INTELLIGENT ENERGY FIELD MANUFACTURING (EFM)

ABSTRACT The nature of manufacturing is using information to control energy field in order to convert material into useful configurations, products, and systems. One way to view manufacturing differently is to explore it from the perspective of energy fields. In this paper, the origination and the evolution of Energy Field Manufacturing (EFM) and the concept of a dynamic M-PIE (Material-Process-InformationEnergy) model of manufacturing are reviewed. The generality of energy fields and the importance of re-thinking of traditional and non-traditional manufacturing are discussed. Giving a general definition to intelligence, this paper further broadens the methodology of EFM to Intelligent EFM, which incorporates the ability to gather, interpret and use the information in energy fields, materials and systems in a systematic way. This paper further discusses the meaning and tasks of Intelligent EFM research. A systematic approach of energy field integration and optimization is proposed. Finally, representative processes are reviewed to highlight some principles of Intelligent EFM. KEYWORDS Innovation, Manufacturing Methodology, Energy Field Manufacturing (EFM), General Intelligence, Intelligent Energy Field Manufacturing, Logic Functional Material, Dynamic MPIE model, 3D Manufacturing, Process Optimization BACKGROUND In 1988, a USTC professor explained to the undergraduate class the over 20 processing steps to make a precision gage block. A discouraged student thought hard to simplify his future mechanical engineering career, and initiated the concept of "Virtual Mold 3D Manufacturing". The concept was developed into "Energy Field 3D Manufacturing" in 199

A comparative study of mutation screening of sarcomeric genes (MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNT2) using single gene approach versus targeted gene panel next generation sequencing in a cohort of HCM patients in Egypt

Background: NGS enables simultaneous sequencing of large numbers of associated genes in genetic heterogeneous disorders, in a more rapid and cost-effective manner than traditional technologies. However there have been limited direct comparisons between NGS and more established technologies to assess the sensitivity and false negative rates of this new approach. The scope of the present manuscript is to compare variants detected in MYBPC3, MYH7 and TNNT2 genes using the stepwise dHPLC/ Sanger versus targeted NGS.Methods: In this study, we have analysed a group of 150 samples of patients from the Bibliotheca Alexandrina-Aswan Heart Centre National HCM program. The genetic testing was simultaneously undertaken by high throughput denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) followed by Sanger based sequencing and targeted next generation deep sequencing using panel of inherited cardiac genes (ICC). The panel included over 100 genes including the 3 sarcomeric genes. Analysis of the sequencing data of the 3 genes was undertaken in a double blinded strategy.Results: NGS analysis detected all pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants identified by dHPLC (50 in total, some samples had double hits). There was a 0% false negative rate for NGS based analysis. Nineteen variants were missed by dHPLC and detected by NGS, thus increasing the diagnostic yield in this co- analysed cohort from 22.0% (33/150) to 31.3% (47/150). Of interest to note that the mutation spectrum in this Egyptian HCM population revealed a high rate of homozygosity in MYBPC3 and MYH7 genes in comparison to other population studies (6/150, 4%). None of the homozygous samples were detected by dHPLC analysis.Conclusion: NGS provides a useful and rapid tool to allow panoramic screening of several genes simultaneously with a high sensitivity rate amongst genes of known etiologic role allowing high throughput analysis of HCM patients and relevant control series in a less characterised population

An investigation of the temperature distribution induced during laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) of titanium nitride on titanium-aluminum-vanadium

To understand how the substrate temperature influences the deposition rate and spatial profile of deposits formed using laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD), spatially resolved multi-wavelength pyrometry measurements of the substrate temperature have been made during LCVD of titanium nitride (TiN) on Ti-6Al-4V substrates. The precursors that have been used are TiCl\sb4, N\sb2, and H\sb2. Also, deposition has been studied as a function of the N\sb2:H\sb2 gas ratio, the TiCl\sb4 partial pressure, the total chamber pressure, and the laser power. Also, film thickness has been measured by stylus profilometry, and film composition and microstructure have been determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).While the substrate temperature and the gas composition have the greatest influence on TiN film growth, H\sb2 exerts the greatest influence on TiN film growth. Also, enhanced mass transport associated with localized laser beam heating has led to film growth rates on the order of 1 $\mu$m/sec; however, there is still evidence of reactant depletion at the center of the laser heated spot.In addition to calculating film growth rates based on film height, two new methods of characterizing the film growth rate have been developed. Using these growth rates, three insights have been obtained. First, the film growth rates are 1-1/2 orders of magnitude greater than typical CVD deposition rates. Second, radial growth of the films continues after reactant depletion occurs at the center of the deposit. Third, comparison of the growth rates with LIF measurements supports the concept of a temperature-dependent sticking coefficient.Based on the experiments, reaction rate equations have been postulated as a function of N\sb2/H\sb2 gas ratio and TiCl\sb4 partial pressure. Also, the apparent activation energy for deposition is 108.9 kJ/mol when one calculates the deposition rate based on film height. Using alternate definitions of film growth rates, the apparent activation energies are 65.2 and 81.4 kl/mol. The discrepancy in these activation energies has occurred because part of the measured film volume is actually TiCl\sb4 rather than TiN.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio

Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An Egyptian case control study

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease characterized by genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Renin–angiotensin–aldosteron be system (RAAS) is a potential disease modifier. The aim of the present case control study is evaluation of the controversial role of ACE I/D polymorphism in HCM among Egyptians. Subjects and methods: The study comprised 211 unrelated HCM patients (138 sporadic, 73 familial) and 203 age and sex matched ECG screened healthy volunteers. ACE I/D polymorphism was determined using previously described PCR and gel electrophoresis based method. Results: Distribution of ACE genotype among the Egyptian controls was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P = 0.778) but not in HCM patients (P = 0.0010). The ACE DD genotype was significantly higher among HCM patients (P = 0.049), particularly in sporadic HCM group compared with familial cases (P = 0.0001). In addition, the distribution of D allele was significantly higher in HCM patients carrying sarcomeric mutations in TNNT2 and MYH7, (P = 0.0476). There was no observed significant effect of the ACE genotypes on the phenotypic expression of the disease. Conclusion: The finding of higher frequency of DD genotype among HCM patients compared to healthy volunteers, particularly so, in sporadic cases suggests that HCM expression is possibly influenced by a genetically predisposed milieu partially determined by the ACE I/D variants. Despite the lack of significant correlation between I/D variants and clinicopathologic characteristics of the HCM patients, however, the higher prevalence of D allele among TNNT2 and MYH7 mutation carriers may contribute to the variable disease outcome among sarcomeric gene positive cases, such a correlation can only be proven through long term follow up studies

Structure and function of the aortic and pulmonary outflows in a patient, 12 years after Nikaidoh operation, A cautionary Note

Background: Nikaidoh translocation operation is increasingly being used for patients with TGA, VSD and LVOTO. The early results of this operation are excellent and possibly better than the Rastelli repair. However, the long-term results remain inadequately defined. Methods and results: Detailed follow up data of a patient, 12 years after Nikaidoh operation, using computerized image analysis are reported. The patient complained of chest pain on exertion. Imaging showed severe dilatation of the non-coronary sinus of the aortic root, compressing the RVOT and pulmonary artery branches resulting in RV dilatation. The dilated aortic sinus showed marked pulsatility with expansion during systole and diastole. As the child was symptomatic, with a risk of aneurysm rupture, excision was performed. This complication is thought to be due to interruption of the innervation of the root as well as cutting vasa vasorum. Conclusion: Nikaidoh operation is a viable solution for the repair of TGA, VSD, PS. Dilatation of the neo-aortic root should be carefully followed and causes of the dilatation investigated

Effects of Plume Hydrodynamics and Oxidation on the Composition of a Condensing Laser-Induced Plasma

High-temperature chemistry in laser ablation plumes leads to vapor-phase speciation, which can induce chemical fractionation during condensation. Using emission spectroscopy acquired after ablation of a SrZrO₃ target, we have experimentally observed the formation of multiple molecular species (ZrO and SrO) as a function of time as the laser ablation plume evolves. Although the stable oxides SrO and ZrO₂ are both refractory, we observed emission from the ZrO intermediate at earlier times than SrO. We deduced the time-scale of oxygen entrainment into the laser ablation plume using an ¹⁸O₂ environment by observing the in-growth of Zr¹⁸O in the emission spectra relative to Zr¹⁶O, which was formed by reaction of Zr with ¹⁶O from the target itself. Using temporally resolved plume-imaging, we determined that ZrO formed more readily at early times, volumetrically in the plume, while SrO formed later in time, around the periphery. Using a simple temperature-dependent reaction model, we have illustrated that the formation sequence of these oxides subsequent to ablation is predictable to first order