Bridging the gap: rewritable electronics using real-time light-induced dielectrophoresis on lithium niobate

In the context of micro-electronics, the real-time manipulation and placement of components using optics alone promises a route towards increasingly dynamic systems, where the geometry and function of the device is not fixed at the point of fabrication. Here, we demonstrate physically reconfigurable circuitry through light-induced dielectrophoresis on lithium niobate. Using virtual electrodes, patterned by light, to trap, move, and chain individual micro-solder-beads in real-time via dielectrophoresis, we demonstrate rewritable electrical contacts which can make electrical connections between surface-bound components. The completed micro-solder-bead bridges were found to have relatively low resistances that were not solely dominated by the number of interfaces, or the number of discrete beads, in the connection. Significantly, these connections are formed without any melting/fusing of the beads, a key feature of this technique that enables reconfigurability. Requiring only a low-power (~3.5 mW) laser source to activate, and without the need for external power supply or signal generation, the all-optical simplicity of virtual-electrodes may prove significant for the future development of reconfigurable electronic systems

Mapping Theoretical and Methodological Perspectives for Understanding Speech Interface Interactions

CHI 2019: The ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Weaving the Threads of CHI, Glasgow, United Kingdom, 4-9 May 2019The use of speech as an interaction modality has grown considerably through the integration of Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs- e.g. Siri, Google Assistant) into smartphones and voice based devices (e.g. Amazon Echo). However, there remain significant gaps in using theoretical frameworks to understand user behaviours and choices and how they may applied to specific speech interface interactions. This part-day multidisciplinary workshop aims to critically map out and evaluate the- oretical frameworks and methodological approaches across a number of disciplines and establish directions for new paradigms in understanding speech interface user behaviour. In doing so, we will bring together participants from HCI and other speech related domains to establish a cohesive, diverse and collaborative community of researchers from academia and industry with interest in exploring theoretical and methodological issues in the field.Irish Research Counci

Ingersoll, infidels, and Indianapolis: freethought and religion in the Central Midwest

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)During the “Golden Age of Freethought” in the United States from the 1870s to the 1910s, Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899) acted as one of its most popular and influential figures within the movement, whose supporters advocated for skepticism, science, and the separation of church and state. However, his role as a “public intellectual” has been challenged by scholars of the period, who argue that he was merely a popularizer of ideas. This conclusion does not adequately describe Ingersoll’s role within the period. Rather, Ingersoll was a synthesizer of ideas, making complex concepts of philosophy, theology, science, and history into palatable lectures and books for an eager and understanding public. As a complementary counterpoint to his role as synthesizer, he also spurred a multiplicity of responses from believers and nonbelievers alike who imbibed his ideas. As such, his role in the central Midwest, Illinois and Indiana in particular, supports his place as a public intellectual. From his public discourses with the evangelist Dwight Moody and other believers, his influence on the Freethinker Society of Indianapolis, to his answers to Indianapolis clergy, Ingersoll’s experiences in the Midwest solidified his place within American history as a compelling and thoughtful public intellectual

Grape plant named `Opportunity`

Description and specifications of a new and distinct wine grape cultivar which originated from a hand-pollinated cross of `Cayuga White` (Vitis labrusca L. by V. vinifera L., developed by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, N.Y.; female parent, non-patented) x A-1754 (non-patented, non-released breeding genotype; male parent). This new wine grape cultivar can be distinguished by its quality juice attributes for wine production with hardy and productive grapevines adapted to Arkansas and the Mid-South of the United States

Grape Plant Named ‘Dazzle’

Description and specifications of a new and distinct cultivar of grapevine which originated from a hand-pollinated cross of ‘Gewürztraminer’ (female parent) x ‘Melody’ (male parent) made in 1991. The seedlings fruited in the summer of 1992 in a vineyard near Clarksville, Ark. and one was selected for its potential as a wine grape for utilization in the Mid-South of the United States. The original vine was tested as ‘Ark. 2574’. The new cultivar of grapevine is intended for wine production and provides advancements in cold hardiness

Grape Plant Named ‘Indulgence’

Description and specifications of a new and distinct cultivar of wine grapevine which originated from a hand-pollinated cross of ‘Seyval Blanc’ (female parent) and ‘Muscat Ottonel’ (male parent) made in 1988. The seedlings fruited in the summer of 1992 in a vineyard near Clarksville, Ark. and one was selected for its potential as a wine grape for utilization in the Mid-South. The original vine was tested as ‘Ark. 2359’. The new cultivar of grapevine is a white wine grape which is adapted to the Mid-South of the United States with good winter hardiness and distinct muscat flavor

Grape plant named `Enchantment`

Description and specifications of a new and distinct wine grape cultivar which originated from a hand-pollinated cross of Ark. 1628 (non-patented, non-released breeding genotype; female parent) x Ark. 1481 (non-patented, non-released breeding genotype; male parent). This new wine grape cultivar can be distinguished by its quality juice attributes for wine production with hardy and productive grapevines adapted Arkansas and the Mid-South of the United States

Multilayered nanoplasmonic arrays for self-referenced biosensing

Nanostructured sensors based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) offer a number of advantages over other optical sensing technologies, making them excellent candidates for miniaturized, label-free chemical and biological detection. Highly sensitive to local refractive index changes, the resonance peaks of the nanosensors shift by different amounts when subject to different biological and chemical environments. Modifications to the nanostructure surface allow for the detection of specific molecules and chemicals with shifts so sensitive that the presence of single molecules can be detected. However, this extreme sensitivity has its drawbacks. Resonance shifts also occur because of temperature shifts, light-intensity fluctuations, and other environmental factors. To distinguish detection from drift, a secondary sensor region is often required. This often doubles the size of the device, requires two light sources and detectors (or complex optics), doubles the sample volume required (which may be expensive, or may not be possible if the sample quantity is limited), and subjects the reference to potential biofouling. Here, we present a new proof-of-concept multilayered LSPR sensor design that incorporates both a sensing layer and an encapsulated reference layer within the same region. By doing so, we are able to monitor and correct for sensor drift without the need for a secondary reference channel. We demonstrate the suitability of this sensor for sucrose concentration measurements and for the detection of biotin–avidin interactions, while also showing that the sensor can self-correct for drift. We believe that this multilayer sensor design holds promise for point-of-care diagnostics

Reversible DNA micro-patterning using the fluorous effect

We describe a new method for the immobilisation of DNA into defined patterns with sub-micron resolution, using the fluorous effect. The method is fully reversible via a simple solvent wash, allowing the patterning, regeneration and re-patterning of surfaces with no degradation in binding efficiency following multiple removal/attachment cycles of different DNA sequences

The effect of right ventricular apical and non-apical pacing on the short- and long-term changes in left ventricular ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

BACKGROUND The right ventricular apex (RVA) is the traditional lead site for chronic pacing but in some patients may cause impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function over time. Comparisons with non-apical (RVNA) pacing sites have generated inconsistent results and recent meta-analyses have demonstrated unclear benefit due to heterogeneity across studies. METHODS AND RESULTS A systematic search for randomized controlled trials that compared LVEF outcomes between RVNA and RVA pacing was performed up to October 2014. Twenty four studies (n = 1628 patients) met the inclusion criteria. To avoid between study heterogeneity two homogenous groups were created; group one where studies reported a difference (in favor of RVNA pacing) and group two where studies reported no difference between pacing sites. For group one weighted mean difference (WMD) between RVNA and RVA pacing in terms of LVEF at follow-up was 5.40% (95% CI: 3.94 to 6.87), related in part to group one's RVA arm demonstrating a significant reduction (mean loss -3.31%; 95% CI: -6.19 to -0.43) in LVEF between study baseline and end of follow-up. Neither of these finding were seen in group two. Weighted regression modeling demonstrated that inclusion of poor baseline LVEF (<40%) in combination with greater than 12 months follow-up was three times more common in group one compared to group two (weighted RR 2.82; 95% CI 1.03 - 7.72; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS In patients requiring chronic right ventricular pacing where there is inclusion of impaired baseline LVEF (<40%), RVA pacing is associated with deterioration in LV function relative to RVNA pacing. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved