Investigation in real time of the effect of gravitation on human spermatozoa and their tendency to swim-up and swim-down

The purpose of this study was to investigate the laterality of muscle fiber conduction velocity in biceps brachii for badminton players, who have stronger arm in the handedness side for long term training. The muscle fiber conduction velocity was calculated from the propagation time of the action potentials along the muscle fibers and the electrode separation using cross-correlation method. For badminton players, significant lateral differences (e.g. right side skillful) were observed in the upper arm girth (P < 0.01) and isokinetic peak torque at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 rpm (P < 0.01). For control subjects, significant lateral differences were in upper arm girth (P < 0.05) and isokinetic peak torque at exactly 30 rpm (P < 0.05). As for muscle fiber conduction velocity, there were no statistically significant differences between right (4.16 +/- 0.34 m/sec) and left (4.08 +/- 0.34 m/sec) sides in badminton players, and the control group exhibited same tendency (right: 4.36 +/- 0.25 m/sec, left: 4.28 +/- 0.33 m/sec) as well. These results suggest no training-induced change in the muscle fiber conduction velocity.     

An architecture modeling framework for probabilistic prediction

In the design phase of business and IT system development, it is desirable to predict the properties of the system-to-be. A number of formalisms to assess qualities such as performance, reliability and security have therefore previously been proposed. However, existing prediction systems do not allow the modeler to express uncertainty with respect to the design of the considered system. Yet, in contemporary business, the high rate of change in the environment leads to uncertainties about present and future characteristics of the system, so significant that ignoring them becomes problematic. In this paper, we propose a formalism, the Predictive, Probabilistic Architecture Modeling Framework (P²AMF), capable of advanced and probabilistically sound reasoning about business and IT architecture models, given in the form of Unified Modeling Language class and object diagrams. The proposed formalism is based on the Object Constraint Language (OCL). To OCL, P²AMF adds a probabilistic inference mechanism. The paper introduces P²AMF, describes its use for system property prediction and assessment and proposes an algorithm for probabilistic inference.     

Diffraction contrast STEM of dislocations: imaging and simulations

The application of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to crystalline defect analysis has been extended to dislocations. The present contribution highlights the use of STEM on two oppositely signed sets of near-screw dislocations in hcp α-Ti with 6wt% Al in solid solution. In addition to common systematic row diffraction conditions, other configurations such as zone axis and 3g imaging are explored, and appear to be very useful not only for defect analysis, but for general defect observation. It is demonstrated that conventional TEM rules for diffraction contrast such as g·b and g·R are applicable in STEM. Experimental and computational micrographs of dislocations imaged in the aforementioned modes are presented.     

Morphology,structure, and chemistry of nanoclusters in a mechanically alloyed nanostructured ferritic steel

Nanostructured ferritic steels have excellent elevated temperature strengths, creep resistances, and radiation tolerances due to the presence of a high density of Ti–Y–O-enriched nanoclusters. The compositions, morphologies, and structures of the smallest of these nanoclusters with maximum dimensions of ~2–4 nm were investigated in alloy 14YWT by high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Nanoclusters are found to be coherent with truncated rhombic dodecahedron morphologies defined by the {100} and {110} planes in the Fe matrix. Particles have compositions rich in Ti, O, Y, and Cr that are inconsistent with known oxide structures. The smallest nanoclusters appear to lack an identifiable crystal structure. Both nano-diffraction and focal series imaging through the sample thickness suggest that they are amorphous.     

Connecting geodesics on smooth surfaces

In this paper, we present a novel method for computing multiple geodesic connections between two arbitrary points on a smooth surface. Our method is based on a homotopy approach that is able to capture the ambiguity of geodesic connections in the presence of positive Gaussian curvature that generates focal curves. Contrary to previous approaches, we exploit focal curves to gain theoretical insights on the number of connecting geodesics and a practical algorithm for collecting these. We consider our method as a contribution to the contemporary debate regarding the calculation of distances in general situations, applying continuous concepts of classical differential geometry which are not immediately transferable in purely discrete settings.     

Traders, Drivers and the National Health Insurance Scheme in Small Town Ghana

Based on anthropological fieldwork in the central market and taxi station of Koforidua, Ghana, this paper aims to improve our understanding of the social dynamics in the informal economy of a Ghanaian small town in relation to state policies. It strives to describe the way processes of formalization and informalization may coexist and interact during the implementation of the recent National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) . The ethnographic approach helps us to better understand how attitudes on NHIS are formed and the way information and values are disseminated. Closely examining the social infrastructure of this setting contributes further to this understanding. In the marketplace, it is important to develop networks of personal relations with fellow traders, customers, and suppliers. At the taxi station, on the other hand, the most important strategy is to join the powerful local union. These strategies are ways for actors to gain security and protection against economic vulnerability in a competitive liberalized economy. In this regard, the NHIS has also provided opportunities for actors. While the NHIS is a way for the state to increase control over the informal economy, and gradually formalizing it, it simultaneously indirectly reinforces and confirms the existing informal strategies of networking.     

Biomass gasification cogeneration – A review of state of the art technology and near future perspectives

Biomass is a renewable resource from which a broad variety of commodities can be produced. However, the resource is scarce and must be used with care to avoid depleting future stock possibilities. Flexibility and efficiency in production are key characteristics for biomass conversion technologies in future energy systems. Thermal gasification of biomass is proved throughout this article to be both highly flexible and efficient if used optimally. Cogeneration processes with production of heat-and-power, heat-power-and-fuel or heat-power-and-fertilizer are described and compared. The following gasification platforms are included in the assessment: The Harboøre up draft gasifier with gas engine, the Güssing FICFB gasifier with gas engine or PDU, the LT-CFB gasifier with steam cycle and nutrient recycling and finally the TwoStage down draft gasifier with gas engine, micro gas turbine (MGT), SOFC, SOFC/MGT or catalytic fuel synthesis.     

New dendrimer-peptide host-guest complexes: towards dendrimers as peptide carriers

Adamantyl urea and adamantyl thiourea modified poly(propylene imine) dendrimers act as hosts for N-terminal tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected peptides and form chloroform-soluble complexes. Investigations with NMR spectroscopy show that the peptide is bound to the dendrimer by ionic interactions between the dendrimer outer shell tertiary amines and the C-terminal carboxylic acid of the peptide, and also through host-urea to peptide-amide hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen-bonding nature of the peptide-dendrimer interactions was further confirmed by using Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, for which the NH- and CO-stretch signals of the peptide amide moieties shift towards lower wavenumbers upon complexation with the dendrimer. Spatial analysis of the complexes with NOESY spectroscopy generally shows close proximity of the N-terminal Boc group of the peptide to the peripheral adamantyl groups on the dendrimer host. The influence of side-chain motif on interactions with the host is analyzed by using seven different N-Boc-protected tripeptides as guests for the dendrimer. Downfield shifts of up to 1.3 ppm were observed for the guest amide NH-proton signals. These shifts decreased with increasing 'bulkiness' of the amino acid side chains. Despite this, the dendrimer was capable of making multiple peptide-dendrimer complexes when presented with a library of seven peptides. The different peptides were all present in the host, which did not show specific preferences, and could be released under mild acidic conditions. These results show the general nature of the peptide-dendrimer interactions in the formation of either single- or multiple-peptide-dendrimer complexes.     

Bilaterally Microstructured Thin Polydimethylsiloxane Film Production

Thin PDMS films with complex microstructures are used in the manufacturing of dielectric electro active polymer (DEAP) actuators, sensors and generators, to protect the metal electrode from large strains and to assure controlled actuation. The current manufacturing process at Danfoss Polypower A/S produces films with a one-sided microstructured surface only. It would be advantageous to produce a film with both surfaces microstructured, as this increases the film’s performance efficiency. The new technique introduced herein produces bilaterally microstructured film by combining an embossing method with the existing manufacturing process. In employing the new technique, films with microstructures on both surfaces are successfully made with two different liquid silicone rubber (LSR) formulations: 1) pure XLR630 and 2) XLR630 with titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The LSR films (～70 µm) are cast on a carrier web substrate using a coating blade. The carrier web, which has a sinusoidal corrugation with wave height of 7 µm and a wave period of 7 µm on its surface, imparts corrugations to the bottom surface of the film. The elastomer film on the carrier web is preheated to the gel point, where the elastomer film can retain an imprint made on it. The preheated film at gel point is embossed between the rolls of a gravure lab coater, which corrugates the top surface of the film. The films are then heated, in order to cure completely. For the LSR systems used in this process, the optimum conditions for preheating are 110°C for 4–7 s, while for embossing the temperature is 110°C with 25 psi pressure between the rolls at a speed of 1.4 rpm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirm the formation of microstructures on both the surfaces of the film.