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Carbon nanotube (CNT)-amorphous FePO(4) core-shell nanowires are synthesized by aqueous solution-based mineralization through sequential adsorption of Fe(3+) and PO(4)(3-) ions onto the CNT surface. The hierarchical nanostructure with FePO(4) shell directly grown on the CNT core exhibits excellent electrochemical properties and performance as a cathode material for Li ion batteries.

We report the Mn based olivine electrode material with high power and energy. Easier and more frequent nucleation by Fe and Co in Mn-based olivines significantly enhanced the rate capability as evidenced by the electrochemical results.

Efforts and tools aiming to automate business processes promise the highest potential gains on business processes with a well-defined structure and high degree of repetition [1]. Despite successes in this area, the reality is that today many processes are in fact not automated. This is because, among other reasons, Business Process Management Suites (BPMSs) are not well suited for ad-hoc and human-centric processes [2]; and automating processes demands high cost and skills. This affects primarily the “long tail of processes” [3], i.e. processes that are less structured, or that do not affect many people uniformly, or that are not considered critical to an organization: those are rarely automated. One of the consequences of this state is that still today organisations rely on templates and paper-based forms to manage the long tail processes.

We report the synthesis of novel diphenylalanine/cobalt(II,III) oxide (Co(3)O(4)) composite nanowires by peptide self-assembly. Peptide nanowires were prepared by treating amorphous diphenylalanine film with aniline vapor at an elevated temperature. They were hybridized with Co(3)O(4) nanocrystals through the reduction of cobalt ions in an aqueous solution using sodium borohydride (NaBH(4)) without any complex processes such as heat treatment. The formation of peptide/Co(3)O(4) composite nanowires was characterized using multiple tools, such as electron microscopies and elemental analysis, and their potential application as a negative electrode for Li-ion batteries was explored by constructing Swagelok-type cells with hybrid nanowires as a working electrode and examining their charge/discharge behavior. The present study provides a useful approach for the synthesis of functional metal oxide nanomaterials by demonstrating the feasibility of peptide/Co(3)O(4) hybrid nanowires as an energy storage material.

The three-dimensional network of TiO(2) hollow nanoribbons designed from a peptide assembly using atomic layer deposition is demonstrated as a promising Li secondary battery electrode in this study. The nanoribbon network ensures effective transport of electrons and Li ions due to (i) a well-connected network of nanoribbons and (ii) the hollow structure of each nanoribbon itself, into which Li ions in the electrolyte can readily diffuse. The improved specific capacity, rate capability, and cyclability of the nanonetwork show that the utilization of a nanonetwork of individual hollow ribbons can serve as a promising strategy toward the development of high-performance electrode for Li secondary batteries.

Wide-ranging costs of laparoscopic surgery (LAP) are associated with variations in the experience levels of surgeons. There is no available report on the changes of economic outcomes relative to the LAP learning curve in the treatment of colorectal cancer. In the present study, we have compared changes in economic outcomes according to the LAP learning curve with the economic outcomes of open surgery (OS) for rectosigmoid cancer.A total of 197 patients with rectosigmoid cancer were included in this analysis; 116 received LAP and 81 received OS. Scatter of operative times demonstrated an early learning period of 37 cases in LAP. The following outcomes were compared between LAP and OS during the early learning period and experienced periods; operating room (OR) costs, OR-related hospital profit, total hospital charge, and patient payment. During the median interval of two periods according to the laparoscopic surgery learning curve, there was an inflation rate of about 10% on the medical charges such as operation, radiology, laboratory, and admission fee.Operating room costs were significantly higher after LAP during the two periods, but the median difference between LAP and OS decreased during the experienced period ($3,055 to $1,850). With increasing operative experience in LAP, the OR-related hospital deficit improved (-$1,072 to-$840). Total hospital charges were significantly higher for LAP than for OS in the early learning period (p0.05), but they were similar in the experienced period ($7,983/patient versus $7,045/patient, p0.05). During the experienced period, patients paid a lower surcharge for LAP ($1,885-$1,118).Total hospital charges for laparoscopic surgery were substantially higher than those of open surgery during the early learning period, but become similar during the experienced period. The shortening of the learning period is a critical factor for achieving cost-effective laparoscopic surgery.

Transition metal fluorides (MFx) are promising for use as high-capacity cathodes in rechargeable lithium batteries for large-scale applications, such as electric vehicles and grid-scale storage, but energy-efficiency and kinetics related issues remain a major hurdle to their commercial use. Cu based fluorides are particularly attractive due to the 3.55 V redox potential and extraordinarily high specific energy (1874 Wh/kg). Here we report on the synthesis, structural and electrochemical properties of new ternary metal fluorides (M1yM21-yFx: M1, M2 = Fe, Cu), which may overcome these issues. By substituting Cu into the Fe lattice, forming the solid solution CuyFe1-yF2, reversible Cu and Fe redox reactions were achieved with surprisingly small hysteresis ( The Li storage/release mechanisms and limits to cycling stability of CuyFe1-yF2 were investigated by combining electrochemical measurement with comprehensive structural and chemical analysis using in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy (TEM-EELS). The lithium reaction process is much more complicated in CuyFe1-yF2 than the binary metal counterparts (i.e. FeF2, CuF2) [2-4]. Some of the recent results on synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization of the ternary metal fluorides will be presented. Detailed lithium reaction mechanisms, and Cu-loss related issues along with possible remedy solutions in the CuyFe1-yF2system, will be discussed. [1] Wang et al., “Ternary Metal Fluorides as High-Energy Cathodes with Low Cycling Hysteresis”, Nat. Commun.6:6668 (2015). [2] Wang et al., “Conversion Reaction Mechanisms in Lithium Ion Batteries: Study of the Binary Metal Fluoride Electrodes”, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 133, 18828 (2011). [3] Wang et al., “Tracking Li Transport and Electrochemical Reaction in Nanoparticles”, Nat. Commun., 3, 1201(2012). [4] Hua et al., “Comprehensive Study of the CuF2 Conversion Reaction Mechanism in a Lithium Ion Battery”, J. Phys. Chem. C 118, 15169 (2014). Figure 1

A 50-year-old Korean man had an erythematous patch on the left side of his chest since birth ( Fig. 1). We first regarded this lesion as nevus flammeus because of the resemblance of the lesion to an erythematous patch that blanched with pressure. Physical examination revealed an 8×5 cm erythematous patch with a central profuse sweating zone surrounded by a flame-like non-sweating zone ( Fig. 2). The patch was sharply demarcated from the normal skin. Sweating was evoked by physical exercise or emotional stress. There was no history of pain or tenderness for the lesion. The patient had no history of any other vascular disease. Histopathologic examination of the central zone showed an increased number of eccrine glands in the mid and deep dermis. Some dilated vascular channels that were not associated with the eccrine glands were present in the upper dermis and subcutaneous tissue ( Fig. 3). Immunohistochemical stain with anti-factor VIII-related antigen showed reactivity on the endothelia of the vascular elements which were not associated with eccrine glands in the upper dermis. Histopathologic examination of the surrounding zone showed non-specific findings, except for the dilated vascular channels in the upper dermis. Figure 1. (A) hyperhidrotic erythematous patch on the left side of the chest Figure 2. (A) sharply demarcated 8×5 cm erythematous patch with a central profuse sweating zone surrounded by a flame-like non-sweating zone Figure 3. Several eccrine angiomatous lobules in the mid and deep dermis, and hyperplasia and dilation of vascular structures in the upper dermis and the subcutaneous fat (hematoxylin and eosin, ×100)

A wafer-level hermetic packaged X/Y dual-axis digital microaccelerometer is presented. The MEMS sensing element of the microaccelerometer is fabricated by the sacrificial bulk micromachining (SBM) process. The two microaccelerometers are fabricated on a same silicon substrate, and thus have a perfect orthogonality. To protect the silicon structure of the sensing element, a wafer-level hermetic packaging process is performed. The interface circuit of the microaccelerometer is fabricated using the 0.18 mum CMOS process. The capacitance change of the sensing element is converted to voltage signal by a charge amplifier. The analog signal is converted to digital signal by an A/D converter and a digital filter. The microaccelerometer has the scale factor of 9839 count/g, the output nonlinearity of 0.35 %FSO, the input range of plusmn0.83 g and the bias instability of 2.2965 mg for the x-axis, and the scale factor of 10087 count/g, the output nonlinearity of 0.38 %FSO, the input range of plusmn0.81 g and the bias stability of 7.1881 mg for the y-axis

In this paper a balance filter is useful for Bluetooth/spl trade/ application whether it is embedded or discrete type. The filter schematic that consists of two close resonators is well known. This combline filter can design for compact size and low cost realization. Also it is shown that the structure of combline filter is very useful in low temperature co-fired ceramic technology (LTCC). The design method for a balun is based on Marchand balun. But the difference is that it has loading capacitor. The proposed design method and equivalent circuit can make it easy to design the balun with DC supply. Also it is independent for design of the DC power plane. Bluetooth/spl trade/ module using suggested design in this paper have good agreement with simulated data.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.

Push-pull structure with balun transformer is presented as load modulation technique which improves the overall efficiency of power amplifier. Under the assumption that output impedance of turned-off amplifier is high, conventional Doherty amplifier is composed of impedance inverter and additional peaking amplifier. In many case, however, output impedance of 'off' amplifier is very low due to matching network or parasitic output capacitance. This paper introduces novel load modulation technique with push-pull structure which uses low impedance characteristic of off amplifier. Experimental results show that efficiency enhancement and good linearity of the proposed structure. To the authors' knowledge this is the first experimental results with a push-pull structure Doherty amplifier.

The design of high power push-pull amplifier and unique balun structure are presented. The balun consists of a dielectric resonator and slot line. In comparison with previous balun made up with cavity fixture by G.J. Laughlin (1976), the proposed one can be easily implemented due to its simple structure. The experimental result shows that push-pull amplifier has a gain of 13.7dB at the 2.1GHz W-CDMA band. With two carrier W-CDMA signal, the push-pull amplifier achieves an efficiency of 18.8% at the 41.5dBm average output power and ACLR test results of 36.7dBc at the 5MHz offset and 43.6dBc at the 10MHz offset.

In this study, in order to improve the photocatalytic decomposition activities of formaldehyde, TiO2 catalyst modified with SiO2 substitution and metal (Pt, Cu and Fe) impregnation, were tested. In case of TiO2 substituted by SiO2, the optimal catalytic activity was found at the mole ration of 2 : 8. Among the metal impregnated TiO2, the Pt impregnated TiO2 showed the best activity even better than that of P-25 which is widely used in commercial application. However, Cu and Fe impregnated TiO2 showed the reverse effect. In the case of SiO2 substituted TiO2 the observed values of photoluminescence spectroscopy were quite proportional to the photocatalytic activities depending upon the mole ratio of SiO2 to TiO2. However, for the samples of metal impregnated TiO2, the reverse relationships were found. In UV-visible spectra for metal impregated TiO2, the transmittance value was reduced depending upon the loading of metals. The enhanced photocatalytic activity for high metal loading on TiO2 might be associated with the high concentration of excited electron that was monitored through UV-visible spectra.

Some of transition metal fluorides (MFx) have been shown promising for use as high-capacity cathodes in rechargeable Li-ion batteries for large-scale applications, such as electric vehicles and grid-scale storage, but energy-efficiency and kinetics related issues remain a major hurdle to their commercial use. Cu based fluorides, such as CuF2 or the composites are particularly attractive due to the 3.55 V redox potential and extraordinarily high specific energy (1874 Wh/kg), but due to the irreversibility of Cu redox they were used only in primary batteries. Novel ternary metal fluorides M1 yM2 1-yFx (M1, M2 = transition metal, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1), of varying metal species and stoichiometry, were synthesized by cost-effective mechanochemical process. Due to incorporation of a second cation in the same lattice, this composite system exhibits exceptional electrochemical properties, shown as significantly reduced 1st discharge polarization, cycling hysteresis and faster reaction kinetics than the binary metal counterparts. And strikingly high reversibility of Cu redox (Cu2+/Cu0) was found in the CuyFe1-yF2 system by electrochemical measurements along with confirmation via x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results from this study demonstrated, for the 1st time, the feasibility of using Cu-based reversible conversion cathodes that will provide 3 times higher energy density than conventional intercalation cathodes. The Li storage/release mechanisms and limits to cycling stability of CuyFe1-yF2 were investigated by combining electrochemical measurement with comprehensive structural and chemical analysis using in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy (TEM-EELS). The lithium reaction process is much more complicated in CuyFe1-yF2 than the binary metal counterparts (i.e. FeF2, CuF2)[1, 2], and it was found that there are two separate conversion processes in CuyFe1-yF2 during lithiation, a reduction of Cu component into metallic Cu0 and concomitant formation of disordered FeF2 at higher potentials, followed by Fe2+/0 reduction. During delithiation process, Fe0 was over-oxidized to Fe2+/3+ states, which leads to LiF deficiency and subsequently partial reconversion of Cu. Some of the recent results on synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization of ternary metal fluorides M1 yM2 1-yFx will be presented. Detailed lithium reaction mechanisms, and Cu-loss related issues along with possible remedy solutions in the CuyFe1-yF2 system, will be discussed. [1] Wang et al., Conversion Reaction Mechanisms in Lithium Ion Batteries: Study of the Binary Metal Fluoride Electrodes, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 133 18828 (2011); [2] Wang et al., “Tracking of Li Transport and electrochemical reaction in nanoparticles”, Nat. Comm., 3 (2012) 1201. Acknowledgement This research is supported as part of the Northeastern Center for Chemical Energy Storage, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, under Award Number DE-SC0001294.Some of transition metal fluorides (MFx) have been shown promising for use as high-capacity cathodes in rechargeable Li-ion batteries for large-scale applications, such as electric vehicles and grid-scale storage, but energy-efficiency and kinetics related issues remain a major hurdle to their commercial use. Cu based fluorides, such as CuF2 or the composites are particularly attractive due to the 3.55 V redox potential and extraordinarily high specific energy (1874 Wh/kg), but due to the irreversibility of Cu redox they were used only in primary batteries. Novel ternary metal fluorides M1 yM2 1-yFx (M1, M2 = transition metal, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1), of varying metal species and stoichiometry, were synthesized by cost-effective mechanochemical process. Due to incorporation of a second cation in the same lattice, this composite system exhibits exceptional electrochemical properties, shown as significantly reduced 1st discharge polarization, cycling hysteresis and faster reaction kinetics than the binary metal counterparts. And strikingly high reversibility of Cu redox (Cu2+/Cu0) was found in the CuyFe1-yF2 system by electrochemical measurements along with confirmation via x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results from this study demonstrated, for the 1st time, the feasibility of using Cu-based reversible conversion cathodes that will provide 3 times higher energy density than conventional intercalation cathodes. The Li storage/release mechanisms and limits to cycling stability of CuyFe1-yF2 were investigated by combining electrochemical measurement with comprehensive structural and chemical analysis using in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy (TEM-EELS). The lithium reaction process is much more complicated in CuyFe1-yF2 than the binary metal counterparts (i.e. FeF2, CuF2)[1, 2], and it was found that there are two separate conversion processes in CuyFe1-yF2 during lithiation, a reduction of Cu component into metallic Cu0 and concomitant formation of disordered FeF2 at higher potentials, followed by Fe2+/0 reduction. During delithiation process, Fe0 was over-oxidized to Fe2+/3+ states, which leads to LiF deficiency and subsequently partial reconversion of Cu. Some of the recent results on synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization of ternary metal fluorides M1 yM2 1-yFx will be presented. Detailed lithium reaction mechanisms, and Cu-loss related issues along with possible remedy solutions in the CuyFe1-yF2 system, will be discussed. [1] Wang et al., Conversion Reaction Mechanisms in Lithium Ion Batteries: Study of the Binary Metal Fluoride Electrodes, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 133 18828 (2011); [2] Wang et al., “Tracking of Li Transport and electrochemical reaction in nanoparticles”, Nat. Comm., 3 (2012) 1201. Acknowledgement This research is supported as part of the Northeastern Center for Chemical Energy Storage, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, under Award Number DE-SC0001294.

This paper describes a network-based swarm robotic system and proposes a group-based control scheme using bi-directional spring damper impedance. The proposed algorithm is based on the spring-damper impedance and fuzzy logic. Using the proposed scheme, each robot could overcome collision problems effectively and maintain the group formation structure. The structure of UMPC-based swarm robot (UBSR) system consists of a user level, a cognitive level, and an executive level. This structure is designed to easily meet the different configuration requirements for other levels. The simulation and experimental results show the advantages of the proposed scheme.

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In this paper, it has been studied how to estimate state-of-charge (SOC) with accuracy and robustness in a harsh environment. Several methods have been used for that purpose. More specifically, in the process of estimation of open circuit voltage (OCV), least mean square (LMS) is used to calculate parameters of ECM, and Kalman filter (KF) is proposed to estimate SOC using both current integral and SOC obtained from OCV. The actual current pattern is used to verify the method in a harsh environment. This method can obtain the result that errors in SOC estimation, occurred in the whole process, is relatively smaller than other methods. Accurate SOC enables more efficient battery management. As a result, the utilisation of a battery can be increased using the method this paper proposes.

We report on the vertical growth of GaN nanowires by using Cu based multi-catalyst. Our study shows that the Cu based multi catalyst works well for the growth of GaN nanowires via VLS mechanism. The typical diameter and the length of nanowires are 15–250 nm and from a few micrometres to several tens of micrometres, respectively. Structural characterisation indicated that the nanowire is single-crystal with growth direction of . Importantly, Cu-Au-Ni multicatalyst leads the vertical growth of nanowires in advance of deposition of interfacial layer that is typically resulted in the random growth of GaN nanowires. Our investigation indicates that the low activation energy for the VLS growth of nanowire with Cu-Au-Ni catalyst ascribe to the epitaxial, vertical growth of GaN nanowires. These nanowires showed n-type semiconducting characteristics.

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Electrochemical properties of A(2)MnPO(4)F (A = Na/Li) were investigated both experimentally and with first principles calculations. A new Li(2)MnPO(4)F phase was successfully synthesized for the first time. A one alkali metal ion reaction occurred reversibly within a reasonable voltage window and a two alkali metal ion reaction took place at higher voltages.

The electrochemical properties of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 in a Na rechargeable battery were investigated through a combined computational and experimental study. Ex situ XRD results indicate that the reversible sodiation/desodiation occurs via one phase reaction and the structure of Na3−xV2(PO4)2F3 remains quite stable upon extraction and insertion of sodium. Notable is that the one phase reaction is accompanied by the negligible variation in lattice parameters (∼1%) and unit cell volume (∼2%) which results in a good cycle performance. It is further noticed that the desodiated phase is thermally stable up to 550 °C implying the excellent safety characteristic of the charged electrode. The first principles calculations elucidate the mechanisms of the structural evolution and the electrochemical behavior of Na3−xV2(PO4)2F3 upon battery cycling.

With the move toward the use of greener materials for powered vehicles, environmentally-benign synthesis of energy materials is becoming important. Here, the energy storage capability of biominerals from the jaws of a marine bloodworm, Glycera dibranchiate, is demonstrated, implying the possibility of a bio-factory (or in vivo synthesis) for energy storage.

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Here we demonstrate that the electrochemical properties of Mn based olivine cathode materials can be significantly improved by small amount of co-dopants, Fe and Mg. While nucleation and growth are important in determining the kinetics of a two-phase reaction based olivine electrode, the presence of Fe and Mg in LiMnPO 4 framework notably enhances the power capability of a LiMnP0 4 electrode providing multiple nucleation sites. The electrochemical activity of an Fe―Mg co-doped Mn olivine cathode material measured by galvanostatic charge/discharge indicates that a discharge capacity of about 140 mAh g ―1 can be obtained at a C/5 rate and this high capacity is retained at even higher current rates (110 mAh g ―1 at 3C), which has yet to be achieved in LiMnPO 4 without nucleation enhancers.

A color-tunable emitter comprising Eu complex-capped ZnSe quantum dot (QD) organic–inorganic hybrid nanocrystals (NCs) was simply synthesized by a hot-injection method, plus the addition of an Eu precursor. Hybrid NCs have the emission of both Eu complexes and ZnSe QDs, and they show bluish white light. In the case of composite NCs (Eu/Zn = 1.0), the emission increases up to 174% compared with that of pristine ZnSe QDs. It is due to the sensitization of the Eu complex acting as an antenna, so the energy obtained by the Eu complexes transfers to the ZnSe QDs. In addition, the NCs have a strong excitation band in the near-UV region, which gives them an advantage over wavelength converters for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The expected structure of the hybrid NCs was verified by TEM, XRD, and XPS. It features a zinc blende crystal structure identical to the ZnSe QD, along with Eu-based complexes that can be coordinated with the Se ion on the surface of ZnSe QDs. Therefore, new organic–inorganic hybrid luminescent material using the emission of both QDs and lanthanide (Ln) complexes can potentially serve as a light source in white LEDs.

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Recently Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2, one of the most promising cathode candidates for next generation Li rechargeable batteries, has been consistently investigated especially because of its high lithium storage capacity, which exceeds beyond the theoretical capacity based on conventional chemical concepts. Yet the mechanism and the origin of the overcapacity have not been clearly understood. Previous reports on simultaneous oxygen evolution during the first delithiation may only explain the high capacity of the first charge process, and not of the subsequent cycles. In this work, we report a clarified interpretation of the structural evolution of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 upon the electrochemical cycling, which is the key element in understanding its anomalously high capacity, through careful study of electrochemical profiles, exsitu X-ray diffraction, HR-TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and first principles calculation. Moreover, we successfully resolved the intermediate states of structural evolution upon electrochemical cycles by intentionally synthesizing sample with large particle size. All observations made through various tools lead to the result that spinel-like cation arrangement and lithium environment are gradually created and locally embedded in layered framework during repeated electrochemical cycling. Moreover, through analyzing the intermediate states of the structural transformation, this gradual structural evolution could explain the mechanism of the continuous development of the electrochemical activity below 3.5 V and over 4.25 V.