A Dedicated Circuit for Charged Particles Simulation Using the Monte Carlo Method

We present a dedicated integrated circuit for the simulation of charged particles based on Monte Carlo method. The Monte Carlo method leads to the solution of a particular form of the integro-differential Boltzmann equation (non-linear charge transport in semiconductors) permitting a direct statistical computation of the simulated particles distribution function in the phase space. This circuit should be the building block of a semiconductor device hardware simulator, associated with a Poisson's equation solver. Because of the complexity of microdynamical transport in semiconductors, the physical model used needs to be simplified in order to achieve a more simple circuit of small size. Starting from a chosen model we describe here how all the arithmetics involved in the problem has been set up for resolving the one-particle Boltzmann equation. Moreover, the binary format for the various physical quantities involved is discussed in view of the desired result accuracy: mainly, the drift velocity in a static uniform electric field taking into account all hot carrier effects.     

Simulation of two-dimensional Kerr photonic crystals via fast Fourier factorization

We present an adaptation of the fast Fourier factorization method to the simulation of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals with a third-order nonlinearity. The algorithm and its performance are detailed and illustrated via the simulation of a Kerr 2D photonic crystal. A change in the transmission spectrum at high intensity is observed. We explain why the change does not reduce to a translation (redshift) but rather consists in a deformation and why one side of the bandgap is more suited to a switching application than the other one.     

pH-metric study of the setting reaction of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate/calcium oxide-based cements

Hydraulic calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) that are used as osseous substitutes, set by an acid–base reaction between an acid calcium phosphate and a basic calcium salt (often a phosphate). In order to gain a better understanding of the setting of the monocalcium phosphate monohydrate–calcium oxide cement that we developed and in the aim to improve its mechanical properties, the setting reaction was studied by pH-metry. The two methods described in the literature were used. In the first, cement samples were prepared then crushed after different storage periods at 37 °C, 100% RH. The powder was then immersed in pure water with stirring and the pH was measured after equilibration. In the second technique, the starting materials were poured into water while stirring and the pH were followed over time. The two methods gave different results. The first procedure provided information concerning the pH of the surrounding liquid following the partial dissolution of the cement components, rather than any information about pH changes during setting. The second method is more appropriate to follow the pH variations during setting. In this second procedure, the effects of different parameters such as crushing time, stirring rate, liquid-to-powder (L/P) ratio and temperature were investigated. These parameters may impact substantially on the shape and position of the pH=f(t) curves. One or three pH jumps were observed during the setting depending on the composition of the liquid phase. The time at which these pH jumps occurred depended on the pH of the liquid phase, the concentration of the buffer, the crushing of starting materials, the L/P ratio and the temperature. Good linear correlations were obtained (i) between the time of the pH jumps and the L/P ratio and the temperature and (ii) between the time of the first pH jump and the compressive strength and the final setting time of the cements prepared with different liquid phases. It may be assumed in view of these correlations that the results obtained in dilute solution may be extrapolated to the conditions of cement sample preparation and that the mechanical properties of the cement are directly related to the phenomena that occur at the first pH jump which corresponds to precipitation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate.     

A robust algorithm for white blood cell nuclei segmentation

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Segmentation of white blood cell nucleus is a crucial step in white blood cell counting and classification system based on peripheral blood smear images. It is...     

Expanding the nature and scope of requirements for service systems through Service-Dominant Logic: the case of a telemonitoring service

Requirements Engineering - A renewed understanding of service as a process of resource application and integration, rather than as digital or physical products, shifts the focus of service...     

The Growing Impact of Micro/Nanomaterial‐Based Systems in Precision Oncology: Translating “Multiomics” Technologies

The field of precision oncology is rapidly progressing toward integrated “multiomics” analysis of multiple molecular species (such as DNA, RNA, or proteins) to provide a more complete profile of tumor heterogeneity. Micro/nanomaterial‐based systems, which leverage the unique properties of miniature materials, are currently well positioned to expand beyond rudimentary biomarker detection toward multiomics signature analysis. To enable clinical translation, the rational design and implementation of miniaturized systems should be driven by the unique clinical challenges present at various crucial cancer stages. This review features micro/nanomaterial‐based systems that are robustly tested on real patient samples for molecular biomarker detection at i) initial cancer screening and/or diagnosis, ii) cancer prognosis and risk stratification, and iii) longitudinal treatment/recurrence monitoring. Furthermore, this review discusses the use of micro/nanomaterials to facilitate sample preparation for different molecular biomarker species. Finally, this review deliberates on the recent paradigm shift of micro/nanomaterial‐based system innovation toward integrated multiomics cancer signature analysis and puts forth insights and perspectives on existing challenges. It is anticipated that this review could stimulate the propagation of new concepts and approaches to kick‐start a new generation of clinically translational technologies that capitalize on multiomics cancer signatures.