SPoC: A novel framework for relating the amplitude of neuronal oscillations to behaviorally relevant parameters

Previously, modulations in power of neuronal oscillations have been functionally linked to sensory, motor and cognitive operations. Such links are commonly established by relating the power modulations to specific target variables such as reaction times or task ratings. Consequently, the resulting spatio-spectral representation is subjected to neurophysiological interpretation. As an alternative, independent component analysis (ICA) or alternative decomposition methods can be applied and the power of the components may be related to the target variable. In this paper we show that these standard approaches are suboptimal as the first does not take into account the superposition of many sources due to volume conduction, while the second is unable to exploit available information about the target variable. To improve upon these approaches we introduce a novel (supervised) source separation framework called Source Power Comodulation (SPoC). SPoC makes use of the target variable in the decomposition process in order to give preference to components whose power comodulates with the target variable. We present two algorithms that implement the SPoC approach. Using simulations with a realistic head model, we show that the SPoC algorithms are able extract neuronal components exhibiting high correlation of power with the target variable. In this task, the SPoC algorithms outperform other commonly used techniques that are based on the sensor data or ICA approaches. Furthermore, using real electroencephalography (EEG) recordings during an auditory steady state paradigm, we demonstrate the utility of the SPoC algorithms by extracting neuronal components exhibiting high correlation of power with the intensity of the auditory input. Taking into account the results of the simulations and real EEG recordings, we conclude that SPoC represents an adequate approach for the optimal extraction of neuronal components showing coupling of power with continuously changing behaviorally relevant parameters

Adiabatic entanglement transport in Rydberg aggregates

We consider the interplay between excitonic and atomic motion in a regular, flexible chain of Rydberg atoms, extending our recent results on entanglement transport in Rydberg chains [W\"uster et al., Phys.Rev.Lett 105 053004 (2010)]. In such a Rydberg chain, similar to molecular aggregates, an electronic excitation is delocalised due to long range dipole-dipole interactions among the atoms. The transport of an exciton that is initially trapped by a chain dislocation is strongly coupled to nuclear dynamics, forming a localised pulse of combined excitation and displacement. This pulse transfers entanglement between dislocated atoms adiabatically along the chain. Details about the interaction and the preparation of the initial state are discussed. We also present evidence that the quantum dynamics of this complex many-body problem can be accurately described by selected quantum-classical methods, which greatly simplify investigations of excitation transport in flexible chains

Atomic size effects studied by transport in single silicide nanowires

Ultrathin metallic silicide nanowires with extremely high aspect ratios can be easily grown, e.g., by deposition of rare earth elements on semiconducting surfaces. These wires play a pivotal role in fundamental research and open intriguing perspectives for CMOS applications. However, the electronic properties of these one-dimensional systems are extremely sensitive to atomic-sized defects, which easily alter the transport characteristics. In this study, we characterized comprehensively TbSi2 wires grown on Si(100) and correlated details of the atomic structure with their electrical resistivities. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) as well as all transport experiments were performed in situ using a four-tip STM system. The measurements are complemented by local spectroscopy and density functional theory revealing that the silicide wires are electronically decoupled from the Si template. On the basis of a quasiclassical transport model, the size effect found for the resistivity is quantitatively explained in terms of bulk and surface transport channels considering details of atomic-scale roughness. Regarding future applications the full wealth of these robust nanostructures will emerge only if wires with truly atomically sharp interfaces can be reliably grown. © 2016 American Physical Society.DFG/FOR/170

Excitated state properties of 20-chloro-chlorophyll a

The excited-state and lasing properties of 20-chloro-chlorophyll a in ether solution were compared to those of chlorophyll a. Desactivation parameters and cross-sections were obtained from non-linear absorption spectroscopy in combination with a physico-mathematical methods package. The Cl substituent at C-20 (1) increases both intersystem crossing and internal conversion, (2) produces a blue-shift of the S1 absorption spectrum, and (3) leads to pronounced photochemistry

Global Aerostructural Design Optimization of More Flexible Wings for Commercial Aircraft

In the German Aerospace Center's Virtual Aircraft Technology Integration Platform project, a process for aerostructural wing optimization based on high-fidelity simulation methods is continuously developed. Based upon a parametric geometry, flight performance under transonic flight conditions and maneuver loads are computed by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Structural mass and elastic characteristics of the wing are determined from structural sizing of the composite wing box for essential maneuver load cases using computational structural mechanics. Global aerostructural wing optimizations are performed for wings with a conventional composite wing-box structure and for more flexible wings. The minimization of the fuel consumption for three flight missions represents the objective function. The optimizations are performed for variable and constant wing planforms as well as with and without consideration of active maneuver load alleviation. A significant mass reduction of the wing box is obtained with the more flexible wing concept, resulting in a decrease in fuel consumption of about 3%. For the optimizations with active maneuver load alleviation, the more flexible wing concept shows an additional reduction of the fuel consumption on the order of 2%. The more flexible wing concept results in optimized wing geometries with increased aspect ratios and reduced taper ratios

Nanoscale Photoluminescence Manipulation in Monolithic Porous Silicon Oxide Microcavity Coated with Rhodamine-Labeled Polyelectrolyte via Electrostatic Nanoassembling

Porous silicon (PSi) is a promising material for future integrated nanophotonics when coupled with guest emitters, still facing challenges in terms of homogenous distribution and nanometric thickness of the emitter coating within the silicon nanostructure. Herein, it is shown that the nanopore surface of a porous silicon oxide (PSiO2) microcavity (MC) can be conformally coated with a uniform nm-thick layer of a cationic light-emitting polyelectrolyte, e.g., poly(allylamine hydrochloride) labeled with Rhodamine B (PAH-RhoB), leveraging the self-tuned electrostatic interaction of the positively-charged PAH-RhoB polymer and negatively-charged PSiO2 surface. It is found that the emission of PAH-RhoB in the PSiO2 MC is enhanced (≈2.5×) and narrowed (≈30×) at the resonant wavelength, compared with that of PAH-RhoB in a non-resonant PSiO2 reference structure. The time-resolved photoluminescence analysis highlights a shortening (≈20%) of the PAH-RhoB emission lifetime in the PSiO2 MC at the resonance versus off-resonance wavelengths, and with respect to the reference structure, thereby proving a significant variation of the radiative decay rate. Remarkably, an experimental Purcell factor Fp = 2.82 is achieved. This is further confirmed by the enhancement of the photoluminescence quantum yield of the PAH-RhoB in the PSiO2 MC with respect to the reference structure. Application of the electrostatic nanoassembling approach to other emitting dyes, nanomaterials, and nanophotonic systems is envisaged

Assessing auditory evoked potentials of wild harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)

© 2016 Acoustical Society of America. Testing the hearing abilities of marine mammals under water is a challenging task. Sample sizes are usually low, thus limiting the ability to generalize findings of susceptibility towards noise influences. A method to measure harbor porpoise hearing thresholds in situ in outdoor conditions using auditory steady state responses of the brainstem was developed and tested. The method was used on 15 live-stranded animals from the North Sea during rehabilitation, shortly before release into the wild, and on 12 wild animals incidentally caught in pound nets in Denmark (inner Danish waters). Results indicated that although the variability between individuals is wide, the shape of the hearing curve is generally similar to previously published results from behavioral trials. Using 10-kHz frequency intervals between 10 and 160 kHz, best hearing was found between 120 and 130 kHz. Additional testing using one-third octave frequency intervals (from 16 to 160 kHz) allowed for a much faster hearing assessment, but eliminated the fine scale threshold characteristics. For further investigations, the method will be used to better understand the factors influencing sensitivity differences across individuals and to establish population-level parameters describing hearing abilities of harbor porpoises

Aquaculture Perspective of Multi-Use Sites in the Open Ocean: The Untapped Potential for Marine Resources in the Anthropocene

This volume addresses the potential for combining large-scale marine aquaculture of macroalgae, molluscs, crustaceans, and finfish, with offshore structures, primarily those associated with energy production, such as wind turbines and oil-drilling platforms. The volume offers a comprehensive overview and includes chapters on policy, science, engineering, and economic aspects to make this concept a reality. The compilation of chapters authored by internationally recognized researchers across the globe addresses the theoretical and practical aspects of multi-use, and presents case studies of research, development, and demonstration-scale installations in the US and EU