A fully integrated neural recording amplifier with DC input stabilization

This paper presents a low-power low-noise fully integrated bandpass operational amplifier for a variety of biomedical neural recording applications. A standard two-stage CMOS amplifier in a closed-loop resistive feedback configuration provides a stable ac gain of 39.3 dB at 1 kHz. A subthreshold PMOS input transistor is utilized to clamp the large and random dc open circuit potentials that normally exist at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The low cutoff frequency of the amplifier is programmable up to 50 Hz, while its high cutoff frequency is measured to be 9.1 kHz. The tolerable dc input range is measured to be at least +/- 0.25 V with a dc rejection factor of at least 29 dB. The amplifier occupies 0.107 mm2 in die area, and dissipates 115 microW from a 3 V power supply. The total measured input-referred noise voltage in the frequency range of 0.1-10 kHz is 7.8 microVrms. It is fabricated using AMI 1.5 microm double-poly double-metal n-well CMOS process. This paper presents full characterization of the dc, ac, and noise performance of this amplifier through in vitro measurements in saline using two different neural recording electrodes.     

High numerical aperture in multimode microstructured optical fibers

Microstructured or "air-clad" fibers, with air holes surrounding a large core, have recently demonstrated much wider light-acceptance angles than conventional fibers. An original and accurate method is presented for determining the numerical aperture of such fibers using leaky modes. The dependence on length, wavelength, and various microstructure dimensions are evaluated for the first time for a class of fibers that exhibit exceptionally high numerical apertures. These results show excellent agreement with published measurements on similar fibers and verify that bridge thicknesses much smaller than the wavelength are required for high numerical apertures.     

Gypsum plasters II. Constitution and properties of the prepared β-hemihydrates

The constitution of the two types of plasters, previously prepared, was followed using thin-section microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Moreover, their hydraulic properties were determined to assess their suitability for use in various applications. Results showed that the plasters consist mainly of the β-hemihydrate phase. The X-rays and thin section microscopy in addition to the differential thermal analysis have omitted the presence of gypsum in the investigated plasters. The plaster prepared by rehydration of γ-anhydrite shows better crystallinity than that prepared by direct calcination of gypsum at 90 °C. Both types require small amounts of water giving higher ultimate strength. The rehydrated γ-anhydrite shows normal setting in accordance with the international specifications requirements. The other type exhibits a quick setting property which was related to the presence of minute amounts of gypsum, in the plaster, below the limits of identification of both the X-rays and differential thermal analysis. The prepared plasters could be used for various purposes needing higher strength, lower normal consistency and quick or moderate setting properties.     

Application of Response Surface Methodology to the Selection of Machining Variables

This paper presents the use of Response Surface Methodology for analysis of material removal processes. Mathematical models of tool life, surface finish and cutting force are developed in terms of cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut. The models were then used to select the levels of the machining variables such that certain criteria could be achieved. Specific examples include increasing the rate of metal removal without sacrificing surface finish and with a minimum loss in tool life.     

Specific interactions study in complexes of poly(mono-n-alkyl itaconates) with tertiary polyamides

This paper reports an FT-IR study of blends of poly(mono-n-alkyl itaconates) with poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) and poly(ethyloxazoline) (PEOX). Strong hydrogen bonding has been found, and both polybases have shown similar acceptor strengths. Derivative techniques show asymmetric profiles for the free carbonyl band of the polybases, resulting in shifted band locations. The extent of the interassociation has been estimated by spectral curve fitting of the polybase carbonyl band. The results show that the interaction degree in blends with PEOX does not depend on the length of the poly(monoalkyl itaconate) side group, while an inter-associating ability loss is observed in blends with PDMA as the side-group size of the polyacid increases. This different behavior is attributed to the greater interspacing between vicinal carbonyl groups in PEOX. This band shows conformational sensitivity and reflects the conformational changes that occur as the steric hindrances present in the medium (due to the bulky side groups of the polyacids) increase.     

A Fourier Series Generalized Geometry-Based Analytical Model of Switched Reluctance Machines

A novel invertible generalized flux/current switched reluctance machine (SRM) model based on the Fourier series expansion is presented. This model, which is derived from machine geometry and materials properties, is accurate enough to be used for actual machine representation and can also be simplified for real-time controller applications. Simulation and experimental results illustrate that the proposed modeling approach provides better representation of the SRM than other existing techniques     

Strict feedforward control systems,linearisability, and convergent normal forms

This article discusses the feedback equivalence of multi-inputs feedforward control systems via smooth (resp. analytic) feedback transformations. We first address the state (resp. feedback) linearisation problem, and provide easily computable algorithms that yield explicit state (resp. feedback) linearising coordinates for systems in strict feedforward form. The application of the algorithms does not require checking the commutativity (resp. involutivity) of the distributions associated with the system, and the algorithms fail after few steps if the system is not linearisable. In the latter case, the algorithms are extended to provide coordinate systems bringing the system into a normal form which is a smooth (resp. analytic) counterpart of Kang's formal normal form. Illustrative examples for both the linearisation and convergent normal form include the vertical take off and landing aircraft, the multi-vehicle wireless testbed among others.     

Impact of Multimedia-Based Instruction on Learning and Retention

Studies measuring and evaluating the impact of the same multimedia-based education on learners in universities and high schools are a relatively new phenomenon. This study provides a summary of the results from research on the effects of multimedia-based safety education conducted by the M. E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida. The findings are presented along with their related statistical test results. The findings indicate multimedia-based, self-paced learning offers very distinct advantages over traditional, instructor-led classroom learning. Overall, both the high-school and university student groups involved in the study exhibited superior retention rates when learning from the multimedia-based materials. Higher scoring students in the classroom showed little difference in either media, while students who tended to score at the low end of the grading scale uniformly scored higher on multimedia-based materials. The reduced variation in student performance based on test scores in the CD-ROM instruction indicates the positive effects of multimedia-based instruction.     

Grafting of vinyl acetate onto chitosan and biocidal activity of the graft copolymers

The reaction process of polycarbosilane (PCS) fiber cured by cyclohexene vapor has been studied and compared with that of PCS fiber cured by air. The influence of curing temperature on Si? H bond reaction degree and gel content, the structure and composition of PCS were investigated by FTIR, EA, TGA, NMR, and GC‐MS. The results showed that, Si? H bond in the molecular structure of PCS reacted during cyclohexene curing process and the reaction degree increased when the curing temperature increases. Simultaneously, gel content of PCS fiber rapidly increased till PCS fiber became infusible. Si? H radical and Si? CH₂ radicals formed Si? CH₂? Si crosslinking of PCS molecules through the agency of cyclohexene. Some cyclohexyls linked to principal chain of PCS, which was proven by ¹³C‐CPMAS‐NMR, and broke off, and cyclohexane and some monosilane are generated as byproducts when temperature increased. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007