Manipulation of microenvironment with a built-in electrochemical actuator in proximity of a dissolved oxygen microsensor

Biochemical sensors for continuous monitoring require dependable periodic self diagnosis with acceptable simplicity to check its functionality during operation. An in-situ self-diagnostic technique for a dissolved oxygen microsensor is proposed in an effort to devise an intelligent microsensor system with an integrated electrochemical actuation electrode. With a built-in platinum microelectrode that surrounds the microsensor, two kinds of microenvironments, called the oxygen-saturated or oxygen-depleted phases, can be created by water electrolysis, depending on the polarity. The functionality of the microsensor can be checked during these microenvironment phases. The polarographic oxygen microsensor is fabricated on a flexible polyimide substrate (Kapton) and the feasibility of the proposed concept is demonstrated in a physiological solution. The sensor responds properly during the oxygen-generating and oxygen-depleting phases. The use of these microenvironments for in-situ self-calibration is discussed to achieve functional integration, as well as structural integration, of the microsensor system.     

QoS enhancement for adaptive streaming services over WCDMA

This paper presents a new method to adapt the quality-of-service (QoS) in a wideband code-division multiple-access (WCDMA) system, called radio network feedback (RNF). The concept of RNF is in general applicable to all the services requiring a minimum quality (i.e., non best effort) and in this paper, the focus is on streaming. In this context, RNF makes it possible for a streaming server to adapt its source bit rate to a WCDMA radio link, whose bandwidth may vary in time due, for example, to decongestion/congestion situations over the air interface or to handover. This is very beneficial for the end user as it allows to increase the bandwidth (i.e., the quality) when possible and to decrease it (instead of just dropping the service) when needed. RNF was compared with Client-based adaptation solutions. Simulation results show that RNF is fast and accurate and performs better than Client-based adaptation. For example, rebuffering occurs only with Client-based method. Moreover, with RNF the up-switch is performed only when needed, whereas the up-switch performed by means of the Client-based method is often erroneous and may annoy the end user.     

On the sensitivity of coupled resonator filters without some direct couplings

This paper presents an analysis of the sensitivity of coupled resonator filters in which some direct couplings are missing. The effect of changes in the coupling coefficients and resonant frequencies of the resonators is investigated by directly computing the gradient of the scattering parameters. It is shown that structures that are modular in the input-to-output direction are much less sensitive than those with modularity in the orthogonal direction for the same frequency response.     

The civilian battlefield [transportation network security]

In this paper, the authors describe how the tragic events of 11 September 2001 have resulted in an urgent requirement for improved and enhanced security measures at airports, larger facilities and transportation networks.     

An Eshelbian approach to the nonlinear mechanics of constrained solid-fluid mixtures

Summary.  Looking at rational mixture theories within the context of a new perspective, this work aims to put forward a proposal for an Eshelbian approach to the nonlinear mechanics of a constrained solid-fluid mixture, made up of an inhomogeneous poroelastic solid and an inviscid compressible fluid, which do not undergo any chemical reaction. Received July 26, 2001; revised May 15, 2002 Published online: January 16, 2003     

Fracture prediction in steady ideal plastic flows

The theory of ideal plastic flows is a powerful tool for the preliminary design of metal forming operations. The present paper develops an approach to include a fracture criterion in this design procedure. The fracture criterion is based on the workability diagram and an average value of the triaxiality factor. In the case of three dimensional flows, this fracture criterion is modified which leads to mathematical advantages. It is shown that in many cases the modified criterion coincides with the original criterion. Using the proposed approach fracture initiation in drawing and extrusion processes is predicted. In particular, it is demonstrated that fracture predictions may be carried out without having the solution for stress and strain in the plastic zone (it is only necessary to know that it exists). The maximum possible area reduction with no fracture is given by the solution to a quadratic equation (in general, it might be a transcendental equation).     

The Effect of Moisture Content on the Conversion of Ergosterol to Vitamin D in Shiitake Mushrooms

The distribution of ergosterol in different parts of shiitake mushrooms was studied in order to optimize the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D₂ during drying. The effect of moisture on the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D₂ was also investigated by adjusting the moisture content of fresh mushrooms to different levels in a large vacuum desiccator and subjecting them to UV irradiation at 290-320 nm wavelength, for 2 h. The moisture, ergosterol and vitamin D₂ contents were determined using standard procedures. It was found that the ergosterol content on a dry matter basis of fresh shiitake mushroom was highest in the gills (10.6 ± 0.99 mg/g DM), followed by the cap or pileus (5.34 ± 0.64 mg/g DM) and was least in the stalk or stipe (2.97 ± 0.56). The moisture content had a marked influence on the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D₂, the best conversion taking place at a moisture content of about 70% on a wet basis.     

Optoviscosimetry of a Liquid Film by the Method of a Dispersed Magnetic Sublayer

A magnetooptical method of measurement of viscosity, which is based on recording the optical response (induced by the magnetic-field pulses) of a two-layer system resulting from the sedimentation of ferroparticles dispersed in the liquid under study, has been proposed. The procedure has been described and the results of measurement of the rheokinetics of a number of media, including polymer compositions formed into a thin film, in heating, evaporation, and polymerization have been presented.