Dynex: multiplex ELISA technology

Conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a gold standard for screening antibodies and testing for protein or antigen presence. A significant limitation of this assay resides in the fact that only one analyte can be assessed per microplate well. Here, we describe and investigate a new technology consisting of an automated ELISA system in which up to 10 analytes can be measured within one single well, thus improving productivity, accuracy, and repeatability by reducing the amount of human labor required. Another strength of the platform is that a user can load any necessary sets/subsets of beads to perform required assays, with improved flexibility compared to manufactured-loaded arrays for multiplex analysis. We also demonstrate that this system can be used to determine the pathogenicity (i.e., presence of Shiga toxins) and serotype (i.e., Escherichia coli O157) of E. coli isolates.     

Parallel Algorithms for Image Template Matching on Hypercube SIMD Computers

This correspondence presents several parallel algorithms for image template matching on an SIMD array processor with a hypercube interconnection network. For an N by N image and an M by M window, the time complexity is reduced from O(N2M2) for the serial algorithm to O(M2/K2 + M * log2 N/K + log2 N * log2 K) for the N2K2-PE system (1 ? K ? M), or to O(N2M2/L2) for the L2-PE system (L ? N). With efficient use of the inter-PE communication network, each PE requires only a small local memory, many unnecessary data transmissions are eliminated, and the time complexity is greatly reduced.     

热喷涂类硬质合金涂层的组织与性能

热喷涂工艺是制取抗磨损类硬质合金涂层的一种重要的表面技术，含Ｃｏ或Ｎｉ（通常与Ｃｒ制成预合金）粘结剂的ＷＣ和Ｃｒ３Ｃ２－ＮｉＣｒ合金是这类技术最通用的材质体系，涂层的组织与性能强烈依赖于成份，喷涂粉制取技术和喷涂工艺参数。硬质合金应用于切削和涂层时的使用完全不同，因此，在研制用于涂层的新型硬质合金体系时必须考虑到它的特殊工艺和使用条件。     

A comparison of posture and muscle activity during tablet computer, desktop computer and paper use by young children

Computers are now widely used by children. Tablet computers are becoming widely available and promoted for use by school children. The primary objective of this study was to compare the posture and muscle activity of children using a tablet computer to the posture and muscle activity of children using a desktop computer and paper technology. Eighteen children (mean age 5.6 years) performed a colouring-in task in tablet, desktop and paper conditions. 3-D posture and muscle activity around the neck and shoulder was assessed. Tablet computer use was similar to paper use, with less neutral spinal posture, more elevated scapular posture and greater upper trapezius and cervical erector spinae activity. This was offset by greater variability of posture and muscle activity. Tablet computer use clearly results in different musculoskeletal stresses than desktop computer use. Computer use guidelines need to be appropriate to traditional and emerging technologies. Tablet computers are being promoted for use by adults and children. However, the physical impact of using this type of technology is not known. The findings of this study provide the first tablet-specific evidence to inform guidelines on wise use of tablet computers by children.