Analog and digital circuits using organic thin-film transistors onpolyester substrates

We have fabricated and characterized analog and digital circuits using organic thin-film transistors on polyester film substrates. These are the first reported dynamic results for organic circuits fabricated on polyester substrates. The high-performance pentacene transistors yield circuits with the highest reported clock frequencies for organic circuits     

槽式太阳能集热管热性能评估方法

真空集热管是槽式太阳能聚光集热系统的核心部件之一.集热管工作过程中通过辐射换热、对流换热和热传导的方式将热量传递给环境,这部分传递到环境中的热量称为集热管的热损失.真空集热管的热损失是聚光集热系统热损失或总能量损失的主要组成,在很大程度上决定着聚光集热器的光-热转换效率,因此对集热管热性能的正确评估对聚光集热系统的研究至关重要.本文对槽式太阳能集热管热性能的计算、评估分析方法等进行了分析.     

Evolution of road-surface skid-resistance and texture due to polishing

In this paper, works are conducted to have a better understanding of the evolution of the road-surface texture due to traffic polishing. Examples are shown for two aggregates having respectively low and high - polishing-resistances. Surface profiles measured at different polishing stages are analyzed. Roughness parameters characterizing asperity height and sharpness are calculated and their evolution is compared with the friction evolution.     

Reduction of lasing threshold current density by the lowering of valence band effective mass

In present day semiconductor lasers, there is a serious asymmetry between the very light conduction band mass and the very heavy valence band mass. Under laser threshold conditions, the hole occupation remains classical even while the electrons are degenerate. This results in a significant penalty in terms of threshold current density, carrier injection level, and excess Auger and other nonradiative recombination. We propose a combination of strain and quantum confinement to reduce the valence band effective mass and to lessen the laser threshold requirements.     

Spirometry as a motivational tool to improve smoking cessation rates: a systematic review of the literature.

Obtaining spirometric testing and providing those results to individuals who smoke has been advocated as a motivational tool to improve smoking cessation. However, its effectiveness is not known. We conducted a systematic review to determine if this approach improves rates of smoking cessation. Data sources included MEDLINE (1966 to October 2005), the Cochrane Library, and experts in the field. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolled at least 25 smokers per arm, evaluated spirometry with associated counseling or in combination with other treatments, followed subjects at least 6 months, and provided smoking abstinence rates. Results from nonrandomized studies also were summarized. The primary outcome was patient-reported long-term (at least 6 months) sustained abstinence with biological validation. Additional outcomes included self-reported abstinence and point-prevalence abstinence. Seven RCTs (N = 6,052 subjects) met eligibility criteria. Follow-up duration ranged from 9 to 36 months. In six trials, the intervention group received concomitant treatments previously demonstrated to increase cessation independently. The range of abstinence was 3%-14% for control subjects and 7%-39% among intervention groups, statistically significantly in favor of intervention in four studies. The only RCT that assessed the independent contribution of spirometry in combination with counseling demonstrated a nonsignificant 1% improvement in patient-reported point-prevalence abstinence at 12 months in the group that received spirometry plus counseling versus counseling alone (6.5% versus 5.5%). Findings from observational studies were mixed, and the lack of controls makes interpretation problematic. Available evidence is insufficient to determine whether obtaining spirometric values and providing that information to patients improves smoking cessation compared with other smoking cessation methods. Spirometric values are of limited benefit as a predictor of smoking cessation or as a tool to "customize" smoking cessation strategies.     

Enhanced Photocurrent Production by Photosystem I Multilayer Assemblies

The long‐term success of photosynthetic organisms has resulted in their global superabundance, which is sustained by their widespread, continual mass‐production of the integral proteins that photocatalyze the chemical processes of natural photosynthesis. Here, a fast, general method to assemble multilayer films composed of one such photocatalytic protein complex, Photosystem I (PSI), onto a variety of substrates is reported. The resulting films, akin to the stacked thylakoid structures of leaves, consist of a protein matrix that is permeable to electrochemical mediators and contain a high concentration of photoelectrochemically active redox centers. These multilayer assemblies vastly outperform previously reported monolayer films of PSI in terms of photocurrent production when incorporated into an electrochemical system, and it is shown that these photocatalytic properties increase with the film thickness. These results demonstrate how the assembly of micron‐thick coatings of PSI on non‐biological substrates yields a biohybrid ensemble that manifests the photocatalytic activity of the film’s individual protein constituents, and represent significant progress toward affordable, biologically‐inspired renewable energy conversion platforms.     

Virtual Judgment: Legal Implications of Online Gaming

This article provides an overview of the various legal issues inherent in virtual worlds and massively multiplayer online role-playing games. The legal issues involved are very complicated and still at a nascent stage, which is a very dangerous mix. The issues involved run the gambit from intellectual property law to First Amendment issues. Only time will tell how governments or the courts respond to the panoply of issues. However, the potential impact of such decisions will need to be given great weight because they will likely have wide-reaching ramifications.     

Beam position measurements of Indus-2 using X-Ray beam position monitor

A staggered pair metal blade X-ray beam position monitor (XBPM) is designed, fabricated and commissioned on Indus-2 bending magnet front end. Calibration of XBPM is done by scanning the metal blades in the path of synchrotron radiation and by giving controlled electron asymmetric bump. The vertical beam position stability of the source measured during various injections and storages are reported.     

Development of a fortified peanut‐based infant formula for recovery of severely malnourished children

A peanut milk‐based infant formula was developed from peanuts. The effects of extraction pH and temperature on the yield and protein content of spray‐dried peanut milk were evaluated. Peanut‐based infant formulas (PBIF‐75) was developed using spray‐dried peanut milk and a premix of vitamins and minerals. Physical properties, approximate composition, minerals, vitamins and amino acid composition, and caloric value of PBIF‐75 were evaluated and compared to those of soya‐based infant formula (SBIF) and World Health Organization (WHO) F‐75. Spray‐dried peanut milk yield was 15–18% with a protein content of 30–45%, depending on the extraction pH and temperature. PBIF‐75 was nearly identical to WHO F‐75 in terms of amino acid profile, most vitamins and minerals, proximate composition, caloric value, and physicochemical characteristics such as water activity and colour. However, few of the vitamins and minerals in PBIF‐75 will require further adjustment to fully meet WHO’s requirements of a recovery formula for undernourished infants.