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ACS Nano Dec 2021A key goal of bottom-up synthetic biology is to construct cell- and tissue-like structures. Underpinning cellular life is the ability to process several external...
A key goal of bottom-up synthetic biology is to construct cell- and tissue-like structures. Underpinning cellular life is the ability to process several external chemical signals, often in parallel. Until now, cell- and tissue-like structures have been constructed with no more than one signaling pathway. Many pathways rely on signal transport across membranes using protein nanopores. However, such systems currently suffer from the slow transport of molecules. We have optimized the application of these nanopores to permit fast molecular transport, which has allowed us to construct a processor for parallel chemical signals from the bottom up in a modular fashion. The processor comprises three aqueous droplet compartments connected by lipid bilayers and operates in an aqueous environment. It can receive two chemical signals from the external environment, process them orthogonally, and then produce a distinct output for each signal. It is suitable for both sensing and enzymatic processing of environmental signals, with fluorescence and molecular outputs. In the future, such processors could serve as smart drug delivery vehicles or as modules within synthetic tissues to control their behavior in response to external chemical signals.
Topics: Lipid Bilayers; Lipid Droplets; Nanopores; Proteins; Water
PubMed: 34788543
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08217 -
Nature May 2021The most promising quantum algorithms require quantum processors that host millions of quantum bits when targeting practical applications. A key challenge towards...
The most promising quantum algorithms require quantum processors that host millions of quantum bits when targeting practical applications. A key challenge towards large-scale quantum computation is the interconnect complexity. In current solid-state qubit implementations, an important interconnect bottleneck appears between the quantum chip in a dilution refrigerator and the room-temperature electronics. Advanced lithography supports the fabrication of both control electronics and qubits in silicon using technology compatible with complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS). When the electronics are designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures, they can ultimately be integrated with the qubits on the same die or package, overcoming the 'wiring bottleneck'. Here we report a cryogenic CMOS control chip operating at 3 kelvin, which outputs tailored microwave bursts to drive silicon quantum bits cooled to 20 millikelvin. We first benchmark the control chip and find an electrical performance consistent with qubit operations of 99.99 per cent fidelity, assuming ideal qubits. Next, we use it to coherently control actual qubits encoded in the spin of single electrons confined in silicon quantum dots and find that the cryogenic control chip achieves the same fidelity as commercial instruments at room temperature. Furthermore, we demonstrate the capabilities of the control chip by programming a number of benchmarking protocols, as well as the Deutsch-Josza algorithm, on a two-qubit quantum processor. These results open up the way towards a fully integrated, scalable silicon-based quantum computer.
PubMed: 33981049
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03469-4 -
Nature Communications Feb 2024A general-purpose photonic processor can be built integrating a silicon photonic programmable core in a technology stack comprising an electronic monitoring and...
A general-purpose photonic processor can be built integrating a silicon photonic programmable core in a technology stack comprising an electronic monitoring and controlling layer and a software layer for resource control and programming. This processor can leverage the unique properties of photonics in terms of ultra-high bandwidth, high-speed operation, and low power consumption while operating in a complementary and synergistic way with electronic processors. These features are key in applications such as next-generation 5/6 G wireless systems where reconfigurable filtering, frequency conversion, arbitrary waveform generation, and beamforming are currently provided by microwave photonic subsystems that cannot be scaled down. Here we report the first general-purpose programmable processor with the remarkable capability to implement all the required basic functionalities of a microwave photonic system by suitable programming of its resources. The processor is fabricated in silicon photonics and incorporates the full photonic/electronic and software stack.
PubMed: 38378716
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45888-7 -
Optics Express Aug 2022In this paper, a broadband photonic beam processor is presented for the all-optical multifunction integrated receiver. By implementing echo signals with optical beam...
In this paper, a broadband photonic beam processor is presented for the all-optical multifunction integrated receiver. By implementing echo signals with optical beam multi-domain processing based on space-to-time mapping and time-to-frequency mapping, the non-mechanical control of expected beam pointing is enabled while the target within the beam can be imaged simultaneously. A proof-of-concept experiment with a 4-element phased array is performed in Ka band. The beam pointing is set to be 0° and 12.5°, where two-dimensional images of moving targets inside the beam region are obtained, respectively. The suppression ratio to the beam region outside is measured to be 26.8 dB. And the range and cross-range imaging resolution is 0.042 m × 0.051 m. A comparison with a cascade mode of single-function microwave photonic modules shows that the multifunction integrated photonic beam processor has reduced the system loss by 32.4 dB. The proposed beam processor enables multi-element broadband phased arrays with less complexity and power consumption.
PubMed: 36242128
DOI: 10.1364/OE.464769 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022In principle, the recently proposed capacitive-coupling impedance spectroscopy (CIS) has the capability to acquire frequency spectra of complex electrical impedance...
In principle, the recently proposed capacitive-coupling impedance spectroscopy (CIS) has the capability to acquire frequency spectra of complex electrical impedance sequentially on a millisecond timescale. Even when the measured object with time-varying unknown resistance is capacitively coupled with the measurement electrodes with time-varying unknown capacitance , CIS can be measured. As a proof of concept, this study aimed to develop a prototype that implemented the novel algorithm of CIS and circuit parameter estimation to verify whether the frequency spectra and circuit parameters could be obtained in milliseconds and whether time-varying impedance could be measured. This study proposes a dedicated processor that was implemented as field-programmable gate arrays to perform CIS, estimate and , and their digital-to-analog conversions at a certain time, and to repeat them continually. The proposed processor executed the entire sequence in the order of milliseconds. Combined with a front-end nonsinusoidal oscillator and interfacing circuits, the processor estimated the fixed and fixed with reasonable accuracy. Additionally, the combined system with the processor succeeded in detecting a quick optical response in the resistance of the cadmium sulfide (CdS) photocell connected in series with a capacitor, and in reading out their resistance and capacitance independently as voltages in real-time.
PubMed: 35746187
DOI: 10.3390/s22124406 -
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and... May 2024To evaluate the extent of benefit the second processor provides and to better understand utilization patterns regarding cochlear implant (CI) sound processors.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the extent of benefit the second processor provides and to better understand utilization patterns regarding cochlear implant (CI) sound processors.
BACKGROUND
Institutional contracts determine the external CI sound processor hardware that a patient is eligible for. Despite the high prevalence of CI worldwide, there is a paucity in the literature regarding patient preferences and how patients utilize provided external hardware.
METHODS
A close-ended, multiple-choice survey was mailed to all patients over the age of 18 years who underwent CI between 2016 to 2020 at a tertiary academic medical center. Patients who received their CI hardware prior to 2018 were provided 2 processors, whereas those who received their hardware in 2018 or later were provided 1 processor.
RESULTS
A total of 100/263 surveys were returned for a response rate of 38.0%. Of the cohort with 1 processor, 31.3% experienced a period without a functioning processor and access to sound compared to 5.6% of the cohort with 2 processors ( = -.003). Of the cohort with 2 processors, 24.3% noted that they often or always utilize their second processor. When asked how important having a second processor was, 62.9% of the 2-processor group responded that it was very important ( = .001). The most common reason for utilizing the second processor was a damaged primary processor. Patients who received 2 processors had a significantly lower number of postoperative audiology clinic visits for device troubleshooting ( < .001).
CONCLUSION
Patients who have 2 CI external processors identify this as being very important to them and experience significantly less time without access to sound due to lack of a functioning processor. As institutional contracts often dictate whether a patient will receive 1 or 2 sound processors with their CI hardware, it is important to understand patient preferences and utilization patterns in order to guide patient-centric policies.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Cochlear Implants; Noise; Speech Perception; Cochlear Implantation; Sound
PubMed: 38384240
DOI: 10.1177/00034894241234589 -
International Journal of Pediatric... Apr 2024The Baha SoundArc coupling system has been developed as a non-surgical coupling of a Baha sound processor to the skull allowing the transfer of vibrational energy to the...
OBJECTIVE
The Baha SoundArc coupling system has been developed as a non-surgical coupling of a Baha sound processor to the skull allowing the transfer of vibrational energy to the cochlear partition via bone conduction pathways. Today, there are several alternatives to this non-surgical approach as the Baha headband/test band, or the Baha Softband, or adhesive patches. Each of these current options have benefits and liabilities. The aim of the study was to evaluate pediatric experience and performance when using two non-surgical options, the Baha SoundArc compared to the Baha Softband.
METHODS
Twenty-five children with unilateral mixed or conductive hearing loss aged 5-12 years of age evaluated the use of the Baha SoundArc compared to their existing Baha Softband in a one month take home trial. Participants had a minimum of 3 months experience using the control, Baha Softband. Participants were assessed at baseline and one month following fit of the Baha SoundArc. Measures included an experience and use patient reported outcome, speech perception testing in quiet using Phonetically Balanced Kindergarten (PBK) words, and sound field audiometry.
RESULTS
Mean aided soundfield thresholds across the frequency range were 27.6 dB HL for Softband and 26.0 dB HL for SoundArc, which were not significantly different (P = >.05). Mean word recognition score was 80.8% when aided with the Softband device and 85.1% with the SoundArc, which was also not significantly different (P = >.05). Most children favored the aesthetics and usability of the SoundArc over Softband, but comfort ratings were largely similar for both devices.
CONCLUSIONS
Bone conduction sound processors mounted on a SoundArc or a Softband resulted in comparable improvements in aided thresholds and speech understanding in children suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss. Both wearing modalities can be considered equivalent in terms of audiological outcomes, although both patients and clinicians preferred the usability and aesthetics of the SoundArc. The SoundArc provides an alternative wearing option for patients that may otherwise be discouraged by the aesthetics and usability of the Softband device.
GOV IDENTIFIER
NCT03333577.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Audiometry; Bone Conduction; Hearing Loss; Speech Perception
PubMed: 38552429
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.111925 -
Journal of Anatomy Mar 2022This study assessed the intra-acquirer, intra- and inter-processor reliability, and validity of the in vivo assessment of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral...
This study assessed the intra-acquirer, intra- and inter-processor reliability, and validity of the in vivo assessment of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and soleus (SOL) muscle volumes using freehand 3D ultrasound (3DUS) in typically developing infants. Reliability assessments of freehand 3DUS were undertaken in infants across three ages groups: three, six and twelve months of age, with validity testing completed against magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in infants at 3 months of age. Freehand 3DUS scanning was carried out by a single acquirer, with two independent processors manually segmenting images to render volumes. MRI images were segmented independently by a separate processor, with the volumes compared to those obtained via freehand 3DUS. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC), coefficient of variance (CV) and minimal detectable change (MDC) across each assessment time point. Validity was assessed using the limits of agreement. ICCs for intra-acquirer reliability of the acquisition process for freehand 3DUS ranged from 0.91 to 0.99 across all muscles. ICCs for intra-processor and inter-processor reliability for the segmentation process of freehand 3DUS ranged from 0.80 to 0.98 across all muscles. Acceptable levels of agreement between muscle volume obtained by freehand 3DUS and MRI were found for all muscles; however, freehand 3DUS overestimated muscle volume of MG and LG and underestimate the SOL compared with MRI, with average absolute differences of MG = 0.3 ml, LG = 0.3 ml and Sol = 1.2 ml. Freehand 3DUS is a reliable method for measuring in vivo triceps surae muscle volume in typically developing infants. We conclude that freehand 3DUS is a useful tool to assess changes in muscle volume in response to growth and interventions in infants.
Topics: Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Infant; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Muscle, Skeletal; Reproducibility of Results; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34693531
DOI: 10.1111/joa.13565 -
Ear and Hearing 2019A positive relation between audibility and speech understanding has been established for cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Sound field thresholds of 20 dB HL across the...
OBJECTIVES
A positive relation between audibility and speech understanding has been established for cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Sound field thresholds of 20 dB HL across the frequency range provide CI users the opportunity to understand soft and very soft speech. However, programming the sound processor to attain good audibility can be time-consuming and difficult for some patients. To address these issues, Advanced Bionics (AB) developed the SoftVoice algorithm designed to remove system noise and thereby improve audibility of soft speech. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SoftVoice in optimizing AB CI recipients' soft-speech perception.
DESIGN
Two studies were conducted. Study 1 had two phases, 1A and 1B. Sixteen adult, AB CI recipients participated in Study 1A. Acute testing was performed in the unilateral CI condition using a Harmony processor programmed with participants' everyday-use program (Everyday) and that same program but with SoftVoice implemented. Speech recognition measures were administered at several presentation levels in quiet (35 to 60 dB SPL) and in noise (60 dB SPL). In Study 1B, 10 of the participants compared Everyday and SoftVoice at home to obtain feedback regarding the use of SoftVoice in various environments. During Study 2, soft-speech perception was acutely measured with Everyday and SoftVoice for 10 participants using the Naida CI Q70 processor. Results with the Harmony (Study 1A) and Naida processors were compared. Additionally, Study 2 evaluated programming options for setting electrode threshold levels (T-levels or Ts) to improve the usability of SoftVoice in daily life.
RESULTS
Study 1A showed significantly higher scores with SoftVoice than Everyday at soft presentation levels (35, 40, 45, and 50 dB SPL) and no significant differences between programs at a conversational level (60 dB SPL) in quiet or in noise. After take-home experience with SoftVoice and Everyday (Study 1B), 5 of 10 participants reported preferring SoftVoice over Everyday; however, 6 reported bothersome environmental sound when listening with SoftVoice at home. Results of Study 2 indicated similar soft-speech perception between Harmony and Naida processors. Additionally, implementing SoftVoice with Ts at the manufacturer's default setting of 10% of Ms reduced reports of bothersome environmental sound during take-home experience; however, soft-speech perception was best with SoftVoice when Ts were behaviorally set above 10% of Ms.
CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that SoftVoice may be a potential tool for optimizing AB users' audibility and, in turn, soft-speech perception. To achieve optimal performance at soft levels and comfortable use in daily environments, setting Ts must be considered with SoftVoice. Future research should examine program parameters that may benefit soft-speech perception when used in combination with SoftVoice (e.g., increased input dynamic range).
Topics: Adult; Aged; Algorithms; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Female; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss, Bilateral; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Speech Perception
PubMed: 30418283
DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000680 -
Micromachines Mar 2021Embedded processors are widely used in various systems working on different tasks with different workloads. A more complex micro-architecture leads to better peak...
Embedded processors are widely used in various systems working on different tasks with different workloads. A more complex micro-architecture leads to better peak performance and worse power consumption. Shutting down the units designed for performance enhancement could improve energy efficiency in low-workload scenarios. In this paper, we evaluated the energy distribution in various embedded processors. According to the analysis, pipeline registers and the dynamic branch predictor, which are employed for better peak performance, have great impacts on energy efficiency. Thus, we proposed an ultra-low-power processor with variable micro-architecture. The processor is based on a 4-stage pipeline core with a Gshare branch predictor, and all units work in high-performance mode. In normal mode, the Gshare predictor is shut down and Always-Not-Taken prediction is used. In low-power mode, some of the pipeline registers are bypassed to avoid unnecessary energy dissipation and improve executing efficiency. A mode register (MR) is designed to indicate current working mode. Switching between different modes is controlled by the software. The proposed core is implemented in 40 nm technology and simulated with the traces of 17 benchmarks in Embench. The average amounts of power consumed by the respective modes are 41.7 μW, 59.7 μW and 71.1 μW. The results show that normal mode (N-mode) and low-power mode (L-mode) consume 16.08% and 41.37% less power than high-performance mode (H-mode) on average. In best case scenarios, they could save 25.36% and 49.30% more power than H-mode. Considering the execution efficiency evaluated by instructions per cycle (IPC), the proposed processor consumes 7.78% or 51.57% less energy for each instruction than the baseline core. The area of the proposed processor is only 7.19% larger than the baseline core, and only 3.08% more power is consumed in H-mode.
PubMed: 33802187
DOI: 10.3390/mi12030292