Demonstration and evaluation of gas turbine transit buses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

The Gas Turbine Transit Bus Demonstration Program was designed to demonstrate and evaluate the operation of gas turbine engines in transit coaches in revenue service compared with diesel powered coaches. The main objective of the program was to accelerate development and commercialization of automotive gas turbines. The benefits from the installation of this engine in a transit coach were expected to be reduced weight, cleaner exhaust emissions, lower noise levels, reduced engine vibration and maintenance requirements, improved reliability and vehicle performance, greater engine braking capability, and superior cold weather starting. Four RTS-II advanced design transit coaches were converted to gas turbine power using engines and transmissions. Development, acceptance, performance and systems tests were performed on the coaches prior to the revenue service demonstration.

Psychiatric OSCE Performance of Students with and without a Previous Core Psychiatry Clerkship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goisman, Robert M.; Levin, Robert M.; Krupat, Edward; Pelletier, Stephen R.; Alpert, Jonathan E.

2010-01-01

Objective: The OSCE has been demonstrated to be a reliable and valid method by which to assess students' clinical skills. An OSCE station was used to determine whether or not students who had completed a core psychiatry clerkship demonstrated skills that were superior to those who had not taken the clerkship and which areas discriminated between…

Academic Motivation, Self-Concept, Engagement, and Performance in High School: Key Processes from a Longitudinal Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Jasmine; Liem, Gregory Arief D.; Martin, Andrew J.; Colmar, Susan; Marsh, Herbert W.; McInerney, Dennis

2012-01-01

The study tested three theoretically/conceptually hypothesized longitudinal models of academic processes leading to academic performance. Based on a longitudinal sample of 1866 high-school students across two consecutive years of high school (Time 1 and Time 2), the model with the most superior heuristic value demonstrated: (a) academic motivation…

LiFePO4 nanoparticles encapsulated in graphene nanoshells for high-performance lithium-ion battery cathodes.

PubMed

Fei, Huilong; Peng, Zhiwei; Yang, Yang; Li, Lei; Raji, Abdul-Rahman O; Samuel, Errol L G; Tour, James M

2014-07-11

LiFePO4 encapsulated in graphene nanoshells (LiFePO4@GNS) nanoparticles were synthesized by solid state reaction between graphene-coated Fe nanoparticles and LiH2PO4. The resulting nanocomposite was demonstrated to be a superior lithium-ion battery cathode with improved cycle and rate performances.

Sex differences in episodic memory: the impact of verbal and visuospatial ability.

PubMed

Herlitz, A; Airaksinen, E; Nordström, E

1999-10-01

The impact of verbal and visuospatial ability on sex differences in episodic memory was investigated. One hundred men and 100 women, 2040 years old, participated in a series of verbal and visuospatial tasks. Episodic memory was assessed in tasks that, to a greater or lesser extent, were verbal or visuospatial in nature. Results showed that women excelled in verbal production tasks and that men performed at a superior level on a mental rotation task. In addition, women tended to perform at a higher level than men on most episodic memory tasks. Taken together, the results demonstrated that (a) women perform at a higher level than men on most verbal episodic memory tasks and on some episodic memory tasks with a visuospatial component, and (b) women's higher performance on episodic memory tasks cannot fully be explained by their superior performance on verbal production tasks.

[Carotid endarterectomy. Analysis of 193 consecutive cases].

PubMed

Angusto, A; Atienza, M; Morant, F; Vélez, A; Lorente, M C; Azcona, J M

1997-01-01

In the last years, several randomized and multicenter trials have been performed to evaluate the benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CE) in the carotid stenosis. To determine whether CE could be performed safely at hospitals not included in international trials, the results of 193 consecutive CEs performed during a 10-year period at a medical center of our environment were reviewed. A 65.8% of CEs were performed on symptomatic patients, 68.5% of whom had stenosis superiores to 70%. Among asymptomatic patients, 89.4% had stenosis superiores to 70%. Three patients died. Besides there were five nonfatal neurologic complications (one reversible ischemic neurologic deficit, one minor stroke and three major strokes). The mortality rate was 1.5%, the rate of mayor neurologic morbidity and mortality was 3.1% and the rate of total neurologic morbidity and mortality was 4.1%. These data demonstrate that CE can be performed with safety at Divisions of Vascular Surgery of our environment.

Pantomiming tool use with an imaginary tool in hand as compared to demonstration with tool in hand specifically modulates the left middle and superior temporal gyri.

PubMed

Lausberg, Hedda; Kazzer, Philipp; Heekeren, Hauke R; Wartenburger, Isabell

2015-10-01

Neuropsychological lesion studies evidence the necessity to differentiate between various forms of tool-related actions such as real tool use, tool use demonstration with tool in hand and without physical target object, and pantomime without tool in hand. However, thus far, neuroimaging studies have primarily focused only on investigating tool use pantomimes. The present fMRI study investigates pantomime without tool in hand as compared to tool use demonstration with tool in hand in order to explore patterns of cerebral signal modulation associated with acting with imaginary tools in hand. Fifteen participants performed with either hand (i) tool use pantomime with an imaginary tool in hand in response to visual tool presentation and (ii) tool use demonstration with tool in hand in response to visual-tactile tool presentation. In both conditions, no physical target object was present. The conjunction analysis of the right and left hands executions of tool use pantomime relative to tool use demonstration yielded significant activity in the left middle and superior temporal lobe. In contrast, demonstration relative to pantomime revealed large bihemispherically distributed homologous areas of activity. Thus far, fMRI studies have demonstrated the relevance of the left middle and superior temporal gyri in viewing, naming, and matching tools and related actions and contexts. Since in our study all these factors were equally (ir)relevant both in the tool use pantomime and the tool use demonstration conditions, the present findings enhance the knowledge about the function of these brain regions in tool-related cognitive processes. The two contrasted conditions only differ regarding the fact that the pantomime condition requires the individual to act with an imaginary tool in hand. Therefore, we suggest that the left middle and superior temporal gyri are specifically involved in integrating the projected mental image of a tool in the execution of a tool-specific movement concept. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Super-recognition in development: A case study of an adolescent with extraordinary face recognition skills.

PubMed

Bennetts, Rachel J; Mole, Joseph; Bate, Sarah

2017-09-01

Face recognition abilities vary widely. While face recognition deficits have been reported in children, it is unclear whether superior face recognition skills can be encountered during development. This paper presents O.B., a 14-year-old female with extraordinary face recognition skills: a "super-recognizer" (SR). O.B. demonstrated exceptional face-processing skills across multiple tasks, with a level of performance that is comparable to adult SRs. Her superior abilities appear to be specific to face identity: She showed an exaggerated face inversion effect and her superior abilities did not extend to object processing or non-identity aspects of face recognition. Finally, an eye-movement task demonstrated that O.B. spent more time than controls examining the nose - a pattern previously reported in adult SRs. O.B. is therefore particularly skilled at extracting and using identity-specific facial cues, indicating that face and object recognition are dissociable during development, and that super recognition can be detected in adolescence.

Pseudocapacitive Behaviors of Li2FeTiO4/C Hybrid Porous Nanotubes for Novel Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes with Superior Performances.

PubMed

Tang, Yakun; Liu, Lang; Zhao, Hongyang; Zhang, Yue; Kong, Ling Bing; Gao, Shasha; Li, Xiaohui; Wang, Lei; Jia, Dianzeng

2018-06-20

Hybrid nanotubes of cation disordered rock salt structured Li 2 FeTiO 4 nanoparticles embedded in porous CNTs were developed. Such unique hybrids with continuous 3D electron transportation paths and isolated small particles have been shown to be an ideal architecture that brought out enhanced electrochemical performances. Meanwhile, they exhibited improved extrinsic capacitive characteristics. In addition, we demonstrate a successful example to use cathode active material as anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). More importantly, our hybrids had much superior electrochemical performances than most of the reported Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -based nanocomposites. Therefore, it is concluded that Li 2 FeTiO 4 can be a prospective anode material for LIBs.

Paramedic self-efficacy and skill retention in pediatric airway management.

PubMed

Youngquist, Scott T; Henderson, Deborah P; Gausche-Hill, Marianne; Goodrich, Suzanne M; Poore, Pamela D; Lewis, Roger J

2008-12-01

The objectives were to determine the effect of pediatric airway management training on paramedic self-efficacy and skill performance and to determine which of several retraining methods is superior. A total of 2,520 paramedics were trained to proficiency in pediatric bag-mask ventilation (BMV) and endotracheal intubation (ETI) on mannequins. Subjects were a convenience sample of 245 (10% of original cohort) presenting for voluntary retraining. A total of 212 of 245 (87%) completed skills testing. Self-efficacy was measured prior to and following initial training and retraining events. Paramedics were assigned to control (no retraining), videotape presentation, self-directed learning, or instructor-facilitated lecture and demonstration retraining. Following retraining, BMV and ETI skills were tested. Paramedics from low-call-volume areas reported lower baseline self-efficacy and derived larger increases with training, but also experienced the most decline between training events. Pass rates for BMV and ETI were 66% (139/211) and 42% (88/212), respectively. However, overall cohort self-efficacy was maintained over the study period. In ordinal regression modeling, only the lecture and demonstration method was superior to control, with an odds ratio (OR) of achieving higher scores of 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2 to 5.2) for BMV and 5.2 (95% CI = 2.4 to 11.2) for ETI. Poor performance with ETI but not BMV was associated with time elapsed since training (p = 0.01). Self-efficacy ratings were not predictive of skill performance. Training provides increases in self-efficacy, particularly among paramedics from low-call-volume areas. A gap exists between self-efficacy and skill performance, in that self-efficacy may be maintained even when skill performance declines. Pediatric airway skills decay quickly, ETI skills drop off more significantly than BMV skills, and a lecture and demonstration format seems superior to other retraining methods investigated.

Modeling Interval Temporal Dependencies for Complex Activities Understanding

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-11

ORGANIZATION NAMES AND ADDRESSES U.S. Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 15. SUBJECT TERMS Human activity modeling...computer vision applications: human activity recognition and facial activity recognition. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the

Memory for faces and objects by deaf and hearing signers and hearing nonsigners.

PubMed

Arnold, P; Murray, C

1998-07-01

The memory of 11 deaf and 11 hearing British Sign Language users and 11 hearing nonsigners for pictures of faces of and verbalizable objects was measured using the game Concentration. The three groups performed at the same level for the objects. In contrast the deaf signers were better for faces than the hearing signers, who in turn were superior to the hearing nonsigners, who were the worst. Three hypotheses were made: That there would be no significant difference in terms of the number of attempts between the three groups on the verbalizable object task, that the hearing and deaf signers would demonstrate superior performance to that of the hearing nonsigners on the matching faces task, and that the hearing and deaf signers would exhibit similar performance levels on the matching faces task. The first two hypotheses were supported, but the third was not. Deaf signers were found to be superior for memory for faces to hearing signers and hearing nonsigners. Possible explanations for the findings are discussed, including the possibility that deafness and the long use of sign language have additive effects.

Rating leniency and halo in multisource feedback ratings: testing cultural assumptions of power distance and individualism-collectivism.

PubMed

Ng, Kok-Yee; Koh, Christine; Ang, Soon; Kennedy, Jeffrey C; Chan, Kim-Yin

2011-09-01

This study extends multisource feedback research by assessing the effects of rater source and raters' cultural value orientations on rating bias (leniency and halo). Using a motivational perspective of performance appraisal, the authors posit that subordinate raters followed by peers will exhibit more rating bias than superiors. More important, given that multisource feedback systems were premised on low power distance and individualistic cultural assumptions, the authors expect raters' power distance and individualism-collectivism orientations to moderate the effects of rater source on rating bias. Hierarchical linear modeling on data collected from 1,447 superiors, peers, and subordinates who provided developmental feedback to 172 military officers show that (a) subordinates exhibit the most rating leniency, followed by peers and superiors; (b) subordinates demonstrate more halo than superiors and peers, whereas superiors and peers do not differ; (c) the effects of power distance on leniency and halo are strongest for subordinates than for peers and superiors; (d) the effects of collectivism on leniency were stronger for subordinates and peers than for superiors; effects on halo were stronger for subordinates than superiors, but these effects did not differ for subordinates and peers. The present findings highlight the role of raters' cultural values in multisource feedback ratings. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved

Reducing dietary protein in pond production of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis): Effects on fish performance and water quality dynamics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In previous work, we demonstrated that diets containing 40% digestible protein (DP) (45% crude protein) and 18 %lipid supplemented with Met and Lys resulted in superior performance and nutrient retentions in hybrid striped bass compared to less energy-dense diets when rearing hybrid striped bass at ...

Low-Torque Seal Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lattime, Scott B.; Borowski, Richard

2009-01-01

The EcoTurn Class K production prototypes have passed all AAR qualification tests and received conditional approval. The accelerated life test on the second set of seals is in progress. Due to the performance of the first set, no problems are expected.The seal has demonstrated superior performance over the HDL seal in the test lab with virtually zero torque and excellent contamination exclusion and grease retention.

Highly efficient growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on Fe-Ni based metal alloy foils for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amalina Raja Seman, Raja Noor; Asyadi Azam, Mohd; Ambri Mohamed, Mohd

2016-12-01

Supercapacitors are highly promising energy devices with superior charge storage performance and a long lifecycle. Construction of the supercapacitor cell, especially electrode fabrication, is critical to ensure good performance in applications. This work demonstrates direct growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on Fe-Ni based metal alloy foils, namely SUS 310S, Inconel 600 and YEF 50, and their use in symmetric vertically aligned CNT supercapacitor electrodes. Alumina and cobalt thin film catalysts were deposited onto the foils, and then CNT growth was performed using alcohol catalytic chemical vapour deposition. By this method, vertically aligned CNTs were successfully grown and used directly as a binder-free supercapacitor electrode to deliver excellent electrochemical performance. The device showed relatively good specific capacitance, a superior rate capability and excellent cycle stability, maintaining about 96% capacitance up to 1000 cycles.

Early Language Abilities of High-Risk Infants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hubatch, Leona M.; And Others

1985-01-01

Ten children with a history of prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were matched with 101 full-term controls in the single-word stage of language. Control subjects demonstrated superior performance on all receptive language and child verbosity measures despite their younger age. (Author/CL)

Mnemonic training reshapes brain networks to support superior memory

PubMed Central

Dresler, Martin; Shirer, William R.; Konrad, Boris N.; Müller, Nils C.J.; Wagner, Isabella C.; Fernández, Guillén; Czisch, Michael; Greicius, Michael D.

2017-01-01

Summary Memory skills strongly differ across the general population, however little is known about the brain characteristics supporting superior memory performance. Here, we assess functional brain network organization of 23 of the world’s most successful memory athletes and matched controls by fMRI during both task-free resting state baseline and active memory encoding. We demonstrate that in a group of naïve controls, functional connectivity changes induced by six weeks of mnemonic training were correlated with the network organization that distinguishes athletes from controls. During rest, this effect was mainly driven by connections between rather than within the visual, medial temporal lobe and default mode networks, whereas during task it was driven by connectivity within these networks. Similarity with memory athlete connectivity patterns predicted memory improvements up to 4 months after training. In conclusion, mnemonic training drives distributed rather than regional changes, reorganizing the brain’s functional network organization to enable superior memory performance. PMID:28279356

Doe v. Dyer-Goode.

PubMed

1989-11-29

This case came on appeal to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania after the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, dismissed the patient's action against a physician for performing an unauthorized AIDS test on the patient's blood. The patient had sought the physician's services for a premarital blood test. The physician performed the test, but also performed an AIDS test. The patient was told that his blood tested HIV-positive. The patient subsequently retested negative, but he sued the physician. The Superior Court ruled that the extraction of the blood was not unreasonable and that informed consent was not required. Therefore, the patient's claims of invasion of privacy and battery were dismissed. Furthermore, the Court found that the patient alleged insufficient evidence to demonstrate breach of contract, breach of duty to deal in good faith, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims against the physician.

Friends as Coworkers: Research Review and Classroom Implications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zajac, Robert J.; Hartup, Willard W.

1997-01-01

Provides evidence that benefits occur when friends, compared with nonfriends, are coworkers on cognitive tasks. Notes meta-analysis which found superior performance was demonstrated in the areas of seeking scarce resources, problem solving, creative activity, and reaching consensus. Argues teachers should consider giving students the opportunity…

Adolescents' Visual Preference for Color over Form.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uba, Anselm

1985-01-01

Examines whether Nigerian adolescent girls are more likely to demonstrate superior performance in a task involving cultural differences in visual selective attention preference for color over form than boys are. Students (N=100) completed the Visual Selective Attention Color-Form Matching Experiment. Results confirmed the hypothesis. (BH)

Treatment for unicameral bone cysts in long bones: an evidence based review.

PubMed

Donaldson, Sandra; Chundamala, Josie; Yandow, Suzanne; Wright, James G

2010-03-20

The purpose of this paper is to perform an evidence based review for treatment of unicameral bone cysts. A search of MEDLINE (1966 to 2009) was conducted and the studies were classified according to levels of evidence. This review includes only comparative Level I-III studies. The systematic review identified 16 studies. There is one level I study, one level II study and the remaining 14 studies are level III. Seven of the sixteen studies had statistically different results: three studies indicated that steroid injection was superior to bone marrow injection or curettage and bone grafting; one study indicated that cannulated screws were superior to steroid injections; one study indicated resection and myoplasty was superior to steroid injection; one study indicated a combination of steroid, demineralized bone matrix and bone marrow aspirate, and curettage and bone grafting were superior to steroid injection; and one study indicated that curettage and bone grafting was superior to non-operative immobilization. Based on one Level I study, including a limited number of individuals, steroid injection seems to be superior to bone marrow injection. As steroid injections have already demonstrated superiority over bone marrow injections in a randomized clinical trial, the next step would be a prospective trial comparing steroid injections with other treatments.

Treatment for unicameral bone cysts in long bones: an evidence based review

PubMed Central

Donaldson, Sandra; Chundamala, Josie; Yandow, Suzanne; Wright, James G.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to perform an evidence based review for treatment of unicameral bone cysts. A search of MEDLINE (1966 to 2009) was conducted and the studies were classified according to levels of evidence. This review includes only comparative Level I-III studies. The systematic review identified 16 studies. There is one level I study, one level II study and the remaining 14 studies are level III. Seven of the sixteen studies had statistically different results: three studies indicated that steroid injection was superior to bone marrow injection or curettage and bone grafting; one study indicated that cannulated screws were superior to steroid injections; one study indicated resection and myoplasty was superior to steroid injection; one study indicated a combination of steroid, demineralized bone matrix and bone marrow aspirate, and curettage and bone grafting were superior to steroid injection; and one study indicated that curettage and bone grafting was superior to non-operative immobilization. Based on one Level I study, including a limited number of individuals, steroid injection seems to be superior to bone marrow injection. As steroid injections have already demonstrated superiority over bone marrow injections in a randomized clinical trial, the next step would be a prospective trial comparing steroid injections with other treatments. PMID:21808696

Right Atrial Anomalous Muscle Bundle Presenting with Acute Superior Vena Cava Syndrome and Pulmonary Embolism: Surgical Management.

PubMed

Madjarov, Jeko M; Katz, Michael G; Madjarova, Sophia; Madzharov, Svetozar; Arko, Frank R; Miller, David W; Robicsek, Francis

2018-05-21

An anomalous muscle bundle crossing the right atrial cavity represents a pathological finding with unproved clinical significance. This congenital anomaly may be difficult to recognize via echocardiography and could be confused with other intra-cavitary lesions. We report a case of a 53-year-old female presented to the cardio-vascular service with acute superior vena cava syndrome and sub-massive pulmonary embolism. The patient underwent venography confirming superior vena cava stenosis. A ventilation/perfusion lung scan showed two sizable perfusion defects due to pulmonary embolism. MRI and echocardiography imaging demonstrated right atrium mass. Surgery was then carried out using standard cardiopulmonary bypass; right atrial muscle bundle was excised and superior vena cava reconstruction was performed. The patient was discharged uneventfully and remains symptom-free at two years follow-up. In cases of nonmalignant pathology of superior vena cava syndrome, appropriate studies should be conducted to exclude potential congenital abnormalities such as this anomalous muscle bundle in the right atrium. Open heart surgery is a viable treatment option in select cases. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Network Model of Decreased Context Utilization in Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beversdorf, David Q.; Narayanan, Ananth; Hillier, Ashleigh; Hughes, John D.

2007-01-01

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) demonstrate impaired utilization of context, which allows for superior performance on the "false memory" task. We report the application of a simplified parallel distributed processing model of context utilization to the false memory task. For individuals without ASD, experiments support a model…

Attention and Vigilance in Children with Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trezise, Kim L.; Gray, Kylie M.; Sheppard, Dianne M.

2008-01-01

Background: Down syndrome (DS) has been the focus of much cognitive and developmental research; however, there is a gap in knowledge regarding sustained attention, particularly across different sensory domains. This research examined the hypothesis that children with DS would demonstrate superior visual rather than auditory performance on a…

The Effect of Technical Performance on Patient Outcomes in Surgery: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Fecso, Andras B; Szasz, Peter; Kerezov, Georgi; Grantcharov, Teodor P

2017-03-01

Systematic review of the effect of intraoperative technical performance on patient outcomes. The operating room is a high-stakes, high-risk environment. As a result, the quality of surgical interventions affecting patient outcomes has been the subject of discussion and research for years. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched. All surgical specialties were eligible for inclusion. Data were reviewed in regards to the methods by which technical performance was measured, what patient outcomes were assessed, and how intraoperative technical performance affected patient outcomes. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Of the 12,758 studies initially identified, 24 articles (7775 total participants) were ultimately included in this review. Seventeen studies assessed the performance of the faculty alone, 2 assessed both the faculty and trainees, 1 assessed trainees alone, and in 4 studies, the level of the operating surgeon was not specified. In 18 studies, a performance assessment tool was used. Patient outcomes were evaluated using intraoperative complications, short-term morbidity, long-term morbidity, short-term mortality, and long-term mortality. The average MERSQI score was 11.67 (range 9.5-14.5). Twenty-one studies demonstrated that superior technical performance was related to improved patient outcomes. The results of this systematic review demonstrated that superior technical performance positively affects patient outcomes. Despite this initial evidence, more robust research is needed to directly assess intraoperative technical performance and its effect on postoperative patient outcomes using meaningful assessment instruments and reliable processes.

Efficacy of terbinafine compared to lanoconazole and luliconazole in the topical treatment of dermatophytosis in a guinea pig model.

PubMed

Ghannoum, M A; Long, L; Kim, H G; Cirino, A J; Miller, A R; Mallefet, P

2010-05-01

The in vivo efficacy of terbinafine was compared to lanoconazole and luliconazole in the topical treatment of dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes using a guinea pig model. Topical antifungal treatment commenced three days post-infection, and each agent was applied once daily for seven consecutive days. Upon completion of the treatment period, evaluations of clinical and mycological efficacies were performed, as was scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Data showed that while all tested antifungals demonstrated significant mycological efficacy in terms of eradicating the fungi over untreated control, terbinafine and luliconazole showed superior clinical efficacy compared to lanoconazole (P-values < 0.001 & 0.003, respectively). Terbinafine demonstrated the highest clinical percent efficacy. SEM analysis revealed hairs from terbinafine and lanoconazole-treated animals had near complete clearance of fungi, while samples from luliconazole-treated animals were covered with debris and few conidia. This study demonstrates that, in general, terbinafine possessed similar efficacy to lanoconazole and luliconazole in the treatment of dermatophytosis. Terbinafine tended to have superior clinical efficacy compared to the azoles tested, although this difference was not statistically significant against luliconazole. This apparent superiority may be due to the fungicidal activity of terbinafine compared to the fungistatic effect of the other two drugs.

Auditory Perceptual Abilities Are Associated with Specific Auditory Experience

PubMed Central

Zaltz, Yael; Globerson, Eitan; Amir, Noam

2017-01-01

The extent to which auditory experience can shape general auditory perceptual abilities is still under constant debate. Some studies show that specific auditory expertise may have a general effect on auditory perceptual abilities, while others show a more limited influence, exhibited only in a relatively narrow range associated with the area of expertise. The current study addresses this issue by examining experience-dependent enhancement in perceptual abilities in the auditory domain. Three experiments were performed. In the first experiment, 12 pop and rock musicians and 15 non-musicians were tested in frequency discrimination (DLF), intensity discrimination, spectrum discrimination (DLS), and time discrimination (DLT). Results showed significant superiority of the musician group only for the DLF and DLT tasks, illuminating enhanced perceptual skills in the key features of pop music, in which miniscule changes in amplitude and spectrum are not critical to performance. The next two experiments attempted to differentiate between generalization and specificity in the influence of auditory experience, by comparing subgroups of specialists. First, seven guitar players and eight percussionists were tested in the DLF and DLT tasks that were found superior for musicians. Results showed superior abilities on the DLF task for guitar players, though no difference between the groups in DLT, demonstrating some dependency of auditory learning on the specific area of expertise. Subsequently, a third experiment was conducted, testing a possible influence of vowel density in native language on auditory perceptual abilities. Ten native speakers of German (a language characterized by a dense vowel system of 14 vowels), and 10 native speakers of Hebrew (characterized by a sparse vowel system of five vowels), were tested in a formant discrimination task. This is the linguistic equivalent of a DLS task. Results showed that German speakers had superior formant discrimination, demonstrating highly specific effects for auditory linguistic experience as well. Overall, results suggest that auditory superiority is associated with the specific auditory exposure. PMID:29238318

A Spiking Neural Network Model of the Medial Superior Olive Using Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity for Sound Localization

PubMed Central

Glackin, Brendan; Wall, Julie A.; McGinnity, Thomas M.; Maguire, Liam P.; McDaid, Liam J.

2010-01-01

Sound localization can be defined as the ability to identify the position of an input sound source and is considered a powerful aspect of mammalian perception. For low frequency sounds, i.e., in the range 270 Hz–1.5 KHz, the mammalian auditory pathway achieves this by extracting the Interaural Time Difference between sound signals being received by the left and right ear. This processing is performed in a region of the brain known as the Medial Superior Olive (MSO). This paper presents a Spiking Neural Network (SNN) based model of the MSO. The network model is trained using the Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity learning rule using experimentally observed Head Related Transfer Function data in an adult domestic cat. The results presented demonstrate how the proposed SNN model is able to perform sound localization with an accuracy of 91.82% when an error tolerance of ±10° is used. For angular resolutions down to 2.5°, it will be demonstrated how software based simulations of the model incur significant computation times. The paper thus also addresses preliminary implementation on a Field Programmable Gate Array based hardware platform to accelerate system performance. PMID:20802855

Micro-Spherical Sulfur/Graphene Oxide Composite via Spray Drying for High Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Tian, Yuan; Sun, Zhenghao; Zhang, Yongguang; Wang, Xin; Bakenov, Zhumabay; Yin, Fuxing

2018-01-18

An efficient, industry-accepted spray drying method was used to synthesize micro-spherical sulfur/graphene oxide (S/GO) composites as cathode materials within lithium sulfur batteries. The as-designed wrapping of the sulfur-nanoparticles, with wrinkled GO composites, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The unique morphological design of this material enabled superior discharge capacity and cycling performance, demonstrating a high initial discharge capacity of 1400 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C. The discharge capacity remained at 828 mAh g -1 after 150 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance indicates that the S/GO composite improves electrical conductivity and alleviates the shuttle effect. This study represents the first time such a facile spray drying method has been adopted for lithium sulfur batteries and used in the fabrication of S/GO composites.

A superior edge preserving filter with a systematic analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holladay, Kenneth W.; Rickman, Doug

1991-01-01

A new, adaptive, edge preserving filter for use in image processing is presented. It had superior performance when compared to other filters. Termed the contiguous K-average, it aggregates pixels by examining all pixels contiguous to an existing cluster and adding the pixel closest to the mean of the existing cluster. The process is iterated until K pixels were accumulated. Rather than simply compare the visual results of processing with this operator to other filters, some approaches were developed which allow quantitative evaluation of how well and filter performs. Particular attention is given to the standard deviation of noise within a feature and the stability of imagery under iterative processing. Demonstrations illustrate the performance of several filters to discriminate against noise and retain edges, the effect of filtering as a preprocessing step, and the utility of the contiguous K-average filter when used with remote sensing data.

Micro-Spherical Sulfur/Graphene Oxide Composite via Spray Drying for High Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries

PubMed Central

Tian, Yuan; Sun, Zhenghao; Zhang, Yongguang; Yin, Fuxing

2018-01-01

An efficient, industry-accepted spray drying method was used to synthesize micro-spherical sulfur/graphene oxide (S/GO) composites as cathode materials within lithium sulfur batteries. The as-designed wrapping of the sulfur-nanoparticles, with wrinkled GO composites, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The unique morphological design of this material enabled superior discharge capacity and cycling performance, demonstrating a high initial discharge capacity of 1400 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. The discharge capacity remained at 828 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance indicates that the S/GO composite improves electrical conductivity and alleviates the shuttle effect. This study represents the first time such a facile spray drying method has been adopted for lithium sulfur batteries and used in the fabrication of S/GO composites. PMID:29346303

The Motive for Support and the Identification of Responsive Partners

PubMed Central

Turan, Bulent; Horowitz, Leonard M.

2010-01-01

To obtain support from others, a person must first identify responsive partners. One strategy for doing so is to use indicators of responsive partners. We argue that a person with a strong motive for support should rate all indicators highly useful—the “Elevated Motives Effect.” Study 1 confirmed this hypothesis by correlating participants’ total ratings with existing measures of motive-strength. Study 2 applied the Elevated Motives Effect to demonstrate that motive-strength (in interaction with knowledge of indicators) predicts performance on a laboratory task in which participants evaluated a person: Superior knowledge led to superior performance only when motive-strength was high. Study 3, an experience-sampling study, showed that in everyday life, motivated people more often seek support from others when distressed. PMID:20544011

Superior Adsorption and Regenerable Dye Adsorbent Based on Flower-Like Molybdenum Disulfide Nanostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Sancan; Liu, Kerui; Hu, Linfeng; Teng, Feng; Yu, Pingping; Zhu, Yufang

2017-03-01

Herein we report superior dye-adsorption performance for flower-like nanostructure composed of two dimensional (2D) MoS2 nanosheets by a facile hydrothermal method, more prominent adsorption of cationic dye compared with anodic dye indicates the dye adsorption performance strongly depends on surface charge of MoS2 nanosheets. The adsorption mechanism of dye is analyzed, the kinetic data of dye adsorption fit well with the pseudo-second-order model, meanwhile adsorption capability at different equilibrium concentrations follows Langmuir model, indicating the favorability and feasibility of dye adsorption. The regenerable property for MoS2 with full adsorption of dye molecules by using alkaline solution were demonstrated, showing the feasibility of reuse for the MoS2, which is promising in its practical water treatment application.

Clinical decision support tools: performance of personal digital assistant versus online drug information databases.

PubMed

Clauson, Kevin A; Polen, Hyla H; Marsh, Wallace A

2007-12-01

To evaluate personal digital assistant (PDA) drug information databases used to support clinical decision-making, and to compare the performance of PDA databases with their online versions. Prospective evaluation with descriptive analysis. Five drug information databases available for PDAs and online were evaluated according to their scope (inclusion of correct answers), completeness (on a 3-point scale), and ease of use; 158 question-answer pairs across 15 weighted categories of drug information essential to health care professionals were used to evaluate these databases. An overall composite score integrating these three measures was then calculated. Scores for the PDA databases and for each PDA-online pair were compared. Among the PDA databases, composite rankings, from highest to lowest, were as follows: Lexi-Drugs, Clinical Pharmacology OnHand, Epocrates Rx Pro, mobileMicromedex (now called Thomson Clinical Xpert), and Epocrates Rx free version. When we compared database pairs, online databases that had greater scope than their PDA counterparts were Clinical Pharmacology (137 vs 100 answers, p<0.001), Micromedex (132 vs 96 answers, p<0.001), Lexi-Comp Online (131 vs 119 answers, p<0.001), and Epocrates Online Premium (103 vs 98 answers, p=0.001). Only Micromedex online was more complete than its PDA version (p=0.008). Regarding ease of use, the Lexi-Drugs PDA database was superior to Lexi-Comp Online (p<0.001); however, Epocrates Online Premium, Epocrates Online Free, and Micromedex online were easier to use than their PDA counterparts (p<0.001). In terms of composite scores, only the online versions of Clinical Pharmacology and Micromedex demonstrated superiority over their PDA versions (p>0.01). Online and PDA drug information databases assist practitioners in improving their clinical decision-making. Lexi-Drugs performed significantly better than all of the other PDA databases evaluated. No PDA database demonstrated superiority to its online counterpart; however, the online versions of Clinical Pharmacology and Micromedex were superior to their PDA versions in answering questions.

Solid-State Thin-Film Supercapacitors with Ultrafast Charge/Discharge Based on N-Doped-Carbon-Tubes/Au-Nanoparticles-Doped-MnO2 Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Lv, Qiying; Wang, Shang; Sun, Hongyu; Luo, Jun; Xiao, Jian; Xiao, JunWu; Xiao, Fei; Wang, Shuai

2016-01-13

Although carbonaceous materials possess long cycle stability and high power density, their low-energy density greatly limits their applications. On the contrary, metal oxides are promising pseudocapacitive electrode materials for supercapacitors due to their high-energy density. Nevertheless, poor electrical conductivity of metal oxides constitutes a primary challenge that significantly limits their energy storage capacity. Here, an advanced integrated electrode for high-performance pseudocapacitors has been designed by growing N-doped-carbon-tubes/Au-nanoparticles-doped-MnO2 (NCTs/ANPDM) nanocomposite on carbon fabric. The excellent electrical conductivity and well-ordered tunnels of NCTs together with Au nanoparticles of the electrode cause low internal resistance, good ionic contact, and thus enhance redox reactions for high specific capacitance of pure MnO2 in aqueous electrolyte, even at high scan rates. A prototype solid-state thin-film symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) device based on NCTs/ANPDM exhibits large energy density (51 Wh/kg) and superior cycling performance (93% after 5000 cycles). In addition, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device assembled from NCTs/ANPDM and Fe2O3 nanorods demonstrates ultrafast charge/discharge (10 V/s), which is among the best reported for solid-state thin-film supercapacitors with both electrodes made of metal oxide electroactive materials. Moreover, its superior charge/discharge behavior is comparable to electrical double layer type supercapacitors. The ASC device also shows superior cycling performance (97% after 5000 cycles). The NCTs/ANPDM nanomaterial demonstrates great potential as a power source for energy storage devices.

Superior Diagnostic Performance of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests as compared to Blood Smears in U.S. Clinical Practice

PubMed Central

Stauffer, William M.; Cartwright, Charles P.; Olson, Douglas; Juni, Billie Anne; Taylor, Charlotte M; Bowers, Susan H.; Hanson, Kevan L.; Rosenblatt, Jon E.; Boulware, David R.

2010-01-01

Background Approximately 4 million U.S. travelers to developing countries are ill enough to seek healthcare with 1,500 malaria cases reported in the U.S. annually. The diagnosis of malaria is frequently delayed due to the time to prepare malaria blood films and lack of technical expertise. An easy, reliable rapid diagnostic test (RDT) with high sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV), particularly for Plasmodium falciparum, would be clinically useful. The study objective was to determine the diagnostic performance of the FDA-approved NOW® Malaria Test in comparison to traditional thick and thin blood smears for malaria diagnosis. Methods This prospective study tested 852 consecutive blood samples sent for thick and thin smears with blinded, malaria rapid tests at three hospital laboratories during 2003–2006. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) verified positive tests and discordant results. Results Malaria occurred in 11% (95/852). The rapid test had superior performance than the standard Giemsa thick blood smear (P=.003). The rapid test’s sensitivity for all malaria was 97% (92/95) vs. 85% (81/95) by blood smear, and the RDT had superior NPV of 99.6% vs. 98.2% (P=.001). The P. falciparum performance was excellent with 100% rapid test sensitivity versus only 88% (65/74) by blood smear (P=.003). Conclusions This operational study demonstrates the FDA-approved rapid malaria test is superior to a single set of blood smears performed under routine U.S. clinical laboratory conditions. The most valuable clinical role of the RDT is in the rapid diagnosis or the exclusion of P. falciparum malaria, which is particularly useful in outpatient settings when evaluating febrile travelers. PMID:19686072

High performance carbon nanotube-Si core-shell wires with a rationally structured core for lithium ion battery anodes.

PubMed

Fan, Yu; Zhang, Qing; Lu, Congxiang; Xiao, Qizhen; Wang, Xinghui; Tay, Beng Kang

2013-02-21

Core-shell Si nanowires are very promising anode materials. Here, we synthesize vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with relatively large diameters and large inter-wire spacing as core wires and demonstrate a CNT-Si core-shell wire composite as a lithium ion battery (LIB) anode. Owing to the rationally engineered core structure, the composite shows good capacity retention and rate performance. The excellent performance is superior to most core-shell nanowires previously reported.

Developmental Differences in Prefrontal Activation during Working Memory Maintenance and Manipulation for Different Memory Loads

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jolles, Dietsje D.; Kleibeuker, Sietske W.; Rombouts, Serge A. R. B.; Crone, Eveline A.

2011-01-01

The ability to keep information active in working memory is one of the cornerstones of cognitive development. Prior studies have demonstrated that regions which are important for working memory performance in adults, such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and superior parietal cortex, become…

Aha! Voila! Eureka! Bilingualism and Insightful Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cushen, Patrick J.; Wiley, Jennifer

2011-01-01

What makes a person able to solve problems creatively? One interesting factor that may contribute is experience with multiple languages from an early age. Bilingual individuals who acquire two languages by the age of 6 have been shown to demonstrate superior performance on a number of thinking tasks that require flexibility. However, bilingual…

Online Learning and Teacher Education: Knowledge Acquisition, Application Skills, and Reported Confidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

IRIS Center, 2014

2014-01-01

This report presents two studies that demonstrate superior performance of college students after use of free, online instructional Modules, produced by the IRIS Center. When compared to traditional teacher education methods, IRIS Modules yield better outcomes in terms of knowledge acquisition, application skills, and confidence in the use of…

Hidden Rules, Secret Agendas: Challenges Facing Contemporary Women Doctoral Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Bobbi

Studies indicate that, although enrollment and degree production by women doctoral students have increased, fewer women than men complete doctorates and women generally take longer than men to finish, in spite of the fact that women demonstrate equal if not superior performance levels on virtually every objective measure. Women who complete the…

The Involvement of Speed-of-Processing in Story Listening in Preschool Children: A Functional and Structural Connectivity Study.

PubMed

Horowitz-Kraus, Tzipi; Farah, Rola; DiFrancesco, Mark; Vannest, Jennifer

2017-02-01

Story listening in children relies on brain regions supporting speech perception, auditory word recognition, syntax, semantics, and discourse abilities, along with the ability to attend and process information (part of executive functions). Speed-of-processing is an early-developed executive function. We used functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to demonstrate the relationship between story listening and speed-of-processing in preschool-age children. Eighteen participants performed story-listening tasks during MRI scans. Functional and structural connectivity analysis was performed using the speed-of-processing scores as regressors. Activation in the superior frontal gyrus during story listening positively correlated with speed-of-processing scores. This region was functionally connected with the superior temporal gyrus, insula, and hippocampus. Fractional anisotropy in the inferior frontooccipital fasciculus, which connects the superior frontal and temporal gyri, was positively correlated with speed-of-processing scores. Our results suggest that speed-of-processing skills in preschool-age children are reflected in functional activation and connectivity during story listening and may act as a biomarker for future academic abilities. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Performance of the ICAO standard core service modulation and coding techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lodge, John; Moher, Michael

1988-01-01

Aviation binary phase shift keying (A-BPSK) is described and simulated performance results are given that demonstrate robust performance in the presence of hardlimiting amplifiers. The performance of coherently-detected A-BPSK with rate 1/2 convolutional coding are given. The performance loss due to the Rician fading was shown to be less than 1 dB over the simulated range. A partially coherent detection scheme that does not require carrier phase recovery was described. This scheme exhibits similiar performance to coherent detection, at high bit error rates, while it is superior at lower bit error rates.

A comparison of the Injury Severity Score and the Trauma Mortality Prediction Model.

PubMed

Cook, Alan; Weddle, Jo; Baker, Susan; Hosmer, David; Glance, Laurent; Friedman, Lee; Osler, Turner

2014-01-01

Performance benchmarking requires accurate measurement of injury severity. Despite its shortcomings, the Injury Severity Score (ISS) remains the industry standard 40 years after its creation. A new severity measure, the Trauma Mortality Prediction Model (TMPM), uses either the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) or DRG International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev. (ICD-9) lexicons and may better quantify injury severity compared with ISS. We compared the performance of TMPM with ISS and other measures of injury severity in a single cohort of patients. We included 337,359 patient records with injuries reliably described in both the AIS and the ICD-9 lexicons from the National Trauma Data Bank. Five injury severity measures (ISS, maximum AIS score, New Injury Severity Score [NISS], ICD-9-Based Injury Severity Score [ICISS], TMPM) were computed using either the AIS or ICD-9 codes. These measures were compared for discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve), an estimate of proximity to a model that perfectly predicts the outcome (Akaike information criterion), and model calibration curves. TMPM demonstrated superior receiver operating characteristic curve, Akaike information criterion, and calibration using either the AIS or ICD-9 lexicons. Calibration plots demonstrate the monotonic characteristics of the TMPM models contrasted by the nonmonotonic features of the other prediction models. Severity measures were more accurate with the AIS lexicon rather than ICD-9. NISS proved superior to ISS in either lexicon. Since NISS is simpler to compute, it should replace ISS when a quick estimate of injury severity is required for AIS-coded injuries. Calibration curves suggest that the nonmonotonic nature of ISS may undermine its performance. TMPM demonstrated superior overall mortality prediction compared with all other models including ISS whether the AIS or ICD-9 lexicons were used. Because TMPM provides an absolute probability of death, it may allow clinicians to communicate more precisely with one another and with patients and families. Disagnostic study, level I; prognostic study, level II.

Prismatic sealed nickel-cadmium batteries utilizing fiber structured electrodes. II - Applications as a maintenance free aircraft battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderman, Menahem; Benczur-Urmossy, Gabor; Haschka, Friedrich

Test data on prismatic sealed Ni-Cd batteries utilizing fiber structured electrodes (sealed FNC) is discussed. It is shown that, under a voltage limited charging scheme, the charge acceptance of the sealed FNC battery is far superior to that of the standard vented aircraft Ni-Cd batteries. This results in the sealed FNC battery maintaining its capacity over several thousand cycles without any need for electrical conditioning or water topping. APU start data demonstrate superior power capabilities over existing technologies. Performance at low temperature is presented. Abuse test results reveal a safe fail mechanism even under severe electrical abuse.

Teamwork training with nursing and medical students: does the method matter? Results of an interinstitutional, interdisciplinary collaboration.

PubMed

Hobgood, Cherri; Sherwood, Gwen; Frush, Karen; Hollar, David; Maynard, Laura; Foster, Beverly; Sawning, Susan; Woodyard, Donald; Durham, Carol; Wright, Melanie; Taekman, Jeffrey

2010-12-01

The authors conducted a randomised controlled trial of four pedagogical methods commonly used to deliver teamwork training and measured the effects of each method on the acquisition of student teamwork knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The authors recruited 203 senior nursing students and 235 fourth-year medical students (total N = 438) from two major universities for a 1-day interdisciplinary teamwork training course. All participants received a didactic lecture and then were randomly assigned to one of four educational methods didactic (control), audience response didactic, role play and human patient simulation. Student performance was assessed for teamwork attitudes, knowledge and skills using: (a) a 36-item teamwork attitudes instrument (CHIRP), (b) a 12-item teamwork knowledge test, (c) a 10-item standardised patient (SP) evaluation of student teamwork skills performance and (d) a 20-item modification of items from the Mayo High Performance Teamwork Scale (MHPTS). All four cohorts demonstrated an improvement in attitudes (F(1,370) = 48.7, p = 0.001) and knowledge (F(1,353) = 87.3, p = 0.001) pre- to post-test. No educational modality appeared superior for attitude (F(3,370) = 0.325, p = 0.808) or knowledge (F(3,353) = 0.382, p = 0.766) acquisition. No modality demonstrated a significant change in teamwork skills (F(3,18) = 2.12, p = 0.134). Each of the four modalities demonstrated significantly improved teamwork knowledge and attitudes, but no modality was demonstrated to be superior. Institutions should feel free to utilise educational modalities, which are best supported by their resources to deliver interdisciplinary teamwork training.

NASA Excellence Award for Quality and Productivity 1989 highlights. The 1989 recipient: Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Company

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The NASA Excellence Award for Productivity and Quality is the result of NASA's desire to encourage superior quality and the continuous improvement philosophy in the aerospace industry. It is awarded to NASA contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who have demonstrated sustained excellence, customer orientation, and outstanding achievements in a total quality management (TQM) environment. The 'highlights' booklet is intended to transfer successful techniques demonstrated by the performance and quality of major NASA contractors.

Hemispheric processing asymmetries: implications for memory.

PubMed

Funnell, M G; Corballis, P M; Gazzaniga, M S

2001-01-01

Recent research has demonstrated that memory for words elicits left hemisphere activation, faces right hemisphere activation, and nameable objects bilateral activation. This pattern of results was attributed to dual coding of information, with the left hemisphere employing a verbal code and the right a nonverbal code. Nameable objects can be encoded either verbally or nonverbally and this accounts for their bilateral activation. We investigated this hypothesis in a callosotomy patient. Consistent with dual coding, the left hemisphere was superior to the right in memory for words, whereas the right was superior for faces. Contrary to prediction, performance on nameable pictures was not equivalent in the two hemispheres, but rather resulted in a right hemisphere superiority. In addition, memory for pictures was significantly better than for either words or faces. These findings suggest that the dual code hypothesis is an oversimplification of the processing capabilities of the two hemispheres.

Following the Instructions! Effects of Gender Beliefs in Mental Rotation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moe, Angelica; Pazzaglia, Francesca

2006-01-01

Research has widely demonstrated male superiority in the Mental Rotation Test (MRT). Various explanations have been put forward to account for these differences. We considered gender beliefs and argued that women may fare less well than men partly because they are considered unable to perform this kind of task. Beliefs about spatial ability were…

Effect of Juvenile Pretraining on Adolescent Structural Hippocampal Attributes as a Substrate for Enhanced Spatial Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keeley, Robin J.; Wartman, Brianne C.; Hausler, Alexander N.; Holahan, Matthew R.

2010-01-01

Research has demonstrated that Long-Evans rats (LER) display superior mnemonic function over Wistar rats (WR). These differences are correlated with endogenous and input-dependent properties of the hippocampus. The present work sought to determine if juvenile pretraining might enhance hippocampal structural markers and if this would be associated…

Applicability of Neural Networks to Etalon Fringe Filtering in Laser Spectrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicely, J. M.; Hanisco, T. F.; Riris, H.

2018-01-01

We present a neural network algorithm for spectroscopic retrievals of concentrations of trace gases. Using synthetic data we demonstrate that a neural network is well suited for filtering etalon fringes and provides superior performance to conventional least squares minimization techniques. This novel method can improve the accuracy of atmospheric retrievals and minimize biases.

Can Small Lesions Induce Language Reorganization as Large Lesions Do?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maestu, Fernando; Saldana, Cristobal; Amo, Carlos; Gonzalez-Hidalgo, Mercedes; Fernandez, Alberto; Fernandez, Santiago; Mata, Pedro; Papanicolaou, Andrew; Ortiz, Tomas

2004-01-01

Shift of the cortical mechanisms of language from the usually dominant left to the non-dominant right hemisphere has been demonstrated in the presence of large brain lesions. Here, we report a similar phenomenon in a patient with a cavernoma over the anterolateral superior temporal gyrus associated with epilepsy. Language mapping was performed by…

The infinum principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geering, H. P.; Athans, M.

1973-01-01

A complete theory of necessary and sufficient conditions is discussed for a control to be superior with respect to a nonscalar-valued performance criterion. The latter maps into a finite dimensional, integrally closed directed, partially ordered linear space. The applicability of the theory to the analysis of dynamic vector estimation problems and to a class of uncertain optimal control problems is demonstrated.

Applicability of neural networks to etalon fringe filtering in laser spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicely, J. M.; Hanisco, T. F.; Riris, H.

2018-05-01

We present a neural network algorithm for spectroscopic retrievals of concentrations of trace gases. Using synthetic data we demonstrate that a neural network is well suited for filtering etalon fringes and provides superior performance to conventional least squares minimization techniques. This novel method can improve the accuracy of atmospheric retrievals and minimize biases.

Performance Comparison between a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor and an Induction Motor as a Traction Motor for High Speed Train

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Minoru; Kawamura, Junya; Terauchi, Nobuo

Performance tests are carried out to demonstrate the superiority of a permanent magnet synchronous motor to an induction motor as a traction motor for high-speed train. A prototype motor was manufactured by replacing the rotor of a conventional induction motor. The test results show that the permanent magnet motor is lighter, efficient and more silent than the induction motor because of the different rotor structure.

Context-Dependent Learning in People With Parkinson's Disease.

PubMed

Lee, Ya-Yun; Winstein, Carolee J; Gordon, James; Petzinger, Giselle M; Zelinski, Elizabeth M; Fisher, Beth E

2016-01-01

Context-dependent learning is a phenomenon in which people demonstrate superior performance in the context in which they originally learned a skill but perform less well in a novel context. This study investigated context-dependent learning in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and age-matched nondisabled adults. All participants practiced 3 finger sequences, each embedded within a unique context (colors and locations on a computer screen). One day after practice, the participants were tested either under the sequence-context associations remained the same as during practice, or the sequence-context associations were changed (SWITCH). Compared with nondisabled adults, people with PD demonstrated significantly greater decrement in performance (especially movement time) under the SWITCH condition, suggesting that individuals with PD are more context dependent than nondisabled adults.

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

PubMed Central

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-01-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance. PMID:27775091

Porous 3D graphene-based bulk materials with exceptional high surface area and excellent conductivity for supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Long; Zhang, Fan; Yang, Xi; Long, Guankui; Wu, Yingpeng; Zhang, Tengfei; Leng, Kai; Huang, Yi; Ma, Yanfeng; Yu, Ao; Chen, Yongsheng

2013-01-01

Until now, few sp2 carbon materials simultaneously exhibit superior performance for specific surface area (SSA) and electrical conductivity at bulk state. Thus, it is extremely important to make such materials at bulk scale with those two outstanding properties combined together. Here, we present a simple and green but very efficient approach using two standard and simple industry steps to make such three-dimensional graphene-based porous materials at the bulk scale, with ultrahigh SSA (3523 m2/g) and excellent bulk conductivity. We conclude that these materials consist of mainly defected/wrinkled single layer graphene sheets in the dimensional size of a few nanometers, with at least some covalent bond between each other. The outstanding properties of these materials are demonstrated by their superior supercapacitor performance in ionic liquid with specific capacitance and energy density of 231 F/g and 98 Wh/kg, respectively, so far the best reported capacitance performance for all bulk carbon materials. PMID:23474952

Neural correlates of free recall of "famous events" in a "hypermnestic" individual as compared to an age- and education-matched reference group.

PubMed

Fehr, Thorsten; Staniloiu, Angelica; Markowitsch, Hans J; Erhard, Peter; Herrmann, Manfred

2018-06-19

Memory performance of an individual (within the age range: 50-55 years old) showing superior memory abilities (protagonist PR) was compared to an age- and education-matched reference group in a historical facts ("famous events") retrieval task. Contrasting task versus baseline performance both PR and the reference group showed fMRI activation patterns in parietal and occipital brain regions. The reference group additionally demonstrated activation patterns in cingulate gyrus, whereas PR showed additional widespread activation patterns comprising frontal and cerebellar brain regions. The direct comparison between PR and the reference group revealed larger fMRI contrasts for PR in right frontal, superior temporal and cerebellar brain regions. It was concluded that PR generally recruits brain regions as normal memory performers do, but in a more elaborate way, and furthermore, that he applied a memory-strategy that potentially includes executively driven multi-modal transcoding of information and recruitment of implicit memory resources.

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-10-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance.

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

Rao, Nageswara S.; Ramirez Aviles, Camila A.

We consider the problem of inferring the operational status of a reactor facility using measurements from a radiation sensor network deployed around the facility’s ventilation off-gas stack. The intensity of stack emissions decays with distance, and the sensor counts or measurements are inherently random with parameters determined by the intensity at the sensor’s location. We utilize the measurements to estimate the intensity at the stack, and use it in a one-sided Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) to infer on/off status of the reactor. We demonstrate the superior performance of this method over conventional majority fusers and individual sensors using (i)more » test measurements from a network of 21 NaI detectors, and (ii) effluence measurements collected at the stack of a reactor facility. We also analytically establish the superior detection performance of the network over individual sensors with fixed and adaptive thresholds by utilizing the Poisson distribution of the counts. We quantify the performance improvements of the network detection over individual sensors using the packing number of the intensity space.« less

[Clinical manifestations of 20 cases of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome and the intervention strategies].

PubMed

Zhang, X A; Li, Y; Dai, C F

2016-02-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical manifestations of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome(SSCDS) and the treatment strategies. Data from 20 cases diagnosed with SSCDS from September 2004 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The clinical presentations including symptoms, signs, audiological and vestibular function examination, and their imaging characteristics and treatment strategies were reviewed. All of the patients demonstrated variable degree of vertigo. Four patients could not tolerate the environmental noise. Autophony was noted in nine cases, among whom, two patients could feel their eye movements and heart beat, one patient could feel his footstep, one patient couldn't endure the singing by himself. Slow component vertical tortional eye movement away from the effected eye were observed in twelve patients when loud noise was given or middle ear or intracranial pressure increased. Head movement was induced by loud noise in one case. Ten patients presented with low frequency hearing loss. One case was concomitance with chronic otitis media and demonstrated severe sensorineural hearing loss. Nine patients demonstrated normal hearing. Decreased thresholds were showed by VEMP examination in six cases. Variable bone defect overlying in the SSCDS was confirmed by CT scans in all of the cases. The surgical repair of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence was performed through the middle cranial fossa approach in three cases and mastoid approach in two cases. The dizziness and the autophony were significantly alleviated after surgery. The clinical manifestations of SSCDS mainly demonstrate dizziness, autophony and loss of low frequency hearing. Treatment strategies are mainly composed of avoidance of environmental noise and shouting voice of the patients themselves. Surgical repair of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence was proposed to conduct, either through the middle cranial fossa approach or mastoid approach, when the patient couldn't tolerate the sypmtoms.

A comparative analysis of signal processing methods for motion-based rate responsive pacing.

PubMed

Greenhut, S E; Shreve, E A; Lau, C P

1996-08-01

Pacemakers that augment heart rate (HR) by sensing body motion have been the most frequently prescribed rate responsive pacemakers. Many comparisons between motion-based rate responsive pacemaker models have been published. However, conclusions regarding specific signal processing methods used for rate response (e.g., filters and algorithms) can be affected by device-specific features. To objectively compare commonly used motion sensing filters and algorithms, acceleration and ECG signals were recorded from 16 normal subjects performing exercise and daily living activities. Acceleration signals were filtered (1-4 or 15-Hz band-pass), then processed using threshold crossing (TC) or integration (IN) algorithms creating four filter/algorithm combinations. Data were converted to an acceleration indicated rate and compared to intrinsic HR using root mean square difference (RMSd) and signed RMSd. Overall, the filters and algorithms performed similarly for most activities. The only differences between filters were for walking at an increasing grade (1-4 Hz superior to 15-Hz) and for rocking in a chair (15-Hz superior to 1-4 Hz). The only differences between algorithms were for bicycling (TC superior to IN), walking at an increasing grade (IN superior to TC), and holding a drill (IN superior to TC). Performance of the four filter/algorithm combinations was also similar over most activities. The 1-4/IN (filter [Hz]/algorithm) combination performed best for walking at a grade, while the 15/TC combination was best for bicycling. However, the 15/TC combination tended to be most sensitive to higher frequency artifact, such as automobile driving, downstairs walking, and hand drilling. Chair rocking artifact was highest for 1-4/IN. The RMSd for bicycling and upstairs walking were large for all combinations, reflecting the nonphysiological nature of the sensor. The 1-4/TC combination demonstrated the least intersubject variability, was the only filter/algorithm combination insensitive to changes in footwear, and gave similar RMSd over a large range of amplitude thresholds for most activities. In conclusion, based on overall error performance, the preferred filter/algorithm combination depended upon the type of activity.

Development of an Enhanced Payback Function for the Superior Energy Performance Program

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

Therkelsen, Peter; Rao, Prakash; McKane, Aimee

2015-08-03

The U.S. DOE Superior Energy Performance (SEP) program provides recognition to industrial and commercial facilities that achieve certification to the ISO 50001 energy management system standard and third party verification of energy performance improvements. Over 50 industrial facilities are participating and 28 facilities have been certified in the SEP program. These facilities find value in the robust, data driven energy performance improvement result that the SEP program delivers. Previous analysis of SEP certified facility data demonstrated the cost effectiveness of SEP and identified internal staff time to be the largest cost component related to SEP implementation and certification. This papermore » analyzes previously reported and newly collected data of costs and benefits associated with the implementation of an ISO 50001 and SEP certification. By disaggregating “sunk energy management system (EnMS) labor costs”, this analysis results in a more accurate and detailed understanding of the costs and benefits of SEP participation. SEP is shown to significantly improve and sustain energy performance and energy cost savings, resulting in a highly attractive return on investment. To illustrate these results, a payback function has been developed and is presented. On average facilities with annual energy spend greater than $2M can expect to implement SEP with a payback of less than 1.5 years. Finally, this paper also observes and details decreasing facility costs associated with implementing ISO 50001 and certifying to the SEP program, as the program has improved from pilot, to demonstration, to full launch.« less

Small bowel volvulus in pregnancy with associated superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

PubMed

Esterson, Yonah B; Villani, Robert; Dela Cruz, Ronald A; Friedman, Barak; Grimaldi, Gregory M

Here we report the case of a pregnant 28-year-old who presented with acute upper abdominal pain. CT demonstrated midgut volvulus with short segment occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Emergent detorsion of the small bowel was performed, at which time underlying intestinal malrotation was discovered. Following detorsion, the SMA had a bounding pulse and did not require thrombectomy or revascularization. Fewer than 25 cases of midgut volvulus during pregnancy have been reported over the past 20years. To our knowledge, this is the first report of maternal midgut volvulus in which imaging captures the resultant occlusion of the SMA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Teflon/SiO₂ Bilayer Passivation for Improving the Electrical Reliability of Oxide TFTs Fabricated Using a New Two-Photomask Self-Alignment Process.

PubMed

Fan, Ching-Lin; Shang, Ming-Chi; Li, Bo-Jyun; Lin, Yu-Zuo; Wang, Shea-Jue; Lee, Win-Der; Hung, Bohr-Ran

2015-04-13

This study proposes a two-photomask process for fabricating amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) that exhibit a self-aligned structure. The fabricated TFTs, which lack etching-stop (ES) layers, have undamaged a-IGZO active layers that facilitate superior performance. In addition, we demonstrate a bilayer passivation method that uses a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and SiO₂ combination layer for improving the electrical reliability of the fabricated TFTs. Teflon was deposited as a buffer layer through thermal evaporation. The Teflon layer exhibited favorable compatibility with the underlying IGZO channel layer and effectively protected the a-IGZO TFTs from plasma damage during SiO₂ deposition, resulting in a negligible initial performance drop in the a-IGZO TFTs. Compared with passivation-free a-IGZO TFTs, passivated TFTs exhibited superior stability even after 168 h of aging under ambient air at 95% relative humidity.

Correlation of hospital magnet status with the quality of physicians performing neurosurgical procedures in New York State.

PubMed

Bekelis, Kimon; Missios, Symeon; MacKenzie, Todd A

2018-01-24

The quality of physicians practicing in hospitals recognized for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center has not been studied before. We investigated whether Magnet hospital recognition is associated with higher quality of physicians performing neurosurgical procedures. We performed a cohort study of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures from 2009-2013, who were registered in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database. Propensity score adjusted multivariable regression models were used to adjust for known confounders, with mixed effects methods to control for clustering at the facility level. An instrumental variable analysis was used to control for unmeasured confounding and simulate the effect of a randomized trial. During the study period, 185,277 patients underwent neurosurgical procedures, and met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 66,607 (35.6%) were hospitalized in Magnet hospitals, and 118,670 (64.4%) in non-Magnet institutions. Instrumental variable analysis demonstrated that undergoing neurosurgical operations in Magnet hospitals was associated with a 13.6% higher chance of being treated by a physician with superior performance in terms of mortality (95% CI, 13.2% to 14.1%), and a 4.3% higher chance of being treated by a physician with superior performance in terms of length-of-stay (LOS) (95% CI, 3.8% to 4.7%) in comparison to non-Magnet institutions. The same associations were present in propensity score adjusted mixed effects models. Using a comprehensive all-payer cohort of neurosurgical patients in New York State we identified an association of Magnet hospital recognition with superior physician performance.

Individual performance and leader's laterality in interactive contests.

PubMed

Mukherjee, Satyam

2017-05-01

Left-handedness is known to provide an intrinsic and tactical advantage at top level in many sports involving interactive contests. Again, most of the renowned leaders of the world are known to have been left-handed. Leadership plays an important role in politics, sports and mentorship. In this paper we show that Cricket captains who bat left-handed have a strategic advantage over the right-handed captains in One Day International (ODI) and Test matches. The present study involving 46 left-handed captains and 148 right-handed captains in ODI matches, reveal a strong relation between leader's laterality and team member performance, demonstrating the critical importance of left-handedness and successful leadership. The odds for superior batting performance in an ODI match under left-handed captains are 89% higher than the odds under right-handed captains. Our study shows that left-handed captains are more successful in extracting superior performance from the batsmen and bowlers in ODI and Test matches; perhaps indicating left-handed leaders are better motivators as leaders when compared to right-handed captains.

Reducing dietary protein in pond production of hybrid striped bass - study shows a significant reduction is possible in digestible protein level in commercial diets

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In previous work, we demonstrated that diets containing 40% digestible protein (DP) (45% crude protein) and 18 %lipid supplemented with Met and Lys resulted in superior performance and nutrient retentions in hybrid striped bass compared to less energy-dense diets when rearing hybrid striped bass at ...

Hexaazatrinaphthylene derivatives: Efficient electron-transporting materials with tunable energy levels for inverted perovskite solar cells

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Dongbing; Zhu, Zonglong; Kuo, Ming -Yu; ...

2016-06-08

Hexaazatrinaphthylene (HATNA) derivatives have been successfully shown to function as efficient electron-transporting materials (ETMs) for perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). The cells demonstrate a superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.6% with negligible hysteresis. Furthermore, this study provides one of the first nonfullerene small-moleculebased ETMs for high-performance p–i–n PVSCs.

Teaching binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy to novice residents using an augmented reality simulator.

PubMed

Rai, Amandeep S; Rai, Amrit S; Mavrikakis, Emmanouil; Lam, Wai Ching

2017-10-01

To compare the traditional teaching approach of binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) to the EyeSI augmented reality (AR) BIO simulator. Prospective randomized control trial. 28 post-graduate year one (PGY1) ophthalmology residents. Residents were recruited at the 2012 Toronto Ophthalmology Residents Introductory Course (TORIC). 15 were randomized to conventional teaching (Group 1), and 13 to augmented reality simulator training (Group 2). 3 vitreoretinal fellows were enrolled to serve as experts. Evaluations were completed on the simulator, with 3 tasks, and outcome measures were total raw score, total time elapsed, and performance. Following conventional training, Group 1 residents were outperformed by vitreoretinal fellows with respect to all 3 outcome measures. Following AR training, Group 2 residents demonstrated superior total scores and performance compared to Group 1 residents. Once the Group 1 residents also completed the AR BIO training, there was a significant improvement compared to their baseline scores, and were now on par with Group 2 residents. This study provides construct validity for the EyeSI AR BIO simulator and demonstrates that it may be superior to conventional BIO teaching for novice ophthalmology residents. Copyright © 2017 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-Assembled Multilayer Structure and Enhanced Thermochromic Performance of Spinodally Decomposed TiO2-VO2 Thin Film.

PubMed

Sun, Guangyao; Zhou, Huaijuan; Cao, Xun; Li, Rong; Tazawa, Masato; Okada, Masahisa; Jin, Ping

2016-03-23

Composite films of VO2-TiO2 were deposited on sapphire (11-20) substrate by cosputtering method. Self-assembled well-ordered multilayer structure with alternating Ti- and V-rich epitaxial thin layer was obtained by thermal annealing via a spinodal decomposition mechanism. The structured thermochromic films demonstrate superior optical modulation upon phase transition, with significantly reduced transition temperature. The results provide a facile and novel approach to fabricate smart structures with excellent performance.

Graphene radio frequency receiver integrated circuit.

PubMed

Han, Shu-Jen; Garcia, Alberto Valdes; Oida, Satoshi; Jenkins, Keith A; Haensch, Wilfried

2014-01-01

Graphene has attracted much interest as a future channel material in radio frequency electronics because of its superior electrical properties. Fabrication of a graphene integrated circuit without significantly degrading transistor performance has proven to be challenging, posing one of the major bottlenecks to compete with existing technologies. Here we present a fabrication method fully preserving graphene transistor quality, demonstrated with the implementation of a high-performance three-stage graphene integrated circuit. The circuit operates as a radio frequency receiver performing signal amplification, filtering and downconversion mixing. All circuit components are integrated into 0.6 mm(2) area and fabricated on 200 mm silicon wafers, showing the unprecedented graphene circuit complexity and silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process compatibility. The demonstrated circuit performance allow us to use graphene integrated circuit to perform practical wireless communication functions, receiving and restoring digital text transmitted on a 4.3-GHz carrier signal.

DuPont qualicon BAX system real-time PCR assay for Escherichia coli O157:H7.

PubMed

Burns, Frank; Fleck, Lois; Andaloro, Bridget; Davis, Eugene; Rohrbeck, Jeff; Tice, George; Wallace, Morgan

2011-01-01

Evaluations were conducted to test the performance of the BAX System Real-Time PCR assay, which was certified as Performance Tested Method 031002 for screening E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef, beef trim, spinach, and lettuce. Method comparison studies performed on samples with low-level inoculates showed that the BAX System demonstrates a sensitivity equivalent or superior to the FDA-BAM and the USDA-FSIS culture methods, but with a significantly shorter time to result. Tests to evaluate inclusivity and exclusivity returned no false-negative and no false-positive results on a diverse panel of isolates, and tests for lot-to-lot variability and tablet stability demonstrated consistent performance. Ruggedness studies determined that none of the factors examined affect the performance of the assay. An accelerated shelf life study determined an initial 36 month shelf life for the test kit.

Graphene radio frequency receiver integrated circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Shu-Jen; Garcia, Alberto Valdes; Oida, Satoshi; Jenkins, Keith A.; Haensch, Wilfried

2014-01-01

Graphene has attracted much interest as a future channel material in radio frequency electronics because of its superior electrical properties. Fabrication of a graphene integrated circuit without significantly degrading transistor performance has proven to be challenging, posing one of the major bottlenecks to compete with existing technologies. Here we present a fabrication method fully preserving graphene transistor quality, demonstrated with the implementation of a high-performance three-stage graphene integrated circuit. The circuit operates as a radio frequency receiver performing signal amplification, filtering and downconversion mixing. All circuit components are integrated into 0.6 mm2 area and fabricated on 200 mm silicon wafers, showing the unprecedented graphene circuit complexity and silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process compatibility. The demonstrated circuit performance allow us to use graphene integrated circuit to perform practical wireless communication functions, receiving and restoring digital text transmitted on a 4.3-GHz carrier signal.

3D carbon/cobalt-nickel mixed-oxide hybrid nanostructured arrays for asymmetric supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhu, Jianhui; Jiang, Jian; Sun, Zhipeng; Luo, Jingshan; Fan, Zhanxi; Huang, Xintang; Zhang, Hua; Yu, Ting

2014-07-23

The electrochemical performance of supercapacitors relies not only on the exploitation of high-capacity active materials, but also on the rational design of superior electrode architectures. Herein, a novel supercapacitor electrode comprising 3D hierarchical mixed-oxide nanostructured arrays (NAs) of C/CoNi3 O4 is reported. The network-like C/CoNi3 O4 NAs exhibit a relatively high specific surface area; it is fabricated from ultra-robust Co-Ni hydroxide carbonate precursors through glucose-coating and calcination processes. Thanks to their interconnected three-dimensionally arrayed architecture and mesoporous nature, the C/CoNi3 O4 NA electrode exhibits a large specific capacitance of 1299 F/g and a superior rate performance, demonstrating 78% capacity retention even when the discharge current jumps by 100 times. An optimized asymmetric supercapacitor with the C/CoNi3 O4 NAs as the positive electrode is fabricated. This asymmetric supercapacitor can reversibly cycle at a high potential of 1.8 V, showing excellent cycling durability and also enabling a remarkable power density of ∼13 kW/kg with a high energy density of ∼19.2 W·h/kg. Two such supercapacitors linked in series can simultaneously power four distinct light-emitting diode indicators; they can also drive the motor of remote-controlled model planes. This work not only presents the potential of C/CoNi3 O4 NAs in thin-film supercapacitor applications, but it also demonstrates the superiority of electrodes with such a 3D hierarchical architecture. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Progressive learning in endoscopy simulation training improves clinical performance: a blinded randomized trial.

PubMed

Grover, Samir C; Scaffidi, Michael A; Khan, Rishad; Garg, Ankit; Al-Mazroui, Ahmed; Alomani, Tareq; Yu, Jeffrey J; Plener, Ian S; Al-Awamy, Mohamed; Yong, Elaine L; Cino, Maria; Ravindran, Nikila C; Zasowski, Mark; Grantcharov, Teodor P; Walsh, Catharine M

2017-11-01

A structured comprehensive curriculum (SCC) that uses simulation-based training (SBT) can improve clinical colonoscopy performance. This curriculum may be enhanced through the application of progressive learning, a training strategy centered on incrementally challenging learners. We aimed to determine whether a progressive learning-based curriculum (PLC) would lead to superior clinical performance compared with an SCC. This was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at a single academic center. Thirty-seven novice endoscopists were recruited and randomized to either a PLC (n = 18) or to an SCC (n = 19). The PLC comprised 6 hours of SBT, which progressed in complexity and difficulty. The SCC included 6 hours of SBT, with cases of random order of difficulty. Both groups received expert feedback and 4 hours of didactic teaching. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately after training, and 4 to 6 weeks after training. The primary outcome was participants' performance during their first 2 clinical colonoscopies, as assessed by using the Joint Advisory Group Direct Observation of Procedural Skills assessment tool (JAG DOPS). Secondary outcomes were differences in endoscopic knowledge, technical and communication skills, and global performance in the simulated setting. The PLC group outperformed the SCC group during first and second clinical colonoscopies, measured by JAG DOPS (P < .001). Additionally, the PLC group had superior technical and communication skills and global performance in the simulated setting (P < .05). There were no differences between groups in endoscopic knowledge (P > .05). Our findings demonstrate the superiority of a PLC for endoscopic simulation, compared with an SCC. Challenging trainees progressively is a simple, theory-based approach to simulation whereby the performance of clinical colonoscopies can be improved. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02000180.). Copyright © 2017 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Granular Flow Graph, Adaptive Rule Generation and Tracking.

PubMed

Pal, Sankar Kumar; Chakraborty, Debarati Bhunia

2017-12-01

A new method of adaptive rule generation in granular computing framework is described based on rough rule base and granular flow graph, and applied for video tracking. In the process, several new concepts and operations are introduced, and methodologies formulated with superior performance. The flow graph enables in defining an intelligent technique for rule base adaptation where its characteristics in mapping the relevance of attributes and rules in decision-making system are exploited. Two new features, namely, expected flow graph and mutual dependency between flow graphs are defined to make the flow graph applicable in the tasks of both training and validation. All these techniques are performed in neighborhood granular level. A way of forming spatio-temporal 3-D granules of arbitrary shape and size is introduced. The rough flow graph-based adaptive granular rule-based system, thus produced for unsupervised video tracking, is capable of handling the uncertainties and incompleteness in frames, able to overcome the incompleteness in information that arises without initial manual interactions and in providing superior performance and gaining in computation time. The cases of partial overlapping and detecting the unpredictable changes are handled efficiently. It is shown that the neighborhood granulation provides a balanced tradeoff between speed and accuracy as compared to pixel level computation. The quantitative indices used for evaluating the performance of tracking do not require any information on ground truth as in the other methods. Superiority of the algorithm to nonadaptive and other recent ones is demonstrated extensively.

Selective social learning in infancy: looking for mechanisms.

PubMed

Crivello, Cristina; Phillips, Sara; Poulin-Dubois, Diane

2018-05-01

Although there is mounting evidence that selective social learning begins in infancy, the psychological mechanisms underlying this ability are currently a controversial issue. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether theory of mind abilities and statistical learning skills are related to infants' selective social learning. Seventy-seven 18-month-olds were first exposed to a reliable or an unreliable speaker and then completed a word learning task, two theory of mind tasks, and a statistical learning task. If domain-general abilities are linked to selective social learning, then infants who demonstrate superior performance on the statistical learning task should perform better on the selective learning task, that is, should be less likely to learn words from an unreliable speaker. Alternatively, if domain-specific abilities are involved, then superior performance on theory of mind tasks should be related to selective learning performance. Findings revealed that, as expected, infants were more likely to learn a novel word from a reliable speaker. Importantly, infants who passed a theory of mind task assessing knowledge attribution were significantly less likely to learn a novel word from an unreliable speaker compared to infants who failed this task. No such effect was observed for the other tasks. These results suggest that infants who possess superior social-cognitive abilities are more apt to reject an unreliable speaker as informant. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/zuuCniHYzqo. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Enhancing the specificity of polymerase chain reaction by graphene oxide through surface modification: zwitterionic polymer is superior to other polymers with different charges.

PubMed

Zhong, Yong; Huang, Lihong; Zhang, Zhisen; Xiong, Yunjing; Sun, Liping; Weng, Jian

Graphene oxides (GOs) with different surface characteristics, such as size, reduction degree and charge, are prepared, and their effects on the specificity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that GO with a large size and high reduction degree is superior to small and nonreduced GO in enhancing the specificity of PCR. Negatively charged polyacrylic acid (PAA), positively charged polyacrylamide (PAM), neutral polyethylene glycol (PEG) and zwitterionic polymer poly(sulfobetaine) (pSB) are used to modify GO. The PCR specificity-enhancing ability increases in the following order: GO-PAA < GO-PAM < GO-PEG < GO-pSB. Thus, zwitterionic polymer-modified GO is superior to other GO derivatives with different charges in enhancing the specificity of PCR. GO derivatives are also successfully used to enhance the specificity of PCR for the amplification of human mitochondrial DNA using blood genomic DNA as template. Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking are performed to elucidate the interaction between the polymers and Pfu DNA polymerase. Our data demonstrate that the size, reduction degree and surface charge of GO affect the specificity of PCR. Based on our results, zwitterionic polymer-modified GO may be used as an efficient additive for enhancing the specificity of PCR.

High-Energy/Power and Low-Temperature Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries: In Situ XRD Study and Superior Full-Cell Performance.

PubMed

Guo, Jin-Zhi; Wang, Peng-Fei; Wu, Xing-Long; Zhang, Xiao-Hua; Yan, Qingyu; Chen, Hong; Zhang, Jing-Ping; Guo, Yu-Guo

2017-09-01

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are still confronted with several major challenges, including low energy and power densities, short-term cycle life, and poor low-temperature performance, which severely hinder their practical applications. Here, a high-voltage cathode composed of Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 2 O 2 F nano-tetraprisms (NVPF-NTP) is proposed to enhance the energy density of SIBs. The prepared NVPF-NTP exhibits two high working plateaux at about 4.01 and 3.60 V versus the Na + /Na with a specific capacity of 127.8 mA h g -1 . The energy density of NVPF-NTP reaches up to 486 W h kg -1 , which is higher than the majority of other cathode materials previously reported for SIBs. Moreover, due to the low strain (≈2.56% volumetric variation) and superior Na transport kinetics in Na intercalation/extraction processes, as demonstrated by in situ X-ray diffraction, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, and cyclic voltammetry at varied scan rates, the NVPF-NTP shows long-term cycle life, superior low-temperature performance, and outstanding high-rate capabilities. The comparison of Ragone plots further discloses that NVPF-NTP presents the best power performance among the state-of-the-art cathode materials for SIBs. More importantly, when coupled with an Sb-based anode, the fabricated sodium-ion full-cells also exhibit excellent rate and cycling performances, thus providing a preview of their practical application. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Yoga practice is associated with superior motor imagery performance.

PubMed

Hartnoll, Susannah H; Punt, T David

2017-11-01

Yoga is an activity that aims to integrate physical, mental and spiritual elements and is an increasingly popular approach to enhancing physical fitness. The integration of imagery within yoga practice is considered an important component and may be critical in contributing to the benefits of yoga that have been reported. In this study, we tested whether individuals who practice yoga demonstrate superior performance on an objective measure of implicit motor imagery. Thirty-six participants (18 yoga, 18 non-yoga) matched for age, sex and handedness, undertook the hand laterality recognition task; an objective measure of implicit motor imagery performance. Accuracy and response times were gathered and analysed to determine any group differences as well as any differences relating to the typical hallmarks of imagery (i.e. dominance and awkwardness effects) on the task. Response Times (RTs) in the yoga group were significantly faster than controls (p < 0.05) and there was also a trend towards greater accuracy for the Yoga group (p = 0.073). Dominance effects (faster responses to images corresponding with the dominant limb) and Awkwardness effects (faster responses to images corresponding with natural compared with awkward postures) were evident across groups, supporting the participants' use of motor imagery in undertaking the task. Additionally, a Group × Awkwardness interaction (p < 0.05) revealed that the enhanced imagery performance for the yoga group was most pronounced for awkward postures. This is the first study to show that yoga practice is associated with superior motor imagery performance; an association that may be important in explaining the established rehabilitative value of yoga for chronic pain.

Yoga practice is associated with superior motor imagery performance.

PubMed

Hartnoll, Susannah H; Punt, T David

2017-08-02

Yoga is an activity that aims to integrate physical, mental and spiritual elements and is an increasingly popular approach to enhancing physical fitness. The integration of imagery within yoga practice is considered an important component and may be critical in contributing to the benefits of yoga that have been reported. In this study, we tested whether individuals who practice yoga demonstrate superior performance on an objective measure of implicit motor imagery. Thirty-six participants (18 yoga, 18 nonyoga) matched for age, sex and handedness, undertook the hand laterality recognition task; an objective measure of implicit motor imagery performance. Accuracy and response times were gathered and analysed to determine any group differences as well as any differences relating to the typical hallmarks of imagery (i.e. dominance and awkwardness effects) on the task. Response Times (RTs) in the yoga group were significantly faster than controls (p < 0.05) and there was also a trend towards greater accuracy for the Yoga group (p = 0.073). Dominance effects (faster responses to images corresponding with the dominant limb) and Awkwardness effects (faster responses to images corresponding with natural compared with awkward postures) were evident across groups, supporting the participants' use of motor imagery in undertaking the task. Additionally, a Group × Awkwardness interaction (p < 0.05) revealed that the enhanced imagery performance for the yoga group was most pronounced for awkward postures. This is the first study to show that yoga practice is associated with superior motor imagery performance; an association that may be important in explaining the established rehabilitative value of yoga for chronic pain.

Ultrathin Single‐Crystalline Boron Nanosheets for Enhanced Electro‐Optical Performances

PubMed Central

Xu, Junqi; Chang, Yangyang; Gan, Lin; Ma, Ying

2015-01-01

Large‐scale single‐crystalline ultrathin boron nanosheets (UBNSs, ≈10 nm) are fabricated through an effective vapor–solid process via thermal decomposition of diborane. The UBNSs have obvious advantages over thicker boron nanomaterials in many aspects. Specifically, the UBNSs demonstrate excellent field emission performances with a low turn‐on field, E to, of 3.60 V μm−1 and a good stability. Further, the dependence of (turn‐on field) E to/(threshold field) E thr and effective work function, Φ e, on temperature is investigated and the possible mechanism of temperature‐dependent field emission phenomenon has been discussed. Moreover, electronic transport in a single UBNS reveals it to be an intrinsic p‐type semiconductor behavior with carrier mobility about 1.26 × 10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the best data in reported works. Interestingly, a multiconductive mechanism coexisting phenomenon has been explored based on the study of temperature‐dependent conductivity behavior of the UBNSs. Besides, the photodetector device fabricated from single‐crystalline UBNS demonstrates good sensitivity, reliable stability, and fast response, obviously superior to other reported boron nanomaterials. Such superior electronic‐optical performances are originated from the high quality of single crystal and large specific surface area of the UBNSs, suggesting the potential applications of the UBNSs in field‐emitters, interconnects, integrated circuits, and optoelectronic devices. PMID:27980947

An advanced Ni-Cd battery cell design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, L.

1986-01-01

The evolution of an advanced Ni-Cd space battery cell design continues to prove very promising. High oxygen/hydrogen gas recombination rates (currently up to a C/5 charge rate) and increased electrolyte activation level tolerance (currently up to 5.6 grams Ah of positive capacity) were demonstrated by test. A superior performance, extended life battery cell offering advantages should soon be available for mission applications

High Power Silicon Carbide (SiC) Power Processing Unit Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheidegger, Robert J.; Santiago, Walter; Bozak, Karin E.; Pinero, Luis R.; Birchenough, Arthur G.

2015-01-01

NASA GRC successfully designed, built and tested a technology-push power processing unit for electric propulsion applications that utilizes high voltage silicon carbide (SiC) technology. The development specifically addresses the need for high power electronics to enable electric propulsion systems in the 100s of kilowatts. This unit demonstrated how high voltage combined with superior semiconductor components resulted in exceptional converter performance.

A QR code identification technology in package auto-sorting system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di, Yi-Juan; Shi, Jian-Ping; Mao, Guo-Yong

2017-07-01

Traditional manual sorting operation is not suitable for the development of Chinese logistics. For better sorting packages, a QR code recognition technology is proposed to identify the QR code label on the packages in package auto-sorting system. The experimental results compared with other algorithms in literatures demonstrate that the proposed method is valid and its performance is superior to other algorithms.

Lightening the load: perceptual load impairs visual detection in typical adults but not in autism.

PubMed

Remington, Anna M; Swettenham, John G; Lavie, Nilli

2012-05-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research portrays a mixed picture of attentional abilities with demonstrations of enhancements (e.g., superior visual search) and deficits (e.g., higher distractibility). Here we test a potential resolution derived from the Load Theory of Attention (e.g., Lavie, 2005). In Load Theory, distractor processing depends on the perceptual load of the task and as such can only be eliminated under high load that engages full capacity. We hypothesize that ASD involves enhanced perceptual capacity, leading to the superior performance and increased distractor processing previously reported. Using a signal-detection paradigm, we test this directly and demonstrate that, under higher levels of load, perceptual sensitivity was reduced in typical adults but not in adults with ASD. These findings confirm our hypothesis and offer a promising solution to the previous discrepancies by suggesting that increased distractor processing in ASD results not from a filtering deficit but from enhanced perceptual capacity.

Femoropopliteal Bypass with Varicose Greater Saphenous Vein

PubMed Central

Mun, Yun Su; Cho, Byung Sun; Jang, Je-Ho; Lee, Moon-Soo; Kwon, Oh Sang

2015-01-01

Surgical bypass for peripheral arterial occlusive disease can be performed using different graft materials. Autogenous greater saphenous vein (GSV) is the treatment of choice because of its superior long-term patency. We report a case of femoropopliteal bypass with varicose GSV in a 77-year-old man who was presented with limb ischemia and both varicose veins. We successfully performed bypass with varicose vein. He has been doing well for 15 months after the operation, and a computed tomography angiography of the lower leg, performed on the 15th postoperative month, demonstrated widely patent femoropopliteal bypass graft and no structural change. PMID:28031670

Diagnostic methods for CW laser damage testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Alan F.; Shah, Rashmi S.

2004-06-01

High performance optical coatings are an enabling technology for many applications - navigation systems, telecom, fusion, advanced measurement systems of many types as well as directed energy weapons. The results of recent testing of superior optical coatings conducted at high flux levels will be presented. The diagnostics used in this type of nondestructive testing and the analysis of the data demonstrates the evolution of test methodology. Comparison of performance data under load to the predictions of thermal and optical models shows excellent agreement. These tests serve to anchor the models and validate the performance of the materials and coatings.

Kinetic performance comparison of fully and superficially porous particles with a particle size of 5 µm: intrinsic evaluation and application to the impurity analysis of griseofulvin.

PubMed

Kahsay, Getu; Broeckhoven, Ken; Adams, Erwin; Desmet, Gert; Cabooter, Deirdre

2014-05-01

After the great commercial success of sub-3 µm superficially porous particles, vendors are now also starting to commercialize 5 µm superficially porous particles, as an alternative to their fully porous counterparts which are routinely used in pharmaceutical analysis. In this study, the performance of 5 µm superficially porous particles was compared to that of fully porous 5 µm particles in terms of efficiency, separation performance and loadability on a conventional HPLC instrument. Van Deemter and kinetic plots were first used to evaluate the efficiency and performance of both particle types using alkylphenones as a test mixture. The van Deemter and kinetic plots showed that the superficially porous particles provide a superior kinetic performance compared to the fully porous particles over the entire relevant range of separation conditions, when both support types were evaluated at the same operating pressure. The same observations were made both for isocratic and gradient analysis. The superior performance was further demonstrated for the separation of a pharmaceutical compound (griseofulvin) and its impurities, where a gain in analysis time of around 2 could be obtained using the superficially porous particles. Finally, both particle types were evaluated in terms of loadability by plotting the resolution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and its closest impurity as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio obtained for the smallest impurity. It was demonstrated that the superficially porous particles show better separation performance for griseofulvin and its impurities without significantly compromising sensitivity due to loadability issues in comparison with their fully porous counterparts. Moreover these columns can be used on conventional equipment without modifications to obtain a significant improvement in analysis time. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multimodal assessment of sensorimotor shoulder function in patients with untreated anterior shoulder instability and asymptomatic handball players.

PubMed

Mornieux, Guillaume; Hirschmüller, Anja; Gollhofer, Albert; Südkamp, Norbert P; Maier, Dirk

2018-04-01

Functional evaluation of sensorimotor function of the shoulder joint is important for guidance of sports-specific training, prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder instability. Such assessment should be multimodal and comprise all qualities of sensorimotor shoulder function. This study evaluates feasibility of such multimodal assessment of glenohumeral sensorimotor function in patients with shoulder instability and handball players. Nine patients with untreated anterior instability of their dominant shoulder and 15 asymptomatic recreational handball players performed proprioceptive joint position sense and dynamic stabilization evaluations on an isokinetic device, as well as a functional throwing performance task. Outcome measures were analysed individually and equally weighted in a Shoulder-Specific Sensorimotor Index (S-SMI). Finally, isokinetic strength evaluations were conducted. We observed comparable sensorimotor functions of unstable dominant shoulders compared to healthy, contralateral shoulders (e.g. P=0.59 for S-SMI). Handball players demonstrated superior sensorimotor function of their dominant shoulders exhibiting a significantly higher throwing performance and S-SMI (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively), but comparable internal rotator peak torques for both shoulders (P>0.22). The present study proves feasibility of multimodal assessment of shoulder sensorimotor function in overhead athletes and patients with symptomatic anterior shoulder instability. Untreated shoulder instability led to a loss of dominance-related sensorimotor superiority indicating functional internal rotation deficiency. Dominant shoulders of handball players showed a superior overall sensorimotor function but weakness of dominant internal rotation constituting a risk factor for occurrence of posterior superior impingement syndrome. The S-SMI could serve as a diagnostic tool for guidance of sports-specific training, prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder instability.

Gist-based conceptual processing of pictures remains intact in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Deason, Rebecca G; Hussey, Erin P; Budson, Andrew E; Ally, Brandon A

2012-03-01

The picture superiority effect, better memory for pictures compared to words, has been found in young adults, healthy older adults, and, most recently, in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Although the picture superiority effect is widely found, there is still debate over what drives this effect. One main question is whether it is enhanced perceptual or conceptual information that leads to the advantage for pictures over words. In this experiment, we examined the picture superiority effect in healthy older adults and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to better understand the role of gist-based conceptual processing. We had participants study three exemplars of categories as either words or pictures. In the test phase, participants were again shown pictures or words and were asked to determine whether the item was in the same category as something they had studied earlier or whether it was from a new category. We found that all participants demonstrated a robust picture superiority effect, better performance for pictures than for words. These results suggest that the gist-based conceptual processing of pictures is preserved in patients with MCI. While in healthy older adults preserved recollection for pictures could lead to the picture superiority effect, in patients with MCI it is most likely that the picture superiority effect is a result of spared conceptually based familiarity for pictures, perhaps combined with their intact ability to extract and use gist information.

Gist-based conceptual processing of pictures remains intact in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

PubMed Central

Deason, Rebecca G.; Hussey, Erin P.; Budson, Andrew E.; Ally, Brandon A.

2012-01-01

Objective The picture superiority effect, better memory for pictures compared to words, has been found in young adults, healthy older adults, and, most recently, in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Although the picture superiority effect is widely found, there is still debate over what drives this effect. One main question is whether it is enhanced perceptual or conceptual information that leads to the advantage for pictures over words. In this experiment, we examined the picture superiority effect in healthy older adults and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to better understand the role of gist-based conceptual processing. Method We had participants study three exemplars of categories as either words or pictures. In the test phase, participants were again shown pictures or words and were asked to determine whether the item was in the same category as something they had studied earlier or whether it was from a new category. Results We found that all participants demonstrated a robust picture superiority effect, better performance for pictures than for words. Conclusions These results suggest that the gist-based conceptual processing of pictures is preserved in patients with MCI. While in healthy older adults preserved recollection for pictures could lead to the picture superiority effect, in patients with MCI it is most likely that the picture superiority effect is a result of spared conceptually-based familiarity for pictures, perhaps combined with their intact ability to extract and use gist information. PMID:22229341

Intraoperative and postoperative feasibility and safety of total tubeless, tubeless, small-bore tube, and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Lee, Joo Yong; Jeh, Seong Uk; Kim, Man Deuk; Kang, Dong Hyuk; Kwon, Jong Kyou; Ham, Won Sik; Choi, Young Deuk; Cho, Kang Su

2017-06-27

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is performed to treat relatively large renal stones. Recent publications indicate that tubeless and total tubeless (stentless) PCNL is safe in selected patients. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the feasibility and safety of different PCNL procedures, including total tubeless, tubeless with stent, small-bore tube, and large-bore tube PCNLs. PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE™ databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials published before December 30, 2013. One researcher examined all titles and abstracts found by the searches. Two investigators independently evaluated the full-text articles to determine whether those met the inclusion criteria. Qualities of included studies were rated with Cochrane's risk-of-bias assessment tool. Sixteen studies were included in the final syntheses including pairwise and network meta-analyses. Operation time, pain scores, and transfusion rates were not significantly different between PCNL procedures. Network meta-analyses demonstrated that for hemoglobin changes, total tubeless PCNL may be superior to standard PCNL (mean difference [MD] 0.65, 95% CI 0.14-1.13) and tubeless PCNLs with stent (MD -1.14, 95% CI -1.65--0.62), and small-bore PCNL may be superior to tubeless PCNL with stent (MD 1.30, 95% CI 0.27-2.26). Network meta-analyses also showed that for length of hospital stay, total tubeless (MD 1.33, 95% CI 0.23-2.43) and tubeless PCNLs with stent (MD 0.99, 95% CI 0.19-1.79) may be superior to standard PCNL. In rank probability tests, small-bore tube and total tubeless PCNLs were superior for operation time, pain scores, and hemoglobin changes. For hemoglobin changes, total tubeless and small-bore PCNLs may be superior to other methods. For hospital stay, total tubeless and tubeless PCNLs with stent may be superior to other procedures.

Discrimination among spawning concentrations of Lake Superior lake herring based on trace element profiles in sagittae

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bronte, Charles R.; Hesselberg, Robert J.; Shoesmith, John A.; Hoff, Michael H.

1996-01-01

Little is known about the stock structure of lake herring Coregonus artedi in Lake Superior, and recent increases in harvestable stock sizes has led to expanded exploitation in some areas. Research on marine teleosts has demonstrated that chemical differences in sagittal otoliths can be used for identification of fish stocks. We used plasma emission spectrophotometry to measure the concentrations of 10 trace elements in the sagittal otoliths from lake herring captured at eight spawning sites in Lake Superior and from Little Star Lake, an inland lake outside the Lake Superior basin. Discriminant function analysis indicated that elemental concentrations provided site-specific information but that considerable overlap existed among some locations, especially those in western Lake Superior. Correct classification rates varied from 12.0% to 86.1% and were generally higher for spawning locations from embayments in eastern Lake Superior and for the outgroup population from Little Star Lake. The results presented here demonstrate the potential usefulness of this technique for strictly freshwater species, especially those that live in highly oligotrophic waters such as Lake Superior.

Realization of Quasi‐Omnidirectional Solar Cells with Superior Electrical Performance by All‐Solution‐Processed Si Nanopyramids

PubMed Central

Zhong, Sihua; Wang, Wenjie; Tan, Miao; Zhuang, Yufeng

2017-01-01

Abstract Large‐scale (156 mm × 156 mm) quasi‐omnidirectional solar cells are successfully realized and featured by keeping high cell performance over broad incident angles (θ), via employing Si nanopyramids (SiNPs) as surface texture. SiNPs are produced by the proposed metal‐assisted alkaline etching method, which is an all‐solution‐processed method and highly simple together with cost‐effective. Interestingly, compared to the conventional Si micropyramids (SiMPs)‐textured solar cells, the SiNPs‐textured solar cells possess lower carrier recombination and thus superior electrical performances, showing notable distinctions from other Si nanostructures‐textured solar cells. Furthermore, SiNPs‐textured solar cells have very little drop of quantum efficiency with increasing θ, demonstrating the quasi‐omnidirectional characteristic. As an overall result, both the SiNPs‐textured homojunction and heterojunction solar cells possess higher daily electric energy production with a maximum relative enhancement approaching 2.5%, when compared to their SiMPs‐textured counterparts. The quasi‐omnidirectional solar cell opens a new opportunity for photovoltaics to produce more electric energy with a low cost. PMID:29201616

Realization of Quasi-Omnidirectional Solar Cells with Superior Electrical Performance by All-Solution-Processed Si Nanopyramids.

PubMed

Zhong, Sihua; Wang, Wenjie; Tan, Miao; Zhuang, Yufeng; Shen, Wenzhong

2017-11-01

Large-scale (156 mm × 156 mm) quasi-omnidirectional solar cells are successfully realized and featured by keeping high cell performance over broad incident angles (θ), via employing Si nanopyramids (SiNPs) as surface texture. SiNPs are produced by the proposed metal-assisted alkaline etching method, which is an all-solution-processed method and highly simple together with cost-effective. Interestingly, compared to the conventional Si micropyramids (SiMPs)-textured solar cells, the SiNPs-textured solar cells possess lower carrier recombination and thus superior electrical performances, showing notable distinctions from other Si nanostructures-textured solar cells. Furthermore, SiNPs-textured solar cells have very little drop of quantum efficiency with increasing θ, demonstrating the quasi-omnidirectional characteristic. As an overall result, both the SiNPs-textured homojunction and heterojunction solar cells possess higher daily electric energy production with a maximum relative enhancement approaching 2.5%, when compared to their SiMPs-textured counterparts. The quasi-omnidirectional solar cell opens a new opportunity for photovoltaics to produce more electric energy with a low cost.

Fabrication and life testing of thermionic converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, L.; Bruce, R.

1973-01-01

An unfueled converter containing a chloride-fluoride duplex tungsten emitter of 4.78 eV vacuum work function was tested for 46,647 hours at an emitter temperature of 1973 K and an electrode power output of about 8 watts/sq cm. The test demonstrated the superior and stable performance of the (110) oriented tungsten emitter at high temperatures. Three 90 UC-10 ZrC(C/U = 1.04, tungsten additive = 4 wt %) fueled converters were fabricated and tested at an emitter temperature of 1873 K. Converter containing chloride-arc-cast duplex tungsten cladding showed temperature thermionic performance and slower rate of performance drop than converter containing chloride-fluoride duplex tungsten cladding. This is believed to be due to the superior fuel component diffusion resistance of the arc-cast tungsten substrate used in the fuel cladding. It was shown that a converter containing a carbide fueled chloride-arc-cast duplex tungsten emitter with an initial electrode power output of 6.80 watts/sq cm could still deliver an electrode power output of 6.16 watts/sq cm after 18,632 hours of operation at an emitter temperature of 1873 K.

Influence of reactivation on the electrochemical performances of activated carbon based on coconut shell.

PubMed

Geng, Xin; Li, Lixiang; Zhang, Meiling; An, Baigang; Zhu, Xiaoming

2013-12-01

Coconut shell-based activated carbon (AC) were prepared by CO2 activation, and then the ACs with higher mesopore ratio were obtained by steam activation and by impregnating iron catalyst followed by steam activation, respectively. The AC with the highest mesopore ratio (AChmr) shows superior capacitive behavior, power output and high-frequency performance in supercapacitors. The results should attribute to the connection of its wide micropores and mesopores larger than 3 nm, which is more favorable for fast ionic transportation. The pore size distribution exhibits that the mesopore ratios of the ACs are significantly increased by reactivation of steam or catalyst up to 75% and 78%, respectively. As evidenced by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic measurements, the AChmr shows superior capacitive behaviors, conductivity and performance of electrolytic ionic transportation. The response current densities are evidently enhanced through the cyclic voltammery test at 50 mV/sec scan rate. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that the conductivity and ion transport performance of the ACs are improved. The specific capacitances of the ACs were increased from 140 to 240 F/g at 500 mA/g current density. The AChmr can provide much higher power density while still maintaining good energy density, and demonstrate excellent high-frequency performances. The pore structure and conductivity of the AChmr also improve the cycleability and self-discharge of supercapacitors. Such AChmr exhibits a great potential in supercapacitors, particularly for applications where high power output and good high-frequency capacitive performances are required. Copyright © 2013 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt, Mechanical Aspiration Thrombectomy, and Direct Thrombolysis in the Treatment of Acute Portal and Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis

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

Ferro, Carlo; Rossi, Umberto G., E-mail: urossi76@hotmail.com; Bovio, Giulio

2007-09-15

A patient was admitted because of severe abdominal pain, anorexia, and intestinal bleeding. Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography demonstrated acute portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (PSMVT). The patient was treated percutaneously with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), mechanical aspiration thrombectomy, and direct thrombolysis, and 1 week after the procedure, complete patency of the portal and superior mesenteric veins was demonstrated. TIPS, mechanical aspiration thrombectomy, and direct thrombolysis together are promising endovascular techniques for the treatment of symptomatic acute PSMVT.

Recruitment of Language-, Emotion- and Speech-Timing Associated Brain Regions for Expressing Emotional Prosody: Investigation of Functional Neuroanatomy with fMRI

PubMed Central

Mitchell, Rachel L. C.; Jazdzyk, Agnieszka; Stets, Manuela; Kotz, Sonja A.

2016-01-01

We aimed to progress understanding of prosodic emotion expression by establishing brain regions active when expressing specific emotions, those activated irrespective of the target emotion, and those whose activation intensity varied depending on individual performance. BOLD contrast data were acquired whilst participants spoke non-sense words in happy, angry or neutral tones, or performed jaw-movements. Emotion-specific analyses demonstrated that when expressing angry prosody, activated brain regions included the inferior frontal and superior temporal gyri, the insula, and the basal ganglia. When expressing happy prosody, the activated brain regions also included the superior temporal gyrus, insula, and basal ganglia, with additional activation in the anterior cingulate. Conjunction analysis confirmed that the superior temporal gyrus and basal ganglia were activated regardless of the specific emotion concerned. Nevertheless, disjunctive comparisons between the expression of angry and happy prosody established that anterior cingulate activity was significantly higher for angry prosody than for happy prosody production. Degree of inferior frontal gyrus activity correlated with the ability to express the target emotion through prosody. We conclude that expressing prosodic emotions (vs. neutral intonation) requires generic brain regions involved in comprehending numerous aspects of language, emotion-related processes such as experiencing emotions, and in the time-critical integration of speech information. PMID:27803656

Porcine experimental model for perforator flap raising in reconstructive microsurgery.

PubMed

González-García, José A; Chiesa-Estomba, Carlos M; Álvarez, Leire; Altuna, Xabier; García-Iza, Leire; Thomas, Izaskun; Sistiaga, Jon A; Larruscain, Ekhiñe

2018-07-01

Perforator free flap-based reconstruction of the head and neck is a challenging surgical procedure and needs a steep learning curve. A reproducible mammal large animal model with similarities to human anatomy is relevant for perforator flap raising and microanastomosis. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a swine model for perforator-based free flaps in reconstructive microsurgery. Eleven procedures were performed under general anesthesia in a porcine model, elevating a skin flap vascularized by perforating musculocutaneous branches of the superior epigastric artery to evaluate the relevance of this model for head and neck reconstructive microsurgery. The anterior abdominal skin perforator-based free flap in a swine model irrigated by the superior epigastric artery was elevated in eleven procedures. In six of these procedures, we could perform an arterial and venous microanastomosis to the great vessels located in the base of the neck. The porcine experimental model of superior epigastric artery perforator-based free flap reconstruction offers relevant similarities to the human deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. We could demonstrate this model as acceptable for perforator free flap training due to the necessity of perforator and pedicle dissection and transfer to a distant area. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sample Reuse in Statistical Remodeling.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-01

as the jackknife and bootstrap, is an expansion of the functional, T(Fn), or of its distribution function or both. Frangos and Schucany (1987a) used...accelerated bootstrap. In the same report Frangos and Schucany demonstrated the small sample superiority of that approach over the proposals that take...higher order terms of an Edgeworth expansion into account. In a second report Frangos and Schucany (1987b) examined the small sample performance of

Carbon nanocages as supercapacitor electrode materials.

PubMed

Xie, Ke; Qin, Xingtai; Wang, Xizhang; Wang, Yangnian; Tao, Haisheng; Wu, Qiang; Yang, Lijun; Hu, Zheng

2012-01-17

Supercapacitor electrode materials: Carbon nanocages are conveniently produced by an in situ MgO template method and demonstrate high specific capacitance over a wide range of charging-discharging rates with high stability, superior to the most carbonaceous supercapacitor electrode materials to date. The large specific surface area, good mesoporosity, and regular structure are responsible for the excellent performance. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A novel approach to controlling the phase angle of a variable switched reluctance motor for electric vehicle propulsion using the statistic matrix norm

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

Holling, G.H.

1994-12-31

Variable switched reluctance (VSR) motors are gaining importance for industrial applications. The paper will introduce a novel approach to simplify the computation involved in the control of VSR motors. Results are shown, that validate the approach and demonstrates the superior performance compared to tabulated control parameters with linear interpolation, which are widely used in implementations.

Multiple-Relaxation-Time Lattice Boltzmann Models in 3D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

dHumieres, Dominique; Ginzburg, Irina; Krafczyk, Manfred; Lallemand, Pierre; Luo, Li-Shi; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This article provides a concise exposition of the multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann equation, with examples of fifteen-velocity and nineteen-velocity models in three dimensions. Simulation of a diagonally lid-driven cavity flow in three dimensions at Re=500 and 2000 is performed. The results clearly demonstrate the superior numerical stability of the multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann equation over the popular lattice Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook equation.

Spiking neural network simulation: memory-optimal synaptic event scheduling.

PubMed

Stewart, Robert D; Gurney, Kevin N

2011-06-01

Spiking neural network simulations incorporating variable transmission delays require synaptic events to be scheduled prior to delivery. Conventional methods have memory requirements that scale with the total number of synapses in a network. We introduce novel scheduling algorithms for both discrete and continuous event delivery, where the memory requirement scales instead with the number of neurons. Superior algorithmic performance is demonstrated using large-scale, benchmarking network simulations.

Ultrafast, superhigh gain visible-blind UV detector and optical logic gates based on nonpolar a-axial GaN nanowire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xingfu; Zhang, Yong; Chen, Xinman; He, Miao; Liu, Chao; Yin, Yian; Zou, Xianshao; Li, Shuti

2014-09-01

Nonpolar a-axial GaN nanowire (NW) was first used to construct the MSM (metal-semiconductor-metal) symmetrical Schottky contact device for application as visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) detector. Without any surface or composition modifications, the fabricated device demonstrated a superior performance through a combination of its high sensitivity (up to 104 A W-1) and EQE value (up to 105), as well as ultrafast (<26 ms) response speed, which indicates that a balance between the photocurrent gain and the response speed has been achieved. Based on its excellent photoresponse performance, an optical logic AND gate and OR gate have been demonstrated for performing photo-electronic coupled logic devices by further integrating the fabricated GaN NW detectors, which logically convert optical signals to electrical signals in real time. These results indicate the possibility of using a nonpolar a-axial GaN NW not only as a high performance UV detector, but also as a stable optical logic device, both in light-wave communications and for future memory storage.Nonpolar a-axial GaN nanowire (NW) was first used to construct the MSM (metal-semiconductor-metal) symmetrical Schottky contact device for application as visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) detector. Without any surface or composition modifications, the fabricated device demonstrated a superior performance through a combination of its high sensitivity (up to 104 A W-1) and EQE value (up to 105), as well as ultrafast (<26 ms) response speed, which indicates that a balance between the photocurrent gain and the response speed has been achieved. Based on its excellent photoresponse performance, an optical logic AND gate and OR gate have been demonstrated for performing photo-electronic coupled logic devices by further integrating the fabricated GaN NW detectors, which logically convert optical signals to electrical signals in real time. These results indicate the possibility of using a nonpolar a-axial GaN NW not only as a high performance UV detector, but also as a stable optical logic device, both in light-wave communications and for future memory storage. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Details of the EDS and SAED data, supplementary results of the UV detector, and the discussion of the transport properties of the MSM Schottky contact devices. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr03581j

Nanoscale friction properties of graphene and graphene oxide

DOE PAGES

Berman, Diana; Erdemir, Ali; Zinovev, Alexander V.; ...

2015-04-03

Achieving superlow friction and wear at the micro/nano-scales through the uses of solid and liquid lubricants may allow superior performance and long-lasting operations in a range of micromechanical system including micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS). Previous studies have indicated that conventional solid lubricants such as highly ordered pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) can only afford low friction in humid environments at micro/macro scales; but, HOPG is not suitable for practical micro-scale applications. Here, we explored the nano-scale frictional properties of multi-layered graphene films as a potential solid lubricant for such applications. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements have revealed that for high-purity multilayered graphenemore » (7–9 layers), the friction force is significantly lower than what can be achieved by the use of HOPG, regardless of the counterpart AFM tip material. We have demonstrated that the quality and purity of multilayered graphene plays an important role in reducing lateral forces, while oxidation of graphene results in dramatically increased friction values. Furthermore, for the first time, we demonstrated the possibility of achieving ultralow friction for CVD grown single layer graphene on silicon dioxide. This confirms that the deposition process insures a stronger adhesion to substrate and hence enables superior tribological performance than the previously reported mechanical exfoliation processes.« less

Highly stable pyridinium-functionalized cross-linked anion exchange membranes for all vanadium redox flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, L.; Zhao, T. S.; Wei, L.; Zeng, Y. K.; Zhang, Z. H.

2016-11-01

It has recently been demonstrated that the use of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) can reduce the migration of vanadium ions through the membrane due to the Donnan exclusion effect among the positively charged functional groups and vanadium ions. However, AEMs are plagued by low chemical stability in harsh chemical environments. Here we propose and fabricate a pyridinium-functionalized cross-linked AEM for VRFBs. The pyridinium-functionalized bromomethylated poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) exhibits a superior chemical stability as a result of the strengthened internal cross-linking networks and the chemical inertness of the polymer backbone. Therefore, the membrane exhibits littler decay in a harsh environment for 20 days during the course of an ex situ immersion test. A cycling test also demonstrates that the VRFB assembled with the membrane enable to retain 80% of the initial discharge capacity over 537 cycles with a capacity decay rate of 0.037% cycle-1. Meanwhile, the membrane also shows a low vanadium permeability and a reasonably high conductivity in supporting electrolytes. Hence, all the measurements and performance tests reported in this work suggest that the membrane is a promising AEM for redox flow batteries to achieve excellent cycling stability and superior cell performance.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-based semi-interpenetrating polymer networks as highly selective and chemically stable membranes for all vanadium redox flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, L.; Zhao, T. S.; Wei, L.; Zeng, Y. K.; Zhang, Z. H.

2016-09-01

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) with their high flexibility in configuration and operation, as well as long cycle life are competent for the requirement of future energy storage systems. Nevertheless, due to the application of perfluorinated membranes, VRFBs are plagued by not only the severe migration issue of vanadium ions, but also their high cost. Herein, we fabricate semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs), consisting of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polysulfone (PSF), as alternative membranes for VRFBs. It is demonstrated that the PVP-based SIPNs exhibit extremely low vanadium permeabilities, which contribute to the well-established hydrophilic/hydrophobic microstructures and the Donnan exclusion effect. As a result, the coulombic efficiencies of VRFBs with PVP-based SIPNs reach almost 100% at 40 mA cm-2 to 100 mA cm-2; the energy efficiencies are more than 3% higher than those of VRFBs with Nafion 212. More importantly, the PVP-based SIPNs exhibit a superior chemical stability, as demonstrated both by an ex situ immersion test and continuously cycling test. Hence, all the characterizations and performance tests reported here suggest that PVP-based SIPNs are a promising alternative membrane for redox flow batteries to achieve superior cell performance and excellent cycling stability at the fraction of the cost of perfluorinated membranes.

Adaptive Residual Interpolation for Color and Multispectral Image Demosaicking †

PubMed Central

Kiku, Daisuke; Okutomi, Masatoshi

2017-01-01

Color image demosaicking for the Bayer color filter array is an essential image processing operation for acquiring high-quality color images. Recently, residual interpolation (RI)-based algorithms have demonstrated superior demosaicking performance over conventional color difference interpolation-based algorithms. In this paper, we propose adaptive residual interpolation (ARI) that improves existing RI-based algorithms by adaptively combining two RI-based algorithms and selecting a suitable iteration number at each pixel. These are performed based on a unified criterion that evaluates the validity of an RI-based algorithm. Experimental comparisons using standard color image datasets demonstrate that ARI can improve existing RI-based algorithms by more than 0.6 dB in the color peak signal-to-noise ratio and can outperform state-of-the-art algorithms based on training images. We further extend ARI for a multispectral filter array, in which more than three spectral bands are arrayed, and demonstrate that ARI can achieve state-of-the-art performance also for the task of multispectral image demosaicking. PMID:29194407

Adaptive Residual Interpolation for Color and Multispectral Image Demosaicking.

PubMed

Monno, Yusuke; Kiku, Daisuke; Tanaka, Masayuki; Okutomi, Masatoshi

2017-12-01

Color image demosaicking for the Bayer color filter array is an essential image processing operation for acquiring high-quality color images. Recently, residual interpolation (RI)-based algorithms have demonstrated superior demosaicking performance over conventional color difference interpolation-based algorithms. In this paper, we propose adaptive residual interpolation (ARI) that improves existing RI-based algorithms by adaptively combining two RI-based algorithms and selecting a suitable iteration number at each pixel. These are performed based on a unified criterion that evaluates the validity of an RI-based algorithm. Experimental comparisons using standard color image datasets demonstrate that ARI can improve existing RI-based algorithms by more than 0.6 dB in the color peak signal-to-noise ratio and can outperform state-of-the-art algorithms based on training images. We further extend ARI for a multispectral filter array, in which more than three spectral bands are arrayed, and demonstrate that ARI can achieve state-of-the-art performance also for the task of multispectral image demosaicking.

Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Retrochiasmatic Craniopharyngioma with Fascia Lata Button and Nasoseptal Flap Reconstruction.

PubMed

Kshettry, Varun R; Nyquist, Gurston; Evans, James J

2018-02-01

Surgery for craniopharyngiomas can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple critical neurovascular structures. The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach can provide superior access to suprasellar craniopharyngiomas, particularly with retrochiasmatic extension and significant hypothalamic involvement. We describe the surgical technique used to treat a 30-year-old patient who presented with 4 weeks of worsening vision, fatigue, and memory loss. His vision was counting fingers at 1 feet on the right and 20/800 on the left with a temporal hemianopsia. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated central hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism. Imaging showed a large solid and cystic suprasellar mass. The transtubercular approach with removal of the lateral tubercular strut can provide wide bilateral access to the opticocarotid region. The superior intercavernous sinus must be coagulated and ligated. Initial arachnoid dissection is centered at the midline, mobilizing the superior hypophyseal branches to the optic apparatus laterally. The cyst capsule is opened and care is taken to minimize spillage of cyst fluid into the subarachnoid space. Central debulking and then extracapsular dissection is performed under direct visualization using sharp dissection. Reconstruction of the dura is performed with an inlay/onlay fascia lata button that is held together with four sutures that hold the graft edges against the native dural edges. This is followed by vascularized nasoseptal flap reconstruction. No lumbar drain or nonabsorbable packing is required. The patient's vision had dramatic improvement and by 1 week postoperatively was 20/20 with full visual fields. Postoperative diabetes insipidus was managed with nasal desmopressin. Postoperative MRI demonstrated complete removal. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/QQxCNUcq1qg .

Teflon/SiO2 Bilayer Passivation for Improving the Electrical Reliability of Oxide TFTs Fabricated Using a New Two-Photomask Self-Alignment Process

PubMed Central

Fan, Ching-Lin; Shang, Ming-Chi; Li, Bo-Jyun; Lin, Yu-Zuo; Wang, Shea-Jue; Lee, Win-Der; Hung, Bohr-Ran

2015-01-01

This study proposes a two-photomask process for fabricating amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) that exhibit a self-aligned structure. The fabricated TFTs, which lack etching-stop (ES) layers, have undamaged a-IGZO active layers that facilitate superior performance. In addition, we demonstrate a bilayer passivation method that uses a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and SiO2 combination layer for improving the electrical reliability of the fabricated TFTs. Teflon was deposited as a buffer layer through thermal evaporation. The Teflon layer exhibited favorable compatibility with the underlying IGZO channel layer and effectively protected the a-IGZO TFTs from plasma damage during SiO2 deposition, resulting in a negligible initial performance drop in the a-IGZO TFTs. Compared with passivation-free a-IGZO TFTs, passivated TFTs exhibited superior stability even after 168 h of aging under ambient air at 95% relative humidity. PMID:28788026

Carbon nitride supported Fe2 cluster catalysts with superior performance for alkene epoxidation.

PubMed

Tian, Shubo; Fu, Qiang; Chen, Wenxing; Feng, Quanchen; Chen, Zheng; Zhang, Jian; Cheong, Weng-Chon; Yu, Rong; Gu, Lin; Dong, Juncai; Luo, Jun; Chen, Chen; Peng, Qing; Draxl, Claudia; Wang, Dingsheng; Li, Yadong

2018-06-15

Sub-nano metal clusters often exhibit unique and unexpected properties, which make them particularly attractive as catalysts. Herein, we report a "precursor-preselected" wet-chemistry strategy to synthesize highly dispersed Fe 2 clusters that are supported on mesoporous carbon nitride (mpg-C 3 N 4 ). The obtained Fe 2 /mpg-C 3 N 4 sample exhibits superior catalytic performance for the epoxidation of trans-stilbene to trans-stilbene oxide, showing outstanding selectivity of 93% at high conversion of 91%. Molecular oxygen is the only oxidant and no aldehyde is used as co-reagent. Under the same condition, by contrast, iron porphyrin, single-atom Fe, and small Fe nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm) are nearly reactively inert. First-principles calculations reveal that the unique reactivity of the Fe 2 clusters originates from the formation of active oxygen species. The general applicability of the synthesis approach is further demonstrated by producing other diatomic clusters like Pd 2 and Ir 2 , which lays the foundation for discovering diatomic cluster catalysts.

Amorphous TiO2 Shells: A Vital Elastic Buffering Layer on Silicon Nanoparticles for High-Performance and Safe Lithium Storage.

PubMed

Yang, Jianping; Wang, Yunxiao; Li, Wei; Wang, Lianjun; Fan, Yuchi; Jiang, Wan; Luo, Wei; Wang, Yang; Kong, Biao; Selomulya, Cordelia; Liu, Hua Kun; Dou, Shi Xue; Zhao, Dongyuan

2017-12-01

Smart surface coatings of silicon (Si) nanoparticles are shown to be good examples for dramatically improving the cyclability of lithium-ion batteries. Most coating materials, however, face significant challenges, including a low initial Coulombic efficiency, tedious processing, and safety assessment. In this study, a facile sol-gel strategy is demonstrated to synthesize commercial Si nanoparticles encapsulated by amorphous titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), with core-shell structures, which show greatly superior electrochemical performance and high-safety lithium storage. The amorphous TiO 2 shell (≈3 nm) shows elastic behavior during lithium discharging and charging processes, maintaining high structural integrity. Interestingly, it is found that the amorphous TiO 2 shells offer superior buffering properties compared to crystalline TiO 2 layers for unprecedented cycling stability. Moreover, accelerating rate calorimetry testing reveals that the TiO 2 -encapsulated Si nanoparticles are safer than conventional carbon-coated Si-based anodes. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells with superior reproducibility

PubMed Central

Jeon, Ye-Jin; Lee, Sehyun; Kang, Rira; Kim, Jueng-Eun; Yeo, Jun-Seok; Lee, Seung-Hoon; Kim, Seok-Soon; Yun, Jin-Mun; Kim, Dong-Yu

2014-01-01

Perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) have been considered one of the competitive next generation power sources. To date, light-to-electric conversion efficiencies have rapidly increased to over 10%, and further improvements are expected. However, the poor device reproducibility of PeSCs ascribed to their inhomogeneously covered film morphology has hindered their practical application. Here, we demonstrate high-performance PeSCs with superior reproducibility by introducing small amounts of N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone (CHP) as a morphology controller into N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). As a result, highly homogeneous film morphology, similar to that achieved by vacuum-deposition methods, as well as a high PCE of 10% and an extremely small performance deviation within 0.14% were achieved. This study represents a method for realizing efficient and reproducible planar heterojunction (PHJ) PeSCs through morphology control, taking a major step forward in the low-cost and rapid production of PeSCs by solving one of the biggest problems of PHJ perovskite photovoltaic technology through a facile method. PMID:25377945

Does objective quality of physicians correlate with patient satisfaction measured by Hospital Compare metrics in New York State?

PubMed Central

Bekelis, Kimon; Missios, Symeon; MacKenzie, Todd A.; O’Shaughnessy, Patrick M.

2017-01-01

Background It is unclear whether publicly reported benchmarks correlate with the quality of physicians and institutions. We investigated the association of patient satisfaction measures from a public reporting platform with the performance of neurosurgeons in New York State. Methods We performed a cohort study involving patients undergoing neurosurgical operations from 2009–2013, who were registered in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database. This cohort was merged with publicly available data from the CMS Hospital Compare website. A propensity adjusted regression analysis was used to investigate the association of patient satisfaction metrics with neurosurgeon quality, as measured by their individual rate of mortality and average length-of-stay (LOS). Results Overall, 166,365 patients underwent neurosurgical procedures during the study. Using a propensity adjusted multivariable regression analysis we demonstrated that undergoing neurosurgical operations in hospitals with a greater percentage of patient-assigned “high” score were associated with higher chance of being treated by a physician with superior performance in terms of mortality (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.86 to 1.95), and a higher chance of being treated by a physician with superior performance in terms of length-of-stay (LOS) (OR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.27). Similar associations were identified for hospitals with a higher percentage of patients, who claimed they would recommend these institutions to others. Conclusions Merging a comprehensive all-payer cohort of neurosurgery patients in New York State with data from the CMS Hospital Compare website, we observed an association of superior hospital-level patient satisfaction measures with the objective performance of individual neurosurgeons in the corresponding hospitals. PMID:28456743

Characteristics and Echogenicity of Clinical Ultrasound Contrast Agents: An In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison Study.

PubMed

Hyvelin, Jean-Marc; Gaud, Emmanuel; Costa, Maria; Helbert, Alexandre; Bussat, Philippe; Bettinger, Thierry; Frinking, Peter

2017-05-01

To compare physicochemical characteristics and in vitro and in vivo contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging performance of 3 commercially available ultrasound contrast agents: SonoVue (Bracco Imaging SpA, Colleretto Giacosa, Italy; also marketed as Lumason in the USA), Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, MA) and Optison (GE Healthcare AS, Oslo, Norway). Physicochemical characteristics were measured with a Multisizer Coulter Counter (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA). Two ultrasound systems (Aplio 500; Toshiba Medical Systems Corp, Tochigi-ken, Japan; and Logiq E9; GE Healthcare, Little Chalfont, England) were used with different transducers. Contrast enhancement was measured in vitro by dose-ranging measurements using a custom-built beaker setup; in vivo imaging performances were compared in pigs (heart and liver) and rabbits (liver). Quantitative analyses were performed with VueBox quantification software (Bracco Suisse SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland). Measured physicochemical characteristics were in agreement with those provided by the manufacturers. In vitro data demonstrated that the performance of SonoVue was similar to or better than that of Definity but superior to Optison (normalized scattered power 2- to 10-fold higher with SonoVue). Similar results were obtained in vivo, although the duration of enhancement in the pig heart was longer for SonoVue compared to Definity, and quantitative analysis revealed higher enhancement for SonoVue (1.5-fold increase). For liver imaging, SonoVue and Definity showed similar contrast enhancement and duration of enhancement, but compared to Optison, both peak enhancement and duration of enhancement were superior for SonoVue (up to 2-fold increase). Imaging performance of SonoVue was similar to or slightly better than that of Definity, but it was superior to Optison for the conditions used in this study. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Teaching paediatric basic life support in medical schools using peer teaching or video demonstration: A prospective randomised trial.

PubMed

Stephan, Frederik; Groetschel, Hanjo; Büscher, Anja K; Serdar, Deniz; Groes, Kjell A; Büscher, Rainer

2018-05-13

The outcome of children with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is still poor, but bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation can increase survival and minimise severe neurological sequelae. While teaching basic life support is standardised in emergency medicine classes, paediatric basic life support (PBLS) in neonates and toddlers is under-represented in paediatric curricula during university education. The appropriate mixture of E-learning and peer teaching lessons remains controversial in teaching paediatric basic skills. However, an increasing number of medical schools and paediatric classes switch their curricula to much cheaper and less tutor-dependent E-learning modules. We hypothesise that a peer teaching lesson is superior to a PBLS video demonstration with co-extensive contents and improves knowledge, skills and adherence to resuscitation guidelines. Eighty-eight medical students were randomly assigned to a video PBLS lesson (n = 44) or a peer teaching group (n = 44). An objective structured clinical examination was performed immediately after the class and at the end of the semester. Students taught by a peer teacher performed significantly better immediately after the initial course and at the end of the semester when compared to the video-trained group (P = 0.008 and P = 0.003, respectively). In addition, a borderline regression analysis also revealed a better resuscitation performance of students instructed in the peer teaching group. In our setting, peer teaching is superior and more sustainable than a co-extensive video demonstration alone when teaching PBLS to medical students. However, additional studies with combinations of different teaching methods are necessary to evaluate long-term outcomes. © 2018 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Is Functional Independence Associated With Improved Long-Term Survival After Lung Transplantation?

PubMed

Osho, Asishana; Mulvihill, Michael; Lamba, Nayan; Hirji, Sameer; Yerokun, Babatunde; Bishawi, Muath; Spencer, Philip; Panda, Nikhil; Villavicencio, Mauricio; Hartwig, Matthew

2018-07-01

Existing research demonstrates superior short-term outcomes (length of stay, 1-year survival) after lung transplantation in patients with preoperative functional independence. The aim of this study was to determine whether advantages remain significant in the long-term. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for adult, first-time, isolated lung transplantation records from January 2005 to December 2015. Stratification was performed based on Karnofsky Performance Status Score (3 groups) and on employment at the time of transplantation (2 groups). Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses were performed to determine the association between these factors and survival in the long-term. Of 16,497 patients meeting criteria, 1,581 (9.6%) were almost completely independent at the time of transplant vs 5,662 (34.3%) who were disabled (completely reliant on others for activities of daily living). Cox models adjusting for recipient, donor, and transplant factors demonstrated a statistically significant association between disability at the time of transplant and long-term death (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.40; p < 0.001). There were 15,931 patients with available data on paid employment at the time of transplantation. Multivariable analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between employment at the time of transplantation and death (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.75 to 0.91; p < 0.001). Preoperative functional independence and maintenance of employment are associated with superior long-term outcomes in lung recipients. The results highlight potential benefits of pretransplant functional rehabilitation for patients on the waiting list for lungs. Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language-associated cortical regions are proportionally larger in the female brain.

PubMed

Harasty, J; Double, K L; Halliday, G M; Kril, J J; McRitchie, D A

1997-02-01

Many studies have demonstrated significant sexual dimorphism in verbal ability. However, few studies have examined anatomical differences between the sexes that may underlie such dimorphism. To examine sex differences in the absolute and proportional volumes of the main language-associated regions of the cerebral cortex. Control neuropathological case series of consecutive autopsies from a teaching hospital. No significant age-related volume changes were identified in the sample. Two language-associated cortical regions, the superior temporal gyrus (part of the Wernicke area) and its subdivisions (planum temporale, Heschl gyrus, and anterior superior temporal gyrus) and the inferior frontal gyrus (Broca area in the dominant hemisphere), and a non-language-associated region, the frontal pole, were measured using stereological techniques in brains fixed with formaldehyde solution serially sectioned at 3-mm intervals. Volume comparisons between the sexes and between brain hemispheres were performed using 2-way analysis of variance. Studies were conducted at the University of Sydney and the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, Sydney, Australia. Ten males and 11 females free from neurologic or neuropathological abnormalities. The volume of the superior temporal cortex, expressed as a proportion of total cerebral volume, was significantly larger in females compared with males (17.8% increase; P = .04). This was accounted for by 1 section of the superior temporal cortex, the planum temporale, which was 29.8% larger in females (P = .04). In addition, the cortical volume fraction of the Broca area in females was 20.4% larger than in males (P = .05). In contrast, no significant differences were found in the proportional volume of the frontal pole or in regional volumes between the left and right hemispheres in either sex group. Our results suggest that females have proportionally larger Wernicke and Broca language-associated regions compared with males. These anatomical differences may correlate with superior language skills previously demonstrated in females.

Superior performance of borocarbonitrides, BxCyNz , as stable, low-cost metal-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Himanshu; Chhetri, Manjeet; Maitra, Somak; Waghmare, Umesh; Rao, C. N. R.

We report superior hydrogen evolution activity of metal-free borocarbonitride (BCN) catalysts. The highly positive onset potential (-56 mV vs. RHE) and the current density of 10 mAcm2 at an overpotential of 70 mV exhibited by a carbon-rich BCN with the composition BC7N2 demonstrates the extraordinary electrocatalytic activity at par with Pt. Theoretical studies throw light on the cause of high activity of this composition. The high activity and good stability of BCN's surpass the characteristics of other metal-free catalysts reported in recent literature. an Energy Frontier Research Centre funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, under Award No. DE-SC0012575.

Forward osmosis for oily wastewater reclamation: Multi-charged oxalic acid complexes as draw solutes.

PubMed

Ge, Qingchun; Amy, Gary Lee; Chung, Tai-Shung

2017-10-01

Forward osmosis (FO) has demonstrated its merits in hybrid FO seawater desalination. However, FO may have a potential for other applications if suitable draw solutes are available. In this study, a series of novel draw solutes based on oxalic acid (OA)-transitional metal complexes are presented. Influential factors of FO performance have been systematically investigated by varying the transitional metals, cations of the complex draw solutes as well as the experimental conditions. Compared to NaCl and other recently synthesized draw solutes, the OA complexes show superior FO performance in terms of high water fluxes up to 27.5 and 89.1 LMH under the respective FO and PRO (pressure retarded osmosis) modes, both with negligible reverse solute fluxes. The features of octahedral geometry, abundant hydrophilic groups and ionic species are crucial for the OA complexes as appropriate draw solutes with satisfactory FO performance. Among the synthesized OA complexes, the ammonium salt of chromic complex (NH 4 -Cr-OA) outperforms others due to the presence of more ionic species in its complex system. NH 4 -Cr-OA also performs better than the typical NaCl draw solute in FO oily wastewater treatment with higher water recovery and negligible reverse fluxes. Dilute solutions of OA complexes have been reconcentrated through membrane distillation (MD) and reused to new round of FO processes. The OA complexes have demonstrated their suitability and superiority as a novel class of draw solutes for the FO process in this study. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comprehensive simulation-enhanced training curriculum for an advanced minimally invasive procedure: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Zevin, Boris; Dedy, Nicolas J; Bonrath, Esther M; Grantcharov, Teodor P

2017-05-01

There is no comprehensive simulation-enhanced training curriculum to address cognitive, psychomotor, and nontechnical skills for an advanced minimally invasive procedure. 1) To develop and provide evidence of validity for a comprehensive simulation-enhanced training (SET) curriculum for an advanced minimally invasive procedure; (2) to demonstrate transfer of acquired psychomotor skills from a simulation laboratory to live porcine model; and (3) to compare training outcomes of SET curriculum group and chief resident group. University. This prospective single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial allocated 20 intermediate-level surgery residents to receive either conventional training (control) or SET curriculum training (intervention). The SET curriculum consisted of cognitive, psychomotor, and nontechnical training modules. Psychomotor skills in a live anesthetized porcine model in the OR was the primary outcome. Knowledge of advanced minimally invasive and bariatric surgery and nontechnical skills in a simulated OR crisis scenario were the secondary outcomes. Residents in the SET curriculum group went on to perform a laparoscopic jejunojejunostomy in the OR. Cognitive, psychomotor, and nontechnical skills of SET curriculum group were also compared to a group of 12 chief surgery residents. SET curriculum group demonstrated superior psychomotor skills in a live porcine model (56 [47-62] versus 44 [38-53], P<.05) and superior nontechnical skills (41 [38-45] versus 31 [24-40], P<.01) compared with conventional training group. SET curriculum group and conventional training group demonstrated equivalent knowledge (14 [12-15] versus 13 [11-15], P = 0.47). SET curriculum group demonstrated equivalent psychomotor skills in the live porcine model and in the OR in a human patient (56 [47-62] versus 63 [61-68]; P = .21). SET curriculum group demonstrated inferior knowledge (13 [11-15] versus 16 [14-16]; P<.05), equivalent psychomotor skill (63 [61-68] versus 68 [62-74]; P = .50), and superior nontechnical skills (41 [38-45] versus 34 [27-35], P<.01) compared with chief resident group. Completion of the SET curriculum resulted in superior training outcomes, compared with conventional surgery training. Implementation of the SET curriculum can standardize training for an advanced minimally invasive procedure and can ensure that comprehensive proficiency milestones are met before exposure to patient care. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interactions of cognitive and auditory abilities in congenitally blind individuals.

PubMed

Rokem, Ariel; Ahissar, Merav

2009-02-01

Congenitally blind individuals have been found to show superior performance in perceptual and memory tasks. In the present study, we asked whether superior stimulus encoding could account for performance in memory tasks. We characterized the performance of a group of congenitally blind individuals on a series of auditory, memory and executive cognitive tasks and compared their performance to that of sighted controls matched for age, education and musical training. As expected, we found superior verbal spans among congenitally blind individuals. Moreover, we found superior speech perception, measured by resilience to noise, and superior auditory frequency discrimination. However, when memory span was measured under conditions of equivalent speech perception, by adjusting the signal to noise ratio for each individual to the same level of perceptual difficulty (80% correct), the advantage in memory span was completely eliminated. Moreover, blind individuals did not possess any advantage in cognitive executive functions, such as manipulation of items in memory and math abilities. We propose that the short-term memory advantage of blind individuals results from better stimulus encoding, rather than from superiority at subsequent processing stages.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging study comparing rhythmic finger tapping in children and adults.

PubMed

De Guio, François; Jacobson, Sandra W; Molteno, Christopher D; Jacobson, Joseph L; Meintjes, Ernesta M

2012-02-01

This study compared brain activation during unpaced rhythmic finger tapping in 12-year-old children with that of adults. Subjects pressed a button at a pace initially indicated by a metronome (12 consecutive tones), and then continued for 16 seconds of unpaced tapping to provide an assessment of their ability to maintain a steady rhythm. These analyses focused on the superior vermis of the cerebellum, which is known to play a key role in timing. Twelve adults and 12 children performed this rhythmic finger tapping task in a 3 T scanner. Whole-brain analyses were performed in Brain Voyager, with a random-effects analysis of variance using a general linear model. A dedicated cerebellar atlas was used to localize cerebellar activations. As in adults, unpaced rhythmic finger tapping in children demonstrated activations in the primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, and cerebellum. However, overall activation was different, in that adults demonstrated much more deactivation in response to the task, particularly in the occipital and frontal cortices. The other main differences involved the additional recruitment of motor and premotor areas in children compared with adults, and increased activity in the vermal region of the cerebellum. These findings suggest that the timing component of the unpaced rhythmic finger tapping task is less efficient and automatic in children, who need to recruit the superior vermis more intensively to maintain the rhythm, although they performed somewhat more poorly than adults. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cadexomer iodine provides superior efficacy against bacterial wound biofilms in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Daniel J; Renick, Paul J; Forrest, Emma C; Tetens, Shannon P; Earnest, David N; McMillan, Jillian; Kiedaisch, Brett M; Shi, Lei; Roche, Eric D

2017-01-01

Examination of clinical samples indicates bacterial biofilms are present in the majority of chronic wounds, and substantial evidence suggests biofilms contribute significantly to delayed healing. Bacteria in biofilms are highly tolerant of antimicrobials, and little data exist to guide the choice of anti-biofilm wound therapy. Cadexomer iodine (CI) was recently reported to have superior efficacy compared to diverse wound dressings against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in an ex vivo model. In the current study, the strong performance of CI vs. P. aeruginosa biofilm was confirmed using colony and colony drip-flow in vitro wound biofilm models. Similar in vitro efficacy of CI was also demonstrated against mature Staphylococcus aureus biofilms using the same models. Additionally, the rapid kill of mature S. aureus and P. aeruginosa colony biofilms was visualized by confocal microscopy using Live/Dead fluorescent stains. Superior in vitro efficacy of CI vs. staphylococcal biofilms was further demonstrated against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) using multiple biofilm models with log reduction, Live/Dead, and metabolic endpoints. Comparator antimicrobial dressings, including silver-based dressings used throughout and other active agents used in individual models, elucidated only limited effects against the mature biofilms. Given the promising in vitro activity, CI was tested in an established mouse model of MRSA wound biofilm. CI had significantly greater impact on MRSA biofilm in mouse wounds than silver dressings or mupirocin based on Gram-stained histology sections and quantitative microbiology from biopsy samples (>4 log reduction in CFU/g vs. 0.7-1.6, p < 0.0001). The superior efficacy for CI in these in vitro and in vivo models suggests CI topical products may represent a better choice to address established bacterial biofilm in chronic wounds. © 2016 by the Wound Healing Society.

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

Ruth, E.K.

Measurements of pressure losses and heat transfer rates were made for an unconventional crossflow heat exchanger with tubes of lenticular cross section so spaced to reduce variation in the velocity of the fluid outside the tubes, thus reducing separation and drag. The results of these experiments are reported for various tube spacing and demonstrate that the performance of the lenticular tube heat exchanger is superior to that of conventional circular tubes by 20 percent at Reynolds numbers of 20,000 to 50,000.

Preparation of Tunable 3D Pillared Carbon Nanotube-Graphene Networks for High-Performance Capacitance

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

nanotubes ( CNTs ) and two-dimensional (2D) single-atomic layer graphene, have been demonstrated to show superior thermal, electrical, and mechanical...and the much weaker van der Waals interaction in the transverse direction between the layers, how- ever, CNTs and graphene exhibit strong direction...structure are governed by the minimum interpillar distance (MIPD) and the CNT -pillar length (PL) (Figure 1a). Some successes in fabricating randomly

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

Kisner, R.; Melin, A.; Burress, T.

The objective of this project is to demonstrate improved reliability and increased performance made possible by deeply embedding instrumentation and controls (I&C) in nuclear power plant (NPP) components and systems. The project is employing a highly instrumented canned rotor, magnetic bearing, fluoride salt pump as its I&C technology demonstration platform. I&C is intimately part of the basic millisecond-by-millisecond functioning of the system; treating I&C as an integral part of the system design is innovative and will allow significant improvement in capabilities and performance. As systems become more complex and greater performance is required, traditional I&C design techniques become inadequate andmore » more advanced I&C needs to be applied. New I&C techniques enable optimal and reliable performance and tolerance of noise and uncertainties in the system rather than merely monitoring quasistable performance. Traditionally, I&C has been incorporated in NPP components after the design is nearly complete; adequate performance was obtained through over-design. By incorporating I&C at the beginning of the design phase, the control system can provide superior performance and reliability and enable designs that are otherwise impossible. This report describes the progress and status of the project and provides a conceptual design overview for the platform to demonstrate the performance and reliability improvements enabled by advanced embedded I&C.« less

Silicon and Carbon Nanocomposite Spheres with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Full Cell Lithium Ion Batteries

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Favors, Zachary; Li, Changling; Liu, Chueh; Ye, Rachel; Fu, Chengyin; Bozhilov, Krassimir; Guo, Juchen; Ozkan, Mihrimah; Ozkan, Cengiz S.

2017-01-01

Herein, facile synthesis of monodisperse silicon and carbon nanocomposite spheres (MSNSs) is achieved via a simple and scalable surface-protected magnesiothermic reduction with subsequent chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Li-ion batteries (LIBs) were fabricated to test the utility of MSNSs as an anode material. LIB anodes based on MSNSs demonstrate a high reversible capacity of 3207 mAh g−1, superior rate performance, and excellent cycling stability. Furthermore, the performance of full cell LIBs was evaluated by using MSNS anode and a LiCoO2 cathode with practical electrode loadings. The MSNS/LiCoO2 full cell demonstrates high gravimetric energy density in the order of 850 Wh L−1 with excellent cycling stability. This work shows a proof of concept of the use of monodisperse Si and C nanocomposite spheres toward practical lithium-ion battery applications. PMID:28322285

Derivation of a Performance Checklist for Ultrasound-Guided Arthrocentesis Using the Modified Delphi Method.

PubMed

Kunz, Derek; Pariyadath, Manoj; Wittler, Mary; Askew, Kim; Manthey, David; Hartman, Nicholas

2017-06-01

Arthrocentesis is an important skill for physicians in multiple specialties. Recent studies indicate a superior safety and performance profile for this procedure using ultrasound guidance for needle placement, and improving quality of care requires a valid measurement of competency using this modality. We endeavored to create a validated tool to assess the performance of this procedure using the modified Delphi technique and experts in multiple disciplines across the United States. We derived a 22-item checklist designed to assess competency for the completion of ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis, which demonstrated a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89, indicating an excellent degree of internal consistency. Although we were able to demonstrate content validity for this tool, further validity evidence should be acquired after the tool is used and studied in clinical and simulated contexts. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

DuPont Qualicon BAX System assay for genus Listeria 24E.

PubMed

Wallace, F Morgan; Fallon, Dawn; DeMarco, Daniel; Varkey, Stephen

2011-01-01

The new BAX System PCR Assay for Genus Listeria 24E was evaluated for detecting Listeria spp. in frankfurters, spinach, cooked shrimp, queso fresco cheese, and on stainless steel surfaces with a single-stage enrichment in BAX System 24 Listeria Enrichment Broth (24 LEB). Method comparison studies performed on samples with low-level inoculates showed that the BAX System demonstrates a sensitivity equivalent or superior to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service culture methods, but with a significantly shorter time to result. Tests to evaluate inclusivity and exclusivity returned no false-negative and no false-positive results on a diverse panel of isolates, and tests for lot-to-lot variability and tablet stability demonstrated consistent performance. Ruggedness studies determined that none of the factors examined, within the range of deviations from specified parameters examined, affect the performance of the assay.

Modified artificial bee colony algorithm for reactive power optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulaiman, Noorazliza; Mohamad-Saleh, Junita; Abro, Abdul Ghani

2015-05-01

Bio-inspired algorithms (BIAs) implemented to solve various optimization problems have shown promising results which are very important in this severely complex real-world. Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm, a kind of BIAs has demonstrated tremendous results as compared to other optimization algorithms. This paper presents a new modified ABC algorithm referred to as JA-ABC3 with the aim to enhance convergence speed and avoid premature convergence. The proposed algorithm has been simulated on ten commonly used benchmarks functions. Its performance has also been compared with other existing ABC variants. To justify its robust applicability, the proposed algorithm has been tested to solve Reactive Power Optimization problem. The results have shown that the proposed algorithm has superior performance to other existing ABC variants e.g. GABC, BABC1, BABC2, BsfABC dan IABC in terms of convergence speed. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm has also demonstrated excellence performance in solving Reactive Power Optimization problem.

Characterization of the efficiency of microbore liquid chromatography columns by van Deemter and kinetic plot analysis.

PubMed

Hetzel, Terence; Loeker, Denise; Teutenberg, Thorsten; Schmidt, Torsten C

2016-10-01

The efficiency of miniaturized liquid chromatography columns with inner diameters between 200 and 300 μm has been investigated using a dedicated micro-liquid chromatography system. Fully porous, core-shell and monolithic commercially available stationary phases were compared applying van Deemter and kinetic plot analysis. The sub-2 μm fully porous as well as the 2.7 μm core-shell particle packed columns showed superior efficiency and similar values for the minimum reduced plate heights (2.56-2.69) before correction for extra-column contribution compared to normal-bore columns. Moreover, the influence of extra-column contribution was investigated to demonstrate the difference between apparent and intrinsic efficiency by replacing the column by a zero dead volume union to determine the band spreading caused by the system. It was demonstrated that 72% of the intrinsic efficiency could be reached. The results of the kinetic plot analysis indicate the superior performance of the sub-2 μm fully porous particle packed column for ultra-fast liquid chromatography. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Optimal control theory for non-scalar-valued performance criteria. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerring, H. P.

1971-01-01

The theory of optimal control for nonscalar-valued performance criteria is discussed. In the space, where the performance criterion attains its value, the relations better than, worse than, not better than, and not worse than are defined by a partial order relation. The notion of optimality splits up into superiority and non-inferiority, because worse than is not the complement of better than, in general. A superior solution is better than every other solution. A noninferior solution is not worse than any other solution. Noninferior solutions have been investigated particularly for vector-valued performance criteria. Superior solutions for non-scalar-valued performance criteria attaining their values in abstract partially ordered spaces are emphasized. The main result is the infimum principle which constitutes necessary conditions for a control to be a superior solution to an optimal control problem.

Enhanced performance of microbial fuel cell with a bacteria/multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid biofilm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Peng; Liu, Jia; Qu, Youpeng; Zhang, Jian; Zhong, Yingjuan; Feng, Yujie

2017-09-01

The biofilm on the anode of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a vital component in system, and its formation and characteristic determines the performance of the system. In this study, a bacteria/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid biofilm is fabricated by effectively inserting the MWCNTs into the anode biofilm via an adsorption-filtration method. This hybrid biofilm has been demonstrated to be an efficient structure for improving an anode biofilm performance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results show that the hybrid biofilm takes advantage of the conductivity and structure of MWCNT to enhance the electron transfer and substrate diffusion of the biofilm. With this hybrid biofilm, the current density, power density and coulombic efficiency are increased by 46.2%, 58.8% and 84.6%, respectively, relative to naturally grown biofilm. Furthermore, the start-up time is reduced by 53.8% compared with naturally grown biofilm. The perturbation test demonstrates that this type of hybrid biofilm exhibits strong adsorption ability and enhances the biofilm's resistance to a sudden change of substrate concentration. The superior performance of the hybrid biofilm with MWCNT ;nanowire; matrix compared with naturally grown biofilm demonstrates its great potential for boosting the performance of MFCs.

Modeling and simulation to support dose selection and clinical development of SC-75416, a selective COX-2 inhibitor for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.

PubMed

Kowalski, K G; Olson, S; Remmers, A E; Hutmacher, M M

2008-06-01

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models were developed and clinical trial simulations were conducted to recommend a study design to test the hypothesis that a dose of SC-75416, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, can be identified that achieves superior pain relief (PR) compared to 400 mg ibuprofen in a post-oral surgery pain model. PK/PD models were developed for SC-75416, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, and ibuprofen relating plasma concentrations to PR scores using a nonlinear logistic-normal model. Clinical trial simulations conducted using these models suggested that 360 mg SC-75416 could achieve superior PR compared to 400 mg ibuprofen. A placebo- and positive-controlled parallel-group post-oral surgery pain study was conducted evaluating placebo, 60, 180, and 360 mg SC-75416 oral solution, and 400 mg ibuprofen. The study results confirmed the hypothesis that 360 mg SC-75416 achieved superior PR relative to 400 mg ibuprofen (DeltaTOTPAR6=3.3, P<0.05) and demonstrated the predictive performance of the PK/PD models.

Gray Matter Features of Reading Disability: A Combined Meta-Analytic and Direct Analysis Approach1234

PubMed Central

Berninger, Virginia W.; Gebregziabher, Mulugeta; Tsu, Loretta

2016-01-01

Abstract Meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry dyslexia studies and direct analysis of 293 reading disability and control cases from six different research sites were performed to characterize defining gray matter features of reading disability. These analyses demonstrated consistently lower gray matter volume in left posterior superior temporal sulcus/middle temporal gyrus regions and left orbitofrontal gyrus/pars orbitalis regions. Gray matter volume within both of these regions significantly predicted individual variation in reading comprehension after correcting for multiple comparisons. These regional gray matter differences were observed across published studies and in the multisite dataset after controlling for potential age and gender effects, and despite increased anatomical variance in the reading disability group, but were not significant after controlling for total gray matter volume. Thus, the orbitofrontal and posterior superior temporal sulcus gray matter findings are relatively reliable effects that appear to be dependent on cases with low total gray matter volume. The results are considered in the context of genetics studies linking orbitofrontal and superior temporal sulcus regions to alleles that confer risk for reading disability. PMID:26835509

Research on battery-operated electric road vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varpetian, V. S.

1977-01-01

Mathematical analysis of battery-operated electric vehicles is presented. Attention is focused on assessing the influence of the battery on the mechanical and dynamical characteristics of dc electric motors with series and parallel excitation, as well as on evaluating the influence of the excitation mode and speed control system on the performance of the battery. The superiority of series excitation over parallel excitation with respect to vehicle performance is demonstrated. It is also shown that pulsed control of the electric motor, as compared to potentiometric control, provides a more effective use of the battery and decreases the cost of recharging.

Finger-Vein Verification Based on Multi-Features Fusion

PubMed Central

Qin, Huafeng; Qin, Lan; Xue, Lian; He, Xiping; Yu, Chengbo; Liang, Xinyuan

2013-01-01

This paper presents a new scheme to improve the performance of finger-vein identification systems. Firstly, a vein pattern extraction method to extract the finger-vein shape and orientation features is proposed. Secondly, to accommodate the potential local and global variations at the same time, a region-based matching scheme is investigated by employing the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) matching method. Finally, the finger-vein shape, orientation and SIFT features are combined to further enhance the performance. The experimental results on databases of 426 and 170 fingers demonstrate the consistent superiority of the proposed approach. PMID:24196433

Solid, 3-mirror Fabry-Perot etalon.

PubMed

Stephen, Mark; Fahey, Molly; Miller, Ian

2017-04-01

We present modeling and performance of a solid, fused silica, 3-mirror Fabry-Perot-type etalon. 3-mirror etalons have been known for decades to have superior theoretical performance but for the first time we demonstrate an etalon with sufficient quality to realize the benefits of the more complex design. 3-mirror etalons have better passband shape and higher contrast ratio enabling significantly improved wavelength separation. We show the optical cavity design and construction of the new etalon and show >95% peak transmission, improved passband shape and 20 dB better out-of-band rejection than a similar 2-mirror etalon.

Design and performance of compliant thrust bearing with spiral-groove membranes on resilient supports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Licht, L.; Anderson, W. J.; Doroff, S. W.

1980-01-01

Novel thrust bearings with spiral-groove flexible membranes mounted on resilient supports were designed and their performance demonstrated. Advantages of surface compliance were combined with the superior load-capacity of the spiral-groove geometry. Loads of 127-150N were supported on an area 42 sq cm, at speeds of 43,000-45,000 rpm and mean clearances of 15-20 microns. Support-worthiness was proved when tested in conjunction with foil journal-bearings and a 19N rotor, excited in a pitching mode by a total unbalance of 43 micron-N.

RELEASE OF MERCURY FROM MINE RESIDUES INTO LAKE SUPERIOR

EPA Science Inventory

Using recent compilations of mine production and discharge rates, we will demonstrate that the cumulative Hg inputs to Lake Superior from mining activities are much higher than from atmosphereic deposition.

Neural sources of performance decline during continuous multitasking

PubMed Central

Al-Hashimi, Omar; Zanto, Theodore P.; Gazzaley, Adam

2018-01-01

Multitasking performance costs have largely been characterized by experiments that involve two overlapping and punctuated perceptual stimuli, as well as punctuated responses to each task. Here, participants engaged in a continuous performance paradigm during fMRI recording to identify neural signatures associated with multitasking costs under more natural conditions. Our results demonstrated that only a single brain region, the superior parietal lobule (SPL), exhibited a significant relationship with multitasking performance, such that increased activation in the multitasking condition versus the singletasking condition was associated with higher task performance (i.e., least multitasking cost). Together, these results support previous research indicating that parietal regions underlie multitasking abilities and that performance costs are related to a bottleneck in control processes involving the SPL that serves to divide attention between two tasks. PMID:26159323

Model Estimation Using Ridge Regression with the Variance Normalization Criterion. Interim Report No. 2. The Education and Inequality in Canada Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Wan-Fung; Bulcock, Jeffrey Wilson

The purposes of this study are: (1) to demonstrate the superiority of simple ridge regression over ordinary least squares regression through theoretical argument and empirical example; (2) to modify ridge regression through use of the variance normalization criterion; and (3) to demonstrate the superiority of simple ridge regression based on the…

Demonstrating the Superiority of the FCB Grid as a Tool for Students To Write Effective Advertising Strategy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yssel, Johan C.

Although the FCB (Foote, Cone, & Belding) grid was never intended to serve as an educational tool, it can be applied successfully in advertising classes to address the three areas that S. E. Moriarty considers to be the minimum for writing strategy. To demonstrate the superiority of the FCB grid as a pedagogical tool, a study analyzed…

Effects of Different Types of Exercise on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and IGF-1 in the Elderly with Sarcopenic Obesity.

PubMed

Chen, Hung-Ting; Chung, Yu-Chun; Chen, Yu-Jen; Ho, Sung-Yen; Wu, Huey-June

2017-04-01

To investigate the influence of resistance training (RT), aerobic training (AT), or combination training (CT) interventions on the body composition, muscle strength performance, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) of patients with sarcopenic obesity. Randomized controlled trial. Community center and research center. Sixty men and women aged 65-75 with sarcopenic obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to RT, AT, CT, and control (CON) groups. After training twice a week for 8 weeks, the participants in each group ceased training for 4 weeks before being examined for the retention effects of the training interventions. The body composition, grip strength, maximum back extensor strength, maximum knee extensor muscle strength, and blood IGF-1 concentration were measured. The skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat mass, appendicular SMM/weight %, and visceral fat area (VFA) of the RT, AT, and CT groups were significantly superior to those of the CON group at both week 8 and week 12. Regarding muscle strength performance, the RT group exhibited greater grip strength at weeks 8 and 12 as well as higher knee extensor performance at week 8 than that of the other groups. At week 8, the serum IGF-1 concentration of the RT group was higher than the CON group, whereas the CT group was superior to the AT and CON groups. Older adults with sarcopenic obesity who engaged in the RT, AT, and CT interventions demonstrated increased muscle mass and reduced total fat mass and VFA compared with those without training. The muscle strength performance and serum IGF-1 level in trained groups, especially in the RT group, were superior to the control group. © 2017, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2017, The American Geriatrics Society.

Transition Metal-Oxide Free Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by a New Organic Charge Transport Layer.

PubMed

Chang, Sehoon; Han, Ggoch Ddeul; Weis, Jonathan G; Park, Hyoungwon; Hentz, Olivia; Zhao, Zhibo; Swager, Timothy M; Gradečak, Silvija

2016-04-06

Various electron and hole transport layers have been used to develop high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. To achieve low-temperature solution processing of perovskite solar cells, organic n-type materials are employed to replace the metal oxide electron transport layer (ETL). Although PCBM (phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester) has been widely used for this application, its morphological instability in films (i.e., aggregation) is detrimental. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of a new fullerene derivative (isobenzofulvene-C60-epoxide, IBF-Ep) that serves as an electron transporting material for methylammonium mixed lead halide-based perovskite (CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x)) solar cells, both in the normal and inverted device configurations. We demonstrate that IBF-Ep has superior morphological stability compared to the conventional acceptor, PCBM. IBF-Ep provides higher photovoltaic device performance as compared to PCBM (6.9% vs 2.5% in the normal and 9.0% vs 5.3% in the inverted device configuration). Moreover, IBF-Ep devices show superior tolerance to high humidity (90%) in air. By reaching power conversion efficiencies up to 9.0% for the inverted devices with IBF-Ep as the ETL, we demonstrate the potential of this new material as an alternative to metal oxides for perovskite solar cells processed in air.

Optimized survey design for electrical resistivity tomography: combined optimization of measurement configuration and electrode placement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlemann, Sebastian; Wilkinson, Paul B.; Maurer, Hansruedi; Wagner, Florian M.; Johnson, Timothy C.; Chambers, Jonathan E.

2018-07-01

Within geoelectrical imaging, the choice of measurement configurations and electrode locations is known to control the image resolution. Previous work has shown that optimized survey designs can provide a model resolution that is superior to standard survey designs. This paper demonstrates a methodology to optimize resolution within a target area, while limiting the number of required electrodes, thereby selecting optimal electrode locations. This is achieved by extending previous work on the `Compare-R' algorithm, which by calculating updates to the resolution matrix optimizes the model resolution in a target area. Here, an additional weighting factor is introduced that allows to preferentially adding measurement configurations that can be acquired on a given set of electrodes. The performance of the optimization is tested on two synthetic examples and verified with a laboratory study. The effect of the weighting factor is investigated using an acquisition layout comprising a single line of electrodes. The results show that an increasing weight decreases the area of improved resolution, but leads to a smaller number of electrode positions. Imaging results superior to a standard survey design were achieved using 56 per cent fewer electrodes. The performance was also tested on a 3-D acquisition grid, where superior resolution within a target at the base of an embankment was achieved using 22 per cent fewer electrodes than a comparable standard survey. The effect of the underlying resistivity distribution on the performance of the optimization was investigated and it was shown that even strong resistivity contrasts only have minor impact. The synthetic results were verified in a laboratory tank experiment, where notable image improvements were achieved. This work shows that optimized surveys can be designed that have a resolution superior to standard survey designs, while requiring significantly fewer electrodes. This methodology thereby provides a means for improving the efficiency of geoelectrical imaging.

Optimized survey design for Electrical Resistivity Tomography: combined optimization of measurement configuration and electrode placement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlemann, Sebastian; Wilkinson, Paul B.; Maurer, Hansruedi; Wagner, Florian M.; Johnson, Timothy C.; Chambers, Jonathan E.

2018-03-01

Within geoelectrical imaging, the choice of measurement configurations and electrode locations is known to control the image resolution. Previous work has shown that optimized survey designs can provide a model resolution that is superior to standard survey designs. This paper demonstrates a methodology to optimize resolution within a target area, while limiting the number of required electrodes, thereby selecting optimal electrode locations. This is achieved by extending previous work on the `Compare-R' algorithm, which by calculating updates to the resolution matrix optimizes the model resolution in a target area. Here, an additional weighting factor is introduced that allows to preferentially adding measurement configurations that can be acquired on a given set of electrodes. The performance of the optimization is tested on two synthetic examples and verified with a laboratory study. The effect of the weighting factor is investigated using an acquisition layout comprising a single line of electrodes. The results show that an increasing weight decreases the area of improved resolution, but leads to a smaller number of electrode positions. Imaging results superior to a standard survey design were achieved using 56 per cent fewer electrodes. The performance was also tested on a 3D acquisition grid, where superior resolution within a target at the base of an embankment was achieved using 22 per cent fewer electrodes than a comparable standard survey. The effect of the underlying resistivity distribution on the performance of the optimization was investigated and it was shown that even strong resistivity contrasts only have minor impact. The synthetic results were verified in a laboratory tank experiment, where notable image improvements were achieved. This work shows that optimized surveys can be designed that have a resolution superior to standard survey designs, while requiring significantly fewer electrodes. This methodology thereby provides a means for improving the efficiency of geoelectrical imaging.

Large-scale broadband absorber based on metallic tungsten nanocone structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiaxing; Liang, Yuzhang; Huo, Pengcheng; Wang, Daopeng; Tan, Jun; Xu, Ting

2017-12-01

We report a broadband tungsten absorber based on a nanocone metallic resonant structure fabricated by self-assembly nanosphere lithography. In experimental demonstration, the fabricated absorber has more than 90% average absorption efficiency and shows superior angular tolerance in the entire visible and near-infrared spectral region. We envision that this large-scale nanostructured broadband optical absorber would find great potential in the applications of high performance optoelectronic platforms and solar-thermal energy harvesting systems.

A biological compression model and its applications.

PubMed

Cao, Minh Duc; Dix, Trevor I; Allison, Lloyd

2011-01-01

A biological compression model, expert model, is presented which is superior to existing compression algorithms in both compression performance and speed. The model is able to compress whole eukaryotic genomes. Most importantly, the model provides a framework for knowledge discovery from biological data. It can be used for repeat element discovery, sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. We demonstrate that the model can handle statistically biased sequences and distantly related sequences where conventional knowledge discovery tools often fail.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-15

Ecomaster, an affiliate of BioServe Space Technologies, this PentaPure technology has been used to purify water for our nation's Space Shuttle missions since 1981. WTC-Ecomaster of Mirneapolis, Minnesota manufactures water purification systems under the brand name PentaPure (TM). BioServe researcher Dr. George Marchin, of Kansas State University, first demonstrated the superiority of this technology and licensed it to WTC. Marchin continues to perform microgravity research in the development of new technologies for the benefit of life on Earth.

Water Purification Product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Ecomaster, an affiliate of BioServe Space Technologies, this PentaPure technology has been used to purify water for our nation's Space Shuttle missions since 1981. WTC-Ecomaster of Mirneapolis, Minnesota manufactures water purification systems under the brand name PentaPure (TM). BioServe researcher Dr. George Marchin, of Kansas State University, first demonstrated the superiority of this technology and licensed it to WTC. Marchin continues to perform microgravity research in the development of new technologies for the benefit of life on Earth.

Working set selection using functional gain for LS-SVM.

PubMed

Bo, Liefeng; Jiao, Licheng; Wang, Ling

2007-09-01

The efficiency of sequential minimal optimization (SMO) depends strongly on the working set selection. This letter shows how the improvement of SMO in each iteration, named the functional gain (FG), is used to select the working set for least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). We prove the convergence of the proposed method and give some theoretical support for its performance. Empirical comparisons demonstrate that our method is superior to the maximum violating pair (MVP) working set selection.

Quadriphase DS-CDMA wireless communication systems employing the generalized detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuzlukov, Vyacheslav

2012-05-01

Probability of bit-error Per performance of asynchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) wireless communication systems employing the generalized detector (GD) constructed based on the generalized approach to signal processing in noise is analyzed. The effects of pulse shaping, quadriphase or direct sequence quadriphase shift keying (DS-QPSK) spreading, aperiodic spreading sequences are considered in DS-CDMA based on GD and compared with the coherent Neyman-Pearson receiver. An exact Per expression and several approximations: one using the characterristic function method, a simplified expression for the improved Gaussian approximation (IGA) and the simplified improved Gaussian approximation are derived. Under conditions typically satisfied in practice and even with a small number of interferers, the standard Gaussian approximation (SGA) for the multiple-access interference component of the GD statistic and Per performance is shown to be accurate. Moreover, the IGA is shown to reduce to the SGA for pulses with zero excess bandwidth. Second, the GD Per performance of quadriphase DS-CDMA is shown to be superior to that of bi-phase DS-CDMA. Numerical examples by Monte Carlo simulation are presented to illustrate the GD Per performance for square-root raised-cosine pulses and spreading factors of moderate to large values. Also, a superiority of GD employment in CDMA systems over the Neyman-Pearson receiver is demonstrated

Superior Recess Access of the Lumbar Facet Joint.

PubMed

Demir-Deviren, Sibel; Singh, Sukhminder; Hanelin, Joshua

2017-04-01

Descriptive approach to accessing the lumbar facet joint by superior recess. This study is aimed to describe an approach to accessing the lumbar facet joint through targeting the superior recess during lumbar facet joint injections. Lumbar facet joint injections are routinely performed for both the diagnosis and treatment of chronic low back pain. Previous studies either did not specify which part of the joint to target, or recommended targeting the inferior aspect of the joint to access the inferior recess. One study did mention the superior recess as an alternative to injecting the inferior recess, but none has focused on description of the technique. This is the first time this technique has been described. The records and fluoroscopic images were reviewed for all patients over a period of 9 months (January-September 2012) using the proposed technique. This resulted in a total of 48 patients; 15 men, 29 women, and a total of 117 facet joint intra-articular injections. Among these 48 patients, injections were repeated in total of 4 cases. The average time of injections among 4 repeat cases was 121 days. The success of the procedure was confirmed with an arthrogram demonstrating contrast flowing from the superior recess inferiorly through the joint space. Successful access of the lumbar facet joint through puncture of the superior recess was seen in 114 cases, with 3 unsuccessful attempts to enter facet joints due to osteophytes at involved levels. There were no complications observed during the procedure. We find this approach to be highly successful, safe, and well tolerated by the patient and recommend it as a technique for access of the lumbar facet joint in those patients in whom direct puncture of the inferior recess is difficult.

Performance of (CoPC)n catalyst in active lithium-thionyl chloride cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shah, Pinakin M.

1990-01-01

An experimental study was conducted with anode limited D size cells to characterize the performance of an active lithium-thionyl chloride (Li/SOCl2) system using the polymeric cobalt phthalocyanine, (CoPC)n, catalyst in carbon cathodes. The author describes the results of this experiment with respect to initial voltage delays, operating voltages, and capacities. The effectiveness of the preconditioning methods evolved to alleviate passivation effects on storage are also discussed. The results clearly demonstrated the superior high rate capability of cells with the catalyst. The catalyst did not adversely impact the performance of cells after active storage for up to 6 months, while retaining its beneficial influences.

Biomechanical Effects of Acromioplasty on Superior Capsule Reconstruction for Irreparable Supraspinatus Tendon Tears.

PubMed

Mihata, Teruhisa; McGarry, Michelle H; Kahn, Timothy; Goldberg, Iliya; Neo, Masashi; Lee, Thay Q

2016-01-01

Acromioplasty is increasingly being performed for both reparable and irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, acromioplasty may destroy the coracoacromial arch, including the coracoacromial ligament, consequently causing a deterioration in superior stability even after superior capsule reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acromioplasty on shoulder biomechanics after superior capsule reconstruction for irreparable supraspinatus tendon tears. The hypothesis was that acromioplasty with superior capsule reconstruction would decrease the area of subacromial impingement without increasing superior translation and subacromial contact pressure. Controlled laboratory study. Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were evaluated using a custom shoulder testing system. Glenohumeral superior translation, the location of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, and subacromial contact pressure and area were compared among 4 conditions: (1) intact shoulder, (2) irreparable supraspinatus tendon tear, (3) superior capsule reconstruction without acromioplasty, and (4) superior capsule reconstruction with acromioplasty. Superior capsule reconstruction was performed using the fascia lata. Compared with the intact shoulder, the creation of an irreparable supraspinatus tear significantly shifted the humeral head superiorly in the balanced muscle loading condition (without superior force applied) (0° of abduction: 2.8-mm superior shift [P = .0005]; 30° of abduction: 1.9-mm superior shift [P = .003]) and increased both superior translation (0° of abduction: 239% of intact [P = .04]; 30° of abduction: 199% of intact [P = .02]) and subacromial peak contact pressure (0° of abduction: 308% of intact [P = .0002]; 30° of abduction: 252% of intact [P = .001]) by applying superior force. Superior capsule reconstruction without acromioplasty significantly decreased superior translation (0° of abduction: 86% of intact [P = .02]; 30° of abduction: 75% of intact [P = .002]) and subacromial peak contact pressure (0° of abduction: 47% of intact [P = .0002]; 30° of abduction: 83% of intact [P = .0005]; 60° of abduction: 38% of intact [P = .04]) compared with after the creation of a supraspinatus tear. Adding acromioplasty significantly decreased the subacromial contact area compared with superior capsule reconstruction without acromioplasty (0° of abduction: 26% decrease [P = .01]; 30° of abduction: 21% decrease [P = .009]; 60° of abduction: 61% decrease [P = .003]) and did not alter humeral head position, superior translation, or subacromial peak contact pressure. Superior capsule reconstruction repositioned the superiorly migrated humeral head and restored superior stability in the shoulder joint. Adding acromioplasty decreased the subacromial contact area without increasing the subacromial contact pressure. When superior capsule reconstruction is performed for irreparable rotator cuff tears, acromioplasty may help to decrease the postoperative risk of abrasion and tearing of the graft beneath the acromion. © 2015 The Author(s).

Task switching in video game players: Benefits of selective attention but not resistance to proactive interference.

PubMed

Karle, James W; Watter, Scott; Shedden, Judith M

2010-05-01

Research into the perceptual and cognitive effects of playing video games is an area of increasing interest for many investigators. Over the past decade, expert video game players (VGPs) have been shown to display superior performance compared to non-video game players (nVGPs) on a range of visuospatial and attentional tasks. A benefit of video game expertise has recently been shown for task switching, suggesting that VGPs also have superior cognitive control abilities compared to nVGPs. In two experiments, we examined which aspects of task switching performance this VGP benefit may be localized to. With minimal trial-to-trial interference from minimally overlapping task set rules, VGPs demonstrated a task switching benefit compared to nVGPs. However, this benefit disappeared when proactive interference between tasks was increased, with substantial stimulus and response overlap in task set rules. We suggest that VGPs have no generalized benefit in task switching-related cognitive control processes compared to nVGPs, with switch cost reductions due instead to a specific benefit in controlling selective attention. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mesoporous g-C₃N₄ Nanosheets: Synthesis, Superior Adsorption Capacity and Photocatalytic Activity.

PubMed

Li, Dong-Feng; Huang, Wei-Qing; Zou, Lan-Rong; Pan, Anlian; Huang, Gui-Fang

2018-08-01

Elimination of pollutants from water is one of the greatest challenges in resolving global environmental issues. Herein, we report a high-surface-area mesoporous g-C3N4 nanosheet with remarkable high adsorption capacity and photocatalytic performance, which is prepared through directly polycondensation of urea followed by a consecutive one-step thermal exfoliation strategy. This one-pot method to prepare mesoporous g-C3N4 nanosheet is facile and rapid in comparison with others. The superior adsorption capacity of the fabricated mesoporous g-C3N4 nanostructures is demonstrated by a model organic pollutant-methylene blue (MB), which is up to 72.2 mg/g, about 6 times as that of the largest value of various g-C3N4 adsorbents reported so far. Moreover, this kind of porous g-C3N4 nanosheet exhibits high photocatalytic activity to MB and phenol degradation. Particularly, the regenerated samples show excellent performance of pollutant removal after consecutive adsorption/degradation cycles. Therefore, this mesoporous g-C3N4 nanosheet may be an attractive robust metal-free material with great promise for organic pollutant elimination.

Differential roles of right temporal cortex and Broca's area in pitch processing: evidence from music and Mandarin.

PubMed

Nan, Yun; Friederici, Angela D

2013-09-01

Superior temporal and inferior frontal cortices are involved in the processing of pitch information in the domain of language and music. Here, we used fMRI to test the particular roles of these brain regions in the neural implementation of pitch in music and in tone language (Mandarin) with a group of Mandarin speaking musicians whose pertaining experiences in pitch are similar across domains. Our findings demonstrate that the neural network for pitch processing includes the pars triangularis of Broca's area and the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) across domains. Within this network, pitch sensitive activation in Broca's area is tightly linked to the behavioral performance of pitch congruity judgment, thereby reflecting controlled processes. Activation in the right STG is independent of performance and more sensitive to pitch congruity in music than in tone language, suggesting a domain-specific modulation of the perceptual processes. These observations provide a first glimpse at the cortical pitch processing network shared across domains. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., a Wiley company.

Cu2+ Dual-Doped Layer-Tunnel Hybrid Na0.6Mn1- xCu xO2 as a Cathode of Sodium-Ion Battery with Enhanced Structure Stability, Electrochemical Property, and Air Stability.

PubMed

Chen, Ting-Ru; Sheng, Tian; Wu, Zhen-Guo; Li, Jun-Tao; Wang, En-Hui; Wu, Chun-Jin; Li, Hong-Tai; Guo, Xiao-Dong; Zhong, Ben-He; Huang, Ling; Sun, Shi-Gang

2018-03-28

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been regarded as a promising candidate for large-scale renewable energy storage system. Layered manganese oxide cathode possesses the advantages of high energy density, low cost and natural abundance while suffering from limited cycling life and poor rate capacity. To overcome these weaknesses, layer-tunnel hybrid material was developed and served as the cathode of SIB, which integrated high capacity, superior cycle ability, and rate performance. In the current work, the doping of copper was adopted to suppress the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn 3+ and to affect relevant structural parameters. Multifunctions of the Cu 2+ doping were carefully investigated. It was found that the structure component ratio is varied with the Cu 2+ doping amount. Results demonstrated that Na + /vacancy rearrangement and phase transitions were suppressed during cycling without sacrificing the reversible capacity and enhanced electrochemical performances evidenced with 96 mA h g -1 retained after 250 cycles at 4 C and 85 mA h g -1 at 8 C. Furthermore, ex situ X-ray diffraction has demonstrated high reversibility of the Na 0.6 Mn 0.9 Cu 0.1 O 2 cathode during Na + extraction/insertion processes and superior air stability that results in better storage properties. This study reveals that the Cu 2+ doping could be an effective strategy to tune the properties and related performances of Mn-based layer-tunnel hybrid cathode.

A Functional Neuroimaging Study of Sound Localization: Visual Cortex Activity Predicts Performance in Early-Blind Individuals

PubMed Central

Gougoux, Frédéric; Zatorre, Robert J; Lassonde, Maryse; Voss, Patrice

2005-01-01

Blind individuals often demonstrate enhanced nonvisual perceptual abilities. However, the neural substrate that underlies this improved performance remains to be fully understood. An earlier behavioral study demonstrated that some early-blind people localize sounds more accurately than sighted controls using monaural cues. In order to investigate the neural basis of these behavioral differences in humans, we carried out functional imaging studies using positron emission tomography and a speaker array that permitted pseudo-free-field presentations within the scanner. During binaural sound localization, a sighted control group showed decreased cerebral blood flow in the occipital lobe, which was not seen in early-blind individuals. During monaural sound localization (one ear plugged), the subgroup of early-blind subjects who were behaviorally superior at sound localization displayed two activation foci in the occipital cortex. This effect was not seen in blind persons who did not have superior monaural sound localization abilities, nor in sighted individuals. The degree of activation of one of these foci was strongly correlated with sound localization accuracy across the entire group of blind subjects. The results show that those blind persons who perform better than sighted persons recruit occipital areas to carry out auditory localization under monaural conditions. We therefore conclude that computations carried out in the occipital cortex specifically underlie the enhanced capacity to use monaural cues. Our findings shed light not only on intermodal compensatory mechanisms, but also on individual differences in these mechanisms and on inhibitory patterns that differ between sighted individuals and those deprived of vision early in life. PMID:15678166

Bearing performance degradation assessment based on time-frequency code features and SOM network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yan; Tang, Baoping; Han, Yan; Deng, Lei

2017-04-01

Bearing performance degradation assessment and prognostics are extremely important in supporting maintenance decision and guaranteeing the system’s reliability. To achieve this goal, this paper proposes a novel feature extraction method for the degradation assessment and prognostics of bearings. Features of time-frequency codes (TFCs) are extracted from the time-frequency distribution using a hybrid procedure based on short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) theory. An alternative way to design the health indicator is investigated by quantifying the similarity between feature vectors using a self-organizing map (SOM) network. On the basis of this idea, a new health indicator called time-frequency code quantification error (TFCQE) is proposed to assess the performance degradation of the bearing. This indicator is constructed based on the bearing real-time behavior and the SOM model that is previously trained with only the TFC vectors under the normal condition. Vibration signals collected from the bearing run-to-failure tests are used to validate the developed method. The comparison results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed TFCQE indicator over many other traditional features in terms of feature quality metrics, incipient degradation identification and achieving accurate prediction. Highlights • Time-frequency codes are extracted to reflect the signals’ characteristics. • SOM network served as a tool to quantify the similarity between feature vectors. • A new health indicator is proposed to demonstrate the whole stage of degradation development. • The method is useful for extracting the degradation features and detecting the incipient degradation. • The superiority of the proposed method is verified using experimental data.

Changes in Neural Connectivity and Memory Following a Yoga Intervention for Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Eyre, Harris A; Acevedo, Bianca; Yang, Hongyu; Siddarth, Prabha; Van Dyk, Kathleen; Ercoli, Linda; Leaver, Amber M; Cyr, Natalie St; Narr, Katherine; Baune, Bernhard T; Khalsa, Dharma S; Lavretsky, Helen

2016-01-01

No study has explored the effect of yoga on cognitive decline and resting-state functional connectivity. This study explored the relationship between performance on memory tests and resting-state functional connectivity before and after a yoga intervention versus active control for subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants ( ≥ 55 y) with MCI were randomized to receive a yoga intervention or active "gold-standard" control (i.e., memory enhancement training (MET)) for 12 weeks. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map correlations between brain networks and memory performance changes over time. Default mode networks (DMN), language and superior parietal networks were chosen as networks of interest to analyze the association with changes in verbal and visuospatial memory performance. Fourteen yoga and 11 MET participants completed the study. The yoga group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression and visuospatial memory. We observed improved verbal memory performance correlated with increased connectivity between the DMN and frontal medial cortex, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, right middle frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and left lateral occipital cortex. Improved verbal memory performance positively correlated with increased connectivity between the language processing network and the left inferior frontal gyrus. Improved visuospatial memory performance correlated inversely with connectivity between the superior parietal network and the medial parietal cortex. Yoga may be as effective as MET in improving functional connectivity in relation to verbal memory performance. These findings should be confirmed in larger prospective studies.

Total variation superiorized conjugate gradient method for image reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zibetti, Marcelo V. W.; Lin, Chuan; Herman, Gabor T.

2018-03-01

The conjugate gradient (CG) method is commonly used for the relatively-rapid solution of least squares problems. In image reconstruction, the problem can be ill-posed and also contaminated by noise; due to this, approaches such as regularization should be utilized. Total variation (TV) is a useful regularization penalty, frequently utilized in image reconstruction for generating images with sharp edges. When a non-quadratic norm is selected for regularization, as is the case for TV, then it is no longer possible to use CG. Non-linear CG is an alternative, but it does not share the efficiency that CG shows with least squares and methods such as fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithms (FISTA) are preferred for problems with TV norm. A different approach to including prior information is superiorization. In this paper it is shown that the conjugate gradient method can be superiorized. Five different CG variants are proposed, including preconditioned CG. The CG methods superiorized by the total variation norm are presented and their performance in image reconstruction is demonstrated. It is illustrated that some of the proposed variants of the superiorized CG method can produce reconstructions of superior quality to those produced by FISTA and in less computational time, due to the speed of the original CG for least squares problems. In the Appendix we examine the behavior of one of the superiorized CG methods (we call it S-CG); one of its input parameters is a positive number ɛ. It is proved that, for any given ɛ that is greater than the half-squared-residual for the least squares solution, S-CG terminates in a finite number of steps with an output for which the half-squared-residual is less than or equal to ɛ. Importantly, it is also the case that the output will have a lower value of TV than what would be provided by unsuperiorized CG for the same value ɛ of the half-squared residual.

Revising superior planning performance in chess players: the impact of time restriction and motivation aspects.

PubMed

Unterrainer, Josef Martin; Kaller, Christoph Philipp; Leonhart, Rainer; Rahm, Benjamin

2011-01-01

In a previous study (Unterrainer, Kaller, Halsband, & Rahm, 2006), chess players outperformed non-chess players in the Tower of London planning task but exhibited disproportionately longer processing times. This pattern of results raises the question of whether chess players' planning capabilities are superior or whether the results reflect differences in the speed-accuracy trade-off between the groups, possibly attributable to sports motivation. The present study was designed to disambiguate these alternative suggestions by implementing various constraints on planning time and by assessing self-reported motivation. In contrast to the previous study, chess players' performance was not superior, independently of whether problems had to be solved with (Experiment 1) or without (Experiment 2) time limits. As expected, chess players reported higher overall trait and state motivation scores across both experiments. These findings revise the notion of superior planning performance in chess players. In consequence, they do not conform with the assumption of a general transfer of chess-related planning expertise to other cognitive domains, instead suggesting that superior performance may be possible only under specific circumstances such as receiving competitive instructions.

Surfactant protein-A nanobody-conjugated liposomes loaded with methylprednisolone increase lung-targeting specificity and therapeutic effect for acute lung injury.

PubMed

Li, Nan; Weng, Dong; Wang, Shan-Mei; Zhang, Yuan; Chen, Shan-Shan; Yin, Zhao-Fang; Zhai, Jiali; Scoble, Judy; Williams, Charlotte C; Chen, Tao; Qiu, Hui; Wu, Qin; Zhao, Meng-Meng; Lu, Li-Qin; Mulet, Xavier; Li, Hui-Ping

2017-11-01

The advent of nanomedicine requires novel delivery vehicles to actively target their site of action. Here, we demonstrate the development of lung-targeting drug-loaded liposomes and their efficacy, specificity and safety. Our study focuses on glucocorticoids methylprednisolone (MPS), a commonly used drug to treat lung injuries. The steroidal molecule was loaded into functionalized nano-sterically stabilized unilamellar liposomes (NSSLs). Targeting functionality was performed through conjugation of surfactant protein A (SPANb) nanobodies to form MPS-NSSLs-SPANb. MPS-NSSLs-SPANb exhibited good size distribution, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. Animal experiments demonstrated the high specificity of MPS-NSSLs-SPANb to the lung. Treatment with MPS-NSSLs-SPANb reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and TGF-β1 in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the expression of NK-κB in the lung tissues, thereby alleviating lung injuries and increasing rat survival. The nanobody functionalized nanoparticles demonstrate superior performance to treat lung injury when compared to that of antibody functionalized systems.

Negative Refraction with Superior Transmission in Graphene-Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) Multilayer Hyper Crystal

PubMed Central

Sayem, Ayed Al; Rahman, Md. Masudur; Mahdy, M. R. C.; Jahangir, Ifat; Rahman, Md. Saifur

2016-01-01

In this article, we have theoretically investigated the performance of graphene-hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) multilayer structure (hyper crystal) to demonstrate all angle negative refraction along with superior transmission. hBN, one of the latest natural hyperbolic materials, can be a very strong contender to form a hyper crystal with graphene due to its excellence as a graphene-compatible substrate. Although bare hBN can exhibit negative refraction, the transmission is generally low due to its high reflectivity. Whereas due to graphene’s 2D nature and metallic characteristics in the frequency range where hBN behaves as a type-I hyperbolic material, we have found graphene-hBN hyper-crystals to exhibit all angle negative refraction with superior transmission. Interestingly, superior transmission from the whole structure can be fully controlled by the tunability of graphene without hampering the negative refraction originated mainly from hBN. We have also presented an effective medium description of the hyper crystal in the low-k limit and validated the proposed theory analytically and with full wave simulations. Along with the current extensive research on hybridization of graphene plasmon polaritons with (hyperbolic) hBN phonon polaritons, this work might have some substantial impact on this field of research and can be very useful in applications such as hyper-lensing. PMID:27146561

High Ability and Learner Characteristics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hindal, Huda; Reid, Norman; Whitehead, Rex

2013-01-01

The outstandingly able learner has been conceptualised, in terms of test and examination performance, as the learner showing superior academic performance which is markedly better than that of peers and in ways regarded as of value by wider society. In Kuwait, such superior examination performance leads to a classification regarded as being…

40 CFR 63.176 - Quality improvement program for pumps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., operating or maintenance practices, and pump or pump seal designs or technologies that have poorer than... shall also be used to determine if there are superior performing pump or pump seal technologies that are... average emission performance. A superior performing pump or pump seal technology is one with a leak...

40 CFR 63.176 - Quality improvement program for pumps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., operating or maintenance practices, and pump or pump seal designs or technologies that have poorer than... shall also be used to determine if there are superior performing pump or pump seal technologies that are... average emission performance. A superior performing pump or pump seal technology is one with a leak...

40 CFR 63.1035 - Quality improvement program for pumps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... determine the services, operating or maintenance practices, and pump or pump seal designs or technologies... analysis shall also be used to determine if there are superior performing pump or pump seal technologies... with poorer than average emission performance. A superior performing pump or pump seal technology is...

40 CFR 63.1035 - Quality improvement program for pumps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... determine the services, operating or maintenance practices, and pump or pump seal designs or technologies... analysis shall also be used to determine if there are superior performing pump or pump seal technologies... with poorer than average emission performance. A superior performing pump or pump seal technology is...

40 CFR 63.1035 - Quality improvement program for pumps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... determine the services, operating or maintenance practices, and pump or pump seal designs or technologies... analysis shall also be used to determine if there are superior performing pump or pump seal technologies... with poorer than average emission performance. A superior performing pump or pump seal technology is...

40 CFR 63.1035 - Quality improvement program for pumps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... determine the services, operating or maintenance practices, and pump or pump seal designs or technologies... analysis shall also be used to determine if there are superior performing pump or pump seal technologies... with poorer than average emission performance. A superior performing pump or pump seal technology is...

40 CFR 63.176 - Quality improvement program for pumps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., operating or maintenance practices, and pump or pump seal designs or technologies that have poorer than... shall also be used to determine if there are superior performing pump or pump seal technologies that are... average emission performance. A superior performing pump or pump seal technology is one with a leak...

Cognitive Development of Intellectually Gifted: A Piagetian Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Kyle R.

1985-01-01

Relationships between intellectual giftedness and performance within Piagetian stages of 673 gifted students (10-16 years old) were investigated. Results showed that intellectually superior children out- performed children of normal ability at all age levels. Intellectually superior Ss out-performed bright-normal Ss at lower ages, but no…

Neural sources of performance decline during continuous multitasking.

PubMed

Al-Hashimi, Omar; Zanto, Theodore P; Gazzaley, Adam

2015-10-01

Multitasking performance costs have largely been characterized by experiments that involve two overlapping and punctuated perceptual stimuli, as well as punctuated responses to each task. Here, participants engaged in a continuous performance paradigm during fMRI recording to identify neural signatures associated with multitasking costs under more natural conditions. Our results demonstrated that only a single brain region, the superior parietal lobule (SPL), exhibited a significant relationship with multitasking performance, such that increased activation in the multitasking condition versus the singletasking condition was associated with higher task performance (i.e., least multitasking cost). Together, these results support previous research indicating that parietal regions underlie multitasking abilities and that performance costs are related to a bottleneck in control processes involving the SPL that serves to divide attention between two tasks. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Curved-line search algorithm for ab initio atomic structure relaxation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhanghui; Li, Jingbo; Li, Shushen; Wang, Lin-Wang

2017-09-01

Ab initio atomic relaxations often take large numbers of steps and long times to converge, especially when the initial atomic configurations are far from the local minimum or there are curved and narrow valleys in the multidimensional potentials. An atomic relaxation method based on on-the-flight force learning and a corresponding curved-line search algorithm is presented to accelerate this process. Results demonstrate the superior performance of this method for metal and magnetic clusters when compared with the conventional conjugate-gradient method.

A CNN based neurobiology inspired approach for retinal image quality assessment.

PubMed

Mahapatra, Dwarikanath; Roy, Pallab K; Sedai, Suman; Garnavi, Rahil

2016-08-01

Retinal image quality assessment (IQA) algorithms use different hand crafted features for training classifiers without considering the working of the human visual system (HVS) which plays an important role in IQA. We propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) based approach that determines image quality using the underlying principles behind the working of the HVS. CNNs provide a principled approach to feature learning and hence higher accuracy in decision making. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed algorithm over competing methods.

A green route to methyl acrylate and acrylic acid by an aldol condensation reaction over H-ZSM-35 zeolite catalysts.

PubMed

Ma, Zhanling; Ma, Xiangang; Liu, Hongchao; He, Yanli; Zhu, Wenliang; Guo, Xinwen; Liu, Zhongmin

2017-08-10

A one-step aldol condensation reaction to produce MA and AA is a green and promising strategy. Here, the aldol condensation reaction was first conducted with DMM and MAc over different types of zeolite catalysts. The H-ZSM-35 zeolite demonstrates excellent catalytic performance with a DMM conversion of 100% and a MA + AA selectivity of up to 86.2% and superior regeneration ability, with great potential for industrial operation.

Deposition of InP on Si Substrates for Monolithic Integration of Advanced Electronics

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

radiation resistance of InP has been demonstrated (in terms of solar cell experiments) to be quite superior to that of either GaAs or Si.( 1 , 2) In fact... photovoltaic p/n junction devices irradiated by I MeV electrons have been shown to almost totallv recover their electrical performance by annealing at...in the literature.(l5 2 2) The NTT group has succeeded in growing InP films directly on Si substrates and in fabricating solar cells (approximately 3

Tailoring perovskite compounds for broadband light absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Hengchang; Guo, Xiaowei; Yang, Cheng; Li, Shaorong

2018-01-01

Perovskite solar cells have experienced an outstanding advance in power conversion efficiency (PCE) by optimizing the perovskite layer morphology, composition, interfaces, and charge collection efficiency. To enhance PCE, the mixed perovskites were proposed in recent years. In this study, optoelectronic performance of pure perovskites and mixed ones were investigated. It was demonstrated that the mixed perovskites exhibit superior to the pure ones. The mixed material can absorb broadband light absorption and result in increased short circuit current density and power conversion efficiency.

Single crystalline Ge(1-x)Mn(x) nanowires as building blocks for nanoelectronics.

PubMed

van der Meulen, Machteld I; Petkov, Nikolay; Morris, Michael A; Kazakova, Olga; Han, Xinhai; Wang, Kang L; Jacob, Ajey P; Holmes, Justin D

2009-01-01

Magnetically doped Si and Ge nanowires have potential application in future nanowire spin-based devices. Here, we report a supercritical fluid method for producing single crystalline Mn-doped Ge nanowires with a Mn-doping concentration of between 0.5-1.0 atomic % that display ferromagnetism above 300 K and a superior performance with respect to the hole mobility of around 340 cm(2)/Vs, demonstrating the potential of using these nanowires as building blocks for electronic devices.

Multimodal imaging of spike propagation: a technical case report.

PubMed

Tanaka, N; Grant, P E; Suzuki, N; Madsen, J R; Bergin, A M; Hämäläinen, M S; Stufflebeam, S M

2012-06-01

We report an 11-year-old boy with intractable epilepsy, who had cortical dysplasia in the right superior frontal gyrus. Spatiotemporal source analysis of MEG and EEG spikes demonstrated a similar time course of spike propagation from the superior to inferior frontal gyri, as observed on intracranial EEG. The tractography reconstructed from DTI showed a fiber connection between these areas. Our multimodal approach demonstrates spike propagation and a white matter tract guiding the propagation.

Structure of nanoporous carbon materials for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volperts, A.; Mironova-Ulmane, N.; Sildos, I.; Vervikishko, D.; Shkolnikov, E.; Dobele, G.

2012-08-01

Activated carbons with highly developed porous structure and nanosized pores (8 - 11 Å) were prepared from alder wood using thermochemical activation method with sodium hydroxide. Properties of the obtained activated carbons were examined by benzene and nitrogen sorption, X-Ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Tests of activated carbons as electrodes in supercapacitors were performed as well. It was found that specific surface area of above mentioned activated carbons was 1800 m2/g (Dubinin - Radushkevich). Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of ordered and disordered structures of graphite origin. The performance of activated carbons as electrodes in supercapacitors have shown superior results in comparison with electrodes made with commercial carbon tissues.

Mesoporous nickel oxide nanowires: hydrothermal synthesis, characterisation and applications for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors with superior performance.

PubMed

Su, Dawei; Kim, Hyun-Soo; Kim, Woo-Seong; Wang, Guoxiu

2012-06-25

Mesoporous nickel oxide nanowires were synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction and subsequent annealing at 400 °C. The porous one-dimensional nanostructures were analysed by field-emission SEM, high-resolution TEM and N(2) adsorption/desorption isotherm measurements. When applied as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries, the as-prepared mesoporous nickel oxide nanowires demonstrated outstanding electrochemical performance with high lithium storage capacity, satisfactory cyclability and an excellent rate capacity. They also exhibited a high specific capacitance of 348 F g(-1) as electrodes in supercapacitors. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Flexural properties of three kinds of experimental fiber-reinforced composite posts.

PubMed

Kim, Mi-Joo; Jung, Won-Chang; Oh, Seunghan; Hattori, Masayuki; Yoshinari, Masao; Kawada, Eiji; Oda, Yutaka; Bae, Ji-Myung

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to estimate the flexural properties of three kinds of experimental fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts and to evaluate their potential use as posts. Experimental FRC posts were fabricated with glass, aramid, and UHMWP fibers. Commercial FRC posts were used for comparison. A three-point bending test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Experimental glass fiber posts showed significantly higher flexural strengths and moduli than aramid and UHMWP posts. Experimental UHMWP posts demonstrated superior toughness to the commercial posts. The glass fiber posts displayed stiff, strong and brittle features, while the UHMWP posts were flexible, weak and ductile. The flexural properties of the aramid posts fell between those of the glass and UHMWP posts. In conclusion, the glass fiber posts proved excellent in flexural strengths and moduli. However, the superior toughness of UHMWP fibers suggests the possibility of their use as posts in combination with glass fibers.

Hybrid flower pollination algorithm strategies for t-way test suite generation.

PubMed

Nasser, Abdullah B; Zamli, Kamal Z; Alsewari, AbdulRahman A; Ahmed, Bestoun S

2018-01-01

The application of meta-heuristic algorithms for t-way testing has recently become prevalent. Consequently, many useful meta-heuristic algorithms have been developed on the basis of the implementation of t-way strategies (where t indicates the interaction strength). Mixed results have been reported in the literature to highlight the fact that no single strategy appears to be superior compared with other configurations. The hybridization of two or more algorithms can enhance the overall search capabilities, that is, by compensating the limitation of one algorithm with the strength of others. Thus, hybrid variants of the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) are proposed in the current work. Four hybrid variants of FPA are considered by combining FPA with other algorithmic components. The experimental results demonstrate that FPA hybrids overcome the problems of slow convergence in the original FPA and offers statistically superior performance compared with existing t-way strategies in terms of test suite size.

Hybrid flower pollination algorithm strategies for t-way test suite generation

PubMed Central

Zamli, Kamal Z.; Alsewari, AbdulRahman A.

2018-01-01

The application of meta-heuristic algorithms for t-way testing has recently become prevalent. Consequently, many useful meta-heuristic algorithms have been developed on the basis of the implementation of t-way strategies (where t indicates the interaction strength). Mixed results have been reported in the literature to highlight the fact that no single strategy appears to be superior compared with other configurations. The hybridization of two or more algorithms can enhance the overall search capabilities, that is, by compensating the limitation of one algorithm with the strength of others. Thus, hybrid variants of the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) are proposed in the current work. Four hybrid variants of FPA are considered by combining FPA with other algorithmic components. The experimental results demonstrate that FPA hybrids overcome the problems of slow convergence in the original FPA and offers statistically superior performance compared with existing t-way strategies in terms of test suite size. PMID:29718918

Hierarchical Pd-Sn alloy nanosheet dendrites: an economical and highly active catalyst for ethanol electrooxidation.

PubMed

Ding, Liang-Xin; Wang, An-Liang; Ou, Yan-Nan; Li, Qi; Guo, Rui; Zhao, Wen-Xia; Tong, Ye-Xiang; Li, Gao-Ren

2013-01-01

Hierarchical alloy nanosheet dendrites (ANSDs) are highly favorable for superior catalytic performance and efficient utilization of catalyst because of the special characteristics of alloys, nanosheets, and dendritic nanostructures. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time a facile and efficient electrodeposition approach for the controllable synthesis of Pd-Sn ANSDs with high surface area. These synthesized Pd-Sn ANSDs exhibit high electrocatalytic activity and superior long-term cycle stability toward ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. The enhanced electrocataytic activity of Pd-Sn ANSDs may be attributed to Pd-Sn alloys, nanosheet dendrite induced promotional effect, large number of active sites on dendrite surface, large surface area, and good electrical contact with the base electrode. Because of the simple implement and high flexibility, the proposed approach can be considered as a general and powerful strategy to synthesize the alloy electrocatalysts with high surface areas and open dendritic nanostructures.

Posterior semicircular canal dehiscence: value of VEMP and multidetector CT.

PubMed

Vanspauwen, R; Salembier, L; Van den Hauwe, L; Parizel, P; Wuyts, F L; Van de Heyning, P H

2006-01-01

To illustrate that posterior semicircular canal dehiscence can present similarly to superior semicircular canal dehiscence. The symptomatology initially presented as probable Menière's disease evolving into a mixed conductive hearing loss with a Carhart notch-type perceptive component suggestive of otosclerosis-type stapes fixation. A small hole stapedotomy resulted in a dead ear and a horizontal semicircular canal hypofunction. Recurrent incapacitating vertigo attacks developed. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing demonstrated intact vestibulocollic reflexes. Additional evaluation with high resolution multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the temporal bone showed a dehiscence of the left posterior semicircular canal. Besides superior semicircular canal dehiscence, posterior semicircular canal dehiscence has to be included in the differential diagnosis of atypical Menière's disease and/or low tone conductive hearing loss. The value of performing MDCT before otosclerosis-type surgery is stressed. VEMP might contribute to establishing the differential diagnosis.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-Capped Pt Nanocubes with Superior Peroxidase-Like Activity

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

Ye, Haihang; Liu, Yuzi; Chhabra, Ashima

2016-12-21

Peroxidase mimics of inorganic nanoparticles are expected to circumvent the inherent issues of natural peroxidases, providing enhanced performance in important applications such as diagnosis and imaging. Despite the report of a variety of peroxidase mimics in the past decade, very limited progress has been made on improving their catalytic efficiency. The catalytic efficiencies of most previously reported mimics are only up to one order of magnitude higher than those of natural peroxidases. In this work, we demonstrate a type of highly efficient peroxidase mimic – polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-capped Pt nanocubes of sub-10 nm in size. These PVP-capped Pt cubes are ~200-foldmore » more active than the natural counterparts and exhibit a record-high specific catalytic efficiency. In addition to the superior efficiency, the new mimic shows several other promising features, including excellent stabilities, well-controlled uniformity in both size and shape, controllable sizes, and facile and scalable production.« less

Smart-Grid Backbone Network Real-Time Delay Reduction via Integer Programming.

PubMed

Pagadrai, Sasikanth; Yilmaz, Muhittin; Valluri, Pratyush

2016-08-01

This research investigates an optimal delay-based virtual topology design using integer linear programming (ILP), which is applied to the current backbone networks such as smart-grid real-time communication systems. A network traffic matrix is applied and the corresponding virtual topology problem is solved using the ILP formulations that include a network delay-dependent objective function and lightpath routing, wavelength assignment, wavelength continuity, flow routing, and traffic loss constraints. The proposed optimization approach provides an efficient deterministic integration of intelligent sensing and decision making, and network learning features for superior smart grid operations by adaptively responding the time-varying network traffic data as well as operational constraints to maintain optimal virtual topologies. A representative optical backbone network has been utilized to demonstrate the proposed optimization framework whose simulation results indicate that superior smart-grid network performance can be achieved using commercial networks and integer programming.

TRUSS: An intelligent design system for aircraft wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bates, Preston R.; Schrage, Daniel P.

1989-01-01

Competitive leadership in the international marketplace, superiority in national defense, excellence in productivity, and safety of both private and public systems are all national defense goals which are dependent on superior engineering design. In recent years, it has become more evident that early design decisions are critical, and when only based on performance often result in products which are too expensive, hard to manufacture, or unsupportable. Better use of computer-aided design tools and information-based technologies is required to produce better quality United States products. A program is outlined here to explore the use of knowledge based expert systems coupled with numerical optimization, database management techniques, and designer interface methods in a networked design environment to improve and assess design changes due to changing emphasis or requirements. The initial structural design of a tiltrotor aircraft wing is used as a representative example to demonstrate the approach being followed.

Synthesis and Biological Response of Size-Specific, Monodisperse Drug-Silica Nanoconjugates

PubMed Central

Tang, Li; Fan, Timothy M.; Borst, Luke B.; Cheng, Jianjun

2012-01-01

Drug-containing nanoparticles (NPs) with monodisperse, controlled particle sizes are highly desirable for drug delivery. Accumulating evidence suggests that NPs with sizes less than 50 nm demonstrate superior performance in vitro and in vivo. However, it is difficult to fabricate monodisperse, drug-containing NPs with discrete and incremental difference in sizes required for studying and characterizing existing relationships among particle size, biologic processing, and therapeutic functionality. Here, we report a scalable process of fabricating drug-silica conjugated nanoparticles, termed drug-silica nanoconjugates (drug-NCs), which possess monodisperse size distributions and desirable particle sizes as small as 20 nm. We found that 20-nm NCs are superior to their 50-nm and 200-nm NC analogues by 2–5 and 10–20 folds, respectively, with regard to tumor accumulation and penetration, and cellular internalization. These fundamental findings underscore the importance and necessity of further miniaturizing nanomedicine size for optimized drug delivery applications. PMID:22494403

Hierarchical Pd-Sn Alloy Nanosheet Dendrites: An Economical and Highly Active Catalyst for Ethanol Electrooxidation

PubMed Central

Ding, Liang-Xin; Wang, An-Liang; Ou, Yan-Nan; Li, Qi; Guo, Rui; Zhao, Wen-Xia; Tong, Ye-Xiang; Li, Gao-Ren

2013-01-01

Hierarchical alloy nanosheet dendrites (ANSDs) are highly favorable for superior catalytic performance and efficient utilization of catalyst because of the special characteristics of alloys, nanosheets, and dendritic nanostructures. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time a facile and efficient electrodeposition approach for the controllable synthesis of Pd-Sn ANSDs with high surface area. These synthesized Pd-Sn ANSDs exhibit high electrocatalytic activity and superior long-term cycle stability toward ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. The enhanced electrocataytic activity of Pd-Sn ANSDs may be attributed to Pd-Sn alloys, nanosheet dendrite induced promotional effect, large number of active sites on dendrite surface, large surface area, and good electrical contact with the base electrode. Because of the simple implement and high flexibility, the proposed approach can be considered as a general and powerful strategy to synthesize the alloy electrocatalysts with high surface areas and open dendritic nanostructures. PMID:23383368

Facile fabrication of cobalt oxalate nanostructures with superior specific capacitance and super-long cycling stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Guanhua; Si, Conghui; Zhang, Jie; Wang, Ying; Yang, Wanfeng; Dong, Chaoqun; Zhang, Zhonghua

2016-04-01

Transition metal oxalate materials have shown huge competitive advantages for applications in supercapacitors. Herein, nanostructured cobalt oxalate supported on cobalt foils has been facilely fabricated by anodization, and could directly serve as additive/binder-free electrodes for supercapacitors. The as-prepared cobalt oxalate electrodes present superior specific capacitance of 1269 F g-1 at the current density of 6 A g-1 in the galvanostatic charge/discharge test. Moreover, the retained capacitance is as high as 87.2% as the current density increases from 6 A g-1 to 30 A g-1. More importantly, the specific capacitance of cobalt oxalate retains 91.9% even after super-long cycling of 100,000 cycles. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor assembled with cobalt oxalate (positive electrode) and activated carbon (negative electrode) demonstrates excellent capacitive performance with high energy density and power density.

[Arthroscopically Assisted Minimally Invasive Fixation of a Type D2c Scapular Fracture].

PubMed

Kornherr, Patrick; Konerding, Christiane; Kovacevic, Mark; Wenda, Klaus

2018-06-12

Fractures of the scapula are rare and have an incidence of 1% of all fractures. Publications highlight glenoid rim fractures. Classification by Ideberg and Euler and Rüdi are accepted. Euler and Rüdi describe three extra-articular and two intra-articular fracture patterns. The indications for surgery are displaced glenoid fractures, scapula tilt of more than 40° and injuries to the superior shoulder suspensory complex. We describe a case of a 22 year old man, who while cycling collided with a moving car due to wet roads. After his admission to hospital as a polytraumatised patient, the trauma CT-Scan showed haemothorax with several associated rip fractures, displaced humeral shaft fracture and fractures of the acromion and glenoid, classified as type D2c according to Euler and Rüdi. Following damage control principles, drainage of the haemothorax was already performed in the ER and surgical treatment of the displaced humeral shaft fracture was performed on the day of admission. No peripheral neurological deficits were evident. After pulmonary stabilisation, surgery was performed 6 days later on the glenoid and acromion fracture, which in conjunction may be regarded as an injury to the superior shoulder suspensory complex. We performed an arthroscopically-assisted screw fixation of the glenoid fracture (type D2c according to Euler and Rüdi) and an ORIF procedure at the acromion. Postoperative rehabilitation was performed with passive abduction and elevation up to 90° for the first two weeks and active abduction an elevation up to 90° for weeks 3 to 6. Full ROM was allowed at week 7. Articular fractures of the glenoid are rare and mainly seen as rim fractures. The indications for surgery are displaced articular fractures and injury to the superior shoulder suspensory complex. As demonstrated by this article, type D2c fractures according to Euler and Rüdi can be treated effectively as an arthroscopically-assisted screw fixation procedure. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A Scalable Strategy To Develop Advanced Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries: Commercial Fe3O4-Derived Fe3O4@FeS with Superior Full-Cell Performance.

PubMed

Hou, Bao-Hua; Wang, Ying-Ying; Guo, Jin-Zhi; Zhang, Yu; Ning, Qiu-Li; Yang, Yang; Li, Wen-Hao; Zhang, Jing-Ping; Wang, Xin-Long; Wu, Xing-Long

2018-01-31

A novel core-shell Fe 3 O 4 @FeS composed of Fe 3 O 4 core and FeS shell with the morphology of regular octahedra has been prepared via a facile and scalable strategy via employing commercial Fe 3 O 4 as the precursor. When used as anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), the prepared Fe 3 O 4 @FeS combines the merits of FeS and Fe 3 O 4 with high Na-storage capacity and superior cycling stability, respectively. The optimized Fe 3 O 4 @FeS electrode shows ultralong cycle life and outstanding rate capability. For instance, it remains a capacity retention of 90.8% with a reversible capacity of 169 mAh g -1 after 750 cycles at 0.2 A g -1 and 151 mAh g -1 at a high current density of 2 A g -1 , which is about 7.5 times in comparison to the Na-storage capacity of commercial Fe 3 O 4 . More importantly, the prepared Fe 3 O 4 @FeS also exhibits excellent full-cell performance. The assembled Fe 3 O 4 @FeS//Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 2 O 2 F sodium-ion full battery gives a reversible capacity of 157 mAh g -1 after 50 cycles at 0.5 A g -1 with a capacity retention of 92.3% and the Coulombic efficiency of around 100%, demonstrating its applicability for sodium-ion full batteries as a promising anode. Furthermore, it is also disclosed that such superior electrochemical properties can be attributed to the pseudocapacitive behavior of FeS shell as demonstrated by the kinetics studies as well as the core-shell structure. In view of the large-scale availability of commercial precursor and ease of preparation, this study provide a scalable strategy to develop advanced anode materials for SIBs.

Is performance related to marketing research in the health care industry?

PubMed

Naidu, G M; Kleimenhagen, A; Pillari, G D

1994-01-01

Marketing research has grown to become indispensable for superior performance in packaged goods industries. While health care institutions are spending large amounts on marketing research, few studies focus upon the relationship of marketing research to health care organizational performance. Utilizing a national sample of U.S. hospitals, this article points out that marketing research and superior performance are positively associated.

An efficient impedance method for induced field evaluation based on a stabilized Bi-conjugate gradient algorithm.

PubMed

Wang, Hua; Liu, Feng; Xia, Ling; Crozier, Stuart

2008-11-21

This paper presents a stabilized Bi-conjugate gradient algorithm (BiCGstab) that can significantly improve the performance of the impedance method, which has been widely applied to model low-frequency field induction phenomena in voxel phantoms. The improved impedance method offers remarkable computational advantages in terms of convergence performance and memory consumption over the conventional, successive over-relaxation (SOR)-based algorithm. The scheme has been validated against other numerical/analytical solutions on a lossy, multilayered sphere phantom excited by an ideal coil loop. To demonstrate the computational performance and application capability of the developed algorithm, the induced fields inside a human phantom due to a low-frequency hyperthermia device is evaluated. The simulation results show the numerical accuracy and superior performance of the method.

Indium phosphide solar cell research in the US: Comparison with nonphotovoltaic sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinberg, I.; Swartz, C. K.; Hart, R. E., Jr.

1989-01-01

Highlights of the InP solar cell research program are presented. Homojunction cells with AMO efficiences approaching 19 percent were demonstrated while 17 percent was achieved for indium tin oxide (ITO)/InP cells. The superior radiation resistance of these latter two cell configurations over both Si and GaAs were demonstrated. InP cells on board the LIPS III satellite show no degradation after more than a year in orbit. Computer modeling calculations were directed toward radiation damage predictions and the specification of concentrator cell parameters. Computed array specific powers, for a specific orbit, are used to compare the performance of an InP solar cell array to solar dynamic and nuclear systems.

Evaluation of gas cooling for pressurized phosphoric acid fuel cell stacks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farooque, M.; Skok, A. J.; Maru, H. C.; Kothmann, R. E.; Harry, R. W.

1983-01-01

Gas cooling is a more reliable, less expensive and a more simple alternative to conventional liquid cooling for heat removal from the phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC). The feasibility of gas cooling has already been demonstrated in atmospheric pressure stacks. This paper presents theoretical and experimental investigation of gas cooling for pressurized PAFC. Two approaches to gas cooling, Distributed Gas Cooling (DIGAS) and Separated Gas Cooling (SGC) were considered, and a theoretical comparison on the basis of cell performance indicated SGC to be superior to DIGAS. The feasibility of SGC was experimentally demonstrated by operating a 45-cell stack for 700 hours at pressure, and determining thermal response and the effect of other related parameters.

Evaluation of Gas-Cooled Pressurized Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells for Electric Utility Power Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faroque, M.

1983-01-01

Gas cooling is a more reliable, less expensive and a more simple alternative to conventional liquid cooling for heat removal from the phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC). The feasibility of gas-cooling was already demonstrated in atmospheric pressure stacks. Theoretical and experimental investigations of gas-cooling for pressurized PAFC are presented. Two approaches to gas cooling, Distributed Gas-Cooling (DIGAS) and Separated Gas-Cooling (SGC) were considered, and a theoretical comparison on the basis of cell performance indicated SGC to be superior to DIGAS. The feasibility of SGC was experimentally demonstrated by operating a 45-cell stack for 700 hours at pressure, and determining thermal response and the effect of other related parameters.

How knowledge of the song influences the matching of "melodies" to rhythm sequences tapped in the right and left palms.

PubMed

O'Boyle, M W; Bormann, L; Harts, K

1990-12-01

Previous work by O'Boyle and Sanford (1988) has demonstrated that the right hemisphere (RH) is superior to the left hemisphere (LH) in the matching of tape-recorded melodies to rhythm sequences tapped in the palms of the hands. This asymmetrical advantage was attributed to a RH superiority in the perceptual processing of intonation as compared to the rhythm component of these musical stimuli. In the present study, subjects were taught that the monotone sound of two wooden drumsticks struck together in a specified rhythm actually represented non-melodic translations of songs with identifiable melodies. After such mental associations had been formed, these non-melodic stimuli (which produced no asymmetric performance in Exp. 2 of the O'Boyle and Sanford study), now produced a RH advantage that was comparable to that induced by the original melodies. This finding suggests that the physical presence of intonation and its subsequent perceptual analysis, are not necessarily critical to the RH advantage reported by O'Boyle and Sanford (1988). Rather, the asymmetry may be related to a superior ability of the RH to generate and/or manipulate echoic images in memory.

Cardiac-Sparing Whole Lung IMRT in Children With Lung Metastasis

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

Kalapurakal, John A., E-mail: j-kalapurakal@northwestern.edu; Zhang, Yunkai; Kepka, Alan

Purpose: To demonstrate the dosimetric advantages of cardiac-sparing (CS) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in children undergoing whole lung irradiation (WLI). Methods and Materials: Chest CT scans of 22 children who underwent simulation with 3-dimensional (n=10) or 4-dimensional (n=12) techniques were used for this study. Treatment planning was performed using standard anteroposterior-posteroanterior (S-RT) technique and CS-IMRT. Left and right flank fields were added to WLI fields to determine whether CS-IMRT offered any added protection to normal tissues at the junction between these fields. The radiation dose to the lung PTV, cardiac structures, liver, and thyroid were analyzed and compared. Results:more » CS-IMRT had 4 significant advantages over S-RT: (1) superior cardiac protection (2) superior 4-dimensional lung planning target volume coverage, (3) superior dose uniformity in the lungs with fewer hot spots, and (4) significantly lower dose to the heart when flank RT is administered after WLI. Conclusions: The use of CS-IMRT and 4-dimensional treatment planning has the potential to improve tumor control rates and reduce cardiac toxicity in children receiving WLI.« less

Edge chipping and flexural resistance of monolithic ceramics☆

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yu; Lee, James J.-W.; Srikanth, Ramanathan; Lawn, Brian R.

2014-01-01

Objective Test the hypothesis that monolithic ceramics can be developed with combined esthetics and superior fracture resistance to circumvent processing and performance drawbacks of traditional all-ceramic crowns and fixed-dental-prostheses consisting of a hard and strong core with an esthetic porcelain veneer. Specifically, to demonstrate that monolithic prostheses can be produced with a much reduced susceptibility to fracture. Methods Protocols were applied for quantifying resistance to chipping as well as resistance to flexural failure in two classes of dental ceramic, microstructurally-modified zirconias and lithium disilicate glass–ceramics. A sharp indenter was used to induce chips near the edges of flat-layer specimens, and the results compared with predictions from a critical load equation. The critical loads required to produce cementation surface failure in monolithic specimens bonded to dentin were computed from established flexural strength relations and the predictions validated with experimental data. Results Monolithic zirconias have superior chipping and flexural fracture resistance relative to their veneered counterparts. While they have superior esthetics, glass–ceramics exhibit lower strength but higher chip fracture resistance relative to porcelain-veneered zirconias. Significance The study suggests a promising future for new and improved monolithic ceramic restorations, with combined durability and acceptable esthetics. PMID:24139756

A Triblock Copolymer Design Leads to Robust Hybrid Hydrogels for High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhang, Guangzhao; Chen, Yunhua; Deng, Yonghong; Wang, Chaoyang

2017-10-18

We report here an intriguing hybrid conductive hydrogel as electrode for high-performance flexible supercapacitor. The key is using a rationally designed water-soluble ABA triblock copolymer (termed as IAOAI) containing a central poly(ethylene oxide) block (A) and terminal poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) block with aniline moieties randomly incorporated (B), which was synthesized by reversible additional fragment transfer polymerization. The subsequent copolymerization of aniline monomers with the terminated aniline moieties on the IAOAI polymer generates a three-dimensional cross-linking hybrid network. The hybrid hydrogel electrode demonstrates robust mechanical flexibility, remarkable electrochemical capacitance (919 F/g), and cyclic stability (90% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles). Moreover, the flexible supercapacitor based on this hybrid hydrogel electrode presents a large specific capacitance (187 F/g), superior to most reported conductive hydrogel-based supercapacitors. With the demonstrated additional favorable cyclic stability and excellent capacitive and rate performance, this hybrid hydrogel-based supercapacitor holds great promise for flexible energy-storage device.

Robotic guidance benefits the learning of dynamic, but not of spatial movement characteristics.

PubMed

Lüttgen, Jenna; Heuer, Herbert

2012-10-01

Robotic guidance is an engineered form of haptic-guidance training and intended to enhance motor learning in rehabilitation, surgery, and sports. However, its benefits (and pitfalls) are still debated. Here, we investigate the effects of different presentation modes on the reproduction of a spatiotemporal movement pattern. In three different groups of participants, the movement was demonstrated in three different modalities, namely visual, haptic, and visuo-haptic. After demonstration, participants had to reproduce the movement in two alternating recall conditions: haptic and visuo-haptic. Performance of the three groups during recall was compared with regard to spatial and dynamic movement characteristics. After haptic presentation, participants showed superior dynamic accuracy, whereas after visual presentation, participants performed better with regard to spatial accuracy. Added visual feedback during recall always led to enhanced performance, independent of the movement characteristic and the presentation modality. These findings substantiate the different benefits of different presentation modes for different movement characteristics. In particular, robotic guidance is beneficial for the learning of dynamic, but not of spatial movement characteristics.

Brain MRI analysis for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis using an ensemble system of deep convolutional neural networks.

PubMed

Islam, Jyoti; Zhang, Yanqing

2018-05-31

Alzheimer's disease is an incurable, progressive neurological brain disorder. Earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease can help with proper treatment and prevent brain tissue damage. Several statistical and machine learning models have been exploited by researchers for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a common practice for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis in clinical research. Detection of Alzheimer's disease is exacting due to the similarity in Alzheimer's disease MRI data and standard healthy MRI data of older people. Recently, advanced deep learning techniques have successfully demonstrated human-level performance in numerous fields including medical image analysis. We propose a deep convolutional neural network for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis using brain MRI data analysis. While most of the existing approaches perform binary classification, our model can identify different stages of Alzheimer's disease and obtains superior performance for early-stage diagnosis. We conducted ample experiments to demonstrate that our proposed model outperformed comparative baselines on the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies dataset.

Giftedness and Evidence for Reproducibly Superior Performance: An Account Based on the Expert Performance Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ericsson, K. Anders; Roring, Roy W.; Nandagopal, Kiruthiga

2007-01-01

Giftedness researchers have long debated whether there is empirical evidence to support a distinction between giftedness and attained level of achievement. In this paper we propose a general theoretical framework that establishes scientific criteria for acceptable evidence of superior reproducible performance, which any theory of exceptional…

Laying-up of sterile instruments in the operating theatre: equal or superior protection by using a horizontal unidirectional air flow system.

PubMed

Traversari, A A L; Goedhart, C A; Dusseldorp, E; Bode, A; Keuning, F; Pelk, M S J; Vos, M C

2013-10-01

A system for the preparation of sterilized instruments with unidirectional horizontal air flow (UDHF) has several advantages over a unidirectional down flow system (UDDF). The advantages are based on the installation of the system being more flexible and easier to use, no cooling of the air flow being necessary and less air being needed for circulation, resulting in reduced energy use. The objective of this study was to determine whether a system with UDHF performs equal or superior to a system with UDDF in terms of prevention of contamination of the air (the presence of particles and micro-organisms) during the laying-up process. The degree of protection (DP) offered by two UDHF system variants and two UDDF system variants was determined for several static set-ups and a dynamic simulation of the process. In addition to determining the level of protection for several categories of particle size, colony-forming units (CFU) were also measured during process simulations. When maximum protection (no particles present) is considered, the UDHF systems performed significantly better than the UDDF systems for particles ≥2.5μm. When particles were present, there was no significant difference between systems for particles ≥0.3 and ≥0.5μm. However, the performance of the UDHF system was superior to that of the UDDF system (DP) for particles ≥1.0μm representing the bacteria-carrying particles. During the process measurements, no CFU were found with the UDDF system in 64% of the measurements, compared with 90% for the UDHF system (P = 0.012). The UDHF system offers equal or superior protection to the UDDF system against contamination of the clean area within which the laying up takes place. Despite our finding that the differences did not always reach statistical significance (due to low background concentrations), there is a clear trend, from the small-sized particles (≥1.0μm) up to the largest sizes considered, including bacteria-carrying particles, that demonstrates the superiority of the horizontal flow system. The UDHF system offers a more robust solution than the UDDF system, provided that good work instructions are given and the height of the table and height of the plenum are properly adjusted. Copyright © 2013 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly active carbon supported ternary PdSnPtx (x=0.1-0.7) catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline and acid media.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoguang; Zhu, Fuchun; He, Yongwei; Wang, Mei; Zhang, Zhonghua; Ma, Zizai; Li, Ruixue

2016-04-15

A series of trimetallic PdSnPtx (x=0.1-0.7)/C catalysts with varied Pt content have been synthesized by co-reduction method using NaBH4 as a reducing agent. These catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The electrochemical results show that, after adding a minor amount of Pt dopant, the resultant PdSnPtx/C demonstrated more superior catalytic performance toward ethanol oxidation as compared with that of mono-/bi-metallic Pd/C or PdSn/C in alkaline solution and the PdSnPt0.2/C with optimal molar ratio reached the best. In acid solution, the PdSnPt0.2/C also depicted a superior catalytic activity relative to the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The possible enhanced synergistic effect between Pd, Sn/Sn(O) and Pt in an alloyed state should be responsible for the as-revealed superior ethanol electro-oxidation performance based upon the beneficial electronic effect and bi-functional mechanism. It implies the trimetallic PdSnPt0.2/C with a low Pt content has a promising prospect as anodic electrocatalyst in fields of alkali- and acid-type direct ethanol fuel cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Principal Component Analysis for pulse-shape discrimination of scintillation radiation detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alharbi, T.

2016-01-01

In this paper, we report on the application of Principal Component analysis (PCA) for pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) of scintillation radiation detectors. The details of the method are described and the performance of the method is experimentally examined by discriminating between neutrons and gamma-rays with a liquid scintillation detector in a mixed radiation field. The performance of the method is also compared against that of the conventional charge-comparison method, demonstrating the superior performance of the method particularly at low light output range. PCA analysis has the important advantage of automatic extraction of the pulse-shape characteristics which makes the PSD method directly applicable to various scintillation detectors without the need for the adjustment of a PSD parameter.

PRIM: An Efficient Preconditioning Iterative Reweighted Least Squares Method for Parallel Brain MRI Reconstruction.

PubMed

Xu, Zheng; Wang, Sheng; Li, Yeqing; Zhu, Feiyun; Huang, Junzhou

2018-02-08

The most recent history of parallel Magnetic Resonance Imaging (pMRI) has in large part been devoted to finding ways to reduce acquisition time. While joint total variation (JTV) regularized model has been demonstrated as a powerful tool in increasing sampling speed for pMRI, however, the major bottleneck is the inefficiency of the optimization method. While all present state-of-the-art optimizations for the JTV model could only reach a sublinear convergence rate, in this paper, we squeeze the performance by proposing a linear-convergent optimization method for the JTV model. The proposed method is based on the Iterative Reweighted Least Squares algorithm. Due to the complexity of the tangled JTV objective, we design a novel preconditioner to further accelerate the proposed method. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm for pMRI regarding both accuracy and efficiency compared with state-of-the-art methods.

Invited Article: Narrowband terahertz bandpass filters employing stacked bilayer metasurface antireflection structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chun-Chieh; Huang, Li; Nogan, John; Chen, Hou-Tong

2018-05-01

We experimentally demonstrate high-performance narrowband terahertz (THz) bandpass filters through cascading multiple bilayer metasurface antireflection structures. Each bilayer metasurface, consisting of a square array of silicon pillars with a self-aligned top gold resonator-array and a complementary bottom gold slot-array, enables near-zero reflection and simultaneously close-to-unity single-band transmission at designed operational frequencies in the THz spectral region. The THz bandpass filters based on stacked bilayer metasurfaces allow a fairly narrow, high-transmission passband, and a fast roll-off to an extremely clean background outside the passband, thereby providing superior bandpass performance. The demonstrated scheme of narrowband THz bandpass filtering is of great importance for a variety of applications where spectrally clean, high THz transmission over a narrow bandwidth is desired, such as THz spectroscopy and imaging, molecular detection and monitoring, security screening, and THz wireless communications.

Invited Article: Narrowband terahertz bandpass filters employing stacked bilayer metasurface antireflection structures

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

Chang, Chun-Chieh; Huang, Li; Nogan, John

We experimentally demonstrate high-performance narrowband terahertz (THz) bandpass filters through cascading multiple bilayer metasurface antireflection structures. Each bilayer metasurface, consisting of a square array of silicon pillars with a self-aligned top gold resonator-array and a complementary bottom gold slot-array, enables near-zero reflection and simultaneously close-to-unity single-band transmission at designed operational frequencies in the THz spectral region. The THz bandpass filters based on stacked bilayer metasurfaces allow a fairly narrow, high-transmission passband, and a fast roll-off to an extremely clean background outside the passband, thereby providing superior bandpass performance. The demonstrated scheme of narrowband THz bandpass filtering is of great importancemore » for a variety of applications where spectrally clean, high THz transmission over a narrow bandwidth is desired, such as THz spectroscopy and imaging, molecular detection and monitoring, security screening, and THz wireless communications.« less

Invited Article: Narrowband terahertz bandpass filters employing stacked bilayer metasurface antireflection structures

DOE PAGES

Chang, Chun-Chieh; Huang, Li; Nogan, John; ...

2018-02-01

We experimentally demonstrate high-performance narrowband terahertz (THz) bandpass filters through cascading multiple bilayer metasurface antireflection structures. Each bilayer metasurface, consisting of a square array of silicon pillars with a self-aligned top gold resonator-array and a complementary bottom gold slot-array, enables near-zero reflection and simultaneously close-to-unity single-band transmission at designed operational frequencies in the THz spectral region. The THz bandpass filters based on stacked bilayer metasurfaces allow a fairly narrow, high-transmission passband, and a fast roll-off to an extremely clean background outside the passband, thereby providing superior bandpass performance. The demonstrated scheme of narrowband THz bandpass filtering is of great importancemore » for a variety of applications where spectrally clean, high THz transmission over a narrow bandwidth is desired, such as THz spectroscopy and imaging, molecular detection and monitoring, security screening, and THz wireless communications.« less

Noise and range considerations for close-range radar sensing of life signs underwater.

PubMed

Hafner, Noah; Lubecke, Victor

2011-01-01

Close-range underwater sensing of motion-based life signs can be performed with low power Doppler radar and ultrasound techniques. Corresponding noise and range performance trade-offs are examined here, with regard to choice of frequency and technology. The frequency range examined includes part of the UHF and microwave spectrum. Underwater detection of motion by radar in freshwater and saltwater are demonstrated. Radar measurements exhibited reduced susceptibility to noise as compared to ultrasound. While higher frequency radar exhibited better signal to noise ratio, propagation was superior for lower frequencies. Radar detection of motion through saltwater was also demonstrated at restricted ranges (1-2 cm) with low power transmission (10 dBm). The results facilitate the establishment of guidelines for optimal choice in technology for the underwater measurement motion-based life signs, with respect to trade offs involving range and noise.

Articulatory movements modulate auditory responses to speech

PubMed Central

Agnew, Z.K.; McGettigan, C.; Banks, B.; Scott, S.K.

2013-01-01

Production of actions is highly dependent on concurrent sensory information. In speech production, for example, movement of the articulators is guided by both auditory and somatosensory input. It has been demonstrated in non-human primates that self-produced vocalizations and those of others are differentially processed in the temporal cortex. The aim of the current study was to investigate how auditory and motor responses differ for self-produced and externally produced speech. Using functional neuroimaging, subjects were asked to produce sentences aloud, to silently mouth while listening to a different speaker producing the same sentence, to passively listen to sentences being read aloud, or to read sentences silently. We show that that separate regions of the superior temporal cortex display distinct response profiles to speaking aloud, mouthing while listening, and passive listening. Responses in anterior superior temporal cortices in both hemispheres are greater for passive listening compared with both mouthing while listening, and speaking aloud. This is the first demonstration that articulation, whether or not it has auditory consequences, modulates responses of the dorsolateral temporal cortex. In contrast posterior regions of the superior temporal cortex are recruited during both articulation conditions. In dorsal regions of the posterior superior temporal gyrus, responses to mouthing and reading aloud were equivalent, and in more ventral posterior superior temporal sulcus, responses were greater for reading aloud compared with mouthing while listening. These data demonstrate an anterior–posterior division of superior temporal regions where anterior fields are suppressed during motor output, potentially for the purpose of enhanced detection of the speech of others. We suggest posterior fields are engaged in auditory processing for the guidance of articulation by auditory information. PMID:22982103

Visual search performance in infants associates with later ASD diagnosis.

PubMed

Cheung, C H M; Bedford, R; Johnson, M H; Charman, T; Gliga, T

2018-01-01

An enhanced ability to detect visual targets amongst distractors, known as visual search (VS), has often been documented in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Yet, it is unclear when this behaviour emerges in development and if it is specific to ASD. We followed up infants at high and low familial risk for ASD to investigate how early VS abilities links to later ASD diagnosis, the potential underlying mechanisms of this association and the specificity of superior VS to ASD. Clinical diagnosis of ASD as well as dimensional measures of ASD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety symptoms were ascertained at 3 years. At 9 and 15 months, but not at age 2 years, high-risk children who later met clinical criteria for ASD (HR-ASD) had better VS performance than those without later diagnosis and low-risk controls. Although HR-ASD children were also more attentive to the task at 9 months, this did not explain search performance. Superior VS specifically predicted 3 year-old ASD but not ADHD or anxiety symptoms. Our results demonstrate that atypical perception and core ASD symptoms of social interaction and communication are closely and selectively associated during early development, and suggest causal links between perceptual and social features of ASD. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photovoltaic performance and stability of fullerene/cerium oxide double electron transport layer superior to single one in p-i-n perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Zhou; Li, Shu-Hui; Wu, Bao-Shan; Wang, Xin; Wang, Lu-Yao; Wang, Tan; Liu, Hao-Ran; Zhang, Mei-Lin; Yun, Da-Qin; Deng, Lin-Long; Xie, Su-Yuan; Huang, Rong-Bin; Zheng, Lan-Sun

2018-06-01

Interface engineering that involves in the metal cathodes and the electron transport layers (ETLs) facilitates the simultaneous improvement of device performances and stability in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, low-temperature solution-processed cerium oxide (CeOx) films are prepared by a facile sol-gel method and employed as the interface layers between [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) and an Ag back contact to form PC61BM/CeOx double ETLs. The introduction of CeOx enables electron extraction to the Ag electrode and protects the underlying perovskite layer and thus improves the device performance and stability of the p-i-n PSCs. The p-i-n PSCs with double PC61BM/CeOx ETLs demonstrate a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.35%, which is superior to those of the devices with either PC61BM or CeOx single ETLs. Moreover, PC61BM/CeOx devices exhibit excellent stability in light soaking, which is mainly due to the chemically stable CeOx interlayer. The results indicate that CeOx is a promising interface modification layer for stable high-efficiency PSCs.

Effects of low-level hydrophobic substitution on conditioning properties of cationic cellulosic polymers in shampoo systems.

PubMed

Drovetskaya, T V; Kreeger, R L; Amos, J L; Davis, C B; Zhou, S

2004-01-01

A new class of cationic conditioning polymers (Polymer SL) has been prepared and evaluated in shampoo formulations. Polymer SL is a family of high viscosity quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) polymers with cationic substitution of trimethyl ammonium and dimethyldodecyl ammonium (Figure 1). SL compositions benefit from hydrophobic character to deliver superior conditioning performance in hair care applications. At the same time, low levels of hydrophobes have been chosen to assure good compatibility with surfactant systems without the complications of associative thickening. The polymers have been evaluated in clear shampoo formulations and two-in-one silicone containing shampoos using objective lab methods and subjective panel evaluation on hair tresses. Commercial conditioning polymers: Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) (UCARE Polymer LR-30M) and Guar Hydroxypro-pyltrimethylammonium Chloride (Jaguar C-13S) were used as performance benchmarks. The new hydrophobically-modified cationic polymers demonstrated superior performance in all major categories of conditioning and showed improved silicone deposition from two-in-one systems. Moreover, they retained other good qualities of their PQ-10 structural analogs such as enabling crystal clear formulations and showing no build-up or volume-down effects on hair. These new olymers were also found to be efficient conditioning agents in different surfactant systems with or without silicones.

Facile Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Heteroatom-Doped and Hierarchical Egg-Box-Like Carbons Derived from Moringa oleifera Branches for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Cai, Yijin; Luo, Ying; Xiao, Yong; Zhao, Xiao; Liang, Yeru; Hu, Hang; Dong, Hanwu; Sun, Luyi; Liu, Yingliang; Zheng, Mingtao

2016-12-07

In this paper, we demonstrate that Moringa oleifera branches, a renewable biomass waste with abundant protein content, can be employed as novel precursor to synthesize three-dimensional heteroatom-doped and hierarchical egg-box-like carbons (HEBLCs) by a facile room-temperature pretreatment and direct pyrolysis process. The as-prepared HEBLCs possess unique egg-box-like frameworks, high surface area, and interconnected porosity as well as the doping of heteroatoms (oxygen and nitrogen), endowing its excellent electrochemical performances (superior capacity, high rate capability, and outstanding cycling stability). Therefore, the resultant HEBLC manifests a maximum specific capacitance of 355 F g -1 at current density of 0.5 A g -1 and remarkable rate performance. Moreover, 95% of capacitance retention of HEBLCs can be also achieved after 20 000 charge-discharge cycles at an extremely high current density (20 A g -1 ), indicating a prominent cycling stability. Furthermore, the as-assembled HEBLC//HEBLC symmetric supercapacitor displays a superior energy density of 20 Wh kg -1 in aqueous electrolyte and remarkable capacitance retention (95.6%) after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles. This work provides an environmentally friendly and reliable method to produce higher-valued carbon nanomaterials from renewable biomass wastes for energy storage applications.

Tone Language Speakers and Musicians Share Enhanced Perceptual and Cognitive Abilities for Musical Pitch: Evidence for Bidirectionality between the Domains of Language and Music

PubMed Central

Bidelman, Gavin M.; Hutka, Stefanie; Moreno, Sylvain

2013-01-01

Psychophysiological evidence suggests that music and language are intimately coupled such that experience/training in one domain can influence processing required in the other domain. While the influence of music on language processing is now well-documented, evidence of language-to-music effects have yet to be firmly established. Here, using a cross-sectional design, we compared the performance of musicians to that of tone-language (Cantonese) speakers on tasks of auditory pitch acuity, music perception, and general cognitive ability (e.g., fluid intelligence, working memory). While musicians demonstrated superior performance on all auditory measures, comparable perceptual enhancements were observed for Cantonese participants, relative to English-speaking nonmusicians. These results provide evidence that tone-language background is associated with higher auditory perceptual performance for music listening. Musicians and Cantonese speakers also showed superior working memory capacity relative to nonmusician controls, suggesting that in addition to basic perceptual enhancements, tone-language background and music training might also be associated with enhanced general cognitive abilities. Our findings support the notion that tone language speakers and musically trained individuals have higher performance than English-speaking listeners for the perceptual-cognitive processing necessary for basic auditory as well as complex music perception. These results illustrate bidirectional influences between the domains of music and language. PMID:23565267

Superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity of SnO2/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lilai; An, Maozhong; Yang, Peixia; Zhang, Jinqiu

2015-03-01

SnO2/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO2/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO2 grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO2/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g-1 are 2213 and 1402 mA h g-1 with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g-1, respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1, the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g-1, and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g-1 after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO2/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage.

Clinical performance of a new blood control peripheral intravenous catheter: A prospective, randomized, controlled study.

PubMed

Seiberlich, Laura E; Keay, Vanessa; Kallos, Stephane; Junghans, Tiffany; Lang, Eddy; McRae, Andrew D

2016-03-01

The performance of a new safety peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) that contains a blood control feature in the hub (blood control) was compared against the current hospital standard without blood control (standard). In this prospective, non-blinded trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either device. Insertions were performed and rated by emergency room nurses. Primary endpoints included clinical acceptability, incidence of blood leakage, and risk of blood exposure. Secondary endpoints were digital compression, insertion success, and usability. 15 clinicians performed 152 PIVC insertions (73 blood control, 79 standard). Clinical acceptability of the blood control device (100%) was non-inferior to the standard (98.7%) (p < 0.0001). The blood control device had a lower incidence of blood leakage (14.1% vs 68.4%), was superior in eliminating the risk of blood exposure (93.9% vs 19.1%) and the need for digital compression (95.3% vs 19.1%), while maintaining non-inferior insertion success rates (95.9% vs 93.7%) and usability ratings (p < 0.0001). In comparison with the hospital-standard, the new safety PIVC with integrated blood control valve had similar clinical acceptability ratings yet demonstrated superior advantages to both clinicians and patients to decrease blood leakage and the clinician's risk of blood exposure, during the insertion process. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Biomechanical Comparison of Single- Versus Double-Row Capsulolabral Repair for Shoulder Instability: A Review.

PubMed

Yousif, Matthew John; Bicos, James

2017-12-01

The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body. Failure rates of capsulolabral repair have been reported to be approximately 8%. Recent focus has been on restoration of the capsulolabral complex by a double-row capsulolabral repair technique in an effort to decrease redislocation rates after arthroscopic capsulolabral repair. To present a review of the biomechanical literature comparing single- versus double-row capsulolabral repairs and discuss the previous case series of double-row fixation. Narrative review. A simple review of the literature was performed by PubMed search. Only biomechanical studies comparing single- versus double-row capsulolabral repair were included for review. Only those case series and descriptive techniques with clinical results for double-row repair were included in the discussion. Biomechanical comparisons evaluating the native footprint of the labrum demonstrated significantly superior restoration of the footprint through double-row capsulolabral repair compared with single-row repair. Biomechanical comparisons of contact pressure at the repair interface, fracture displacement in bony Bankart lesion, load to failure, and decreased external rotation (suggestive of increased load to failure) were also significantly in favor of double- versus single-row repair. Recent descriptive techniques and case series of double-row fixation have demonstrated good clinical outcomes; however, no comparative clinical studies between single- and double-row repair have assessed functional outcomes. The superiority of double-row capsulolabral repair versus single-row repair remains uncertain because comparative studies assessing clinical outcomes have yet to be performed.

[Investigation of fat in the dural sinus].

PubMed

Tokiguchi, S

1991-08-25

Detection of fat in the cranium usually indicates the presence of a fat-containing tumor such as lipoma, dermoid cyst or teratoma. However, since 1982, Hasso et al demonstrated with CT the presence of normal adipose tissue in the cavernous sinus, the mere existence of fat in the cranium does not necessarily mean the presence of a fatty tumor. The author first described fat deposition in the superior sagittal sinus and torcular Herophili following a CT study performed in 1986. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution, frequency, and anatomical correlations of fat in the dural sinus as demonstrated on CT. Fat was detected in the cavernous sinus in 20% of all cases (492/2408), and occurred more frequently (25%) in those older than 50 years. Fat was less frequent in the other dural sinuses (3%; 75/2296). The most common location was the torcular Herophili, followed in decreasing order of frequency by the straight sinus, inferior sagittal sinus, superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus. Pathological examination was performed in three cases. Fat deposition was composed of normal adipose tissue and was devoid of fibrous encapsulation or infiltration. In one case, the fat seemed to be partly exposed to the subarachnoid space on CT, whereas on autopsy, thin dura mater covering the fat nodule was confirmed. Fat in the dural sinus must be differentiated from cavernous nodule or sinus thrombosis. The Hounsfield unit may be helpful in making a definitive diagnosis.

Subcomponents and Connectivity of the Inferior Fronto-Occipital Fasciculus Revealed by Diffusion Spectrum Imaging Fiber Tracking

PubMed Central

Wu, Yupeng; Sun, Dandan; Wang, Yong; Wang, Yibao

2016-01-01

The definitive structure and functional role of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) are still controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the connectivity, asymmetry, and segmentation patterns of this bundle. High angular diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) analysis was performed on 10 healthy adults and a 90-subject DSI template (NTU-90 Atlas). In addition, a new tractography approach based on the anatomic subregions and two regions of interest (ROI) was evaluated for the fiber reconstructions. More widespread anterior-posterior connections than previous “standard” definition of the IFOF were found. This distinct pathway demonstrated a greater inter-subjects connective variability with a maximum of 40% overlap in its central part. The statistical results revealed no asymmetry between the left and right hemispheres and no significant differences existed in distributions of the IFOF according to sex. In addition, five subcomponents within the IFOF were identified according to the frontal areas of originations. As the subcomponents passed through the anterior floor of the external capsule, the fibers radiated to the posterior terminations. The most common connection patterns of the subcomponents were as follows: IFOF-I, from frontal polar cortex to occipital pole, inferior occipital lobe, middle occipital lobe, superior occipital lobe, and pericalcarine; IFOF-II, from orbito-frontal cortex to occipital pole, inferior occipital lobe, middle occipital lobe, superior occipital lobe, and pericalcarine; IFOF-III, from inferior frontal gyrus to inferior occipital lobe, middle occipital lobe, superior occipital lobe, occipital pole, and pericalcarine; IFOF-IV, from middle frontal gyrus to occipital pole, and inferior occipital lobe; IFOF-V, from superior frontal gyrus to occipital pole, inferior occipital lobe, and middle occipital lobe. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of high resolution diffusion tensor tractography with sufficient sensitivity to elucidate more anatomical details of the IFOF. And we provides a new framework for subdividing the IFOF for better understanding its functional role in the human brain. PMID:27721745

Altered resting-state functional connectivity in post-traumatic stress disorder: a perfusion MRI study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Baojuan; Liu, Jian; Liu, Yang; Lu, Hong-Bing; Yin, Hong

2013-03-01

The majority of studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) so far have focused on delineating patterns of activations during cognitive processes. Recently, more and more researches have started to investigate functional connectivity in PTSD subjects using BOLD-fMRI. Functional connectivity analysis has been demonstrated as a powerful approach to identify biomarkers of different brain diseases. This study aimed to detect resting-state functional connectivity abnormities in patients with PTSD using arterial spin labeling (ASL) fMRI. As a completely non-invasive technique, ASL allows quantitative estimates of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Compared with BOLD-fMRI, ASL fMRI has many advantages, including less low-frequency signal drifts, superior functional localization, etc. In the current study, ASL images were collected from 10 survivors in mining disaster with recent onset PTSD and 10 survivors without PTSD. Decreased regional CBF in the right middle temporal gyrus, lingual gyrus, and postcentral gyrus was detected in the PTSD patients. Seed-based resting-state functional connectivity analysis was performed using an area in the right middle temporal gyrus as region of interest. Compared with the non-PTSD group, the PTSD subjects demonstrated increased functional connectivity between the right middle temporal gyrus and the right superior temporal gyrus, the left middle temporal gyrus. Meanwhile, decreased functional connectivity between the right middle temporal gyrus and the right postcentral gyrus, the right superior parietal lobule was also found in the PTSD patients. This is the first study which investigated resting-state functional connectivity in PTSD using ASL images. The results may provide new insight into the neural substrates of PTSD.

Dimensions of Manic Symptoms in Youth: Psychosocial Impairment and Cognitive Performance in the IMAGEN Sample

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stringaris, Argyris; Castellanos-Ryan, Natalie; Banaschewski, Tobias; Barker, Gareth J.; Bokde, Arun L.; Bromberg, Uli; Büchel, Christian; Fauth-Bühler, Mira; Flor, Herta; Frouin, Vincent; Gallinat, Juergen; Garavan, Hugh; Gowland, Penny; Heinz, Andreas; Itterman, Bernd; Lawrence, Claire; Nees, Frauke; Paillere-Martinot, Marie-Laure; Paus, Tomas; Pausova, Zdenka; Rietschel, Marcella; Smolka, Michael N.; Schumann, Gunter; Goodman, Robert; Conrod, Patricia

2014-01-01

Background: It has been reported that mania may be associated with superior cognitive performance. In this study, we test the hypothesis that manic symptoms in youth separate along two correlated dimensions and that a symptom constellation of high energy and cheerfulness is associated with superior cognitive performance. Method: We studied 1755…

Heart Transplant in Patient With Isolated Left Superior Vena Cava by Atrial Appendage Rotation.

PubMed

Reyes, Karl M; Gupta, Dipankar; Fricker, Frederick Jay; Cooke, Susan; Bleiweis, Mark S

2018-06-01

Orthotopic heart transplantation in patients with an isolated persistent left superior vena cava is extremely rare, and the anastomotic connection between a right-sided donor superior vena cava and left-sided recipient superior vena cava can be challenging to perform. We present a novel technique used in an infant female, using the left atrial appendage to extend the superior vena cava anastomosis. Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

46 CFR 401.410 - Basic rates and charges on Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior and the St. Mary's River.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Superior and the St. Mary's River. 401.410 Section 401.410 Shipping COAST GUARD (GREAT LAKES PILOTAGE... Services § 401.410 Basic rates and charges on Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior and the St. Mary's River... performed by U.S. registered pilots on Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior and the St. Mary's River. (a...

Changes in Neural Connectivity and Memory Following a Yoga Intervention for Older Adults: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Eyre, Harris A.; Acevedo, Bianca; Yang, Hongyu; Siddarth, Prabha; Van Dyk, Kathleen; Ercoli, Linda; Leaver, Amber M.; Cyr, Natalie St.; Narr, Katherine; Baune, Bernhard T.; Khalsa, Dharma S.; Lavretsky, Helen

2016-01-01

Background: No study has explored the effect of yoga on cognitive decline and resting-state functional connectivity. Objectives: This study explored the relationship between performance on memory tests and resting-state functional connectivity before and after a yoga intervention versus active control for subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Participants ( ≥ 55 y) with MCI were randomized to receive a yoga intervention or active “gold-standard” control (i.e., memory enhancement training (MET)) for 12 weeks. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map correlations between brain networks and memory performance changes over time. Default mode networks (DMN), language and superior parietal networks were chosen as networks of interest to analyze the association with changes in verbal and visuospatial memory performance. Results: Fourteen yoga and 11 MET participants completed the study. The yoga group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression and visuospatial memory. We observed improved verbal memory performance correlated with increased connectivity between the DMN and frontal medial cortex, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, right middle frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and left lateral occipital cortex. Improved verbal memory performance positively correlated with increased connectivity between the language processing network and the left inferior frontal gyrus. Improved visuospatial memory performance correlated inversely with connectivity between the superior parietal network and the medial parietal cortex. Conclusion:Yoga may be as effective as MET in improving functional connectivity in relation to verbal memory performance. These findings should be confirmed in larger prospective studies. PMID:27060939

KIKI-net: cross-domain convolutional neural networks for reconstructing undersampled magnetic resonance images.

PubMed

Eo, Taejoon; Jun, Yohan; Kim, Taeseong; Jang, Jinseong; Lee, Ho-Joon; Hwang, Dosik

2018-04-06

To demonstrate accurate MR image reconstruction from undersampled k-space data using cross-domain convolutional neural networks (CNNs) METHODS: Cross-domain CNNs consist of 3 components: (1) a deep CNN operating on the k-space (KCNN), (2) a deep CNN operating on an image domain (ICNN), and (3) an interleaved data consistency operations. These components are alternately applied, and each CNN is trained to minimize the loss between the reconstructed and corresponding fully sampled k-spaces. The final reconstructed image is obtained by forward-propagating the undersampled k-space data through the entire network. Performances of K-net (KCNN with inverse Fourier transform), I-net (ICNN with interleaved data consistency), and various combinations of the 2 different networks were tested. The test results indicated that K-net and I-net have different advantages/disadvantages in terms of tissue-structure restoration. Consequently, the combination of K-net and I-net is superior to single-domain CNNs. Three MR data sets, the T 2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T 2 FLAIR) set from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and 2 data sets acquired at our local institute (T 2 FLAIR and T 1 weighted), were used to evaluate the performance of 7 conventional reconstruction algorithms and the proposed cross-domain CNNs, which hereafter is referred to as KIKI-net. KIKI-net outperforms conventional algorithms with mean improvements of 2.29 dB in peak SNR and 0.031 in structure similarity. KIKI-net exhibits superior performance over state-of-the-art conventional algorithms in terms of restoring tissue structures and removing aliasing artifacts. The results demonstrate that KIKI-net is applicable up to a reduction factor of 3 to 4 based on variable-density Cartesian undersampling. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals.

PubMed

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph; Kempf, Nicholas; Han, Chao; Gamarachchi, Pasindu; Estrada, David; Mehta, Rutvik J; Zhang, Yanliang

2016-09-12

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstrate a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm(2) with 60 °C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. The highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications.

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals

PubMed Central

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph; Kempf, Nicholas; Han, Chao; Gamarachchi, Pasindu; Estrada, David; Mehta, Rutvik J.; Zhang, Yanliang

2016-01-01

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstrate a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm2 with 60 °C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. The highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications. PMID:27615036

Isolated upper eyelid retraction: a sign of idiopathic inflammatory orbital disease.

PubMed

Shome, Debraj; Toshniwal, Svetlana; Jain, Vandana; Natarajan, Sundaram; Vemuganti, Geeta K

2008-01-01

A 41-year-old woman was examined for left upper eyelid retraction. Remaining ocular and systemic examination was unremarkable. Orbital CT demonstrated an ill-defined, extraconal, superior orbital soft-tissue mass involving the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. Incisional biopsy with histopathology demonstrated idiopathic orbital inflammation. The patient was started on a gradually tapering dose of oral steroids, for 6 weeks. On follow-up, the eyelid retraction had resolved. We report this case to demonstrate that idiopathic inflammatory orbital disease, localized to the superior orbit, may cause isolated upper eyelid retraction without associated proptosis. This condition resolves with medical therapy, leading to symmetrical palpebral apertures.

Demonstration of a superconducting nanowire single photon detector with an ultrahigh polarization extinction ratio over 400.

PubMed

Xu, Ruiying; Li, Yongchao; Zheng, Fan; Zhu, Guanghao; Kang, Lin; Zhang, Labao; Jia, Xiaoqing; Tu, Xuecou; Zhao, Qingyuan; Jin, Biaobing; Xu, Weiwei; Chen, Jian; Wu, Peiheng

2018-02-19

Polarization sensitive photo-detectors are the key to the implementation of the polarimetric imaging systems, which are proved to have superior performance than their traditional counterparts based on intensity discriminations. In this article, we report the demonstration of a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) of which the response is ultra-sensitive to the polarization state of the incident photons. Measurements carried out on a fabricated SNSPD show that a device efficiency of ~48% can be achieved at 1550 nm for the case of parallel polarization, which is ~420 times larger than that for the case of perpendicular polarization. While the reported polarization ultra-sensitive technique is demonstrated on a single-pixel SNSPD, it is also fully compatible with the multi-pixel SNSPD array platforms that emerged recently.

The use of alectinib in the first-line treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small-cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Gadgeel, Shirish M

2018-03-14

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements as driver genetic alterations occur in approximately 2-4% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Alectinib, a next generation ALK inhibitor, recently demonstrated, in two separate Phase III trials, superior efficacy to crizotinib, the first ALK inhibitor to demonstrate clinical efficacy in ALK-positive NSCLC patients. Alectinib also demonstrated superior efficacy in the CNS. The data from these two Phase III studies suggest that the efficacy of starting with alectinib is superior to the overall clinical efficacy of starting with crizotinib followed by switching to alectinib at the time of disease progression. These results have changed the standard of care to alectinib as front-line therapy for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC patients. Areas covered: this paper reviews the available data on alectinib as front-line therapy in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC patients including its activity against brain metastases. In addition, the paper will review the data with other ALK inhibitors as front-line therapy.

A high performance lithium–sulfur battery enabled by a fish-scale porous carbon/sulfur composite and symmetric fluorinated diethoxyethane electrolyte

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

Gao, Mengyao; Su, ChiCheung; He, Meinan

A high performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery comprising a symmetric fluorinated diethoxyethane electrolyte coupled with a fish-scale porous carbon/S composite electrode was demonstrated. 1,2-Bis(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)ethane (TFEE) was first studied as a new electrolyte solvent for Li–S chemistry. When co-mixed with 1,3-dioxolane (DOL), the DOL/TFEE electrolyte suppressed the polysulfide dissolution and shuttling reaction. Lastly, when coupled with a fish-scale porous carbon/S composite electrode, the Li–S cell exhibited a significantly high capacity retention of 99.5% per cycle for 100 cycles, which is far superior to the reported numerous systems.

Integrated Controls-Structures Design Methodology for Flexible Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maghami, P. G.; Joshi, S. M.; Price, D. B.

1995-01-01

This paper proposes an approach for the design of flexible spacecraft, wherein the structural design and the control system design are performed simultaneously. The integrated design problem is posed as an optimization problem in which both the structural parameters and the control system parameters constitute the design variables, which are used to optimize a common objective function, thereby resulting in an optimal overall design. The approach is demonstrated by application to the integrated design of a geostationary platform, and to a ground-based flexible structure experiment. The numerical results obtained indicate that the integrated design approach generally yields spacecraft designs that are substantially superior to the conventional approach, wherein the structural design and control design are performed sequentially.

Nontoxic Hydroxylammonium Nitrate (HAN) Monopropellant Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKechnie, Timothy N.

2015-01-01

Nontoxic monopropellants have been developed that provide better performance than toxic hydrazine. Formulations based on HAN have superior performance as compared to hydrazine with enhanced specific impulse (Isp), higher density and volumetric impulse, lower melting point, and much lower toxicity. However, HAN-based monopropellants require higher chamber temperatures (2,083 K vs. 883 K) to combust. Current hydrazine-based combustion chamber technology (Inconel® or niobium C103 and silicide coating) and catalyst (Shell 405) are inadequate. In Phase I, state-of-the-art iridium-lined rhenium chambers and innovative new foam catalysts were demonstrated in pulse and 10-second firings. Phase II developed and tested a flight-weight thruster for an environmentally green monopropellant.

A high performance lithium–sulfur battery enabled by a fish-scale porous carbon/sulfur composite and symmetric fluorinated diethoxyethane electrolyte

DOE PAGES

Gao, Mengyao; Su, ChiCheung; He, Meinan; ...

2017-03-07

A high performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery comprising a symmetric fluorinated diethoxyethane electrolyte coupled with a fish-scale porous carbon/S composite electrode was demonstrated. 1,2-Bis(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)ethane (TFEE) was first studied as a new electrolyte solvent for Li–S chemistry. When co-mixed with 1,3-dioxolane (DOL), the DOL/TFEE electrolyte suppressed the polysulfide dissolution and shuttling reaction. Lastly, when coupled with a fish-scale porous carbon/S composite electrode, the Li–S cell exhibited a significantly high capacity retention of 99.5% per cycle for 100 cycles, which is far superior to the reported numerous systems.

Amorphous Red Phosphorus Embedded in Sandwiched Porous Carbon Enabling Superior Sodium Storage Performances.

PubMed

Wu, Ying; Liu, Zheng; Zhong, Xiongwu; Cheng, Xiaolong; Fan, Zhuangjun; Yu, Yan

2018-03-01

The red P anode for sodium ion batteries has attracted great attention recently due to the high theoretical capacity, but the poor intrinsic electronic conductivity and large volume expansion restrain its widespread applications. Herein, the red P is successfully encapsulated into the cube shaped sandwich-like interconnected porous carbon building (denoted as P@C-GO/MOF-5) via the vaporization-condensation method. Superior cycling stability (high capacity retention of about 93% at 2 A g -1 after 100 cycles) and excellent rate performance (502 mAh g -1 at 10 A g -1 ) can be obtained for the P@C-GO/MOF-5 electrode. The superior electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the successful incorporation of red P into the unique carbon matrix with large surface area and pore volume, interconnected porous structure, excellent electronic conductivity and superior structural stability. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Morphological and radiological study of ossified superior transverse scapular ligament as potential risk factor of suprascapular nerve entrapment.

PubMed

Polguj, Michał; Sibiński, Marcin; Grzegorzewski, Andrzej; Waszczykowski, Michał; Majos, Agata; Topol, Mirosław

2014-01-01

The suprascapular notch is covered superiorly by the superior transverse scapular ligament. This region is the most common place of suprascapular nerve entrapment formation. The study was performed on 812 specimens: 86 dry scapulae, 104 formalin-fixed cadaveric shoulders, and 622 computer topography scans of scapulae. In the cases with completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament, the following measurements were performed: proximal and distal width of the bony bridge, middle transverse and vertical diameter of the suprascapular foramen, and area of the suprascapular foramen. An ossified superior transverse scapular ligament was observed more often in men and in the right scapula. The mean age of the subjects with a completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament was found to be similar than in those without ossification. The ossified band-shaped type of superior transverse scapular ligament was more common than the fan-shaped type and reduced the space below the ligament to a significantly greater degree. The ossified band-shaped type should be taken into consideration as a potential risk factor in the formation of suprascapular nerve entrapment. It could explain the comparable frequency of neuropathy in various populations throughout the world despite the significant differences between them in occurrence of ossified superior transverse scapular ligament.

Superior Inhibitory Control and Resistance to Mental Fatigue in Professional Road Cyclists.

PubMed

Martin, Kristy; Staiano, Walter; Menaspà, Paolo; Hennessey, Tom; Marcora, Samuele; Keegan, Richard; Thompson, Kevin G; Martin, David; Halson, Shona; Rattray, Ben

2016-01-01

Given the important role of the brain in regulating endurance performance, this comparative study sought to determine whether professional road cyclists have superior inhibitory control and resistance to mental fatigue compared to recreational road cyclists. After preliminary testing and familiarization, eleven professional and nine recreational road cyclists visited the lab on two occasions to complete a modified incongruent colour-word Stroop task (a cognitive task requiring inhibitory control) for 30 min (mental exertion condition), or an easy cognitive task for 10 min (control condition) in a randomized, counterbalanced cross-over order. After each cognitive task, participants completed a 20-min time trial on a cycle ergometer. During the time trial, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. The professional cyclists completed more correct responses during the Stroop task than the recreational cyclists (705±68 vs 576±74, p = 0.001). During the time trial, the recreational cyclists produced a lower mean power output in the mental exertion condition compared to the control condition (216±33 vs 226±25 W, p = 0.014). There was no difference between conditions for the professional cyclists (323±42 vs 326±35 W, p = 0.502). Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and RPE were not significantly different between the mental exertion and control conditions in both groups. The professional cyclists exhibited superior performance during the Stroop task which is indicative of stronger inhibitory control than the recreational cyclists. The professional cyclists also displayed a greater resistance to the negative effects of mental fatigue as demonstrated by no significant differences in perception of effort and time trial performance between the mental exertion and control conditions. These findings suggest that inhibitory control and resistance to mental fatigue may contribute to successful road cycling performance. These psychobiological characteristics may be either genetic and/or developed through the training and lifestyle of professional road cyclists.

Enhanced interfacial interaction and antioxidative behavior of novel halloysite nanotubes/silica hybrid supported antioxidant in styrene-butadiene rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jing; Luo, Yuanfang; Zhong, Bangchao; Hu, Dechao; Jia, Zhixin; Jia, Demin

2018-05-01

A novel antioxidant (HS-s-RT) to improve the mechanical properties and anti-aging performance of styrene-butadiene (SBR) composites was prepared by antioxidant intermediate p-aminodiphenylamine (RT) grafting on the surface of halloysite nanotubes/silica hybrid (HS) via the linkage of silane coupling agent. The analysis of SEM and rubber processing analyzer (RPA) demonstrated HS-s-RT was uniformly dispersed in SBR, and stronger interfacial interaction between HS-s-RT and SBR was formed. Consequently, SBR/HS-s-RT composites have improving mechanical properties. Furthermore, the test of the retention of mechanical properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and oxidation induction time (OIT) showed HS-s-RT can effectively improve the anti-aging effect of SBR composites than corresponding low molecular-weight antioxidant N-isopropyl-N‧-phenyl-4-phenylenediamin (4010NA). Then, the mechanism of thermo-oxidative aging of SBR/HS composites was also investigated, and the superior antioxidative efficiency is attributed to the uniform dispersion and excellent migration resistance of HS-s-RT. Hence, this novel antioxidant might open up new opportunities for the fabrication of high-performance rubber composites due to its superior anti-aging effect and reinforcement.

Comparison of 250 MHz electron spin echo and continuous wave oxygen EPR imaging methods for in vivo applications

PubMed Central

Epel, Boris; Sundramoorthy, Subramanian V.; Barth, Eugene D.; Mailer, Colin; Halpern, Howard J.

2011-01-01

Purpose: The authors compare two electron paramagnetic resonance imaging modalities at 250 MHz to determine advantages and disadvantages of those modalities for in vivo oxygen imaging. Methods: Electron spin echo (ESE) and continuous wave (CW) methodologies were used to obtain three-dimensional images of a narrow linewidth, water soluble, nontoxic oxygen-sensitive trityl molecule OX063 in vitro and in vivo. The authors also examined sequential images obtained from the same animal injected intravenously with trityl spin probe to determine temporal stability of methodologies. Results: A study of phantoms with different oxygen concentrations revealed a threefold advantage of the ESE methodology in terms of reduced imaging time and more precise oxygen resolution for samples with less than 70 torr oxygen partial pressure. Above∼100 torr, CW performed better. The images produced by both methodologies showed pO2 distributions with similar mean values. However, ESE images demonstrated superior performance in low pO2 regions while missing voxels in high pO2 regions. Conclusions: ESE and CW have different areas of applicability. ESE is superior for hypoxia studies in tumors. PMID:21626937

Optimal Reward Functions in Distributed Reinforcement Learning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolpert, David H.; Tumer, Kagan

2000-01-01

We consider the design of multi-agent systems so as to optimize an overall world utility function when (1) those systems lack centralized communication and control, and (2) each agents runs a distinct Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm. A crucial issue in such design problems is to initialize/update each agent's private utility function, so as to induce best possible world utility. Traditional 'team game' solutions to this problem sidestep this issue and simply assign to each agent the world utility as its private utility function. In previous work we used the 'Collective Intelligence' framework to derive a better choice of private utility functions, one that results in world utility performance up to orders of magnitude superior to that ensuing from use of the team game utility. In this paper we extend these results. We derive the general class of private utility functions that both are easy for the individual agents to learn and that, if learned well, result in high world utility. We demonstrate experimentally that using these new utility functions can result in significantly improved performance over that of our previously proposed utility, over and above that previous utility's superiority to the conventional team game utility.

Presentation Time Concerning System-Paced Multimedia Instructions and the Superiority of Learner Pacing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stiller, Klaus D.; Petzold, Kirstin; Zinnbauer, Peter

2011-01-01

The superiority of learner-paced over system-paced instructions was demonstrated in multiple experiments. In these experiments, the system-paced presentations were highly speeded, causing cognitive overload, while the learner-paced instructions allowed adjustments of the presentational flow to the learner's needs by pacing facilities, mostly…

Observations on the Invalid Scoring Algorithm of "NASA" and Similar Consensus Tasks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slevin, Dennis P.

1978-01-01

The NASA ranking task and similar ranking activities used to demonstrate the superiority of group thinking are examined. It is argued that the current scores cannot be used to prove the superiority of group-consensus decision making in either training or research settings. (Author)

A mesostructured Y zeolite as a superior FCC catalyst--lab to refinery.

PubMed

García-Martínez, Javier; Li, Kunhao; Krishnaiah, Gautham

2012-12-18

A mesostructured Y zeolite was prepared by a surfactant-templated process at the commercial scale and tested in a refinery, showing superior hydrothermal stability and catalytic cracking selectivity, which demonstrates, for the first time, the promising future of mesoporous zeolites in large scale industrial applications.

Impairments in Tactile Search Following Superior Parietal Damage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skakoon-Sparling, Shayna P.; Vasquez, Brandon P.; Hano, Kate; Danckert, James

2011-01-01

The superior parietal cortex is critical for the control of visually guided actions. Research suggests that visual stimuli relevant to actions are preferentially processed when they are in peripersonal space. One recent study demonstrated that visually guided movements towards the body were more impaired in a patient with damage to superior…

An integrated biotechnology platform for developing sustainable chemical processes.

PubMed

Barton, Nelson R; Burgard, Anthony P; Burk, Mark J; Crater, Jason S; Osterhout, Robin E; Pharkya, Priti; Steer, Brian A; Sun, Jun; Trawick, John D; Van Dien, Stephen J; Yang, Tae Hoon; Yim, Harry

2015-03-01

Genomatica has established an integrated computational/experimental metabolic engineering platform to design, create, and optimize novel high performance organisms and bioprocesses. Here we present our platform and its use to develop E. coli strains for production of the industrial chemical 1,4-butanediol (BDO) from sugars. A series of examples are given to demonstrate how a rational approach to strain engineering, including carefully designed diagnostic experiments, provided critical insights about pathway bottlenecks, byproducts, expression balancing, and commercial robustness, leading to a superior BDO production strain and process.

Why is CDMA the solution for mobile satellite communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilhousen, Klein S.; Jacobs, Irwin M.; Padovani, Roberto; Weaver, Lindsay A.

1989-01-01

It is demonstrated that spread spectrum Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems provide an economically superior solution to satellite mobile communications by increasing the system maximum capacity with respect to single channel per carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems. Following the comparative analysis of CDMA and FDMA systems, the design of a model that was developed to test the feasibility of the approach and the performance of a spread spectrum system in a mobile environment. Results of extensive computer simulations as well as laboratory and field tests results are presented.

Discriminative Projection Selection Based Face Image Hashing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabat, Cagatay; Erdogan, Hakan

Face image hashing is an emerging method used in biometric verification systems. In this paper, we propose a novel face image hashing method based on a new technique called discriminative projection selection. We apply the Fisher criterion for selecting the rows of a random projection matrix in a user-dependent fashion. Moreover, another contribution of this paper is to employ a bimodal Gaussian mixture model at the quantization step. Our simulation results on three different databases demonstrate that the proposed method has superior performance in comparison to previously proposed random projection based methods.

Aging and the Picture Superiority Effect in Recall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winograd, Eugene; And Others

1982-01-01

Compared verbal and visual encoding using the picture superiority effect. One experiment found an interaction between age and type of material. In other experiments, the picture superiority effect was found in both age groups with no interaction. Performing a semantic-orienting task had no effect on recall. (Author/RC)

Facile synthesis of nanostructured TiNb2O7 anode materials with superior performance for high-rate lithium ion batteries.

PubMed

Lou, Shuaifeng; Ma, Yulin; Cheng, Xinqun; Gao, Jinlong; Gao, Yunzhi; Zuo, Pengjian; Du, Chunyu; Yin, Geping

2015-12-18

One-dimensional nanostructured TiNb2O7 was prepared by a simple solution-based process and subsequent thermal annealing. The obtained anode materials exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with superior reversible capacity, rate capability and cyclic stability.

Architecture for improved mass transport and system performance in redox flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houser, Jacob; Pezeshki, Alan; Clement, Jason T.; Aaron, Douglas; Mench, Matthew M.

2017-05-01

In this work, electrochemical performance and parasitic losses are combined in an overall system-level efficiency metric for a high performance, all-vanadium redox flow battery. It was found that pressure drop and parasitic pumping losses are relatively negligible for high performance cells, i.e., those capable of operating at a high current density while at a low flow rate. Through this finding, the Equal Path Length (EPL) flow field architecture was proposed and evaluated. This design has superior mass transport characteristics in comparison with the standard serpentine and interdigitated designs at the expense of increased pressure drop. An Aspect Ratio (AR) design is discussed and evaluated, which demonstrates decreased pressure drop compared to the EPL design, while maintaining similar electrochemical performance under most conditions. This AR design is capable of leading to improved system energy efficiency for flow batteries of all chemistries.

Latest performance of ArF immersion scanner NSR-S630D for high-volume manufacturing for 7nm node

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Funatsu, Takayuki; Uehara, Yusaku; Hikida, Yujiro; Hayakawa, Akira; Ishiyama, Satoshi; Hirayama, Toru; Kono, Hirotaka; Shirata, Yosuke; Shibazaki, Yuichi

2015-03-01

In order to achieve stable operation in cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing, Nikon has developed NSR-S630D with extremely accurate overlay while maintaining throughput in various conditions resembling a real production environment. In addition, NSR-S630D has been equipped with enhanced capabilities to maintain long-term overlay stability and user interface improvement all due to our newly developed application software platform. In this paper, we describe the most recent S630D performance in various conditions similar to real productions. In a production environment, superior overlay accuracy with high dose conditions and high throughput are often required; therefore, we have performed several experiments with high dose conditions to demonstrate NSR's thermal aberration capabilities in order to achieve world class overlay performance. Furthermore, we will introduce our new software that enables long term overlay performance.

Investigating enhanced thermoelectric performance of graphene-based nano-structures.

PubMed

Hossain, Md Sharafat; Huynh, Duc Hau; Jiang, Liming; Rahman, Sharmin; Nguyen, Phuong Duc; Al-Dirini, Feras; Hossain, Faruque; Bahk, Je-Hyeong; Skafidas, Efstratios

2018-03-08

Recently, it has been demonstrated that graphene nano-ribbons (GNRs) exhibit superior thermoelectric performance compared to graphene sheets. However, the underlying mechanism behind this enhancement has not been systematically investigated and significant opportunity remains for further enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of GNRs by optimizing their charge carrier concentration. In this work, we modulate the carrier concentration of graphene-based nano-structures using a gate voltage and investigate the resulting carrier-concentration-dependent thermoelectric parameters using the Boltzmann transport equations. We investigate the effect of energy dependent scattering time and the role of substrate-induced charge carrier fluctuation in optimizing the Seebeck coefficient and power factor. Our approach predicts the scattering mechanism and the extent of the charge carrier fluctuation in different samples and explains the enhancement of thermoelectric performance of GNR samples. Subsequently, we propose a route towards the enhancement of thermoelectric performance of graphene-based devices which can also be applied to other two-dimensional materials.

Multi-modal information processing for visual workload relief

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, M. W.; Gilson, R. D.; Jagacinski, R. J.

1980-01-01

The simultaneous performance of two single-dimensional compensatory tracking tasks, one with the left hand and one with the right hand, is discussed. The tracking performed with the left hand was considered the primary task and was performed with a visual display or a quickened kinesthetic-tactual (KT) display. The right-handed tracking was considered the secondary task and was carried out only with a visual display. Although the two primary task displays had afforded equivalent performance in a critical tracking task performed alone, in the dual-task situation the quickened KT primary display resulted in superior secondary visual task performance. Comparisons of various combinations of primary and secondary visual displays in integrated or separated formats indicate that the superiority of the quickened KT display is not simply due to the elimination of visual scanning. Additional testing indicated that quickening per se also is not the immediate cause of the observed KT superiority.

Stacked graphene nanofibers for electrochemical oxidation of DNA bases.

PubMed

Ambrosi, Adriano; Pumera, Martin

2010-08-21

In this article, we show that stacked graphene nanofibers (SGNFs) demonstrate superior electrochemical performance for oxidation of DNA bases over carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This is due to an exceptionally high number of accessible graphene sheet edges on the surface of the nanofibers when compared to carbon nanotubes, as shown by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The oxidation signals of adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine exhibit two to four times higher currents than on CNT-based electrodes. SGNFs also exhibit higher sensitivity than do edge-plane pyrolytic graphite, glassy carbon, or graphite microparticle-based electrodes. We also demonstrate that influenza A(H1N1)-related strands can be sensitively oxidized on SGNF-based electrodes, which could therefore be applied to label-free DNA analysis.

Brain limbic system-based intelligent controller application to lane change manoeuvre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Changwon; Langari, Reza

2011-12-01

This paper presents the application of a novel neuromorphic control strategy for lane change manoeuvres in the highway environment. The lateral dynamics of a vehicle with and without wind disturbance are derived and utilised to implement a control strategy based on the brain limbic system. To show the robustness of the proposed controller, several disturbance conditions including wind, uncertainty in the cornering stiffness, and changes in the vehicle mass are investigated. To demonstrate the performance of the suggested strategy, simulation results of the proposed method are compared with the human driver model-based control scheme, which has been discussed in the literature. The simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed controller in energy efficiency, driving comfort, and robustness.

Logic circuit prototypes for three-terminal magnetic tunnel junctions with mobile domain walls

PubMed Central

Currivan-Incorvia, J. A.; Siddiqui, S.; Dutta, S.; Evarts, E. R.; Zhang, J.; Bono, D.; Ross, C. A.; Baldo, M. A.

2016-01-01

Spintronic computing promises superior energy efficiency and nonvolatility compared to conventional field-effect transistor logic. But, it has proven difficult to realize spintronic circuits with a versatile, scalable device design that is adaptable to emerging material physics. Here we present prototypes of a logic device that encode information in the position of a magnetic domain wall in a ferromagnetic wire. We show that a single three-terminal device can perform inverter and buffer operations. We demonstrate one device can drive two subsequent gates and logic propagation in a circuit of three inverters. This prototype demonstration shows that magnetic domain wall logic devices have the necessary characteristics for future computing, including nonlinearity, gain, cascadability, and room temperature operation. PMID:26754412

Normalised subband adaptive filtering with extended adaptiveness on degree of subband filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuyelu, Bommu; Rajesh Kumar, Pullakura

2017-12-01

This paper proposes an adaptive normalised subband adaptive filtering (NSAF) to accomplish the betterment of NSAF performance. In the proposed NSAF, an extended adaptiveness is introduced from its variants in two ways. In the first way, the step-size is set adaptive, and in the second way, the selection of subbands is set adaptive. Hence, the proposed NSAF is termed here as variable step-size-based NSAF with selected subbands (VS-SNSAF). Experimental investigations are carried out to demonstrate the performance (in terms of convergence) of the VS-SNSAF against the conventional NSAF and its state-of-the-art adaptive variants. The results report the superior performance of VS-SNSAF over the traditional NSAF and its variants. It is also proved for its stability, robustness against noise and substantial computing complexity.

Multichamber Multipotentiostat System for Cellular Microphysiometry.

PubMed

Lima, Eduardo A; Snider, Rachel M; Reiserer, Ronald S; McKenzie, Jennifer R; Kimmel, Danielle W; Eklund, Sven E; Wikswo, John P; Cliffel, David E

2014-12-01

Multianalyte microphysiometry is a powerful technique for studying cellular metabolic flux in real time. Monitoring several analytes concurrently in a number of individual chambers, however, requires specific instrumentation that is not available commercially in a single, compact, benchtop form at an affordable cost. We developed a multipotentiostat system capable of performing simultaneous amperometric and potentiometric measurements in up to eight individual chambers. The modular design and custom LabVIEW™ control software provide flexibility and allow for expansion and modification to suit different experimental conditions. Superior accuracy is achieved when operating the instrument in a standalone configuration; however, measurements performed in conjunction with a previously developed multianalyte microphysiometer have shown low levels of crosstalk as well. Calibrations and experiments with primary and immortalized cell cultures demonstrate the performance of the instrument and its capabilities.

Fibrin matrices with affinity-based delivery systems and neurotrophic factors promote functional nerve regeneration.

PubMed

Wood, Matthew D; MacEwan, Matthew R; French, Alexander R; Moore, Amy M; Hunter, Daniel A; Mackinnon, Susan E; Moran, Daniel W; Borschel, Gregory H; Sakiyama-Elbert, Shelly E

2010-08-15

Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) have both been shown to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration following injury and target different neuronal populations. The delivery of either growth factor at the site of injury may, therefore, result in quantitative differences in motor nerve regeneration and functional recovery. In this study we evaluated the effect of affinity-based delivery of GDNF or NGF from fibrin-filled nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) on motor nerve regeneration and functional recovery in a 13 mm rat sciatic nerve defect. Seven experimental groups were evaluated consisting of GDNF or NGF and the affinity-based delivery system (DS) within NGCs, control groups excluding the DS and/or growth factor, and nerve isografts. Groups with growth factor in the conduit demonstrated equivalent or superior performance in behavioral tests and relative muscle mass measurements compared to isografts at 12 weeks. Additionally, groups with GDNF demonstrated greater specific twitch and tetanic force production in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle than the isograft control, while groups with NGF produced demonstrated similar force production compared to the isograft control. Assessment of motor axon regeneration by retrograde labeling further revealed that the number of ventral horn neurons regenerating across NGCs containing GDNF and NGF DS was similar to the isograft group and these counts were greater than the groups without growth factor. Overall, the GDNF DS group demonstrated superior functional recovery and equivalent motor nerve regeneration compared to the isograft control, suggesting it has potential as a treatment for motor nerve injury.

Acute Superior Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis: Transcatheter Thrombolysis and Aspiration Thrombectomy Therapy by Combined Route of Superior Mesenteric Vein and Artery in Eight Patients

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

Yang, Shuofei, E-mail: yangshuofei@gmail.com; Liu, Baochen, E-mail: 306446264@qq.com; Ding, Weiwei, E-mail: dingwei-nju@hotmail.com

PurposeTo assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis and aspiration thrombectomy therapy by combined route of superior mesenteric vein and artery (SMV+SMA) for acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (ASMVT).MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed eight ASMVT patients with transcatheter direct thrombolysis and aspiration thrombectomy therapy via SMV and indirect thrombolysis via SMA during a period of 14 months. The demographics, etiology, risk factors, therapeutic effect, complications, mortality, and follow-up of the study population were assessed. Anatomic and imaging classification of location and extent of thrombus at diagnosis and degree of thrombus lysis were described.ResultsTechnical success was achieved with substantial improvement inmore » symptoms and thrombus resolution after thrombolytic therapy in all patients. The local urokinase infusion by SMA and SMV was performed for 5–7 (6.13 ± 0.83) and 7–15 (12 ± 2.51) days. Anticoagulation was performed catheter-directed and then orally throughout hospitalization and after discharge. Four patients required delayed localized bowel resection after thrombolytic therapy with no death. Thrombolytic therapy was not interrupted despite minor bleeding at the puncture site in two patients and sepsis in another two postoperatively. Nearly complete removal of thrombus was demonstrated by contrast-enhanced CT scan and portography before discharge. Patients were discharged in 10–27 (19.25 ± 4.89) days after admission. No recurrence developed during the follow-up of 10–13 (12.13 ± 0.99) months.ConclusionsCatheter-directed thrombolytic and aspiration therapy via SMV+SMA is beneficial for ASMVT in avoiding patient death, efficient resolving thrombus, rapid improving symptoms, reversing extensive intestinal ischemia, averting bowel resection, or localizing infarcted bowel segment and preventing short bowel syndrome.« less

Sensitivity and specificity of noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging reports in the diagnosis of type-II superior labral anterior-posterior lesions in the community setting.

PubMed

Connolly, Keith P; Schwartzberg, Randy S; Reuss, Bryan; Crumbie, David; Homan, Brad M

2013-02-20

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been suggested to be of high accuracy at academic institutions in the identification of superior labral tears; however, many Type-II superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions encountered during arthroscopy have not been previously diagnosed with noncontrast images. This study evaluated the accuracy of diagnosing Type-II SLAP lesions in a community setting with use of noncontrast MRI and analyzed the effect that radiologist training and the scanner type or magnet strength had on sensitivity and specificity. One hundred and forty-four patients requiring repair of an arthroscopically confirmed Type-II SLAP lesion who had a noncontrast MRI examination performed within twelve months before the procedure were included in the sensitivity analysis. An additional 100 patients with arthroscopically confirmed, normal superior labral anatomy were identified for specificity analysis. The transcribed interpretations of the images by the radiologists were used to document the diagnosis of a SLAP lesion and were compared with the operative report. The magnet strength, type of MRI system (open or closed), and whether the radiologist had completed a musculoskeletal fellowship were also recorded. Noncontrast MRI identified SLAP lesions in fifty-four of 144 shoulders, yielding an overall sensitivity of 38% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 30%, 46%). Specificity was 94% (95% CI = 87%, 98%), with six SLAP lesions diagnosed in 100 shoulders that did not contain the lesion. Musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologists performed with higher sensitivity than those who had not completed the fellowship (46% versus 19%; p = 0.009). Our results demonstrate a low sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of Type-II SLAP lesions with noncontrast MRI in this community setting. Musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologists had significantly higher sensitivities in accurately diagnosing the lesion than did radiologists without such training. Noncontrast MRI is not a reliable diagnostic tool for Type-II SLAP lesions in a community setting.

A slice of π: An exploratory neuroimaging study of digit encoding and retrieval in a superior memorist

PubMed Central

Raz, Amir; Packard, Mark G.; Alexander, Gerianne M.; Buhle, Jason T.; Zhu, Hongtu; Yu, Shan; Peterson, Bradley S.

2015-01-01

Subject PI demonstrated superior memory using a variant of a Method of Loci (MOL) technique to recite the first digits of the mathematical constant π to more than 216 decimal places. We report preliminary behavioral, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and brain volumetric data from PI. fMRI data collected while PI recited the first 540 digits of π (i.e., during retrieval) revealed increased activity in medial frontal gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Encoding of a novel string of 100 random digits activated motor association areas, midline frontal regions, and visual association areas. Volumetric analyses indicated an increased volume of the right subgenual cingulate, a brain region implicated in emotion, mentalizing, and autonomic arousal. Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) testing indicated that PI is of average intelligence, and performance on mirror tracing, rotor pursuit, and the Silverman and Eals Location Memory Task revealed normal procedural and implicit memory. PI’s performance on the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-III) revealed average general memory abilities (50th percentile), but superior working memory abilities (99th percentile). Surprisingly, PI’s visual memory (WMS-III) for neutral faces and common events was remarkably poor (3rd percentile). PI’s self-report indicates that imagining affective situations and high emotional content is critical for successful recall. We speculate that PI’s reduced memory for neutral/non-emotional faces and common events, and the observed increase in volume of the right subgenual cingulate, may be related to extensive practice with memorizing highly emotional material. PMID:19585350

A slice of pi : an exploratory neuroimaging study of digit encoding and retrieval in a superior memorist.

PubMed

Raz, Amir; Packard, Mark G; Alexander, Gerianne M; Buhle, Jason T; Zhu, Hongtu; Yu, Shan; Peterson, Bradley S

2009-10-01

Subject PI demonstrated superior memory using a variant of a Method of Loci (MOL) technique to recite the first digits of the mathematical constant pi to more than 2(16) decimal places. We report preliminary behavioral, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and brain volumetric data from PI. fMRI data collected while PI recited the first 540 digits of pi (i.e., during retrieval) revealed increased activity in medial frontal gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Encoding of a novel string of 100 random digits activated motor association areas, midline frontal regions, and visual association areas. Volumetric analyses indicated an increased volume of the right subgenual cingulate, a brain region implicated in emotion, mentalizing, and autonomic arousal. Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) testing indicated that PI is of average intelligence, and performance on mirror tracing, rotor pursuit, and the Silverman and Eals Location Memory Task revealed normal procedural and implicit memory. PI's performance on the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-III) revealed average general memory abilities (50th percentile), but superior working memory abilities (99th percentile). Surprisingly, PI's visual memory (WMS-III) for neutral faces and common events was remarkably poor (3rd percentile). PI's self-report indicates that imagining affective situations and high emotional content is critical for successful recall. We speculate that PI's reduced memory for neutral/non-emotional faces and common events, and the observed increase in volume of the right subgenual cingulate, may be related to extensive practice with memorizing highly emotional material.

Superior photoelectrochemical properties of ZnO nanorods/poly(3-hexylthiophene) hybrid photoanodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumder, T.; Hmar, J. J. L.; Dhar, S.; Mondal, S. P.

2017-06-01

Photoelectrochemical properties of ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) polymer hybrid photoanodes have been studied. The hybrid photoanodes demonstrated higher photoconversion efficiency, incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) and lower interfacial resistance compared to pristine ZnO nanorods and P3HT based electrodes. The origin of superior photoelectrochemical properties of ZnO/P3HT photoanodes has been explained using carrier transport mechanism at semiconductor/electrolyte junction. The stability of ZnO NRs/P3HT photoanode has been demonstrated.

Comparison of standard- and nano-flow liquid chromatography platforms for MRM-based quantitation of putative plasma biomarker proteins.

PubMed

Percy, Andrew J; Chambers, Andrew G; Yang, Juncong; Domanski, Dominik; Borchers, Christoph H

2012-09-01

The analytical performance of a standard-flow ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and a nano-flow high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, interfaced to the same state-of-the-art triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer, were compared for the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitation of a panel of 48 high-to-moderate-abundance cardiovascular disease-related plasma proteins. After optimization of the MRM transitions for sensitivity and testing for chemical interference, the optimum sensitivity, loading capacity, gradient, and retention-time reproducibilities were determined. We previously demonstrated the increased robustness of the standard-flow platform, but we expected that the standard-flow platform would have an overall lower sensitivity. This study was designed to determine if this decreased sensitivity could be compensated for by increased sample loading. Significantly fewer interferences with the MRM transitions were found for the standard-flow platform than for the nano-flow platform (2 out of 103 transitions compared with 42 out of 103 transitions, respectively), which demonstrates the importance of interference-testing when nano-flow systems are used. Using only interference-free transitions, 36 replicate LC/MRM-MS analyses resulted in equal signal reproducibilities between the two platforms (9.3 % coefficient of variation (CV) for 88 peptide targets), with superior retention-time precision for the standard-flow platform (0.13 vs. 6.1 % CV). Surprisingly, for 41 of the 81 proteotypic peptides in the final assay, the standard-flow platform was more sensitive while for 9 of 81 the nano-flow platform was more sensitive. For these 81 peptides, there was a good correlation between the two sets of results (R(2) = 0.98, slope = 0.97). Overall, the standard-flow platform had superior performance metrics for most peptides, and is a good choice if sufficient sample is available.

MR-guided dynamic PET reconstruction with the kernel method and spectral temporal basis functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novosad, Philip; Reader, Andrew J.

2016-06-01

Recent advances in dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) reconstruction have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve markedly improved end-point kinetic parameter maps by incorporating a temporal model of the radiotracer directly into the reconstruction algorithm. In this work we have developed a highly constrained, fully dynamic PET reconstruction algorithm incorporating both spectral analysis temporal basis functions and spatial basis functions derived from the kernel method applied to a co-registered T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) image. The dynamic PET image is modelled as a linear combination of spatial and temporal basis functions, and a maximum likelihood estimate for the coefficients can be found using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. Following reconstruction, kinetic fitting using any temporal model of interest can be applied. Based on a BrainWeb T1-weighted MR phantom, we performed a realistic dynamic [18F]FDG simulation study with two noise levels, and investigated the quantitative performance of the proposed reconstruction algorithm, comparing it with reconstructions incorporating either spectral analysis temporal basis functions alone or kernel spatial basis functions alone, as well as with conventional frame-independent reconstruction. Compared to the other reconstruction algorithms, the proposed algorithm achieved superior performance, offering a decrease in spatially averaged pixel-level root-mean-square-error on post-reconstruction kinetic parametric maps in the grey/white matter, as well as in the tumours when they were present on the co-registered MR image. When the tumours were not visible in the MR image, reconstruction with the proposed algorithm performed similarly to reconstruction with spectral temporal basis functions and was superior to both conventional frame-independent reconstruction and frame-independent reconstruction with kernel spatial basis functions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a joint spectral/kernel model can also be used for effective post-reconstruction denoising, through the use of an EM-like image-space algorithm. Finally, we applied the proposed algorithm to reconstruction of real high-resolution dynamic [11C]SCH23390 data, showing promising results.

MR-guided dynamic PET reconstruction with the kernel method and spectral temporal basis functions.

PubMed

Novosad, Philip; Reader, Andrew J

2016-06-21

Recent advances in dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) reconstruction have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve markedly improved end-point kinetic parameter maps by incorporating a temporal model of the radiotracer directly into the reconstruction algorithm. In this work we have developed a highly constrained, fully dynamic PET reconstruction algorithm incorporating both spectral analysis temporal basis functions and spatial basis functions derived from the kernel method applied to a co-registered T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) image. The dynamic PET image is modelled as a linear combination of spatial and temporal basis functions, and a maximum likelihood estimate for the coefficients can be found using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. Following reconstruction, kinetic fitting using any temporal model of interest can be applied. Based on a BrainWeb T1-weighted MR phantom, we performed a realistic dynamic [(18)F]FDG simulation study with two noise levels, and investigated the quantitative performance of the proposed reconstruction algorithm, comparing it with reconstructions incorporating either spectral analysis temporal basis functions alone or kernel spatial basis functions alone, as well as with conventional frame-independent reconstruction. Compared to the other reconstruction algorithms, the proposed algorithm achieved superior performance, offering a decrease in spatially averaged pixel-level root-mean-square-error on post-reconstruction kinetic parametric maps in the grey/white matter, as well as in the tumours when they were present on the co-registered MR image. When the tumours were not visible in the MR image, reconstruction with the proposed algorithm performed similarly to reconstruction with spectral temporal basis functions and was superior to both conventional frame-independent reconstruction and frame-independent reconstruction with kernel spatial basis functions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a joint spectral/kernel model can also be used for effective post-reconstruction denoising, through the use of an EM-like image-space algorithm. Finally, we applied the proposed algorithm to reconstruction of real high-resolution dynamic [(11)C]SCH23390 data, showing promising results.

Artificial neural network for suppression of banding artifacts in balanced steady-state free precession MRI.

PubMed

Kim, Ki Hwan; Park, Sung-Hong

2017-04-01

The balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) MR sequence is frequently used in clinics, but is sensitive to off-resonance effects, which can cause banding artifacts. Often multiple bSSFP datasets are acquired at different phase cycling (PC) angles and then combined in a special way for banding artifact suppression. Many strategies of combining the datasets have been suggested for banding artifact suppression, but there are still limitations in their performance, especially when the number of phase-cycled bSSFP datasets is small. The purpose of this study is to develop a learning-based model to combine the multiple phase-cycled bSSFP datasets for better banding artifact suppression. Multilayer perceptron (MLP) is a feedforward artificial neural network consisting of three layers of input, hidden, and output layers. MLP models were trained by input bSSFP datasets acquired from human brain and knee at 3T, which were separately performed for two and four PC angles. Banding-free bSSFP images were generated by maximum-intensity projection (MIP) of 8 or 12 phase-cycled datasets and were used as targets for training the output layer. The trained MLP models were applied to another brain and knee datasets acquired with different scan parameters and also to multiple phase-cycled bSSFP functional MRI datasets acquired on rat brain at 9.4T, in comparison with the conventional MIP method. Simulations were also performed to validate the MLP approach. Both the simulations and human experiments demonstrated that MLP suppressed banding artifacts significantly, superior to MIP in both banding artifact suppression and SNR efficiency. MLP demonstrated superior performance over MIP for the 9.4T fMRI data as well, which was not used for training the models, while visually preserving the fMRI maps very well. Artificial neural network is a promising technique for combining multiple phase-cycled bSSFP datasets for banding artifact suppression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Item analysis of three Spanish naming tests: a cross-cultural investigation.

PubMed

Marquez de la Plata, Carlos; Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Alegret, Montse; Moreno, Alexander; Tárraga, Luis; Lara, Mar; Hewlitt, Margaret; Hynan, Linda; Cullum, C Munro

2009-01-01

Neuropsychological evaluations conducted in the United States and abroad commonly include the use of tests translated from English to Spanish. The use of translated naming tests for evaluating predominately Spanish-speakers has recently been challenged on the grounds that translating test items may compromise a test's construct validity. The Texas Spanish Naming Test (TNT) has been developed in Spanish specifically for use with Spanish-speakers; however, it is unlikely patients from diverse Spanish-speaking geographical regions will perform uniformly on a naming test. The present study evaluated and compared the internal consistency and patterns of item-difficulty and -discrimination for the TNT and two commonly used translated naming tests in three countries (i.e., United States, Colombia, Spain). Two hundred fifty two subjects (136 demented, 116 nondemented) across three countries were administered the TNT, Modified Boston Naming Test-Spanish, and the naming subtest from the CERAD. The TNT demonstrated superior internal consistency to its counterparts, a superior item difficulty pattern than the CERAD naming test, and a superior item discrimination pattern than the MBNT-S across countries. Overall, all three Spanish naming tests differentiated nondemented and moderately demented individuals, but the results suggest the items of the TNT are most appropriate to use with Spanish-speakers. Preliminary normative data for the three tests examined in each country are provided.

Evolution of Endovascular Therapy in Acute Stroke: Implications of Device Development

PubMed Central

Balasubramaian, Adithya; Mitchell, Peter; Dowling, Richard

2015-01-01

Intravenous thrombolysis is an effective treatment for acute ischaemic stroke. However, vascular recanalization rates remain poor especially in the setting of large artery occlusion. On the other hand, endovascular intra-arterial therapy addresses this issue with superior recanalization rates compared with intravenous thrombolysis. Although previous randomized controlled studies of intra-arterial therapy failed to demonstrate superiority, the failings may be attributed to a combination of inferior intra-arterial devices and suboptimal selection criteria. The recent results of several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated significantly improved outcomes, underpinning the advantage of newer intra-arterial devices and superior recanalization rates, leading to renewed interest in establishing intra-arterial therapy as the gold standard for acute ischaemic stroke. The aim of this review is to outline the history and development of different intra-arterial devices and future directions in research. PMID:26060800

Competition for Left Hemisphere Resources: Right Hemisphere Superiority at Abstract Verbal Information Processing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Polson, Martha C.; And Others

A study tested a multiple-resources model of human information processing wherein the two cerebral hemispheres are assumed to have separate, limited-capacity pools of undifferentiated resources. The subjects were five right-handed males who had demonstrated right visual field-left hemisphere (RVF-LH) superiority for processing a centrally…

Tacit Knowledge Flows and Institutional Theory: Accelerating Acculturation

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

sustainable competitive advantage , but different kinds of knowledge affect competitive advantage differently. This applies especially to the...such qualitative fieldwork and informs theory and practice alike. 1. Introduction Knowledge is key to sustainable competitive advantage ...4,8,19]. Knowledge enables effective action; effective action drives superior performance; and superior performance supports competitive advantage

Temporal bone radiography using the orthopantomograph

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

Tatezawa, T.

1981-09-01

Temporal bone radiographs obtained with an Orthopantomograph were compared with conventional radiographs. In acoustic neurinoma, cholesteatoma, otitis media, and middle fossa tumors, both methods demonstrated the abnormalities well. In two cases with lesions extending beyond the range of conventional projections, the broad orthopantomographic coverage was very valuable. Mastoid air cells, the mastoid process, petrous ridge, and internal auditory meatus were well demonstrated by both techniques. Orthopantomography was found to be superior in the demonstration of the petrous apex, while the superior semicircular canal was better demonstrated on the conventional views. Bilateral symmetry was particularly good and because of fewer films,more » radiation exposure was considerably less with orthopantomography. For many applications, orthopantomography is an adequate convenient substitute for conventional methods of examining the temporal bones.« less

Left hemisphere specialization for the control of voluntary movement rate.

PubMed

Agnew, John A; Zeffiro, Thomas A; Eden, Guinevere F

2004-05-01

Although persuasive behavioral evidence demonstrates the superior dexterity of the right hand in most people under a variety of conditions, little is known about the neural mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. As this lateralized superiority is most evident during the performance of repetitive, speeded movement, we used parametric rate variations to compare visually paced movement of the right and left hands. Twelve strongly right-handed subjects participated in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment involving variable rate thumb movements. For movements of the right hand, contralateral rate-related activity changes were identified in the precentral gyrus, thalamus, and posterior putamen. For left-hand movements, activity was seen only in the contralateral precentral gyrus, consistent with the existence of a rate-sensitive motor control subsystem involving the left, but not the right, medial premotor corticostriatal loop in right-handed individuals. We hypothesize that the right hemisphere system is less skilled at controlling variable-rate movements and becomes maximally engaged at a lower movement rate without further modulation. These findings demonstrate that right- and left-hand movements engage different neural systems to control movement, even during a relatively simple thumb flexion task. Specialization of the left hemisphere corticostriatal system for dexterity is reflected in asymmetric mechanisms for movement rate control.

Cell source determines the immunological impact of biomimetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Evangelopoulos, Michael; Parodi, Alessandro; Martinez, Jonathan O; Yazdi, Iman K; Cevenini, Armando; van de Ven, Anne L; Quattrocchi, Nicoletta; Boada, Christian; Taghipour, Nima; Corbo, Claudia; Brown, Brandon S; Scaria, Shilpa; Liu, Xuewu; Ferrari, Mauro; Tasciotti, Ennio

2016-03-01

Recently, engineering the surface of nanotherapeutics with biologics to provide them with superior biocompatibility and targeting towards pathological tissues has gained significant popularity. Although the functionalization of drug delivery vectors with cellular materials has been shown to provide synthetic particles with unique biological properties, these approaches may have undesirable immunological repercussions upon systemic administration. Herein, we comparatively analyzed unmodified multistage nanovectors and particles functionalized with murine and human leukocyte cellular membrane, dubbed Leukolike Vectors (LLV), and the immunological effects that may arise in vitro and in vivo. Previously, LLV demonstrated an avoidance of opsonization and phagocytosis, in addition to superior targeting of inflammation and prolonged circulation. In this work, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of the importance of the source of cellular membrane in increasing their systemic tolerance and minimizing an inflammatory response. Time-lapse microscopy revealed LLV developed using a cellular coating derived from a murine (i.e., syngeneic) source resulted in an active avoidance of uptake by macrophage cells. Additionally, LLV composed of a murine membrane were found to have decreased uptake in the liver with no significant effect on hepatic function. As biomimicry continues to develop, this work demonstrates the necessity to consider the source of biological material in the development of future drug delivery carriers. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Do Superior or Inferior Interlaminar Approach or Bevel Orientation Predispose to Nonepidural Needle Penetration?

PubMed

Koontz, Nicholas A; Wiggins, Richard H; Stoddard, Gregory J; Shah, Lubdha M

2017-10-01

There is a paucity of evidence-based literature regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the interlaminar approach and needle bevel orientation for performing a lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ESI). The purpose of this study was to determine if superior versus inferior lamina approach, needle bevel tip orientation, or both may predispose to inadvertent nonepidural penetration during lumbar interlaminar ESI. A prospective study was performed of patients with low back pain with or without radicular pain or neurogenic claudication referred for lumbar interlaminar ESI. Two hundred eleven patients were randomized by interlaminar approach (superior vs inferior) and bevel tip orientation (cranial vs caudal). Lumbar interlaminar ESI was performed by six interventionalists of varying levels of experience using fluoroscopic guidance with curved tip epidural needles, using loss-of-resistance technique and confirmation with contrast opacification. Exact Poisson regression was used to model the study outcome. Two hundred twenty-one lumbar interlaminar ESIs were performed on 211 patients, randomized to a superior (n = 121) or inferior lamina approach (n = 100) and to a cranial (n = 103) or caudal (n = 118) orientation of the bevel tip. Epidural needle placement was confirmed in 96.4% (n = 213) of cases. Nonepidural needle placement was most commonly associated with superior lamina approach and caudal bevel tip orientation, which was marginally significant (adjusted risk ratio, 6.88; 95% CI, 0.93-∞; p = 0.059). Inadvertent nonepidural needle penetration during fluoroscopically guided lumbar interlaminar ESI appears to be affected by approach, with superior lamina approach and caudal bevel tip orientation being the least favorable technique.

Biomechanical Comparison Study of Three Fixation Methods for Proximal Chevron Osteotomy of the First Metatarsal in Hallux Valgus.

PubMed

Kim, Jin Su; Cho, Hun Ki; Young, Ki Won; Kim, Ji Soo; Lee, Kyung Tai

2017-12-01

Fixation of proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy has been accomplished using K-wires traditionally and with a locking plate recently. However, both methods have many disadvantages. Hence, we developed an intramedullary fixation technique using headless cannulated screws and conducted a biomechanical study to evaluate the superiority of the technique to K-wire and locking plate fixations. Proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy was performed on 30 synthetic metatarsal models using three fixation techniques. Specimens in group I were fixated with K-wires (1.6 mm × 2) and in group II with headless cannulated screws (3.0 mm × 2) distally through the intramedullary canal. Specimens in group III were fixated with a locking X-shaped plate (1.3-mm thick) and screws (2.5 mm × 4). Eight metatarsal specimens were selected from each group for walking fatigue test. Bending stiffness and dorsal angulation were measured by 1,000 repetitions of a cantilever bending protocol in a plantar to dorsal direction. The remaining two samples from each group were subjected to 5 mm per minute axial loading to assess the maximal loading tolerance. All samples in group I failed walking fatigue test while group II and group III tolerated the walking fatigue test. Group II showed greater resistance to bending force and smaller dorsal angulation than group III ( p = 0.001). On the axial loading test, group I and group II demonstrated superior maximum tolerance to group III (54.8 N vs. 47.2 N vs. 28.3 N). Authors have demonstrated proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy with intramedullary screw fixation provides superior biomechanical stability to locking plate and K-wire fixations. The new technique using intramedullary screw fixation can offer robust fixation and may lead to better outcomes in surgical treatment of hallux valgus.

A Comparison of the Efficacy and Tolerability of the Treatments for Sciatica: A Network Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Guo, Jian-Rong; Jin, Xiao-Ju; Shen, Hua-Chun; Wang, Huan; Zhou, Xun; Liu, Xiao-Qian; Zhu, Na-Na

2017-12-01

There remains a lack of a systematic summary of the efficacy and safety of various medicines for sciatica, and discrepancies among these exist. The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess the efficacy of and tolerance to several medical options for the treatment of sciatica. We performed a network meta-analysis and illustrated the results by the mean difference or odds ratio. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used for indicating the preferable treatments. All data analyses and graphs were achieved via R 3.3.2 and Stata 13.0. The subcutaneous anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) was superior to the epidural steroid + anesthetic in reducing lumbar pain in both acute + chronic sciatica patients and acute sciatica patients. The epidural steroid demonstrated a better ability regarding the Oswestry disability score (ODI) compared to the subcutaneous anti-TNF-α. In addition, for total pain relief, the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was inferior to the epidural steroid + anesthetic. The epidural anesthetic and epidural steroid + anesthetic both demonstrated superiority over the epidural steroid and intramuscular steroid. The intravenous anti-TNF-α ranked first in leg pain relief, while the subcutaneous anti-TNF-α ranked first in lumbar pain relief, and the epidural steroid ranked first in the ODI on the basis of SUCRA. In addition, their safety outcome (withdrawal) rankings were all medium to high. Intravenous and subcutaneous anti-TNF-α were identified as the optimal treatments for both acute + chronic sciatica patients and acute sciatica patients. In addition, the epidural steroid was also recommended as a good intervention due to its superiority in reducing ODI.

Effect of data self-collection as an activating teaching method in a statistical software course in medical biometry - a pilot study.

PubMed

Mayer, Benjamin; Braisch, Ulrike; Meule, Marianne; Allgoewer, Andreas; Richter, Silvia; Muche, Rainer

2018-01-01

Background: Biostatistics is an integral part of the studies of human medicine. Students learn the basics of analyzing and interpreting study results. It is important to demonstrate the subject's relevance by means of appropriate measures to maximize learning success. We investigated whether an active involvement of students in the process of data collection may improve test performance and motivation among medical students. Methods: We conducted a pilot study comparing active involvement of students (n1=45) in the process of data collection and standard education (n2=26). All students of this pilot study participated in an observational study assessing their preferences regarding sweets or salty munchies, and students of the experimental group subsequently used this data set during the exercises throughout the semester. Primary and secondary endpoints were examination success and motivation respectively. Results: Superiority of the activating teaching method could not be demonstrated (intervention: 109.0 points (SD 8.8), control: 113.8 points (SD 6.5)). The course ratings were superior in the intervention group (median grade 1 vs. median grade 2 in the control group), although this was not a significant improvement (p=0.487). Conclusions: Biostatistics education should incorporate approaches contributing to a better understanding of learning contents. Possible reasons why this pilot study failed to prove superiority of the intervention were a lack of sample size as well as the good grades in the control group. The presented teaching concept has to be evaluated by means of a larger sample enabling more valid conclusions. Furthermore, the considered research question in the experimental group may be changed to a more relevant one for medical practice.

Heterogeneous Integration of Epitaxial Ge on Si using AlAs/GaAs Buffer Architecture: Suitability for Low-power Fin Field-Effect Transistors

PubMed Central

Hudait, Mantu K.; Clavel, Michael; Goley, Patrick; Jain, Nikhil; Zhu, Yan

2014-01-01

Germanium-based materials and device architectures have recently appeared as exciting material systems for future low-power nanoscale transistors and photonic devices. Heterogeneous integration of germanium (Ge)-based materials on silicon (Si) using large bandgap buffer architectures could enable the monolithic integration of electronics and photonics. In this paper, we report on the heterogeneous integration of device-quality epitaxial Ge on Si using composite AlAs/GaAs large bandgap buffer, grown by molecular beam epitaxy that is suitable for fabricating low-power fin field-effect transistors required for continuing transistor miniaturization. The superior structural quality of the integrated Ge on Si using AlAs/GaAs was demonstrated using high-resolution x-ray diffraction analysis. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed relaxed Ge with high crystalline quality and a sharp Ge/AlAs heterointerface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated a large valence band offset at the Ge/AlAs interface, as compared to Ge/GaAs heterostructure, which is a prerequisite for superior carrier confinement. The temperature-dependent electrical transport properties of the n-type Ge layer demonstrated a Hall mobility of 370 cm2/Vs at 290 K and 457 cm2/Vs at 90 K, which suggests epitaxial Ge grown on Si using an AlAs/GaAs buffer architecture would be a promising candidate for next-generation high-performance and energy-efficient fin field-effect transistor applications. PMID:25376723

Superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity of SnO2/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

PubMed Central

Liu, Lilai; An, Maozhong; Yang, Peixia; Zhang, Jinqiu

2015-01-01

SnO2/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO2/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO2 grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO2/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g−1 are 2213 and 1402 mA h g−1 with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g−1, respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g−1, and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g−1 after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO2/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage. PMID:25761938

Cortical underconnectivity coupled with preserved visuospatial cognition in autism: Evidence from an fMRI study of an embedded figures task.

PubMed

Damarla, Saudamini Roy; Keller, Timothy A; Kana, Rajesh K; Cherkassky, Vladimir L; Williams, Diane L; Minshew, Nancy J; Just, Marcel Adam

2010-10-01

Individuals with high-functioning autism sometimes exhibit intact or superior performance on visuospatial tasks, in contrast to impaired functioning in other domains such as language comprehension, executive tasks, and social functions. The goal of the current study was to investigate the neural bases of preserved visuospatial processing in high-functioning autism from the perspective of the cortical underconnectivity theory. We used a combination of behavioral, functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional connectivity, and corpus callosum morphometric methodological tools. Thirteen participants with high-functioning autism and 13 controls (age-, IQ-, and gender-matched) were scanned while performing an Embedded Figures Task. Despite the ability of the autism group to attain behavioral performance comparable to the control group, the brain imaging results revealed several group differences consistent with the cortical underconnectivity account of autism. First, relative to controls, the autism group showed less activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal and inferior parietal areas and more activation in visuospatial (bilateral superior parietal extending to inferior parietal and right occipital) areas. Second, the autism group demonstrated lower functional connectivity between higher-order working memory/executive areas and visuospatial regions (between frontal and parietal-occipital). Third, the size of the corpus callosum (an index of anatomical connectivity) was positively correlated with frontal-posterior (parietal and occipital) functional connectivity in the autism group. Thus, even in the visuospatial domain, where preserved performance among people with autism is observed, the neuroimaging signatures of cortical underconnectivity persist.

Cortical underconnectivity coupled with preserved visuospatial cognition in autism: Evidence from an fMRI study of an embedded figures task

PubMed Central

Damarla, Saudamini Roy; Keller, Timothy A.; Kana, Rajesh K.; Cherkassky, Vladimir L.; Williams, Diane L.; Minshew, Nancy J.; Just, Marcel Adam

2010-01-01

Individuals with high-functioning autism sometimes exhibit intact or superior performance on visuospatial tasks, in contrast to impaired functioning in other domains such as language comprehension, executive tasks, and social functions. The goal of the current study was to investigate the neural bases of preserved visuospatial processing in high-functioning autism from the perspective of the cortical underconnectivity theory. We used a combination of behavioral, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional connectivity, and corpus callosum morphometric methodological tools. Thirteen participants with high-functioning autism and thirteen controls (age-, IQ-, and gender-matched) were scanned while performing an Embedded Figures Task (EFT). Despite the ability of the autism group to attain behavioral performance comparable to the control group, the brain imaging results revealed several group differences consistent with the cortical underconnectivity account of autism. First, relative to controls, the autism group showed less activation in left dorsolateral prefrontal and inferior parietal areas and more activation in visuospatial (bilateral superior parietal extending to inferior parietal and right occipital) areas. Second, the autism group demonstrated lower functional connectivity between higher-order working memory/executive areas and visuospatial regions (between frontal and parietal-occipital). Third, the size of the corpus callosum (an index of anatomical connectivity) was positively correlated with frontal-posterior (parietal and occipital) functional connectivity in the autism group. Thus, even in the visuospatial domain, where preserved performance among people with autism is observed, the neuroimaging signatures of cortical underconnectivity persist. PMID:20740492

Distinct cortical codes and temporal dynamics for conscious and unconscious percepts

PubMed Central

Salti, Moti; Monto, Simo; Charles, Lucie; King, Jean-Remi; Parkkonen, Lauri; Dehaene, Stanislas

2015-01-01

The neural correlates of consciousness are typically sought by comparing the overall brain responses to perceived and unperceived stimuli. However, this comparison may be contaminated by non-specific attention, alerting, performance, and reporting confounds. Here, we pursue a novel approach, tracking the neuronal coding of consciously and unconsciously perceived contents while keeping behavior identical (blindsight). EEG and MEG were recorded while participants reported the spatial location and visibility of a briefly presented target. Multivariate pattern analysis demonstrated that considerable information about spatial location traverses the cortex on blindsight trials, but that starting ≈270 ms post-onset, information unique to consciously perceived stimuli, emerges in superior parietal and superior frontal regions. Conscious access appears characterized by the entry of the perceived stimulus into a series of additional brain processes, each restricted in time, while the failure of conscious access results in the breaking of this chain and a subsequent slow decay of the lingering unconscious activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05652.001 PMID:25997100

Interfacial Constructing Flexible V2O5@Polypyrrole Core-Shell Nanowire Membrane with Superior Supercapacitive Performance.

PubMed

Wang, Jian-Gan; Liu, Huanyan; Liu, Hongzhen; Hua, Wei; Shao, Minhua

2018-06-06

Flexible membrane consisting of ultralong V 2 O 5 @conducting polypyrrole (V 2 O 5 @PPy) core-shell nanowires is prepared by a facile in situ interfacial synthesis approach. The V 2 O 5 is for the first time demonstrated to show versatile function of reactive template to initiate the uniform and conformal polymerization of PPy nanocoating without the need for extra oxidants. The freestanding PPy-encapsulated V 2 O 5 nanowire membrane is of great benefit in achieving strong electrochemical harvest by increasing electrical conductivity, shortening ion/electron transport distance, and enlarging electrode/electrolyte contact area. When evaluated as binder- and additive-free supercapacitor electrodes, the V 2 O 5 @PPy core-shell hybrid delivers a significantly enhanced specific capacitance of 334 F g -1 along with superior rate capability and improved cycling stability. The present work would provide a simple yet powerful interfacial strategy for elaborate constructing V 2 O 5 /conducting polymers toward various energy-storage technologies.

Onyx removal after embolization of a superior sagittal sinus dural arteriovenous fistula involving scalp artery.

PubMed

Watanabe, Jun; Maruya, Jun; Nishimaki, Keiichi; Ito, Yasushi

2016-01-01

Most dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in superior sagittal sinus (SSS) requires multimodal treatment. Onyx embolization is useful for DAVF; however, scalp artery embolization has cast extrusion risk. A 59-year-old male presented with involuntary movements of both legs and progressive dementia. Cerebral angiography demonstrated the DAVF in the SSS fed by bilateral superficial temporal, occipital, and middle meningeal arteries. The posterior SSS was thrombosed, and the main drainers were cortical veins. Combined treatment with transarterial embolization using Onyx and transvenous embolization using coils was performed. Although symptoms were improved, a small DAVF remained. Two months later, Onyx cast extrusion through the scalp was observed, requiring removal and debridement because of infection at the extrusion sites. Surgery for the residual DAVF would be difficult because of scalp condition; therefore, an additional endovascular treatment was conducted, completely occluding DAVF. Onyx embolization is useful for DAVF; however, scalp artery embolization has cast extrusion risk. Therefore, scalp infection should be considered because it may preclude additional surgical procedures.

Selective electrocatalysts toward a prototype of the membraneless direct methanol fuel cell.

PubMed

Feng, Yan; Yang, Jinhua; Liu, Hui; Ye, Feng; Yang, Jun

2014-01-22

Mastery over the structure of nanomaterials enables control of their properties to enhance their performance for a given application. Herein we demonstrate the design and fabrication of Pt-based nanomaterials with enhanced catalytic activity and superior selectivity toward the reactions in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) upon the deep understanding of the mechanisms of these electrochemical reactions. In particular, the ternary Au@Ag2S-Pt nanocomposites display superior methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) selectivity due to the electronic coupling effect among different domains of the nanocomposites, while the cage-bell structured Pt-Ru nanoparticles exhibit excellent methanol tolerance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode because of the differential diffusion of methanol and oxygen in the porous Ru shell of the cage-bell nanoparticles. The good catalytic selectivity of these Pt-based nanomaterials via structural construction enables a DMFC to be built without a proton exchange membrane between the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode.

Selective electrocatalysts toward a prototype of the membraneless direct methanol fuel cell

PubMed Central

Feng, Yan; Yang, Jinhua; Liu, Hui; Ye, Feng; Yang, Jun

2014-01-01

Mastery over the structure of nanomaterials enables control of their properties to enhance their performance for a given application. Herein we demonstrate the design and fabrication of Pt-based nanomaterials with enhanced catalytic activity and superior selectivity toward the reactions in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) upon the deep understanding of the mechanisms of these electrochemical reactions. In particular, the ternary Au@Ag2S-Pt nanocomposites display superior methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) selectivity due to the electronic coupling effect among different domains of the nanocomposites, while the cage-bell structured Pt-Ru nanoparticles exhibit excellent methanol tolerance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode because of the differential diffusion of methanol and oxygen in the porous Ru shell of the cage-bell nanoparticles. The good catalytic selectivity of these Pt-based nanomaterials via structural construction enables a DMFC to be built without a proton exchange membrane between the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode. PMID:24448514

Enhancing pseudocapacitive kinetics of nanostructured MnO2 through anchoring onto biomass-derived porous carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qiongyu; Chen, Jizhang; Zhou, Yuyang; Song, Chao; Tian, Qinghua; Xu, Junling; Wong, Ching-Ping

2018-05-01

The rational construction of heterostructured electrode materials that deliver superior performances to their individual counterparts offers an attractive strategy for supercapacitors. Herein, we anchor low-crystalline nanostructured MnO2 onto soybean stalk-derived carbon matrix through chemical activation and subsequent hydrothermal reaction. The highly porous and conductive matrix can effectively enhance pseudocapacitive kinetics of nanostructured MnO2. Therefore, the obtained nanocomposite exhibits high specific capacitance (384.9 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1), great rate capability (185.0 F g-1 at 20 A g-1), and superior cyclability (90.7% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles). Using this nanocomposite as the positive electrode material, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is assembled, and achieves high specific energy of 34.2 Wh kg-1 and high specific power of 9.58 kW kg-1. The results of this study demonstrate great potential of combining biomass-derived porous carbon with metal oxides.

Learning of spatial relationships between observed and imitated actions allows invariant inverse computation in the frontal mirror neuron system.

PubMed

Oh, Hyuk; Gentili, Rodolphe J; Reggia, James A; Contreras-Vidal, José L

2011-01-01

It has been suggested that the human mirror neuron system can facilitate learning by imitation through coupling of observation and action execution. During imitation of observed actions, the functional relationship between and within the inferior frontal cortex, the posterior parietal cortex, and the superior temporal sulcus can be modeled within the internal model framework. The proposed biologically plausible mirror neuron system model extends currently available models by explicitly modeling the intraparietal sulcus and the superior parietal lobule in implementing the function of a frame of reference transformation during imitation. Moreover, the model posits the ventral premotor cortex as performing an inverse computation. The simulations reveal that: i) the transformation system can learn and represent the changes in extrinsic to intrinsic coordinates when an imitator observes a demonstrator; ii) the inverse model of the imitator's frontal mirror neuron system can be trained to provide the motor plans for the imitated actions.

Superior electro-optical properties of electrically controlled birefringence mode using solution-derived La{sub 2}O{sub 3} films

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

Jeong, Hae-Chang; Park, Hong-Gyu; Lee, Ju Hwan

2015-11-15

The authors demonstrate a high performance electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode with solution-derived La{sub 2}O{sub 3} films at various molar concentrations. Uniform and homogeneous liquid crystal (LC) alignment was spontaneously achieved on the La{sub 2}O{sub 3} films for lanthanum concentrations at ratios greater than and equal to 0.2. A preferred orientation of LC molecules appeared along the filling direction, and the LC alignment was maintained via van der Waals force by nanocrystals of the La{sub 2}O{sub 3} films. The LC alignment mechanism was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. Superior electro-optical characteristics of the ECBmore » cells constructed with solution-derived La{sub 2}O{sub 3} films were observed, which suggests that the proposed solution-derived La{sub 2}O{sub 3} films have strong potential for use in the production of advanced LC displays.« less

Fiber reinforced PMR polyimide composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavano, P. J.; Winters, W. E.

1978-01-01

Commercially obtained PMR-15 polyimide prepregs with S-glass and graphite fiber reinforcements were evaluated along with in-house prepared glass and graphite cloth PMR 2 materials. A novel autoclave approach was conceived and used to demonstrate that both the PMR systems respond to 1.4 MPa (200 psi) autoclave pressures to produce void free composites equivalent to die molded laminates. Isothermal gravimetric analysis and subsequent mechanical property tests indicated that the PMR 2 system was significantly superior in thermo-oxidative stability, and that S-glass reinforcements may contribute to the accelerated degradation of composites at 316 C (600 F) when compared to graphite fiber reinforced composites. Fully reversed bending fatigue experiments were conducted with a type of fixture unused for organic matrix composites. These studies indicated that the graphite fiber composites were clearly superior in fatigue resistance to the glass fiber reinforced material and that PMR matrix composite systems yield performance of the same order as composite materials employing other families of matrices.

Robustness of quantum key distribution with discrete and continuous variables to channel noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasota, Mikołaj; Filip, Radim; Usenko, Vladyslav C.

2017-06-01

We study the robustness of quantum key distribution protocols using discrete or continuous variables to the channel noise. We introduce the model of such noise based on coupling of the signal to a thermal reservoir, typical for continuous-variable quantum key distribution, to the discrete-variable case. Then we perform a comparison of the bounds on the tolerable channel noise between these two kinds of protocols using the same noise parametrization, in the case of implementation which is perfect otherwise. Obtained results show that continuous-variable protocols can exhibit similar robustness to the channel noise when the transmittance of the channel is relatively high. However, for strong loss discrete-variable protocols are superior and can overcome even the infinite-squeezing continuous-variable protocol while using limited nonclassical resources. The requirement on the probability of a single-photon production which would have to be fulfilled by a practical source of photons in order to demonstrate such superiority is feasible thanks to the recent rapid development in this field.

Which way in? The Necessity of Multiple Approaches to Transcatheter Valve Therapy

PubMed Central

Bleiziffer, S.; Krane, M.; Deutsch, M.A.; Elhmidi, Y.; Piazza, N.; Voss, B.; Lange, R.

2013-01-01

TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is a less invasive treatment of the stenotic aortic valve while avoiding midline sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. A crimped biological valve on a self-expanding or balloon-expandable stent is inserted antegradely or retrogradely under fluoroscopy, and deployed on the beating heart. Among the worldwide TAVI programs, many different concepts have been established for the choice of the access site. Whether retrograde or antegrade TAVI should be considered the superior approach is matter of an ongoing debate. The published literature demonstrates safety of all techniques if performed within a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Since there is no data providing evidence if one approach is superior to another, we conclude that an individualized patient-centered decision making process is most beneficial, taking advantage of the complementarity of the different access options. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the current practice of access techniques for transcatheter based valve treatment and to outline the respective special characteristics. PMID:24313647

Biomechanical Comparison of Single- Versus Double-Row Capsulolabral Repair for Shoulder Instability: A Review

PubMed Central

Yousif, Matthew John; Bicos, James

2017-01-01

Background: The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body. Failure rates of capsulolabral repair have been reported to be approximately 8%. Recent focus has been on restoration of the capsulolabral complex by a double-row capsulolabral repair technique in an effort to decrease redislocation rates after arthroscopic capsulolabral repair. Purpose: To present a review of the biomechanical literature comparing single- versus double-row capsulolabral repairs and discuss the previous case series of double-row fixation. Study Design: Narrative review. Methods: A simple review of the literature was performed by PubMed search. Only biomechanical studies comparing single- versus double-row capsulolabral repair were included for review. Only those case series and descriptive techniques with clinical results for double-row repair were included in the discussion. Results: Biomechanical comparisons evaluating the native footprint of the labrum demonstrated significantly superior restoration of the footprint through double-row capsulolabral repair compared with single-row repair. Biomechanical comparisons of contact pressure at the repair interface, fracture displacement in bony Bankart lesion, load to failure, and decreased external rotation (suggestive of increased load to failure) were also significantly in favor of double- versus single-row repair. Recent descriptive techniques and case series of double-row fixation have demonstrated good clinical outcomes; however, no comparative clinical studies between single- and double-row repair have assessed functional outcomes. Conclusion: The superiority of double-row capsulolabral repair versus single-row repair remains uncertain because comparative studies assessing clinical outcomes have yet to be performed. PMID:29230427

High-performance all-printed amorphous oxide FETs and logics with electronically compatible electrode/ channel interface.

PubMed

Sharma, Bhupendra Kumar; Stoesser, Anna; Mondal, Sandeep Kumar; Garlapati, Suresh K; Fawey, Mohammed H; Chakravadhanula, Venkata Sai Kiran; Kruk, Robert; Hahn, Horst; Dasgupta, Subho

2018-06-12

Oxide semiconductors typically show superior device performance compared to amorphous silicon or organic counterparts, especially, when they are physical vapor deposited. However, it is not easy to reproduce identical device characteristics when the oxide field-effect transistors (FETs) are solution-processed/ printed; the level of complexity further intensifies with the need to print the passive elements as well. Here, we developed a protocol for designing the most electronically compatible electrode/ channel interface based on the judicious material selection. Exploiting this newly developed fabrication schemes, we are now able to demonstrate high-performance all-printed FETs and logic circuits using amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) semiconductor, indium tin oxide (ITO) as electrodes and composite solid polymer electrolyte as the gate insulator. Interestingly, all-printed FETs demonstrate an optimal electrical performance in terms of threshold voltages and device mobility and may very well be compared with devices fabricated using sputtered ITO electrodes. This observation originates from the selection of electrode/ channel materials from the same transparent semiconductor oxide family, resulting in the formation of In-Sn-Zn-O (ITZO) based diffused a-IGZO/ ITO interface that controls doping density while ensuring high electrical performance. Compressive spectroscopic studies reveal that Sn doping mediated excellent band alignment of IGZO with ITO electrodes is responsible for the excellent device performance observed. All-printed n-MOS based logic circuits have also been demonstrated towards new-generation portable electronics.

High mass resolution time of flight mass spectrometer for measuring products in heterogeneous catalysis in highly sensitive microreactors

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

Andersen, T.; Jensen, R.; Christensen, M. K.

2012-07-15

We demonstrate a combined microreactor and time of flight system for testing and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts with high resolution mass spectrometry and high sensitivity. Catalyst testing is performed in silicon-based microreactors which have high sensitivity and fast thermal response. Gas analysis is performed with a time of flight mass spectrometer with a modified nude Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge as gas ionization source. The mass resolution of the time of flight mass spectrometer using the ion gauge as ionization source is estimated to m/{Delta}m > 2500. The system design is superior to conventional batch and flow reactors with accompanying product detectionmore » by quadrupole mass spectrometry or gas chromatography not only due to the high sensitivity, fast temperature response, high mass resolution, and fast acquisition time of mass spectra but it also allows wide mass range (0-5000 amu in the current configuration). As a demonstration of the system performance we present data from ammonia oxidation on a Pt thin film showing resolved spectra of OH and NH{sub 3}.« less

High mass resolution time of flight mass spectrometer for measuring products in heterogeneous catalysis in highly sensitive microreactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersen, T.; Jensen, R.; Christensen, M. K.; Pedersen, T.; Hansen, O.; Chorkendorff, I.

2012-07-01

We demonstrate a combined microreactor and time of flight system for testing and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts with high resolution mass spectrometry and high sensitivity. Catalyst testing is performed in silicon-based microreactors which have high sensitivity and fast thermal response. Gas analysis is performed with a time of flight mass spectrometer with a modified nude Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge as gas ionization source. The mass resolution of the time of flight mass spectrometer using the ion gauge as ionization source is estimated to m/Δm > 2500. The system design is superior to conventional batch and flow reactors with accompanying product detection by quadrupole mass spectrometry or gas chromatography not only due to the high sensitivity, fast temperature response, high mass resolution, and fast acquisition time of mass spectra but it also allows wide mass range (0-5000 amu in the current configuration). As a demonstration of the system performance we present data from ammonia oxidation on a Pt thin film showing resolved spectra of OH and NH3.

21 Tesla Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer Greatly Expands Mass Spectrometry Toolbox

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, Jared B.; Lin, Tzu-Yung; Leach, Franklin E.; Tolmachev, Aleksey V.; Tolić, Nikola; Robinson, Errol W.; Koppenaal, David W.; Paša-Tolić, Ljiljana

2016-12-01

We provide the initial performance evaluation of a 21 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer operating at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The spectrometer constructed for the 21T system employs a commercial dual linear ion trap mass spectrometer coupled to a FTICR spectrometer designed and built in-house. Performance gains from moving to higher magnetic field strength are exemplified by the measurement of peptide isotopic fine structure, complex natural organic matter mixtures, and large proteins. Accurate determination of isotopic fine structure was demonstrated for doubly charged Substance P with minimal spectral averaging, and 8158 molecular formulas assigned to Suwannee River Fulvic Acid standard with root-mean-square (RMS) error of 10 ppb. We also demonstrated superior performance for intact proteins; namely, broadband isotopic resolution of the entire charge state distribution of apo-transferrin (78 kDa) and facile isotopic resolution of monoclonal antibody under a variety of acquisition parameters (e.g., 6 s time-domains with absorption mode processing yielded resolution of approximately 1 M at m/z = 2700).

21 Tesla Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer Greatly Expands Mass Spectrometry Toolbox

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

Shaw, Jared B.; Lin, Tzu-Yung; Leach, Franklin E.

We provide the initial performance evaluation of a 21 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer operating at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The spectrometer constructed for the 21T system employs a commercial dual linear ion trap mass spectrometer coupled to a FTICR spectrometer designed and built in-house. Performance gains from moving to higher magnetic field strength are exemplified by the measurement of peptide isotopic fine structure, complex natural organic matter mixtures, and large proteins. Accurate determination of isotopic fine structure was demonstrated for doubly charged substance P with minimal spectral averaging, and 8,158more » molecular formulas assigned to Suwannee River Fulvic Acid standard with RMS error of 10 ppb. We also demonstrated superior performance for intact proteins; namely, broadband isotopic resolution of the entire charge state distribution of apotransferrin (78 kDa) and facile isotopic resolution of monoclonal antibody under a variety of acquisition parameters (e.g. 6 s time-domains with absorption mode processing yielded resolution of approximately 1M at m/z =2,700).« less

Activity and lifetime of urease immobilized using layer-by-layer nano self-assembly on silicon microchannels.

PubMed

Forrest, Scott R; Elmore, Bill B; Palmer, James D

2005-01-01

Urease has been immobilized and layered onto the walls of manufactured silicon microchannels. Enzyme immobilization was performed using layer-by-layer nano self-assembly. Alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, with enzyme layers "encased" between them, were deposited onto the walls of the silicon microchannels. The polycations used were polyethylenimine (PEI), polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA), and polyallylamine (PAH). The polyanions used were polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) and polyvinylsulfate (PVS). The activity of the immobilized enzyme was tested by pumping a 1 g/L urea solution through the microchannels at various flow rates. Effluent concentration was measured using an ultraviolet/visible spectrometer by monitoring the absorbance of a pH sensitive dye. The architecture of PEI/PSS/PEI/urease/PEI with single and multiple layers of enzyme demonstrated superior performance over the PDDA and PAH architectures. The precursor layer of PEI/PSS demonstrably improved the performance of the reactor. Conversion rates of 70% were achieved at a residence time of 26 s, on d 1 of operation, and >50% at 51 s, on d 15 with a six-layer PEI/urease architecture.

Aggregated channels network for real-time pedestrian detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorban, Farzin; Marín, Javier; Su, Yu; Colombo, Alessandro; Kummert, Anton

2018-04-01

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have demonstrated their superiority in numerous computer vision tasks, yet their computational cost results prohibitive for many real-time applications such as pedestrian detection which is usually performed on low-consumption hardware. In order to alleviate this drawback, most strategies focus on using a two-stage cascade approach. Essentially, in the first stage a fast method generates a significant but reduced amount of high quality proposals that later, in the second stage, are evaluated by the CNN. In this work, we propose a novel detection pipeline that further benefits from the two-stage cascade strategy. More concretely, the enriched and subsequently compressed features used in the first stage are reused as the CNN input. As a consequence, a simpler network architecture, adapted for such small input sizes, allows to achieve real-time performance and obtain results close to the state-of-the-art while running significantly faster without the use of GPU. In particular, considering that the proposed pipeline runs in frame rate, the achieved performance is highly competitive. We furthermore demonstrate that the proposed pipeline on itself can serve as an effective proposal generator.

High mass resolution time of flight mass spectrometer for measuring products in heterogeneous catalysis in highly sensitive microreactors.

PubMed

Andersen, T; Jensen, R; Christensen, M K; Pedersen, T; Hansen, O; Chorkendorff, I

2012-07-01

We demonstrate a combined microreactor and time of flight system for testing and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts with high resolution mass spectrometry and high sensitivity. Catalyst testing is performed in silicon-based microreactors which have high sensitivity and fast thermal response. Gas analysis is performed with a time of flight mass spectrometer with a modified nude Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge as gas ionization source. The mass resolution of the time of flight mass spectrometer using the ion gauge as ionization source is estimated to m/Δm > 2500. The system design is superior to conventional batch and flow reactors with accompanying product detection by quadrupole mass spectrometry or gas chromatography not only due to the high sensitivity, fast temperature response, high mass resolution, and fast acquisition time of mass spectra but it also allows wide mass range (0-5000 amu in the current configuration). As a demonstration of the system performance we present data from ammonia oxidation on a Pt thin film showing resolved spectra of OH and NH(3).

Intrinsic spontaneous brain activity predicts individual variability in associative memory in older adults.

PubMed

Zheng, Zhiwei; Li, Rui; Xiao, Fengqiu; He, Rongqiao; Zhang, Shouzi; Li, Juan

2018-06-01

Older adults demonstrate notable individual differences in associative memory. Here, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) was used to investigate whether intrinsic brain activity at rest could predict individual differences in associative memory among cognitively healthy older adults. Regional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) analysis and a correlation-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) approach were used to analyze data acquired from 102 cognitively normal elderly who completed the paired-associative learning test (PALT) and underwent fMRI scans. Participants were divided into two groups based on the retrospective self-reports on whether or not they utilized encoding strategies during the PALT. The behavioral results revealed better associative memory performance in the participants who reported utilizing memory strategies compared with participants who reported not doing so. The fMRI results showed that higher associative memory performance was associated with greater functional connectivity between the right superior frontal gyrus and the right posterior cerebellum lobe in the strategy group. The regional ALFF values in the right superior frontal gyrus were linked to associative memory performance in the no-strategy group. These findings suggest that the regional spontaneous fluctuations and functional connectivity during rest may subserve the individual differences in the associative memory in older adults, and that this is modulated by self-initiated memory strategy use. © 2018 The Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

A comparison between the four Geldart groups on the performance of a gas-phase annular fluidized bed photoreactor for volatile organic compound oxidation.

PubMed

Diniz, Leonardo Almeida; Hewer, Thiago Lewis Reis; Matsumoto, Danielle; Teixeira, Antonio Carlos Silva Costa

2018-05-07

Heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a widely studied alternative for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in air. In this context, research on novel photoreactor arrangements to enhance PCO rates is desired. Annular fluidized bed photoreactors (AFBPR) have yielded prominent results when compared to conventional thin film reactors. However, very few works aimed at optimizing AFBPR operation. In this study, TiO 2 photocalytic agglomerates were synthesized and segregated in specific size distributions to behave as Geldart groups A, B, C, and D fluidization. The TiO 2 agglomerates were characterized by XRD, FTIR spectra, and N 2 adsorption. Photocatalyst performances were compared in a 10-mm gapped AFBPR for degrading the model pollutant methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK), using a 254-nm radiation source. Geldart group C showed to be inadequate for AFBPR operation due to the short operation range between fluidization and elutriation. In all the cases, photocatalytic reaction rates were superior to sole UV photolysis. Group A and group B demonstrated the highest reaction rates. Considerations based on mass transfer suggested that the reasons were enhanced UV distribution within the bed at lower flow rates and superior catalyst surface area at higher flow rates. Results also revealed that groups A, B, and D perform equally per catalyst area within an AFBPR if the fluidization numbers (FN) are high enough.

Rational design of anatase TiO2 architecture with hierarchical nanotubes and hollow microspheres for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Jiuwang; Khan, Javid; Chai, Zhisheng; Yuan, Yufei; Yu, Xiang; Liu, Pengyi; Wu, Mingmei; Mai, Wenjie

2016-01-01

Large surface area, sufficient light-harvesting and superior electron transport property are the major factors for an ideal photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which requires rational design of the nanoarchitectures and smart integration of state-of-the-art technologies. In this work, a 3D anatase TiO2 architecture consisting of vertically aligned 1D hierarchical TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) with ultra-dense branches (HTNTs, bottom layer) and 0D hollow TiO2 microspheres with rough surface (HTS, top layer) is first successfully constructed on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide glass through a series of facile processes. When used as photoanodes, the DSSCs achieve a very large short-current density of 19.46 mA cm-2 and a high overall power conversion efficiency of 8.38%. The remarkable photovoltaic performance is predominantly ascribed to the enhanced charge transport capacity of the NTs (function as the electron highway), the large surface area of the branches (act as the electron branch lines), the pronounced light harvesting efficiency of the HTS (serve as the light scattering centers), and the engineered intimate interfaces between all of them (minimize the recombination effect). Our work demonstrates a possibility of fabricating superior photoanodes for high-performance DSSCs by rational design of nanoarchitectures and smart integration of multi-functional components.

Lower Activation in Frontal Cortex and Posterior Cingulate Cortex Observed during Sex Determination Test in Early-Stage Dementia of the Alzheimer Type

PubMed Central

Rajmohan, Ravi; Anderson, Ronald C.; Fang, Dan; Meyer, Austin G.; Laengvejkal, Pavis; Julayanont, Parunyou; Hannabas, Greg; Linton, Kitten; Culberson, John; Khan, Hafiz; De Toledo, John; Reddy, P. Hemachandra; O’Boyle, Michael W.

2017-01-01

Face-labeling refers to the ability to classify faces into social categories. This plays a critical role in human interaction as it serves to define concepts of socially acceptable interpersonal behavior. The purpose of the current study was to characterize, what, if any, impairments in face-labeling are detectable in participants with early-stage clinically diagnosed dementia of the Alzheimer type (CDDAT) through the use of the sex determination test (SDT). In the current study, four (1 female, 3 males) CDDAT and nine (4 females, 5 males) age-matched neurotypicals (NT) completed the SDT using chimeric faces while undergoing BOLD fMRI. It was expected that CDDAT participants would have poor verbal fluency, which would correspond to poor performance on the SDT. This could be explained by decreased activation and connectivity patterns within the fusiform face area (FFA) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). DTI was also performed to test the association of pathological deterioration of connectivity in the uncinate fasciculus (UF) and verbally-mediated performance. CDDAT showed lower verbal fluency test (VFT) performance, but VFT was not significantly correlated to SDT and no significant difference was seen between CDDAT and NT for SDT performance as half of the CDDAT performed substantially worse than NT while the other half performed similarly. BOLD fMRI of SDT displayed differences in the left superior frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), but not the FFA or ACC. Furthermore, although DTI showed deterioration of the right inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculi, as well as the PCC, it did not demonstrate significant deterioration of UF tracts. Taken together, early-stage CDDAT may represent a common emerging point for the loss of face labeling ability. PMID:28588478

Lower Activation in Frontal Cortex and Posterior Cingulate Cortex Observed during Sex Determination Test in Early-Stage Dementia of the Alzheimer Type.

PubMed

Rajmohan, Ravi; Anderson, Ronald C; Fang, Dan; Meyer, Austin G; Laengvejkal, Pavis; Julayanont, Parunyou; Hannabas, Greg; Linton, Kitten; Culberson, John; Khan, Hafiz; De Toledo, John; Reddy, P Hemachandra; O'Boyle, Michael W

2017-01-01

Face-labeling refers to the ability to classify faces into social categories. This plays a critical role in human interaction as it serves to define concepts of socially acceptable interpersonal behavior. The purpose of the current study was to characterize, what, if any, impairments in face-labeling are detectable in participants with early-stage clinically diagnosed dementia of the Alzheimer type (CDDAT) through the use of the sex determination test (SDT). In the current study, four (1 female, 3 males) CDDAT and nine (4 females, 5 males) age-matched neurotypicals (NT) completed the SDT using chimeric faces while undergoing BOLD fMRI. It was expected that CDDAT participants would have poor verbal fluency, which would correspond to poor performance on the SDT. This could be explained by decreased activation and connectivity patterns within the fusiform face area (FFA) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). DTI was also performed to test the association of pathological deterioration of connectivity in the uncinate fasciculus (UF) and verbally-mediated performance. CDDAT showed lower verbal fluency test (VFT) performance, but VFT was not significantly correlated to SDT and no significant difference was seen between CDDAT and NT for SDT performance as half of the CDDAT performed substantially worse than NT while the other half performed similarly. BOLD fMRI of SDT displayed differences in the left superior frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), but not the FFA or ACC. Furthermore, although DTI showed deterioration of the right inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculi, as well as the PCC, it did not demonstrate significant deterioration of UF tracts. Taken together, early-stage CDDAT may represent a common emerging point for the loss of face labeling ability.

Demonstration of movement in the sacroiliac joint using ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupinski, Elizabeth A.; Brooks, William J.; Lund, Pamela J.

1995-05-01

The goal of this study was to demonstrate quantitatively, using ultrasound (US) recording techniques, the extent of motion of the sacroiliac joint achieved using manual medicine techniques. Initial judgements of perceived (i.e., felt) SI mobility during manual examination were made on 22 subjects. Baseline no movement ultrasound images (static) were obtained of the left and right SI joints at two levels-- posterior-superior-iliac-spine and inferior (PSIS, INF)--and two projections (AP and LAT). Manual medicine spring testing of the SI joint was then performed while ultrasound recordings (on video) were made. The differences between baseline separation of the SI joint and displacement distance during spring testing were measured by six radiologists who typically read US images. Significant movement of at least one SI joint was demonstrated in 91% of the subjects using ultrasound recordings. The extent of movement appeared to corroborate the experience of manual medicine practitioners.

Room-temperature lasing in a single nanowire with quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatebayashi, Jun; Kako, Satoshi; Ho, Jinfa; Ota, Yasutomo; Iwamoto, Satoshi; Arakawa, Yasuhiko

2015-08-01

Semiconductor nanowire lasers are promising as ultrasmall, highly efficient coherent light emitters in the fields of nanophotonics, nano-optics and nanobiotechnology. Although there have been several demonstrations of nanowire lasers using homogeneous bulk gain materials or multi-quantum-wells/disks, it is crucial to incorporate lower-dimensional quantum nanostructures into the nanowire to achieve superior device performance in relation to threshold current, differential gain, modulation bandwidth and temperature sensitivity. The quantum dot is a useful and essential nanostructure that can meet these requirements. However, difficulties in forming stacks of quantum dots in a single nanowire hamper the realization of lasing operation. Here, we demonstrate room-temperature lasing of a single nanowire containing 50 quantum dots by properly designing the nanowire cavity and tailoring the emission energy of each dot to enhance the optical gain. Our demonstration paves the way toward ultrasmall lasers with extremely low power consumption for integrated photonic systems.

Field testing of a next generation pointer/tracker for IRCM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, Stuart; Wildgoose, Iain; McDonald, Eric; Duncan, Stuart

2008-10-01

SELEX Galileo has been involved in the development, manufacture and support of high performance electro-optic pointing and stabilisation systems for over forty years. The Company currently supplies the pointer/trackers for the AN/AAQ-24(V) NEMESIS DIRCM system, for which over 1,000 combat-proven units have been produced and deployed in the US, the UK and other nations. In 2007, SELEX Galileo embarked on an internally funded programme to develop ECLIPSE, a new advanced, lightweight, low-cost IRCM pointer/tracker, exploiting the extensive knowledge and experience gained from previous targeting and IRCM programmes. The ECLIPSE design is centred on a low inertia, two-axis servo mechanism with a strap-down inertial sensor and advanced sightline control algorithms, allowing effective tracking through the nadir and providing superior sightline performance. The programme involved the production of three demonstrator units in 2007, and two pre-production units in 2008. The demonstrator units were first trialled as part of a NEMESIS DIRCM system in late 2007, and in April 2008 100% success was achieved in jamming live-fire demonstrations. Helicopter installation and ground testing of a UK only trials system is complete, initial flight testing has just begun, and the airborne test and evaluation scheduled for late summer 2008 will bring the ECLIPSE System to technology readiness to level 7 (TRL7). This paper describes the Eclipse performance demonstrated to date.

Increased fusiform area activation in schizophrenia during processing of spatial frequency-degraded faces, as revealed by fMRI.

PubMed

Silverstein, S M; All, S D; Kasi, R; Berten, S; Essex, B; Lathrop, K L; Little, D M

2010-07-01

People with schizophrenia demonstrate perceptual organization impairments, and these are thought to contribute to their face processing difficulties. We examined the neural substrates of emotionally neutral face processing in schizophrenia by investigating neural activity under three stimulus conditions: faces characterized by the full spectrum of spatial frequencies, faces with low spatial frequency information removed [high spatial frequency (HSF) condition], and faces with high spatial frequency information removed [low spatial frequency (LSF) condition]. Face perception in the HSF condition is more reliant on local feature processing whereas perception in the LSF condition requires greater reliance on global form processing. Past studies of perceptual organization in schizophrenia indicate that patients perform relatively more poorly with degraded stimuli but also that, when global information is absent, patients may perform better than controls because of their relatively increased ability to initially process individual features. Therefore, we hypothesized that people with schizophrenia (n=14) would demonstrate greater face processing difficulties than controls (n=13) in the LSF condition, whereas they would demonstrate a smaller difference or superior performance in the HSF condition. In a gender-discrimination task, behavioral data indicated high levels of accuracy for both groups, with a trend toward an interaction involving higher patient performance in the HSF condition and poorer patient performance in the LSF condition. Patients demonstrated greater activity in the fusiform gyrus compared to controls in both degraded conditions. These data suggest that impairments in basic integration abilities may be compensated for by relatively increased activity in this region.

Measuring target detection performance in paradigms with high event rates.

PubMed

Bendixen, Alexandra; Andersen, Søren K

2013-05-01

Combining behavioral and neurophysiological measurements inevitably implies mutual constraints, such as when the neurophysiological measurement requires fast-paced stimulus presentation and hence the attribution of a behavioral response to a particular preceding stimulus becomes ambiguous. We develop and test a method for validly assessing behavioral detection performance in spite of this ambiguity. We examine four approaches taken in the literature to treat such situations. We analytically derive a new variant of computing the classical parameters of signal detection theory, hit and false alarm rates, adapted to fast-paced paradigms. Each of the previous approaches shows specific shortcomings (susceptibility towards response window choice, biased estimates of behavioral detection performance). Superior performance of our new approach is demonstrated for both simulated and empirical behavioral data. Further evidence is provided by reliable correspondence between behavioral performance and the N2b component as an electrophysiological indicator of target detection. The appropriateness of our approach is substantiated by both theoretical and empirical arguments. We demonstrate an easy-to-implement solution for measuring target detection performance independent of the rate of event presentation. Thus overcoming the measurement bias of previous approaches, our method will help to clarify the behavioral relevance of different measures of cortical activation. Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is There a Limit to the Superiority of Individuals with ASD in Visual Search?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hessels, Roy S.; Hooge, Ignace T. C.; Snijders, Tineke M.; Kemner, Chantal

2014-01-01

Superiority in visual search for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a well-reported finding. We administered two visual search tasks to individuals with ASD and matched controls. One showed no difference between the groups, and one did show the expected superior performance for individuals with ASD. These results offer an…

Pseudoaneurysm of the superior lateral genicular artery: case report of a rare complication after total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Saini, Pramod; Meena, Sanjay; Malhotra, Rajesh; Gamanagatti, Shivanand; Kumar, Vijay; Jain, Vaibhav

2013-01-01

Pseudoaneurysm of superior lateral genicular artery following total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication and has been reported following lateral release performed for eversion of patella in a knee with tight lateral structures. This report describes a case of pseudo aneurysm of superior lateral geniculate artery that developed after primary Total knee arthroplasty for a stiff knee in a 68 year old patient. Patient presented with pain and rapidly increasing swelling in early post operative period. Diagnosis was made on duplex ultrasound and confirmed by angiography. Angiographic coil embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm was performed. Since no lateral release was performed in this case, the probable mechanism was shear injury to the vessel. Pseudoaneurysm of superior lateral genicular artery can occur in absence of lateral release by shear injury to an atherosclerotic vessel. Angiographic coil embolisation appears to be the best method for treating such post arthroplasty pseudoaneurysm because of less chance of infection, non interference with rehabilitation and diagnosis and treatment during same procedure.

Estimating A Reference Standard Segmentation With Spatially Varying Performance Parameters: Local MAP STAPLE

PubMed Central

Commowick, Olivier; Akhondi-Asl, Alireza; Warfield, Simon K.

2012-01-01

We present a new algorithm, called local MAP STAPLE, to estimate from a set of multi-label segmentations both a reference standard segmentation and spatially varying performance parameters. It is based on a sliding window technique to estimate the segmentation and the segmentation performance parameters for each input segmentation. In order to allow for optimal fusion from the small amount of data in each local region, and to account for the possibility of labels not being observed in a local region of some (or all) input segmentations, we introduce prior probabilities for the local performance parameters through a new Maximum A Posteriori formulation of STAPLE. Further, we propose an expression to compute confidence intervals in the estimated local performance parameters. We carried out several experiments with local MAP STAPLE to characterize its performance and value for local segmentation evaluation. First, with simulated segmentations with known reference standard segmentation and spatially varying performance, we show that local MAP STAPLE performs better than both STAPLE and majority voting. Then we present evaluations with data sets from clinical applications. These experiments demonstrate that spatial adaptivity in segmentation performance is an important property to capture. We compared the local MAP STAPLE segmentations to STAPLE, and to previously published fusion techniques and demonstrate the superiority of local MAP STAPLE over other state-of-the- art algorithms. PMID:22562727

The Business Value of Superior Energy Performance

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

McKane, Aimee; Scheihing, Paul; Evans, Tracy

Industrial facilities participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (US DOE) Superior Energy Performance (SEP) program are finding that it provides them with significant business value. This value starts with the implementation of ISO 50001-Energy management system standard, which provides an internationally-relevant framework for integration of energy management into an organization’s business processes. The resulting structure emphasizes effective use of available data and supports continual improvement of energy performance. International relevance is particularly important for companies with a global presence or trading interests, providing them with access to supporting ISO standards and a growing body of certified companies representing themore » collective knowledge of communities of practice. This paper examines the business value of SEP, a voluntary program that builds on ISO 50001, inviting industry to demonstrate an even greater commitment through third-party verification of energy performance improvement to a specified level of achievement. Information from 28 facilities that have already achieved SEP certification will illustrate key findings concerning both the value and the challenges from SEP/ISO 50001 implementation. These include the facilities’ experience with implementation, internal and external value of third-party verification of energy performance improvement; attractive payback periods and the importance of SEP tools and guidance. US DOE is working to bring the program to scale, including the Enterprise-Wide Accelerator (SEP for multiple facilities in a company), the Ratepayer-Funded Program Accelerator (supporting tools for utilities and program administrators to include SEP in their program offerings), and expansion of the program to other sectors and industry supply chains.« less

Academic motivation, self-concept, engagement, and performance in high school: key processes from a longitudinal perspective.

PubMed

Green, Jasmine; Liem, Gregory Arief D; Martin, Andrew J; Colmar, Susan; Marsh, Herbert W; McInerney, Dennis

2012-10-01

The study tested three theoretically/conceptually hypothesized longitudinal models of academic processes leading to academic performance. Based on a longitudinal sample of 1866 high-school students across two consecutive years of high school (Time 1 and Time 2), the model with the most superior heuristic value demonstrated: (a) academic motivation and self-concept positively predicted attitudes toward school; (b) attitudes toward school positively predicted class participation and homework completion and negatively predicted absenteeism; and (c) class participation and homework completion positively predicted test performance whilst absenteeism negatively predicted test performance. Taken together, these findings provide support for the relevance of the self-system model and, particularly, the importance of examining the dynamic relationships amongst engagement factors of the model. The study highlights implications for educational and psychological theory, measurement, and intervention. Copyright © 2012 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional anatomy of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and its connective tissue system.

PubMed Central

Ettl, A; Priglinger, S; Kramer, J; Koornneef, L

1996-01-01

AIMS/BACKGROUND: The connective tissue system of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle (LPS) consists of the septa surrounding its muscle sheath, the superior transverse ligament (STL) commonly referred to as 'Whitnall's ligament' and the common sheath which is the fascia between the LPS and the superior rectus muscle (SRM). The anterior band-like component of the common sheath is called transverse superior fascial expansion (TSFE) of the SRM and LPS. It mainly extends from the connective tissue of the trochlea to the fascia of the lacrimal gland. A detailed description of the relation between the LPS and its connective tissue is presented. Furthermore, the course of the LPS in the orbit is described. The study was conducted to provide a morphological basis for biomechanical and clinical considerations regarding ptosis surgery. METHODS: Postmortem dissections were performed in 16 orbits from eight cadavers. The microscopical anatomy was demonstrated in six formalin preserved orbits from six cadavers which had been sectioned in the frontal and sagittal plane and stained with haematoxylin and azophloxin. Surface coil magnetic resonance imaging in the sagittal and coronal plane was performed in five orbits from five normal volunteers using a T1 weighted spin echo sequence. RESULTS: The STL and the TSFE surround the LPS to form a fascial sleeve around the muscle which has attachments to the medial and lateral orbital wall. The TSFE, which is thicker than the STL, blends with Tenon's capsule. The STL and the fascial sheath of the LPS muscle are suspended from the orbital roof by a framework of radial connective tissue septa. MR images show that the TSFE is located between the anterior third of the superior rectus muscle and the segment of the LPS muscle where it changes its course from upwards to downwards. In this area, the LPS reaches its highest point in the orbit (culmination point). The culmination point is located a few millimetres posterior to the equator and superior to the globe. CONCLUSION: Whitnall's ligament can be considered to consist of two distinct parts--the TSFE inferior to the LPS and the STL superior to the LPS. Since the medial and lateral main attachments of Whitnall's ligament are situated inferior to the level of the culmination point of the LPS, the ligament itself is unlikely to suspend the levator muscle. However, a suspension of the LPS may be achieved by the radial connective tissue septa of the superior orbit. The TSFE in connection with the globe may have an additional supporting function. The elasticity of Whitnall's ligament and its connections with highly elastic structures including Tenon's capsule, may provide the morphological substrate for the previously proposed passive (that is, without orbicularis action) lowering of the lid during downward saccades. Images PMID:8949713

Direct phase measurement in zonal wavefront reconstruction using multidither coherent optical adaptive technique.

PubMed

Liu, Rui; Milkie, Daniel E; Kerlin, Aaron; MacLennan, Bryan; Ji, Na

2014-01-27

In traditional zonal wavefront sensing for adaptive optics, after local wavefront gradients are obtained, the entire wavefront can be calculated by assuming that the wavefront is a continuous surface. Such an approach will lead to sub-optimal performance in reconstructing wavefronts which are either discontinuous or undersampled by the zonal wavefront sensor. Here, we report a new method to reconstruct the wavefront by directly measuring local wavefront phases in parallel using multidither coherent optical adaptive technique. This method determines the relative phases of each pupil segment independently, and thus produces an accurate wavefront for even discontinuous wavefronts. We implemented this method in an adaptive optical two-photon fluorescence microscopy and demonstrated its superior performance in correcting large or discontinuous aberrations.

ERP correlates of recognition memory in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Massand, Esha; Bowler, Dermot M; Mottron, Laurent; Hosein, Anthony; Jemel, Boutheina

2013-09-01

Recognition memory in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tends to be undiminished compared to that of typically developing (TD) individuals (Bowler et al. 2007), but it is still unknown whether memory in ASD relies on qualitatively similar or different neurophysiology. We sought to explore the neural activity underlying recognition by employing the old/new word repetition event-related potential effect. Behavioural recognition performance was comparable across both groups, and demonstrated superior recognition for low frequency over high frequency words. However, the ASD group showed a parietal rather than anterior onset (300-500 ms), and diminished right frontal old/new effects (800-1500 ms) relative to TD individuals. This study shows that undiminished recognition performance results from a pattern of differing functional neurophysiology in ASD.

Flexible Transparent Conductive Films with High Performance and Reliability Using Hybrid Structures of Continuous Metal Nanofiber Networks for Flexible Optoelectronics.

PubMed

Park, Juyoung; Hyun, Byung Gwan; An, Byeong Wan; Im, Hyeon-Gyun; Park, Young-Geun; Jang, Junho; Park, Jang-Ung; Bae, Byeong-Soo

2017-06-21

We report an Ag nanofiber-embedded glass-fabric reinforced hybrimer (AgNF-GFRHybrimer) composite film as a reliable and high-performance flexible transparent conducting film. The continuous AgNF network provides superior optoelectronic properties of the composite film by minimizing transmission loss and junction resistance. In addition, the excellent thermal/chemical stability and mechanical durability of the GFRHybrimer matrix provides enhanced mechanical durability and reliability of the final AgNF-GFRHybrimer composite film. To demonstrate the availability of our AgNF-GFRHybrimer composite as a transparent conducting film, we fabricated a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device on the AgNF-GFRHybrimer film; the OLED showed stable operation during a flexing.

Cormack Research Project: Glasgow University

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skinner, Susan; Ryan, James M.

1998-01-01

The aim of this project was to investigate and improve upon existing methods of analysing data from COMITEL on the Gamma Ray Observatory for neutrons emitted during solar flares. In particular, a strategy for placing confidence intervals on neutron energy distributions, due to uncertainties on the response matrix has been developed. We have also been able to demonstrate the superior performance of one of a range of possible statistical regularization strategies. A method of generating likely models of neutron energy distributions has also been developed as a tool to this end. The project involved solving an inverse problem with noise being added to the data in various ways. To achieve this pre-existing C code was used to run Fortran subroutines which performed statistical regularization on the data.

An application of locally linear model tree algorithm with combination of feature selection in credit scoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siami, Mohammad; Gholamian, Mohammad Reza; Basiri, Javad

2014-10-01

Nowadays, credit scoring is one of the most important topics in the banking sector. Credit scoring models have been widely used to facilitate the process of credit assessing. In this paper, an application of the locally linear model tree algorithm (LOLIMOT) was experimented to evaluate the superiority of its performance to predict the customer's credit status. The algorithm is improved with an aim of adjustment by credit scoring domain by means of data fusion and feature selection techniques. Two real world credit data sets - Australian and German - from UCI machine learning database were selected to demonstrate the performance of our new classifier. The analytical results indicate that the improved LOLIMOT significantly increase the prediction accuracy.

DOE-DARPA High-Performance Corrosion-Resistant Materials (HPCRM), Annual HPCRM Team Meeting & Technical Review

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

Farmer, J; Brown, B; Bayles, B

The overall goal is to develop high-performance corrosion-resistant iron-based amorphous-metal coatings for prolonged trouble-free use in very aggressive environments: seawater & hot geothermal brines. The specific technical objectives are: (1) Synthesize Fe-based amorphous-metal coating with corrosion resistance comparable/superior to Ni-based Alloy C-22; (2) Establish processing parameter windows for applying and controlling coating attributes (porosity, density, bonding); (3) Assess possible cost savings through substitution of Fe-based material for more expensive Ni-based Alloy C-22; (4) Demonstrate practical fabrication processes; (5) Produce quality materials and data with complete traceability for nuclear applications; and (6) Develop, validate and calibrate computational models to enable lifemore » prediction and process design.« less

Lateral clavicle fracture with coracoclavicular ligament injury: a biomechanical study of 4 different repair techniques.

PubMed

Alaee, Farhang; Apostolakos, John; Singh, Hardeep; Holwein, Christian; Diermeier, Theresa; Cote, Mark P; Beitzel, Knut; Imhoff, Andreas B; Mazzocca, Augustus D; Voss, Andreas

2017-07-01

To investigate the biomechanical performance of four different methods used for coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction in a lateral clavicle fracture repair. Native displacement, translation, and rotation at the acromioclavicular joint of 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested. A reproducible fracture in the lateral third of the clavicle was created by dissecting both CC ligaments. Each specimen was then repaired with plate fixation of the fracture and the following CC repair technique: (1) Cortical button. (2) Suture anchor and plate button. (3) Suture anchor no plate button, and (4) Suture around coracoid. All reconstructed specimens were then re-tested for displacement, translation, and load to failure, and compared to their native results. Groups 1 and 3 were investigated for rotational load. There was no difference in load to failure between the repaired groups (p: ns). Group 1 showed less superior and anterior translations (p < 0.05). Group 2 showed significantly less superior translation (p = 0.003), but no significance with anterior and posterior translations to the native joint. Group 3 showed less superior and posterior translations (p = 0.005 and p = 0.039). Anterior and posterior translations were increased in group 4 (p < 0.05). The biomechanical analyses did not show any significance in load to failure or displacement after cyclic loading among the study groups. All repairs were effective in preventing superior translation. Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated increased horizontal stability compared to the native state. All 4 methods are clinically viable options for CC ligament repair.

Electrostimulation mapping of comprehension of auditory and visual words.

PubMed

Roux, Franck-Emmanuel; Miskin, Krasimir; Durand, Jean-Baptiste; Sacko, Oumar; Réhault, Emilie; Tanova, Rositsa; Démonet, Jean-François

2015-10-01

In order to spare functional areas during the removal of brain tumours, electrical stimulation mapping was used in 90 patients (77 in the left hemisphere and 13 in the right; 2754 cortical sites tested). Language functions were studied with a special focus on comprehension of auditory and visual words and the semantic system. In addition to naming, patients were asked to perform pointing tasks from auditory and visual stimuli (using sets of 4 different images controlled for familiarity), and also auditory object (sound recognition) and Token test tasks. Ninety-two auditory comprehension interference sites were observed. We found that the process of auditory comprehension involved a few, fine-grained, sub-centimetre cortical territories. Early stages of speech comprehension seem to relate to two posterior regions in the left superior temporal gyrus. Downstream lexical-semantic speech processing and sound analysis involved 2 pathways, along the anterior part of the left superior temporal gyrus, and posteriorly around the supramarginal and middle temporal gyri. Electrostimulation experimentally dissociated perceptual consciousness attached to speech comprehension. The initial word discrimination process can be considered as an "automatic" stage, the attention feedback not being impaired by stimulation as would be the case at the lexical-semantic stage. Multimodal organization of the superior temporal gyrus was also detected since some neurones could be involved in comprehension of visual material and naming. These findings demonstrate a fine graded, sub-centimetre, cortical representation of speech comprehension processing mainly in the left superior temporal gyrus and are in line with those described in dual stream models of language comprehension processing. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of neural networks with orthogonal activation functions in control of dynamical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolić, Saša S.; Antić, Dragan S.; Milojković, Marko T.; Milovanović, Miroslav B.; Perić, Staniša Lj.; Mitić, Darko B.

2016-04-01

In this article, we present a new method for the synthesis of almost and quasi-orthogonal polynomials of arbitrary order. Filters designed on the bases of these functions are generators of generalised quasi-orthogonal signals for which we derived and presented necessary mathematical background. Based on theoretical results, we designed and practically implemented generalised first-order (k = 1) quasi-orthogonal filter and proved its quasi-orthogonality via performed experiments. Designed filters can be applied in many scientific areas. In this article, generated functions were successfully implemented in Nonlinear Auto Regressive eXogenous (NARX) neural network as activation functions. One practical application of the designed orthogonal neural network is demonstrated through the example of control of the complex technical non-linear system - laboratory magnetic levitation system. Obtained results were compared with neural networks with standard activation functions and orthogonal functions of trigonometric shape. The proposed network demonstrated superiority over existing solutions in the sense of system performances.

Inspired by Mary Jane? Mechanisms underlying enhanced creativity in cannabis users.

PubMed

LaFrance, Emily M; Cuttler, Carrie

2017-11-01

Previous research suggests cannabis may enhance some aspects of creativity, although the results remain somewhat equivocal. Moreover, it is unclear whether differences in cannabis users' personalities may account for any potentially beneficial effects of cannabis on creativity. This study was designed to examine whether sober cannabis users demonstrate superior self-reported and objective creativity test performance relative to non-users, and to determine whether any of the Big 5 personality domains underlie these effects. A sample of sober cannabis users (n=412) and non-users (n=309) completed measures of cannabis consumption, personality, self-reported and objective creativity. Relative to non-users, sober cannabis users self-reported higher creativity, and performed significantly better on a measure of convergent thinking. Controlling for cannabis users' higher levels of openness to experience abolished these effects. Therefore, while cannabis users appear to demonstrate enhanced creativity, these effects are an artifact of their heightened levels of openness to experience. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Activity of terbinafine in experimental fungal infections of laboratory animals.

PubMed Central

Petranyi, G; Meingassner, J G; Mieth, H

1987-01-01

The allylamine derivative terbinafine is the first antifungal agent with primary fungicidal properties against dermatophytes which acts systemically after oral application as well as locally after topical application. Comparative oral studies carried out with griseofulvin and ketoconazole in model infections such as guinea pig trichophytosis and microsporosis revealed terbinafine to be superior to the reference compounds both clinically and mycologically. An excellent antimycotic activity of terbinafine was also demonstrable after topical treatment of guinea pig dermatophytoses caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Microsporum canis. Results of comparative chemotherapeutic studies carried out with econazole and tolnaftate demonstrated superior efficacy of terbinafine in the treatment of both trichophytosis and microsporosis. Skin infections of guinea pigs caused by Candida albicans and vaginal candidiasis in rats proved to be responsive to a topical application of terbinafine also. However, the reference compounds, clotrimazole and miconazole, exhibited activity superior to that of terbinafine in both models. PMID:3435103

Facile Synthesis of V₂O₅ Hollow Spheres as Advanced Cathodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Zhang, Xingyuan; Wang, Jian-Gan; Liu, Huanyan; Liu, Hongzhen; Wei, Bingqing

2017-01-18

Three-dimensional V₂O₅ hollow structures have been prepared through a simple synthesis strategy combining solvothermal treatment and a subsequent thermal annealing. The V₂O₅ materials are composed of microspheres 2-3 μm in diameter and with a distinct hollow interior. The as-synthesized V₂O₅ hollow microspheres, when evaluated as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, can deliver a specific capacity as high as 273 mAh·g -1 at 0.2 C. Benefiting from the hollow structures that afford fast electrolyte transport and volume accommodation, the V₂O₅ cathode also exhibits a superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability. The good Li-ion storage performance demonstrates the great potential of this unique V₂O₅ hollow material as a high-performance cathode for lithium-ion batteries.

Electrolytes for Li-Ion Cells in Low Temperature Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smart, M. C.; Ratnakumar, B. V.; Surampudi, S.

2000-01-01

Prototype AA-size lithium-ion cells have been demonstrated to operate effectively at temperatures as low as -30 to -40 C. These improvements in low temperature cell performance have been realized by the incorporation of ethylene carbonate-based electrolytes which possess low melting, low viscosity cosolvents, such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, gamma-butyrolactone, and ethyl methyl carbonate. The cells containing a 0.75M LiPF6 EC+DEC+DMC+EMC (1:1:1:1) electrolyte displayed the best performance at -30 C (> 90% of the room temperature capacity at approximately C/15 rate), whereas, at -40 C the cells with the 0.75M LiPF6 EC+DEC+DMC+MA (1:1:1:1) and 0.75M LiPF6 EC+DEC+DMC+EA (1:1:1:1) electrolytes showed superior performance.

Vertically Aligned Co9 S8 Nanotube Arrays onto Graphene Papers as High-Performance Flexible Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Xiong, Dongbin; Li, Xifei; Bai, Zhimin; Li, Jianwei; Han, Yan; Li, Dejun

2018-02-16

Paper-like electrodes are emerging as a new category of advanced electrodes for flexible supercapacitors (SCs). Graphene, a promising two-dimensional material with high conductivity, can be easily processed into papers. Here, we report a rational design of flexible architecture with Co 9 S 8 nanotube arrays (NAs) grown onto graphene paper (GP) via a facile two-step hydrothermal method. When employed as flexible free-standing electrode for SCs, the proposed architectured Co 9 S 8 /GPs exhibits superior electrochemical performance with ultrahigh capacitance and outstanding rate capability (469 F g -1 at 10 A g -1 ). These results demonstrate that the new nanostructured Co 9 S 8 /GPs can be potentially applied in high performance flexible supercapacitors. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Partial feedback linearization control for 3-D underactuated overhead crane systems.

PubMed

Wu, Xianqing; He, Xiongxiong

2016-11-01

In this paper, a novel anti-swing control method is proposed for 3-dimensional (3-D) underactuated overhead crane systems, which guarantees fast transportation and efficient swing suppression. Specifically, to increase the performance of the payload swing suppression, a swing-suppressing element is introduced, based on which a novel positioning error signal is constructed. Then, a new control method is developed, and the overall system is divided into two subsystems. The stability analysis of the two subsystems and the overall system is given. In addition, the convergence of the system states is proved. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed controller over the existing controllers. Meanwhile, the practical performance of the proposed controller is experimentally validated on a portable overhead crane test-bed. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A New Member of Electrocatalysts Based on Nickel Metaphosphate Nanocrystals for Efficient Water Oxidation.

PubMed

Huang, Jianwen; Sun, Yinghui; Zhang, Yadong; Zou, Guifu; Yan, Chaoyi; Cong, Shan; Lei, Tianyu; Dai, Xiao; Guo, Jun; Lu, Ruifeng; Li, Yanrong; Xiong, Jie

2018-02-01

High-performance electrocatalysts are desired for electrochemical energy conversion, especially in the field of water splitting. Here, a new member of phosphate electrocatalysts, nickel metaphosphate (Ni 2 P 4 O 12 ) nanocrystals, is reported, exhibiting low overpotential of 270 mV to generate the current density of 10 mA cm -2 and a superior catalytic durability of 100 h. It is worth noting that Ni 2 P 4 O 12 electrocatalyst has remarkable oxygen evolution performance operating in basic media. Further experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrate that N dopant boosts the catalytic performance of Ni 2 P 4 O 12 due to optimizing the surface electronic structure for better charge transfer and decreasing the adsorption energy for the oxygenic intermediates. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High Temperature Carbonized Grass as a High Performance Sodium Ion Battery Anode.

PubMed

Zhang, Fang; Yao, Yonggang; Wan, Jiayu; Henderson, Doug; Zhang, Xiaogang; Hu, Liangbing

2017-01-11

Hard carbon is currently considered the most promising anode candidate for room temperature sodium ion batteries because of its relatively high capacity, low cost, and good scalability. In this work, switchgrass as a biomass example was carbonized under an ultrahigh temperature, 2050 °C, induced by Joule heating to create hard carbon anodes for sodium ion batteries. Switchgrass derived carbon materials intrinsically inherit its three-dimensional porous hierarchical architecture, with an average interlayer spacing of 0.376 nm. The larger interlayer spacing than that of graphite allows for the significant Na ion storage performance. Compared to the sample carbonized under 1000 °C, switchgrass derived carbon at 2050 °C induced an improved initial Coulombic efficiency. Additionally, excellent rate capability and superior cycling performance are demonstrated for the switchgrass derived carbon due to the unique high temperature treatment.

Fixation Patterns of Chinese Participants while Identifying Facial Expressions on Chinese Faces

PubMed Central

Xia, Mu; Li, Xueliu; Zhong, Haiqing; Li, Hong

2017-01-01

Two experiments in this study were designed to explore a model of Chinese fixation with four types of native facial expressions—happy, peaceful, sad, and angry. In both experiments, participants performed an emotion recognition task while their behaviors and eye movements were recorded. Experiment 1 (24 participants, 12 men) demonstrated that both eye fixations and durations were lower for the upper part of the face than for the lower part of the face for all four types of facial expression. Experiment 2 (20 participants, 6 men) repeated this finding and excluded the disturbance of fixation point. These results indicate that Chinese participants demonstrated a superiority effect for the lower part of face while interpreting facial expressions, possibly due to the influence of eastern etiquette culture. PMID:28446896

The equivalent magnetizing method applied to the design of gradient coils for MRI.

PubMed

Lopez, Hector Sanchez; Liu, Feng; Crozier, Stuart

2008-01-01

This paper presents a new method for the design of gradient coils for Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems. The method is based on the equivalence between a magnetized volume surrounded by a conducting surface and its equivalent representation in surface current/charge density. We demonstrate that the curl of the vertical magnetization induces a surface current density whose stream line defines the coil current pattern. This method can be applied for coils wounds on arbitrary surface shapes. A single layer unshielded transverse gradient coil is designed and compared, with the designs obtained using two conventional methods. Through the presented example we demonstrate that the generated unconventional current patterns obtained using the magnetizing current method produces a superior gradient coil performance than coils designed by applying conventional methods.

Compression of surface myoelectric signals using MP3 encoding.

PubMed

Chan, Adrian D C

2011-01-01

The potential of MP3 compression of surface myoelectric signals is explored in this paper. MP3 compression is a perceptual-based encoder scheme, used traditionally to compress audio signals. The ubiquity of MP3 compression (e.g., portable consumer electronics and internet applications) makes it an attractive option for remote monitoring and telemedicine applications. The effects of muscle site and contraction type are examined at different MP3 encoding bitrates. Results demonstrate that MP3 compression is sensitive to the myoelectric signal bandwidth, with larger signal distortion associated with myoelectric signals that have higher bandwidths. Compared to other myoelectric signal compression techniques reported previously (embedded zero-tree wavelet compression and adaptive differential pulse code modulation), MP3 compression demonstrates superior performance (i.e., lower percent residual differences for the same compression ratios).

WE-G-217BCD-04: Diagnostic Image Quality Evaluation of a Dedicated Extremity Cone- Beam CT Scanner: Pre-Clinical Studies and First Clinical Results.

PubMed

Muhit, A; Zbijewski, W; Stayman, J; Thawait, G; Yorkston, J; Foos, D; Packard, N; Yang, D; Senn, R; Carrino, J; Siewerdsen, J

2012-06-01

To assess the diagnostic performance of a prototype cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanner developed for musculoskeletal extremity imaging. Studies involved controlled observer studies conducted subsequent to rigorous technical assessment as well as patient images from the first clinical trial in imaging the hand and knee. Performance assessment included: 1.) rigorous technical assessment; 2.) controlled observer studies using CBCT images of cadaveric specimens; and 3.) first clinical images. Technical assessment included measurement of spatial resolution (MTF), constrast, and noise (SDNR) versus kVp and dose using standard CT phantoms. Diagnostic performance in comparison to multi- detector CT (MDCT) was assessed in controlled observer studies involving 12 cadaveric hands and knees scanned with and without abnormality (fracture). Observer studies involved five radiologists rating pertinent diagnostics tasks in 9-point preference and 10-point diagnostic satisfaction scales. Finally, the first clinical images from an ongoing pilot study were assessed in terms of diagnostic utility in disease assessment and overall workflow in patient setup. Quantitative assessment demonstrated sub-mm spatial resolution (MTF exceeding 10% out to 15-20 cm-1) and SDNR sufficient for relevant soft-tissue visualization tasks at dose <10 mGy. Observer studies confirmed optimal acquisition techniques and demonstrated superior utility of combined soft-tissue visualization and isotropic spatial resolution in diagnostic tasks. Images from the patient trial demonstrate exquisite contrast and detail and the ability to detect tissue impingement in weight-bearing exams. The prototype CBCT scanner provides isotropic spatial resolution superior to standard-protocol MDCT with soft-tissue visibility sufficient for a broad range of diagnostic tasks in musculoskeletal radiology. Dosimetry and workflow were advantageous in comparison to whole-body MDCT. Multi-mode and weight-bearing capabilities add valuable functionality. An ongoing clinical study further assesses diagnostic utility and defines the role of such technology in the diagnostic arsenal. - Research Grant, Carestream Health - Research Grant, National Institutes of Health 2R01-CA-112163. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Large-Area High-Performance Flexible Pressure Sensor with Carbon Nanotube Active Matrix for Electronic Skin.

PubMed

Nela, Luca; Tang, Jianshi; Cao, Qing; Tulevski, George; Han, Shu-Jen

2018-03-14

Artificial "electronic skin" is of great interest for mimicking the functionality of human skin, such as tactile pressure sensing. Several important performance metrics include mechanical flexibility, operation voltage, sensitivity, and accuracy, as well as response speed. In this Letter, we demonstrate a large-area high-performance flexible pressure sensor built on an active matrix of 16 × 16 carbon nanotube thin-film transistors (CNT TFTs). Made from highly purified solution tubes, the active matrix exhibits superior flexible TFT performance with high mobility and large current density, along with a high device yield of nearly 99% over 4 inch sample area. The fully integrated flexible pressure sensor operates within a small voltage range of 3 V and shows superb performance featuring high spatial resolution of 4 mm, faster response than human skin (<30 ms), and excellent accuracy in sensing complex objects on both flat and curved surfaces. This work may pave the road for future integration of high-performance electronic skin in smart robotics and prosthetic solutions.

Refuse derived soluble bio-organics enhancing tomato plant growth and productivity.

PubMed

Sortino, Orazio; Dipasquale, Mauro; Montoneri, Enzo; Tomasso, Lorenzo; Perrone, Daniele G; Vindrola, Daniela; Negre, Michele; Piccone, Giuseppe

2012-10-01

Municipal bio-refuse (CVD), containing kitchen wastes, home gardening residues and public park trimmings, was treated with alkali to yield a soluble bio-organic fraction (SBO) and an insoluble residue. These materials were characterized using elemental analysis, potentiometric titration, and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and then applied as organic fertilizers to soil for tomato greenhouse cultivation. Their performance was compared with a commercial product obtained from animal residues. Plant growth, fruit yield and quality, and soil and leaf chemical composition were the selected performance indicators. The SBO exhibited the best performance by enhancing leaf chlorophyll content, improving plant growth and fruit ripening rate and yield. No product performance-chemical composition relationship could be assessed. Solubility could be one reason for the superior performance of SBO as a tomato growth promoter. The enhancement of leaf chlorophyll content is discussed to identify a possible link with the SBO photosensitizing properties that have been demonstrated in other work, and thus with photosynthetic performance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uniform manganese hexacyanoferrate hydrate nanocubes featuring superior performance for low-cost supercapacitors and nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors.

PubMed

Pang, Huan; Zhang, Yizhou; Cheng, Tao; Lai, Wen-Yong; Huang, Wei

2015-10-14

Uniform manganese hexacyanoferrate hydrate nanocubes are prepared via a simple chemical precipitation method at room temperature. Due to both micro/mesopores of the Prussian blue analogue and nanocubic structures, the manganese hexacyanoferrate hydrate nanocubes allow the efficient charge transfer and mass transport for electrolyte solution and chemical species. Thus, the manganese hexacyanoferrate hydrate nanocube electrode shows a good rate capability and cycling stability for electrochemical capacitors. Furthermore, electrodes modified with manganese hexacyanoferrate hydrate nanocubes demonstrate a sensitive electrochemical response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in buffer solutions with a high selectivity.

Covariance-based direction-of-arrival estimation of wideband coherent chirp signals via sparse representation.

PubMed

Sha, Zhichao; Liu, Zhengmeng; Huang, Zhitao; Zhou, Yiyu

2013-08-29

This paper addresses the problem of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation of multiple wideband coherent chirp signals, and a new method is proposed. The new method is based on signal component analysis of the array output covariance, instead of the complicated time-frequency analysis used in previous literatures, and thus is more compact and effectively avoids possible signal energy loss during the hyper-processes. Moreover, the a priori information of signal number is no longer a necessity for DOA estimation in the new method. Simulation results demonstrate the performance superiority of the new method over previous ones.

Indium phosphide solar cell research in the United States: Comparison with non-photovoltaic sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinberg, I.; Swartz, C. K.; Hart, R. E., Jr.

1989-01-01

Highlights of the InP solar cell research program are presented. Homojunction cells with efficiencies approaching 19 percent are demonstrated, while 17 percent is achieved for ITO/InP cells. The superior radiation resistance of the two latter cell configurations over both Si and GaAs cells has been shown. InP cells aboard the LIPS3 satellite show no degradation after more than a year in orbit. Computed array specific powers are used to compare the performance of an InP solar cell array to solar dynamic and nuclear systems.

A 65 Ah rechargeable lithium molybdenum disulfide battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandt, K.

1986-01-01

A rechargeable lithium molybdenum disulfide battery which has a number of superior performance characteristics which includes a high energy density, a high power density, and a long charge retention time was developed. The first cell sizes developed included a C size cell and an AA size cell. Over the last two years, a project to demonstrate the feasibility of the scale up to this technology to a BC size cell with 65 Ah capacity was undertaken. The objective was to develop, build, and test a .6 kWh storage battery consisting of 6 BC cells in series.

Development and Validation of Accident Models for FeCrAl Cladding

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

Gamble, Kyle Allan Lawrence; Hales, Jason Dean

2016-08-01

The purpose of this milestone report is to present the work completed in regards to material model development for FeCrAl cladding and highlight the results of applying these models to Loss of Coolant Accidents (LOCA) and Station Blackouts (SBO). With the limited experimental data available (essentially only the data used to create the models) true validation is not possible. In the absence of another alternative, qualitative comparisons during postulated accident scenarios between FeCrAl and Zircaloy-4 cladded rods have been completed demonstrating the superior performance of FeCrAl.

High sensitive vectorial B-probe for low frequency plasma waves.

PubMed

Ullrich, Stefan; Grulke, Olaf; Klinger, Thomas; Rahbarnia, Kian

2013-11-01

A miniaturized multidimensional magnetic probe is developed for application in a low-temperature plasma environment. A very high sensitivity for low-frequency magnetic field fluctuations with constant phase run, a very good signal-to-noise ratio combined with an efficient electrostatic pickup rejection, renders the probe superior compared with any commercial solution. A two-step calibration allows for absolute measurement of amplitude and direction of magnetic field fluctuations. The excellent probe performance is demonstrated by measurements of the parallel current pattern of coherent electrostatic drift wave modes in the VINETA (versatile instrument for studies on nonlinearity, electromagnetism, turbulence, and applications) experiment.

Parallel Multi-Step/Multi-Rate Integration of Two-Time Scale Dynamic Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Johnny T.; Ploen, Scott R.; Sohl, Garett. A,; Martin, Bryan J.

2004-01-01

Increasing demands on the fidelity of simulations for real-time and high-fidelity simulations are stressing the capacity of modern processors. New integration techniques are required that provide maximum efficiency for systems that are parallelizable. However many current techniques make assumptions that are at odds with non-cascadable systems. A new serial multi-step/multi-rate integration algorithm for dual-timescale continuous state systems is presented which applies to these systems, and is extended to a parallel multi-step/multi-rate algorithm. The superior performance of both algorithms is demonstrated through a representative example.

Lean, premixed, prevaporized combustion for aircraft gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mularz, E. J.

1979-01-01

The application of lean, premixed, prevaporized combustion to aircraft turbine engine systems can result in benefits in terms of superior combustion performance, improved combustor and turbine durability, and environmentally acceptable pollutant emissions. Lean, premixed prevaporized combustion is particularly attractive for reducing the oxides of nitrogen emissions during high altitude cruise. The NASA stratospheric cruise emission reduction program will evolve and demonstrate lean, premixed, prevaporized combustion technology for aircraft engines. This multiphased program is described. In addition, the various elements of the fundamental studies phase of the program are reviewed, and results to date of many of these studies are summarized.

Modular microfluidic valve structures based on reversible thermoresponsive ionogel actuators.

PubMed

Benito-Lopez, Fernando; Antoñana-Díez, Marta; Curto, Vincenzo F; Diamond, Dermot; Castro-López, Vanessa

2014-09-21

This paper reports for the first time the use of a cross-linked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) ionogel encapsulating the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulphate as a thermoresponsive and modular microfluidic valve. The ionogel presents superior actuation behaviour to its equivalent hydrogel. Ionogel swelling and shrinking mechanisms and kinetics are investigated as well as the performance of the ionogel when integrated as a valve in a microfluidic device. The modular microfluidic valve demonstrates fully a reversible on-off behaviour without failure for up to eight actuation cycles and a pressure resistance of 1100 mbar.

High-Tc superconductor coplanar waveguide filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chew, Wilbert; Bajuk, Louis J.; Cooley, Thomas W.; Foote, Marc C.; Hunt, Brian D.; Rascoe, Daniel L.; Riley, A. L.

1991-01-01

Coplanar waveguide (CPW) low-pass filters made of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) (YBCO) on LaAlO3 substrates, with dimensions suited for integrated circuits, were fabricated and packaged. A complete filter gives a true idea of the advantages and difficulties in replacing thin-film metal with a high-temperature superconductor in a practical circuit. Measured insertion losses in liquid nitrogen were superior to the loss of a similar thin-film copper filter throughout the 0- to 9.5-GHz passband. These results demonstrate the performance of fully patterned YBCO in a practical CPW structure after sealing in a hermetic package.

Solution-processed small molecule-polymer blend organic thin-film transistors with hole mobility greater than 5 cm2/Vs.

PubMed

Smith, Jeremy; Zhang, Weimin; Sougrat, Rachid; Zhao, Kui; Li, Ruipeng; Cha, Dongkyu; Amassian, Aram; Heeney, Martin; McCulloch, Iain; Anthopoulos, Thomas D

2012-05-08

Using phase-separated organic semiconducting blends containing a small molecule, as the hole transporting material, and a conjugated amorphous polymer, as the binder material, we demonstrate solution-processed organic thin-film transistors with superior performance characteristics that include; hole mobility >5 cm(2) /Vs, current on/off ratio ≥10(6) and narrow transistor parameter spread. These exceptional characteristics are attributed to the electronic properties of the binder polymer and the advantageous nanomorphology of the blend film. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Aging and the picture superiority effect in recall.

PubMed

Winograd, E; Smith, A D; Simon, E W

1982-01-01

One recurrent theme in the literature on aging and memory is that the decline of memory for nonverbal information is steeper than for verbal information. This research compares verbal and visual encoding using the picture superiority effect, the finding that pictures are remembered better than words. In the first experiment, an interaction was found between age and type of material; younger subjects recalled more pictures than words while older subjects did not. However, the overall effect was small and two further experiments were conducted. In both of these experiments, the picture superiority effect was found in both age groups with no interaction. In addition, performing a semantic orienting task had no effect on recall. The finding of a picture superiority effect in older subjects indicates that nonverbal codes can be effectively used by subjects in all age groups to facilitate memory performance.

A cost-effective process to prepare VO{sub 2} (M) powder and films with superior thermochromic properties

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

Xiao, Xiudi; Zhang, Hua; Chai, Guanqi

2014-03-01

Graphical abstract: Combining codeposition and short time post annealing, VO{sub 2} (M) with high quality and excellent phase transition performance is obtained. After mixing the VO{sub 2} powder with acrylic resin, the composite films deposited on glass show superior visible transmission and solar modulation, which can be used as an excellent candidate of low cost smart window in energy saving field. - Highlights: • The VO{sub 2} powder obtained by short time thermolysis method is high purity and crystallinity with superior phase transition performance. • The maximum decreasing efficiency of phase transition temperature is about −30 K/at% with w =more » 0.4 at%. • After mixing VO{sub 2} powder with acrylic resin, the maximal visible transmission of the composite films is 48% and the transmission modulation at 2000 nm is 37.3% with phase transition temperature of 66.2 °C. • Though the phase transition performance is weakened by tungsten doping, the film prepared by 1.3 at% tungsten doped VO{sub 2} still show superior transmission modulation about 26.4%, which means that it is a potential candidate as smart windows. - Abstract: VO{sub 2} powder with superior phase transition performance was prepared by convenient thermolysis method. The results illustrated that VO{sub 2} powder show high purity and crystallinity. VO{sub 2} particles are transformed from cluster to quasi-sphere with the increase of annealing temperature. The DSC analysis proves that VO{sub 2} show superior phase transition performance around 68 °C. The phase transition temperature can be reduced to 33.5 °C by 1.8 at% tungsten doping. The maximum decreasing efficiency of phase transition temperature is about −30 K/at% with w = 0.4 at%. After mixing VO{sub 2} powder with acrylic resin, the maximal visible transmission of the composite thin films on glass is 48% and the transmission modulation at 2000 nm is 37.3% with phase transition temperature of 66.2 °C. Though the phase transition performance is weakened by tungsten doping, the film prepared by 1.3 at% tungsten doped VO{sub 2} still show superior transmission modulation about 26.4% at 2000 nm, which means that it is a potential candidate as smart windows.« less

Hot-Chemistry Structural Phase Transformation in Single-Crystal Chalcogenides for Long-Life Lithium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Hassan, Fathy M; Hu, Qianqian; Fu, Jing; Batmaz, Rasim; Li, Jingde; Yu, Aiping; Xiao, Xingcheng; Chen, Zhongwei

2017-06-21

Tuned chalcogenide single crystals rooted in sulfur-doped graphene were prepared by high-temperature solution chemistry. We present a facile route to synthesize a rod-on-sheet-like nanohybrid as an active anode material and demonstrate its superior performance in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). This nanohybrid contains a nanoassembly of one-dimensional (1D) single-crystalline, orthorhombic SnS onto two-dimensional (2D) sulfur-doped graphene. The 1D nanoscaled SnS with the rodlike single-crystalline structure possesses improved transport properties compared to its 2D hexagonal platelike SnS 2 . Furthermore, we blend this hybrid chalcogenide with biodegradable polymer composite using water as a solvent. Upon drying, the electrodes were subjected to heating in vacuum at 150 °C to induce polymer condensation via formation of carboxylate groups to produce a mechanically robust anode. The LIB using the as-developed anode material can deliver a high volumetric capacity of ∼2350 mA h cm -3 and exhibit superior cycle stability over 1500 cycles as well as a high capacity retention of 85% at a 1 C rate. The excellent battery performance combined with the simplistic, scalable, and green chemistry approach renders this anode material as a very promising candidate for LIB applications.

Alterations in White Matter Integrity in Young Adults with Smartphone Dependence

PubMed Central

Hu, Yuanming; Long, Xiaojing; Lyu, Hanqing; Zhou, Yangyang; Chen, Jianxiang

2017-01-01

Smartphone dependence (SPD) is increasingly regarded as a psychological problem, however, the underlying neural substrates of SPD is still not clear. High resolution magnetic resonance imaging provides a useful tool to help understand and manage the disorder. In this study, a tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to measure white matter integrity in young adults with SPD. A total of 49 subjects were recruited and categorized into SPD and control group based on their clinical behavioral tests. To localize regions with abnormal white matter integrity in SPD, the voxel-wise analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) on the whole brain was performed by TBSS. The correlation between the quantitative variables of brain structures and the behavior measures were performed. Our result demonstrated that SPD had significantly lower white matter integrity than controls in superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), superior corona radiata (SCR), internal capsule, external capsule, sagittal stratum, fornix/stria terminalis and midbrain structures. Correlation analysis showed that the observed abnormalities in internal capsule and stria terminalis were correlated with the severity of dependence and behavioral assessments. Our finding facilitated a primary understanding of white matter characteristics in SPD and indicated that the structural deficits might link to behavioral impairments. PMID:29163108

Few-Layer MXenes Delaminated via High-Energy Mechanical Milling for Enhanced Sodium-Ion Batteries Performance.

PubMed

Wu, Yuting; Nie, Ping; Wang, Jiang; Dou, Hui; Zhang, Xiaogang

2017-11-15

The global availability of sodium makes the exploration of superior sodium-ion batteries attractive for energy storage application. MXenes, as one of the most promising anodes for sodium-ion batteries, have been reported to have many advantages, such as high electronic conductivity and a hydrophilic surface. However, the compact multilayer structure and deficient delamination significantly inhibits their application, requiring high energy and showing decreased storage capacity and poor rate capabilities. Few-layer MXene has been proved to benefit superior electrochemical properties with a better ionic conductivity and two-dimensional layer structure. Herein, we report scale delamination of few-layer MXene nanosheets as anodes for sodium-ion batteries, which are prepared via an organic solvent assist high-energy mechanical-milling method. This approach efficiently prevents the oxidation of MXene and produces few-layer nanosheets structure, facilitating fast electron transport and Na + diffusion. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that the few-layer MXenes show high specific capacity, excellent cycle stability, and good rate performance. Specifically, few-layer MXene nanosheets deliver a high reversible capacity of 267 mA h g -1 at a current density of 0.1 A g -1 . After cycling 1500 cycles at a high rate of 1 A g -1 , a reversible capacity of 76 mA h g -1 could be maintained.

Syndromic surveillance using veterinary laboratory data: data pre-processing and algorithm performance evaluation

PubMed Central

Dórea, Fernanda C.; McEwen, Beverly J.; McNab, W. Bruce; Revie, Crawford W.; Sanchez, Javier

2013-01-01

Diagnostic test orders to an animal laboratory were explored as a data source for monitoring trends in the incidence of clinical syndromes in cattle. Four years of real data and over 200 simulated outbreak signals were used to compare pre-processing methods that could remove temporal effects in the data, as well as temporal aberration detection algorithms that provided high sensitivity and specificity. Weekly differencing demonstrated solid performance in removing day-of-week effects, even in series with low daily counts. For aberration detection, the results indicated that no single algorithm showed performance superior to all others across the range of outbreak scenarios simulated. Exponentially weighted moving average charts and Holt–Winters exponential smoothing demonstrated complementary performance, with the latter offering an automated method to adjust to changes in the time series that will likely occur in the future. Shewhart charts provided lower sensitivity but earlier detection in some scenarios. Cumulative sum charts did not appear to add value to the system; however, the poor performance of this algorithm was attributed to characteristics of the data monitored. These findings indicate that automated monitoring aimed at early detection of temporal aberrations will likely be most effective when a range of algorithms are implemented in parallel. PMID:23576782

Syndromic surveillance using veterinary laboratory data: data pre-processing and algorithm performance evaluation.

PubMed

Dórea, Fernanda C; McEwen, Beverly J; McNab, W Bruce; Revie, Crawford W; Sanchez, Javier

2013-06-06

Diagnostic test orders to an animal laboratory were explored as a data source for monitoring trends in the incidence of clinical syndromes in cattle. Four years of real data and over 200 simulated outbreak signals were used to compare pre-processing methods that could remove temporal effects in the data, as well as temporal aberration detection algorithms that provided high sensitivity and specificity. Weekly differencing demonstrated solid performance in removing day-of-week effects, even in series with low daily counts. For aberration detection, the results indicated that no single algorithm showed performance superior to all others across the range of outbreak scenarios simulated. Exponentially weighted moving average charts and Holt-Winters exponential smoothing demonstrated complementary performance, with the latter offering an automated method to adjust to changes in the time series that will likely occur in the future. Shewhart charts provided lower sensitivity but earlier detection in some scenarios. Cumulative sum charts did not appear to add value to the system; however, the poor performance of this algorithm was attributed to characteristics of the data monitored. These findings indicate that automated monitoring aimed at early detection of temporal aberrations will likely be most effective when a range of algorithms are implemented in parallel.

Quantifying the signals contained in heterogeneous neural responses and determining their relationships with task performance

PubMed Central

Pagan, Marino

2014-01-01

The responses of high-level neurons tend to be mixtures of many different types of signals. While this diversity is thought to allow for flexible neural processing, it presents a challenge for understanding how neural responses relate to task performance and to neural computation. To address these challenges, we have developed a new method to parse the responses of individual neurons into weighted sums of intuitive signal components. Our method computes the weights by projecting a neuron's responses onto a predefined orthonormal basis. Once determined, these weights can be combined into measures of signal modulation; however, in their raw form these signal modulation measures are biased by noise. Here we introduce and evaluate two methods for correcting this bias, and we report that an analytically derived approach produces performance that is robust and superior to a bootstrap procedure. Using neural data recorded from inferotemporal cortex and perirhinal cortex as monkeys performed a delayed-match-to-sample target search task, we demonstrate how the method can be used to quantify the amounts of task-relevant signals in heterogeneous neural populations. We also demonstrate how these intuitive quantifications of signal modulation can be related to single-neuron measures of task performance (d′). PMID:24920017

Single site and conventional totally extraperitoneal techniques for uncomplicated inguinal hernia repair: A comparative study.

PubMed

de Araújo, Felipe Brandão Corrêa; Starling, Eduardo Simão; Maricevich, Marco; Tobias-Machado, Marcos

2014-10-01

To demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic extraperitoneal single site (EESS) inguinal hernia repair and compare it outcomes with the conventional totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique. TEP inguinal hernia repair is a widely accepted alternative to conventional open technique with several perioperative advantages. Transumbilical laparoendoscopic singlesite surgery (LESS) is an emerging approach and has been reported for a number of surgical procedures with superior aesthetic results but other advantages need to be proven. Thirty-eight uncomplicated inguinal hernias were repaired by EESS approach between January 2010 and January 2011. All procedures were performed through a 25 cm infraumbilical incision using the Alexis wound retractor attached to a surgical glove and three trocars. Body mass index, age, operative time, blood loss, complications, conversion rate, analgesia requirement, hospital stay, return to normal activities and patient satisfaction with aesthetic results were analysed and compared with the last 38 matched-pair group of patients who underwent a conventional TEP inguinal hernia repair by the same surgeon. All procedures were performed successfully with no conversion. In both unilateral and bilateral EESS inguinal repairs, the mean operative time was longer than conventional TEP (55± 20 vs. 40± 15 min, P = 0.049 and 70± 15 vs. 55± 10 min, P = 0.014). Aesthetic result was superior in the EESS group (2.88± 0.43 vs. 2.79± 0.51, P = 0.042). There was no difference between the two approaches regarding blood loss, complications, hospital stay, time until returns to normal activities and analgesic requirement. EESS inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective, with superior cosmetic results in the treatment of uncomplicated inguinal hernias. Other advantages of this new technique still need to be proven.

Comparison of optics and performance of a distal sensor high definition cystoscope, a distal sensor standard definition cystoscope, and a fiberoptic cystoscope.

PubMed

Lusch, Achim; Liss, Michael A; Greene, Peter; Abdelshehid, Corollos; Menhadji, Ashleigh; Bucur, Philip; Alipanah, Reza; McDougall, Elspeth; Landman, Jaime

2013-12-01

To evaluate performance characteristics and optics of a new generation high-definition distal sensor (HD-DS) flexible cystoscope, a standard-definition distal sensor (SD-DS) cystoscope, and a standard fiberoptic (FO) cystoscope. Three new cystoscopes (HD-DS, SD-DS, and FO) were compared for active deflection, irrigation flow, and optical characteristics. Each cystoscope was evaluated with an empty working channel and with various accessories. Optical characteristics (resolution, grayscale imaging, color representation, depth of field, and image brightness) were measured using United States Air Force (USAF)/Edmund Optics test targets and illumination meter. We digitally recorded a porcine cystoscopy in both clear and blood fields, with subsequent video analysis by 8 surgeons via questionnaire. The HD-DS had a higher resolution than the SD-DS and the FO at both 20 mm (6.35 vs 4.00 vs 2.24 line pairs/mm) and 10 mm (14.3 vs 7.13 vs 4.00 line pairs/mm) evaluations, respectively (P <.001 and P <.001). Color representation and depth of field (P = .001 and P <.001) were better in the HD-DS. When compared to the FO, the HD-DS and SD-DS demonstrated superior deflection up and irrigant flow with and without accessory present in the working channel, whereas image brightness was superior in the FO (P <.001, P = .001, and P <.001, respectively). Observers deemed the HD-DS cystoscope superior in visualization in clear and bloody fields, as well as for illumination. The new HD-DS provided significantly improved visualization in a clear and a bloody field, resolution, color representation, and depth of field compared to SD-DS and FO. Clinical correlation of these findings is pending. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solid-state lasers for coherent communication and remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, Robert L.

1992-01-01

Semiconductor-diode laser-pumped solid-state lasers have properties that are superior to other lasers for the applications of coherent communication and remote sensing. These properties include efficiency, reliability, stability, and capability to be scaled to higher powers. We have demonstrated that an optical phase-locked loop can be used to lock the frequency of two diode-pumped 1.06 micron Nd:YAG lasers to levels required for coherent communication. Monolithic nonplanar ring oscillators constructed from solid pieces of the laser material provide better than 10 kHz frequency stability over 0.1 sec intervals. We have used active feedback stabilization of the cavity length of these lasers to demonstrate 0.3 Hz frequency stabilization relative to a reference cavity. We have performed experiments and analysis to show that optical parametric oscillators (OPO's) reproduce the frequency stability of the pump laser in outputs that can be tuned to arbitrary wavelengths. Another measurement performed in this program has demonstrated the sub-shot-noise character of correlations of the fluctuations in the twin output of OPO's. Measurements of nonlinear optical coefficients by phase-matched second harmonic generation are helping to resolve inconsistency in these important parameters.

Asynchronous Two-Level Checkpointing Scheme for Large-Scale Adjoints in the Spectral-Element Solver Nek5000

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

Schanen, Michel; Marin, Oana; Zhang, Hong

Adjoints are an important computational tool for large-scale sensitivity evaluation, uncertainty quantification, and derivative-based optimization. An essential component of their performance is the storage/recomputation balance in which efficient checkpointing methods play a key role. We introduce a novel asynchronous two-level adjoint checkpointing scheme for multistep numerical time discretizations targeted at large-scale numerical simulations. The checkpointing scheme combines bandwidth-limited disk checkpointing and binomial memory checkpointing. Based on assumptions about the target petascale systems, which we later demonstrate to be realistic on the IBM Blue Gene/Q system Mira, we create a model of the expected performance of our checkpointing approach and validatemore » it using the highly scalable Navier-Stokes spectralelement solver Nek5000 on small to moderate subsystems of the Mira supercomputer. In turn, this allows us to predict optimal algorithmic choices when using all of Mira. We also demonstrate that two-level checkpointing is significantly superior to single-level checkpointing when adjoining a large number of time integration steps. To our knowledge, this is the first time two-level checkpointing had been designed, implemented, tuned, and demonstrated on fluid dynamics codes at large scale of 50k+ cores.« less

Pseudoaneurysm of the superior lateral genicular artery: case report of a rare complication after total knee arthroplasty

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Pseudoaneurysm of superior lateral genicular artery following total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication and has been reported following lateral release performed for eversion of patella in a knee with tight lateral structures. Case presentation This report describes a case of pseudo aneurysm of superior lateral geniculate artery that developed after primary Total knee arthroplasty for a stiff knee in a 68 year old patient. Patient presented with pain and rapidly increasing swelling in early post operative period. Diagnosis was made on duplex ultrasound and confirmed by angiography. Angiographic coil embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm was performed. Since no lateral release was performed in this case, the probable mechanism was shear injury to the vessel. Conclusion Pseudoaneurysm of superior lateral genicular artery can occur in absence of lateral release by shear injury to an atherosclerotic vessel. Angiographic coil embolisation appears to be the best method for treating such post arthroplasty pseudoaneurysm because of less chance of infection, non interference with rehabilitation and diagnosis and treatment during same procedure. PMID:23687974

Study of Adsorption and Desorption Performances of Zr-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks Using Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoting; Chen, Ying; Zheng, Yajun; Zhang, Zhiping

2017-07-08

The dynamic pore systems and high surface areas of flexible metal-organic framework materials make them excellent candidates to be used in different kinds of adsorption processes. However, the adsorption and desorption behaviors of therapeutic drugs on metal-organic frameworks in solution are not fully developed. Here, we systematically investigated the adsorption and desorption behaviors of a typical therapeutic drug, verapamil, over several Zr-based metal-organic frameworks [e.g., Zr-FUM, UiO-66(Zr), UiO-66(Zr)-NH₂ and UiO-66(Zr)-2COOH] as well as ZrO₂ in an acetonitrile solution by using paper spray mass spectrometry. In contrast to other materials, UiO-66(Zr)-2COOH demonstrated a superior adsorption performance to verapamil due to their strong acid-base and/or hydrogen-bond interactions, and the adsorption process fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. As verapamil-adsorbed materials were used for desorption experiments, ZrO₂ demonstrated the most favorable desorption performance, whereas UiO-66(Zr)-2COOH yielded the poorest desorption capability. These Zr-based materials had also been coated at the surface with filter papers for the analysis of various drugs and proteins in the process of paper spray mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that among the studied materials, ZrO₂-coated paper gave the most favorable desorption performance as a pure drug solution, whereas the paper from UiO-66(Zr) demonstrated the optimal capability in the analyses of therapeutic drugs in a complex matrix (e.g., blood) and a protein (e.g., myoglobin).

Sharp Central Venous Recanalization by Means of a TIPS Needle

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

Honnef, Dagmar, E-mail: honnef@rad.rwth-aachen.de; Wingen, Markus; Guenther, Rolf W.

The purpose of this study was to perform an alternative technique for recanalization of a chronic occlusion of the left brachiocephalic vein that could not be traversed with a guidewire. Restoration of a completely thrombosed left brachiocephalic vein was attempted in a 76-year-old male hemodialysis patient with massive upper inflow obstruction, massive edema of the face, neck, shoulder, and arm, and occlusion of the stented right brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava. Vessel negotiation with several guidewires and multipurpose catheters proved unsuccessful. The procedure was also non-viable using a long, 21G puncture needle. Puncture of the superior vena cava (SVC) at themore » distal circumference of the stent in the right brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava, however, was feasible with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) set under biplanar fluoroscopy using the distal end of the right brachiocephalic vein as a target, followed by balloon dilatation and partial extraction of thrombotic material of the left brachiocephalic vein with a wire basket. Finally, two overlapping stents were deployed to avoid early re-occlusion. Venography demonstrated complete vessel patency with free contrast media flow via the stents into the SVC, which was reconfirmed in follow-up examinations. Immediate clinical improvement was observed. Venous vascular recanalization of chronic venous occlusion by means of a TIPS needle is feasible as a last resort under certain precautions.« less

ITEM ANALYSIS OF THREE SPANISH NAMING TESTS: A CROSS-CULTURAL INVESTIGATION

PubMed Central

de la Plata, Carlos Marquez; Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Alegret, Montse; Moreno, Alexander; Tárraga, Luis; Lara, Mar; Hewlitt, Margaret; Hynan, Linda; Cullum, C. Munro

2009-01-01

Neuropsychological evaluations conducted in the United States and abroad commonly include the use of tests translated from English to Spanish. The use of translated naming tests for evaluating predominately Spanish-speakers has recently been challenged on the grounds that translating test items may compromise a test’s construct validity. The Texas Spanish Naming Test (TNT) has been developed in Spanish specifically for use with Spanish-speakers; however, it is unlikely patients from diverse Spanish-speaking geographical regions will perform uniformly on a naming test. The present study evaluated and compared the internal consistency and patterns of item-difficulty and -discrimination for the TNT and two commonly used translated naming tests in three countries (i.e., United States, Colombia, Spain). Two hundred fifty two subjects (126 demented, 116 nondemented) across three countries were administered the TNT, Modified Boston Naming Test-Spanish, and the naming subtest from the CERAD. The TNT demonstrated superior internal consistency to its counterparts, a superior item difficulty pattern than the CERAD naming test, and a superior item discrimination pattern than the MBNT-S across countries. Overall, all three Spanish naming tests differentiated nondemented and moderately demented individuals, but the results suggest the items of the TNT are most appropriate to use with Spanish-speakers. Preliminary normative data for the three tests examined in each country are provided. PMID:19208960

A randomized trial of candidate inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine versus trivalent influenza vaccines in children aged 3-17 years.

PubMed

Domachowske, Joseph B; Pankow-Culot, Heidemarie; Bautista, Milagros; Feng, Yang; Claeys, Carine; Peeters, Mathieu; Innis, Bruce L; Jain, Varsha

2013-06-15

Two antigenically distinct influenza B lineages have cocirculated since 2001, yet trivalent influenza vaccines (TIVs) contain 1 influenza B antigen, meaning lineage mismatch with the vaccine is frequent. We assessed a candidate inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) containing both B lineages vs TIV in healthy children aged 3-17 years. Children were randomized 1:1:1 to receive QIV or 1 of 2 TIVs (either B/Victoria or B/Yamagata lineage; N = 2738). Hemagglutination-inhibition assays were performed 28 days after 1 or 2 doses in primed and unprimed children, respectively. Immunological noninferiority of QIV vs TIV against shared strains, and superiority against alternate-lineage B strains was based on geometric mean titers (GMTs) and seroconversion rates. Reactogenicity and safety were also assessed (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01196988). Noninferiority against shared strains and superiority against alternate-lineage B strains was demonstrated for QIV vs TIV. QIV was highly immunogenic; seroconversion rates were 91.4%, 72.3%, 70.0%, and 72.5% against A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Victoria, and B/Yamagata, respectively. Reactogenicity and safety of QIV was consistent with TIV. QIV vs TIV showed superior immunogenicity for the additional B strain without interfering with immune responses to shared strains. QIV may offer improved protection against influenza B in children compared with current trivalent vaccines.

The influence of focused-attention meditation states on the cognitive control of sequence learning.

PubMed

Chan, Russell W; Immink, Maarten A; Lushington, Kurt

2017-10-01

Cognitive control processes influence how motor sequence information is utilised and represented. Since cognitive control processes are shared amongst goal-oriented tasks, motor sequence learning and performance might be influenced by preceding cognitive tasks such as focused-attention meditation (FAM). Prior to a serial reaction time task (SRTT), participants completed either a single-session of FAM, a single-session of FAM followed by delay (FAM+) or no meditation (CONTROL). Relative to CONTROL, FAM benefitted performance in early, random-ordered blocks. However, across subsequent sequence learning blocks, FAM+ supported the highest levels of performance improvement resulting in superior performance at the end of the SRTT. Performance following FAM+ demonstrated greater reliance on embedded sequence structures than FAM. These findings illustrate that increased top-down control immediately after FAM biases the implementation of stimulus-based planning. Introduction of a delay following FAM relaxes top-down control allowing for implementation of response-based planning resulting in sequence learning benefits. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Residual symptoms after surgery for unilateral congenital superior oblique palsy.

PubMed

Caca, Ihsan; Sahin, Alparslan; Cingu, Abdullah; Ari, Seyhmus; Akbas, Umut

2012-01-01

To establish the surgical results and residual symptoms in 48 cases with unilateral congenital superior oblique muscle palsy that had surgical intervention to the vertical muscles alone. Myectomy and concomitant disinsertion of the inferior oblique (IO) muscle was performed in 38 cases and myectomy and concomitant IO disinsertion and recession of the superior rectus muscle in the ipsilateral eye was performed in 10 cases. The preoperative and postoperative vertical deviation values and surgical results were compared. Of the patients who had myectomy and concomitant IO disinsertion, 74% achieved an "excellent" result, 21% a "good" result, and 5% a "poor" result postoperatively. The difference in deviation between preoperative and postoperative values was statistically significant (P < .001). Of the patients who had myectomy and concomitant inferior oblique disinsertion and ipsilateral superior rectus recession, 50% achieved an "excellent" result, 20% a "good" result, and 30% a "poor" result postoperatively. The difference in deviation between preoperative and postoperative values was statistically significant (P < .001). Both procedures are effective and successful in patients with superior oblique muscle palsy, but a secondary surgery may be required. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Encapsulation of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in graphitic carbon microspheres as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongwei; Sun, Xiaoran; Huang, Xiaodan; Zhou, Liang

2015-02-01

A novel ``spray drying-carbonization-oxidation'' strategy has been developed for the fabrication of α-Fe2O3-graphitic carbon (α-Fe2O3@GC) composite microspheres, in which α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with sizes of 30-50 nm are well-encapsulated by onion-like graphitic carbon shells with a thickness of 5-10 nm. In the constructed composite, the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles act as the primary active material, providing a high capacity. Meanwhile, the graphitic carbon shells serve as the secondary active component, structural stabilizer, interfacial stabilizer, and electron-highway. As a result, the synthesized α-Fe2O3@GC nanocomposite exhibits a superior lithium-ion battery performance with a high reversible capacity (898 mA h g-1 at 400 mA g-1), outstanding rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. Our product, in terms of the facile and scalable preparation process and excellent electrochemical performance, demonstrates its great potential as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries.A novel ``spray drying-carbonization-oxidation'' strategy has been developed for the fabrication of α-Fe2O3-graphitic carbon (α-Fe2O3@GC) composite microspheres, in which α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with sizes of 30-50 nm are well-encapsulated by onion-like graphitic carbon shells with a thickness of 5-10 nm. In the constructed composite, the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles act as the primary active material, providing a high capacity. Meanwhile, the graphitic carbon shells serve as the secondary active component, structural stabilizer, interfacial stabilizer, and electron-highway. As a result, the synthesized α-Fe2O3@GC nanocomposite exhibits a superior lithium-ion battery performance with a high reversible capacity (898 mA h g-1 at 400 mA g-1), outstanding rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. Our product, in terms of the facile and scalable preparation process and excellent electrochemical performance, demonstrates its great potential as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD pattern, XPS spectrum, CV curves, TEM and SEM images, and table. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr06771a

Multichannel Porous TiO2 Hollow Nanofibers with Rich Oxygen Vacancies and High Grain Boundary Density Enabling Superior Sodium Storage Performance.

PubMed

Wu, Ying; Jiang, Yu; Shi, Jinan; Gu, Lin; Yu, Yan

2017-06-01

TiO 2 as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) has attracted much recent attention, but poor cyclability and rate performance remain problematic owing to the intrinsic electronic conductivity and the sluggish diffusivity of Na ions in the TiO 2 matrix. Herein, a simple process is demonstrated to improve the sodium storage performance of TiO 2 by fabricating a 1D, multichannel, porous binary-phase anatase-TiO 2 -rutile-TiO 2 composite with oxygen-deficient and high grain-boundary density (denoted as a-TiO 2- x /r-TiO 2- x ) via electrospinning and subsequent vacuum treatment. The introduction of oxygen vacancies in the TiO 2 matrix enables enhanced intrinsic electronic conductivity and fast sodium-ion diffusion kinetics. The porous structure offers easy access of the liquid electrolyte and a short transport path of Na + through the pores toward the TiO 2 nanoparticle. Furthermore, the high density of grain boundaries between the anatase TiO 2 and rutile TiO 2 offer more interfaces for a novel interfacial storage. The a-TiO 2- x /r-TiO 2- x shows excellent long cycling stability (134 mAh g -1 at 10 C after 4500 cycles) and superior rate performance (93 mAh g -1 after 4500 cycles at 20 C) for sodium-ion batteries. This simple and effective process could serve as a model for the modification of other materials applied in energy storage systems and other fields. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Experimental and numeric investigation of Impella pumps as cavopulmonary assistance for a failing Fontan.

PubMed

Haggerty, Christopher M; Fynn-Thompson, Francis; McElhinney, Doff B; Valente, Anne Marie; Saikrishnan, Neelakantan; Del Nido, Pedro J; Yoganathan, Ajit P

2012-09-01

This study sought to evaluate the performance of microaxial ventricular assist devices for the purposes of supporting failing Fontan physiology by decreasing central venous pressure. Three Abiomed Impella pumps (Abiomed, Inc, Danvers, Mass) were evaluated in a mock circulatory system of the Fontan circuit. The local response of pressures and flows to pump function was assessed as a function of pump speed and pulmonary vascular resistance at a high baseline central venous pressure. For one device, subsequent modeling studies were conducted using a lumped parameter model of the single ventricle circuit. The left ventricular devices (Impella 2.5, 5.0) were shown to be suboptimal as single device solutions for cavopulmonary support. The small area of these devices relative to vessel diameter led to significant flow recirculation without an obstructive separator in place. Furthermore, downstream pressure augmentation adversely affected the pressure in the superior vena cava. The use of 2 devices would be mandatory for successful support. The right-sided device (Impella RP), whose outflow was positioned in the left pulmonary artery, demonstrated decreased flow recirculation and did not impede superior caval venous flow. Although static pressure is still required to drive flow through the opposite lung, numeric modeling demonstrated the potential for modest but significant improvements in lowering the central venous pressure (2-8 mm Hg). Left-sided microaxial pumps are not well suited for cavopulmonary support because of severe flow recirculation and the need for multiple devices. The right-ventricular Impella device provides improved performance by directing flow into the pulmonary artery, resulting in modest decreases in central venous pressure. Copyright © 2012 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of ionic liquids as headspace gas chromatography diluents for the analysis of residual solvents in pharmaceuticals.

PubMed

Nacham, Omprakash; Ho, Tien D; Anderson, Jared L; Webster, Gregory K

2017-10-25

In this study, two ionic liquids (ILs), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([BMIM][NTf 2 ]) and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([P 66614 ][NTf 2 ]) were examined as contemporary diluents for residual solvent analysis using static headspace gas chromatography (SHS-GC) coupled with flame ionization detection (FID). ILs are a class of non-molecular solvents featuring negligible vapor pressure and high thermal stabilities. Owing to these favorable properties, ILs have potential to enable superior sensitivity and reduced interference, compared to conventional organic diluents, at high headspace incubation temperatures. By employing the [BMIM][NTf 2 ] IL as a diluent, a 25-fold improvement in limit of detection (LOD) was observed with respect to traditional HS-GC diluents, such as N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). The established IL-based method demonstrated LODs ranging from 5.8 parts-per-million (ppm) to 20ppm of residual solvents in drug substances. The optimization of headspace extraction conditions was performed prior to method validation. An incubation temperature of 140°C and a 15min incubation time provided the best sensitivity for the analysis. Under optimized experimental conditions, the mass of residual solvents partitioned in the headspace was higher when using [BMIM][NTf 2 ] than NMP as a diluent. The analytical performance was demonstrated by determining the repeatability, accuracy, and linearity of the method. Linear ranges of up to two orders of magnitude were obtained for class 3 solvents. Excellent analyte recoveries were obtained in the presence of three different active pharmaceutical ingredients. Owing to its robustness, high throughput, and superior sensitivity, the HS-GC IL-based method can be used as an alternative to existing residual solvent methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic article: surgical anatomical planes for complete mesocolic excision and applied vascular anatomy of the right colon.

PubMed

Açar, Halil İbrahim; Cömert, Ayhan; Avşar, Abdullah; Çelik, Safa; Kuzu, Mehmet Ayhan

2014-10-01

Lower local recurrence rates and better overall survival are associated with complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for treatment of colon cancer. To accomplish this, surgeons need to pay special attention to the surgical anatomical planes and vascular anatomy of the colon. However, surgical education in this area has been neglected. The aim of this study is to define the correct surgical anatomical planes for complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation and to demonstrate the correct dissection technique for protecting anatomical structures. Macroscopic and microscopic surgical dissections were performed on 12 cadavers in the anatomy laboratory and on autopsy specimens. The dissections were recorded as video clips. Dissections were performed in accordance with the complete mesocolic excision technique on 10 male and 2 female cadavers. Vascular structures, autonomic nerves, and related fascias were shown. Within each step of the surgical procedure, important anatomical structures were displayed on still images captured from videos by animations. Three crucial steps for complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation are demonstrated on the cadavers: 1) full mobilization of the superior mesenteric root following the embryological planes between the visceral and the parietal fascias; 2) mobilization of the mesocolon from the duodenum and the pancreas and identification of vascular structures, especially the veins around the pancreas; and 3) central vascular ligation of the colonic vessels at their origin, taking into account the vascular variations within the mesocolonic vessels and the autonomic nerves around the superior mesenteric artery. The limitation of this study was the number of the cadavers used. Successful complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation depends on an accurate knowledge of the surgical anatomical planes and the vascular anatomy of the colon.

Contributing factors to performance of a medicine ball explosive power test: a comparison between jump and nonjump athletes.

PubMed

Stockbrugger, Barry A; Haennel, Robert G

2003-11-01

The present study examined the factors contributing to performance of a backward overhead medicine ball throw (B-MBT) across 2 types of athletes. Twenty male volleyball players (jump athletes) and 20 wrestlers (nonjump athletes) were evaluated on 4 measures of power, including B-MBT, chest medicine ball throw (C-MBT), countermovement vertical jump (CMJ), and power index (PI). The athletes also completed 3 measures of strength: a 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) bench press (BP), a 1RM leg press (LP), and combined BP + LP strength. Jump athletes demonstrated greater absolute scores for CMJ, C-MBT, and B-MBT (p < 0.05), whereas nonjump athletes demonstrated greater strength scores for BP and for BP + LP (p < 0.05). When performances were examined on a relative basis, jump athletes achieved superior scores for C-MBT (p < 0.05), whereas nonjump athletes had greater scores for BP, LP, and BP + LP (p < 0.05). For both groups, B-MBT had strong correlations with PI (r = 0.817 [jump] and 0.917 [nonjump]), whereas for C-MBT, only nonjump athletes demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.842). When expressed in relative terms, B-MBT was strongly correlated with C-MBT (r = 0.762 [jump] and 0.835 [nonjump]) and CMJ (r = 0.899 [jump] and 0.945 [nonjump]). Only nonjump athletes demonstrated strong correlations with strength for absolute LP (r = 0.801) and BP + LP (r = 0.810) strength. The interaction of upper- and lower-body strength and power in the performance of a B-MBT appears complex, with the contributing factors differing for athletes with divergent skill sets and performance demands.

A new teaching model for demonstrating the movement of the extraocular muscles.

PubMed

Iwanaga, Joe; Refsland, Jason; Iovino, Lee; Holley, Gary; Laws, Tyler; Oskouian, Rod J; Tubbs, R Shane

2017-09-01

The extraocular muscles consist of the superior, inferior, lateral, and medial rectus muscles and the superior and inferior oblique muscles. This study aimed to create a new teaching model for demonstrating the function of the extraocular muscles. A coronal section of the head was prepared and sutures attached to the levator palpebral superioris muscle and six extraocular muscles. Tension was placed on each muscle from a posterior approach and movement of the eye documented from an anterior view. All movements were clearly seen less than that of the inferior rectus muscle. To our knowledge, this is the first cadaveric teaching model for demonstrating the movements of the extraocular muscles. Clin. Anat. 30:733-735, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Neuronal Deletion of Caspase 8 Protects against Brain Injury in Mouse Models of Controlled Cortical Impact and Kainic Acid-Induced Excitotoxicity

PubMed Central

Krajewska, Maryla; You, Zerong; Rong, Juan; Kress, Christina; Huang, Xianshu; Yang, Jinsheng; Kyoda, Tiffany; Leyva, Ricardo; Banares, Steven; Hu, Yue; Sze, Chia-Hung; Whalen, Michael J.; Salmena, Leonardo; Hakem, Razqallah; Head, Brian P.; Reed, John C.; Krajewski, Stan

2011-01-01

Background Acute brain injury is an important health problem. Given the critical position of caspase 8 at the crossroads of cell death pathways, we generated a new viable mouse line (Ncasp8 −/−), in which the gene encoding caspase 8 was selectively deleted in neurons by cre-lox system. Methodology/Principal Findings Caspase 8 deletion reduced rates of neuronal cell death in primary neuronal cultures and in whole brain organotypic coronal slice cultures prepared from 4 and 8 month old mice and cultivated up to 14 days in vitro. Treatments of cultures with recombinant murine TNFα (100 ng/ml) or TRAIL (250 ng/mL) plus cyclohexamide significantly protected neurons against cell death induced by these apoptosis-inducing ligands. A protective role of caspase 8 deletion in vivo was also demonstrated using a controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and seizure-induced brain injury caused by kainic acid (KA). Morphometric analyses were performed using digital imaging in conjunction with image analysis algorithms. By employing virtual images of hundreds of brain sections, we were able to perform quantitative morphometry of histological and immunohistochemical staining data in an unbiased manner. In the TBI model, homozygous deletion of caspase 8 resulted in reduced lesion volumes, improved post-injury motor performance, superior learning and memory retention, decreased apoptosis, diminished proteolytic processing of caspases and caspase substrates, and less neuronal degeneration, compared to wild type, homozygous cre, and caspase 8-floxed control mice. In the KA model, Ncasp8 −/− mice demonstrated superior survival, reduced seizure severity, less apoptosis, and reduced caspase 3 processing. Uninjured aged knockout mice showed improved learning and memory, implicating a possible role for caspase 8 in cognitive decline with aging. Conclusions Neuron-specific deletion of caspase 8 reduces brain damage and improves post-traumatic functional outcomes, suggesting an important role for this caspase in pathophysiology of acute brain trauma. PMID:21957448

Multiple-time-stepping generalized hybrid Monte Carlo methods

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

Escribano, Bruno, E-mail: bescribano@bcamath.org; Akhmatskaya, Elena; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, E-48013 Bilbao

2015-01-01

Performance of the generalized shadow hybrid Monte Carlo (GSHMC) method [1], which proved to be superior in sampling efficiency over its predecessors [2–4], molecular dynamics and hybrid Monte Carlo, can be further improved by combining it with multi-time-stepping (MTS) and mollification of slow forces. We demonstrate that the comparatively simple modifications of the method not only lead to better performance of GSHMC itself but also allow for beating the best performed methods, which use the similar force splitting schemes. In addition we show that the same ideas can be successfully applied to the conventional generalized hybrid Monte Carlo method (GHMC).more » The resulting methods, MTS-GHMC and MTS-GSHMC, provide accurate reproduction of thermodynamic and dynamical properties, exact temperature control during simulation and computational robustness and efficiency. MTS-GHMC uses a generalized momentum update to achieve weak stochastic stabilization to the molecular dynamics (MD) integrator. MTS-GSHMC adds the use of a shadow (modified) Hamiltonian to filter the MD trajectories in the HMC scheme. We introduce a new shadow Hamiltonian formulation adapted to force-splitting methods. The use of such Hamiltonians improves the acceptance rate of trajectories and has a strong impact on the sampling efficiency of the method. Both methods were implemented in the open-source MD package ProtoMol and were tested on a water and a protein systems. Results were compared to those obtained using a Langevin Molly (LM) method [5] on the same systems. The test results demonstrate the superiority of the new methods over LM in terms of stability, accuracy and sampling efficiency. This suggests that putting the MTS approach in the framework of hybrid Monte Carlo and using the natural stochasticity offered by the generalized hybrid Monte Carlo lead to improving stability of MTS and allow for achieving larger step sizes in the simulation of complex systems.« less

Surgical approach to left ventricular inflow obstruction due to dilated coronary sinus.

PubMed

Vargas, Florentino J; Rozenbaum, Jorge; Lopez, Ricardo; Granja, Miguel; De Dios, Ana; Zarlenga, Beatriz; Flores, Enrique; Fischman, Enrique; Kreutzer, Eduardo

2006-07-01

Left superior vena cava draining to a dilated coronary sinus can cause left ventricular inflow obstruction. Our purpose is to report 4 severely ill patients with this malformation who were operated upon and in whom repair was accomplished using an original surgical approach. An operative procedure was designed, which included complete resection of the wall of the coronary sinus along its entire extension in the left atrium; division of the left superior vena cava; and establishment of the left superior vena cava-right atrial continuity by a wide left superior vena cava-right atrial appendage anastomosis. The series included 1 patient with interrupted inferior vena cava-hemiazygous continuation to left superior vena cava. There were no deaths. Absence of residual left ventricular inflow obstruction was demonstrated at follow-up in all cases, together with an unobstructed left superior vena cava-right atrial appendage-right atrial connection. A predictable relief of the left ventricular inflow obstruction, together with preservation of an adequate drainage for the systemic venous return, were both achieved with this repair.

Flexible, transparent and ultra-broadband photodetector based on large-area WSe2 film for wearable devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zhaoqiang; Zhang, Tanmei; Yao, Jiandomg; Zhang, Yi; Xu, Jiarui; Yang, Guowei

2016-06-01

Although two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted considerable research interest for use in the development of innovative wearable optoelectronic systems, the integrated optoelectronic performance of 2D materials photodetectors, including flexibility, transparency, broadband response and stability in air, remains quite low to date. Here, we demonstrate a flexible, transparent, high-stability and ultra-broadband photodetector made using large-area and highly-crystalline WSe2 films that were prepared by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). Benefiting from the 2D physics of WSe2 films, this device exhibits excellent average transparency of 72% in the visible range and superior photoresponse characteristics, including an ultra-broadband detection spectral range from 370 to 1064 nm, reversible photoresponsivity approaching 0.92 A W-1, external quantum efficiency of up to 180% and a relatively fast response time of 0.9 s. The fabricated photodetector also demonstrates outstanding mechanical flexibility and durability in air. Also, because of the wide compatibility of the PLD-grown WSe2 film, we can fabricate various photodetectors on multiple flexible or rigid substrates, and all these devices will exhibit distinctive switching behavior and superior responsivity. These indicate a possible new strategy for the design and integration of flexible, transparent and broadband photodetectors based on large-area WSe2 films, with great potential for practical applications in the wearable optoelectronic devices.

Intracapsular origin of the long head of the biceps tendon with glenoid avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments.

PubMed

Parikh, Shital N; Bonnaig, Nicolas; Zbojniewicz, Andrew

2011-11-09

An 18-year-old woman presented with a history of recurrent glenohumeral dislocations involving her right dominant shoulder. Physical examination suggested physiologic hyperlaxity and anterior instability. Magnetic resonance arthrography demonstrated an anomalous intracapsular origin of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT), with normal-appearing LHBT in the intertubercular groove. Diagnostic arthroscopy confirmed the absence of the LHBT attachment on the superior labrum. Instead, the LHBT originated from the capsule of the shoulder joint. Diagnostic arthroscopy also revealed glenoid avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments (GAGL) lesion as a tear in the anterior-inferior capsule near its insertion on the glenoid and labrum. An arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair was performed with rotator interval closure by imbrication of superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments. A retrospective review of the magnetic resonance arthrogram identified irregularity and interposition of contrast between the capsule and the anterior-inferior labrum that was reproduced in the abduction-external rotation view corresponding with the GAGL lesion seen at arthroscopy. At 12 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated full range of motion and no signs of instability. This case report helps to raise awareness about 2 rare shoulder lesions: the anomalous origin of LHBT and the GAGL lesion. Diagnosing such lesions on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging may aid in operative planning and avoid unexpected intraoperative findings. Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.

Vertebral Uptake of Tc-99m Macroaggregated Albumin (MAA) with SPECT/CT Occurring in Superior Vena Cava Obstruction.

PubMed

Karls, Shawn; Hassoun, Hani; Derbekyan, Vilma

2016-09-01

A 67-year-old male presented with dyspnea for which lung scintigraphy was ordered to rule out pulmonary embolus. Planar images demonstrated abnormal midline uptake of Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin, which SPECT/CT localized to several thoracic vertebrae. Thoracic vertebral uptake on perfusion lung scintigraphy was previously described on planar imaging. Radionuclide venography and contrast-enhanced CT subsequently demonstrated superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction with collateralization through the azygous/hemiazygous system and vertebral venous plexus. SPECT/CT differentiated residual esophageal/tracheal ventilation activity, a clinically insignificant finding, from vertebral uptake indicative of SVC obstruction, a potentially life-threatening condition.

High-performance graphene/sulphur electrodes for flexible Li-ion batteries using the low-temperature spraying method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Pushpendra; Wu, Feng-Yu; Hu, Lung-Hao; Ali Abbas, Syed; Ming, Jun; Lin, Chia-Nan; Fang, Jason; Chu, Chih-Wei; Li, Lain-Jong

2015-04-01

Elementary sulphur (S) has been shown to be an excellent cathode material in energy storage devices such as Li-S batteries owing to its very high capacity. The major challenges associated with the sulphur cathodes are structural degradation, poor cycling performance and instability of the solid-electrolyte interphase caused by the dissolution of polysulfides during cycling. Tremendous efforts made by others have demonstrated that encapsulation of S materials improves their cycling performance. To make this approach practical for large scale applications, the use of low-cost technology and materials has become a crucial and new focus of S-based Li-ion batteries. Herein, we propose to use a low temperature spraying process to fabricate graphene/S electrode material, where the ink is composed of graphene flakes and the micron-sized S particles prepared by grinding of low-cost S powders. The S particles are found to be well hosted by highly conductive graphene flakes and consequently superior cyclability (~70% capacity retention after 250 cycles), good coulombic efficiency (~98%) and high capacity (~1500 mA h g-1) are obtained. The proposed approach does not require high temperature annealing or baking; hence, another great advantage is to make flexible Li-ion batteries. We have also demonstrated two types of flexible batteries using sprayed graphene/S electrodes.Elementary sulphur (S) has been shown to be an excellent cathode material in energy storage devices such as Li-S batteries owing to its very high capacity. The major challenges associated with the sulphur cathodes are structural degradation, poor cycling performance and instability of the solid-electrolyte interphase caused by the dissolution of polysulfides during cycling. Tremendous efforts made by others have demonstrated that encapsulation of S materials improves their cycling performance. To make this approach practical for large scale applications, the use of low-cost technology and materials has become a crucial and new focus of S-based Li-ion batteries. Herein, we propose to use a low temperature spraying process to fabricate graphene/S electrode material, where the ink is composed of graphene flakes and the micron-sized S particles prepared by grinding of low-cost S powders. The S particles are found to be well hosted by highly conductive graphene flakes and consequently superior cyclability (~70% capacity retention after 250 cycles), good coulombic efficiency (~98%) and high capacity (~1500 mA h g-1) are obtained. The proposed approach does not require high temperature annealing or baking; hence, another great advantage is to make flexible Li-ion batteries. We have also demonstrated two types of flexible batteries using sprayed graphene/S electrodes. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00885a

Bilateral Breast Enlargement: An Unusual Presentation of Superior Vena Cava Obstruction in a Hemodialysis Patient with Fibrosing Mediastinitis

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

Goo, Dong Erk, E-mail: degoo@hosp.sch.ac.kr; Kim, Yong Jae; Choi, Deuk Lin

2011-02-15

A 67-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease presented with profound edema of both breasts. The presence of a patent hemodialysis basilic transposition fistula and superior vena cava obstruction (SVC), due to fibrosing mediastinitis, was demonstrated by the use of fistulography. Endovascular treatment with a balloon and stent caused immediate resolution of the breast edema.

Fabrication of three-dimensional crystalline silicon-on-carbon nanotube nanocomposite anode by sputtering and laser annealing for high-performance lithium-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ilwhan; Hyun, Seungmin; Nam, Seunghoon; Lee, Hoo-Jeong; Kang, Chiwon

2018-05-01

In this study, we fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) crystalline Si (c-Si)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite anode by sputtering Si on 3D CNTs followed by laser annealing for Si crystallization — a simple, cost-effective route — for advanced Li-ion battery (LIB) applications. We use scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze the samples annealed at different laser energy densities. As a result, we confirm that laser annealing enables Si crystallization without damaging the CNTs. We assemble half-type coin cells for the battery performance test: the 3D c-Si/CNT anode sample demonstrates a specific capacity superior to that of its control counterpart; the cyclic stability is also enhanced significantly.

Resist development status for immersion lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Hiromitsu; Yoshida, Masaaki; Ishizuka, Keita; Hirano, Tomoyuki; Endo, Kotaro; Sato, Mitsuru

2005-05-01

Immersion lithography has already demonstrated superior performance for next generation semiconductor manufacturing, while some challenges with contact immersion fluids and resist still remain. There are many interactions to be considered with regards to the solid and liquid interface. Resist elusion in particular requires very careful attention since the impact on the lens and fluid supply system in exposure tool could pose a significant risk at the manufacturing stage. TOK developed a screening procedure to detect resist elution of ion species down to ppb levels during non and post exposure steps. It was found that the PAG cation elution is affected by molecular weight and structure while the PAG anion elution was dependent on the molecular structure and mobility. In this paper, lithographic performance is also discussed with the low elution type resist.

Fe-Catalyzed Synthesis of Porous Carbons Spheres with High Graphitization Degree for High-Performance Supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jun; Shi, Hongwei; Zhuo, Xin; Hu, Yalin

2017-10-01

We have developed a facile and efficient Fe-catalyzed method for fabrication of porous carbons spheres with high graphitization degree (GNPCs) using glucose as carbon precursor at relatively low carbonization temperature. GNPCs not only have relatively large accessible ion surface area to accommodate greater capacity but also high graphitization degree to accelerate ion diffusion. As a typical application, we demonstrate that GNPCs exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for use in supercapacitors, with high specific capacity of 150.6 F g-1 at current density of 1 A g-1 and good rate capability and superior cycling stability over 10,000 cycles, confirming their potential application for energy storage. Moreover, it is believed that this method offers a new strategy for synthesis of porous carbons with high graphitization degree.

High performance broadband photodetector based on MoS2/porous silicon heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhyani, Veerendra; Dwivedi, Priyanka; Dhanekar, Saakshi; Das, Samaresh

2017-11-01

A high speed efficient broadband photodetector based on a vertical n-MoS2/p-porous silicon heterostructure has been demonstrated. Large area MoS2 on electrochemical etched porous silicon was grown by sulphurization of a sputtered MoO3 thin film. A maximum responsivity of 9 A/W (550-850 nm) with a very high detectivity of ˜1014 Jones is observed. Transient measurements show a fast response time of ˜9 μs and is competent to work at high frequencies (˜50 kHz). The enhanced photodetection performance of the heterojunction made on porous silicon over that made on planar silicon is explained in terms of higher interfacial barrier height, superior light trapping property, and larger junction area in the MoS2/porous silicon junction.

Chemically Functionalized Conjugated Oligoelectrolyte Nanoparticles for Enhancement of Current Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Zhao, Cui-e; Chen, Jia; Ding, Yuanzhao; Wang, Victor Bochuan; Bao, Biqing; Kjelleberg, Staffan; Cao, Bin; Loo, Say Chye Joachim; Wang, Lianhui; Huang, Wei; Zhang, Qichun

2015-07-08

Water-soluble conjugated oligoelectrolyte nanoparticles (COE NPs), consisting of a cage-like polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) core equipped at each end with pendant groups (oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) electrolyte, OPVE), have been designed and demonstrated as an efficient strategy in increasing the current generation in Escherichia coli microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The as-prepared COE NPs take advantage of the structure of POSS and the optical properties of the pendant groups, OPVE. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed strong photoluminescence of the stained cells, indicating spontaneous accumulation of COE NPs within cell membranes. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of the COE NPs is superior to that of an established membrane intercommunicating COE, DSSN+ in increasing current generation, suggesting that these COE NPs thus hold great potential to boost the performance of MFCs.

Cooperation in lovers: An fNIRS-based hyperscanning study.

PubMed

Pan, Yafeng; Cheng, Xiaojun; Zhang, Zhenxin; Li, Xianchun; Hu, Yi

2017-02-01

This study investigated interactive exchange in lovers and the associated interpersonal brain synchronization (IBS) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-based hyperscanning. Three types of female-male dyads, lovers, friends, and strangers, performed a cooperation task during which brain activity was recorded in right frontoparietal regions. We measured better cooperative behavior in lover dyads compared with friend and stranger dyads. Lover dyads demonstrated increased IBS in right superior frontal cortex, which also covaried with their task performance. Granger causality analyses in lover dyads revealed stronger directional synchronization from females to males than from males to females, suggesting different roles for females and males during cooperation. Our study refines the theoretical explanation of romantic interaction between lovers. Hum Brain Mapp 38:831-841, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Formula: see text]-regularized recursive total least squares based sparse system identification for the error-in-variables.

PubMed

Lim, Jun-Seok; Pang, Hee-Suk

2016-01-01

In this paper an [Formula: see text]-regularized recursive total least squares (RTLS) algorithm is considered for the sparse system identification. Although recursive least squares (RLS) has been successfully applied in sparse system identification, the estimation performance in RLS based algorithms becomes worse, when both input and output are contaminated by noise (the error-in-variables problem). We proposed an algorithm to handle the error-in-variables problem. The proposed [Formula: see text]-RTLS algorithm is an RLS like iteration using the [Formula: see text] regularization. The proposed algorithm not only gives excellent performance but also reduces the required complexity through the effective inversion matrix handling. Simulations demonstrate the superiority of the proposed [Formula: see text]-regularized RTLS for the sparse system identification setting.

A novel highly sensitive, rapid and safe Rift Valley fever virus neutralization test.

PubMed

Wichgers Schreur, Paul J; Paweska, Janusz T; Kant, Jet; Kortekaas, Jeroen

2017-10-01

Antibodies specific for Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) can be detected by diverse methods, including ezyme-linked immunosortbent assay (ELISA) and virus neutralization test (VNT). The VNT is superior in sensitivity and specificity and is therefore considered the gold standard serological assay. Classical VNTs make use of virulent RVFV and therefore have to be performed in biosafety level 3 laboratories. Here, we report the development of a novel VNT that is based on an avirulent RVFV expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), which can be performed safely outside level 3 biocontainment facilities. Evaluation with a broad panel of experimental sera and field sera demonstrated that this novel VNT is faster and more sensitive than the classical VNT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Randomized clinical trial of encapsulated and hand-mixed glass-ionomer ART restorations: one-year follow-up.

PubMed

Freitas, Maria Cristina Carvalho de Almendra; Fagundes, Ticiane Cestari; Modena, Karin Cristina da Silva; Cardia, Guilherme Saintive; Navarro, Maria Fidela de Lima

2018-01-18

This prospective, randomized, split-mouth clinical trial evaluated the clinical performance of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC; Riva Self-Cure, SDI), supplied in capsules or in powder/liquid kits and placed in Class I cavities in permanent molars by the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach. A total of 80 restorations were randomly placed in 40 patients aged 11-15 years. Each patient received one restoration with each type of GIC. The restorations were evaluated after periods of 15 days (baseline), 6 months, and 1 year, according to ART criteria. Wilcoxon matched pairs, multivariate logistic regression, and Gehan-Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. Patients were evaluated after 15 days (n=40), 6 months (n=34), and 1 year (n=29). Encapsulated GICs showed significantly superior clinical performance compared with hand-mixed GICs at baseline (p=0.017), 6 months (p=0.001), and 1 year (p=0.026). For hand-mixed GIC, a statistically significant difference was only observed over the period of baseline to 1 year (p=0.001). Encapsulated GIC presented statistically significant differences for the following periods: 6 months to 1 year (p=0.028) and baseline to 1 year (p=0.002). Encapsulated GIC presented superior cumulative survival rate than hand-mixed GIC over one year. Importantly, both GICs exhibited decreased survival over time. Encapsulated GIC promoted better ART performance, with an annual failure rate of 24%; in contrast, hand-mixed GIC demonstrated a failure rate of 42%.

An Effective Electrodeposition Mode for Porous MnO₂/Ni Foam Composite for Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Tsai, Yi-Chiun; Yang, Wein-Duo; Lee, Kuan-Ching; Huang, Chao-Ming

2016-03-30

Three kinds of MnO₂/Ni foam composite electrode with hierarchical meso-macroporous structures were prepared using potentiodynamic (PD), potentiostatic (PS), and a combination of PS and PD(PS + PD) modes of electrodeposition. The electrodeposition mode markedly influenced the surface morphological, textural, and supercapacitive properties of the MnO₂/Ni electrodes. The supercapacitive performance of the MnO₂/Ni electrode obtained via PS + PD(PS + PD(MnO₂/Ni)) was found to be superior to those of MnO₂/Ni electrodes obtained via PD and PS, respectively. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor device, activated carbon (AC)/PS + PD(MnO₂/Ni), utilizing PS + PD(MnO₂/Ni) as a positive electrode and AC as a negative electrode, was fabricated. The device exhibited an energy density of 7.7 Wh·kg -1 at a power density of 600 W·kg -1 and superior cycling stability, retaining 98% of its initial capacity after 10,000 cycles. The good supercapacitive performance and excellent stability of the AC/PS + PD(MnO₂/Ni) device can be ascribed to its high surface area, hierarchical structure, and interconnected three-dimensional reticular configuration of the nickel metal support, which facilitates electrolyte ion intercalation and deintercalation at the electrode/electrolyte interface and mitigates volume change during repeated charge/discharge cycling. These results demonstrate the great potential of the combination of PS and PD modes for MnO₂ electrodeposition for the development of high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors.

Multimodal control of sensors on multiple simulated unmanned vehicles.

PubMed

Baber, C; Morin, C; Parekh, M; Cahillane, M; Houghton, R J

2011-09-01

The use of multimodal (speech plus manual) control of the sensors on combinations of one, two, three or five simulated unmanned vehicles (UVs) is explored. Novice controllers of simulated UVs complete a series of target checking tasks. Two experiments compare speech and gamepad control for one, two, three or five UVs in a simulated environment. Increasing the number of UVs has an impact on subjective rating of workload (measured by NASA-Task Load Index), particularly when moving from one to three UVs. Objective measures of performance showed that the participants tended to issue fewer commands as the number of vehicles increased (when using the gamepad control), but, while performance with a single UV was superior to that of multiple UVs, there was little difference across two, three or five UVs. Participants with low spatial ability (measured by the Object Perspectives Test) showed an increase in time to respond to warnings when controlling five UVs. Combining speech with gamepad control of sensors on UVs leads to superior performance on a secondary (respond-to-warnings) task (implying a reduction in demand) and use of fewer commands on primary (move-sensors and classify-target) tasks (implying more efficient operation). STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Benefits of multimodal control for unmanned vehicles are demonstrated. When controlling sensors on multiple UVs, participants with low spatial orientation scores have problems. It is proposed that the findings of these studies have implications for selection of UV operators and suggests that future UV workstations could benefit from multimodal control.

Spinous α-Fe2O3 hierarchical structures anchored on Ni foam for supercapacitor electrodes and visible light driven photocatalysts.

PubMed

Zheng, Xin; Han, Zhicheng; Yao, Shunyu; Xiao, Huanhao; Chai, Fang; Qu, Fengyu; Wu, Xiang

2016-04-28

Spinous α-Fe2O3 hierarchical structures grown on a Ni foam substrate have been successfully obtained by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The prepared products are functionalized as supercapacitor electrodes without adding any ancillary materials such as carbon black or binders. Their electrochemical properties show a high discharge areal capacitance (681 mF cm(-2) at 1 mA cm(-2)), good rate performance (495 mF cm(-2) at 5 mA cm(-2)) and long-term cycling stability (23.9% loss after 6000 repetitive cycles at 1 mA cm(-2)). Such excellent supercapacitive characteristics could be mainly attributed to their unique spatial structures which provide many active sites and enhance the combination between the electrode and Ni foam to support fast ion and electron transfer. In addition, the prepared α-Fe2O3 product is also used as a photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of several harmful organic dyes under visible light illumination. By comparing the photocatalytic performance towards Congo red dye with other photocatalysts, it was observed that the prepared spinous α-Fe2O3 hierarchical structure exhibited superior photocatalytic performance. Finally, photocatalytic recycle tests showed the superiority of the prepared α-Fe2O3 product. This demonstrates that spinous α-Fe2O3 structures could be promising candidate materials for high-capacity, low-cost supercapacitor electrodes and environmentally friendly photocatalysts.

Soccer athletes are superior to non-athletes at perceiving soccer-specific and non-sport specific human biological motion

PubMed Central

Romeas, Thomas; Faubert, Jocelyn

2015-01-01

Recent studies have shown that athletes’ domain specific perceptual-cognitive expertise can transfer to everyday tasks. Here we assessed the perceptual-cognitive expertise of athletes and non-athletes using sport specific and non-sport specific biological motion perception (BMP) tasks. Using a virtual environment, university-level soccer players and university students’ non-athletes were asked to perceive the direction of a point-light walker and to predict the trajectory of a masked-ball during a point-light soccer kick. Angles of presentation were varied for orientation (upright, inverted) and distance (2 m, 4 m, 16 m). Accuracy and reaction time were measured to assess observers’ performance. The results highlighted athletes’ superior ability compared to non-athletes to accurately predict the trajectory of a masked soccer ball presented at 2 m (reaction time), 4 m (accuracy and reaction time), and 16 m (accuracy) of distance. More interestingly, experts also displayed greater performance compared to non-athletes throughout the more fundamental and general point-light walker direction task presented at 2 m (reaction time), 4 m (accuracy and reaction time), and 16 m (reaction time) of distance. In addition, athletes showed a better performance throughout inverted conditions in the walker (reaction time) and soccer kick (accuracy and reaction time) tasks. This implies that during human BMP, athletes demonstrate an advantage for recognizing body kinematics that goes beyond sport specific actions. PMID:26388828

Emotion based attentional priority for storage in visual short-term memory.

PubMed

Simione, Luca; Calabrese, Lucia; Marucci, Francesco S; Belardinelli, Marta Olivetti; Raffone, Antonino; Maratos, Frances A

2014-01-01

A plethora of research demonstrates that the processing of emotional faces is prioritised over non-emotive stimuli when cognitive resources are limited (this is known as 'emotional superiority'). However, there is debate as to whether competition for processing resources results in emotional superiority per se, or more specifically, threat superiority. Therefore, to investigate prioritisation of emotional stimuli for storage in visual short-term memory (VSTM), we devised an original VSTM report procedure using schematic (angry, happy, neutral) faces in which processing competition was manipulated. In Experiment 1, display exposure time was manipulated to create competition between stimuli. Participants (n = 20) had to recall a probed stimulus from a set size of four under high (150 ms array exposure duration) and low (400 ms array exposure duration) perceptual processing competition. For the high competition condition (i.e. 150 ms exposure), results revealed an emotional superiority effect per se. In Experiment 2 (n = 20), we increased competition by manipulating set size (three versus five stimuli), whilst maintaining a constrained array exposure duration of 150 ms. Here, for the five-stimulus set size (i.e. maximal competition) only threat superiority emerged. These findings demonstrate attentional prioritisation for storage in VSTM for emotional faces. We argue that task demands modulated the availability of processing resources and consequently the relative magnitude of the emotional/threat superiority effect, with only threatening stimuli prioritised for storage in VSTM under more demanding processing conditions. Our results are discussed in light of models and theories of visual selection, and not only combine the two strands of research (i.e. visual selection and emotion), but highlight a critical factor in the processing of emotional stimuli is availability of processing resources, which is further constrained by task demands.

Development of the Likelihood of Low Glucose (LLG) algorithm for evaluating risk of hypoglycemia: a new approach for using continuous glucose data to guide therapeutic decision making.

PubMed

Dunn, Timothy C; Hayter, Gary A; Doniger, Ken J; Wolpert, Howard A

2014-07-01

The objective was to develop an analysis methodology for generating diabetes therapy decision guidance using continuous glucose (CG) data. The novel Likelihood of Low Glucose (LLG) methodology, which exploits the relationship between glucose median, glucose variability, and hypoglycemia risk, is mathematically based and can be implemented in computer software. Using JDRF Continuous Glucose Monitoring Clinical Trial data, CG values for all participants were divided into 4-week periods starting at the first available sensor reading. The safety and sensitivity performance regarding hypoglycemia guidance "stoplights" were compared between the LLG method and one based on 10th percentile (P10) values. Examining 13 932 hypoglycemia guidance outputs, the safety performance of the LLG method ranged from 0.5% to 5.4% incorrect "green" indicators, compared with 0.9% to 6.0% for P10 value of 110 mg/dL. Guidance with lower P10 values yielded higher rates of incorrect indicators, such as 11.7% to 38% at 80 mg/dL. When evaluated only for periods of higher glucose (median above 155 mg/dL), the safety performance of the LLG method was superior to the P10 method. Sensitivity performance of correct "red" indicators of the LLG method had an in sample rate of 88.3% and an out of sample rate of 59.6%, comparable with the P10 method up to about 80 mg/dL. To aid in therapeutic decision making, we developed an algorithm-supported report that graphically highlights low glucose risk and increased variability. When tested with clinical data, the proposed method demonstrated equivalent or superior safety and sensitivity performance. © 2014 Diabetes Technology Society.

Resting-state low-frequency fluctuations reflect individual differences in spoken language learning.

PubMed

Deng, Zhizhou; Chandrasekaran, Bharath; Wang, Suiping; Wong, Patrick C M

2016-03-01

A major challenge in language learning studies is to identify objective, pre-training predictors of success. Variation in the low-frequency fluctuations (LFFs) of spontaneous brain activity measured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) has been found to reflect individual differences in cognitive measures. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the extent to which initial spontaneous brain activity is related to individual differences in spoken language learning. We acquired RS-fMRI data and subsequently trained participants on a sound-to-word learning paradigm in which they learned to use foreign pitch patterns (from Mandarin Chinese) to signal word meaning. We performed amplitude of spontaneous low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis, graph theory-based analysis, and independent component analysis (ICA) to identify functional components of the LFFs in the resting-state. First, we examined the ALFF as a regional measure and showed that regional ALFFs in the left superior temporal gyrus were positively correlated with learning performance, whereas ALFFs in the default mode network (DMN) regions were negatively correlated with learning performance. Furthermore, the graph theory-based analysis indicated that the degree and local efficiency of the left superior temporal gyrus were positively correlated with learning performance. Finally, the default mode network and several task-positive resting-state networks (RSNs) were identified via the ICA. The "competition" (i.e., negative correlation) between the DMN and the dorsal attention network was negatively correlated with learning performance. Our results demonstrate that a) spontaneous brain activity can predict future language learning outcome without prior hypotheses (e.g., selection of regions of interest--ROIs) and b) both regional dynamics and network-level interactions in the resting brain can account for individual differences in future spoken language learning success. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Resting-state low-frequency fluctuations reflect individual differences in spoken language learning

PubMed Central

Deng, Zhizhou; Chandrasekaran, Bharath; Wang, Suiping; Wong, Patrick C.M.

2016-01-01

A major challenge in language learning studies is to identify objective, pre-training predictors of success. Variation in the low-frequency fluctuations (LFFs) of spontaneous brain activity measured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) has been found to reflect individual differences in cognitive measures. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the extent to which initial spontaneous brain activity is related to individual differences in spoken language learning. We acquired RS-fMRI data and subsequently trained participants on a sound-to-word learning paradigm in which they learned to use foreign pitch patterns (from Mandarin Chinese) to signal word meaning. We performed amplitude of spontaneous low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis, graph theory-based analysis, and independent component analysis (ICA) to identify functional components of the LFFs in the resting-state. First, we examined the ALFF as a regional measure and showed that regional ALFFs in the left superior temporal gyrus were positively correlated with learning performance, whereas ALFFs in the default mode network (DMN) regions were negatively correlated with learning performance. Furthermore, the graph theory-based analysis indicated that the degree and local efficiency of the left superior temporal gyrus were positively correlated with learning performance. Finally, the default mode network and several task-positive resting-state networks (RSNs) were identified via the ICA. The “competition” (i.e., negative correlation) between the DMN and the dorsal attention network was negatively correlated with learning performance. Our results demonstrate that a) spontaneous brain activity can predict future language learning outcome without prior hypotheses (e.g., selection of regions of interest – ROIs) and b) both regional dynamics and network-level interactions in the resting brain can account for individual differences in future spoken language learning success. PMID:26866283

Performance and Characterization of a Modular Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector System for Space-to-Earth Optical Communications Links

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vyhnalek, Brian E.; Tedder, Sarah A.; Nappier, Jennifer M.

2018-01-01

Space-to-ground photon-counting optical communication links supporting high data rates over large distances require enhanced ground receiver sensitivity in order to reduce the mass and power burden on the spacecraft transmitter. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have been demonstrated to offer superior performance in detection efficiency, timing resolution, and count rates over semiconductor photodetectors, and are a suitable technology for high photon efficiency links. Recently photon detectors based on superconducting nanowires have become commercially available, and we have assessed the characteristics and performance of one such commercial system as a candidate for potential utilization in ground receiver designs. The SNSPD system features independent channels which can be added modularly, and we analyze the scalability of the system to support different data rates, as well as consider coupling concepts and issues as the number of channels increases.

Identifying Wrist Fracture Patients with High Accuracy by Automatic Categorization of X-ray Reports

PubMed Central

de Bruijn, Berry; Cranney, Ann; O’Donnell, Siobhan; Martin, Joel D.; Forster, Alan J.

2006-01-01

The authors performed this study to determine the accuracy of several text classification methods to categorize wrist x-ray reports. We randomly sampled 751 textual wrist x-ray reports. Two expert reviewers rated the presence (n = 301) or absence (n = 450) of an acute fracture of wrist. We developed two information retrieval (IR) text classification methods and a machine learning method using a support vector machine (TC-1). In cross-validation on the derivation set (n = 493), TC-1 outperformed the two IR based methods and six benchmark classifiers, including Naive Bayes and a Neural Network. In the validation set (n = 258), TC-1 demonstrated consistent performance with 93.8% accuracy; 95.5% sensitivity; 92.9% specificity; and 87.5% positive predictive value. TC-1 was easy to implement and superior in performance to the other classification methods. PMID:16929046

Preparation of an amide group-connected graphene-polyaniline nanofiber hybrid and its application in supercapacitors.

PubMed

Jianhua, Liu; Junwei, An; Yecheng, Zhou; Yuxiao, Ma; Mengliu, Li; Mei, Yu; Songmei, Li

2012-06-27

Polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber is grafted onto graphene to obtain a novel graphene-polyaniline (GP) hybrid. Graphene is activated using SOCl2 and reacts with PANI to form an amide group that intimately connects graphene and PANI. The existence of the amide group and its anchoring effect in the GP hybrid are confirmed and characterized by SEM, TEM, FT-IR, Raman, XPS and quantum chemistry analyses. Electrochemical tests reveal that the GP hybrid has high capacitance performances of 579.8 and 361.9 F g(-1) at current densities of 0.3 and 1 A g(-1). These values indicate superiority to materials interacted by van der Waals force. Long-term charge/discharge tests at high current densities show that the GP hybrid preserves 96% of its initial capacitance, demonstrating good electrochemical stability. The improved electrochemical performance suggests promising application of the GP hybrid in high-performance supercapacitors.

Inner speech impairments in autism.

PubMed

Whitehouse, Andrew J O; Maybery, Murray T; Durkin, Kevin

2006-08-01

Three experiments investigated the role of inner speech deficit in cognitive performances of children with autism. Experiment 1 compared children with autism with ability-matched controls on a verbal recall task presenting pictures and words. Experiment 2 used pictures for which the typical names were either single syllable or multisyllable. Two encoding conditions manipulated the use of verbal encoding. Experiment 3 employed a task-switching paradigm for which performance has been shown to be contingent upon inner speech. In Experiment 1, children with autism demonstrated a lower picture-superiority effect compared to controls. In Experiment 2, the children with autism showed a lower word-length effect when pictures were presented alone, but a more substantial word-length effect in a condition requiring overt labelling. In Experiment 3, articulatory suppression affected the task-switching performance of the control participants only. Individuals with autism have limitations in their use of inner speech.

An optimization-based integrated controls-structures design methodology for flexible space structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maghami, Peiman G.; Joshi, Suresh M.; Armstrong, Ernest S.

1993-01-01

An approach for an optimization-based integrated controls-structures design is presented for a class of flexible spacecraft that require fine attitude pointing and vibration suppression. The integrated design problem is posed in the form of simultaneous optimization of both structural and control design variables. The approach is demonstrated by application to the integrated design of a generic space platform and to a model of a ground-based flexible structure. The numerical results obtained indicate that the integrated design approach can yield spacecraft designs that have substantially superior performance over a conventional design wherein the structural and control designs are performed sequentially. For example, a 40-percent reduction in the pointing error is observed along with a slight reduction in mass, or an almost twofold increase in the controlled performance is indicated with more than a 5-percent reduction in the overall mass of the spacecraft (a reduction of hundreds of kilograms).

Understanding and removing surface states limiting charge transport in TiO2 nanowire arrays for enhanced optoelectronic device performance.

PubMed

Sheng, Xia; Chen, Liping; Xu, Tao; Zhu, Kai; Feng, Xinjian

2016-03-01

Charge transport within electrode materials plays a key role in determining the optoelectronic device performance. Aligned single-crystal TiO 2 nanowire arrays offer an ideal electron transport path and are expected to have higher electron mobility. Unfortunately, their transport is found not to be superior to that in nanoparticle films. Here we show that the low electron transport in rutile TiO 2 nanowires is mainly caused by surface traps in relatively deep energy levels, which cannot be removed by conventional approaches, such as oxygen annealing treatment. Moreover, we demonstrate an effective wet-chemistry approach to minimize these trap states, leading to over 20-fold enhancement in electron diffusion coefficient and 62% improvement in solar cell performance. On the basis of our results, the potential of TiO 2 NWs can be developed and well-utilized, which is significantly important for their practical applications.

High Performance Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Rechargeable Batteries: A Self-Catalyzed Strategy toward Facile Synthesis.

PubMed

Cui, Yanyan; Liang, Xinmiao; Chai, Jingchao; Cui, Zili; Wang, Qinglei; He, Weisheng; Liu, Xiaochen; Liu, Zhihong; Cui, Guanglei; Feng, Jiwen

2017-11-01

It is urgent to seek high performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) via a facile chemistry and simple process. The lithium salts are composed of complex anions that are stabilized by a Lewis acid agent. This Lewis acid can initiate the ring opening polymerization. Herein, a self-catalyzed strategy toward facile synthesis of crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether-based solid polymer electrolyte (C-PEGDE) is presented. It is manifested that the poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether-based solid polymer electrolyte possesses a superior electrochemical stability window up to 4.5 V versus Li/Li + and considerable ionic conductivity of 8.9 × 10 -5 S cm -1 at ambient temperature. Moreover, the LiFePO 4 /C-PEGDE/Li batteries deliver stable charge/discharge profiles and considerable rate capability. It is demonstrated that this self-catalyzed strategy can be a very effective approach for high performance solid polymer electrolytes.

The Role of Electrolyte Upon the SEI Formation Characteristics and Low Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Cells With Graphite Anodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smart, M. C.; Ratnakumar, B. V.; Greenbaum, S.; Surampudi, S.

2000-01-01

Quarternary lithium-ion battery electrolyte solutions containing ester co-solvents in mixtures of carbonates have been demonstrated to have high conductivity at low temperatures (< -20C). However, in some cases the presence of such co-solvents does not directly translate into improved low temperature cell performance, presumably due to the formation of ionically resistive surface films on carbonaceous anodes. In order to understand this behavior, a number of lithium-graphite cells have been studied containing electrolytes with various ester co-solvents, including methyl acetate (MA), ethyl acetate (EA), ethyl propionate (EP), and ethyl butyrate (EB). The charge/discharge characterization of these cells indicates that the higher molecular weight esters result in electrolytes which possess superior low temperature performance in contrast to the lower molecular weight ester-containing solutions, even though these solutions display lower conductivity values.

Cultural differences in visual attention: Implications for distraction processing.

PubMed

Amer, Tarek; Ngo, K W Joan; Hasher, Lynn

2017-05-01

We investigated differences between participants of East Asian and Western descent in attention to and implicit memory for irrelevant words which participants were instructed to ignore while completing a target task (a Stroop Task in Experiment 1 and a 1-back task on pictures in Experiment 2). Implicit memory was measured using two conceptual priming tasks (category generation in Experiment 1 and general knowledge in Experiment 2). Participants of East Asian descent showed reliable implicit memory for previous distractors relative to those of Western descent with no evidence of differences on target task performance. We also found differences in a Corsi Block spatial memory task in both studies, with superior performance by the East Asian group. Our findings suggest that cultural differences in attention extend to task-irrelevant background information, and demonstrate for the first time that such information can boost performance when it becomes relevant on a subsequent task. © 2016 The British Psychological Society.

Dual mini-fragment plating for midshaft clavicle fractures: a clinical and biomechanical investigation.

PubMed

Prasarn, Mark L; Meyers, Kathleen N; Wilkin, Geoffrey; Wellman, David S; Chan, Daniel B; Ahn, Jaimo; Lorich, Dean G; Helfet, David L

2015-12-01

We sought to evaluate clinical and biomechanical outcomes of dual mini-fragment plate fixation for clavicle fractures. We hypothesized that this technique would produce an anatomical reduction with good clinical outcomes, be well tolerated by patients, and demonstrate equivalent biomechanics to single plating. Dual mini-fragment plating was performed for 17 isolated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Functional outcomes and complications were retrospectively reviewed. A sawbones model compared dual plating biomechanics to a (1) superior 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate, or (2) antero-inferior 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate. On biomechanical testing, with anterior loading, dual plating was significantly more rigid than single locked anterior-plating (p = 0.02) but less rigid than single locked superior-plating (p = 0.001). With superior loading, dual plating trended toward higher rigidity versus single locked superior-plating (p = 0.07) but was less rigid than single locked anterior-plating (p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in axial loading (p = 0.27) or torsion (p = 0.23) were detected. Average patient follow-up was 16.1 months (12-38). Anatomic reduction was achieved and maintained through final healing (average 14.7 weeks). No patient underwent hardware removal. Average 1-year DASH score was 4.0 (completed in 88 %). Displaced midshaft clavicle fractures can be effectively managed with dual mini-fragment plating. This technique results in high union rates and excellent clinical outcomes. Compared to single plating, dual plating is biomechanically equivalent in axial loading and torsion, yet offers better multi-planar bending stiffness despite the use of smaller plates. This technique may decrease the need for secondary surgery due to implant prominence and may aid in fracture reduction by buttressing butterfly fragments in two planes.

iPads in Breast Imaging – A Phantom Study

PubMed Central

Hammon, M.; Schlechtweg, P. M.; Schulz-Wendtland, R.; Uder, M.; Schwab, S. A.

2014-01-01

Introduction: Modern tablet PCs as the iPad are becoming more and more integrated into medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the display quality of iPads regarding digital mammography. Materials and Methods: Three experienced readers compared the display quality of the iPad 2 and 3 with a dedicated 10 megapixel (MP) mammography liquid crystal display (LCD) screen in consensus using the standardized Contrast Detail Mammography (CDMAM) phantom. Phantom fields without agreement between the readers were classified as “uncertain”, correct 2 : 1 decisions were classified as “uncertain/readable”. In a second step display quality of the three reading devices was judged subjectively in a side by side comparison. Results: The 10 MP screen was superior to both iPads in 4 (phantom-)fields and inferior in 2 fields. Comparing the iPads, version 3 was superior in 4 fields and version 2 was superior in 1 field. However these differences were not significant. Total number of “uncertain” fields did not show significant differences. The number of “uncertain” fields was 15 with the 10 MP screen, 16 with the iPad 2 and 17 with the iPad 3 (p > 0.05), the number of “uncertain/readable” fields was 4, 7 and 8, respectively. Subjective image quality of the iPad 3 and the 10 MP screen was rated superior to the iPad 2. Conclusion: The evaluated iPads, especially in version 3, seem to be adequate to display mammograms in a diagnostic quality and thus could be useful e.g. for patient consultation, clinical demonstration or educational and teaching purposes. However primary mammogram reading should still be performed on dedicated large sized reading screens. PMID:24741126

Midshaft Fractures of the Clavicle: A Meta-analysis Comparing Surgical Fixation Using Anteroinferior Plating Versus Superior Plating.

PubMed

Nourian, Alex; Dhaliwal, Satvinder; Vangala, Sitaram; Vezeridis, Peter S

2017-09-01

To compare the outcomes of clavicle fracture fixation using anteroinferior versus superior plate placement. We performed a meta-analysis of studies that have reported on outcomes after superior or anteroinferior plate fixation for acute midshaft clavicle fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association 15-B). A computerized literature search in the Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was used to identify relevant articles. Only full text articles without language restrictions were evaluated. The inclusion criteria consisted of: (1) fracture of the midshaft clavicle; (2) surgery for acute fractures (within 1 month of the fracture); (3) adult patients (16 years of age and older); and (4) open reduction and internal fixation with plate application in either the anteroinferior or superior position. Studies were excluded if they did not specify plate location, evaluated multitrauma patients, investigated minimally invasive procedures, or studied operations for revision, nonunion, malunion, or infection. The primary measured outcomes were symptomatic hardware (implant prominence or irritation) and surgery for implant removal. The secondary outcomes were time to union, fracture union, nonunion, malunion, Disabilies of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, Constant score, and implant failure. Frequencies and proportions of cases were recorded for binary outcomes, whereas mean and standard deviations were recorded for continuous outcomes. Other summary statistics provided were used to impute mean and standard deviations under the assumption of normality when these were not reported. Continuous outcomes were compared between groups using linear mixed effects models, whereas binary outcomes were compared using mixed effects logistic regression models, including fixed group effects and random study effects. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. All analyses were performed using SAS v. 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC). A total of 1428 articles were identified among the 3 databases, of which 897 remained after removing duplicates. From that pool, 57 relevant studies were evaluated. Articles were excluded because of an inability to specify plate location (6), a subject pool not exclusively consisting of acute fractures (4) or midshaft fractures (2), a minimally invasive surgical approach (6), use of nonstandard plates (1), poor reporting of functional outcomes (2), and a duplicate group of patients (2). This left 34 articles to be used in the meta-analysis. Of these, 8 studies reported on patients with anteroinferior plating (N = 390) and 27 studies reported on patients with superior plating (N = 1104). No significant differences were found with respect to the functional shoulder scores (Disabilies of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Constant) between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between each group for the probability of having a union (P = 0.41), malunion (P = 0.28), nonunion (0.29), or implant failure (P = 0.39). Patients in the superior plating group had a significantly higher probability of suffering from symptomatic hardware (0.17) as compared to patients in the anteroinferior plating group (0.08), (P = 0.005). In addition, the superior plating group had a significantly higher rate of surgery for implant removal (0.11 vs. 0.05), (P = 0.008). The findings of this investigation demonstrate that plating along the superior and anteroinferior aspects of the clavicle lead to similar operative outcomes with respect to union, nonunion, malunion, and implant failure, as well as similar functional outcomes scores. Plates applied to the superior aspect of the clavicle are associated with higher rates of symptomatic hardware and more frequent implant removal. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Implementing a Parallel Image Edge Detection Algorithm Based on the Otsu-Canny Operator on the Hadoop Platform.

PubMed

Cao, Jianfang; Chen, Lichao; Wang, Min; Tian, Yun

2018-01-01

The Canny operator is widely used to detect edges in images. However, as the size of the image dataset increases, the edge detection performance of the Canny operator decreases and its runtime becomes excessive. To improve the runtime and edge detection performance of the Canny operator, in this paper, we propose a parallel design and implementation for an Otsu-optimized Canny operator using a MapReduce parallel programming model that runs on the Hadoop platform. The Otsu algorithm is used to optimize the Canny operator's dual threshold and improve the edge detection performance, while the MapReduce parallel programming model facilitates parallel processing for the Canny operator to solve the processing speed and communication cost problems that occur when the Canny edge detection algorithm is applied to big data. For the experiments, we constructed datasets of different scales from the Pascal VOC2012 image database. The proposed parallel Otsu-Canny edge detection algorithm performs better than other traditional edge detection algorithms. The parallel approach reduced the running time by approximately 67.2% on a Hadoop cluster architecture consisting of 5 nodes with a dataset of 60,000 images. Overall, our approach system speeds up the system by approximately 3.4 times when processing large-scale datasets, which demonstrates the obvious superiority of our method. The proposed algorithm in this study demonstrates both better edge detection performance and improved time performance.

Pixel-level plasmonic microcavity infrared photodetector

PubMed Central

Jing, You Liang; Li, Zhi Feng; Li, Qian; Chen, Xiao Shuang; Chen, Ping Ping; Wang, Han; Li, Meng Yao; Li, Ning; Lu, Wei

2016-01-01

Recently, plasmonics has been central to the manipulation of photons on the subwavelength scale, and superior infrared imagers have opened novel applications in many fields. Here, we demonstrate the first pixel-level plasmonic microcavity infrared photodetector with a single quantum well integrated between metal patches and a reflection layer. Greater than one order of magnitude enhancement of the peak responsivity has been observed. The significant improvement originates from the highly confined optical mode in the cavity, leading to a strong coupling between photons and the quantum well, resulting in the enhanced photo-electric conversion process. Such strong coupling from the localized surface plasmon mode inside the cavity is independent of incident angles, offering a unique solution to high-performance focal plane array devices. This demonstration paves the way for important infrared optoelectronic devices for sensing and imaging. PMID:27181111

A randomized trial comparing didactics, demonstration, and simulation for teaching teamwork to medical residents.

PubMed

Semler, Matthew W; Keriwala, Raj D; Clune, Jennifer K; Rice, Todd W; Pugh, Meredith E; Wheeler, Arthur P; Miller, Alison N; Banerjee, Arna; Terhune, Kyla; Bastarache, Julie A

2015-04-01

Effective teamwork is fundamental to the management of medical emergencies, and yet the best method to teach teamwork skills to trainees remains unknown. In a cohort of incoming internal medicine interns, we tested the hypothesis that expert demonstration of teamwork principles and participation in high-fidelity simulation would each result in objectively assessed teamwork behavior superior to traditional didactics. This was a randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial comparing three teamwork teaching modalities for incoming internal medicine interns. Participants in a single-day orientation at the Vanderbilt University Center for Experiential Learning and Assessment were randomized 1:1:1 to didactic, demonstration-based, or simulation-based instruction and then evaluated in their management of a simulated crisis by five independent, blinded observers using the Teamwork Behavioral Rater score. Clinical performance was assessed using the American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support algorithm and a novel "Recognize, Respond, Reassess" score. Participants randomized to didactics (n = 18), demonstration (n = 17), and simulation (n = 17) were similar at baseline. The primary outcome of average overall Teamwork Behavioral Rater score for those who received demonstration-based training was similar to simulation participation (4.40 ± 1.15 vs. 4.10 ± 0.95, P = 0.917) and significantly higher than didactic instruction (4.40 ± 1.15 vs. 3.10 ± 0.51, P = 0.045). Clinical performance scores were similar between the three groups and correlated only weakly with teamwork behavior (coefficient of determination [Rs(2)] = 0.267, P < 0.001). Among incoming internal medicine interns, teamwork training by expert demonstration resulted in similar teamwork behavior to participation in high-fidelity simulation and was more effective than traditional didactics. Clinical performance was largely independent of teamwork behavior and did not differ between training modalities.

Combined operative technique with anterior surgical approach and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lobectomy for anterior superior sulcus tumours.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Yuhei; Chen, Fengshi; Aoyama, Akihiro; Sato, Toshihiko; Date, Hiroshi

2014-11-01

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been widely used, but surgical resections of superior sulcus tumours remain challenging because of their anatomical location. For such cases, less-invasive procedures, such as the anterior transcervical-thoracic and transmanubrial approaches, have been widely performed because of their excellent visualization of the subclavian vessels. Recently, a combined operative technique with an anterior surgical approach and VATS for anterior superior sulcus tumours has been introduced. Herein, we report three cases of anterior superior sulcus tumours successfully resected by surgical approaches combined with a VATS-based lobectomy. In all cases, operability was confirmed by VATS, and upper lobectomies with hilar and mediastinal lymph node dissections were performed. Subsequently, dissections of the anterior inlet of the tumours were performed using the transmanubrial approach in two patients and the anterior trans-cervical-thoracic approach in one patient. Both approaches provided excellent access to the anterior inlet of the tumour and exposure of the subclavian vessels, resulting in radical resection of the tumour with concomitant resection of the surrounding anatomical structures, including the chest wall and vessels. In conclusion, VATS lobectomy combined with the anterior surgical approach might be an excellent procedure for the resection of anterior superior sulcus tumours. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Secondary visual workload capability with primary visual and kinesthetic-tactual displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilson, R. D.; Burke, M. W.; Jagacinski, R. J.

1978-01-01

Subjects performed a cross-adaptive tracking task with a visual secondary display and either a visual or a quickened kinesthetic-tactual (K-T) primary display. The quickened K-T display resulted in superior secondary task performance. Comparisons of secondary workload capability with integrated and separated visual displays indicated that the superiority of the quickened K-T display was not simply due to the elimination of visual scanning. When subjects did not have to perform a secondary task, there was no significant difference between visual and quickened K-T displays in performing a critical tracking task.

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis associated with cosmetic soft contact lens wear.

PubMed

Fuerst, D J; Sugar, J; Worobec, S

1983-08-01

Thirteen patients who wore soft contact lenses were seen with a syndrome consistent with superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. An irregular epithelial surface, punctate staining with fluorescein, and subepithelial infiltrates were found on the superior aspect of the corneas in association with hyperemia of the superior bulbar conjunctivae. The keratoconjunctivitis persisted as long as 15 months after discontinuation of lens wear. Patch testing with ophthalmic vehicle preservatives, performed on seven patients, failed to show a consistent hypersensitivity to any of the tested compounds, and three patients had used only preservative-free saline for lens care. The etiology of this syndrome is unknown.

Determination of dissolved oxygen in the cryosphere: a comprehensive laboratory and field evaluation of fiber optic sensors.

PubMed

Bagshaw, E A; Wadham, J L; Mowlem, M; Tranter, M; Eveness, J; Fountain, A G; Telling, J

2011-01-15

Recent advances in the Cryospheric Sciences have shown that icy environments are host to consortia of microbial communities, whose function and dynamics are often controlled by the concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) in solution. To date, only limited spot determinations of DO have been possible in these environments. They reveal the potential for rates of change that exceed realistic manual sampling rates, highlighting the need to explore methods for the continuous measurement of DO concentrations. We report the first comprehensive field and laboratory performance tests of fiber-optic sensors (PreSens, Regensburg, Germany) for measuring DO in icy ecosystems. A series of laboratory tests performed at low and standard temperatures (-5 to 20 °C) demonstrates high precision (0.3% at 50 μmol/kg and 1.3% at 300 μmol/kg), rapid response times (<20 s), and minimal drift (<0.4%). Survival of freeze thaw was problematic, unless the sensor film was mechanically fixed to the fiber and protected by a stainless steel sheath. Results of two field deployments of sensors to the Swiss Alps and Antarctica largely demonstrate a performance consistent with laboratory tests and superior to traditional methods.

Assessment of the performance of a compact concentric spectrometer system for Atmospheric Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whyte, C.; Leigh, R. J.; Lobb, D.; Williams, T.; Remedios, J. J.; Cutter, M.; Monks, P. S.

2009-12-01

A breadboard demonstrator of a novel UV/VIS grating spectrometer has been developed based upon a concentric arrangement of a spherical meniscus lens, concave spherical mirror and curved diffraction grating suitable for a range of atmospheric remote sensing applications from the ground or space. The spectrometer is compact and provides high optical efficiency and performance benefits over traditional instruments. The concentric design is capable of handling high relative apertures, owing to spherical aberration and comma being near zero at all surfaces. The design also provides correction for transverse chromatic aberration and distortion, in addition to correcting for the distortion called "smile", the curvature of the slit image formed at each wavelength. These properties render this design capable of superior spectral and spatial performance with size and weight budgets significantly lower than standard configurations. This form of spectrometer design offers the potential for exceptionally compact instrument for differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) applications from LEO, GEO, HAP or ground-based platforms. The breadboard demonstrator has been shown to offer high throughput and a stable Gaussian line shape with a spectral range from 300 to 450 nm at 0.5 nm resolution, suitable for a number of typical DOAS applications.

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals

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

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstratemore » a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm 2 with 60°C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. In conclusion, the highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications.« less

Design and Test Research on Cutting Blade of Corn Harvester Based on Bionic Principle.

PubMed

Tian, Kunpeng; Li, Xianwang; Zhang, Bin; Chen, Qiaomin; Shen, Cheng; Huang, Jicheng

2017-01-01

Existing corn harvester cutting blades have problems associated with large cutting resistance, high energy consumption, and poor cut quality. Using bionics principles, a bionic blade was designed by extracting the cutting tooth profile curve of the B. horsfieldi palate. Using a double-blade cutting device testing system, a single stalk cutting performance contrast test for corn stalks obtained at harvest time was carried out. Results show that bionic blades have superior performance, demonstrated by strong cutting ability and good cut quality. Using statistical analysis of two groups of cutting test data, the average cutting force and cutting energy of bionic blades and ordinary blades were obtained as 480.24 N and 551.31 N and 3.91 J and 4.38 J, respectively. Average maximum cutting force and cutting energy consumption for the bionic blade were reduced by 12.89% and 10.73%, respectively. Variance analysis showed that both blade types had a significant effect on maximum cutting energy and cutting energy required to cut a corn stalk. This demonstrates that bionic blades have better cutting force and energy consumption reduction performance than ordinary blades.

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals

DOE PAGES

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph; ...

2016-09-12

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstratemore » a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm 2 with 60°C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. In conclusion, the highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications.« less

The overarm-throwing pattern among U-14 ASA female softball players: a comparative study of gender, culture, and experience.

PubMed

Petranek, Laura Jones; Barton, Gina V

2011-06-01

A developmental description of overarm-throwing characteristics of U-14female ASA softballplayers is presented here. Comparisons were made between these athletes and teens of similar age in the United States (Runion, Roberton, & Langendorfe 2003) and in Germany (Ehl, Roberton, & Langendorfer, 2005). A majority of the softball players demonstrated the most advanced developmental levels for the backswing foot, humerus, and forearm components. Seventy percent (n = 26) demonstrated a Level 2 trunk, while 30% (n = 11) demonstrated a differentiated trunk, Level 3. The average throwing velocity was 62.58 ft/s (19.07 m/s). Comparisons were made to girls with less throwing experience in the United States (Runion et al.) and Germany (Ehl et al.); the softball players threw with greater velocity (9.12ft/s [2.77 m/s]and 15.89 ft/s [4.84 m/s], respectively) and demonstrated superior trunk, humerus, and forearm actions. The boys from both countries threw the ball faster than the softball players. Significant chi-square analyses found the softball players had superior humeral actions (Level 3) compared to the German boys and superior forearm actions (Level 3) compared to both groups of bays. Experience seems to have an impact when comparisons among girls are made; yet, explanations for differences seen between boys and girls still remain unclear and warrant further research.

Onyx removal after embolization of a superior sagittal sinus dural arteriovenous fistula involving scalp artery

PubMed Central

Watanabe, Jun; Maruya, Jun; Nishimaki, Keiichi; Ito, Yasushi

2016-01-01

Background: Most dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in superior sagittal sinus (SSS) requires multimodal treatment. Onyx embolization is useful for DAVF; however, scalp artery embolization has cast extrusion risk. Case Description: A 59-year-old male presented with involuntary movements of both legs and progressive dementia. Cerebral angiography demonstrated the DAVF in the SSS fed by bilateral superficial temporal, occipital, and middle meningeal arteries. The posterior SSS was thrombosed, and the main drainers were cortical veins. Combined treatment with transarterial embolization using Onyx and transvenous embolization using coils was performed. Although symptoms were improved, a small DAVF remained. Two months later, Onyx cast extrusion through the scalp was observed, requiring removal and debridement because of infection at the extrusion sites. Surgery for the residual DAVF would be difficult because of scalp condition; therefore, an additional endovascular treatment was conducted, completely occluding DAVF. Conclusion: Onyx embolization is useful for DAVF; however, scalp artery embolization has cast extrusion risk. Therefore, scalp infection should be considered because it may preclude additional surgical procedures. PMID:27313969

CW-SSIM kernel based random forest for image classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Guangzhe; Wang, Zhou; Wang, Jiheng

2010-07-01

Complex wavelet structural similarity (CW-SSIM) index has been proposed as a powerful image similarity metric that is robust to translation, scaling and rotation of images, but how to employ it in image classification applications has not been deeply investigated. In this paper, we incorporate CW-SSIM as a kernel function into a random forest learning algorithm. This leads to a novel image classification approach that does not require a feature extraction or dimension reduction stage at the front end. We use hand-written digit recognition as an example to demonstrate our algorithm. We compare the performance of the proposed approach with random forest learning based on other kernels, including the widely adopted Gaussian and the inner product kernels. Empirical evidences show that the proposed method is superior in its classification power. We also compared our proposed approach with the direct random forest method without kernel and the popular kernel-learning method support vector machine. Our test results based on both simulated and realworld data suggest that the proposed approach works superior to traditional methods without the feature selection procedure.

Tribological characterisation of Zr-based bulk metallic glass in simulated physiological media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Q.; Chan, K. C.; Liu, L.

2011-10-01

Due to their excellent wear resistant properties and high strength, as well as a low Young's modulus, Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are potentially suitable biomaterials for low-friction arthroplasty. The wear characteristics of the Zr60.14Cu22.31Fe4.85Al9.7Ag3 bulk amorphous alloy against ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) compared to a CoCrMo/UHMWPE combination were investigated in two different wear screening test devices, reciprocating and unidirectional. Hank's solution and sterile calf bovine serum were selected as the lubricant fluid media. It was found that different fluid media had insignificant effect on polyethylene wear against BMG counterfaces. The wear behaviour obtained on both test devices demonstrated that Zr-based BMG achieved UHMWPE counterface wear rates superior to conventional cast CoCrMo alloy, where the wear rate of UHMWPE is decreased by over 20 times. The tribological performance of these joints is superior to that of conventional metal-on-polymer designs. Contact angle measurements suggested that the advantage of BMG over a CoCrMo alloy counterface is attributed to its highly hydrophilic surfaces.

Cell attachment functionality of bioactive conducting polymers for neural interfaces.

PubMed

Green, Rylie A; Lovell, Nigel H; Poole-Warren, Laura A

2009-08-01

Bioactive coatings for neural electrodes that are tailored for cell interactions have the potential to produce superior implants with improved charge transfer capabilities. In this study synthetically produced anionically modified laminin peptides DEDEDYFQRYLI and DCDPGYIGSR were used to dope poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) electrodeposited on platinum (Pt) electrodes. Performance of peptide doped films was compared to conventional polymer PEDOT/paratoluene sulfonate (pTS) films using SEM, XPS, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, mechanical hardness and adherence. Bioactivity of incorporated peptides and their affect on cell growth was assessed using a PC12 neurite outgrowth assay. It was demonstrated that large peptide dopants produced softer PEDOT films with a minimal decrease in electrochemical stability, compared to the conventional dopant, pTS. Cell studies revealed that the YFQRYLI ligand retained neurite outgrowth bioactivity when DEDEDYFQRYLI was used as a dopant, but the effect was strongly dependant on initial cell attachment. Alternate peptide dopant, DCDPGYIGSR was found to impart superior cell attachment properties when compared to DEDEDYFQRYLI, but attachment on both peptide doped polymers could be enhanced by coating with whole native laminin.

VHF Ranging and Position Fixing Experiment Using ATS Satellites: Final Report on Phases 1 and 2, 25 November 1968 - 1 May 1971

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The testing program with the ATS-1 and ATS-3 spacecraft showed that geostationary satellites can provide superior communications and position surveillance for mobile craft. Inexpensive modifications to conventional mobile communications equipment aboard the craft can provide reliable, high quality voice and digital communications with distant ground stations and other vehicles, and automatic surveillance of the positions of all the craft by a ground facility. The tests also demonstrated the location and automatic readout of remote data collection platforms. Frequency modulation signals with the narrow audio and radio frequency bandwidths of terrestrial mobile radio communications were relayed through the VHF transponders of the geostationary satellites. The voice and digital communications were far superior in reliability and quality to long-distance mobile communications by other means. It was shown that one satellite can provide nearly uniform high quality performance over approximately one-third of the earth's surface. Position fixes by range measurement from the two satellites were accurate to approximately one nautical mile, except near the equator and the poles.

Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Enabled by Intramolecular Benzoin Reaction: Synthetic Applications and Mechanistic Insights.

PubMed

Zhang, Guoxiang; Yang, Shuang; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Lin, Qiqiao; Das, Deb K; Liu, Jian; Fang, Xinqiang

2016-06-29

The highly enantio-, diastereo-, and regioselective dynamic kinetic resolution of β-ketoesters and 1,3-diketones was achieved via a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed intramolecular cross-benzoin reaction. A variety of tetralone derivatives bearing two contiguous stereocenters and multiple functionalities were liberated in moderate to excellent yields and with high levels of stereoselectivity (>95% ee and >20:1 dr in most cases). In addition, the excellent regioselectivity control for aryl/alkyl 1,3-diketones, and the superior electronic differentiation of 1,3-diarylketones were highlighted. Moreover, a set of new mechanistic rationale that differs with the currently widely accepted understanding of intramolecular benzoin reactions was established to demonstrate the superior preference of benzoin over aldol transformation: (1) A coexistence of competitive aldol and benzoin reactions was detected, but a retro-aldol-irreversible benzoin process performs a vital role in the generation of predominant benzoin products. (2) The most essential role of an N-electron-withdrawing substituent in triazolium catalysts was revealed to be accelerating the rate of the benzoin transformation, rather than suppressing the aldol process through reducing the inherent basicity of the catalyst.

Comparison of optical projection tomography and optical coherence tomography for assessment of murine embryonic development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manmohan; Nair, Achuth; Vadakkan, Tegy; Piazza, Victor; Udan, Ryan; Frazier, Michael V.; Janecek, Trevor; Dickinson, Mary E.; Larin, Kirill V.

2015-03-01

The murine model is a common model for studying developmental diseases. In this study, we compare the performance of the relatively new method of Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) to the well-established technique of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess murine embryonic development at three stages, 9.5, 11.5, and 13.5 days post conception. While both methods can provide spatial resolution at the micrometer scale, OPT can provide superior imaging depth compared to OCT. However, OPT requires samples to be fixed, placed in an immobilization media such as agar, and cleared before imaging. Because OCT does not require fixing, it can be used to image embryos in vivo and in utero. In this study, we compare the efficacy of OPT and OCT for imaging murine embryonic development. The data demonstrate the superior capability of OPT for imaging fine structures with high resolution in optically-cleared embryos while only OCT can provide structural and functional imaging of live embryos ex vivo and in utero with micrometer scale resolution.

Planar junctionless phototransistor: A potential high-performance and low-cost device for optical-communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferhati, H.; Djeffal, F.

2017-12-01

In this paper, a new junctionless optical controlled field effect transistor (JL-OCFET) and its comprehensive theoretical model is proposed to achieve high optical performance and low cost fabrication process. Exhaustive study of the device characteristics and comparison between the proposed junctionless design and the conventional inversion mode structure (IM-OCFET) for similar dimensions are performed. Our investigation reveals that the proposed design exhibits an outstanding capability to be an alternative to the IM-OCFET due to the high performance and the weak signal detection benefit offered by this design. Moreover, the developed analytical expressions are exploited to formulate the objective functions to optimize the device performance using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) approach. The optimized JL-OCFET not only demonstrates good performance in terms of derived drain current and responsivity, but also exhibits superior signal to noise ratio, low power consumption, high-sensitivity, high ION/IOFF ratio and high-detectivity as compared to the conventional IM-OCFET counterpart. These characteristics make the optimized JL-OCFET potentially suitable for developing low cost and ultrasensitive photodetectors for high-performance and low cost inter-chips data communication applications.

Mental practice enhances surgical technical skills: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Arora, Sonal; Aggarwal, Rajesh; Sirimanna, Pramudith; Moran, Aidan; Grantcharov, Teodor; Kneebone, Roger; Sevdalis, Nick; Darzi, Ara

2011-02-01

To assess the effects of mental practice on surgical performance. Increasing concerns for patient safety have highlighted a need for alternative training strategies outside the operating room. Mental practice (MP), "the cognitive rehearsal of a task before performance," has been successful in sport and music to enhance skill. This study investigates whether MP enhances performance in laparoscopic surgery. After baseline skills testing, 20 novice surgeons underwent training on an evidence-based virtual reality curriculum. After randomization using the closed envelope technique, all participants performed 5 Virtual Reality (VR) laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC). Mental practice participants performed 30 minutes of MP before each LC; control participants viewed an online lecture. Technical performance was assessed using video Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-based global ratings scale (scored from 7 to 35). Mental imagery was assessed using a previously validated Mental Imagery Questionnaire. Eighteen participants completed the study. There were no intergroup differences in baseline technical ability. Learning curves were demonstrated for both MP and control groups. Mental practice was superior to control (global ratings) for the first LC (median 20 vs 15, P = 0.005), second LC (20.5 vs 13.5, P = 0.001), third LC (24 vs 15.5, P < 0.001), fourth LC (25.5 vs 15.5, P < 0.001) and the fifth LC (27.5 vs 19.5, P = 0.00). The imagery for the MP group was also significantly superior to the control group across all sessions (P < 0.05). Improved imagery significantly correlated with better quality of performance (ρ 0.51–0.62, Ps < 0.05). This is the first randomized controlled study to show that MP enhances the quality of performance based on VR laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This may be a time- and cost-effective strategy to augment traditional training in the OR thus potentially improving patient care.

High-performance solid state supercapacitors assembling graphene interconnected networks in porous silicon electrode by electrochemical methods using 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalen.

PubMed

Romanitan, Cosmin; Varasteanu, Pericle; Mihalache, Iuliana; Culita, Daniela; Somacescu, Simona; Pascu, Razvan; Tanasa, Eugenia; Eremia, Sandra A V; Boldeiu, Adina; Simion, Monica; Radoi, Antonio; Kusko, Mihaela

2018-06-25

The challenge for conformal modification of the ultra-high internal surface of nanoporous silicon was tackled by electrochemical polymerisation of 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene using cyclic voltammetry or potentiometry and, notably, after the thermal treatment (800 °C, N 2 , 4 h) an assembly of interconnected networks of graphene strongly adhering to nanoporous silicon matrix resulted. Herein we demonstrate the achievement of an easy scalable technology for solid state supercapacitors on silicon, with excellent electrochemical properties. Accordingly, our symmetric supercapacitors (SSC) showed remarkable performance characteristics, comparable to many of the best high-power and/or high-energy carbon-based supercapacitors, their figures of merit matching under battery-like supercapacitor behaviour. Furthermore, the devices displayed high specific capacity values along with enhanced capacity retention even at ultra-high rates for voltage sweep, 5 V/s, or discharge current density, 100 A/g, respectively. The cycling stability tests performed at relatively high discharge current density of 10 A/g indicated good capacity retention, with a superior performance demonstrated for the electrodes obtained under cyclic voltammetry approach, which may be ascribed on the one hand to a better coverage of the porous silicon substrate and, on the other hand, to an improved resilience of the hybrid electrode to pore clogging.

3D printed high performance strain sensors for high temperature applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Md Taibur; Moser, Russell; Zbib, Hussein M.; Ramana, C. V.; Panat, Rahul

2018-01-01

Realization of high temperature physical measurement sensors, which are needed in many of the current and emerging technologies, is challenging due to the degradation of their electrical stability by drift currents, material oxidation, thermal strain, and creep. In this paper, for the first time, we demonstrate that 3D printed sensors show a metamaterial-like behavior, resulting in superior performance such as high sensitivity, low thermal strain, and enhanced thermal stability. The sensors were fabricated using silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs), using an advanced Aerosol Jet based additive printing method followed by thermal sintering. The sensors were tested under cyclic strain up to a temperature of 500 °C and showed a gauge factor of 3.15 ± 0.086, which is about 57% higher than that of those available commercially. The sensor thermal strain was also an order of magnitude lower than that of commercial gages for operation up to a temperature of 500 °C. An analytical model was developed to account for the enhanced performance of such printed sensors based on enhanced lateral contraction of the NP films due to the porosity, a behavior akin to cellular metamaterials. The results demonstrate the potential of 3D printing technology as a pathway to realize highly stable and high-performance sensors for high temperature applications.

Feasibility of rotating fluidized bed reactor for rocket propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ludewig, H.; Manning, A. J.; Raseman, C. J.

1974-01-01

The rotating fluidized bed reactor concept is outlined, and its application to rocket propulsion is discussed. Experimental results obtained indicate that minimum fluidization correlations commonly in use for 1-g beds can also be applied to multiple-g beds. It was found that for a low thrust system (20,000 lbf) the fuel particle size and/or particle stress play a limiting role on performance. The superiority of U-233 as a fuel for this type of rocket engine is clearly demonstrated in the analysis. The maximum thrust/weight ratio for a 90,000N thrust engine was found to be approximately 65N/kg.

Advances in membrane technology for the NASA redox energy storage system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ling, J. S.; Charleston, J.

1980-01-01

Anion exchange membranes used in the system serve as a charge transferring medium as well as a reactant separator and are the key enabling component in this storage technology. Each membrane formulation undergoes a series of screening tests for area-resistivity, static (non-flow) diffusion rate determination, and performance in Redox systems. The CDIL series of membranes has, by virtue of its chemical stability and high ion exchange capacity, demonstrated superior properties in the redox environment. Additional resistivity results at several acid and iron solution concentrations, iron diffusion rates, and time dependent iron fouling of the various membrane formulations are presented in comparison to past standard formulations.

Strengthening moral reasoning through dedicated ethics training in dietetic preparatory programs.

PubMed

Hewko, Sarah J; Cooper, Sarah L; Cummings, Greta G

2015-01-01

Moral reasoning skills, associated with the ability to make ethical decisions effectively, must be purposively fostered. Among health professionals, enhanced moral reasoning is linked to superior clinical performance. Research demonstrates that moral reasoning is enhanced through dedicated, discussion-based ethics education offered over a period of 3-12 weeks. Current dietetic students and practicing dietitians seeking to strengthen their moral reasoning skills can undertake elective ethics education. Further research within dietetic preparatory programs is warranted to better inform the development and implementation of ethics courses. Copyright © 2015 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the investigation of the persistent postoperative bile leak.

PubMed

Kissin, C M; Grundy, A

1987-01-01

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTHC) is now a widely available, inexpensive investigation with a low incidence of complications, especially in the nonobstructed system, and a high success rate. Its role in the management of obstructive jaundice is well established but it is only infrequently performed in the investigation of persistent bile leakage following biliary tract surgery. Four cases are reported in which the superior demonstration of biliary anatomy provided by PTHC allowed successful identification of the site of postoperative biliary leakage. We compared PTHC with other diagnostic imaging techniques available and conclude that it is a safe, accurate, and reliable technique.

Synthesis of functional carbon nanospheres by a composite-molten-salt method and amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Wang, Xue; Hu, Chenguo; Xiong, Yufeng; Zhang, Cuiling

2013-02-01

Functional carbon nanospheres have been synthesized from analytically pure glucose by a composite-molten-salt (CMS) method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman and Fourier transformation infra-red spectroscopy indicate the carbon nanospheres are solid, bond hybridisation (sp2/sp3) and with many functional groups on their surfaces. Amperometric sensor based on the synthesized carbon nanospheres have been fabricated without pretreatment or modification. The detection of hydrogen peroxide exhibits high sensitivity and good selectivity. The electrochemical measurement of these nanospheres demonstrates much superior performance to those of the carbon nanospheres synthesized by hydrothermal method.

Methodologies for Root Locus and Loop Shaping Control Design with Comparisons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopasakis, George

2017-01-01

This paper describes some basics for the root locus controls design method as well as for loop shaping, and establishes approaches to expedite the application of these two design methodologies to easily obtain control designs that meet requirements with superior performance. The two design approaches are compared for their ability to meet control design specifications and for ease of application using control design examples. These approaches are also compared with traditional Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control in order to demonstrate the limitations of PID control. Robustness of these designs is covered as it pertains to these control methodologies and for the example problems.

Mobile satellite service in the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agnew, Carson E.; Bhagat, Jai; Hopper, Edwin A.; Kiesling, John D.; Exner, Michael L.; Melillo, Lawrence; Noreen, Gary K.; Parrott, Billy J.

1988-01-01

Mobile satellite service (MSS) has been under development in the United States for more than two decades. The service will soon be provided on a commercial basis by a consortium of eight U.S. companies called the American Mobile Satellite Consortium (AMSC). AMSC will build a three-satellite MSS system that will offer superior performance, reliability and cost effectiveness for organizations requiring mobile communications across the U.S. The development and operation of MSS in North America is being coordinated with Telesat Canada and Mexico. AMSC expects NASA to provide launch services in exchange for capacity on the first AMSC satellite for MSAT-X activities and for government demonstrations.

True logarithmic amplification of frequency clock in SS-OCT for calibration

PubMed Central

Liu, Bin; Azimi, Ehsan; Brezinski, Mark E.

2011-01-01

With swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), imprecise signal calibration prevents optimal imaging of biological tissues such as coronary artery. This work demonstrates an approach using a true logarithmic amplifier to precondition the clock signal, with the effort to minimize the noises and phase errors for optimal calibration. This method was validated and tested with a high-speed SS-OCT. The experimental results manifest its superior ability on optimization of the calibration and improvement of the imaging performance. Particularly, this hardware-based approach is suitable for real-time calibration in a high-speed system where computation time is constrained. PMID:21698036

Nonlinear energy harvesting.

PubMed

Cottone, F; Vocca, H; Gammaitoni, L

2009-02-27

Ambient energy harvesting has been in recent years the recurring object of a number of research efforts aimed at providing an autonomous solution to the powering of small-scale electronic mobile devices. Among the different solutions, vibration energy harvesting has played a major role due to the almost universal presence of mechanical vibrations. Here we propose a new method based on the exploitation of the dynamical features of stochastic nonlinear oscillators. Such a method is shown to outperform standard linear oscillators and to overcome some of the most severe limitations of present approaches. We demonstrate the superior performances of this method by applying it to piezoelectric energy harvesting from ambient vibration.

Flexible low-power RF nanoelectronics in the GHz regime using CVD MoS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yogeesh, Maruthi

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted substantial interest for flexible nanoelectronics due to the overall device mechanical flexibility and thickness scalability for high mechanical performance and low operating power. In this work, we demonstrate the first MoS2 RF transistors on flexible substrates based on CVD-grown monolayers, featuring record GHz cutoff frequency (5.6 GHz) and saturation velocity (~1.8×106 cm/s), which is significantly superior to contemporary organic and metal oxide thin-film transistors. Furthermore, multicycle three-point bending results demonstrated the electrical robustness of our flexible MoS2 transistors after 10,000 cycles of mechanical bending. Additionally, basic RF communication circuit blocks such as amplifier, mixer and wireless AM receiver have been demonstrated. These collective results indicate that MoS2 is an ideal advanced semiconducting material for low-power, RF devices for large-area flexible nanoelectronics and smart nanosystems owing to its unique combination of large bandgap, high saturation velocity and high mechanical strength.

A priori Prediction of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response and Survival in Breast Cancer Patients using Quantitative Ultrasound

PubMed Central

Tadayyon, Hadi; Sannachi, Lakshmanan; Gangeh, Mehrdad J.; Kim, Christina; Ghandi, Sonal; Trudeau, Maureen; Pritchard, Kathleen; Tran, William T.; Slodkowska, Elzbieta; Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Czarnota, Gregory J.

2017-01-01

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can probe tissue structure and analyze tumour characteristics. Using a 6-MHz ultrasound system, radiofrequency data were acquired from 56 locally advanced breast cancer patients prior to their neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and QUS texture features were computed from regions of interest in tumour cores and their margins as potential predictive and prognostic indicators. Breast tumour molecular features were also collected and used for analysis. A multiparametric QUS model was constructed, which demonstrated a response prediction accuracy of 88% and ability to predict patient 5-year survival rates (p = 0.01). QUS features demonstrated superior performance in comparison to molecular markers and the combination of QUS and molecular markers did not improve response prediction. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that non-invasive QUS features in the core and margin of breast tumours can indicate breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and predict five-year recurrence-free survival. PMID:28401902

A priori Prediction of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response and Survival in Breast Cancer Patients using Quantitative Ultrasound.

PubMed

Tadayyon, Hadi; Sannachi, Lakshmanan; Gangeh, Mehrdad J; Kim, Christina; Ghandi, Sonal; Trudeau, Maureen; Pritchard, Kathleen; Tran, William T; Slodkowska, Elzbieta; Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Czarnota, Gregory J

2017-04-12

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can probe tissue structure and analyze tumour characteristics. Using a 6-MHz ultrasound system, radiofrequency data were acquired from 56 locally advanced breast cancer patients prior to their neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and QUS texture features were computed from regions of interest in tumour cores and their margins as potential predictive and prognostic indicators. Breast tumour molecular features were also collected and used for analysis. A multiparametric QUS model was constructed, which demonstrated a response prediction accuracy of 88% and ability to predict patient 5-year survival rates (p = 0.01). QUS features demonstrated superior performance in comparison to molecular markers and the combination of QUS and molecular markers did not improve response prediction. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that non-invasive QUS features in the core and margin of breast tumours can indicate breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and predict five-year recurrence-free survival.

White Matter Microstructural Correlates of Superior Long-term Skill Gained Implicitly under Randomized Practice

PubMed Central

Song, Sunbin; Sharma, Nikhil; Buch, Ethan R.

2012-01-01

We value skills we have learned intentionally, but equally important are skills acquired incidentally without ability to describe how or what is learned, referred to as implicit. Randomized practice schedules are superior to grouped schedules for long-term skill gained intentionally, but its relevance for implicit learning is not known. In a parallel design, we studied healthy subjects who learned a motor sequence implicitly under randomized or grouped practice schedule and obtained diffusion-weighted images to identify white matter microstructural correlates of long-term skill. Randomized practice led to superior long-term skill compared with grouped practice. Whole-brain analyses relating interindividual variability in fractional anisotropy (FA) to long-term skill demonstrated that 1) skill in randomized learners correlated with FA within the corticostriatal tract connecting left sensorimotor cortex to posterior putamen, while 2) skill in grouped learners correlated with FA within the right forceps minor connecting homologous regions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the corticostriatal tract connecting lateral PFC to anterior putamen. These results demonstrate first that randomized practice schedules improve long-term implicit skill more than grouped practice schedules and, second, that the superior skill acquired through randomized practice can be related to white matter microstructure in the sensorimotor corticostriatal network. PMID:21914632

Fair lineups are better than biased lineups and showups, but not because they increase underlying discriminability.

PubMed

Smith, Andrew M; Wells, Gary L; Lindsay, R C L; Penrod, Steven D

2017-04-01

Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis has recently come in vogue for assessing the underlying discriminability and the applied utility of lineup procedures. Two primary assumptions underlie recommendations that ROC analysis be used to assess the applied utility of lineup procedures: (a) ROC analysis of lineups measures underlying discriminability, and (b) the procedure that produces superior underlying discriminability produces superior applied utility. These same assumptions underlie a recently derived diagnostic-feature detection theory, a theory of discriminability, intended to explain recent patterns observed in ROC comparisons of lineups. We demonstrate, however, that these assumptions are incorrect when ROC analysis is applied to lineups. We also demonstrate that a structural phenomenon of lineups, differential filler siphoning, and not the psychological phenomenon of diagnostic-feature detection, explains why lineups are superior to showups and why fair lineups are superior to biased lineups. In the process of our proofs, we show that computational simulations have assumed, unrealistically, that all witnesses share exactly the same decision criteria. When criterial variance is included in computational models, differential filler siphoning emerges. The result proves dissociation between ROC curves and underlying discriminability: Higher ROC curves for lineups than for showups and for fair than for biased lineups despite no increase in underlying discriminability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Anthropogenic climate change has altered primary productivity in Lake Superior

PubMed Central

O'Beirne, M. D.; Werne, J. P.; Hecky, R. E.; Johnson, T. C.; Katsev, S.; Reavie, E. D.

2017-01-01

Anthropogenic climate change has the potential to alter many facets of Earth's freshwater resources, especially lacustrine ecosystems. The effects of anthropogenic changes in Lake Superior, which is Earth's largest freshwater lake by area, are not well documented (spatially or temporally) and predicted future states in response to climate change vary. Here we show that Lake Superior experienced a slow, steady increase in production throughout the Holocene using (paleo)productivity proxies in lacustrine sediments to reconstruct past changes in primary production. Furthermore, data from the last century indicate a rapid increase in primary production, which we attribute to increasing surface water temperatures and longer seasonal stratification related to longer ice-free periods in Lake Superior due to anthropogenic climate warming. These observations demonstrate that anthropogenic effects have become a prominent influence on one of Earth's largest, most pristine lacustrine ecosystems. PMID:28598413

Anthropogenic climate change has altered primary productivity in Lake Superior.

PubMed

O'Beirne, M D; Werne, J P; Hecky, R E; Johnson, T C; Katsev, S; Reavie, E D

2017-06-09

Anthropogenic climate change has the potential to alter many facets of Earth's freshwater resources, especially lacustrine ecosystems. The effects of anthropogenic changes in Lake Superior, which is Earth's largest freshwater lake by area, are not well documented (spatially or temporally) and predicted future states in response to climate change vary. Here we show that Lake Superior experienced a slow, steady increase in production throughout the Holocene using (paleo)productivity proxies in lacustrine sediments to reconstruct past changes in primary production. Furthermore, data from the last century indicate a rapid increase in primary production, which we attribute to increasing surface water temperatures and longer seasonal stratification related to longer ice-free periods in Lake Superior due to anthropogenic climate warming. These observations demonstrate that anthropogenic effects have become a prominent influence on one of Earth's largest, most pristine lacustrine ecosystems.

A highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction: phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped hierarchically ordered porous carbon derived from an iron-functionalized polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Chengwei; Zhong, Hexiang; Li, Xianfeng; Yao, Lan; Zhang, Huamin

2016-01-01

Heteroatom-doped carbon materials have shown respectable activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. However, the performances of these materials are not satisfactory for energy conversion devices, such as fuel cells. Here, we demonstrate a new type of phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped hierarchically ordered porous carbon (PNHOPC) derived from an iron-functionalized mesoporous polymer through an evaporation-induced self-assembly process that simultaneously combines the carbonization and nitrogen doping processes. The soft template and the nitrogen doping process facilitate the formation of the hierarchically ordered structure for the PNHOPC. The catalyst possesses a large surface area (1118 cm2 g-1) and a pore volume of 1.14 cm3 g-1. Notably, it exhibits excellent ORR catalytic performance, superior stability and methanol tolerance in acidic electrolytes, thus making the catalyst promising for fuel cells. The correlations between the unique pore structure and the nitrogen and phosphorus configuration of the catalysts with high catalytic activity are thoroughly investigated.Heteroatom-doped carbon materials have shown respectable activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. However, the performances of these materials are not satisfactory for energy conversion devices, such as fuel cells. Here, we demonstrate a new type of phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped hierarchically ordered porous carbon (PNHOPC) derived from an iron-functionalized mesoporous polymer through an evaporation-induced self-assembly process that simultaneously combines the carbonization and nitrogen doping processes. The soft template and the nitrogen doping process facilitate the formation of the hierarchically ordered structure for the PNHOPC. The catalyst possesses a large surface area (1118 cm2 g-1) and a pore volume of 1.14 cm3 g-1. Notably, it exhibits excellent ORR catalytic performance, superior stability and methanol tolerance in acidic electrolytes, thus making the catalyst promising for fuel cells. The correlations between the unique pore structure and the nitrogen and phosphorus configuration of the catalysts with high catalytic activity are thoroughly investigated. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06749a

Avoiding superior tilt in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a review of the literature and technical recommendations.

PubMed

Laver, Lior; Garrigues, Grant E

2014-10-01

Superior tilt of the baseplate component in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty leads to tensile baseplate forces and may be a contributor to early loosening. The risk factors for this implant malposition include inadequate exposure through a superior approach and superior glenoid bone deficiency that obscures the native glenoid tilt. Here we review our preoperative evaluation and surgical management strategies to avoid superior tilt. Adequate exposure with a superior approach can be achieved but requires not just proper surgical technique but also careful patient selection. We propose that the superior approach be considered only for acute proximal humerus fractures or in patients when the following criteria are met: no prior open surgery on the shoulder; more than 30° of passive external rotation at 0° of abduction; no medial humeral osteophytes; and any superior migration must be reducible with a sulcus test during examination under anesthesia. Avoiding superior tilt when there is significant superior glenoid erosion can be accomplished with humeral head autograft, most easily performed through a deltopectoral approach. Preoperative templating is critical to determine proper graft thickness, inclination, reaming depth, and harvest technique. Copyright © 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Breaking the cycle: The effects of role model performance and ideal leadership self-concepts on abusive supervision spillover.

PubMed

Tu, Min-Hsuan; Bono, Joyce E; Shum, Cass; LaMontagne, Liva

2018-03-19

Building on identity theories and social learning theory, we test the notion that new leaders will model the abusive behaviors of their superiors only under certain conditions. Specifically, we hypothesize that new leaders will model abusive supervisory behaviors when (a) abusive superiors are perceived to be competent, based on the performance of their teams and (b) new leaders' ideal leadership self-concepts are high on tyranny or low on sensitivity. Results of an experiment in which we manipulated abusive supervisory behaviors using a professional actor, and created a role change where 93 individuals moved from team member to team leader role, generally support our hypotheses. We found the strongest association between abuse exposure and new leader abuse under conditions where the abusive superior's team performed well and the new team leaders' self-concepts showed low concern for others. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

New Schemes for Improved Opto-Electronic Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lute; Yao, Steve; Ji, Yu; Ilchenko, Vladimir

2000-01-01

The opto-Electronic Oscillator (OEO) has already demonstrated superior spectral purity as a for microwave and millimeter wave reference signals. Experimental results have produced a performance characterized by noise as low as -50 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz and -140 dBc/Hz for a 10 GHz oscillator. This performance is significant because it was produced by an oscillator that was free running. Since the noise in an OEO is independent of the oscillation frequency, the same performance may also be obtained at higher frequency. The recent work in our laboratory has been focused in three areas: 1) realization of a compact OEO based on semiconductor lasers and modulators, 2) reduction of the close-to-carrier noise of the OEO originating from the 1/f noise of the amplifier, and 3) miniaturization of the OEO. In this paper we report on progress made in these areas, and describe future plans to increase the performance and the efficiency of the OEO.

Dopant-Free Tetrakis-Triphenylamine Hole Transporting Material for Efficient Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Ke, Weijun; Priyanka, Pragya; Vegiraju, Sureshraju; Stoumpos, Constantinos C; Spanopoulos, Ioannis; Soe, Chan Myae Myae; Marks, Tobin J; Chen, Ming-Chou; Kanatzidis, Mercouri G

2018-01-10

Developing dopant-free hole transporting layers (HTLs) is critical in achieving high-performance and robust state-of-the-art perovskite photovoltaics, especially for the air-sensitive tin-based perovskite systems. The commonly used HTLs require hygroscopic dopants and additives for optimal performance, which adds extra cost to manufacturing and limits long-term device stability. Here we demonstrate the use of a novel tetrakis-triphenylamine (TPE) small molecule prepared by a facile synthetic route as a superior dopant-free HTL for lead-free tin-based perovskite solar cells. The best-performing tin iodide perovskite cells employing the novel mixed-cation ethylenediammonium/formamidinium with the dopant-free TPE HTL achieve a power conversion efficiency as high as 7.23%, ascribed to the HTL's suitable band alignment and excellent hole extraction/collection properties. This efficiency is one of the highest reported so far for tin halide perovskite systems, highlighting potential application of TPE HTL material in low-cost high-performance tin-based perovskite solar cells.