High Data Density Temperature Measurement for Quasi Steady-State Flows

A new optical instrument, the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), is used to measure the temperature distribution across a heated chamber filled with silicone oil. Data taken using the LCPDI are compared to equivalent measurements made with a traversing thermo-couple and the two data sets show excellent agreement. This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linniks point diffraction interferometer and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wave-fronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction

Einwirkung von Säureanhydriden auf Guanidin und Derivate desselben

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Testing spherical surfaces: a fast, quasi-absolute technique

A technique for measuring the quality of spherical surfaces that provides a quasi-absolute result is presented. It requires only two measurement positions rather than the traditional method of absolute sphere measurement that requires three measurement positions. A measurement is taken with a mirror at the focus of the interferometer diverger lens and is subtracted from a measurement of the sphere tested at its center of curvature. This test assumes that the test sphere does not contain any aberrations with odd symmetry so that these aberrations can be subtracted to provide a fast, quasi-absolute measurement. We describe the new technique and compare measurement results from testing a X/ 12 peak-to-valley sphere (numerical aperture = 0.4) by using a phase-measuring Fizeau interferometer with results from the three-position absolute sphere measurement technique. The repeatability of this measurement technique is ±0.01 waves peak to valley

The Christian Examiner: No. 6

The Christian Examiner Number 6 - April, 1830 Lexington, Kentuck

Doppelheterodyn-Interferometrie für hochgenaue Vermessung im Nahbereich

In diesem Aufsatz wurde ein Meßsystem vorgestellt, welches sich aus der Kombination der Zweiwellenlängen-Interferometrie mit dem intensitätsunabhängigen Heterodyn-Verfahren zusammensetzt. Die resultierende Doppelheterodyn-Interferometrie vereinigt die Vorteile der beiden Verfahren. Ein großer Eindeutigkeitsbereich entsprechend der effektiven Wellenlänge A entsteht, darüberhinaus sind optisch rauhe Oberflächen als Meßobjekte zulässig; reduzierte Empfindlichkeit gegenüber Vibrationen und Umwelteinflüssen, hohe Auflösung infolge elektronischer Phasenbestimmung sowie hochgenaue Abstandsmessung in Echtzeit sind weitere Vorteile. Das Doppelheterodyn-Interferometer wird in Zukunft zu einem effektiven und dynamischen Meßinstrument zur hochgenauen Entfernungsmessung im Mikrometerbereich bis hin zu Meßdistanzen von 100 m entwickelt werden, für das sich schon jetzt zahlreiche Einsatzmöglichkeiten abzeichnen

Full-field 3D shape measurement of discontinuous specular objects by direct phase measuring deflectometry

With the advent of intelligent manufacturing, phase measuring deflectometry (PMD) has been widely studied for the measurement of the three-dimensional (3D) shape of specular objects. However, existing PMDs cannot measure objects having discontinuous specular surfaces. This paper presents a new direct PMD (DPMD) method that measures the full-field 3D shape of complicated specular objects. A mathematical model is derived to directly relate an absolute phase map to depth data, instead of the gradient. Two relevant parameters are calibrated using a machine vision-based method. On the basis of the derived model, a full-field 3D measuring system was developed. The accuracy of the system was evaluated using a mirror with known positions along an accurate translating stage. The 3D shape of a monolithic multi-mirror array having multiple specular surfaces was measured. Experimental results show that the proposed DPMD method can obtain the full-field 3D shape of specular objects having isolated and/or discontinuous surfaces accurately and effectively

Deqi sensations without cutaneous sensory input: results of an RCT

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Deqi is defined in relation to acupuncture needling as a sensory perception of varying character. In a recently published sham laser validation study, we found that subjects in the verum and the sham laser group experienced deqi sensations. Therefore, we aim to further analyze whether the perceptions reported in the two study arms were distinguishable and whether expectancy effects exhibited considerable impact on our results.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A detailed re-analysis focusing on deqi sensations was performed from data collected in a previously published placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical cross-over trial for a sham laser evaluation. Thirty-four healthy volunteers (28 ± 10.7 years; 16 women, 18 men) received two laser acupuncture treatments at three acupuncture points LI4 (hégu), LU7 (liéque), and LR3 (táichong); once by verum laser and once using a sham device containing an inactive laser in randomized order. Outcome measures were frequency, intensity (evaluated by visual analogue scale; VAS), and quality of the subjects' sensations perceived during treatments (assessed with the "acupuncture sensation scale").</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Both, verum and the sham laser acupuncture result in similar deqi sensations with regard to frequency (p-value = 0.67), intensity (p-value = 0.71) and quality (p-values between 0.15 - 0.98). In both groups the most frequently used adjectives to describe these perceptions were "spreading", "radiating", "tingling", "tugging", "pulsing", "warm", "dull", and "electric". Sensations reported were consistent with the perception of deqi as previously defined in literature. Subjects' conviction regarding the effectiveness of laser acupuncture or the history of having received acupuncture treatments before did not correlate with the frequency or intensity of sensations reported.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Since deqi sensations, described as sensory perceptions, were elicited without any cutaneous sensory input, we assume that they are a product of non-specific effects from the overall treatment procedure. Expectancy-effects due to previous acupuncture experience and belief in laser acupuncture do not seem to play a major role in elicitation of deqi sensations. Our results give hints that deqi might be a central phenomenon of awareness and consciousness, and that its relevance should be taken into account, even in clinical trials. However, further research is required to understand mechanisms underlying deqi.</p

Human bipedal instability in tree canopy environments is reduced by “light touch” fingertip support

Whether tree canopy habitats played a sustained role in the ecology of ancestral bipedal hominins is unresolved. Some argue that arboreal bipedalism was prohibitively risky for hominins whose increasingly modern anatomy prevented them from gripping branches with their feet. Balancing on two legs is indeed challenging for humans under optimal conditions let alone in forest canopy, which is physically and visually highly dynamic. Here we quantify the impact of forest canopy characteristics on postural stability in humans. Viewing a movie of swaying branches while standing on a branch-like bouncy springboard destabilised the participants as much as wearing a blindfold. However “light touch”, a sensorimotor feedback strategy based on light fingertip support, significantly enhanced their balance and lowered their thigh muscle activity by up to 30%. This demonstrates how a light touch strategy could have been central to our ancestor’s ability to avoid falls and reduce the mechanical and metabolic cost of arboreal feeding and movement. Our results may also indicate that some adaptations in the hand that facilitated continued access to forest canopy may have complemented, rather than opposed, adaptations that facilitated precise manipulation and tool use