Atomic References for Measuring Small Accelerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lute; Yu, Nan

2009-01-01

Accelerometer systems that would combine the best features of both conventional (e.g., mechanical) accelerometers and atom interferometer accelerometers (AIAs) have been proposed. These systems are intended mainly for use in scientific research aboard spacecraft but may also be useful on Earth in special military, geological, and civil-engineering applications. Conventional accelerometers can be sensitive, can have high dynamic range, and can have high frequency response, but they lack accuracy and long-term stability. AIAs have low frequency response, but they offer high sensitivity, and high accuracy for measuring small accelerations. In a system according to the proposal, a conventional accelerometer would be used to perform short-term measurements of higher-frequency components of acceleration, while an AIA would be used to provide consistent calibration of, and correction of errors in, the measurements of the conventional accelerometer in the lower-frequency range over the long term. A brief description of an AIA is prerequisite to a meaningful description of a system according to the proposal. An AIA includes a retroreflector next to one end of a cell that contains a cold cloud of atoms in an ultrahigh vacuum. The atoms in the cloud are in free fall. The retroreflector is mounted on the object, the acceleration of which is to be measured. Raman laser beams are directed through the cell from the end opposite the retroreflector, then pass back through the cell after striking the retroreflector. The Raman laser beams together with the cold atoms measure the relative acceleration, through the readout of the AIA, between the cold atoms and the retroreflector.

High-Frequency Oscillations Recorded on the Scalp of Patients With Epilepsy Using Tripolar Concentric Ring Electrodes

PubMed Central

Martínez-Juárez, Iris E.; Makeyev, Oleksandr; Gaitanis, John N.; Blum, Andrew S.; Fisher, Robert S.; Medvedev, Andrei V.

2014-01-01

Epilepsy is the second most prevalent neurological disorder (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document} }{}\\(\\sim 1\\) \\end{document}% prevalence) affecting \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document} }{}\\(\\sim 67\\) \\end{document} million people worldwide with up to 75% from developing countries. The conventional electroencephalogram is plagued with artifacts from movements, muscles, and other sources. Tripolar concentric ring electrodes automatically attenuate muscle artifacts and provide improved signal quality. We performed basic experiments in healthy humans to show that tripolar concentric ring electrodes can indeed record the physiological alpha waves while eyes are closed. We then conducted concurrent recordings with conventional disc electrodes and tripolar concentric ring electrodes from patients with epilepsy. We found that we could detect high frequency oscillations, a marker for early seizure development and epileptogenic zone, on the scalp surface that appeared to become more narrow-band just prior to seizures. High frequency oscillations preceding seizures were present in an average of 35.5% of tripolar concentric ring electrode data channels for all the patients with epilepsy whose seizures were recorded and absent in the corresponding conventional disc electrode data. An average of 78.2% of channels that contained high frequency oscillations were within the seizure onset or irritative zones determined independently by three epileptologists based on conventional disc electrode data and videos. PMID:27170874

Varactor diode assembly with low parasitic reactances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickens, L. E.

1975-01-01

Development of varactor diode assembly overcomes parasitic reactances of conventional varactor packages. In specially constructed assembly very high idler-frequency to signal-frequency ratios are used to obtain low-noise operation over maximum bandwidth.

On the Tuning of High-Resolution NMR Probes

PubMed Central

Pöschko, Maria Theresia; Schlagnitweit, Judith; Huber, Gaspard; Nausner, Martin; Horničáková, Michaela; Desvaux, Hervé; Müller, Norbert

2014-01-01

Three optimum conditions for the tuning of NMR probes are compared: the conventional tuning optimum, which is based on radio-frequency pulse efficiency, the spin noise tuning optimum based on the line shape of the spin noise signal, and the newly introduced frequency shift tuning optimum, which minimizes the frequency pushing effect on strong signals. The latter results if the radiation damping feedback field is not in perfect quadrature to the precessing magnetization. According to the conventional RLC (resistor–inductor–capacitor) resonant circuit model, the optima should be identical, but significant deviations are found experimentally at low temperatures, in particular on cryogenically cooled probes. The existence of different optima with respect to frequency pushing and spin noise line shape has important consequences on the nonlinearity of spin dynamics at high polarization levels and the implementation of experiments on cold probes. PMID:25210000

High-frequency chaotic dynamics enabled by optical phase-conjugation

PubMed Central

Mercier, Émeric; Wolfersberger, Delphine; Sciamanna, Marc

2016-01-01

Wideband chaos is of interest for applications such as random number generation or encrypted communications, which typically use optical feedback in a semiconductor laser. Here, we show that replacing conventional optical feedback with phase-conjugate feedback improves the chaos bandwidth. In the range of achievable phase-conjugate mirror reflectivities, the bandwidth increase reaches 27% when compared with feedback from a conventional mirror. Experimental measurements of the time-resolved frequency dynamics on nanosecond time-scales show that the bandwidth enhancement is related to the onset of self-pulsing solutions at harmonics of the external-cavity frequency. In the observed regime, the system follows a chaotic itinerancy among these destabilized high-frequency external-cavity modes. The recorded features are unique to phase-conjugate feedback and distinguish it from the long-standing problem of time-delayed feedback dynamics. PMID:26739806

Direct EPR irradiation of a sample using a quartz oscillator operating at 250 MHz for EPR measurements.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Hidekatsu

2012-01-01

Direct irradiation of a sample using a quartz oscillator operating at 250 MHz was performed for EPR measurements. Because a quartz oscillator is a frequency fixed oscillator, the operating frequency of an EPR resonator (loop-gap type) was tuned to that of the quartz oscillator by using a single-turn coil with a varactor diode attached (frequency shift coil). Because the frequency shift coil was mobile, the distance between the EPR resonator and the coil could be changed. Coarse control of the resonant frequency was achieved by changing this distance mechanically, while fine frequency control was implemented by changing the capacitance of the varactor electrically. In this condition, EPR measurements of a phantom (comprised of agar with a nitroxide radical and physiological saline solution) were made. To compare the presented method with a conventional method, the EPR measurements were also done by using a synthesizer at the same EPR frequency. In the conventional method, the noise level increased at high irradiation power. Because such an increase in the noise was not observed in the presented method, high sensitivity was obtained at high irradiation power. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Energy efficient fluorescent ballasts. Phase I, final report

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

Stevens Luminoptics Corporation

1978-06-21

The development of a high-frequency electronic (Stevens) ballast for fluorescent lamps is described. It is claimed that use of this ballast could reduce use energy consumption by 1.2 to 2.5 percent. The Stevens ballast has a basic efficiency of 29 percent when used with conventional lamps. With the more efficient lamps, the efficiency increases drastically. The conventional ballast and lamp has an efficiacy of approximately 60 to 63 lumens per watt (LPW). With the Stevens ballast the efficiacy raises to between 75 and 80 lumens per watt. When the Stevens ballast is utilized with the newer high efficiency lamps themore » efficiacy increases to 90 to 95 lumens per watt or a full 51 percent improvement over conventional coil and core ballasts and 25 percent over the best high efficiency premium coil and core ballasts. In addition to its energy savings capabilities, this high frequency fluorescent lamp ballast has the advantages that it is a true retrofit device that is directly interchangeable with the conventional coil core ballast, and it is dimmable over a wide and continuous range. (LCLC)« less

Absolute S- and P-plane polarization efficiencies for high frequency holographic gratings in the VUV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caruso, A. J.; Woodgate, B. E.; Mount, G. H.

1981-01-01

High frequency plane gratings (3500 and 3600 gr/mm) have been holographically ruled and blazed for the VUV spectral region. All gratings were coated with 70 nm Al + 25 nm MgF2. Absolute unpolarized and S- and P-plane polarization efficiencies have been measured for the first and second orders in the 120- to 450-nm spectral region at 18.5 and 30 deg angles of deviation. For deep grooves, anomalous features are more pronounced for the P-plane polarization efficiency than for the S-plane polarization efficiency. Holographic gratings can be tailored to produce high polarization or low polarization in the VUV. For comparison, efficiencies and polarization of the best conventional high frequency gratings were also determined. Measurements show that scattered light is significantly lower for holographic gratings in the VUV when compared with the conventional gratings.

Multifrequency synthesis and extraction using square wave projection patterns for quantitative tissue imaging.

PubMed

Nadeau, Kyle P; Rice, Tyler B; Durkin, Anthony J; Tromberg, Bruce J

2015-11-01

We present a method for spatial frequency domain data acquisition utilizing a multifrequency synthesis and extraction (MSE) method and binary square wave projection patterns. By illuminating a sample with square wave patterns, multiple spatial frequency components are simultaneously attenuated and can be extracted to determine optical property and depth information. Additionally, binary patterns are projected faster than sinusoids typically used in spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), allowing for short (millisecond or less) camera exposure times, and data acquisition speeds an order of magnitude or more greater than conventional SFDI. In cases where sensitivity to superficial layers or scattering is important, the fundamental component from higher frequency square wave patterns can be used. When probing deeper layers, the fundamental and harmonic components from lower frequency square wave patterns can be used. We compared optical property and depth penetration results extracted using square waves to those obtained using sinusoidal patterns on an in vivo human forearm and absorbing tube phantom, respectively. Absorption and reduced scattering coefficient values agree with conventional SFDI to within 1% using both high frequency (fundamental) and low frequency (fundamental and harmonic) spatial frequencies. Depth penetration reflectance values also agree to within 1% of conventional SFDI.

Multifrequency synthesis and extraction using square wave projection patterns for quantitative tissue imaging

PubMed Central

Nadeau, Kyle P.; Rice, Tyler B.; Durkin, Anthony J.; Tromberg, Bruce J.

2015-01-01

Abstract. We present a method for spatial frequency domain data acquisition utilizing a multifrequency synthesis and extraction (MSE) method and binary square wave projection patterns. By illuminating a sample with square wave patterns, multiple spatial frequency components are simultaneously attenuated and can be extracted to determine optical property and depth information. Additionally, binary patterns are projected faster than sinusoids typically used in spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), allowing for short (millisecond or less) camera exposure times, and data acquisition speeds an order of magnitude or more greater than conventional SFDI. In cases where sensitivity to superficial layers or scattering is important, the fundamental component from higher frequency square wave patterns can be used. When probing deeper layers, the fundamental and harmonic components from lower frequency square wave patterns can be used. We compared optical property and depth penetration results extracted using square waves to those obtained using sinusoidal patterns on an in vivo human forearm and absorbing tube phantom, respectively. Absorption and reduced scattering coefficient values agree with conventional SFDI to within 1% using both high frequency (fundamental) and low frequency (fundamental and harmonic) spatial frequencies. Depth penetration reflectance values also agree to within 1% of conventional SFDI. PMID:26524682

Effect of renal nerve stimulation on responsiveness of the rat renal vasculature.

PubMed

DiBona, Gerald F; Sawin, Linda L

2002-11-01

When the renal nerves are stimulated with sinusoidal stimuli over the frequency range 0.04-0.8 Hz, low (< or =0.4 Hz)- but not high (> or =0.4 Hz)-frequency oscillations appear in renal blood flow (RBF) and are proposed to increase responsiveness of the renal vasculature to stimuli. This hypothesis was tested in anesthetized rats in which RBF responses to intrarenal injection of norepinephrine and angiotensin and to reductions in renal arterial pressure (RAP) were determined during conventional rectangular pulse and sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation. Conventional rectangular pulse renal nerve stimulation decreased RBF at 2 Hz but not at 0.2 or 1.0 Hz. Sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation elicited low-frequency oscillations (< or =0.4 Hz) in RBF only when the basal carrier signal frequency produced renal vasoconstriction, i.e., at 5 Hz but not at 1 Hz. Regardless of whether renal vasoconstriction occurred, neither conventional rectangular pulse nor sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation altered renal vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine and angiotensin. The RBF response to reduction in RAP was altered by both conventional rectangular pulse and sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation only when renal vasoconstriction occurred: the decrease in RBF during reduced RAP was greater. Sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation with a renal vasoconstrictor carrier frequency results in a decrease in RBF with superimposed low-frequency oscillations. However, these low-frequency RBF oscillations do not alter renal vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor stimuli.

Single frequency thermal wave radar: A next-generation dynamic thermography for quantitative non-destructive imaging over wide modulation frequency ranges.

PubMed

Melnikov, Alexander; Chen, Liangjie; Ramirez Venegas, Diego; Sivagurunathan, Koneswaran; Sun, Qiming; Mandelis, Andreas; Rodriguez, Ignacio Rojas

2018-04-01

Single-Frequency Thermal Wave Radar Imaging (SF-TWRI) was introduced and used to obtain quantitative thickness images of coatings on an aluminum block and on polyetherketone, and to image blind subsurface holes in a steel block. In SF-TWR, the starting and ending frequencies of a linear frequency modulation sweep are chosen to coincide. Using the highest available camera frame rate, SF-TWRI leads to a higher number of sampled points along the modulation waveform than conventional lock-in thermography imaging because it is not limited by conventional undersampling at high frequencies due to camera frame-rate limitations. This property leads to large reduction in measurement time, better quality of images, and higher signal-noise-ratio across wide frequency ranges. For quantitative thin-coating imaging applications, a two-layer photothermal model with lumped parameters was used to reconstruct the layer thickness from multi-frequency SF-TWR images. SF-TWRI represents a next-generation thermography method with superior features for imaging important classes of thin layers, materials, and components that require high-frequency thermal-wave probing well above today's available infrared camera technology frame rates.

Single frequency thermal wave radar: A next-generation dynamic thermography for quantitative non-destructive imaging over wide modulation frequency ranges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melnikov, Alexander; Chen, Liangjie; Ramirez Venegas, Diego; Sivagurunathan, Koneswaran; Sun, Qiming; Mandelis, Andreas; Rodriguez, Ignacio Rojas

2018-04-01

Single-Frequency Thermal Wave Radar Imaging (SF-TWRI) was introduced and used to obtain quantitative thickness images of coatings on an aluminum block and on polyetherketone, and to image blind subsurface holes in a steel block. In SF-TWR, the starting and ending frequencies of a linear frequency modulation sweep are chosen to coincide. Using the highest available camera frame rate, SF-TWRI leads to a higher number of sampled points along the modulation waveform than conventional lock-in thermography imaging because it is not limited by conventional undersampling at high frequencies due to camera frame-rate limitations. This property leads to large reduction in measurement time, better quality of images, and higher signal-noise-ratio across wide frequency ranges. For quantitative thin-coating imaging applications, a two-layer photothermal model with lumped parameters was used to reconstruct the layer thickness from multi-frequency SF-TWR images. SF-TWRI represents a next-generation thermography method with superior features for imaging important classes of thin layers, materials, and components that require high-frequency thermal-wave probing well above today's available infrared camera technology frame rates.

SEPP-ZVS High Frequency Inverter Incorporating Auxiliary Switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogiwara, Hiroyuki; Itoi, Misao; Nakaoka, Mutsuo

This paper presents a novel circuit topology to attain ZVS operation of a high frequency inverter over a wide range output power regulation using a PWM control technique by connecting an auxiliary switch to the conventional single ended push-pull (SEPP) ZVS high frequency inverter. A switching current is injected into the main switches via the auxiliary switch only during the short period between its turn-on and off times to supply a current required for its ZVS operation.

Equivalence and test-retest reproducibility of conventional and extended-high-frequency audiometric thresholds obtained using pure-tone and narrow-band-noise stimuli.

PubMed

John, Andrew B; Kreisman, Brian M

2017-09-01

Extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry is useful for evaluating ototoxic exposures and may relate to speech recognition, localisation and hearing aid benefit. There is a need to determine whether common clinical practice for EHF audiometry using tone and noise stimuli is reliable. We evaluated equivalence and compared test-retest (TRT) reproducibility for audiometric thresholds obtained using pure tones and narrowband noise (NBN) from 0.25 to 16 kHz. Thresholds and test-retest reproducibility for stimuli in the conventional (0.25-6 kHz) and EHF (8-16 kHz) frequency ranges were compared in a repeated-measures design. A total of 70 ears of adults with normal hearing. Thresholds obtained using NBN were significantly lower than thresholds obtained using pure tones from 0.5 to 16 kHz, but not 0.25 kHz. Good TRT reproducibility (within 2 dB) was observed for both stimuli at all frequencies. Responses at the lower limit of the presentation range for NBN centred at 14 and 16 kHz suggest unreliability for NBN as a threshold stimulus at these frequencies. Thresholds in the conventional and EHF ranges showed good test-retest reproducibility, but differed between stimulus types. Care should be taken when comparing pure-tone thresholds with NBN thresholds especially at these frequencies.

The Value Estimation of an HFGW Frequency Time Standard for Telecommunications Network Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harper, Colby; Stephenson, Gary

2007-01-01

The emerging technology of gravitational wave control is used to augment a communication system using a development roadmap suggested in Stephenson (2003) for applications emphasized in Baker (2005). In the present paper consideration is given to the value of a High Frequency Gravitational Wave (HFGW) channel purely as providing a method of frequency and time reference distribution for use within conventional Radio Frequency (RF) telecommunications networks. Specifically, the native value of conventional telecommunications networks may be optimized by using an unperturbed frequency time standard (FTS) to (1) improve terminal navigation and Doppler estimation performance via improved time difference of arrival (TDOA) from a universal time reference, and (2) improve acquisition speed, coding efficiency, and dynamic bandwidth efficiency through the use of a universal frequency reference. A model utilizing a discounted cash flow technique provides an estimation of the additional value using HFGW FTS technology could bring to a mixed technology HFGW/RF network. By applying a simple net present value analysis with supporting reference valuations to such a network, it is demonstrated that an HFGW FTS could create a sizable improvement within an otherwise conventional RF telecommunications network. Our conservative model establishes a low-side value estimate of approximately 50B USD Net Present Value for an HFGW FTS service, with reasonable potential high-side values to significant multiples of this low-side value floor.

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

Song, Bo; Yao, Shurong; Nie, Xu

In this paper, a new type of highly stretchable strain sensor was developed to measure large strains. The sensor was based on the piezo-resistive response of carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite thin films. The piezo-resistive response of CNT composite gives accurate strain measurement with high frequency response, while the ultra-soft PDMS matrix provides high flexibility and ductility for large strain measurement. Experimental results show that the CNT/PDMS sensor measures large strains (up to 8 %) with an excellent linearity and a fast frequency response. The new miniature strain sensor also exhibits much higher sensitivities than the conventional foil strain gages,more » as its gauge factor is 500 times of that of the conventional foil strain gages.« less

Highly stretchable miniature strain sensor for large dynamic strain measurement

DOE PAGES

Song, Bo; Yao, Shurong; Nie, Xu; ...

2016-01-01

In this paper, a new type of highly stretchable strain sensor was developed to measure large strains. The sensor was based on the piezo-resistive response of carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite thin films. The piezo-resistive response of CNT composite gives accurate strain measurement with high frequency response, while the ultra-soft PDMS matrix provides high flexibility and ductility for large strain measurement. Experimental results show that the CNT/PDMS sensor measures large strains (up to 8 %) with an excellent linearity and a fast frequency response. The new miniature strain sensor also exhibits much higher sensitivities than the conventional foil strain gages,more » as its gauge factor is 500 times of that of the conventional foil strain gages.« less

High-Frequency Spin-Based Devices for Nanoscale Signal Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-20

feedback on the devices in order to improve their spectral properties . Deliverable: Microwave signals without an Applied Field. We have successfully...additionally have the advantage of higher operating frequencies than the more conventional devices based on NiFe alloys. By combining several of...Output from a Co/Ni based STNO. Corresponds to approximately 20 nW, about 10 times larger than typical NiFe .device. 6 High-Frequency Spin-Based

Improved oxygenation 24 hours after transition to airway pressure release ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation accurately discriminates survival in immunocompromised pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome*.

PubMed

Yehya, Nadir; Topjian, Alexis A; Thomas, Neal J; Friess, Stuart H

2014-05-01

Children with an immunocompromised condition and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation have high risk of death. Such patients are commonly transitioned to rescue modes of nonconventional ventilation, including airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, for acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional ventilation. Our aim was to describe our experience with airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in children with an immunocompromised condition and acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional ventilation and to identify factors associated with survival. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary care, university-affiliated PICU. Sixty pediatric patients with an immunocompromised condition and acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional ventilation transitioned to either airway pressure release ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. None. Demographic data, ventilator settings, arterial blood gases, oxygenation index, and PaO(2)/FIO(2) were recorded before transition to either mode of nonconventional ventilation and at predetermined intervals after transition for up to 5 days. Mortality in the entire cohort was 63% and did not differ between patients transitioned to airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. For both airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, improvements in oxygenation index and PaO(2)/FIO(2) at 24 hours expressed as a fraction of pretransition values (oxygenation index(24)/oxygenation index(pre) and PaO(2)/FIO(224)/PaO(2)/FIO(2pre)) reliably discriminated nonsurvivors from survivors, with receiver operating characteristic areas under the curves between 0.89 and 0.95 (p for all curves < 0.001). Sensitivity-specificity analysis suggested that less than 15% reduction in oxygenation index (90% sensitive, 75% specific) or less than 90% increase in PaO(2)/FIO(2) (80% sensitive, 94% specific) 24 hours after transition to airway pressure release ventilation were the optimal cutoffs to identify nonsurvivors. The comparable values 24 hours after transition to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation were less than 5% reduction in oxygenation index (100% sensitive, 83% specific) or less than 80% increase in PaO(2)/FIO(2) (91% sensitive, 89% specific) to identify nonsurvivors. In this single-center retrospective study of pediatric patients with an immunocompromised condition and acute respiratory distress syndrome failing conventional ventilation transitioned to either airway pressure release ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, improved oxygenation at 24 hours expressed as PaO(2)/FIO(224)/PaO(2)/FIO(2pre) or oxygenation index(24)/oxygenation indexpre reliably discriminates nonsurvivors from survivors. These findings should be prospectively verified.

Tunable Magnetic Resonance in Microwave Spintronics Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yunpeng; Fan, Xin; Xie, Yunsong; Zhou, Yang; Wang, Tao; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Simons, Rainee N.; Chui, Sui-Tat; Xiao, John Q.

2015-01-01

Magnetic resonance is one of the key properties of magnetic materials for the application of microwave spintronics devices. The conventional method for tuning magnetic resonance is to use an electromagnet, which provides very limited tuning range. Hence, the quest for enhancing the magnetic resonance tuning range without using an electromagnet has attracted tremendous attention. In this paper, we exploit the huge exchange coupling field between magnetic interlayers, which is on the order of 4000 Oe and also the high frequency modes of coupled oscillators to enhance the tuning range. Furthermore, we demonstrate a new scheme to control the magnetic resonance frequency. Moreover, we report a shift in the magnetic resonance frequency as high as 20 GHz in CoFe based tunable microwave spintronics devices, which is 10X higher than conventional methods.

Tunable Magnetic Resonance in Microwave Spintronics Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yunpeng; Fan, Xin; Xie, Yungsong; Zhou, Yang; Wang, Tao; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Simons, Rainee N.; Chui, Sui-Tat; Xiao, John Q.

2015-01-01

Magnetic resonance is one of the key properties of magnetic materials for the application of microwave spintronics devices. The conventional method for tuning magnetic resonance is to use an electromagnet, which provides very limited tuning range. Hence, the quest for enhancing the magnetic resonance tuning range without using an electromagnet has attracted tremendous attention. In this paper, we exploit the huge exchange coupling field between magnetic interlayers, which is on the order of 4000 Oe and also the high frequency modes of coupled oscillators to enhance the tuning range. Furthermore, we demonstrate a new scheme to control the magnetic resonance frequency. Moreover, we report a shift in the magnetic resonance frequency as high as 20 GHz in CoFe-based tunable microwave spintronics devices, which is 10X higher than conventional methods.

Contributions of tidal lung inflation to human R-R interval and arterial pressure fluctuations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koh, J.; Brown, T. E.; Beightol, L. A.; Eckberg, D. L.

1998-01-01

We studied the effects of mechanical lung inflation on respiratory frequency R-R interval and arterial pressure fluctuations in nine healthy young adults undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. We conducted this research to define the contribution of pulmonary and thoracic stretch receptor input to respiratory sinus arrhythmia. We compared fast Fourier transform spectral power during three modes of ventilation: (1) spontaneous, frequency-controlled (0.25 Hz) breathing, (2) intermittent positive pressure ventilation (0.25 Hz, with a tidal volume of 8 ml/kg) and (3) high frequency jet ventilation (5.0 Hz, 2.5 kg/cm2), after sedation and vecuronium paralysis. Mean R-R intervals, arterial pressures and arterial blood gas levels were comparable during all three breathing conditions. Respiratory frequency systolic pressure spectral power was comparable during spontaneous breathing and conventional mechanical ventilation, but was significantly reduced during high frequency jet ventilation (P < 0.05). Respiratory frequency R-R interval spectral power (used as an index of respiratory sinus arrhythmia) declined dramatically with sedation and muscle paralysis (P < 0.05), but was greater during conventional mechanical, than high frequency jet ventilation (P < 0.05). These results suggest that although phasic inputs from pulmonary and thoracic stretch receptors make a statistically significant contribution to respiratory sinus arrhythmia, that contribution is small.

Temporary threshold shift in military pilots measured using conventional and extended high-frequency audiometry after one flight.

PubMed

Kuronen, Pentti; Sorri, Martti J; Pääkkönen, Rauno; Muhli, Arto

2003-01-01

Noise of such a high level that it can result in hearing deterioration is an inherent characteristic of military flying. Susceptibility to hearing impairment was studied using 51 Finnish Air Force military personnel as subjects. The test persons flew missions on a British Aerospace Hawk 51 advanced jet trainer, Boeing F-18 Hornet, Mikoyan & Gurevich MiG-21bis and Saab 35 Draken interceptors, and a Valmet Redigo turboprop liaison aircraft. The duration of noise exposure was one flight mission, which varied from 30 to 60 min. Noise doses and levels were measured using a miniature microphone at the inlet of the ear canal, while a second microphone was located at the level of the subject's shoulder. Hearing thresholds were measured before each flight using conventional (0.125-8 kHz) and extended high-frequency (EHF) (8.20 kHz) audiometry. The measurements were repeated as soon as possible after the flight. The study showed that the pre-flight threshold levels of the subjects were good. Both conventional and EHF audiometry revealed statistically significant temporary threshold shifts (TTS) at several frequencies and with all aircraft types involved. The changes were, however, minor. The risk of noise-induced hearing impairment at the studied exposure levels is, in all probability, rather small. The role of extended high-frequency audiometry would be in research, and it might be performed for flying personnel upon entering service and every fifth year thereafter.

Evaluation of the effects of nonlinear frequency compression on speech recognition and sound quality for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

PubMed

Picou, Erin M; Marcrum, Steven C; Ricketts, Todd A

2015-03-01

While potentially improving audibility for listeners with considerable high frequency hearing loss, the effects of implementing nonlinear frequency compression (NFC) for listeners with moderate high frequency hearing loss are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of activating NFC for listeners who are not traditionally considered candidates for this technology. Participants wore study hearing aids with NFC activated for a 3-4 week trial period. After the trial period, they were tested with NFC and with conventional processing on measures of consonant discrimination threshold in quiet, consonant recognition in quiet, sentence recognition in noise, and acceptableness of sound quality of speech and music. Seventeen adult listeners with symmetrical, mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss participated. Better ear, high frequency pure-tone averages (4, 6, and 8 kHz) were 60 dB HL or better. Activating NFC resulted in lower (better) thresholds for discrimination of /s/, whose spectral center was 9 kHz. There were no other significant effects of NFC compared to conventional processing. These data suggest that the benefits, and detriments, of activating NFC may be limited for this population.

Non-destructive testing method and apparatus utilizing phase multiplication holography

DOEpatents

Collins, H. Dale; Prince, James M.; Davis, Thomas J.

1984-01-01

An apparatus and method for imaging of structural characteristics in test objects using radiation amenable to coherent signal processing methods. Frequency and phase multiplication of received flaw signals is used to simulate a test wavelength at least one to two orders of magnitude smaller than the actual wavelength. The apparent reduction in wavelength between the illumination and recording radiation performs a frequency translation hologram. The hologram constructed with a high synthetic frequency and flaw phase multiplication is similar to a conventional acoustic hologram construction at the high frequency.

Low-sensitivity, frequency-selective amplifier circuits for hybrid and bipolar fabrication.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pi, C.; Dunn, W. R., Jr.

1972-01-01

A network is described which is suitable for realizing a low-sensitivity high-Q second-order frequency-selective amplifier for high-frequency operation. Circuits are obtained from this network which are well suited for realizing monolithic integrated circuits and which do not require any process steps more critical than those used for conventional monolithic operational and video amplifiers. A single chip version using compatible thin-film techniques for the frequency determination elements is then feasible. Center frequency and bandwidth can be set independently by trimming two resistors. The frequency selective circuits have a low sensitivity to the process variables, and the sensitivity of the center frequency and bandwidth to changes in temperature is very low.

Effects of Multimedia Instruction on L2 Acquisition of High-Level, Low-Frequency English Vocabulary Words

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cho, Euna

2017-01-01

The present study examined the effects of multimedia enhancement in video form in addition to textual information on L2 vocabulary instruction for high-level, low-frequency English words among Korean learners of English. Although input-based incidental learning of L2 vocabulary through extensive reading has been conventionally believed to be…

Accceleration of Fatigue Tests of Polymer Composite Materials by Using High-Frequency Loadings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apinis, R.

2004-03-01

The possibility of using high-frequency loading in fatigue tests of polymer composite materials is discussed. A review of studies on the use of high-frequency loading of organic-, carbon-, and glass-fiber-reinforced plastics is presented. The results obtained are compared with those found in conventional low-frequency loadings. A rig for fatigue tests of rigid materials at loading frequencies to 500 Hz is described, and results for an LM-L1 unidirectional glass-fiber plastic in loadings with frequencies of 17 and 400 Hz are given. These results confirm that it is possible to accelerate the fatigue testing of polymer composite materials by considerably increasing the loading frequency. The necessary condition for using this method is an intense cooling of specimens to prevent them from vibration heating.

Series resonant converter with auxiliary winding turns: analysis, design and implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bor-Ren

2018-05-01

Conventional series resonant converters have researched and applied for high-efficiency power units due to the benefit of its low switching losses. The main problems of series resonant converters are wide frequency variation and high circulating current. Thus, resonant converter is limited at narrow input voltage range and large input capacitor is normally adopted in commercial power units to provide the minimum hold-up time requirement when AC power is off. To overcome these problems, the resonant converter with auxiliary secondary windings are presented in this paper to achieve high voltage gain at low input voltage case such as hold-up time duration when utility power is off. Since the high voltage gain is used at low input voltage cased, the frequency variation of the proposed converter compared to the conventional resonant converter is reduced. Compared to conventional resonant converter, the hold-up time in the proposed converter is more than 40ms. The larger magnetising inductance of transformer is used to reduce the circulating current losses. Finally, a laboratory prototype is constructed and experiments are provided to verify the converter performance.

BI-ground microstrip array coil vs. conventional microstrip array coil for mouse imaging at 7 tesla

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández, Ricardo; Terrones, M. A. López; Jakob, P. M.

2012-10-01

At high field strengths, the need for more efficient high frequency coils has grown. Since the radiation losses and the interaction between coil and sample increase proportionally to field strength, the quality factor (Q) and the sensitivity of the coil decrease as consequence of these negative effects. Since Zhang et al proposed in 2001 a new surface coil based on the microstrip transmission line for high frequency, different Tx-Rx phased arrays based on this concept have been already introduced in animal and whole body systems at high field strengths, each of them with different modifications in order to get better field homogeneity, SNR or isolation between coil elements in the array. All these arrays for animals systems have been built for rat imaging. One of these modifications is called BI-Ground Microstrip Array Coil (BIGMAC). The implementation of a smaller two-channel BIGMAC design for mouse imaging is studied and its performance compared to a two-channel conventional Microstrip array at 7 Tesla, the higher isolation by using BIGMAC elements in comparison with conventional Microstrip elements is shown in this work.

High-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as treatment of pain after surgical abortion.

PubMed

Platon, B; Andréll, P; Raner, C; Rudolph, M; Dvoretsky, A; Mannheimer, C

2010-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare the pain-relieving effect and the time spent in the recovery ward after treatment with high-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or intravenous (IV) conventional pharmacological treatment after surgical abortion. Two-hundred women who underwent surgical abortion and postoperatively reported a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score3 were included. The patients were randomised to TENS or conventional pharmacological treatment for their postoperative pain. The TENS treatment was given with a stimulus intensity between 20 and 60 mA during 1 min and repeated once if insufficient pain relief (VAS3). In the conventional pharmacological treatment group, a maximum dose of 100 microg fentanyl was given IV. There was no difference between the groups with regard to pain relief according to the VAS pain score (TENS=VAS 1.3 vs. IV opioids=VAS 1.6; p=0.09) upon discharge from the recovery ward. However, the patients in the TENS group spent shorter time (44 min) in the recovery ward than the conventional pharmacological treatment group (62 min; p<0.0001). The number of patients who needed additional analgesics in the recovery ward was comparable in both groups, as was the reported VAS pain score upon leaving the hospital (TENS=2.0 vs. conventional pharmacological treatment=1.8, NS). These results suggest that the pain-relieving effect of TENS seems to be comparable to conventional pharmacological treatment with IV opioids. Hence, TENS may be a suitable alternative to conventional pain management with IV opioids after surgical abortion. Copyright 2009 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Combined high vacuum/high frequency fatigue tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honeycutt, C. R.; Martin, T. F.

1971-01-01

Apparatus permits application of significantly greater number of cycles or equivalent number of cycles in shorter time than conventional fatigue test machines. Environment eliminates problems associated with high temperature oxidation and with sensitivity of refractory alloy behavior to atmospheric contamination.

Realization of an omnidirectional source of sound using parametric loudspeakers.

PubMed

Sayin, Umut; Artís, Pere; Guasch, Oriol

2013-09-01

Parametric loudspeakers are often used in beam forming applications where a high directivity is required. Withal, in this paper it is proposed to use such devices to build an omnidirectional source of sound. An initial prototype, the omnidirectional parametric loudspeaker (OPL), consisting of a sphere with hundreds of ultrasonic transducers placed on it has been constructed. The OPL emits audible sound thanks to the parametric acoustic array phenomenon, and the close proximity and the large number of transducers results in the generation of a highly omnidirectional sound field. Comparisons with conventional dodecahedron loudspeakers have been made in terms of directivity, frequency response, and in applications such as the generation of diffuse acoustic fields in reverberant chambers. The OPL prototype has performed better than the conventional loudspeaker especially for frequencies higher than 500 Hz, its main drawback being the difficulty to generate intense pressure levels at low frequencies.

Characterization of Hearing Thresholds from 500 to 16,000 Hz in Dentists: A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Gonçalves, Claudia Giglio de Oliveira; Santos, Luciana; Lobato, Diolen; Ribas, Angela; Lacerda, Adriana Bender Moreira; Marques, Jair

2014-01-01

Introduction High-level noise exposure in dentists' workplaces may cause damages to the auditory systems. High-frequency audiometry is an important tool in the investigation in the early diagnosis of hearing loss. Objectives To analyze the auditory thresholds at frequencies from 500 to 16,000 Hz of dentists in the city of Curitiba. Methods This historic cohort study retrospectively tested hearing thresholds from 500 to 16,000 Hz with a group of dentists from Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Eighty subjects participated in the study, separated into a dentist group and a control group, with the same age range and gender across groups but with no history of occupational exposure to high levels of sound pressure in the control group. Subjects were tested with conventional audiometry and high-frequency audiometry and answered a questionnaire about exposure to noise. Results Results showed that 81% of dentists did not receive any information regarding noise at university; 6 (15%) dentists had sensorineural hearing impairment; significant differences were observed between the groups only at frequencies of 500 Hz and 1,000, 6,000 and 8,000 Hz in the right ear. There was no significant difference between the groups after analysis of mean hearing thresholds of high frequencies with the average hearing thresholds in conventional frequencies; subjects who had been working as dentists for longer than 10 years had worse tonal hearing thresholds at high frequencies. Conclusions In this study, we observed that dentists are at risk for the development of sensorineural hearing loss especially after 10 years of service. PMID:25992172

High frequency source localization in a shallow ocean sound channel using frequency difference matched field processing.

PubMed

Worthmann, Brian M; Song, H C; Dowling, David R

2015-12-01

Matched field processing (MFP) is an established technique for source localization in known multipath acoustic environments. Unfortunately, in many situations, particularly those involving high frequency signals, imperfect knowledge of the actual propagation environment prevents accurate propagation modeling and source localization via MFP fails. For beamforming applications, this actual-to-model mismatch problem was mitigated through a frequency downshift, made possible by a nonlinear array-signal-processing technique called frequency difference beamforming [Abadi, Song, and Dowling (2012). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, 3018-3029]. Here, this technique is extended to conventional (Bartlett) MFP using simulations and measurements from the 2011 Kauai Acoustic Communications MURI experiment (KAM11) to produce ambiguity surfaces at frequencies well below the signal bandwidth where the detrimental effects of mismatch are reduced. Both the simulation and experimental results suggest that frequency difference MFP can be more robust against environmental mismatch than conventional MFP. In particular, signals of frequency 11.2 kHz-32.8 kHz were broadcast 3 km through a 106-m-deep shallow ocean sound channel to a sparse 16-element vertical receiving array. Frequency difference MFP unambiguously localized the source in several experimental data sets with average peak-to-side-lobe ratio of 0.9 dB, average absolute-value range error of 170 m, and average absolute-value depth error of 10 m.

Frequency-dependent learning achieved using semiconducting polymer/electrolyte composite cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, W. S.; Zeng, F.; Lu, S. H.; Liu, A.; Li, X. J.; Pan, F.

2015-10-01

Frequency-dependent learning has been achieved using semiconducting polymer/electrolyte composite cells. The cells composed of polymer/electrolyte double layers realized the conventional spike-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) learning model. These cells responded to depression upon low-frequency stimulation and to potentiation upon high-frequency stimulation and presented long-term memory. The transition threshold θm from depression to potentiation varied depending on the previous stimulations. A nanostructure resembling a bio-synapse in its transport passages was demonstrated and a random channel model was proposed to describe the ionic kinetics at the polymer/electrolyte interface during and after stimulations with various frequencies, accounting for the observed SRDP.Frequency-dependent learning has been achieved using semiconducting polymer/electrolyte composite cells. The cells composed of polymer/electrolyte double layers realized the conventional spike-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) learning model. These cells responded to depression upon low-frequency stimulation and to potentiation upon high-frequency stimulation and presented long-term memory. The transition threshold θm from depression to potentiation varied depending on the previous stimulations. A nanostructure resembling a bio-synapse in its transport passages was demonstrated and a random channel model was proposed to describe the ionic kinetics at the polymer/electrolyte interface during and after stimulations with various frequencies, accounting for the observed SRDP. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02891d

Can Functional Cardiac Age be Predicted from ECG in a Normal Healthy Population

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlegel, Todd; Starc, Vito; Leban, Manja; Sinigoj, Petra; Vrhovec, Milos

2011-01-01

In a normal healthy population, we desired to determine the most age-dependent conventional and advanced ECG parameters. We hypothesized that changes in several ECG parameters might correlate with age and together reliably characterize the functional age of the heart. Methods: An initial study population of 313 apparently healthy subjects was ultimately reduced to 148 subjects (74 men, 84 women, in the range from 10 to 75 years of age) after exclusion criteria. In all subjects, ECG recordings (resting 5-minute 12-lead high frequency ECG) were evaluated via custom software programs to calculate up to 85 different conventional and advanced ECG parameters including beat-to-beat QT and RR variability, waveform complexity, and signal-averaged, high-frequency and spatial/spatiotemporal ECG parameters. The prediction of functional age was evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis using the best 5 univariate predictors. Results: Ignoring what were ultimately small differences between males and females, the functional age was found to be predicted (R2= 0.69, P < 0.001) from a linear combination of 5 independent variables: QRS elevation in the frontal plane (p<0.001), a new repolarization parameter QTcorr (p<0.001), mean high frequency QRS amplitude (p=0.009), the variability parameter % VLF of RRV (p=0.021) and the P-wave width (p=0.10). Here, QTcorr represents the correlation between the calculated QT and the measured QT signal. Conclusions: In apparently healthy subjects with normal conventional ECGs, functional cardiac age can be estimated by multiple linear regression analysis of mostly advanced ECG results. Because some parameters in the regression formula, such as QTcorr, high frequency QRS amplitude and P-wave width also change with disease in the same direction as with increased age, increased functional age of the heart may reflect subtle age-related pathologies in cardiac electrical function that are usually hidden on conventional ECG.

Comparing the Robustness of High-Frequency Traveling-Wave Tube Slow-Wave Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chevalier, Christine T.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Kory, Carol L.

2007-01-01

A three-dimensional electromagnetic field simulation software package was used to compute the cold-test parameters, phase velocity, on-axis interaction impedance, and attenuation, for several high-frequency traveling-wave tube slow-wave circuit geometries. This research effort determined the effects of variations in circuit dimensions on cold-test performance. The parameter variations were based on the tolerances of conventional micromachining techniques.

Bearing defect signature analysis using advanced nonlinear signal analysis in a controlled environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zoladz, T.; Earhart, E.; Fiorucci, T.

1995-01-01

Utilizing high-frequency data from a highly instrumented rotor assembly, seeded bearing defect signatures are characterized using both conventional linear approaches, such as power spectral density analysis, and recently developed nonlinear techniques such as bicoherence analysis. Traditional low-frequency (less than 20 kHz) analysis and high-frequency envelope analysis of both accelerometer and acoustic emission data are used to recover characteristic bearing distress information buried deeply in acquired data. The successful coupling of newly developed nonlinear signal analysis with recovered wideband envelope data from accelerometers and acoustic emission sensors is the innovative focus of this research.

High frequency pressure oscillator for microcryocoolers.

PubMed

Vanapalli, S; ter Brake, H J M; Jansen, H V; Zhao, Y; Holland, H J; Burger, J F; Elwenspoek, M C

2008-04-01

Microminiature pulse tube cryocoolers should operate at a frequency of an order higher than the conventional macro ones because the pulse tube cryocooler operating frequency scales inversely with the square of the pulse tube diameter. In this paper, the design and experiments of a high frequency pressure oscillator is presented with the aim to power a micropulse tube cryocooler operating between 300 and 80 K, delivering a cooling power of 10 mW. Piezoelectric actuators operate efficiently at high frequencies and have high power density making them good candidates as drivers for high frequency pressure oscillator. The pressure oscillator described in this work consists of a membrane driven by a piezoelectric actuator. A pressure ratio of about 1.11 was achieved with a filling pressure of 2.5 MPa and compression volume of about 22.6 mm(3) when operating the actuator with a peak-to-peak sinusoidal voltage of 100 V at a frequency of 1 kHz. The electrical power input was 2.73 W. The high pressure ratio and low electrical input power at high frequencies would herald development of microminiature cryocoolers.

High frequency pressure oscillator for microcryocoolers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanapalli, S.; ter Brake, H. J. M.; Jansen, H. V.; Zhao, Y.; Holland, H. J.; Burger, J. F.; Elwenspoek, M. C.

2008-04-01

Microminiature pulse tube cryocoolers should operate at a frequency of an order higher than the conventional macro ones because the pulse tube cryocooler operating frequency scales inversely with the square of the pulse tube diameter. In this paper, the design and experiments of a high frequency pressure oscillator is presented with the aim to power a micropulse tube cryocooler operating between 300 and 80K, delivering a cooling power of 10mW. Piezoelectric actuators operate efficiently at high frequencies and have high power density making them good candidates as drivers for high frequency pressure oscillator. The pressure oscillator described in this work consists of a membrane driven by a piezoelectric actuator. A pressure ratio of about 1.11 was achieved with a filling pressure of 2.5MPa and compression volume of about 22.6mm3 when operating the actuator with a peak-to-peak sinusoidal voltage of 100V at a frequency of 1kHz. The electrical power input was 2.73W. The high pressure ratio and low electrical input power at high frequencies would herald development of microminiature cryocoolers.

Real-Time 12-Lead High-Frequency QRS Electrocardiography for Enhanced Detection of Myocardial Ischemia and Coronary Artery Disease

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlegel, Todd T.; Kulecz, Walter B.; DePalma, Jude L.; Feiveson, Alan H.; Wilson, John S.; Rahman, M. Atiar; Bungo, Michael W.

2004-01-01

Several studies have shown that diminution of the high-frequency (HF; 150-250 Hz) components present within the central portion of the QRS complex of an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a more sensitive indicator for the presence of myocardial ischemia than are changes in the ST segments of the conventional low-frequency ECG. However, until now, no device has been capable of displaying, in real time on a beat-to-beat basis, changes in these HF QRS ECG components in a continuously monitored patient. Although several software programs have been designed to acquire the HF components over the entire QRS interval, such programs have involved laborious off-line calculations and postprocessing, limiting their clinical utility. We describe a personal computer-based ECG software program developed recently at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that acquires, analyzes, and displays HF QRS components in each of the 12 conventional ECG leads in real time. The system also updates these signals and their related derived parameters in real time on a beat-to-beat basis for any chosen monitoring period and simultaneously displays the diagnostic information from the conventional (low-frequency) 12-lead ECG. The real-time NASA HF QRS ECG software is being evaluated currently in multiple clinical settings in North America. We describe its potential usefulness in the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia and coronary artery disease.

Frequency-locked pulse sequencer for high-frame-rate monochromatic tissue motion imaging.

PubMed

Azar, Reza Zahiri; Baghani, Ali; Salcudean, Septimiu E; Rohling, Robert

2011-04-01

To overcome the inherent low frame rate of conventional ultrasound, we have previously presented a system that can be implemented on conventional ultrasound scanners for high-frame-rate imaging of monochromatic tissue motion. The system employs a sector subdivision technique in the sequencer to increase the acquisition rate. To eliminate the delays introduced during data acquisition, a motion phase correction algorithm has also been introduced to create in-phase displacement images. Previous experimental results from tissue- mimicking phantoms showed that the system can achieve effective frame rates of up to a few kilohertz on conventional ultrasound systems. In this short communication, we present a new pulse sequencing strategy that facilitates high-frame-rate imaging of monochromatic motion such that the acquired echo signals are inherently in-phase. The sequencer uses the knowledge of the excitation frequency to synchronize the acquisition of the entire imaging plane to that of an external exciter. This sequencing approach eliminates any need for synchronization or phase correction and has applications in tissue elastography, which we demonstrate with tissue-mimicking phantoms. © 2011 IEEE

High-speed pulsed mixing in a short distance with high-frequency switching of pumping from three inlets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugano, K.; Nakata, A.; Tsuchiya, T.; Tabata, O.

2015-08-01

In this study, we propose a mixing method using alternate pulsed flows from three inlets with flow direction control. In conventional pulsed mixing, a residual flow near the sidewalls inhibits the rapid mixing of two solutions at high switching frequency. In this study, we addressed this issue in order to perform rapid mixing in a short distance with a low Reynolds number. We fabricated a microfluidic mixing device consisting of a cross-shaped mixing channel with three inlet microchannels and three valveless micropumps. In conventional T-shaped or Y-shaped mixing channels, a residual flow is observed because of the incomplete switching of solutions. The three inlet configuration enabled us to split the residual flow at a switching frequency of pumping of up to 200 Hz, thus resulting in rapid mixing. Furthermore, by controlling the flow direction at the confluent area using the reverse flow of the micropump, the mixing speed was dramatically increased because of the complete switching of the two solutions. As a result, we achieved the mixing time of 3.6 ms and the mixing length of 20.7 µm, which were necessary to achieve a 90% mixing ratio at a high micropump switching frequency of 400 Hz and reverse flow ratio of 1/4.

High-Frequency Subband Compressed Sensing MRI Using Quadruplet Sampling

PubMed Central

Sung, Kyunghyun; Hargreaves, Brian A

2013-01-01

Purpose To presents and validates a new method that formalizes a direct link between k-space and wavelet domains to apply separate undersampling and reconstruction for high- and low-spatial-frequency k-space data. Theory and Methods High- and low-spatial-frequency regions are defined in k-space based on the separation of wavelet subbands, and the conventional compressed sensing (CS) problem is transformed into one of localized k-space estimation. To better exploit wavelet-domain sparsity, CS can be used for high-spatial-frequency regions while parallel imaging can be used for low-spatial-frequency regions. Fourier undersampling is also customized to better accommodate each reconstruction method: random undersampling for CS and regular undersampling for parallel imaging. Results Examples using the proposed method demonstrate successful reconstruction of both low-spatial-frequency content and fine structures in high-resolution 3D breast imaging with a net acceleration of 11 to 12. Conclusion The proposed method improves the reconstruction accuracy of high-spatial-frequency signal content and avoids incoherent artifacts in low-spatial-frequency regions. This new formulation also reduces the reconstruction time due to the smaller problem size. PMID:23280540

Commercial scale production of Fe-6.5 wt. % Si sheet and its magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takada, Y.; Abe, M.; Masuda, S.; Inagaki, J.

1988-11-01

Commercial scale production of a Fe-6.5 wt. % Si sheet has been successfully developed. Presently manufactured sheets are in coil form, whose thickness ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 mm with a maximum width of 400 mm. Magnetic properties of the manufactured sheet have been investigated. The permeability of Fe-6.5 wt. % Si sheet is about 10 times higher than the conventional nonoriented silicon steel sheet. The core losses are less than half the conventional, and even less than that of the grain-oriented silicon steel sheet at frequencies over 400 Hz. Superior soft magnetic properties are attributed to the low magnetostriction and high electric resistivity of this alloy. It is well known that the Fe-6.5 wt. % Si alloy has poor ductility in conventional mechanical work. But investigation of the forming conditions has enabled the stamping and bending of alloy sheets. Low core losses and high permeability make Fe-6.5 wt. % Si sheet adequate for motor cores, transformer cores operating at high frequencies, and magnetic shielding. Application to the micromotor core shows that Fe-6.5 wt. % Si sheet reduces the consumption of no-load electric current by 25% in comparison with the conventional silicon steel.

SOI MESFETs on high-resistivity, trap-rich substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehr, Payam; Zhang, Xiong; Lepkowski, William; Li, Chaojiang; Thornton, Trevor J.

2018-04-01

The DC and RF characteristics of metal-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MESFETs) on conventional CMOS silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates are compared to nominally identical devices on high-resistivity, trap-rich SOI substrates. While the DC transfer characteristics are statistically identical on either substrate, the maximum available gain at GHz frequencies is enhanced by ∼2 dB when using the trap-rich substrates, with maximum operating frequencies, fmax, that are approximately 5-10% higher. The increased fmax is explained by the reduced substrate conduction at GHz frequencies using a lumped-element, small-signal model.

Acute refractory hypoxemia after chest trauma reversed by high-frequency oscillatory ventilation: a case report

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Polytrauma often results in significant hypoxemia secondary to direct lung contusion or indirectly through atelectasis, systemic inflammatory response, large volume fluid resuscitation and blood product transfusion. In addition to causing hypoxemia, atelectasis and acute lung injury can lead to right ventricular failure through an acute increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Mechanical ventilation is often applied, accompanied with recruitment maneuvers and positive end-expiratory pressure in order to recruit alveoli and reverse atelectasis, while preventing excessive alveolar damage. This strategy should lead to the reversal of the hypoxemic condition and the detrimental heart–lung interaction that may occur. However, as described in this case report, hemodynamic instability and intractable alveolar atelectasis sometimes do not respond to conventional ventilation strategies. Case presentation We describe the case of a 21-year-old Caucasian man with severe chest trauma requiring surgical interventions, who developed refractory hypoxemia and overt right ventricular failure. After multiple failed attempts of recruitment using conventional ventilation, the patient was ventilated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. This mode of ventilation allowed the reversal of the hemodynamic effects of severe hypoxemia and of the acute cor pulmonale. We use this case report to describe the physiological advantages of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in patients with chest trauma, and formulate the arguments to explain the positive effect observed in our patient. Conclusions High-frequency oscillatory ventilation can be used in the context of a blunt chest trauma accompanied by severe hypoxemia due to atelectasis. The positive effect is due to its capacity to recruit the collapsed alveoli and, as a result, the relief of increased pulmonary vascular resistance and subsequently the reversal of acute cor pulmonale. This approach may represent an alternative in case of failure of the conventional ventilation strategy. PMID:23855954

CFAVC scheme for high frequency series resonant inverter-fed domestic induction heating system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagarajan, Booma; Reddy Sathi, Rama

2016-01-01

This article presents the investigations on the constant frequency asymmetric voltage cancellation control in the AC-AC resonant converter-fed domestic induction heating system. Conventional fixed frequency control techniques used in the high frequency converters lead to non-zero voltage switching operation and reduced output power. The proposed control technique produces higher output power than the conventional fixed-frequency control strategies. In this control technique, zero-voltage-switching operation is maintained during different duty cycle operation for reduction in the switching losses. Complete analysis of the induction heating power supply system with asymmetric voltage cancellation control is discussed in this article. Simulation and experimental study on constant frequency asymmetric voltage cancellation (CFAVC)-controlled full bridge series resonant inverter is performed. Time domain simulation results for the open and closed loop of the system are obtained using MATLAB simulation tool. The simulation results prove the control of voltage and power in a wide range. PID controller-based closed loop control system achieves the voltage regulation of the proposed system for the step change in load. Hardware implementation of the system under CFAVC control is done using the embedded controller. The simulation and experimental results validate the performance of the CFAVC control technique for series resonant-based induction cooking system.

Real-time, high frequency QRS electrocardiograph

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlegel, Todd T. (Inventor); DePalma, Jude L. (Inventor); Moradi, Saeed (Inventor)

2006-01-01

Real time cardiac electrical data are received from a patient, manipulated to determine various useful aspects of the ECG signal, and displayed in real time in a useful form on a computer screen or monitor. The monitor displays the high frequency data from the QRS complex in units of microvolts, juxtaposed with a display of conventional ECG data in units of millivolts or microvolts. The high frequency data are analyzed for their root mean square (RMS) voltage values and the discrete RMS values and related parameters are displayed in real time. The high frequency data from the QRS complex are analyzed with imbedded algorithms to determine the presence or absence of reduced amplitude zones, referred to herein as RAZs. RAZs are displayed as go, no-go signals on the computer monitor. The RMS and related values of the high frequency components are displayed as time varying signals, and the presence or absence of RAZs may be similarly displayed over time.

Application of the Radon-FCL approach to seismic random noise suppression and signal preservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Fanlei; Li, Yue; Liu, Yanping; Tian, Yanan; Wu, Ning

2016-08-01

The fractal conservation law (FCL) is a linear partial differential equation that is modified by an anti-diffusive term of lower order. The analysis indicated that this algorithm could eliminate high frequencies and preserve or amplify low/medium-frequencies. Thus, this method is quite suitable for the simultaneous noise suppression and enhancement or preservation of seismic signals. However, the conventional FCL filters seismic data only along the time direction, thereby ignoring the spatial coherence between neighbouring traces, which leads to the loss of directional information. Therefore, we consider the development of the conventional FCL into the time-space domain and propose a Radon-FCL approach. We applied a Radon transform to implement the FCL method in this article; performing FCL filtering in the Radon domain achieves a higher level of noise attenuation. Using this method, seismic reflection events can be recovered with the sacrifice of fewer frequency components while effectively attenuating more random noise than conventional FCL filtering. Experiments using both synthetic and common shot point data demonstrate the advantages of the Radon-FCL approach versus the conventional FCL method with regard to both random noise attenuation and seismic signal preservation.

Novel non-periodic spoof surface plasmon polaritons with H-shaped cells and its application to high selectivity wideband bandpass filter.

PubMed

Gao, Xin; Che, Wenquan; Feng, Wenjie

2018-02-06

In this paper, one kind of novel non-periodic spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) with H-shaped cells is proposed. As we all know, the cutoff frequency exists inherently for the conventional comb-shaped SSPPs, which is a kind of periodic groove shape structures and fed by a conventional coplanar waveguide (CPW). In this work, instead of increasing the depth of all the grooves, two H-shaped cells are introduced to effectively reduce the cutoff frequency of the conventional comb-shaped SSPPs (about 12 GHz) for compact design. More importantly, the guide waves can be gradually transformed to SSPP waves with high efficiency, and better impedance matching from 50 Ω to the novel SSPP strip is achieved. Based on the proposed non-periodic SSPPs with H-shaped cells, a wideband bandpass filter (the 3-dB fractional bandwidths 68%) is realized by integrating the spiral-shaped defected ground structure (DGS) etched on CPW. Specifically, the filter shows high passband selectivity (Δf 3 dB /Δf 20 dB  = 0.91) and wide upper stopband with -20 dB rejection. A prototype is fabricated for demonstration. Good agreements can be observed between the measured and simulated results, indicating potential applications in the integrated plasmonic devices and circuits at microwave and even THz frequencies.

Radiosurgical fistulotomy; an alternative to conventional procedure in fistula in ano.

PubMed

Gupta, Pravin J

2003-01-01

Most surgeons continue to prefer the classic lay open technique [fistulotomy] as the gold standard of treatment in anal fistula. In this randomized study, a comparison is made between conventional fistulotomy and fistulotomy performed by a radio frequency device. One hundred patients of low anal fistula posted for fistulotomy were randomized prospectively to either a conventional or radio frequency technique. Parameters measured included time taken for the procedure, amount of blood loss, postoperative pain, return to work, and recurrence rate. The patient demographic was comparable in 2 groups. The radio frequency fistulotomy was quicker as compared to a conventional one [22 versus 37 minutes, p = 0.001], amount of bleeding was significantly less [47 ml versus 134 ml, p = 0.002], and hospital stay was less when patient was operated by radio frequency method [37 hours versus 56 hours in conventional method, p = 0.001]. The postoperative pain in the first 24 hours was more in conventional group [2 to 5 versus 0 to 3 on visual analogue scale]. The patients from radio frequency group resumed their duties early with a reduced healing period of the wounds [47 versus 64 days, p = 0.01]. The recurrence or failure rates were comparable in the radio frequency and conventional groups [2% versus 6%]. Fistulotomy procedure using a radio frequency technique has significant advantages over a conventional procedure with regard to operation time, blood loss, return to normal activity, and healing time of the wound.

Nonlinear Dot Plots.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Nils; Weiskopf, Daniel

2018-01-01

Conventional dot plots use a constant dot size and are typically applied to show the frequency distribution of small data sets. Unfortunately, they are not designed for a high dynamic range of frequencies. We address this problem by introducing nonlinear dot plots. Adopting the idea of nonlinear scaling from logarithmic bar charts, our plots allow for dots of varying size so that columns with a large number of samples are reduced in height. For the construction of these diagrams, we introduce an efficient two-way sweep algorithm that leads to a dense and symmetrical layout. We compensate aliasing artifacts at high dot densities by a specifically designed low-pass filtering method. Examples of nonlinear dot plots are compared to conventional dot plots as well as linear and logarithmic histograms. Finally, we include feedback from an expert review.

Electric power processing, distribution and control for advanced aerospace vehicles.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krausz, A.; Felch, J. L.

1972-01-01

The results of a current study program to develop a rational basis for selection of power processing, distribution, and control configurations for future aerospace vehicles including the Space Station, Space Shuttle, and high-performance aircraft are presented. Within the constraints imposed by the characteristics of power generation subsystems and the load utilization equipment requirements, the power processing, distribution and control subsystem can be optimized by selection of the proper distribution voltage, frequency, and overload/fault protection method. It is shown that, for large space vehicles which rely on static energy conversion to provide electric power, high-voltage dc distribution (above 100 V dc) is preferable to conventional 28 V dc and 115 V ac distribution per MIL-STD-704A. High-voltage dc also has advantages over conventional constant frequency ac systems in many aircraft applications due to the elimination of speed control, wave shaping, and synchronization equipment.

Faraday forcing of high-temperature levitated liquid metal drops for the measurement of surface tension.

PubMed

Brosius, Nevin; Ward, Kevin; Matsumoto, Satoshi; SanSoucie, Michael; Narayanan, Ranga

2018-01-01

In this work, a method for the measurement of surface tension using continuous periodic forcing is presented. To reduce gravitational effects, samples are electrostatically levitated prior to forcing. The method, called Faraday forcing, is particularly well suited for fluids that require high temperature measurements such as liquid metals where conventional surface tension measurement methods are not possible. It offers distinct advantages over the conventional pulse-decay analysis method when the sample viscosity is high or the levitation feedback control system is noisy. In the current method, levitated drops are continuously translated about a mean position at a small, constant forcing amplitude over a range of frequencies. At a particular frequency in this range, the drop suddenly enters a state of resonance, which is confirmed by large executions of prolate/oblate deformations about the mean spherical shape. The arrival at this resonant condition is a signature that the parametric forcing frequency is equal to the drop's natural frequency, the latter being a known function of surface tension. A description of the experimental procedure is presented. A proof of concept is given using pure Zr and a Ti 39.5 Zr 39.5 Ni 21 alloy as examples. The results compare favorably with accepted literature values obtained using the pulse-decay method.

A digital, constant-frequency pulsed phase-locked-loop instrument for real-time, absolute ultrasonic phase measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haldren, H. A.; Perey, D. F.; Yost, W. T.; Cramer, K. E.; Gupta, M. C.

2018-05-01

A digitally controlled instrument for conducting single-frequency and swept-frequency ultrasonic phase measurements has been developed based on a constant-frequency pulsed phase-locked-loop (CFPPLL) design. This instrument uses a pair of direct digital synthesizers to generate an ultrasonically transceived tone-burst and an internal reference wave for phase comparison. Real-time, constant-frequency phase tracking in an interrogated specimen is possible with a resolution of 0.000 38 rad (0.022°), and swept-frequency phase measurements can be obtained. Using phase measurements, an absolute thickness in borosilicate glass is presented to show the instrument's efficacy, and these results are compared to conventional ultrasonic pulse-echo time-of-flight (ToF) measurements. The newly developed instrument predicted the thickness with a mean error of -0.04 μm and a standard deviation of error of 1.35 μm. Additionally, the CFPPLL instrument shows a lower measured phase error in the absence of changing temperature and couplant thickness than high-resolution cross-correlation ToF measurements at a similar signal-to-noise ratio. By showing higher accuracy and precision than conventional pulse-echo ToF measurements and lower phase errors than cross-correlation ToF measurements, the new digitally controlled CFPPLL instrument provides high-resolution absolute ultrasonic velocity or path-length measurements in solids or liquids, as well as tracking of material property changes with high sensitivity. The ability to obtain absolute phase measurements allows for many new applications than possible with previous ultrasonic pulsed phase-locked loop instruments. In addition to improved resolution, swept-frequency phase measurements add useful capability in measuring properties of layered structures, such as bonded joints, or materials which exhibit non-linear frequency-dependent behavior, such as dispersive media.

Power conversion distribution system using a resonant high-frequency AC link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sood, P. K.; Lipo, T. A.

1986-01-01

Static power conversion systems based on a resonant high frequency (HF) link offers a significant reduction in the size and weight of the equipment over that achieved with conventional approaches, especially when multiple sources and loads are to be integrated. A faster system response and absence of audible noise are the other principal characteristics of such systems. A conversion configuration based on a HF link which is suitable for applications requiring distributed power is proposed.

Design, Fabrication and Characterization of A Bi-Frequency Co-Linear Array

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhuochen; Li, Sibo; Czernuszewicz, Tomasz J; Gallippi, Caterina M.; Liu, Ruibin; Geng, Xuecang

2016-01-01

Ultrasound imaging with high resolution and large penetration depth has been increasingly adopted in medical diagnosis, surgery guidance, and treatment assessment. Conventional ultrasound works at a particular frequency, with a −6 dB fractional bandwidth of ~70 %, limiting the imaging resolution or depth of field. In this paper, a bi-frequency co-linear array with resonant frequencies of 8 MHz and 20 MHz was investigated to meet the requirements of resolution and penetration depth for a broad range of ultrasound imaging applications. Specifically, a 32-element bi-frequency co-linear array was designed and fabricated, followed by element characterization and real-time sectorial scan (S-scan) phantom imaging using a Verasonics system. The bi-frequency co-linear array was tested in four different modes by switching between low and high frequencies on transmit and receive. The four modes included the following: (1) transmit low, receive low, (2) transmit low, receive high, (3) transmit high, receive low, (4) transmit high, receive high. After testing, the axial and lateral resolutions of all modes were calculated and compared. The results of this study suggest that bi-frequency co-linear arrays are potential aids for wideband fundamental imaging and harmonic/sub-harmonic imaging. PMID:26661069

Measures of extents of laterality for high-frequency ``transposed'' stimuli under conditions of binaural interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernstein, Leslie R.; Trahiotis, Constantine

2005-09-01

Our purpose in this study was to determine whether across-frequency binaural interference would occur if ITD-based extents of laterality were measured using high-frequency transposed stimuli as targets. The results of an earlier study [L. R. Bernstein and C. Trahiotis, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116, 3062-3069 (2004)], which focused on threshold-ITDs, rather than extents of laterality, suggested that high-frequency transposed stimuli might be ``immune'' to binaural interference effects resulting from the addition of a spectrally remote, low-frequency interferer. In contrast to the earlier findings, the data from this study indicate that high-frequency transposed targets are susceptible to binaural interference. Nevertheless, high-frequency transposed targets, even when presented along with an interferer, yielded greater extents of ITD-based laterality than did high-frequency Gaussian noise targets presented in isolation. That is, the ``enhanced potency'' of ITDs conveyed by transposed stimuli persisted, even in the presence of a low-frequency interferer. Predictions made using an extension of the model of Heller and Trahiotis [L. M. Heller and C. Trahiotis, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 99, 3632-3637 (1996)] accounted well for across-frequency binaural interference obtained with conventional Gaussian noise targets but, in all but one case, overpredicted the amounts of interference found with the transposed targets.

Computationally efficient algorithm for high sampling-frequency operation of active noise control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rout, Nirmal Kumar; Das, Debi Prasad; Panda, Ganapati

2015-05-01

In high sampling-frequency operation of active noise control (ANC) system the length of the secondary path estimate and the ANC filter are very long. This increases the computational complexity of the conventional filtered-x least mean square (FXLMS) algorithm. To reduce the computational complexity of long order ANC system using FXLMS algorithm, frequency domain block ANC algorithms have been proposed in past. These full block frequency domain ANC algorithms are associated with some disadvantages such as large block delay, quantization error due to computation of large size transforms and implementation difficulties in existing low-end DSP hardware. To overcome these shortcomings, the partitioned block ANC algorithm is newly proposed where the long length filters in ANC are divided into a number of equal partitions and suitably assembled to perform the FXLMS algorithm in the frequency domain. The complexity of this proposed frequency domain partitioned block FXLMS (FPBFXLMS) algorithm is quite reduced compared to the conventional FXLMS algorithm. It is further reduced by merging one fast Fourier transform (FFT)-inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) combination to derive the reduced structure FPBFXLMS (RFPBFXLMS) algorithm. Computational complexity analysis for different orders of filter and partition size are presented. Systematic computer simulations are carried out for both the proposed partitioned block ANC algorithms to show its accuracy compared to the time domain FXLMS algorithm.

Imaging of conductivity distributions using audio-frequency electromagnetic data

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

Lee, Ki Ha; Morrison, H.F.

1990-10-01

The objective of this study has been to develop mathematical methods for mapping conductivity distributions between boreholes using low frequency electromagnetic (em) data. In relation to this objective this paper presents two recent developments in high-resolution crosshole em imaging techniques. These are (1) audio-frequency diffusion tomography, and (2) a transform method in which low frequency data is first transformed into a wave-like field. The idea in the second approach is that we can then treat the transformed field using conventional techniques designed for wave field analysis.

Spin-controlled ultrafast vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Höpfner, Henning; Lindemann, Markus; Gerhardt, Nils C.; Hofmann, Martin R.

2014-05-01

Spin-controlled semiconductor lasers are highly attractive spintronic devices providing characteristics superior to their conventional purely charge-based counterparts. In particular, spin-controlled vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs) promise to offer lower thresholds, enhanced emission intensity, spin amplification, full polarization control, chirp control and ultrafast dynamics. Most important, the ability to control and modulate the polarization state of the laser emission with extraordinarily high frequencies is very attractive for many applications like broadband optical communication and ultrafast optical switches. We present a novel concept for ultrafast spin-VCSELs which has the potential to overcome the conventional speed limitation for directly modulated lasers by the relaxation oscillation frequency and to reach modulation frequencies significantly above 100 GHz. The concept is based on the coupled spin-photon dynamics in birefringent micro-cavity lasers. By injecting spin-polarized carriers in the VCSEL, oscillations of the coupled spin-photon system can by induced which lead to oscillations of the polarization state of the laser emission. These oscillations are decoupled from conventional relaxation oscillations of the carrier-photon system and can be much faster than these. Utilizing these polarization oscillations is thus a very promising approach to develop ultrafast spin-VCSELs for high speed optical data communication in the near future. Different aspects of the spin and polarization dynamics, its connection to birefringence and bistability in the cavity, controlled switching of the oscillations, and the limitations of this novel approach will be analysed theoretically and experimentally for spin-polarized VCSELs at room temperature.

Fast focus-scanning head in two-photon photoacoustic microscopy with electrically controlled liquid lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaoka, Yoshihisa; Kimura, Yuka; Harada, Yoshinori; Takamatsu, Tetsuro; Takahashi, Eiji

2018-02-01

Conventional one-photon photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) utilizes high-frequency components of generated photoacoustic waves to improve the depth resolution. However, to obtain optically-high resolution in PAM in the depth direction, the use of high-frequency ultrasonic waves is to be avoided. It is because that the propagation distance is shortened as the frequency of ultrasonic waves becomes high. To overcome this drawback, we have proposed and developed two-photon photoacoustic microscopy (TP-PAM). Two-photon absorption occurs only at the focus point. TPPAM does not need to use the high-frequency components of photoacoustic waves. Thus, TP-PAM can improve the penetration depth while preserving the spatial resolution. However, the image acquisition time of TP-PAM is longer than that of conventional PAM, because TP-PAM needs to scan the laser spot both in the depth and transverse directions to obtain cross-sectional images. In this paper, we have introduced a focus-tunable electrically-controlled liquid lens in TP-PAM. Instead of a mechanical stepping-motor stage, we employed electrically-controlled liquid lens so that the depth of the focus spot can be quickly changed. In our system, the imaging speed of TP-PAM using the liquid lens and one-axis stepping-motor stage was 10 times faster than that using a two-axis stepping-motor stage only. TP-PAM with focus-scanning head consisting of the liquid lens and stepping-motor stage will be a promising method to investigate the inside of living tissues.

Clinical usefulness and feasibility of time-frequency analysis of chemosensory event-related potentials.

PubMed

Huart, C; Rombaux, Ph; Hummel, T; Mouraux, A

2013-09-01

The clinical usefulness of olfactory event-related brain potentials (OERPs) to assess olfactory function is limited by the relatively low signal-to-noise ratio of the responses identified using conventional time-domain averaging. Recently, it was shown that time-frequency analysis of the obtained EEG signals can markedly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of OERPs in healthy controls, because it enhances both phase-locked and non phase-locked EEG responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of this approach and evaluate its feasibility in a clinical setting. We retrospectively analysed EEG recordings obtained from 45 patients (15 anosmic, 15 hyposmic and 15 normos- mic). The responses to olfactory stimulation were analysed using conventional time-domain analysis and joint time-frequency analysis. The ability of the two methods to discriminate between anosmic, hyposmic and normosmic patients was assessed using a Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis. The discrimination performance of OERPs identified using conventional time-domain averaging was poor. In contrast, the discrimination performance of the EEG response identified in the time-frequency domain was relatively high. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the magnitude of this response and the psychophysical olfactory score. Time-frequency analysis of the EEG responses to olfactory stimulation could be used as an effective and reliable diagnostic tool for the objective clinical evaluation of olfactory function in patients.

The Role of Nicotine Dependence in E-Cigarettes' Potential for Smoking Reduction.

PubMed

Selya, Arielle S; Dierker, Lisa; Rose, Jennifer S; Hedeker, Donald; Mermelstein, Robin J

2017-07-07

E-cigarettes (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, or ENDS) are an increasingly popular tobacco product among youth. Some evidence suggests that e-cigarettes may be effective for harm reduction and smoking cessation, although these claims remain controversial. Little is known about how nicotine dependence may contribute to e-cigarettes' effectiveness in reducing or quitting conventional smoking. A cohort of young adults were surveyed over 4 years (approximately ages 19-23). Varying-coefficient models (VCMs) were used to examine the relationship between e-cigarette use and conventional smoking frequency, and how this relationship varies across users with different nicotine dependence levels. Lifetime, but not recent, e-cigarette use was associated with less frequent concurrent smoking of conventional cigarettes among those with high levels of nicotine dependence. However, nondependent e-cigarette users smoked conventional cigarettes slightly more frequently than those who had never used e-cigarettes. Nearly half of ever e-cigarette users reported using them to quit smoking at the last measurement wave. For those who used e-cigarettes in a cessation attempt, the frequency of e-cigarette use was not associated with reductions in future conventional smoking frequency. These findings offer possible support that e-cigarettes may act as a smoking reduction method among highly nicotine-dependent young adult cigarette smokers. However, the opposite was found in non-dependent smokers, suggesting that e-cigarette use should be discouraged among novice tobacco users. Additionally, although a substantial proportion of young adults used e-cigarettes to help them quit smoking, these self-initiated quit attempts with e-cigarettes were not associated with future smoking reduction or cessation. This study offers potential support for e-cigarettes as a smoking reduction tool among highly nicotine-dependent young adult conventional smokers, although the extent and nature of this remains unclear. The use of e-cigarettes as a quit aid was not associated with reductions in conventional smoking, consistent with most other quit aids in this sample except for nicotine replacement therapy, which was only effective for the most dependent smokers. Notably, these findings highlight the necessity of accounting for smokers' nicotine dependence levels when examining tobacco use patterns. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Reflection full-waveform inversion using a modified phase misfit function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Chao; Huang, Jian-Ping; Li, Zhen-Chun; Liao, Wen-Yuan; Guan, Zhe

2017-09-01

Reflection full-waveform inversion (RFWI) updates the low- and highwavenumber components, and yields more accurate initial models compared with conventional full-waveform inversion (FWI). However, there is strong nonlinearity in conventional RFWI because of the lack of low-frequency data and the complexity of the amplitude. The separation of phase and amplitude information makes RFWI more linear. Traditional phase-calculation methods face severe phase wrapping. To solve this problem, we propose a modified phase-calculation method that uses the phase-envelope data to obtain the pseudo phase information. Then, we establish a pseudophase-information-based objective function for RFWI, with the corresponding source and gradient terms. Numerical tests verify that the proposed calculation method using the phase-envelope data guarantees the stability and accuracy of the phase information and the convergence of the objective function. The application on a portion of the Sigsbee2A model and comparison with inversion results of the improved RFWI and conventional FWI methods verify that the pseudophase-based RFWI produces a highly accurate and efficient velocity model. Moreover, the proposed method is robust to noise and high frequency.

Real-time, high frequency QRS electrocardiograph with reduced amplitude zone detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlegel, Todd T. (Inventor); DePalma, Jude L. (Inventor); Moradi, Saeed (Inventor)

2009-01-01

Real time cardiac electrical data are received from a patient, manipulated to determine various useful aspects of the ECG signal, and displayed in real time in a useful form on a computer screen or monitor. The monitor displays the high frequency data from the QRS complex in units of microvolts, juxtaposed with a display of conventional ECG data in units of millivolts or microvolts. The high frequency data are analyzed for their root mean square (RMS) voltage values and the discrete RMS values and related parameters are displayed in real time. The high frequency data from the QRS complex are analyzed with imbedded algorithms to determine the presence or absence of reduced amplitude zones, referred to herein as ''RAZs''. RAZs are displayed as ''go, no-go'' signals on the computer monitor. The RMS and related values of the high frequency components are displayed as time varying signals, and the presence or absence of RAZs may be similarly displayed over time.

Electrically Conductive Photopatternable Silver Paste for High-Frequency Ring Resonator and Band-Pass Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umarji, Govind; Qureshi, Nilam; Gosavi, Suresh; Mulik, Uttam; Kulkarni, Atul; Kim, Taesung; Amalnerkar, Dinesh

2017-02-01

In conventional thick-film technology, there are often problems associated with poor edges, rough surfaces, and reproducibility due to process limitations, especially for high-frequency applications. These difficulties can be circumvented by using thin-film technology, but process cost and complexity remain major concerns. In this context, photopatternable thick-film technology can offer a viable alternative due to its Newtonian rheology, which can facilitate formation of the required sharp edges. We present herein a unique attempt to formulate a photopatternable silver paste with organic (photosensitive polymer) to inorganic (silver and glass) ratio of 30:70, developed in-house by us for fabrication of thick-film-based ring resonator and band-pass filter components. The ring resonator and band-pass component structures were realized by exposing screen-printed film to ultraviolet light at wavelength of 315 nm to 400 nm for 30 s to crosslink the photosensitive polymer. The pattern was subsequently developed using 1% sodium carbonate aqueous solution. For comparison, conventional silver and silver-palladium thick films were produced using in-house formulations. The surface topology and microstructural features were examined by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The smoothness and edge definition of the film were assessed by profilometry. The resistivity of the samples was observed and remained in the range from 3.4 μΩ cm to 3.6 μΩ cm. The electrical properties were compared by measuring the insertion loss characteristics. The results revealed that the ring resonator fabricated using the photopatternable silver paste exhibited better high-frequency properties compared with components based on conventional silver or silver-palladium paste, especially in terms of the resonant frequency of 10.1 GHz (versus 10 GHz designed) with bandwidth of 80 MHz. Additionally, the band-pass filter fabricated using the photopatternable silver paste displayed better center frequency ( f 0 = 10.588 GHz) and comparable ripple and attenuation bandwidth performance on par with Cu thin film.

Swept Impact Seismic Technique (SIST)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Park, C.B.; Miller, R.D.; Steeples, D.W.; Black, R.A.

1996-01-01

A coded seismic technique is developed that can result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio than a conventional single-pulse method does. The technique is cost-effective and time-efficient and therefore well suited for shallow-reflection surveys where high resolution and cost-effectiveness are critical. A low-power impact source transmits a few to several hundred high-frequency broad-band seismic pulses during several seconds of recording time according to a deterministic coding scheme. The coding scheme consists of a time-encoded impact sequence in which the rate of impact (cycles/s) changes linearly with time providing a broad range of impact rates. Impact times used during the decoding process are recorded on one channel of the seismograph. The coding concept combines the vibroseis swept-frequency and the Mini-Sosie random impact concepts. The swept-frequency concept greatly improves the suppression of correlation noise with much fewer impacts than normally used in the Mini-Sosie technique. The impact concept makes the technique simple and efficient in generating high-resolution seismic data especially in the presence of noise. The transfer function of the impact sequence simulates a low-cut filter with the cutoff frequency the same as the lowest impact rate. This property can be used to attenuate low-frequency ground-roll noise without using an analog low-cut filter or a spatial source (or receiver) array as is necessary with a conventional single-pulse method. Because of the discontinuous coding scheme, the decoding process is accomplished by a "shift-and-stacking" method that is much simpler and quicker than cross-correlation. The simplicity of the coding allows the mechanical design of the source to remain simple. Several different types of mechanical systems could be adapted to generate a linear impact sweep. In addition, the simplicity of the coding also allows the technique to be used with conventional acquisition systems, with only minor modifications.

Radiometer Testbed Development for SWOT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kangaslahti, Pekka; Brown, Shannon; Gaier, Todd; Dawson, Douglas; Harding, Dennis; Fu, Lee-Lueng; Esteban-Fernandez, Daniel

2010-01-01

Conventional altimeters include nadir looking colocated 18-37 GHz microwave radiometer to measure wet tropospheric path delay. These have reduced accuracy in coastal zone (within 50 km from land) and do not provide wet path delay over land. The addition of high frequency channels to Jason-class radiometer will improve retrievals in coastal regions and enable retrievals over land. High-frequency window channels, 90, 130 and 166 GHz are optimum for improving performance in coastal region and channels on 183 GHz water vapor line are ideal for over-land retrievals.

Extinction-ratio-independent electrical method for measuring chirp parameters of Mach-Zehnder modulators using frequency-shifted heterodyne.

PubMed

Zhang, Shangjian; Wang, Heng; Zou, Xinhai; Zhang, Yali; Lu, Rongguo; Liu, Yong

2015-06-15

An extinction-ratio-independent electrical method is proposed for measuring chirp parameters of Mach-Zehnder electric-optic intensity modulators based on frequency-shifted optical heterodyne. The method utilizes the electrical spectrum analysis of the heterodyne products between the intensity modulated optical signal and the frequency-shifted optical carrier, and achieves the intrinsic chirp parameters measurement at microwave region with high-frequency resolution and wide-frequency range for the Mach-Zehnder modulator with a finite extinction ratio. Moreover, the proposed method avoids calibrating the responsivity fluctuation of the photodiode in spite of the involved photodetection. Chirp parameters as a function of modulation frequency are experimentally measured and compared to those with the conventional optical spectrum analysis method. Our method enables an extinction-ratio-independent and calibration-free electrical measurement of Mach-Zehnder intensity modulators by using the high-resolution frequency-shifted heterodyne technique.

A hybrid electrical power system for aircraft application.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, C. H.; Chin, C. Y.

1971-01-01

Possible improvements to present aircraft electrical power systems for use in future advanced types of aircraft have been investigated. The conventional power system is examined, the characteristics of electric loads are reviewed, and various methods of power generation and distribution are appraised. It is shown that a hybrid system, with variable-frequency generation and high-voltage dc distribution, could overcome some of the limitations of the conventional system.

Calibration-free absolute frequency response measurement of directly modulated lasers based on additional modulation.

PubMed

Zhang, Shangjian; Zou, Xinhai; Wang, Heng; Zhang, Yali; Lu, Rongguo; Liu, Yong

2015-10-15

A calibration-free electrical method is proposed for measuring the absolute frequency response of directly modulated semiconductor lasers based on additional modulation. The method achieves the electrical domain measurement of the modulation index of directly modulated lasers without the need for correcting the responsivity fluctuation in the photodetection. Moreover, it doubles measuring frequency range by setting a specific frequency relationship between the direct and additional modulation. Both the absolute and relative frequency response of semiconductor lasers are experimentally measured from the electrical spectrum of the twice-modulated optical signal, and the measured results are compared to those obtained with conventional methods to check the consistency. The proposed method provides calibration-free and accurate measurement for high-speed semiconductor lasers with high-resolution electrical spectrum analysis.

Work of PZT ceramics sounder for sound source artificial larynx

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugio, Yuuichi; Kanetake, Ryota; Tanaka, Akimitsu; Ooe, Katsutoshi

2007-04-01

We aim to develop the easy-to-use artificial larynx with high tone quality. We focus on using a PZT ceramics sounder as its sound source, because it is small size, low power consumption, and harmless to humans. But conventional PZT ceramics sounder have the problem that it cannot generate an enough sound in the low frequency range, thus they cannot be used for artificial larynx. Then, we aim to develop the PZT ceramics sounder which can generate enough volume in the low frequency range. If we can lower the resonance frequency of the sounder, it can generate low pitch sound easily. Therefore I created the new diaphragm with low resonance frequency. In addition, we could obtain the high amplitude by changing method of driving. This time, we report on the characteristic comparison of this new PZT ceramics sounder and conventional one. Furthermore, for this new one, we analyzed the best alignment of PZT ceramics and the shape of the diaphragm to obtain low resonance frequency and big amplitude. In fact we analyzed the optimization of the structure. The analysis is done by computer simulation of ANSYS and Laser Doppler Vibrometer. In the future, we will add intonation to the generated sound by input wave form which is developed concurrently, and implant the sounder inside of the body by the method of fixing metal to biomolecule which is done too. And so high tone quality and convenient artificial larynx will be completed.

Analysis and measurement of the modulation transfer function of harmonic shear wave induced phase encoding imaging.

PubMed

McAleavey, Stephen A

2014-05-01

Shear wave induced phase encoding (SWIPE) imaging generates ultrasound backscatter images of tissue-like elastic materials by using traveling shear waves to encode the lateral position of the scatters in the phase of the received echo. In contrast to conventional ultrasound B-scan imaging, SWIPE offers the potential advantages of image formation without beam focusing or steering from a single transducer element, lateral resolution independent of aperture size, and the potential to achieve relatively high lateral resolution with low frequency ultrasound. Here a Fourier series description of the phase modulated echo signal is developed, demonstrating that echo harmonics at multiples of the shear wave frequency reveal target k-space data at identical multiples of the shear wavenumber. Modulation transfer functions of SWIPE imaging systems are calculated for maximum shear wave acceleration and maximum shear constraints, and compared with a conventionally focused aperture. The relative signal-to-noise ratio of the SWIPE method versus a conventionally focused aperture is found through these calculations. Reconstructions of wire targets in a gelatin phantom using 1 and 3.5 MHz ultrasound and a cylindrical shear wave source are presented, generated from the fundamental and second harmonic of the shear wave modulation frequency, demonstrating weak dependence of lateral resolution with ultrasound frequency.

Signal detectability in diffusive media using phased arrays in conjunction with detector arrays.

PubMed

Kang, Dongyel; Kupinski, Matthew A

2011-06-20

We investigate Hotelling observer performance (i.e., signal detectability) of a phased array system for tasks of detecting small inhomogeneities and distinguishing adjacent abnormalities in uniform diffusive media. Unlike conventional phased array systems where a single detector is located on the interface between two sources, we consider a detector array, such as a CCD, on a phantom exit surface for calculating the Hotelling observer detectability. The signal detectability for adjacent small abnormalities (2 mm displacement) for the CCD-based phased array is related to the resolution of reconstructed images. Simulations show that acquiring high-dimensional data from a detector array in a phased array system dramatically improves the detectability for both tasks when compared to conventional single detector measurements, especially at low modulation frequencies. It is also observed in all studied cases that there exists the modulation frequency optimizing CCD-based phased array systems, where detectability for both tasks is consistently high. These results imply that the CCD-based phased array has the potential to achieve high resolution and signal detectability in tomographic diffusive imaging while operating at a very low modulation frequency. The effect of other configuration parameters, such as a detector pixel size, on the observer performance is also discussed.

A New Distance Metric in Ground Motion Prediction Equations Based On Array Back-Projections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, T.; Meng, L.

2017-12-01

Traditional Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) measure the distances either relative to the epicenter (Repi) or the hypocenter (Rhyp) assuming point-sources, or relative to the closest point of the fault rupture (Rrup) or its surface projection (Rjb) to account for finite earthquake dimensions. However, it has long been proven that for large megathrust earthquakes (M>8), the over-simplification of the earthquake source characteristics in these distance metrics result in significant bias and uncertainty of the ground motion predictions. Recent advances in earthquake source imaging of major subduction earthquakes highlight the frequency-dependent and depth-varying seismic radiations at the plate interfaces. Low-frequency energy mainly emanated from the shallower portion of the megathrusts while dominant high-frequency energy often radiates from the deeper portion of the megathrust. In the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, all these distance metrics produce severe biases, underestimating the ground accelerations at short distances (<100km) and overestimating them at long distances (>100km). This phenomenon motivates an alternative distance metric based on the array back-projection (BP) technique that effectively captures regions releasing high-frequency energy. Herein, we define Rbp as the distance between nearest BP radiators and the station sites. We studied five large earthquakes in Japan, and found that Rbp outperforms conventional distance metrics in predicting the Psa (Pseudo Spectral Acceleration) in the high-frequency band (0.5-4 Hz). And at low frequencies (0.1-0.5Hz), we find that Rhyp produces better fits to the Psa spectrum. Thus, we propose to combine Rhyp and Rbp in low-frequency (0.1-0.5Hz) and high-frequency (0.5-4 Hz) range to improve the GMPEs. We consider that Rbp reflects the high-frequency characters of the rupture that are complementary to conventional GMPE distance metrics and a more suitable ground motion predictors in many cases. Based on our new distance metric, we expect to build an automatic system predicting ground motion immediately after the large earthquake (M>7) happens, an alternative to the shakemap.

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

Bacon, L. D.

Hybrid Band{trademark} (H-band) is a Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC) designation for a specific RF modulation that causes disruption of select electronic components and circuits. H-Band enables conventional high-power microwave (HPM) effects (with a center frequency of 1 to 2 GHz, for example) using a higher frequency carrier signal. The primary technical objective of this project was to understand the fundamental physics of Hybrid Band{trademark} Radio Frequency effects on electronic systems. The follow-on objective was to develop and validate a Hybrid Band{trademark} effects analysis process.

Relationship between delta power and the electrocardiogram-derived cardiopulmonary spectrogram: possible implications for assessing the effectiveness of sleep.

PubMed

Thomas, Robert Joseph; Mietus, Joseph E; Peng, Chung-Kang; Guo, Dan; Gozal, David; Montgomery-Downs, Hawley; Gottlieb, Daniel J; Wang, Cheng-Yen; Goldberger, Ary L

2014-01-01

The physiologic relationship between slow-wave activity (SWA) (0-4 Hz) on the electroencephalogram (EEG) and high-frequency (0.1-0.4 Hz) cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) derived from electrocardiogram (ECG) sleep spectrograms is not known. Because high-frequency CPC appears to be a biomarker of stable sleep, we tested the hypothesis that that slow-wave EEG power would show a relatively fixed-time relationship to periods of high-frequency CPC. Furthermore, we speculated that this correlation would be independent of conventional nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages. We analyzed selected datasets from an archived polysomnography (PSG) database, the Sleep Heart Health Study I (SHHS-I). We employed the cross-correlation technique to measure the degree of which 2 signals are correlated as a function of a time lag between them. Correlation analyses between high-frequency CPC and delta power (computed both as absolute and normalized values) from 3150 subjects with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≤5 events per hour of sleep were performed. The overall correlation (r) between delta power and high-frequency coupling (HFC) power was 0.40±0.18 (P=.001). Normalized delta power provided improved correlation relative to absolute delta power. Correlations were somewhat reduced in the second half relative to the first half of the night (r=0.45±0.20 vs r=0.34±0.23). Correlations were only affected by age in the eighth decade. There were no sex differences and only small racial or ethnic differences were noted. These results support a tight temporal relationship between slow wave power, both within and outside conventional slow wave sleep periods, and high frequency cardiopulmonary coupling, an ECG-derived biomarker of "stable" sleep. These findings raise mechanistic questions regarding the cross-system integration of neural and cardiopulmonary control during sleep. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chirp-coded excitation imaging with a high-frequency ultrasound annular array.

PubMed

Mamou, Jonathan; Ketterling, Jeffrey A; Silverman, Ronald H

2008-02-01

High-frequency ultrasound (HFU, > 15 MHz) is an effective means of obtaining fine-resolution images of biological tissues for applications such as opthalmologic, dermatologic, and small animal imaging. HFU has two inherent drawbacks. First, HFU images have a limited depth of field (DOF) because of the short wavelength and the low fixed F-number of conventional HFU transducers. Second, HFU can be used to image only a few millimeters deep into a tissue because attenuation increases with frequency. In this study, a five-element annular array was used in conjunction with a synthetic-focusing algorithm to extend the DOF. The annular array had an aperture of 10 mm, a focal length of 31 mm, and a center frequency of 17 MHz. To increase penetration depth, 8-micros, chirp-coded signals were designed, input into an arbitrary waveform generator, and used to excite each array element. After data acquisition, the received signals were linearly filtered to restore axial resolution and increase the SNR. To compare the chirpcoded imaging method with conventional impulse imaging in terms of resolution, a 25-microm diameter wire was scanned and the -6-dB axial and lateral resolutions were computed at depths ranging from 20.5 to 40.5 mm. The results demonstrated that chirp-coded excitation did not degrade axial or lateral resolution. A tissue-mimicking phantom containing 10-microm glass beads was scanned, and backscattered signals were analyzed to evaluate SNR and penetration depth. Finally, ex vivo ophthalmic images were formed and chirpcoded images showed features that were not visible in conventional impulse images.

Contrast sensitivity test and conventional and high frequency audiometry: information beyond that required to prescribe lenses and headsets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comastri, S. A.; Martin, G.; Simon, J. M.; Angarano, C.; Dominguez, S.; Luzzi, F.; Lanusse, M.; Ranieri, M. V.; Boccio, C. M.

2008-04-01

In Optometry and in Audiology, the routine tests to prescribe correction lenses and headsets are respectively the visual acuity test (the first chart with letters was developed by Snellen in 1862) and conventional pure tone audiometry (the first audiometer with electrical current was devised by Hartmann in 1878). At present there are psychophysical non invasive tests that, besides evaluating visual and auditory performance globally and even in cases catalogued as normal according to routine tests, supply early information regarding diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, cardiovascular problems, etc. Concerning Optometry, one of these tests is the achromatic luminance contrast sensitivity test (introduced by Schade in 1956). Concerning Audiology, one of these tests is high frequency pure tone audiometry (introduced a few decades ago) which yields information relative to pathologies affecting the basal cochlea and complements data resulting from conventional audiometry. These utilities of the contrast sensitivity test and of pure tone audiometry derive from the facts that Fourier components constitute the basis to synthesize stimuli present at the entrance of the visual and auditory systems; that these systems responses depend on frequencies and that the patient's psychophysical state affects frequency processing. The frequency of interest in the former test is the effective spatial frequency (inverse of the angle subtended at the eye by a cycle of a sinusoidal grating and measured in cycles/degree) and, in the latter, the temporal frequency (measured in cycles/sec). Both tests have similar duration and consist in determining the patient's threshold (corresponding to the inverse multiplicative of the contrast or to the inverse additive of the sound intensity level) for each harmonic stimulus present at the system entrance (sinusoidal grating or pure tone sound). In this article the frequencies, standard normality curves and abnormal threshold shifts inherent to the contrast sensitivity test (which for simplicity could be termed "visionmetry") and to pure tone audiometry (also termed auditory sensitivity test) are analyzed with the purpose of contributing to divulge their ability to supply early information associated to pathologies not solely related to the visual and auditory systems respectively.

Nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma jet using a combination of 50 kHz/2 MHz dual-frequency power sources

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

Zhou, Yong-Jie; Yuan, Qiang-Hua; Li, Fei

2013-11-15

An atmospheric pressure plasma jet is generated by dual sinusoidal wave (50 kHz and 2 MHz). The dual-frequency plasma jet exhibits the advantages of both low frequency and radio frequency plasmas, namely, the long plasma plume and the high electron density. The radio frequency ignition voltage can be reduced significantly by using dual-frequency excitation compared to the conventional radio frequency without the aid of the low frequency excitation source. A larger operating range of α mode discharge can be obtained using dual-frequency excitation which is important to obtain homogeneous and low-temperature plasma. A larger controllable range of the gas temperaturemore » of atmospheric pressure plasma could also be obtained using dual-frequency excitation.« less

Ultra-thin smart acoustic metasurface for low-frequency sound insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hao; Xiao, Yong; Wen, Jihong; Yu, Dianlong; Wen, Xisen

2016-04-01

Insulating low-frequency sound is a conventional challenge due to the high areal mass required by mass law. In this letter, we propose a smart acoustic metasurface consisting of an ultra-thin aluminum foil bonded with piezoelectric resonators. Numerical and experimental results show that the metasurface can break the conventional mass law of sound insulation by 30 dB in the low frequency regime (<1000 Hz), with an ultra-light areal mass density (<1.6 kg/m2) and an ultra-thin thickness (1000 times smaller than the operating wavelength). The underlying physical mechanism of such extraordinary sound insulation performance is attributed to the infinite effective dynamic mass density produced by the smart resonators. It is also demonstrated that the excellent sound insulation property can be conveniently tuned by simply adjusting the external circuits instead of modifying the structure of the metasurface.

High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Improves Functional Recovery by Enhancing Neurogenesis and Activating BDNF/TrkB Signaling in Ischemic Rats

PubMed Central

Luo, Jing; Zheng, Haiqing; Zhang, Liying; Zhang, Qingjie; Li, Lili; Pei, Zhong; Hu, Xiquan

2017-01-01

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has rapidly become an attractive therapeutic approach for stroke. However, the mechanisms underlying this remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate whether high-frequency rTMS improves functional recovery mediated by enhanced neurogenesis and activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) pathway and to compare the effect of conventional 20 Hz rTMS and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on ischemic rats. Rats after rTMS were sacrificed seven and 14 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), following evaluation of neurological function. Neurogenesis was measured using specific markers: Ki67, Nestin, doublecortin (DCX), NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the expression levels of BDNF were visualized by Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis. Both high-frequency rTMS methods significantly improved neurological function and reduced infarct volume. Moreover, 20 Hz rTMS and iTBS significantly promoted neurogenesis, shown by an increase of Ki67/DCX, Ki67/Nestin, and Ki67/NeuN-positive cells in the peri-infarct striatum. These beneficial effects were accompanied by elevated protein levels of BDNF and phosphorylated-TrkB. In conclusion, high-frequency rTMS improves functional recovery possibly by enhancing neurogenesis and activating BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and conventional 20 Hz rTMS is better than iTBS at enhancing neurogenesis in ischemic rats. PMID:28230741

Lateralization of high-frequency transposed stimuli under conditions of binaural interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernstein, Leslie R.; Trahiotis, Constantine

2005-04-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether binaural interference would occur if ITD-based extents of laterality were measured using high-frequency transposed stimuli as targets. The results of an earlier study [L. R. Bernstein and C. Trahiotis, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116, 3062-3069 (2004)], which focused on threshold-ITDs rather than extents of laterality, suggested that high-frequency transposed stimuli might be immune to binaural interference effects resulting from the addition of a spectrally-remote, low-frequency interferer. In contrast to the earlier findings, the data from this study indicate that high-frequency transposed targets can, indeed, be susceptible to binaural interference. High-frequency transposed targets, even when presented along with an interferer, yielded greater extents of ITD-based laterality than did Gaussian noise targets presented in isolation. That is, the enhanced potency of ITDs conveyed by transposed stimuli persisted even in the presence of a low-frequency interferer. Predictions made using an extension of the model of Heller and Trahiotis [L. M. Heller and C. Trahiotis, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 99, 3632-3637 (1996)] accounted well for binaural interference obtained with conventional Gaussian noise targets but generally over-predicted the amounts of interference found with the transposed targets.

Terahertz-driven linear electron acceleration

PubMed Central

Nanni, Emilio A.; Huang, Wenqian R.; Hong, Kyung-Han; Ravi, Koustuban; Fallahi, Arya; Moriena, Gustavo; Dwayne Miller, R. J.; Kärtner, Franz X.

2015-01-01

The cost, size and availability of electron accelerators are dominated by the achievable accelerating gradient. Conventional high-brightness radio-frequency accelerating structures operate with 30–50 MeV m−1 gradients. Electron accelerators driven with optical or infrared sources have demonstrated accelerating gradients orders of magnitude above that achievable with conventional radio-frequency structures. However, laser-driven wakefield accelerators require intense femtosecond sources and direct laser-driven accelerators suffer from low bunch charge, sub-micron tolerances and sub-femtosecond timing requirements due to the short wavelength of operation. Here we demonstrate linear acceleration of electrons with keV energy gain using optically generated terahertz pulses. Terahertz-driven accelerating structures enable high-gradient electron/proton accelerators with simple accelerating structures, high repetition rates and significant charge per bunch. These ultra-compact terahertz accelerators with extremely short electron bunches hold great potential to have a transformative impact for free electron lasers, linear colliders, ultrafast electron diffraction, X-ray science and medical therapy with X-rays and electron beams. PMID:26439410

Terahertz-driven linear electron acceleration

DOE PAGES

Nanni, Emilio A.; Huang, Wenqian R.; Hong, Kyung-Han; ...

2015-10-06

The cost, size and availability of electron accelerators are dominated by the achievable accelerating gradient. Conventional high-brightness radio-frequency accelerating structures operate with 30–50 MeVm -1 gradients. Electron accelerators driven with optical or infrared sources have demonstrated accelerating gradients orders of magnitude above that achievable with conventional radio-frequency structures. However, laser-driven wakefield accelerators require intense femtosecond sources and direct laser-driven accelerators suffer from low bunch charge, sub-micron tolerances and sub-femtosecond timing requirements due to the short wavelength of operation. Here we demonstrate linear acceleration of electrons with keV energy gain using optically generated terahertz pulses. Terahertz-driven accelerating structures enable high-gradient electron/protonmore » accelerators with simple accelerating structures, high repetition rates and significant charge per bunch. As a result, these ultra-compact terahertz accelerators with extremely short electron bunches hold great potential to have a transformative impact for free electron lasers, linear colliders, ultrafast electron diffraction, X-ray science and medical therapy with X-rays and electron beams.« less

Audiometric notch and extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift in relation to total leisure noise exposure: An exploratory analysis.

PubMed

Wei, Wenjia; Heinze, Stefanie; Gerstner, Doris G; Walser, Sandra M; Twardella, Dorothee; Reiter, Christina; Weilnhammer, Veronika; Perez-Alvarez, Carmelo; Steffens, Thomas; Herr, Caroline E W

2017-01-01

Studies investigating leisure noise effect on extended high frequency hearing are insufficient and they have inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate if extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift is related to audiometric notch, and if total leisure noise exposure is associated with extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift. A questionnaire of the Ohrkan cohort study was used to collect information on demographics and leisure time activities. Conventional and extended high-frequency audiometry was performed. We did logistic regression between extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift and audiometric notch as well as between total leisure noise exposure and extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift. Potential confounders (sex, school type, and firecrackers) were included. Data from 278 participants (aged 18-23 years, 53.2% female) were analyzed. Associations between hearing threshold shift at 10, 11.2, 12.5, and 14 kHz with audiometric notch were observed with a higher prevalence of threshold shift at the four frequencies, compared to the notch. However, we found no associations between total leisure noise exposure and hearing threshold shift at any extended high frequency. This exploratory analysis suggests that while extended high-frequency hearing threshold shifts are not related to total leisure noise exposure, they are strongly associated with audiometric notch. This leads us to further explore the hypothesis that extended high-frequency threshold shift might be indicative of the appearance of audiometric notch at a later time point, which can be investigated in the future follow-ups of the Ohrkan cohort.

High dielectric hyperbranched polyaniline materials.

PubMed

Yan, X Z; Goodson, T

2006-08-03

New organic materials for the purpose of high speed capacitor applications are discussed. The effect of the microcrystalline size dependence of different polyaniline polymeric systems on the dielectric constant is investigated. Two different methods are described for the preparation of the polyaniline dielectric materials. By sonication polymerization, the prepared polyaniline with a suggested hyperbranched structure showed much larger microcrystalline domains in comparison to the conventional linear polyaniline. Investigations of the dielectric constant and capacitance at a relatively high frequency (>100 kHz) suggested that the system with the larger microcrystalline domains (hyperbranched) gives rise to a larger dielectric constant. The mechanism of the increased dielectric response at higher frequencies is investigated by EPR spectroscopy, and these results suggest that delocalized polarons may provide a way to enhance the dielectric response at high frequency.

Modal, ray, and beam techniques for analyzing the EM scattering by open-ended waveguide cavities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pathak, Prabhakar H.; Burkholder, Robert J.

1989-01-01

The problem of high-frequency electromagnetic (EM) scattering by open-ended waveguide cavities with an interior termination is analyzed via three different approaches. When cavities can be adequately modeled by joining together piecewise separable waveguide sections, a hybrid combination of asymptotic high-frequency and modal techniques is employed. In the case of more arbitrarily shaped waveguide cavities for which modes cannot even be defined in the conventional sense, the geometrical optics ray approach proves to be highly useful. However, at sufficiently high frequencies, both of these approaches tend to become inefficient. Hence, a paraxial Gaussian batch technique, which retains much of the simplicity of the ray approximation but is potentially more efficient, is investigated. Typical numerical results based on the different approaches are discussed.

Parametric Amplification Protocol for Frequency-Modulated Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrell, Lee; Moore, Eric; Lee, Sanggap; Hickman, Steven; Marohn, John

2011-03-01

We present data and theoretical signal and noise calculations for a protocol using parametric amplification to evade the inherent tradeoff between signal and detector frequency noise in force-gradient magnetic resonance force microscopy signals, which are manifested as a modulated frequency shift of a high- Q microcantilever. Substrate-induced frequency noise has a 1 / f frequency dependence, while detector noise exhibits an f2 dependence on modulation frequency f . Modulation of sample spins at a frequency that minimizes these two contributions typically results in a surface frequency noise power an order of magnitude or more above the thermal limit and may prove incompatible with sample spin relaxation times as well. We show that the frequency modulated force-gradient signal can be used to excite the fundamental resonant mode of the cantilever, resulting in an audio frequency amplitude signal that is readily detected with a low-noise fiber optic interferometer. This technique allows us to modulate the force-gradient signal at a sufficiently high frequency so that substrate-induced frequency noise is evaded without subjecting the signal to the normal f2 detector noise of conventional demodulation.

EXPLORATION OF SOURCE FREQUENCY PHASE REFERENCING TECHNIQUES FOR ASTROMETRY AND OBSERVATIONS OF WEAK SOURCES WITH HIGH FREQUENCY SPACE VERY LONG BASELINE INTERFEROMETRY

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

Rioja, M.; Dodson, R.; Malarecki, J.

2011-11-15

Space very long baseline interferometry (S-VLBI) observations at high frequencies hold the prospect of achieving the highest angular resolutions and astrometric accuracies, resulting from the long baselines between ground and satellite telescopes. Nevertheless, space-specific issues, such as limited accuracy in the satellite orbit reconstruction and constraints on the satellite antenna pointing operations, limit the application of conventional phase referencing. We investigate the feasibility of an alternative technique, source frequency phase referencing (SFPR), to the S-VLBI domain. With these investigations we aim to contribute to the design of the next generation of S-VLBI missions. We have used both analytical and simulationmore » studies to characterize the performance of SFPR in S-VLBI observations, applied to astrometry and increased coherence time, and compared these to results obtained using conventional phase referencing. The observing configurations use the specifications of the ASTRO-G mission for their starting point. Our results show that the SFPR technique enables astrometry at 43 GHz, using alternating observations with 22 GHz, regardless of the orbit errors, for most weathers and under a wide variety of conditions. The same applies to the increased coherence time for the detection of weak sources. Our studies show that the capability to carry out simultaneous dual frequency observations enables application to higher frequencies, and a general improvement of the performance in all cases, hence we recommend its consideration for S-VLBI programs.« less

An Efficient Multiscale Finite-Element Method for Frequency-Domain Seismic Wave Propagation

DOE PAGES

Gao, Kai; Fu, Shubin; Chung, Eric T.

2018-02-13

The frequency-domain seismic-wave equation, that is, the Helmholtz equation, has many important applications in seismological studies, yet is very challenging to solve, particularly for large geological models. Iterative solvers, domain decomposition, or parallel strategies can partially alleviate the computational burden, but these approaches may still encounter nontrivial difficulties in complex geological models where a sufficiently fine mesh is required to represent the fine-scale heterogeneities. We develop a novel numerical method to solve the frequency-domain acoustic wave equation on the basis of the multiscale finite-element theory. We discretize a heterogeneous model with a coarse mesh and employ carefully constructed high-order multiscalemore » basis functions to form the basis space for the coarse mesh. Solved from medium- and frequency-dependent local problems, these multiscale basis functions can effectively capture themedium’s fine-scale heterogeneity and the source’s frequency information, leading to a discrete system matrix with a much smaller dimension compared with those from conventional methods.We then obtain an accurate solution to the acoustic Helmholtz equation by solving only a small linear system instead of a large linear system constructed on the fine mesh in conventional methods.We verify our new method using several models of complicated heterogeneities, and the results show that our new multiscale method can solve the Helmholtz equation in complex models with high accuracy and extremely low computational costs.« less

An Efficient Multiscale Finite-Element Method for Frequency-Domain Seismic Wave Propagation

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

Gao, Kai; Fu, Shubin; Chung, Eric T.

The frequency-domain seismic-wave equation, that is, the Helmholtz equation, has many important applications in seismological studies, yet is very challenging to solve, particularly for large geological models. Iterative solvers, domain decomposition, or parallel strategies can partially alleviate the computational burden, but these approaches may still encounter nontrivial difficulties in complex geological models where a sufficiently fine mesh is required to represent the fine-scale heterogeneities. We develop a novel numerical method to solve the frequency-domain acoustic wave equation on the basis of the multiscale finite-element theory. We discretize a heterogeneous model with a coarse mesh and employ carefully constructed high-order multiscalemore » basis functions to form the basis space for the coarse mesh. Solved from medium- and frequency-dependent local problems, these multiscale basis functions can effectively capture themedium’s fine-scale heterogeneity and the source’s frequency information, leading to a discrete system matrix with a much smaller dimension compared with those from conventional methods.We then obtain an accurate solution to the acoustic Helmholtz equation by solving only a small linear system instead of a large linear system constructed on the fine mesh in conventional methods.We verify our new method using several models of complicated heterogeneities, and the results show that our new multiscale method can solve the Helmholtz equation in complex models with high accuracy and extremely low computational costs.« less

Real-time and high accuracy frequency measurements for intermediate frequency narrowband signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Jing; Meng, Xiaofeng; Nie, Jing; Lin, Liwei

2018-01-01

Real-time and accurate measurements of intermediate frequency signals based on microprocessors are difficult due to the computational complexity and limited time constraints. In this paper, a fast and precise methodology based on the sigma-delta modulator is designed and implemented by first generating the twiddle factors using the designed recursive scheme. This scheme requires zero times of multiplications and only half amounts of addition operations by using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and the combination of the Rife algorithm and Fourier coefficient interpolation as compared with conventional methods such as DFT and Fast Fourier Transform. Experimentally, when the sampling frequency is 10 MHz, the real-time frequency measurements with intermediate frequency and narrowband signals have a measurement mean squared error of ±2.4 Hz. Furthermore, a single measurement of the whole system only requires approximately 0.3 s to achieve fast iteration, high precision, and less calculation time.

High frequency reference electrode

DOEpatents

Kronberg, J.W.

1994-05-31

A high frequency reference electrode for electrochemical experiments comprises a mercury-calomel or silver-silver chloride reference electrode with a layer of platinum around it and a layer of a chemically and electrically resistant material such as TEFLON around the platinum covering all but a small ring or halo' at the tip of the reference electrode, adjacent to the active portion of the reference electrode. The voltage output of the platinum layer, which serves as a redox electrode, and that of the reference electrode are coupled by a capacitor or a set of capacitors and the coupled output transmitted to a standard laboratory potentiostat. The platinum may be applied by thermal decomposition to the surface of the reference electrode. The electrode provides superior high-frequency response over conventional electrodes. 4 figs.

High frequency reference electrode

DOEpatents

Kronberg, James W.

1994-01-01

A high frequency reference electrode for electrochemical experiments comprises a mercury-calomel or silver-silver chloride reference electrode with a layer of platinum around it and a layer of a chemically and electrically resistant material such as TEFLON around the platinum covering all but a small ring or "halo" at the tip of the reference electrode, adjacent to the active portion of the reference electrode. The voltage output of the platinum layer, which serves as a redox electrode, and that of the reference electrode are coupled by a capacitor or a set of capacitors and the coupled output transmitted to a standard laboratory potentiostat. The platinum may be applied by thermal decomposition to the surface of the reference electrode. The electrode provides superior high-frequency response over conventional electrodes.

Selective and Catalyst-free Oxidation of D-Glucose to D-Glucuronic acid induced by High-Frequency Ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amaniampong, Prince N.; Karam, Ayman; Trinh, Quang Thang; Xu, Kai; Hirao, Hajime; Jérôme, François; Chatel, Gregory

2017-01-01

This systematic experimental investigation reveals that high-frequency ultrasound irradiation (550 kHz) induced oxidation of D-glucose to glucuronic acid in excellent yield without assistance of any (bio)catalyst. Oxidation is induced thanks to the in situ production of radical species in water. Experiments show that the dissolved gases play an important role in governing the nature of generated radical species and thus the selectivity for glucuronic acid. Importantly, this process yields glucuronic acid instead of glucuronate salt typically obtained via conventional (bio)catalyst routes, which is of huge interest in respect of downstream processing. Investigations using disaccharides revealed that radicals generated by high frequency ultrasound were also capable of promoting tandem hydrolysis/oxidation reactions.

Behavioral economic substitution between conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes differs as a function of the frequency of e-cigarette use.

PubMed

Snider, Sarah E; Cummings, K Michael; Bickel, Warren K

2017-08-01

Models measuring the interactions between consumption of conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in the marketplace are becoming vital forecast tools as the popularity of e-cigarettes increases and policy on tobacco products changes. Behavioral economics, which involves the integration of psychology and consumer demand, can be used to measure individuals' purchase behavior under different marketplace conditions. Our goal was to measure hypothetical conventional cigarette and e-cigarette purchasing among smokers with varying e-cigarette use patterns. Daily cigarette smokers were recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk, an online crowdsourcing tool. Participants were asked about their frequency of e-cigarette use and to complete hypothetical single and cross-commodity purchase tasks. Frequency of e-cigarette use differentially affected how individuals consumed both conventional and e- cigarettes in different hypothetical marketplace conditions. The present study demonstrates four main findings: 1) the demand for conventional cigarettes was the lowest in those with greater frequency of e-cigarette use, 2) the demand for e-cigarettes was the highest in those with greater frequency of e-cigarette use, 3) when both products were available together, daily e-cigarette users purchased more e-cigarettes, but e-cigarettes served as a substitute for cigarettes in all groups regardless of frequency of use, and 4) the demand for conventional cigarette demand was lower in frequent e-cigarette users when e-cigarettes were concurrently available. Together, these data suggest that price and marketplace conditions will impact purchasing behavior of conventional and e-cigarettes users heterogeneously. Therefore, frequency of use patterns should be considered when implementing novel policies and/or marketplace changes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Demonstration of an optical frequency synthesizer with zero carrier-envelope-offset frequency stabilized by the direct locking method.

PubMed

Kim, Eok Bong; Lee, Jae-hwan; Trung, Luu Tran; Lee, Wong-Kyu; Yu, Dai-Hyuk; Ryu, Han Young; Nam, Chang Hee; Park, Chang Yong

2009-11-09

We developed an optical frequency synthesizer (OFS) with the carrier-envelope-offset frequency locked to 0 Hz achieved using the "direct locking method." This method differs from a conventional phaselock method in that the interference signal from a self-referencing f-2f interferometer is directly fed back to the carrier-envelope-phase control of a femtosecond laser in the time domain. A comparison of the optical frequency of the new OFS to that of a conventional OFS stabilized by a phase-lock method showed that the frequency comb of the new OFS was not different to that of the conventional OFS within an uncertainty of 5.68x10(-16). As a practical application of this OFS, we measured the absolute frequency of an acetylene-stabilized diode laser serving as an optical frequency standard in optical communications.

Identification Method of Mud Shale Fractures Base on Wavelet Transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Weixu; Lai, Fuqiang; Luo, Han

2018-01-01

In recent years, inspired by seismic analysis technology, a new method for analysing mud shale fractures oil and gas reservoirs by logging properties has emerged. By extracting the high frequency attribute of the wavelet transform in the logging attribute, the formation information hidden in the logging signal is extracted, identified the fractures that are not recognized by conventional logging and in the identified fracture segment to show the “cycle jump”, “high value”, “spike” and other response effect is more obvious. Finally formed a complete wavelet denoising method and wavelet high frequency identification fracture method.

Glutenite bodies sequence division of the upper Es4 in northern Minfeng zone of Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Xupeng

2017-04-01

Glutenite bodies are widely developed in northern Minfeng zone of Dongying Sag. Their litho-electric relationship is not clear. In addition, as the conventional sequence stratigraphic research method drawbacks of involving too many subjective human factors, it has limited deepening of the regional sequence stratigraphic research. The wavelet transform technique based on logging data and the time-frequency analysis technique based on seismic data have advantages of dividing sequence stratigraphy quantitatively comparing with the conventional methods. Under the basis of the conventional sequence research method, this paper used the above techniques to divide the fourth-order sequence of the upper Es4 in northern Minfeng zone of Dongying Sag. The research shows that the wavelet transform technique based on logging data and the time-frequency analysis technique based on seismic data are essentially consistent, both of which divide sequence stratigraphy quantitatively in the frequency domain; wavelet transform technique has high resolutions. It is suitable for areas with wells. The seismic time-frequency analysis technique has wide applicability, but a low resolution. Both of the techniques should be combined; the upper Es4 in northern Minfeng zone of Dongying Sag is a complete set of third-order sequence, which can be further subdivided into 5 fourth-order sequences that has the depositional characteristics of fine-upward sequence in granularity. Key words: Dongying sag, northern Minfeng zone, wavelet transform technique, time-frequency analysis technique ,the upper Es4, sequence stratigraphy

Screening protocols for the prevention of occupational noise-induced hearing loss: the role of conventional and extended high frequency audiometry may vary according to the years of employment.

PubMed

Riga, Maria; Korres, George; Balatsouras, Dimitrios; Korres, Stavros

2010-07-01

Although occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has become a major problem in industrialized societies, there is a notable lack of effective screening protocols to ensure its early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to detect a potential role of extended high frequency (EHF) audiometry in industrial hearing screening protocols. The population consisted of 151 persons, working for 8 hours daily in a noisy environment (90-110 dBA). The changes of hearing thresholds in industrial workers were analyzed, not only with respect to their age, as has been presented by previous studies, but also with respect to the duration of their previous employment. During the first 10 years of employment, the frequencies 12500, 14000 and 16000Hz were the only ones significantly affected. For the second decade of employment, thresholds were significantly elevated only at 2000 and 4000Hz. After exceeding 20 years of employment, the affected frequencies were 250, 500 and 1000Hz. The effects of age on hearing acuity were significant at all frequencies for the first 2 groups. EHF audiometry seems able to identify the first signs of NIHL, much earlier than conventional audiometry, and therefore may need to be implemented in the screening examinations especially of workers with less than 1 decade of employment. Hearing screening protocols could become more efficient by adjusting their frequency ranges according to the frequencies "at risk", which correspond to the duration of the workers' previous employment.

A Millimeter-Wave Cavity-Backed Suspended Substrate Stripline Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.

1999-01-01

Future generation satellite communication systems in near-Earth orbit will operate at frequencies in the higher mm-wave frequency bands. These satellite systems require low-profile, high gain, light weight and low cost antennas for communications to and from Earth as well as for inter-satellite links (ISL). At higher mm-wave frequencies, the conductor loss of conventional microstrip line is high and consequently the feed network loss of patch antenna arrays is also high. The high loss lowers the array efficiency, and in addition lowers the G/T ratio in a receiving array. Recently a radial line slot antenna array has been demonstrated to have high gain and efficiency at 60 GHz. In this paper, the design, fabrication and characterization of a V-Band (50-75 GHz), cavity backed, circular aperture antenna with suspended substrate stripline (SSS) feed is presented.

Comparative study between laser and conventional techniques for class V cavity preparation in gamma-irradiated teeth (in vitro study).

PubMed

Rasmy, Amr H M; Harhash, Tarek A; Ghali, Rami M S; El Maghraby, Eman M F; El Rouby, Dalia H

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare laser with conventional techniques in class V cavity preparation in gamma-irradiated teeth. Forty extracted human teeth with no carious lesions were used for this study and were divided into two main groups: Group I (n = 20) was not subjected to gamma radiation (control) and Group II (n=20) was subjected to gamma radiation of 60 Gray. Standard class V preparation was performed in buccal and lingual sides of each tooth in both groups. Buccal surfaces were prepared by the Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase iPlus) 2780 nm, using the gold handpiece with MZ10 Tip in non-contact and the "H" mode, following parameters of cavity preparation - power 6 W, frequency 50 Hz, 90% water and 70% air, then shifting to surface treatment laser parameters - power 4.5 W, frequency 50 Hz, 80% water and 50% air. Lingual surfaces were prepared by the conventional high-speed turbine using round diamond bur. Teeth were then sectioned mesio-distally, resulting in 80 specimens: 40 of which were buccal laser-treated (20 control and 20 gamma-irradiated specimens) and 40 were lingual conventional high-speed bur specimens (20 control and 20 gamma-irradiated specimens). Microleakage analysis revealed higher scores in both gamma groups compared with control groups. Chi-square test revealed no significant difference between both control groups and gamma groups (p=1, 0.819, respectively). A significant difference was revealed between all 4 groups (p=0.00018). Both laser and conventional high-speed turbine bur show good bond strength in control (non-gamma) group, while microleakage is evident in gamma group, indicating that gamma radiation had a dramatic negative effect on the bond strength in both laser and bur-treated teeth.

Improved axial point spread function in a two-frequency laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jheng-Syong; Chung, Yung-Chin; Chien, Jun-Jei; Chou, Chien

2018-01-01

A two-frequency laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope (TF-LSCFM) based on intensity modulated fluorescence signal detection was proposed. The specimen-induced spherical aberration and scattering effect were suppressed intrinsically, and high image contrast was presented due to heterodyne interference. An improved axial point spread function in a TF-LSCFM compared with a conventional laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope was demonstrated and discussed.

Analysis of Helical Waveguide.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-23

tube Efficiency Helix structure Backward wave oscillation Gain 19. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse if necessary and identofy by block number) The...4,vailabilitY CCdes -vai aidIorDist spec a ." iii "- -. .5- S.. . ANALYSIS OF HELICAL WAVEGUIDE I. INTRODUCTION High power (- 10 kW) and broadband ...sys- tems. The frequency range of interest is 60-100 GHz. In this frequency range, the conventional slow wave circuits such as klystrons and TWTs have

Robust Optimization Design Algorithm for High-Frequency TWTs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Chevalier, Christine T.

2010-01-01

Traveling-wave tubes (TWTs), such as the Ka-band (26-GHz) model recently developed for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, are essential as communication amplifiers in spacecraft for virtually all near- and deep-space missions. This innovation is a computational design algorithm that, for the first time, optimizes the efficiency and output power of a TWT while taking into account the effects of dimensional tolerance variations. Because they are primary power consumers and power generation is very expensive in space, much effort has been exerted over the last 30 years to increase the power efficiency of TWTs. However, at frequencies higher than about 60 GHz, efficiencies of TWTs are still quite low. A major reason is that at higher frequencies, dimensional tolerance variations from conventional micromachining techniques become relatively large with respect to the circuit dimensions. When this is the case, conventional design- optimization procedures, which ignore dimensional variations, provide inaccurate designs for which the actual amplifier performance substantially under-performs that of the design. Thus, this new, robust TWT optimization design algorithm was created to take account of and ameliorate the deleterious effects of dimensional variations and to increase efficiency, power, and yield of high-frequency TWTs. This design algorithm can help extend the use of TWTs into the terahertz frequency regime of 300-3000 GHz. Currently, these frequencies are under-utilized because of the lack of efficient amplifiers, thus this regime is known as the "terahertz gap." The development of an efficient terahertz TWT amplifier could enable breakthrough applications in space science molecular spectroscopy, remote sensing, nondestructive testing, high-resolution "through-the-wall" imaging, biomedical imaging, and detection of explosives and toxic biochemical agents.

Frequency selection rule for high definition and high frame rate Lissajous scanning.

PubMed

Hwang, Kyungmin; Seo, Yeong-Hyeon; Ahn, Jinhyo; Kim, Pilhan; Jeong, Ki-Hun

2017-10-26

Lissajous microscanners are very attractive in compact laser scanning applications such as endomicroscopy or pro-projection display owing to high mechanical stability and low operating voltages. The scanning frequency serves as a critical factor for determining the scanning imaging quality. Here we report the selection rule of scanning frequencies that can realize high definition and high frame-rate (HDHF) full-repeated Lissajous scanning imaging. The fill factor (FF) monotonically increases with the total lobe number of a Lissajous curve, i.e., the sum of scanning frequencies divided by the great common divisor (GCD) of bi-axial scanning frequencies. The frames per second (FPS), called the pattern repeated rate or the frame rate, linearly increases with GCD. HDHF Lissajous scanning is achieved at the bi-axial scanning frequencies, where the GCD has the maximum value among various sets of the scanning frequencies satisfying the total lobe number for a target FF. Based on this selection rule, the experimental results clearly demonstrate that conventional Lissajous scanners substantially increase both FF and FPS by slightly modulating the scanning frequencies at near the resonance within the resonance bandwidth of a Lissajous scanner. This selection rule provides a new guideline for HDHF Lissajous scanning in compact laser scanning systems.

High-Frequency Chirp Ultrasound Imaging with an Annular-array for Ophthalmologic and Small-Animal Imaging

PubMed Central

Mamou, Jonathan; Aristizábal, Orlando; Silverman, Ronald H.; Ketterling, Jeffrey A.; Turnbull, Daniel H.

2009-01-01

High-frequency ultrasound (HFU, > 20 MHz) is an attractive means of obtaining fine-resolution images of biological tissues for ophthalmologic, dermatological, and small-animal imaging applications. Even with current improvements in circuit designs and high-frequency equipment, HFU suffers from two inherent limitations. First, HFU images have a limited depth of field (DOF) because of the short wavelength and the low fixed F-number of conventional HFU transducers. Second, HFU is usually limited to shallow imaging because of the significant attenuation in most tissues. In a previous study, a five-element annular array with a 17-MHz center frequency was excited using chirp-coded signals, and a synthetic-focusing algorithm was used to extend the DOF and increase penetration depth. In the present study, a similar approach with two different five-element annular arrays operating near a center frequency of 35-MHz is implemented and validated. Following validation studies, the chirp-imaging methods were applied to imaging vitreous-hemorrhage mimicking phantoms and mouse embryos. Images of the vitreous phantom showed increased sensitivity using the chirp method compared to a standard monocycle imaging method, and blood droplets could be visualized 4 mm deeper into the phantom. Three-dimensional datasets of 12.5-day-old, mouse-embryo heads were acquired in utero using chirp and conventional excitations. Images were formed and brains ventricles were segmented and reconstructed in three dimensions. The brain-ventricle volumes for the monocycle excitation exhibited artifacts that were not apparent on the chirp-based dataset reconstruction. PMID:19394754

Bidirectional ultradense WDM for metro networks adopting the beat-frequency-locking method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang-Yuep; Lee, Jae-Hoon; Lee, Jae-Seung

2003-10-01

We present a technique to increase the spectral efficiencies of metro networks by using channel-interleaved bidirectional ultradense wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) within each customer's optical band. As a demonstration, we transmit 12.5-GHz-spaced 8×10 Gbit/s channels achieving spectral efficiency as high as 0.8 bit/s/Hz with a 25-GHz WDM demultiplexer. The beat-frequency-locking method is used to stabilize the channel frequencies within +/-200 MHz, which is far more accurate than with conventional wavelength lockers.

A developed nearly analytic discrete method for forward modeling in the frequency domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shaolin; Lang, Chao; Yang, Hui; Wang, Wenshuai

2018-02-01

High-efficiency forward modeling methods play a fundamental role in full waveform inversion (FWI). In this paper, the developed nearly analytic discrete (DNAD) method is proposed to accelerate frequency-domain forward modeling processes. We first derive the discretization of frequency-domain wave equations via numerical schemes based on the nearly analytic discrete (NAD) method to obtain a linear system. The coefficients of numerical stencils are optimized to make the linear system easier to solve and to minimize computing time. Wavefield simulation and numerical dispersion analysis are performed to compare the numerical behavior of DNAD method with that of the conventional NAD method. The results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method. Finally, the DNAD method is implemented in frequency-domain FWI, and high-resolution inverse results are obtained.

Acoustic metamaterial plate embedded with Helmholtz resonators for extraordinary sound transmission loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Takashi

2018-06-01

A new acoustic metamaterial plate (AMP) is proposed herein. The plate incorporates Helmholtz resonators that are periodically embedded at intervals shorter than acoustic wavelengths. This metamaterial plate exhibits extraordinary sound transmission loss (STL) at the resonance frequency of the Helmholtz resonators compared to a conventional flat plate. The STL of the AMP can be theoretically analyzed using the effective mass density and flexural rigidity. At the resonant frequency, the dynamic density of the AMP becomes much larger than that of a conventional solid flat plate with the same mass. When the Helmholtz resonant frequency is tuned to the coincidence frequency of the AMP, the dip in transmission loss owing to the coincidence effect is not observed. The frequency band, wherein high STL occurs, is narrow; however, the frequency band can be widened by embedding multiple resonators with slightly different resonant frequencies. Numerical experiments are also performed to demonstrate the acoustic performance of the proposed system. In the simulation, Helmholtz resonators with the 2.1-kHz resonant frequency are embedded at 20-mm intervals inside a 6-mm-thick flat glass plate. Analytical solutions of this system agree well with numerical solutions for various incidence angles of incoming plane waves. In this configuration, we find that the degradation of STL caused by the coincidence effect is nearly eliminated for waves that are incident at random angles.

Camera-Based Lock-in and Heterodyne Carrierographic Photoluminescence Imaging of Crystalline Silicon Wafers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Q. M.; Melnikov, A.; Mandelis, A.

2015-06-01

Carrierographic (spectrally gated photoluminescence) imaging of a crystalline silicon wafer using an InGaAs camera and two spread super-bandgap illumination laser beams is introduced in both low-frequency lock-in and high-frequency heterodyne modes. Lock-in carrierographic images of the wafer up to 400 Hz modulation frequency are presented. To overcome the frame rate and exposure time limitations of the camera, a heterodyne method is employed for high-frequency carrierographic imaging which results in high-resolution near-subsurface information. The feasibility of the method is guaranteed by the typical superlinearity behavior of photoluminescence, which allows one to construct a slow enough beat frequency component from nonlinear mixing of two high frequencies. Intensity-scan measurements were carried out with a conventional single-element InGaAs detector photocarrier radiometry system, and the nonlinearity exponent of the wafer was found to be around 1.7. Heterodyne images of the wafer up to 4 kHz have been obtained and qualitatively analyzed. With the help of the complementary lock-in and heterodyne modes, camera-based carrierographic imaging in a wide frequency range has been realized for fundamental research and industrial applications toward in-line nondestructive testing of semiconductor materials and devices.

Geophysical well-log analysis of fractured crystalline rocks at East Bull Lake, Ontario, Canada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Paillet, Frederick L.; Hess, A.E.

1986-01-01

Various conventional geophysical borehole measurements were made in conjunction with measurements using a recently designed, low-frequency, acoustic-waveform probe and slow velocity flowmeter for characterization of a fractured mafic intrusion in southern Ontario, Canada. Conventional geophysical measurements included temperature, caliper, gamma, acoustic, single-point resistance, and acoustic televiewer logs. Hole stability problems prevented the use of neutron and gamma-gamma logs, because these logs require that a radioactive source be lowered into the borehole. Measurements were made in three boreholes as much as 850 m deep and penetrating a few tens of meters into granitic basement. All rocks within the mafic intrusion were characterized by minimal gamma radiation and acoustic velocities of about 6.9 km/sec. The uniformity of the acoustic velocities and the character of acoustic-waveform logs made with a conventional high-frequency logging source correlated with the density of fractures evident on televiewer logs. Sample intervals of high-frequency waveform logs were transformed into interpretations of effective fracture opening using a recent model for acoustic attenuation in fractured rocks. The new low-frequency sparker source did not perform as expected at depths below 250 m because of previously unsuspected problems with source firing under large hydrostatic heads. A new heat-pulse, slow velocity flowmeter was used to delineate in detail the flow regime indicated in a general way by temperature logs. The flowmeter measurements indicated that water was entering 2 of the boreholes at numerous fractures above a depth of 200 m, with flow in at least 2 of the boreholes exiting through large isolated fractures below a depth of 400 m. (Author 's abstract)

An Energy-Efficient Algorithm for Wearable Electrocardiogram Signal Processing in Ubiquitous Healthcare Applications

PubMed Central

Sodhro, Ali Hassan; Sodhro, Gul Hassan; Lohano, Sonia; Pirbhulal, Sandeep

2018-01-01

Rapid progress and emerging trends in miniaturized medical devices have enabled the un-obtrusive monitoring of physiological signals and daily activities of everyone’s life in a prominent and pervasive manner. Due to the power-constrained nature of conventional wearable sensor devices during ubiquitous sensing (US), energy-efficiency has become one of the highly demanding and debatable issues in healthcare. This paper develops a single chip-based wearable wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system by adopting analog front end (AFE) chip model ADS1292R from Texas Instruments. The developed chip collects real-time ECG data with two adopted channels for continuous monitoring of human heart activity. Then, these two channels and the AFE are built into a right leg drive right leg drive (RLD) driver circuit with lead-off detection and medical graded test signal. Human ECG data was collected at 60 beats per minute (BPM) to 120 BPM with 60 Hz noise and considered throughout the experimental set-up. Moreover, notch filter (cutoff frequency 60 Hz), high-pass filter (cutoff frequency 0.67 Hz), and low-pass filter (cutoff frequency 100 Hz) with cut-off frequencies of 60 Hz, 0.67 Hz, and 100 Hz, respectively, were designed with bilinear transformation for rectifying the power-line noise and artifacts while extracting real-time ECG signals. Finally, a transmission power control-based energy-efficient (ETPC) algorithm is proposed, implemented on the hardware and then compared with the several conventional TPC methods. Experimental results reveal that our developed chip collects real-time ECG data efficiently, and the proposed ETPC algorithm achieves higher energy savings of 35.5% with a slightly larger packet loss ratio (PLR) as compared to conventional TPC (e.g., constant TPC, Gao’s, and Xiao’s methods). PMID:29558433

An Energy-Efficient Algorithm for Wearable Electrocardiogram Signal Processing in Ubiquitous Healthcare Applications.

PubMed

Sodhro, Ali Hassan; Sangaiah, Arun Kumar; Sodhro, Gul Hassan; Lohano, Sonia; Pirbhulal, Sandeep

2018-03-20

Rapid progress and emerging trends in miniaturized medical devices have enabled the un-obtrusive monitoring of physiological signals and daily activities of everyone's life in a prominent and pervasive manner. Due to the power-constrained nature of conventional wearable sensor devices during ubiquitous sensing (US), energy-efficiency has become one of the highly demanding and debatable issues in healthcare. This paper develops a single chip-based wearable wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system by adopting analog front end (AFE) chip model ADS1292R from Texas Instruments. The developed chip collects real-time ECG data with two adopted channels for continuous monitoring of human heart activity. Then, these two channels and the AFE are built into a right leg drive right leg drive (RLD) driver circuit with lead-off detection and medical graded test signal. Human ECG data was collected at 60 beats per minute (BPM) to 120 BPM with 60 Hz noise and considered throughout the experimental set-up. Moreover, notch filter (cutoff frequency 60 Hz), high-pass filter (cutoff frequency 0.67 Hz), and low-pass filter (cutoff frequency 100 Hz) with cut-off frequencies of 60 Hz, 0.67 Hz, and 100 Hz, respectively, were designed with bilinear transformation for rectifying the power-line noise and artifacts while extracting real-time ECG signals. Finally, a transmission power control-based energy-efficient (ETPC) algorithm is proposed, implemented on the hardware and then compared with the several conventional TPC methods. Experimental results reveal that our developed chip collects real-time ECG data efficiently, and the proposed ETPC algorithm achieves higher energy savings of 35.5% with a slightly larger packet loss ratio (PLR) as compared to conventional TPC (e.g., constant TPC, Gao's, and Xiao's methods).

Roller Bearing Health Monitoring Using CPLE Frequency Analysis Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jong, Jen-Yi; Jones, Jess H.

2007-01-01

This paper describes a unique vibration signature analysis technique Coherence Phase Line Enhancer (CPLE) Frequency Analysis - for roller bearing health monitoring. Defects of roller bearing (e.g. wear, foreign debris, crack in bearing supporting structure, etc.) can cause small bearing characteristic frequency shifts due to minor changes in bearing geometry. Such frequency shifts are often too small to detect by the conventional Power Spectral Density (PSD) due to its frequency bandwidth limitation. This Coherent Phase Line Enhancer technology has been evolving over the last few years and has culminated in the introduction of a new and novel frequency spectrum which is fully described in this paper. This CPLE technology uses a "key phasor" or speed probe as a preprocessor for this analysis. With the aid of this key phasor, this CPLE technology can develop a two dimensional frequency spectrum that preserves both amplitude and phase that is not normally obtained using conventional frequency analysis. This two-dimensional frequency transformation results in several newly defined spectral functions; i. e. CPLE-PSD, CPLE-Coherence and the CPLE-Frequency. This paper uses this CPLE frequency analysis to detect subtle, low level bearing related signals in the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). For many rotating machinery applications, a key phasor is an essential measurement that is used in the detection of bearing related signatures. There are times however, when a key phasor is not available; i. e. during flight of any of the SSME turbopumps or on the SSME High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump (HPOTP) where no speed probe is present. In this case, the CPLE analysis approach can still be achieved using a novel Pseudo Key Phasor (PKP) technique to reconstruct a 1/Rev PKP signal directly from external vibration measurements. This paper develops this Pseudo Key Phasor technique and applies it to the SSME vibration data.

Audiometric Notch and Extended High-Frequency Hearing Threshold Shift in Relation to Total Leisure Noise Exposure: An Exploratory Analysis

PubMed Central

Wei, Wenjia; Heinze, Stefanie; Gerstner, Doris G.; Walser, Sandra M.; Twardella, Dorothee; Reiter, Christina; Weilnhammer, Veronika; Perez-Alvarez, Carmelo; Steffens, Thomas; Herr, Caroline E.W.

2017-01-01

Background: Studies investigating leisure noise effect on extended high frequency hearing are insufficient and they have inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate if extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift is related to audiometric notch, and if total leisure noise exposure is associated with extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire of the Ohrkan cohort study was used to collect information on demographics and leisure time activities. Conventional and extended high-frequency audiometry was performed. We did logistic regression between extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift and audiometric notch as well as between total leisure noise exposure and extended high-frequency hearing threshold shift. Potential confounders (sex, school type, and firecrackers) were included. Results: Data from 278 participants (aged 18–23 years, 53.2% female) were analyzed. Associations between hearing threshold shift at 10, 11.2, 12.5, and 14 kHz with audiometric notch were observed with a higher prevalence of threshold shift at the four frequencies, compared to the notch. However, we found no associations between total leisure noise exposure and hearing threshold shift at any extended high frequency. Conclusion: This exploratory analysis suggests that while extended high-frequency hearing threshold shifts are not related to total leisure noise exposure, they are strongly associated with audiometric notch. This leads us to further explore the hypothesis that extended high-frequency threshold shift might be indicative of the appearance of audiometric notch at a later time point, which can be investigated in the future follow-ups of the Ohrkan cohort. PMID:29319010

High Frequency Plasma Generators for Ion Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divergilio, W. F.; Goede, H.; Fosnight, V. V.

1981-01-01

The results of a one year program to experimentally adapt two new types of high frequency plasma generators to Argon ion thrusters and to analytically study a third high frequency source concept are presented. Conventional 30 cm two grid ion extraction was utilized or proposed for all three sources. The two plasma generating methods selected for experimental study were a radio frequency induction (RFI) source, operating at about 1 MHz, and an electron cyclotron heated (ECH) plasma source operating at about 5 GHz. Both sources utilize multi-linecusp permanent magnet configurations for plasma confinement. The plasma characteristics, plasma loading of the rf antenna, and the rf frequency dependence of source efficiency and antenna circuit efficiency are described for the RFI Multi-cusp source. In a series of tests of this source at Lewis Research Center, minimum discharge losses of 220+/-10 eV/ion were obtained with propellant utilization of .45 at a beam current of 3 amperes. Possible improvement modifications are discussed.

Light weight polarized polypropylene foam for noise shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zelfer, Travis J.; Warne, Derik S.; Korde, Umesh A.

2009-03-01

The high levels of noise generated during launch can destroy sensitive equipment on space craft. Passive damping systems, like acoustic blankets, work to reduce the high frequency noise but do little to the low frequency noise (<400 Hz). While wall mounted transducers can reduce the low frequency noise during a launch, they also can create areas of higher increased sound pressure in the payload fairings. Ferroelectret cellular polymer foams with high piezoelectric coupling constants are being used as new types of actuators and sensors. Further impedance control through the inverse piezoelectric effect will lead to a new "semi-active" approach that will reduce low frequency noise levels. Combining layers of conventional nonpiezoelectric foam and ferroelectret materials with a multiple loop feedback system will give a total damping effect that is adaptable over a wide band of low frequencies. This paper covers the manufacturing methods that were used to make polarized polypropylene foam, to test the foam for its polarized response and its noise shielding ability.

Anomalies in the low frequency vibrational density of states for a polymer with intrinsic microporosity - the Boson peak of PIM-1.

PubMed

Zorn, Reiner; Yin, Huajie; Lohstroh, Wiebke; Harrison, Wayne; Budd, Peter M; Pauw, Brian R; Böhning, Martin; Schönhals, Andreas

2018-01-17

Polymers with intrinsic microporosity are promising candidates for the active separation layer in gas separation membranes. Here, the vibrational density of states (VDOS) for PIM-1, the prototypical polymer with intrinsic microporosity, is investigated by means of inelastic neutron scattering. The results are compared to data measured for a more conventional high-performance polyimide used in gas separation membranes (Matrimid). The measured data show the characteristic low frequency excess contribution to VDOS above the Debye sound wave level, generally known as the Boson peak in glass-forming materials. In comparison to the Boson peak of Matrimid, that of PIM-1 is shifted to lower frequencies. This shift is discussed considering the microporous, sponge-like structure of PIM-1 as providing a higher compressibility at the molecular scale than for conventional polymers. For an annealed PIM-1 sample, the Boson peak shifts to higher frequencies in comparison to the un-annealed sample. These changes in the VDOS of the annealed PIM-1 sample are related to changes in the microporous structure as confirmed by X-ray scattering.

Circle-16QAM for a zero-guard-interval CO-OFDM system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Lingyu; Yang, Aiying; Guo, Peng; Lu, Yueming; Qiao, Yaojun

2018-01-01

In this paper, we introduce circle 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (C-16QAM) modulation format in a high spectral efficiency zero-guard-interval (ZGI) coherent optical (CO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system. At transmitter, the C-16QAM has advantages over the conventional square 16QAM in terms of transmission distance and tolerance to laser linewidth and fiber nonlinearities. ZGI CO-OFDM enables to take away the cyclic prefix (CP), so it has the benefit of higher spectral efficiency compared with the conventional CO-OFDM system. At receiver, in order to compensate chromatic dispersion (CD) and phase noise in a single channel ZGI CO-OFDM system, we studied the overlapped frequency domain equalizer (OFDE) and two carrier phase recovery (CPR) algorithms. We simulate the above systems and the results demonstrate that with the C-16QAM, a 28GBaud ZGI CO-OFDM system can have the longer transmission distance, the higher tolerance to laser linewidth and fiber nonlinearities with contrast to the conventional square 16QAM.

A novel stimulation method for multi-class SSVEP-BCI using intermodulation frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaogang; Wang, Yijun; Zhang, Shangen; Gao, Shangkai; Hu, Yong; Gao, Xiaorong

2017-04-01

Objective. Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) has been widely investigated because of its easy system configuration, high information transfer rate (ITR) and little user training. However, due to the limitations of brain responses and the refresh rate of a monitor, the available stimulation frequencies for practical BCI application are generally restricted. Approach. This study introduced a novel stimulation method using intermodulation frequencies for SSVEP-BCIs that had targets flickering at the same frequency but with different additional modulation frequencies. The additional modulation frequencies were generated on the basis of choosing desired flickering frequencies. The conventional frame-based ‘on/off’ stimulation method was used to realize the desired flickering frequencies. All visual stimulation was present on a conventional LCD screen. A 9-target SSVEP-BCI based on intermodulation frequencies was implemented for performance evaluation. To optimize the stimulation design, three approaches (C: chromatic; L: luminance; CL: chromatic and luminance) were evaluated by online testing and offline analysis. Main results. SSVEP-BCIs with different paradigms (C, L, and CL) enabled us not only to encode more targets, but also to reliably evoke intermodulation frequencies. The online accuracies for the three paradigms were 91.67% (C), 93.98% (L), and 96.41% (CL). The CL condition achieved the highest classification performance. Significance. These results demonstrated the efficacy of three approaches (C, L, and CL) for eliciting intermodulation frequencies for multi-class SSVEP-BCIs. The combination of chromatic and luminance characteristics of the visual stimuli is the most efficient way for the intermodulation frequency coding method.

Detection of admittivity anomaly on high-contrast heterogeneous backgrounds using frequency difference EIT.

PubMed

Jang, J; Seo, J K

2015-06-01

This paper describes a multiple background subtraction method in frequency difference electrical impedance tomography (fdEIT) to detect an admittivity anomaly from a high-contrast background conductivity distribution. The proposed method expands the use of the conventional weighted frequency difference EIT method, which has been used limitedly to detect admittivity anomalies in a roughly homogeneous background. The proposed method can be viewed as multiple weighted difference imaging in fdEIT. Although the spatial resolutions of the output images by fdEIT are very low due to the inherent ill-posedness, numerical simulations and phantom experiments of the proposed method demonstrate its feasibility to detect anomalies. It has potential application in stroke detection in a head model, which is highly heterogeneous due to the skull.

Selective and Catalyst-free Oxidation of D-Glucose to D-Glucuronic acid induced by High-Frequency Ultrasound

PubMed Central

Amaniampong, Prince N.; Karam, Ayman; Trinh, Quang Thang; Xu, Kai; Hirao, Hajime; Jérôme, François; Chatel, Gregory

2017-01-01

This systematic experimental investigation reveals that high-frequency ultrasound irradiation (550 kHz) induced oxidation of D-glucose to glucuronic acid in excellent yield without assistance of any (bio)catalyst. Oxidation is induced thanks to the in situ production of radical species in water. Experiments show that the dissolved gases play an important role in governing the nature of generated radical species and thus the selectivity for glucuronic acid. Importantly, this process yields glucuronic acid instead of glucuronate salt typically obtained via conventional (bio)catalyst routes, which is of huge interest in respect of downstream processing. Investigations using disaccharides revealed that radicals generated by high frequency ultrasound were also capable of promoting tandem hydrolysis/oxidation reactions. PMID:28084448

Comparative Study of Magnetic Properties of Nanoparticles by High-Frequency Heat Dissipation and Conventional Magnetometry

DOE PAGES

Malik, V.; Goodwill, J.; Mallapragada, S.; ...

2014-11-13

The rate of heating of a water-based colloid of uniformly sized 15 nm magnetic nanoparticles by high-amplitude and high-frequency ac magnetic field induced by the resonating LC circuit (nanoTherics Magnetherm) was measured. The results are analyzed in terms of specific energy absorption rate (SAR). Fitting field amplitude and frequency dependences of SAR to the linear response theory, magnetic moment per particles was extracted. The value of magnetic moment was independently evaluated from dc magnetization measurements (Quantum Design MPMS) of a frozen colloid by fitting field-dependent magnetization to Langevin function. The two methods produced similar results, which are compared to themore » theoretical expectation for this particle size. Additionally, analysis of SAR curves yielded effective relaxation time.« less

Automatic NMR field-frequency lock-pulsed phase locked loop approach.

PubMed

Kan, S; Gonord, P; Fan, M; Sauzade, M; Courtieu, J

1978-06-01

A self-contained deuterium frequency-field lock scheme for a high-resolution NMR spectrometer is described. It is based on phase locked loop techniques in which the free induction decay signal behaves as a voltage-controlled oscillator. By pulsing the spins at an offset frequency of a few hundred hertz and using a digital phase-frequency discriminator this method not only eliminates the usual phase, rf power, offset adjustments needed in conventional lock systems but also possesses the automatic pull-in characteristics that dispense with the use of field sweeps to locate the NMR line prior to closure of the lock loop.

The potential of high-frequency profiling to assess vertical and seasonal patterns of phytoplankton dynamics in lakes: An extension of the Plankton Ecology Group (PEG) model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brentrup, Jennifer A.; Williamson, Craig E.; Colom-Montero, William; Eckert, Werner; de Eyto, Elvira; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Huot, Yannick; Isles, Peter D. F.; Knoll, Lesley B.; Leach, Taylor H.; McBride, Christopher G.; Pierson, Don; Pomati, Francesco; Read, Jordan S.; Rose, Kevin C.; Samal, Nihar R.; Staehr, Peter A.; Winslow, Luke A.

2016-01-01

The use of high-frequency sensors on profiling buoys to investigate physical, chemical, and biological processes in lakes is increasing rapidly. Profiling buoys with automated winches and sensors that collect high-frequency chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) profiles in 11 lakes in the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON) allowed the study of the vertical and temporal distribution of ChlF, including the formation of subsurface chlorophyll maxima (SSCM). The effectiveness of 3 methods for sampling phytoplankton distributions in lakes, including (1) manual profiles, (2) single-depth buoys, and (3) profiling buoys were assessed. High-frequency ChlF surface data and profiles were compared to predictions from the Plankton Ecology Group (PEG) model. The depth-integrated ChlF dynamics measured by the profiling buoy data revealed a greater complexity that neither conventional sampling nor the generalized PEG model captured. Conventional sampling techniques would have missed SSCM in 7 of 11 study lakes. Although surface-only ChlF data underestimated average water column ChlF, at times by nearly 2-fold in 4 of the lakes, overall there was a remarkable similarity between surface and mean water column data. Contrary to the PEG model’s proposed negligible role for physical control of phytoplankton during the growing season, thermal structure and light availability were closely associated with ChlF seasonal depth distribution. Thus, an extension of the PEG model is proposed, with a new conceptual framework that explicitly includes physical metrics to better predict SSCM formation in lakes and highlight when profiling buoys are especially informative.

A Millimeter-wave Cavity-backed Suspended Substrate Stripline Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.

1999-01-01

Future generation satellite communication systems in near-Earth orbit will operate at frequencies in the higher mm-wave frequency hands. These satellite systems require low-profile, high gain, light weight and low cost antennas for communications to and from Earth as well as for inter-satellite links (ISL). At higher mm-wave frequencies, the conductor loss of conventional microstrip line is high and consequently the feed network loss of patch antenna arrays is also high. The high loss lowers the array efficiency and in addition lowers the G/T ratio in a receiving array. Recently a radial line slot antenna array has been demonstrated to have high gain and efficiency at 60 GHz. In this paper, the design, fabrication and characterization of a V-Band (50-75 GHz) 4 x 4 planar array of cavity backed circular aperture antennas with suspended substrate stripline (SSS) corporate feed is presented.

Simple Motor Control Concept Results High Efficiency at High Velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starin, Scott; Engel, Chris

2013-09-01

The need for high velocity motors in space applications for reaction wheels and detectors has stressed the limits of Brushless Permanent Magnet Motors (BPMM). Due to inherent hysteresis core losses, conventional BPMMs try to balance the need for torque verses hysteresis losses. Cong-less motors have significantly less hysteresis losses but suffer from lower efficiencies. Additionally, the inherent low inductance in cog-less motors result in high ripple currents or high switching frequencies, which lowers overall efficiency and increases performance demands on the control electronics.However, using a somewhat forgotten but fully qualified technology of Isotropic Magnet Motors (IMM), extremely high velocities may be achieved at low power input using conventional drive electronics. This paper will discuss the trade study efforts and empirical test data on a 34,000 RPM IMM.

Moderately high frequency ventilation with a conventional ventilator allows reduction of tidal volume without increasing mean airway pressure.

PubMed

Cordioli, Ricardo Luiz; Park, Marcelo; Costa, Eduardo Leite Vieira; Gomes, Susimeire; Brochard, Laurent; Amato, Marcelo Britto Passos; Azevedo, Luciano Cesar Pontes

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to explore if positive-pressure ventilation delivered by a conventional ICU ventilator at a moderately high frequency (HFPPV) allows a safe reduction of tidal volume (V T) below 6 mL/kg in a porcine model of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and at a lower mean airway pressure than high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). This is a prospective study. In eight pigs (median weight 34 [29,36] kg), ARDS was induced by pulmonary lavage and injurious ventilation. The animals were ventilated with a randomized sequence of respiratory rates: 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, followed by HFOV at 5 Hz. At each step, V T was adjusted to allow partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) to stabilize between 57 and 63 mmHg. Data are shown as median [P25th,P75th]. After lung injury, the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio was 92 [63,118] mmHg, pulmonary shunt 26 [17,31]%, and static compliance 11 [8,14] mL/cmH2O. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was 14 [10,17] cmH2O. At 30 breaths/min, V T was higher than 6 (7.5 [6.8,10.2]) mL/kg, but at all higher frequencies, V T could be reduced and PaCO2 maintained, leading to reductions in plateau pressures and driving pressures. For frequencies of 60 to 150/min, V T progressively fell from 5.2 [5.1,5.9] to 3.8 [3.7,4.2] mL/kg (p < 0.001). There were no detrimental effects in terms of lung mechanics, auto-PEEP generation, hemodynamics, or gas exchange. Mean airway pressure was maintained constant and was increased only during HFOV. During protective mechanical ventilation, HFPPV delivered by a conventional ventilator in a severe ARDS swine model safely allows further tidal volume reductions. This strategy also allowed decreasing airway pressures while maintaining stable PaCO2 levels.

Frequency-noise cancellation in semiconductor lasers by nonlinear heterodyne detection.

PubMed

Bondurant, R S; Welford, D; Alexander, S B; Chan, V W

1986-12-01

The bit-error-rate (BER) performance of conventional noncoherent, heterodyne frequency-shift-keyed (FSK) optical communications systems can be surpassed by the use of a differential FSK modulation format and nonlinear postdetection processing at the receiver. A BER floor exists for conventional frequency-shift keying because of the frequency noise of the transmitter and local oscillator. The use of differential frequency-shift keying with nonlinear postdetection processing suppresses this BER floor for the semiconductor laser system considered here.

Oxygen measurements at high pressures with vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Sanders, S. T.; Jeffries, J. B.; Hanson, R. K.

Measurements of oxygen concentration at high pressures (to 10.9 bar) were made using diode-laser absorption of oxygen A-band transitions near 760 nm. The wide current-tuning frequency range (>30 cm-1) of vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) was exploited to enable the first scanned-wavelength demonstration of diode-laser absorption at high pressures; this strategy is more robust than fixed-wavelength strategies, particularly in hostile environments. The wide tuning range and rapid frequency response of the current tuning were further exploited to demonstrate wavelength-modulation absorption spectroscopy in a high-pressure environment. The minimum detectable absorbance demonstrated, 1×10-4, corresponds to 800 ppm-m oxygen detectivity at room temperature and is limited by etalon noise. The rapid- and wide-frequency tunability of VCSELs should significantly expand the application domain of absorption-based sensors limited in the past by the small current-tuning frequency range (typically <2 cm-1) of conventional edge-emitting diode lasers.

170-MHz electrodeless quartz crystal microbalance biosensor: capability and limitation of higher frequency measurement.

PubMed

Ogi, Hirotsugu; Nagai, Hironao; Naga, Hironao; Fukunishi, Yuji; Hirao, Masahiko; Nishiyama, Masayoshi

2009-10-01

We develop a highly sensitive quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor with a fundamental resonance frequency of 170 MHz. A naked AT-cut quartz plate of 9.7 microm thick is set in a sensor cell. Its shear vibration is excited by the line wire, and the vibration signals are detected by the other line wire, achieving the noncontacting measurement of the resonance frequency. The mass sensitivity of the 170 MHz QCM biosensor is 15 pg/(cm2 Hz), which is better than that of a conventional 5 MHz QCM by 3 orders of magnitude. Its high sensitivity is confirmed by detecting human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) via Staphylococcus protein A immobilized nonspecifically on both surfaces of the quartz plate. The detection limit is 0.5 pM. Limitation of the high-frequency QCM measurement is then theoretically discussed with a continuum mechanics model for a plate with point masses connected by elastic springs. The result indicates that a QCM measurement will break down at frequencies one-order-of-magnitude higher than the local resonance frequency at specific binding cites.

High Speed and High Spatial Density Parameter Measurement Using Fiber Optic Sensing Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, William Lance (Inventor); Piazza, Anthony (Inventor); Parker, Allen R. Jr. (Inventor); Hamory, Philip J (Inventor); Chan, Hon Man (Inventor)

2017-01-01

The present invention is an improved fiber optic sensing system (FOSS) having the ability to provide both high spatial resolution and high frequency strain measurements. The inventive hybrid FOSS fiber combines sensors from high acquisition speed and low spatial resolution Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems and from low acquisition speed and high spatial resolution Optical Frequency Domain Reflection (OFDR) systems. Two unique light sources utilizing different wavelengths are coupled with the hybrid FOSS fiber to generate reflected data from both the WDM sensors and OFDR sensors operating on a single fiber optic cable without incurring interference from one another. The two data sets are then de-multiplexed for analysis, optionally with conventionally-available WDM and OFDR system analyzers.

A robust high-order lattice adaptive notch filter and its application to narrowband noise cancellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seong-woo; Park, Young-cheol; Seo, Young-soo; Youn, Dae Hee

2014-12-01

In this paper, we propose a high-order lattice adaptive notch filter (LANF) that can robustly track multiple sinusoids. Unlike the conventional cascade structure, the proposed high-order LANF has robust tracking characteristics regardless of the frequencies of reference sinusoids and initial notch frequencies. The proposed high-order LANF is applied to a narrowband adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to mitigate the effect of the broadband disturbance in the reference signal. By utilizing the gradient adaptive lattice (GAL) ANC algorithm and approximately combining it with the proposed high-order LANF, a computationally efficient narrowband ANC system is obtained. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed high-order LANF and the effectiveness of the obtained narrowband ANC system.

High-frequency phase shift measurement greatly enhances the sensitivity of QCM immunosensors.

PubMed

March, Carmen; García, José V; Sánchez, Ángel; Arnau, Antonio; Jiménez, Yolanda; García, Pablo; Manclús, Juan J; Montoya, Ángel

2015-03-15

In spite of being widely used for in liquid biosensing applications, sensitivity improvement of conventional (5-20MHz) quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors remains an unsolved challenging task. With the help of a new electronic characterization approach based on phase change measurements at a constant fixed frequency, a highly sensitive and versatile high fundamental frequency (HFF) QCM immunosensor has successfully been developed and tested for its use in pesticide (carbaryl and thiabendazole) analysis. The analytical performance of several immunosensors was compared in competitive immunoassays taking carbaryl insecticide as the model analyte. The highest sensitivity was exhibited by the 100MHz HFF-QCM carbaryl immunosensor. When results were compared with those reported for 9MHz QCM, analytical parameters clearly showed an improvement of one order of magnitude for sensitivity (estimated as the I50 value) and two orders of magnitude for the limit of detection (LOD): 30μgl(-1) vs 0.66μgL(-1)I50 value and 11μgL(-1) vs 0.14μgL(-1) LOD, for 9 and 100MHz, respectively. For the fungicide thiabendazole, I50 value was roughly the same as that previously reported for SPR under the same biochemical conditions, whereas LOD improved by a factor of 2. The analytical performance achieved by high frequency QCM immunosensors surpassed those of conventional QCM and SPR, closely approaching the most sensitive ELISAs. The developed 100MHz QCM immunosensor strongly improves sensitivity in biosensing, and therefore can be considered as a very promising new analytical tool for in liquid applications where highly sensitive detection is required. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of high resolution x-ray detectors with conventional FPDs using experimental MTFs and apodized aperture pixel design for reduced aliasing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shankar, A.; Russ, M.; Vijayan, S.; Bednarek, D. R.; Rudin, S.

2017-03-01

Apodized Aperture Pixel (AAP) design, proposed by Ismailova et.al, is an alternative to the conventional pixel design. The advantages of AAP processing with a sinc filter in comparison with using other filters include non-degradation of MTF values and elimination of signal and noise aliasing, resulting in an increased performance at higher frequencies, approaching the Nyquist frequency. If high resolution small field-of-view (FOV) detectors with small pixels used during critical stages of Endovascular Image Guided Interventions (EIGIs) could also be extended to cover a full field-of-view typical of flat panel detectors (FPDs) and made to have larger effective pixels, then methods must be used to preserve the MTF over the frequency range up to the Nyquist frequency of the FPD while minimizing aliasing. In this work, we convolve the experimentally measured MTFs of an Microangiographic Fluoroscope (MAF) detector, (the MAF-CCD with 35μm pixels) and a High Resolution Fluoroscope (HRF) detector (HRF-CMOS50 with 49.5μm pixels) with the AAP filter and show the superiority of the results compared to MTFs resulting from moving average pixel binning and to the MTF of a standard FPD. The effect of using AAP is also shown in the spatial domain, when used to image an infinitely small point object. For detectors in neurovascular interventions, where high resolution is the priority during critical parts of the intervention, but full FOV with larger pixels are needed during less critical parts, AAP design provides an alternative to simple pixel binning while effectively eliminating signal and noise aliasing yet allowing the small FOV high resolution imaging to be maintained during critical parts of the EIGI.

Comparing the force ripple during asynchronous and conventional stimulation.

PubMed

Downey, Ryan J; Tate, Mark; Kawai, Hiroyuki; Dixon, Warren E

2014-10-01

Asynchronous stimulation has been shown to reduce fatigue during electrical stimulation; however, it may also exhibit a force ripple. We quantified the ripple during asynchronous and conventional single-channel transcutaneous stimulation across a range of stimulation frequencies. The ripple was measured during 5 asynchronous stimulation protocols, 2 conventional stimulation protocols, and 3 volitional contractions in 12 healthy individuals. Conventional 40 Hz and asynchronous 16 Hz stimulation were found to induce contractions that were as smooth as volitional contractions. Asynchronous 8, 10, and 12 Hz stimulation induced contractions with significant ripple. Lower stimulation frequencies can reduce fatigue; however, they may also lead to increased ripple. Future efforts should study the relationship between force ripple and the smoothness of the evoked movements in addition to the relationship between stimulation frequency and NMES-induced fatigue to elucidate an optimal stimulation frequency for asynchronous stimulation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

High-Frequency (1 kHz) Spinal Cord Stimulation-Is Pulse Shape Crucial for the Efficacy? A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Song, Zhiyang; Meyerson, Björn A; Linderoth, Bengt

2015-12-01

Conflicting data regarding the efficacy of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF SCS) has prompted the issue of the possible importance of the shape of the stimulating pulses. The aim of this pilot study was to compare HF SCS applied with monophasic and biphasic pulses of two different durations with conventional SCS in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Rats were operated with lesions of sciatic nerve branches according to the spared nerve injury procedure (SNI). Animals, which developed pathological tactile hypersensitivity after surgery, were implanted with four-polar miniature SCS leads. SCS was applied during 60 min with either conventional current parameters (monophasic pulse width [PW]: 200 μsec; 50 Hz and amplitude 80% of the motor threshold [MT]), or with high-frequency SCS (1 kHz) with monophasic or biphasic pulses, the latter with pulse widths of either 24 (12 + 12) or 48 (24 + 24) μsec. The outcomes were examined regarding change of tactile hypersensitivity during the one-hour SCS period and with two tests of thermal sensitivity. Conventional monophasic SCS, as well as HF SCS applied with monophasic PW = 24 μsec or with biphasic PW = 48 (24 + 24) μsec, had similar suppressive effects on tactile hypersensitivity. Solely, HF SCS applied with biphasic pulses with a total PW of 24 (12 + 12) μsec demonstrated no effect. Thermal hypersensitivity was unaffected by HF SCS with all pulse varieties. There is no significant difference in efficacy between HF SCS applied with low amplitude ("subparesthetic") monophasic and biphasic pulses. However, short PWs providing only 12 μsec of cathodal stimulation was ineffective, presumably because of insufficient electric charge transfer from the lead contacts to the nervous tissue. © 2015 International Neuromodulation Society.

Ionization efficiency studies with charge breeder and conventional electron cyclotron resonance ion source

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

Koivisto, H., E-mail: hannu.koivisto@phys.jyu.fi; Tarvainen, O.; Toivanen, V.

2014-02-15

Radioactive Ion Beams play an increasingly important role in several European research facility programs such as SPES, SPIRAL1 Upgrade, and SPIRAL2, but even more for those such as EURISOL. Although remarkable advances of ECRIS charge breeders (CBs) have been achieved, further studies are needed to gain insight on the physics of the charge breeding process. The fundamental plasma processes of charge breeders are studied in the frame of the European collaboration project, EMILIE, for optimizing the charge breeding. Important information on the charge breeding can be obtained by conducting similar experiments using the gas mixing and 2-frequency heating techniques withmore » a conventional JYFL 14 GHz ECRIS and the LPSC-PHOENIX charge breeder. The first experiments were carried out with noble gases and they revealed, for example, that the effects of the gas mixing and 2-frequency heating on the production of high charge states appear to be additive for the conventional ECRIS. The results also indicate that at least in the case of noble gases the differences between the conventional ECRIS and the charge breeder cause only minor impact on the production efficiency of ion beams.« less

Ultrasound Imaging Using Diffraction Tomography in a Cylindrical Geometry

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

Chambers, D H; Littrup, P

2002-01-24

Tomographic images of tissue phantoms and a sample of breast tissue have been produced from an acoustic synthetic array system for frequencies near 500 kHz. The images for sound speed and attenuation show millimeter resolution and demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining high-resolution tomographic images with frequencies that can deeply penetrate tissue. The image reconstruction method is based on the Born approximation to acoustic scattering and is a simplified version of a method previously used by Andre (Andre, et. al., Int. J. Imaging Systems and Technology, Vol 8, No. 1, 1997) for a circular acoustic array system. The images have comparablemore » resolution to conventional ultrasound images at much higher frequencies (3-5 MHz) but with lower speckle noise. This shows the potential of low frequency, deeply penetrating, ultrasound for high-resolution quantitative imaging.« less

Carrier-phase two-way satellite frequency transfer over a very long baseline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujieda, M.; Piester, D.; Gotoh, T.; Becker, J.; Aida, M.; Bauch, A.

2014-06-01

In this paper we report that carrier-phase two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT) was successfully demonstrated over a very long baseline of 9000 km, established between the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). We verified that the carrier-phase TWSTFT (TWCP) result agreed with those obtained by conventional TWSTFT and GPS carrier-phase (GPSCP) techniques. Moreover, a much improved short-term instability for frequency transfer of 2 × 10-13 at 1 s was achieved, which is at the same level as previously confirmed over a shorter baseline within Japan. The precision achieved was so high that the effects of ionospheric delay became significant; they are ignored in conventional TWSTFT even over a long link. We compensated for these effects using ionospheric delays computed from regional vertical total electron content maps. The agreement between the TWCP and GPSCP results was improved because of this compensation.

Magnetic-free non-reciprocity based on staggered commutation

PubMed Central

Reiskarimian, Negar; Krishnaswamy, Harish

2016-01-01

Lorentz reciprocity is a fundamental characteristic of the vast majority of electronic and photonic structures. However, non-reciprocal components such as isolators, circulators and gyrators enable new applications ranging from radio frequencies to optical frequencies, including full-duplex wireless communication and on-chip all-optical information processing. Such components today dominantly rely on the phenomenon of Faraday rotation in magneto-optic materials. However, they are typically bulky, expensive and not suitable for insertion in a conventional integrated circuit. Here we demonstrate magnetic-free linear passive non-reciprocity based on the concept of staggered commutation. Commutation is a form of parametric modulation with very high modulation ratio. We observe that staggered commutation enables time-reversal symmetry breaking within very small dimensions (λ/1,250 × λ/1,250 in our device), resulting in a miniature radio-frequency circulator that exhibits reduced implementation complexity, very low loss, strong non-reciprocity, significantly enhanced linearity and real-time reconfigurability, and is integrated in a conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor integrated circuit for the first time. PMID:27079524

Microcavity morphology optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferdous, Fahmida; Demchenko, Alena A.; Vyatchanin, Sergey P.; Matsko, Andrey B.; Maleki, Lute

2014-09-01

High spectral mode density of conventional optical cavities is detrimental to the generation of broad optical frequency combs and to other linear and nonlinear applications. In this work we optimize the morphology of high-Q whispering gallery (WG) and Fabry-Perot (FP) cavities and find a set of parameters that allows treating them, essentially, as single-mode structures, thus removing limitations associated with a high density of cavity mode spectra. We show that both single-mode WGs and single-mode FP cavities have similar physical properties, in spite of their different loss mechanisms. The morphology optimization does not lead to a reduction of quality factors of modes belonging to the basic family. We study the parameter space numerically and find the region where the highest possible Q factor of the cavity modes can be realized while just having a single bound state in the cavity. The value of the Q factor is comparable with that achieved in conventional cavities. The proposed cavity structures will be beneficial for generation of octave spanning coherent frequency combs and will prevent undesirable effects of parametric instability in laser gravitational wave detectors.

Static FBG strain sensor with high resolution and large dynamic range by dual-comb spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kuse, Naoya; Ozawa, Akira; Kobayashi, Yohei

2013-05-06

We demonstrate a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensor with optical frequency combs. To precisely characterize the optical response of the FBG when strain is applied, dual-comb spectroscopy is used. Highly sensitive dual-comb spectroscopy of the FBG enabled strain measurements with a resolution of 34 nε. The optical spectral bandwidth of the measurement exceeds 1 THz. Compared with conventional FBG strain sensor using a continuous-wave laser that requires rather slow frequency scanning with a limited range, the dynamic range and multiplexing capability are significantly improved by using broadband dual-comb spectroscopy.

Dielectric and modulus studies of polycrystalline BaZrO3 ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, Deepash S.; Singh, Sunder; Kumar, Anil; Bhattacharya, D.

2018-05-01

In the present work, dielectric and modulus studies of polycrystalline BaZrO3 ceramic, prepared by modified combustion method followed by conventional sintering, are investigated over the frequency range of 100 Hz to 106 Hz at different temperatures from 250 to 500 °C in air. The high value of dielectric constant (ɛ' ˜ 103) of BaZrO3 at high temperature and low frequency can be attributed to the Maxwell-Wagner polarization mechanism as well as to the thermally activated mechanism of charge carriers. Electric modulus reveal two type relaxations in the 250 °C to 800 °C temperature region as studied at different frequencies over 100 Hz to 106 Hz in air.

Six-Degree-of-Freedom Trajectory Optimization Utilizing a Two-Timescale Collocation Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desai, Prasun N.; Conway, Bruce A.

2005-01-01

Six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) trajectory optimization of a reentry vehicle is solved using a two-timescale collocation methodology. This class of 6DOF trajectory problems are characterized by two distinct timescales in their governing equations, where a subset of the states have high-frequency dynamics (the rotational equations of motion) while the remaining states (the translational equations of motion) vary comparatively slowly. With conventional collocation methods, the 6DOF problem size becomes extraordinarily large and difficult to solve. Utilizing the two-timescale collocation architecture, the problem size is reduced significantly. The converged solution shows a realistic landing profile and captures the appropriate high-frequency rotational dynamics. A large reduction in the overall problem size (by 55%) is attained with the two-timescale architecture as compared to the conventional single-timescale collocation method. Consequently, optimum 6DOF trajectory problems can now be solved efficiently using collocation, which was not previously possible for a system with two distinct timescales in the governing states.

High static gain single-phase PFC based on a hybrid boost converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores Cortez, Daniel; Maccarini, Marcello C.; Mussa, Samir A.; Barbi, Ivo

2017-05-01

In this paper, a single-phase unity power factor rectifier, based on a hybrid boost converter, resulting from the integration of a conventional dc-dc boost converter and a switched-capacitor voltage doubler is proposed, analysed, designed and tested. The high-power rectifier is controlled by two feedback loops with the same control strategy employed in the conventional boost-based rectifier. The main feature of the proposed rectifier is its ability to output a dc voltage larger than the double of the peak value of the input line voltage, while subjecting the power switches to half of the dc-link voltage, which contributes to reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency. Experimental data were obtained from a laboratory prototype with an input voltage of 220 Vrms, line frequency of 60 Hz, output voltage of 800 Vdc, load power of 1000 W and switching frequency of 50 kHz. The efficiency of the prototype, measured in the laboratory, was 96.5% for full load and 97% for half load.

Experiences with Probabilistic Analysis Applied to Controlled Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kenny, Sean P.; Giesy, Daniel P.

2004-01-01

This paper presents a semi-analytic method for computing frequency dependent means, variances, and failure probabilities for arbitrarily large-order closed-loop dynamical systems possessing a single uncertain parameter or with multiple highly correlated uncertain parameters. The approach will be shown to not suffer from the same computational challenges associated with computing failure probabilities using conventional FORM/SORM techniques. The approach is demonstrated by computing the probabilistic frequency domain performance of an optimal feed-forward disturbance rejection scheme.

Advanced aeroservoelastic stabilization techniques for hypersonic flight vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Samuel Y.; Cheng, Peter Y.; Myers, Thomas T.; Klyde, David H.; Magdaleno, Raymond E.; Mcruer, Duane T.

1992-01-01

Advanced high performance vehicles, including Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) hypersonic flight vehicles, that are statically unstable, require higher bandwidth flight control systems to compensate for the instability resulting in interactions between the flight control system, the engine/propulsion dynamics, and the low frequency structural modes. Military specifications, such as MIL-F-9490D and MIL-F-87242, tend to limit treatment of structural modes to conventional gain stabilization techniques. The conventional gain stabilization techniques, however, introduce low frequency effective time delays which can be troublesome from a flying qualities standpoint. These time delays can be alleviated by appropriate blending of gain and phase stabilization techniques (referred to as Hybrid Phase Stabilization or HPS) for the low frequency structural modes. The potential of using HPS for compensating structural mode interaction was previously explored. It was shown that effective time delay was significantly reduced with the use of HPS; however, the HPS design was seen to have greater residual response than a conventional gain stablized design. Additional work performed to advance and refine the HPS design procedure, to further develop residual response metrics as a basis for alternative structural stability specifications, and to develop strategies for validating HPS design and specification concepts in manned simulation is presented. Stabilization design sensitivity to structural uncertainties and aircraft-centered requirements are also assessed.

Improved near-field characteristics of phased arrays for assessing concrete and cementitious materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wooh, Shi-Chang; Azar, Lawrence

1999-01-01

The degradation of civil infrastructure has placed a focus on effective nondestructive evaluation techniques to correctly assess the condition of existing concrete structures. Conventional high frequency ultrasonic response are severely affected by scattering and material attenuation, resulting in weak and confusing signal returns. Therefore, low frequency ultrasonic transducers, which avoid this problem of wave attenuation, are commonly used for concrete with limited capabilities. The focus of this research is to ascertain some benefits and limitations of a low frequency ultrasonic phased array transducer. In this paper, we investigate a novel low-frequency ultrasonic phased array and the results of experimental feasibility test for practical condition assessment of concrete structures are reported.

Dynamic Range Enhancement of High-Speed Electrical Signal Data via Non-Linear Compression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laun, Matthew C. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Systems and methods for high-speed compression of dynamic electrical signal waveforms to extend the measuring capabilities of conventional measuring devices such as oscilloscopes and high-speed data acquisition systems are discussed. Transfer function components and algorithmic transfer functions can be used to accurately measure signals that are within the frequency bandwidth but beyond the voltage range and voltage resolution capabilities of the measuring device.

Application of wavelet multi-resolution analysis for correction of seismic acceleration records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, Anooshiravan; Noorzad, Assadollah; Zare, Mehdi

2007-12-01

During an earthquake, many stations record the ground motion, but only a few of them could be corrected using conventional high-pass and low-pass filtering methods and the others were identified as highly contaminated by noise and as a result useless. There are two major problems associated with these noisy records. First, since the signal to noise ratio (S/N) is low, it is not possible to discriminate between the original signal and noise either in the frequency domain or in the time domain. Consequently, it is not possible to cancel out noise using conventional filtering methods. The second problem is the non-stationary characteristics of the noise. In other words, in many cases the characteristics of the noise are varied over time and in these situations, it is not possible to apply frequency domain correction schemes. When correcting acceleration signals contaminated with high-level non-stationary noise, there is an important question whether it is possible to estimate the state of the noise in different bands of time and frequency. Wavelet multi-resolution analysis decomposes a signal into different time-frequency components, and besides introducing a suitable criterion for identification of the noise among each component, also provides the required mathematical tool for correction of highly noisy acceleration records. In this paper, the characteristics of the wavelet de-noising procedures are examined through the correction of selected real and synthetic acceleration time histories. It is concluded that this method provides a very flexible and efficient tool for the correction of very noisy and non-stationary records of ground acceleration. In addition, a two-step correction scheme is proposed for long period correction of the acceleration records. This method has the advantage of stable results in displacement time history and response spectrum.

Soft magnetic characteristics of laminated magnetic block cores assembled with a high Bs nanocrystalline alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Atsushi; Inoue, Masaki; Tsukada, Kouhei; Fujisaki, Keisuke

2018-05-01

This paper focuses on an evaluation of core losses in laminated magnetic block cores assembled with a high Bs nanocrystalline alloy in high magnetic flux density region. To discuss the soft magnetic properties of the high Bs block cores, the comparison with amorphous (SA1) block cores is also performed. In the high Bs block core, both low core losses and high saturation flux densities Bs are satisfied in the low frequency region. Furthermore, in the laminated block core made of the high Bs alloy, the rate of increase of iron losses as a function of the magnetic flux density remains small up to around 1.6 T, which cannot be realized in conventional laminated block cores based on amorphous alloy. The block core made of the high Bs alloy exhibits comparable core loss with that of amorphous alloy core in the high-frequency region. Thus, it is expected that this laminated high Bs block core can achieve low core losses and high saturation flux densities in the high-frequency region.

Effects of Navigated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation After Stroke.

PubMed

Chervyakov, Alexander V; Poydasheva, Alexandra G; Lyukmanov, Roman H; Suponeva, Natalia A; Chernikova, Ludmila A; Piradov, Michael A; Ustinova, Ksenia I

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, delivered in different modes, on motor impairments and functional limitations after stroke. The study sample included 42 patients (58.5 ± 10.7 years; 26 males) who experienced a single unilateral stroke (1-12 months previously) in the area of the middle cerebral artery. Patients completed a course of conventional rehabilitation, together with 10 sessions of navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or sham stimulation. Stimulation was scheduled five times a week over two consecutive weeks in an inpatient clinical setting. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups and received sham stimulation (n = 10), low-frequency (1-Hz) stimulation of the nonaffected hemisphere (n = 11), high-frequency (10-Hz) stimulation of the affected hemisphere (n = 13), or sequential combination of low- and high-frequency stimulations (n = 8). Participants were evaluated before and after stimulation with clinical tests, including the arm and hand section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, modified Ashworth Scale of Muscle Spasticity, and Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living. Participants in the three groups receiving navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation showed improvements in arm and hand functions on the Fugl-Meyer Stroke Assessment Scale. Ashworth Scale of Muscle Spasticity and Barthel Index scores were significantly reduced in groups receiving low- or high-frequency stimulation alone. Including navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in a conventional rehabilitation program positively influenced motor and functional recovery in study participants, demonstrating the clinical potential of the method. The results of this study will be used for designing a large-scale clinical trial.

Flight Test Results for Uniquely Tailored Propulsion-Airframe Aeroacoustic Chevrons: Community Noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nesbitt, Eric; Mengle, Vinod; Czech, Michael; Callendar, Bryan; Thomas, Russ

2006-01-01

The flow/acoustic environment around the jet exhaust of an engine when installed on an airplane, say, under the wing, is highly asymmetric due to the pylon, the wing and the high-lift devices. Recent scale model tests have shown that such Propulsion Airframe Aeroacoustic (PAA) interactions and the jet mixing noise can be reduced more than with conventional azimuthally uniform chevrons by uniquely tailoring the chevrons to produce enhanced mixing near the pylon. This paper describes the community noise results from a flight test on a large twin-engine airplane using this concept of azimuthally varying chevrons for engines installed under the wing. Results for two different nozzle configurations are described: azimuthally varying "PAA T-fan" chevrons on the fan nozzle with a baseline no-chevron core nozzle and a second with PAA T-fan chevrons with conventional azimuthally uniform chevrons on the core nozzle. We analyze these test results in comparison to the baseline no-chevron nozzle on both spectral and integrated power level bases. The study focuses on the peak jet noise reduction and the effects at high frequencies for typical take-off power settings. The noise reduction and the absolute noise levels are then compared to model scale results. The flight test results verify that the PAA T-fan nozzles in combination with standard core chevron nozzles can, indeed, give a reasonable amount of noise reduction at low frequencies without high-frequency lift during take-off conditions and hardly any impact on the cruise thrust coefficient.

Volume conductor model of transcutaneous electrical stimulation with kilohertz signals

PubMed Central

Medina, Leonel E.; Grill, Warren M.

2014-01-01

Objective Incorporating high-frequency components in transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) waveforms may make it possible to stimulate deeper nerve fibers since the impedance of tissue declines with increasing frequency. However, the mechanisms of high-frequency TES remain largely unexplored. We investigated the properties of TES with frequencies beyond those typically used in neural stimulation. Approach We implemented a multilayer volume conductor model including dispersion and capacitive effects, coupled to a cable model of a nerve fiber. We simulated voltage- and current-controlled transcutaneous stimulation, and quantified the effects of frequency on the distribution of potentials and fiber excitation. We also quantified the effects of a novel transdermal amplitude modulated signal (TAMS) consisting of a non-zero offset sinusoidal carrier modulated by a square-pulse train. Main results The model revealed that high-frequency signals generated larger potentials at depth than did low frequencies, but this did not translate into lower stimulation thresholds. Both TAMS and conventional rectangular pulses activated more superficial fibers in addition to the deeper, target fibers, and at no frequency did we observe an inversion of the strength-distance relationship. Current regulated stimulation was more strongly influenced by fiber depth, whereas voltage regulated stimulation was more strongly influenced by skin thickness. Finally, our model reproduced the threshold-frequency relationship of experimentally measured motor thresholds. Significance The model may be used for prediction of motor thresholds in TES, and contributes to the understanding of high-frequency TES. PMID:25380254

Volume conductor model of transcutaneous electrical stimulation with kilohertz signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medina, Leonel E.; Grill, Warren M.

2014-12-01

Objective. Incorporating high-frequency components in transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) waveforms may make it possible to stimulate deeper nerve fibers since the impedance of tissue declines with increasing frequency. However, the mechanisms of high-frequency TES remain largely unexplored. We investigated the properties of TES with frequencies beyond those typically used in neural stimulation. Approach. We implemented a multilayer volume conductor model including dispersion and capacitive effects, coupled to a cable model of a nerve fiber. We simulated voltage- and current-controlled transcutaneous stimulation, and quantified the effects of frequency on the distribution of potentials and fiber excitation. We also quantified the effects of a novel transdermal amplitude modulated signal (TAMS) consisting of a non-zero offset sinusoidal carrier modulated by a square-pulse train. Main results. The model revealed that high-frequency signals generated larger potentials at depth than did low frequencies, but this did not translate into lower stimulation thresholds. Both TAMS and conventional rectangular pulses activated more superficial fibers in addition to the deeper, target fibers, and at no frequency did we observe an inversion of the strength-distance relationship. Current regulated stimulation was more strongly influenced by fiber depth, whereas voltage regulated stimulation was more strongly influenced by skin thickness. Finally, our model reproduced the threshold-frequency relationship of experimentally measured motor thresholds. Significance. The model may be used for prediction of motor thresholds in TES, and contributes to the understanding of high-frequency TES.

Distributed feedback guided surface acoustic wave microresonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golan, G.; Griffel, G.; Seidman, A.; Croitoru, N.

1989-08-01

Surface acoustic wave resonators have been used in a number of applications: high-Q frequency filtering, very accurate frequency sources, etc. A major disadvantage of conventional resonators is their large dimensions, which makes them inadequate for integrated acoustics applications. In order to overcome these size limitations a new type of microresonator was designed, developed, and tested. In this paper, theoretical calculations and measurements on two kinds of such devices (a corrugated waveguide filter and a microresonator structure) are presented and their possible applications are discussed.

Estimation of modal parameters using bilinear joint time frequency distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roshan-Ghias, A.; Shamsollahi, M. B.; Mobed, M.; Behzad, M.

2007-07-01

In this paper, a new method is proposed for modal parameter estimation using time-frequency representations. Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution which is a member of the Cohen's class distributions is used to decouple vibration modes completely in order to study each mode separately. This distribution reduces cross-terms which are troublesome in Wigner-Ville distribution and retains the resolution as well. The method was applied to highly damped systems, and results were superior to those obtained via other conventional methods.

The relationship between distortion product otoacoustic emissions and extended high-frequency audiometry in tinnitus patients. Part 1: normally hearing patients with unilateral tinnitus.

PubMed

Fabijańska, Anna; Smurzyński, Jacek; Hatzopoulos, Stavros; Kochanek, Krzysztof; Bartnik, Grażyna; Raj-Koziak, Danuta; Mazzoli, Manuela; Skarżyński, Piotr H; Jędrzejczak, Wieslaw W; Szkiełkowska, Agata; Skarżyński, Henryk

2012-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and extended high-frequency (EHF) thresholds in a control group and in patients with normal hearing sensitivity in the conventional frequency range and reporting unilateral tinnitus. Seventy patients were enrolled in the study: 47 patients with tinnitus in the left ear (Group 1) and 23 patients with tinnitus in the right ear (Group 2). The control group included 60 otologically normal subjects with no history of pathological tinnitus. Pure-tone thresholds were measured at all standard frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz, and at 10, 12.5, 14, and 16 kHz. The DPOAEs were measured in the frequency range from approximately 0.5 to 9 kHz using the primary tones presented at 65/55 dB SPL. The left ears of patients in Group 1 had higher median hearing thresholds than those in the control subjects at all 4 EHFs, and lower mean DPOAE levels than those in the controls for almost all primary frequencies, but significantly lower only in the 2-kHz region. Median hearing thresholds in the right ears of patients in Group 2 were higher than those in the right ears of the control subjects in the EHF range at 12.5, 14, and 16 kHz. The mean DPOAE levels in the right ears were lower in patients from Group 2 than those in the controls for the majority of primary frequencies, but only reached statistical significance in the 8-kHz region. Hearing thresholds in tinnitus ears with normal hearing sensitivity in the conventional range were higher in the EHF region than those in non-tinnitus control subjects, implying that cochlear damage in the basal region may result in the perception of tinnitus. In general, DPOAE levels in tinnitus ears were lower than those in ears of non-tinnitus subjects, suggesting that subclinical cochlear impairment in limited areas, which can be revealed by DPOAEs but not by conventional audiometry, may exist in tinnitus ears. For patients with tinnitus, DPOAE measures combined with behavioral EHF hearing thresholds may provide additional clinical information about the status of the peripheral hearing.

A pulse-tube refrigerator using variable-resistance orifice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, B. J.; Sun, B. W.

2003-01-01

In the present study, we propose a new design of orifice pulse-tube refrigerator (VROPT) using a variable-resistance valve to replace the conventional orifice. The variable-resistance orifice (VRO) is basically a high-speed solenoidal valve similar to the fuel jet device widely used in automobile engines. By changing the frequency and periods of ON and OFF of the valve through an electronic device, we can change the flow resistance of the VRO. This thus provides a possibility for an OPT to be controlled on-line during operation. From the results obtained in the present study, we have shown that VROPT is able to achieve on-line control by regulating the duty cycle d or frequency fv of the VRO. We also show that VROPT will not loss its thermal performance as compared to conventional OPT.

Spread-Spectrum Beamforming and Clutter Filtering for Plane-Wave Color Doppler Imaging.

PubMed

Mansour, Omar; Poepping, Tamie L; Lacefield, James C

2016-07-21

Plane-wave imaging is desirable for its ability to achieve high frame rates, allowing the capture of fast dynamic events and continuous Doppler data. In most implementations of plane-wave imaging, multiple low-resolution images from different plane wave tilt angles are compounded to form a single high-resolution image, thereby reducing the frame rate. Compounding improves the lateral beam profile in the high-resolution image, but it also acts as a low-pass filter in slow time that causes attenuation and aliasing of signals with high Doppler shifts. This paper introduces a spread-spectrum color Doppler imaging method that produces high-resolution images without the use of compounding, thereby eliminating the tradeoff between beam quality, maximum unaliased Doppler frequency, and frame rate. The method uses a long, random sequence of transmit angles rather than a linear sweep of plane wave directions. The random angle sequence randomizes the phase of off-focus (clutter) signals, thereby spreading the clutter power in the Doppler spectrum, while keeping the spectrum of the in-focus signal intact. The ensemble of randomly tilted low-resolution frames also acts as the Doppler ensemble, so it can be much longer than a conventional linear sweep, thereby improving beam formation while also making the slow-time Doppler sampling frequency equal to the pulse repetition frequency. Experiments performed using a carotid artery phantom with constant flow demonstrate that the spread-spectrum method more accurately measures the parabolic flow profile of the vessel and outperforms conventional plane-wave Doppler in both contrast resolution and estimation of high flow velocities. The spread-spectrum method is expected to be valuable for Doppler applications that require measurement of high velocities at high frame rates.

Development and Application of Wide Bandwidth Magneto-Resistive Sensor Based Eddy Current Probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wincheski, Russell A.; Simpson, John

2010-01-01

The integration of magneto-resistive sensors into eddy current probes can significantly expand the capabilities of conventional eddy current nondestructive evaluation techniques. The room temperature solid-state sensors have typical bandwidths in the megahertz range and resolutions of tens of microgauss. The low frequency sensitivity of magneto-resistive sensors has been capitalized upon in previous research to fabricate very low frequency eddy current sensors for deep flaw detection in multilayer conductors. In this work a modified probe design is presented to expand the capabilities of the device. The new probe design incorporates a dual induction source enabling operation from low frequency deep flaw detection to high frequency high resolution near surface material characterization. Applications of the probe for the detection of localized near surface conductivity anomalies are presented. Finite element modeling of the probe is shown to be in good agreement with experimental measurements.

High-Resolution Audio with Inaudible High-Frequency Components Induces a Relaxed Attentional State without Conscious Awareness.

PubMed

Kuribayashi, Ryuma; Nittono, Hiroshi

2017-01-01

High-resolution audio has a higher sampling frequency and a greater bit depth than conventional low-resolution audio such as compact disks. The higher sampling frequency enables inaudible sound components (above 20 kHz) that are cut off in low-resolution audio to be reproduced. Previous studies of high-resolution audio have mainly focused on the effect of such high-frequency components. It is known that alpha-band power in a human electroencephalogram (EEG) is larger when the inaudible high-frequency components are present than when they are absent. Traditionally, alpha-band EEG activity has been associated with arousal level. However, no previous studies have explored whether sound sources with high-frequency components affect the arousal level of listeners. The present study examined this possibility by having 22 participants listen to two types of a 400-s musical excerpt of French Suite No. 5 by J. S. Bach (on cembalo, 24-bit quantization, 192 kHz A/D sampling), with or without inaudible high-frequency components, while performing a visual vigilance task. High-alpha (10.5-13 Hz) and low-beta (13-20 Hz) EEG powers were larger for the excerpt with high-frequency components than for the excerpt without them. Reaction times and error rates did not change during the task and were not different between the excerpts. The amplitude of the P3 component elicited by target stimuli in the vigilance task increased in the second half of the listening period for the excerpt with high-frequency components, whereas no such P3 amplitude change was observed for the other excerpt without them. The participants did not distinguish between these excerpts in terms of sound quality. Only a subjective rating of inactive pleasantness after listening was higher for the excerpt with high-frequency components than for the other excerpt. The present study shows that high-resolution audio that retains high-frequency components has an advantage over similar and indistinguishable digital sound sources in which such components are artificially cut off, suggesting that high-resolution audio with inaudible high-frequency components induces a relaxed attentional state without conscious awareness.

Dairy calf management-A comparison of practices and producer attitudes among conventional and organic herds.

PubMed

Pempek, J A; Schuenemann, G M; Holder, E; Habing, G G

2017-10-01

Dairy calves are at high risk for morbidity and mortality early in life. Understanding producer attitudes is important for implementation of best management practices to improve calf health. The objectives of this study were to evaluate usage frequency and producer attitudes on key calf management practices between conventional and organic dairy operations. A cross-sectional survey was mailed to conventional and organic dairy producers in Ohio and Michigan that included questions on cow-calf separation, colostrum management, and vaccination use. The overall survey response rate was 49% (727/1,488); 449 and 172 conventional and organic producer respondents, respectively, were included in the final analysis. Binary, cumulative, and multinomial logistic regression models were used to test differences within and between herd types for management practices and producer attitudes. The majority of conventional (64%, 279/439) producers reported separating the calf from the dam 30 min to 6 h after birth. More organic (34%, 56/166) than conventional (18%, 80/439) producers reported separation 6 to 12 h after birth, and organic producers were more likely to agree time before separation is beneficial. Few conventional (10%, 44/448) and organic (3%, 5/171) producers reported measuring colostrum quality. Most conventional producers (68%, 304/448) hand-fed the first feeding of colostrum, whereas the majority of organic producers (38%, 69/171) allowed calves to nurse colostrum. Last, 44% (188/430) of conventional producers reported vaccinating their calves for respiratory disease, compared with 14% (22/162) of organic producers; organic producers were more likely to perceive vaccines as ineffective and harmful to calf health. Thus, the usage frequency and perceived risks and benefits of calf management practices vary considerably between conventional and organic dairy producers. These findings provide helpful information to understand decision making at the herd level regarding key calf management and health practices, regardless of production systems. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Super-contrast photoacoustic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Fei; Zhang, Ruochong; Feng, Xiaohua; Liu, Siyu; Zheng, Yuanjin

2018-02-01

In this paper, a new imaging modality, named photoacoustic resonance imaging (PARI), is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Being distinct from conventional single nanosecond laser pulse induced wideband PA signal, the proposed PARI method utilizes multi-burst modulated laser source to induce PA resonant signal with enhanced signal strength and narrower bandwidth. Moreover, imaging contrast could be clearly improved than conventional single-pulse laser based PA imaging by selecting optimum modulation frequency of the laser source, which originates from physical properties of different materials beyond the optical absorption coefficient. Specifically, the imaging steps is as follows: 1: Perform conventional PA imaging by modulating the laser source as a short pulse to identify the location of the target and the background. 2: Shine modulated laser beam on the background and target respectively to characterize their individual resonance frequency by sweeping the modulation frequency of the CW laser source. 3: Select the resonance frequency of the target as the modulation frequency of the laser source, perform imaging and get the first PARI image. Then choose the resonance frequency of the background as the modulation frequency of the laser source, perform imaging and get the second PARI image. 4: subtract the first PARI image from the second PARI image, then we get the contrast-enhanced PARI results over the conventional PA imaging in step 1. Experimental validation on phantoms have been performed to show the merits of the proposed PARI method with much improved image contrast.

Comparison of low and high frequency transducers in the detection of liver metastases.

PubMed

Schacherer, D; Wrede, C; Obermeier, F; Schölmerich, J; Schlottmann, K; Klebl, F

2006-09-01

To evaluate the benefit of the additional use of a high frequency ultrasound probe (7.5 MHz) in finding suspicious liver lesions compared to the examination using a 3.5-MHz transducer only. One hundred and fifty-seven patients with underlying malignant disease were examined with both transducers using one of three ultrasound machines (Siemens Sonoline Elegra, GE Healthcare Logic 9, or Hitachi EUB-8500). Findings on hepatic lesions were collected on a standardised documentation sheet and evaluated by descriptive statistics. Ninety-three patients (59.2% of all patients) showed no evident liver lesion on conventional ultrasound with the 3.5 MHz probe. In 29 patients (18.5%) new suspicious liver lesions were found by using the high frequency transducer. Thirteen of these 29 patients (44.8%) were suspected to suffer from diffuse infiltration of the liver with malignant lesions or at least 10 additional visible lesions. In 14 patients, no liver lesion had been known before high frequency ultrasound examination. The size of newly described liver lesions ranged from 2 mm to 1.5 cm. Time needed for the additional examination with the high frequency transducer ranged between 1 and 15 min with an average of 4.0 min. The additional use of a high frequency transducer in patients with underlying malignant disease slightly extends the examination time, but reveals new, potentially malignant hepatic lesions in almost every fifth patient.

Deviation of tracheal pressure from airway opening pressure during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in a porcine lung model.

PubMed

Johannes, Amélie; Zollhoefer, Bernd; Eujen, Ulrike; Kredel, Markus; Rauch, Stefan; Roewer, Norbert; Muellenbach, Ralf M

2013-04-01

Oxygenation during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation is secured by a high level of mean airway pressure. Our objective was to identify a pressure difference between the airway opening of the respiratory circuit and the trachea during application of different oscillatory frequencies. Six female Pietrain pigs (57.1 ± 3.6 kg) were first ventilated in a conventional mechanical ventilation mode. Subsequently, the animals were switched to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation by setting mean airway opening pressure 5 cmH(2)O above the one measured during controlled mechanical ventilation. Measurements at the airway opening and at tracheal levels were performed in healthy lungs and after induction of acute lung injury by surfactant depletion. During high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, the airway opening pressure was set at a constant level. The pressure amplitude was fixed at 90 cmH(2)O. Starting from an oscillatory frequency of 3 Hz, the frequency was increased in steps of 3 Hz to 15 Hz and then decreased accordingly. At each frequency, measurements were performed in the trachea through a side-lumen of the endotracheal tube and the airway opening pressure was recorded. The pressure difference was calculated. At every oscillatory frequency, a pressure loss towards the trachea could be shown. This pressure difference increased with higher oscillatory frequencies (3 Hz 2.2 ± 2.1 cmH(2)O vs. 15 Hz 7.5 ± 1.8 cmH(2)O). The results for healthy and injured lungs were similar. Tracheal pressures decreased with higher oscillatory frequencies. This may lead to pulmonary derecruitment. This has to be taken into consideration when increasing oscillatory frequencies and differentiated pressure settings are mandatory.

Single- and multi-frequency detection of surface displacements via scanning probe microscopy.

PubMed

Romanyuk, Konstantin; Luchkin, Sergey Yu; Ivanov, Maxim; Kalinin, Arseny; Kholkin, Andrei L

2015-02-01

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) provides a novel opportunity to detect picometer-level displacements induced by an electric field applied through a conducting tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Recently, it was discovered that superb vertical sensitivity provided by PFM is high enough to monitor electric-field-induced ionic displacements in solids, the technique being referred to as electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM). ESM has been implemented only in multi-frequency detection modes such as dual AC resonance tracking (DART) and band excitation, where the response is recorded within a finite frequency range, typically around the first contact resonance. In this paper, we analyze and compare signal-to-noise ratios of the conventional single-frequency method with multi-frequency regimes of measuring surface displacements. Single-frequency detection ESM is demonstrated using a commercial AFM.

High-energy terahertz wave parametric oscillator with a surface-emitted ring-cavity configuration.

PubMed

Yang, Zhen; Wang, Yuye; Xu, Degang; Xu, Wentao; Duan, Pan; Yan, Chao; Tang, Longhuang; Yao, Jianquan

2016-05-15

A surface-emitted ring-cavity terahertz (THz) wave parametric oscillator has been demonstrated for high-energy THz output and fast frequency tuning in a wide frequency range. Through the special optical design with a galvano-optical scanner and four-mirror ring-cavity structure, the maximum THz wave output energy of 12.9 μJ/pulse is achieved at 1.359 THz under the pump energy of 172.8 mJ. The fast THz frequency tuning in the range of 0.7-2.8 THz can be accessed with the step response of 600 μs. Moreover, the maximum THz wave output energy from this configuration is 3.29 times as large as that obtained from the conventional surface-emitted THz wave parametric oscillator with the same experimental conditions.

Dual-Vivaldi wideband nanoantenna with high radiation efficiency over the infrared frequency band.

PubMed

Iluz, Zeev; Boag, Amir

2011-08-01

A dual-Vivaldi nanoantenna is proposed to demonstrate the possibility of wideband operation at IR frequencies. The antenna geometry design is guided by the material properties of metals at IR frequencies. According to our numerical results, this nanoantenna has both high radiation efficiency and good impedance-matching properties over a wide frequency band (more than 122%) in the IR frequency band. The design is based on the well-known Vivaldi antenna placed on quartz substrate but operating as a pair instead of a single element. Such a pair of Vivaldi antennas oriented in opposite directions produces the main lobe in the broadside direction (normal to the axes of the antennas) rather than the usual peak gain along the axis (end fire) of a single Vivaldi antenna. The dual-Vivaldi nanoantenna is easy to fabricate in a conventional electron-beam lithography process, and it provides a large number of degrees of freedom, facilitating design for ultra-wideband operation. © 2011 Optical Society of America

A comprehensive inversion approach for feedforward compensation of piezoactuator system at high frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Lizhi; Xiong, Zhenhua; Wu, Jianhua; Ding, Han

2016-09-01

Motion control of the piezoactuator system over broadband frequencies is limited due to its inherent hysteresis and system dynamics. One of the suggested ways is to use feedforward controller to linearize the input-output relationship of the piezoactuator system. Although there have been many feedforward approaches, it is still a challenge to develop feedforward controller for the piezoactuator system at high frequency. Hence, this paper presents a comprehensive inversion approach in consideration of the coupling of hysteresis and dynamics. In this work, the influence of dynamics compensation on the input-output relationship of the piezoactuator system is investigated first. With system dynamics compensation, the input-output relationship of the piezoactuator system will be further represented as rate-dependent nonlinearity due to the inevitable dynamics compensation error, especially at high frequency. Base on this result, the feedforward controller composed by a cascade of linear dynamics inversion and rate-dependent nonlinearity inversion is developed. Then, the system identification of the comprehensive inversion approach is proposed. Finally, experimental results show that the proposed approach can improve the performance on tracking of both periodic and non-periodic trajectories at medium and high frequency compared with the conventional feedforward approaches.

High-temperature optical fiber instrumentation for gas flow monitoring in gas turbine engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, Adrian; May, Russell G.; Pickrell, Gary R.; Wang, Anbo

2002-02-01

In the design and testing of gas turbine engines, real-time data about such physical variables as temperature, pressure and acoustics are of critical importance. The high temperature environment experienced in the engines makes conventional electronic sensors devices difficult to apply. Therefore, there is a need for innovative sensors that can reliably operate under the high temperature conditions and with the desirable resolution and frequency response. A fiber optic high temperature sensor system for dynamic pressure measurement is presented in this paper. This sensor is based on a new sensor technology - the self-calibrated interferometric/intensity-based (SCIIB) sensor, recently developed at Virginia Tech. State-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) methods are applied to process the signal from the sensor to acquire high-speed frequency response.

Harmonic distortion in microwave photonic filters.

PubMed

Rius, Manuel; Mora, José; Bolea, Mario; Capmany, José

2012-04-09

We present a theoretical and experimental analysis of nonlinear microwave photonic filters. Far from the conventional condition of low modulation index commonly used to neglect high-order terms, we have analyzed the harmonic distortion involved in microwave photonic structures with periodic and non-periodic frequency responses. We show that it is possible to design microwave photonic filters with reduced harmonic distortion and high linearity even under large signal operation.

Submerged Object Detection and Classification System

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-16

example of this type of system is a conventional sonar device wherein a highly directional beam of sonic energy periodically radiates from a...scanning transducer which in turn operates as a receiver to detect echoes reflected from any object within the path of 15 propagation. Sonar devices...classification, which requires relatively high frequency signals. Sonar devices also have the shortcoming of sensing background noise generated by

Optical isolation based on space-time engineered asymmetric photonic band gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamanara, Nima; Taravati, Sajjad; Deck-Léger, Zoé-Lise; Caloz, Christophe

2017-10-01

Nonreciprocal electromagnetic devices play a crucial role in modern microwave and optical technologies. Conventional methods for realizing such systems are incompatible with integrated circuits. With recent advances in integrated photonics, the need for efficient on-chip magnetless nonreciprocal devices has become more pressing than ever. This paper leverages space-time engineered asymmetric photonic band gaps to generate optical isolation. It shows that a properly designed space-time modulated slab is highly reflective/transparent for opposite directions of propagation. The corresponding design is magnetless, accommodates low modulation frequencies, and can achieve very high isolation levels. An experimental proof of concept at microwave frequencies is provided.

A Low-Power All-Digital on-Chip CMOS Oscillator for a Wireless Sensor Node

PubMed Central

Sheng, Duo; Hong, Min-Rong

2016-01-01

This paper presents an all-digital low-power oscillator for reference clocks in wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. The proposed on-chip complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) oscillator provides low-frequency clock signals with low power consumption, high delay resolution, and low circuit complexity. The cascade-stage structure of the proposed design simultaneously achieves high resolution and a wide frequency range. The proposed hysteresis delay cell further reduces the power consumption and hardware costs by 92.4% and 70.4%, respectively, relative to conventional designs. The proposed design is implemented in a standard performance 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measured operational frequency ranged from 7 to 155 MHz, and the power consumption was improved to 79.6 μW (@7 MHz) with a 4.6 ps resolution. The proposed design can be implemented in an all-digital manner, which is highly desirable for system-level integration. PMID:27754439

A Low-Power All-Digital on-Chip CMOS Oscillator for a Wireless Sensor Node.

PubMed

Sheng, Duo; Hong, Min-Rong

2016-10-14

This paper presents an all-digital low-power oscillator for reference clocks in wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. The proposed on-chip complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) oscillator provides low-frequency clock signals with low power consumption, high delay resolution, and low circuit complexity. The cascade-stage structure of the proposed design simultaneously achieves high resolution and a wide frequency range. The proposed hysteresis delay cell further reduces the power consumption and hardware costs by 92.4% and 70.4%, respectively, relative to conventional designs. The proposed design is implemented in a standard performance 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measured operational frequency ranged from 7 to 155 MHz, and the power consumption was improved to 79.6 μW (@7 MHz) with a 4.6 ps resolution. The proposed design can be implemented in an all-digital manner, which is highly desirable for system-level integration.

Late outcomes of a randomized trial of high-frequency oscillation in neonates.

PubMed

Zivanovic, Sanja; Peacock, Janet; Alcazar-Paris, Mireia; Lo, Jessica W; Lunt, Alan; Marlow, Neil; Calvert, Sandy; Greenough, Anne

2014-03-20

Results from an observational study involving neonates suggested that high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), as compared with conventional ventilation, was associated with superior small-airway function at follow-up. Data from randomized trials are needed to confirm this finding. We studied 319 adolescents who had been born before 29 weeks of gestation and had been enrolled in a multicenter, randomized trial that compared HFOV with conventional ventilation immediately after birth. The trial involved 797 neonates, of whom 592 survived to hospital discharge. We compared follow-up data from adolescents who had been randomly assigned to HFOV with follow-up data from those who had been randomly assigned to conventional ventilation, with respect to lung function and respiratory health, health-related quality of life, and functional status, as assessed with the use of questionnaires completed when the participants were 11 to 14 years of age. The primary outcome was forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (FEF75). The HFOV group had superior results on a test of small-airway function (z score for FEF75, -0.97 with HFOV vs. -1.19 with conventional therapy; adjusted difference, 0.23 [95% confidence interval, 0.02 to 0.45]). There were significant differences in favor of HFOV in several other measures of respiratory function, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, diffusing capacity, and impulse-oscillometric findings. As compared with the conventional-therapy group, the HFOV group had significantly higher ratings from teachers in three of eight school subjects assessed, but there were no other significant differences in functional outcomes. In a randomized trial involving children who had been born extremely prematurely, those who had undergone HFOV, as compared with those who had received conventional ventilation, had superior lung function at 11 to 14 years of age, with no evidence of poorer functional outcomes. (Funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme and others.).

High-frequency 3D echodentographic imaging modality for early assessment of periodontal diseases: in vitro study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoud, Ahmed M.; Ngan, Peter; Crout, Richard; Mukdadi, Osama M.

2009-02-01

The use of ultrasound in dentistry is still an open growing area of research. Currently, there is a lack of imaging modalities to accurately predict minute structures and defects in the jawbone. In particular, the inability of 2D radiographic images to detect bony periodontal defects resulted from infection of the periodontium. This study investigates the feasibility of high frequency ultrasound to reconstruct high resolution 3D surface images of human jawbone. Methods: A dentate and non-dentate mandibles were used in this study. The system employs high frequency single-element ultrasound focused transducers (15-30 MHz) for scanning. Continuous acquisition using a 1 GHz data acquisition card is synchronized with a high precision two-dimensional stage positioning system of +/-1 μm resolution for acquiring accurate and quantitative measurements of the mandible in vitro. Radio frequency (RF) signals are acquired laterally 44-45.5 μm apart for each frame. Different frames are reconstructed 500 μm apart for the 3D reconstruction. Signal processing algorithms are applied on the received ultrasound signals for filtering, focusing, and envelope detection before frame reconstruction. Furthermore, an edge detection technique is adopted to detect the bone surface in each frame. Finally, all edges are combined together in order to render a 3D surface image of the jawbone. Major anatomical landmarks on the resultant images were confirmed with the anatomical structures on the mandibles to show the efficacy of the system. Comparison were also made with conventional 2D radiographs to show the superiority of the ultrasound imaging system in diagnosing small defects in the lateral, axial and elevation planes of space. Results: The landmarks on all ultrasound images matched with those on the mandible, indicating the efficacy of the system in detecting small structures in human jaw bones. Comparison with conventional 2D radiographic images of the same mandible showed superiority of the 3D ultrasound images in detecting defects in the elevation plane of space. These results suggest that the high frequency ultrasound system shows great potential in providing a non-invasive method to characterize the jawbone and detect periodontal diseases at earlier stages.

High-frequency Audiometry Hearing on Monitoring of Individuals Exposed to Occupational Noise: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Antonioli, Cleonice Aparecida Silva; Momensohn-Santos, Teresa Maria; Benaglia, Tatiana Aparecida Silva

2016-07-01

The literature reports on high-frequency audiometry as one of the exams used on hearing monitoring of individuals exposed to high sound pressure in their work environment, due to the method́s greater sensitivity in early identification of hearing loss caused by noise. The frequencies that compose the exam are generally between 9 KHz and 20KHz, depending on the equipment. This study aims to perform a retrospective and secondary systematic revision of publications on high-frequency audiometry on hearing monitoring of individuals exposed to occupational noise. This systematic revision followed the methodology proposed in the Cochrane Handbook, focusing on the question: "Is High-frequency Audiometry more sensitive than Conventional Audiometry in the screening of early hearing loss individuals exposed to occupational noise?" The search was based on PubMed data, Base, Web of Science (Capes), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), and in the references cited in identified and selected articles. The search resulted in 6059 articles in total. Of these, only six studies were compatible with the criteria proposed in this study. The performed meta-analysis does not definitively answer the study's proposed question. It indicates that the 16 KHz high frequency audiometry (HFA) frequency is sensitive in early identification of hearing loss in the control group (medium difference (MD = 8.33)), as well as the 4 KHz frequency (CA), this one being a little less expressive (MD = 5.72). Thus, others studies are necessary to confirm the HFA importance for the early screening of hearing loss on individuals exposed to noise at the workplace.

Performance Analysis of AN Engine Mount Featuring ER Fluids and Piezoactuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, S. H.; Choi, Y. T.; Choi, S. B.; Cheong, C. C.

Conventional rubber mounts and various types of passive or semi-active hydraulic engine mounts for a passenger vehicle have their own functional aims on the limited frequency band in the broad engine operating frequency range. In order to achieve high system performance over all frequency ranges of the engine operation, a new type of engine mount featuring electro-rheological(ER) fluids and piezoactuators is proposed in this study. A mathematical model of the proposed engine mount is derived using the bond graph method which is inherently adequate to model the interconnected hydromechanical system. In the low frequency domain, the ER fluid is activated upon imposing an electric field for vibration isolation while the piezoactuator is activated in the high frequency domain. A neuro-control algorithm is utilized to determine control electric field for the ER fluid, and H∞ control technique is adopted for the piezoactuator Comparative works between the proposed and single-actuating(ER fluid only or piezoactuator only) engine mounts are undertaken by evaluating force transmissibility over a wide operating frequency range.

Frequency and reactivity of antigen-specific T cells were concurrently measured through the combination of artificial antigen-presenting cell, MACS and ELISPOT.

PubMed

Shen, Chuanlai; Xu, Tao; Wu, You; Li, Xiaoe; Xia, Lingzhi; Wang, Wei; Shahzad, Khawar Ali; Zhang, Lei; Wan, Xin; Qiu, Jie

2017-11-27

Conventional peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) multimer staining, intracellular cytokine staining, and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay cannot concurrently determine the frequency and reactivity of antigen-specific T cells (AST) in a single assay. In this report, pMHC multimer, magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), and ELISPOT techniques have been integrated into a micro well by coupling pMHC multimers onto cell-sized magnetic beads to characterize AST cell populations in a 96-well microplate which pre-coated with cytokine-capture antibodies. This method, termed AAPC-microplate, allows the enumeration and local cytokine production of AST cells in a single assay without using flow cytometry or fluorescence intensity scanning, thus will be widely applicable. Here, ovalbumin 257-264 -specific CD8 + T cells from OT-1 T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice were measured. The methodological accuracy, specificity, reproducibility, and sensitivity in enumerating AST cells compared well with conventional pMHC multimer staining. Furthermore, the AAPC-microplate was applied to detect the frequency and reactivity of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen 18-27 - and surface antigen 183-191 -specific CD8 + T cells for the patients, and was compared with conventional method. This method without the need of high-end instruments may facilitate the routine analysis of patient-specific cellular immune response pattern to a given antigen in translational studies.

Fluorescence lifetime as a new parameter in analytical cytology measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinkamp, John A.; Deka, Chiranjit; Lehnert, Bruce E.; Crissman, Harry A.

1996-05-01

A phase-sensitive flow cytometer has been developed to quantify fluorescence decay lifetimes on fluorochrome-labeled cells/particles. This instrument combines flow cytometry (FCM) and frequency-domain fluorescence spectroscopy measurement principles to provide unique capabilities for making phase-resolved lifetime measurements, while preserving conventional FCM capabilities. Cells are analyzed as they intersect a high-frequency, intensity-modulated (sine wave) laser excitation beam. Fluorescence signals are processed by conventional and phase-sensitive signal detection electronics and displayed as frequency distribution histograms. In this study we describe results of fluorescence intensity and lifetime measurements on fluorescently labeled particles, cells, and chromosomes. Examples of measurements on intrinsic cellular autofluorescence, cells labeled with immunofluorescence markers for cell- surface antigens, mitochondria stains, and on cellular DNA and protein binding fluorochromes will be presented to illustrate unique differences in measured lifetimes and changes caused by fluorescence quenching. This innovative technology will be used to probe fluorochrome/molecular interactions in the microenvironment of cells/chromosomes as a new parameter and thus expand the researchers' understanding of biochemical processes and structural features at the cellular and molecular level.

Enhancement of Signal-to-noise Ratio in Natural-source Transient Magnetotelluric Data with Wavelet Transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y.; Paulson, K. V.

For audio-frequency magnetotelluric surveys where the signals are lightning-stroke transients, the conventional Fourier transform method often fails to produce a high quality impedance tensor. An alternative approach is to use the wavelet transform method which is capable of localizing target information simultaneously in both the temporal and frequency domains. Unlike Fourier analysis that yields an average amplitude and phase, the wavelet transform produces an instantaneous estimate of the amplitude and phase of a signal. In this paper a complex well-localized wavelet, the Morlet wavelet, has been used to transform and analyze audio-frequency magnetotelluric data. With the Morlet wavelet, the magnetotelluric impedance tensor can be computed directly in the wavelet transform domain. The lightning-stroke transients are easily identified on the dilation-translation plane. Choosing those wavelet transform values where the signals are located, a higher signal-to-noise ratio estimation of the impedance tensor can be obtained. In a test using real data, the wavelet transform showed a significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio over the conventional Fourier transform.

The effects of temperature and frequencies in ultrasound assisted extraction of phycocyanin from microalgae Spirulina sp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadiyanto, Suttrisnorhadi, Sutanto, Heri; Suzery, Meiny; Soetrisnanto, Danny; Azizah, Nur

2015-12-01

Microalgae Spirulina sp has been identified as source of protein and other high added value compounds. One of the compounds is phycocyanin as also known for antioxidant use. The extraction of this compound by using conventional method (soxhlet extraction) resulted low yield and longer processing time. This research was aimed to extract phycocyanin by using an extraction assisted by ultrasound irradiation. The extraction was performed by using variable of ultrasound frequency and extraction temperature and ethanol was used as a solvent. The result showed that yield of phycocyanin extracted by conventional method was 11.13% while the ultrasound irradiation could increase the yield up to 15.61% at constant frequency of 42 kHz, while the optimum temperature was obtained at 45°C. The analysis of variable interactions showed that both temperature and time has an interaction and temperature was the highest variable in increasing the yield. The conclusion of this research was the ultrasound could improve significantly the efficiency of extraction as well as activity of phycocyanin extracted from microalgae.

The effects of temperature and frequencies in ultrasound assisted extraction of phycocyanin from microalgae Spirulina sp

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

Hadiyanto,, E-mail: hadiyanto@live.undip.ac.id; Suttrisnorhadi,; Soetrisnanto, Danny

Microalgae Spirulina sp has been identified as source of protein and other high added value compounds. One of the compounds is phycocyanin as also known for antioxidant use. The extraction of this compound by using conventional method (soxhlet extraction) resulted low yield and longer processing time. This research was aimed to extract phycocyanin by using an extraction assisted by ultrasound irradiation. The extraction was performed by using variable of ultrasound frequency and extraction temperature and ethanol was used as a solvent. The result showed that yield of phycocyanin extracted by conventional method was 11.13% while the ultrasound irradiation could increasemore » the yield up to 15.61% at constant frequency of 42 kHz, while the optimum temperature was obtained at 45°C. The analysis of variable interactions showed that both temperature and time has an interaction and temperature was the highest variable in increasing the yield. The conclusion of this research was the ultrasound could improve significantly the efficiency of extraction as well as activity of phycocyanin extracted from microalgae.« less

Surface-distributed low-frequency asynchronous stimulation delays fatigue of stimulated muscles.

PubMed

Maneski, Lana Z Popović; Malešević, Nebojša M; Savić, Andrej M; Keller, Thierry; Popović, Dejan B

2013-12-01

One important reason why functional electrical stimulation (FES) has not gained widespread clinical use is the limitation imposed by rapid muscle fatigue due to non-physiological activation of the stimulated muscles. We aimed to show that asynchronous low-pulse-rate (LPR) electrical stimulation applied by multipad surface electrodes greatly postpones the occurrence of muscle fatigue compared with conventional stimulation (high pulse rate, HPR). We compared the produced force vs. time of the forearm muscles responsible for finger flexion in 2 stimulation protocols, LPR (fL = 10 Hz) and HPR (fH = 40 Hz). Surface-distributed low-frequency asynchronous stimulation (sDLFAS) doubles the time interval before the onset of fatigue (104 ± 80%) compared with conventional synchronous stimulation. Combining the performance of multipad electrodes (increased selectivity and facilitated positioning) with sDLFAS (decreased fatigue) can improve many FES applications in both the lower and upper extremities. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Amorphous and Nanocrystalline High Temperature Magnetic Material for PWR

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-01

FOR PUBLICATION. //Signature// //Signature// ______________________________________ __________________________________ JOHN C ...times that of conventional ferrites at room temperature); 2) Frequency: 200 kHz to 1 MHz; 3) Temperature: 200 ° C and above. The goals of the DUST...NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON (Monitor) a. REPORT Unclassified b. ABSTRACT Unclassified c . THIS PAGE Unclassified 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

Piston-pump-type high frequency oscillatory ventilation for neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a new protocol.

PubMed

Tamura, M; Tsuchida, Y; Kawano, T; Honna, T; Ishibashi, R; Iwanaka, T; Morita, Y; Hashimoto, H; Tada, H; Miyasaka, K

1988-05-01

High frequency ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are devices that are expected to save the lives of newborn infants whose pulmonary conditions have deteriorated. A piston-pump-type high-frequency oscillator (HFO), developed by Bryan and Miyasaka called "Hummingbird," is considered to be superior to high frequency "jet" ventilators or those of the flow-interrupter type, and was used successfully in two neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in a high-risk group. The first baby was on a conventional ventilator with pharmacologic support for the first 54 hours and then operated on. Postoperative deterioration necessitated the use of HFO for the next eight days. The infant then recovered uneventfully. For the second baby, HFO was necessary both preoperatively and postoperatively. This baby had a major diaphragmatic defect and her case was complicated with pneumothorax. There was a long stormy course on HFO (total, 70 days), but the patient was successfully extubated on the 75th day postoperatively and is now doing well. We believe active long preoperative stabilization with pharmacologic support and preoperative and postoperative hyperventilation with a piston-pump-type HFO may be a new innovative strategy for the management of severe CDH patients.

DC-DC Type High-Frequency Link DC for Improved Power Quality of Cascaded Multilevel Inverter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadikin, Muhammad; Senjyu, Tomonobu; Yona, Atsushi

2013-06-01

Multilevel inverters are emerging as a new breed of power converter options for power system applications. Recent advances in power switching devices enabled the suitability of multilevel inverters for high voltage and high power applications because they are connecting several devices in series without the need of component matching. Usually, a transformerless battery energy storage system, based on a cascaded multilevel inverter, is used as a measure for voltage and frequency deviations. System can be reduced in size, weight, and cost of energy storage system. High-frequency link circuit topology is advantageous in realizing compact and light-weight power converters for uninterruptible power supply systems, new energy systems using photovoltaic-cells, fuel-cells and so on. This paper presents a DC-DC type high-frequency link DC (HFLDC) cascaded multilevel inverter. Each converter cell is implemented a control strategy for two H-bridge inverters that are controlled with the same multicarrier pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. The proposed cascaded multilevel inverter generates lower voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) in comparison with conventional cascaded multilevel inverter. Digital simulations are carried out using PSCAD/EMTDC to validate the performance of the proposed cascaded multilevel inverter.

Annoyance caused by advanced turboprop aircraft flyover noise: Single-rotating propeller configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccurdy, David A.

1988-01-01

Two experiments were conducted to quantify the annoyance of people to advanced turboprop (propfan) aircraft flyover noise. The objectives were to: (1) determine the effects on annoyance of various tonal characteristics; and (2) compare annoyance to advanced turboprops with annoyance to conventional turboprops and jets. A computer was used to produce realistic, time-varying simulations of advanced turboprop aircraft takeoff noise. In the first experiment, subjects judged the annoyance of 45 advanced turboprop noises in which the tonal content was systematically varied to represent the factorial combinations of five fundamental frequencies, three frequency envelope shapes, and three tone-to-broadband noise ratios. Each noise was presented at three sound levels. In the second experiment, 18 advanced turboprop takeoffs, 5 conventional turboprop takeoffs, and 5 conventional jet takeoffs were presented at three sound pressure levels to subjects. Analysis indicated that frequency envelope shape did not significantly affect annoyance. The interaction of fundamental frequency with tone-to-broadband noise ratio did have a large and complex effect on annoyance. The advanced turboprop stimuli were slightly less annoying than the conventional stimuli.

Elective high-frequency oscillatory versus conventional ventilation in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patients' data.

PubMed

Cools, Filip; Askie, Lisa M; Offringa, Martin; Asselin, Jeanette M; Calvert, Sandra A; Courtney, Sherry E; Dani, Carlo; Durand, David J; Gerstmann, Dale R; Henderson-Smart, David J; Marlow, Neil; Peacock, Janet L; Pillow, J Jane; Soll, Roger F; Thome, Ulrich H; Truffert, Patrick; Schreiber, Michael D; Van Reempts, Patrick; Vendettuoli, Valentina; Vento, Giovanni

2010-06-12

Population and study design heterogeneity has confounded previous meta-analyses, leading to uncertainty about effectiveness and safety of elective high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in preterm infants. We assessed effectiveness of elective HFOV versus conventional ventilation in this group. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patients' data from 3229 participants in ten randomised controlled trials, with the primary outcomes of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, death or severe adverse neurological event, or any of these outcomes. For infants ventilated with HFOV, the relative risk of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age was 0.95 (95% CI 0.88-1.03), of death or severe adverse neurological event 1.00 (0.88-1.13), or any of these outcomes 0.98 (0.91-1.05). No subgroup of infants (eg, gestational age, birthweight for gestation, initial lung disease severity, or exposure to antenatal corticosteroids) benefited more or less from HFOV. Ventilator type or ventilation strategy did not change the overall treatment effect. HFOV seems equally effective to conventional ventilation in preterm infants. Our results do not support selection of preterm infants for HFOV on the basis of gestational age, birthweight for gestation, initial lung disease severity, or exposure to antenatal corticosteroids. Nestlé Belgium, Belgian Red Cross, and Dräger International.

Development of a novel configuration for a MEMS transducer for low bias and high resolution imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emadi, Tahereh Arezoo; Buchanan, Douglas A.

2014-03-01

A robust capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer has been developed. In this novel configuration, a stack of two deflectable membranes are suspended over a fixed bottom electrode. Similar to conventional capacitive ultrasonic transducers, a generated electrostatic force between the electrodes causes the membranes to deflect and vibrate. However, in this new configuration the transducer effective cavity height is reduced due to the deflection of two membranes. Therefore, the transducer spring constant is more susceptible to bias voltage, which in return reduces the required bias voltage. The transducers have been produced employing a MEMS sacrificial technique where two different membrane anchoring (curved- and flat- anchors) structures, with similar membrane radii were fabricated. Highly doped polysilicon was used as the membrane material. The resonant frequencies of the two transducers have been investigated. It was found that the transducers with curved membrane anchors exhibits a larger resonant frequency shift compared to the transducers with flat membranes for a given bias voltage. Comparison has been made between the spring constant of the flat membrane transducer and that of a conventional single membrane transducer. It is shown that the multiple moving membrane transducer exhibits a larger reduction in the spring constant compared to the conventional transducer, when driven with the same bias voltage. This results in a transducer with a higher power generation capability and sensitivity.

Power MOSFET-diode-based limiter for high-frequency ultrasound systems.

PubMed

Choi, Hojong; Kim, Min Gon; Cummins, Thomas M; Hwang, Jae Youn; Shung, K Kirk

2014-10-01

The purpose of the limiter circuits used in the ultrasound imaging systems is to pass low-voltage echo signals generated by ultrasonic transducers while preventing high-voltage short pulses transmitted by pulsers from damaging front-end circuits. Resistor-diode-based limiters (a 50 Ω resistor with a single cross-coupled diode pair) have been widely used in pulse-echo measurement and imaging system applications due to their low cost and simple architecture. However, resistor-diode-based limiters may not be suited for high-frequency ultrasound transducer applications since they produce large signal conduction losses at higher frequencies. Therefore, we propose a new limiter architecture utilizing power MOSFETs, which we call a power MOSFET-diode-based limiter. The performance of a power MOSFET-diode-based limiter was evaluated with respect to insertion loss (IL), total harmonic distortion (THD), and response time (RT). We compared these results with those of three other conventional limiter designs and showed that the power MOSFET-diode-based limiter offers the lowest IL (-1.33 dB) and fastest RT (0.10 µs) with the lowest suppressed output voltage (3.47 Vp-p) among all the limiters at 70 MHz. A pulse-echo test was performed to determine how the new limiter affected the sensitivity and bandwidth of the transducer. We found that the sensitivity and bandwidth of the transducer were 130% and 129% greater, respectively, when combined with the new power MOSFET-diode-based limiter versus the resistor-diode-based limiter. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the power MOSFET-diode-based limiter is capable of producing lower signal attenuation than the three conventional limiter designs at higher frequency operation. © The Author(s) 2014.

Design and Fabrication of Millimeter Wave Hexagonal Nano-Ferrite Circulator on Silicon CMOS Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oukacha, Hassan

The rapid advancement of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology has formed the backbone of the modern computing revolution enabling the development of computationally intensive electronic devices that are smaller, faster, less expensive, and consume less power. This well-established technology has transformed the mobile computing and communications industries by providing high levels of system integration on a single substrate, high reliability and low manufacturing cost. The driving force behind this computing revolution is the scaling of semiconductor devices to smaller geometries which has resulted in faster switching speeds and the promise of replacing traditional, bulky radio frequency (RF) components with miniaturized devices. Such devices play an important role in our society enabling ubiquitous computing and on-demand data access. This thesis presents the design and development of a magnetic circulator component in a standard 180 nm CMOS process. The design approach involves integration of nanoscale ferrite materials on a CMOS chip to avoid using bulky magnetic materials employed in conventional circulators. This device constitutes the next generation broadband millimeter-wave circulator integrated in CMOS using ferrite materials operating in the 60GHz frequency band. The unlicensed ultra-high frequency spectrum around 60GHz offers many benefits: very high immunity to interference, high security, and frequency re-use. Results of both simulations and measurements are presented in this thesis. The presented results show the benefits of this technique and the potential that it has in incorporating a complete system-on-chip (SoC) that includes low noise amplifier, power amplier, and antenna. This system-on-chip can be used in the same applications where the conventional circulator has been employed, including communication systems, radar systems, navigation and air traffic control, and military equipment. This set of applications of circulator shows how crucial this device is to many industries and the need for smaller, cost effective RF components.

Velocity measurement by vibro-acoustic Doppler.

PubMed

Nabavizadeh, Alireza; Urban, Matthew W; Kinnick, Randall R; Fatemi, Mostafa

2012-04-01

We describe the theoretical principles of a new Doppler method, which uses the acoustic response of a moving object to a highly localized dynamic radiation force of the ultrasound field to calculate the velocity of the moving object according to Doppler frequency shift. This method, named vibro-acoustic Doppler (VAD), employs two ultrasound beams separated by a slight frequency difference, Δf, transmitting in an X-focal configuration. Both ultrasound beams experience a frequency shift because of the moving objects and their interaction at the joint focal zone produces an acoustic frequency shift occurring around the low-frequency (Δf) acoustic emission signal. The acoustic emission field resulting from the vibration of the moving object is detected and used to calculate its velocity. We report the formula that describes the relation between Doppler frequency shift of the emitted acoustic field and the velocity of the moving object. To verify the theory, we used a string phantom. We also tested our method by measuring fluid velocity in a tube. The results show that the error calculated for both string and fluid velocities is less than 9.1%. Our theory shows that in the worst case, the error is 0.54% for a 25° angle variation for the VAD method compared with an error of -82.6% for a 25° angle variation for a conventional continuous wave Doppler method. An advantage of this method is that, unlike conventional Doppler, it is not sensitive to angles between the ultrasound beams and direction of motion.

Plasma and cyclotron frequency effects on output power of the plasma wave-pumped free-electron lasers

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

Zolghadr, S. H.; Jafari, S., E-mail: sjafari@guilan.ac.ir; Raghavi, A.

2016-05-15

Significant progress has been made employing plasmas in the free-electron lasers (FELs) interaction region. In this regard, we study the output power and saturation length of the plasma whistler wave-pumped FEL in a magnetized plasma channel. The small wavelength of the whistler wave (in sub-μm range) in plasma allows obtaining higher radiation frequency than conventional wiggler FELs. This configuration has a higher tunability by adjusting the plasma density relative to the conventional ones. A set of coupled nonlinear differential equations is employed which governs on the self-consistent evolution of an electromagnetic wave. The electron bunching process of the whistler-pumped FELmore » has been investigated numerically. The result reveals that for a long wiggler length, the bunching factor can appreciably change as the electron beam propagates through the wiggler. The effects of plasma frequency (or plasma density) and cyclotron frequency on the output power and saturation length have been studied. Simulation results indicate that with increasing the plasma frequency, the power increases and the saturation length decreases. In addition, when density of background plasma is higher than the electron beam density (i.e., for a dense plasma channel), the plasma effects are more pronounced and the FEL-power is significantly high. It is also found that with increasing the strength of the external magnetic field frequency, the power decreases and the saturation length increases, noticeably.« less

Paleohydrology of flash floods in small desert watersheds in western Arizona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

House, P. Kyle; Baker, Victor R.

2001-06-01

In this study, geological, historical, and meteorological data were combined to produce a regional chronology of flood magnitude and frequency in nine small basins (7-70 km2). The chronology spans more than 1000 years and demonstrates that detailed records of flood magnitude and frequency can be compiled in arid regions with little to no conventional hydrologic information. The recent (i.e., post-1950) flood history was evaluated by comparing a 50-year series of aerial photographs with precipitation data, ages of flood-transported beer cans, anthropogenic horizons in flood sediments, postbomb 14C dates on flotsam, and anecdotal accounts. Stratigraphic analysis of paleoflood deposits extended the regional flood record in time, and associated flood magnitudes were determined by incorporating relict high-water evidence into a hydraulic model. The results reveal a general consistency among the magnitudes of the largest floods in the historical and the paleoflood records and indicate that the magnitudes and relative frequencies of actual large floods are at variance with "100-year" flood magnitudes predicted by regional flood frequency models. This suggests that the predictive equations may not be appropriate for regulatory, management, or design purposes in the absence of additional, real data on flooding. Augmenting conventional approaches to regional flood magnitude and frequency analysis with real information derived from the alternative methods described here is a viable approach to improving assessments of regional flood characteristics in sparsely gaged desert areas.

Formation of ultracold molecules induced by a high-power single-frequency fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes Passagem, Henry; Colín-Rodríguez, Ricardo; Ventura da Silva, Paulo Cesar; Bouloufa-Maafa, Nadia; Dulieu, Olivier; Marcassa, Luis Gustavo

2017-02-01

The influence of a high-power single-frequency fiber laser on the formation of ultracold 85Rb2 molecules is investigated as a function of its frequency (in the 1062-1070 nm range) in a magneto-optical trap. We find evidence for the formation of ground-state 85Rb2 molecules in low vibrational levels (v≤slant 20) with a maximal rate of 104 s-1, induced by short-range photoassociation by the fiber laser followed by spontaneous emission. When this laser is used to set up a dipole trap, we measure an atomic loss rate at a wavelength far from the PA resonances, only four times smaller than that observed at a PA resonance wavelength. This work may have important consequences for atom trapping using lasers around the conventional 1064 nm wavelength.

Cerebral autoregulation in the preterm newborn using near-infrared spectroscopy: a comparison of time-domain and frequency-domain analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriksen, Vibeke R.; Hahn, Gitte H.; Greisen, Gorm

2015-03-01

The aim was to compare two conventional methods used to describe cerebral autoregulation (CA): frequency-domain analysis and time-domain analysis. We measured cerebral oxygenation (as a surrogate for cerebral blood flow) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in 60 preterm infants. In the frequency domain, outcome variables were coherence and gain, whereas the cerebral oximetry index (COx) and the regression coefficient were the outcome variables in the time domain. Correlation between coherence and COx was poor. The disagreement between the two methods was due to the MAP and cerebral oxygenation signals being in counterphase in three cases. High gain and high coherence may arise spuriously when cerebral oxygenation decreases as MAP increases; hence, time-domain analysis appears to be a more robust-and simpler-method to describe CA.

High-Frequency Ultrasonic Imaging of the Anterior Segment Using an Annular Array Transducer

PubMed Central

Silverman, Ronald H.; Ketterling, Jeffrey A.; Coleman, D. Jackson

2006-01-01

Objective Very-high-frequency (>35 MHz) ultrasound (VHFU) allows imaging of anterior segment structures of the eye with a resolution of less than 40-μm. The low focal ratio of VHFU transducers, however, results in a depth-of-field (DOF) of less than 1-mm. Our aim was to develop a high-frequency annular array transducer for ocular imaging with improved DOF, sensitivity and resolution compared to conventional transducers. Design Experimental Study Participants Cadaver eyes, ex vivo cow eyes, in vivo rabbit eyes. Methods A spherically curved annular array ultrasound transducer was fabricated. The array consisted of five concentric rings of equal area, had an overall aperture of 6 mm and a geometric focus of 12 mm. The nominal center frequency of all array elements was 40 MHz. An experimental system was designed in which a single array element was pulsed and echo data recorded from all elements. By sequentially pulsing each element, echo data were acquired for all 25 transmit/receive annuli combinations. The echo data were then synthetically focused and composite images produced. Transducer operation was tested by scanning a test object consisting of a series of 25-μm diameter wires spaced at increasing range from the transducer. Imaging capabilities of the annular array were demonstrated in ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit and human cadaver eyes. Main Outcome Measures Depth of field, resolution and sensitivity. Results The wire scans verified the operation of the array and demonstrated a 6.0 mm DOF compared to the 1.0 mm DOF of a conventional single-element transducer of comparable frequency, aperture and focal length. B-mode images of ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit and cadaver eyes showed that while the single-element transducer had high sensitivity and resolution within 1–2 mm of its focus, the array with synthetic focusing maintained this quality over a 6 mm DOF. Conclusion An annular array for high-resolution ocular imaging has been demonstrated. This technology offers improved depth-of-field, sensitivity and lateral resolution compared to single-element fixed focus transducers currently used for VHFU imaging of the eye. PMID:17141314

High-frequency ultrasonic imaging of the anterior segment using an annular array transducer.

PubMed

Silverman, Ronald H; Ketterling, Jeffrey A; Coleman, D Jackson

2007-04-01

Very high-frequency ultrasound (VHFU; >35 megahertz [MHz]) allows imaging of anterior segment structures of the eye with a resolution of less than 40 microm. The low focal ratio of VHFU transducers, however, results in a depth of field (DOF) of less than 1 mm. The aim was to develop a high-frequency annular array transducer for ocular imaging with improved DOF, sensitivity, and resolution compared with conventional transducers. Experimental study. Cadaver eyes, ex vivo cow eyes, in vivo rabbit eyes. A spherically curved annular array ultrasound transducer was fabricated. The array consisted of 5 concentric rings of equal area, had an overall aperture of 6 mm, and a geometric focus of 12 mm. The nominal center frequency of all array elements was 40 MHz. An experimental system was designed in which a single array element was pulsed and echo data were recorded from all elements. By sequentially pulsing each element, echo data were acquired for all 25 transmit-and-receive annuli combinations. The echo data then were focused synthetically and composite images were produced. Transducer operation was tested by scanning a test object consisting of a series of 25-microm diameter wires spaced at increasing range from the transducer. Imaging capabilities of the annular array were demonstrated in ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit, and human cadaver eyes. Depth of field, resolution, and sensitivity. The wire scans verified the operation of the array and demonstrated a 6.0-mm DOF, compared with the 1.0-mm DOF of a conventional single-element transducer of comparable frequency, aperture, and focal length. B-mode images of ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit, and cadaver eyes showed that although the single-element transducer had high sensitivity and resolution within 1 to 2 mm of its focus, the array with synthetic focusing maintained this quality over a 6-mm DOF. An annular array for high-resolution ocular imaging has been demonstrated. This technology offers improved DOF, sensitivity, and lateral resolution compared with single-element fixed focus transducers currently used for VHFU imaging of the eye.

Modelling and simulation of high-frequency (100 MHz) ultrasonic linear arrays based on single crystal LiNbO3.

PubMed

Zhang, J Y; Xu, W J; Carlier, J; Ji, X M; Nongaillard, B; Queste, S; Huang, Y P

2012-01-01

High-frequency ultrasonic transducer arrays are essential for high resolution imaging in clinical analysis and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). However, the fabrication of conventional backing-layer structure, which requires a pitch (distance between the centers of two adjacent elements) of half wavelength in medium, is really a great challenge. Here we present an alternative buffer-layer structure with a silicon lens for volumetric imaging. The requirement for the size of the pitch is less critical for this structure, making it possible to fabricate high-frequency (100MHz) ultrasonic linear array transducers. Using silicon substrate also makes it possible to integrate the arrays with IC (Integrated Circuit). To compare with the conventional backing-layer structure, a finite element tool, COMSOL, is employed to investigate the performances of acoustic beam focusing, the influence of pitch size for the buffer-layer configuration, and to calculate the electrical properties of the arrays, including crosstalk effect and electrical impedance. For a 100MHz 10-element array of buffer-layer structure, the ultrasound beam in azimuth plane in water could be electronically focused to obtain a spatial resolution (a half-amplitude width) of 86μm at the focal depth. When decreasing from half wavelength in silicon (42μm) to half wavelength in water (7.5μm), the pitch sizes weakly affect the focal resolution. The lateral spatial resolution is increased by 4.65% when the pitch size decreases from 42μm to 7.5μm. The crosstalk between adjacent elements at the central frequency is, respectively, -95dB, -39.4dB, and -60.5dB for the 10-element buffer, 49-element buffer and 49-element backing arrays. Additionally, the electrical impedance magnitudes for each structure are, respectively, 4kΩ, 26.4kΩ, and 24.2kΩ, which is consistent with calculation results using Krimholtz, Leedom, and Matthaei (KLM) model. These results show that the buffer-layer configuration is a promising alternative for the fabrication of high-frequency ultrasonic linear arrays dedicated to volumetric imaging. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) - Active and passive methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Park, C.B.; Miller, R.D.; Xia, J.; Ivanov, J.

2007-01-01

The conventional seismic approaches for near-surface investigation have usually been either high-resolution reflection or refraction surveys that deal with a depth range of a few tens to hundreds meters. Seismic signals from these surveys consist of wavelets with frequencies higher than 50 Hz. The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method deals with surface waves in the lower frequencies (e.g., 1-30 Hz) and uses a much shallower depth range of investigation (e.g., a few to a few tens of meters). ?? 2007 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Cross-phase modulation bandwidth in ultrafast fiber wavelength converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luís, Ruben S.; Monteiro, Paulo; Teixeira, António

2006-12-01

We propose a novel analytical model for the characterization of fiber cross-phase modulation (XPM) in ultrafast all-optical fiber wavelength converters, operating at modulation frequencies higher than 1THz. The model is used to compare the XPM frequency limitations of a conventional and a highly nonlinear dispersion shifted fiber (HN-DSF) and a bismuth oxide-based fiber, introducing the XPM bandwidth as a design parameter. It is shown that the HN-DSF presents the highest XPM bandwidth, above 1THz, making it the most appropriate for ultrafast wavelength conversion.

Investigation of conduction and relaxation phenomena in BaZrxTi1-xO3 (x=0.05) by impedance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahajan, Sandeep; Haridas, Divya; Ali, S. T.; Munirathnam, N. R.; Sreenivas, K.; Thakur, O. P.; Prakash, Chandra

2014-10-01

In present study we have prepared ferroelectric BaZrxTi1-xO3 (x=0.05) ceramic by conventional solid state reaction route and studied its electrical properties as a function of temperature and frequency. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows single-phase formation of the compound with orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature. Impedance and electric modulus spectroscopy analysis in the frequency range of 40 Hz-1 MHz at high temperature (200-600 °C) suggests two relaxation processes with different time constant are involved which are attributed to bulk and grain boundary effects. Frequency dependent dielectric plot at different temperature shows normal variation with frequency while dielectric loss (tanδ) peak was found to obey an Arrhenius law with activation energy of 1.02 eV. The frequency-dependent AC conductivity data were also analyzed in a wide temperature range. In present work we have studied the role of grain and grain boundaries on the electrical behaviour of Zr-doped BaTiO3 and their dependence on temperature and frequency by complex impedance and modulus spectroscopy (CIS) technique in a wide frequency (40 Hz-1 MHz) and high temperature range.

Every slow-wave impulse is associated with motor activity of the human stomach.

PubMed

Hocke, Michael; Schöne, Ulrike; Richert, Hendryk; Görnert, Peter; Keller, Jutta; Layer, Peter; Stallmach, Andreas

2009-04-01

Using a newly developed high-resolution three-dimensional magnetic detector system (3D-MAGMA), we observed periodical movements of a small magnetic marker in the human stomach at the typical gastric slow-wave frequency, that is 3 min(-1). Thus we hypothesized that each gastric slow wave induces a motor response that is not strong enough to be detected by conventional methods. Electrogastrographies (EGG, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) for measurement of gastric slow waves and 3D-MAGMA (Innovent, Jena, Germany) measurements were simultaneously performed in 21 healthy volunteers (10 men, 40.4+/-13.6 yr; 11 women, 35.8+/-11.6 yr). The 3D-MAGMA system contains 27 highly sensitive magnetic field sensors that are able to locate a magnetic pill inside a human body with an accuracy of +/-5 mm or less in position and +/-2 degrees in orientation at a frequency of 50 Hz. Gastric transit time of the magnetic marker ranged from 19 to 154 min. The mean dominant EGG frequency while the marker was in the stomach was 2.87+/-0.15 cpm. The mean dominant 3D-MAGMA frequency during this interval was nearly identical; that is, 2.85+/-0.15 movements per minute. We observed a strong linear correlation between individual dominant EGG and 3D-MAGMA frequency (R=0.66, P=0.0011). Our findings suggest that each gastric slow wave induces a minute contraction that is too small to be detected by conventional motility investigations but can be recorded by the 3D-MAGMA system. The present slow-wave theory that assumes that the slow wave is a pure electrical signal should be reconsidered.

Efficient quantum microwave-to-optical conversion using electro-optic nanophotonic coupled resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soltani, Mohammad; Zhang, Mian; Ryan, Colm; Ribeill, Guilhem J.; Wang, Cheng; Loncar, Marko

2017-10-01

We propose a low-noise, triply resonant, electro-optic (EO) scheme for quantum microwave-to-optical conversion based on coupled nanophotonics resonators integrated with a superconducting qubit. Our optical system features a split resonance—a doublet—with a tunable frequency splitting that matches the microwave resonance frequency of the superconducting qubit. This is in contrast to conventional approaches, where large optical resonators with free-spectral range comparable to the qubit microwave frequency are used. In our system, EO mixing between the optical pump coupled into the low-frequency doublet mode and a resonance microwave photon results in an up-converted optical photon on resonance with high-frequency doublet mode. Importantly, the down-conversion process, which is the source of noise, is suppressed in our scheme as the coupled-resonator system does not support modes at that frequency. Our device has at least an order of magnitude smaller footprint than conventional devices, resulting in large overlap between optical and microwave fields and a large photon conversion rate (g /2 π ) in the range of ˜5 -15 kHz. Owing to a large g factor and doubly resonant nature of our device, microwave-to-optical frequency conversion can be achieved with optical pump powers in the range of tens of microwatts, even with moderate values for optical Q (˜106 ) and microwave Q (˜104 ). The performance metrics of our device, with substantial improvement over the previous EO-based approaches, promise a scalable quantum microwave-to-optical conversion and networking of superconducting processors via optical fiber communication.

Thermally actuated resonant silicon crystal nanobalances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajjam, Arash

As the potential emerging technology for next generation integrated resonant sensors and frequency references as well as electronic filters, micro-electro-mechanical resonators have attracted a lot of attention over the past decade. As a result, a wide variety of high frequency micro/nanoscale electromechanical resonators have recently been presented. MEMS resonators, as low-cost highly integrated and ultra-sensitive mass sensors, can potentially provide new opportunities and unprecedented capabilities in the area of mass sensing. Such devices can provide orders of magnitude higher mass sensitivity and resolution compared to Film Bulk Acoustic resonators (FBAR) or the conventional quartz and Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) resonators due to their much smaller sizes and can be batch-fabricated and utilized in highly integrated large arrays at a very low cost. In this research, comprehensive experimental studies on the performance and durability of thermally actuated micromechanical resonant sensors with frequencies up to tens of MHz have been performed. The suitability and robustness of the devices have been demonstrated for mass sensing applications related to air-borne particles and organic gases. In addition, due to the internal thermo-electro-mechanical interactions, the active resonators can turn some of the consumed electronic power back into the mechanical structure and compensate for the mechanical losses. Therefore, such resonators can provide self-sustained-oscillation without the need for any electronic circuitry. This unique property has been deployed to demonstrate a prototype self-sustained sensor for air-borne particle monitoring. I have managed to overcome one of the obstacles for MEMS resonators, which is their relatively poor temperature stability. This is a major drawback when compared with the conventional quartz crystals. A significant decrease of the large negative TCF for the resonators has been attained by doping the devices with a high concentration of phosphorous, resulting in even slightly positive TCF for some of the devices. This is also expected to improve the phase noise characteristics of oscillators implemented utilizing such frequency references by eliminating the sharp dependence to electronic noise in the resonator bias current. Finally it is well known that non-uniformities in fabrication of MEMS resonators lead to variations in their frequency. I have proposed both active (non-permanent) and permanent frequency modification to compensate for variations in frequency of the MEMS resonators.

Changing resonator geometry to boost sound power decouples size and song frequency in a small insect.

PubMed

Mhatre, Natasha; Montealegre-Z, Fernando; Balakrishnan, Rohini; Robert, Daniel

2012-05-29

Despite their small size, some insects, such as crickets, can produce high amplitude mating songs by rubbing their wings together. By exploiting structural resonance for sound radiation, crickets broadcast species-specific songs at a sharply tuned frequency. Such songs enhance the range of signal transmission, contain information about the signaler's quality, and allow mate choice. The production of pure tones requires elaborate structural mechanisms that control and sustain resonance at the species-specific frequency. Tree crickets differ sharply from this scheme. Although they use a resonant system to produce sound, tree crickets can produce high amplitude songs at different frequencies, varying by as much as an octave. Based on an investigation of the driving mechanism and the resonant system, using laser Doppler vibrometry and finite element modeling, we show that it is the distinctive geometry of the crickets' forewings (the resonant system) that is responsible for their capacity to vary frequency. The long, enlarged wings enable the production of high amplitude songs; however, as a mechanical consequence of the high aspect ratio, the resonant structures have multiple resonant modes that are similar in frequency. The drive produced by the singing apparatus cannot, therefore, be locked to a single frequency, and different resonant modes can easily be engaged, allowing individual males to vary the carrier frequency of their songs. Such flexibility in sound production, decoupling body size and song frequency, has important implications for conventional views of mate choice, and offers inspiration for the design of miniature, multifrequency, resonant acoustic radiators.

Dual-frequency transducer with a wideband PVDF receiver for contrast-enhanced, adjustable harmonic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jinwook; Lindsey, Brooks D.; Li, Sibo; Dayton, Paul A.; Jiang, Xiaoning

2017-04-01

Acoustic angiography is a contrast-enhanced, superharmonic microvascular imaging method. It has shown the capability of high-resolution and high-contrast-to-tissue-ratio (CTR) imaging for vascular structure near tumor. Dual-frequency ultrasound transducers and arrays are usually used for this new imaging technique. Stacked-type dual-frequency transducers have been developed for this vascular imaging method by exciting injected microbubble contrast agent (MCA) in the vessels with low-frequency (1-5 MHz), moderate power ultrasound burst waves and receiving the superharmonic responses from MCA by a high-frequency receiver (>10 MHz). The main challenge of the conventional dual-frequency transducers is a limited penetration depth (<25 mm) due to the insufficient receiving sensitivity for highfrequency harmonic signal detection. A receiver with a high receiving sensitivity spanning a wide superharmonic frequency range (3rd to 6th) enables selectable bubble harmonic detection considering the required penetration depth. Here, we develop a new dual-frequency transducer composed of a 2 MHz 1-3 composite transmitter and a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) receiver with a receiving frequency range of 4-12 MHz for adjustable harmonic imaging. The developed transducer was tested for harmonic responses from a microbubble-injected vessel-mimicking tube positioned 45 mm away. Despite the long imaging distance (45 mm), the prototype transducer detected clear harmonic response with the contrast-to-noise ratio of 6-20 dB and the -6 dB axial resolution of 200-350 μm for imaging a 200 um-diameter cellulose tube filled with microbubbles.

Electrically detected magnetic resonance in a W-band microwave cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, V.; Lo, C. C.; George, R. E.; Lyon, S. A.; Bokor, J.; Schenkel, T.; Ardavan, A.; Morton, J. J. L.

2011-03-01

We describe a low-temperature sample probe for the electrical detection of magnetic resonance in a resonant W-band (94 GHz) microwave cavity. The advantages of this approach are demonstrated by experiments on silicon field-effect transistors. A comparison with conventional low-frequency measurements at X-band (9.7 GHz) on the same devices reveals an up to 100-fold enhancement of the signal intensity. In addition, resonance lines that are unresolved at X-band are clearly separated in the W-band measurements. Electrically detected magnetic resonance at high magnetic fields and high microwave frequencies is therefore a very sensitive technique for studying electron spins with an enhanced spectral resolution and sensitivity.

Very Low Frequency Breakdown Properties of Electrical Insulation Materials at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauers, I.; Tuncer, E.; Polizos, G.; James, D. R.; Ellis, A. R.; Pace, M. O.

2010-04-01

For long cables or equipment with large capacitance it is not always possible to conduct high voltage withstand tests at 60 Hz due to limitations in charging currents of the power supply. Very low frequency (typically at a frequency of 0.1 Hz) has been used for conventional cables as a way of getting around the charging current limitation. For superconducting grid applications the same issues apply. However there is very little data at cryogenic temperatures on how materials perform at low frequency compared to 60 Hz and whether higher voltages should be applied when performing a high voltage acceptability test. Various materials including G10 (fiberglass reinforced plastic or FRP), Cryoflex™ (a tape insulation used in some high temperature superconducting cables), kapton (commonly used polyimide), polycarbonate, and polyetherimide, and in liquid nitrogen alone have been tested using a step method for frequencies of 60 Hz, 0.1 Hz, and dc. The dwell time at each step was chosen so that the aging factor would be the same in both the 60 Hz and 0.1 Hz tests. The data indicated that, while there is a small frequency dependence for liquid nitrogen, there are significant differences for the solid materials studied. Breakdown data for these materials and for model cables will be shown and discussed.

A novel x-ray detector design with higher DQE and reduced aliasing: Theoretical analysis of x-ray reabsoprtion in detector converter material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nano, Tomi; Escartin, Terenz; Karim, Karim S.; Cunningham, Ian A.

2016-03-01

The ability to improve visualization of structural information in digital radiography without increasing radiation exposures requires improved image quality across all spatial frequencies, especially at high frequencies. The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) as a function of spatial frequency quantifies image quality given by an x-ray detector. We present a method of increasing DQE at high spatial frequencies by improving the modulation transfer function (MTF) and reducing noise aliasing. The Apodized Aperature Pixel (AAP) design uses a detector with micro-elements to synthesize desired pixels and provide higher DQE than conventional detector designs. A cascaded system analysis (CSA) that incorporates x-ray interactions is used for comparison of the theoretical MTF, noise power spectrum (NPS), and DQE. Signal and noise transfer through the converter material is shown to consist of correlated an uncorrelated terms. The AAP design was shown to improve the DQE of both material types that have predominantly correlated transfer (such as CsI) and predominantly uncorrelated transfer (such as Se). Improvement in the MTF by 50% and the DQE by 100% at the sampling cut-off frequency is obtained when uncorrelated transfer is prevalent through the converter material. Optimizing high-frequency DQE results in improved image contrast and visualization of small structures and fine-detail.

Simulation of introgression of the polled allele into the Holstein breed via conventional breeding versus gene editing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this study was to simulate the introgression of the polled allele into a dairy cattle population and compare the impact of using the methods of conventional breeding versus gene editing to increase the frequency of the polled allele. The rate of minor allele frequency (MAF) change, ...

Cuprate High Temperature Superconductors and the Vision for Room Temperature Superconductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newns, Dennis M.; Martyna, Glenn J.; Tsuei, Chang C.

Superconducting transition temperatures of 164 K in cuprate high temperature superconductors (HTS) and recently 200 K in H3S under high pressure encourage us to believe that room temperature superconductivity (RTS) might be possible. In considering paths to RTS, we contrast conventional (BCS) SC, such as probably manifested by H3S, with the unconventional superconductivity (SC) in the cuprate HTS family. Turning to SC models, we show that in the presence of one or more van Hove singularities (vHs) near the Fermi level, SC mediated by classical phonons (kBTc>ℏ×phonon frequency) can occur. The phonon frequency in the standard Tc formula is replaced by an electronic cutoff, enabling a much higher Tc independent of phonon frequency. The resulting Tc and isotope shift plot versus doping strongly resembles that seen experimentally in HTS. A more detailed theory of HTS, which involves mediation by classical phonons, satisfactorily reproduces the chief anomalous features characteristic of these materials. We propose that, while a path to RTS through an H3S-like scenario via strongly-coupled ultra-high frequency phonons is attractive, features perhaps unavailable at ordinary pressures, a route involving SC mediated by classical phonons which can be low frequency may be found.

High-frequency Audiometry Hearing on Monitoring of Individuals Exposed to Occupational Noise: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Antonioli, Cleonice Aparecida Silva; Momensohn-Santos, Teresa Maria; Benaglia, Tatiana Aparecida Silva

2015-01-01

Introduction  The literature reports on high-frequency audiometry as one of the exams used on hearing monitoring of individuals exposed to high sound pressure in their work environment, due to the method́s greater sensitivity in early identification of hearing loss caused by noise. The frequencies that compose the exam are generally between 9 KHz and 20KHz, depending on the equipment. Objective  This study aims to perform a retrospective and secondary systematic revision of publications on high-frequency audiometry on hearing monitoring of individuals exposed to occupational noise. Data Synthesis  This systematic revision followed the methodology proposed in the Cochrane Handbook, focusing on the question: “Is High-frequency Audiometry more sensitive than Conventional Audiometry in the screening of early hearing loss individuals exposed to occupational noise?” The search was based on PubMed data, Base, Web of Science (Capes), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), and in the references cited in identified and selected articles. The search resulted in 6059 articles in total. Of these, only six studies were compatible with the criteria proposed in this study. Conclusion  The performed meta-analysis does not definitively answer the study's proposed question. It indicates that the 16 KHz high frequency audiometry (HFA) frequency is sensitive in early identification of hearing loss in the control group (medium difference (MD = 8.33)), as well as the 4 KHz frequency (CA), this one being a little less expressive (MD = 5.72). Thus, others studies are necessary to confirm the HFA importance for the early screening of hearing loss on individuals exposed to noise at the workplace. PMID:27413413

The N/Rev phenomenon in simulating a blade-element rotor system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcfarland, R. E.

1983-01-01

When a simulation model produces frequencies that are beyond the bandwidth of a discrete implementation, anomalous frequencies appear within the bandwidth. Such is the case with blade element models of rotor systems, which are used in the real time, man in the loop simulation environment. Steady state, high frequency harmonics generated by these models, whether aliased or not, obscure piloted helicopter simulation responses. Since these harmonics are attenuated in actual rotorcraft (e.g., because of structural damping), a faithful environment representation for handling qualities purposes may be created from the original model by using certain filtering techniques, as outlined here. These include harmonic consideration, conventional filtering, and decontamination. The process of decontamination is of special interest because frequencies of importance to simulation operation are not attenuated, whereas superimposed aliased harmonics are.

Genotoxicity of mercury used in chromosome aberration tests.

PubMed

Akiyama, M; Oshima, H; Nakamura, M

2001-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effects of Hg released from dental amalgams. The chromosome aberration test was conducted using original extracts and their diluted solutions of conventional type amalgam and high copper amalgam. The concentrations of Hg, Cu and Ag in the original extract of high copper amalgam were 17.64, 7.97 and 43.90 microM, respectively. Those in the original extract of conventional type amalgam were 20.63, 7.87 and 14.79 microM, respectively. 10 and 30 microM Hg(2+) were also used for comparison. The frequency of chromosome aberrations was below 5% with 0 microM Hg(2+) and with a triple dilution of high copper amalgam extract, containing 5.88 microM Hg, 14.63 microM Cu and 2.65 microM Ag. However, 9.5% of the cells showed chromosome aberrations with a quadruple dilution of conventional type amalgam, containing 5.15 microM Hg, 3.69 microM Cu and 1.96 microM Ag. The amount of Hg in the quadruple dilution of conventional type amalgam was less than that in the triple dilution of high copper amalgam extract and 10 microM Hg(2+). A concentration of 30 microM Hg(2+) caused 34.5% of the cells to show chromosome aberrations while with a two-thirds dilution of high copper amalgam extract, containing 11.76 microM Hg, 29.26 microM Cu and 5.31 microM Ag, 58.5% of the cells showed chromosome aberrations. A two-thirds dilution of high copper amalgam extract induced more chromosome aberrations than 30 microM Hg(2+), although the amount of Hg was less than 30 microM Hg(2+). A triple dilution of conventional type amalgam extract, original extracts of conventional type amalgam and high copper amalgam and 100 microM Hg(2+) were induced few metaphases. It was revealed that the conventional type amalgam induced chromosome aberrations with quadruple dilution where cell viability was about 80% and that the high copper amalgam induced a high level of chromosome aberrations with the two-thirds dilution. The effects of low level Hg on humans are not clear.

Evaluation of the incidence and risk factors associated with persistent frequency in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and the efficacy of antimuscarinic treatment.

PubMed

Kim, Aram; Hoe, Kyeong-Ok; Shin, Jung Hyun; Choo, Myung-Soo

2017-09-01

To investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with persistent urinary frequency, and to evaluate the efficacy of antimuscarinic treatment. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients complaining of persistent urinary frequency despite improved pain were evaluated. Before initial conventional treatment, each patient completed a voiding diary and symptom questionnaires. After conventional treatment, patients were divided according to the presence of pain and frequency. Improved pain was defined as lesser than 3 points in visual analogue scale, and persistent urinary frequency as >10 times/d. Risk factors for persistent frequency were identified through multivariate analysis. The efficacy of antimuscarinic treatment was assessed by the mean change of frequency. Of 171 IC/BPS patients treated with conventional therapy, 132 had improved pain after 3 months, but 72 had persistent frequency (72 of 132, 54.5%). Patients with persistent frequency had lower voided volume (p=0.008), lower maximal flow rate (p<0.001), lower maximal bladder capacity (p=0.003), and more frequent micturition (p<0.001) at baseline compared to those with improved frequency. Patients who took antimuscarinic agents showed slightly decreased urinary frequency, from 14.6 times/d to 13.5 times/d (p=0.438) after 3 months of medication. No patients showed more than a 20% decrease in frequency with antimuscarinics. About half of the patients with IC/BPS showed persistent frequency, with poor voiding function identified as a risk factor; antimuscarinic treatment was not effective in these patients.

Application of mid-frequency ventilation in an animal model of lung injury: a pilot study.

PubMed

Mireles-Cabodevila, Eduardo; Chatburn, Robert L; Thurman, Tracy L; Zabala, Luis M; Holt, Shirley J; Swearingen, Christopher J; Heulitt, Mark J

2014-11-01

Mid-frequency ventilation (MFV) is a mode of pressure control ventilation based on an optimal targeting scheme that maximizes alveolar ventilation and minimizes tidal volume (VT). This study was designed to compare the effects of conventional mechanical ventilation using a lung-protective strategy with MFV in a porcine model of lung injury. Our hypothesis was that MFV can maximize ventilation at higher frequencies without adverse consequences. We compared ventilation and hemodynamic outcomes between conventional ventilation and MFV. This was a prospective study of 6 live Yorkshire pigs (10 ± 0.5 kg). The animals were subjected to lung injury induced by saline lavage and injurious conventional mechanical ventilation. Baseline conventional pressure control continuous mandatory ventilation was applied with V(T) = 6 mL/kg and PEEP determined using a decremental PEEP trial. A manual decision support algorithm was used to implement MFV using the same conventional ventilator. We measured P(aCO2), P(aO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide, cardiac output, arterial and venous blood oxygen saturation, pulmonary and systemic vascular pressures, and lactic acid. The MFV algorithm produced the same minute ventilation as conventional ventilation but with lower V(T) (-1 ± 0.7 mL/kg) and higher frequency (32.1 ± 6.8 vs 55.7 ± 15.8 breaths/min, P < .002). There were no differences between conventional ventilation and MFV for mean airway pressures (16.1 ± 1.3 vs 16.4 ± 2 cm H2O, P = .75) even when auto-PEEP was higher (0.6 ± 0.9 vs 2.4 ± 1.1 cm H2O, P = .02). There were no significant differences in any hemodynamic measurements, although heart rate was higher during MFV. In this pilot study, we demonstrate that MFV allows the use of higher breathing frequencies and lower V(T) than conventional ventilation to maximize alveolar ventilation. We describe the ventilatory or hemodynamic effects of MFV. We also demonstrate that the application of a decision support algorithm to manage MFV is feasible. Copyright © 2014 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Effects of feed delivery frequency in different environmental conditions on time budget of lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Mattachini, Gabriele; Bava, Luciana; Sandrucci, Anna; Tamburini, Alberto; Riva, Elisabetta; Provolo, Giorgio

2017-08-01

This study aimed to examine the influence of feed delivery frequency and environmental conditions on daily time budget of lactating dairy cows. The study was carried out in two commercial dairy farms with Holstein herds. Fifty lactating dairy cows milked in automatic milking units (AMS farm) and 96 primiparous lactating dairy cows milked in a conventional milking parlour (conventional farm) were exposed to different frequencies of feed delivery replicated in different periods of the year (warm and mild) that were characterized by different temperature-humidity indices (THI). On each farm, feeding treatments consisted of two different feed delivery frequencies (1× and 2× on the AMS farm; 2× and 3× on the conventional farm). All behaviours of the cows were monitored for the last 8 d of each treatment period using continuous video recording. The two data sets from different farm systems were considered separately for analysis. On both farms, environmental conditions expressed as THI affected time budgets and the pattern of the behavioural indices throughout the day. The variation in the frequency of feed delivery seems to affect the cow's time budget only in a limited way. Standing time of cows on the conventional farm and the time spent by cows in the milking waiting area on the AMS farm both increased in response to increased feeding frequency. Although feed delivery frequency showed limited influence on cow's time budget, the effect on standing time could be carefully considered, especially on farms equipped with AMS where the type of cow traffic system (e.g., milking first) might amplify the negative consequences of more frequent feed delivery. Further investigations are required to evaluate the effect of THI and feed delivery frequency on other aspects of behavioural activity.

High frequency plasma generator for ion thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goede, H.; Divergilio, W. F.; Fosnight, V. V.; Komatsu, G.

1984-01-01

The results of a program to experimentally develop two new types of plasma generators for 30 cm electrostatic argon ion thrusters are presented. The two plasma generating methods selected for this study were by radio frequency induction (RFI), operating at an input power frequency of 1 MHz, and by electron cyclotron heating (ECH) at an operating frequency of 5.0 GHz. Both of these generators utilize multiline cusp permanent magnet configurations for plasma confinement and beam profile optimization. The program goals were to develop a plasma generator possessing the characteristics of high electrical efficiency (low eV/ion) and simplicity of operation while maintaining the reliability and durability of the conventional hollow cathode plasma sources. The RFI plasma generator has achieved minimum discharge losses of 120 eV/ion while the ECH generator has obtained 145 eV/ion, assuming a 90% ion optical transparency of the electrostatic acceleration system. Details of experimental tests with a variety of magnet configurations are presented.

High frequency electroporation efficiency is under control of membrane capacitive charging and voltage potential relaxation.

PubMed

Novickij, Vitalij; Ruzgys, Paulius; Grainys, Audrius; Šatkauskas, Saulius

2018-02-01

The study presents the proof of concept for a possibility to achieve a better electroporation in the MHz pulse repetition frequency (PRF) region compared to the conventional low frequency protocols. The 200ns×10 pulses bursts of 10-14kV/cm have been used to permeabilize Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in a wide range (1Hz-1MHz) of PRF. The permeabilization efficiency was evaluated using fluorescent dye assay (propidium iodide) and flow cytometry. It was determined that a threshold PRF exists when the relaxation of the cell transmembrane potential is longer than the delay between the consequent pulses, which results in accumulation of the charge on the membrane. For the CHO cells and 0.1S/m electroporation medium, this phenomenon is detectable in the 0.5-1MHz range. It was shown that the PRF is an important parameter that could be used for flexible control of electroporation efficiency in the high frequency range. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic Analysis of Heavy Vehicle Medium Duty Drive Shaft Using Conventional and Composite Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Ashwani; Jain, Rajat; Patil, Pravin P.

2016-09-01

The main highlight of this study is structural and modal analysis of single piece drive shaft for selection of material. Drive shaft is used for torque carrying from vehicle transmission to rear wheel differential system. Heavy vehicle medium duty transmission drive shaft was selected as research object. Conventional materials (Steel SM45 C, Stainless Steel) and composite materials (HS carbon epoxy, E Glass Polyester Resin Composite) were selected for the analysis. Single piece composite material drive shaft has advantage over conventional two-piece steel drive shaft. It has higher specific strength, longer life, less weight, high critical speed and higher torque carrying capacity. The main criteria for drive shaft failure are strength and weight. Maximum modal frequency obtained is 919 Hz. Various harmful vibration modes (lateral vibration and torsional vibration) were identified and maximum deflection region was specified. For single-piece drive shaft the natural bending frequency should be higher because it is subjected to torsion and shear stress. Single piece drive shaft was modelled using Solid Edge and Pro-E. Finite Element Analysis was used for structural and modal analysis with actual running boundary condition like frictional support, torque and moment. FEA simulation results were validated with experimental literature results.

UCEPR: Ultrafast localized CEST-spectroscopy with PRESS in phantoms and in vivo.

PubMed

Liu, Zheng; Dimitrov, Ivan E; Lenkinski, Robert E; Hajibeigi, Asghar; Vinogradov, Elena

2016-05-01

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a contrast mechanism enhancing low-concentration molecules through saturation transfer from their exchangeable protons to bulk water. Often many scans are acquired to form a Z-spectrum, making the CEST method time-consuming. Here, an ultrafast localized CEST-spectroscopy with PRESS (UCEPR) is proposed to obtain the entire Z-spectrum of a voxel using only two scans, significantly accelerating CEST. The approach combines ultrafast nonlocalized CEST spectroscopy with localization using PRESS. A field gradient is applied concurrently with the saturation pulse producing simultaneous saturation of all Z-spectrum frequencies that are also spatially encoded. A readout gradient during data acquisition resolves the spatial dependence of the CEST responses into frequency. UCEPR was tested on a 3T scanner both in phantoms and in vivo. In phantoms, a fast Z-spectroscopy acquisition of multiple pH-variant iopamidol samples was achieved with four- to seven-fold acceleration as compared to the conventional CEST methods. In vivo, amide proton transfer (APT) in white matter of healthy human brain was measured rapidly in 48 s and with high frequency resolution (≤ 0.2 ppm). Compared with conventional CEST methods, UCEPR has the advantage of rapidly acquiring high-resolution Z-spectra. Potential in vivo applications include ultrafast localized Z-spectroscopy, quantitative, or dynamic CEST studies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Local defect resonance for sensitive non-destructive testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adebahr, W.; Solodov, I.; Rahammer, M.; Gulnizkij, N.; Kreutzbruck, M.

2016-02-01

Ultrasonic wave-defect interaction is a background of ultrasound activated techniques for imaging and non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials and industrial components. The interaction, primarily, results in acoustic response of a defect which provides attenuation and scattering of ultrasound used as an indicator of defects in conventional ultrasonic NDT. The derivative ultrasonic-induced effects include e.g. nonlinear, thermal, acousto-optic, etc. responses also applied for NDT and defect imaging. These secondary effects are normally relatively inefficient so that the corresponding NDT techniques require an elevated acoustic power and stand out from conventional ultrasonic NDT counterparts for their specific instrumentation particularly adapted to high-power ultrasonic. In this paper, a consistent way to enhance ultrasonic, optical and thermal defect responses and thus to reduce an ultrasonic power required is suggested by using selective ultrasonic activation of defects based on the concept of local defect resonance (LDR). A strong increase in vibration amplitude at LDR enables to reliably detect and visualize the defect as soon as the driving ultrasonic frequency is matched to the LDR frequency. This also provides a high frequency selectivity of the LDR-based imaging, i.e. an opportunity of detecting a certain defect among a multitude of other defects in material. Some examples are shown how to use LDR in non-destructive testing techniques, like vibrometry, ultrasonic thermography and shearography in order to enhance the sensitivity of defect visualization.

Low-frequency wideband vibration energy harvesting by using frequency up-conversion and quin-stable nonlinearity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chen; Zhang, Qichang; Wang, Wei

2017-07-01

This work presents models and experiments of an impact-driven and frequency up-converted wideband piezoelectric-based vibration energy harvester with a quintuple-well potential induced by the combination effect of magnetic nonlinearity and mechanical piecewise-linearity. Analysis shows that the interwell motions during coupled vibration period enable to increase electrical power output in comparison to conventional frequency up-conversion technology. Besides, the quintuple-well potential with shallower potential wells could extend the harvester's operating bandwidth to lower frequencies. Experiments demonstrate our proposed approach can dramatically boost the measured power of the energy harvester as much as 35 times while its lower cut-off frequency is two times lower than that of a conventional counterpart. These results reveal our proposed approach shows promise for powering portable wireless smart devices from low-intensity, low-frequency vibration sources.

Frequency division multiplexed radio-over-fiber transmission using an optically injected laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Sze-Chun

2008-04-01

Nonlinear dynamics of semiconductor lasers have recently attracted much attention in the area of microwave photonics. By invoking the nonlinear dynamics of an optically injected laser diode, high-speed microwave oscillation can be generated using the period-one oscillation state. The oscillation is harnessed for application as a photonic microwave source in radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems. It is advantageous over conventional direct current modulation because it alleviates the modulation bandwidth limitation and naturally generates single sideband signals. The method is thus applicable to wireless communication systems even when the subcarrier frequency increases to 60 GHz. Because RoF is usually incorporated with standard wireless schemes that involve frequency division multiplexing (FDM), we investigate the performance of the optical injection system under simultaneous current injection of multiple data streams. Frequency mixings and competition for locking among subcarriers result in intermodulation distortion (IMD). The relative weightings of different channels should be optimized to ensure acceptable signal qualities. The results illustrate the feasibility of applying the optical injection system for FDM RoF transmission at high subcarrier frequencies.

Optical Sidebands Multiplier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strekalov, Dmitry V.; Yu, Nan

2010-01-01

Optical sidebands have been generated with relative frequency tens to hundreds of GHz by using optical sidebands that are generated in a cascade process in high-quality optical resonators with Kerr nonlinearity, such as whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators. For this purpose, the WGM resonator needs to be optically pumped at two frequencies matching its resonances. These two optical components can be one or several free spectral ranges (FSRs), equal to approximately 12 GHz, in this example, apart from each other, and can be easily derived from a monochromatic pump with an ordinary EOM (electro-optic modulation) operating at half the FSR frequency. With sufficient nonlinearity, an optical cascade process will convert the two pump frequencies into a comb-like structure extending many FSRs around the carrier frequency. This has a demonstratively efficient frequency conversion of this type with only a few milliwatt optical pump power. The concept of using Kerr nonlinearity in a resonator for non-degenerate wave mixing has been discussed before, but it was a common belief that this was a weak process requiring very high peak powers to be observable. It was not thought possible for this approach to compete with electro-optical modulators in CW applications, especially those at lower optical powers. By using the high-Q WGM resonators, the effective Kerr nonlinearity can be made so high that, using even weak seeding bands available from a conventional EOM, one can effectively multiply the optical sidebands, extending them into an otherwise inaccessible frequency range.

Measurement technology of RF interference current in high current system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhihua; Li, Jianxuan; Zhang, Xiangming; Zhang, Lei

2018-06-01

Current probe is a detection method commonly used in electromagnetic compatibility. With the development of power electronics technology, the power level of power conversion devices is constantly increasing, and the power current of the electric energy conversion device in the electromagnetic launch system can reach 10kA. Current probe conventionally used in EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) detection cannot meet the test requirements on high current system due to the magnetic saturation problem. The conventional high current sensor is also not suitable for the RF (Radio Frequency) interference current measurement in high current power device due to the high noise level in the output of active amplifier. In this paper, a passive flexible current probe based on Rogowski coil and matching resistance is proposed that can withstand high current and has low noise level, to solve the measurement problems of interference current in high current power converter. And both differential mode and common mode current detection can be easily carried out with the proposed probe because of the probe's flexible structure.

Field characteristics of an alvarez-type linac structure having chain-like electrode array

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

Odera, M.; Goto, A.; Hemmi, M.

1985-10-01

A chain-like electrode configuration in an Alvarez-type linac cavity was studied by models. The structure has been devised to get a moderate shunt impedance together with simplicity of operation, in ion velocity region of more than a few percent of that of light by incorporating focusing scheme by high frequency quadrupolar fields into an TM-010 accelerating field of an Alvarez linac. It has a chain-like electrode array instead of drift tubes containing quadrupole lenses for ordinary linacs. The chain-like electrode structure generates along its central axis, high frequency acceleration and focusing fields alternately, separating the acceleration and focusing functions inmore » space. The separation discriminates this structure from spatially uniform acceleration and focusing scheme of the RFQs devised by Kapchinsky and Teplyakov. It gives beam acceleration effects different from those by conventional linacs and reveals possibility of getting a high acceleration efficiency. Resonant frequency spectrum was found relatively simple by measurements on high frequency models. Separation of unwanted modes from the TM-010 acceleration mode is large; a few 10 MHz, at least. Tilt of the acceleration field is not very sensitive to pertubation in gap capacitance for the TM-010 mode.« less

Wafer-scalable high-performance CVD graphene devices and analog circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Li; Lee, Jongho; Li, Huifeng; Piner, Richard; Ruoff, Rodney; Akinwande, Deji

2013-03-01

Graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) will serve as an essential component for functional modules like amplifier and frequency doublers in analog circuits. The performance of these modules is directly related to the mobility of charge carriers in GFETs, which per this study has been greatly improved. Low-field electrostatic measurements show field mobility values up to 12k cm2/Vs at ambient conditions with our newly developed scalable CVD graphene. For both hole and electron transport, fabricated GFETs offer substantial amplification for small and large signals at quasi-static frequencies limited only by external capacitances at high-frequencies. GFETs biased at the peak transconductance point featured high small-signal gain with eventual output power compression similar to conventional transistor amplifiers. GFETs operating around the Dirac voltage afforded positive conversion gain for the first time, to our knowledge, in experimental graphene frequency doublers. This work suggests a realistic prospect for high performance linear and non-linear analog circuits based on the unique electron-hole symmetry and fast transport now accessible in wafer-scalable CVD graphene. *Support from NSF CAREER award (ECCS-1150034) and the W. M. Keck Foundation are appreicated.

Conventional superconductivity at 203 kelvin at high pressures in the sulfur hydride system.

PubMed

Drozdov, A P; Eremets, M I; Troyan, I A; Ksenofontov, V; Shylin, S I

2015-09-03

A superconductor is a material that can conduct electricity without resistance below a superconducting transition temperature, Tc. The highest Tc that has been achieved to date is in the copper oxide system: 133 kelvin at ambient pressure and 164 kelvin at high pressures. As the nature of superconductivity in these materials is still not fully understood (they are not conventional superconductors), the prospects for achieving still higher transition temperatures by this route are not clear. In contrast, the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory of conventional superconductivity gives a guide for achieving high Tc with no theoretical upper bound--all that is needed is a favourable combination of high-frequency phonons, strong electron-phonon coupling, and a high density of states. These conditions can in principle be fulfilled for metallic hydrogen and covalent compounds dominated by hydrogen, as hydrogen atoms provide the necessary high-frequency phonon modes as well as the strong electron-phonon coupling. Numerous calculations support this idea and have predicted transition temperatures in the range 50-235 kelvin for many hydrides, but only a moderate Tc of 17 kelvin has been observed experimentally. Here we investigate sulfur hydride, where a Tc of 80 kelvin has been predicted. We find that this system transforms to a metal at a pressure of approximately 90 gigapascals. On cooling, we see signatures of superconductivity: a sharp drop of the resistivity to zero and a decrease of the transition temperature with magnetic field, with magnetic susceptibility measurements confirming a Tc of 203 kelvin. Moreover, a pronounced isotope shift of Tc in sulfur deuteride is suggestive of an electron-phonon mechanism of superconductivity that is consistent with the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer scenario. We argue that the phase responsible for high-Tc superconductivity in this system is likely to be H3S, formed from H2S by decomposition under pressure. These findings raise hope for the prospects for achieving room-temperature superconductivity in other hydrogen-based materials.

High performance Schottky diodes based on indium-gallium-zinc-oxide

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

Zhang, Jiawei; Song, Aimin, E-mail: A.Song@manchester.ac.uk; Xin, Qian

Indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) Schottky diodes exhibit excellent performance in comparison with conventional devices used in future flexible high frequency electronics. In this work, a high performance Pt IGZO Schottky diode was presented by using a new fabrication process. An argon/oxygen mixture gas was introduced during the deposition of the Pt layer to reduce the oxygen deficiency at the Schottky interface. The diode showed a high barrier height of 0.92 eV and a low ideality factor of 1.36 from the current–voltage characteristics. Even the radius of the active area was 0.1 mm, and the diode showed a cut-off frequency of 6 MHz in themore » rectifier circuit. Using the diode as a demodulator, a potential application was also demonstrated in this work.« less

One-Lung Ventilation with Additional Ipsilateral Ventilation of Low Tidal Volume and High Frequency in Lung Lobectomy

PubMed Central

Feng, Yong; Wang, Jianyue; Zhang, Yang; Wang, Shiduan

2016-01-01

Background To investigate the protective effects of additional ipsilateral ventilation of low tidal volume and high frequency on lung functions in the patients receiving lobectomy. Material/Methods Sixty patients receiving lung lobectomy were randomized into the conventional one-lung ventilation (CV) group (n=30) and the ipsilateral low tidal volume high frequency ventilation (LV) group (n=30). In the CV group, patients received only contralateral OLV. In the LV group, patients received contralateral ventilation and additional ipsilateral ventilation of low tidal volume of 1–2 ml/kg and high frequency of 40 times/min. Normal lung tissues were biopsied for the analysis of lung injury. Lung injury was scored by evaluating interstitial edema, alveolar edema, neutrophil infiltration, and alveolar congestion. Results At 30 min and 60 min after the initiation of one-lung ventilation and after surgery, patients in the LV group showed significantly higher ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen than those in the CV group (P<0.001). Lung injury was significantly less severe (2.7±0.7) in the LV group than in the CV group (3.1±0.7) (P=0.006). Conclusions Additional ipsilateral ventilation of low tidal volume and high frequency can decrease the risk of hypoxemia and alleviate lung injury in patients receiving lobectomy. PMID:27166086

High-frequency - Spinal Cord Stimulation.

PubMed

Rapcan, R; Mlaka, J; Venglarcik, M; Vinklerova, V; Gajdos, M; Illes, R

2015-01-01

Our clinical experience with high - frequency SCS for FBSS in patients with predominant low back pain is presented. After a trial period, 100 % (21 out of 21) of patients with FBSS with predominant low back pain reported a significant improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and underwent permanent implantation of the high - frequency SCS system. SCS trials lasted 7-14 days (median 9 days). SCS leads were mostly positioned at the T8-10 or T8-12 vertebral levels . We used both single and dual lead placement. VAS, patient satisfaction, patient performance status, opioid consumption and complication rate were assessed for the period of 12 months. The mean VAS score before implantation (8.7) compared to VAS 12 months after implantation (4.0) was significantly lower (CI95[3.9-5.4], p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in performance status when comparing PS before implantation (3.0) and 12 months after implantation (1.8) (CI95[0.9-1.6], p < 0.001). The mean patient satisfaction scores (PSS) did not differ throughout the whole one year follow-up period. Our group of 21 patients with implanted high - frequency SCS systems reported significant low back pain and leg pain relief within the period of 12 months as well as significant improvement in their performance status. We had a special subgroup of 5 patients with regular change of frequencies between high frequency and conventional frequency (with paresthesia) also with significant leg and low back pain relief (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 8). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Experimental determination of the viscous flow permeability of porous materials by measuring reflected low frequency acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berbiche, A.; Sadouki, M.; Fellah, Z. E. A.; Ogam, E.; Fellah, M.; Mitri, F. G.; Depollier, C.

2016-01-01

An acoustic reflectivity method is proposed for measuring the permeability or flow resistivity of air-saturated porous materials. In this method, a simplified expression of the reflection coefficient is derived in the Darcy's regime (low frequency range), which does not depend on frequency and porosity. Numerical simulations show that the reflection coefficient of a porous material can be approximated by its simplified expression obtained from its Taylor development to the first order. This approximation is good especially for resistive materials (of low permeability) and for the lower frequencies. The permeability is reconstructed by solving the inverse problem using waves reflected by plastic foam samples, at different frequency bandwidths in the Darcy regime. The proposed method has the advantage of being simple compared to the conventional methods that use experimental reflected data, and is complementary to the transmissivity method, which is more adapted to low resistive materials (high permeability).

Electromagnetic interference modeling and suppression techniques in variable-frequency drive systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Le; Wang, Shuo; Feng, Jianghua

2017-11-01

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) causes electromechanical damage to the motors and degrades the reliability of variable-frequency drive (VFD) systems. Unlike fundamental frequency components in motor drive systems, high-frequency EMI noise, coupled with the parasitic parameters of the trough system, are difficult to analyze and reduce. In this article, EMI modeling techniques for different function units in a VFD system, including induction motors, motor bearings, and rectifierinverters, are reviewed and evaluated in terms of applied frequency range, model parameterization, and model accuracy. The EMI models for the motors are categorized based on modeling techniques and model topologies. Motor bearing and shaft models are also reviewed, and techniques that are used to eliminate bearing current are evaluated. Modeling techniques for conventional rectifierinverter systems are also summarized. EMI noise suppression techniques, including passive filter, Wheatstone bridge balance, active filter, and optimized modulation, are reviewed and compared based on the VFD system models.

Study of Improvement of Hydrogen Maser Frequency Standard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crampton, S. B.

1977-01-01

The research work dealt primarily with reducing the atom leakage rate using as storage surfaces the FEP Teflon surfaces conventionally used in contemporary hydrogen maser frequency standards. Some work was also done on a possible alternative to the conventional surfaces, but the results here and elsewhere suggest that the alternative surface is not promising enough to warrant much further work.

The influence of audibility on speech recognition with nonlinear frequency compression for children and adults with hearing loss

PubMed Central

McCreery, Ryan W.; Alexander, Joshua; Brennan, Marc A.; Hoover, Brenda; Kopun, Judy; Stelmachowicz, Patricia G.

2014-01-01

Objective The primary goal of nonlinear frequency compression (NFC) and other frequency lowering strategies is to increase the audibility of high-frequency sounds that are not otherwise audible with conventional hearing-aid processing due to the degree of hearing loss, limited hearing aid bandwidth or a combination of both factors. The aim of the current study was to compare estimates of speech audibility processed by NFC to improvements in speech recognition for a group of children and adults with high-frequency hearing loss. Design Monosyllabic word recognition was measured in noise for twenty-four adults and twelve children with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Stimuli were amplified based on each listener’s audiogram with conventional processing (CP) with amplitude compression or with NFC and presented under headphones using a software-based hearing aid simulator. A modification of the speech intelligibility index (SII) was used to estimate audibility of information in frequency-lowered bands. The mean improvement in SII was compared to the mean improvement in speech recognition. Results All but two listeners experienced improvements in speech recognition with NFC compared to CP, consistent with the small increase in audibility that was estimated using the modification of the SII. Children and adults had similar improvements in speech recognition with NFC. Conclusion Word recognition with NFC was higher than CP for children and adults with mild to severe hearing loss. The average improvement in speech recognition with NFC (7%) was consistent with the modified SII, which indicated that listeners experienced an increase in audibility with NFC compared to CP. Further studies are necessary to determine if changes in audibility with NFC are related to speech recognition with NFC for listeners with greater degrees of hearing loss, with a greater variety of compression settings, and using auditory training. PMID:24535558

Accurate step-FMCW ultrasound ranging and comparison with pulse-echo signaling methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Natarajan, Shyam; Singh, Rahul S.; Lee, Michael; Cox, Brian P.; Culjat, Martin O.; Grundfest, Warren S.; Lee, Hua

2010-03-01

This paper presents a method setup for high-frequency ultrasound ranging based on stepped frequency-modulated continuous waves (FMCW), potentially capable of producing a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to traditional pulse-echo signaling. In current ultrasound systems, the use of higher frequencies (10-20 MHz) to enhance resolution lowers signal quality due to frequency-dependent attenuation. The proposed ultrasound signaling format, step-FMCW, is well-known in the radar community, and features lower peak power, wider dynamic range, lower noise figure and simpler electronics in comparison to pulse-echo systems. In pulse-echo ultrasound ranging, distances are calculated using the transmit times between a pulse and its subsequent echoes. In step-FMCW ultrasonic ranging, the phase and magnitude differences at stepped frequencies are used to sample the frequency domain. Thus, by taking the inverse Fourier transform, a comprehensive range profile is recovered that has increased immunity to noise over conventional ranging methods. Step-FMCW and pulse-echo waveforms were created using custom-built hardware consisting of an arbitrary waveform generator and dual-channel super heterodyne receiver, providing high SNR and in turn, accuracy in detection.

Spin-torque resonant expulsion of the vortex core for an efficient radiofrequency detection scheme.

PubMed

Jenkins, A S; Lebrun, R; Grimaldi, E; Tsunegi, S; Bortolotti, P; Kubota, H; Yakushiji, K; Fukushima, A; de Loubens, G; Klein, O; Yuasa, S; Cros, V

2016-04-01

It has been proposed that high-frequency detectors based on the so-called spin-torque diode effect in spin transfer oscillators could eventually replace conventional Schottky diodes due to their nanoscale size, frequency tunability and large output sensitivity. Although a promising candidate for information and communications technology applications, the output voltage generated from this effect has still to be improved and, more pertinently, reduces drastically with decreasing radiofrequency (RF) current. Here we present a scheme for a new type of spintronics-based high-frequency detector based on the expulsion of the vortex core in a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). The resonant expulsion of the core leads to a large and sharp change in resistance associated with the difference in magnetoresistance between the vortex ground state and the final C-state configuration. Interestingly, this reversible effect is independent of the incoming RF current amplitude, offering a fast real-time RF threshold detector.

Non-reciprocal optical mirrors based on spatio-temporal acousto-optic modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleury, R.; Sounas, D. L.; Alù, A.

2018-03-01

Here, we investigate a scheme to realize free-space isolators and highly non-reciprocal mirrors with weak modulation imparted by an acoustic wave. We propose a strategy to dramatically break time-reversal symmetry by exploiting resonant interactions between a travelling acoustic wave and highly resonant Fabry-Pérot modes, inducing total reflection of an optical beam at a given angle, and no reflection at the negative angle. Different from conventional acousto-optic isolators, which are based on non-resonant frequency conversion and filtering, our proposal operates at the frequency of the optical signal by tailoring the resonant properties of the structure as well as the acoustic wave frequency and intensity, enabling 50 dB isolation with modest modulation requirements. Operation in the reflection mode allows for close-to-zero insertion loss, enabling disruptive opportunities in our ability to control and manipulate photons.

Insight into large-scale topography on analysis of high-frequency Rayleigh waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ping, Ping; Chu, Risheng; Chong, Jiajun; Ni, Sidao; Zhang, Yu

2018-03-01

The dispersion of surface waves could be biased in regions where topography is comparable to the wavelength. We investigate the effects on high-frequency Rayleigh waves propagating in a typical massif model through numerical simulations. High-frequency Rayleigh waves have relatively higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) using the Q component in the LQT coordinate system, perpendicular to the local free surface in these topographic models. When sources and stations are located at different sides of the massif, the conventional dispersion image overestimates phase velocities of Rayleigh waves, as much as 25% with topographic height/width ratio (H/r) > 0.5. The dispersion perturbation is more distinctive for fundamental modes. Using a two-layer model, the thickness deviation (ΔD/D) may be significant in surface-wave inversion due to the variation of H/r and the thickness of the first layer. These phenomena cannot be ignored in surface-wave interpretations, nevertheless they are trivial for the source and stations located at the same side of the massif.

Highly angular dependent high-contrast grating mirror and its application for transverse-mode control of VCSELs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Shunya; Kashino, Junichi; Matsutani, Akihiro; Ohtsuki, Hideo; Miyashita, Takahiro; Koyama, Fumio

2014-09-01

We report on the design and fabrication of a highly angular dependent high contrast grating (HCG) mirror. The modeling and experiment on amorphous-Si/SiO2 HCG clearly show the large angular dependence of reflectivity, which enables single transverse-mode operations of large-area VCSELs. We fabricate 980 nm VCSELs with the angular dependent HCG functioning as a spatial frequency filter. We obtained the single transverse mode operation of the fabricated device in contrast to conventional VCSELs with semiconductor multilayer mirrors.

Hearing evaluation of intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion for refractory sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

PubMed

She, Wandong; Dai, Yanhong; Du, Xiaoping; Yu, Chenjie; Chen, Feng; Wang, Junguo; Qin, Xiaoming

2010-02-01

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion (IMP) through a microcatheter in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) who failed a conventional treatment. Prospective clinical study. This study was conducted in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School. Patients who had failed a minimum 10-day conventional treatment were included. Twenty-six patients in the study group (SG) received methylprednisolone perfusion through a microcatheter placed into the tympanum once a day for 10 days and the conventional treatment. Twenty-three patients who received a second conventional treatment (no steroid) served as the comparison group (CG). All patients were followed up for three months after the end of treatment. The effective rates for SG and CG were 50 percent (61.9% when only patients with an interval from onset to IMP < or = 60 days were included) and 21.7 percent, respectively (chi(2) = 4.194, P = 0.041). The pure-tone average improvement was 20.2 +/- 15.6 dB in SG, and 9.2 +/- 13.7 dB in CG (z = 2.51, P = 0.011). In SG, hearing improvement at low frequencies was better than that at high frequencies. The interval from onset to IMP affected the efficacy of IMP. IMP through a microcatheter is a promising treatment for refractory SSNHL. The data suggest that the treatment may be more effective when administered at the earlier stages of SSNHL when the conventional treatment has failed. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of an Active Flow Control Technique for an Airplane High-Lift Configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shmilovich, Arvin; Yadlin, Yoram; Dickey, Eric D.; Hartwich, Peter M.; Khodadoust, Abdi

2017-01-01

This study focuses on Active Flow Control methods used in conjunction with airplane high-lift systems. The project is motivated by the simplified high-lift system, which offers enhanced airplane performance compared to conventional high-lift systems. Computational simulations are used to guide the implementation of preferred flow control methods, which require a fluidic supply. It is first demonstrated that flow control applied to a high-lift configuration that consists of simple hinge flaps is capable of attaining the performance of the conventional high-lift counterpart. A set of flow control techniques has been subsequently considered to identify promising candidates, where the central requirement is that the mass flow for actuation has to be within available resources onboard. The flow control methods are based on constant blowing, fluidic oscillators, and traverse actuation. The simulations indicate that the traverse actuation offers a substantial reduction in required mass flow, and it is especially effective when the frequency of actuation is consistent with the characteristic time scale of the flow.

Accumulated source imaging of brain activity with both low and high-frequency neuromagnetic signals

PubMed Central

Xiang, Jing; Luo, Qian; Kotecha, Rupesh; Korman, Abraham; Zhang, Fawen; Luo, Huan; Fujiwara, Hisako; Hemasilpin, Nat; Rose, Douglas F.

2014-01-01

Recent studies have revealed the importance of high-frequency brain signals (>70 Hz). One challenge of high-frequency signal analysis is that the size of time-frequency representation of high-frequency brain signals could be larger than 1 terabytes (TB), which is beyond the upper limits of a typical computer workstation's memory (<196 GB). The aim of the present study is to develop a new method to provide greater sensitivity in detecting high-frequency magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals in a single automated and versatile interface, rather than the more traditional, time-intensive visual inspection methods, which may take up to several days. To address the aim, we developed a new method, accumulated source imaging, defined as the volumetric summation of source activity over a period of time. This method analyzes signals in both low- (1~70 Hz) and high-frequency (70~200 Hz) ranges at source levels. To extract meaningful information from MEG signals at sensor space, the signals were decomposed to channel-cross-channel matrix (CxC) representing the spatiotemporal patterns of every possible sensor-pair. A new algorithm was developed and tested by calculating the optimal CxC and source location-orientation weights for volumetric source imaging, thereby minimizing multi-source interference and reducing computational cost. The new method was implemented in C/C++ and tested with MEG data recorded from clinical epilepsy patients. The results of experimental data demonstrated that accumulated source imaging could effectively summarize and visualize MEG recordings within 12.7 h by using approximately 10 GB of computer memory. In contrast to the conventional method of visually identifying multi-frequency epileptic activities that traditionally took 2–3 days and used 1–2 TB storage, the new approach can quantify epileptic abnormalities in both low- and high-frequency ranges at source levels, using much less time and computer memory. PMID:24904402

Accumulated source imaging of brain activity with both low and high-frequency neuromagnetic signals.

PubMed

Xiang, Jing; Luo, Qian; Kotecha, Rupesh; Korman, Abraham; Zhang, Fawen; Luo, Huan; Fujiwara, Hisako; Hemasilpin, Nat; Rose, Douglas F

2014-01-01

Recent studies have revealed the importance of high-frequency brain signals (>70 Hz). One challenge of high-frequency signal analysis is that the size of time-frequency representation of high-frequency brain signals could be larger than 1 terabytes (TB), which is beyond the upper limits of a typical computer workstation's memory (<196 GB). The aim of the present study is to develop a new method to provide greater sensitivity in detecting high-frequency magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals in a single automated and versatile interface, rather than the more traditional, time-intensive visual inspection methods, which may take up to several days. To address the aim, we developed a new method, accumulated source imaging, defined as the volumetric summation of source activity over a period of time. This method analyzes signals in both low- (1~70 Hz) and high-frequency (70~200 Hz) ranges at source levels. To extract meaningful information from MEG signals at sensor space, the signals were decomposed to channel-cross-channel matrix (CxC) representing the spatiotemporal patterns of every possible sensor-pair. A new algorithm was developed and tested by calculating the optimal CxC and source location-orientation weights for volumetric source imaging, thereby minimizing multi-source interference and reducing computational cost. The new method was implemented in C/C++ and tested with MEG data recorded from clinical epilepsy patients. The results of experimental data demonstrated that accumulated source imaging could effectively summarize and visualize MEG recordings within 12.7 h by using approximately 10 GB of computer memory. In contrast to the conventional method of visually identifying multi-frequency epileptic activities that traditionally took 2-3 days and used 1-2 TB storage, the new approach can quantify epileptic abnormalities in both low- and high-frequency ranges at source levels, using much less time and computer memory.

High frequency QRS ECG predicts ischemic defects during myocardial perfusion imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Changes in high frequency QRS components of the electrocardiogram (HF QRS ECG) (150-250 Hz) are more sensitive than changes in conventional ST segments for detecting myocardial ischemia. We investigated the accuracy of 12-lead HF QRS ECG in detecting ischemia during adenosine tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). 12-lead HF QRS ECG recordings were obtained from 45 patients before and during adenosine technetium-99 tetrofosmin MPI tests. Before the adenosine infusions, recordings of HF QRS were analyzed according to a morphological score that incorporated the number, type and location of reduced amplitude zones (RAZs) present in the 12 leads. During the adenosine infusions, recordings of HF QRS were analyzed according to the maximum percentage changes (in both the positive and negative directions) that occurred in root mean square (RMS) voltage amplitudes within the 12 leads. The best set of prospective HF QRS criteria had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 83% for correctly identifying the MPI result. The sensitivity of simultaneous ST segment changes (18%) was significantly lower than that of any individual HF QRS criterion (P less than 0.00l). Analysis of 12-lead HF QRS ECG is highly sensitive and specific for detecting ischemic perfusion defects during adenosine MPI stress tests and significantly more sensitive than analysis of conventional ST segments.

High frequency QRS ECG predicts ischemic defects during myocardial perfusion imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rahman, Atiar

2006-01-01

Background: Changes in high frequency QRS components of the electrocardiogram (HF QRS ECG) (150-250 Hz) are more sensitive than changes in conventional ST segments for detecting myocardial ischemia. We investigated the accuracy of 12-lead HF QRS ECG in detecting ischemia during adenosine tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Methods and Results: 12-lead HF QRS ECG recordings were obtained from 45 patients before and during adenosine technetium-99 tetrofosmin MPI tests. Before the adenosine infusions, recordings of HF QRS were analyzed according to a morphological score that incorporated the number, type and location of reduced amplitude zones (RAZs) present in the 12 leads. During the adenosine infusions, recordings of HF QRS were analyzed according to the maximum percentage changes (in both the positive and negative directions) that occurred in root mean square (RMS) voltage amplitudes within the 12 leads. The best set of prospective HF QRS criteria had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 83% for correctly identifying the MPI result. The sensitivity of simultaneous ST segment changes (18%) was significantly lower than that of any individual HF QRS criterion (P<0.001). Conclusions: Analysis of 12-lead HF QRS ECG is highly sensitive and specific for detecting ischemic perfusion defects during adenosine MPI stress tests and significantly more sensitive than analysis of conventional ST segments.

Full waveform inversion in the frequency domain using classified time-domain residual wavefields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, Woohyun; Koo, Nam-Hyung; Kim, Byoung-Yeop; Lee, Ho-Young; Joo, Yonghwan

2017-04-01

We perform the acoustic full waveform inversion in the frequency domain using residual wavefields that have been separated in the time domain. We sort the residual wavefields in the time domain according to the order of absolute amplitudes. Then, the residual wavefields are separated into several groups in the time domain. To analyze the characteristics of the residual wavefields, we compare the residual wavefields of conventional method with those of our residual separation method. From the residual analysis, the amplitude spectrum obtained from the trace before separation appears to have little energy at the lower frequency bands. However, the amplitude spectrum obtained from our strategy is regularized by the separation process, which means that the low-frequency components are emphasized. Therefore, our method helps to emphasize low-frequency components of residual wavefields. Then, we generate the frequency-domain residual wavefields by taking the Fourier transform of the separated time-domain residual wavefields. With these wavefields, we perform the gradient-based full waveform inversion in the frequency domain using back-propagation technique. Through a comparison of gradient directions, we confirm that our separation method can better describe the sub-salt image than the conventional approach. The proposed method is tested on the SEG/EAGE salt-dome model. The inversion results show that our algorithm is better than the conventional gradient based waveform inversion in the frequency domain, especially for deeper parts of the velocity model.

Pseudomorphic InGaAs/AlGaAs modulation-doped FET's with reduced low-frequency noise and thermally stable performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Shih-Ming; Das, M. B.; Peng, C. K.; Klem, J.; Henderson, T.

1987-01-01

A high-performance MODFET structure grown by MBE with the incorporation of a single quantum well In(0.15)Ga(0.85)As layer for the transport of two-dimensional electron gas has been critically examined for its thermal stability at 80 K and low-frequency noise form 0.01 to 10 to the 8th Hz. Experimental results indicate that the behavior of this device in both these respects is much superior when compared with the same behavior of conventional MODFETs. A maximum low-field carrier mobility of 29,000 sq cm/s at 80 K and an average carrier saturation velocity of 2 x 10 to the 7th cm/s at 300 K in a 1-micron gate device clearly indicate that the quality of the pseudomorphic quantum well (InGaAs) layer is either comparable or better than that of the usual GaAs buffer layer. The deep level spectra, obtained through photo-FET measurements, and the low-frequency noise spectra at different temperatures obtained for the new pseudomorphic and conventional MODFET's have clearly indicated that contributions from various deep levels present in the new structure are significantly reduced.

A fast and accurate frequency estimation algorithm for sinusoidal signal with harmonic components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jinghua; Pan, Mengchun; Zeng, Zhidun; Hu, Jiafei; Chen, Dixiang; Tian, Wugang; Zhao, Jianqiang; Du, Qingfa

2016-10-01

Frequency estimation is a fundamental problem in many applications, such as traditional vibration measurement, power system supervision, and microelectromechanical system sensors control. In this paper, a fast and accurate frequency estimation algorithm is proposed to deal with low efficiency problem in traditional methods. The proposed algorithm consists of coarse and fine frequency estimation steps, and we demonstrate that it is more efficient than conventional searching methods to achieve coarse frequency estimation (location peak of FFT amplitude) by applying modified zero-crossing technique. Thus, the proposed estimation algorithm requires less hardware and software sources and can achieve even higher efficiency when the experimental data increase. Experimental results with modulated magnetic signal show that the root mean square error of frequency estimation is below 0.032 Hz with the proposed algorithm, which has lower computational complexity and better global performance than conventional frequency estimation methods.

A globally efficient means of distributing UTC time and frequency through GPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kusters, John A.; Giffard, Robin P.; Cutler, Leonard S.; Allan, David W.; Miranian, Mihran

1995-01-01

Time and frequency outputs comparable in quality to the best laboratories have been demonstrated on an integrated system suitable for field application on a global basis. The system measures the time difference between 1 pulse-per-second (pps) signals derived from local primary frequency standards and from a multi-channel GPS C/A receiver. The measured data is processed through optimal SA Filter algorithms that enhance both the stability and accuracy of GPS timing signals. Experiments were run simultaneously at four different sites. Even with large distances between sites, the overall results show a high degree of cross-correlation of the SA noise. With sufficiently long simultaneous measurement sequences, the data shows that determination of the difference in local frequency from an accepted remote standard to better than 1 x 10(exp -14) is possible. This method yields frequency accuracy, stability, and timing stability comparable to that obtained with more conventional common-view experiments. In addition, this approach provides UTC(USNO MC) in real time to an accuracy better than 20 ns without the problems normally associated with conventional common-view techniques. An experimental tracking loop was also set up to demonstrate the use of enhanced GPS for dissemination of UTC(USNO MC) over a wide geographic area. Properly disciplining a cesium standard with a multi-channel GPS receiver, with additional input from USNO, has been found to permit maintaining a timing precision of better than 10 ns between Palo Alto, CA and Washington, DC.

Novel high-gain, improved-bandwidth, finned-ladder V-band Traveling-Wave Tube slow-wave circuit design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.

1994-01-01

The V-band frequency range of 59-64 GHz is a region of the millimeter-wave spectrum that has been designated for inter-satellite communications. As a first effort to develop a high-efficiency V-band Traveling-Wave Tube (TWT), variations on a ring-plane slow-wave circuit were computationally investigated to develop an alternative to the more conventional ferruled coupled-cavity circuit. The ring-plane circuit was chosen because of its high interaction impedance, large beam aperture, and excellent thermal dissipation properties. Despite these advantages, however, low bandwidth and high voltage requirements have, until now, prevented its acceptance outside the laboratory. In this paper, the three-dimensional electrodynamic simulation code MAFIA (solution of MAxwell's Equation by the Finite-Integration-Algorithm) is used to investigate methods of increasing the bandwidth and lowering the operating voltage of the ring-plane circuit. Calculations of frequency-phase dispersion, beam on-axis interaction impedance, attenuation and small-signal gain per wavelength were performed for various geometric variations and loading distributions of the ring-plane TWT slow-wave circuit. Based on the results of the variations, a circuit termed the finned-ladder TWT slow-wave circuit was designed and is compared here to the scaled prototype ring-plane and a conventional ferruled coupled-cavity TWT circuit over the V-band frequency range. The simulation results indicate that this circuit has a much higher gain, significantly wider bandwidth, and a much lower voltage requirement than the scaled ring-plane prototype circuit, while retaining its excellent thermal dissipation properties. The finned-ladder circuit has a much larger small-signal gain per wavelength than the ferruled coupled-cavity circuit, but with a moderate sacrifice in bandwidth.

Pulmonary surfactant concentration during transition from high frequency oscillation to conventional mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Dargaville, P A; South, M; McDougall, P N

1997-12-01

To test the hypothesis that conventional mechanical ventilation (CV) provides a greater stimulus to secretion of pulmonary surfactant than high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFO). Sequential examination of surfactant indices in lung lavage fluid in a group of six infants with severe lung disease (group 1), ventilated with HFO and then converted back to CV as their lung disease recovered. A similar group of 10 infants (group 2) ventilated conventionally throughout the course of their illness were studied for comparison. In groups 1 and 2, two sequential tracheal aspirate samples were taken, the first once lung disease was noted to be improving, and the second 48-72 h later. Group 1 infants had converted from HFO to CV during this time. A marked increase in concentration of total surfactant phospholipid (PL) and disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) was seen in group 1 after transition from HFO to CV; the magnitude of this increase was significantly greater than that sequentially observed in group II (total PL: 9.4-fold increase in group 1 vs 1.8-fold in group 2, P = 0.006; DSPC: group 1 6.4-fold increase vs. group 2 1.7-fold, P = 0.02). These findings suggest that intermittent lung inflation during CV produces more secretion of surfactant phospholipid than continuous alveolar distension on HFO, and raise the possibility that conservation and additional maturation of surfactant elements may occur when the injured lung is ventilated with HFO.

Integral imaging based light field display with enhanced viewing resolution using holographic diffuser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Zhiqiang; Yan, Xingpeng; Jiang, Xiaoyu; Gao, Hui; Wen, Jun

2017-11-01

An integral imaging based light field display method is proposed by use of holographic diffuser, and enhanced viewing resolution is gained over conventional integral imaging systems. The holographic diffuser is fabricated with controlled diffusion characteristics, which interpolates the discrete light field of the reconstructed points to approximate the original light field. The viewing resolution can thus be improved and independent of the limitation imposed by Nyquist sampling frequency. An integral imaging system with low Nyquist sampling frequency is constructed, and reconstructed scenes of high viewing resolution using holographic diffuser are demonstrated, verifying the feasibility of the method.

Single-stage electrohydraulic servosystem for actuating on airflow valve with frequencies to 500 hertz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webb, J. A., Jr.; Mehmed, O.; Lorenzo, C. F.

1980-01-01

An airflow valve and its electrohydraulic actuation servosystem are described. The servosystem uses a high-power, single-stage servovalve to obtain a dynamic response beyond that of systems designed with conventional two-stage servovalves. The electrohydraulic servosystem is analyzed and the limitations imposed on system performance by such nonlinearities as signal saturations and power limitations are discussed. Descriptions of the mechanical design concepts and developmental considerations are included. Dynamic data, in the form of sweep-frequency test results, are presented and comparison with analytical results obtained with an analog computer model is made.

A New Mirroring Circuit for Power MOS Current Sensing Highly Immune to EMI

PubMed Central

Aiello, Orazio; Fiori, Franco

2013-01-01

This paper deals with the monitoring of power transistor current subjected to radio-frequency interference. In particular, a new current sensor with no connection to the power transistor drain and with improved performance with respect to the existing current-sensing schemes is presented. The operation of the above mentioned current sensor is discussed referring to time-domain computer simulations. The susceptibility of the proposed circuit to radio-frequency interference is evaluated through time-domain computer simulations and the results are compared with those obtained for a conventional integrated current sensor. PMID:23385408

Nonlinear mechanism for the generation of electromagnetic fields in a magnetized plasma by the beatings of waves

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

Aburjania, G. D.; Machabeli, G. Z.; Kharshiladze, O. A.

2006-07-15

The modulational instability in a plasma in a strong constant external magnetic field is considered. The plasmon condensate is modulated not by conventional low-frequency ion sound but by the beatings of two high-frequency transverse electromagnetic waves propagating along the magnetic field. The instability reduces the spatial scales of Langmuir turbulence along the external magnetic field and generates electromagnetic fields. It is shown that, for a pump wave with a sufficiently large amplitude, the effect described in the present paper can be a dominant nonlinear process.

Lipid profile in antipsychotic drug users: A comparative study

PubMed Central

Roohafza, Hamidreza; Khani, Azam; Afshar, Hamid; Garakyaraghi, Mohammad; Amirpour, Afshin; Ghodsi, Basir

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND Schizophrenic patients who receive antipsychotic drugs may be highly prone to metabolic disorders such as weight gain, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of atypical and conventional antipsychotics on lipid profile. METHODS 128 schizophrenic patients were enrolled into the study. Patients were divided into two groups. One group had received one type of atypical antipsychotic drug, and, the other, one type of conventional antipsychotic drug. They were considered as atypical and conventional groups. Moreover, both groups had not used any other antipsychotic drugs during the past year. Demographic data and food frequency questionnaire were completed by the participants. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterols, and apolipoprotein A and B (Apo B) were tested by blood sample drawing after 12 hours of fasting through the antecubital vein. Student’s t-test was used to compare atypical and conventional groups. RESULTS There was no significant difference in age, gender, duration of illness, period of drug consumption, and age at onset of illness in the two groups. Patients in the atypical group used clozapine and risperidone (46.9%) more than olanzapine. In the conventional group 81.3% of patients used phenothiazines. Comparison between lipid profile in the conventional and atypical groups showed a significantly higher mean in TC (P = 0.01), LDL (P = 0.03), and Apo B (P = 0.01) in conventional group than the atypical group. CONCLUSION In schizophrenic patients, the level of lipid profile had been increased in both atypical and conventional antipsychotic users, especially conventional users, so the effect of antipsychotic drugs should be investigated periodically. PMID:23766777

Joint estimation of 2D-DOA and frequency based on space-time matrix and conformal array.

PubMed

Wan, Liang-Tian; Liu, Lu-Tao; Si, Wei-Jian; Tian, Zuo-Xi

2013-01-01

Each element in the conformal array has a different pattern, which leads to the performance deterioration of the conventional high resolution direction-of-arrival (DOA) algorithms. In this paper, a joint frequency and two-dimension DOA (2D-DOA) estimation algorithm for conformal array are proposed. The delay correlation function is used to suppress noise. Both spatial and time sampling are utilized to construct the spatial-time matrix. The frequency and 2D-DOA estimation are accomplished based on parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis without spectral peak searching and parameter pairing. The proposed algorithm needs only four guiding elements with precise positions to estimate frequency and 2D-DOA. Other instrumental elements can be arranged flexibly on the surface of the carrier. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Direct CFD Predictions of Low Frequency Sounds Generated by a Helicopter Main Rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sim, Ben W.; Potsdam, Mark A.; Conner, Dave A.; Conner, Dave A.; Watts, Michael E.

2010-01-01

The use of CFD to directly predict helicopter main rotor noise is shown to be quite promising as an alternative mean for low frequency source noise evaluation. Results using existing state-of-the-art grid structures and finite-difference schemes demonstrated that small perturbation pressures, associated with acoustics radiation, can be extracted with some degree of fidelity. Accuracy of the predictions are demonstrated via comparing to predictions from conventional acoustic analogy-based models, and with measurements obtained from wind tunnel and flight tests for the MD-902 helicopter at several operating conditions. Findings show that the direct CFD approach is quite successfully in yielding low frequency results due to thickness and steady loading noise mechanisms. Mid-to-high frequency contents, due to blade-vortex interactions, are not predicted due to CFD modeling and grid constraints.

Resonance frequency control of RF normal conducting cavity using gradient estimator of reflected power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leewe, R.; Shahriari, Z.; Moallem, M.

2017-10-01

Control of the natural resonance frequency of an RF cavity is essential for accelerator structures due to their high cavity sensitivity to internal and external vibrations and the dependency of resonant frequency on temperature changes. Due to the relatively high radio frequencies involved (MHz to GHz), direct measurement of the resonant frequency for real-time control is not possible by using conventional microcontroller hardware. So far, all operational cavities are tuned using phase comparison techniques. The temperature dependent phase measurements render this technique labor and time intensive. To eliminate the phase measurement, reduce man hours and speed up cavity start up time, this paper presents a control theme that relies solely on the reflected power measurement. The control algorithm for the nonlinear system is developed through Lyapunov's method. The controller stabilizes the resonance frequency of the cavity using a nonlinear control algorithm in combination with a gradient estimation method. Experimental results of the proposed system on a test cavity show that the resonance frequency can be tuned to its optimum operating point while the start up time of a single cavity and the accompanied man hours are significantly decreased. A test result of the fully commissioned control system on one of TRIUMF's DTL tanks verifies its performance under real environmental conditions.

High-Speed Printing Process Characterization using the Lissajous Trajectory Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sangwon; Kim, Daekeun

2018-04-01

We present a novel stereolithographic three-dimensional (3D) printing process that uses Lissajous trajectories. By using Lissajous trajectories, this 3D printing process allows two laser-scanning mirrors to operate at similar high-speed frequencies simultaneously, and the printing speed can be faster than that of raster scanning used in conventional stereolithography. In this paper, we first propose the basic theoretical background for this printing process based on Lissajous trajectories. We also characterize its printing conditions, such as printing size, laser spot size, and minimum printing resolution, with respect to the operating frequencies of the scanning mirrors and the capability of the laser modulation. Finally, we demonstrate simulation results for printing basic 2D shapes by using a noble printing process algorithm.

Spectral and spatial characterisation of laser-driven positron beams

DOE PAGES

Sarri, G.; Warwick, J.; Schumaker, W.; ...

2016-10-18

The generation of high-quality relativistic positron beams is a central area of research in experimental physics, due to their potential relevance in a wide range of scientific and engineering areas, ranging from fundamental science to practical applications. There is now growing interest in developing hybrid machines that will combine plasma-based acceleration techniques with more conventional radio-frequency accelerators, in order to minimise the size and cost of these machines. Here we report on recent experiments on laser-driven generation of high-quality positron beams using a relatively low energy and potentially table-top laser system. Lastly, the results obtained indicate that current technology allowsmore » to create, in a compact setup, positron beams suitable for injection in radio-frequency accelerators.« less

Microfabricated high-bandpass foucault aperture for electron microscopy

DOEpatents

Glaeser, Robert; Cambie, Rossana; Jin, Jian

2014-08-26

A variant of the Foucault (knife-edge) aperture is disclosed that is designed to provide single-sideband (SSB) contrast at low spatial frequencies but retain conventional double-sideband (DSB) contrast at high spatial frequencies in transmission electron microscopy. The aperture includes a plate with an inner open area, a support extending from the plate at an edge of the open area, a half-circle feature mounted on the support and located at the center of the aperture open area. The radius of the half-circle portion of reciprocal space that is blocked by the aperture can be varied to suit the needs of electron microscopy investigation. The aperture is fabricated from conductive material which is preferably non-oxidizing, such as gold, for example.

Note: A simple multi-channel optical system for modulation spectroscopies.

PubMed

Solís-Macías, J; Sánchez-López, J D; Castro-García, R; Flores-Camacho, J M; Flores-Rangel, G; Ciou, Jian-Jhih; Chen, Kai-Wei; Chen, Chang-Hsiao; Lastras-Martínez, L F; Balderas-Navarro, R E

2017-12-01

Photoreflectance-difference (PR/PRD) and reflectance-difference (RD) spectroscopies employ synchronic detection usually with lock-in amplifiers operating at moderate (200-1000 Hz) and high (50-100 KHz) modulation frequencies, respectively. Here, we report a measurement system for these spectroscopies based on a multichannel CCD spectrometer without a lock-in amplifier. In the proposed scheme, a typical PRD or RD spectrum consists of numerical subtractions between a thousand CCD captures recorded, while a photoelastic modulator is either operating or inhibited. This is advantageous and fits the slow response of CCD detectors to high modulation frequencies. The resulting spectra are processed with Savitzky-Golay filtering and compared well with those measured with conventional scanning systems based on lock-in amplifiers.

TIME CALIBRATED OSCILLOSCOPE SWEEP CIRCUIT

DOEpatents

Smith, V.L.; Carstensen, H.K.

1959-11-24

An improved time calibrated sweep circuit is presented, which extends the range of usefulness of conventional oscilloscopes as utilized for time calibrated display applications in accordance with U. S. Patent No. 2,832,002. Principal novelty resides in the provision of a pair of separate signal paths, each of which is phase and amplitude adjustable, to connect a high-frequency calibration oscillator to the output of a sawtooth generator also connected to the respective horizontal deflection plates of an oscilloscope cathode ray tube. The amplitude and phase of the calibration oscillator signals in the two signal paths are adjusted to balance out feedthrough currents capacitively coupled at high frequencies of the calibration oscillator from each horizontal deflection plate to the vertical plates of the cathode ray tube.

High-resolution differential mode delay measurement for a multimode optical fiber using a modified optical frequency domain reflectometer.

PubMed

Ahn, T-J; Kim, D

2005-10-03

A novel differential mode delay (DMD) measurement technique for a multimode optical fiber based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) has been proposed. We have obtained a high-resolution DMD value of 0.054 ps/m for a commercial multimode optical fiber with length of 50 m by using a modified OFDR in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure with a tunable external cavity laser and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer instead of Michelson interferometer. We have also compared the OFDR measurement results with those obtained using a traditional time-domain measurement method. DMD resolution with our proposed OFDR technique is more than an order of magnitude better than a result obtainable with a conventional time-domain method.

Performance Statistics Bulletin. High Latitude Meteor Scatter Propagation June, July, August, September 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-01

appears with plots no. 1- 30. This refers to the default convention to delete from analysis that data acquired in any bi-hourly acquisition window...FREQUENCY - 35 MHZ BASED ON OBSERVED NOISE MEASUREMENTS - VERTICAL rIEN~ lOS1 06-1 13-OCT-ii PLO 8.00 186 GEOPHYSICS LAB METEOR SCATTER PROGRAM I AVER

High-frequency Pulse-compression Ultrasound Imaging with an Annular Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamou, J.; Ketterling, J. A.; Silverman, R. H.

High-frequency ultrasound (HFU) allows fine-resolution imaging at the expense of limited depth-of-field (DOF) and shallow acoustic penetration depth. Coded-excitation imaging permits a significant increase in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and therefore, the acoustic penetration depth. A 17-MHz, five-element annular array with a focal length of 31 mm and a total aperture of 10 mm was fabricated using a 25-μm thick piezopolymer membrane. An optimized 8-μs linear chirp spanning 6.5-32 MHz was used to excite the transducer. After data acquisition, the received signals were linearly filtered by a compression filter and synthetically focused. To compare the chirp-array imaging method with conventional impulse imaging in terms of resolution, a 25-μm wire was scanned and the -6-dB axial and lateral resolutions were computed at depths ranging from 20.5 to 40.5 mm. A tissue-mimicking phantom containing 10-μm glass beads was scanned, and backscattered signals were analyzed to evaluate SNR and penetration depth. Finally, ex-vivo ophthalmic images were formed and chirp-coded images showed features that were not visible in conventional impulse images.

A critical examination of the numerology of antigen-binding cells: evidence for multiple receptor specificities on single cells.

PubMed

Miller, A

1977-01-01

The data available from other laboratories as well as our own on the frequency of cells recognizing major histocompatibility antigens or conventional protein and hapten antigens is critically evaluated. The frequency of specific binding for a large number of antigens is sufficiently high to support the idea that at least part of the antigen-binding cell population must have multiple specificities. Our results suggest that these multiple specific cells result from single cells synthesizing and displaying as many as 50-100 species of receptor, each at a frequency of 10(4) per cell. A model involving gene expansion of constant-region genes is suggested and some auxilliary evidence consistent with such C-gene expansion is presented.

Structured-illumination photoacoustic Doppler flowmetry of axial flow in homogeneous scattering media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ruiying; Yao, Junjie; Maslov, Konstantin I.; Wang, Lihong V.

2013-08-01

We propose a method for photoacoustic flow measurement based on the Doppler effect from a flowing homogeneous medium. Excited by spatially modulated laser pulses, the flowing medium induces a Doppler frequency shift in the received photoacoustic signals. The frequency shift is proportional to the component of the flow speed projected onto the acoustic beam axis, and the sign of the shift reflects the flow direction. Unlike conventional flowmetry, this method does not rely on particle heterogeneity in the medium; thus, it can tolerate extremely high particle density. A red-ink phantom flowing in a tube immersed in water was used to validate the method in both the frequency and time domains. The phantom flow immersed in an intralipid solution was also measured.

Separation of Intercepted Multi-Radar Signals Based on Parameterized Time-Frequency Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, W. L.; Xie, J. W.; Wang, H. M.; Sheng, C.

2016-09-01

Modern radars use complex waveforms to obtain high detection performance and low probabilities of interception and identification. Signals intercepted from multiple radars overlap considerably in both the time and frequency domains and are difficult to separate with primary time parameters. Time-frequency analysis (TFA), as a key signal-processing tool, can provide better insight into the signal than conventional methods. In particular, among the various types of TFA, parameterized time-frequency analysis (PTFA) has shown great potential to investigate the time-frequency features of such non-stationary signals. In this paper, we propose a procedure for PTFA to separate overlapped radar signals; it includes five steps: initiation, parameterized time-frequency analysis, demodulating the signal of interest, adaptive filtering and recovering the signal. The effectiveness of the method was verified with simulated data and an intercepted radar signal received in a microwave laboratory. The results show that the proposed method has good performance and has potential in electronic reconnaissance applications, such as electronic intelligence, electronic warfare support measures, and radar warning.

Development of high precision digital driver of acoustic-optical frequency shifter for ROG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Rong; Kong, Mei; Xu, Yameng

2016-10-01

We develop a high precision digital driver of the acoustic-optical frequency shifter (AOFS) based on the parallel direct digital synthesizer (DDS) technology. We use an atomic clock as the phase-locked loop (PLL) reference clock, and the PLL is realized by a dual digital phase-locked loop. A DDS sampling clock up to 320 MHz with a frequency stability as low as 10-12 Hz is obtained. By constructing the RF signal measurement system, it is measured that the frequency output range of the AOFS-driver is 52-58 MHz, the center frequency of the band-pass filter is 55 MHz, the ripple in the band is less than 1 dB@3MHz, the single channel output power is up to 0.3 W, the frequency stability is 1 ppb (1 hour duration), and the frequency-shift precision is 0.1 Hz. The obtained frequency stability has two orders of improvement compared to that of the analog AOFS-drivers. For the designed binary frequency shift keying (2-FSK) and binary phase shift keying (2-PSK) modulation system, the demodulating frequency of the input TTL synchronous level signal is up to 10 kHz. The designed digital-bus coding/decoding system is compatible with many conventional digital bus protocols. It can interface with the ROG signal detecting software through the integrated drive electronics (IDE) and exchange data with the two DDS frequency-shift channels through the signal detecting software.

The Relationship between the Current Waveform just before the Current Zero and the Interruption Ability in the High-speed VCB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niwa, Yoshimitsu; Matsuzaki, Jun; Yokokura, Kunio

The high-speed vacuum circuit breaker, which forced the fault current to zero was investigated. The test circuit breaker consisted of a vacuum interrupter and a high frequency current source. The vacuum interrupter, which had the axial magnetic field electrode and the disk shape electrode, was tested. The arcing period of the high-speed vacuum circuit breaker is much shorter than that of conventional circuit breaker. The arc behavior of the test electrodes immediately after the contact separation was observed by a high-speed video camcorder. The relation between the current waveform just before the current zero and the interruption ability by varying the high frequency current source was investigated experimentally. The results demonstrate the interruption ability and the arc behavior of the high-speed vacuum circuit breaker. The high current interruption was made possible by the low current period just before the current zero, although the arcing time is short and the arc is concentrated.

Accurate, consistent, and fast droplet splitting and dispensing in electrowetting on dielectric digital microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikapitiya, N. Y. Jagath B.; Nahar, Mun Mun; Moon, Hyejin

2017-12-01

This letter reports two novel electrode design considerations to satisfy two very important aspects of EWOD operation—(1) Highly consistent volume of generated droplets and (2) Highly improved accuracy in the generated droplet volume. Considering the design principles investigated two novel designs were proposed; L-junction electrode design to offer high throughput droplet generation and Y-junction electrode design to split a droplet very fast while maintaining equal volume of each part. Devices of novel designs were fabricated and tested, and the results are compared with those of conventional approach. It is demonstrated that inaccuracy and inconsistency of droplet volume dispensed in the device with novel electrode designs are as low as 0.17 and 0.10%, respectively, while those of conventional approach are 25 and 0.76%, respectively. The dispensing frequency is enhanced from 4 to 9 Hz by using the novel design.

Miniaturization of Microwave Ablation Antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luyen, Hung

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a promising minimally invasive technique for the treatment of various types of cancers as well as non-oncological diseases. In MWA, an interstitial antenna is typically used to deliver microwave energy to the diseased tissue and heat it up to lethal temperature levels that induce cell death. The desired characteristics of the interstitial antenna include a narrow diameter to minimize invasiveness of the treatment, a low input reflection coefficient at the operating frequency, and a localized heating zone. Most interstitial MWA antennas are fed by coaxial cables and designed for operation at either 915 MHz or 2.45 GHz. Coax-fed MWA antennas are commonly equipped with coaxial baluns to achieve localized heating. However, the conventional implementation of coaxial baluns increases the overall diameters of the antennas and therefore make them more invasive. It is highly desirable to develop less invasive antennas with shorter active lengths and smaller diameters for MWA applications. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of using higher frequency microwaves for tissue ablation and present several techniques for decreasing diameters of MWA antennas. First, we investigated MWA at higher frequencies by conducting numerical and experimental studies to compare ablation performance at 10 GHz and 1.9 GHz. Simulation and ex vivo ablation experiment results demonstrate comparable ablation zone dimensions achieved at these two frequencies. Operating at higher frequencies enables interstitial antennas with shorter active lengths. This can be combined with smaller-diameter antenna designs to create less invasive applicators or allow integration of multiple radiating elements on a single applicator to have better control and customization of the heating patterns. Additionally, we present three different coax-fed antenna designs and a non-coaxial-based balanced antenna that have smaller-diameter configurations than conventional coax-fed balun-equipped antennas. The antennas were evaluated and optimized in electromagnetic and thermal simulations. Then prototypes of these antennas were fabricated and experimentally characterized in ex vivo ablation experiments. Simulation and experimental results are in good agreement and demonstrate that the proposed antennas provide good impedance matching and localized heating patterns at their operating frequencies while having about 30% smaller diameters compared to conventional coax-fed balun-equipped MWA antennas.

Vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance spectrometer with field differential detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamaru, S.; Tsunegi, S.; Kubota, H.; Yuasa, S.

2018-05-01

This work presents a vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR) spectrometer with field differential detection. This technique differentiates the S-parameter by applying a small binary modulation field in addition to the DC bias field to the sample. By setting the modulation frequency sufficiently high, slow sensitivity fluctuations of the VNA, i.e., low-frequency components of the trace noise, which limit the signal-to-noise ratio of the conventional VNA-FMR spectrometer, can be effectively removed, resulting in a very clean FMR signal. This paper presents the details of the hardware implementation and measurement sequence as well as the data processing and analysis algorithms tailored for the FMR spectrum obtained with this technique. Because the VNA measures a complex S-parameter, it is possible to estimate the Gilbert damping parameter from the slope of the phase variation of the S-parameter with respect to the bias field. We show that this algorithm is more robust against noise than the conventional algorithm based on the linewidth.

Multi-Frequency Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) Imaging

PubMed Central

Ma, Teng; Yu, Mingyue; Chen, Zeyu; Fei, Chunlong; Shung, K. Kirk; Zhou, Qifa

2015-01-01

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is frequently associated with the sudden rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque within the coronary artery. Several unique physiological features, including a thin fibrous cap accompanied by a necrotic lipid core, are the targeted indicators for identifying the vulnerable plaques. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), a catheter-based imaging technology, has been routinely performed in clinics for more than 20 years to describe the morphology of the coronary artery and guide percutaneous coronary interventions. However, conventional IVUS cannot facilitate the risk assessment of ACS because of its intrinsic limitations, such as insufficient resolution. Renovation of the IVUS technology is essentially needed to overcome the limitations and enhance the coronary artery characterization. In this paper, a multi-frequency intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system was developed by incorporating a higher frequency IVUS transducer (80 to 150 MHz) with the conventional IVUS (30–50 MHz) system. The newly developed system maintains the advantage of deeply penetrating imaging with the conventional IVUS, while offering an improved higher resolution image with IVUS at a higher frequency. The prototyped multi-frequency catheter has a clinically compatible size of 0.95 mm and a favorable capability of automated image co-registration. In vitro human coronary artery imaging has demonstrated the feasibility and superiority of the multi-frequency IVUS imaging system to deliver a more comprehensive visualization of the coronary artery. This ultrasonic-only intravascular imaging technique, based on a moderate refinement of the conventional IVUS system, is not only cost-effective from the perspective of manufacturing and clinical practice, but also holds the promise of future translation into clinical benefits. PMID:25585394

High-frequency polarization dynamics in spin-lasers: pushing the limits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerhardt, Nils C.; Lindemann, Markus; Pusch, Tobias; Michalzik, Rainer; Hofmann, Martin R.

2017-09-01

While the high-frequency performance of conventional lasers is limited by the coupled carrier-photon dynamics, spin-polarized lasers have a high potential to overcome this limitation and to push the direct modulation bandwidth beyond 100 GHz. The key is to utilize the ultrafast polarization dynamics in spin-polarized vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs) which is decoupled from the intensity dynamics and its fundamental limitations. The polarization dynamics in such devices, characterized by the polarization oscillation resonance frequency, is mainly determined by the amount of birefringence in the cavity. Using an approach for manipulating the birefringence via mechanical strain we were able to increase the polarization dynamics to resonance frequencies of more than 40 GHz. Up to now these values are only limited by the setup to induce birefringence and do not reflect any fundamental limitations. Taking our record results for the birefringence-induced mode splitting of more than 250 GHz into account, the concept has the potential to provide polarization modulation in spin-VCSELs with modulation frequencies far beyond 100 GHz. This makes them ideal devices for next-generation fast optical interconnects. In this paper we present experimental results for ultrafast polarization dynamics up to 50 GHz and compare them to numerical simulations.

A living cell quartz crystal microbalance biosensor for continuous monitoring of cytotoxic responses of macrophages to single-walled carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Numerous engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) exist and new ENMs are being developed. A challenge to nanotoxicology and environmental health and safety is evaluating toxicity of ENMs before they become widely utilized. Cellular assays remain the predominant test platform yet these methods are limited by using discrete time endpoints and reliance on organic dyes, vulnerable to interference from ENMs. Label-free, continuous, rapid response systems with biologically meaningful endpoints are needed. We have developed a device to detect and monitor in real time responses of living cells to ENMs. The device, a living cell quartz crystal microbalance biosensor (QCMB), uses macrophages adherent to a quartz crystal. The communal response of macrophages to treatments is monitored continuously as changes in crystal oscillation frequency (Δf). We report the ability of this QCMB to distinguish benign from toxic exposures and reveal unique kinetic information about cellular responses to varying doses of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Results We analyzed macrophage responses to additions of Zymosan A, polystyrene beads (PBs) (benign substances) or SWCNT (3-150 μg/ml) in the QCMB over 18 hrs. In parallel, toxicity was monitored over 24/48 hrs using conventional viability assays and histological stains to detect apoptosis. In the QCMB, a stable unchanging oscillation frequency occurred when cells alone, Zymosan A alone, PBs alone or SWCNTs without cells at the highest dose alone were used. With living cells in the QCMB, when Zymosan A, PBs or SWCNTs were added, a significant decrease in frequency occurred from 1-6 hrs. For SWCNTs, this Δf was dose-dependent. From 6-18 hrs, benign substances or low dose SWCNT (3-30 μg/ml) treatments showed a reversal of the decrease of oscillation frequency, returning to or exceeding pre-treatment levels. Cell recovery was confirmed in conventional assays. The lag time to see the Δf reversal in QCMB plots was linearly SWCNT-dose dependent. Lastly, the frequency never reversed at high dose SWCNT (100-150 μg/ml), and apoptosis/necrosis was documented in conventional 24 and 48 hr-assays. Conclusion These data suggest that the new QCMB detects and provides unique information about peak, sub-lethal and toxic exposures of living cells to ENMs before they are detected using conventional cell assays. PMID:21266033

Comparison of Amplitude-Integrated EEG and Conventional EEG in a Cohort of Premature Infants.

PubMed

Meledin, Irina; Abu Tailakh, Muhammad; Gilat, Shlomo; Yogev, Hagai; Golan, Agneta; Novack, Victor; Shany, Eilon

2017-03-01

To compare amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) and conventional EEG (EEG) activity in premature neonates. Biweekly aEEG and EEG were simultaneously recorded in a cohort of infants born less than 34 weeks gestation. aEEG recordings were visually assessed for lower and upper border amplitude and bandwidth. EEG recordings were compressed for visual evaluation of continuity and assessed using a signal processing software for interburst intervals (IBI) and frequencies' amplitude. Ten-minute segments of aEEG and EEG indices were compared using regression analysis. A total of 189 recordings from 67 infants were made, from which 1697 aEEG/EEG pairs of 10-minute segments were assessed. Good concordance was found for visual assessment of continuity between the 2 methods. EEG IBI, alpha and theta frequencies' amplitudes were negatively correlated to the aEEG lower border while conceptional age (CA) was positively correlated to aEEG lower border ( P < .001). IBI and all frequencies' amplitude were positively correlated to the upper aEEG border ( P ≤ .001). CA was negatively correlated to aEEG span while IBI, alpha, beta, and theta frequencies' amplitude were positively correlated to the aEEG span. Important information is retained and integrated in the transformation of premature neonatal EEG to aEEG. aEEG recordings in high-risk premature neonates reflect reliably EEG background information related to continuity and amplitude.

A resolution-enhancing image reconstruction method for few-view differential phase-contrast tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Huifeng; Anastasio, Mark A.

2017-03-01

It is well-known that properly designed image reconstruction methods can facilitate reductions in imaging doses and data-acquisition times in tomographic imaging. The ability to do so is particularly important for emerging modalities such as differential X-ray phase-contrast tomography (D-XPCT), which are currently limited by these factors. An important application of D-XPCT is high-resolution imaging of biomedical samples. However, reconstructing high-resolution images from few-view tomographic measurements remains a challenging task. In this work, a two-step sub-space reconstruction strategy is proposed and investigated for use in few-view D-XPCT image reconstruction. It is demonstrated that the resulting iterative algorithm can mitigate the high-frequency information loss caused by data incompleteness and produce images that have better preserved high spatial frequency content than those produced by use of a conventional penalized least squares (PLS) estimator.

The Next Generation of High-Speed Dynamic Stability Wind Tunnel Testing (Invited)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tomek, Deborah M.; Sewall, William G.; Mason, Stan E.; Szchur, Bill W. A.

2006-01-01

Throughout industry, accurate measurement and modeling of dynamic derivative data at high-speed conditions has been an ongoing challenge. The expansion of flight envelopes and non-conventional vehicle design has greatly increased the demand for accurate prediction and modeling of vehicle dynamic behavior. With these issues in mind, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) embarked on the development and shakedown of a high-speed dynamic stability test technique that addresses the longstanding problem of accurately measuring dynamic derivatives outside the low-speed regime. The new test technique was built upon legacy technology, replacing an antiquated forced oscillation system, and greatly expanding the capabilities beyond classic forced oscillation testing at both low and high speeds. The modern system is capable of providing a snapshot of dynamic behavior over a periodic cycle for varying frequencies, not just a damping derivative term at a single frequency.

Applications of Cavity-Enhanced Direct Frequency Comb Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cossel, Kevin C.; Adler, Florian; Maslowski, Piotr; Ye, Jun

2010-06-01

Cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy (CE-DFCS) is a unique technique that provides broad bandwidth, high resolution, and ultra-high detection sensitivities. This is accomplished by combining a femtosecond laser based optical frequency comb with an enhancement cavity and a broadband, multichannel imaging system. These systems are capable of simultaneously recording many terahertz of spectral bandwidth with sub-gigahertz resolution and absorption sensitivities of 1×10-7 cm-1 Hz-1/2. In addition, the ultrashort pulses enable efficient nonlinear processes, which makes it possible to reach spectral regions that are difficult to access with conventional laser sources. We will present an application of CE-DFCS for trace impurity detection in the semiconductor processing gas arsine near 1.8 μm and the development of a high-power, mid-infrared frequency comb for breath analysis in the 2.8-4.8 μm region. M. J. Thorpe, K. D. Moll, R. J. Jones, B. Safdi, and J. Ye. Science 311, 1595-1599 (2006) F. Adler, M. J. Thorpe, K. C. Cossel, and J. Ye. Annu. Rev. Anal. Chem. 3, 175-205 (2010) F. Adler, K. C. Cossel, M. J. Thorpe, I. Hartl, M. E. Fermann, and J. Ye. Opt. Lett. 34, 1330-1332 (2009)

Nonlinear model predictive control of a vortex-induced vibrations bladeless wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azadi Yazdi, E.

2018-07-01

In this paper, a nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) is proposed for a vortex-induced vibrations bladeless wind turbine (BWT). The BWT consists of a long rigid cylinder mounted on a flexible beam. The nonlinear dynamic model of the transverse vibrations of the BWT is obtained under the fluctuating lift force due to periodically shedding vortices. The NMPC method is used to design a controller that achieves maximum energy production rate. It is observed that the power generation of the NMPC drops in high wind speeds due to a mismatch between the vortex shedding frequency and the structural natural frequency. Therefore, a secondary gain-scheduling (GS) controller is proposed to virtually increase the natural frequency of the structure to match the vortex shedding frequency for high winds. Although previous studies predicted the output power of the studied BWT to be less than 100 W, with the proposed GS-NMPC scheme the output power reaches the value of 1 kW. Therefore, the capability of the BWT as a renewable energy generation device was highly underestimated in the literature. The computed values of the aero-mechanical efficiency suggest the BWT as a major competitor to the conventional wind turbines.

Experimental investigation of outdoor propagation of finite-amplitude noise. [aircraft noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webster, D. A.; Blackstock, D. T.

1978-01-01

The outdoor propagation of finite amplitude acoustic waves was investigated using a conventional electroacoustic transmitter which was mounted on the ground and pointed upward in order to avoid ground reflection effects. The propagation path was parallel to a radio tower 85 m tall, whose elevator carried the receiving microphone. The observations and conclusions are as follows: (1) At the higher source levels nonlinear propagation distortion caused a strong generation of high frequency noise over the propagation path. For example, at 70 m for a frequency 2-3 octaves above the source noise band, the measured noise was up to 30 dB higher than the linear theory prediction. (2) The generation occurred in both the nearfield and the farfield of the transmitter. (3) At no measurement point was small-signal behavior established for the high requency noise. Calculations support the contention that the nonlinearity generated high frequency noise never becomes small-signal in its behavior, regardless of distance. (4) When measured spectra are scaled in frequency and level to make them comparable with spectra of actual jet noise, they are found to be well within the jet noise range. It is therefore entirely possible that nonlinear distortion affects jet noise.

An experimental study to evaluate the technological limitations in the understanding of the haemodynamic change in pre-eclampsia.

PubMed

Sengupta

1998-08-01

BACKGROUND: Conventional indices could not define the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and its predictability. It has also not been possible to record these indices from the local uteroplacental system where the pathology lies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the limitations of the currently available blood pressure-flow measuring indices and techniques commonly used in pregnancy.METHOD: Blood pressure and velocity profiles were obtained under various pathophysiological conditions for pregnant and non-pregnant animals and human subjects. The data were analysed using both conventional and computer-based spectral methods. RESULTS: Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and velocity together with their spectral analysis appeared to be a useful sensitive indicator in pregnancy beyond the commonly available conventional analytical method. In high-resistance flow such as in hypertension and in pre-eclampsia, the power amplitude was relatively low at low frequency. Power amplitude remained high at low frequency in normal low-resistance state of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the need to develop a highly sensitive instrumentation whereby any minute variation in mean arterial pressure that is of clinical significance can be measured. Alternatively, analytical advancement, such as use of power spectrum analysers, might prove to be useful and sensitive. Variability of heart rate is an important determinant of the underlying pathophysiology in pregnancy. It is concluded that the heart rate of pre-eclamptics and hypertensives has to increase in order to maintain a constant organic blood flow whereas in normal pregnancy bloow flow can rise even without an incrase in heart rate. Future research should be directed towards blood flow mapping, power spectral analysis and image processing of the blood pressure-flow profile obtained from local and systemic compartments under different pathophysiological conditions of pregnancy.

Perceptions of the Relative Harm of Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Among U.S. Youth

PubMed Central

Ambrose, Bridget K.; Rostron, Brian L.; Johnson, Sarah E.; Portnoy, David B.; Apelberg, Benjamin J.; Kaufman, Annette R.; Choiniere, Conrad J.

2015-01-01

Background Despite progress in reducing youth smoking, adolescents remain highly susceptible to tobacco use. Of concern is whether youth perceive electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as a preferable alternative to conventional cigarettes. Purpose To describe cigarette harm perception patterns among youth based on the frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking, and examine the relative harm perceptions of conventional versus e-cigarettes, using data from a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. youth. Methods Data from the 2012 National Youth Tobacco Survey (N=24,658) were analyzed in 2013 to identify patterns of cigarette harm perceptions. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify associations between demographic and tobacco use characteristics and cigarette harm perception patterns. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship between cigarette harm perceptions and the perception of e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes for current, ever, and never cigarette smokers. Results The majority of youth (64.2%) perceived the harmfulness of cigarettes as dose-dependent. Approximately one in three students perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Regardless of cigarette smoking status, ever users of e-cigarettes and those with “dose-dependent” cigarette harm perceptions consistently were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Conclusions Many youth perceive tobacco use on a continuum of harm. Youth who perceive gradations in harm—both by frequency and intensity of cigarette use and by type of product—may be particularly susceptible to e-cigarette use. PMID:25044196

Pulse excitation method for measurement of high frequency magnetic properties of large cores (abstract)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hikosaka, Tomoyuki; Miyamoto, Masahiro; Yamada, Mamoru; Morita, Tadashi

1993-05-01

It is very important to obtain saturated magnetic properties from reverse saturation (full B-H curve) of ferromagnetic cores to design magnetic switches which are used in high power pulse generators. The magnetic switch is excited in the high frequency range (˜MHz). But, it is extremely difficult to measure full B-H curve of large toroidal cores of which diameter is some hundreds of mm, using the conventional ac excitation method at high frequency. The main reason is poor output ability of power source for core excitation. Therefore we have developed pulse excitation method to get high frequency magnetic properties. The measurement circuit has two sections. One is excitation part composed by charge transfer circuit. The others is reset part for adjustment initial point on direct B-H curve. The sample core is excited by sinusoidal voltage pulse expressed as 1-cos(2π ft). Excitation frequency f is decided by the constants of the elements of the charge transfer circuit. The change of magnetic flux density ΔB and magnetic field H are calculated, respectively, by measuring the induced voltage of search coil and magnetizing current. ΔB-H characteristics from reverse saturation of four different kinds of large cores were measured in frequency range from 50 kHz to 1 MHz. Core loss increases in proportion to Nth powers of the frequency, where the index N depends on each of cores. N is about 0.5 in case of winding ribbon cores, such as Fe-based amorphous, Co-based amorphous, and Finemet, but N is about 0.2 in case of the Ni-Zn ferrite.

Material and Phonon Engineering for Next Generation Acoustic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Nai-Kuei

This thesis presents the theoretical and experimental work related to micromachining of low intrinsic loss sapphire and phononic crystals for engineering new classes of electroacoustic devices for frequency control applications. For the first time, a low loss sapphire suspended membrane was fabricated and utilized to form the main body of a piezoelectric lateral overtone bulk acoustic resonator (LOBAR). Since the metalized piezoelectric transducer area in a LOBAR is only a small fraction of the overall resonant cavity (made out of sapphire), high quality factor (Q) overtones are attained. The experiment confirms the low intrinsic mechanical loss of the transferred sapphire thin film, and the resonators exhibit the highest Q of 5,440 at 2.8 GHz ( f·Q of 1.53.1013 Hz). This is also the highest f·Q demonstrated for aluminum-nitride-(AIN)-based Lamb wave devices to date. Beyond demonstrating a low loss device, this experimental work has laid the foundation for the future development of new micromechanical devices based on a high Q, high hardness and chemically resilient material. The search for alternative ways to more efficiently perform frequency control functionalities lead to the exploration of Phononic Crystal (PnC) structures in AIN thin films. Four unit cell designs were theoretically and experimentally investigated to explore the behavior of phononic bandgaps (PBGs) in the ultra high frequency (UHF) range: (i) the conventional square lattice with circular air scatterer, (ii) the inverse acoustic bandgap (IABG) structure, (iii) the fractal PnC, and (iv) the X-shaped PnC. Each unit cell has its unique frequency characteristic that was exploited to synthesize either cavity resonators or improve the performance of acoustic delay lines. The PBGs operate in the range of 770 MHz to 1 GHz and exhibit a maximum acoustic rejection of 40 dB. AIN Lamb wave transducers (LWTs) were employed for the experimental demonstration of the PBGs and cavity resonances. Ultra-wide bandwidth (˜10%) was achieved by implementing slanted finger transducers (SFIT) in thin film AIN. The impulse response and coupling of modes (COM) models commonly used for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices were developed to design the operating frequency and bandwidth of the LWTs. These techniques enabled access to fast frequency solutions (impulse response method) and good pass-band ripple estimation (COM) for any piezoelectric Lamb-wave based device. The conventional and IABG unit cell designs were explored for the making of cavity resonators. A PnC cavity made with conventional design exhibits a Q of 675 at 665 MHz. Despite the low Q, its value is very high when the volume of the cavity is taken into account ( Q per unit volume of 3.1017/m3). In order to understand the limited value of Q a detailed finite element analysis is performed to unveil its dependence on the specific design of the transducer. The capabilities of the X-shaped PnCs were harvested for synthesizing a method to suppress the sidelobe response of an AIN Lamb wave (SFIT) delay line. 10 dB of sidelobe magnitude reduction was attained while leaving the pass-band unaltered. Although at a very preliminary stage, the theoretical and experimental work on AIN PnC has demonstrated that new acoustic capabilities are enabled by these metamaterials. Future electroacoustic devices that perform frequency control functions in a compact and low loss fashion can now be envisioned.

Rearranging the lenslet array of the compact passive interference imaging system with high resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Gang; Wen, Desheng; Song, Zongxi

2017-10-01

With the development of aeronautics and astronautics, higher resolution requirement of the telescope was necessary. However, the increase in resolution of conventional telescope required larger apertures, whose size, weight and power consumption could be prohibitively expensive. This limited the further development of the telescope. This paper introduced a new imaging technology using interference—Compact Passive Interference Imaging Technology with High Resolution, and proposed a rearranging method for the arrangement of the lenslet array to obtain continuously object spatial frequency.

A high extinction ratio THz polarizer fabricated by double-bilayer wire grid structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Bin; Wang, Haitao; Shen, Jun; Yang, Jun; Mao, Hongyan; Xia, Liangping; Zhang, Weiguo; Wang, Guodong; Peng, Xiao-Yu; Wang, Deqiang

2016-02-01

We designed a new style of broadband terahertz (THz) polarizer with double-bilayer wire grid structure by fabricating them on both sides of silicon substrate. This THz polarizer shows a high average extinction ratio of 60dB in 0.5 to 2.0 THz frequency range and the maximum of 87 dB at 1.06 THz, which is much higher than that of conventional monolayer wire grid polarizers and single-bilayer wire grid ones.

Deep Learning for Automated Extraction of Primary Sites From Cancer Pathology Reports.

PubMed

Qiu, John X; Yoon, Hong-Jun; Fearn, Paul A; Tourassi, Georgia D

2018-01-01

Pathology reports are a primary source of information for cancer registries which process high volumes of free-text reports annually. Information extraction and coding is a manual, labor-intensive process. In this study, we investigated deep learning and a convolutional neural network (CNN), for extracting ICD-O-3 topographic codes from a corpus of breast and lung cancer pathology reports. We performed two experiments, using a CNN and a more conventional term frequency vector approach, to assess the effects of class prevalence and inter-class transfer learning. The experiments were based on a set of 942 pathology reports with human expert annotations as the gold standard. CNN performance was compared against a more conventional term frequency vector space approach. We observed that the deep learning models consistently outperformed the conventional approaches in the class prevalence experiment, resulting in micro- and macro-F score increases of up to 0.132 and 0.226, respectively, when class labels were well populated. Specifically, the best performing CNN achieved a micro-F score of 0.722 over 12 ICD-O-3 topography codes. Transfer learning provided a consistent but modest performance boost for the deep learning methods but trends were contingent on the CNN method and cancer site. These encouraging results demonstrate the potential of deep learning for automated abstraction of pathology reports.

Range compensation for backscattering measurements in the difference-frequency nearfield of a parametric sonar.

PubMed

Foote, Kenneth G

2012-05-01

Measurement of acoustic backscattering properties of targets requires removal of the range dependence of echoes. This process is called range compensation. For conventional sonars making measurements in the transducer farfield, the compensation removes effects of geometrical spreading and absorption. For parametric sonars consisting of a parametric acoustic transmitter and a conventional-sonar receiver, two additional range dependences require compensation when making measurements in the nonlinearly generated difference-frequency nearfield: an apparently increasing source level and a changing beamwidth. General expressions are derived for range compensation functions in the difference-frequency nearfield of parametric sonars. These are evaluated numerically for a parametric sonar whose difference-frequency band, effectively 1-6 kHz, is being used to observe Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in situ. Range compensation functions for this sonar are compared with corresponding functions for conventional sonars for the cases of single and multiple scatterers. Dependences of these range compensation functions on the parametric sonar transducer shape, size, acoustic power density, and hydrography are investigated. Parametric range compensation functions, when applied with calibration data, will enable difference-frequency echoes to be expressed in physical units of volume backscattering, and backscattering spectra, including fish-swimbladder-resonances, to be analyzed.

Wide operation frequency band magnetostrictive vibration power generator using nonlinear spring constant by permanent magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furumachi, S.; Ueno, T.

2016-04-01

We study magnetostrictive vibration based power generator using iron-gallium alloy (Galfenol). The generator is advantages over conventional, such as piezoelectric material in the point of high efficiency highly robust and low electrical impedance. Generally, the generator exhibits maximum power when its resonant frequency matches the frequency of ambient vibration. In other words, the mismatch of these frequencies results in significant decrease of the output. One solution is making the spring characteristics nonlinear using magnetic force, which distorts the resonant peak toward higher or lower frequency side. In this paper, vibrational generator consisting of Galfenol plate of 6 by 0.5 by 13 mm wound with coil and U shape-frame accompanied with plates and pair of permanent magnets was investigated. The experimental results show that lean of resonant peak appears attributed on the non-linear spring characteristics, and half bandwidth with magnets is 1.2 times larger than that without. It was also demonstrated that the addition of proof mass is effective to increase the sensitivity but also the bandwidth. The generator with generating power of sub mW order is useful for power source of wireless heath monitoring for bridge and factory machine.

Non Conventional Seismic Events Along the Himalayan Arc Detected in the Hi-Climb Dataset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vergne, J.; Nàbĕlek, J. L.; Rivera, L.; Bollinger, L.; Burtin, A.

2008-12-01

From September 2002 to August 2005, more than 200 broadband seismic stations were operated across the Himalayan arc and the southern Tibetan plateau in the framework of the Hi-Climb project. Here, we take advantage of the high density of stations along the main profile to look for coherent seismic wave arrivals that can not be attributed to ordinary tectonic events. An automatic detection algorithm is applied to the continuous data streams filtered between 1 and 10 Hz, followed by a visual inspection of all detections. We discovered about one hundred coherent signals that cannot be attributed to local, regional or teleseismic earthquakes and which are characterized by emergent arrivals and long durations ranging from one minute to several hours. Most of these non conventional seismic events have a low signal to noise ratio and are thus only observed above 1 Hz in the frequency band where the seismic noise is the lowest. However, a small subset of them are strong enough to be observed in a larger frequency band and show an enhancement of long periods compared to standard earthquakes. Based on the analysis of the relative amplitude measured at each station or, when possible, on the correlation of the low frequency part of the signals, most of these events appear to be located along the High Himalayan range. But, because of their emergent character and the main orientation of the seismic profile, their longitude and depth remain poorly constrained. The origin of these non conventional seismic events is still unsealed but their seismic signature shares several characteristics with non volcanic tremors, glacial earthquakes and/or debris avalanches. All these phenomena may occur along the Himalayan range but were not seismically detected before. Here we discuss the pros and cons for each of these postulated candidates based on the analysis of the recorded waveforms and slip models.

Control of Reactive Species Generated by Low-frequency Biased Nanosecond Pulse Discharge in Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Effluent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takashima, Keisuke; Kaneko, Toshiro

2016-09-01

The control of hydroxyl radical and the other gas phase species generation in the ejected gas through air plasma (air plasma effluent) has been experimentally studied, which is a key to extend the range of plasma treatment. Nanosecond pulse discharge is known to produce high reduced electric field (E/N) discharge that leads to efficient generation of the reactive species than conventional low frequency discharge, while the charge-voltage cycle in the low frequency discharge is known to be well-controlled. In this study, the nanosecond pulse discharge biased with AC low frequency high voltage is used to take advantages of these discharges, which allows us to modulate the reactive species composition in the air plasma effluent. The utilization of the gas-liquid interface and the liquid phase chemical reactions between the modulated long-lived reactive species delivered from the air plasma effluent could realize efficient liquid phase chemical reactions leading to short-lived reactive species production far from the air plasma, which is crucial for some plasma agricultural applications.

A hybrid analog-digital phase-locked loop for frequency mode non-contact scanning probe microscopy.

PubMed

Mehta, M M; Chandrasekhar, V

2014-01-01

Non-contact scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has developed into a powerful technique to image many different properties of samples. The conventional method involves monitoring the amplitude, phase, or frequency of a cantilever oscillating at or near its resonant frequency as it is scanned across the surface of a sample. For high Q factor cantilevers, monitoring the resonant frequency is the preferred method in order to obtain reasonable scan times. This can be done by using a phase-locked-loop (PLL). PLLs can be obtained as commercial integrated circuits, but these do not have the frequency resolution required for SPM. To increase the resolution, all-digital PLLs requiring sophisticated digital signal processors or field programmable gate arrays have also been implemented. We describe here a hybrid analog/digital PLL where most of the components are implemented using discrete analog integrated circuits, but the frequency resolution is provided by a direct digital synthesis chip controlled by a simple peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller. The PLL has excellent frequency resolution and noise, and can be controlled and read by a computer via a universal serial bus connection.

A hybrid analog-digital phase-locked loop for frequency mode non-contact scanning probe microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, M. M.; Chandrasekhar, V.

2014-01-01

Non-contact scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has developed into a powerful technique to image many different properties of samples. The conventional method involves monitoring the amplitude, phase, or frequency of a cantilever oscillating at or near its resonant frequency as it is scanned across the surface of a sample. For high Q factor cantilevers, monitoring the resonant frequency is the preferred method in order to obtain reasonable scan times. This can be done by using a phase-locked-loop (PLL). PLLs can be obtained as commercial integrated circuits, but these do not have the frequency resolution required for SPM. To increase the resolution, all-digital PLLs requiring sophisticated digital signal processors or field programmable gate arrays have also been implemented. We describe here a hybrid analog/digital PLL where most of the components are implemented using discrete analog integrated circuits, but the frequency resolution is provided by a direct digital synthesis chip controlled by a simple peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller. The PLL has excellent frequency resolution and noise, and can be controlled and read by a computer via a universal serial bus connection.

Improved 3D seismic attribute mapping by CRS stacking instead of NMO stacking: Application to a geothermal reservoir in the Polish Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pussak, Marcin; Bauer, Klaus; Stiller, Manfred; Bujakowski, Wieslaw

2014-04-01

Within a seismic reflection processing work flow, the common-reflection-surface (CRS) stack can be applied as an alternative for the conventional normal moveout (NMO) or the dip moveout (DMO) stack. The advantages of the CRS stack include (1) data-driven automatic determination of stacking operator parameters, (2) imaging of arbitrarily curved geological boundaries, and (3) significant increase in signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio by stacking far more traces than used in a conventional stack. In this paper we applied both NMO and CRS stackings to process a sparse 3D seismic data set acquired within a geothermal exploration study in the Polish Basin. The stacked images show clear enhancements in quality achieved by the CRS stack in comparison with the conventional stack. While this was expected from previous studies, we also found remarkable improvements in the quality of seismic attributes when the CRS stack was applied instead of the conventional stack. For the major geothermal target reservoir (Lower Jurassic horizon Ja1), we present a comparison between both stacking methods for a number of common attributes, including root-mean-square (RMS) amplitudes, instantaneous frequencies, coherency, and spectral decomposition attributes derived from the continuous wavelet transform. The attribute maps appear noisy and highly fluctuating after the conventional stack, and are clearly structured after the CRS stack. A seismic facies analysis was finally carried out for the Ja1 horizon using the attributes derived from the CRS stack by using self-organizing map clustering techniques. A corridor parallel to a fault system was identified, which is characterized by decreased RMS amplitudes and decreased instantaneous frequencies. In our interpretation, this region represents a fractured, fluid-bearing compartment within the sandstone reservoir, which indicates favorable conditions for geothermal exploitation.

The potamochemical symphony: new progress in the high-frequency acquisition of stream chemical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Floury, Paul; Gaillardet, Jérôme; Gayer, Eric; Bouchez, Julien; Tallec, Gaëlle; Ansart, Patrick; Koch, Frédéric; Gorge, Caroline; Blanchouin, Arnaud; Roubaty, Jean-Louis

2017-12-01

Our understanding of hydrological and chemical processes at the catchment scale is limited by our capacity to record the full breadth of the information carried by river chemistry, both in terms of sampling frequency and precision. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study of a lab in the field called the River Lab (RL), based on the idea of permanently installing a suite of laboratory instruments in the field next to a river. Housed in a small shed, this set of instruments performs analyses at a frequency of one every 40 min for major dissolved species (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-) through continuous sampling and filtration of the river water using automated ion chromatographs. The RL was deployed in the Orgeval Critical Zone Observatory, France for over a year of continuous analyses. Results show that the RL is able to capture long-term fine chemical variations with no drift and a precision significantly better than conventionally achieved in the laboratory (up to ±0.5 % for all major species for over a day and up to 1.7 % over 2 months). The RL is able to capture the abrupt changes in dissolved species concentrations during a typical 6-day rain event, as well as daily oscillations during a hydrological low-flow period of summer drought. Using the measured signals as a benchmark, we numerically assess the effects of a lower sampling frequency (typical of conventional field sampling campaigns) and of a lower precision (typically reached in the laboratory) on the hydrochemical signal. The high-resolution, high-precision measurements made possible by the RL open new perspectives for understanding critical zone hydro-bio-geochemical cycles. Finally, the RL also offers a solution for management agencies to monitor water quality in quasi-real time.

Influence of a high vacuum on the precise positioning using an ultrasonic linear motor.

PubMed

Kim, Wan-Soo; Lee, Dong-Jin; Lee, Sun-Kyu

2011-01-01

This paper presents an investigation of the ultrasonic linear motor stage for use in a high vacuum environment. The slider table is driven by the hybrid bolt-clamped Langevin-type ultrasonic linear motor, which is excited with its different modes of natural frequencies in both lateral and longitudinal directions. In general, the friction behavior in a vacuum environment becomes different from that in an environment of atmospheric pressure and this difference significantly affects the performance of the ultrasonic linear motor. In this paper, to consistently provide stable and high power of output in a high vacuum, frequency matching was conducted. Moreover, to achieve the fine control performance in the vacuum environment, a modified nominal characteristic trajectory following control method was adopted. Finally, the stage was operated under high vacuum condition, and the operating performances were investigated compared with that of a conventional PI compensator. As a result, robustness of positioning was accomplished in a high vacuum condition with nanometer-level accuracy.

Effect on the grain size of single-mode microwave sintered NiCuZn ferrite and zinc titanate dielectric resonator ceramics.

PubMed

Sirugudu, Roopas Kiran; Vemuri, Rama Krishna Murthy; Venkatachalam, Subramanian; Gopalakrishnan, Anisha; Budaraju, Srinivasa Murty

2011-01-01

Microwave sintering of materials significantly depends on dielectric, magnetic and conductive Losses. Samples with high dielectric and magnetic loss such as ferrites could be sintered easily. But low dielectric loss material such as dielectric resonators (paraelectrics) finds difficulty in generation of heat during microwave interaction. Microwave sintering of materials of these two classes helps in understanding the variation in dielectric and magnetic characteristics with respect to the change in grain size. High-energy ball milled Ni0.6Cu0.2Zn0.2Fe1.98O4-delta and ZnTiO3 are sintered in conventional and microwave methods and characterized for respective dielectric and magnetic characteristics. The grain size variation with higher copper content is also observed with conventional and microwave sintering. The grain size in microwave sintered Ni0.6Cu0.2Zn0.2Fe1.98O4-delta is found to be much small and uniform in comparison with conventional sintered sample. However, the grain size of microwave sintered sample is almost equal to that of conventional sintered sample of Ni0.3Cu0.5Zn0.2Fe1.98O4-delta. In contrast to these high dielectric and magnetic loss ferrites, the paraelectric materials are observed to sinter in presence of microwaves. Although microwave sintered zinc titanate sample showed finer and uniform grains with respect to conventional samples, the dielectric characteristics of microwave sintered sample are found to be less than that of conventional sample. Low dielectric constant is attributed to the low density. Smaller grain size is found to be responsible for low quality factor and the presence of small percentage of TiO2 is observed to achieve the temperature stable resonant frequency.

The high frequency light load fatigue testing machine based on giant magnetostrictive material and stroke multiplier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, M. D.; Li, D. S.; Huang, Y.; Zhang, C.; Zhong, K. M.; Sun, L. N.

2013-08-01

In the notebook and clamshell mobile phone, data communication wire often requires repeated bending. Generally, communication wire with the actual application conditions, the test data cannot assess bending resistance performance of data communication wire is tested conventionally using wires with weights of 90 degree to test bending number, this test method and device is not fully reflect the fatigue performance in high frequency and light load application condition, at the same time it has a large difference between the test data of the long-term reliability of high frequency and low load conditions. In this paper, high frequency light load fatigue testing machine based on the giant magnetostrictive material and stroke multiplier is put forward, in which internal reflux stroke multiplier is driven by giant magnetostrictive material to realize the rapid movement of light load. This fatigue testing device has the following advantages: (1) When the load is far less than the friction, reducing friction is very effective to improve the device performance. Because the body is symmetrical, the friction loss of radial does not exist in theory, so the stress situation of mechanism is good with high transmission efficiency and long service life. (2) The installation position of the output hydraulic cylinder, can be arranged conveniently as ordinary cylinder. (3) Reciprocating frequency, displacement and speed of high frequency movement can be programmed easily to change with higher position precision. (4)Hydraulic oil in this device is closed to transmit, which does not produce any environment pollution. The device has no hydraulic pump and tank, and less energy conversion processes, so it is with the trend of green manufacturing.

Rietveld refinement, dielectric and magnetic properties of Nb modified Bi0.80Ba0.20FeO3 ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jangra, Sandhaya; Sanghi, Sujata; Agarwal, Ashish; Rangi, Manisha

2018-05-01

Bi0.80Ba0.20Fe0.95Nb0.05O3 ceramic has been prepared via conventional solid state reaction method. Structure analysis was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique at room temperature. XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline nature of prepared sample. Rietveld analysis used for further structural investigations and confirmed the existence of rhombohedral symmetry (R3c space group). The dielectric response shows dispersion at lower frequency range and becomes frequency independent at high frequency. The approximation of conduction mechanism is determined by the temperature dependent behavior of frequency exponent `s'. Fitting results suggests the applicability of small polaron conduction mechanism at lower temperatures and CBH model at higher temperature. Room temperature magnetic measurements give the evidence of significant enhancement in magnetic properties with remanent magnetization (Mr = 0.1218 emu/g) and coercive field (Hc = 3.5342 kOe).

Electron temperature and density probe for small aeronomy satellites

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

Oyama, K.-I.; Institute of Space and Plasma Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; International Center for Space Weather Study and education, Kyushu University, Fukuoka

2015-08-15

A compact and low power consumption instrument for measuring the electron density and temperature in the ionosphere has been developed by modifying the previously developed Electron Temperature Probe (ETP). A circuit block which controls frequency of the sinusoidal signal is added to the ETP so that the instrument can measure both T{sub e} in low frequency mode and N{sub e} in high frequency mode from the floating potential shift of the electrode. The floating potential shift shows a minimum at the upper hybrid resonance frequency (f{sub UHR}). The instrument which is named “TeNeP” can be used for tiny satellites whichmore » do not have enough conductive surface area for conventional DC Langmuir probe measurements. The instrument also eliminates the serious problems associated with the contamination of satellite surface as well as the sensor electrode.« less

Deep-subwavelength Decoupling for MIMO Antennas in Mobile Handsets with Singular Medium.

PubMed

Xu, Su; Zhang, Ming; Wen, Huailin; Wang, Jun

2017-09-22

Decreasing the mutual coupling between Multi-input Multi-output (MIMO) antenna elements in a mobile handset and achieving a high data rate is a challenging topic as the 5 th -generation (5G) communication age is coming. Conventional decoupling components for MIMO antennas have to be re-designed when the geometries or frequencies of antennas have any adjustment. In this paper, we report a novel metamaterial-based decoupling strategy for MIMO antennas in mobile handsets with wide applicability. The decoupling component is made of subwavelength metal/air layers, which can be treated as singular medium over a broad frequency band. The flexible applicable property of the decoupling strategy is verified with different antennas over different frequency bands with the same metamaterial decoupling element. Finally, 1/100-wavelength 10-dB isolation is demonstrated for a 24-element MIMO antenna in mobile handsets over the frequency band from 4.55 to 4.75 GHz.

Fabrication and characterization of tensile In0.3Al0.7As barrier and compressive In0.7Ga0.3As channel pHEMTs having extremely low gate leakage for low-noise applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Packeer, F.; Mohamad Isa, M.; Mat Jubadi, W.; Ian, K. W.; Missous, M.

2013-07-01

This study focuses on the area of the epitaxial design, fabrication and characterization of a 1 µm gate-length InP-based pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) using InGaAs-InAlAs material systems. The advanced epitaxial layer design incorporates a highly strained aluminum-rich Schottky contact barrier, an indium-rich channel and a double delta-doped structure, which significantly improves upon the conventional low-noise pHEMT which suffers from high gate current leakage and low breakdown voltage. The outstanding achievements of the new design approach are 99% less gate current leakage and a 73% increase in breakdown voltage, compared with the conventional design. Furthermore, no degradation in RF performance is observed in terms of the cut-off frequency in this new highly tensile strained design. The remarkable performance of this advanced pHEMT design facilitates the implementation of outstanding low-noise devices.

Segmented crystalline scintillators: empirical and theoretical investigation of a high quantum efficiency EPID based on an initial engineering prototype CsI(TI) detector.

PubMed

Sawant, Amit; Antonuk, Larry E; El-Mohri, Youcef; Zhao, Qihua; Wang, Yi; Li, Yixin; Du, Hong; Perna, Louis

2006-04-01

Modern-day radiotherapy relies on highly sophisticated forms of image guidance in order to implement increasingly conformal treatment plans and achieve precise dose delivery. One of the most important goals of such image guidance is to delineate the clinical target volume from surrounding normal tissue during patient setup and dose delivery, thereby avoiding dependence on surrogates such as bony landmarks. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to integrate highly efficient imaging technology, capable of resolving soft-tissue contrast at very low doses, within the treatment setup. In this paper we report on the development of one such modality, which comprises a nonoptimized, prototype electronic portal imaging device (EPID) based on a 40 mm thick, segmented crystalline CsI(Tl) detector incorporated into an indirect-detection active matrix flat panel imager (AMFPI). The segmented detector consists of a matrix of 160 x 160 optically isolated, crystalline CsI(Tl) elements spaced at 1016 microm pitch. The detector was coupled to an indirect detection-based active matrix array having a pixel pitch of 508 microm, with each detector element registered to 2 x 2 array pixels. The performance of the prototype imager was evaluated under very low-dose radiotherapy conditions and compared to that of a conventional megavoltage AMFPI based on a Lanex Fast-B phosphor screen. Detailed quantitative measurements were performed in order to determine the x-ray sensitivity, modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum, and detective quantum efficiency (DQE). In addition, images of a contrast-detail phantom and an anthropomorphic head phantom were also acquired. The prototype imager exhibited approximately 22 times higher zero-frequency DQE (approximately 22%) compared to that of the conventional AMFPI (approximately 1%). The measured zero-frequency DQE was found to be lower than theoretical upper limits (approximately 27%) calculated from Monte Carlo simulations, which were based solely on the x-ray energy absorbed in the detector-indicating the presence of optical Swank noise. Moreover, due to the nonoptimized nature of this prototype, the spatial resolution was observed to be significantly lower than theoretical expectations. Nevertheless, due to its high quantum efficiency (approximately 55%), the prototype imager exhibited significantly higher DQE than that of the conventional AMFPI across all spatial frequencies. In addition, the frequency-dependent DQE was observed to be relatively invariant with respect to the amount of incident radiation, indicating x-ray quantum limited behavior. Images of the contrast-detail phantom and the head phantom obtained using the prototype system exhibit good visualization of relatively large, low-contrast features, and appear significantly less noisy compared to similar images from a conventional AMFPI. Finally, Monte Carlo-based theoretical calculations indicate that, with proper optimization, further, significant improvements in the DQE performance of such imagers could be achieved. It is strongly anticipated that the realization of optimized versions of such very high-DQE EPIDs would enable megavoltage projection imaging at very low doses, and tomographic imaging from a "beam's eye view" at clinically acceptable doses.

Simulation of free-electron lasers seeded with broadband radiation

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

Bajlekov, Svetoslav; Fawley, William; Schroeder, Carl

2011-03-10

The longitudinal coherence of free-electron laser (FEL) radiation can be enhanced by seeding the FEL with high harmonics of an optical laser pulse. The radiation produced by high-harmonic generation (HHG), however, has a fast-varying temporal profile that can violate the slowly varying envelope approximation and limited frequency window that is employed in conventional free-electron laser simulation codes. Here we investigate the implications of violating this approximation on the accuracy of simulations. On the basis of both analytical considerations and 1D numerical studies, it is concluded that, for most realistic scenarios, conventional FEL codes are capable of accurately simulating the FELmore » process even when the seed radiation violates the slowly varying envelope approximation. We additionally discuss the significance of filtering the harmonic content of broadband HHG seeds.« less

Dual-frequency dielectrophoretic levitation of Canola protoplasts.

PubMed

Kaler, K V; Xie, J P; Jones, T B; Paul, R

1992-07-01

A novel dual-frequency excitation technique is introduced which permits investigation of the low-frequency dispersion of Canola plant protoplasts using feedback-controlled dielectrophoretic levitation. The upper and intermediate frequency spectra obtained using the new technique are generally consistent with previous work. However, below some cross-over frequency f(OL), the protoplasts exhibit an apparent positive dielectrophoretic response that is not predicted by conventional theory. This cross-over frequency is linearly related to suspension conductivity, virtually independent of the suspension pH, and inversely proportional to the square of the cell radius. Examination of the complex Clausius-Mossotti polarization coefficient reveals that the observed positive dielectrophoretic response can not be accounted for in terms of Maxwell-Wagner polarization associated with a conventional layered model for the protoplast. The failure of straightforward enhancements to the protoplast model in explaining the low frequency behavior may indicate the presence of an electrophoretic contribution to the net observable force on the particle. To account for such fluid mechanical effects, it will be necessary to modify the existing dielectrophoretic force formulation.

2-Step Maximum Likelihood Channel Estimation for Multicode DS-CDMA with Frequency-Domain Equalization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojima, Yohei; Takeda, Kazuaki; Adachi, Fumiyuki

Frequency-domain equalization (FDE) based on the minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion can provide better downlink bit error rate (BER) performance of direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) than the conventional rake combining in a frequency-selective fading channel. FDE requires accurate channel estimation. In this paper, we propose a new 2-step maximum likelihood channel estimation (MLCE) for DS-CDMA with FDE in a very slow frequency-selective fading environment. The 1st step uses the conventional pilot-assisted MMSE-CE and the 2nd step carries out the MLCE using decision feedback from the 1st step. The BER performance improvement achieved by 2-step MLCE over pilot assisted MMSE-CE is confirmed by computer simulation.

Imaging of endogenous exchangeable proton signals in the human brain using frequency labeled exchange transfer imaging.

PubMed

Yadav, Nirbhay N; Jones, Craig K; Hua, Jun; Xu, Jiadi; van Zijl, Peter C M

2013-04-01

To image endogenous exchangeable proton signals in the human brain using a recently reported method called frequency labeled exchange transfer (FLEX) MRI. As opposed to labeling exchangeable protons using saturation (i.e., chemical exchange saturation transfer, or CEST), FLEX labels exchangeable protons with their chemical shift evolution. The use of short high-power frequency pulses allows more efficient labeling of rapidly exchanging protons, while time domain acquisition allows removal of contamination from semi-solid magnetization transfer effects. FLEX-based exchangeable proton signals were detected in human brain over the 1-5 ppm frequency range from water. Conventional magnetization transfer contrast and the bulk water signal did not interfere in the FLEX spectrum. The information content of these signals differed from in vivo CEST data in that the average exchange rate of these signals was 350-400 s(-1) , much faster than the amide signal usually detected using direct saturation (∼30 s(-1) ). Similarly, fast exchanging protons could be detected in egg white in the same frequency range where amide and amine protons of mobile proteins and peptides are known to resonate. FLEX MRI in the human brain preferentially detects more rapidly exchanging amide/amine protons compared to traditional CEST experiments, thereby changing the information content of the exchangeable proton spectrum. This has the potential to open up different types of endogenous applications as well as more easy detection of rapidly exchanging protons in diaCEST agents or fast exchanging units such as water molecules in paracest agents without interference of conventional magnetization transfer contrast. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Flying qualities and control system characteristics for superaugmented aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, T. T.; Mcruer, D. T.; Johnston, D. E.

1984-01-01

Aircraft-alone dynamics and superaugmented control system fundamental regulatory properties including stability and regulatory responses of the basic closed-loop systems; fundamental high and low frequency margins and governing factors; and sensitivity to aircraft and controller parameters are addressed. Alternative FCS mechanizations, and mechanizational side effects are also discussed. An overview of flying qualities considerations encompasses general pilot operations as a controller in unattended, intermittent and trim, and full-attention regulatory or command control; effective vehicle primary and secondary response properties to pilot inputs and disturbances; pilot control architectural possibilities; and comparison of superaugmented and conventional aircraft path responses for different forms of pilot control. Results of a simple experimental investigation into pilot dynamic behavior in attitude control of superaugmented aircraft configurations with high frequency time laps and time delays are presented.

Wavefront control with a spatial light modulator containing dual-frequency liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Dong-Feng; Winker, Bruce; Wen, Bing; Taber, Don; Brackley, Andrew; Wirth, Allan; Albanese, Marc; Landers, Frank

2004-10-01

A versatile, scalable wavefront control approach based upon proven liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulator (SLM) technology was extended for potential use in high-energy near-infrared laser applications. The reflective LC SLM module demonstrated has a two-inch diameter active aperture with 812 pixels. Using an ultra-low absorption transparent conductor in the LC SLM, a high laser damage threshold was demonstrated. Novel dual frequency liquid crystal materials and addressing schemes were implemented to achieve fast switching speed (<1ms at 1.31 microns). Combining this LCSLM with a novel wavefront sensing method, a closed loop wavefront controller is being demonstrated. Compared to conventional deformable mirrors, this non-mechanical wavefront control approach offers substantial improvements in speed (bandwidth), resolution, power consumption and system weight/volume.

Low-pass filtering of noisy Schlumberger sounding curves. Part I: Theory

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

Patella, D.

1986-02-01

A contribution is given to the solution of the problem of filtering noise-degraded Schlumberger sounding curves. It is shown that the transformation to the pole-pole system is actually a smoothing operation that filters high-frequency noise. In the case of residual noise contamination in the transformed pole-pole curve, it is demonstrated that a subsequent application of a conventional rectangular low-pass filter, with cut-off frequency not less than the right-hand frequency limit of the main message pass-band, may satisfactorily solve the problem by leaving a pole-pole curve available for interpretation. An attempt is also made to understand the essential peculiarities of themore » pole-pole system as far as penetration depth, resolving power and selectivity power are concerned.« less

MOD-2 wind turbine farm stability study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinrichsen, E. N.

1980-01-01

The dynamics of single and multiple 2.5 ME, Boeing MOD-2 wind turbine generators (WTGs) connected to utility power systems were investigated. The analysis was based on digital simulation. Both time response and frequency response methods were used. The dynamics of this type of WTG are characterized by two torsional modes, a low frequency 'shaft' mode below 1 Hz and an 'electrical' mode at 3-5 Hz. High turbine inertia and low torsional stiffness between turbine and generator are inherent features. Turbine control is based on electrical power, not turbine speed as in conventional utility turbine generators. Multi-machine dynamics differ very little from single machine dynamics.

Noise removal in extended depth of field microscope images through nonlinear signal processing.

PubMed

Zahreddine, Ramzi N; Cormack, Robert H; Cogswell, Carol J

2013-04-01

Extended depth of field (EDF) microscopy, achieved through computational optics, allows for real-time 3D imaging of live cell dynamics. EDF is achieved through a combination of point spread function engineering and digital image processing. A linear Wiener filter has been conventionally used to deconvolve the image, but it suffers from high frequency noise amplification and processing artifacts. A nonlinear processing scheme is proposed which extends the depth of field while minimizing background noise. The nonlinear filter is generated via a training algorithm and an iterative optimizer. Biological microscope images processed with the nonlinear filter show a significant improvement in image quality and signal-to-noise ratio over the conventional linear filter.

Engine-over-the-wing noise research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reshotko, M.; Goodykoontz, J. H.; Dorsch, R. G.

1973-01-01

Acoustic measurements for large model eingine-over-the-wing (EOW) research configurations having both conventional and powered lift applications were taken for flap positions typical of takeoff and approach and at locations simulating flyover and sideline. The results indicate that the noise is shielded by the wing and redirected above it, making the EOW concept a prime contender for quiet aircraft. The large-scale noise data are in agreement with earlier small-model results. Below the wing, the EOW configuration is about 10 PNdb quieter than the engine-under-the-wing externally-blown-flap for powered lift, and up to 10 db quieter than the nozzle alone at high frequencies for conventional lift applications.

Ultrasonically assisted turning of aviation materials: simulations and experimental study.

PubMed

Babitsky, V I; Mitrofanov, A V; Silberschmidt, V V

2004-04-01

Ultrasonically assisted turning of modern aviation materials is conducted with ultrasonic vibration (frequency f approximately 20 kHz, amplitude a approximately 15 microm) superimposed on the cutting tool movement. An autoresonant control system is used to maintain the stable nonlinear resonant mode of vibration throughout the cutting process. Experimental comparison of roughness and roundness for workpieces machined conventionally and with the superimposed ultrasonic vibration, results of high-speed filming of the turning process and nanoindentation analyses of the microstructure of the machined material are presented. The suggested finite-element model provides numerical comparison between conventional and ultrasonic turning of Inconel 718 in terms of stress/strain state, cutting forces and contact conditions at the workpiece/tool interface.

High Frequency Variations of Earth Rotation Parameters from GPS and GLONASS Observations

PubMed Central

Wei, Erhu; Jin, Shuanggen; Wan, Lihua; Liu, Wenjie; Yang, Yali; Hu, Zhenghong

2015-01-01

The Earth's rotation undergoes changes with the influence of geophysical factors, such as Earth's surface fluid mass redistribution of the atmosphere, ocean and hydrology. However, variations of Earth Rotation Parameters (ERP) are still not well understood, particularly the short-period variations (e.g., diurnal and semi-diurnal variations) and their causes. In this paper, the hourly time series of Earth Rotation Parameters are estimated using Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and combining GPS and GLONASS data collected from nearly 80 sites from 1 November 2012 to 10 April 2014. These new observations with combining different satellite systems can help to decorrelate orbit biases and ERP, which improve estimation of ERP. The high frequency variations of ERP are analyzed using a de-trending method. The maximum of total diurnal and semidiurnal variations are within one milli-arcseconds (mas) in Polar Motion (PM) and 0.5 milli-seconds (ms) in UT1-UTC. The semidiurnal and diurnal variations are mainly related to the ocean tides. Furthermore, the impacts of satellite orbit and time interval used to determinate ERP on the amplitudes of tidal terms are analyzed. We obtain some small terms that are not described in the ocean tide model of the IERS Conventions 2010, which may be caused by the strategies and models we used or the signal noises as well as artifacts. In addition, there are also small differences on the amplitudes between our results and IERS convention. This might be a result of other geophysical excitations, such as the high-frequency variations in atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) and hydrological angular momentum (HAM), which needs more detailed analysis with more geophysical data in the future. PMID:25635416

An Alternative Approach to the Extended Drude Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gantzler, N. J.; Dordevic, S. V.

2018-05-01

The original Drude model, proposed over a hundred years ago, is still used today for the analysis of optical properties of solids. Within this model, both the plasma frequency and quasiparticle scattering rate are constant, which makes the model rather inflexible. In order to circumvent this problem, the so-called extended Drude model was proposed, which allowed for the frequency dependence of both the quasiparticle scattering rate and the effective mass. In this work we will explore an alternative approach to the extended Drude model. Here, one also assumes that the quasiparticle scattering rate is frequency dependent; however, instead of the effective mass, the plasma frequency becomes frequency-dependent. This alternative model is applied to the high Tc superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi2212) with Tc = 92 K, and the results are compared and contrasted with the ones obtained from the conventional extended Drude model. The results point to several advantages of this alternative approach to the extended Drude model.

Solution-Based Electro-Orientation Spectroscopy (EOS) for Contactless Measurement of Semiconductor Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Wuhan; Mohabir, Amar; Tutuncuoglu, Gozde; Filler, Michael; Feldman, Leonard; Shan, Jerry

2017-11-01

Solution-based, contactless methods for determining the electrical conductivity of nanowires and nanotubes have unique advantages over conventional techniques in terms of high throughput and compatibility with further solution-based processing and assembly methods. Here, we describe the solution-based electro-orientation spectroscopy (EOS) method, in which nanowire conductivity is measured from the AC-electric-field-induced alignment rate of the nanowire in a suspending fluid. The particle conductivity is determined from the measured crossover frequency between conductivity-dominated, low-frequency alignment to the permittivity-dominated, high-frequency regime. We discuss the extension of the EOS measurement range by an order-of-magnitude, taking advantage of the high dielectric constant of deionized water. With water and other fluids, we demonstrate that EOS can quantitatively characterize the electrical conductivities of nanowires over a 7-order-of-magnitude range, 10-5 to 102 S/m. We highlight the efficiency and utility of EOS for nanomaterial characterization by statistically characterizing the variability of semiconductor nanowires of the same nominal composition, and studying the connection between synthesis parameters and properties. NSF CBET-1604931.

Aeroacoustic research in wind tunnels: A status report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bender, J.; Arndt, R. E. A.

1973-01-01

The increasing attention given to aerodynamically generated noise brings into focus the need for quality experimental research in this area. To meet this need several specialized anechoic wind tunnels have been constructed. In many cases, however, budgetary constraints and the like make it desirable to use conventional wind tunnels for this work. Three basic problems are inherent in conventional facilities: (1) high background noise, (2) strong frequency dependent reverberation effects, and (3) unique instrumentation problems. The known acoustic characteristics of several conventional wind tunnels are evaluated and data obtained in a smaller 4- x 5-foot wind tunnel which is convertible from a closed jet to an open jet mode are presented. The data from these tunnels serve as a guideline for proposed modifications to a 7- x 10-foot wind tunnel. Consideration is given to acoustic treatment in several different portions of the wind tunnel.

Preference and intake frequency of high sodium foods and dishes and their correlations with anthropometric measurements among Malaysian subjects

PubMed Central

Choong, Stella Sinn-Yee; Balan, Sumitha Nair; Chua, Leong-Siong

2012-01-01

This study investigated the preference and intake frequency of a list of 15 commonly available high sodium Malaysian foods/dishes, discretionary salt use, and their possible association with demographics, blood pressures and anthropometric measurements among 300 Malaysian university students (114 males, 186 females; 259 ethnic Chinese, 41 Indians; 220 lean, 80 overweight). French fries and instant soup noodle were found to be the most preferred and most frequently consumed salty food, respectively, while salted fish was least preferred and least frequently consumed. Males had a significantly higher intake frequency of at least 6 of the salty foods, but the preference of most salty foods was not significantly different between genders. Ethnic Chinese significantly preferred more and took more frequently traditional and conventional Malaysian foods like asam laksa (a Malaysian salty-sour-spicy noodle in fish stock), salted biscuits and salted vegetable, while Indians have more affinity and frequency towards eating salty Western foods. Body Mass Index was significantly negatively correlated with the intake frequency of canned/packet soup and salted fish while waist circumference was significantly positively correlated with the preference of instant noodle. Also, an increased preference of potato chips and intake frequency of salted biscuits seemed to lead to a decreased WHR. Other than these, all the other overweight/obesity indicators did not seem to fully correlate with the salty food preference and intake frequency. Nevertheless, the preference and intake frequency of asam laksa seemed to be significant negative predictors for blood pressures. Finally, increased preference and intake frequency of high sodium shrimp paste (belacan)-based foods like asam laksa and belacan fried rice seemed to discourage discretionary salt use. In conclusion, the preference and intake frequency of the high sodium belacan-based dish asam laksa seems to be a good predictor for ethnic difference, discretionary salt use and blood pressures. PMID:22808349

Preference and intake frequency of high sodium foods and dishes and their correlations with anthropometric measurements among Malaysian subjects.

PubMed

Choong, Stella Sinn-Yee; Balan, Sumitha Nair; Chua, Leong-Siong; Say, Yee-How

2012-06-01

This study investigated the preference and intake frequency of a list of 15 commonly available high sodium Malaysian foods/dishes, discretionary salt use, and their possible association with demographics, blood pressures and anthropometric measurements among 300 Malaysian university students (114 males, 186 females; 259 ethnic Chinese, 41 Indians; 220 lean, 80 overweight). French fries and instant soup noodle were found to be the most preferred and most frequently consumed salty food, respectively, while salted fish was least preferred and least frequently consumed. Males had a significantly higher intake frequency of at least 6 of the salty foods, but the preference of most salty foods was not significantly different between genders. Ethnic Chinese significantly preferred more and took more frequently traditional and conventional Malaysian foods like asam laksa (a Malaysian salty-sour-spicy noodle in fish stock), salted biscuits and salted vegetable, while Indians have more affinity and frequency towards eating salty Western foods. Body Mass Index was significantly negatively correlated with the intake frequency of canned/packet soup and salted fish while waist circumference was significantly positively correlated with the preference of instant noodle. Also, an increased preference of potato chips and intake frequency of salted biscuits seemed to lead to a decreased WHR. Other than these, all the other overweight/obesity indicators did not seem to fully correlate with the salty food preference and intake frequency. Nevertheless, the preference and intake frequency of asam laksa seemed to be significant negative predictors for blood pressures. Finally, increased preference and intake frequency of high sodium shrimp paste (belacan)-based foods like asam laksa and belacan fried rice seemed to discourage discretionary salt use. In conclusion, the preference and intake frequency of the high sodium belacan-based dish asam laksa seems to be a good predictor for ethnic difference, discretionary salt use and blood pressures.

Anomalous interlayer vibrations in strongly coupled layered PdSe 2

DOE PAGES

Puretzky, Alexander A.; Oyedele, Akinola D.; Xiao, Kai; ...

2018-05-04

In this work, we show unusual effects of strong interlayer coupling on low-frequency (LF) Raman scattering in exfoliated PdSe 2 crystals with different number of layers. Unlike many other layered materials, it is found that the measured frequencies of the breathing modes cannot be simply described by a conventional linear chain model (LCM) that treats each layer as a single rigid object. By using first-principles calculations, we show that strong deviations from layer rigidity can occur for the LF breathing vibrations of PdSe 2, which accounts for the observed disagreement with the conventional LCM. The layer non-rigidity and strong interlayermore » coupling could also explain the unusual strong intensities of the LF breathing modes that are comparable with those of the high-frequency Raman modes. These strong intensities allowed us to use a set of the measured LF Raman lines as unique fingerprints for a precise assignment of the layer numbers. The assignment of the layer numbers was further confirmed using second harmonic generation that appeared only in the noncentrosymmetric even-layer PdSe 2 crystals. In conclusion, this work thus demonstrates a simple and fast approach for the determination of the number of layers in 2D materials with strong interlayer coupling and non-rigid interlayer vibrations.« less

Design and analysis of optimised class E power amplifier using shunt capacitance in the output structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayati, Mohsen; Roshani, Sobhan; Zirak, Ali Reza

2017-05-01

In this paper, a class E power amplifier (PA) with operating frequency of 1 MHz is presented. MOSFET non-linear drain-to-source parasitic capacitance, linear external capacitance at drain-to-source port and linear shunt capacitance in the output structure are considered in design theory. One degree of freedom is added to the design of class E PA, by assuming the shunt capacitance in the output structure in the analysis. With this added design degree of freedom it is possible to achieve desired values for several parameters, such as output voltage, load resistance and operating frequency, while both zero voltage and zero derivative switching (ZVS and ZDS) conditions are satisfied. In the conventional class E PA, high value of peak switch voltage results in limitations for the design of amplifier, while in the presented structure desired specifications could be achieved with the safe margin of peak switch voltage. The results show that higher operating frequency and output voltage can also be achieved, compared to the conventional structure. PSpice software is used in order to simulate the designed circuit. The presented class E PA is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results are in good agreement with simulation and theory results.

Anomalous interlayer vibrations in strongly coupled layered PdSe 2

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

Puretzky, Alexander A.; Oyedele, Akinola D.; Xiao, Kai

In this work, we show unusual effects of strong interlayer coupling on low-frequency (LF) Raman scattering in exfoliated PdSe 2 crystals with different number of layers. Unlike many other layered materials, it is found that the measured frequencies of the breathing modes cannot be simply described by a conventional linear chain model (LCM) that treats each layer as a single rigid object. By using first-principles calculations, we show that strong deviations from layer rigidity can occur for the LF breathing vibrations of PdSe 2, which accounts for the observed disagreement with the conventional LCM. The layer non-rigidity and strong interlayermore » coupling could also explain the unusual strong intensities of the LF breathing modes that are comparable with those of the high-frequency Raman modes. These strong intensities allowed us to use a set of the measured LF Raman lines as unique fingerprints for a precise assignment of the layer numbers. The assignment of the layer numbers was further confirmed using second harmonic generation that appeared only in the noncentrosymmetric even-layer PdSe 2 crystals. In conclusion, this work thus demonstrates a simple and fast approach for the determination of the number of layers in 2D materials with strong interlayer coupling and non-rigid interlayer vibrations.« less

Frequency Response Studies using Receptance Coupling Approach in High Speed Spindles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaik, Jakeer Hussain; Ramakotaiah, K.; Srinivas, J.

2018-01-01

In order to assess the stability of high speed machining, estimate the frequency response at the end of tool tip is of great importance. Evaluating dynamic response of several combinations of integrated spindle-tool holder-tool will consume a lot of time. This paper presents coupled field dynamic response at tool tip for the entire integrated spindle tool unit. The spindle unit is assumed to be relying over the front and rear bearings and investigated using the Timoshenko beam theory to arrive the receptances at different locations of the spindle-tool unit. The responses are further validated with conventional finite element model as well as with the experiments. This approach permits quick outputs without losing accuracy of solution and further these methods are utilized to analyze the various design variables on system dynamics. The results obtained through this analysis are needed to design the better spindle unit in an attempt to reduce the frequency amplitudes at the tool tip to improvise the milling stability during cutting process.

High-efficiency piezoelectric micro harvester for collecting low-frequency mechanical energy.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Song, Jinhui; Feng, Shuanglong; Xie, Xiong; Li, Zhenhu; Wang, Liang; Pu, Yayun; Soh, Ai Kah; Shen, Jun; Lu, Wenqiang; Liu, Shuangyi

2016-12-02

A single-layer zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod array-based micro energy harvester was designed and integrated with a piezoelectric metacapacitor. The device presents outstanding low-frequency (1-10 Hz) mechanical energy harvesting capabilities. When compared with conventional pristine ZnO nanostructured piezoelectric harvesters or generators, both open-circuit potential and short-circuit current are significantly enhanced (up to 3.1 V and 124 nA cm -2 ) for a single mechanical knock (∼34 kPa). Higher electromechanical conversion efficiency (1.3 pC/Pa) is also observed. The results indicate that the integration of the piezoelectric metacapacitor is a crucial factor for improving the low-frequency energy harvesting performance. A double piezoelectric-driven mechanism is proposed to explain current higher output power, in which the metacapacitor plays the multiple roles of charge pumping, storing and transferring. An as-fabricated prototype device for lighting an LED demonstrates high power transference capability, with over 95% transference efficiency to the external load.

Wind Turbine Diagnosis under Variable Speed Conditions Using a Single Sensor Based on the Synchrosqueezing Transform Method.

PubMed

Guo, Yanjie; Chen, Xuefeng; Wang, Shibin; Sun, Ruobin; Zhao, Zhibin

2017-05-18

The gearbox is one of the key components in wind turbines. Gearbox fault signals are usually nonstationary and highly contaminated with noise. The presence of amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated (AM-FM) characteristics compound the difficulty of precise fault diagnosis of wind turbines, therefore, it is crucial to develop an effective fault diagnosis method for such equipment. This paper presents an improved diagnosis method for wind turbines via the combination of synchrosqueezing transform and local mean decomposition. Compared to the conventional time-frequency analysis techniques, the improved method which is performed in non-real-time can effectively reduce the noise pollution of the signals and preserve the signal characteristics, and hence is suitable for the analysis of nonstationary signals with high noise. This method is further validated by simulated signals and practical vibration data measured from a 1.5 MW wind turbine. The results confirm that the proposed method can simultaneously control the noise and increase the accuracy of time-frequency representation.

Wind Turbine Diagnosis under Variable Speed Conditions Using a Single Sensor Based on the Synchrosqueezing Transform Method

PubMed Central

Guo, Yanjie; Chen, Xuefeng; Wang, Shibin; Sun, Ruobin; Zhao, Zhibin

2017-01-01

The gearbox is one of the key components in wind turbines. Gearbox fault signals are usually nonstationary and highly contaminated with noise. The presence of amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated (AM-FM) characteristics compound the difficulty of precise fault diagnosis of wind turbines, therefore, it is crucial to develop an effective fault diagnosis method for such equipment. This paper presents an improved diagnosis method for wind turbines via the combination of synchrosqueezing transform and local mean decomposition. Compared to the conventional time-frequency analysis techniques, the improved method which is performed in non-real-time can effectively reduce the noise pollution of the signals and preserve the signal characteristics, and hence is suitable for the analysis of nonstationary signals with high noise. This method is further validated by simulated signals and practical vibration data measured from a 1.5 MW wind turbine. The results confirm that the proposed method can simultaneously control the noise and increase the accuracy of time-frequency representation. PMID:28524090

Measurements of crossed-field demagnetisation rate of trapped field magnets at high frequencies and below 77 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baskys, A.; Patel, A.; Glowacki, B. A.

2018-06-01

Design requirements of the next generation of electric aircraft place stringent requirements on the power density required from electric motors. A future prototype planned in the scope of the European project ‘Advanced Superconducting Motor Experimental Demonstrator’ (ASuMED) considers a permanent magnet synchronous motor, where the conventional ferromagnets are replaced with superconducting trapped field magnets, which promise higher flux densities and thus higher output power without adding weight. Previous work has indicated that stacks of tape show lower cross-field demagnetisation rates to bulk (RE)BCO whilst retaining similar performance for their size, however the crossed-field demagnetisation rate has not been studied in the temperature, the magnetic field and frequency range that are relevant for the operational prototype motor. This work investigates crossed-field demagnetisation in 2G high temperature superconducting stacks at temperatures below 77 K and a frequency range above 10 Hz. This information is crucial in developing designs and determining operational time before re-magnetisation could be required.

Demodulation of a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor by a multiwavelength fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cong, Shan; Sun, Yunxu; Zhao, Yuxi; Pan, Lifeng

2012-04-01

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors system utilizing a multi-wavelength erbium-doped fiber lasers (EDFL) with frequency shifter is proposed. The system is one fiber laser cavity with two FBG sensors as its filters. One is for strain sensing, and the other one is for temperature compensation. A frequency shifter is used to suppress the mode competition to lase two wavelengths that correspond with FBGs. The wavelength shift of the EDFL represents the sensing quantity, which is demodulated by Fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) filter. The sensor's response to strain is measured by experiment. Because of exploiting the dual-wavelength fiber laser with a frequency shifter forming the feedback as the light source, many advantages of this system are achieved, especially high signal-to-noise ratio, high detected power, and low power consuming comparing with conventional FBG sensor system utilizing broadband light as the light source. What's more, this structure is also easy to combine with FBG array.

Intermittent impact dynamics of a cantilever scanning a surface at high speed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, S.; Kartik, V.

2018-03-01

In contact-mode scanning probe microscopy (SPM), the cantilever's dynamics are conventionally investigated by assuming the tip to be always in contact with the sample's surface. At high scanning speeds, however, the cantilever's inertia becomes dominant and the tip can therefore completely detach from the surface and start impacting upon it. Experiments at the macro-scale cannot emulate the complex micro-scale dynamics, as the system exhibits negligible effects due to meniscus forces and the surrounding medium's squeeze film damping; however, they can provide qualitative insight into the cantilever's dynamics at high frequencies, corresponding to those likely to be excited during video-rate SPM imaging. This paper investigates such intermittent impact dynamics for an upscaled cantilever, analytically, numerically, and experimentally. In contact-mode scanning, a critical scan speed exists beyond which the cantilever's tip loses contact with the sample's surface; a closed-form expression for this contact loss frequency is derived. At high scan speeds, impacts cause the cantilever to switch between different contact regimes: in-, off-, and grazing-contact; within each regime, the system's modal configuration is different. Experimentally-obtained Poincare maps indicate quasi-periodic behaviour at frequencies for which the response is repetitive, as is also predicted by the model. Intermittent impacts excite the sub- and super-harmonics of the excitation frequency, which are related to the natural frequencies of different system configurations based on the "effective" tip-end boundary conditions. The cantilever's response exhibits several phenomena, such as modal transition, beating, grazing, and possible chaotic behaviour, depending upon the relation between the excitation harmonics and the natural frequencies.

Utility of a Newly Designed Film Holder for Premolar Bitewing Radiography.

PubMed

Safi, Yaser; Esmaeelinejad, Mohammad; Vasegh, Zahra; Valizadeh, Solmaz; Aghdasi, Mohammad Mehdi; Sarani, Omid; Afsahi, Mahmoud

2015-11-01

Bitewing radiography is a valuable technique for assessment of proximal caries, alveolar crest and periodontal status. Technical errors during radiography result in erroneous radiographic interpretation, misdiagnosis, possible mistreatment or unnecessary exposure of patient for taking a repeat radiograph. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a film holder modified from the conventional one and compared it with that of conventional film holder. Our study population comprised of 70 patients who were referred to the Radiology Department for bilateral premolar bitewing radiographs as requested by their attending clinician. Bitewing radiographs in each patient were taken using the newly designed holder in one side and the conventional holder in the other side. The acceptability of the two holders from the perspectives of the technician and patients was determined using a 0-20 point scale. The frequency of overlap and film positioning errors was calculated for each method. The conventional holder had greater acceptability among patients compared to the newly designed holder (mean score of 16.59 versus 13.37). From the technicians' point of view, the newly designed holder was superior to the conventional holder (mean score of 17.33 versus 16.44). The frequency of overlap was lower using the newly designed holder (p<0.001) and it allowed more accurate film positioning (p=0.005). The newly designed holder may facilitate the process of radiography for technicians and may be associated with less frequency of radiographic errors compared to the conventional holder.

Wavelength dependence of the Brillouin spectral width of boron doped germanosilicate optical fibers.

PubMed

Law, Pi-Cheng; Dragic, Peter D

2010-08-30

Boron co-doped germanosilicate fibers are investigated via the Brillouin light scattering technique using two wavelengths, 1534 nm and 1064 nm. Several fibers are investigated, including four drawn from the same preform but at different draw temperatures. The Stokes' shifts and the Brillouin spectral widths are found to increase with increasing fiber draw temperature. A frequency-squared law has adequately described the wavelength dependence of the Brillouin spectral width of conventional Ge-doped fibers. However, it is found that unlike conventional Ge-doped fibers these fibers do not follow the frequency-squared law. This is explained through a frequency-dependent dynamic viscosity that modifies this law.

High Frequency QRS ECG Accurately Detects Cardiomyopathy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlegel, Todd T.; Arenare, Brian; Poulin, Gregory; Moser, Daniel R.; Delgado, Reynolds

2005-01-01

High frequency (HF, 150-250 Hz) analysis over the entire QRS interval of the ECG is more sensitive than conventional ECG for detecting myocardial ischemia. However, the accuracy of HF QRS ECG for detecting cardiomyopathy is unknown. We obtained simultaneous resting conventional and HF QRS 12-lead ECGs in 66 patients with cardiomyopathy (EF = 23.2 plus or minus 6.l%, mean plus or minus SD) and in 66 age- and gender-matched healthy controls using PC-based ECG software recently developed at NASA. The single most accurate ECG parameter for detecting cardiomyopathy was an HF QRS morphological score that takes into consideration the total number and severity of reduced amplitude zones (RAZs) present plus the clustering of RAZs together in contiguous leads. This RAZ score had an area under the receiver operator curve (ROC) of 0.91, and was 88% sensitive, 82% specific and 85% accurate for identifying cardiomyopathy at optimum score cut-off of 140 points. Although conventional ECG parameters such as the QRS and QTc intervals were also significantly longer in patients than controls (P less than 0.001, BBBs excluded), these conventional parameters were less accurate (area under the ROC = 0.77 and 0.77, respectively) than HF QRS morphological parameters for identifying underlying cardiomyopathy. The total amplitude of the HF QRS complexes, as measured by summed root mean square voltages (RMSVs), also differed between patients and controls (33.8 plus or minus 11.5 vs. 41.5 plus or minus 13.6 mV, respectively, P less than 0.003), but this parameter was even less accurate in distinguishing the two groups (area under ROC = 0.67) than the HF QRS morphologic and conventional ECG parameters. Diagnostic accuracy was optimal (86%) when the RAZ score from the HF QRS ECG and the QTc interval from the conventional ECG were used simultaneously with cut-offs of greater than or equal to 40 points and greater than or equal to 445 ms, respectively. In conclusion 12-lead HF QRS ECG employing RAZ scoring is a simple, accurate and inexpensive screening technique for cardiomyopathy. Although HF QRS ECG is highly sensitive for cardiomyopathy, its specificity may be compromised in patients with cardiac pathologies other than cardiomyopathy, such as uncomplicated coronary artery disease or multiple coronary disease risk factors. Further studies are required to determine whether HF QRS might be useful for monitoring cardiomyopathy severity or the efficacy of therapy in a longitudinal fashion.

Low-Cost, Single-Frequency Sources for Spectroscopy using Conventional Fabry-Perot Diode Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duerksen, Gary L.; Krainak, Michael A.

1999-01-01

Commercial (uncoated) Fabry-Perot laser diodes are converted to single-frequency spectroscopy sources by passively locking the laser frequency to the band edge of a fiber Bragg grating, which phase-locks the laser oscillations through self-injection seeding.

Low-Cost, Single-Frequency Sources for Spectroscopy Using Conventional Fabry-Perot Diode Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krainak, Michael A.; Duerksen, Gary L.

1999-01-01

Commercial (uncoated) Fabry-Perot laser diodes are converted to single-frequency spectroscopy sources by passively locking the laser frequency to the band edge of a fiber Bragg grating, which phase-locks the laser oscillations through self-injection seeding.

Aeroservoelastic stabilization technique refinement for hypersonic flight vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Peter Y.; Chan, Samuel Y.; Myers, Thomas T.; Klyde, David H.; Mcruer, Duane T.

1992-01-01

Conventional gain-stabilization techniques introduce low frequency effective time delays which can be troublesome from the viewpoint of SSTOV vehicles' flying qualities. These time delays can be alleviated through a blending of gain-stabilization and phase-stabilization techniques; the resulting hybrid phase stabilization (HPS) for the low-frequency structural modes has been noted to have greater residual response than a conventional gain-stabilizer design. HPS design procedures are presently refined, and residual response metrics are developed.

Conventional, Bayesian, and Modified Prony's methods for characterizing fast and slow waves in equine cancellous bone

PubMed Central

Groopman, Amber M.; Katz, Jonathan I.; Holland, Mark R.; Fujita, Fuminori; Matsukawa, Mami; Mizuno, Katsunori; Wear, Keith A.; Miller, James G.

2015-01-01

Conventional, Bayesian, and the modified least-squares Prony's plus curve-fitting (MLSP + CF) methods were applied to data acquired using 1 MHz center frequency, broadband transducers on a single equine cancellous bone specimen that was systematically shortened from 11.8 mm down to 0.5 mm for a total of 24 sample thicknesses. Due to overlapping fast and slow waves, conventional analysis methods were restricted to data from sample thicknesses ranging from 11.8 mm to 6.0 mm. In contrast, Bayesian and MLSP + CF methods successfully separated fast and slow waves and provided reliable estimates of the ultrasonic properties of fast and slow waves for sample thicknesses ranging from 11.8 mm down to 3.5 mm. Comparisons of the three methods were carried out for phase velocity at the center frequency and the slope of the attenuation coefficient for the fast and slow waves. Good agreement among the three methods was also observed for average signal loss at the center frequency. The Bayesian and MLSP + CF approaches were able to separate the fast and slow waves and provide good estimates of the fast and slow wave properties even when the two wave modes overlapped in both time and frequency domains making conventional analysis methods unreliable. PMID:26328678

Excitation of half-integer up-shifted decay channel and quasi-mode in plasma edge for high power electron Bernstein wave heating scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali Asgarian, M.; Abbasi, M.

2018-04-01

Electron Bernstein waves (EBW) consist of promising tools in driving localized off-axis current needed for sustained operation as well as effective selective heating scenarios in advanced over dense fusion plasmas like spherical tori and stellarators by applying high power radio frequency waves within the range of Megawatts. Here some serious non-linear effects like parametric decay modes are highly expect-able which have been extensively studied theoretically and experimentally. In general, the decay of an EBW depends on the ratio of the incident frequency and electron cyclotron frequency. At ratios less than two, parametric decay leads to a lower hybrid wave (or an ion Bernstein wave) and EBWs at a lower frequency. For ratios more than two, the daughter waves constitute either an electron cyclotron quasi-mode and another EBW or an ion wave and EBW. However, in contrast with these decay patterns, the excitation of an unusual up-shifted frequency decay channel for the ratio less than two is demonstrated in this study which is totally different as to its generation and persistence. It is shown that this mode varies from the conventional parametric decay channels which necessarily satisfy the matching conditions in frequency and wave-vector. Moreover, the excitation of some less-known local non-propagating quasi-modes (virtual modes) through weak-turbulence theory and their contributions to energy leakage from conversion process leading the reduction in conversion efficiency is assessed.

Effect of reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA-TP) on quality of canned tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) puree.

PubMed

Pratap Singh, Anubhav; Singh, Anika; Ramaswamy, Hosahalli S

2017-06-01

Reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA-TP) is a recent innovation in the field of canning for obtaining high-quality canned food. The objective of this study was to compare RA-TP processing with conventional non-agitated (still) processing with respect to the impact on quality (color, antioxidant capacity, total phenols, carotenoid and lycopene contents) of canned tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) puree. Owing to a 63-81% reduction in process times as compared with still processing, tomato puree with a brighter red color (closer to fresh) was obtained during RA-TP. At 3 Hz reciprocation frequency, the loss of antioxidant, lycopene and carotenoid contents could be reduced to 34, 8 and 8% respectively as compared with 96, 41 and 52% respectively during still processing. In fact, the phenolic content for RA-TP at 3 Hz was 5% higher than in fresh puree. Quality retention generally increased with an increase in frequency, although the differences were less significant at higher reciprocation frequencies (between 2 and 3 Hz). Research findings indicate that RA-TP can be effective to obtain thermally processed foods with high-quality attribute retention. It can also be concluded that a very high reciprocation frequency (>3 Hz) is not necessarily needed and significant quality improvement can be obtained at lower frequencies (∼2 Hz). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

A new OTDR based on probe frequency multiplexing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Lidong; Liang, Yun; Li, Binglin; Guo, Jinghong; Zhang, Xuping

2013-12-01

Two signal multiplexing methods are proposed and experimentally demonstrated in optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) for fault location of optical fiber transmission line to obtain high measurement efficiency. Probe signal multiplexing is individually obtained by phase modulation for generation of multi-frequency and time sequential frequency probe pulses. The backscattered Rayleigh light of the multiplexing probe signals is transferred to corresponding heterodyne intermediate frequency (IF) through heterodyning with the single frequency local oscillator (LO). Then the IFs are simultaneously acquired by use of a data acquisition card (DAQ) with sampling rate of 100Msps, and the obtained data are processed by digital band pass filtering (BPF), digital down conversion (DDC) and digital low pass filtering (BPF) procedure. For each probe frequency of the detected signals, the extraction of the time domain reflecting signal power is performed by parallel computing method. For a comprehensive performance comparison with conventional coherent OTDR on the probe frequency multiplexing methods, the potential for enhancement of dynamic range, spatial resolution and measurement time are analyzed and discussed. Experimental results show that by use of the probe frequency multiplexing method, the measurement efficiency of coherent OTDR can be enhanced by nearly 40 times.

225-255-GHz InP DHBT Frequency Tripler MMIC Using Complementary Split-Ring Resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiao; Zhang, Yong; Li, Oupeng; Sun, Yan; Lu, Haiyan; Cheng, Wei; Xu, Ruimin

2017-02-01

In this paper, a novel design of frequency tripler monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) using complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) is proposed based on 0.5-μm InP DHBT process. The CSRR-loaded microstrip structure is integrated in the tripler as a part of impedance matching network to suppress the fundamental harmonic, and another frequency tripler based on conventional band-pass filter is presented for comparison. The frequency tripler based on CSRR-loaded microstrip generates an output power between -8 and -4 dBm from 228 to 255 GHz when the input power is 6 dBm. The suppression of fundamental harmonic is better than 20 dBc at 77-82 GHz input frequency within only 0.15 × 0.15 mm2 chip area of the CSRR structure on the ground layer. Compared with the frequency tripler based on band-pass filter, the tripler using CSRR-loaded microstrip obtains a similar suppression level of unwanted harmonics and higher conversion gain within a much smaller chip area. To our best knowledge, it is the first time that CSRR is used for harmonic suppression of frequency multiplier at such high frequency band.

Analyzing mobile WiMAX base station deployment under different frequency planning strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salman, M. K.; Ahmad, R. B.; Ali, Ziad G.; Aldhaibani, Jaafar A.; Fayadh, Rashid A.

2015-05-01

The frequency spectrum is a precious resource and scarce in the communication markets. Therefore, different techniques are adopted to utilize the available spectrum in deploying WiMAX base stations (BS) in cellular networks. In this paper several types of frequency planning techniques are illustrated, and a comprehensive comparative study between conventional frequency reuse of 1 (FR of 1) and fractional frequency reuse (FFR) is presented. These techniques are widely used in network deployment, because they employ universal frequency (using all the available bandwidth) in their base station installation/configuration within network system. This paper presents a network model of 19 base stations in order to be employed in the comparison of the aforesaid frequency planning techniques. Users are randomly distributed within base stations, users' resource mapping and their burst profile selection are based on the measured signal to interference plus-noise ratio (SINR). Simulation results reveal that the FFR has advantages over the conventional FR of 1 in various metrics. 98 % of downlink resources (slots) are exploited when FFR is applied, whilst it is 81 % at FR of 1. Data rate of FFR has been increased to 10.6 Mbps, while it is 7.98 Mbps at FR of 1. The spectral efficiency is better enhanced (1.072 bps/Hz) at FR of 1 than FFR (0.808 bps/Hz), since FR of 1 exploits all the Bandwidth. The subcarrier efficiency shows how many data bits that can be carried by subcarriers under different frequency planning techniques, the system can carry more data bits under FFR (2.40 bit/subcarrier) than FR of 1 (1.998 bit/subcarrier). This study confirms that FFR can perform better than conventional frequency planning (FR of 1) which made it a strong candidate for WiMAX BS deployment in cellular networks.

Frequency band adjustment match filtering based on variable frequency GPR antennas pairing scheme for shallow subsurface investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaikh, Shahid Ali; Tian, Gang; Shi, Zhanjie; Zhao, Wenke; Junejo, S. A.

2018-02-01

Ground penetrating Radar (GPR) is an efficient tool for subsurface geophysical investigations, particularly at shallow depths. The non-destructiveness, cost efficiency, and data reliability are the important factors that make it an ideal tool for the shallow subsurface investigations. Present study encompasses; variations in central frequency of transmitting and receiving GPR antennas (Tx-Rx) have been analyzed and frequency band adjustment match filters are fabricated and tested accordingly. Normally, the frequency of both the antennas remains similar to each other whereas in this study we have experimentally changed the frequencies of Tx-Rx and deduce the response. Instead of normally adopted three pairs, a total of nine Tx-Rx pairs were made from 50 MHz, 100 MHz, and 200 MHz antennas. The experimental data was acquired at the designated near surface geophysics test site of the Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. After the impulse response analysis of acquired data through conventional as well as varied Tx-Rx pairs, different swap effects were observed. The frequency band and exploration depth are influenced by transmitting frequencies rather than the receiving frequencies. The impact of receiving frequencies was noticed on the resolution; the more noises were observed using the combination of high frequency transmitting with respect to low frequency receiving. On the basis of above said variable results we have fabricated two frequency band adjustment match filters, the constant frequency transmitting (CFT) and the variable frequency transmitting (VFT) frequency band adjustment match filters. By the principle, the lower and higher frequency components were matched and then incorporated with intermediate one. Therefore, this study reveals that a Tx-Rx combination of low frequency transmitting with high frequency receiving is a better choice. Moreover, both the filters provide better radargram than raw one, the result of VFT frequency band adjustment filter is much better than CFT frequency band adjustment filter.

High-resolution ultrasonic imaging of the posterior segment.

PubMed

Coleman, D Jackson; Silverman, Ronald H; Chabi, Almira; Rondeau, Mark J; Shung, K Kirk; Cannata, Jon; Lincoff, Harvey

2004-07-01

Conventional ophthalmic ultrasonography is performed using 10-megahertz (MHz) transducers. Our aim was to explore the use of higher frequency ultrasound to provide improved resolution of the posterior pole. Prospective case series. One normal subject and 5 subjects with pathologies affecting the posterior coats, including nevii, small melanomas, and macular hole. We modeled the frequency-dependent attenuation of ultrasound across the eye to develop an understanding of the range of frequencies that might be practically applied for imaging of the posterior pole. We compared images of the posterior coats made at 10, 15, and 20 MHz, and 20-MHz ultrasound images of pathologies with 10-MHz ultrasound and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ability to resolve normal and pathologic structures affecting posterior coats of the eye. Modeling showed that frequencies of 20 to 25 MHz might be used for posterior pole imaging. Twenty-megahertz images allowed differentiation of the retina, choroid, and sclera. In addition, at 20 MHz the retina showed banding patterns suggesting an internal structure comparable in many respects to that seen in OCT and histology. Images of ocular pathology provided much improved detail relative to 10-MHz images and deeper penetration than OCT. Twenty-megahertz ultrasound can be practically employed for imaging of the posterior pole of the eye, providing a 2-fold improvement in resolution relative to conventional 10-MHz instruments. Although not providing the resolution of OCT, ultrasound can be used in the presence of optical opacities and allows evaluation of deeper tissue structures.

The Effect of Gas Density on Gas Transport during High Frequency Oscillation

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-04

found that as alveolar ventilation increased the rate of uptake of halothane increased. Papper and Kitz (1963) used conventiot~al positive pressure...coefficient (halothane) = 2.3 ( Papper and Kitz, 1963; Wylie and Churchill-Davidson, 1972; Eger, 1976) [ 11] v2 =Volume (L), (310)(22.4)/ 273...there is an increase in alveolar concentration of halothane with conventional ventilation (Kety, 1951; Papper and Kitz, 1963). Our halothane uptake

Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum System

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

by directly modulating a conventional narrowband frequency-modulated (FM) carrier by a high rate digital code. The direct modulation is binary phase ...specification of the DSSS system will not be developed. The results of the evaluation phase of this research will be compared against theoretical...spread spectrum is called binary phase -shift keying 19 (BPSK). BPSK is a modulation in which a binary Ŕ" represents a 0-degree relative phase

In situ high-frequency UV-Vis spectrometer probes for investigating runoff processes and end member stability.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwab, Michael; Weiler, Markus; Pfister, Laurent; Klaus, Julian

2014-05-01

In recent years, several limitations as to the application of end member mixing analysis with isotope and geochemical tracers have been revealed: unstable end member solutions, inputs varying in space and time, and unrealistic mixing assumptions. In addition, the necessary high-frequency sampling using conventional methods is time and resources consuming, and hence most sampling rates are not suitable for capturing the response times of the majority of observed headwater catchments. However, high-frequency observations are considered fundamental for gaining new insights into hydrological systems. In our study, we have used two portable, in situ, high-frequency UV-Vis spectrometers (spectro::lyser; scan Messtechnik GmbH) to investigate the variability of several signatures in streamflow and end member stability. The spectro::lyser measures TOC, DOC, nitrate and the light absorption spectrum from 220 to 720 nm with 2.5 nm increment. The Weierbach catchment (0.45 km2) in the Attert basin (297 km2) in Luxemburg is a small headwater research catchment (operated by the CRP Gabriel Lippmann), which is completely forested and underlain by schist bedrock. The catchment is equipped with a dense network of hydrological instruments and for this study, the outlet of the Weierbach catchment was equipped with one spectro::lyser, permanently sensing stream water at a 15 minutes time step over several months. Hydrometric and meteorologic data was compared with the high-frequency spectro::lyser time series of TOC, DOC, nitrate and the light absorption spectrum, to get a first insight into the behaviour of the catchment under different environmental conditions. As a preliminary step for a successful end member mixing analysis, the stability of rainfall, soil water, and groundwater was tested with one spectro::lyser, both temporally and spatially. Thereby, we focused on the investigation of changes and patterns of the light absorption spectrum of the different end members and the stream water. Besides using DOC and nitrate for characterizing the end members, our idea is to use the light absorption spectrum as a fingerprint of various constituents of the water. To get a better understanding on how to handle the in situ spectro::lyser, the instrument was compared to conventionally analysed water samples with a special focus on fundamental technical issues: Is there a general difference between in situ and lab measurements and does it make a difference whether the samples are analysed immediately in the field or after days and weeks in the lab and/or again with the spectro::lyser? First results indicate the value of using in situ spectrometers to capture high-frequency variations of hydro-chemistry and end member mixing during runoff events in a small headwater catchment.

High-speed noncontact acoustic inspection method for civil engineering structure using multitone burst wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugimoto, Tsuneyoshi; Sugimoto, Kazuko; Kosuge, Nobuaki; Utagawa, Noriyuki; Katakura, Kageyoshi

2017-07-01

The noncontact acoustic inspection method focuses on the resonance phenomenon, and the target surface is measured by being vibrated with an airborne sound. It is possible to detect internal defects near the surface layer of a concrete structure from a long distance. However, it requires a fairly long measurement time to achieve the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio just to find some resonance frequencies. In our method using the conventional waveform “single-tone burst wave”, only one frequency was used for one-sound-wave emission to achieve a high S/N ratio using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) at a safe low power (e.g., He-Ne 1 mW). On the other hand, in terms of the difference in propagation velocity between laser light and sound waves, the waveform that can be used for high-speed measurement was devised using plural frequencies for one-sound-wave emission (“multitone burst wave”). The measurement time at 35 measurement points has been dramatically decreased from 210 to 28 s when using this waveform. Accordingly, 7.5-fold high-speed measurement became possible. By some demonstration experiments, we confirmed the effectiveness of our measurement technique.

An Observation of Repeating Events at local asperities during a Laboratory Stick-slip Experiment of a Saw-cut Cylindrical Lucite Sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, C.; Mighani, S.; Prieto, G. A.; Mok, U.; Evans, J. B.; Hager, B. H.; Toksoz, M. N.

2017-12-01

Repeating earthquakes have been found in subduction zones and interpreted as repeated ruptures of small local asperities. Repeating earthquakes have also been found in oil/gas fields, interpreted as the reactivation of pre-existing faults due to fluid injection/extraction. To mimic the fault rupture of a fault with local asperities, we designed a "stick-slip" experiment using a saw-cut cylindrical Lucite sample, which had sharp localized ridges parallel to the strike of the fault plane. The sample was subjected to conventional triaxial loading with a constant confining pressure of 10 MPa. The axial load was then increased to 6 MPa at a constant rate of 0.12 MPa/sec until the sliding occurred along the fault plane. Ultrasonic acoustic emissions (AEs) were monitored with eight PZT sensors. Two cycles of AEs were detected with the occurrence rate that decreased from the beginning to the end of each cycle, while the relative magnitudes increased. Correlation analysis indicated that these AEs were clustered into two groups - those with frequency content between 200-300kHz and a second group with frequency content between 10-50kHz. The locations of the high-frequency events, with almost identical waveforms, show that these events are from the sharp localized ridges on the saw-cut plane. The locations of the low-frequency events show an approaching process to the high-frequency events for each cycle. In this single experiment, there was a correlation of the proximity of the low-frequency events with the subsequent triggering of large high-frequency repeating events.

The Relation between Frequency of E-Cigarette Use and Frequency and Intensity of Cigarette Smoking among South Korean Adolescents

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung Ah; Lee, Sungkyu; Cho, Hong-Jun

2017-01-01

Introduction: The prevalence of adolescent electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased in most countries. This study aims to determine the relation between the frequency of e-cigarette use and the frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking. Additionally, the study evaluates the association between the reasons for e-cigarette use and the frequency of its use. Materials and Methods: Using the 2015 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey, we included 6655 adolescents with an experience of e-cigarette use who were middle and high school students aged 13–18 years. We compared smoking experience, the frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking, and the relation between the reasons for e-cigarette uses and the frequency of e-cigarette use. Results: The prevalence of e-cigarette ever and current (past 30 days) users were 10.1% and 3.9%, respectively. Of the ever users, approximately 60% used e-cigarettes not within 1 month. On the other hand, 8.1% used e-cigarettes daily. The frequent and intensive cigarette smoking was associated with frequent e-cigarette uses. The percentage of frequent e-cigarette users (≥10 days/month) was 3.5% in adolescents who did not smoke within a month, but 28.7% among daily smokers. Additionally, it was 9.1% in smokers who smoked less than 1 cigarette/month, but 55.1% in smokers who smoked ≥20 cigarettes/day. The most common reason for e-cigarette use was curiosity (22.9%), followed by the belief that they are less harmful than conventional cigarettes (18.9%), the desire to quit smoking (13.1%), and the capacity for indoor use (10.7%). Curiosity was the most common reason among less frequent e-cigarette users; however, the desire to quit smoking and the capacity for indoor use were the most common reasons among more frequent users. Conclusions: Results showed a positive relation between frequency or intensity of conventional cigarette smoking and the frequency of e-cigarette use among Korean adolescents, and frequency of e-cigarette use differed according to the reason for the use of e-cigarettes. PMID:28335449

The Relation between Frequency of E-Cigarette Use and Frequency and Intensity of Cigarette Smoking among South Korean Adolescents.

PubMed

Lee, Jung Ah; Lee, Sungkyu; Cho, Hong-Jun

2017-03-14

The prevalence of adolescent electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased in most countries. This study aims to determine the relation between the frequency of e-cigarette use and the frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking. Additionally, the study evaluates the association between the reasons for e-cigarette use and the frequency of its use. Using the 2015 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey, we included 6655 adolescents with an experience of e-cigarette use who were middle and high school students aged 13-18 years. We compared smoking experience, the frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking, and the relation between the reasons for e-cigarette uses and the frequency of e-cigarette use. The prevalence of e-cigarette ever and current (past 30 days) users were 10.1% and 3.9%, respectively. Of the ever users, approximately 60% used e-cigarettes not within 1 month. On the other hand, 8.1% used e-cigarettes daily. The frequent and intensive cigarette smoking was associated with frequent e-cigarette uses. The percentage of frequent e-cigarette users (≥10 days/month) was 3.5% in adolescents who did not smoke within a month, but 28.7% among daily smokers. Additionally, it was 9.1% in smokers who smoked less than 1 cigarette/month, but 55.1% in smokers who smoked ≥20 cigarettes/day. The most common reason for e-cigarette use was curiosity (22.9%), followed by the belief that they are less harmful than conventional cigarettes (18.9%), the desire to quit smoking (13.1%), and the capacity for indoor use (10.7%). Curiosity was the most common reason among less frequent e-cigarette users; however, the desire to quit smoking and the capacity for indoor use were the most common reasons among more frequent users. Results showed a positive relation between frequency or intensity of conventional cigarette smoking and the frequency of e-cigarette use among Korean adolescents, and frequency of e-cigarette use differed according to the reason for the use of e-cigarettes.

High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation Use and Severe Pediatric ARDS in the Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipient.

PubMed

Rowan, Courtney M; Loomis, Ashley; McArthur, Jennifer; Smith, Lincoln S; Gertz, Shira J; Fitzgerald, Julie C; Nitu, Mara E; Moser, Elizabeth As; Hsing, Deyin D; Duncan, Christine N; Mahadeo, Kris M; Moffet, Jerelyn; Hall, Mark W; Pinos, Emily L; Tamburro, Robert F; Cheifetz, Ira M

2018-04-01

The effectiveness of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in the pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant patient has not been established. We sought to identify current practice patterns of HFOV, investigate parameters during HFOV and their association with mortality, and compare the use of HFOV to conventional mechanical ventilation in severe pediatric ARDS. This is a retrospective analysis of a multi-center database of pediatric and young adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant subjects requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for critical illness from 2009 through 2014. Twelve United States pediatric centers contributed data. Continuous variables were compared using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test or a Kruskal-Wallis analysis. For categorical variables, univariate analysis with logistic regression was performed. The database contains 222 patients, of which 85 subjects were managed with HFOV. Of this HFOV cohort, the overall pediatric ICU survival was 23.5% ( n = 20). HFOV survivors were transitioned to HFOV at a lower oxygenation index than nonsurvivors (25.6, interquartile range 21.1-36.8, vs 37.2, interquartile range 26.5-52.2, P = .046). Survivors were transitioned to HFOV earlier in the course of mechanical ventilation, (day 0 vs day 2, P = .002). No subject survived who was transitioned to HFOV after 1 week of invasive mechanical ventilation. We compared subjects with severe pediatric ARDS treated only with conventional mechanical ventilation versus early HFOV (within 2 d of invasive mechanical ventilation) versus late HFOV. There was a trend toward difference in survival (conventional mechanical ventilation 24%, early HFOV 30%, and late HFOV 9%, P = .08). In this large database of pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant subjects who had acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for critical illness with severe pediatric ARDS, early use of HFOV was associated with improved survival compared to late implementation of HFOV, and the subjects had outcomes similar to those treated only with conventional mechanical ventilation. Copyright © 2018 by Daedalus Enterprises.

An energy function for dynamics simulations of polypeptides in torsion angle space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sartori, F.; Melchers, B.; Böttcher, H.; Knapp, E. W.

1998-05-01

Conventional simulation techniques to model the dynamics of proteins in atomic detail are restricted to short time scales. A simplified molecular description, in which high frequency motions with small amplitudes are ignored, can overcome this problem. In this protein model only the backbone dihedrals φ and ψ and the χi of the side chains serve as degrees of freedom. Bond angles and lengths are fixed at ideal geometry values provided by the standard molecular dynamics (MD) energy function CHARMM. In this work a Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm is used, whose elementary moves employ cooperative rotations in a small window of consecutive amide planes, leaving the polypeptide conformation outside of this window invariant. A single of these window MC moves generates local conformational changes only. But, the application of many such moves at different parts of the polypeptide backbone leads to global conformational changes. To account for the lack of flexibility in the protein model employed, the energy function used to evaluate conformational energies is split into sequentially neighbored and sequentially distant contributions. The sequentially neighbored part is represented by an effective (φ,ψ)-torsion potential. It is derived from MD simulations of a flexible model dipeptide using a conventional MD energy function. To avoid exaggeration of hydrogen bonding strengths, the electrostatic interactions involving hydrogen atoms are scaled down at short distances. With these adjustments of the energy function, the rigid polypeptide model exhibits the same equilibrium distributions as obtained by conventional MD simulation with a fully flexible molecular model. Also, the same temperature dependence of the stability and build-up of α helices of 18-alanine as found in MD simulations is observed using the adapted energy function for MC simulations. Analyses of transition frequencies demonstrate that also dynamical aspects of MD trajectories are faithfully reproduced. Finally, it is demonstrated that even for high temperature unfolded polypeptides the MC simulation is more efficient by a factor of 10 than conventional MD simulations.

Sparsity-optimized separation of body waves and ground-roll by constructing dictionaries using tunable Q-factor wavelet transforms with different Q-factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xin; Chen, Wenchao; Wang, Xiaokai; Wang, Wei

2017-10-01

Low-frequency oscillatory ground-roll is regarded as one of the main regular interference waves, which obscures primary reflections in land seismic data. Suppressing the ground-roll can reasonably improve the signal-to-noise ratio of seismic data. Conventional suppression methods, such as high-pass and various f-k filtering, usually cause waveform distortions and loss of body wave information because of their simple cut-off operation. In this study, a sparsity-optimized separation of body waves and ground-roll, which is based on morphological component analysis theory, is realized by constructing dictionaries using tunable Q-factor wavelet transforms with different Q-factors. Our separation model is grounded on the fact that the input seismic data are composed of low-oscillatory body waves and high-oscillatory ground-roll. Two different waveform dictionaries using a low Q-factor and a high Q-factor, respectively, are confirmed as able to sparsely represent each component based on their diverse morphologies. Thus, seismic data including body waves and ground-roll can be nonlinearly decomposed into low-oscillatory and high-oscillatory components. This is a new noise attenuation approach according to the oscillatory behaviour of the signal rather than the scale or frequency. We illustrate the method using both synthetic and field shot data. Compared with results from conventional high-pass and f-k filtering, the results of the proposed method prove this method to be effective and advantageous in preserving the waveform and bandwidth of reflections.

Compact Process for the Preparation of Microfine Spherical High-Niobium-Containing TiAl Alloy Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, J. B.; Lu, X.; Liu, C. C.; Wang, L. N.; Qu, X. H.

2015-03-01

High-Nb-containing TiAl alloys are a new generation of materials for high-temperature structural applications because of their superior high-temperature mechanical properties. The alloy powders can be widely used for additive manufacturing, thermal spraying, and powder metallurgy. Because of the difficulty of making microfine spherical alloy powders in quantity by conventional techniques, a compact method was proposed, which consisted of two-step ball milling of elemental powders and subsequent radio frequency (RF) argon plasma spheroidization. In comparison with conventional mechanical alloying techniques, the two-step milling process can be used to prepare alloy powders with uniform scale in a short milling time with no addition of process control agent. This makes the process effective and less contaminating. After RF argon plasma spheroidization, the powders produced exhibit good sphericity, and the number-average diameter is about 8.2 μm with a symmetric unimodal particle size distribution. The powders perform high composition homogeneity and contain predominately supersaturated α 2-Ti3Al phase. The oxygen and carbon contents of the spheroidized powder are 0.47% and 0.050%, respectively.

Experimental power spectral density analysis for mid- to high-spatial frequency surface error control.

PubMed

Hoyo, Javier Del; Choi, Heejoo; Burge, James H; Kim, Geon-Hee; Kim, Dae Wook

2017-06-20

The control of surface errors as a function of spatial frequency is critical during the fabrication of modern optical systems. A large-scale surface figure error is controlled by a guided removal process, such as computer-controlled optical surfacing. Smaller-scale surface errors are controlled by polishing process parameters. Surface errors of only a few millimeters may degrade the performance of an optical system, causing background noise from scattered light and reducing imaging contrast for large optical systems. Conventionally, the microsurface roughness is often given by the root mean square at a high spatial frequency range, with errors within a 0.5×0.5  mm local surface map with 500×500 pixels. This surface specification is not adequate to fully describe the characteristics for advanced optical systems. The process for controlling and minimizing mid- to high-spatial frequency surface errors with periods of up to ∼2-3  mm was investigated for many optical fabrication conditions using the measured surface power spectral density (PSD) of a finished Zerodur optical surface. Then, the surface PSD was systematically related to various fabrication process parameters, such as the grinding methods, polishing interface materials, and polishing compounds. The retraceable experimental polishing conditions and processes used to produce an optimal optical surface PSD are presented.

A Novel Photonic Clock and Carrier Recovery Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yao, X. Steve; Lutes, George; Maleki, Lute

1996-01-01

As data communication rates climb toward ten Gb/s, clock recovery and synchronization become more difficult, if not impossible, using conventional electronic circuits. We present in this article experimental results of a high speed clock and carrier recovery using a novel device called a photonic oscillator that we recently developed in our laboratory. This device is capable of recovering clock signals up to 70 GHz. To recover the clock, the incoming data is injected into the photonic oscillator either through the optical injection port or the electrical injection port. The free running photonic oscillator is tuned to oscillate at a nominal frequency equal to the clock frequency of the incoming data. With the injection of the data, the photonic oscillator will be quickly locked to clock frequency of the data stream while rejecting other frequency components associated with the data. Consequently, the output of the locked photonic oscillator is a continuous periodical wave synchronized with the incoming data or simply the recovered clock. We have demonstrated a clock to spur ratio of more than 60 dB of the recovered clock using this technique. Similar to the clock recovery, the photonic oscillator can be used to recover a high frequency carrier degraded by noise and an improvement of about 50 dB in signal-to-noise ratio was demonstrated. The photonic oscillator has both electrical and optical inputs and outputs and can be directly interfaced with a photonic system without signal conversion. In addition to clock and carrier recovery, the photonic oscillator can also be used for (1) stable high frequency clock signal generation, (2) frequency multiplication, (3) square wave and comb frequency generation, and (4) photonic phase locked loop.

Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR) for SWOT mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chae, C. S.

2015-12-01

The objective of the SWOT (Surface Water & Ocean Topography) satellite mission is to measure wide-swath, high resolution ocean topography and terrestrial surface waters. Since main payload radar will use interferometric SAR technology, conventional microwave radiometer system which has single nadir look antenna beam (i.e., OSTM/Jason-2 AMR) is not ideally applicable for the mission for wet tropospheric delay correction. Therefore, SWOT AMR incorporates two antenna beams along cross track direction. In addition to the cross track design of the AMR radiometer, wet tropospheric error requirement is expressed in space frequency domain (in the sense of cy/km), in other words, power spectral density (PSD). Thus, instrument error allocation and design are being done in PSD which are not conventional approaches for microwave radiometer requirement allocation and design. A few of novel analyses include: 1. The effects of antenna beam size to PSD error and land/ocean contamination, 2. Receiver error allocation and the contributions of radiometric count averaging, NEDT, Gain variation, etc. 3. Effect of thermal design in the frequency domain. In the presentation, detailed AMR design and analyses results will be discussed.

Long-Term Stability of the NIST Conical Reference Transducer.

PubMed

Fick, Steven E; Proctor, Thomas M

2011-01-01

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Conical Reference Transducer (CRT) is designed for purposes requiring frequency response characteristics much more uniform than those attainable with ultrasonic transducers conventionally used for acoustic emission (AE) nondestructive testing. The high performance of the CRT results from the use of design elements radically different from those of conventional transducers. The CRT was offered for sale for 15 years (1985 to 2000). Each CRT was furnished with data which expressed, as a function of frequency, the transducer sensitivity in volts per micrometer of normal displacement on the test block. Of the 22 transducers constructed, eight were reserved for long term research and were stored undisturbed in a laboratory with well controlled temperature and humidity. In 2009, the sensitivities of these eight units were redetermined. The 2009 data have been compared with data from similar tests conducted in 1985. The results of this comparison verify the claim "Results of tests of the long term stability of CRT characteristics indicate that, if proper care is taken, tens of years of service can reasonably be expected." made in the CRT specifications document furnished to prospective customers.

Physically-Based Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Using Broad-Band Ground Motion Simulation: a Case Study for Prince Islands Fault, Marmara Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mert, A.

2016-12-01

The main motivation of this study is the impending occurrence of a catastrophic earthquake along the Prince Island Fault (PIF) in Marmara Sea and the disaster risk around Marmara region, especially in İstanbul. This study provides the results of a physically-based Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) methodology, using broad-band strong ground motion simulations, for sites within the Marmara region, Turkey, due to possible large earthquakes throughout the PIF segments in the Marmara Sea. The methodology is called physically-based because it depends on the physical processes of earthquake rupture and wave propagation to simulate earthquake ground motion time histories. We include the effects of all considerable magnitude earthquakes. To generate the high frequency (0.5-20 Hz) part of the broadband earthquake simulation, the real small magnitude earthquakes recorded by local seismic array are used as an Empirical Green's Functions (EGF). For the frequencies below 0.5 Hz the simulations are obtained using by Synthetic Green's Functions (SGF) which are synthetic seismograms calculated by an explicit 2D/3D elastic finite difference wave propagation routine. Using by a range of rupture scenarios for all considerable magnitude earthquakes throughout the PIF segments we provide a hazard calculation for frequencies 0.1-20 Hz. Physically based PSHA used here follows the same procedure of conventional PSHA except that conventional PSHA utilizes point sources or a series of point sources to represent earthquakes and this approach utilizes full rupture of earthquakes along faults. Further, conventional PSHA predicts ground-motion parameters using by empirical attenuation relationships, whereas this approach calculates synthetic seismograms for all magnitude earthquakes to obtain ground-motion parameters. PSHA results are produced for 2%, 10% and 50% hazards for all studied sites in Marmara Region.

Backscattering analysis of high frequency ultrasonic imaging for ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cummins, Thomas; Akiyama, Takahiro; Lee, Changyang; Martin, Sue E.; Shung, K. Kirk

2017-03-01

A new ultrasound-guided breast biopsy technique is proposed. The technique utilizes conventional ultrasound guidance coupled with a high frequency embedded ultrasound array located within the biopsy needle to improve the accuracy in breast cancer diagnosis.1 The array within the needle is intended to be used to detect micro- calcifications indicative of early breast cancers such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Backscattering analysis has the potential to characterize tissues to improve localization of lesions. This paper describes initial results of the application of backscattering analysis of breast biopsy tissue specimens and shows the usefulness of high frequency ultrasound for the new biopsy related technique. Ultrasound echoes of ex-vivo breast biopsy tissue specimens were acquired by using a single-element transducer with a bandwidth from 41 MHz to 88 MHz utilizing a UBM methodology, and the backscattering coefficients were calculated. These values as well as B-mode image data were mapped in 2D and matched with each pathology image for the identification of tissue type for the comparison to the pathology images corresponding to each plane. Microcalcifications were significantly distinguished from normal tissue. Adenocarcinoma was also successfully differentiated from adipose tissue. These results indicate that backscattering analysis is able to quantitatively distinguish tissues into normal and abnormal, which should help radiologists locate abnormal areas during the proposed ultrasound-guided breast biopsy with high frequency ultrasound.

Hydraulic Actuator System for Rotor Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ulbrich, Heinz; Althaus, Josef

1991-01-01

In the last ten years, several different types of actuators were developed and fabricated for active control of rotors. A special hydraulic actuator system capable of generating high forces to rotating shafts via conventional bearings is addressed. The actively controlled hydraulic force actuator features an electrohydraulic servo valve which can produce amplitudes and forces at high frequencies necessary for influencing rotor vibrations. The mathematical description will be given in detail. The experimental results verify the theoretical model. Simulations already indicate the usefulness of this compact device for application to a real rotor system.

Laser scanning saturated structured illumination microscopy based on phase modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yujia; Zhu, Dazhao; Jin, Luhong; Kuang, Cuifang; Xu, Yingke; Liu, Xu

2017-08-01

Wide-field saturated structured illumination microscopy has not been widely used due to the requirement of high laser power. We propose a novel method called laser scanning saturated structured illumination microscopy (LS-SSIM), which introduces high order of harmonics frequency and greatly reduces the required laser power for SSIM imaging. To accomplish that, an excitation PSF with two peaks is generated and scanned along different directions on the sample. Raw images are recorded cumulatively by a CCD detector and then reconstructed to form a high-resolution image with extended optical transfer function (OTF). Our theoretical analysis and simulation results show that LS-SSIM method reaches a resolution of 0.16 λ, equivalent to 2.7-fold resolution than conventional wide-field microscopy. In addition, LS-SSIM greatly improves the optical sectioning capability of conventional wide-field illumination system by diminishing our-of-focus light. Furthermore, this modality has the advantage of implementation in multi-photon microscopy with point scanning excitation to image samples in greater depths.

Dual-frequency dielectrophoretic levitation of Canola protoplasts

PubMed Central

Kaler, Karan V. I. S.; Xie, Jing-Ping; Jones, Thomas B.; Paul, Reginald

1992-01-01

A novel dual-frequency excitation technique is introduced which permits investigation of the low-frequency dispersion of Canola plant protoplasts using feedback-controlled dielectrophoretic levitation. The upper and intermediate frequency spectra obtained using the new technique are generally consistent with previous work. However, below some cross-over frequency fOL, the protoplasts exhibit an apparent positive dielectrophoretic response that is not predicted by conventional theory. This cross-over frequency is linearly related to suspension conductivity, virtually independent of the suspension pH, and inversely proportional to the square of the cell radius. Examination of the complex Clausius-Mossotti polarization coefficient reveals that the observed positive dielectrophoretic response can not be accounted for in terms of Maxwell-Wagner polarization associated with a conventional layered model for the protoplast. The failure of straightforward enhancements to the protoplast model in explaining the low frequency behavior may indicate the presence of an electrophoretic contribution to the net observable force on the particle. To account for such fluid mechanical effects, it will be necessary to modify the existing dielectrophoretic force formulation. PMID:19431842

High-temperature superconductivity for avionic electronic warfare and radar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Paul A.

1994-01-01

The electronic warfare (EW) and radar communities expect to be major beneficiaries of the performance advantages high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) has to offer over conventional technology. Near term upgrades to system hardware can be envisioned using extremely small, high Q, microwave filters and resonators; compact, wideband, low loss, microwave delay and transmission lines; as well as, wideband, low loss, monolithic microwave integrated circuit phase shifters. The most dramatic impact will be in the far term, using HTS to develop new, real time threat identification and response strategy receiver/processing systems designed to utilize the unique high frequency properties of microwave and ultimately digital HTS.

A new inverter topology using GTO commutation. [Gate Turn Off thyristor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rippel, W. E.

1983-01-01

A new N-phase, forced commutated bridge inverter topology has been developed wherein a single Gate Turn Off Thyristor (GTO) is used to commutate each of 2N main Thyristors (SCRs). Since, for most applications, the primary loss mechanism is the SCR forward drop, very high efficiencies are possible. Compared with conventional pure SCR and pure GTO inverters, cost per kW is lower - in the former case due to the large cost differential between GTOs and SCRs. Other advantages of the new inverter include high power density, low switching losses and stresses, modulation flexibility and amenability to high voltage and high frequency operation.

Simulation of precipitation by weather pattern and frontal analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilby, Robert

1995-12-01

Daily rainfall from two sites in central and southern England was stratified according to the presence or absence of weather fronts and then cross-tabulated with the prevailing Lamb Weather Type (LWT). A semi-Markov chain model was developed for simulating daily sequences of LWTs from matrices of transition probabilities between weather types for the British Isles 1970-1990. Daily and annual rainfall distributions were then simulated from the prevailing LWTs using historic conditional probabilities for precipitation occurrence and frontal frequencies. When compared with a conventional rainfall generator the frontal model produced improved estimates of the overall size distribution of daily rainfall amounts and in particular the incidence of low-frequency high-magnitude totals. Further research is required to establish the contribution of individual frontal sub-classes to daily rainfall totals and of long-term fluctuations in frontal frequencies to conditional probabilities.

Deep Learning for Automated Extraction of Primary Sites from Cancer Pathology Reports

DOE PAGES

Qiu, John; Yoon, Hong-Jun; Fearn, Paul A.; ...

2017-05-03

Pathology reports are a primary source of information for cancer registries which process high volumes of free-text reports annually. Information extraction and coding is a manual, labor-intensive process. Here in this study we investigated deep learning and a convolutional neural network (CNN), for extracting ICDO- 3 topographic codes from a corpus of breast and lung cancer pathology reports. We performed two experiments, using a CNN and a more conventional term frequency vector approach, to assess the effects of class prevalence and inter-class transfer learning. The experiments were based on a set of 942 pathology reports with human expert annotations asmore » the gold standard. CNN performance was compared against a more conventional term frequency vector space approach. We observed that the deep learning models consistently outperformed the conventional approaches in the class prevalence experiment, resulting in micro and macro-F score increases of up to 0.132 and 0.226 respectively when class labels were well populated. Specifically, the best performing CNN achieved a micro-F score of 0.722 over 12 ICD-O-3 topography codes. Transfer learning provided a consistent but modest performance boost for the deep learning methods but trends were contingent on CNN method and cancer site. Finally, these encouraging results demonstrate the potential of deep learning for automated abstraction of pathology reports.« less

Deep Learning for Automated Extraction of Primary Sites from Cancer Pathology Reports

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

Qiu, John; Yoon, Hong-Jun; Fearn, Paul A.

Pathology reports are a primary source of information for cancer registries which process high volumes of free-text reports annually. Information extraction and coding is a manual, labor-intensive process. Here in this study we investigated deep learning and a convolutional neural network (CNN), for extracting ICDO- 3 topographic codes from a corpus of breast and lung cancer pathology reports. We performed two experiments, using a CNN and a more conventional term frequency vector approach, to assess the effects of class prevalence and inter-class transfer learning. The experiments were based on a set of 942 pathology reports with human expert annotations asmore » the gold standard. CNN performance was compared against a more conventional term frequency vector space approach. We observed that the deep learning models consistently outperformed the conventional approaches in the class prevalence experiment, resulting in micro and macro-F score increases of up to 0.132 and 0.226 respectively when class labels were well populated. Specifically, the best performing CNN achieved a micro-F score of 0.722 over 12 ICD-O-3 topography codes. Transfer learning provided a consistent but modest performance boost for the deep learning methods but trends were contingent on CNN method and cancer site. Finally, these encouraging results demonstrate the potential of deep learning for automated abstraction of pathology reports.« less

Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System for Spacecraft Exercise Treadmill Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fialho, Ian; Tyer, Craig; Murphy, Bryan; Cotter, Paul; Thampi, Sreekumar

2011-01-01

A novel, passive system has been developed for isolating an exercise treadmill device from a spacecraft in a zero-G environment. The Treadmill 2 Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System (T2-VIS) mechanically isolates the exercise treadmill from the spacecraft/space station, thereby eliminating the detrimental effect that high impact loads generated during walking/running would have on the spacecraft structure and sensitive microgravity science experiments. This design uses a second stage spring, in series with the first stage, to achieve an order of magnitude higher exercise- frequency isolation than conventional systems have done, while maintaining desirable low-frequency stability performance. This novel isolator design, in conjunction with appropriately configured treadmill platform inertia properties, has been shown (by on-orbit zero-G testing onboard the International Space Station) to deliver exceedingly high levels of isolation/ stability performance.

670-GHz Schottky Diode-Based Subharmonic Mixer with CPW Circuits and 70-GHz IF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chattopadhyay, Goutam; Schlecht, Erich T.; Lee, Choonsup; Lin, Robert H.; Gill, John J.; Mehdi, Imran; Sin, Seth; Deal, William; Loi, Kwok K.; Nam, Peta;

Improvement of the Asia-Pacific TWSTFT network solutions by using DPN results.

PubMed

Lin, Huang-Tien; Huang, Yi-Jiun; Liao, Chia-Shu; Chu, Fang-Dar; Tseng, Wen-Hung

2012-03-01

Two major time and frequency transfer techniques, two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS: GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, etc.), are used for the generation of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/International Atomic Time (TAI). These time and frequency transfer links comprise a worldwide network and the utilization of the highly redundant time and frequency data is an important topic. Two methods, either TW-only network (i.e., TWSTFT) or single-link combination of TW and Global Positioning System (GPS), have been developed for combining the redundant data from different techniques. In our previous study, we have proposed a feasible method, utilizing full time-transfer network data, to improve the results of TWSTFT network. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has recently developed a software-based two-way time-transfer modem using a dual pseudo-random noise (DPN) signal. The first international DPN TWSTFT experiment, using these modems, was performed between NICT (Japan) and Telecommunication Laboratories (TL; Taiwan)and its ability to improve the time transfer precision was demonstrated. In comparison with the conventional NICT–TLTWSTFT link, the DPN time transfer results have higher precision and lower diurnal effects. The estimation also shows that DPN is comparable to GPS precise point positioning (PPP).Because the DPN results show better performance than the conventional TWSTFT results, we would adopt the DPN data for the NICT–TL link and solve the TW+DPN network solutions by using our proposed method. The concept of this application is similar to the so-called multi-technique-network time/frequency transfer. The encouraging results confirm that the TWSTFT network performance can benefit from DPN data by improving short-term stabilities and reducing diurnal effects.The results of TW+PPP network solutions are also illustrated.

Influence of crop rotation and tillage intensity on soil physical properties and functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krümmelbein, Julia

2013-04-01

Soil tillage intensity can vary concerning tillage depth, frequency, power input into the soil and degree of soil turn-over. Conventional tillage systems where a plough is regularly used to turn over the soil can be differentiated from reduced tillage systems without ploughing but with loosening the upper soil and no tillage systems. Between conventional tillage and no tillage is a wide range of more or less reduced tillage systems. In our case the different tillage intensities are not induced by different agricultural machinery or techniques, but result from varying crop rotations with more or less perennial crops and therefore lower or higher tillage frequency. Our experimental area constitutes of quite unstructured substrates, partly heavily compacted. The development of a functioning soil structure and accumulation of nutrients and organic matter are of high importance. Three different crop rotations induce varying tillage intensities and frequencies. The first crop rotation (Alfalfa monoculture) has only experienced seed bed preparation once and subsequently is wheeled once a year to cut and chaff the biomass. The second crop rotation contains perennial and annual crops and has therefore been tilled more often, while the third crop rotation consists only of annual crops with annual seedbed preparation. Our results show that reduced tillage intensity/frequency combined with the intense root growth of Alfalfa creates the most favourable soil physical state of the substrate compared to increased tillage and lower root growth intensity of the other crop rotations. Soil tillage disturbs soil structure development, especially when the substrate is mechanically unstable as in our case. For such problematic locations it is recommendable to reduce tillage intensity and/or frequency to allow the development of soil structure enhanced by root growth and thereby the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients within the rooting zone.

An evaluation of some alternative approaches for reducing fan tone noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dittmar, James H.; Woodward, Richard P.

1992-02-01

The potential of two alternative approaches for reducing fan ton noise was investigated in this study. One of these approaches increases the number of rotor blades to shift the tone noise to higher frequencies that are not rated as strongly by the perceived noise scale. This alternative fan also would have a small number of long chord stator vanes which would reduce the stator response and lower rotor-stator interaction noise. Comparison of the conventional and alternative fan concepts showed that this alternative approach has as large or larger a perceived tone noise reduction potential as the conventional approach. The other alternative, a high Mach number inlet, is evaluated both for its noise attenuation and for its change in noise directivity.

Design study of a re-bunching RFQ for the SPES project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Seung Wook; Palmieri, A.; Comunian, M.; Grespan, F.; Chai, Jong Seo

2014-05-01

An upgrade to the 2nd generation of the selective production of exotic species (SPES) to produce a radioactive ion beam (RIB) has been studied at the istituto nazionale di fisica nucleare — laboratory nazionali di Legnaro (INFN-LNL). Due to the long distance between the isotope separator online (ISOL) facility and the superconducting quarter wave resonator (QWR) cavity acceleratore lineare per ioni (ALPI), a new re-buncher cavity must be introduced to maintain the high beam quality during the beam transport. A particular radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) structure has been suggested to meet the requirements of this project. A window-type RFQ, which has a high mode separation, less power dissipation and compact size compared to the conventional normal 4-vane RFQ, has been introduced. The RF design has been studied considering the requirements of the re-bunching machine for high figures of merit such as a proper operation frequency, a high shunt impedance, a high quality factor, a low power dissipation, etc. A sensitivity analysis of the fabrication and the misalignment error has been conducted. A micro-movement slug tuner has been introduced to compensate for the frequency variations that may occur due to the beam loading, the thermal instability, the microphonic effect, etc.

Intensity and angle-of-arrival spectra of laser light propagating through axially homogeneous buoyancy-driven turbulence.

PubMed

Pawar, Shashikant S; Arakeri, Jaywant H

2016-08-01

Frequency spectra obtained from the measurements of light intensity and angle of arrival (AOA) of parallel laser light propagating through the axially homogeneous, axisymmetric buoyancy-driven turbulent flow at high Rayleigh numbers in a long (length-to-diameter ratio of about 10) vertical tube are reported. The flow is driven by an unstable density difference created across the tube ends using brine and fresh water. The highest Rayleigh number is about 8×10⁹. The aim of the present work is to find whether the conventional Obukhov-Corrsin scaling or Bolgiano-Obukhov (BO) scaling is obtained for the intensity and AOA spectra in the case of light propagation in a buoyancy-driven turbulent medium. Theoretical relations for the frequency spectra of log amplitude and AOA fluctuations developed for homogeneous isotropic turbulent media are modified for the buoyancy-driven flow in the present case to obtain the asymptotic scalings for the high and low frequency ranges. For low frequencies, the spectra of intensity and vertical AOA fluctuations obtained from measurements follow BO scaling, while scaling for the spectra of horizontal AOA fluctuations shows a small departure from BO scaling.

Enhancement-mode GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors with atomic layer deposited Al2O3 as gate dielectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, H. C.; Yang, T.; Sharifi, H.; Kim, S. K.; Xuan, Y.; Shen, T.; Mohammadi, S.; Ye, P. D.

2007-11-01

Enhancement-mode GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MOS-HEMTs) with ex situ atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 as gate dielectrics are studied. Maximum drain currents of 211 and 263mA/mm are obtained for 1μm gate-length Al2O3 MOS-HEMTs with 3 and 6nm thick gate oxide, respectively. C-V characteristic shows negligible hysteresis and frequency dispersion. The gate leakage current density of the MOS-HEMTs is 3-5 orders of magnitude lower than the conventional HEMTs under similar bias conditions. The drain current on-off ratio of MOS-HEMTs is ˜3×103 with a subthreshold swing of 90mV/decade. A maximum cutoff frequency (fT) of 27.3GHz and maximum oscillation frequency (fmax) of 39.9GHz and an effective channel mobility of 4250cm2/Vs are measured for the 1μm gate-length Al2O3 MOS-HEMT with 6nm gate oxide. Hooge's constant measured by low frequency noise spectral density characterization is 3.7×10-5 for the same device.

Innovative Technologies for Maskless Lithography and Non-Conventional Patterning

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

wave sources are used and quantitative data is produced on the local field intensities and scattered plane and plasmon wave amplitudes and phases...transistors”, Transducers 2007, Lyon, France, 3EH5.P, 2007. 9. D. Huang and V. Subramanian “Iodine-doped pentacene schottky diodes for high-frequency RFID...wave sources are used and quantitative data is produced on the local field intensities and scattered plane and plasmon wave amplitudes and phases

Low frequency events on Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Visser, K.; Neuberg, J.

2003-04-01

Earthquake swarms observed on volcanoes consist generally of low frequency events. The low frequency content of these events indicates the presence of interface waves at the boundary of the magma filled conduit and the surrounding country rock. The observed seismic signal at the surface shows therefore a complicated interference pattern of waves originating at various parts of the magma filled conduit, interacting with the free surface and interfaces in the volcanic edifice. This research investigates the applicability of conventional seismic tools on these low frequency events, focusing on hypocenter location analysis using arrival times and particle motion analysis for the Soufrière Hills Volcano on Montserrat. Both single low frequency events and swarms are observed on this volcano. Synthetic low frequency events are used for comparison. Results show that reliable hypocenter locations and particle motions can only be obtained if the low frequency events are single events with an identifiable P wave onset, for example the single events preceding swarms on Montserrat or the first low frequency event of a swarm. Consecutive events of the same swarm are dominated by interface waves which are converted at the top of the conduit into weak secondary P waves and surface waves. Conventional seismic tools fail to correctly analyse these events.

Doppler synthetic aperture radar interferometry: a novel SAR interferometry for height mapping using ultra-narrowband waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazıcı, Birsen; Son, Il-Young; Cagri Yanik, H.

2018-05-01

This paper introduces a new and novel radar interferometry based on Doppler synthetic aperture radar (Doppler-SAR) paradigm. Conventional SAR interferometry relies on wideband transmitted waveforms to obtain high range resolution. Topography of a surface is directly related to the range difference between two antennas configured at different positions. Doppler-SAR is a novel imaging modality that uses ultra-narrowband continuous waves (UNCW). It takes advantage of high resolution Doppler information provided by UNCWs to form high resolution SAR images. We introduce the theory of Doppler-SAR interferometry. We derive an interferometric phase model and develop the equations of height mapping. Unlike conventional SAR interferometry, we show that the topography of a scene is related to the difference in Doppler frequency between two antennas configured at different velocities. While the conventional SAR interferometry uses range, Doppler and Doppler due to interferometric phase in height mapping; Doppler-SAR interferometry uses Doppler, Doppler-rate and Doppler-rate due to interferometric phase in height mapping. We demonstrate our theory in numerical simulations. Doppler-SAR interferometry offers the advantages of long-range, robust, environmentally friendly operations; low-power, low-cost, lightweight systems suitable for low-payload platforms, such as micro-satellites; and passive applications using sources of opportunity transmitting UNCW.

Extremely frequency-widened terahertz wave generation using Cherenkov-type radiation.

PubMed

Suizu, Koji; Koketsu, Kaoru; Shibuya, Takayuki; Tsutsui, Toshihiro; Akiba, Takuya; Kawase, Kodo

2009-04-13

Terahertz (THz) wave generation based on nonlinear frequency conversion is promising way for realizing a tunable monochromatic bright THz-wave source. Such a development of efficient and wide tunable THz-wave source depends on discovery of novel brilliant nonlinear crystal. Important factors of a nonlinear crystal for THz-wave generation are, 1. High nonlinearity and 2. Good transparency at THz frequency region. Unfortunately, many nonlinear crystals have strong absorption at THz frequency region. The fact limits efficient and wide tunable THz-wave generation. Here, we show that Cherenkov radiation with waveguide structure is an effective strategy for achieving efficient and extremely wide tunable THz-wave source. We fabricated MgO-doped lithium niobate slab waveguide with 3.8 microm of thickness and demonstrated difference frequency generation of THz-wave generation with Cherenkov phase matching. Extremely frequency-widened THz-wave generation, from 0.1 to 7.2 THz, without no structural dips successfully obtained. The tuning frequency range of waveguided Cherenkov radiation source was extremely widened compare to that of injection seeded-Terahertz Parametric Generator. The tuning range obtained in this work for THz-wave generation using lithium niobate crystal was the widest value in our knowledge. The highest THz-wave energy obtained was about 3.2 pJ, and the energy conversion efficiency was about 10(-5) %. The method can be easily applied for many conventional nonlinear crystals, results in realizing simple, reasonable, compact, high efficient and ultra broad band THz-wave sources.

Power and Efficiency Optimized in Traveling-Wave Tubes Over a Broad Frequency Bandwidth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Jeffrey D.

2001-01-01

A traveling-wave tube (TWT) is an electron beam device that is used to amplify electromagnetic communication waves at radio and microwave frequencies. TWT's are critical components in deep space probes, communication satellites, and high-power radar systems. Power conversion efficiency is of paramount importance for TWT's employed in deep space probes and communication satellites. A previous effort was very successful in increasing efficiency and power at a single frequency (ref. 1). Such an algorithm is sufficient for narrow bandwidth designs, but for optimal designs in applications that require high radiofrequency power over a wide bandwidth, such as high-density communications or high-resolution radar, the variation of the circuit response with respect to frequency must be considered. This work at the NASA Glenn Research Center is the first to develop techniques for optimizing TWT efficiency and output power over a broad frequency bandwidth (ref. 2). The techniques are based on simulated annealing, which has the advantage over conventional optimization techniques in that it enables the best possible solution to be obtained (ref. 3). Two new broadband simulated annealing algorithms were developed that optimize (1) minimum saturated power efficiency over a frequency bandwidth and (2) simultaneous bandwidth and minimum power efficiency over the frequency band with constant input power. The algorithms were incorporated into the NASA coupled-cavity TWT computer model (ref. 4) and used to design optimal phase velocity tapers using the 59- to 64-GHz Hughes 961HA coupled-cavity TWT as a baseline model. In comparison to the baseline design, the computational results of the first broad-band design algorithm show an improvement of 73.9 percent in minimum saturated efficiency (see the top graph). The second broadband design algorithm (see the bottom graph) improves minimum radiofrequency efficiency with constant input power drive by a factor of 2.7 at the high band edge (64 GHz) and increases simultaneous bandwidth by 500 MHz.

Frequency Rectification Applied to Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting and Improving Available Power of Piezoelectric Motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuroda, Kazuaki; LCGT Collaboration

Piezoelectric materials are just now, within the last decade, coming into their own as a commercial material. Capable of converting energy from the mechanical domain to the electrical domain; piezos are ideal sensors, vibration dampers, energy harvesters, and actuators. Frequency rectification, or the conversion of small, high frequency piezoelectric vibrations into useful low frequency actuation, is required to obtain widespread industrial use of piezoelectric devices. This work examines three manifestations of piezoelectric frequency rectification: energy harvesting, a hydraulic motor, and friction based commercial-off-the-shelf motors. An energy harvesting device is developed, manufactured, and tested in this work, resulting in the development of a high Energy Density (J/m 3), high Power Density (W/m3) energy harvester. The device is shown to have an Energy Density nearly twice that of a similar conventional energy harvesting device. The result of this work is the development of an energy harvesting system that generates more energy in a given volume of piezoelectric material, opening the possibility of miniaturization of energy harvesting devices. Also presented is an effort to integrate a high frequency, high flow rate micromachined valve array into a PiezoHydraulic Pump (PHP), enabling resonant operation of the PHP. Currently, the device is limited by the resonant frequency of the proprietary passive check valves. The PHP is fully characterized, and the microvalve array is tested to determine its resonant frequency in a fluid medium. The valve testing resulted in a resonant frequency of 6.9 kHz, slightly lower than the target operating frequency of 10 kHz. Finally, the results of an examination of frequency rectification as applied to COTS piezoelectric motors are presented. Currently, motors are almost universally characterized based upon their available mechanical power. A better comparison is one based upon the actual Energy Density of the piezoelectric material utilized in the motor compared to the theoretical maximum Energy Density under the motor operating conditions (i.e., frequency, applied electric field). The result of this work is a more descriptive metric to evaluate piezoelectric motors that provides information on the effectiveness of the motor drive train; that is, how effectively the motion of the piezoelectric is transferred to the outside world.

Implementation of a novel efficient low cost method in structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asadi, S.; Sepehry, N.; Shamshirsaz, M.; Vaghasloo, Y. A.

2017-05-01

In active structural health monitoring (SHM) methods, it is necessary to excite the structure with a preselected signal. More studies in the field of active SHM are focused on applying SHM on higher frequency ranges since it is possible to detect smaller damages, using higher excitation frequency. Also, to increase spatial domain of measurements and enhance signal to noise ratio (SNR), the amplitude of excitation signal is usually amplified. These issues become substantial where piezoelectric transducers with relatively high capacitance are used and consequently, need to utilize high power amplifiers becomes predominant. In this paper, a novel method named Step Excitation Method (SEM) is proposed and implemented for Lamb wave and transfer impedance-based SHM for damage detection in structures. Three different types of structure are studied: beam, plate and pipe. The related hardware is designed and fabricated which eliminates high power analog amplifiers and decreases complexity of driver significantly. Spectral Finite Element Method (SFEM) is applied to examine performance of proposed SEM. In proposed method, by determination of impulse response of the system, any input could be applied to the system by both finite element simulations and experiments without need for multiple measurements. The experimental results using SEM are compared with those obtained by conventional direct excitation method for healthy and damaged structures. The results show an improvement of amplitude resolution in damage detection comparing to conventional method which is due to achieving an SNR improvement up to 50%.

Novel attributes of AlGaN/AlN/GaN/SiC HEMTs with the multiple indented channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orouji, Ali A.; Ghaffari, Majid

2015-11-01

In this paper, a high performance AlGaN/AlN/GaN/SiC High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) with the multiple indented channel (MIC-HEMT) is proposed. The main focus of the proposed structure is based on reduction of the space around the gate, stop of the spread of the depletion region around the source-drain, and decrement of the thickness of the channel between the gate and drain. Therefore, the breakdown voltage increases, meanwhile the elimination of the gate depletion layer extension to source/drain decreases the gate-source and gate-drain capacitances. The optimized results reveal that the breakdown voltage and the drain saturation current increase about 178% and 46% compared with a conventional HEMT (C-HEMT), respectively. Therefore, the maximum output power density is improved by factor 4.1 in comparison with conventional one. Also, the cut-off frequency of 25.2 GHz and the maximum oscillation frequency of 92.1 GHz for the MIC-HEMT are obtained compared to 13 GHz and 43 GHz for that of the C-HEMT and the minimum figure noise decreased consequently of reducing the gate-drain and gate-source capacitances by about 42% and 40%, respectively. The proposed MIC-HEMT shows a maximum stable gain (MSG) exceeding 24.1 dB at 3.1 GHz which the greatest gain is yet reported for HEMTs, showing the potential of this device for high power RF applications.

The Smallest Form Factor UWB Antenna with Quintuple Rejection Bands for IoT Applications Utilizing RSRR and RCSRR.

PubMed

Rahman, MuhibUr; Park, Jung-Dong

2018-03-19

In this paper, we present the smallest form factor microstrip-fed ultra-wideband antenna with quintuple rejection bands for use in wireless sensor networks, mobile handsets, and Internet of things (IoT). Five rejection bands have been achieved at the frequencies of 3.5, 4.5, 5.25, 5.7, and 8.2 GHz, inseminating four rectangular complementary split ring resonators (RCSRRs) on the radiating patch and placing two rectangular split-ring resonators (RSRR) near the feedline-patch junction of the conventional ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna. The design guidelines of the implemented notched bands are provided at the desired frequency bands and analyzed. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed antenna delivers a wide impedance bandwidth from 3 to 11 GHz with a nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern, high rejection in the multiple notched-bands, and good radiation efficiency over the entire frequency band except at the notched frequencies. Simulated and measured response match well specifically at the stop-bands.

Mapping Multiplex Hubs in Human Functional Brain Networks

PubMed Central

De Domenico, Manlio; Sasai, Shuntaro; Arenas, Alex

2016-01-01

Typical brain networks consist of many peripheral regions and a few highly central ones, i.e., hubs, playing key functional roles in cerebral inter-regional interactions. Studies have shown that networks, obtained from the analysis of specific frequency components of brain activity, present peculiar architectures with unique profiles of region centrality. However, the identification of hubs in networks built from different frequency bands simultaneously is still a challenging problem, remaining largely unexplored. Here we identify each frequency component with one layer of a multiplex network and face this challenge by exploiting the recent advances in the analysis of multiplex topologies. First, we show that each frequency band carries unique topological information, fundamental to accurately model brain functional networks. We then demonstrate that hubs in the multiplex network, in general different from those ones obtained after discarding or aggregating the measured signals as usual, provide a more accurate map of brain's most important functional regions, allowing to distinguish between healthy and schizophrenic populations better than conventional network approaches. PMID:27471443

A feasibility work on the applications of MRE to automotive components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S. H.; Park, Y. J.; Cha, A. R.; Kim, G. W.; Bang, J. H.; Lim, C. S.; Choi, S. B.

2018-03-01

A feasibility work on the application of magneto-rheological elastomers (MREs) to automotive components, such as engine mounts is presented. While vehicle components require the high resonance frequency in terms of ride quality and handling, it is required to have the low resonance frequency to isolate the incoming vibration. With the conventional automotive technologies, it is challenging to combine these two conflicting performance trade-offs, ride quality including handling, and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). Over the last decades, MREs, one of the new emerging smart materials, have been widely used to resolve this technical limitation. For example, an advanced engine mount was developed by using MRE to isolate the vibration transmitting from engines. In this paper, we will focus on rear cross member bushes, which is a key component for isolating the vibration from the road, and demonstrate their improved performance by utilizing MRE. The resonance frequency shift induced by the stiffness change of MRE will be presented through the frequency response functions estimated by simulation result.

The Smallest Form Factor UWB Antenna with Quintuple Rejection Bands for IoT Applications Utilizing RSRR and RCSRR

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

In this paper, we present the smallest form factor microstrip-fed ultra-wideband antenna with quintuple rejection bands for use in wireless sensor networks, mobile handsets, and Internet of things (IoT). Five rejection bands have been achieved at the frequencies of 3.5, 4.5, 5.25, 5.7, and 8.2 GHz, inseminating four rectangular complementary split ring resonators (RCSRRs) on the radiating patch and placing two rectangular split-ring resonators (RSRR) near the feedline-patch junction of the conventional ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna. The design guidelines of the implemented notched bands are provided at the desired frequency bands and analyzed. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed antenna delivers a wide impedance bandwidth from 3 to 11 GHz with a nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern, high rejection in the multiple notched-bands, and good radiation efficiency over the entire frequency band except at the notched frequencies. Simulated and measured response match well specifically at the stop-bands. PMID:29562714

Suppressing multiples using an adaptive multichannel filter based on L1-norm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Ying; Jing, Hongliang; Zhang, Wenwu; Ning, Dezhi

2017-08-01

Adaptive subtraction is an important link for removing surface-related multiples in the wave equation-based method. In this paper, we propose an adaptive multichannel subtraction method based on the L1-norm. We achieve enhanced compensation for the mismatch between the input seismogram and the predicted multiples in terms of the amplitude, phase, frequency band, and travel time. Unlike the conventional L2-norm, the proposed method does not rely on the assumption that the primary and the multiples are orthogonal, and also takes advantage of the fact that the L1-norm is more robust when dealing with outliers. In addition, we propose a frequency band extension via modulation to reconstruct the high frequencies to compensate for the frequency misalignment. We present a parallel computing scheme to accelerate the subtraction algorithm on graphic processing units (GPUs), which significantly reduces the computational cost. The synthetic and field seismic data tests show that the proposed method effectively suppresses the multiples.

Linearity can account for the similarity among conventional, frequency-doubling, and gabor-based perimetric tests in the glaucomatous macula.

PubMed

Sun, Hao; Dul, Mitchell W; Swanson, William H

2006-07-01

The purposes of this study are to compare macular perimetric sensitivities for conventional size III, frequency-doubling, and Gabor stimuli in terms of Weber contrast and to provide a theoretical interpretation of the results. Twenty-two patients with glaucoma performed four perimetric tests: a conventional Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) 10-2 test with Goldmann size III stimuli, two frequency-doubling tests (FDT 10-2, FDT Macula) with counterphase-modulated grating stimuli, and a laboratory-designed test with Gabor stimuli. Perimetric sensitivities were converted to the reciprocal of Weber contrast and sensitivities from different tests were compared using the Bland-Altman method. Effects of ganglion cell loss on perimetric sensitivities were then simulated with a two-stage neural model. The average perimetric loss was similar for all stimuli until advanced stages of ganglion cell loss, in which perimetric loss tended to be greater for size III stimuli than for frequency-doubling and Gabor stimuli. Comparison of the experimental data and model simulation suggests that, in the macula, linear relations between ganglion cell loss and perimetric sensitivity loss hold for all three stimuli. Linear relations between perimetric loss and ganglion cell loss for all three stimuli can account for the similarity in perimetric loss until advanced stages. The results do not support the hypothesis that redundancy for frequency-doubling stimuli is lower than redundancy for size III stimuli.

CMOS compatible fabrication process of MEMS resonator for timing reference and sensing application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huynh, Duc H.; Nguyen, Phuong D.; Nguyen, Thanh C.; Skafidas, Stan; Evans, Robin

2015-12-01

Frequency reference and timing control devices are ubiquitous in electronic applications. There is at least one resonator required for each of this device. Currently electromechanical resonators such as crystal resonator, ceramic resonator are the ultimate choices. This tendency will probably keep going for many more years. However, current market demands for small size, low power consumption, cheap and reliable products, has divulged many limitations of this type of resonators. They cannot be integrated into standard CMOS (Complement metaloxide- semiconductor) IC (Integrated Circuit) due to material and fabrication process incompatibility. Currently, these devices are off-chip and they require external circuitries to interface with the ICs. This configuration significantly increases the overall size and cost of the entire electronic system. In addition, extra external connection, especially at high frequency, will potentially create negative impacts on the performance of the entire system due to signal degradation and parasitic effects. Furthermore, due to off-chip packaging nature, these devices are quite expensive, particularly for high frequency and high quality factor devices. To address these issues, researchers have been intensively studying on an alternative for type of resonator by utilizing the new emerging MEMS (Micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology. Recent progress in this field has demonstrated a MEMS resonator with resonant frequency of 2.97 GHz and quality factor (measured in vacuum) of 42900. Despite this great achievement, this prototype is still far from being fully integrated into CMOS system due to incompatibility in fabrication process and its high series motional impedance. On the other hand, fully integrated MEMS resonator had been demonstrated but at lower frequency and quality factor. We propose a design and fabrication process for a low cost, high frequency and a high quality MEMS resonator, which can be integrated into a standard CMOS IC. This device is expected to operate in hundreds of Mhz frequency range; quality factor surpasses 10000 and series motional impedance low enough that could be matching into conventional system without enormous effort. This MEMS resonator can be used in the design of many blocks in wireless and RF (Radio Frequency) systems such as low phase noise oscillator, band pass filter, power amplifier and in many sensing application.

Adapted wavelet transform improves time-frequency representations: a study of auditory elicited P300-like event-related potentials in rats.

PubMed

Richard, Nelly; Laursen, Bettina; Grupe, Morten; Drewes, Asbjørn M; Graversen, Carina; Sørensen, Helge B D; Bastlund, Jesper F

2017-04-01

Active auditory oddball paradigms are simple tone discrimination tasks used to study the P300 deflection of event-related potentials (ERPs). These ERPs may be quantified by time-frequency analysis. As auditory stimuli cause early high frequency and late low frequency ERP oscillations, the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is often chosen for decomposition due to its multi-resolution properties. However, as the conventional CWT traditionally applies only one mother wavelet to represent the entire spectrum, the time-frequency resolution is not optimal across all scales. To account for this, we developed and validated a novel method specifically refined to analyse P300-like ERPs in rats. An adapted CWT (aCWT) was implemented to preserve high time-frequency resolution across all scales by commissioning of multiple wavelets operating at different scales. First, decomposition of simulated ERPs was illustrated using the classical CWT and the aCWT. Next, the two methods were applied to EEG recordings obtained from prefrontal cortex in rats performing a two-tone auditory discrimination task. While only early ERP frequency changes between responses to target and non-target tones were detected by the CWT, both early and late changes were successfully described with strong accuracy by the aCWT in rat ERPs. Increased frontal gamma power and phase synchrony was observed particularly within theta and gamma frequency bands during deviant tones. The study suggests superior performance of the aCWT over the CWT in terms of detailed quantification of time-frequency properties of ERPs. Our methodological investigation indicates that accurate and complete assessment of time-frequency components of short-time neural signals is feasible with the novel analysis approach which may be advantageous for characterisation of several types of evoked potentials in particularly rodents.

Laser Speckle Rheology for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogel scaffolds

PubMed Central

Hajjarian, Zeinab; Nia, Hadi Tavakoli; Ahn, Shawn; Grodzinsky, Alan J.; Jain, Rakesh K.; Nadkarni, Seemantini K.

2016-01-01

Natural and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds exhibit distinct viscoelastic properties at various length scales and deformation rates. Laser Speckle Rheology (LSR) offers a novel, non-contact optical approach for evaluating the frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of hydrogels. In LSR, a coherent laser beam illuminates the specimen and a high-speed camera acquires the time-varying speckle images. Cross-correlation analysis of frames returns the speckle intensity autocorrelation function, g2(t), from which the frequency-dependent viscoelastic modulus, G*(ω), is deduced. Here, we establish the capability of LSR for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels over a large range of moduli, using conventional mechanical rheometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based indentation as reference-standards. Results demonstrate a strong correlation between |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR and mechanical rheometry (r = 0.95, p < 10−9), and z-test analysis reports that moduli values measured by the two methods are identical (p > 0.08) over a large range (47 Pa – 36 kPa). In addition, |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR correlate well with indentation moduli, E, reported by AFM (r = 0.92, p < 10−7). Further, spatially-resolved moduli measurements in micro-patterned substrates demonstrate that LSR combines the strengths of conventional rheology and micro-indentation in assessing hydrogel viscoelastic properties at multiple frequencies and small length-scales. PMID:27905494

A New Finite Difference Q-compensated RTM Algorithm in Tilted Transverse Isotropic (TTI) Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, T.; Hu, W.; Ning, J.

2017-12-01

Attenuating anisotropic geological body is difficult to image with conventional migration methods. In such kind of scenarios, recorded seismic data suffer greatly from both amplitude decay and phase distortion, resulting in degraded resolution, poor illumination and incorrect migration depth in imaging results. To efficiently obtain high quality images, we propose a novel TTI QRTM algorithm based on Generalized Standard Linear Solid model combined with a unique multi-stage optimization technique to simultaneously correct the decayed amplitude and the distorted phase velocity. Numerical tests (shown in the figure) demonstrate that our TTI QRTM algorithm effectively corrects migration depth, significantly improves illumination, and enhances resolution within and below the low Q regions. The result of our new method is very close to the reference RTM image, while QRTM without TTI cannot get a correct image. Compared to the conventional QRTM method based on a pseudo-spectral operator for fractional Laplacian evaluation, our method is more computationally efficient for large scale applications and more suitable for GPU acceleration. With the current multi-stage dispersion optimization scheme, this TTI QRTM method best performs in the frequency range 10-70 Hz, and could be used in a wider frequency range. Furthermore, as this method can also handle frequency dependent Q, it has potential to be applied in imaging deep structures where low Q exists, such as subduction zones, volcanic zones or fault zones with passive source observations.

Laser Speckle Rheology for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogel scaffolds.

PubMed

Hajjarian, Zeinab; Nia, Hadi Tavakoli; Ahn, Shawn; Grodzinsky, Alan J; Jain, Rakesh K; Nadkarni, Seemantini K

2016-12-01

Natural and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds exhibit distinct viscoelastic properties at various length scales and deformation rates. Laser Speckle Rheology (LSR) offers a novel, non-contact optical approach for evaluating the frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of hydrogels. In LSR, a coherent laser beam illuminates the specimen and a high-speed camera acquires the time-varying speckle images. Cross-correlation analysis of frames returns the speckle intensity autocorrelation function, g 2 (t), from which the frequency-dependent viscoelastic modulus, G*(ω), is deduced. Here, we establish the capability of LSR for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels over a large range of moduli, using conventional mechanical rheometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based indentation as reference-standards. Results demonstrate a strong correlation between |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR and mechanical rheometry (r = 0.95, p < 10 -9 ), and z-test analysis reports that moduli values measured by the two methods are identical (p > 0.08) over a large range (47 Pa - 36 kPa). In addition, |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR correlate well with indentation moduli, E, reported by AFM (r = 0.92, p < 10 -7 ). Further, spatially-resolved moduli measurements in micro-patterned substrates demonstrate that LSR combines the strengths of conventional rheology and micro-indentation in assessing hydrogel viscoelastic properties at multiple frequencies and small length-scales.

Ultrasound breast imaging using frequency domain reverse time migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, O.; Zuberi, M. A. H.; Pratt, R. G.; Duric, N.

2016-04-01

Conventional ultrasonography reconstruction techniques, such as B-mode, are based on a simple wave propagation model derived from a high frequency approximation. Therefore, to minimize model mismatch, the central frequency of the input pulse is typically chosen between 3 and 15 megahertz. Despite the increase in theoretical resolution, operating at higher frequencies comes at the cost of lower signal-to-noise ratio. This ultimately degrades the image contrast and overall quality at higher imaging depths. To address this issue, we investigate a reflection imaging technique, known as reverse time migration, which uses a more accurate propagation model for reconstruction. We present preliminary simulation results as well as physical phantom image reconstructions obtained using data acquired with a breast imaging ultrasound tomography prototype. The original reconstructions are filtered to remove low-wavenumber artifacts that arise due to the inclusion of the direct arrivals. We demonstrate the advantage of using an accurate sound speed model in the reverse time migration process. We also explain how the increase in computational complexity can be mitigated using a frequency domain approach and a parallel computing platform.

Frequency of ABH secretors and non secretors: A cross sectional study in Karachi.

PubMed

Saboor, Muhammad; Ullah, Aman; Qamar, Khansa; Mir, Awal; Moinuddin

2014-01-01

ABO blood group and secretor status is valuable in relation to some diseases in clinical and forensic medicine. Across the globe there are geographic and racial differences in the frequency of secretors and non-secretors. Aim of this study was to evaluate the status of ABH blood group secretors and non-secretors in Karachi (Pakistan). Blood and saliva samples were randomly collected from one hundred and one (n=101) healthy adult students (76 male, 25 female) ranging in age from 15 to 40 years. Their ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined by conventional methods, and their secretor status was studied by hemagglutination inhibition method of saliva. RESULTS showed that 64.4% of the study population were ABH blood group secretors while 35.6% were non-secretors. Frequencies of the secretor status among various ABO blood groups were 71.4% in group A, 79.5% in group B, 45.5% in group AB, and 61.5% in group O. Frequency of ABH secretor is high (64.4%). Blood group B has the highest secretor (79.5%) frequency while Blood group AB has the lowest (45.5%).

Ultra-high resistive and anisotropic CoPd-CaF2 nanogranular soft magnetic films prepared by tandem-sputtering deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naoe, Masayuki; Kobayashi, Nobukiyo; Ohnuma, Shigehiro; Iwasa, Tadayoshi; Arai, Ken-Ichi; Masumoto, Hiroshi

2015-10-01

Ultra-high resistive and anisotropic soft magnetic films for gigahertz applications are desirable to demonstrate the really practical films. Here we present a study of novel nanogranular films fabricated by tandem-sputtering deposition. Their electromagnetic properties and nanostructure have also been discussed. These films consisted of nanocrystallized CoPd alloy-granules and CaF2 matrix, and a specimen having a composition of (Co0.69Pd0.31)52-(Ca0.31F0.69)48 exhibited distinct in-plane uniaxial anisotropy after uniaxial field annealing with granule growth. Its complex permeability spectra have a ferromagnetic resonance frequency extending to the Super-High-Frequency band due to its higher anisotropy field, and its frequency response was quite well reproduced by a numerical calculation based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. Furthermore, it was clarified that the CaF2-based nanogranular film exhibits a hundredfold higher electrical resistivity than conventional oxide or nitride-based films. Higher resistivity enables the film thickness to achieve a margin exceeding threefold against eddy current loss. The greater resistivity of nanogranular films is attributed to the wide energy bandgap and superior crystallinity of CaF2 matrix.

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease Using 12-Lead High-Frequency Electrocardiograms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlegel, Todd T.; Arenare, Brian

2006-01-01

A noninvasive, sensitive method of diagnosing certain pathological conditions of the human heart involves computational processing of digitized electrocardiographic (ECG) signals acquired from a patient at all 12 conventional ECG electrode positions. In the processing, attention is focused on low-amplitude, high-frequency components of those portions of the ECG signals known in the art as QRS complexes. The unique contribution of this method lies in the utilization of signal features and combinations of signal features from various combinations of electrode positions, not reported previously, that have been found to be helpful in diagnosing coronary artery disease and such related pathological conditions as myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. The electronic hardware and software used to acquire the QRS complexes and perform some preliminary analyses of their high-frequency components were summarized in Real-Time, High-Frequency QRS Electrocardiograph (MSC- 23154), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 7 (July 2003), pp. 26-28. To recapitulate, signals from standard electrocardiograph electrodes are preamplified, then digitized at a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz, then analyzed by the software that detects R waves and QRS complexes and analyzes them from several perspectives. The software includes provisions for averaging signals over multiple beats and for special-purpose nonrecursive digital filters with specific low- and high-frequency cutoffs. These filters, applied to the averaged signal, effect a band-pass operation in the frequency range from 150 to 250 Hz. The output of the bandpass filter is the desired high-frequency QRS signal. Further processing is then performed in real time to obtain the beat-to-beat root mean square (RMS) voltage amplitude of the filtered signal, certain variations of the RMS voltage, and such standard measures as the heart rate and R-R interval at any given time. A key signal feature analyzed in the present method is the presence versus the absence of reduced-amplitude zones (RAZs). In terms that must be simplified for the sake of brevity, an RAZ comprises several cycles of a high-frequency QRS signal during which the amplitude of the high-frequency oscillation in a portion of the signal is abnormally low (see figure). A given signal sample exhibiting an interval of reduced amplitude may or may not be classified as an RAZ, depending on quantitative criteria regarding peaks and troughs within the reduced-amplitude portion of the high-frequency QRS signal. This analysis is performed in all 12 leads in real time.

Efficient Radio Frequency Inductive Discharges in Near Atmospheric Pressure Using Immittance Conversion Topology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razzak, M. Abdur; Takamura, Shuichi; Uesugi, Yoshihiko; Ohno, Noriyasu

A radio frequency (rf) inductive discharge in atmospheric pressure range requires high voltage in the initial startup phase and high power during the steady state sustainment phase. It is, therefore, necessary to inject high rf power into the plasma ensuring the maximum use of the power source, especially where the rf power is limited. In order to inject the maximum possible rf power into the plasma with a moderate rf power source of few kilowatts range, we employ the immittance conversion topology by converting a constant voltage source into a constant current source to generate efficient rf discharge by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technique at a gas pressure with up to one atmosphere in argon. A novel T-LCL immittance circuit is designed for constant-current high-power operation, which is practically very important in the high-frequency range, to provide high effective rf power to the plasma. The immittance conversion system combines the static induction transistor (SIT)-based radio frequency (rf) high-power inverter circuit and the immittance conversion elements including the rf induction coil. The basic properties of the immittance circuit are studied by numerical analysis and verified the results by experimental measurements with the inductive plasma as a load at a relatively high rf power of about 4 kW. The performances of the immittance circuit are also evaluated and compared with that of the conventional series resonance circuit in high-pressure induction plasma generation. The experimental results reveal that the immittance conversion circuit confirms injecting higher effective rf power into the plasma as much as three times than that of the series resonance circuit under the same operating conditions and same dc supply voltage to the inverter, thereby enhancing the plasma heating efficiency to generate efficient rf inductive discharges.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Gallium Oxide Films as Gate Dielectrics in AlGaN/GaN Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High-Electron-Mobility Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shih, Huan-Yu; Chu, Fu-Chuan; Das, Atanu; Lee, Chia-Yu; Chen, Ming-Jang; Lin, Ray-Ming

2016-04-01

In this study, films of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) were prepared through remote plasma atomic layer deposition (RP-ALD) using triethylgallium and oxygen plasma. The chemical composition and optical properties of the Ga2O3 thin films were investigated; the saturation growth displayed a linear dependence with respect to the number of ALD cycles. These uniform ALD films exhibited excellent uniformity and smooth Ga2O3-GaN interfaces. An ALD Ga2O3 film was then used as the gate dielectric and surface passivation layer in a metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistor (MOS-HEMT), which exhibited device performance superior to that of a corresponding conventional Schottky gate HEMT. Under similar bias conditions, the gate leakage currents of the MOS-HEMT were two orders of magnitude lower than those of the conventional HEMT, with the power-added efficiency enhanced by up to 9 %. The subthreshold swing and effective interfacial state density of the MOS-HEMT were 78 mV decade-1 and 3.62 × 1011 eV-1 cm-2, respectively. The direct-current and radio-frequency performances of the MOS-HEMT device were greater than those of the conventional HEMT. In addition, the flicker noise of the MOS-HEMT was lower than that of the conventional HEMT.

Improved PLL For FM Demodulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirkham, Harold; Jackson, Shannon P.

1992-01-01

Phase-locked loop (PLL) for frequency demodulator contains improved frequency-to-voltage converter producing less ripple than conventional phase detector. In improved PLL, phase detector replaced by state estimator, implemented by ramp/sample-and-hold circuit. Intended to reduce noise in receiver of frequency-modulated (FM) telemetry link without sacrificing bandwidth. Also applicable to processing received FM signals.

A new paradigm of dielectric relaxation spectroscopy for non-invasive detection of breast abnormalities: a preliminary feasibility analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhurjaty, Sreeram; Qiu, Yuchen; Tan, Maxine; Qian, Wei; Zheng, Bin

2016-03-01

In order to improve efficacy of screening mammography, in recent years, we have been investigating the feasibility of applying a resonance-frequency based electrical impedance spectroscopy (REIS) technology to noninvasively detect breast abnormalities that may lead to the development of cancer in the near-term. Despite promising study-results, we found that REIS suffered from relatively poor reproducibility due to perturbations in electrode placement, contact pressure variation on the breast, as well as variation of the resonating inductor. To overcome this limitation, in this study, we propose and analyze a new paradigm of Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy (DRS) that measures polarization-lag of dielectric signals in breast-capacitance when excited by the pulses or sine waves. Unlike conventional DRS that operates using the signals at very high frequencies (GHz) to examine changes in polarization, our new method detects and characterizes the dielectric properties of tissue at low frequencies (<=10 MHz) due to the advent of inexpensive oscillators that are accurate to 1 pico-second (used in GPS receivers) as well as measurement of amplitudes of 1 ppm or better. From theoretical analysis, we have proved that the sensitivity of new DRS in detecting permittivity of water increased by >=80 times as compared to conventional DRS, which operates at frequencies around 4GHz. By analyzing and comparing the relationship between the new DRS and REIS, we found that this DRS has potential advantages in enhancing repeatability from various readings, including temperature-insensitive detection, and yielding higher resolution or sensitivity (up to 100 Femtofarads).

Frequency control of a spin-torque oscillator using magnetostrictive anisotropy

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

Park, Min Gyu Albert; Lee, Seok-Hee, E-mail: bgpark@kaist.ac.kr, E-mail: shlee@kaist.edu; Baek, Seung-heon Chris

2016-01-11

We report the working principle of a spin-torque oscillator, of which the frequency is efficiently controlled by manipulating the magnetostrictive anisotropy. To justify the scheme, we simulate a conventional magnetic-tunnel junction-based oscillator which is fabricated on a piezoelectric material. By applying mechanical stress to a free layer using a piezoelectric material, the oscillation frequency can be controlled to ensure a broad tuning range without a significant reduction of the dynamic resistance variation. Such controllability, which appears in the absence of an external magnetic field, will not only enable the integration of spin-torque oscillators and conventional complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor technology butmore » will also broaden the applicability of spin-torque oscillators.« less

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

Dowla, F

Long-range, ultra-wideband (UWB), passive radio frequency (RF) tags are key components in Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) system that will revolutionize inventory control and tracking applications. Unlike conventional, battery-operated (active) RFID tags, LLNL's small UWB tags, called 'UTag', operate at long range (up to 20 meters) in harsh, cluttered environments. Because they are battery-less (that is, passive), they have practically infinite lifetimes without human intervention, and they are lower in cost to manufacture and maintain than active RFID tags. These robust, energy-efficient passive tags are remotely powered by UWB radio signals, which are much more difficult to detect, intercept, and jammore » than conventional narrowband frequencies. The features of long range, battery-less, and low cost give UTag significant advantage over other existing RFID tags.« less

High-frequency Total Focusing Method (TFM) imaging in strongly attenuating materials with the decomposition of the time reversal operator associated with orthogonal coded excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villaverde, Eduardo Lopez; Robert, Sébastien; Prada, Claire

2017-02-01

In the present work, the Total Focusing Method (TFM) is used to image defects in a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The viscoelastic attenuation of this material corrupts the images with a high electronic noise. In order to improve the image quality, the Decomposition of the Time Reversal Operator (DORT) filtering is combined with spatial Walsh-Hadamard coded transmissions before calculating the images. Experiments on a complex HDPE joint demonstrate that this method improves the signal-to-noise ratio by more than 40 dB in comparison with the conventional TFM.

Femtosecond resolution of soft mode dynamics in structural phase transitions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dougherty, Thomas P.; Wiederrecht, Gary P.; Nelson, Keith A.; Garrett, Mark H.; Jensen, Hans P.; Warde, Cardinal

1992-01-01

The microscopic pathway along which ions or molecules in a crystal move during structural phase transition can often be described in terms of a collective vibrational mode of the lattice. In many cases, this mode, called a 'soft' phonon mode because of its characteristically low frequency near the phase transition temperature, is difficult to characterize through conventional frequency-domain spectroscopies such as light or neutron scattering. A femtosecond time-domain analog of light-scattering spectroscopy called impulsive stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS) has been used to examine the soft modes of two perovskite ferroelectric crystals. The low-frequency lattice dynamics of KNbO3 and BaTiO3 are clarified in a manner that permits critical evaluation of microscopic models for their ferroelectric transitions. The results illustrate the advantages of ISRS over conventional Raman spectroscopy of low-frequency, heavily damped soft modes.

IMPACT OF VENTILATION FREQUENCY AND PARENCHYMAL STIFFNESS ON FLOW AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION IN A CANINE LUNG MODEL

PubMed Central

Amini, Reza; Kaczka, David W.

2013-01-01

To determine the impact of ventilation frequency, lung volume, and parenchymal stiffness on ventilation distribution, we developed an anatomically-based computational model of the canine lung. Each lobe of the model consists of an asymmetric branching airway network subtended by terminal, viscoelastic acinar units. The model allows for empiric dependencies of airway segment dimensions and parenchymal stiffness on transpulmonary pressure. We simulated the effects of lung volume and parenchymal recoil on global lung impedance and ventilation distribution from 0.1 to 100 Hz, with mean transpulmonary pressures from 5 to 25 cmH2O. With increasing lung volume, the distribution of acinar flows narrowed and became more synchronous for frequencies below resonance. At higher frequencies, large variations in acinar flow were observed. Maximum acinar flow occurred at first antiresonance frequency, where lung impedance achieved a local maximum. The distribution of acinar pressures became very heterogeneous and amplified relative to tracheal pressure at the resonant frequency. These data demonstrate the important interaction between frequency and lung tissue stiffness on the distribution of acinar flows and pressures. These simulations provide useful information for the optimization of frequency, lung volume, and mean airway pressure during conventional ventilation or high frequency oscillation (HFOV). Moreover our model indicates that an optimal HFOV bandwidth exists between the resonant and antiresonant frequencies, for which interregional gas mixing is maximized. PMID:23872936

Amplitude Variation of Bottom Simulating Reflection with Respect to Frequency - Transitional Base or Attenuation?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Myung W.

2007-01-01

The amplitude of a bottom simulating reflection (BSR), which occurs near the phase boundary between gas hydrate-bearing sediments and underlying gas-filled sediments, strongly depends on the frequency content of a seismic signal, as well as the impedance contrast across the phase boundary. A strong-amplitude BSR, detectable in a conventional seismic profile, is a good indicator of the presence of free gas beneath the phase boundary. However, the BSR as observed in low-frequency multichannel seismic data is generally difficult to identify in high-frequency, single-channel seismic data. To investigate the frequency dependence of BSR amplitudes, single-channel seismic data acquired with an air gun source at Blake Ridge, which is located off the shore of South Carolina, were analyzed in the frequency range of 10-240 Hz. The frequency-dependent impedance contrast caused by the velocity dispersion in partially gas saturated sediments is important to accurately analyze BSR amplitude. Analysis indicates that seismic attenuation of gas hydrate-bearing sediments, velocity dispersion, and a transitional base all contribute to the frequency-dependent BSR amplitude variation in the frequency range of 10-500 Hz. When velocity dispersion is incorporated into the BSR amplitude analysis, the frequency-dependent BSR amplitude at Blake Ridge can be explained with gas hydrate-bearing sediments having a quality factor of about 250 and a transitional base with a thickness of about 1 meter.

Dynamic characteristics of a wind turbine blade using 3D digital image correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baqersad, Javad; Carr, Jennifer; Lundstrom, Troy; Niezrecki, Christopher; Avitabile, Peter; Slattery, Micheal

2012-04-01

Digital image correlation (DIC) has been becoming increasingly popular as a means to perform structural health monitoring because of its full-field, non-contacting measurement ability. In this paper, 3D DIC techniques are used to identify the mode shapes of a wind turbine blade. The blade containing a handful of optical targets is excited at different frequencies using a shaker as well as a pluck test. The response is recorded using two PHOTRON™ high speed cameras. Time domain data is transferred to the frequency domain to extract mode shapes and natural frequencies using an Operational Modal Approach. A finite element model of the blade is also used to compare the mode shapes. Furthermore, a modal hammer impact test is performed using a more conventional approach with an accelerometer. A comparison of mode shapes from the photogrammetric, finite element, and impact test approaches are presented to show the accuracy of the DIC measurement approach.

An investigation of the effects of pitch-roll (de)-coupling on helicopter handling qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ockier, C. J.; Pausder, H. J.; Blanken, C. L.

1995-01-01

An investigation of the effects of pitch-roll coupling on helicopter handling qualities was performed by the US Army and DLR, using a NASA ground-based and a DLR inflight simulator. Over 90 different coupling configurations were evaluated using a roll-axis tracking task. The results show that although the current ADS-33C coupling criterion discriminates against those types of coupling typical of conventionally controlled helicopters, it not always suited for the prediction of handling qualities of helicopters with modern control systems. Based on the observation that high frequency inputs during tracking are used to alleviate coupling, a frequency domain pitch-roll coupling criterion that uses the average coupling ratio between the bandwidth and neutral stability frequency is formulated. This criterion provides a more comprehensive coverage with respect to the different types of coupling and shows excellent consistency.

Extraction of microseismic waveforms characteristics prior to rock burst using Hilbert-Huang transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xuelong; Li, Zhonghui; Wang, Enyuan; Feng, Junjun; Chen, Liang; Li, Nan; Kong, Xiangguo

2016-09-01

This study provides a new research idea concerning rock burst prediction. The characteristics of microseismic (MS) waveforms prior to and during the rock burst were studied through the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT). In order to demonstrate the advantage of the MS features extraction based on HHT, the conventional analysis method (Fourier transform) was also used to make a comparison. The results show that HHT is simple and reliable, and could extract in-depth information about the characteristics of MS waveforms. About 10 days prior to the rock burst, the main frequency of MS waveforms transforms from the high-frequency to low-frequency. What's more, the waveforms energy also presents accumulation characteristic. Based on our study results, it can be concluded that the MS signals analysis through HHT could provide valuable information about the coal or rock deformation and fracture.

The Nonsubsampled Contourlet Transform Based Statistical Medical Image Fusion Using Generalized Gaussian Density

PubMed Central

Yang, Guocheng; Li, Meiling; Chen, Leiting; Yu, Jie

2015-01-01

We propose a novel medical image fusion scheme based on the statistical dependencies between coefficients in the nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain, in which the probability density function of the NSCT coefficients is concisely fitted using generalized Gaussian density (GGD), as well as the similarity measurement of two subbands is accurately computed by Jensen-Shannon divergence of two GGDs. To preserve more useful information from source images, the new fusion rules are developed to combine the subbands with the varied frequencies. That is, the low frequency subbands are fused by utilizing two activity measures based on the regional standard deviation and Shannon entropy and the high frequency subbands are merged together via weight maps which are determined by the saliency values of pixels. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms the conventional NSCT based medical image fusion approaches in both visual perception and evaluation indices. PMID:26557871

Liquid identification by Hilbert spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyatti, M.; Divin, Y.; Poppe, U.; Urban, K.

2009-11-01

Fast and reliable identification of liquids is of great importance in, for example, security, biology and the beverage industry. An unambiguous identification of liquids can be made by electromagnetic measurements of their dielectric functions in the frequency range of their main dispersions, but this frequency range, from a few GHz to a few THz, is not covered by any conventional spectroscopy. We have developed a concept of liquid identification based on our new Hilbert spectroscopy and high- Tc Josephson junctions, which can operate at the intermediate range from microwaves to THz frequencies. A demonstration setup has been developed consisting of a polychromatic radiation source and a compact Hilbert spectrometer integrated in a Stirling cryocooler. Reflection polychromatic spectra of various bottled liquids have been measured at the spectral range of 15-300 GHz with total scanning time down to 0.2 s and identification of liquids has been demonstrated.

New device to measure dynamic intrusion/extrusion cycles of lyophobic heterogeneous systems.

PubMed

Guillemot, Ludivine; Galarneau, Anne; Vigier, Gérard; Abensur, Thierry; Charlaix, Élisabeth

2012-10-01

Lyophobic heterogeneous systems (LHS) are made of mesoporous materials immersed in a non-wetting liquid. One application of LHS is the nonlinear damping of high frequency vibrations. The behaviour of LHS is characterized by P - ΔV cycles, where P is the pressure applied to the system, and ΔV its volume change due to the intrusion of the liquid into the pores of the material, or its extrusion out of the pores. Very few dynamic studies of LHS have been performed until now. We describe here a new apparatus that allows us to carry out dynamic intrusion/extrusion cycles with various liquid/porous material systems, controlling the temperature from ambient to 120 °C and the frequency from 0.01 to 20 Hz. We show that for two LHS: water/MTS and Galinstan/CPG, the energy dissipated during one cycle depends very weakly on the cycle frequency, in strong contrast to conventional dampers.

Design of Measurement Apparatus for Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness Using Flanged Double Ridged Waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Jong Hwa; Choi, Jae Ick; Yook, Jong Gwan

In this paper, we design and manufacture a flanged double ridged waveguide with a tapered section as a sample holder for measuring the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of planar material in broadband frequency ranges up to 10GHz. The proposed technique overcomes the limitations of the conventional ASTM D4935 test method at high frequencies. The simulation results for the designed sample holders agree well with the fabricated ones in consideration of the design specification of S11 < -20dB within the frequency range of 1-10GHz. To verify the proposed measurement apparatus, the measured SE data of the commercial shielding materials from 1 to 10GHz were indirectly compared with those obtained from the ASTM D4935 from 30MHz to 1GHz. We observed that the SE data obtained by using both experimental techniques agree with each other.

An analysis of stepped trapezoidal-shaped microcantilever beams for MEMS-based devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashok, Akarapu; Gangele, Aparna; Pal, Prem; Pandey, Ashok Kumar

2018-07-01

Microcantilever beams are the most widely used mechanical elements in the design and fabrication of MEMS/NEMS-based sensors and actuators. In this work, we have proposed a new microcantilever beam design based on a stepped trapezoidal-shaped microcantilever. Single-, double-, triple- and quadruple-stepped trapezoidal-shaped microcantilever beams along with conventional rectangular-shaped microcantilever beams were analysed experimentally, numerically and analytically. The microcantilever beams were fabricated from silicon dioxide material using wet bulk micromachining in 25 wt% TMAH. The length, width and thickness of the microcantilever beams were fixed at 200, 40 and 0.96 µm, respectively. A laser vibrometer was utilized to measure the resonance frequency and Q-factor of the microcantilever beams in vacuum as well as in ambient conditions. Furthermore, finite element analysis software, ANSYS, was employed to numerically analyse the resonance frequency, maximum deflection and torsional end rotation of all the microcantilever beam designs. The analytical and numerical resonance frequencies are found to be in good agreement with the experimental resonance frequencies. In the stepped trapezoidal-shaped microcantilever beams with an increasing number of steps, the Q-factor, maximum deflection and torsional end rotation were improved, whereas the resonance frequency was slightly reduced. Nevertheless, the resonance frequency is higher than the basic rectangular-shaped microcantilever beam. The observed quality factor, maximum deflection and torsional end rotation for a quadruple-stepped trapezoidal-shaped microcantilever are 38%, 41% and 52%, respectively, which are higher than those of conventional rectangular-shaped microcantilever beams. Furthermore, for an applied concentrated mass of 1 picogram on the cantilever surface, a greater shift in frequency is obtained for all the stepped trapezoidal-shaped microcantilever beam designs compared to the conventional rectangular microcantilever beam.

Generation of vector dissipative and conventional solitons in large normal dispersion regime.

PubMed

Yun, Ling

2017-08-07

We report the generation of both polarization-locked vector dissipative soliton and group velocity-locked vector conventional soliton in a nanotube-mode-locked fiber ring laser with large normal dispersion, for the first time to our best knowledge. Depending on the polarization-depended extinction ratio of the fiber-based Lyot filter, the two types of vector solitons can be switched by simply tuning the polarization controller. In the case of low filter extinction ratio, the output vector dissipative soliton exhibits steep spectral edges and strong frequency chirp, which presents a typical pulse duration of ~23.4 ps, and can be further compressed to ~0.9 ps. In the contrastive case of high filter extinction ratio, the vector conventional soliton has clear Kelly sidebands with transform-limited pulse duration of ~1.8 ps. Our study provides a new and simple method to achieve two different vector soliton sources, which is attractive for potential applications requiring different pulse profiles.

High performance multi-finger MOSFET on SOI for RF amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, M. Singh; Singh, Y.

2017-10-01

In this paper, we propose structural modifications in the conventional planar metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) on silicon-on-insulator by utilizing trenches in the epitaxial layer. The proposed multi-finger MOSFET (MF-MOSFET) has dual vertical-gates placed in separate trenches to form multiple channels in the p-base which carry the drain current in parallel. The proposed device uses TaN as gate electrode and SiO2 as gate dielectric. Simultaneous conduction of multiple channels enhances the drain current (ID) and provides higher transconductance (gm) leading to significant improvement in cut-off frequency (ft). Two-dimensional simulations are performed to evaluate and compare the performance of the MF-MOSFET with the conventional MOSFET. At a gate length of 60 nm, the proposed device provides 4 times higher ID, 3 times improvement in gm and 1.25 times increase in ft with better control over the short channel effects as compared with the conventional device.

An investigation of the effects of pitch-roll (de)coupling on helicopter handling qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanken, C. L.; Pausder, H. J.; Ockier, C. J.

1995-01-01

An extensive investigation of the effects of pitch-roll coupling on helicopter handling qualities was performed by the U.S. Army and Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), using a NASA ground-based and a DLR in-flight simulator. Over 90 different coupling configurations were evaluated using a high gain roll-axis tracking task. The results show that although the current ADS-33C coupling criterion discriminates against those types of coupling typical of conventionally controlled helicopters, it is not always suited for the prediction of handling qualities of helicopters with modern control systems. Based on the observation that high frequency inputs during tracking are used to alleviate coupling, a frequency domain pitch-roll coupling criterion that uses the average coupling ratio between the bandwidth and neutral stability frequency is formulated. This criterion provides a more comprehensive coverage with respect to the different types of coupling, shows excellent consistency, and has the additional benefit that compliance testing data are obtained from the bandwidth/phase delay tests, so that no additional flight testing is needed.

High-coherence mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy spanning 2.6 to 5.2 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ycas, Gabriel; Giorgetta, Fabrizio R.; Baumann, Esther; Coddington, Ian; Herman, Daniel; Diddams, Scott A.; Newbury, Nathan R.

2018-04-01

Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy has the potential to supplant conventional Fourier-transform spectroscopy in applications requiring high resolution, accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio and speed. Until now, mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy has been limited to narrow optical bandwidths or low signal-to-noise ratios. Using digital signal processing and broadband frequency conversion in waveguides, we demonstrate a mid-infrared dual-comb spectrometer covering 2.6 to 5.2 µm with comb-tooth resolution, sub-MHz frequency precision and accuracy, and a spectral signal-to-noise ratio as high as 6,500. As a demonstration, we measure the highly structured, broadband cross-section of propane from 2,840 to 3,040 cm-1, the complex phase/amplitude spectra of carbonyl sulfide from 2,000 to 2,100 cm-1, and of a methane, acetylene and ethane mixture from 2,860 to 3,400 cm-1. The combination of broad bandwidth, comb-mode resolution and high brightness will enable accurate mid-infrared spectroscopy in precision laboratory experiments and non-laboratory applications including open-path atmospheric gas sensing, process monitoring and combustion.

Split-Block Waveguide Polarization Twist for 220 to 325 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ward, John; Chattopadhyay, Goutam

2008-01-01

A split-block waveguide circuit that rotates polarization by 90 has been designed with WR-3 input and output waveguides, which are rectangular waveguides used for a nominal frequency range of 220 to 325 GHz. Heretofore, twisted rectangular waveguides equipped with flanges at the input and output have been the standard means of rotating the polarizations of guided microwave signals. However, the fabrication and assembly of such components become difficult at high frequency due to decreasing wavelength, such that twisted rectangular waveguides become impractical at frequencies above a few hundred gigahertz. Conventional twisted rectangular waveguides are also not amenable to integration into highly miniaturized subassemblies of advanced millimeter- and submillimeter-wave detector arrays now undergoing development. In contrast, the present polarization- rotating waveguide can readily be incorporated into complex integrated waveguide circuits such as miniaturized detector arrays fabricated by either conventional end milling of metal blocks or by deep reactive ion etching of silicon blocks. Moreover, the present split-block design can be scaled up in frequency to at least 5 THz. The main step in fabricating a splitblock polarization-rotating waveguide of the present design is to cut channels having special asymmetrically shaped steps into mating upper and lower blocks (see Figure 1). The dimensions of the steps are chosen to be consistent with the WR-3 waveguide cross section, which is 0.864 by 0.432 mm. The channels are characterized by varying widths with constant depths of 0.432, 0.324, and 0.216 mm and by relatively large corner radii to facilitate fabrication. The steps effect both a geometric transition and the corresponding impedance-matched electromagnetic-polarization transition between (1) a WR-3 rectangular waveguide oriented with the electric field vector normal to the block mating surfaces and (2) a corresponding WR-3 waveguide oriented with its electric field vector parallel to the mating surfaces of the blocks. A prototype has been built and tested. Figure 2 presents test results indicative of good performance over nearly the entire WR-3 waveguide frequency band.

Dynamically variable negative stiffness structures.

PubMed

Churchill, Christopher B; Shahan, David W; Smith, Sloan P; Keefe, Andrew C; McKnight, Geoffrey P

2016-02-01

Variable stiffness structures that enable a wide range of efficient load-bearing and dexterous activity are ubiquitous in mammalian musculoskeletal systems but are rare in engineered systems because of their complexity, power, and cost. We present a new negative stiffness-based load-bearing structure with dynamically tunable stiffness. Negative stiffness, traditionally used to achieve novel response from passive structures, is a powerful tool to achieve dynamic stiffness changes when configured with an active component. Using relatively simple hardware and low-power, low-frequency actuation, we show an assembly capable of fast (<10 ms) and useful (>100×) dynamic stiffness control. This approach mitigates limitations of conventional tunable stiffness structures that exhibit either small (<30%) stiffness change, high friction, poor load/torque transmission at low stiffness, or high power active control at the frequencies of interest. We experimentally demonstrate actively tunable vibration isolation and stiffness tuning independent of supported loads, enhancing applications such as humanoid robotic limbs and lightweight adaptive vibration isolators.

A novel high-performance high-frequency SOI MESFET by the damped electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orouji, Ali A.; Khayatian, Ahmad; Keshavarzi, Parviz

2016-06-01

In this paper, we introduce a novel silicon-on-insulator (SOI) metal-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MESFET) using the damped electric field (DEF). The proposed structure is geometrically symmetric and compatible with common SOI CMOS fabrication processes. It has two additional oxide regions under the side gates in order to improve DC and RF characteristics of the DEF structure due to changes in the electrical potential, the electrical field distributions, and rearrangement of the charge carriers. Improvement of device performance is investigated by two-dimensional and two-carrier simulation of fundamental parameters such as breakdown voltage (VBR), drain current (ID), output power density (Pmax), transconductance (gm), gate-drain and gate-source capacitances, cut-off frequency (fT), unilateral power gain (U), current gain (h21), maximum available gain (MAG), and minimum noise figure (Fmin). The results show that proposed structure operates with higher performances in comparison with the similar conventional SOI structure.

Physiological effects of indomethacin and celecobix: an S-transform laser Doppler flowmetry signal analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assous, S.; Humeau, A.; Tartas, M.; Abraham, P.; L'Huillier, J. P.

2005-05-01

Conventional signal processing typically involves frequency selective techniques which are highly inadequate for nonstationary signals. In this paper, we present an approach to perform time-frequency selective processing of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signals using the S-transform. The approach is motivated by the excellent localization, in both time and frequency, afforded by the wavelet basis functions. Suitably chosen Gaussian wavelet functions are used to characterize the subspace of signals that have a given localized time-frequency support, thus enabling a time-frequency partitioning of signals. In this paper, the goal is to study the influence of various pharmacological substances taken by the oral way (celecobix (Celebrex®), indomethacin (Indocid®) and placebo) on the physiological activity behaviour. The results show that no statistical differences are observed in the energy computed from the time-frequency representation of LDF signals, for the myogenic, neurogenic and endothelial related metabolic activities between Celebrex and placebo, and Indocid and placebo. The work therefore proves that these drugs do not affect these physiological activities. For future physiological studies, there will therefore be no need to exclude patients having taken cyclo-oxygenase 1 inhibitions.

Improved Dielectric Properties via Mechano-Chemical Activation in Ba0.80Pb0.20TiO3 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Parveen; Rani, Renu; Singh, Sangeeta; Juneja, J. K.; Prakash, Chandra; Raina, K. K.

2011-12-01

The present report is about the preparation and dielectric properties of commonly used Ba0.80Pb0.20TiO3 (BPT) ferroelectric ceramic via Mechano-Chemical Activation (MCA). Results were compared by the BPT sample prepared by conventional solid state method. The BPT sample prepared via MCA technique was found to have decreased tetragonality, dielectric constant value (ɛRT = 450 and ɛmax = 6170) approximately double the value for sample prepared by conventional method (ɛRT = 260 and ɛmax = 3275). Also, the sample prepared by MCA was found to be less frequency dependent. Thus, the BPT sample prepared via MCA is more suitable for capacitor applications requiring lesser frequency dependency than the conventionally prepared BPT sample.

Methods of fabricating applique circuits

DOEpatents

Dimos, Duane B.; Garino, Terry J.

1999-09-14

Applique circuits suitable for advanced packaging applications are introduced. These structures are particularly suited for the simple integration of large amounts (many nanoFarads) of capacitance into conventional integrated circuit and multichip packaging technology. In operation, applique circuits are bonded to the integrated circuit or other appropriate structure at the point where the capacitance is required, thereby minimizing the effects of parasitic coupling. An immediate application is to problems of noise reduction and control in modern high-frequency circuitry.

Effects of high frequency electrical stunning and decapitation on early rigor development and meat quality of broiler breast meat.

PubMed

McNeal, W D; Fletcher, D L

2003-08-01

Three independent trials were conducted to determine the effects of high frequency electrical stunning followed by decapitation on broiler breast meat rigor development and meat quality. All birds were stunned and half of the birds were killed using a conventional unilateral neck cut, half were killed by decapitation, and both groups were allowed to bleed for 90 s prior to scalding and picking. New York dressed carcasses were chilled in a static ice-water bath for 90 min and held at 2 degrees C prior to deboning. Breast fillets were removed from the carcasses at 2, 4, and 24 h postmortem. From the right breast fillet, R-values and pH were determined at time of deboning. The left fillet was wrapped in plastic and held for 24 h at 2 degrees C prior to determining lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), cook yield, and Allo-Kramer shear. Deboning time affected raw meat pH, R-value, cook loss, and shear value but had no effect on color. The breast meat from the decapitated birds had significantly higher pH values at 2 and 24 h postmortem than the conventionally killed birds. Other than for the effect on breast meat pH, decapitation had no effect on rigor development, R-value, meat color, or meat quality as measured by cooked-meat yield and Allo-Kramer shear.

Optical implementation of the synthetic discriminant function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, S.; Riggins, J.

1984-10-01

Much attention is focused on the use of coherent optical pattern recognition (OPR) using matched spatial filters for robotics and intelligent systems. The OPR problem consists of three aspects -- information input, information processing, and information output. This paper discusses the information processing aspect which consists of choosing a filter to provide robust correlation with high efficiency. The filter should ideally be invariant to image shift, rotation and scale, provide a reasonable signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and allow high throughput efficiency. The physical implementation of a spatial matched filter involves many choices. These include the use of conventional holograms or computer-generated holograms (CGH) and utilizing absorption or phase materials. Conventional holograms inherently modify the reference image by non-uniform emphasis of spatial frequencies. Proper use of film nonlinearity provides improved filter performance by emphasizing frequency ranges crucial to target discrimination. In the case of a CGH, the emphasis of the reference magnitude and phase can be controlled independently of the continuous tone or binary writing processes. This paper describes computer simulation and optical implementation of a geometrical shape and a Synthetic Discriminant Function (SDF) matched filter. The authors chose the binary Allebach-Keegan (AK) CGH algorithm to produce actual filters. The performances of these filters were measured to verify the simulation results. This paper provides a brief summary of the matched filter theory, the SDF, CGH algorithms, Phase-Only-Filtering, simulation procedures, and results.

Adventitious sounds identification and extraction using temporal-spectral dominance-based features.

PubMed

Jin, Feng; Krishnan, Sridhar Sri; Sattar, Farook

2011-11-01

Respiratory sound (RS) signals carry significant information about the underlying functioning of the pulmonary system by the presence of adventitious sounds (ASs). Although many studies have addressed the problem of pathological RS classification, only a limited number of scientific works have focused on the analysis of the evolution of symptom-related signal components in joint time-frequency (TF) plane. This paper proposes a new signal identification and extraction method for various ASs based on instantaneous frequency (IF) analysis. The presented TF decomposition method produces a noise-resistant high definition TF representation of RS signals as compared to the conventional linear TF analysis methods, yet preserving the low computational complexity as compared to those quadratic TF analysis methods. The discarded phase information in conventional spectrogram has been adopted for the estimation of IF and group delay, and a temporal-spectral dominance spectrogram has subsequently been constructed by investigating the TF spreads of the computed time-corrected IF components. The proposed dominance measure enables the extraction of signal components correspond to ASs from noisy RS signal at high noise level. A new set of TF features has also been proposed to quantify the shapes of the obtained TF contours, and therefore strongly, enhances the identification of multicomponents signals such as polyphonic wheezes. An overall accuracy of 92.4±2.9% for the classification of real RS recordings shows the promising performance of the presented method.

Room-temperature nine-µm-wavelength photodetectors and GHz-frequency heterodyne receivers.

PubMed

Palaferri, Daniele; Todorov, Yanko; Bigioli, Azzurra; Mottaghizadeh, Alireza; Gacemi, Djamal; Calabrese, Allegra; Vasanelli, Angela; Li, Lianhe; Davies, A Giles; Linfield, Edmund H; Kapsalidis, Filippos; Beck, Mattias; Faist, Jérôme; Sirtori, Carlo

2018-04-05

Room-temperature operation is essential for any optoelectronics technology that aims to provide low-cost, compact systems for widespread applications. A recent technological advance in this direction is bolometric detection for thermal imaging, which has achieved relatively high sensitivity and video rates (about 60 hertz) at room temperature. However, owing to thermally induced dark current, room-temperature operation is still a great challenge for semiconductor photodetectors targeting the wavelength band between 8 and 12 micrometres, and all relevant applications, such as imaging, environmental remote sensing and laser-based free-space communication, have been realized at low temperatures. For these devices, high sensitivity and high speed have never been compatible with high-temperature operation. Here we show that a long-wavelength (nine micrometres) infrared quantum-well photodetector fabricated from a metamaterial made of sub-wavelength metallic resonators exhibits strongly enhanced performance with respect to the state of the art up to room temperature. This occurs because the photonic collection area of each resonator is much larger than its electrical area, thus substantially reducing the dark current of the device. Furthermore, we show that our photonic architecture overcomes intrinsic limitations of the material, such as the drop of the electronic drift velocity with temperature, which constrains conventional geometries at cryogenic operation. Finally, the reduced physical area of the device and its increased responsivity allow us to take advantage of the intrinsic high-frequency response of the quantum detector at room temperature. By mixing the frequencies of two quantum-cascade lasers on the detector, which acts as a heterodyne receiver, we have measured a high-frequency signal, above four gigahertz (GHz). Therefore, these wide-band uncooled detectors could benefit technologies such as high-speed (gigabits per second) multichannel coherent data transfer and high-precision molecular spectroscopy.

Room-temperature nine-µm-wavelength photodetectors and GHz-frequency heterodyne receivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palaferri, Daniele; Todorov, Yanko; Bigioli, Azzurra; Mottaghizadeh, Alireza; Gacemi, Djamal; Calabrese, Allegra; Vasanelli, Angela; Li, Lianhe; Davies, A. Giles; Linfield, Edmund H.; Kapsalidis, Filippos; Beck, Mattias; Faist, Jérôme; Sirtori, Carlo

2018-04-01

Room-temperature operation is essential for any optoelectronics technology that aims to provide low-cost, compact systems for widespread applications. A recent technological advance in this direction is bolometric detection for thermal imaging, which has achieved relatively high sensitivity and video rates (about 60 hertz) at room temperature. However, owing to thermally induced dark current, room-temperature operation is still a great challenge for semiconductor photodetectors targeting the wavelength band between 8 and 12 micrometres, and all relevant applications, such as imaging, environmental remote sensing and laser-based free-space communication, have been realized at low temperatures. For these devices, high sensitivity and high speed have never been compatible with high-temperature operation. Here we show that a long-wavelength (nine micrometres) infrared quantum-well photodetector fabricated from a metamaterial made of sub-wavelength metallic resonators exhibits strongly enhanced performance with respect to the state of the art up to room temperature. This occurs because the photonic collection area of each resonator is much larger than its electrical area, thus substantially reducing the dark current of the device. Furthermore, we show that our photonic architecture overcomes intrinsic limitations of the material, such as the drop of the electronic drift velocity with temperature, which constrains conventional geometries at cryogenic operation. Finally, the reduced physical area of the device and its increased responsivity allow us to take advantage of the intrinsic high-frequency response of the quantum detector at room temperature. By mixing the frequencies of two quantum-cascade lasers on the detector, which acts as a heterodyne receiver, we have measured a high-frequency signal, above four gigahertz (GHz). Therefore, these wide-band uncooled detectors could benefit technologies such as high-speed (gigabits per second) multichannel coherent data transfer and high-precision molecular spectroscopy.

Free and forced vibrations of a tyre using a wave/finite element approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waki, Y.; Mace, B. R.; Brennan, M. J.

2009-06-01

Free and forced vibrations of a tyre are predicted using a wave/finite element (WFE) approach. A short circumferential segment of the tyre is modelled using conventional finite element (FE) methods, a periodicity condition applied and the mass and stiffness matrices post-processed to yield wave properties. Since conventional FE methods are used, commercial FE packages and existing element libraries can be utilised. An eigenvalue problem is formulated in terms of the transfer matrix of the segment. Zhong's method is used to improve numerical conditioning. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors give the wavenumbers and wave mode shapes, which in turn define transformations between the physical and wave domains. A method is described by which the frequency dependent material properties of the rubber components of the tyre can be included without the need to remesh the structure. Expressions for the forced response are developed which are numerically well-conditioned. Numerical results for a smooth tyre are presented. Dispersion curves for real, imaginary and complex wavenumbers are shown. The propagating waves are associated with various forms of motion of the tread supported by the stiffness of the side wall. Various dispersion phenomena are observed, including curve veering, non-zero cut-off and waves for which the phase velocity and the group velocity have opposite signs. Results for the forced response are compared with experimental measurements and good agreement is seen. The forced response is numerically determined for both finite area and point excitations. It is seen that the size of area of the excitation is particularly important at high frequencies. When the size of the excitation area is small enough compared to the tread thickness, the response at high frequencies becomes stiffness-like (reactive) and the effect of shear stiffness becomes important.

Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers as high-power and wideband, gapless sources for spectroscopy.

PubMed

Röben, Benjamin; Lü, Xiang; Hempel, Martin; Biermann, Klaus; Schrottke, Lutz; Grahn, Holger T

2017-07-10

Terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) are powerful radiation sources for high-resolution and high-sensitivity spectroscopy with a discrete spectrum between 2 and 5 THz as well as a continuous coverage of several GHz. However, for many applications, a radiation source with a continuous coverage of a substantially larger frequency range is required. We employed a multi-mode THz QCL operated with a fast ramped injection current, which leads to a collective tuning of equally-spaced Fabry-Pérot laser modes exceeding their separation. A continuous coverage over 72 GHz at about 4.7 THz was achieved. We demonstrate that the QCL is superior to conventional sources used in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio as well as the dynamic range by one to two orders of magnitude. Our results pave the way for versatile THz spectroscopic systems with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity across a wide frequency range.

ACTS High-Speed VSAT Demonstrated

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tran, Quang K.

1999-01-01

The Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) developed by NASA has demonstrated the breakthrough technologies of Ka-band transmission, spot-beam antennas, and onboard processing. These technologies have enabled the development of very small and ultrasmall aperture terminals (VSAT s and USAT's), which have capabilities greater than have been possible with conventional satellite technologies. The ACTS High Speed VSAT (HS VSAT) is an effort at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field to experimentally demonstrate the maximum user throughput data rate that can be achieved using the technologies developed and implemented on ACTS. This was done by operating the system uplinks as frequency division multiple access (FDMA), essentially assigning all available time division multiple access (TDMA) time slots to a single user on each of two uplink frequencies. Preliminary results show that, using a 1.2-m antenna in this mode, the High Speed VSAT can achieve between 22 and 24 Mbps of the 27.5 Mbps burst rate, for a throughput efficiency of 80 to 88 percent.

Investigating the performance of reconstruction methods used in structured illumination microscopy as a function of the illumination pattern's modulation frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shabani, H.; Sánchez-Ortiga, E.; Preza, C.

2016-03-01

Surpassing the resolution of optical microscopy defined by the Abbe diffraction limit, while simultaneously achieving optical sectioning, is a challenging problem particularly for live cell imaging of thick samples. Among a few developing techniques, structured illumination microscopy (SIM) addresses this challenge by imposing higher frequency information into the observable frequency band confined by the optical transfer function (OTF) of a conventional microscope either doubling the spatial resolution or filling the missing cone based on the spatial frequency of the pattern when the patterned illumination is two-dimensional. Standard reconstruction methods for SIM decompose the low and high frequency components from the recorded low-resolution images and then combine them to reach a high-resolution image. In contrast, model-based approaches rely on iterative optimization approaches to minimize the error between estimated and forward images. In this paper, we study the performance of both groups of methods by simulating fluorescence microscopy images from different type of objects (ranging from simulated two-point sources to extended objects). These simulations are used to investigate the methods' effectiveness on restoring objects with various types of power spectrum when modulation frequency of the patterned illumination is changing from zero to the incoherent cut-off frequency of the imaging system. Our results show that increasing the amount of imposed information by using a higher modulation frequency of the illumination pattern does not always yield a better restoration performance, which was found to be depended on the underlying object. Results from model-based restoration show performance improvement, quantified by an up to 62% drop in the mean square error compared to standard reconstruction, with increasing modulation frequency. However, we found cases for which results obtained with standard reconstruction methods do not always follow the same trend.

Fusion of infrared and visible images based on BEMD and NSDFB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Pan; Huang, Zhanhua; Lei, Hai

2016-07-01

This paper presents a new fusion method based on the adaptive multi-scale decomposition of bidimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) and the flexible directional expansion of nonsubsampled directional filter banks (NSDFB) for visible-infrared images. Compared with conventional multi-scale fusion methods, BEMD is non-parametric and completely data-driven, which is relatively more suitable for non-linear signals decomposition and fusion. NSDFB can provide direction filtering on the decomposition levels to capture more geometrical structure of the source images effectively. In our fusion framework, the entropies of the two patterns of source images are firstly calculated and the residue of the image whose entropy is larger is extracted to make it highly relevant with the other source image. Then, the residue and the other source image are decomposed into low-frequency sub-bands and a sequence of high-frequency directional sub-bands in different scales by using BEMD and NSDFB. In this fusion scheme, two relevant fusion rules are used in low-frequency sub-bands and high-frequency directional sub-bands, respectively. Finally, the fused image is obtained by applying corresponding inverse transform. Experimental results indicate that the proposed fusion algorithm can obtain state-of-the-art performance for visible-infrared images fusion in both aspects of objective assessment and subjective visual quality even for the source images obtained in different conditions. Furthermore, the fused results have high contrast, remarkable target information and rich details information that are more suitable for human visual characteristics or machine perception.

New scanner fiber optic delivery system for laser phototherapy in the treatment of neonatal jaundice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamza, Mostafa; Hamza, Mohammad S. E.

1995-05-01

The authors have introduced laser phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal jaundice. Clinical trials have demonstrated its high efficacy compared to the conventionally used fluorescent phototherapy. In this paper a new modification to laser irradiation in phototherapy can be achieved by scanning the laser output beam in the selected wavelength of irradiation (488 nm) through a fiberoptic bundle which irradiate the skin of the baby. Scanning of the laser beam provides intermittent irradiation at high frequency, which can provide the same therapeutic efficacy with almost half the power of laser irradiation.

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

Wang, Yin; Wang, Wen; Wysocki, Gerard, E-mail: gwysocki@princeton.edu

In this Letter, we present a method of performing broadband mid-infrared spectroscopy with conventional, free-running, continuous wave Fabry-Perot quantum cascade lasers (FP-QCLs). The measurement method is based on multi-heterodyne down-conversion of optical signals. The sample transmission spectrum probed by one multi-mode FP-QCL is down-converted to the radio-frequency domain through an optical multi-heterodyne process using a second FP-QCL as the local oscillator. Both a broadband multi-mode spectral measurement as well as high-resolution (∼15 MHz) spectroscopy of molecular absorption are demonstrated and show great potential for development of high performance FP-laser-based spectrometers for chemical sensing.

A Comparison of the Noise Characteristics of a Conventional Slat and Krueger Flap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bahr, Christopher J.; Hutcheson, Florence V.; Thomas, Russell H.; Housman, Jeffery A.

2016-01-01

An aeroacoustic test of two types of leading-edge high-lift devices has been conducted in the NASA Langley Quiet Flow Facility. The test compares a conventional slat with a notional equivalent-mission Krueger flap. The test matrix includes points that allow for direct comparison of the conventional and Krueger devices for equivalent-mission configurations, where the two high-lift devices satisfy the same lift requirements for a free air flight path at the same cruise airfoil angle of attack. Measurements are made for multiple Mach numbers and directivity angles. Results indicate that the Krueger flap shows similar agreement to the expected power law scaling of a conventional flap, both in terms of Strouhal number and fixed frequency (as a surrogate for Helmholtz number). Directivity patterns vary depending on the specific slat and Krueger orientations. Varying the slat gap while holding overlap constant has the same influence on both the conventional slat and Krueger flap acoustic signature. Closing the gap shows dramatic reduction in levels for both devices. Varying the Krueger overlap has a different effect on the data when compared to varying the slat overlap, but analysis is limited by acoustic sources that regularly present themselves in model-scale wind tunnel testing but are not present for full-scale vehicles. The Krueger cavity is found to have some influence on level and directivity, though not as much as the other considered parameter variations. Overall, while the spectra of the two devices are different in detail, their scaling behavior for varying parameters is extremely similar.

Adaptive Control with Reference Model Modification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stepanyan, Vahram; Krishnakumar, Kalmanje

2012-01-01

This paper presents a modification of the conventional model reference adaptive control (MRAC) architecture in order to improve transient performance of the input and output signals of uncertain systems. A simple modification of the reference model is proposed by feeding back the tracking error signal. It is shown that the proposed approach guarantees tracking of the given reference command and the reference control signal (one that would be designed if the system were known) not only asymptotically but also in transient. Moreover, it prevents generation of high frequency oscillations, which are unavoidable in conventional MRAC systems for large adaptation rates. The provided design guideline makes it possible to track a reference commands of any magnitude from any initial position without re-tuning. The benefits of the method are demonstrated with a simulation example

An Improved Azimuth Angle Estimation Method with a Single Acoustic Vector Sensor Based on an Active Sonar Detection System

PubMed Central

Zhao, Anbang; Ma, Lin; Ma, Xuefei; Hui, Juan

2017-01-01

In this paper, an improved azimuth angle estimation method with a single acoustic vector sensor (AVS) is proposed based on matched filtering theory. The proposed method is mainly applied in an active sonar detection system. According to the conventional passive method based on complex acoustic intensity measurement, the mathematical and physical model of this proposed method is described in detail. The computer simulation and lake experiments results indicate that this method can realize the azimuth angle estimation with high precision by using only a single AVS. Compared with the conventional method, the proposed method achieves better estimation performance. Moreover, the proposed method does not require complex operations in frequency-domain and achieves computational complexity reduction. PMID:28230763

Understanding antimicrobial stewardship: Disease severity treatment thresholds and antimicrobial alternatives among organic and conventional calf producers.

PubMed

Habing, Greg; Djordjevic, Catherine; Schuenemann, Gustavo M; Lakritz, Jeff

2016-08-01

Reductions in livestock antimicrobial use (AMU) can be achieved through identification of effective antimicrobial alternatives as well as accurate and stringent identification of cases requiring antimicrobial therapy. Objective measurements of selectivity that incorporate appropriate case definitions are necessary to understand the need and potential for reductions in AMU through judicious use. The objective of this study was to measure selectivity using a novel disease severity treatment threshold for calf diarrhea, and identify predictors of more selective application of antimicrobials among conventional dairy producers. A second objective of this study was to describe the usage frequency and perceptions of efficacy of common antimicrobial alternatives among conventional and organic producers. The cross-sectional survey was mailed to Michigan and Ohio, USA dairy producers and contained questions on AMU attitudes, AMU practices, veterinary-written protocols, and antimicrobial alternatives. The treatment threshold, defined based on the case severity where the producer would normally apply antimicrobials, was identified with a series of descriptions with increasing severity, and ordinal multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between the treatment threshold and individual or herd characteristics. The response rate was 49% (727/1488). Overall, 42% of conventional producers reported any veterinary-written treatment protocol, and 27% (113/412) of conventional producers had a veterinary-written protocol for the treatment of diarrhea that included a case identification. The majority (58%, 253/437) of conventional producers, but a minority (7%) of organic producers disagreed that antibiotic use in agriculture led to resistant bacterial infections in people. Among conventional producers, the proportion of producers applying antimicrobials for therapy increased from 13% to 67% with increasing case severity. The treatment threshold was low, medium, and high for 11% (47/419), 57% (251/419), and 28% (121/419) of conventional producers, respectively. Treatment threshold was not significantly associated with the use of protocols or frequency of veterinary visits; however, individuals with more concern for the public health impact of livestock AMU had a significantly higher treatment threshold (i.e. more selective) (p<0.05). Alternative therapies were used by both organic and conventional producers, but, garlic, aloe, and "other herbal therapies" with little documented efficacy were used by a majority (>60%) of organic producers. Overall, findings from this study highlight the need for research on antimicrobial alternatives, wider application of treatment protocols, and farm personnel education and training on diagnostic criteria for initiation of antimicrobial therapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical measurement of unducted fan flutter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurkov, Anatole P.; Mehmed, Oral

1990-01-01

A nonintrusive optical method is described for flutter vibrations in unducted fan or propeller rotors and provides detailed spectral results for two flutter modes of a scaled unducted fan. The measurements were obtained in a high-speed wind tunnel. A single-rotor and a dual-rotor counterrotating configuration of the model were tested; however, only the forward rotor of the counterrotating configuration fluttered. Conventional strain gages were used to obtain flutter frequency; optical data provided complete phase results and an indication of the flutter mode shape through the ratio of the leading- to trailing-edge flutter amplitudes near the blade tip. In the transonic regime exhibited some features that are usually associated with nonlinear vibrations. Experimental mode shape and frequencies were compared with calculated values that included centrifugal effects.

Design and performance study of a DC-DC flyback converter based on wide bandgap power devices for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alharbi, Salah S.; Alharbi, Saleh S.; Al-bayati, Ali M. S.; Matin, Mohammad

2017-08-01

This paper presents a high-performance dc-dc flyback converter design based on wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices for photovoltaic (PV) applications. Two different power devices, a gallium nitride (GaN)-transistor and a silicon (Si)-MOSFET, are implemented individually in the flyback converter to examine their impact on converter performance. The total power loss of the converter with different power devices is analyzed for various switching frequencies. Converter efficiency is evaluated at different switching frequencies, input voltages, and output power levels. The results reveal that the converter with the GaN-transistor has lower total power loss and better efficiency compared to the converter with the conventional Si-MOSFET.

Subterahertz gyrotron developments for collective Thomson scattering in LHDa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Notake, T.; Saito, T.; Tatematsu, Y.; Kubo, S.; Shimozuma, T.; Tanaka, K.; Nishiura, M.; Fujii, A.; Agusu, La; Ogawa, I.; Idehara, T.

2008-10-01

Collective Thomson scattering (CTS) is expected to provide the spatially resolved velocity distribution functions of not only thermal and tail ions but also alpha particles resulting from fusion reactions. CTS using gyrotrons with frequency higher than the conventional ones used for plasma heating would have advantages to alleviate refraction, cutoff effects, and background electron cyclotron emission noise. Therefore, a high-power pulse gyrotron operating at approximately 400 GHz is being developed for CTS in Large Helical Device (LHD). A single-mode oscillation with a frequency greater than 400 GHz, applying the second-harmonic resonance, was successfully demonstrated in the first stage. At the same time, concrete feasibility study based on ray tracing, scattering spectra, and electron cyclotron emission calculations has been conducted.

APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF HIGH-ENERGY ACCELERATORS

DOEpatents

Heard, H.G.

1961-10-24

A particle beam positioning control for a synchrotron or the like is described. The control includes means for selectively impressing a sinusoidal perturbation upon the rising voltage utilized to sweep the frequency of the f-m oscillator which is conventionally coupled to the accelerating electrode of a synchrotron. The perturbation produces a variation in the normal rate of change of frequency of the accelerating voltage applied to the accelerating electrode, resulting in an expansion or contraction of the particle beam orbit diameter during the perturbation. The beam may thus be controlled such that a portion strikes a target positioned close to the expanded or contracted orbit diameter and returns to the original orbit for further acceleration to the final energy. (AEC)

Extended high-frequency thresholds in college students: effects of music player use and other recreational noise.

PubMed

Le Prell, Colleen G; Spankovich, Christopher; Lobariñas, Edward; Griffiths, Scott K

2013-09-01

Human hearing is sensitive to sounds from as low as 20 Hz to as high as 20,000 Hz in normal ears. However, clinical tests of human hearing rarely include extended high-frequency (EHF) threshold assessments, at frequencies extending beyond 8000 Hz. EHF thresholds have been suggested for use monitoring the earliest effects of noise on the inner ear, although the clinical usefulness of EHF threshold testing is not well established for this purpose. The primary objective of this study was to determine if EHF thresholds in healthy, young adult college students vary as a function of recreational noise exposure. A retrospective analysis of a laboratory database was conducted; all participants with both EHF threshold testing and noise history data were included. The potential for "preclinical" EHF deficits was assessed based on the measured thresholds, with the noise surveys used to estimate recreational noise exposure. EHF thresholds measured during participation in other ongoing studies were available from 87 participants (34 male and 53 female); all participants had hearing within normal clinical limits (≤25 HL) at conventional frequencies (0.25-8 kHz). EHF thresholds closely matched standard reference thresholds [ANSI S3.6 (1996) Annex C]. There were statistically reliable threshold differences in participants who used music players, with 3-6 dB worse thresholds at the highest test frequencies (10-16 kHz) in participants who reported long-term use of music player devices (>5 yr), or higher listening levels during music player use. It should be possible to detect small changes in high-frequency hearing for patients or participants who undergo repeated testing at periodic intervals. However, the increased population-level variability in thresholds at the highest frequencies will make it difficult to identify the presence of small but potentially important deficits in otherwise normal-hearing individuals who do not have previously established baseline data. American Academy of Audiology.

6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) entrapped stealth liposomes for improvement of leukemic treatment without hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

PubMed

Umrethia, Manish; Ghosh, Pradip Kumar; Majithya, Rita; Murthy, R S R

2007-03-01

6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is a purine analogue used in childhood leukemia. Because of the oral bioavailability of 6-MP is low and highly variable, the aim of this study was to develop a new parenteral formulation that can prolong the biological half-life of the drug, improve its therapeutic efficacy, and its associated reduce side effects. Conventional and stealth 6-MP liposomes were prepared by a thin film hydration technique followed by a high-pressure homogenization process and characterized for percent entrapment efficiency (%EE), particle size, and stability in human plasma. Pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and biochemical analysis were performed after intravenous (IV) administration of all formulations of 6-MP on rats. The conventional liposomes were found less stable than stealth liposomes in human plasma at 37 degrees C. Stealth liposomes exhibited high peak plasma concentration (C(max)), and long circulating capacity in blood and biological half-life. The uptake of stealth liposomes by the liver and spleen and accumulation in the kidney were significantly less than that of conventional liposomes and the free drug. Serum urea, creatinine, GOT (Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase), and GPT (Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) increased significantly in rats given an IV injection of conventional liposomes and the free drug, but not in those administered with the same dose of stealth liposomes. Stealth liposomes may help to increase therapeutic efficacy of 6-MP and to reduce total amount of dose as well as frequency of the dose. It also may reduce the possibility of the risk of toxicity to the liver and kidney generally associated with free 6-MP.

High temperature co-axial winding transformers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divan, Deepakraj M.; Novotny, Donald W.

1993-01-01

The analysis and design of co-axial winding transformers is presented. The design equations are derived and the different design approaches are discussed. One of the most important features of co-axial winding transformers is the fact that the leakage inductance is well controlled and can be made low. This is not the case in conventional winding transformers. In addition, the power density of co-axial winding transformers is higher than conventional ones. Hence, using co-axial winding transformers in a certain converter topology improves the power density of the converter. The design methodology used in meeting the proposed specifications of the co-axial winding transformer specifications are presented and discussed. The final transformer design was constructed in the lab. Co-axial winding transformers proved to be a good choice for high power density and high frequency applications. They have a more predictable performance compared with conventional transformers. In addition, the leakage inductance of the transformer can be controlled easily to suit a specific application. For space applications, one major concern is the extraction of heat from power apparatus to prevent excessive heating and hence damaging of these units. Because of the vacuum environment, the only way to extract heat is by using a cold plate. One advantage of co-axial winding transformers is that the surface area available to extract heat from is very large compared to conventional transformers. This stems from the unique structure of the co-axial transformer where the whole core surface area is exposed and can be utilized for cooling effectively. This is a crucial issue here since most of the losses are core losses.

Dual-frequency ultrasound imaging and therapeutic bilaminar array using frequency selective isolation layer.

PubMed

Azuma, Takashi; Ogihara, Makoto; Kubota, Jun; Sasaki, Akira; Umemura, Shin-ichiro; Furuhata, Hiroshi

2010-05-01

A new ultrasound array transducer with two different optimal frequencies designed for diagnosis and therapy integration in Doppler imaging-based transcranial sonothrombolysis is described. Previous studies have shown that respective frequencies around 0.5 and 2 MHz are suitable for sonothrombolysis and Doppler imaging. Because of the small acoustic window available for transcranial ultrasound exposure, it is highly desirable that both therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasounds pass through the same aperture with high efficiency. To achieve such a dual-frequency array transducer, we propose a bilaminar array, having an array for imaging and another for therapy, with a frequency selective isolation layer between the two arrays. The function of this layer is to isolate the imaging array from the therapy array at 2 MHz without disturbing the 0.5-MHz ultrasound transmission. In this study, we first used a 1-D model including two lead zirconate titanate (PZT) layers separated by an isolation layer for intuitive understanding of the phenomena. After that, we optimized the acoustic impedance and thickness of the isolation layer by analyzing pulse propagation in a 2-D model by conducting a numerical simulation with commercially available software. The optimal acoustic impedance and thickness are 3 to 4 MRayI and lambda/10, respectively. On the basis of the optimization, a prototype array transducer was fabricated, and the spatial resolutions of the Doppler images it obtained were found to be practically the same as those obtained through conventional imaging array transducers.

Features of a Self-Mixing Laser Diode Operating Near Relaxation Oscillation.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Yu, Yanguang; Xi, Jiangtao; Fan, Yuanlong; Guo, Qinghua; Tong, Jun; Lewis, Roger A

2016-09-21

When a fraction of the light reflected by an external cavity re-enters the laser cavity, both the amplitude and the frequency of the lasing field can be modulated. This phenomenon is called the self-mixing effect (SME). A self-mixing laser diode (SM-LD) is a sensor using the SME. Usually, such LDs operate below the stability boundary where no relaxation oscillation happens. The boundary is determined by the operation condition including the injection current, optical feedback strength and external cavity length. This paper discovers the features of an SM-LD where the LD operates beyond the stability boundary, that is, near the relaxation oscillation (RO) status. We call the signals from such a SM-LD as RO-SM signals to differentiate them from the conventional SM signals reported in the literature. Firstly, simulations are made based on the well-known Lang and Kobayashi (L-K) equations. Then the experiments are conducted on different LDs to verify the simulation results. It shows that a RO-SM signal exhibits high frequency oscillation with its amplitude modulated by a slow time varying envelop which corresponds to the movement of the external target. The envelope has same fringe structure (half-wavelength displacement resolution) with the conventional SM signals. However, the amplitudes of the RO-SM signals are much higher compared to conventional SM signals. The results presented reveal that an SM-LD operating near the RO has potential for achieving sensing with improved sensitivity.

Flexoelectric in-plane switching (IPS) mode with ultra-high-transmittance, low-voltage, low-frequency, and a flicker-free image.

PubMed

Kim, MinSu; Ham, Hyeong Gyun; Choi, Han-Sol; Bos, Philip J; Yang, Deng-Ke; Lee, Joong Hee; Lee, Seung Hee

2017-03-20

The demands for a power-saving mode for displaying static images are ubiquitous not only in portable devices but also in price tags and advertising panels. At a low-frequency driving in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for low-power consumption, the flexoelectric effect arises even in calamitic liquid crystals and the optical appearance of this physical phenomenon is found to be unusually large, being noticed as an image-flickering. Although the inherent integrated optical transmittance of in-plane switching (IPS) mode is relatively lower than that of fringe-field switching (FFS) mode, the IPS mode shows no static image-flickering but an optical spike (the so-called optical bounce), at the transient moment between signal positive and negative frames. Here, we demonstrate an IPS mode using negative dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystals (Δε < 0) and fine-patterned electrodes (the width w of and the space l between electrodes ≤ 3 μm) with reduced operation voltage (up to 40.7% to a conventional FFS mode with Δε < 0), reduced optical bounce (up to 4.4%. to a conventional FFS mode with Δε < 0) and enhanced transmittance (up to 32.1% to a conventional IPS mode with Δε > 0). We believe the result will contribute not only to the scientific understanding of the optical appearance of flexoelectric effect but also pave the way for engineering of a superior low-power consumption LCD.

Impedance Eduction in Sound Fields With Peripherally Varying Liners and Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, W. R.; Jones, M. G.

2015-01-01

A two-dimensional impedance eduction theory is extended to three-dimensional sound fields and peripherally varying duct liners. The approach is to first measure the acoustic pressure field at a series of flush-mounted wall microphones located around the periphery of the flow duct. The numerical solution for the acoustic pressure field at these microphones is also obtained by solving the three-dimensional convected Helmholtz equation using the finite element method. A quadratic objective function based on the difference between the measured and finite element solution is constructed and the unknown impedance function is obtained by minimizing this objective function. Impedance spectra educed for two uniform-structure liners (a wire-mesh and a conventional liner) and a hard-soft-hard peripherally varying liner (for which the soft segment is that of the conventional liner) are presented. Results are presented at three mean flow Mach numbers and fourteen sound source frequencies. The impedance spectra of the uniform-structure liners are also computed using a two-dimensional impedance eduction theory. The primary conclusions of the study are: 1) when measured data is used with the uniform-structure liners, the three-dimensional theory reproduces the same impedance spectra as the two-dimensional theory except for frequencies corresponding to very low or very high liner attenuation; and 2) good agreement between the educed impedance spectra of the uniform structure conventional liner and the soft segment of the peripherally varying liner is obtained.

Features of a Self-Mixing Laser Diode Operating Near Relaxation Oscillation

PubMed Central

Liu, Bin; Yu, Yanguang; Xi, Jiangtao; Fan, Yuanlong; Guo, Qinghua; Tong, Jun; Lewis, Roger A.

2016-01-01

When a fraction of the light reflected by an external cavity re-enters the laser cavity, both the amplitude and the frequency of the lasing field can be modulated. This phenomenon is called the self-mixing effect (SME). A self-mixing laser diode (SM-LD) is a sensor using the SME. Usually, such LDs operate below the stability boundary where no relaxation oscillation happens. The boundary is determined by the operation condition including the injection current, optical feedback strength and external cavity length. This paper discovers the features of an SM-LD where the LD operates beyond the stability boundary, that is, near the relaxation oscillation (RO) status. We call the signals from such a SM-LD as RO-SM signals to differentiate them from the conventional SM signals reported in the literature. Firstly, simulations are made based on the well-known Lang and Kobayashi (L-K) equations. Then the experiments are conducted on different LDs to verify the simulation results. It shows that a RO-SM signal exhibits high frequency oscillation with its amplitude modulated by a slow time varying envelop which corresponds to the movement of the external target. The envelope has same fringe structure (half-wavelength displacement resolution) with the conventional SM signals. However, the amplitudes of the RO-SM signals are much higher compared to conventional SM signals. The results presented reveal that an SM-LD operating near the RO has potential for achieving sensing with improved sensitivity. PMID:27657077

The in-line measurement of plant cell biomass using radio frequency impedance spectroscopy as a component of process analytical technology.

PubMed

Holland, Tanja; Blessing, Daniel; Hellwig, Stephan; Sack, Markus

2013-10-01

Radio frequency impedance spectroscopy (RFIS) is a robust method for the determination of cell biomass during fermentation. RFIS allows non-invasive in-line monitoring of the passive electrical properties of cells in suspension and can distinguish between living and dead cells based on their distinct behavior in an applied radio frequency field. We used continuous in situ RFIS to monitor batch-cultivated plant suspension cell cultures in stirred-tank bioreactors and compared the in-line data to conventional off-line measurements. RFIS-based analysis was more rapid and more accurate than conventional biomass determination, and was sensitive to changes in cell viability. The higher resolution of the in-line measurement revealed subtle changes in cell growth which were not accessible using conventional methods. Thus, RFIS is well suited for correlating such changes with intracellular states and product accumulation, providing unique opportunities for employing systems biotechnology and process analytical technology approaches to increase product yield and quality. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A New Dual-Frequency Liquid Crystal Lens with Ring-and-Pie Electrodes and a Driving Scheme to Prevent Disclination Lines and Improve Recovery Time

PubMed Central

Kao, Yung-Yuan; Chao, Paul C.-P.

2011-01-01

A new liquid crystal lens design is proposed to improve the recovery time with a ring-and-pie electrode pattern through a suitable driving scheme and using dual-frequency liquid crystals (DFLC) MLC-2048. Compared with the conventional single hole-type liquid crystal lens, this new structure of the DFLC lens is composed of only two ITO glasses, one of which is designed with the ring-and-pie pattern. For this device, one can control the orientation of liquid crystal directors via a three-stage switching procedure on the particularly-designed ring-and-pie electrode pattern. This aims to eliminate the disclination lines, and using different drive frequencies to reduce the recovery time to be less than 5 seconds. The proposed DFLC lens is shown effective in reducing recovery time, and then serves well as a potential device in places of the conventional lenses with fixed focus lengths and the conventional LC lens with a single circular-hole electrode pattern. PMID:22163906

Long-term, high-frequency water quality monitoring in an agricultural catchment: insights from spectral analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aubert, Alice; Kirchner, James; Faucheux, Mikael; Merot, Philippe; Gascuel-Odoux, Chantal

2013-04-01

The choice of sampling frequency is a key issue in the design and operation of environmental observatories. The choice of sampling frequency creates a spectral window (or temporal filter) that highlights some timescales and processes, and de-emphasizes others (1). New online measurement technologies can monitor surface water quality almost continuously, allowing the creation of very rich time series. The question of how best to analyze such detailed temporal datasets is an important issue in environmental monitoring. In the present work, we studied water quality data from the AgrHys long-term hydrological observatory (located at Kervidy-Naizin, Western France) sampled at daily and 20-minute time scales. Manual sampling has provided 12 years of daily measurements of nitrate, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chloride and sulfate (2), and 3 years of daily measurements of about 30 other solutes. In addition, a UV-spectrometry probe (Spectrolyser) provides one year of 20-minute measurements for nitrate and DOC. Spectral analysis of the daily water quality time series reveals that our intensively farmed catchment exhibits universal 1/f scaling (power spectrum slope of -1) for a large number of solutes, confirming and extending the earlier discovery of universal 1/f scaling in the relatively pristine Plynlimon catchment (3). 1/f time series confound conventional methods for assessing the statistical significance of trends. Indeed, conventional methods assume that there is a clear separation of scales between the signal (the trend line) and the noise (the scatter around the line). This is not true for 1/f noise, since it overestimates the occurrence of significant trends. Our results raise the possibility that 1/f scaling is widespread in water quality time series, thus posing fundamental challenges to water quality trend analysis. Power spectra of the 20-minute nitrate and DOC time series show 1/f scaling at frequencies below 1/day, consistent with the longer-term daily measurements. At higher frequencies, however, the spectra steepen to a slope of -2, indicating that at sub-daily time scales the concentration time series become relatively smooth. However, at time scales shorter than 2-3 hours, the spectra flatten to a slope near zero (white noise), reflecting analytical noise in the measurement probe. This result demonstrates that measuring water quality dynamics at high frequencies also requires high measurement precision, because as measurements are taken closer and closer together in time, the real-world differences that must be measured between adjacent measurements become smaller and smaller. Our results highlight the importance of quantifying the spectral properties of analytical noise in environmental measurements, to identify frequency ranges where measurements could be dominated by analytical noise instead of real-world signals. 1. Kirchner, J.W., Feng, X., Neal, C., Robson, A.J., 2004. The fine structure of water-quality dynamics: the (high-frequency) wave of the future. Hydrological Processes, 18(7): 1353-1359 2. Aubert, A.H. et al., 2012. The chemical signature of a livestock farming catchment: synthesis from a high-frequency multi-element long term monitoring. HESSD, 9(8): 9715 - 9741 3. Kirchner, J.W. and Neal, C., 2013. Universal fractal scaling in water quality dynamics across the periodic table. Manuscript in review.

A fresh look at the predictors of naming accuracy and errors in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Cuetos, Fernando; Rodríguez-Ferreiro, Javier; Sage, Karen; Ellis, Andrew W

2012-09-01

In recent years, a considerable number of studies have tried to establish which characteristics of objects and their names predict the responses of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the picture-naming task. The frequency of use of words and their age of acquisition (AoA) have been implicated as two of the most influential variables, with naming being best preserved for objects with high-frequency, early-acquired names. The present study takes a fresh look at the predictors of naming success in Spanish and English AD patients using a range of measures of word frequency and AoA along with visual complexity, imageability, and word length as predictors. Analyses using generalized linear mixed modelling found that naming accuracy was better predicted by AoA ratings taken from older adults than conventional ratings from young adults. Older frequency measures based on written language samples predicted accuracy better than more modern measures based on the frequencies of words in film subtitles. Replacing adult frequency with an estimate of cumulative (lifespan) frequency did not reduce the impact of AoA. Semantic error rates were predicted by both written word frequency and senior AoA while null response errors were only predicted by frequency. Visual complexity, imageability, and word length did not predict naming accuracy or errors. ©2012 The British Psychological Society.

Development of a Multi-Channel, High Frequency QRS Electrocardiograph

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DePalma, Jude L.

2003-01-01

With the advent of the ISS era and the potential requirement for increased cardiovascular monitoring of crewmembers during extended EVAs, NASA flight surgeons would stand to benefit from an evolving technology that allows for a more rapid diagnosis of myocardial ischemia compared to standard electrocardiography. Similarly, during the astronaut selection process, NASA flight surgeons and other physicians would also stand to benefit from a completely noninvasive technology that, either at rest or during maximal exercise tests, is more sensitive than standard ECG in identifying the presence of ischemia. Perhaps most importantly, practicing cardiologists and emergency medicine physicians could greatly benefit from such a device as it could augment (or even replace) standard electrocardiography in settings where the rapid diagnosis of myocardial ischemia (or the lack thereof) is required for proper clinical decision-making. A multi-channel, high-frequency QRS electrocardiograph is currently under development in the Life Sciences Research Laboratories at JSC. Specifically the project consisted of writing software code, some of which contained specially-designed digital filters, which will be incorporated into an existing commercial software program that is already designed to collect, plot and analyze conventional 12-lead ECG signals on a desktop, portable or palm PC. The software will derive the high-frequency QRS signals, which will be analyzed (in numerous ways) and plotted alongside of the conventional ECG signals, giving the PC-viewing clinician advanced diagnostic information that has never been available previously in all 12 ECG leads simultaneously. After the hardware and software for the advanced digital ECG monitor have been fully integrated, plans are to use the monitor to begin clinical studies both on healthy subjects and on patients with known coronary artery disease in both the outpatient and hospital settings. The ultimate goal is to get the technology out into the clinical world, where it has the potential to save lives.

Sub-Frequency Interval Approach in Electromechanical Impedance Technique for Concrete Structure Health Monitoring

PubMed Central

Yang, Yaowen; Divsholi, Bahador Sabet

2010-01-01

The electromechanical (EM) impedance technique using piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducers for structural health monitoring (SHM) has attracted considerable attention in various engineering fields. In the conventional EM impedance technique, the EM admittance of a PZT transducer is used as a damage indicator. Statistical analysis methods such as root mean square deviation (RMSD) have been employed to associate the damage level with the changes in the EM admittance signatures, but it is difficult to determine the location of damage using such methods. This paper proposes a new approach by dividing the large frequency (30–400 kHz) range into sub-frequency intervals and calculating their respective RMSD values. The RMSD of the sub-frequency intervals (RMSD-S) will be used to study the severity and location of damage. An experiment is carried out on a real size concrete structure subjected to artificial damage. It is observed that damage close to the PZT changes the high frequency range RMSD-S significantly, while the damage far away from the PZT changes the RMSD-S in the low frequency range significantly. The relationship between the frequency range and the PZT sensing region is also presented. Finally, a damage identification scheme is proposed to estimate the location and severity of damage in concrete structures. PMID:22163548

Enhanced subcarrier-index modulation-based asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM using even subcarriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Rui; Xu, Wei; Yang, Zhaohui; Huang, Nuo; Wang, Jin-Yuan; Chen, Ming

2017-11-01

In this paper, we propose a subcarrier-index modulation-based asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SACO-OFDM) scheme for optical wireless communication (OWC) systems, which benefits from the subcarrier-index modulation (SIM) and asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM) techniques. SACO-OFDM conveys additional information via the subcarrier indexing, and the error rate of the bit transmitted by the subcarrier indexing is much lower than that of the conventional M-ary modulation scheme. On the other hand, as the signal constellation in M-ary modulation is relieved, SACO-OFDM has simple transceiver structure and low detection complexity. Moreover, considering the spectral, an enhanced SACO-OFDM (ESACO-OFDM) using even subcarriers is proposed. In this technique, the odd subcarriers are activated for SACO-OFDM, and the imaginary part of even subcarriers are activated for pulse-amplitude-modulated discrete multitone (PAM-DMT). Clearly, ESACO-OFDM achieves better spectral efficiency than the conventional optical OFDM, since all subcarriers are used for data transmission. Simulation results verify the significant bit error rate (BER) and peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) improvement by the proposed ESACO-OFDM, especially for the medium-to-high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime.