RFID Controlled Door Lock

This device is an automated door lock attachment for an existing deadbolt-locked door. The device takes an exterior RFID input and can both lock and unlock the door. The device also implements an exterior doorbell switch where a guest can turn on a buzzer, and an interior switch for the operator to unlock the door from the inside. The front interface of the device is pictured in Figure 1; the working mechanism to turn the lock is pictured in Figure 2, and the housing for the processing and wirings is pictured in Figure 3. The logic is implemented using a PIC16F88 and Arduino Nano. The code implemented on the PIC is located in Appendix A1.1; the code for the Arduino is in A1.2; and the wiring diagram that ties the entire design together is in A2

Final Design Report: The CARTer IV

This report begins by going into a detailed introduction of the problem. The Trinity Coates Library has old carts that are difficult to push, loud, and slightly dangerous when loaded with books. The main objective of this design project was to build a library cart that was safer, quieter, and easier to navigate around the library. The design of our cart is broken down into several essential subsystems: the frame, mobile shelving, motor-assisted propulsion, control system and steering system. After the introduction, this report goes into detailed explanations of each component, including the descriptions and requirements of each subsection of the design. Following the descriptions, we go into detail about the initial prototype, as well as the testing and results of the physical prototype. The initial prototype constructed is a simple circuit designed as a basic proof-of-concept of the carts control system. The prototype demonstrates basic motor functions such as forward and reverse control, speed control, and braking. We also made proof-of-concept calculations on the bolts used to support our shelves, proving that the load can be supported over long periods of time. Our test plan included tests on the linear actuators, motor, battery, control system, steering system and the overall noise level of the cart in motion. We managed to conduct successful load tests on our actuators and control tests on the motor. Due to time constraints, the remaining motor tests, the noise tests, the battery tests, and the control system tests were delayed. However, the report goes in detail on how we intend to perform each test, the acceptance criteria and the tests will be conducted by the presentation. The results of these tests will be discussed in said presentation

Vascular Inward Rectifier K +

For decades it has been known that external potassium (K(+)) ions are rapid and potent vasodilators that increase cerebral blood flow (CBF). Recent studies have implicated the local release of K(+) from astrocytic endfeet—which encase the entirety of the parenchymal vasculature—in the dynamic regulation of local CBF during neurovascular coupling (NVC). It has been proposed that the activation of strong inward rectifier K(+) (K(IR)) channels in the vascular wall by external K(+) is a central component of these hyperemic responses; however, a number of significant gaps in our knowledge remain. Here, we explore the concept that vascular K(IR) channels are the major extracellular K(+) sensors in the control of CBF. We propose that K(+) is an ideal mediator of NVC, and discuss K(IR) channels as effectors that produce rapid hyperpolarization and robust vasodilation of cerebral arterioles. We provide evidence that K(IR) channels, of the K(IR)2 subtype in particular, are present in both the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of parenchymal arterioles and propose that this dual positioning of K(IR)2 channels increases the robustness of the vasodilation to external K(+), enables the endothelium to be actively engaged in neurovascular coupling, and permits electrical signaling through the endothelial syncytium to promote upstream vasodilation to modulate CBF