The Properties of Synthetic Amylopectin with Long External-Chains

Samples of synthetic amylopectins with long external chain-lengths have been prepared from degraded, waxy maize amylopectin and glucose-1-phosphate by the action of potato phosphorylase. Samples having external chain-lengths determined by enzymic assay of 23.4, 29.9, 46.5, and 109.5 glucose units (original sample = 13.7 glucose units) were prepared. The iodine-staining properties of these materials have been investigated, and a relation between λ_max and average chain-length evaluated. A theoretical relation between chain-length and β-amylolysis limit has been proposed. The iodine-binding capacity of the samples has been studied in detail by potentiometric titration at 1.5 °C and 20 °C. Unambiguous conclusions regarding the observed iodine binding capacity and the length of external chain have been made for the first time. The properties of the synthetic products are discussed.     

Oxygen Vacancies Evoked Blue TiO2(B) Nanobelts with Efficiency Enhancement in Sodium Storage Behaviors

Oxygen vacancies (OVs) dominate the physical and chemical properties of metal oxides, which play crucial roles in the various fields of applications. Density functional theory calculations show the introduction of OVs in TiO₂(B) gives rise to better electrical conductivity and lower energy barrier of sodiation. Here, OVs evoked blue TiO₂(B) (termed as B‐TiO₂(B)) nanobelts are successfully designed upon the basis of electronically coupled conductive polymers to TiO₂, which is confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The superiorities of OVs with the aid of carbon encapsulation lead to higher capacity (210.5 mAh g^?1 (B‐TiO₂(B)) vs 102.7 mAh g^?1 (W‐TiO₂(B)) at 0.5 C) and remarkable long‐term cyclability (the retention of 94.4% at a high rate of 10 C after 5000 times). In situ X‐ray diffractometer analysis spectra also confirm that an enlarged interlayer spacing stimulated by OVs is beneficial to accommodate insertion and removal of sodium ions to accelerate storage kinetics and preserve its original crystal structure. The work highlights that injecting OVs into metal oxides along with carbon coating is an effective strategy for improving capacity and cyclability performances in other metal oxide based electrochemical energy systems.     

Wind-induced pressure distribution on a large grain storage shed: Prediction of wind-driven ventilation rates

The wind-induced pressure distribution over a typical, large grain storage shed (rectangular low rise building, 30° pitched roof) is presented for different wind orientations. The distribution was determined from a wind tunnel model study using a simulated atmospheric boundary layer. The overall pattern was similar to that expected, showing, in particular, a prominent leeward vortex for some wind incidence angles. As an example of the use of the pressure distribution data in ventilation modelling and design studies, the ventilation rate was calculated for three different dispositions of vent in the storage. Two of these incorporated rectangular vents in the roof; the third being the common open eave vent system. The three dispositions investigated gave similar calculated ventilation rates showing that, for an equal area of vent, the open eave system could be replaced by suitably placed and more easily sealed rectangular vents.     

Growth and dielectric properties of Ta_2O_5 single crystals grown by laser heated pedestal growth technique

Ta2O5 single crystals have been grown by the laser heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique up to several centimeters length with diameter of 1.1 mm. The crystal, characterized by X-ray diffraction, dielectric measurement, and thermal expansion analysis, has Htri-Ta2O5 symmetry. Dielectric permittivity, loss tangent along [001] and [110] direction were investigated over the temperature range from -80 ℃ to 100 ℃. Large dielectric anisotropy in Ta2O5 single crystal was observed. At room temperature, the dielectric permittivities (1 MHz) along [001] and [110] are 33.2 and 231.9, respectively. The reason of dielectric enhancement in Ta2O5 crystal grown by LHPG was also discussed.     

Low-power pulse-width-modulated neuromorphic spiking circuit allowing signed double byte data transfer along a single channel

A new design methodology is presented for outputting digital information from asynchronous analogue circuits, which allows signed frequency encoded signal transfer along a single channel. The circuit outputs data as a series of rate and pulse-width encoded spikes: pulse- width modulation is used to represent vector and pulse frequency modulation is used to represent magnitude symbiotically. This technique can be used to increase the bandwidth of multiplexed neural signals, such as for address event registration, or by using a time-to- first-spike system, to multiplex signals on a single channel. Additionally, feedback has been used to improve the switching speed of current starved inverters, reducing their power consumption by over an order of magnitude.     

基于流形正则化非负矩阵分解的高光谱数据降维

采用基于流形正则化非负矩阵分解(MR-NMF)的高 光谱数据降维方法。新方 法通过构建样本的近邻图描述数据几何结构,然后将其作为正则项加入NMF的目标函 数中进行组合优化。在真实的高光谱数据集HYDICE上进行的实验结果表明,新方法能 够提高高光谱图像分类的精度。     

Materials and Wireless Microfluidic Systems for Electronics Capable of Chemical Dissolution on Demand

Electronics that are capable of destroying themselves, on demand and in a harmless way, might provide the ultimate form of data security. This paper presents materials and device architectures for triggered destruction of conventional microelectronic systems by means of microfluidic chemical etching of the constituent materials, including silicon, silicon dioxide, and metals (e.g., aluminum). Demonstrations in an array of home‐built metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors that exploit ultrathin sheets of monocrystalline silicon and in radio‐frequency identification devices illustrate the utility of the approaches.     

Miniaturized Flexible Electronic Systems with Wireless Power and Near‐Field Communication Capabilities

A class of thin, lightweight, flexible, near‐field communication (NFC) devices with ultraminiaturized format is introduced, and systematic investigations of the mechanics, radio frequency characteristics, and materials aspects associated with their optimized construction are presented. These systems allow advantages in mechanical strength, placement versatility, and minimized interfacial stresses compared to other NFC technologies and wearable electronics. Detailed experimental studies and theoretical modeling of the mechanical and electromagnetic properties of these systems establish understanding of the key design considerations. These concepts can apply to many other types of wireless communication systems including biosensors and electronic implants.     

关于聚焦诱导立体显示器的研究

传统的立体显示是通过聚焦诱导,进行深度视觉模糊调节,从而达到立体视觉效果。现在,科研人员开发了一种新型技术——聚焦修正。通过这项技术,将聚焦诱导和深度视觉模仿同步进行,可以使立体景象显示更加快速、准确,同时减轻观看者的视觉疲劳度。