Publications by authors named "Maeve Duffy"

The bidirectional inverter connected to the grid is a crucial component of DC distribution systems, however its operation can have an impact on the systems' overall efficiency. The usual load profile of such systems in residential buildings is quite dynamic, with multiple periods of light load, especially when compared to high-demand sectors. This study examines and contrasts the impact of SiC and Si power MOSFETs on the best configuration of a 5 kW bidirectional H6 inverter specifically designed for residential use applications.

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Preserving the function of human tendon-derived cells (hTDCs) during cell expansion is a significant challenge in regenerative medicine. In this study, a non-genetic approach is introduced to control the differentiation of hTDCs using a newly developed tympanic bioreactor. The system mimics the functionality of the human tympanic membrane, employing a piezoelectrically tuned acoustic diaphragm made of polyvinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene and boron nitride nanotubes.

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Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading is one of the most effective methods to increase the usage of Renewable Energy (RE) resources in the distribution network and reduce losses by eliminating long transmission and distribution lines. This research aims to enhance the efficiency of P2P energy trading by examining the suitability of four distinct double auction mechanisms: Average, McAfee, Trade Reduction and Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG). We conducted a systematic evaluation of these mechanisms across various microgrid (MG) types.

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In this paper, a new application of Piezoelectric Transformer (PT)-based power converters to generate high-voltage (HV) bipolar pulses for medical electroporation therapy is proposed. In particular, PT-based power conversion is investigated as an alternative to magnetics-based approaches of generating HV from a relatively low-voltage (LV) input source for application in electroporation therapy. The detailed PT-based system design and selection of wide bandgap semiconductor switches such as GaN FETs, high-voltage SiC diodes and SiC MOSFETs, as well as simulation results to demonstrate proof-of-concept using LTSpice are presented.

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Current treatments for progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive impairment either have limited efficacy or are lacking altogether. SDI-118 is a small molecule which modulates the activity of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in the brain and shows cognitive enhancing effects in a range of animal models of cognitive deficit. This first-in-human study evaluated safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of SDI-118 in single ascending oral doses up to 80 mg administered to 32 healthy male subjects.

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Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) are emerging systems for environmental applications such as renewable energy production or pollution remediation. MET research often requires stable temperatures and low levels of electromagnetic interference. Due to the presence of electrical wires and sensors, heating MET using water jacket recirculation can raise safety issues, whereas heating coils may affect the results of electrochemical analyses.

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Microbial electrochemistry merges microbiology, electrochemistry and electronics to provide a set of technologies for environmental engineering applications. Understanding the electronic concepts is crucial for effectively adopting these systems, but the importance of electronic circuitry is often overlooked by microbial electrochemistry researchers. This review provides the background on the electronics and electrochemical concepts involved in the study of microorganisms interacting with electricity, and their applications in microbial electrochemical technology (MET).

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The aim was to investigate mechanical and functional failure of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in nerve bundles following frontal head impacts, by finite element simulations. Anatomical changes following traumatic brain injury are simulated at the macroscale by using a 3D head model. Frontal head impacts at speeds of 2.

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Objective: We confirm that alteration of a neuron structure can induce abnormalities in signal propagation for nervous systems, as observed in brain damage. Here, we investigate the effects of geometrical changes and damage of a neuron structure in 2 scaled nerve bundle models, made of myelinated nerve fibers or unmyelinated nerve fibers.

Methods: We propose a 3D finite element model of nerve bundles, combining a real-time full electromechanical coupling, a modulated threshold for spiking activation, and independent alteration of the electrical properties for each fiber.

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Objective: We propose a novel approach for modelling the interdependence of electrical and mechanical phenomena in nervous cells, by using electrothermal equivalences in finite element (FE) analysis so that existing thermomechanical tools can be applied.

Methods: First, the equivalence between electrical and thermal properties of the nerve materials is established, and results of a pure heat conduction analysis performed in Abaqus CAE Software 6.13-3 are validated with analytical solutions for a range of steady and transient conditions.

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Purpose: Müller cells create the external limiting membrane (ELM) by forming junctions with photoreceptor cells. This study evaluated the relationship between focal photoreceptors and RPE loss in geographic atrophy (GA) and Müller cell extension into the subretinal space.

Methods: Human donor eyes with no retinal disease or geographic atrophy (GA) were fixed and the eye cups imaged.

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Objective: To investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of topical nalmefene (SRD174), a long acting opioid antagonist for the management of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Design: Double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized, cross-over trial.

Setting: Eleven dermatology outpatient clinics in the U.

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The design of an inductive power system is investigated in order to determine the relative benefits provided by the inclusion of a magnetic core in the receiver coil. Both transmitter and receiver coils are chosen to have dimensions similar to those used in many biomedical devices. It is found that while a magnetic core provides enhanced coupling, the operating frequency is limited by losses in the magnetic material.

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