Synthesis and self-assembly properties of fulleropyrrolidine prepared by Prato reaction

International audienceMolecular self-assembly is considered as a promising way to control the manufacture of new materials and their integration into hybrid devices with novel properties. In this work we have synthesized a fulleropyrrolidine bearing a phenylacetylene moiety via the Prato reaction. The characterization of the fulleropyrrolidine by nuclear magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy is reported, and its self-assembly by crystallization study has been investigated according to the used solvents. If the solvent that effectively solubilizes fullerene derivative is tetrahydrofurane, the nano-square plates with 1–3 μ m in length and 50–100 nm in thickness are formed, while if the solvent is toluene, 5 μ m diameter ‘nano-flowers’ are obtained

Growth of long-period gratings in H₂-loaded fiber after 193-nm UV inscription

2000-2001 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

An object-based approach to image/video-based synthesis and processing for 3-D and multiview televisions

This paper proposes an object-based approach to a class of dynamic image-based representations called "plenoptic videos," where the plenoptic video sequences are segmented into image-based rendering (IBR) objects each with its image sequence, depth map, and other relevant information such as shape and alpha information. This allows desirable functionalities such as scalability of contents, error resilience, and interactivity with individual IBR objects to be supported. Moreover, the rendering quality in scenes with large depth variations can also be improved considerably. A portable capturing system consisting of two linear camera arrays was developed to verify the proposed approach. An important step in the object-based approach is to segment the objects in video streams into layers or IBR objects. To reduce the time for segmenting plenoptic videos under the semiautomatic technique, a new object tracking method based on the level-set method is proposed. Due to possible segmentation errors around object boundaries, natural matting with Bayesian approach is also incorporated into our system. Furthermore, extensions of conventional image processing algorithms to these IBR objects are studied and illustrated with examples. Experimental results are given to illustrate the efficiency of the tracking, matting, rendering, and processing algorithms under the proposed object-based framework. © 2009 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Self-help cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-1): a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Theme: Insomnia - new insight into development and manageThis study aimed to review current literature, examine the efficacy, adherence, acceptability, and attrition rate of self-help CBT-I, and to explore possible factors that might contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment. A systematic review was performed up to June 2012 on studies published in 6 major electronic databases. Two researchers performed study identification, data extraction, and methodological quality evaluation. Meta-analyses of self-help CBT-I vs. waiting-list, routine care, or no treatment, therapist-administered CBT-I, and placebo treatment were performed. We identified 20 randomized controlled trials (RCT) that met inclusion criteria. When compared to waiting-list control, self-help CBT-I achieved a moderate to large effect size on improving sleep and reducing sleep-related cognitions and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Therapist-administered CBT-I was slightly better than self-help CBT-I. Subgroup analyses supported the beneficial effect of telephone consultation, but not for “full” multi-component CBT and programs lasting for 6 or more weeks. Treatment adherence, acceptability, perceived usefulness, and credibility were reported as satisfactory. Based on the results of the systematic review, we have designed a Chinese-language self-help CBT-I and now conducting a RCT to evaluate the efficacy of Internet-based self-help CBT-I in Chinese population.postprin

Temperature-compensated fibre optic strain gauge

Inventor name used in this publication: Hwa Ywa TamInventor name used in this publication: Siu Lau HoUS7796844; US7796844 B2; US7796844B2; US7,796,844; US 7,796,844 B2; 7796844; Appl. No. 12/177,830Inventor name used in this publication: Shun Yee LiuUSVersion of Recor

A survey on knowledge of stroke in Hong Kong Chinese

published_or_final_versio

Adaptive reuse of built heritage in Hong Kong: integrated conservation approach for development

In this paper, references will be drawn from discussions at the one-day international conference organised by RICS on 9 January 2015. Several important case studies in Hong Kong and overseas were shared and discussed at the conference, from which good practices could be distilled for Hong Kong’s unique challenges. References will also be made to good practice where useful.published_or_final_versio

Templates for the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Angular Power Spectrum

We present templates for the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) angular power spectrum based on four models for the nonlinear gas distribution. The frequency-dependent SZ temperature fluctuations, with thermal (TSZ) and kinetic (KSZ) contributions, are calculated by tracing through a dark matter simulation, processed to include gas in dark matter halos and in the filamentary intergalactic medium. Different halo gas models are compared to study how star formation, energetic feedback, and nonthermal pressure support influence the angular power spectrum. The standard model has been calibrated to reproduce the stellar and gas fractions and X-ray scaling relations measured from low redshift clusters and groups. The other models illustrate the current theoretical and empirical uncertainties relating to properties of the intracluster medium. Relative to the standard model, their angular power spectra differ by approximately 50% (TSZ), 20% (KSZ), and 40% (SZ at 148 GHz) for l=3000, sigma_8=0.8, and homogeneous reionization at z=10. The angular power spectrum decreases in amplitude as gas mass and binding energy is removed through star formation, and as gas is pushed out to larger radii by energetic feedback. With nonthermal pressure support, less pressure is required to maintain hydrostatic equilibrium, thus reducing the thermal contribution to the SZ power. We also calculate the SZ templates as a function of sigma_8 and quantify this dependence. Assuming C_l is proprotional to (sigma_8/0.8)^alpha, the effective scaling index ranges from 7<alpha_tsz<9, 4.5<alpha_ksz<5.5, and 6.5<alpha_sz(148 GHz)<8 at l=3000 for 0.6<sigma_8<1. The template spectra are publicly available and can be used when fitting for the SZ contribution to the cosmic microwave background on arcminute scales.Comment: 14 pages, 10 figures, to be submitted to Ap