Ensuring primary realization of pressure unit in the vacuum range without typically utilized static expansion system

After the break-up of Czechoslovakia in 1993 the primary metrological standards authority almost fully remained in Slovakia. So we had to build our primary vacuum metrology anew. But we could do it using uptodate techniques that are more effective and they enable us to fulfil our task more effectively and in a shorter time.The steady demand to widen the lower pressure range and a steady demand for maximal accuracy collide with the financial possibilities open to a small country. So it is impossible to follow the classical pattern for the vacuum standards: liquid columns, static expansion system and dynamic expansion system. But it is possible to utilize contemporary progress in construction of piston manometers. This enables us to discard liquid column and static expansion techniques in favour of piston technique [Tesar J, Prazak D. Vacuum 2002; 67: 311, Tesar J, Prazak D, Krajicek Z. In:Proceedings of international symposium on Pressure and Vacuum, 2003. p. 169, Tesar J, Repa P, Prazak D, Krajicek Z, Peksa L. Vacuum 2004; 76: 491.]. Such system fulfils all the needs of a little industrial country and is economically acceptable.     

Reliability of local area networks with bus and ring topologies

The reliability of local area networks with bus and ring topologies with a simple transfer medium are critically analysed. A double transfer medium is used to increase reliability. The efficiencies of these approaches are compared.     

Hydrophilic polycarbonate chips for generation of oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions

Modification of the surfaces of polycarbonate (PC) with the use of a solution of tin (II) chloride renders them hydrophilic. The surface draping is stable against exposure to water and to alcohols. Exposure to alkanes reduces but does not diminish the effect. The method is compatible—in using the same solvent and temperature—with the hydrophobic modification of PC Jankowski et al. ( Lab Chip 11:748–752, 2011). The combination of these methods makes it possible to generate single and multiple monodisperse emulsions with the use of flow-focusing junctions in systems made in PC—material that is suitable for fabrication of multilayer, high throughput microfluidic devices.     

Parallel interval-based reasoning in medical knowledge-based system Clinaid

The paper continues a series of papers and a monograph [33], where we have described the conceptual structures as well as the basic architecture of a knowledge-based systemCunaid.     

Formulation of equations in terms of scalar functions for lumped non-linear networks

A general method is presented of formulating the Lagrangian and anti-Lagrangian equations for networks consisting of non-linear RLCM (M = memristor) multiports with hybrid representation. The formulation is obtained with no restriction on the network topology. An explicit procedure is given to construct the scalar functions needed. This procedure is based on the concept of L and H functions introduced. The Brayton-Moser equations in a generalized form can be directly obtained from the anti-Lagrangian equations. From these equations, new equations of Brayton-Moser type can also be derived. The invariance property of Lagrangian and anti-Lagrangian equations under a transformation of variables is also discussed.     

Variation in fatty acid composition of ewes' colostrum and mature milk fat

Temporal content variations of approximately 70 C4–C24 fatty acids (FA) in colostrum and milk of ewes consuming winter diet were determined by gas chromatography. The content of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and straight-chain saturated FA 14:0–16:0 in colostrum was higher whereas the content of 4:0–12:0, 18:0 and branched-chain saturated FA 15:0–17:0 was lower than that in mature milk. The effect of ewe breed on the FA profiles was not significant. The composition of FA changed most significantly 1–2 days after lambing in agreement with the time schedule of colostrum formation. Nevertheless, the content of FA further successively changed up to approximately the 6th day of lactation, whereas further changes up to the 60th day of lactation were smaller. This is consistent with the recommendation that ewes' milk is suitable for human consumption after six-to-eight days of lactation. The higher contents of palmitic and myristic acids in colostrum compared with mature milk suggest that FA composition in colostrum matches the changing needs of the growing lambs.     

Basis enrichment and solid–fluid coupling for model‐reduced fluid simulation

We present several enhancements to model‐reduced fluid simulation that allow improved simulation bases and two‐way solid–fluid coupling. Specifically, we present a basis enrichment scheme that allows us to combine data‐driven or artistically derived bases with more general analytic bases derived from Laplacian eigenfunctions. We handle two‐way solid–fluid coupling in a time‐splitting fashion—we alternately timestep the fluid and rigid body simulators, while taking into account the effects of the fluid on the rigid bodies and vice versa. We employ the vortex panel method to handle solid–fluid coupling and use dynamic pressure to compute the effect of the fluid on rigid bodies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.