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Broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) was used to study thin films of Ge2Sb2Se5 exposed to low fluence UV-irradiation that resulted in thermally reversible photo-induced changes (PICs) on the film surfaces. Changes were characterized by reversible changes in film morphology and changes in the microwave scattering signature prior to and following irradiation. The PIC resulting from irradiation formed a low modulus and electrically resistive layer at the film surface. Modest heating of the photo-exposed material to about 60 °C anneals out the photo-formed layer to leave behind a very thin layer of smooth, thermally stable material at the film surface. Re-exposure of the material to UV-light recreated a foamy layer, which anneals away with modest heating over several cycles. The broadband microwave insertion loss (S21) increased with the film morphology changes after UV light exposure and decreased with thermal anneal over several cycles. These changes are correlated with transformations in the film's surface morphology and possibly structural modifications in the amorphous film. Thus, the BDS analysis provided interesting new insights into the nature of photo-induced processes in chalcogenide films, such as the electrical resistance consequences of morphological/structural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially available zinc sulfide (ZnS) ceramics, synthesized using chemical vapor deposition and subsequently hot isostatically pressed, are optically transparent as compared to other zinc sulfide chemical vapor deposited films and ceramics. The unique optical transparency along with the hardness and chemical resistance of ZnS makes it an important material for infrared transmission applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray induced Auger electron spectroscopy were performed on an optically transparent ZnS ceramic. This report includes charge corrected scans for the survey along with S 2s, S 2p, S LMM, Zn 2p, Zn 2s, Zn 3d, Zn 3p, Zn 3s, Zn LMM, O 1s, and C 1s surface photoelectron signals. The scans provide photoelectron spectroscopy investigation data to help with the identification of metal sulfide compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT) has successfully been used to improve social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through remote control of the robot in so-called Wizard of Oz (WoZ) paradigms.However, there is a need to increase the autonomy of the robot both to lighten the burden on human therapists (who have to remain in control and, importantly, supervise the robot) and to provide a consistent therapeutic experience. This paper seeks to provide insight into increasing the autonomy level of social robots in therapy to move beyond WoZ. With the final aim of improved human-human social interaction for the children, this multidisciplinary research seeks to facilitate the use of social robots as tools in clinical situations by addressing the challenge of increasing robot autonomy.We introduce the clinical framework in which the developments are tested, alongside initial data obtained from patients in a first phase of the project using a WoZ set-up mimicking the targeted supervised-autonomy behaviour. We further describe the implemented system architecture capable of providing the robot with supervised autonomy.

Aerobic exercise, specifically high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and its effects on renal health and filtration (RHF) are not well understood. Several studies support incorporating contemporary biomarkers serum cystatin C (CyC) and urine epidermal growth factor (uEGF) to combat the volatility of serum creatinine (sCr). Using these biomarkers, we examined the acute influences HIIE has on RHF to determine if there is a ceiling effect in healthy populations. The purpose was to determine the influence of an acute bout of HIIE on RHF. Thirty-six participants (n = 22 males; n = 14 females; age 37.6 ± 12.4 years.; BF% 19.2 ± 7.1%; VO2max 41.8 + 7.4 mL/kg/min) completed 30 min of HIIE on a treadmill (80% and 40% of VO2reserve in 3:2 min ratio). Blood and urine samples were obtained under standardized conditions before, 1 h, and 24 h post-exercise. CyC, sCR, uEGF, urine creatinine (uCr), uCr/uEGF ratio, and multiple estimates of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and CKD-EPI equations were used. The analysis employed paired sample t-tests and repeated measures ANOVAs. CyC, uEGF, uCr, and uCr/uEGF ratio concentrations were not altered between timepoints. sCr increased 1 h post-exercise (p > 0.002) but not at 24 h post-exercise. eGFR decreased in the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations at 1 h (p > 0.012) with no changes at 24 h post-exercise. CyC and sCr/CyC demonstrated no significant changes. CyC and uEGF are not altered by acute HIIE. The results demonstrate a potential ceiling effect in contemporary and traditional biomarkers of RHF, indicating improvements in RHF may be isolated to populations with reduced kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six niobium rich glasses presenting different sodium contents were synthetized. On the basis of complementary infrared and Raman analysis, the influence of the sodium content and its role on the structure of the glasses prior to and following poling was examined. Correlative second harmonic generation (SHG)/Raman microscopy on the poled glasses cross section has shown a co-localization of the SHG signal and the structural variations. It also evidenced similar structural rearrangements whether sodium is removed through poling (230–300 °C) or through the alkali content defined by the starting glass compositions (melted at 1300–1500 °C). The effect of the sodium content on the optical properties, prior to and after thermal poling, is also discussed. It was found that refractive index variations induced by poling (ranging between 10−3 and 3 × 10−2) are mainly the result of a density decrease in the poled region rather than compositional and structural changes. The electro-optic origin of the poling-induced second order nonlinear response is confirmed by the Maker Fringe SHG analysis, and the evolution of χ(2) (2–2.5 pm/V) with the sodium content is discussed based on a selection of parameters influencing either the third order susceptibility [χ(3)] or the internal electric field strength of the poled layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed on as-received, calcium sulfide (CaS) powder (98.0%), doped with europium (Eu) 2.0 wt. %. The scans provide photoelectron spectroscopy investigation data for CaS to help with identification of sulfide compounds. This report includes charge corrected scans for the survey along with S 2s, S 2p, O 1s, Eu 3d, Ca 2s, Ca 2p, and C 1s surface photoelectron signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed on as-received, gamma lanthanum sulfide (γ-La2S3) powder (99.9%), doped with sodium sulfide (Na2S) 0.1% wt. %. The scans provide photoelectron spectroscopy investigation data for cubic La2S3 to help with identification of lanthanum compounds. This report includes charge corrected scans for the survey along with S 2s, S 2p, La 4s, La 4p, La 4d, La 3p3/2, La 3p1/2, La 3d, Na 1s, O 1s, and C 1s surface photoelectron signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life‐threatening, debilitating disease caused by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. As patients living in the United States, we have unique insights into the journey from diagnosis and treatment within the US healthcare system and the significant impact that PH has on our quality of life. While there have recently been advances in PH management, there are several areas of PH care which we feel should be reassessed and improved. Commonly, diagnosis is lengthy and convoluted due to the rarity of the disease and limited knowledge of PH in primary care. There are also barriers to obtaining the right treatment and we feel that a more holistic approach to care is needed. Mental health is commonly overlooked and should be an integral part of patient care, as should elements such as nutritional advice, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and sexual health. PH patient associations play a key role in providing social, educational, and financial support to patients and caregivers alongside PH research and advocacy. As patients, we feel that we need to advocate for correct diagnosis, timely referral, and optimal treatment, in addition to overcoming the financial and/or administrative hurdles to obtain these. We propose several future goals to help empower patients to play an active, central role in their care and to improve all aspects of PH management. We advocate for further use of the patient voice in research and clinical development programs, including the use of patient‐reported outcomes that have been developed with patient input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]