Substrate integrated Lead-Carbon hybrid ultracapacitor with flooded, absorbent glass mat and silica-gel electrolyte configurations

Lead-Carbon hybrid ultracapacitors (Pb-C HUCs) with flooded, absorbent-glass-mat (AGM) and silica-gel sulphuric acid electrolyte configurations are developed and performance tested. Pb-C HUCs comprise substrate-integrated PbO2 (SI-PbO2) as positive electrodes and high surface-area carbon with graphite-sheet substrate as negative electrodes. The electrode and silica-gel electrolyte materials are characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, Rheometry, BET surface area, and FTIR spectroscopy in conjunction with electrochemistry. Electrochemical performance of SI-PbO2 and carbon electrodes is studied using cyclic voltammetry with constant-current charge and discharge techniques by assembling symmetric electrical-double-layer capacitors and hybrid Pb-C HUCs with a dynamic Pb(porous)/PbSO4 reference electrode. The specific capacitance values for 2 V Pb-C HUCs are found to be 166 F/g, 102 F/g and 152 F/g with a faradaic efficiency of 98%, 92% and 88% for flooded, AGM and gel configurations, respectively.

Efficient Algorithms for Linear Summed Error Structural SVMs

Structural Support Vector Machines (SSVMs) have become a popular tool in machine learning for predicting structured objects like parse trees, Part-of-Speech (POS) label sequences and image segments. Various efficient algorithmic techniques have been proposed for training SSVMs for large datasets. The typical SSVM formulation contains a regularizer term and a composite loss term. The loss term is usually composed of the Linear Maximum Error (LME) associated with the training examples. Other alternatives for the loss term are yet to be explored for SSVMs. We formulate a new SSVM with Linear Summed Error (LSE) loss term and propose efficient algorithms to train the new SSVM formulation using primal cutting-plane method and sequential dual coordinate descent method. Numerical experiments on benchmark datasets demonstrate that the sequential dual coordinate descent method is faster than the cutting-plane method and reaches the steady-state generalization performance faster. It is thus a useful alternative for training SSVMs when linear summed error is used.

Employing denaturation for rapid electrochemical detection of myoglobin using TiO2 nanotubes

An alternative antibody-free strategy for the rapid electrochemical detection of cardiac myoglobin has been demonstrated here using hydrothermally synthesized TiO2 nanotubes (Ti-NT). The denaturant induced unfolding of myoglobin led to easy access of the deeply buried electroactive heme center and thus the efficient reversible electron transfer from protein to electrode surface. The sensing performance of the Ti-NT modified electrodes were compared vis a vis commercially available titania and GCEs. The tubular morphology of the Ti-NT led to facile transfer of electrons to the electrode surface, which eventually provided a linear current response (obtained from cyclic voltammetry) over a wide range of Mb concentration. The sensitivity of the Ti-NT based sensor was remarkable and was equal to 18 mu A mg(-1) ml (detection limit = 50 nM). This coupled with the rapid analysis time of a few tens of minutes (compared to a few days for ELISA) demonstrates its potential usefulness for the early detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Non-Enzymatic Electroanalysis of Glucose on Electrodeposited Au-PEDOT Dendrites

Electrodeposition of Au on poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coated carbon paper electrode results in the formation of a stable 3-D urchin-like morphology. Au-PEDOT/C electrode exhibits higher surface area, greater catalytic activity, higher sensitivity and lower detection limit for glucose analysis in an alkaline medium than Au/C electrode. Au-PEDOT/C electrode exhibits a linear current response in glucose concentration ranging up to 10 mu M with sensitivity of 515 mu A cm(-2) mu M-1 (on the basis of geometric area) and a low detection limit of 0.03 mu M with signal to noise ratio of 3. Thus, the PEDOT under-layer improves the property of Au for glucose analysis. (c) 2013 The Electrochemical Society.

Studies and Evaluation of EIT Image Reconstruction in EIDORS with Simulated Boundary Data

Simulated boundary potential data for Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) are generated by a MATLAB based EIT data generator and the resistivity reconstruction is evaluated with Electrical Impedance Tomography and Diffuse Optical Tomography Reconstruction Software (EIDORS). Circular domains containing subdomains as inhomogeneity are defined in MATLAB-based EIT data generator and the boundary data are calculated by a constant current simulation with opposite current injection (OCI) method. The resistivity images reconstructed for different boundary data sets and images are analyzed with image parameters to evaluate the reconstruction.

Suspensions of polymer-grafted nanoparticles with added polymers-Structure and effective pair-interactions

We present the results of combined experimental and theoretical (molecular dynamics simulations and integral equation theory) studies of the structure and effective interactions of suspensions of polymer grafted nanoparticles (PGNPs) in the presence of linear polymers. Due to the absence of systematic experimental and theoretical studies of PGNPs, it is widely believed that the structure and effective interactions in such binary mixtures would be very similar to those of an analogous soft colloidal material-star polymers. In our study, polystyrene-grafted gold nanoparticles with functionality f = 70 were mixed with linear polystyrene (PS) of two different molecular weights for obtaining two PGNP: PS size ratios, xi = 0.14 and 2.76 (where, xi = M-g/M-m, M-g and M-m being the molecular weights of grafting and matrix polymers, respectively). The experimental structure factor of PGNPs could be modeled with an effective potential (Model-X), which has been found to be widely applicable for star polymers. Similarly, the structure factor of the blends with xi = 0.14 could be modeled reasonably well, while the structure of blends with xi = 2.76 could not be captured, especially for high density of added polymers. A model (Model-Y) for effective interactions between PGNPs in a melt of matrix polymers also failed to provide good agreement with the experimental data for samples with xi = 2.76 and high density of added polymers. We tentatively attribute this anomaly in modeling the structure factor of blends with xi = 2.76 to the questionable assumption of Model-X in describing the added polymers as star polymers with functionality 2, which gets manifested in both polymer-polymer and polymer-PGNP interactions especially at higher fractions of added polymers. The failure of Model-Y may be due to the neglect of possible many-body interactions among PGNPs mediated by matrix polymers when the fraction of added polymers is high. These observations point to the need for a new framework to understand not only the structural behavior of PGNPs but also possibly their dynamics and thermo-mechanical properties as well. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Effect of current density on the microstructure and corrosion properties of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings on AM50 Mg alloy produced in an electrolyte containing clay additives

Plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings were produced on AM50 Mg alloy in alkaline phosphate based electrolyte with montmorillonite clay additives employing current densities of 30, 60, and 120 mA/cm(2). The effect of current density on the microstructure and corrosion properties of the coating was investigated. The clay additives got melted and reactively incorporated into the coating forming an amorphous phase, at all the current densities. However, the coating was predominantly amorphous only at 30 mA/cm(2) and with increasing current density, increasing fractions of crystalline phases were formed. Higher current densities resulted in increased thickness of the coating, but reduced the compactness of the coatings. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests in 0.5 wt.% (0.08 M) and 3.5 wt.% (0.6 M) NaCl solution revealed that the coatings processed at 30 mA/cm(2) exhibited a relatively better initial corrosion resistance owing to its relatively defect-free barrier layer and compactness of the coating. However, the presence of amorphous phases in significant amounts and lack of MgO in the coating resulted in increased rate of dissolution of the coatings and degradation of corrosion resistance. Coatings produced at higher current densities exhibited initial inferior corrosion resistance due to a more defective barrier layer and increased porosity in pore band and outer porous layer. However, the increased amount of crystalline phases and an increased amount of MgO, which resisted dissolution, counterbalanced the negative effects of defective barrier and increased porosity resulting in a relatively lower rate of the degradation of the corrosion resistance. Thus, the corrosion resistance of all the coatings continuously decreased with time and became similar after prolonged immersion in NaCl solution. Increasing current density, therefore, did not prove to be beneficial for the improvement of the corrosion performance of the PEO coatings. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Turbulent buoyant jets into stratified or flowing ambient fluids

Theoretical and experimental studies were made on two classes of buoyant jet problems, namely:

1) an inclined, round buoyant yet in a stagnant environment with linear density-stratification;

2) a round buoyant jet in a uniform cross stream of homogenous density.

Using the integral technique of analysis, assuming similarity, predictions can be made for jet trajectory, widths, and dilution ratios, in a density-stratified or flowing environment. Such information is of great importance in the design of disposal systems for sewage effluent into the ocean or waste gases into the atmosphere.

The present study of a buoyant jet in a stagnant environment has extended the Morton type of analysis to cover the effect of the initial angle of discharge. Numerical solutions have been presented for a range of initial conditions. Laboratory experiments were conducted for photographic observations of the trajectories of dyed jets. In general the observed jet forms agreed well with the calculated trajectories and nominal half widths when the value of the entrainment coefficient was taken to be α = 0.082, as previously suggested by Morton.

The problem of a buoyant jet in a uniform cross stream was analyzed by assuming an entrainment mechanism based upon the vector difference between the characteristic jet velocity and the ambient velocity. The effect of the unbalanced pressure field on the sides of the jet flow was approximated by a gross drag term. Laboratory flume experiments with sinking jets which are directly analogous to buoyant jets were performed. Salt solutions were injected into fresh water at the free surface in a flume. The jet trajectories, dilution ratios and jet half widths were determined by conductivity measurements. The entrainment coefficient, α, and drag coefficient, C_d, were found from the observed jet trajectories and dilution ratios. In the ten cases studied where jet Froude number ranged from 10 to 80 and velocity ratio (jet: current) K from 4 to 16, α varied from 0.4 to 0.5 and C_d from 1.7 to 0.1. The jet mixing motion for distance within 250D was found to be dominated by the self-generated turbulence, rather than the free-stream turbulence. Similarity of concentration profiles has also been discussed.

Estimating the underwater shape of tuna longlines with micro-bathythermographs

An estimation method for the three-dimensional underwater shape of tuna longlines is developed, using measurements of depth obtained from micro-bathythermographs (BTs) attached to the main line at equally spaced intervals. The shape of the main line is approximated by a model which consists of a chain of unit length lines (folding-rule model), where the junction points are placed at the observed depths. Among the infinite number of possible shapes, the most likely shape is considered to be the smoothest one that can be obtained with a numerical optimization algorithm. To validate the method, a series of experimental longline operations were conducted in the equatorial region of the eastern Pacific Ocean, using 13 or 14 micro-BTs per basket of main line. Concurrent observations of oceanographic conditions (currents and temperature structure) were obtained. The shape of the main line can be calculated at arbitrary times during operations. Shapes were consistent with the current structure. On the equator, the line was elevated significantly by the Equatorial Undercurrent. It is shown that the shape of main line depends primarily upon the vertical shear and direction of the current relative to the gear. Time sequences of calculated shapes reveals that observed periodic (1-2 hours) oscillations in depth of the gear was caused by swinging movements of the main line. The shortening rate of the main line is an important parameter for formulating the shape of the longline, and its precise measurement is desirable.

一种改进型金属-半导体-金属光电探测器数学模型

以E. Sano的金属-半导体-金属光电探测器(MSM-PD)模型为基础,提出了一种改进型的模型。该模型以多个电流源和电容并联的形式构造,以吸收区过剩电子和空穴总数为研究对象,求解速率方程。另外计算了电容,给出了暗电流与端电压的非线性计算式,改进了传统模型中暗电流的线性计算方法。通过线性叠加给出了该模型光电流的数学解析解。通过在Matlab中的模拟计算,表明该模型具有计算量小、准确度高的特点,它不仅能反映一定偏压和光照下光电流的变化,而且能展示光电子在器件中的转化过程。这种模型也能较好地应用于微弱信号的检

Hyers-Ulam-Rassias Stability of Functional Differential Systems with Point and Distributed Delays

This paper investigates stability and asymptotic properties of the error with respect to its nominal version of a nonlinear time-varying perturbed functional differential system subject to point, finite-distributed, and Volterra-type distributed delays associated with linear dynamics together with a class of nonlinear delayed dynamics. The boundedness of the error and its asymptotic convergence to zero are investigated with the results being obtained based on the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias analysis.

Design consideration of a circular type magnetic flux pump device

As a variation of the thermally actuated flux pump and the linear type magnetic flux pump (LTMFP), the circular type magnetic flux pump (CTMFP) device is proposed to magnetize a circular shape type-II superconducting thin film and bulk. The basic concept is the same as the thermally actuated flux pump: a circularly symmetric traveling magnetic field is generated below a circular shape superconductor to increase its trapping field. However, this traveling field is created by the three phase windings instead of heating gadolinium block. Apart from the LTMFP, the three phase windings are wound concentrically instead of linearly. The speed of the traveling field is controlled by the AC frequency and the magnitude of the field is controlled by the magnitudes of AC currents. In addition, a coil with DC current is wound around the three phase windings to provide a background field. The concept design is presented in this paper. The magnetic waveforms are analysed numerically by the COMSOL 3.5a software. The impedances of the three phase windings are calculated and a corresponding circuit design is presented. This rig can be used as an advanced tool to study the flux pump behavior of a circular shape superconductor. © 2002-2011 IEEE.

Linear and nonlinear model large-eddy simulations of a plane jet

The nonlinear Kosovic, and mixed Leray and α subgrid scale models are contrasted with linear Smagorinsky and Yoshizawa Large Eddy Simulations for a Re = 4000 plane jet simulation. Comparisons are made with Direct Numerical Simulation data and measurements. Global properties of the jet such as the spreading and centreline velocity decay rates are investigated. The mean-flow and turbulence parameters in the self-similar region are also studied. All models generally give encouraging agreement with the Direct Numerical Simulation data and reliable measurements. Solution differences for the models are relatively minor, none giving clear improvements for all data comparisons.

GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF LINEAR ALKYL BENZENE SULFONATE, SODIUM PENTACHLOROPHENATE AND DICHROMATE ON TETRAHYMENA-PYRIFORMIS

DNA in macro- and micronuclei of Tetrahymena pyriformis treated with linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) and sodium pentachlorophenate (PCP-Na) were determined by microspectrophotometry. The effects on rate of formation of macronuclear DNA extrusion bodies were also studied. We found DNA content of micronuclei in 0.14 ppm LAS and 0.9 ppb PCP-Na was lower than in that of the control, and LAS was able to increase the formation rate of macronuclear DNA extrusion bodies (the formation rate was 54% in 11.3 ppm LAS and 25.6% in 16.7 ppm dichromate). We concluded that 0.14 ppm LAS (below the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration) was genotoxic, whereas 0.014 ppm LAS was not. Dichromate 0.05 ppm and 0.9 ppb PCP-Na, equal to and below the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration, respectively, were potentially genetoxic.

High-power and low-threshold-current-density GaAs/AlGaAs quantum cascade lasers

We report on the realization of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum cascade lasers with an emission wavelength of 9.1 mu m above the liquid nitrogen temperature. With optimal current injection window and ridge width of 24 and 60 mu m respectively, a peak output power more than 500 mW is achieved in pulsed mode operation. A low threshold current density J(th) = 2.6 kA/cm(2) gives the devices good lasing characteristics. In a drive frequency of 1 kHz, the laser operates up to 20% duty cycle.