A 4.8-μVrms-Noise CMOS-Microelectrode Array With Density-Scalable Active Readout Pixels via Disaggregated Differential Amplifier Implementation

We demonstrate a 4.8-μVrms noise microelectrode array (MEA) based on the complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor active-pixel-sensors readout technique with disaggregated differential amplifier implementation. The circuit elements of the differential amplifier are divided into a readout pixel, a reference pixel, and a column circuit. This disaggregation contributes to the small area of the readout pixel, which is less than 81 μm2. We observed neuron signals around 100 μV with 432 electrodes in a fabricated prototype chip. The implementation has technological feasibility of up to 12-μm-pitch electrode density and 6,912 readout channels for high-spatial resolution mapping of neuron network activity

Results of All ITER TF Full-Size Joint Sample Tests in Japan

Nine toroidal field (TF) coils have been developed in Japan for the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). The joint resistance of TF coil should satisfy the requirement of smaller than 3 nano-ohm at 2 T of external magnetic field and 68 kA of transport current. Full-size joint sample (FSJS) tests were performed for joint development and for TF coil manufacture, as part of the process control. 11 FSJS tests are conducted in total. FSJS tests were conducted with assistance from a test faculty in the National Institute for Fusion Science as reported in a previous paper. All FSJS tests successfully satisfied the requirement of resistance less than 3 nΩ at 2 T. Additionally, the TF coil joints are subjected to cyclic electromagnetic force and warm-up/cool-down during the ITER operation. The authors investigated the joint performance for the abovementioned influence. The results showed no degradation in the joint resistance. Thus, the TF joint developed in Japan was qualified successfully

頭寒足熱の温熱生理学的検証

Biological responses due to thermal stimuli were categorized based on the areas of the human body as well as on the modalities of thermal stresses such as icing, cooling and heating applications. These biological responses reported in previous papers were analyzed based on the concepts of Selective Brain Cooling (SBC) and long-term fever range (FR)-mild hyperthermia. Although no thermophysiological problems occurred in the case reports of biological responses induced by SBC, the effects of those induced by cooling of the body trunk and extremities were not so thoroughly evaluated. On the other hand, the idea of long-term fever range (FR)-mild hyperthermia (39.5-41.0℃) proved to be helpful in therapies enhancing the immune defenses against virulent bacterial diseases through the proliferation of Langerhans cells (LCs) and, under these conditions, it might even be beneficially combined with Selective Brain Cooling (SBC) and body heating to enhance human health and physical performance