Comment. Remarks on the LUC public key system

The authors of [Remarks on the LUC public key system, see ibid., vol. 30, p. 123, 1994] consider the Lucas function on which the public cryptosystem LUC proposed by Smith and Lennon [1993] is based. For a finite field G with m∈G, the Lucas function V_n(m) is defined by the second order linear recurrence relation V_n(m)=mV_n-1(m)-V_n-2(m) where V_o (m)=2, V₁(m)=m. The characteristic polynomial f of the Lucas function is f(x)=x²-mx+1, and V_x(m)=α ^x+α^-x where α is a root of f. We now consider some of the results of and give concise proofs     

Modal convection and its effect on the stability of EDM wires

Recently, it has been shown that EDM wires undergo thermal buckling at low axial transport speeds and a series of transport instabilities at high axial transport speeds. Hence, only intermediate speeds ensure the straight wire configuration, which is needed for high-accuracy cutting. These conclusions are based on the assumption that the convective heat transfer coefficient remains piecewise constant along the length of the wire. However, a recent study on convection from a vibrating, flexible body shows that the convection coefficient becomes modal. The present study re-examines the wire stability problem with this modal effect in mind. It is shown that at low axial transport speeds, the straight wire configuration may be stable. Its stability hinges on vibration—large amplitude motion implies increased convection and increased stability from thermal buckling. At high transport speeds, the system still undergoes the reported transport instabilities. This work shows that the well-defined intermediate speed range is not so well-defined in the presence of wire vibrations.     

The psychosomatic network: foundations of mind-body medicine

Research in the 1980s uncovered ubiquitous neuropeptide-receptor distribution in brain structures associated with emotional processing, and throughout many organ systems. This finding supported neuropeptides as biochemical substrates of emotion, and the neuropeptide-receptor network as a parasynaptic system crossing traditional brain-body boundaries. The medical relevance of these findings was affirmed by psychoneuroimmunology research: neuropeptides help to regulate immunocyte trafficking, there is bidirectional communication between nervous and immune system components, immunocytes produce neuropeptides, and nerve cells produce immune-associated cytokines. In the past decade, the concept of a unified psychosomatic network has been strengthened by animal and human research demonstrating relationships between behavior and neuropeptide-mediated regulation of immune functions. Research on emotional expression or disclosure in healthy human subjects as well as in cancer and HIV-positive patients has shown significant positive correlations with clinically relevant immune functions and/or positive health outcomes. Psychosocial interventions emphasizing emotional expression or active coping have evidenced survival benefits in breast cancer and melanoma. These findings suggest that emotional expression generates balance in the neuropeptide-receptor network and a functional healing system. Emotional expression is also a marker for psychospiritual vitalization, and further research should evaluate links between energy-based models of health and neuropeptide-receptor-based models under the rubric of an informational paradigm.     

High resolution XPS characterization of chemical functionalised MWCNTs and SWCNTs

High resolution XPS analysis of chemical functionalised multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) was done with ESCA300 (overall instrument resolution of 0.35 eV). Information to the degree of functionalisation was ascertained by argon ion bombardment of the samples followed by XPS analysis to detect the functional groups, the percentage atomic concentration of various elements present and whether or not the detected functional groups imposed a chemical shift on the CNT atoms. The results show that true chemical functionalisation was achieved and by argon ion bombardment these functional groups can be altered relative to the C 1s carbon atoms of the CNT. The choice of chemicals used for functionalisation, the techniques employed and the types of nanotubes treated are important factors in chemical characterisation. The carbon atom on the nanotube ring to which the functional group (atom) is bonded, the chirality of the CNT, the electronegativity of the functional group, the bond type and whether the CNT is single-wall or multi-wall, or cut (short) could play a role in determining the chemical shift on the CNTs atoms. These investigations are relevant to chemical functionalisation of carbon nanotubes for various applications for example DNA sensors and other biomedical sensors.     

Characterization of Orungo virus, an orbivirus from Uganda and Nigeria

Orungo virus was studied in cell culture and mice by light and electron microscopy. The virus developed in the cytoplasm of infected cells in mouse brain and cell culture in association with a specific viral granular matrix and accompanying filaments. Virus particle size was 63 nm with a core diameter of 34 nm. Most particles were released from infected cells by lysis, but some budded through membranes and assumed a "pseudoenvelope". In its morphology and mode of morphogenesis, Orungo virus was indistinguishable from other described orbiviruses.     

Trial by fire [rescue robots]

On September 11, 2001, the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue (CRASAR) responded within six hours to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster; this is the first known use of robots for urban search and rescue (USAR). The University of South Florida (USF) was one of the four robot teams, and the only academic institution represented. The USF team participated onsite in the search efforts from 12-21 September 2001, collecting and archiving data on the use of all robots, in addition to actively fielding robots. This article provides an overview of the use of robots for USAR, concentrating on what robots were actually used and why. It describes the roles that the robots played in the response and the impact of the physical environment on the platforms. The quantitative and qualitative performance of the robots are summarized in terms of their components (mobility, sensors, control, communications, and power) and within the larger human-robot system. Lessons learned are offered and a synopsis of the current state of rescue robotics and activities at the CRASAR concludes the article.     

Consideration of the BDNF gene in relation to two phenotypes: Hoarding and obesity.

The gene coding for the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as an interesting candidate for multiple brain and brain disorder-related phenomena. The primary aim of the present investigation was to consider the relationship between the BDNF Val66Met variant and two phenotypes: compulsive hoarding as a symptom dimension of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), and body mass index (BMI). We examined the BDNF gene in a large (N = 301) clinical sample of probands with OCD. Participants were classified as hoarding or nonhoarding using a strict, multimeasure grouping approach. Results revealed that the Val/Val genotype was linked with hoarding classification and more severe hoarding behaviors, as well as greater BMI levels. Hoarding status was also associated with greater BMI scores, with individuals in the hoarding group being far more likely to be classified as obese compared with the nonhoarding group. Our findings may provide a distinct avenue through which hoarding and BMI could be linked. These findings are suggestive of a complex gene, body weight, and psychopathology relationship wherein a primitive, survival “thrifty gene” strategy may be conserved and represented in a subgroup of humans manifesting severe hoarding symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

振动应力筛选

本文介绍了振动应力筛选技术,讨论了建立振动应力筛选的益处,应考虑的主要问题以及应牢记的关键因素。