Low-Pass Sigma Delta Modulator for High Temperature Operation

Master'sMASTER OF ENGINEERIN

Some Predictions of Deformations from Tram Track Construction in a Structure-Embankment Transition Zone

AbstractBased on a construction project of a tram line in Nanjing City of China, the influence of a tram track construction on the deformation characteristics of an adjacent metro station and tunnels is investigated. Because a section of the tram track is designed to be constructed in the vicinity of the connection between a metro station and metro tunnels, the foundation of the tram track is changed from the station structure to the normal embankment. As a result, deformations from tram track construction in this structure-embankment transition zone will be serious. In order to protect the metro station and the twin tunnels from the construction-induced deformation and long term settlement caused by tram trains, a recommended treatment of the structure-embankment transition zone is suggested according to the property of the surrounding soils. The construction process of the tram track over the metro station and the tunnels is simulated by a finite element analysis (FEA) method. The deformation characteristics of the metro station and tunnels are calculated. Results indicate that with the recommended transition zone design the deformation response of the adjacent underground structures can be well controlled and the transition performance of the tram track transition zone can be improved

Dots — An inclusive natural user interfaces (NUI) for spatial computing

The rise of ubiquitous computing and pervasive technology like Mixed Reality (MR) and the Internet of Things (IoT) causes the user interface starts to shift from the touch screens to the surrounding environment. However, the inclusive design has not adequately introduced the accessibility of these emerging technologies to people with physical disability. In this context, a new approach for these people seems necessary in relation to interface design for the sake of accessibility. Unlike traditional inclusive design where an object or device need to embrace different types of users, here we question whether users can adapt to one flexible and customizable system. In this paper, we present an “inclusive” Natural User Interface (NUI), which enables people with physical disabilities to interact with the spatial computing environment

Direct hydrodeoxygenation of raw woody biomass into liquid alkanes

Being the only sustainable source of organic carbon, biomass is playing an ever-increasingly important role in our energy landscape. The conversion of renewable lignocellulosic biomass into liquid fuels is particularly attractive but extremely challenging due to the inertness and complexity of lignocellulose. Here we describe the direct hydrodeoxygenation of raw woods into liquid alkanes with mass yields up to 28.1 wt% over a multifunctional Pt/NbOPO(4) catalyst in cyclohexane. The superior performance of this catalyst allows simultaneous conversion of cellulose, hemicellulose and, more significantly, lignin fractions in the wood sawdust into hexane, pentane and alkylcyclohexanes, respectively. Investigation on the molecular mechanism reveals that a synergistic effect between Pt, NbO(x) species and acidic sites promotes this highly efficient hydrodeoxygenation of bulk lignocellulose. No chemical pretreatment of the raw woody biomass or separation is required for this one-pot process, which opens a general and energy-efficient route for converting raw lignocellulose into valuable alkanes

Icariside II, a Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor, Attenuates Beta-Amyloid-Induced Cognitive Deficits via BDNF/TrkB/CREB Signaling

Background/Aims: Icariside II (ICS II) is an active component from Epimedium brevicornum, a Chinese medicine extensively used in China. Our previous study has proved that ICS II protects against learning and memory impairments and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus induced by beta-amyloid25-35 (Aβ25-35) in rats. However, its in-depth underlying mechanisms remain still unclear. Hence this study was designed to explore the potential underlying mechanisms of ICS II by experiments with an in vivo model of Aβ25-35-induced cognitive deficits in rats combined with a neuronal-like PC12 cells injury in vitro model. Methods: The cognitive deficits was measured using Morris water maze test, and apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS levels were detected by TUNEL, DCFH-DA and Mito-SOX staining, respectively. Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), and cAMP response element binding (p-CREB) and active-Caspase 3 levels were evaluated by Western blot. Results: It was found that ICS II, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, significantly attenuated cognitive deficits caused by Aβ25-35 injection in rats, and ICS II not only significantly enhanced the expression of BDNF and TrkB, but also activated CREB. Furthermore, ICS II also significantly abrogated Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cell injury, and inhibited Aβ25-35-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, as well as mitochondrial ROS levels. In addition, ICS II up-regulated the expressions of BDNF and TrkB consistent with the findings in vivo. ANA-12, a TrkB inhibitor, blocked the neuroprotective effect of ICS II on Aβ25-35-induced neuronal injury. Conclusion: ICS II mitigates Aβ25-35-induced cognitive deficits and neuronal cell injury by upregulating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling, suggesting that ICS II can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease