Geometric Convolutional Neural Network for Analyzing Surface-Based Neuroimaging Data

The conventional CNN, widely used for two-dimensional images, however, is not directly applicable to non-regular geometric surface, such as a cortical thickness. We propose Geometric CNN (gCNN) that deals with data representation over a spherical surface and renders pattern recognition in a multi-shell mesh structure. The classification accuracy for sex was significantly higher than that of SVM and image based CNN. It only uses MRI thickness data to classify gender but this method can expand to classify disease from other MRI or fMRI dataComment: 29 page

Development of Rapid Detection Methods and Novel Control Measures for Salmonella in Poultry

This dissertation consists of three research parts: 1) development of rapid detection methods for foodborne pathogens; 2) immune response of chicken cells against Salmonella and bacteriophage P22; 3) evaluation of novel control measures for poultry productions. In order to develop rapid and accurate detection methods for foodborne pathogens, two types of PCR assays were utilized. Three foodborne pathogens included Campylobacter, Escherichia coli and Salmonella in watershed were qualitatively and quantitatively detected by multiplex PCR and qPCR (chapter 2). Since Salmonella species are commonly present in poultry and poultry products as well as most popular foodborne pathogen in the United States, we have developed multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of Salmonella genus, Salmonella subspecies I, S. Enteritidis, S. Heidelberg, and S. Typhimurium. In addition, low numbers of Salmonella were quantified via qPCR (chapter 3). To evaluate the immune responses in chicken macrophage cells against Salmonella and bacteriophage P22 invasion, cell culture models were utilized. The productions of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-ã were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR (chapter 4). Prebiotics is a non-digestible food component that provides beneficial effects on the host by stimulating the growth and activity of selected bacteria in the lower intestinal tract. In this study, we evaluated a production performance in pasture flock raised broilers after treatment with three different prebiotics. Furthermore, microarray was conducted to evaluate different gene expressions according to prebiotics treatments using small intestinal cells and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software was used to analyze functional networks among up- or down-regulated genes based on microarray data (chapter 5). Lastly, DGGE was performed to evaluate gastrointestinal microflora shifts in pasture flock raised chickens supplemented with prebiotics (chapter 6)

Artificial scaling laws of the dynamical magnetic susceptibility in heavy-fermion systems

We report here how artificial, thus erroneous, scaling laws of the dynamical magnetic susceptibility can be obtained when data are not treated carefully. We consider the example of the heavy-fermion system Ce$_{0.925}$La$_{0.075}$Ru$_{2}$Si$_{2}$ and we explain how different kinds of artificial scaling laws in $E/T^\beta$ can be plotted in a low temperature regime where the dynamical susceptibility is nearly temperature independent.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

An extended finite element method for modeling near-interfacial crack propagation in a layered structure

AbstractThe extended finite element method (XFEM) is applied for the simulation of near-interfacial crack propagation in a metal–ceramic layered structure. An experimental evidence indicates that, in a ceramic–metal–ceramic sandwich structure, a near-interfacial crack in the ceramic layer can be drawn to or deflect away from the metal layer depending on the difference in elastic properties across the interface. To model near-interfacial fracture, only the Heaviside functions are used for the XFEM, and the vector level set method is employed for efficient evaluation of the enrichment functions. The crack propagation paths predicted by the XFEM simulation are found to be consistent with the experimental observation

A comparative study of characteristics of AZO based MISIM photodetectors with Al2O3 and SiO2 passivation layers

This paper reports aluminum (Al) doped zinc oxide (AZO) based metal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) ultraviolet (U) photodetectors. Spray-coated Al2O3 and sputtered SiO2 have been used as passivation-layer for two different sets of MISIM devices, respectively. The spray-coated Al2O3 passivation-layer has been used first-time for AZO based MISIM U-photodetectors. A comparative study of current versus voltage characteristics of MISIM and MSM (without passivation-layer) devices have been done systematically. The MISIM devices with Al2O3 passivation-layer showed better performance than MSM and MISIM (with SiO2) U-photodetectors. These AZO based MISIM (with spray-coated Al2O3) U-photodetectors can be used for low-cost optoelectronic applications

Particulate counter electrode system for enhanced light harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells

A particulate counter electrode with photo scattering and redox catalytic properties is applied to dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in order to improve photo conversion efficiency and simplify the assembly process. Our particulate counter electrode acts as both a photo reflecting layer and a catalyst for reduction of electrolyte. The reflective and catalytic properties of the electrode are investigated through optical and electrochemical analysis, respectively. A short circuit current density enhancement is observed in the DSSCs without the need to add an additional reflecting layer to the electrode. This leads to a simplified assembly process. (C) 2013 Optical Society of Americ

Heavy Fermions and Quantum Phase Transitions

Quantum phase transitions arise in many-body systems due to competing interactions that promote rivaling ground states. Recent years have seen the identification of continuous quantum phase transitions, or quantum critical points, in a host of antiferromagnetic heavy-fermion compounds. Studies of the interplay between the various effects have revealed new classes of quantum critical points, and are uncovering a plethora of new quantum phases. At the same time, quantum criticality has provided fresh insights into the electronic, magnetic, and superconducting properties of the heavy-fermion metals. We review these developments, discuss the open issues, and outline some directions for future research.Comment: review article, 26 pages, 4 figure