoothing algorithms and are linked to a multiloop host computer, it is seldom possible to identify a unique throughput time delay, and it is therefore difficult to quantify the performance of the closed loop pilot simulator system relative to the real world task. A method to address these issues using the critical task tester is described. Some empirical results from applying the method are presented, and a novel technique for improving the performance of GCIs is discussed.

High-throughput dual-colour precision imaging for brain-wide connectome with cytoarchitectonic landmarks at the cellular level

PubMed Central

Gong, Hui; Xu, Dongli; Yuan, Jing; Li, Xiangning; Guo, Congdi; Peng, Jie; Li, Yuxin; Schwarz, Lindsay A.; Li, Anan; Hu, Bihe; Xiong, Benyi; Sun, Qingtao; Zhang, Yalun; Liu, Jiepeng; Zhong, Qiuyuan; Xu, Tonghui; Zeng, Shaoqun; Luo, Qingming

2016-01-01

The precise annotation and accurate identification of neural structures are prerequisites for studying mammalian brain function. The orientation of neurons and neural circuits is usually determined by mapping brain images to coarse axial-sampling planar reference atlases. However, individual differences at the cellular level likely lead to position errors and an inability to orient neural projections at single-cell resolution. Here, we present a high-throughput precision imaging method that can acquire a co-localized brain-wide data set of both fluorescent-labelled neurons and counterstained cell bodies at a voxel size of 0.32 × 0.32 × 2.0 μm in 3 days for a single mouse brain. We acquire mouse whole-brain imaging data sets of multiple types of neurons and projections with anatomical annotation at single-neuron resolution. The results show that the simultaneous acquisition of labelled neural structures and cytoarchitecture reference in the same brain greatly facilitates precise tracing of long-range projections and accurate locating of nuclei. PMID:27374071

Characteristics of Comminuted Forest Biomass

Treesearch

Jacob Sprinkle; Dana Mitchell

2013-01-01

Transpirational drying and in-woods production of microchips potentially improve the economic efficiency of energy production from forest-derived feedstocks, but yield materials with moisture contents, bulk densities, and particle size distributions that differ from more conventional feedstocks. Ongoing research suggests that transpirational drying reduces the moisture...

9 CFR 319.140 - Sausage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... respect to products consisting partly of poultry, sausage is the coarse or finely comminuted meat food... be used as binders in those sausages in which the use of such class of substances is permitted: pork...

9 CFR 319.140 - Sausage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... respect to products consisting partly of poultry, sausage is the coarse or finely comminuted meat food... be used as binders in those sausages in which the use of such class of substances is permitted: pork...

9 CFR 319.140 - Sausage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... respect to products consisting partly of poultry, sausage is the coarse or finely comminuted meat food... be used as binders in those sausages in which the use of such class of substances is permitted: pork...

9 CFR 319.140 - Sausage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... respect to products consisting partly of poultry, sausage is the coarse or finely comminuted meat food... be used as binders in those sausages in which the use of such class of substances is permitted: pork...

9 CFR 319.140 - Sausage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... respect to products consisting partly of poultry, sausage is the coarse or finely comminuted meat food... be used as binders in those sausages in which the use of such class of substances is permitted: pork...

9 CFR 319.260 - Luncheon meat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... CERTIFICATION DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION Luncheon Meat, Loaves and Jellied Products § 319.260 Luncheon meat. “Luncheon Meat” is a cured, cooked meat food product made from comminuted meat...

9 CFR 319.260 - Luncheon meat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... CERTIFICATION DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION Luncheon Meat, Loaves and Jellied Products § 319.260 Luncheon meat. “Luncheon Meat” is a cured, cooked meat food product made from comminuted meat...

33 CFR 151.75 - Grinders or comminuters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) POLLUTION VESSELS CARRYING OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, GARBAGE, MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE, AND BALLAST WATER Implementation of MARPOL 73/78 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty as it Pertains to Pollution from Ships Garbage Pollution and Sewage § 151.75 Grinders or...

33 CFR 151.75 - Grinders or comminuters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) POLLUTION VESSELS CARRYING OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, GARBAGE, MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE, AND BALLAST WATER Implementation of MARPOL 73/78 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty as it Pertains to Pollution from Ships Garbage Pollution and Sewage § 151.75 Grinders or...

33 CFR 151.75 - Grinders or comminuters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) POLLUTION VESSELS CARRYING OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, GARBAGE, MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE, AND BALLAST WATER Implementation of MARPOL 73/78 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty as it Pertains to Pollution from Ships Garbage Pollution and Sewage § 151.75 Grinders or...

33 CFR 151.75 - Grinders or comminuters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) POLLUTION VESSELS CARRYING OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, GARBAGE, MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE, AND BALLAST WATER Implementation of MARPOL 73/78 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty as it Pertains to Pollution from Ships Garbage Pollution and Sewage § 151.75 Grinders or...

33 CFR 151.75 - Grinders or comminuters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) POLLUTION VESSELS CARRYING OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, GARBAGE, MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE, AND BALLAST WATER Implementation of MARPOL 73/78 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty as it Pertains to Pollution from Ships Garbage Pollution and Sewage § 151.75 Grinders or...

Effects of Friction and Plastic Deformation in Shock-Comminuted Damaged Rocks on Impact Heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurosawa, Kosuke; Genda, Hidenori

2018-01-01

Hypervelocity impacts cause significant heating of planetary bodies. Such events are recorded by a reset of 40Ar-36Ar ages and/or impact melts. Here we investigate the influence of friction and plastic deformation in shock-generated comminuted rocks on the degree of impact heating using the iSALE shock-physics code. We demonstrate that conversion from kinetic to internal energy in the targets with strength occurs during pressure release, and additional heating becomes significant for low-velocity impacts (<10 km s-1). This additional heat reduces the impact-velocity thresholds required to heat the targets with the 0.1 projectile mass to temperatures for the onset of Ar loss and melting from 8 and 10 km s-1, respectively, for strengthless rocks to 2 and 6 km s-1 for typical rocks. Our results suggest that the impact conditions required to produce the unique features caused by impact heating span a much wider range than previously thought.

Is Skin Tenting Secondary to Displaced Clavicle Fracture More Than a Theoretical Risk? A Report of 2 Adolescent Cases.

PubMed

Chalmers, Peter N; Van Thiel, Geoff S; Ferry, Scott T

2015-10-01

While one traditional indication for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of clavicle fractures was tenting of the skin because of concern for an impending open fracture, recent review materials indicate that this complication may only be theoretical. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this complication has never been reported for a midshaft clavicle fracture. We report 2 adolescent cases of displaced, comminuted clavicle fractures in which the skin was initially intact. Both were managed nonoperatively and both secondarily presented with open lesions at the fracture site requiring urgent irrigation and débridement and ORIF. In displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, tenting of the skin sufficient to cause subsequent violation of the soft-tissue envelope is possible and is more than a theoretical risk. At-risk patients (ie, those with a vertically angulated sharp fragment of comminution) should be counseled appropriately and observed closely or considered for primary ORIF.

[Research on direct forming of comminuted fracture surgery orienting model by selective laser melting].

PubMed

He, Xingrong; Yang, Yongqiang; Wu, Weihui; Wang, Di; Ding, Huanwen; Huang, Weihong

2010-06-01

In order to simplify the distal femoral comminuted fracture surgery and improve the accuracy of the parts to be reset, a kind of surgery orienting model for the surgery operation was designed according to the scanning data of computer tomography and the three-dimensional reconstruction image. With the use of DiMetal-280 selective laser melting rapid prototyping system, the surgery orienting model of 316L stainless steel was made through orthogonal experiment for processing parameter optimization. The technology of direct manufacturing of surgery orienting model by selective laser melting was noted to have obvious superiority with high speed, precise profile and good accuracy in size when compared with the conventional one. The model was applied in a real surgical operation for thighbone replacement; it worked well. The successful development of the model provides a new method for the automatic manufacture of customized surgery model, thus building a foundation for more clinical applications in the future.

The role of total elbow arthroplasty in traumatology.

PubMed

Mansat, P; Bonnevialle, N; Rongières, M; Bonnevialle, P

2014-10-01

Fractures of the distal humerus account for 5% of osteoporotic fractures in subjects older than 60 years. A history of osteoporosis, co-morbidities, and joint comminution make their management difficult. The therapeutic options are limited to functional treatments, osteosynthesis, or either partial or total arthroplasty. Functional treatment of distal humerus fractures in the elderly subject provide inconsistent results, often with persistence of pain with a stiff or unstable elbow. Osteosynthesis remains the reference treatment for these fractures, following the principle of stable and rigid osteosynthesis allowing early mobilization. However, joint comminution and a history of osteoporosis occasionally make it impossible to meet this objective, with a considerable rate of complications and surgical revisions. Total elbow arthroplasty remains an alternative to osteosynthesis with very satisfactory immediate results restoring a painless, stable, and functional elbow. These results seem reproducible and sustainable over time. The complication rate is not uncommon with an approximately 10% surgical revision rate. Elbow hemiarthroplasty remains to be validated in this indication. V. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Complications in the Treatment of Adolescent Clavicle Fractures

PubMed Central

Luo, T. David; Ashraf, Ali; Larson, A. Noelle; Stans, Anthony A.; Shaughnessy, William J.; McIntosh, Amy L.

2015-01-01

The authors’ study evaluates the complications associated with the treatment of clavicle fractures in adolescents. During the study period, 153 clavicle fractures occurred in patients between the ages of 14 and 17 years who were treated at the authors’ center, of which 23 (15.0%) were treated surgically. Compared to the fractures treated nonoperatively, the surgical fractures had greater shortening (mean, 2.0 vs 0.9 cm; P<.001) and were more likely to be comminuted (65.2% vs 23.1%; P<.001). Complications occurred in 21.7% of fractures treated surgically. One delayed union occurred in the nonoperative cohort, but no other complications or patients who required clavicular osteotomy for malunion. Pediatric fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons treated 78 displaced fractures, resulting in 8 (10.3%) surgeries. Nonpediatric orthopedic specialists treated 46 displaced fractures, 15 (32.6%) of which were treated operatively (P=.0035). FigureA 15-year-old boy sustained a comminuted clavicle fracture from playing football. Preoperative radiograph showing significant clavicle shortening and a vertical fragment. PMID:25901621

Management of comminuted proximal ulna fracture-dislocations using a multiplanar locking intramedullary nail.

PubMed

Edwards, Scott G; Argintar, Evan; Lamb, Joshua

2011-06-01

Intramedullary nails have been used for the fixation of olecranon fractures in an attempt to reduce the soft tissue irritation and resulting need for hardware removal seen with plating and tension banding. Further benefits include preservation of vascular supply, and increase stability and improved compression over some alternative techniques. Most intramedullary nails have been limited to simple olecranon fractures or osteotomies. One novel multiplanar, locking intramedullary nail, however, is indicated to stabilize all fracture patterns of the proximal ulna, including the coronoid. This particular locking nail has screws that radiate in multiple planes and form a fixed-angle lattice throughout the bone. The nail also has fixed-angle screws dedicated to the 3 parts of the coronoid: process tip, medial facet, and medial wall. This allows the nail to secure multiple fragments regardless of the fracture pattern's extent of instability. The objective of this article is to illustrate the recommended steps in reducing and stabilizing a comminuted proximal ulna fracture-dislocation using this multiplanar locking intramedullary nail.

Arthroscopic Management of Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures: Principles and Techniques.

PubMed

Strauss, Eric J; Kaplan, Daniel James; Weinberg, Maxwell E; Egol, Jonathan; Jazrawi, Laith M

2018-05-15

Tibial spine fractures are uncommon injuries affecting the insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament on the tibia. They typically occur in skeletally immature patients aged 8 to 14 years and result from hyperextension of the knee with a valgus or rotational force. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, and standard radiographs. The use of MRI can identify entrapped soft tissue that may prevent reduction. Open or arthroscopic repair is indicated in patients with partially displaced fractures (>5 mm) with one third to one half of the avulsed fragment elevated, in patients who have undergone unsuccessful nonsurgical reduction and long leg casting or bracing, and in patients with completely displaced fractures. Arthroscopy offers reduced invasiveness and decreased morbidity. Suture fixation and screw fixation have produced successful results. Suture fixation can eliminate the risk of fracture fragment comminution during screw insertion, the risk of neurovascular injury, and the need for hardware removal. Suture fixation is ideal in cases in which existing comminution prevents screw fixation.

Practical proof of CP element based design for 14nm node and beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maruyama, Takashi; Takita, Hiroshi; Ikeno, Rimon; Osawa, Morimi; Kojima, Yoshinori; Sugatani, Shinji; Hoshino, Hiromi; Hino, Toshio; Ito, Masaru; Iizuka, Tetsuya; Komatsu, Satoshi; Ikeda, Makoto; Asada, Kunihiro

2013-03-01

To realize HVM (High Volume Manufacturing) with CP (Character Projection) based EBDW, the shot count reduction is the essential key. All device circuits should be composed with predefined character parts and we call this methodology "CP element based design". In our previous work, we presented following three concepts [2]. 1) Memory: We reported the prospects of affordability for the CP-stencil resource. 2) Logic cell: We adopted a multi-cell clustering approach in the physical synthesis. 3) Random interconnect: We proposed an ultra-regular layout scheme using fixed size wiring tiles containing repeated tracks and cutting points at the tile edges. In this paper, we will report the experimental proofs in these methodologies. In full chip layout, CP stencil resource management is critical key. From the MCC-POC (Proof of Concept) result [1], we assumed total available CP stencil resource as 9000um2. We should manage to layout all circuit macros within this restriction. Especially the issues in assignment of CP-stencil resource for the memory macros are the most important as they consume considerable degree of resource because of the various line-ups such as 1RW-, 2RW-SRAMs, Resister Files and ROM which require several varieties of large size peripheral circuits. Furthermore the memory macros typically take large area of more than 40% of die area in the forefront logic LSI products so that the shot count increase impact is serious. To realize CP-stencil resource saving we had constructed automatic CP analyzing system. We developed two types of extraction mode of simple division by block and layout repeatability recognition. By properly controlling these models based upon each peripheral circuit characteristics, we could minimize the consumption of CP stencil resources. The estimation for 14nm technology node had been performed based on the analysis of practical memory compiler. The required resource for memory macro is proved to be affordable value which is 60% of full CP stencil resource and wafer level converted shot count is proved to be the level which meets 100WPH throughput. In logic cell design, circuit performance verification result after the cell clustering has been estimated. The cell clustering by the acknowledgment of physical distance proved to owe large penalty mainly in the wiring length. To reduce this design penalty, we proposed CP cell clustering by the acknowledgment of logical distance. For shot-count reduction of random interconnect area design, we proposed a more structural routing architecture which consists of the track exchange and the via position arrangement. Putting these design approaches together, we can design CP stencils to hit the target throughput within the area constraint. From the analysis for other macros such as analog, I/O, and DUMMY, it has proved that we don't need special CP design approach than legacy pattern matching CP extraction. From all these experimental results we get good prospects to the reality of full CP element based layout.

Single-Molecule Bioelectronics

PubMed Central

Rosenstein, Jacob K.; Lemay, Serge G.; Shepard, Kenneth L.

2014-01-01

Experimental techniques which interface single biomolecules directly with microelectronic systems are increasingly being used in a wide range of powerful applications, from fundamental studies of biomolecules to ultra-sensitive assays. Here we review several technologies which can perform electronic measurements of single molecules in solution: ion channels, nanopore sensors, carbon nanotube field-effect transistors, electron tunneling gaps, and redox cycling. We discuss the shared features among these techniques that enable them to resolve individual molecules, and discuss their limitations. Recordings from each of these methods all rely on similar electronic instrumentation, and we discuss the relevant circuit implementations and potential for scaling these single-molecule bioelectronic interfaces to high-throughput arrayed sensing platforms. PMID:25529538

Addiction Science: Uncovering Neurobiological Complexity

PubMed Central

Volkow, N. D.; Baler, R. D.

2013-01-01

Until very recently addiction-research was limited by existing tools and strategies that were inadequate for studying the inherent complexity at each of the different phenomenological levels. However, powerful new tools (e.g., optogenetics and designer drug receptors) and high throughput protocols are starting to give researchers the potential to systematically interrogate “all” genes, epigenetic marks, and neuronal circuits. These advances, combined with imaging technologies (both for preclinical and clinical studies) and a paradigm shift towards open access have spurred an unlimited growth of datasets transforming the way we investigate the neurobiology of substance use disorders (SUD) and the factors that modulate risk and resilience. PMID:23688927

Analysis of the hierarchy of quorum-sensing regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Wagner, Victoria E; Li, Luen-Luen; Isabella, Vincent M; Iglewski, Barbara H

2007-01-01

Quorum-sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to regulate several aspects of pathogenesis, including virulence factor production, biofilm development, and antimicrobial resistance. Recent high-throughput analysis has revealed the existence of several layers of regulation within the QS-circuit. To address this complexity, mutations in genes encoding known or putative transcriptional regulators that were also identified as being regulated by the las and/or rhl QS systems were screened for their contribution in mediating several phenotypes, for example motility, secreted virulence products, and pathogenic capacity in a lettuce leaf model. These studies have further elucidated the potential contribution to virulence of these genes within the QS regulon.

Planetary science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, John R.; Bridges, Frank; Gault, Donald; Greeley, Ronald; Houpis, Harry; Lin, Douglas; Weidenschilling, Stuart

1987-01-01

The following types of experiments for a proposed Space Station Microgravity Particle Research Facility are described: (1) low velocity collisions between fragile particles; (2) low velocity collisions of ice particles; (3) plasma-dust interaction; and (4) aggregation of finely-comminuted geological materials. The required capabilities and desired hardware for the facility are detailed.

9 CFR 319.261 - Meat loaf.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... CERTIFICATION DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION Luncheon Meat, Loaves and Jellied Products § 319.261 Meat loaf. “Meat Loaf” is a cooked meat food product in loaf form made from comminuted meat...

9 CFR 319.760 - Deviled ham, deviled tongue, and similar products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... similar products. 319.760 Section 319.760 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... AND VOLUNTARY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION Meat... a semiplastic cured meat food product made from finely comminuted ham and containing condiments...

9 CFR 319.261 - Meat loaf.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... CERTIFICATION DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION Luncheon Meat, Loaves and Jellied Products § 319.261 Meat loaf. “Meat Loaf” is a cooked meat food product in loaf form made from comminuted meat...

9 CFR 319.760 - Deviled ham, deviled tongue, and similar products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... similar products. 319.760 Section 319.760 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... AND VOLUNTARY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION Meat... a semiplastic cured meat food product made from finely comminuted ham and containing condiments...

Methods for estimating litter decomposition. Chapter 8

Treesearch

Noah J. Karberg; Neal A. Scott; Christian P. Giardina

2008-01-01

Litterfall in terrestrial ecosystems represents the primary pathway for nutrient return to soil. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution by small insects and leaching during precipitation events, results in the release of plant litter carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere. The balance between litter inputs and heterotrophic litter...

Neuroengineering control and regulation of behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wróbel, A.; Radzewicz, C.; Mankiewicz, L.; Hottowy, P.; Knapska, E.; Konopka, W.; Kublik, E.; Radwańska, K.; Waleszczyk, W. J.; Wójcik, D. K.

2014-11-01

To monitor neuronal circuits involved in emotional modulation of sensory processing we proposed a plan to establish novel research techniques combining recent biological, technical and analytical discoveries. The project was granted by National Science Center and we started to build a new experimental model for studying the selected circuits of genetically marked and behaviorally activated neurons. To achieve this goal we will combine the pioneering, interdisciplinary expertise of four Polish institutions: (i) the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (Polish Academy of Sciences) will deliver the expertise on genetically modified mice and rats, mapping of the neuronal circuits activated by behavior, monitoring complex behaviors measured in the IntelliCage system, electrophysiological brain activity recordings by multielectrodes in behaving animals, analysis and modeling of behavioral and electrophysiological data; (ii) the AGH University of Science and Technology (Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Sciences) will use its experience in high-throughput electronics to build multichannel systems for recording the brain activity of behaving animals; (iii) the University of Warsaw (Faculty of Physics) and (iv) the Center for Theoretical Physics (Polish Academy of Sciences) will construct optoelectronic device for remote control of opto-animals produced in the Nencki Institute based on the unique experience in laser sources, studies of light propagation and its interaction with condensed media, wireless medical robotic systems, fast readout opto-electronics with control software and micromechanics.

21 CFR 73.185 - Haematococcus algae meal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Haematococcus algae meal. 73.185 Section 73.185... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.185 Haematococcus algae meal. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive haematococcus algae meal consists of the comminuted and dried cells of the alga...

21 CFR 73.185 - Haematococcus algae meal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Haematococcus algae meal. 73.185 Section 73.185... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.185 Haematococcus algae meal. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive haematococcus algae meal consists of the comminuted and dried cells of the alga...

21 CFR 73.185 - Haematococcus algae meal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Haematococcus algae meal. 73.185 Section 73.185... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.185 Haematococcus algae meal. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive haematococcus algae meal consists of the comminuted and dried cells of the alga...

21 CFR 73.185 - Haematococcus algae meal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Haematococcus algae meal. 73.185 Section 73.185... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.185 Haematococcus algae meal. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive haematococcus algae meal consists of the comminuted and dried cells of the alga...

21 CFR 73.185 - Haematococcus algae meal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Haematococcus algae meal. 73.185 Section 73.185... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.185 Haematococcus algae meal. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive haematococcus algae meal consists of the comminuted and dried cells of the alga...

Pelletizing properties of torrefied spruce

Treesearch

Wolfgang Stelte; Craig Clemons; Jens K. Holm; Anand R. Sanadi; Jesper Ahrenfeldt; Lei Shang; Ulrik B. Henriksen

2011-01-01

Torrefaction is a thermo-chemical conversion process improving the handling, storage and combustion properties of wood. To save storage space and transportation costs, it can be compressed into fuel pellets of high physical and energetic density. The resulting pellets are relatively resistant to moisture uptake, microbiological decay and easy to comminute into small...

21 CFR 145.145 - Canned grapefruit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... the finished food. Such food is sealed in a container and, before or after sealing, is so processed by... drained weight is determined by the method prescribed in the standard of fill of container for canned... canned or the blended homogenized slurry of the comminuted entire contents of the container if canned for...

Chunkwood: Production, characterization, and utilization.

Treesearch

Rodger A. Arola

1991-01-01

Presents a collection of U.S. research papers about chunkwood, an alternative form of comminuted wood particles that range from finger size up to fairly large, blocky particles of wood. Discusses chunkwood`s characteristics, storage and drying, machinery, and use to build low-volume roads and as furnish for composite flake products.

Comparison of room temperature and cyrogenic sample processing in the analysis of chemical contaminants in foods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In this study, analytical results were compared when using different approaches to bulk food sample comminution, consisting of a vertical chopper (Blixer) at room temperature and at dry ice cryogenic conditions, followed by further subsample processing (20 g) using liquid nitrogen cryogenic conditio...

9 CFR 319.281 - Bockwurst.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... Loaves § 319.281 Bockwurst. (a) Bockwurst is an uncured, comminuted meat food product which may or may... and veal, pork and beef, or pork, veal, and beef. Such meat shall be fresh or fresh frozen meat. Pork...

9 CFR 319.281 - Bockwurst.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... Loaves § 319.281 Bockwurst. (a) Bockwurst is an uncured, comminuted meat food product which may or may... and veal, pork and beef, or pork, veal, and beef. Such meat shall be fresh or fresh frozen meat. Pork...

9 CFR 319.281 - Bockwurst.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... Loaves § 319.281 Bockwurst. (a) Bockwurst is an uncured, comminuted meat food product which may or may... and veal, pork and beef, or pork, veal, and beef. Such meat shall be fresh or fresh frozen meat. Pork...

9 CFR 319.281 - Bockwurst.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... Loaves § 319.281 Bockwurst. (a) Bockwurst is an uncured, comminuted meat food product which may or may... and veal, pork and beef, or pork, veal, and beef. Such meat shall be fresh or fresh frozen meat. Pork...

Energy-efficient downlink resource management in self-organized OFDMA-based two-tier femtocell networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahid, Adnan; Aslam, Saleem; Kim, Hyung Seok; Lee, Kyung-Geun

2015-12-01

Femtocell is a novel technology that is used for escalating indoor coverage as well as the capacity of traditional cellular networks. However, interference is the limiting factor for performance improvement due to co-channel deployment between macrocells and femtocells. The traditional network planning is not feasible because of the random deployment of femtocells. Therefore, self-organization approaches are the key to having successful deployment of femtocells. This study presents the joint resource block (RB) and power allocation task for the two-tier femtocell network in a self-organizing manner, with the concern to minimizing the impact of interference and maximizing the energy efficiency. In this study, we analyze the performance of the system in terms of the energy efficiency, which is composed of both the transmission and circuit power. Most of the previous studies investigate the performance regarding the throughput requirement of the two-tier femtocell network while the energy efficiency aspect is largely ignored. Here, the joint allocation task is modeled as a non-cooperative game which is demonstrated to exhibit pure and unique Nash equilibrium. In order to reduce the complexity of the proposed non-cooperative game, the joint RB and power allocation task is divided into two subproblems: an RB allocation and a particle swarm optimization-based power allocation. The analysis of the proposed game is carried out in terms of not only energy efficiency but also throughput. With practical 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) parameters, the simulation results illustrate the superior performance of the proposed game as compared to the traditional methods. Also, the comparison is carried out with the joint allocation scheme which only considers the throughput as the objective function. The results illustrate that significant performance improvement is achieved in terms of energy efficiency with slight loss in the throughput. The analysis in regard to energy efficiency and throughput of the two-tier femtocell network is carried out in terms of the performance metrics, which include convergence, impact of varying RBs, impact of femtocell density, and the fairness index.

The determination of the pulse pile-up reject (PUR) counting for X and gamma ray spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabıdak, S. M.; Kaya, S.

2017-02-01

The collection the charged particles produced by the incident radiation on a detector requires a time interval. If this time interval is not sufficiently short compared with the peaking time of the amplifier, a loss in the recovered signal amplitude occurs. Another major constraint on the throughput of modern x or gamma-ray spectrometers is the time required for the subsequent the pulse processing by the electronics. Two above-mentioned limitations are cause of counting losses resulting from the dead time and the pile-up. The pulse pile-up is a common problem in x and gamma ray radiation detection systems. The pulses pile-up in spectroscopic analysis can cause significant errors. Therefore, inhibition of these pulses is a vital step. A way to reduce errors due to the pulse pile-up is a pile-up inspection circuitry (PUR). Such a circuit rejects some of the pulse pile-up. Therefore, this circuit leads to counting losses. Determination of these counting losses is an important problem. In this work, a new method is suggested for the determination of the pulse pile-up reject.

Biodegradation of organic matter and anodic microbial communities analysis in sediment microbial fuel cells with/without Fe(III) oxide addition.

PubMed

Xu, Xun; Zhao, Qingliang; Wu, Mingsong; Ding, Jing; Zhang, Weixian

2017-02-01

To enhance the biodegradation of organic matter in sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC), Fe(III) oxide, as an alternative electron acceptor, was added into the sediment. Results showed that the SMFC with Fe(III) oxide addition obtained higher removal efficiencies for organics than the SMFC without Fe(III) oxide addition and open circuit bioreactor, and produced a maximum power density (P max ) of 87.85mW/m 2 with a corresponding maximum voltage (V max ) of 0.664V. The alteration of UV-254 and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) also demonstrated the organic matter in sediments can be effectively removed. High-throughput sequencing of anodic microbial communities indicated that bacteria from the genus Geobacter were predominantly detected (21.23%) in the biofilm formed on the anode of SMFCs, while Pseudomonas was the most predominant genus (18.12%) in the presence of Fe(III) oxide. Additionally, compared with the open circuit bioreactor, more electrogenic bacteria attached to the biofilm of anode in SMFCs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving Design Efficiency for Large-Scale Heterogeneous Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregerson, Anthony

Despite increases in logic density, many Big Data applications must still be partitioned across multiple computing devices in order to meet their strict performance requirements. Among the most demanding of these applications is high-energy physics (HEP), which uses complex computing systems consisting of thousands of FPGAs and ASICs to process the sensor data created by experiments at particles accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Designing such computing systems is challenging due to the scale of the systems, the exceptionally high-throughput and low-latency performance constraints that necessitate application-specific hardware implementations, the requirement that algorithms are efficiently partitioned across many devices, and the possible need to update the implemented algorithms during the lifetime of the system. In this work, we describe our research to develop flexible architectures for implementing such large-scale circuits on FPGAs. In particular, this work is motivated by (but not limited in scope to) high-energy physics algorithms for the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the LHC. To make efficient use of logic resources in multi-FPGA systems, we introduce Multi-Personality Partitioning, a novel form of the graph partitioning problem, and present partitioning algorithms that can significantly improve resource utilization on heterogeneous devices while also reducing inter-chip connections. To reduce the high communication costs of Big Data applications, we also introduce Information-Aware Partitioning, a partitioning method that analyzes the data content of application-specific circuits, characterizes their entropy, and selects circuit partitions that enable efficient compression of data between chips. We employ our information-aware partitioning method to improve the performance of the hardware validation platform for evaluating new algorithms for the CMS experiment. Together, these research efforts help to improve the efficiency and decrease the cost of the developing large-scale, heterogeneous circuits needed to enable large-scale application in high-energy physics and other important areas.

Design, fabrication and analysis of integrated optical waveguide devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikorski, Yuri

Throughout the present dissertation, the main effort has been to develop the set of design rules for optical integrated circuits (OIC). At the present time, when planar optical integrated circuits seem to be the leading technology, and industry is heading towards much higher levels of integration, such design rules become necessary. It is known that analysis of light propagation in rectangular waveguides can not be carried out exactly. Various approximations become necessary, and their validity is discussed in this text. Various methods are used in the text for calculating the same problems, and results are compared. A few new concepts have been suggested to avoid approximations used elsewhere. The second part of this dissertation is directed to the development of a new technique for the fabrication of optical integrated circuits inside optical glass. This technique is based on the use of ultrafast laser pulses to alter the properties of glasses. Using this method we demonstrated the possibility of changing the refractive index of various passive and active optical glasses as well as ablating the material on the surface in a controlled fashion. A number of optical waveguide devices (e.g. waveguides, directional couplers, diffraction gratings, fiber Bragg gratings, V-grooves in dual-clad optical fibers, optical waveguide amplifiers) were fabricated and tested. Testing included measurements of loss/throughput, near-field mode profiles, efficiency and thermal stability. All of the experimental setup and test results are reported in the dissertation. We also demonstrated the possibility of using this technique to fabricate future bio-optical devices that will incorporate an OIC and a microfluidic circuit on a single substrate. Our results are expected to serve as a guide for the design and fabrication of a new generation of integrated optical and bio-optical devices.

21 CFR 172.898 - Bakers yeast glycan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Bakers yeast glycan. 172.898 Section 172.898 Food... Multipurpose Additives § 172.898 Bakers yeast glycan. Bakers yeast glycan may be safely used in food in accordance with the following conditions: (a) Bakers yeast glycan is the comminuted, washed, pasteurized, and...

21 CFR 172.898 - Bakers yeast glycan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Bakers yeast glycan. 172.898 Section 172.898 Food... Multipurpose Additives § 172.898 Bakers yeast glycan. Bakers yeast glycan may be safely used in food in accordance with the following conditions: (a) Bakers yeast glycan is the comminuted, washed, pasteurized, and...

21 CFR 172.898 - Bakers yeast glycan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Bakers yeast glycan. 172.898 Section 172.898 Food... Bakers yeast glycan. Bakers yeast glycan may be safely used in food in accordance with the following conditions: (a) Bakers yeast glycan is the comminuted, washed, pasteurized, and dried cell walls of the yeast...

21 CFR 102.55 - Nonstandardized breaded composite shrimp units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Nonstandardized breaded composite shrimp units... for Specific Nonstandardized Foods § 102.55 Nonstandardized breaded composite shrimp units. (a) The... described by § 161.175(c)(6) of this chapter, except that the food is made from comminuted shrimp and is not...

77 FR 72686 - HACCP Plan Reassessment for Not-Ready-To-Eat Comminuted Poultry Products and Related Agency...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-06

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service 9 CFR Parts 417 [Docket No. FSIS-2012... Verification Procedures AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Compliance with the HACCP system regulations and request for comments SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is...

Effects of High Pressure ORE Grinding on the Efficiency of Flotation Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saramak, Daniel; Krawczykowska, Aldona; Młynarczykowska, Anna

2014-10-01

This article discusses issues related to the impact of the high pressure comminution process on the efficiency of the copper ore flotation operations. HPGR technology improves the efficiency of mineral resource enrichment through a better liberation of useful components from waste rock as well as more efficient comminution of the material. Research programme included the run of a laboratory flotation process for HPGR crushing products at different levels of operating pressures and moisture content. The test results showed that products of the high-pressure grinding rolls achieved better recoveries in flotation processes and showed a higher grade of useful components in the flotation concentrate, in comparison to the ball mill products. Upgrading curves have also been marked in the following arrangement: the content of useful component in concentrate the floatation recovery. All upgrading curves for HPGR products had a more favourable course in comparison to the curves of conventionally grinded ore. The results also indicate that various values of flotation recoveries have been obtained depending on the machine operating parameters (i.e. the operating pressure), and selected feed properties (moisture).

Treatment of close-range, low-velocity gunshot fractures of tibia and femur diaphysis with consecutive compression-distraction technique: a report of 11 cases.

PubMed

Ateşalp, A Sabri; Kömürcü, Mahmut; Demiralp, Bahtiyar; Bek, Dogan; Oğuz, Erbil; Yanmiş, Ibrahim

2004-01-01

Lower extremity injuries secondary to close-range, low-velocity gunshot wounds are frequently seen in both civilian and military populations. A close-range, low-velocity injury produces high energy and often results in comminuted and complicated fractures with significant morbidity. In this study, four femoral, four tibial, and three combined tibia and fibular comminuted diaphyseal fractures secondary to close-range, low-velocity gunshot wounds in 11 military personnel were treated with debridement followed by compression-distraction lengthening using a circular external fixator frame. Fracture union was obtained in all without significant major complications. Fracture consolidation occurred at a mean of 3.5 months. At follow-up of 46.8 months, there were no delayed unions, nonunions, or malunions. Minor complications included four pin-tract infections and knee flexion limitation in two femur fractures. Osteomyelitis and deep soft tissue infection were not observed. This technique provided an alternative to casting, open reduction internal fixation, or intermedullary fixation with an acceptable complication rate.

The effects of potato and rice starch as substitutes for phosphate in and degree of comminution on the technological, instrumental and sensory characteristics of restructured ham.

PubMed

Resconi, Virginia C; Keenan, Derek F; García, Elisa; Allen, Paul; Kerry, Joe P; Hamill, Ruth M

2016-11-01

The effects of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), two sources of starch (potato starch: PS and rice starch: RS) and comminution degree (CD) on the technological, instrumental and sensory characteristics of reformed hams were studied using response surface methodology. Both starches reduced cook loss and decreased ham flavour intensity, but RS had stronger effects on instrumental measures of texture, while PS was associated with improved juiciness when low/no added STPP was included. Coarsely ground meat, processed 100% with the kidney plate was associated with slightly increased cook loss, reduced texture profile analysis parameters and a more intense ham flavour compared to the other treatment (80% ground with a kidney plate plus 20% with a 9mm plate). STPP was the sole factor affecting overall liking. If starch is included in the formulation, the standard level of STPP (0.3%) can be reduced by half with no increase in cook losses, but some decline in sensory quality cannot be avoided. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional outcomes of conservatively treated clavicle fractures

PubMed Central

Bajuri, Mohd Yazid; Maidin, S; Rauf, A; Baharuddin, M; Harjeet, S

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the study was to analyze the outcomes of clavicle fractures in adults treated non-surgically and to evaluate the clinical effects of displacement, fracture patterns, fracture location, fracture comminution, shortening and fracture union on shoulder function. METHODS: Seventy clavicle fractures were non-surgically treated in the Orthopedics Department at the Tuanku Ja'afar General Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Seremban, Malaysia, an average of six months after injury. The clavicle fractures were treated conservatively with an arm sling and a figure-eight splint for three weeks. No attempt was made to reduce displaced fractures, and the patients were allowed immediate free-shoulder mobilization, as tolerated. They were prospectively evaluated clinically and radiographically. Shoulder function was evaluated using the Constant scoring technique. RESULTS: There were statistically significant functional outcome impairments in non-surgically treated clavicle fractures that correlated with the fracture type (comminution), the fracture displacement (21 mm or more), shortening (15 mm or more) and the fracture union (malunion). CONCLUSION: This article reveals the need for surgical intervention to treat clavicle fractures and improve shoulder functional outcomes. PMID:21655759

Fat reduction in comminuted meat products-effects of beef fat, regular and pre-emulsified canola oil.

PubMed

Youssef, M K; Barbut, S

2011-04-01

The effects of fat reduction (25.0%, 17.5%, and 10.0%) and substituting beef fat with canola oil or pre-emulsified canola oil (using soy protein isolate, sodium caseinate or whey protein isolate) on cooking loss, texture and color of comminuted meat products were investigated. Reducing fat from 25 to 10% increased cooking loss and decreased hardness. Canola oil or pre-emulsified treatments showed a positive effect on improving yield and restoring textural parameters. Using sodium caseinate to pre-emulsify the oil resulted in the highest hardness value. Cohesiveness was affected by fat type and level. The color of reduced fat meat batters was darker for all, except the beef fat treatments. Using canola oil or pre-emulsified oil resulted in a significant reduction in redness. The results show that pre-emulsification can offset some of the changes in reduced fat meat products when more water is used to substitute for the fat and that pre-emulsification can also help to produce a more stable meat matrix. © 2010 The American Meat Science Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multi-petascale highly efficient parallel supercomputer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Asaad, Sameh; Bellofatto, Ralph E.; Blocksome, Michael A.

A Multi-Petascale Highly Efficient Parallel Supercomputer of 100 petaflop-scale includes node architectures based upon System-On-a-Chip technology, where each processing node comprises a single Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The ASIC nodes are interconnected by a five dimensional torus network that optimally maximize the throughput of packet communications between nodes and minimize latency. The network implements collective network and a global asynchronous network that provides global barrier and notification functions. Integrated in the node design include a list-based prefetcher. The memory system implements transaction memory, thread level speculation, and multiversioning cache that improves soft error rate at the same time andmore » supports DMA functionality allowing for parallel processing message-passing.« less

Native Cellulose Microfiber-Based Hybrid Piezoelectric Generator for Mechanical Energy Harvesting Utility.

PubMed

Alam, Md Mehebub; Mandal, Dipankar

2016-01-27

A flexible hybrid piezoelectric generator (HPG) based on native cellulose microfiber (NCMF) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as conducting filler is presented where the further chemical treatment of the cellulose and traditional electrical poling steps for piezoelectric voltage generation is avoided. It delivers a high electrical throughput that is an open circuit voltage of ∼30 V and power density ∼9.0 μW/cm(3) under repeated hand punching. We demonstrate to power up various portable electronic units by HPG. Because cellulose is a biocompatible material, suggesting that HPG may have greater potential in biomedical applications such as implantable power source in human body.

Design considerations for a monolithic, GaAs, dual-mode, QPSK/QASK, high-throughput rate transceiver. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kot, R. A.; Oliver, J. D.; Wilson, S. G.

1984-01-01

A monolithic, GaAs, dual mode, quadrature amplitude shift keying and quadrature phase shift keying transceiver with one and two billion bits per second data rate is being considered to achieve a low power, small and ultra high speed communication system for satellite as well as terrestrial purposes. Recent GaAs integrated circuit achievements are surveyed and their constituent device types are evaluated. Design considerations, on an elemental level, of the entire modem are further included for monolithic realization with practical fabrication techniques. Numerous device types, with practical monolithic compatability, are used in the design of functional blocks with sufficient performances for realization of the transceiver.

Microelectronic electroporation array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Lee J.; Shaffer, Kara J.; Skeath, Perry; Perkins, Frank K.; Pancrazio, Joseph; Scribner, Dean

2004-06-01

Gene Array technology has allowed for the study of gene binding by creating thousands of potential binding sites on a single device. A limitation of the current technology is that the effects of the gene and the gene-derived proteins cannot be studied in situ the same way, thousand site cell arrays are not readily available. We propose a new device structure to study the effects of gene modification on cells. This new array technology uses electroporation to target specific areas within a cell culture for transfection of genes. Electroporation arrays will allow high throughput analysis of gene effects on a given cell's response to a stress or a genes ability to restore normal cell function in disease modeling cells. Fluorescent imaging of dye labeled indicator molecules or cell viability will provide results indicating the most effective genes. The electroporation array consists of a microelectronic circuit, ancillary electronics, protecting electrode surface for cell culturing and a perfusion system for gene or drug delivery. The advantages of the current device are that there are 3200 sites for electroporation, all or any subsets of the electrodes can be activated. The cells are held in place by the electrode material. This technology could also be applied to high throughput screening of cell impermeant drugs.

Mapping human pluripotent stem cell differentiation pathways using high throughput single-cell RNA-sequencing.

PubMed

Han, Xiaoping; Chen, Haide; Huang, Daosheng; Chen, Huidong; Fei, Lijiang; Cheng, Chen; Huang, He; Yuan, Guo-Cheng; Guo, Guoji

2018-04-05

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provide powerful models for studying cellular differentiations and unlimited sources of cells for regenerative medicine. However, a comprehensive single-cell level differentiation roadmap for hPSCs has not been achieved. We use high throughput single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), based on optimized microfluidic circuits, to profile early differentiation lineages in the human embryoid body system. We present a cellular-state landscape for hPSC early differentiation that covers multiple cellular lineages, including neural, muscle, endothelial, stromal, liver, and epithelial cells. Through pseudotime analysis, we construct the developmental trajectories of these progenitor cells and reveal the gene expression dynamics in the process of cell differentiation. We further reprogram primed H9 cells into naïve-like H9 cells to study the cellular-state transition process. We find that genes related to hemogenic endothelium development are enriched in naïve-like H9. Functionally, naïve-like H9 show higher potency for differentiation into hematopoietic lineages than primed cells. Our single-cell analysis reveals the cellular-state landscape of hPSC early differentiation, offering new insights that can be harnessed for optimization of differentiation protocols.

Capturing anharmonicity in a lattice thermal conductivity model for high-throughput predictions

DOE PAGES

Miller, Samuel A.; Gorai, Prashun; Ortiz, Brenden R.; ...

2017-01-06

High-throughput, low-cost, and accurate predictions of thermal properties of new materials would be beneficial in fields ranging from thermal barrier coatings and thermoelectrics to integrated circuits. To date, computational efforts for predicting lattice thermal conductivity (κ L) have been hampered by the complexity associated with computing multiple phonon interactions. In this work, we develop and validate a semiempirical model for κ L by fitting density functional theory calculations to experimental data. Experimental values for κ L come from new measurements on SrIn 2O 4, Ba 2SnO 4, Cu 2ZnSiTe 4, MoTe 2, Ba 3In 2O 6, Cu 3TaTe 4, SnO,more » and InI as well as 55 compounds from across the published literature. Here, to capture the anharmonicity in phonon interactions, we incorporate a structural parameter that allows the model to predict κ L within a factor of 1.5 of the experimental value across 4 orders of magnitude in κ L values and over a diverse chemical and structural phase space, with accuracy similar to or better than that of computationally more expensive models.« less

The Use of Mesh Plates for Difficult Fractures of the Patella.

PubMed

Volgas, David; Dreger, Tina K

2017-03-01

Patella fractures present some of the more complicated fracture patterns in orthopaedic trauma care. This is partially due to the small size of the fragments but also the articular nature of each fragment. Fixation methods such as cerclage wiring, excision of smaller fragments, and screw fixation of larger fragments all have their own challenges. Our study examined our Level I trauma center's experience with variable angle locked 2.7 mm titanium plates for treatment of comminuted patella fractures or treatment of patellar nonunion. After Institutional Review Board approval, we used billing records to identify 105 patients who had undergone operative management of a displaced patella fracture between January 2011 and December 2015. We reviewed the radiographs of these patients to identify which patients underwent treatment with a mesh plate. We found 16 patients (6 males and 10 females) who had undergone fixation with a mesh plate; mean age was 47 years. Nine patients underwent primary open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and seven underwent mesh plate fixation for failed ORIF of a patella fracture. The mean visual analog pain score was 2.75 (range, 0-9). The mean range of motion was 1 degree of extension (range, 0-10 degrees) to 110 degrees of flexion (range, 45-135 degrees). All fractures healed. Five patients required hardware removal for pain. This review illustrates the effectiveness of the locking mesh plate in two challenging clinical scenarios: that of patellar nonunion and comminuted fractures that preclude standard fixation methods. Although multiple options exist for patellar fracture fixation, the titanium mesh locking plate can be an effective option for retaining the patella in the setting of comminution. Further comparative studies should be undertaken to determine which method of treatment may be superior in the treatment of these fractures. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Predictors of the postoperative range of finger motion for comminuted periarticular metacarpal and phalangeal fractures treated with a titanium plate.

PubMed

Shimizu, Takamasa; Omokawa, Shohei; Akahane, Manabu; Murata, Keiichi; Nakano, Kenichi; Kawamura, Kenji; Tanaka, Yasuhito

2012-06-01

Plate and screw fixation was introduced for complex fractures of the hand. Several risk factors for a poor functional outcome have been identified, but there is a paucity of evidence regarding predictors of finger stiffness in difficult hand fractures. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to identify independent prognostic factors of the postoperative total active motion (%TAM) in the treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. Seventy-two patients (62 males, 10 females; 37±15 years) with periarticular fractures involving metaphyseal comminution and displacement were evaluated at a minimum of 1 year following surgery. There were 49 phalangeal bone fractures, 30 intra-articular fractures and 20 associated soft-tissue injuries. The locations of plate placement were lateral in 42 patients and dorsal in 30. The mean duration from injury to surgery was 7.6 days (range, 0-40 days). There were eight examined variables related to patient characteristics (age, gender and hand dominance), fracture characteristics (fracture location, joint involvement and associated soft-tissue injury) and surgical variables (location of plate placement and duration from injury to surgery). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to identify the degree to which variables affect %TAM at the final follow-up. Univariate analysis indicated moderate correlations of %TAM with fracture location, associated soft-tissue injury and age. Multiple linear regression modelling including fracture location, age and associated soft-tissue injury resulted in formulae that could account for 46.3% of the variability in %TAM: fracture location (β=-0.388, p<0.001), age (β=-0.339, p<0.001) and associated soft-tissue injury (β=-0.296, p=0.002). Phalangeal fracture, increasing age and associated soft-tissue injury were important risk factors to identify the postoperative %TAM in the treatment of comminuted periarticular metacarpal or phalangeal fracture with a titanium plate. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CT visible internal stone structure, but not Hounsfield unit value, of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) calculi predicts lithotripsy fragility in vitro.

PubMed

Zarse, Chad A; Hameed, Tariq A; Jackson, Molly E; Pishchalnikov, Yuri A; Lingeman, James E; McAteer, James A; Williams, James C

2007-08-01

Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones are often resistant to breakage using shock wave (SW) lithotripsy. It would be useful to identify by computed tomography (CT) those COM stones that are susceptible to SW's. For this study, 47 COM stones (4-10 mm in diameter) were scanned with micro CT to verify composition and also for assessment of heterogeneity (presence of pronounced lobulation, voids, or apatite inclusions) by blinded observers. Stones were then placed in water and scanned using 64-channel helical CT. As with micro CT, heterogeneity was assessed by blinded observers, using high-bone viewing windows. Then stones were broken in a lithotripter (Dornier Doli-50) over 2 mm mesh, and SW's counted. Results showed that classification of stones using micro CT was highly repeatable among observers (kappa = 0.81), and also predictive of stone fragility. Stones graded as homogeneous required 1,874 +/- 821 SW/g for comminution, while stones with visible structure required half as many SW/g, 912 +/- 678. Similarly, when stones were graded by appearance on helical CT, classification was repeatable (kappa = 0.40), and homogeneous stones required more SW's for comminution than did heterogeneous stones (1,702 +/- 993 SW/g, compared to 907 +/- 773). Stone fragility normalized to stone size did not correlate with Hounsfield units (P = 0.85). In conclusion, COM stones of homogeneous structure require almost twice as many SW's to comminute than stones of similar mineral composition that exhibit internal structural features that are visible by CT. This suggests that stone fragility in patients could be predicted using pre-treatment CT imaging. The findings also show that Hounsfield unit values of COM stones did not correlate with stone fragility. Thus, it is stone morphology, rather than X-ray attenuation, which correlates with fragility to SW's in this common stone type.

High-strain-rate deformation of granular silicon carbide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shih, C.J.; Meyers, M.A.; Nesterenko, V.F.

1998-07-01

Silicon carbide powders with three particle size distributions (average sizes of 0.4, 3 and 50 {micro}m) were subjected to strain-controlled, high-strain-rate deformation ({dot {var_epsilon}} {approx} 3 {times} 10{sup 4}/s) in a cylindrical geometry which imposed simultaneous compressive stresses. The experiments involved two explosive stages to (a) densify the powder and to (b) subject the densified granules to large deformation. The powder, with initial density of 33--59% of theoretical density, was densified to densities between 73 and 94% of theoretical density in the first stage. The densified powders were subjected to a global effective strain of {approx}{minus}0.27 in the second stage.more » Their response to be imposed constraints occurred through both homogeneous deformation (82--100%) and shear localization (0--18%), depending on the particle size. In the coarse powder (50 {micro}m), the shear localization process was primarily due to particle break-up (comminution) and rearrangement of the comminuted particles, through a similar mechanism to the bulk and prefractured SiC (Shih, C.J., Nesterenko, V.F. and Meyers, M.A., Journal of Applied Physics, 1998, 83, 4660). Comminution was observed in the medium powder (3 {micro}m), but was never seen in the fine powder (0.4 {micro}m). In medium and fine granular SiC, the shear localization at sufficiently high displacement (>150 {micro}m) leads to the formation of a thin layer (5--20 {micro}m) of well-bonded material. Calculated temperatures in the centers of the bands are up to 2300 C (using an assumed shear strength of 2 GPa and linear thermal softening), which explain the bonding. An analytical model is developed that correctly predicts break-up of large particles and plastic deformation of the smaller ones. It is based on the Griffith fracture criterion and Weibull distribution of strength, which quantitatively express the fact that the fracture is generated by flaws the size of which is limited by the particle size.« less

Modularization and Response Curve Engineering of a Naringenin-Responsive Transcriptional Biosensor.

PubMed

De Paepe, Brecht; Maertens, Jo; Vanholme, Bartel; De Mey, Marjan

2018-05-18

To monitor the intra- and extracellular environment of micro-organisms and to adapt their metabolic processes accordingly, scientists are reprogramming nature's myriad of transcriptional regulatory systems into transcriptional biosensors, which are able to detect small molecules and, in response, express specific output signals of choice. However, the naturally occurring response curve, the key characteristic of biosensor circuits, is typically not in line with the requirements for real-life biosensor applications. In this contribution, a natural LysR-type naringenin-responsive biosensor circuit is developed and characterized with Escherichia coli as host organism. Subsequently, this biosensor is dissected into a clearly defined detector and effector module without loss of functionality, and the influence of the expression levels of both modules on the biosensor response characteristics is investigated. Two collections of ten unique synthetic biosensors each are generated. Each collection demonstrates a unique diversity of response curve characteristics spanning a 128-fold change in dynamic and 2.5-fold change in operational ranges and 3-fold change in levels of Noise, fit for a wide range of applications, such as adaptive laboratory evolution, dynamic pathway control and high-throughput screening methods. The established biosensor engineering concepts, and the developed biosensor collections themselves, are of use for the future development and customization of biosensors in general, for the multitude of biosensor applications and as a compelling alternative for the commonly used LacI-, TetR- and AraC-based inducible circuits.

Microprocessor-based integration of microfluidic control for the implementation of automated sensor monitoring and multithreaded optimization algorithms.

PubMed

Ezra, Elishai; Maor, Idan; Bavli, Danny; Shalom, Itai; Levy, Gahl; Prill, Sebastian; Jaeger, Magnus S; Nahmias, Yaakov

2015-08-01

Microfluidic applications range from combinatorial synthesis to high throughput screening, with platforms integrating analog perfusion components, digitally controlled micro-valves and a range of sensors that demand a variety of communication protocols. Currently, discrete control units are used to regulate and monitor each component, resulting in scattered control interfaces that limit data integration and synchronization. Here, we present a microprocessor-based control unit, utilizing the MS Gadgeteer open framework that integrates all aspects of microfluidics through a high-current electronic circuit that supports and synchronizes digital and analog signals for perfusion components, pressure elements, and arbitrary sensor communication protocols using a plug-and-play interface. The control unit supports an integrated touch screen and TCP/IP interface that provides local and remote control of flow and data acquisition. To establish the ability of our control unit to integrate and synchronize complex microfluidic circuits we developed an equi-pressure combinatorial mixer. We demonstrate the generation of complex perfusion sequences, allowing the automated sampling, washing, and calibrating of an electrochemical lactate sensor continuously monitoring hepatocyte viability following exposure to the pesticide rotenone. Importantly, integration of an optical sensor allowed us to implement automated optimization protocols that require different computational challenges including: prioritized data structures in a genetic algorithm, distributed computational efforts in multiple-hill climbing searches and real-time realization of probabilistic models in simulated annealing. Our system offers a comprehensive solution for establishing optimization protocols and perfusion sequences in complex microfluidic circuits.

A 16X16 Discrete Cosine Transform Chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, M. T.; Chen, T. C.; Gottlieb, A.; Wu, L.; Liou, M. L.

1987-10-01

Among various transform coding techniques for image compression the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) is considered to be the most effective method and has been widely used in the laboratory as well as in the market, place. DCT is computationally intensive. For video application at 14.3 MHz sample rate, a direct implementation of a 16x16 DCT requires a throughput, rate of approximately half a billion multiplications per second. In order to reduce the cost of hardware implementation, a single chip DCT implementation is highly desirable. In this paper, the implementation of a 16x16 DCT chip using a concurrent architecture will be presented. The chip is designed for real-time processing of 14.3 MHz sampled video data. It uses row-column decomposition to implement the two-dimensional transform. Distributed arithmetic combined with hit-serial and hit-parallel structures is used to implement the required vector inner products concurrently. Several schemes are utilized to reduce the size of required memory. The resultant circuit only uses memory, shift registers, and adders. No multipliers are required. It achieves high speed performance with a very regular and efficient integrated circuit realization. The chip accepts 0-bit input and produces 14-bit DCT coefficients. 12 bits are maintained after the first one-dimensional transform. The circuit has been laid out using a 2-μm CMOS technology with a symbolic design tool MULGA. The core contains approximately 73,000 transistors in an area of 7.2 x 7.0

Trap Healing for High-Performance Low-Voltage Polymer Transistors and Solution-Based Analog Amplifiers on Foil.

PubMed

Pecunia, Vincenzo; Nikolka, Mark; Sou, Antony; Nasrallah, Iyad; Amin, Atefeh Y; McCulloch, Iain; Sirringhaus, Henning

2017-06-01

Solution-processed semiconductors such as conjugated polymers have great potential in large-area electronics. While extremely appealing due to their low-temperature and high-throughput deposition methods, their integration in high-performance circuits has been difficult. An important remaining challenge is the achievement of low-voltage circuit operation. The present study focuses on state-of-the-art polymer thin-film transistors based on poly(indacenodithiophene-benzothiadiazole) and shows that the general paradigm for low-voltage operation via an enhanced gate-to-channel capacitive coupling is unable to deliver high-performance device behavior. The order-of-magnitude longitudinal-field reduction demanded by low-voltage operation plays a fundamental role, enabling bulk trapping and leading to compromised contact properties. A trap-reduction technique based on small molecule additives, however, is capable of overcoming this effect, allowing low-voltage high-mobility operation. This approach is readily applicable to low-voltage circuit integration, as this work exemplifies by demonstrating high-performance analog differential amplifiers operating at a battery-compatible power supply voltage of 5 V with power dissipation of 11 µW, and attaining a voltage gain above 60 dB at a power supply voltage below 8 V. These findings constitute an important milestone in realizing low-voltage polymer transistors for solution-based analog electronics that meets performance and power-dissipation requirements for a range of battery-powered smart-sensing applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

One-Step Laser Patterned Highly Uniform Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin Films for Circuit-Enabled Tattoo and Flexible Humidity Sensor Application.

PubMed

Park, Rowoon; Kim, Hyesu; Lone, Saifullah; Jeon, Sangheon; Kwon, Young Woo; Shin, Bosung; Hong, Suck Won

2018-06-06

The conversion of graphene oxide (GO) into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is imperative for the electronic device applications of graphene-based materials. Efficient and cost-effective fabrication of highly uniform GO films and the successive reduction into rGO on a large area is still a cumbersome task through conventional protocols. Improved film casting of GO sheets on a polymeric substrate with quick and green reduction processes has a potential that may establish a path to the practical flexible electronics. Herein, we report a facile deposition process of GO on flexible polymer substrates to create highly uniform thin films over a large area by a flow-enabled self-assembly approach. The self-assembly of GO sheets was successfully performed by dragging the trapped solution of GO in confined geometry, which consisted of an upper stationary blade and a lower moving substrate on a motorized translational stage. The prepared GO thin films could be selectively reduced and facilitated from the simple laser direct writing process for programmable circuit printing with the desired configuration and less sample damage due to the non-contact mode operation without the use of photolithography, toxic chemistry, or high-temperature reduction methods. Furthermore, two different modes of the laser operating system for the reduction of GO films turned out to be valuable for the construction of novel graphene-based high-throughput electrical circuit boards compatible with integrating electronic module chips and flexible humidity sensors.

Energy efficiency analysis and implementation of AES on an FPGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenney, David

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) was developed by Joan Daemen and Vincent Rjimen and endorsed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2001. It was designed to replace the aging Data Encryption Standard (DES) and be useful for a wide range of applications with varying throughput, area, power dissipation and energy consumption requirements. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are flexible and reconfigurable integrated circuits that are useful for many different applications including the implementation of AES. Though they are highly flexible, FPGAs are often less efficient than Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs); they tend to operate slower, take up more space and dissipate more power. There have been many FPGA AES implementations that focus on obtaining high throughput or low area usage, but very little research done in the area of low power or energy efficient FPGA based AES; in fact, it is rare for estimates on power dissipation to be made at all. This thesis presents a methodology to evaluate the energy efficiency of FPGA based AES designs and proposes a novel FPGA AES implementation which is highly flexible and energy efficient. The proposed methodology is implemented as part of a novel scripting tool, the AES Energy Analyzer, which is able to fully characterize the power dissipation and energy efficiency of FPGA based AES designs. Additionally, this thesis introduces a new FPGA power reduction technique called Opportunistic Combinational Operand Gating (OCOG) which is used in the proposed energy efficient implementation. The AES Energy Analyzer was able to estimate the power dissipation and energy efficiency of the proposed AES design during its most commonly performed operations. It was found that the proposed implementation consumes less energy per operation than any previous FPGA based AES implementations that included power estimations. Finally, the use of Opportunistic Combinational Operand Gating on an AES cipher was found to reduce its dynamic power consumption by up to 17% when compared to an identical design that did not employ the technique.

Properties of structural panels fabricated from bioremediated CCA-treated wood: pilot scale

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; James H. Muehl; Andrzej M. Krzysik

2006-01-01

Particleboard and flakeboard panels were fabricated from remediated CCA-treated southern yellow pine. Treated wood, flaked or comminuted into particles, was remediated in 12-kg batches using oxalic acid extraction, followed by bioleaching with the metal-tolerant bacterium Bacillus licheniformis. Remediation resulted in removal of 80 percent Cu, 71 percent Cr, and 89...

Descriptive texture analyses of cooked patties made of chicken breast with the woody breast condition

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The woody breast (WB) condition is known to negatively influence the texture characteristics and quality of intact broiler breast fillets, but the impact of WB on comminuted meat products are unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of WB on the texture and cooking properties...

Entanglement distribution schemes employing coherent photon-to-spin conversion in semiconductor quantum dot circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaudreau, Louis; Bogan, Alex; Korkusinski, Marek; Studenikin, Sergei; Austing, D. Guy; Sachrajda, Andrew S.

2017-09-01

Long distance entanglement distribution is an important problem for quantum information technologies to solve. Current optical schemes are known to have fundamental limitations. A coherent photon-to-spin interface built with quantum dots (QDs) in a direct bandgap semiconductor can provide a solution for efficient entanglement distribution. QD circuits offer integrated spin processing for full Bell state measurement (BSM) analysis and spin quantum memory. Crucially the photo-generated spins can be heralded by non-destructive charge detection techniques. We review current schemes to transfer a polarization-encoded state or a time-bin-encoded state of a photon to the state of a spin in a QD. The spin may be that of an electron or that of a hole. We describe adaptations of the original schemes to employ heavy holes which have a number of attractive properties including a g-factor that is tunable to zero for QDs in an appropriately oriented external magnetic field. We also introduce simple throughput scaling models to demonstrate the potential performance advantage of full BSM capability in a QD scheme, even when the quantum memory is imperfect, over optical schemes relying on linear optical elements and ensemble quantum memories.

Efficient architecture for spike sorting in reconfigurable hardware.

PubMed

Hwang, Wen-Jyi; Lee, Wei-Hao; Lin, Shiow-Jyu; Lai, Sheng-Ying

2013-11-01

This paper presents a novel hardware architecture for fast spike sorting. The architecture is able to perform both the feature extraction and clustering in hardware. The generalized Hebbian algorithm (GHA) and fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithm are used for feature extraction and clustering, respectively. The employment of GHA allows efficient computation of principal components for subsequent clustering operations. The FCM is able to achieve near optimal clustering for spike sorting. Its performance is insensitive to the selection of initial cluster centers. The hardware implementations of GHA and FCM feature low area costs and high throughput. In the GHA architecture, the computation of different weight vectors share the same circuit for lowering the area costs. Moreover, in the FCM hardware implementation, the usual iterative operations for updating the membership matrix and cluster centroid are merged into one single updating process to evade the large storage requirement. To show the effectiveness of the circuit, the proposed architecture is physically implemented by field programmable gate array (FPGA). It is embedded in a System-on-Chip (SOC) platform for performance measurement. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture is an efficient spike sorting design for attaining high classification correct rate and high speed computation.

A remotely triggered fast neutron detection instrument based on a plastic organic scintillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, A. R.; Aspinall, M. D.; Joyce, M. J.

2018-02-01

A detector system for the characterization of radiation fields of both fast neutrons and γ rays is described comprising of a gated photomultiplier tube (PMT), an EJ299-33 solid organic scintillator detector, and an external trigger circuit. The objective of this development was to conceive a means by which the PMT in such a system can be actuated remotely during the high-intensity bursts of pulsed γ-ray contamination that can arise during active interrogation procedures. The system is used to detect neutrons and γ rays using established pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) techniques. The gating circuit enables the PMT to be switched off remotely. This is compatible with use during intense radiation transients to avoid saturation and the disruption of the operation of the PMT during the burst. Data are presented in the form of pulse-height spectra and PSD scatter plots for the system triggered with a strobed light source. These confirm that the gain of the system and the throughput for both triggered and un-triggered scenarios are as expected, given the duty cycle of the stimulating radiation. This demonstrates that the triggering function does not perturb the system response of the detector.

A remotely triggered fast neutron detection instrument based on a plastic organic scintillator.

PubMed

Jones, A R; Aspinall, M D; Joyce, M J

2018-02-01

A detector system for the characterization of radiation fields of both fast neutrons and γ rays is described comprising of a gated photomultiplier tube (PMT), an EJ299-33 solid organic scintillator detector, and an external trigger circuit. The objective of this development was to conceive a means by which the PMT in such a system can be actuated remotely during the high-intensity bursts of pulsed γ-ray contamination that can arise during active interrogation procedures. The system is used to detect neutrons and γ rays using established pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) techniques. The gating circuit enables the PMT to be switched off remotely. This is compatible with use during intense radiation transients to avoid saturation and the disruption of the operation of the PMT during the burst. Data are presented in the form of pulse-height spectra and PSD scatter plots for the system triggered with a strobed light source. These confirm that the gain of the system and the throughput for both triggered and un-triggered scenarios are as expected, given the duty cycle of the stimulating radiation. This demonstrates that the triggering function does not perturb the system response of the detector.

Towards co-packaging of photonics and microelectronics in existing manufacturing facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janta-Polczynski, Alexander; Cyr, Elaine; Bougie, Jerome; Drouin, Alain; Langlois, Richard; Childers, Darrell; Takenobu, Shotaro; Taira, Yoichi; Lichoulas, Ted W.; Kamlapurkar, Swetha; Engelmann, Sebastian; Fortier, Paul; Boyer, Nicolas; Barwicz, Tymon

2018-02-01

The impact of integrated photonics on optical interconnects is currently muted by challenges in photonic packaging and in the dense integration of photonic modules with microelectronic components on printed circuit boards. Single mode optics requires tight alignment tolerance for optical coupling and maintaining this alignment in a cost-efficient package can be challenging during thermal excursions arising from downstream microelectronic assembly processes. In addition, the form factor of typical fiber connectors is incompatible with the dense module integration expected on printed circuit boards. We have implemented novel approaches to interfacing photonic chips to standard optical fibers. These leverage standard high throughput microelectronic assembly tooling and self-alignment techniques resulting in photonic packaging that is scalable in manufacturing volume and in the number of optical IOs per chip. In addition, using dense optical fiber connectors with space-efficient latching of fiber patch cables results in compact module size and efficient board integration, bringing the optics closer to the logic chip to alleviate bandwidth bottlenecks. This packaging direction is also well suited for embedding optics in multi-chip modules, including both photonic and microelectronic chips. We discuss the challenges and rewards in this type of configuration such as thermal management and signal integrity.

Zebrafish models for translational neuroscience research: from tank to bedside

PubMed Central

Stewart, Adam Michael; Braubach, Oliver; Spitsbergen, Jan; Gerlai, Robert; Kalueff, Allan V.

2014-01-01

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is emerging as a new important species for studying mechanisms of brain function and dysfunction. Focusing on selected central nervous system (CNS) disorders (brain cancer, epilepsy, and anxiety) and using them as examples, we discuss the value of zebrafish models in translational neuroscience. We further evaluate the contribution of zebrafish to neuroimaging, circuit level, and drug discovery research. Outlining the role of zebrafish in modeling a wide range of human brain disorders, we also summarize recent applications and existing challenges in this field. Finally, we emphasize the potential of zebrafish models in behavioral phenomics and high-throughput genetic/small molecule screening, which is critical for CNS drug discovery and identifying novel candidate genes. PMID:24726051

Research development of thermal aberration in 193nm lithography exposure system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yueqiang; Liu, Yong

2014-08-01

Lithographic exposure is the key process in the manufacture of the integrated circuit, and the performance of exposure system decides the level of microelectronic manufacture technology. Nowadays, the 193nm ArF immersion exposure tool is widely used by the IC manufacturer. With the uniformity of critical dimension (CDU) and overlay become tighter and the requirement for throughput become higher, the thermal aberration caused by lens material and structure absorbing the laser energy cannot be neglected. In this paper, we introduce the efforts and methods that researcher on thermal aberration and its control. Further, these methods were compared to show their own pros and cons. Finally we investigated the challenges of thermal aberration control for state of the art technologies.

Soil carbon and soil physical properties response to incorporating mulched forest slash

Treesearch

Felipe G. Sanchez; Emily A. Carter; John. F. Klepac

2000-01-01

A study was installed in the Lower Coastal Plain near Washington, NC, to test the hypothesis that incorporating organic matter in the form of comminuted forest slash would increase soil carbon and nutrient pools, and alter soil physical properties to favor pine growth. Two sites were selected, an organic and a mineral site, to compare the treatment effects on...

Microbiology of Fresh Comminuted Turkey Meat

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-04-12

823 Reprinted from J. Milk Food Technol. Vol. 39. No. 12. Pages 823-829 (December. 1976) Cooyright 1976, International Association of Milk , Food, and...most probable number (MPN) method (13). niacin, and riboflavin (29). Canadian officials have proposed microbial standards The literature contains...onto Mueller-Hinton agar plates containing 5% various retail markets in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were defibrinated sheep blood. Representative

PRODUCTION OF TRITIUM

DOEpatents

Jenks, G.H.; Shapiro, E.M.; Elliott, N.; Cannon, C.V.

1963-02-26

This invention relates to a process for the production of tritium by subjecting comminuted solid lithium fluoride containing the lithium isotope of atomic mass number 6 to neutron radiation in a self-sustaining neutronic reactor. The lithium fiuoride is heated to above 450 deg C. in an evacuated vacuum-tight container during radiation. Gaseous radiation products are withdrawn and passed through a palladium barrier to recover tritium. (AEC)

21 CFR 102.39 - Onion rings made from diced onion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Onion rings made from diced onion. 102.39 Section... Nonstandardized Foods § 102.39 Onion rings made from diced onion. (a) The common or usual name of the food product that resembles and is of the same composition as onion rings, except that it is composed of comminuted...

21 CFR 102.39 - Onion rings made from diced onion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Onion rings made from diced onion. 102.39 Section... Nonstandardized Foods § 102.39 Onion rings made from diced onion. (a) The common or usual name of the food product that resembles and is of the same composition as onion rings, except that it is composed of comminuted...

21 CFR 102.39 - Onion rings made from diced onion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Onion rings made from diced onion. 102.39 Section... Nonstandardized Foods § 102.39 Onion rings made from diced onion. (a) The common or usual name of the food product that resembles and is of the same composition as onion rings, except that it is composed of comminuted...

21 CFR 102.39 - Onion rings made from diced onion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Onion rings made from diced onion. 102.39 Section... Nonstandardized Foods § 102.39 Onion rings made from diced onion. (a) The common or usual name of the food product that resembles and is of the same composition as onion rings, except that it is composed of comminuted...

21 CFR 102.39 - Onion rings made from diced onion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Onion rings made from diced onion. 102.39 Section... Nonstandardized Foods § 102.39 Onion rings made from diced onion. (a) The common or usual name of the food product that resembles and is of the same composition as onion rings, except that it is composed of comminuted...

21 CFR 589.2001 - Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed to prevent the transmission of bovine...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

.... Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Copies may be examined at the Center for Food Safety and Applied..., or metabolic conditions. (3) Mechanically separated beef means a finely comminuted meat food product... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed...

21 CFR 589.2001 - Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed to prevent the transmission of bovine...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

.... Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Copies may be examined at the Center for Food Safety and Applied..., or metabolic conditions. (3) Mechanically separated beef means a finely comminuted meat food product... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed...

21 CFR 589.2001 - Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed to prevent the transmission of bovine...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

.... Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Copies may be examined at the Center for Food Safety and Applied..., or metabolic conditions. (3) Mechanically separated beef means a finely comminuted meat food product... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed...

21 CFR 589.2001 - Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed to prevent the transmission of bovine...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

.... Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Copies may be examined at the Center for Food Safety and Applied..., or metabolic conditions. (3) Mechanically separated beef means a finely comminuted meat food product... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed...

21 CFR 589.2001 - Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed to prevent the transmission of bovine...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

.... Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Copies may be examined at the Center for Food Safety and Applied..., or metabolic conditions. (3) Mechanically separated beef means a finely comminuted meat food product... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Cattle materials prohibited in animal food or feed...

Overview of shock waves in medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cleveland, Robin O.

2003-10-01

A brief overview of three applications of shock waves is presented. Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) has been in clinical use for more than 20 years. In the United States it is used to treat more than 80% of kidney stone cases and has wide acceptance with patients because it is a noninvasive procedure. Despite SWLs enormous success there is no agreement on how shock waves comminute stones. There is also a general acceptance that shock waves lead to trauma to the soft tissue of the kidney. Yet there has been little forward progress in developing lithotripters which provide comminution with less side-effects, indeed the original machine is still considered the gold standard. The last decade has seen the advent of new shock wave devices for treating principally musculoskeletal indications, such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and bone fractures that do not heal. This is referred to as shock wave therapy (SWT). The mechanisms by which SWT works are even less well understood than SWL and the consequences of bioeffects have also not been studied in detail. Shock waves have also been shown to be effective at enhancing drug delivery into cells and assisting with gene transfection. [Work partially supported by NIH.

Design and testing of small scale fish meat bone separator useful for fish processing.

PubMed

Ali Muhammed, M; Manjunatha, N; Murthy, K Venkatesh; Bhaskar, N

2015-06-01

The present study relates to the food processing machinery and, more specifically machine for producing boneless comminuted meat from raw fish fillet. This machine is of belt and drum type meat bone separator designed for small scale fish processing in a continuous mode. The basic principal involved in this machine is compression force. The electric geared motor consists of 1HP and the conveyor belt has a linear velocity of 19 to 22 m min(-1), which was sufficient to debone the fish effectively. During the meat bone separation trials an efficiency up to 75 % on dressed fish weight basis was observed and with a capacity to separate 70 kg h(-1) of meat from fish at the machine speed of 25 rpm. During the trials, it was demonstrated that there was no significant change in the proximate composition of comminuted fish meat when compared to unprocessed fish meat. This design has a greater emphasis on hygiene, provision for cleaning-in-place (CIP) and gives cost effective need and reliability for small scale industries to produce fish meat in turn used for their value added products.

Laser comminution of submerged samples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mariella, R. Jr.; Rubenchik, A.; Norton, M.

With the long-term goal in mind of investigating possible designs for a 'universal, solid-sample comminution technique' for elemental analysis of debris and rubble, we have studied pulsed-laser ablation of solid samples that were submerged in water. Using 351-nm, 15-ns laser pulses with energy between 1 J and 0.35 J, intensities between 500 MW/cm{sup 2} and 30 MW/cm{sup 2}, and samples of broken rock [quartzite] and concrete debris, we have observed conditions in which the laser-driven process can remove material from the solid target substrate, dissolving it and/or converting it into ultrafine particles in a controlled manner. Our study used impure,more » non-metallic substrates and investigated both the rate of material removal as well as the size distribution of particles that were ablated from the process. We studied ablation at lower regimes of intensity and fluence [below 100 MW/cm{sup 2} and 0.4 J/cm{sup 2}, respectively] than has previously attracted attention and discovered that there appears to be a new regime for energy-efficient material removal [Q* < 4000 J/g, for quartzite and <2000 J/g for concrete] and for the generation of ultrafine particles.« less

Modelling the influence of inulin as a fat substitute in comminuted meat products on their physico-chemical characteristics and eating quality using a mixture design approach.

PubMed

Keenan, Derek F; Resconi, Virginia C; Kerry, Joseph P; Hamill, Ruth M

2014-03-01

The effects of fat substitution using two commercial inulin products on the physico-chemical properties and eating quality of a comminuted meat product (breakfast sausage) were modelled using a specialised response surface experiment specially developed for mixtures. 17 treatments were assigned representing a different substitution level for fat with inulin. Sausages were formulated to contain pork shoulder, back fat/inulin, water, rusk and seasoning (44.3, 18.7, 27.5, 7 and 2.5% w/w). Composition, sensory, instrumental texture and colour characteristics were assessed. Fructan analysis showed that inulin was unaffected by heat or processing treatments. Models showed increasing inulin inclusions decreased cook loss (p<0.0017) and improved emulsion stability (p<0.0001) but also resulted in greater textural and eating quality modification of sausages. Hardness values increased (p<0.0001) with increasing inulin concentration, with panellists also scoring products containing inulin as less tender (p<0.0112). Optimisation predicted two acceptable sausage formulations with significantly lower fat levels than the control, which would contain sufficient inulin to deliver a prebiotic health effect. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surgical repair of femoral fractures in New World camelids: five cases (1996-2003).

PubMed

Shoemaker, R W; Wilson, D G

2007-04-01

Five New World camelids were admitted to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine between 1996 and 2003 for evaluation of femoral fractures. There were three alpacas and two llamas. Four of the animals were female and three were less than 3 months of age. Fracture configurations consisted of distal physeal fractures (three), a comminuted diaphyseal/metaphyseal fracture, and a transverse diaphyseal fracture. Fractures were diagnosed with a combination of physical examination and radiographs in all cases. All five fractures were repaired with internal fixation and three animals were discharged from the hospital with fractures that healed. One cria underwent successful internal fixation but died from pulmonary oedema during recovery from anaesthesia. Postoperative complications were rare and limited to inadequate fracture stability in one alpaca and prolonged recovery to weight bearing in another. One llama with a comminuted metaphyseal fracture, repaired with a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate, subsequently had catastrophic failure of the bone 17 days after surgery. Overall the clients were pleased with the outcome of discharged animals. Although femoral fractures are considered rare, they pose a unique opportunity for the large animal veterinarian to successfully achieve fracture union with the aid of internal fixation.

Mapping quantum yield for (Fe-Zn-Sn-Ti)Ox photoabsorbers using a high throughput photoelectrochemical screening system.

PubMed

Xiang, Chengxiang; Haber, Joel; Marcin, Martin; Mitrovic, Slobodan; Jin, Jian; Gregoire, John M

2014-03-10

Combinatorial synthesis and screening of light absorbers are critical to material discoveries for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical applications. One of the most effective ways to evaluate the energy-conversion properties of a semiconducting light absorber is to form an asymmetric junction and investigate the photogeneration, transport and recombination processes at the semiconductor interface. This standard photoelectrochemical measurement is readily made on a semiconductor sample with a back-side metallic contact (working electrode) and front-side solution contact. In a typical combinatorial material library, each sample shares a common back contact, requiring novel instrumentation to provide spatially resolved and thus sample-resolved measurements. We developed a multiplexing counter electrode with a thin layer assembly, in which a rectifying semiconductor/liquid junction was formed and the short-circuit photocurrent was measured under chopped illumination for each sample in a material library. The multiplexing counter electrode assembly demonstrated a photocurrent sensitivity of sub-10 μA cm(-2) with an external quantum yield sensitivity of 0.5% for each semiconductor sample under a monochromatic ultraviolet illumination source. The combination of cell architecture and multiplexing allows high-throughput modes of operation, including both fast-serial and parallel measurements. To demonstrate the performance of the instrument, the external quantum yields of 1819 different compositions from a pseudoquaternary metal oxide library, (Fe-Zn-Sn-Ti)Ox, at 385 nm were collected in scanning serial mode with a throughput of as fast as 1 s per sample. Preliminary screening results identified a promising ternary composition region centered at Fe0.894Sn0.103Ti0.0034Ox, with an external quantum yield of 6.7% at 385 nm.

WDM mid-board optics for chip-to-chip wavelength routing interconnects in the H2020 ICT-STREAMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanellos, G. T.; Pleros, N.

2017-02-01

Multi-socket server boards have emerged to increase the processing power density on the board level and further flatten the data center networks beyond leaf-spine architectures. Scaling however the number of processors per board puts current electronic technologies into challenge, as it requires high bandwidth interconnects and high throughput switches with increased number of ports that are currently unavailable. On-board optical interconnection has proved the potential to efficiently satisfy the bandwidth needs, but their use has been limited to parallel links without performing any smart routing functionality. With CWDM optical interconnects already a commodity, cyclical wavelength routing proposed to fit the datacom for rack-to-rack and board-to-board communication now becomes a promising on-board routing platform. ICT-STREAMS is a European research project that aims to combine WDM parallel on-board transceivers with a cyclical AWGR, in order to create a new board-level, chip-to-chip interconnection paradigm that will leverage WDM parallel transmission to a powerful wavelength routing platform capable to interconnect multiple processors with unprecedented bandwidth and throughput capacity. Direct, any-to-any, on-board interconnection of multiple processors will significantly contribute to further flatten the data centers and facilitate east-west communication. In the present communication, we present ICT-STREAMS on-board wavelength routing architecture for multiple chip-to-chip interconnections and evaluate the overall system performance in terms of throughput and latency for several schemes and traffic profiles. We also review recent advances of the ICT-STREAMS platform key-enabling technologies that span from Si in-plane lasers and polymer based electro-optical circuit boards to silicon photonics transceivers and photonic-crystal amplifiers.

Magnetomicrofluidics Circuits for Organizing Bioparticle Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abedini-Nassab, Roozbeh

Single-cell analysis (SCA) tools have important applications in the analysis of phenotypic heterogeneity, which is difficult or impossible to analyze in bulk cell culture or patient samples. SCA tools thus have a myriad of applications ranging from better credentialing of drug therapies to the analysis of rare latent cells harboring HIV infection or in Cancer. However, existing SCA systems usually lack the required combination of programmability, flexibility, and scalability necessary to enable the study of cell behaviors and cell-cell interactions at the scales sufficient to analyze extremely rare events. To advance the field, I have developed a novel, programmable, and massively-parallel SCA tool which is based on the principles of computer circuits. By integrating these magnetic circuits with microfluidics channels, I developed a platform that can organize a large number of single particles into an array in a controlled manner. My magnetophoretic circuits use passive elements constructed in patterned magnetic thin films to move cells along programmed tracks with an external rotating magnetic field. Cell motion along these tracks is analogous to the motion of charges in an electrical conductor, following a rule similar to Ohm's law. I have also developed asymmetric conductors, similar to electrical diodes, and storage sites for cells that behave similarly to electrical capacitors. I have also developed magnetophoretic circuits which use an overlaid pattern of microwires to switch single cells between different tracks. This switching mechanism, analogous to the operation of electronic transistors, is achieved by establishing a semiconducting gap in the magnetic pattern which can be changed from an insulating state to a conducting state by application of electrical current to an overlaid electrode. I performed an extensive study on the operation of transistors to optimize their geometry and minimize the required gate currents. By combining these elements into integrated circuits, I have built devices which are capable of organizing a precise number of cells into individually addressable array sites, similar to how a random access memory (RAM) stores electronic data. My programmable magnetic circuits allow for the organization of both cells and single-cell pairs into large arrays. Single cells can also potentially be retrieved for downstream high-throughput genomic analysis. In order to enhance the efficiency of the tool and to increase the delivery speed of the particles, I have also developed microfluidics systems that are combined with the magnetophoretic circuits. This hybrid system, called magnetomicrofluidics, is capable of rapidly organizing an array of particles and cells with the high precision and control. I have also shown that cells can be grown inside these chips for multiple days, enabling the long-term phenotypic analysis of rare cellular events. These types of studies can reveal important insights about the intercellular signaling networks and answer crucial questions in biology and immunology.

From astronomy and telecommunications to biomedicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behr, Bradford B.; Baker, Scott A.; Bismilla, Yusuf; Cenko, Andrew T.; DesRoches, Brandon; Hajian, Arsen R.; Meade, Jeffrey T.; Nitkowski, Arthur; Preston, Kyle J.; Schmidt, Bradley S.; Sherwood-Droz, Nicolás.; Slaa, Jared

2015-03-01

Photonics is an inherently interdisciplinary endeavor, as technologies and techniques invented or developed in one scientific field are often found to be applicable to other fields or disciplines. We present two case studies in which optical spectroscopy technologies originating from stellar astrophysics and optical telecommunications multiplexing have been successfully adapted for biomedical applications. The first case involves a design concept called the High Throughput Virtual Slit, or HTVS, which provides high spectral resolution without the throughput inefficiency typically associated with a narrow spectrometer slit. HTVS-enhanced spectrometers have been found to significantly improve the sensitivity and speed of fiber-fed Raman analysis systems, and the method is now being adapted for hyperspectral imaging for medical and biological sensing. The second example of technology transfer into biomedicine centers on integrated optics, in which optical waveguides are fabricated on to silicon substrates in a substantially similar fashion as integrated circuits in computer chips. We describe an architecture referred to as OCTANE which implements a small and robust "spectrometer-on-a-chip" which is optimized for optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCTANE-based OCT systems deliver three-dimensional imaging resolution at the micron scale with greater stability and lower cost than equivalent conventional OCT approaches. Both HTVS and OCTANE enable higher precision and improved reliability under environmental conditions that are typically found in a clinical or laboratory setting.

Effect of sample preparation and preenrichment media on the recovery of Salmonella from cantaloupes, mangoes, and tomatoes.

PubMed

Hammack, Thomas S; Johnson, Mildred L; Jacobson, Andrew P; Andrews, Wallace H

2006-01-01

Studies were conducted to determine the relative effectiveness of buffered peptone water (BPW), lactose (LAC) broth, and Universal Preenrichment (UP) broth for the recovery of Salmonella organisms from fruit rinses, whole fruit, and comminuted fruit. In the first phase, the relative effectiveness of the rinse and soak methods for the recovery of Salmonella from surface-contaminated mangoes and tomatoes was examined. Fruits were spot inoculated with single Salmonella serovars and held for 4 days at 2-6 degrees C before analysis was initiated. The contaminated fruit was rinsed in portions of BPW, LAC broth, or UP broth. Portions from each rinse were added to its respective broth (e.g., BPW to BPW). Individual whole fruit, in their remaining broth rinses (soak method), and the fruit rinse/broths (rinse method) were incubated for 24 h at 35 degrees C. The Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Salmonella culture method was followed thereafter. The soak method produced significantly greater numbers (P < 0.05) of positive test portions than did the rinse method for the analysis of mangoes (93 versus 12) and tomatoes (85 versus 34). The 3 broths were comparable for the recovery of Salmonella for both the soak and the rinse methods for mangoes. For tomatoes, there were no significant differences among the broths for the soak method, but BPW and UP broth were significantly more productive (P < 0.05) than LAC broth by the rinse method. In the second phase, the relative effectiveness of LAC broth, BPW, and UP broth for the recovery of Salmonella from comminuted fruit was examined. Fruits were contaminated with single Salmonella serovars and aged for 4 days at 2-6 degrees C. Twenty 25 g test portions were preenriched in each of the following broths: BPW, LAC broth, and UP broth. The BAM Salmonella culture method was followed thereafter. For cantaloupes, significantly more (P < 0.05) Salmonella-positive test portions were recovered with UP broth (96 Salmonella-positive test portions) and BPW (87 Salmonella-positive test portions) than with LAC broth (57 Salmonella-positive test portions). For mangoes, BPW recovered an arithmetically larger number of Salmonella-positive test portions (27 Salmonella-positive test portions) than did either LAC broth (14 Salmonella-positive test portions) or UP broth (18 Salmonella-positive test portions). For tomatoes, there were no significant differences among the broths: BPW recovered 65 Salmonella-positive test portions, UP broth recovered 62 Salmonella-positive test portions, and LAC broth recovered 60 Salmonella-positive test portions. For the analysis of whole fruit, it is recommended that the soak method be used. For whole fruit analyzed with the soak method, UP broth should be used for tomatoes and BPW should be used for mangoes. It is further recommended that UP broth be used for the analysis of comminuted cantaloupes and that BPW be used for the analysis of comminuted mangoes and tomatoes.

Successful short-segment instrumentation and fusion for thoracolumbar spine fractures: a consecutive 41/2-year series.

PubMed

Parker, J W; Lane, J R; Karaikovic, E E; Gaines, R W

2000-05-01

A retrospective review of all the surgically managed spinal fractures at the University of Missouri Medical Center during the 41/2-year period from January 1989 to July 1993 was performed. Of the 51 surgically managed patients, 46 were instrumented by short-segment technique (attachment of one level above the fracture to one level below the fracture). The other 5 patients in this consecutive series had multiple trauma. These patients were included in the review because this was a consecutive series. However, they were grouped separately because they were instrumented by long-segment technique because of their multiple organ system injuries. The choice of the anterior or posterior approach for short-segment instrumentation was based on the Load-Sharing Classification published in a 1994 issue of Spine. The purpose of this review was to demonstrate that grading comminution by use of the Load-Sharing Classification for approach selection and the choice of patients with isolated fractures who are cooperative with spinal bracing for 4 months provide the keys to successful short-segment treatment of isolated spinal fractures. The current literature implies that the use of pedicle screws for short-segment instrumentation of spinal fracture is dangerous and inappropriate because of the high screw fracture rate. Charts, operative notes, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, computed tomography scans, and follow-up records of all patients were reviewed carefully from the time of surgery until final follow-up assessment. The Load-Sharing Classification had been used prospectively for all patients before their surgery to determine the approach for short-segment instrumentation. Denis' Pain Scale and Work Scales were obtained during follow-up evaluation for all patients. All patients were observed over 40 months except for 1 patient who died of unrelated causes after 35 months. The mean follow-up period was 66 months (51/2 years). No patient was lost to follow-up evaluation. Prospective application of the Load-Sharing Classification to the patients' injury and restriction of the short-segment approach to cooperative patients with isolated spinal fractures (excluding multisystem trauma patients) allowed 45 of 46 patients instrumented by the short-segment technique to proceed to successful healing in virtual anatomic alignment. The Load-Sharing Classification is a straightforward way to describe the amount of bony comminution in a spinal fracture. When applied to patients with isolated spine fractures who are cooperative with 3 to 4 months of spinal bracing, it can help the surgeon select short-segment pedicle-screw-based fixation using the posterior approach for less comminuted injuries and the anterior approach for those more comminuted. The choice of which fracture-dislocations should be strut grafted anteriorly and which need only posterior short-segment pedicle-screw-based instrumentation also can be made using the Load-Sharing Classification.

Effect of product form, compaction, vibration and comminution on energywood bulk density

Treesearch

Tim P. McDonald; Bryce J. Stokes; J.F. McNeel

1995-01-01

A study was performed to examine the changes in density of stacked roundwood, chips, and chunks as affected by various compaction treatments. Density of stacked roundwood bolts was tested for the effect of stacking orientation, binding of the stack ends, and species. Stacked bolt wood occupied less than 50 percent of the total rack space for all species, giving final...

Thin film module development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jester, T.

1985-01-01

The design of ARCO Solar, Inc.'s Genesis G100 photovoltaic module was driven by several criteria, including environmental stability (both electrical and mechanical), consumer aesthetics, low materials costs, and manufacturing ease. The module circuitry is designed as a 12 volt battery charger, using monolithic patterning techniques on a glass superstrate. This patterning and interconnect method proves amenable to high volume, low cost production throughput, and the use of glass serves the dual role of handling ease and availability. The mechanical design of the module centers on environmental stability. Packaging of the glass superstrate circuit must provide good resistance to thermal and humidity exposure along with hi-pot insulation and hailstone impact resistance. The options considered are given. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is chosen as the pottant material for its excellent weatherability.

Data encryption standard ASIC design and development report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robertson, Perry J.; Pierson, Lyndon George; Witzke, Edward L.

2003-10-01

This document describes the design, fabrication, and testing of the SNL Data Encryption Standard (DES) ASIC. This device was fabricated in Sandia's Microelectronics Development Laboratory using 0.6 {micro}m CMOS technology. The SNL DES ASIC was modeled using VHDL, then simulated, and synthesized using Synopsys, Inc. software and finally IC layout was performed using Compass Design Automation's CAE tools. IC testing was performed by Sandia's Microelectronic Validation Department using a HP 82000 computer aided test system. The device is a single integrated circuit, pipelined realization of DES encryption and decryption capable of throughputs greater than 6.5 Gb/s. Several enhancements accommodate ATMmore » or IP network operation and performance scaling. This design is the latest step in the evolution of DES modules.« less

Ultrascalable petaflop parallel supercomputer

DOEpatents

Blumrich, Matthias A [Ridgefield, CT; Chen, Dong [Croton On Hudson, NY; Chiu, George [Cross River, NY; Cipolla, Thomas M [Katonah, NY; Coteus, Paul W [Yorktown Heights, NY; Gara, Alan G [Mount Kisco, NY; Giampapa, Mark E [Irvington, NY; Hall, Shawn [Pleasantville, NY; Haring, Rudolf A [Cortlandt Manor, NY; Heidelberger, Philip [Cortlandt Manor, NY; Kopcsay, Gerard V [Yorktown Heights, NY; Ohmacht, Martin [Yorktown Heights, NY; Salapura, Valentina [Chappaqua, NY; Sugavanam, Krishnan [Mahopac, NY; Takken, Todd [Brewster, NY

2010-07-20

A massively parallel supercomputer of petaOPS-scale includes node architectures based upon System-On-a-Chip technology, where each processing node comprises a single Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) having up to four processing elements. The ASIC nodes are interconnected by multiple independent networks that optimally maximize the throughput of packet communications between nodes with minimal latency. The multiple networks may include three high-speed networks for parallel algorithm message passing including a Torus, collective network, and a Global Asynchronous network that provides global barrier and notification functions. These multiple independent networks may be collaboratively or independently utilized according to the needs or phases of an algorithm for optimizing algorithm processing performance. The use of a DMA engine is provided to facilitate message passing among the nodes without the expenditure of processing resources at the node.

Polymer waveguides for electro-optical integration in data centers and high-performance computers.

PubMed

Dangel, Roger; Hofrichter, Jens; Horst, Folkert; Jubin, Daniel; La Porta, Antonio; Meier, Norbert; Soganci, Ibrahim Murat; Weiss, Jonas; Offrein, Bert Jan

2015-02-23

To satisfy the intra- and inter-system bandwidth requirements of future data centers and high-performance computers, low-cost low-power high-throughput optical interconnects will become a key enabling technology. To tightly integrate optics with the computing hardware, particularly in the context of CMOS-compatible silicon photonics, optical printed circuit boards using polymer waveguides are considered as a formidable platform. IBM Research has already demonstrated the essential silicon photonics and interconnection building blocks. A remaining challenge is electro-optical packaging, i.e., the connection of the silicon photonics chips with the system. In this paper, we present a new single-mode polymer waveguide technology and a scalable method for building the optical interface between silicon photonics chips and single-mode polymer waveguides.

(abstract) A High Throughput 3-D Inner Product Processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daud, Tuan

1996-01-01

A particularily challenging image processing application is the real time scene acquisition and object discrimination. It requires spatio-temporal recognition of point and resolved objects at high speeds with parallel processing algorithms. Neural network paradigms provide fine grain parallism and, when implemented in hardware, offer orders of magnitude speed up. However, neural networks implemented on a VLSI chip are planer architectures capable of efficient processing of linear vector signals rather than 2-D images. Therefore, for processing of images, a 3-D stack of neural-net ICs receiving planar inputs and consuming minimal power are required. Details of the circuits with chip architectures will be described with need to develop ultralow-power electronics. Further, use of the architecture in a system for high-speed processing will be illustrated.

Echidna Mark II: one giant leap for 'tilting spine' fibre positioning technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, James; Dalton, Gavin

2016-07-01

The Australian Astronomical Observatory's 'tilting spine' fibre positioning technology has been redeveloped to provide superior performance in a smaller package. The new design offers demonstrated closed-loop positioning errors of <2.8 μm RMS in only five moves ( 10 s excluding metrology overheads) and an improved capacity for open-loop tracking during observations. Tilt-induced throughput losses have been halved by lengthening spines while maintaining excellent accuracy. New low-voltage multilayer piezo actuator technology has reduced a spine's peak drive amplitude from 150V to <10V, simplifying the control electronics design, reducing the system's overall size, and improving modularity. Every spine is now a truly independent unit with a dedicated drive circuit and no restrictions on the timing or direction of fibre motion.

Ennoblement, corrosion, and biofouling in brackish seawater: Comparison between six stainless steel grades.

PubMed

Huttunen-Saarivirta, E; Rajala, P; Marja-Aho, M; Maukonen, J; Sohlberg, E; Carpén, L

2018-04-01

In this work, six common stainless steel grades were compared with respect to ennoblement characteristics, corrosion performance and tendency to biofouling in brackish sea water in a pilot-scale cooling water circuit. Two tests were performed, each employing three test materials, until differences between the materials were detected. Open circuit potential (OCP) was measured continuously in situ. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were conducted before and after the tests. Exposed specimens were further subjected to examinations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and the biofouling was studied using epifluorescence microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high-throughput sequencing (HTP sequencing). The results revealed dissimilarities between the stainless steel grades in corrosion behaviour and biofouling tendency. The test material that differed from the most of the other studied alloys was grade EN 1.4162. It experienced fastest and most efficient ennoblement of OCP, its passive area shrank to the greatest extent and the cathodic reaction was accelerated to a significant degree by the development of biofilm. Furthermore, microbiological analyses revealed that bacterial community on EN 1.4162 was dominated by Actinobacteria, whereas on the other five test materials Proteobacteria was the main bacterial phylum. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimizations of a Hardware Decoder for Deep-Space Optical Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Michael K.; Nakashima, Michael A.; Moision, Bruce E.; Hamkins, Jon

2007-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has developed a capacity approaching modulation and coding scheme that comprises a serial concatenation of an inner accumulate pulse-position modulation (PPM) and an outer convolutional code [or serially concatenated PPM (SCPPM)] for deep-space optical communications. Decoding of this code uses the turbo principle. However, due to the nonbinary property of SCPPM, a straightforward application of classical turbo decoding is very inefficient. Here, we present various optimizations applicable in hardware implementation of the SCPPM decoder. More specifically, we feature a Super Gamma computation to efficiently handle parallel trellis edges, a pipeline-friendly 'maxstar top-2' circuit that reduces the max-only approximation penalty, a low-latency cyclic redundancy check circuit for window-based decoders, and a high-speed algorithmic polynomial interleaver that leads to memory savings. Using the featured optimizations, we implement a 6.72 megabits-per-second (Mbps) SCPPM decoder on a single field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Compared to the current data rate of 256 kilobits per second from Mars, the SCPPM coded scheme represents a throughput increase of more than twenty-six fold. Extension to a 50-Mbps decoder on a board with multiple FPGAs follows naturally. We show through hardware simulations that the SCPPM coded system can operate within 1 dB of the Shannon capacity at nominal operating conditions.

Digital-Analog Hybrid Scheme and Its Application to Chaotic Random Number Generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zeshi; Li, Hongtao; Miao, Yunchi; Hu, Wen; Zhu, Xiaohua

2017-12-01

Practical random number generation (RNG) circuits are typically achieved with analog devices or digital approaches. Digital-based techniques, which use field programmable gate array (FPGA) and graphics processing units (GPU) etc. usually have better performances than analog methods as they are programmable, efficient and robust. However, digital realizations suffer from the effect of finite precision. Accordingly, the generated random numbers (RNs) are actually periodic instead of being real random. To tackle this limitation, in this paper we propose a novel digital-analog hybrid scheme that employs the digital unit as the main body, and minimum analog devices to generate physical RNs. Moreover, the possibility of realizing the proposed scheme with only one memory element is discussed. Without loss of generality, we use the capacitor and the memristor along with FPGA to construct the proposed hybrid system, and a chaotic true random number generator (TRNG) circuit is realized, producing physical RNs at a throughput of Gbit/s scale. These RNs successfully pass all the tests in the NIST SP800-22 package, confirming the significance of the scheme in practical applications. In addition, the use of this new scheme is not restricted to RNGs, and it also provides a strategy to solve the effect of finite precision in other digital systems.

Enhancing nitrite inhibition of Clostridium botulinum with isoascorbate in perishable canned cured meat.

PubMed Central

Tompkin, R B; Christiansen, L N; Shaparis, A B

1978-01-01

Addition of sodium isoascorbate to the formulation for perishable canned comminuted cured meat markedly enhanced the efficacy of nitrite against Clostridium botulinum. This effect was reproducible through a series of three tests. In one test it was found that the initial addition of 50 microgram of sodium nitrite per g plus isoascorbate was as effective as 156 microgram of sodium nitrite per g alone. PMID:341810

Initial Experience of US Marine Corps Forward Resuscitative Surgical System during Operation Iraqi Freedom

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

lavage, and splinting. Exter- nal fixation was used when there was concurrent vascular pro- cedures or if fractures were extremely unstable...foot open fracture Completion lower extremity amputation; completion right upper amputation; external fixation right ankle 8/Iraqi child Class 3 shock...infection Comminuted mandible fracture with loss of airway (casualty 1 in Table 2) Airway control Infection of mandibular plate at echelon 5 facility

Traumatic ipsilateral multiple open metatarsal and calcaneal fractures with first metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation: a case report.

PubMed

Ozkan, Namik Kemal; Unay, Koray; Cift, Hakan; Eceviz, Engin; Ozkan, Korhan

2010-06-01

A 17-year-old man fell from a height of 10 m onto his right forefoot and sustained ipsilateral calcaneal, comminuted cuboid, and second, third, and fourth metatarsal neck fractures and first metatarsophalangeal joint open dislocation. This report discusses this rare injury. The authors believe that initial debridement with immediate surgical fixation and reduction with appropriate antibiotic treatment saved the patient's extremity.

Functional morphology of comminuting feeding structures of Trichodactylus borellianus (Brachyura, Decapoda, Trichodactylidae), an omnivorous freshwater crab.

PubMed

Carvalho, Débora de Azevedo; Viozzi, Maria Florencia; Collins, Pablo Agustín; Williner, Verónica

2017-07-01

Crustaceans exhibit great diversity of feeding structures with morphological traits that are useful to infer the general trophic habits of species. In this study, we analyzed the functional morphology of comminuting feeding structures (mandibles, chelipeds, gastric mill) of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus borellianus directly related with the food fragmentation. The heterochely and mechanical advantage (MA) of the chelae were also studied. In both analyses, we considered the relationship between morphology and the natural diet. We expected to find a consistent relation between feeding habits and morphological traits. In general, we found simple structures armed with uniform setal systems and feeding appendages without pronounced teeth or spines. Mandibles have primarily cutting functions, helping with the food anchoring and fragmentation with mandibular palps armed with pappose setae. Chelipeds were covered with spines and simple setae. Adult males exhibited right-handedness with high MA of the major chelae. The ingested, relatively large pieces of food are finally chewed by a gastric mill equipped with sharp cusps characteristic of decapods with low ingestion of crude fiber material. The morphology of the feeding apparatus revealed that it is well adapted to an omnivorous diet, being able to cope with dietary changes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comminuted Laryngeal Fracture Following Blunt Trauma: A Need for Strict Legislation on Roads!

PubMed

Jain, Shraddha; Singh, Pragya; Gupta, Minal; Kamble, Bhavna; Phatak, Suresh S

2017-01-01

Laryngeal fracture is a rare condition with potential life-long implications related to airway patency, voice quality, and swallowing. Rarity of the condition leads to lack of consensus on the most suitable way to manage this injury. The mode of injury can be prevented by strict legislation on the roads. We report a case of a 28-year-old Indian male who sustained a comminuted displaced fracture of the thyroid cartilage with disruption of anterior commissure due to blunt trauma caused by the metallic side rod of a ladder projecting from the rear of a vehicle in front of the bike on which he was riding. He presented with breathing difficulty, change in voice, surgical emphysema, and pneumomediastinum, but without any skin changes over the neck. His airway could be restored due to early tracheostomy and open reduction with internal fixation with sutures along with laryngeal stenting. He has no significant swallowing or breathing problem and reasonably good voice 6 months after surgery. This case highlights the need for strict legislation on roads in India and the importance of high level of suspicion for laryngeal fracture in acute trauma patient. Early identification and timely internal fixation not only restore the airway but also improve long-term voice and airway outcomes.

Median sternotomy and ventral stabilisation using pins and polymethylmethacrylate for a comminuted T5 vertebral fracture in a Miniature Schnauzer.

PubMed

Guiot, L P; Allman, D A

2011-01-01

A 2.9 kg Miniature Schnauzer was referred to our clinic, the Emergency & Critical Care Medicine Service at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, following a dog fight. Physical examination findings upon admission included multiple thoracic wounds, absence of hindlimb deep pain, and marked Schiff-Sherrington syndrome. Computed tomography imaging revealed thoracic wall penetration and a comminuted T5 vertebral fracture. Thoracic exploration and thoracic wall repair were performed through a median sternotomy. The vertebral fracture was exposed and stabilised intra-thoracically through the same approach using pins and polymethylmethacrylate. The pins were placed percutaneously into the vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. Recovery was uncomplicated and fracture healing was documented eight weeks postoperatively. Spinal trauma secondary to dog fights is relatively common. The presence of concurrent penetrating thoracic injury negatively affects prognosis and necessitates thoracic exploration as soon as feasible. The approach should allow complete thoracic exploration to repair parietal and visceral damage, thus indicating the need for median sternotomy rather than an intercostal approach. The present case report suggested that median sternotomy can be used to safely apply stabilisation devices for the treatment of concurrent spinal trauma. Direct visualisation of the vertebral bodies permitted optimal implant anchorage as compared to potentially more hazardous techniques such as dorsal pinning.

Grindability determination of torrefied biomass materials using the Hybrid Work index

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Essendelft, D.T.; Zhou, X.; Kang, B.S.-J.

2012-01-01

The grindability of torrefied biomass materials is a difficult parameter to evaluate due to its inhomogeneous character and non-uniform morphology. However, it is necessary to develop a grinding test that is representative of the wide ranging character of biomass and torrefied biomass materials. Previous research has shown that Resistance to Impact Milling (RIM) can be linearly correlated to thermally driven weight loss in biomass. In particular, the RIM equipment was found to supply the right energy level to physically break down structurally deficient biomass materials while leaving the un-touched material relatively intact [1–3]. However, the RIM procedure was not designedmore » to extract the comminution energy. Alternatively, the Bond Work Index (BWI) procedure was developed to accurately assess the grinding energy of brittle materials [4,5]. However, the milling energy is too low to be effective for biomass comminution. In this research, the BWI procedure was utilized with the ball–mill approach in the RIM test to evaluate torrefied biomass materials. The hybridized procedure has been shown to be both highly correlated to energy consumption and sensitive to degree of torrefaction. The proposed Hybrid Work Index (HWI) is certainly useful for assessing torrefaction in a laboratory environment, but it may also be correlated to grinding energy at industrial scales.« less

Mass Loss of Coal Particles Burning in Fluidized Bed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pełka, Piotr

2017-06-01

In this work many conclusions resulting from research carried out on the coal combustion process of the chosen coal type and its accompanying erosion in a two-phase flow of inert material have been presented. The purpose of this flow was to present a model of the conditions of the central and upper zone of the combustion chamber of the fluidized boiler. In the opinion of many authors (Basu, 1999; Chirone et al., 1991), the erosion process results from the contact of a fuel particle with particles of inert material that is responsible for generating fine fuel particles of less than 100 mm. If the particles are in the upper zone of the boiler where there is oxygen deficit, they can increase the loss of incomplete combustion substantially. The results of research do not confirm this common thesis, but rather indicate that the process of comminution that results from erosion under oxidative conditions contributes to the increase of substantial mass loss of a coal particle, however the increased mass loss of particle during combustion is first and foremost due to the whole process of removal of ash from the reactionary surface of a fuel particle. Nevertheless, in the conditions of oxygen deficit the comminution of particles as a result of the erosion process is negligible

Multiple subluxations and comminuted fracture of the cervical spine in a sheep.

PubMed

Lin, C-C; Chen, K-S; Lin, Y-L; Chan, J P-W

2015-01-01

A 5-month-old, 13.5 kg, female Corriedale sheep was referred to the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, with a history of traumatic injury of the cervical spine followed by non-ambulatoric tetraparesis that occurred 2 weeks before being admitted to the hospital. At admission, malalignment of the cervical spine with the cranial part of the neck deviating to the right was noted. Neurological examinations identified the absence of postural reactions in both forelimbs, mildly decreased spinal reflexes, and normal reaction to pain perception tests. Radiography revealed malalignment of the cervical vertebrae with subluxations at C1-C2 and C2-C3, and a comminuted fracture of the caudal aspect of C2. The sheep was euthanized due to a presumed poor prognosis. Necropsy and histopathological findings confirmed injuries of the cervical spine from C1 to C3, which were consistent with the clinical finding of tetraparesis in this case. This paper presents a rare case of multiple subluxations of the cervical spine caused by blunt force trauma in a young sheep. These results highlight the importance of an astute clinical diagnosis for such an acute cervical spine trauma and the need for prompt surgical correction for similar cases in the future.

The size distributions of fragments ejected at a given velocity from impact craters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Keefe, John D.; Ahrens, Thomas J.

1987-01-01

The mass distribution of fragments that are ejected at a given velocity for impact craters is modeled to allow extrapolation of laboratory, field, and numerical results to large scale planetary events. The model is semi-empirical in nature and is derived from: (1) numerical calculations of cratering and the resultant mass versus ejection velocity, (2) observed ejecta blanket particle size distributions, (3) an empirical relationship between maximum ejecta fragment size and crater diameter, (4) measurements and theory of maximum ejecta size versus ejecta velocity, and (5) an assumption on the functional form for the distribution of fragments ejected at a given velocity. This model implies that for planetary impacts into competent rock, the distribution of fragments ejected at a given velocity is broad, e.g., 68 percent of the mass of the ejecta at a given velocity contains fragments having a mass less than 0.1 times a mass of the largest fragment moving at that velocity. The broad distribution suggests that in impact processes, additional comminution of ejecta occurs after the upward initial shock has passed in the process of the ejecta velocity vector rotating from an initially downward orientation. This additional comminution produces the broader size distribution in impact ejecta as compared to that obtained in simple brittle failure experiments.

Electronic hardware design of electrical capacitance tomography systems.

PubMed

Saied, I; Meribout, M

2016-06-28

Electrical tomography techniques for process imaging are very prominent for industrial applications, such as the oil and gas industry and chemical refineries, owing to their ability to provide the flow regime of a flowing fluid within a relatively high throughput. Among the various techniques, electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is gaining popularity due to its non-invasive nature and its capability to differentiate between different phases based on their permittivity distribution. In recent years, several hardware designs have been provided for ECT systems that have improved its resolution of measurements to be around attofarads (aF, 10(-18) F), or the number of channels, that is required to be large for some applications that require a significant amount of data. In terms of image acquisition time, some recent systems could achieve a throughput of a few hundred frames per second, while data processing time could be achieved in only a few milliseconds per frame. This paper outlines the concept and main features of the most recent front-end and back-end electronic circuits dedicated for ECT systems. In this paper, multiple-excitation capacitance polling, a front-end electronic technique, shows promising results for ECT systems to acquire fast data acquisition speeds. A highly parallel field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based architecture for a fast reconstruction algorithm is also described. This article is part of the themed issue 'Supersensing through industrial process tomography'. © 2016 The Author(s).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morishita, Sadaharu; Goto, Tetsuya; Nagase, Masaaki

Multiprocesses in a single plasma process chamber with high throughput require precise, sequential, high-speed alteration of partial pressures of multiple gas species. A conventional gas-distribution system cannot realize this because the system seriously overshoots gas pressure immediately following valve operation. Furthermore, chamber volume and conductance of gas piping between the system and chamber should both be considered because they delay the stabilizing time of gas pressure. Therefore, the authors proposed a new gas-distribution system without overshoot by controlling gas flow rate based on pressure measurement, as well as a method of pulse-controlled gas injection immediately following valve operation. Time variationmore » of measured partial pressure agrees well with a calculation based on an equivalent-circuit model that represents the chamber and gas piping between the system and chamber. Using pulse-controlled gas injection, the stabilizing time can be reduced drastically to 0.6 s for HBr added to pure Ar plasma, and 0.7 s for O{sub 2} added to Ar/HBr plasma; without the pulse control, the stabilizing times are 3 and 7 s, respectively. In the O{sub 2} addition case, rapid stabilization can be achieved during the period of line/space pattern etching of poly-Si on a thin SiO{sub 2} film. This occurs without anomalous etching of the underlying SiO{sub 2} film or the Si substrate near the sidewall, thus obtaining a wide process margin with high throughput.« less

A reliable absorbable intranasal bolster for proper maintenance of fractured nasal bone position.

PubMed

Ducic, Y; Hilger, P A

1999-06-01

The maintenance of comminuted or otherwise unstable nasal bones in proper position following adequate operative reduction, may, on occasion, be a frustrating experience for both the patient and the surgeon. Migration of the fragments may compromise the aesthetic and functional results of well executed corrective nasal surgery. In this article, we will outline our successful, inexpensive approach to this occasionally challenging problem utilising an absorbable intranasal customised Surgicel bolster.

REMOVAL OF URANIUM FROM ORGANIC LIQUIDS

DOEpatents

Vavalides, S.P.

1959-08-25

A process is described for recovering small quantities of uranium from organic liquids such as hydrocarbon oils. halogen-substituted hydrocarbons, and alcohols. The organic liquid is contacted with a comminuted alkaline earth hydroxide, calcium hydroxide particularly, and the resulting uranium-bearing solid is separated from the liquid by filtration. Uranium may then be recovered from the solid by means of dissolution in nitric acid and conventional extraction with an organic solvent such as tributyl phosphate.

Development of biosensors and their application in metabolic engineering.

PubMed

Zhang, Jie; Jensen, Michael K; Keasling, Jay D

2015-10-01

In a sustainable bioeconomy, many commodities and high value chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, will be manufactured using microbial cell factories from renewable feedstocks. These cell factories can be efficiently generated by constructing libraries of diversified genomes followed by screening for the desired phenotypes. However, methods available for microbial genome diversification far exceed our ability to screen and select for those variants with optimal performance. Genetically encoded biosensors have shown the potential to address this gap, given their ability to respond to small molecule binding and ease of implementation with high-throughput analysis. Here we describe recent progress in biosensor development and their applications in a metabolic engineering context. We also highlight examples of how biosensors can be integrated with synthetic circuits to exert feedback regulation on the metabolism for improved performance of cell factories. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementation in an FPGA circuit of Edge detection algorithm based on the Discrete Wavelet Transforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouganssa, Issam; Sbihi, Mohamed; Zaim, Mounia

2017-07-01

The 2D Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is a computationally intensive task that is usually implemented on specific architectures in many imaging systems in real time. In this paper, a high throughput edge or contour detection algorithm is proposed based on the discrete wavelet transform. A technique for applying the filters on the three directions (Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal) of the image is used to present the maximum of the existing contours. The proposed architectures were designed in VHDL and mapped to a Xilinx Sparten6 FPGA. The results of the synthesis show that the proposed architecture has a low area cost and can operate up to 100 MHz, which can perform 2D wavelet analysis for a sequence of images while maintaining the flexibility of the system to support an adaptive algorithm.

High resolution, high rate x-ray spectrometer

DOEpatents

Goulding, F.S.; Landis, D.A.

1983-07-14

It is an object of the invention to provide a pulse processing system for use with detected signals of a wide dynamic range which is capable of very high counting rates, with high throughput, with excellent energy resolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio. It is a further object to provide a pulse processing system wherein the fast channel resolving time is quite short and substantially independent of the energy of the detected signals. Another object is to provide a pulse processing system having a pile-up rejector circuit which will allow the maximum number of non-interfering pulses to be passed to the output. It is also an object of the invention to provide new methods for generating substantially symmetrically triangular pulses for use in both the main and fast channels of a pulse processing system.

An analog neural hardware implementation using charge-injection multipliers and neutron-specific gain control.

PubMed

Massengill, L W; Mundie, D B

1992-01-01

A neural network IC based on a dynamic charge injection is described. The hardware design is space and power efficient, and achieves massive parallelism of analog inner products via charge-based multipliers and spatially distributed summing buses. Basic synaptic cells are constructed of exponential pulse-decay modulation (EPDM) dynamic injection multipliers operating sequentially on propagating signal vectors and locally stored analog weights. Individually adjustable gain controls on each neutron reduce the effects of limited weight dynamic range. A hardware simulator/trainer has been developed which incorporates the physical (nonideal) characteristics of actual circuit components into the training process, thus absorbing nonlinearities and parametric deviations into the macroscopic performance of the network. Results show that charge-based techniques may achieve a high degree of neural density and throughput using standard CMOS processes.

Performance and Thermal Characterization of the NASA-300MS 20 kW Hall Effect Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hani; Huang, Wensheng; Haag, Thomas; Shastry, Rohit; Soulas, George; Smith, Timothy; Mikellides, Ioannis; Hofer, Richard

2013-01-01

NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate is sponsoring the development of a high fidelity 15 kW-class long-life high performance Hall thruster for candidate NASA technology demonstration missions. An essential element of the development process is demonstration that incorporation of magnetic shielding on a 20 kW-class Hall thruster will yield significant improvements in the throughput capability of the thruster without any significant reduction in thruster performance. As such, NASA Glenn Research Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory collaborated on modifying the NASA-300M 20 kW Hall thruster to improve its propellant throughput capability. JPL and NASA Glenn researchers performed plasma numerical simulations with JPL's Hall2De and a commercially available magnetic modeling code that indicated significant enhancement in the throughput capability of the NASA-300M can be attained by modifying the thruster's magnetic circuit. This led to modifying the NASA-300M magnetic topology to a magnetically shielded topology. This paper presents performance evaluation results of the two NASA-300M magnetically shielded thruster configurations, designated 300MS and 300MS-2. The 300MS and 300MS-2 were operated at power levels between 2.5 and 20 kW at discharge voltages between 200 and 700 V. Discharge channel deposition from back-sputtered facility wall flux, and plasma potential and electron temperature measurements made on the inner and outer discharge channel surfaces confirmed that magnetic shielding was achieved. Peak total thrust efficiency of 64% and total specific impulse of 3,050 sec were demonstrated with the 300MS-2 at 20 kW. Thermal characterization results indicate that the boron nitride discharge chamber walls temperatures are approximately 100 C lower for the 300MS when compared to the NASA- 300M at the same thruster operating discharge power.

Hydrogen production with coal using a pulverization device

DOEpatents

Paulson, Leland E.

1989-01-01

A method for producing hydrogen from coal is described wherein high temperature steam is brought into contact with coal in a pulverizer or fluid energy mill for effecting a steam-carbon reaction to provide for the generation of gaseous hydrogen. The high temperature steam is utilized to drive the coal particles into violent particle-to-particle contact for comminuting the particulates and thereby increasing the surface area of the coal particles for enhancing the productivity of the hydrogen.

Journal of Special Operations Medicine. Volume 8, Edition 1, Winter 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

Open, comminuted humerus fracture , treated with external fixation. • Partial transection of the brachial artery. This injury was effectively...would have lost his arm had it not been for the excellent treatment in the field and the rapid evacuation to surgical care. • Three fractured ribs, one of...Soldier with GSW to his left thigh and buttock and left inferior pelvic ac- etabular and rami fractures with communication into the pelvic cavity, with a

Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures in a 6-Year-Old Child After Blunt Trauma.

PubMed

Abdelsattar, Zaid M; Ishitani, Michael B; Kim, Brian D

2017-12-01

When identified, rib fractures in children are associated with high-energy trauma, nonaccidental trauma, or both. Traditionally, the optimal management of rib fractures in children is supportive care. In this case report, we present a 6-year-old boy who underwent surgical rib fixation for multiple displaced and comminuted rib fractures after being stepped on by a horse. Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Parameterization of Injury Victim Condition as a Function of Time

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-05-01

degree burns. HEAD AND NECK --- Cerebral injury with headache; dizziness; no loss of consciousness. --- " Whiplash " complaint with no anatomical or...34Probability of Survival Tables", was derived for three injury categories: Compound and Comminuted Fractures of the Head , 4.4 [-44 0 N. >w 044 Ci2V ri) w...Commuklity Injury Category Ambulance Helicopter No Facilitie. Head Injuries .36 .34 (no treatment) Face Injuries .19 .15 Extremity Injuries .16 .13 No

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of 3 and 4- Part Fractures of the Humeral Head in the Elderly

PubMed Central

Gigis, Ioannis; Nenopoulos, Alexandros; Giannekas, Dimitrios; Heikenfeld, Roderich; Beslikas, Theodoros; Hatzokos, Ippokratis

2017-01-01

Background: Proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients present with severe comminution and osteoporotic bone quality. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has lately been proven beneficial in treating patients with complex proximal humeral fractures. The above technique is recommended and has better results in elderly than in younger individuals. Methods: We performed a literature search in the databases Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for published articles between 1970 and 2016 using the terms: proximal humerus fractures and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Results: Significant benefits with the use of reverse prosthesis, especially in patients older than 70 years with a proximal humeral fracture, include reduced rehabilitation time as well as conservation of a fixed fulcrum for deltoid action in case of rotator cuff failure. Compared with hemiarthroplasty and internal fixation, reverse prosthesis may be particularly useful and give superior outcomes in older patients, due to comminuted fractures in osteopenic bones. However, significant disadvantages of this technique are potential complications and a demanding learning curve.Therefore, trained surgeons should follow specific indications when applying the particular treatment of proximal humeral fractures and be familiar with the surgical technique. Conclusion: Although long-term results and randomized studies for reverse prosthesis are lacking, short and mid- term outcomes have given promising results encouraging more shoulder surgeons to use this type of prosthesis in proximal humeral fractures. PMID:28400879

Comminuted Distal Radial Fracture with Large Rotated Palmar Medial Osteochondral Fragment in the Joint.

PubMed

Gökkus, Kemal; Sagtas, Ergin; Kesgin, Engin; Aydin, Ahmet Turan

2018-01-01

Intra-articular distal radius fractures have long been massively discussed in the literature, but regarding to fractures that possess rotated volar medial fragment in the joint a few amount papers has been written. In this article, we would like to emphasize the significance of the rotated palmar medial (lunate facet) fragment. A 39-year-old man fell from a height of about 3 m and landed on his right outstretched hand; within 40 min, he arrived at our clinic presenting with a severe pain and swelling in his right wrist. Initial X-rays of the wrist revealed dorsal subluxation of the radiocarpal joint with dorsal comminution of the radial articular surface and fracture of the radial styloid process, with (nearly inverted) ~ 140-150° rotation of the palmar medial fragment. With an additional volar approach, the fragment reduced and stabilized with two K-wires and wrist immobilized in external fixator. The patient returned to daily activities without any discomfort and pain after the 1 year from the surgery. Overlooking of palmar rotated osteochondral fragment will cause deficiency to build proper pre-operative strategy to approach the reduction of the fragment. The incompetence of reduction will deteriorate the articular surface and lead to early osteoarthritis of the wrist. The surgeon should detect this fragment and should be familiar with volar approaches of the wrist. Above average surgical experience would be needed for successful reduction.

Can a semi-automated surface matching and principal axis-based algorithm accurately quantify femoral shaft fracture alignment in six degrees of freedom?

PubMed

Crookshank, Meghan C; Beek, Maarten; Singh, Devin; Schemitsch, Emil H; Whyne, Cari M

2013-07-01

Accurate alignment of femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a cone-beam CT-based, semi-automated algorithm to quantify the malalignment in six degrees of freedom (6DOF) using a surface matching and principal axes-based approach. Complex comminuted diaphyseal fractures were created in nine cadaveric femora and cone-beam CT images were acquired (27 cases total). Scans were cropped and segmented using intensity-based thresholding, producing superior, inferior and comminution volumes. Cylinders were fit to estimate the long axes of the superior and inferior fragments. The angle and distance between the two cylindrical axes were calculated to determine flexion/extension and varus/valgus angulation and medial/lateral and anterior/posterior translations, respectively. Both surfaces were unwrapped about the cylindrical axes. Three methods of matching the unwrapped surface for determination of periaxial rotation were compared based on minimizing the distance between features. The calculated corrections were compared to the input malalignment conditions. All 6DOF were calculated to within current clinical tolerances for all but two cases. This algorithm yielded accurate quantification of malalignment of femoral shaft fractures for fracture gaps up to 60 mm, based on a single CBCT image of the fractured limb. Copyright © 2012 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sub-micron fracture mechanism in silica-based glass activated by permanent densification from high-strain loading

DOE PAGES

Wereszczak, Andrew A.; Waters, Shirley B.; Parten, Randy J.; ...

2016-04-26

Several silica-based glasses were fractured at high strain energy via drop-weight testing on small specimens. A cylindrical specimen geometry was chosen to promote initially simple, axisymmetric, and uniform compressive loading. The imposed uniaxial compressive strain at impact was sufficiently high to qualitatively cause permanent densification. Produced fragments were collected for postmortem and a fraction of them, for all the silica-based glasses, consistently had distinct sub-micron-sized fractures (~ 300–1000 nm), designated here as “microkernels”, on their surfaces. They would most often appear as a sub-micron pore on the fragment - apparently if the microkernel had popped out as a consequence ofmore » the local crack plane running through it, tensile-strain release, and the associated formation of the fragment it was on. No fractographic evidence was found to show the microkernels were associated with local failure initiation. However, their positioning and habit sometimes suggested they were associated with localized crack branching and that they could have influenced secondary fracturing that occurred during overall crushing and comminution and associated fragment size and shape creation. Furthermore, the size range of these microkernels is much too small to affect structural flexure strength of these glasses for most applications but are of a size and concentration that may affect their ballistic, shock, crush, and comminution responses when permanent densification is concomitantly occurring.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jain, Nikhil; Simon, John; Schulte, Kevin L.

Hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) has recently reemerged as a low-cost, high-throughput alternative to metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for the growth of high-efficiency III-V solar cells. Quaternary InGaAsP solar cells in the bandgap range of ~1.7-1.8 eV are promising top-cell candidates for integration in Ill-V/Si tandem cells with projected one-sun efficiencies exceeding 30%. In this work, we report on the development of lattice-matched InGaAsP solar cells grown on GaAs substrates via HVPE at very high growth rates of ~0.7 um/min. We demonstrate prototype 1.7 eV InGaAsP solar cells with an open-circuit voltage of 1.11 V. The short-circuit current ismore » limited by the lack of a window layer in these early stage devices. The photo response of 1.7 InGaAsP solar cell with ~1.1 um thick base layer is found to be nearly insensitive to variation in p-type base doping concentration in the range from Na - 4x1016 to - 1x1017 cm-3, indicating an effective carrier collection length on the order of - 1.1 um or higher in our devices. These initial InGaAsP cell results are encouraging and highlight the viability of HVPE to produce mixed arsenide-phosphide solar cells grown lattice-matched on GaAs.« less

An Integrated Microfluidic Processor for DNA-Encoded Combinatorial Library Functional Screening

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

DNA-encoded synthesis is rekindling interest in combinatorial compound libraries for drug discovery and in technology for automated and quantitative library screening. Here, we disclose a microfluidic circuit that enables functional screens of DNA-encoded compound beads. The device carries out library bead distribution into picoliter-scale assay reagent droplets, photochemical cleavage of compound from the bead, assay incubation, laser-induced fluorescence-based assay detection, and fluorescence-activated droplet sorting to isolate hits. DNA-encoded compound beads (10-μm diameter) displaying a photocleavable positive control inhibitor pepstatin A were mixed (1920 beads, 729 encoding sequences) with negative control beads (58 000 beads, 1728 encoding sequences) and screened for cathepsin D inhibition using a biochemical enzyme activity assay. The circuit sorted 1518 hit droplets for collection following 18 min incubation over a 240 min analysis. Visual inspection of a subset of droplets (1188 droplets) yielded a 24% false discovery rate (1166 pepstatin A beads; 366 negative control beads). Using template barcoding strategies, it was possible to count hit collection beads (1863) using next-generation sequencing data. Bead-specific barcodes enabled replicate counting, and the false discovery rate was reduced to 2.6% by only considering hit-encoding sequences that were observed on >2 beads. This work represents a complete distributable small molecule discovery platform, from microfluidic miniaturized automation to ultrahigh-throughput hit deconvolution by sequencing. PMID:28199790

Porous polymer composite membrane based nanogenerator: A realization of self-powered wireless green energy source for smart electronics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Sujoy Kumar; Sinha, Tridib Kumar; Mahanty, Biswajit; Jana, Santanu; Mandal, Dipankar

2016-11-01

An efficient, flexible and unvaryingly porous polymer composite membrane based nanogenerator (PPCNG) without any electrical poling treatment has been realised as wireless green energy source to power up smart electronic gadgets. Owing to self-polarized piezo- and ferro-electretic phenomenon of in situ platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) doped porous poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-membrane, a simple, inexpensive and scalable PPCNG fabrication is highlighted. The molecular orientations of the -CH2/-CF2 dipoles that cause self-polarization phenomenon has been realized by angular dependent near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The square-like hysteresis loop with giant remnant polarization, Pr ˜ 68 μC/cm2 and exceptionally high piezoelectric charge coefficient, d33 ˜ - 836 pC/N promises a best suited ferro- and piezo-electretic membrane. The PPCNG exhibits a high electrical throughput such as, ranging from 2.7 V to 23 V of open-circuit voltage (Voc) and 2.9 μA to 24.7 μA of short-circuit current (Isc) under 0.5 MPa to 4.3 MPa of imparted stress amplitude by periodic human finger motion. The harvested mechanical and subsequent electrical energy by PPCNG is shown to transfer wirelessly via visible and infrared transmitter-receiver systems, where 17% and 49% of wireless power transfer efficiency, respectively, has been realized to power up several consumer electronics.

An Integrated Microfluidic Processor for DNA-Encoded Combinatorial Library Functional Screening.

PubMed

MacConnell, Andrew B; Price, Alexander K; Paegel, Brian M

2017-03-13

DNA-encoded synthesis is rekindling interest in combinatorial compound libraries for drug discovery and in technology for automated and quantitative library screening. Here, we disclose a microfluidic circuit that enables functional screens of DNA-encoded compound beads. The device carries out library bead distribution into picoliter-scale assay reagent droplets, photochemical cleavage of compound from the bead, assay incubation, laser-induced fluorescence-based assay detection, and fluorescence-activated droplet sorting to isolate hits. DNA-encoded compound beads (10-μm diameter) displaying a photocleavable positive control inhibitor pepstatin A were mixed (1920 beads, 729 encoding sequences) with negative control beads (58 000 beads, 1728 encoding sequences) and screened for cathepsin D inhibition using a biochemical enzyme activity assay. The circuit sorted 1518 hit droplets for collection following 18 min incubation over a 240 min analysis. Visual inspection of a subset of droplets (1188 droplets) yielded a 24% false discovery rate (1166 pepstatin A beads; 366 negative control beads). Using template barcoding strategies, it was possible to count hit collection beads (1863) using next-generation sequencing data. Bead-specific barcodes enabled replicate counting, and the false discovery rate was reduced to 2.6% by only considering hit-encoding sequences that were observed on >2 beads. This work represents a complete distributable small molecule discovery platform, from microfluidic miniaturized automation to ultrahigh-throughput hit deconvolution by sequencing.

MIDAS prototype Multispectral Interactive Digital Analysis System for large area earth resources surveys. Volume 2: Charge coupled device investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriegler, F.; Marshall, R.; Sternberg, S.

1976-01-01

MIDAS is a third-generation, fast, low cost, multispectral recognition system able to keep pace with the large quantity and high rates of data acquisition from large regions with present and projected sensors. MIDAS, for example, can process a complete ERTS frame in forty seconds and provide a color map of sixteen constituent categories in a few minutes. A principal objective of the MIDAS Program is to provide a system well interfaced with the human operator and thus to obtain large overall reductions in turn-around time and significant gains in throughput. The need for advanced onboard spacecraft processing of remotely sensed data is stated and approaches to this problem are described which are feasible through the use of charge coupled devices. Tentative mechanizations for the required processing operations are given in large block form. These initial designs can serve as a guide to circuit/system designers.

Implementation of the Algorithm for Congestion control in the Dynamic Circuit Network (DCN)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nalamwar, H. S.; Ivanov, M. A.; Buddhawar, G. U.

2017-01-01

Transport Control Protocol (TCP) incast congestion happens when a number of senders work in parallel with the same server where the high bandwidth and low latency network problem occurs. For many data center network applications such as a search engine, heavy traffic is present on such a server. Incast congestion degrades the entire performance as packets are lost at a server side due to buffer overflow, and as a result, the response time becomes longer. In this work, we focus on TCP throughput, round-trip time (RTT), receive window and retransmission. Our method is based on the proactive adjust of the TCP receive window before the packet loss occurs. We aim to avoid the wastage of the bandwidth by adjusting its size as per the number of packets. To avoid the packet loss, the ICTCP algorithm has been implemented in the data center network (ToR).

Toehold-Mediated Displacement of an Adenosine-Binding Aptamer from a DNA Duplex by its Ligand.

PubMed

Monserud, Jon H; Macri, Katherine M; Schwartz, Daniel K

2016-10-24

DNA is increasingly used to engineer dynamic nanoscale circuits, structures, and motors, many of which rely on DNA strand-displacement reactions. The use of functional DNA sequences (e.g., aptamers, which bind to a wide range of ligands) in these reactions would potentially confer responsiveness on such devices, and integrate DNA computation with highly varied molecular stimuli. By using high-throughput single-molecule FRET methods, we compared the kinetics of a putative aptamer-ligand and aptamer-complement strand-displacement reaction. We found that the ligands actively disrupted the DNA duplex in the presence of a DNA toehold in a similar manner to complementary DNA, with kinetic details specific to the aptamer structure, thus suggesting that the DNA strand-displacement concept can be extended to functional DNA-ligand systems. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hierarchical Address Event Routing for Reconfigurable Large-Scale Neuromorphic Systems.

PubMed

Park, Jongkil; Yu, Theodore; Joshi, Siddharth; Maier, Christoph; Cauwenberghs, Gert

2017-10-01

We present a hierarchical address-event routing (HiAER) architecture for scalable communication of neural and synaptic spike events between neuromorphic processors, implemented with five Xilinx Spartan-6 field-programmable gate arrays and four custom analog neuromophic integrated circuits serving 262k neurons and 262M synapses. The architecture extends the single-bus address-event representation protocol to a hierarchy of multiple nested buses, routing events across increasing scales of spatial distance. The HiAER protocol provides individually programmable axonal delay in addition to strength for each synapse, lending itself toward biologically plausible neural network architectures, and scales across a range of hierarchies suitable for multichip and multiboard systems in reconfigurable large-scale neuromorphic systems. We show approximately linear scaling of net global synaptic event throughput with number of routing nodes in the network, at 3.6×10 7 synaptic events per second per 16k-neuron node in the hierarchy.

Droplet microfluidics for synthetic biology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gach, Philip Charles; Iwai, Kosuke; Kim, Peter Wonhee

Here, synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that aims to engineer biological systems for useful purposes. Organism engineering often requires the optimization of individual genes and/or entire biological pathways (consisting of multiple genes). Advances in DNA sequencing and synthesis have recently begun to enable the possibility of evaluating thousands of gene variants and hundreds of thousands of gene combinations. However, such large-scale optimization experiments remain cost-prohibitive to researchers following traditional molecular biology practices, which are frequently labor-intensive and suffer from poor reproducibility. Liquid handling robotics may reduce labor and improve reproducibility, but are themselves expensive and thus inaccessible to mostmore » researchers. Microfluidic platforms offer a lower entry price point alternative to robotics, and maintain high throughput and reproducibility while further reducing operating costs through diminished reagent volume requirements. Droplet microfluidics have shown exceptional promise for synthetic biology experiments, including DNA assembly, transformation/transfection, culturing, cell sorting, phenotypic assays, artificial cells and genetic circuits.« less

Whole-brain activity mapping onto a zebrafish brain atlas.

PubMed

Randlett, Owen; Wee, Caroline L; Naumann, Eva A; Nnaemeka, Onyeka; Schoppik, David; Fitzgerald, James E; Portugues, Ruben; Lacoste, Alix M B; Riegler, Clemens; Engert, Florian; Schier, Alexander F

2015-11-01

In order to localize the neural circuits involved in generating behaviors, it is necessary to assign activity onto anatomical maps of the nervous system. Using brain registration across hundreds of larval zebrafish, we have built an expandable open-source atlas containing molecular labels and definitions of anatomical regions, the Z-Brain. Using this platform and immunohistochemical detection of phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) as a readout of neural activity, we have developed a system to create and contextualize whole-brain maps of stimulus- and behavior-dependent neural activity. This mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP)-mapping assay is technically simple, and data analysis is completely automated. Because MAP-mapping is performed on freely swimming fish, it is applicable to studies of nearly any stimulus or behavior. Here we demonstrate our high-throughput approach using pharmacological, visual and noxious stimuli, as well as hunting and feeding. The resultant maps outline hundreds of areas associated with behaviors.

Multi-neuron intracellular recording in vivo via interacting autopatching robots

PubMed Central

Holst, Gregory L; Singer, Annabelle C; Han, Xue; Brown, Emery N

2018-01-01

The activities of groups of neurons in a circuit or brain region are important for neuronal computations that contribute to behaviors and disease states. Traditional extracellular recordings have been powerful and scalable, but much less is known about the intracellular processes that lead to spiking activity. We present a robotic system, the multipatcher, capable of automatically obtaining blind whole-cell patch clamp recordings from multiple neurons simultaneously. The multipatcher significantly extends automated patch clamping, or 'autopatching’, to guide four interacting electrodes in a coordinated fashion, avoiding mechanical coupling in the brain. We demonstrate its performance in the cortex of anesthetized and awake mice. A multipatcher with four electrodes took an average of 10 min to obtain dual or triple recordings in 29% of trials in anesthetized mice, and in 18% of the trials in awake mice, thus illustrating practical yield and throughput to obtain multiple, simultaneous whole-cell recordings in vivo. PMID:29297466

Micro- and nano-technologies to probe the mechano-biology of the brain.

PubMed

Tay, Andy; Schweizer, Felix E; Di Carlo, Dino

2016-05-24

Biomechanical forces have been demonstrated to influence a plethora of neuronal functions across scales including gene expression, mechano-sensitive ion channels, neurite outgrowth and folding of the cortices in the brain. However, the detailed roles biomechanical forces may play in brain development and disorders has seen limited study, partly due to a lack of effective methods to probe the mechano-biology of the brain. Current techniques to apply biomechanical forces on neurons often suffer from low throughput and poor spatiotemporal resolution. On the other hand, newly developed micro- and nano-technologies can overcome these aforementioned limitations and offer advantages such as lower cost and possibility of non-invasive control of neuronal circuits. This review compares the range of conventional, micro- and nano-technological techniques that have been developed and how they have been or can be used to understand the effect of biomechanical forces on neuronal development and homeostasis.

A corticothalamic switch: controlling the thalamus with dynamic synapses

PubMed Central

Crandall, Shane R.; Cruikshank, Scott J.; Connors, Barry W.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Corticothalamic neurons provide massive input to the thalamus. This top-down projection may allow cortex to regulate sensory processing by modulating the excitability of thalamic cells. Layer 6 corticothalamic neurons monosynaptically excite thalamocortical cells, but also indirectly inhibit them by driving inhibitory cells of the thalamic reticular nucleus. Whether corticothalamic activity generally suppresses or excites the thalamus remains unclear. Here we show that the corticothalamic influence is dynamic, with the excitatory-inhibitory balance shifting in an activity-dependent fashion. During low-frequency activity corticothalamic effects are mainly suppressive, whereas higher frequency activity (even a short bout of gamma frequency oscillations) converts the corticothalamic influence to enhancement. The mechanism of this switching depends upon distinct forms of short-term synaptic plasticity across multiple corticothalamic circuit components. Our results reveal an activity-dependent mechanism by which corticothalamic neurons can bidirectionally switch the excitability and sensory throughput of the thalamus, possibly to meet changing behavioral demands. PMID:25913856

High-speed true random number generation based on paired memristors for security electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Teng; Yin, Minghui; Xu, Changmin; Lu, Xiayan; Sun, Xinhao; Yang, Yuchao; Huang, Ru

2017-11-01

True random number generator (TRNG) is a critical component in hardware security that is increasingly important in the era of mobile computing and internet of things. Here we demonstrate a TRNG using intrinsic variation of memristors as a natural source of entropy that is otherwise undesirable in most applications. The random bits were produced by cyclically switching a pair of tantalum oxide based memristors and comparing their resistance values in the off state, taking advantage of the more pronounced resistance variation compared with that in the on state. Using an alternating read scheme in the designed TRNG circuit, the unbiasedness of the random numbers was significantly improved, and the bitstream passed standard randomness tests. The Pt/TaO x /Ta memristors fabricated in this work have fast programming/erasing speeds of ˜30 ns, suggesting a high random number throughput. The approach proposed here thus holds great promise for physically-implemented random number generation.

High-speed true random number generation based on paired memristors for security electronics.

PubMed

Zhang, Teng; Yin, Minghui; Xu, Changmin; Lu, Xiayan; Sun, Xinhao; Yang, Yuchao; Huang, Ru

2017-11-10

True random number generator (TRNG) is a critical component in hardware security that is increasingly important in the era of mobile computing and internet of things. Here we demonstrate a TRNG using intrinsic variation of memristors as a natural source of entropy that is otherwise undesirable in most applications. The random bits were produced by cyclically switching a pair of tantalum oxide based memristors and comparing their resistance values in the off state, taking advantage of the more pronounced resistance variation compared with that in the on state. Using an alternating read scheme in the designed TRNG circuit, the unbiasedness of the random numbers was significantly improved, and the bitstream passed standard randomness tests. The Pt/TaO x /Ta memristors fabricated in this work have fast programming/erasing speeds of ∼30 ns, suggesting a high random number throughput. The approach proposed here thus holds great promise for physically-implemented random number generation.

Rapid transporter regulation prevents substrate flow traffic jams in boron transport

PubMed Central

Sotta, Naoyuki; Duncan, Susan; Tanaka, Mayuki; Sato, Takafumi

2017-01-01

Nutrient uptake by roots often involves substrate-dependent regulated nutrient transporters. For robust uptake, the system requires a regulatory circuit within cells and a collective, coordinated behaviour across the tissue. A paradigm for such systems is boron uptake, known for its directional transport and homeostasis, as boron is essential for plant growth but toxic at high concentrations. In Arabidopsis thaliana, boron uptake occurs via diffusion facilitators (NIPs) and exporters (BORs), each presenting distinct polarity. Intriguingly, although boron soil concentrations are homogenous and stable, both transporters manifest strikingly swift boron-dependent regulation. Through mathematical modelling, we demonstrate that slower regulation of these transporters leads to physiologically detrimental oscillatory behaviour. Cells become periodically exposed to potentially cytotoxic boron levels, and nutrient throughput to the xylem becomes hampered. We conclude that, while maintaining homeostasis, swift transporter regulation within a polarised tissue context is critical to prevent intrinsic traffic-jam like behaviour of nutrient flow. PMID:28870285

Rapid transporter regulation prevents substrate flow traffic jams in boron transport.

PubMed

Sotta, Naoyuki; Duncan, Susan; Tanaka, Mayuki; Sato, Takafumi; Marée, Athanasius Fm; Fujiwara, Toru; Grieneisen, Verônica A

2017-09-05

Nutrient uptake by roots often involves substrate-dependent regulated nutrient transporters. For robust uptake, the system requires a regulatory circuit within cells and a collective, coordinated behaviour across the tissue. A paradigm for such systems is boron uptake, known for its directional transport and homeostasis, as boron is essential for plant growth but toxic at high concentrations. In Arabidopsis thaliana , boron uptake occurs via diffusion facilitators (NIPs) and exporters (BORs), each presenting distinct polarity. Intriguingly, although boron soil concentrations are homogenous and stable, both transporters manifest strikingly swift boron-dependent regulation. Through mathematical modelling, we demonstrate that slower regulation of these transporters leads to physiologically detrimental oscillatory behaviour. Cells become periodically exposed to potentially cytotoxic boron levels, and nutrient throughput to the xylem becomes hampered. We conclude that, while maintaining homeostasis, swift transporter regulation within a polarised tissue context is critical to prevent intrinsic traffic-jam like behaviour of nutrient flow.

A Distributed Amplifier System for Bilayer Lipid Membrane (BLM) Arrays With Noise and Individual Offset Cancellation.

PubMed

Crescentini, Marco; Thei, Frederico; Bennati, Marco; Saha, Shimul; de Planque, Maurits R R; Morgan, Hywel; Tartagni, Marco

2015-06-01

Lipid bilayer membrane (BLM) arrays are required for high throughput analysis, for example drug screening or advanced DNA sequencing. Complex microfluidic devices are being developed but these are restricted in terms of array size and structure or have integrated electronic sensing with limited noise performance. We present a compact and scalable multichannel electrophysiology platform based on a hybrid approach that combines integrated state-of-the-art microelectronics with low-cost disposable fluidics providing a platform for high-quality parallel single ion channel recording. Specifically, we have developed a new integrated circuit amplifier based on a novel noise cancellation scheme that eliminates flicker noise derived from devices under test and amplifiers. The system is demonstrated through the simultaneous recording of ion channel activity from eight bilayer membranes. The platform is scalable and could be extended to much larger array sizes, limited only by electronic data decimation and communication capabilities.

A network approach to discerning the identities of C. elegans in a free moving population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winter, Peter B.; Brielmann, Renee M.; Timkovich, Nicholas P.; Navarro, Helio T.; Teixeira-Castro, Andreia; Morimoto, Richard I.; Amaral, Luis A. N.

2016-10-01

The study of C. elegans has led to ground-breaking discoveries in gene-function, neuronal circuits, and physiological responses. Subtle behavioral phenotypes, however, are often difficult to measure reproducibly. We have developed an experimental and computational infrastructure to simultaneously record and analyze the physical characteristics, movement, and social behaviors of dozens of interacting free-moving nematodes. Our algorithm implements a directed acyclic network that reconstructs the complex behavioral trajectories generated by individual C. elegans in a free moving population by chaining hundreds to thousands of short tracks into long contiguous trails. This technique allows for the high-throughput quantification of behavioral characteristics that require long-term observation of individual animals. The graphical interface we developed will enable researchers to uncover, in a reproducible manner, subtle time-dependent behavioral phenotypes that will allow dissection of the molecular mechanisms that give rise to organism-level behavior.

Time and position sensitive single photon detector for scintillator read-out

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schössler, S.; Bromberger, B.; Brandis, M.; Schmidt, L. Ph H.; Tittelmeier, K.; Czasch, A.; Dangendorf, V.; Jagutzki, O.

2012-02-01

We have developed a photon counting detector system for combined neutron and γ radiography which can determine position, time and intensity of a secondary photon flash created by a high-energy particle or photon within a scintillator screen. The system is based on a micro-channel plate photomultiplier concept utilizing image charge coupling to a position- and time-sensitive read-out anode placed outside the vacuum tube in air, aided by a standard photomultiplier and very fast pulse-height analyzing electronics. Due to the low dead time of all system components it can cope with the high throughput demands of a proposed combined fast neutron and dual discrete energy γ radiography method (FNDDER). We show tests with different types of delay-line read-out anodes and present a novel pulse-height-to-time converter circuit with its potential to discriminate γ energies for the projected FNDDER devices for an automated cargo container inspection system (ACCIS).

Droplet microfluidics for synthetic biology

DOE PAGES

Gach, Philip Charles; Iwai, Kosuke; Kim, Peter Wonhee; ...

2017-08-10

Here, synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that aims to engineer biological systems for useful purposes. Organism engineering often requires the optimization of individual genes and/or entire biological pathways (consisting of multiple genes). Advances in DNA sequencing and synthesis have recently begun to enable the possibility of evaluating thousands of gene variants and hundreds of thousands of gene combinations. However, such large-scale optimization experiments remain cost-prohibitive to researchers following traditional molecular biology practices, which are frequently labor-intensive and suffer from poor reproducibility. Liquid handling robotics may reduce labor and improve reproducibility, but are themselves expensive and thus inaccessible to mostmore » researchers. Microfluidic platforms offer a lower entry price point alternative to robotics, and maintain high throughput and reproducibility while further reducing operating costs through diminished reagent volume requirements. Droplet microfluidics have shown exceptional promise for synthetic biology experiments, including DNA assembly, transformation/transfection, culturing, cell sorting, phenotypic assays, artificial cells and genetic circuits.« less

Advanced optical fiber communication systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazovsky, Leonid G.

1994-03-01

Our research is focused on three major aspects of advanced optical fiber communication systems: dynamic wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks, fiber nonlinearities, and high dynamic range coherent analog optical links. In the area of WDM networks, we have designed and implemented two high-speed interface boards and measured their throughput and latency. Furthermore, we designed and constructed an experimental PSK/ASK transceiver that simultaneously transmits packet-switched ASK data and circuit-switched PSK data on the same optical carrier. In the area of fiber nonlinearities, we investigated the theoretical impact of modulation frequency on cross-phase modulation (XPM) in dispersive fibers. In the area of high dynamic range coherent analog optical links, we developed theoretical expressions for the RF power transfer ratio (or RF power gain) and the noise figure (NF) of angle-modulated links. We then compared the RF power gains and noise figures of these links to that of an intensity modulated direct detection (DD) link.

Hierarchical planning for a surface mounting machine placement.

PubMed

Zeng, You-jiao; Ma, Deng-ze; Jin, Ye; Yan, Jun-qi

2004-11-01

For a surface mounting machine (SMM) in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly line, there are four problems, e.g. CAD data conversion, nozzle selection, feeder assignment and placement sequence determination. A hierarchical planning for them to maximize the throughput rate of an SMM is presented here. To minimize set-up time, a CAD data conversion system was first applied that could automatically generate the data for machine placement from CAD design data files. Then an effective nozzle selection approach implemented to minimize the time of nozzle changing. And then, to minimize picking time, an algorithm for feeder assignment was used to make picking multiple components simultaneously as much as possible. Finally, in order to shorten pick-and-place time, a heuristic algorithm was used to determine optimal component placement sequence according to the decided feeder positions. Experiments were conducted on a four head SMM. The experimental results were used to analyse the assembly line performance.

A parallel 3-D discrete wavelet transform architecture using pipelined lifting scheme approach for video coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegde, Ganapathi; Vaya, Pukhraj

2013-10-01

This article presents a parallel architecture for 3-D discrete wavelet transform (3-DDWT). The proposed design is based on the 1-D pipelined lifting scheme. The architecture is fully scalable beyond the present coherent Daubechies filter bank (9, 7). This 3-DDWT architecture has advantages such as no group of pictures restriction and reduced memory referencing. It offers low power consumption, low latency and high throughput. The computing technique is based on the concept that lifting scheme minimises the storage requirement. The application specific integrated circuit implementation of the proposed architecture is done by synthesising it using 65 nm Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company standard cell library. It offers a speed of 486 MHz with a power consumption of 2.56 mW. This architecture is suitable for real-time video compression even with large frame dimensions.

Optical multicast system for data center networks.

PubMed

Samadi, Payman; Gupta, Varun; Xu, Junjie; Wang, Howard; Zussman, Gil; Bergman, Keren

2015-08-24

We present the design and experimental evaluation of an Optical Multicast System for Data Center Networks, a hardware-software system architecture that uniquely integrates passive optical splitters in a hybrid network architecture for faster and simpler delivery of multicast traffic flows. An application-driven control plane manages the integrated optical and electronic switched traffic routing in the data plane layer. The control plane includes a resource allocation algorithm to optimally assign optical splitters to the flows. The hardware architecture is built on a hybrid network with both Electronic Packet Switching (EPS) and Optical Circuit Switching (OCS) networks to aggregate Top-of-Rack switches. The OCS is also the connectivity substrate of splitters to the optical network. The optical multicast system implementation requires only commodity optical components. We built a prototype and developed a simulation environment to evaluate the performance of the system for bulk multicasting. Experimental and numerical results show simultaneous delivery of multicast flows to all receivers with steady throughput. Compared to IP multicast that is the electronic counterpart, optical multicast performs with less protocol complexity and reduced energy consumption. Compared to peer-to-peer multicast methods, it achieves at minimum an order of magnitude higher throughput for flows under 250 MB with significantly less connection overheads. Furthermore, for delivering 20 TB of data containing only 15% multicast flows, it reduces the total delivery energy consumption by 50% and improves latency by 55% compared to a data center with a sole non-blocking EPS network.

Chronic unpredictable stress regulates visceral adipocyte‐mediated glucose metabolism and inflammatory circuits in male rats

PubMed Central

Karagiannides, Iordanes; Golovatscka, Viktoriya; Bakirtzi, Kyriaki; Sideri, Aristea; Salas, Martha; Stavrakis, Dimitris; Polytarchou, Christos; Iliopoulos, Dimitrios; Pothoulakis, Charalabos; Bradesi, Sylvie

2014-01-01

Abstract Chronic psychological stress is a prominent risk factor involved in the pathogenesis of many complex diseases, including major depression, obesity, and type II diabetes. Visceral adipose tissue is a key endocrine organ involved in the regulation of insulin action and an important component in the development of insulin resistance. Here, we examined for the first time the changes on visceral adipose tissue physiology and on adipocyte‐associated insulin sensitivity and function after chronic unpredictable stress in rats. Male rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress for 35 days. Total body and visceral fat was measured. Cytokines and activated intracellular kinase levels were determined using high‐throughput multiplex assays. Adipocyte function was assessed via tritiated glucose uptake assay. Stressed rats showed no weight gain, and their fat/lean mass ratio increased dramatically compared to control animals. Stressed rats had significantly higher mesenteric fat content and epididymal fat pad weight and demonstrated reduced serum glucose clearing capacity following glucose challenge. Alterations in fat depot size were mainly due to changes in adipocyte numbers and not size. High‐throughput molecular screening in adipocytes isolated from stressed rats revealed activation of intracellular inflammatory, glucose metabolism, and MAPK networks compared to controls, as well as significantly reduced glucose uptake capacity in response to insulin stimulation. Our study identifies the adipocyte as a key regulator of the effects of chronic stress on insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism, with important ramifications in the pathophysiology of several stress‐related disease states. PMID:24819750

The Use of the Roentgen Ray by the Medical Department of the United States Army in the War with Spain (1898)

DTIC Science & Technology

1900-01-01

scientific value by showing the character of the bone lesions, the form of fracture, and the amount of bone comminution produced by the small-caliber and...without increasing its value. As the scientific value of the plates depends upon their being true representations of the objects as shown by the Rintgen...is adopted, and in such cases one of the metthods of localization by multiple observation must be resorted to. LOCALIZATION BY MULTIPLE OBSERVATION

Liquefaction of solid carbonaceous material with catalyst recycle

DOEpatents

Gupta, Avinash; Greene, Marvin I.

1992-01-01

In the two stage liquefaction of a carbonaceous solid such as coal wherein coal is liquefied in a first stage in the presence of a liquefaction solvent and the first stage effluent is hydrogenated in the presence of a supported hydrogenation catalyst in a second stage, catalyst which has been previously employed in the second stage and comminuted to a particle size distribution equivalent to 100% passing through U.S. 100 Mesh, is passed to the first stage to improve the overall operation.

[Kapoera--popular dance or martial art?].

PubMed

Kluger, Y; Ravid, A; Ben Avraham, R; Soffer, D; Aladgem, D

1997-01-15

Kapoera, a combination of acrobatics and coordinated athletic movement, is believed to have been introduced to South America during the 19th century by transported African slaves. The dance does not involve intentional physical contact, but during 6 months, 3 patients were admitted here for injuries induced by the forceful movements of this dance. 2 underwent exploratory laparotomy that revealed bowel perforations and 1 suffered a comminuted nasal bone fracture. Medical personnel should be familiar with the potential hazards of this dance and martial art.

Pyrolysis with cyclone burner

DOEpatents

Green, Norman W.; Duraiswamy, Kandaswamy; Lumpkin, Robert E.

1978-07-25

In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source over an overflow weir to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue and separating out the fines.

Pyrolysis with staged recovery

DOEpatents

Green, Norman W.; Duraiswamy, Kandaswamy; Lumpkin, Robert E.; Winter, Bruce L.

1979-03-20

In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source fed over an overflow weir to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue.

Computational systems biology and dose-response modeling in relation to new directions in toxicity testing.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiang; Bhattacharya, Sudin; Andersen, Melvin E; Conolly, Rory B

2010-02-01

The new paradigm envisioned for toxicity testing in the 21st century advocates shifting from the current animal-based testing process to a combination of in vitro cell-based studies, high-throughput techniques, and in silico modeling. A strategic component of the vision is the adoption of the systems biology approach to acquire, analyze, and interpret toxicity pathway data. As key toxicity pathways are identified and their wiring details elucidated using traditional and high-throughput techniques, there is a pressing need to understand their qualitative and quantitative behaviors in response to perturbation by both physiological signals and exogenous stressors. The complexity of these molecular networks makes the task of understanding cellular responses merely by human intuition challenging, if not impossible. This process can be aided by mathematical modeling and computer simulation of the networks and their dynamic behaviors. A number of theoretical frameworks were developed in the last century for understanding dynamical systems in science and engineering disciplines. These frameworks, which include metabolic control analysis, biochemical systems theory, nonlinear dynamics, and control theory, can greatly facilitate the process of organizing, analyzing, and understanding toxicity pathways. Such analysis will require a comprehensive examination of the dynamic properties of "network motifs"--the basic building blocks of molecular circuits. Network motifs like feedback and feedforward loops appear repeatedly in various molecular circuits across cell types and enable vital cellular functions like homeostasis, all-or-none response, memory, and biological rhythm. These functional motifs and associated qualitative and quantitative properties are the predominant source of nonlinearities observed in cellular dose response data. Complex response behaviors can arise from toxicity pathways built upon combinations of network motifs. While the field of computational cell biology has advanced rapidly with increasing availability of new data and powerful simulation techniques, a quantitative orientation is still lacking in life sciences education to make efficient use of these new tools to implement the new toxicity testing paradigm. A revamped undergraduate curriculum in the biological sciences including compulsory courses in mathematics and analysis of dynamical systems is required to address this gap. In parallel, dissemination of computational systems biology techniques and other analytical tools among practicing toxicologists and risk assessment professionals will help accelerate implementation of the new toxicity testing vision.

Mid-Term Outcomes After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Dorsal Fracture-Dislocations Through a Volar, Shotgun Approach and a Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Giugale, Juan Marcelo; Wang, Juntian; Kaufmann, Robert A.; Fowler, John R.

2017-01-01

Background: Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) fracture dislocations remain a complex injury pattern to treat. There are several treatment methods available aimed to restore stability, preserve range of motion, and reconstitute the articular surface. This study looked at the mid-term clinical and radiographic results of open reduction internal fixation through a shotgun approach of comminuted PIP fracture dislocations. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all PIP fracture dislocations treated through a volar, shotgun approach at a single institution over a 15-year period. Patients identified were contacted and asked to return to the office for clinical and radiographic evaluation. Patient reported outcomes were assessed with the Michigan hand questionnaire (MHQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Results: 5 patients returned to the office for further evaluation with average follow-up of 69 months (range, 33-133 months). 3 patients were found to have post traumatic arthritis on radiographs. 1 case had recurrent instability and one case had a deep infection, both necessitating further surgical intervention. Average PIP arc of motion was found to be 79°. Average VAS score of 0 and MHQ result of 95 (out of a possible score of 100) indicating no residual pain and excellent functionality of the affected hand. Conclusion: Open reduction internal fixation of comminuted PIP fracture dislocations utilizing the volar, shotgun approach provides excellent mid-term functional results despite the high incidence of post traumatic arthritis. PMID:29151999

Effect of Nitrite and Nitrate on Toxin Production by Clostridium botulinum and on Nitrosamine Formation in Perishable Canned Comminuted Cured Meat

PubMed Central

Christiansen, L. N.; Johnston, R. W.; Kautter, D. A.; Howard, J. W.; Aunan, W. J.

1973-01-01

Comminuted ham was formulated with different levels of sodium nitrite and nitrate, inoculated with Clostridium botulinum, and pasteurized to an internal temperature of 68.5 C. When added to the meat, nitrite concentrations decreased, and cooking had little effect on them. Nitrite concentrations decreased more rapidly during storage at 27 than at 7 C; however they remained rather constant at formulated levels throughout the experiment at both incubation temperatures. The level of nitrite added to the meat greatly influenced growth and toxin production of C. botulinum. The concentration of nitrite necessary to effect complete inhibition was dependent on the inoculum level. With 90 C. botulinum spores/g of meat, botulinum toxin developed in samples formulated with 150 but not with 200 μg of nitrite per g of meat. At a spore level of 5,000/g, toxin was detected in samples with 400 but not with 500 μg of nitrite per g of the product incubated at 27 C. At lower concentrations of nitrite, growth was retarded at both spore levels. No toxin developed in samples incubated at 7 C. Nitrate showed a statistically significant inhibitory effect at a given nitrite level; however, the effect was insufficient to be of practical value. Analyses for 14 volatile nitrosamines from samples made with varying levels of nitrite and nitrate were negative at a detection level of 0.01 μg of nitrite or nitrate per g of meat. PMID:4572891

The application of porous tantalum cylinder to the repair of comminuted bone defects: a study of rabbit firearm injuries

PubMed Central

Ren, Bo; Zhai, Zhenbo; Guo, Kai; Liu, Yanpu; Hou, Weihuan; Zhu, Qingsheng; Zhu, Jinyu

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of porous tantalum material in repair tibial defects caused by firearm injuries in a rabbit model. A multifunctional biological impact machine was used to establish a rabbit tibial defect model of firearm injury. Porous tantalum rods were processed into a hollow cylinder. Kirschner wires were used for intramedullary fixation. We compared the differences of the bone ingrowth of the porous tantalum material by gross observations, X-rays and histological evaluations. The radiographic observations revealed that fibrous tissue covered the material surface after 4 weeks, and periosteal reactions and new bone callus extending materials appeared after 8 weeks. After 16 weeks, the calluses of the firearm injury group were completely wrapped around a porous tantalum material. The group with the highest Lane-Sandhu X-rays cores was the firearm injury and tantalum implant group, and the blank control group exhibited the lowest scores. The histological evaluations revealed that the presence of new bone around the biomaterial had grown into the porous tantalum. By the 16th week, the areas of bone tissue of the firearm injury group was significant higher than that of non-firearm injury group (P<0.05). The comminuted fractures treated with tantalum cylinders exhibited greater bone ingrowth in the firearm injury group. In conditions of firearm injuries, the porous tantalum biomaterial exhibited bone ingrowth that was beneficial to the treatment of bone defects. PMID:26131078

Indirect reduction with a condylar blade plate for osteosynthesis of subtrochanteric femoral fractures.

PubMed

Siebenrock, K A; Müller, U; Ganz, R

1998-01-01

Subtrochanteric fractures frequently occur as high energy trauma usually in younger patients and may lead to severe comminution of the medial cortex. The medial cortex of the proximal femur is exposed to high compressive forces which make fracture stabilization a difficult problem. Bone healing may be seriously compromised due to extensive comminution and fragment devitalization. This requires reduction techniques which do not cause additional damage to the vitality of the bone. With indirect reduction techniques and the use of a condylar blade plate the results have been significantly improved in these fracture types in our department (1). In this report the essential aspects of indirect reduction for subtrochanteric fractures using a condylar blade plate and the treatment results from our department from earlier years (1) and from the last 2 1/2 years will be presented. In the latter period, fifteen patients with a mean age of 49 years (19-87 years) were treated with this method. Fractures resulted from traffic incidents or falls from a great height in 11 cases (73%). Union was achieved in 14 cases (93%) with full weight-bearing after a mean of 3 months (1-4 1/2 months). Malunion was seen in two cases (13%) without the need for further surgery. Non union occurred in one patient (7%) with a III B open injury due to early infection. After repeated debridements, bone grafting and decortication, the fracture was stabilized with a replacement condylar blade plate and healed uneventfully.

Fully automated segmentation of callus by micro-CT compared to biomechanics.

PubMed

Bissinger, Oliver; Götz, Carolin; Wolff, Klaus-Dietrich; Hapfelmeier, Alexander; Prodinger, Peter Michael; Tischer, Thomas

2017-07-11

A high percentage of closed femur fractures have slight comminution. Using micro-CT (μCT), multiple fragment segmentation is much more difficult than segmentation of unfractured or osteotomied bone. Manual or semi-automated segmentation has been performed to date. However, such segmentation is extremely laborious, time-consuming and error-prone. Our aim was to therefore apply a fully automated segmentation algorithm to determine μCT parameters and examine their association with biomechanics. The femura of 64 rats taken after randomised inhibitory or neutral medication, in terms of the effect on fracture healing, and controls were closed fractured after a Kirschner wire was inserted. After 21 days, μCT and biomechanical parameters were determined by a fully automated method and correlated (Pearson's correlation). The fully automated segmentation algorithm automatically detected bone and simultaneously separated cortical bone from callus without requiring ROI selection for each single bony structure. We found an association of structural callus parameters obtained by μCT to the biomechanical properties. However, results were only explicable by additionally considering the callus location. A large number of slightly comminuted fractures in combination with therapies that influence the callus qualitatively and/or quantitatively considerably affects the association between μCT and biomechanics. In the future, contrast-enhanced μCT imaging of the callus cartilage might provide more information to improve the non-destructive and non-invasive prediction of callus mechanical properties. As studies evaluating such important drugs increase, fully automated segmentation appears to be clinically important.

Current concepts review: Fractures of the patella

PubMed Central

Gwinner, Clemens; Märdian, Sven; Schwabe, Philipp; Schaser, Klaus-D.; Krapohl, Björn Dirk; Jung, Tobias M.

2016-01-01

Fractures of the patella account for about 1% of all skeletal injuries and can lead to profound impairment due to its crucial function in the extensor mechanism of the knee. Diagnosis is based on the injury mechanism, physical examination and radiological findings. While the clinical diagnosis is often distinct, there are numerous treatment options available. The type of treatment as well as the optimum timing of surgical intervention depends on the underlying fracture type, the associated soft tissue damage, patient factors (i.e. age, bone quality, activity level and compliance) and the stability of the extensor mechanism. Regardless of the treatment method an early rehabilitation is recommended in order to avoid contractures of the knee joint capsule and cartilage degeneration. For non-displaced and dislocated non-comminuted transverse patellar fractures (2-part) modified anterior tension band wiring is the treatment of choice and can be combined – due to its biomechanical superiority – with cannulated screw fixation. In severe comminuted fractures, open reduction and fixation with small fragment screws or new angular stable plates for anatomic restoration of the retropatellar surface and extension mechanism results in best outcome. Additional circular cerclage wiring using either typical metal cerclage wires or resorbable PDS/non-resorbable FiberWires increases fixation stability and decreases risk for re-dislocation. Distal avulsion fractures should be fixed with small fragment screws and should be protected by a transtibial McLaughlin cerclage. Partial or complete patellectomy should be regarded only as a very rare salvage operation due to its severe functional impairment. PMID:26816667

Stabilization of Olecranon Fractures by Tension Band Wiring or Plate Osteosynthesis: A Retrospective Study of 41 Cases.

PubMed

Fournet, Alexandre; Boursier, Jean-François; Corbeau, Solène; Decambron, Adeline; Viateau, Véronique; Fayolle, Pascal; Bedu, Anne-Sophie; Leperlier, Dimitri; Manassero, Mathieu

2018-01-01

 This article aimed to describe olecranon fracture in dogs and cats and their stabilization with tension band wiring or plate osteosynthesis, and to evaluate complications associated with each technique.  Medical records of cats and dogs that had been surgically treated for olecranon fractures with either tension band wiring or plate osteosynthesis were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical technique, complications and long-term outcomes were assessed.  Forty-one olecranon fractures were included. Fractures were articular, comminuted and open in 90, 31 and 27% of cases, respectively. Tension band wiring and plate osteosynthesis were performed in 22 and 19 fractures, respectively. Complications occurred more commonly after tension band wiring (74%) compared with plate osteosynthesis (27%) ( p  = 0.002) and these were probably related to it being used in comminuted fractures ( p  = 0.01) or to errors in technique. Minor complications included Kirschner wires migration ( n  = 5), pain ( n  = 3), osteomyelitis ( n  = 3), skin breakdown ( n  = 3) and seroma ( n  = 1). Implant failure requiring further fixation ( n  = 4) was observed only in the tension band wiring group. Other major complications included skin wound debridement and closure ( n  = 1) and chronic lameness requiring implant removal ( n  = 7). Long-term functional outcomes were excellent regardless of the technique used.  Plate osteosynthesis should be performed for olecranon fracture repair if technically feasible. Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart.

Anatomical Thin Titanium Mesh Plate Structural Optimization for Zygomatic-Maxillary Complex Fracture under Fatigue Testing.

PubMed

Wang, Yu-Tzu; Huang, Shao-Fu; Fang, Yu-Ting; Huang, Shou-Chieh; Cheng, Hwei-Fang; Chen, Chih-Hao; Wang, Po-Fang; Lin, Chun-Li

2018-01-01

This study performs a structural optimization of anatomical thin titanium mesh (ATTM) plate and optimal designed ATTM plate fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) to verify its stabilization under fatigue testing. Finite element (FE) analysis was used to simulate the structural bending resistance of a regular ATTM plate. The Taguchi method was employed to identify the significance of each design factor in controlling the deflection and determine an optimal combination of designed factors. The optimal designed ATTM plate with patient-matched facial contour was fabricated using AM and applied to a ZMC comminuted fracture to evaluate the resting maxillary micromotion/strain under fatigue testing. The Taguchi analysis found that the ATTM plate required a designed internal hole distance to be 0.9 mm, internal hole diameter to be 1 mm, plate thickness to be 0.8 mm, and plate height to be 10 mm. The designed plate thickness factor primarily dominated the bending resistance up to 78% importance. The averaged micromotion (displacement) and strain of the maxillary bone showed that ZMC fracture fixation using the miniplate was significantly higher than those using the AM optimal designed ATTM plate. This study concluded that the optimal designed ATTM plate with enough strength to resist the bending effect can be obtained by combining FE and Taguchi analyses. The optimal designed ATTM plate with patient-matched facial contour fabricated using AM provides superior stabilization for ZMC comminuted fractured bone segments.

Surgical Strategy and Techniques for Low-Profile Dorsal Plating in Treating Dorsally Displaced Unstable Distal Radius Fractures

PubMed Central

Hamada, Yoshitaka; Gotani, Hiroyuki; Hibino, Naohito; Tanaka, Yoshitaka; Satoh, Ryousuke; Sasaki, Kousuke; Kanchanathepsak, Thepparat

2016-01-01

Background The low-profile dorsal locking plating (DLP) technique is useful for treating dorsally comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures; however, due to the complications associated with DLP, the technique is not widely used. Methods A retrospective review of 24 consecutive cases treated with DLP were done. Results All cases were classified into two types by surgical strategy according to the fracture pattern. In type 1, there is a volar fracture line distal to the watershed line in the dorsally displaced fragment, and this type is treated by H-framed DLP. In type 2, the displaced dorsal die-punch fragment is associated with a minimally displaced styloid shearing fracture or a transverse volar fracture line. We found that the die-punch fragment was reduced by the buttress effect of small l-shaped DLP after stabilization of the styloid shearing for the volar segment by cannulated screws from radial styloid processes. At 6 months after surgery, outcomes were good or excellent based on the modified Mayo wrist scores with no serious complications except one case. The mean range of motion of each type was as follows: the palmar flexion was 50, 65 degrees, dorsiflexion was 70, 75 degrees, supination was 85, 85 degrees, and pronation was 80, 80 degrees; in type 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion DLP is a useful technique for the treatment of selected cases of dorsally displaced, comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius with careful soft tissue coverage. PMID:28428920

In-vitro Comminution of Model Renal Calculi using Histotripsy

PubMed Central

Duryea, Alexander P.; Maxwell, Adam D.; Roberts, William W.; Xu, Zhen; Hall, Timothy L.; Cain, Charles A.

2013-01-01

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) suffers from the fact that it can produce residual stone fragments of significant size (>2 mm). Mechanistically, cavitation has been shown to play an important role in the reduction of such fragments to smaller debris. In this study we assessed the feasibility of using cavitationally-based pulsed ultrasound therapy (histotripsy) to erode kidney stones. Previous work has shown that histotripsy is capable of mechanically fractionating soft tissue into fine, acellular debris. Here, we investigated the potential for translating this technology to renal calculi through the use of a commonly accepted stone model, Ultracal-30 cement. Stones were sonicated using a 1-MHz focused transducer, with 5-cycle pulses delivered at a rate of 1 kHz. Pulses having peak negative pressures ranging from 3–21 MPa were tested. Results indicate that histotripsy is capable of effectively eroding the Ultracal-30 model, achieving an average stone erosion rate of 26 mg/min at maximum treatment pressure; substantial stone erosion was only observed in the presence of a dense cavitational bubble cloud. Sequential sieving of residual stone fragments indicated that debris produced by histotripsy was smaller than 100 μm in size, and treatment monitoring showed that both the cavitational bubble cloud and model stone appear as hyperechoic regions on B-mode imaging. These preliminary results indicate that histotripsy shows promise in its use for stone comminution, and an optimized erosion process may provide a potential adjunct to conventional SWL procedures. PMID:21622053

[Preliminary result of allogenic bone and autogeneic-iliac bone in comminuted fracture reparation in rabbits].

PubMed

Wang, Zhi-qiang; Li, Qi-jia; Wang, Qi

2002-11-01

To observe the difference of the fracture reparation using autogeneic-iliac bone and allogenic bone. Comminuted fracture of humerus in two sides were made in rabbits. Autogeneic-iliac bone was implanted in one side, while allogenic bone of equal capacity was implanted in the other side. General observation, X-ray, and HE histologic section were done when the rabbits were put to death in different stages. One week after implantation, the graft had been enclosed by connective tissue without infiltration of the inflammatory cells. At the 2nd week, the graft had been enclosed in osteoplastic granulation tissue, and the cartilage callus had formed. At the 3rd week, there had been broken sequestrum among the callus; the cartilage had actively formed the bone; and the medulla had been making. At the 4th week, the sequestrum had disappeared, and the mature callus had appeared; the osteoblasts had arranged in a line around the edge of the mature callus. At the 5th week, the callus was strong, compact and approached mature bones. At the 6th week, there had been the compact lamellar structures and the complete haversian's systems. There was no significant difference between callus of two sides by using image quantitative analysis in the 3rd, 4th week (P > 0.05). The allogenic bone has good histocompatibility and bone conduction effect, and can be used for bone transplantation substitute with autogenous-iliac bone.

Evaluation of a recycling process for printed circuit board by physical separation and heat treatment.

PubMed

Fujita, Toyohisa; Ono, Hiroyuki; Dodbiba, Gjergj; Yamaguchi, Kunihiko

2014-07-01

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) from discarded personal computer (PC) and hard disk drive were crushed by explosion in water or mechanical comminution in order to disintegrate the attached parts. More parts were stripped from PCB of PC, composed of epoxy resin; than from PCB of household appliance, composed of phenol resin. In an attempt to raise the copper grade of PCB by removing other components, a carbonization treatment was investigated. The crushed PCB without surface-mounted parts was carbonized under a nitrogen atmosphere at 873-1073 K. After screening, the char was classified by size into oversized pieces, undersized pieces and powder. The copper foil and glass fiber pieces were liberated and collected in undersized fraction. The copper foil was liberated easily from glass fiber by stamping treatment. As one of the mounted parts, the multi-layered ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), which contain nickel, were carbonized at 873 K. The magnetic separation is carried out at a lower magnetic field strength of 0.1T and then at 0.8 T. In the +0.5mm size fraction the nickel grade in magnetic product was increased from 0.16% to 6.7% and the nickel recovery is 74%. The other useful mounted parts are tantalum capacitors. The tantalum capacitors were collected from mounted parts. The tantalum-sintered bodies were separated from molded resins by heat treatment at 723-773 K in air atmosphere and screening of 0.5mm. Silica was removed and 70% of tantalum grade was obtained after more than 823K heating and separation. Next, the evaluation of Cu recycling in PCB is estimated. Energy consumption of new process increased and the treatment cost becomes 3 times higher comparing the conventional process, while the environmental burden of new process decreased comparing conventional process. The nickel recovery process in fine ground particles increased energy and energy cost comparing those of the conventional process. However, the environmental burden decreased than the conventional one. The process for recovering tantalum used more heat for the treatment and therefore the energy consumption increased by 50%, when comparing with conventional process. However, the market price for tantalum is very large; the profit for tantalum recovery is added. Also the environmental burden decreased by the recycling of tantalum recovery. Therefore, the tantalum recovery is very important step in the PCB recycling. If there is no tantalum, the consumed energy and treatment cost increase in the new process, though the environmental burden decreases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Open reduction and internal fixation versus casting for highly comminuted and intra-articular fractures of the distal radius (ORCHID): protocol for a randomized clinical multi-center trial.

PubMed

Bartl, Christoph; Stengel, Dirk; Bruckner, Thomas; Rossion, Inga; Luntz, Steffen; Seiler, Christoph; Gebhard, Florian

2011-03-22

Fractures of the distal radius represent the most common fracture in elderly patients, and often indicate the onset of symptomatic osteoporosis. A variety of treatment options is available, including closed reduction and plaster casting, K-wire-stabilization, external fixation and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with volar locked plating. The latter is widely promoted by clinicians and hardware manufacturers. Closed reduction and cast stabilization for six weeks is a simple, convenient, and ubiquitously available intervention. In contrast, ORIF requires hospitalization, but allows for functional rehabilitation.Given the lack of randomized controlled trials, it remains unclear whether ORIF leads to better functional outcomes one year after injury than closed reduction and casting. ORCHID (Open reduction and internal fixation versus casting for highly comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius) is a pragmatic, randomized, multi-center, clinical trial with two parallel treatment arms. It is planned to include 504 patients in 15 participating centers throughout Germany over a three-year period. Patients are allocated by a central web-based randomization tool.The primary objective is to determine differences in the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Physical Component Score (PCS) between volar locked plating and closed reduction and casting of intraarticular, comminuted distal radius fractures in patients > 65 years of age one year after the fracture. Secondary outcomes include differences in other SF-36 dimensions, the EuroQol-5D questionnaire, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) instrument. Also, the range of motion in the affected wrist, activities of daily living, complications (including secondary ORIF and revision surgery), as well as serious adverse events will be assessed. Data obtained during the trial will be used for later health-economic evaluations. The trial architecture involves a central statistical unit, an independent monitoring institute, and a data safety monitoring board. Following approval by the institutional review boards of all participating centers, conduct and reporting will strictly adhere to national and international rules, regulations, and recommendations (e.g., Good Clinical Practice, data safety laws, and EQUATOR/CONSORT proposals). To our knowledge, ORCHID is the first multicenter RCT designed to assess quality of life and functional outcomes following operative treatment compared to conservative treatment of complex, intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients. The results are expected to influence future treatment recommendations and policies on an international level. ISRCTN: ISRCTN76120052 Registration date: 31.07.2008; Randomization of first patient: 15.09.2008.

A microfluidic microprocessor: controlling biomimetic containers and cells using hybrid integrated circuit/microfluidic chips.

PubMed

Issadore, David; Franke, Thomas; Brown, Keith A; Westervelt, Robert M

2010-11-07

We present an integrated platform for performing biological and chemical experiments on a chip based on standard CMOS technology. We have developed a hybrid integrated circuit (IC)/microfluidic chip that can simultaneously control thousands of living cells and pL volumes of fluid, enabling a wide variety of chemical and biological tasks. Taking inspiration from cellular biology, phospholipid bilayer vesicles are used as robust picolitre containers for reagents on the chip. The hybrid chip can be programmed to trap, move, and porate individual living cells and vesicles and fuse and deform vesicles using electric fields. The IC spatially patterns electric fields in a microfluidic chamber using 128 × 256 (32,768) 11 × 11 μm(2) metal pixels, each of which can be individually driven with a radio frequency (RF) voltage. The chip's basic functions can be combined in series to perform complex biological and chemical tasks and can be performed in parallel on the chip's many pixels for high-throughput operations. The hybrid chip operates in two distinct modes, defined by the frequency of the RF voltage applied to the pixels: Voltages at MHz frequencies are used to trap, move, and deform objects using dielectrophoresis and voltages at frequencies below 1 kHz are used for electroporation and electrofusion. This work represents an important step towards miniaturizing the complex chemical and biological experiments used for diagnostics and research onto automated and inexpensive chips.

Recent Progress on Systems and Synthetic Biology Approaches to Engineer Fungi As Microbial Cell Factories.

PubMed

Amores, Gerardo Ruiz; Guazzaroni, María-Eugenia; Arruda, Letícia Magalhães; Silva-Rocha, Rafael

2016-04-01

Filamentous fungi are remarkable organisms naturally specialized in deconstructing plant biomass and this feature has a tremendous potential for biofuel production from renewable sources. The past decades have been marked by a remarkable progress in the genetic engineering of fungi to generate industry-compatible strains needed for some biotech applications. In this sense, progress in this field has been marked by the utilization of high-throughput techniques to gain deep understanding of the molecular machinery controlling the physiology of these organisms, starting thus the Systems Biology era of fungi. Additionally, genetic engineering has been extensively applied to modify wellcharacterized promoters in order to construct new expression systems with enhanced performance under the conditions of interest. In this review, we discuss some aspects related to significant progress in the understating and engineering of fungi for biotechnological applications, with special focus on the construction of synthetic promoters and circuits in organisms relevant for industry. Different engineering approaches are shown, and their potential and limitations for the construction of complex synthetic circuits in these organisms are examined. Finally, we discuss the impact of engineered promoter architecture in the single-cell behavior of the system, an often-neglected relationship with a tremendous impact in the final performance of the process of interest. We expect to provide here some new directions to drive future research directed to the construction of high-performance, engineered fungal strains working as microbial cell factories.

Amyloid deposition in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex: Quantitative analysis of a transgenic mouse model

PubMed Central

Reilly, John F.; Games, Dora; Rydel, Russell E.; Freedman, Stephen; Schenk, Dale; Young, Warren G.; Morrison, John H.; Bloom, Floyd E.

2003-01-01

Various transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been developed that overexpress mutant forms of amyloid precursor protein in an effort to elucidate more fully the potential role of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. The present study represents the first complete 3D reconstruction of Aβ in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex of PDAPP transgenic mice. Aβ deposits were detected by immunostaining and thioflavin fluorescence, and quantified by using high-throughput digital image acquisition and analysis. Quantitative analysis of amyloid load in hippocampal subfields showed a dramatic increase between 12 and 15 months of age, with little or no earlier detectable deposition. Three-dimensional reconstruction in the oldest brains visualized previously unrecognized sheets of Aβ coursing through the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In contrast with previous hypotheses, compact plaques form before significant deposition of diffuse Aβ, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved in the deposition of diffuse amyloid and the aggregation into plaques. The dentate gyrus was the hippocampal subfield with the greatest amyloid burden. Sublaminar distribution of Aβ in the dentate gyrus correlated most closely with the termination of afferent projections from the lateral entorhinal cortex, mirroring the selective vulnerability of this circuit in human AD. This detailed temporal and spatial analysis of Aβ and compact amyloid deposition suggests that specific corticocortical circuits express selective, but late, vulnerability to the pathognomonic markers of amyloid deposition, and can provide a basis for detecting prior vulnerability factors. PMID:12697936

Assessment of polyurethane spheres as surrogates for military ballistic head injury.

PubMed

Mahoney, Peter; Carr, Debra; Hunt, Nicholas; Delaney, Russ J

2018-03-29

SYNBONE® spheres were impacted with 7.62 × 39 mm mild steel core ammunition at a mean impact velocity of 654 m/s, SD 7 m/s, to simulate engagement distances of around 50-100 m. The wounds and fracture patterns were assessed by two forensic pathologists familiar with military cranial injury. The overall fracture pattern was assessed as being too comminuted when compared with actual injury. This suggests the SYNBONE® spheres have less utility for simulating military injury than other purposes described in the literature.

Stabilization of an acetabular fracture with cables for acute total hip arthroplasty.

PubMed

Mears, D C; Shirahama, M

1998-01-01

A critical stage of total hip arthroplasty for an acute acetabular fracture where extensive comminution, impaction, and osteopenia thwart the application of conventional open or closed methods, especially in the elderly, is stable fixation of the acetabulum. The use of 2-mm braided cables permits effective immobilization of the fracture for use in conjunction with a hybrid arthroplasty. The method is consistent with the use of a conventional arthroplastic incision and is suitable for other applications including the fixation of periprosthetic fractures, bulk allografts, and conventional acetabular fractures.

Sulfur removal and comminution of carbonaceous material

DOEpatents

Narain, Nand K.; Ruether, John A.; Smith, Dennis N.

1988-01-01

Finely divided, clean coal or other carbonaceous material is provided by forming a slurry of coarse coal in aqueous alkali solution and heating the slurry under pressure to above the critical conditions of steam. The supercritical fluid penetrates and is trapped in the porosity of the coal as it swells in a thermoplastic condition at elevated temperature. By a sudden, explosive release of pressure the coal is fractured into finely divided particles with release of sulfur-containing gases and minerals. The finely divided coal is recovered from the minerals for use as a clean coal product.

Pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials with solvent quench recovery

DOEpatents

Green, Norman W.; Duraiswamy, Kandaswamy; Lumpkin, Robert E.; Knell, Everett W.; Mirza, Zia I.; Winter, Bruce L.

1978-04-18

In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue. Apparatus useful for practicing this process are disclosed.

Sample-Clock Phase-Control Feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quirk, Kevin J.; Gin, Jonathan W.; Nguyen, Danh H.; Nguyen, Huy

2012-01-01

To demodulate a communication signal, a receiver must recover and synchronize to the symbol timing of a received waveform. In a system that utilizes digital sampling, the fidelity of synchronization is limited by the time between the symbol boundary and closest sample time location. To reduce this error, one typically uses a sample clock in excess of the symbol rate in order to provide multiple samples per symbol, thereby lowering the error limit to a fraction of a symbol time. For systems with a large modulation bandwidth, the required sample clock rate is prohibitive due to current technological barriers and processing complexity. With precise control of the phase of the sample clock, one can sample the received signal at times arbitrarily close to the symbol boundary, thus obviating the need, from a synchronization perspective, for multiple samples per symbol. Sample-clock phase-control feedback was developed for use in the demodulation of an optical communication signal, where multi-GHz modulation bandwidths would require prohibitively large sample clock frequencies for rates in excess of the symbol rate. A custom mixedsignal (RF/digital) offset phase-locked loop circuit was developed to control the phase of the 6.4-GHz clock that samples the photon-counting detector output. The offset phase-locked loop is driven by a feedback mechanism that continuously corrects for variation in the symbol time due to motion between the transmitter and receiver as well as oscillator instability. This innovation will allow significant improvements in receiver throughput; for example, the throughput of a pulse-position modulation (PPM) with 16 slots can increase from 188 Mb/s to 1.5 Gb/s.

An Effective Electrical Throughput from PANI Supplement ZnS Nanorods and PDMS-Based Flexible Piezoelectric Nanogenerator for Power up Portable Electronic Devices: An Alternative of MWCNT Filler.

PubMed

Sultana, Ayesha; Alam, Md Mehebub; Garain, Samiran; Sinha, Tridib Kumar; Middya, Tapas Ranjan; Mandal, Dipankar

2015-09-02

We demonstrate the requirement of electrical poling can be avoided in flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (FPNGs) made of low-temperature hydrothermally grown wurtzite zinc sulfide nanorods (ZnS-NRs) blended with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). It has been found that conductive fillers, such as polyaniline (PANI) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), can subsequently improve the overall performance of FPNG. A large electrical throughput (open circuit voltage ∼35 V with power density ∼2.43 μW/cm(3)) from PANI supplement added nanogenerator (PZP-FPNG) indicates that it is an effective means to replace the MWCNTs filler. The time constant (τ) estimated from the transient response of the capacitor charging curves signifying that the FPNGs are very much capable to charge the capacitors in very short time span (e.g., 3 V is accomplished in 50 s) and thus expected to be perfectly suitable in portable, wearable and flexible electronics devices. We demonstrate that FPNG can instantly lit up several commercial Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (15 red, 25 green, and 55 blue, individually) and power up several portable electronic gadgets, for example, wrist watch, calculator, and LCD screen. Thus, a realization of potential use of PANI in low-temperature-synthesized ZnS-NRs comprising piezoelectric based nanogenerator fabrication is experimentally verified so as to acquire a potential impact in sustainable energy applications. Beside this, wireless piezoelectric signal detection possibility is also worked out where a concept of self-powered smart sensor is introduced.

Lossless compression techniques for maskless lithography data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Vito; Zakhor, Avideh

2002-07-01

Future lithography systems must produce more dense chips with smaller feature sizes, while maintaining the throughput of one wafer per sixty seconds per layer achieved by today's optical lithography systems. To achieve this throughput with a direct-write maskless lithography system, using 25 nm pixels for 50 nm feature sizes, requires data rates of about 10 Tb/s. In a previous paper, we presented an architecture which achieves this data rate contingent on consistent 25 to 1 compression of lithography data, and on implementation of a decoder-writer chip with a real-time decompressor fabricated on the same chip as the massively parallel array of lithography writers. In this paper, we examine the compression efficiency of a spectrum of techniques suitable for lithography data, including two industry standards JBIG and JPEG-LS, a wavelet based technique SPIHT, general file compression techniques ZIP and BZIP2, our own 2D-LZ technique, and a simple list-of-rectangles representation RECT. Layouts rasterized both to black-and-white pixels, and to 32 level gray pixels are considered. Based on compression efficiency, JBIG, ZIP, 2D-LZ, and BZIP2 are found to be strong candidates for application to maskless lithography data, in many cases far exceeding the required compression ratio of 25. To demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the decoder-writer chip, we consider the design of a hardware decoder based on ZIP, the simplest of the four candidate techniques. The basic algorithm behind ZIP compression is Lempel-Ziv 1977 (LZ77), and the design parameters of LZ77 decompression are optimized to minimize circuit usage while maintaining compression efficiency.

High throughput, high resolution enzymatic lithography process: effect of crystallite size, moisture, and enzyme concentration.

PubMed

Mao, Zhantong; Ganesh, Manoj; Bucaro, Michael; Smolianski, Igor; Gross, Richard A; Lyons, Alan M

2014-12-08

By bringing enzymes into contact with predefined regions of a surface, a polymer film can be selectively degraded to form desired patterns that find a variety of applications in biotechnology and electronics. This so-called "enzymatic lithography" is an environmentally friendly process as it does not require actinic radiation or synthetic chemicals to develop the patterns. A significant challenge to using enzymatic lithography has been the need to restrict the mobility of the enzyme in order to maintain control of feature sizes. Previous approaches have resulted in low throughput and were limited to polymer films only a few nanometers thick. In this paper, we demonstrate an enzymatic lithography system based on Candida antartica lipase B (CALB) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) that can resolve fine-scale features, (<1 μm across) in thick (0.1-2.0 μm) polymer films. A Polymer Pen Lithography (PPL) tool was developed to deposit an aqueous solution of CALB onto a spin-cast PCL film. Immobilization of the enzyme on the polymer surface was monitored using fluorescence microscopy by labeling CALB with FITC. The crystallite size in the PCL films was systematically varied; small crystallites resulted in significantly faster etch rates (20 nm/min) and the ability to resolve smaller features (as fine as 1 μm). The effect of printing conditions and relative humidity during incubation is also presented. Patterns formed in the PCL film were transferred to an underlying copper foil demonstrating a "Green" approach to the fabrication of printed circuit boards.

Evaluation of a recycling process for printed circuit board by physical separation and heat treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fujita, Toyohisa, E-mail: tfujita@sys.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Ono, Hiroyuki; Dodbiba, Gjergj

Highlights: • The parts mounted on printed circuit board (PCB) were liberated by underwater explosion and mechanical crushing. • The crushed PCB without surface-mounted parts was carbonized under inert atmosphere at 873 K to recover copper. • The multi-layered ceramic capacitors including nickel was carbonized at 873 K to recover nickel by the magnetic separation. • The tantalum powders were recovered from the molded resins by heat treatment at 723 and 823 K in air atmosphere and screening. • Energy and treatment cost of new process increased, however, the environmental burden decreased comparing conventional one. - Abstract: Printed circuit boardsmore » (PCBs) from discarded personal computer (PC) and hard disk drive were crushed by explosion in water or mechanical comminution in order to disintegrate the attached parts. More parts were stripped from PCB of PC, composed of epoxy resin; than from PCB of household appliance, composed of phenol resin. In an attempt to raise the copper grade of PCB by removing other components, a carbonization treatment was investigated. The crushed PCB without surface-mounted parts was carbonized under a nitrogen atmosphere at 873–1073 K. After screening, the char was classified by size into oversized pieces, undersized pieces and powder. The copper foil and glass fiber pieces were liberated and collected in undersized fraction. The copper foil was liberated easily from glass fiber by stamping treatment. As one of the mounted parts, the multi-layered ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), which contain nickel, were carbonized at 873 K. The magnetic separation is carried out at a lower magnetic field strength of 0.1 T and then at 0.8 T. In the +0.5 mm size fraction the nickel grade in magnetic product was increased from 0.16% to 6.7% and the nickel recovery is 74%. The other useful mounted parts are tantalum capacitors. The tantalum capacitors were collected from mounted parts. The tantalum-sintered bodies were separated from molded resins by heat treatment at 723–773 K in air atmosphere and screening of 0.5 mm. Silica was removed and 70% of tantalum grade was obtained after more than 823 K heating and separation. Next, the evaluation of Cu recycling in PCB is estimated. Energy consumption of new process increased and the treatment cost becomes 3 times higher comparing the conventional process, while the environmental burden of new process decreased comparing conventional process. The nickel recovery process in fine ground particles increased energy and energy cost comparing those of the conventional process. However, the environmental burden decreased than the conventional one. The process for recovering tantalum used more heat for the treatment and therefore the energy consumption increased by 50%, when comparing with conventional process. However, the market price for tantalum is very large; the profit for tantalum recovery is added. Also the environmental burden decreased by the recycling of tantalum recovery. Therefore, the tantalum recovery is very important step in the PCB recycling. If there is no tantalum, the consumed energy and treatment cost increase in the new process, though the environmental burden decreases.« less

Separate vertical wiring for the fixation of comminuted fractures of the inferior pole of the patella.

PubMed

Song, Hyung Keun; Yoo, Je Hyun; Byun, Young Soo; Yang, Kyu Hyun

2014-05-01

Among patients over 50 years of age, separate vertical wiring alone may be insufficient for fixation of fractures of the inferior pole of the patella. Therefore, mechanical and clinical studies were performed in patients over the age of 50 to test the strength of augmentation of separate vertical wiring with cerclage wire (i.e., combined technique). Multiple osteotomies were performed to create four-part fractures in the inferior poles of eight pairs of cadaveric patellae. One patella from each pair was fixed with the separate wiring technique, while the other patella was fixed with a combined technique. The ultimate load to failure and stiffness of the fixation were subsequently measured. In a clinical study of 21 patients (average age of 64 years), comminuted fractures of the inferior pole of the patellae were treated using the combined technique. Operative parameters were recorded from which post-operative outcomes were evaluated. For cadaveric patellae, whose mean age was 69 years, the mean ultimate loads to failure for the separate vertical wiring technique and the combined technique were 216.4±72.4 N and 324.9±50.6 N, respectively (p=0.012). The mean stiffness for the separate vertical wiring technique and the combined technique was 241.1±68.5 N/mm and 340.8±45.3 N/mm, respectively (p=0.012). In the clinical study, the mean clinical score at final follow-up was 28.1 points. Augmentation of separate vertical wiring with cerclage wire provides enough strength for protected early exercise of the knee joint and uneventful healing.

Combined Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion for Improved Urinary Stone Fragmentation.

PubMed

Zwaschka, Theresa A; Ahn, Justin S; Cunitz, Bryan W; Bailey, Michael R; Dunmire, Barbrina; Sorensen, Mathew D; Harper, Jonathan D; Maxwell, Adam D

2018-04-01

Burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) is a new technology in development to fragment urinary stones. Ultrasonic propulsion (UP) is a separate technology under investigation for displacing stones. We measure the effect of propulsion pulses on stone fragmentation from BWL. Two artificial stone models (crystalline calcite, BegoStone plaster) and human calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones measuring 5 to 8 mm were subjected to ultrasound exposures in a polyvinyl chloride tissue phantom within a water bath. Stones were exposed to BWL with and without propulsion pulses interleaved for set time intervals depending on stone type. Fragmentation was measured as a fraction of the initial stone mass fragmented to pieces smaller than 2 mm. BegoStone model comminution improved from 6% to 35% (p < 0.001) between BWL and BWL with interleaved propulsion in a 10-minute exposure. Propulsion alone did not fragment stones, whereas addition of propulsion after BWL slightly improved BegoStone model comminution from 6% to 11% (p < 0.001). BegoStone model fragmentation increased with rate of propulsion pulses. Calcite stone fragmentation improved from 24% to 39% in 5 minutes (p = 0.047) and COM stones improved from 17% to 36% (p = 0.01) with interleaved propulsion. BWL with UP improved stone fragmentation compared with BWL alone in vitro. The improvement was greatest when propulsion pulses are interleaved with BWL treatment and when propulsion pulses are applied at a higher rate. Thus, UP may be a useful adjunct to enhance fragmentation in lithotripsy in vivo.

Rostral mandibular fracture repair in a pet bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).

PubMed

Nau, Melissa R; Eshar, David

2018-04-15

CASE DESCRIPTION A 2-year-old male bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was evaluated because of a traumatic mandibular fracture. CLINICAL FINDINGS An open comminuted fracture of the rostral aspect of the right mandible was evident, with a fragment of bone exposed and dorsally displaced. Whole-body radiography revealed no evidence of additional injury. Other findings were unremarkable, except for moderate anemia (PCV, 19%). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The fracture fragments were stabilized with 2 crossed 36-gauge interfragmentary wire loops. An external fixator device was fashioned from four 25-gauge needles inserted at alternating angles through the fracture fragments; plastic IV fluid line tubing filled with dental acrylic was used as a connecting bar. One day after surgery, the lizard had regained its typical activity level and appetite. Body weight was measured and the external fixator was inspected 1 week after surgery and monthly thereafter. Three months after initial injury, the fracture was stable, radiography revealed bony callus formation at the fracture site, and the external fixator was removed. Recheck radiography performed 5.5 months after initial injury revealed complete osseous union of the fracture fragments, and the interfragmentary wires were removed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical management of the traumatic comminuted mandibular fracture in this bearded dragon by means of a combination of internal and external fixation resulted in complete healing of the mandible and restoration of function. Management of this complicated fracture was achieved with the aid of readily available and inexpensive supplies in a clinical setting, which may be useful to other clinicians in the management of similar cases.

Torsional and axial compressive properties of tibiotarsal bones of red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).

PubMed

Kerrigan, Shannon M; Kapatkin, Amy S; Garcia, Tanya C; Robinson, Duane A; Guzman, David Sanchez-Migallon; Stover, Susan M

2018-04-01

OBJECTIVE To describe the torsional and axial compressive properties of tibiotarsal bones of red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). SAMPLE 16 cadaveric tibiotarsal bones from 8 red-tailed hawks. PROCEDURES 1 tibiotarsal bone from each bird was randomly assigned to be tested in torsion, and the contralateral bone was tested in axial compression. Intact bones were monotonically loaded in either torsion (n = 8) or axial compression (8) to failure. Mechanical variables were derived from load-deformation curves. Fracture configurations were described. Effects of sex, limb side, and bone dimensions on mechanical properties were assessed with a mixed-model ANOVA. Correlations between equivalent torsional and compressive properties were determined. RESULTS Limb side and bone dimensions were not associated with any mechanical property. During compression tests, mean ultimate cumulative energy and postyield energy for female bones were significantly greater than those for male bones. All 8 bones developed a spiral diaphyseal fracture and a metaphyseal fissure or fracture during torsional tests. During compression tests, all bones developed a crushed metaphysis and a fissure or comminuted fracture of the diaphysis. Positive correlations were apparent between most yield and ultimate torsional and compressive properties. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The torsional and axial compressive properties of tibiotarsal bones described in this study can be used as a reference for investigations into fixation methods for tibiotarsal fractures in red-tailed hawks. Although the comminuted and spiral diaphyseal fractures induced in this study were consistent with those observed in clinical practice, the metaphyseal disruption observed was not and warrants further research.

Multi-gigabit optical interconnects for next-generation on-board digital equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venet, Norbert; Favaro, Henri; Sotom, Michel; Maignan, Michel; Berthon, Jacques

2017-11-01

Parallel optical interconnects are experimentally assessed as a technology that may offer the high-throughput data communication capabilities required to the next-generation on-board digital processing units. An optical backplane interconnect was breadboarded, on the basis of a digital transparent processor that provides flexible connectivity and variable bandwidth in telecom missions with multi-beam antenna coverage. The unit selected for the demonstration required that more than tens of Gbit/s be supported by the backplane. The demonstration made use of commercial parallel optical link modules at 850 nm wavelength, with 12 channels running at up to 2.5 Gbit/s. A flexible optical fibre circuit was developed so as to route board-to-board connections. It was plugged to the optical transmitter and receiver modules through 12-fibre MPO connectors. BER below 10-14 and optical link budgets in excess of 12 dB were measured, which would enable to integrate broadcasting. Integration of the optical backplane interconnect was successfully demonstrated by validating the overall digital processor functionality.

Droplet microfluidics for synthetic biology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gach, PC; Iwai, K; Kim, PW

2017-01-01

© 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry. Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that aims to engineer biological systems for useful purposes. Organism engineering often requires the optimization of individual genes and/or entire biological pathways (consisting of multiple genes). Advances in DNA sequencing and synthesis have recently begun to enable the possibility of evaluating thousands of gene variants and hundreds of thousands of gene combinations. However, such large-scale optimization experiments remain cost-prohibitive to researchers following traditional molecular biology practices, which are frequently labor-intensive and suffer from poor reproducibility. Liquid handling robotics may reduce labor and improve reproducibility, but are themselvesmore » expensive and thus inaccessible to most researchers. Microfluidic platforms offer a lower entry price point alternative to robotics, and maintain high throughput and reproducibility while further reducing operating costs through diminished reagent volume requirements. Droplet microfluidics have shown exceptional promise for synthetic biology experiments, including DNA assembly, transformation/transfection, culturing, cell sorting, phenotypic assays, artificial cells and genetic circuits.« less

Perspectives on zebrafish models of hallucinogenic drugs and related psychotropic compounds.

PubMed

Neelkantan, Nikhil; Mikhaylova, Alina; Stewart, Adam Michael; Arnold, Raymond; Gjeloshi, Visar; Kondaveeti, Divya; Poudel, Manoj K; Kalueff, Allan V

2013-08-21

Among different classes of psychotropic drugs, hallucinogenic agents exert one of the most prominent effects on human and animal behaviors, markedly altering sensory, motor, affective, and cognitive responses. The growing clinical and preclinical interest in psychedelic, dissociative, and deliriant hallucinogens necessitates novel translational, sensitive, and high-throughput in vivo models and screens. Primate and rodent models have been traditionally used to study cellular mechanisms and neural circuits of hallucinogenic drugs' action. The utility of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) in neuroscience research is rapidly growing due to their high physiological and genetic homology to humans, ease of genetic manipulation, robust behaviors, and cost effectiveness. Possessing a fully characterized genome, both adult and larval zebrafish are currently widely used for in vivo screening of various psychotropic compounds, including hallucinogens and related drugs. Recognizing the growing importance of hallucinogens in biological psychiatry, here we discuss hallucinogenic-induced phenotypes in zebrafish and evaluate their potential as efficient preclinical models of drug-induced states in humans.

Multi-gigabit optical interconnects for next-generation on-board digital equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venet, Norbert; Favaro, Henri; Sotom, Michel; Maignan, Michel; Berthon, Jacques

2004-06-01

Parallel optical interconnects are experimentally assessed as a technology that may offer the high-throughput data communication capabilities required to the next-generation on-board digital processing units. An optical backplane interconnect was breadboarded, on the basis of a digital transparent processor that provides flexible connectivity and variable bandwidth in telecom missions with multi-beam antenna coverage. The unit selected for the demonstration required that more than tens of Gbit/s be supported by the backplane. The demonstration made use of commercial parallel optical link modules at 850 nm wavelength, with 12 channels running at up to 2.5 Gbit/s. A flexible optical fibre circuit was developed so as to route board-to-board connections. It was plugged to the optical transmitter and receiver modules through 12-fibre MPO connectors. BER below 10-14 and optical link budgets in excess of 12 dB were measured, which would enable to integrate broadcasting. Integration of the optical backplane interconnect was successfully demonstrated by validating the overall digital processor functionality.

Diagnostic-management system and test pulse acquisition for WEST plasma measurement system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wojenski, A.; Kasprowicz, G.; Pozniak, K. T.; Byszuk, A.; Juszczyk, B.; Zabolotny, W.; Zienkiewicz, P.; Chernyshova, M.; Czarski, T.; Mazon, D.; Malard, P.

2014-11-01

This paper describes current status of electronics, firmware and software development for new plasma measurement system for use in WEST facility. The system allows to perform two dimensional plasma visualization (in time) with spectrum measurement. The analog front-end is connected to Gas Electron Multiplier detector (GEM detector). The system architecture have high data throughput due to use of PCI-Express interface, Gigabit Transceivers and sampling frequency of ADC integrated circuits. The hardware is based on several years of experience in building X-ray spectrometer system for Joint European Torus (JET) facility. Data streaming is done using Artix7 FPGA devices. The system in basic configuration can work with up to 256 channels, while the maximum number of measurement channels is 2048. Advanced firmware for the FPGA is required in order to perform high speed data streaming and analog signal sampling. Diagnostic system management has been developed in order to configure measurement system, perform necessary calibration and prepare hardware for data acquisition.

Imaging ATUM ultrathin section libraries with WaferMapper: a multi-scale approach to EM reconstruction of neural circuits

PubMed Central

Hayworth, Kenneth J.; Morgan, Josh L.; Schalek, Richard; Berger, Daniel R.; Hildebrand, David G. C.; Lichtman, Jeff W.

2014-01-01

The automated tape-collecting ultramicrotome (ATUM) makes it possible to collect large numbers of ultrathin sections quickly—the equivalent of a petabyte of high resolution images each day. However, even high throughput image acquisition strategies generate images far more slowly (at present ~1 terabyte per day). We therefore developed WaferMapper, a software package that takes a multi-resolution approach to mapping and imaging select regions within a library of ultrathin sections. This automated method selects and directs imaging of corresponding regions within each section of an ultrathin section library (UTSL) that may contain many thousands of sections. Using WaferMapper, it is possible to map thousands of tissue sections at low resolution and target multiple points of interest for high resolution imaging based on anatomical landmarks. The program can also be used to expand previously imaged regions, acquire data under different imaging conditions, or re-image after additional tissue treatments. PMID:25018701

Synthetic biology to access and expand nature’s chemical diversity

PubMed Central

Smanski, Michael J.; Zhou, Hui; Claesen, Jan; Shen, Ben; Fischbach, Michael; Voigt, Christopher A.

2016-01-01

Bacterial genomes encode the biosynthetic potential to produce hundreds of thousands of complex molecules with diverse applications, from medicine to agriculture and materials. Economically accessing the potential encoded within sequenced genomes promises to reinvigorate waning drug discovery pipelines and provide novel routes to intricate chemicals. This is a tremendous undertaking, as the pathways often comprise dozens of genes spanning as much as 100+ kiliobases of DNA, are controlled by complex regulatory networks, and the most interesting molecules are made by non-model organisms. Advances in synthetic biology address these issues, including DNA construction technologies, genetic parts for precision expression control, synthetic regulatory circuits, computer aided design, and multiplexed genome engineering. Collectively, these technologies are moving towards an era when chemicals can be accessed en mass based on sequence information alone. This will enable the harnessing of metagenomic data and massive strain banks for high-throughput molecular discovery and, ultimately, the ability to forward design pathways to complex chemicals not found in nature. PMID:26876034

AIRNET: A real-time comunications network for aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, Alfred C.; Cain, Brendan G.; Colvin, M. Alexander; Simoncic, Robert

1990-01-01

A real-time local area network was developed for use on aircraft and space vehicles. It uses token ring technology to provide high throughput, low latency, and high reliability. The system was implemented on PCs and PC/ATs operating on PCbus, and on Intel 8086/186/286/386s operating on Multibus. A standard IEEE 802.2 logical link control interface was provided to (optional) upper layer software; this permits the controls designer to utilize standard communications protocols (e.g., ISO, TCP/IP) if time permits, or to utilize a very fast link level protocol directly if speed is critical. Both unacknowledged datagram and reliable virtual circuit services are supported. A station operating an 8 MHz Intel 286 as a host can generate a sustained load of 1.8 megabits per second per station, and a 100-byte message can be delivered from the transmitter's user memory to the receiver's user memory, including all operating system and network overhead, in under 4 milliseconds.

Fabrication of a Polymer Micro Needle Array by Mask-Dragging X-Ray Lithography and Alignment X-Ray Lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yi-Gui; Yang, Chun-Sheng; Liu, Jing-Quan; Sugiyama, Susumu

2011-03-01

Polymer materials such as transparent thermoplastic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) have been of great interest in the research and development of integrated circuits and micro-electromechanical systems due to their relatively low cost and easy process. We fabricated PMMA-based polymer hollow microneedle arrays by mask-dragging and aligning x-ray lithography. Techniques for 3D micromachining by direct lithography using x-rays are developed. These techniques are based on using image projection in which the x-ray is used to illuminate an appropriate gold pattern on a polyimide film mask. The mask is imaged onto the PMMA sample. A pattern with an area of up to 100 × 100mm2 can be fabricated with sub-micron resolution and a highly accurate order of a few microns by using a dragging mask. The fabrication technology has several advantages, such as forming complex 3D micro structures, high throughput and low cost.

Closing the gate in the limbic striatum: prefrontal suppression of hippocampal and thalamic inputs

PubMed Central

Calhoon, Gwendolyn G.; O’Donnell, Patricio

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Many brain circuits control behavior by integrating information arising from separate inputs onto a common target neuron. Neurons in the ventral striatum (VS) receive converging excitatory afferents from the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HP), and thalamus, among other structures, and the integration of these inputs is critical for shaping goal-directed behaviors. Although HP inputs have been described as gating PFC throughput in the VS, recent data reveal that the VS desynchronizes from the HP during epochs of burst-like PFC activity related to decision-making. It is therefore possible that PFC inputs locally attenuate responses to other glutamatergic inputs to the VS. Here, we found that delivering trains of stimuli to the PFC suppresses HP- and thalamus-evoked synaptic responses in the VS, in part through activation of inhibitory processes. This interaction may enable the PFC to exert influence on basal ganglia loops during decision-making instances with minimal disturbance from ongoing contextual inputs. PMID:23583113

Perspectives on Zebrafish Models of Hallucinogenic Drugs and Related Psychotropic Compounds

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Among different classes of psychotropic drugs, hallucinogenic agents exert one of the most prominent effects on human and animal behaviors, markedly altering sensory, motor, affective, and cognitive responses. The growing clinical and preclinical interest in psychedelic, dissociative, and deliriant hallucinogens necessitates novel translational, sensitive, and high-throughput in vivo models and screens. Primate and rodent models have been traditionally used to study cellular mechanisms and neural circuits of hallucinogenic drugs’ action. The utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in neuroscience research is rapidly growing due to their high physiological and genetic homology to humans, ease of genetic manipulation, robust behaviors, and cost effectiveness. Possessing a fully characterized genome, both adult and larval zebrafish are currently widely used for in vivo screening of various psychotropic compounds, including hallucinogens and related drugs. Recognizing the growing importance of hallucinogens in biological psychiatry, here we discuss hallucinogenic-induced phenotypes in zebrafish and evaluate their potential as efficient preclinical models of drug-induced states in humans. PMID:23883191

A Concept For A High Resolution Optical Lithographic System For Producing One-Half Micron Linewidths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynolds, George O.

1986-08-01

This paper describes a concept for developing an optical printer having a one-half micron linewidth capability to meet the pro-jected needs of future Integrated Circuit (IC) production facilities. Our approach for meeting this objective is to combine the appro-priate features of the current 1:1 reflective optical printers with the stepping characteristic of the 10:1 refractive optical systems. The proposed, very deep, UV step and repeat system has the potential of reaching a one-half micron linewidth production goal entirely with optical technology. The key subsystem elements necessary to achieve these goals are discussed. These subsystems include a reflective optical system, a 10:1 stepper configuration having a linearity limit of 0.5 microns and an FOV of 15 mm, a deep UV laser source, photoresists having the required sensitivity, an alignment capability of 500 Å , a focal sensor having a 500 Å tolerance and the associated mechanical, electronic and environmental controls compatible with a produc-tion throughput of 60-four inch wafers/hour.

Multi-petascale highly efficient parallel supercomputer

DOEpatents

Asaad, Sameh; Bellofatto, Ralph E.; Blocksome, Michael A.; Blumrich, Matthias A.; Boyle, Peter; Brunheroto, Jose R.; Chen, Dong; Cher, Chen -Yong; Chiu, George L.; Christ, Norman; Coteus, Paul W.; Davis, Kristan D.; Dozsa, Gabor J.; Eichenberger, Alexandre E.; Eisley, Noel A.; Ellavsky, Matthew R.; Evans, Kahn C.; Fleischer, Bruce M.; Fox, Thomas W.; Gara, Alan; Giampapa, Mark E.; Gooding, Thomas M.; Gschwind, Michael K.; Gunnels, John A.; Hall, Shawn A.; Haring, Rudolf A.; Heidelberger, Philip; Inglett, Todd A.; Knudson, Brant L.; Kopcsay, Gerard V.; Kumar, Sameer; Mamidala, Amith R.; Marcella, James A.; Megerian, Mark G.; Miller, Douglas R.; Miller, Samuel J.; Muff, Adam J.; Mundy, Michael B.; O'Brien, John K.; O'Brien, Kathryn M.; Ohmacht, Martin; Parker, Jeffrey J.; Poole, Ruth J.; Ratterman, Joseph D.; Salapura, Valentina; Satterfield, David L.; Senger, Robert M.; Smith, Brian; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard; Stockdell, William M.; Stunkel, Craig B.; Sugavanam, Krishnan; Sugawara, Yutaka; Takken, Todd E.; Trager, Barry M.; Van Oosten, James L.; Wait, Charles D.; Walkup, Robert E.; Watson, Alfred T.; Wisniewski, Robert W.; Wu, Peng

2015-07-14

A Multi-Petascale Highly Efficient Parallel Supercomputer of 100 petaOPS-scale computing, at decreased cost, power and footprint, and that allows for a maximum packaging density of processing nodes from an interconnect point of view. The Supercomputer exploits technological advances in VLSI that enables a computing model where many processors can be integrated into a single Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Each ASIC computing node comprises a system-on-chip ASIC utilizing four or more processors integrated into one die, with each having full access to all system resources and enabling adaptive partitioning of the processors to functions such as compute or messaging I/O on an application by application basis, and preferably, enable adaptive partitioning of functions in accordance with various algorithmic phases within an application, or if I/O or other processors are underutilized, then can participate in computation or communication nodes are interconnected by a five dimensional torus network with DMA that optimally maximize the throughput of packet communications between nodes and minimize latency.

Tessellated permanent magnet circuits for flow-through, open gradient separations of weakly magnetic materials

PubMed Central

Moore, Lee R.; Williams, P. Stephen; Chalmers, Jeffrey J.; Zborowski, Maciej

2017-01-01

Emerging microfluidic-based cell assays favor label-free red blood cell (RBC) depletion. Magnetic separation of RBC is possible because of the paramagnetism of deoxygenated hemoglobin but the process is slow for open-gradient field configurations. In order to increase the throughput, periodic arrangements of the unit magnets were considered, consisting of commercially available Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets and soft steel flux return pieces. The magnet design is uniquely suitable for multiplexing by magnet tessellation, here meaning the tiling of the magnet assembly cross-sectional plane by periodic repetition of the magnet and the flow channel shapes. The periodic pattern of magnet magnetizations allows a reduction of the magnetic material per channel with minimal distortion of the field cylindrical symmetry inside the magnet apertures. A number of such magnet patterns are investigated for separator performance, size and economy with the goal of designing an open-gradient magnetic separator capable of reducing the RBC number concentration a hundred-fold in 1 mL whole blood per hour. PMID:29104346

Tessellated permanent magnet circuits for flow-through, open gradient separations of weakly magnetic materials.

PubMed

Moore, Lee R; Williams, P Stephen; Chalmers, Jeffrey J; Zborowski, Maciej

2017-04-01

Emerging microfluidic-based cell assays favor label-free red blood cell (RBC) depletion. Magnetic separation of RBC is possible because of the paramagnetism of deoxygenated hemoglobin but the process is slow for open-gradient field configurations. In order to increase the throughput, periodic arrangements of the unit magnets were considered, consisting of commercially available Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets and soft steel flux return pieces. The magnet design is uniquely suitable for multiplexing by magnet tessellation, here meaning the tiling of the magnet assembly cross-sectional plane by periodic repetition of the magnet and the flow channel shapes. The periodic pattern of magnet magnetizations allows a reduction of the magnetic material per channel with minimal distortion of the field cylindrical symmetry inside the magnet apertures. A number of such magnet patterns are investigated for separator performance, size and economy with the goal of designing an open-gradient magnetic separator capable of reducing the RBC number concentration a hundred-fold in 1 mL whole blood per hour.

Whole-brain activity mapping onto a zebrafish brain atlas

PubMed Central

Randlett, Owen; Wee, Caroline L.; Naumann, Eva A.; Nnaemeka, Onyeka; Schoppik, David; Fitzgerald, James E.; Portugues, Ruben; Lacoste, Alix M.B.; Riegler, Clemens; Engert, Florian; Schier, Alexander F.

2015-01-01

In order to localize the neural circuits involved in generating behaviors, it is necessary to assign activity onto anatomical maps of the nervous system. Using brain registration across hundreds of larval zebrafish, we have built an expandable open source atlas containing molecular labels and anatomical region definitions, the Z-Brain. Using this platform and immunohistochemical detection of phosphorylated-Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK/MAPK) as a readout of neural activity, we have developed a system to create and contextualize whole brain maps of stimulus- and behavior-dependent neural activity. This MAP-Mapping (Mitogen Activated Protein kinase – Mapping) assay is technically simple, fast, inexpensive, and data analysis is completely automated. Since MAP-Mapping is performed on fish that are freely swimming, it is applicable to nearly any stimulus or behavior. We demonstrate the utility of our high-throughput approach using hunting/feeding, pharmacological, visual and noxious stimuli. The resultant maps outline hundreds of areas associated with behaviors. PMID:26778924

Parallel compression/decompression-based datapath architecture for multibeam mask writers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhary, Narendra; Savari, Serap A.

2017-06-01

Multibeam electron beam systems will be used in the future for mask writing and for complimentary lithography. The major challenges of the multibeam systems are in meeting throughput requirements and in handling the large data volumes associated with writing grayscale data on the wafer. In terms of future communications and computational requirements Amdahl's Law suggests that a simple increase of computation power and parallelism may not be a sustainable solution. We propose a parallel data compression algorithm to exploit the sparsity of mask data and a grayscale video-like representation of data. To improve the communication and computational efficiency of these systems at the write time we propose an alternate datapath architecture partly motivated by multibeam direct write lithography and partly motivated by the circuit testing literature, where parallel decompression reduces clock cycles. We explain a deflection plate architecture inspired by NuFlare Technology's multibeam mask writing system and how our datapath architecture can be easily added to it to improve performance.

Parallel compression/decompression-based datapath architecture for multibeam mask writers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhary, Narendra; Savari, Serap A.

2017-10-01

Multibeam electron beam systems will be used in the future for mask writing and for complementary lithography. The major challenges of the multibeam systems are in meeting throughput requirements and in handling the large data volumes associated with writing grayscale data on the wafer. In terms of future communications and computational requirements, Amdahl's law suggests that a simple increase of computation power and parallelism may not be a sustainable solution. We propose a parallel data compression algorithm to exploit the sparsity of mask data and a grayscale video-like representation of data. To improve the communication and computational efficiency of these systems at the write time, we propose an alternate datapath architecture partly motivated by multibeam direct-write lithography and partly motivated by the circuit testing literature, where parallel decompression reduces clock cycles. We explain a deflection plate architecture inspired by NuFlare Technology's multibeam mask writing system and how our datapath architecture can be easily added to it to improve performance.

Space Debris Detection on the HPDP, a Coarse-Grained Reconfigurable Array Architecture for Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suarez, Diego Andres; Bretz, Daniel; Helfers, Tim; Weidendorfer, Josef; Utzmann, Jens

2016-08-01

Stream processing, widely used in communications and digital signal processing applications, requires high- throughput data processing that is achieved in most cases using Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) designs. Lack of programmability is an issue especially in space applications, which use on-board components with long life-cycles requiring applications updates. To this end, the High Performance Data Processor (HPDP) architecture integrates an array of coarse-grained reconfigurable elements to provide both flexible and efficient computational power suitable for stream-based data processing applications in space. In this work the capabilities of the HPDP architecture are demonstrated with the implementation of a real-time image processing algorithm for space debris detection in a space-based space surveillance system. The implementation challenges and alternatives are described making trade-offs to improve performance at the expense of negligible degradation of detection accuracy. The proposed implementation uses over 99% of the available computational resources. Performance estimations based on simulations show that the HPDP can amply match the application requirements.

Optical critical dimension metrology for directed self-assembly assisted contact hole shrink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixit, Dhairya; Green, Avery; Hosler, Erik R.; Kamineni, Vimal; Preil, Moshe E.; Keller, Nick; Race, Joseph; Chun, Jun Sung; O'Sullivan, Michael; Khare, Prasanna; Montgomery, Warren; Diebold, Alain C.

2016-01-01

Directed self-assembly (DSA) is a potential patterning solution for future generations of integrated circuits. Its main advantages are high pattern resolution (˜10 nm), high throughput, no requirement of high-resolution mask, and compatibility with standard fab-equipment and processes. The application of Mueller matrix (MM) spectroscopic ellipsometry-based scatterometry to optically characterize DSA patterned contact hole structures fabricated with phase-separated polystyrene-b-polymethylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA) is described. A regression-based approach is used to calculate the guide critical dimension (CD), DSA CD, height of the PS column, thicknesses of underlying layers, and contact edge roughness of the post PMMA etch DSA contact hole sample. Scanning electron microscopy and imaging analysis is conducted as a comparative metric for scatterometry. In addition, optical model-based simulations are used to investigate MM elements' sensitivity to various DSA-based contact hole structures, predict sensitivity to dimensional changes, and its limits to characterize DSA-induced defects, such as hole placement inaccuracy, missing vias, and profile inaccuracy of the PMMA cylinder.

Lightweight bipolar storage battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rowlette, John J. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

An apparatus [10] is disclosed for a lightweight bipolar battery of the end-plate cell stack design. Current flow through a bipolar cell stack [12] is collected by a pair of copper end-plates [16a,16b] and transferred edgewise out of the battery by a pair of lightweight, low resistance copper terminals [28a,28b]. The copper terminals parallel the surface of a corresponding copper end-plate [16a,16b] to maximize battery throughput. The bipolar cell stack [12], copper end-plates [16a,16b] and copper terminals [28a,28b] are rigidly sandwiched between a pair of nonconductive rigid end-plates [20] having a lightweight fiber honeycomb core which eliminates distortion of individual plates within the bipolar cell stack due to internal pressures. Insulating foam [30] is injected into the fiber honeycomb core to reduce heat transfer into and out of the bipolar cell stack and to maintain uniform cell performance. A sealed battery enclosure [ 22] exposes a pair of terminal ends [26a,26b] for connection with an external circuit.

Conceptual design of a data reduction system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

A telemetry data processing system was defined of the Data Reduction. Data reduction activities in support of the developmental flights of the Space Shuttle were used as references against which requirements are assessed in general terms. A conceptual system design believed to offer significant throughput for the anticipated types of data reduction activities is presented. The design identifies the use of a large, intermediate data store as a key element in a complex of high speed, single purpose processors, each of which performs predesignated, repetitive operations on either raw or partially processed data. The recommended approach to implement the design concept is to adopt an established interface standard and rely heavily on mature or promising technologies which are considered main stream of the integrated circuit industry. The design system concept, is believed to be implementable without reliance on exotic devices and/or operational procedures. Numerical methods were employed to examine the feasibility of digital discrimination of FDM composite signals, and of eliminating line frequency noises in data measurements.

Corrected Position Estimation in PET Detector Modules With Multi-Anode PMTs Using Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aliaga, R. J.; Martinez, J. D.; Gadea, R.; Sebastia, A.; Benlloch, J. M.; Sanchez, F.; Pavon, N.; Lerche, Ch.

2006-06-01

This paper studies the use of Neural Networks (NNs) for estimating the position of impinging photons in gamma ray detector modules for PET cameras based on continuous scintillators and Multi-Anode Photomultiplier Tubes (MA-PMTs). The detector under study is composed of a 49/spl times/49/spl times/10 mm/sup 3/ continuous slab of LSO coupled to a flat panel H8500 MA-PMT. Four digitized signals from a charge division circuit, which collects currents from the 8/spl times/8 anode matrix of the photomultiplier, are used as inputs to the NN, thus reducing drastically the number of electronic channels required. We have simulated the computation of the position for 511 keV gamma photons impacting perpendicularly to the detector surface. Thus, we have performed a thorough analysis of the NN architecture and training procedures in order to achieve the best results in terms of spatial resolution and bias correction. Results obtained using GEANT4 simulation toolkit show a resolution of 1.3 mm/1.9 mm FWHM at the center/edge of the detector and less than 1 mm of systematic error in the position near the edges of the scintillator. The results confirm that NNs can partially model and correct the non-uniform detector response using only the position-weighted signals from a simple 2D DPC circuit. Linearity degradation for oblique incidence is also investigated. Finally, the NN can be implemented in hardware for parallel real time corrected Line-of-Response (LOR) estimation. Results on resources occupancy and throughput in FPGA are presented.

A Wirelessly Powered and Controlled Device for Optical Neural Control of Freely-Behaving Animals

PubMed Central

Wentz, Christian T.; Bernstein, Jacob G.; Monahan, Patrick; Guerra, Alexander; Rodriguez, Alex; Boyden, Edward S.

2011-01-01

Optogenetics, the ability to use light to activate and silence specific neuron types within neural networks in vivo and in vitro, is revolutionizing neuroscientists’ capacity to understand how defined neural circuit elements contribute to normal and pathological brain functions. Typically awake behaving experiments are conducted by inserting an optical fiber into the brain, tethered to a remote laser, or by utilizing an implanted LED, tethered to a remote power source. A fully wireless system would enable chronic or longitudinal experiments where long duration tethering is impractical, and would also support high-throughput experimentation. However, the high power requirements of light sources (LEDs, lasers), especially in the context of the high-frequency pulse trains often desired in experiments, precludes battery-powered approaches from being widely applicable. We have developed a headborne device weighing 2 grams capable of wirelessly receiving power using a resonant RF power link and storing the energy in an adaptive supercapacitor circuit, which can algorithmically control one or more headborne LEDs via a microcontroller. The device can deliver approximately 2W of power to the LEDs in steady state, and 4.3W in bursts. We also present an optional radio transceiver module (1 gram) which, when added to the base headborne device, enables real-time updating of light delivery protocols; dozens of devices can be simultaneously controlled from one computer. We demonstrate use of the technology to wirelessly drive cortical control of movement in mice. These devices may serve as prototypes for clinical ultra-precise neural prosthetics that use light as the modality of biological control. PMID:21701058

Petrology of the Cangas de Onis and nulles regolith breccias Implications for parent body history

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, C. V.; Rubin, A. E.; Keil, K.; San Miguel, A.

1985-01-01

The present study of the Cangas de Onis and Nulles H chondrite regolith breccias indicates that the minerals in the matrices and equilibrated clasts have essentially the same compositional distributions, so that much of the material in the castic matrix would have to have been derived from the impact comminution of clats. The apparently exclusive occurrence of H6 clasts in Cangas de Onis, and H4 clasts in Nulles, suggests that, at the locations where these breccias formed, the regolith predominantly consisted of H6 and H4 material, respectively.

Sample preparation of metal alloys by electric discharge machining

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, G. B., II; Gordon, W. A.

1976-01-01

Electric discharge machining was investigated as a noncontaminating method of comminuting alloys for subsequent chemical analysis. Particulate dispersions in water were produced from bulk alloys at a rate of about 5 mg/min by using a commercially available machining instrument. The utility of this approach was demonstrated by results obtained when acidified dispersions were substituted for true acid solutions in an established spectrochemical method. The analysis results were not significantly different for the two sample forms. Particle size measurements and preliminary results from other spectrochemical methods which require direct aspiration of liquid into flame or plasma sources are reported.

Major and trace element chemistry of Luna 24 samples from Mare Crisium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanchard, D. P.; Brannon, J. C.; Aaboe, E.; Budahn, J. R.

1978-01-01

Atomic absorption spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis were employed to analyze six Luna 24 soils for major and trace elements. The analysis revealed well-mixed soils, though size fractions of each of the soils showed quite dissimilar compositions. Thus the regolith apparently has not been extensively reworked. Noritic breccia admixed preferentially to the finest size fractions and differential comminution of one or more other soil components accounted for the observed elemental distributions as a function of grain size. The ferrobasalt composition and one or more components with higher MgO contents have been identified in the samples.

Sulfur removal and comminution of carbonaceous material

DOEpatents

Narain, N.K.; Ruether, J.A.; Smith, D.N.

1987-10-07

Finely divided, clean coal or other carbonaceous material is provided by forming a slurry of coarse coal in aqueous alkali solution and heating the slurry under pressure to above the critical conditions of steam. The supercritical fluid penetrates and is trapped in the porosity of the coal as it swells in a thermoplastic condition at elevated temperature. By a sudden, explosive release of pressure the coal is fractured into finely divided particles with release of sulfur-containing gases and minerals. The finely divided coal is recovered from the minerals for use as a clean coal product. 2 figs.

A new building block: costo-osteochondral graft for intra-articular incongruity after distal radius fracture.

PubMed

Tang, Chris Yuk Kwan; Fung, Boris; Poon, T L; Fok, Margaret

2014-01-01

Even with the invention of locking plates, intra-articular fractures of distal radius with extreme comminution remain a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Osteochondral graft is a potential choice to reconstruct the articular defect. We report a patient who had a fracture of distal radius with costo-osteochondral graft for articular reconstruction which has not yet been described in the English literature. At nine-year follow-up, he was pain free and had full range of movement of the wrist. The authors suggest that costo-osteochondral graft could be an option with satisfactory result.

Failure Waves in Cylindrical Glass Bars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cazamias, James U.; Bless, Stephan J.; Marder, Michael P.

1997-07-01

Failure waves, a propagating front separating virgin and comminuted material, have been receiving a fair amount of attention the last couple of years. While most scientists have been looking at failure waves in plate impact geometries, we have conducted a series of experiments on Pyrex bars. In this paper, we present two types of photographic data from a series of tests. A streak camera was used to determine velocities of the failure front as a function of impact stress. A polaroid camera and a flash lamp provide detailed pictures of the actual event. Attempts were made to observe failure waves in amorphous quartz and acrylic.

Antibotulinal efficacy of sulfur dioxide in meat.

PubMed Central

Tompkin, R B; Christiansen, L N; Shaparis, A B

1980-01-01

The addition of sodium metabisulfite as a source of sulfur dioxide delayed botulinal outgrowth in perishable canned comminuted pork when it was temperature abused at 27 degree C. The degree of inhibition was directly related to the level of sulfur dioxide. Levels greater than 100 microgram of sulfur dioxide per g were necessary to achieve significant inhibition when a target level of 100 botulinal spores per g was used. Sodium nitrite partially reduced the efficacy of the sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide offers a new option for the control of botulinal outgrowth in cured or noncured meat and poultry products. PMID:6996613

Method for preventing plugging in the pyrolysis of agglomerative coals

DOEpatents

Green, Norman W.

1979-01-23

To prevent plugging in a pyrolysis operation where an agglomerative coal in a nondeleteriously reactive carrier gas is injected as a turbulent jet from an opening into an elongate pyrolysis reactor, the coal is comminuted to a size where the particles under operating conditions will detackify prior to contact with internal reactor surfaces while a secondary flow of fluid is introduced along the peripheral inner surface of the reactor to prevent backflow of the coal particles. The pyrolysis operation is depicted by two equations which enable preselection of conditions which insure prevention of reactor plugging.

Fatigue failure processes in aligned carbon-epoxy laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piggott, Michael R.; Lam, Patrick W. K.

The failure mechanism involved in the tensile-tensile fatigue of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrices may be initiated by the fiber curvature that can be present in the composite. The varying stresses encountered in fatigue begin to damage the composite at the antinodes of the fiber profiles, perhaps in the form of fiber debonds that generate matrix cracks and result in comminution of the polymer; eventually, as the process proceeds, the flexural stresses in the fiber are sufficiently great to cause early fiber failure in wavy regions. The breaks are connected by splits in the polymer.

NUCLEAR RADIATION DOSIMETER USING COMPOSITE FILTER AND A SINGLE ELEMENT FILTER

DOEpatents

Storm, E.; Shlaer, S.

1964-04-21

A nuclear radiation dosimeter is described that uses, in combination, a composite filter and a single element filter. The composite filter contains a plurality of comminuted metals having K-edges evenly distributed over the energy range of interest and the quantity of each of the metals is selected to result in filtering in an amount inversely proportional to the sensitivity of the film in the range over l00 kev. A copper filter is used that has a thickness to contribute the necessary additional correction in the interval between 40 and 100 kev. (AEC)

Biomechanical Evaluation of Four Methods for Internal Fixation of Comminuted Subtrochanteric Fractures.

PubMed

Wang, Jie; Ma, Jian-Xiong; Jia, Hao-Bo; Chen, Yang; Yang, Yang; Ma, Xin-Long

2016-05-01

Subtrochanteric fractures are common and result in significant morbidity and mortality. Various kinds of implants have been used to fix it. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of PFN, DHS, DCS, and the PFLP in the treatment of subtrochanteric comminuted fractures.A total of 32 antiseptic human femurs from 16 donors were randomly allocated to 4 groups for fixation with PFN, DHS, DCS, and PFLP. A 2-cm cylindrical bone fragment was removed 1 cm below the lesser trochanter to simulate OTA/AO 32-C3.2 post instrumentation fracture. All specimens in single-leg stance situation were preloaded 5 times at 100 N in the axial direction to eliminate the time effect of relaxation and settling, followed by cyclic testing at a rate of 1 Hz with stepwise increasing load. Keeping the valley load at a constant level of 100 N during the entire cyclic test, the peak load, starting at 200 N, was increased by 100 N at 300-cycle steps until a maximum of 1500 cycles or until failure of the bone-implant construct occurred. Each specimen was kept unloaded under 100 N compression for 30 minutes between the 300-cycle steps.Femoral head displacement after 1500 cycles was 1.09 mm ± 0.13 for PFN, 1.78 mm ± 0.25 for DHS, 2.63 mm ± 0.46 for DCS, and 2.26 mm ± 0.16 for PFLP, with significant difference between any 2 implants (P < 0.01). The required load to reach 1-mm femoral head displacement was 563.04 N ± 158.34 for PFN, 485.73 N ± 147.27 for DHS, 258.44 N ± 97.23 for DCS, and 332.68 N ± 100.34 for PFLP. Significant differences were detected between any 2 implants (P < 0.001), except between DCS and PFLP and between DHS and PFN. The number of cycles until 1-mm femoral head displacement was 1458 ± 277 for PFN, 908 ± 184 for DHS, 369 ± 116 for DCS, and 603 ± 162 for PFLP. Significant differences were detected between any 2 implants (P < 0.01), except between DCS and PFLP.From biomechanical point of view, comminuted subtrochanteric fractures OTA/AO 32-C3.2 revealed in the current test setup highest fixation strength with PFN, followed by DHS, PFLP, and DCS.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Four Methods for Internal Fixation of Comminuted Subtrochanteric Fractures

PubMed Central

Wang, Jie; Ma, Jian-xiong; Jia, Hao-bo; Chen, Yang; Yang, Yang; Ma, Xin-long

2016-01-01

Abstract Subtrochanteric fractures are common and result in significant morbidity and mortality. Various kinds of implants have been used to fix it. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of PFN, DHS, DCS, and the PFLP in the treatment of subtrochanteric comminuted fractures. A total of 32 antiseptic human femurs from 16 donors were randomly allocated to 4 groups for fixation with PFN, DHS, DCS, and PFLP. A 2-cm cylindrical bone fragment was removed 1 cm below the lesser trochanter to simulate OTA/AO 32-C3.2 post instrumentation fracture. All specimens in single-leg stance situation were preloaded 5 times at 100 N in the axial direction to eliminate the time effect of relaxation and settling, followed by cyclic testing at a rate of 1 Hz with stepwise increasing load. Keeping the valley load at a constant level of 100 N during the entire cyclic test, the peak load, starting at 200 N, was increased by 100 N at 300-cycle steps until a maximum of 1500 cycles or until failure of the bone-implant construct occurred. Each specimen was kept unloaded under 100 N compression for 30 minutes between the 300-cycle steps. Femoral head displacement after 1500 cycles was 1.09 mm ± 0.13 for PFN, 1.78 mm ± 0.25 for DHS, 2.63 mm ± 0.46 for DCS, and 2.26 mm ± 0.16 for PFLP, with significant difference between any 2 implants (P < 0.01). The required load to reach 1-mm femoral head displacement was 563.04 N ± 158.34 for PFN, 485.73 N ± 147.27 for DHS, 258.44 N ± 97.23 for DCS, and 332.68 N ± 100.34 for PFLP. Significant differences were detected between any 2 implants (P < 0.001), except between DCS and PFLP and between DHS and PFN. The number of cycles until 1-mm femoral head displacement was 1458 ± 277 for PFN, 908 ± 184 for DHS, 369 ± 116 for DCS, and 603 ± 162 for PFLP. Significant differences were detected between any 2 implants (P < 0.01), except between DCS and PFLP. From biomechanical point of view, comminuted subtrochanteric fractures OTA/AO 32-C3.2 revealed in the current test setup highest fixation strength with PFN, followed by DHS, PFLP, and DCS. PMID:27175636

Reconstructing the regulatory circuit of cell fate determination in yeast mating response.

PubMed

Shao, Bin; Yuan, Haiyu; Zhang, Rongfei; Wang, Xuan; Zhang, Shuwen; Ouyang, Qi; Hao, Nan; Luo, Chunxiong

2017-07-01

Massive technological advances enabled high-throughput measurements of proteomic changes in biological processes. However, retrieving biological insights from large-scale protein dynamics data remains a challenging task. Here we used the mating differentiation in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model and developed integrated experimental and computational approaches to analyze the proteomic dynamics during the process of cell fate determination. When exposed to a high dose of mating pheromone, the yeast cell undergoes growth arrest and forms a shmoo-like morphology; however, at intermediate doses, chemotropic elongated growth is initialized. To understand the gene regulatory networks that control this differentiation switch, we employed a high-throughput microfluidic imaging system that allows real-time and simultaneous measurements of cell growth and protein expression. Using kinetic modeling of protein dynamics, we classified the stimulus-dependent changes in protein abundance into two sources: global changes due to physiological alterations and gene-specific changes. A quantitative framework was proposed to decouple gene-specific regulatory modes from the growth-dependent global modulation of protein abundance. Based on the temporal patterns of gene-specific regulation, we established the network architectures underlying distinct cell fates using a reverse engineering method and uncovered the dose-dependent rewiring of gene regulatory network during mating differentiation. Furthermore, our results suggested a potential crosstalk between the pheromone response pathway and the target of rapamycin (TOR)-regulated ribosomal biogenesis pathway, which might underlie a cell differentiation switch in yeast mating response. In summary, our modeling approach addresses the distinct impacts of the global and gene-specific regulation on the control of protein dynamics and provides new insights into the mechanisms of cell fate determination. We anticipate that our integrated experimental and modeling strategies could be widely applicable to other biological systems.

A Sense of Balance: Experimental Investigation and Modeling of a Malonyl-CoA Sensor in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Fehér, Tamás; Libis, Vincent; Carbonell, Pablo; Faulon, Jean-Loup

2015-01-01

Production of value-added chemicals in microorganisms is regarded as a viable alternative to chemical synthesis. In the past decade, several engineered pathways producing such chemicals, including plant secondary metabolites in microorganisms have been reported; upscaling their production yields, however, was often challenging. Here, we analyze a modular device designed for sensing malonyl-CoA, a common precursor for both fatty acid and flavonoid biosynthesis. The sensor can be used either for high-throughput pathway screening in synthetic biology applications or for introducing a feedback circuit to regulate production of the desired chemical. Here, we used the sensor to compare the performance of several predicted malonyl-CoA-producing pathways, and validated the utility of malonyl-CoA reductase and malonate-CoA transferase for malonyl-CoA biosynthesis. We generated a second-order dynamic linear model describing the relation of the fluorescence generated by the sensor to the biomass of the host cell representing a filter/amplifier with a gain that correlates with the level of induction. We found the time constants describing filter dynamics to be independent of the level of induction but distinctively clustered for each of the production pathways, indicating the robustness of the sensor. Moreover, by monitoring the effect of the copy-number of the production plasmid on the dose-response curve of the sensor, we managed to coarse-tune the level of pathway expression to maximize malonyl-CoA synthesis. In addition, we provide an example of the sensor's use in analyzing the effect of inducer or substrate concentrations on production levels. The rational development of models describing sensors, supplemented with the power of high-throughput optimization provide a promising potential for engineering feedback loops regulating enzyme levels to maximize productivity yields of synthetic metabolic pathways.

Laminar and dorsoventral molecular organization of the medial entorhinal cortex revealed by large-scale anatomical analysis of gene expression.

PubMed

Ramsden, Helen L; Sürmeli, Gülşen; McDonagh, Steven G; Nolan, Matthew F

2015-01-01

Neural circuits in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) encode an animal's position and orientation in space. Within the MEC spatial representations, including grid and directional firing fields, have a laminar and dorsoventral organization that corresponds to a similar topography of neuronal connectivity and cellular properties. Yet, in part due to the challenges of integrating anatomical data at the resolution of cortical layers and borders, we know little about the molecular components underlying this organization. To address this we develop a new computational pipeline for high-throughput analysis and comparison of in situ hybridization (ISH) images at laminar resolution. We apply this pipeline to ISH data for over 16,000 genes in the Allen Brain Atlas and validate our analysis with RNA sequencing of MEC tissue from adult mice. We find that differential gene expression delineates the borders of the MEC with neighboring brain structures and reveals its laminar and dorsoventral organization. We propose a new molecular basis for distinguishing the deep layers of the MEC and show that their similarity to corresponding layers of neocortex is greater than that of superficial layers. Our analysis identifies ion channel-, cell adhesion- and synapse-related genes as candidates for functional differentiation of MEC layers and for encoding of spatial information at different scales along the dorsoventral axis of the MEC. We also reveal laminar organization of genes related to disease pathology and suggest that a high metabolic demand predisposes layer II to neurodegenerative pathology. In principle, our computational pipeline can be applied to high-throughput analysis of many forms of neuroanatomical data. Our results support the hypothesis that differences in gene expression contribute to functional specialization of superficial layers of the MEC and dorsoventral organization of the scale of spatial representations.

Pinched-flow hydrodynamic stretching of single-cells.

PubMed

Dudani, Jaideep S; Gossett, Daniel R; Tse, Henry T K; Di Carlo, Dino

2013-09-21

Reorganization of cytoskeletal networks, condensation and decondensation of chromatin, and other whole cell structural changes often accompany changes in cell state and can reflect underlying disease processes. As such, the observable mechanical properties, or mechanophenotype, which is closely linked to intracellular architecture, can be a useful label-free biomarker of disease. In order to make use of this biomarker, a tool to measure cell mechanical properties should accurately characterize clinical specimens that consist of heterogeneous cell populations or contain small diseased subpopulations. Because of the heterogeneity and potential for rare populations in clinical samples, single-cell, high-throughput assays are ideally suited. Hydrodynamic stretching has recently emerged as a powerful method for carrying out mechanical phenotyping. Importantly, this method operates independently of molecular probes, reducing cost and sample preparation time, and yields information-rich signatures of cell populations through significant image analysis automation, promoting more widespread adoption. In this work, we present an alternative mode of hydrodynamic stretching where inertially-focused cells are squeezed in flow by perpendicular high-speed pinch flows that are extracted from the single inputted cell suspension. The pinched-flow stretching method reveals expected differences in cell deformability in two model systems. Furthermore, hydraulic circuit design is used to tune stretching forces and carry out multiple stretching modes (pinched-flow and extensional) in the same microfluidic channel with a single fluid input. The ability to create a self-sheathing flow from a single input solution should have general utility for other cytometry systems and the pinched-flow design enables an order of magnitude higher throughput (65,000 cells s(-1)) compared to our previously reported deformability cytometry method, which will be especially useful for identification of rare cell populations in clinical body fluids in the future.

Sort-Seq Approach to Engineering a Formaldehyde-Inducible Promoter for Dynamically Regulated Escherichia coli Growth on Methanol

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Tight and tunable control of gene expression is a highly desirable goal in synthetic biology for constructing predictable gene circuits and achieving preferred phenotypes. Elucidating the sequence–function relationship of promoters is crucial for manipulating gene expression at the transcriptional level, particularly for inducible systems dependent on transcriptional regulators. Sort-seq methods employing fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and high-throughput sequencing allow for the quantitative analysis of sequence–function relationships in a robust and rapid way. Here we utilized a massively parallel sort-seq approach to analyze the formaldehyde-inducible Escherichia coli promoter (Pfrm) with single-nucleotide resolution. A library of mutated formaldehyde-inducible promoters was cloned upstream of gfp on a plasmid. The library was partitioned into bins via FACS on the basis of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression level, and mutated promoters falling into each expression bin were identified with high-throughput sequencing. The resulting analysis identified two 19 base pair repressor binding sites, one upstream of the −35 RNA polymerase (RNAP) binding site and one overlapping with the −10 site, and assessed the relative importance of each position and base therein. Key mutations were identified for tuning expression levels and were used to engineer formaldehyde-inducible promoters with predictable activities. Engineered variants demonstrated up to 14-fold lower basal expression, 13-fold higher induced expression, and a 3.6-fold stronger response as indicated by relative dynamic range. Finally, an engineered formaldehyde-inducible promoter was employed to drive the expression of heterologous methanol assimilation genes and achieved increased biomass levels on methanol, a non-native substrate of E. coli. PMID:28463494