ISAAC: Inflatable Satellite of an Antenna Array for Communications, volume 6

The results of a study to design an antenna array satellite using rigid inflatable structure (RIS) technology are presented. An inflatable satellite allows for a very large structure to be compacted for transportation in the Space Shuttle to the Space Station where it is assembled. The proposed structure resulting from this study is a communications satellite for two-way communications with many low-power stations on the ground. Total weight is 15,438 kilograms which is within the capabilities of the Space Shuttle. The satellite will have an equivalent aperture greater than 100 meters in diameter and will be operable in K and C band frequencies, with a total power requirement of 10,720 watts

BDNF signaling in the VTA links the drug-dependent state to drug withdrawal aversions

Drug administration to avoid unpleasant drug withdrawal symptoms has been hypothesized to be a crucial factor that leads to compulsive drug-taking behavior. However, the neural relationship between the aversive motivational state produced by drug withdrawal and the development of the drug-dependent state still remains elusive. It has been observed that chronic exposure to drugs of abuse increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons. In particular, BDNF expression is dramatically increased during drug withdrawal, which would suggest a direct connection between the aversive state of withdrawal and BDNF-induced neuronal plasticity. Using lentivirus-mediated gene transfer to locally knock down the expression of the BDNF receptor tropomyosin-receptor-kinase type B in rats and mice, we observed that chronic opiate administration activates BDNF-related neuronal plasticity in the VTA that is necessary for both the establishment of an opiate-dependent state and aversive withdrawal motivation. Our findings highlight the importance of a bivalent, plastic mechanism that drives the negative reinforcement underlying addiction

Visualisation of Open Access publications in the reference tools of a library - visOA

Ziel des geförderten Projekts Sichtbarmachung von Open-Access-Publikationen in den Nachweisinstrumenten einer Bibliothek - visOA - war es, die Sichtbarkeit von Open-Access-Publikationen zu verbessern, indem sie deutlich gekennzeichnet und hervorgehoben werden. Außerdem sollte durch die Programmierung einer virtuellen Zeitschriftenauslage für Open-Access-Journale ein neues Angebot geschaffen werden, das allen Nutzern direkten und ungehinderten Zugang zu Open-Access-Publikationen bietet. Durch die stärkere Sichtbarmachung von Open-Access-Publikationen soll die Wahrnehmung und Bekanntheit des Themas Open Access bei Publizierenden und Rezipienten erhöht werden (und dadurch eventuell auch die Etablierung von Open Access beschleunigt werden.) Die Wirksamkeit der Maßnahmen sollte durch begleitende Forschung überprüft werden

Alles OPEN. Und wer zahlt die Rechnung?

Finanzierungsmodelle von Open-Access-Publikatione

Key Technologies in Large-scale Rescue Robot Wrists

The full-Automatic Quick Hitch Coupling Device (full-AQHCD for short) is used as the starting point, key technologies in a large-scale rescue robot wrist, which is constituted by integrating a quick hitch coupling device, a turning device, and a swaying device together, are reviewed respectively. Firstly, the semi-AQHCD made domestically for the main-Arm Claw Wrist (main-ACW for short) is introduced, and the full-AQHCD imported from Oil Quick company in Sweden for the vice-Arm Cutter Wrist (vice-ACW for short) is presented. Secondly, aiming at three key technologies in the full-AQHCD including rotary joint technology, automatic docking technology and precise docking technology for quick action coupling, are concisely expressed. Thirdly, the hydraulic motor driving gear type slewing bearing technology of the turning device made domestically for the main-ACW is introduced, and the hydraulic motor driving worm type slewing bearing technology of the turning device imported from HKS company in Germany for the vice-ACW is presented, especially, the existing gap in the similar domestic technology is discussed. Subsequently, the hydraulic cylinder driving 4-bar linkage technology of the swaying device made domestically for the main-ACW is introduced, and the hydraulic double spiral swing cylinder technology of the swaying device imported from HKS company in Germany for the vice-ACW is presented, especially, the existing gap in the similar domestic technology is discussed. Finally, it is emphasized that these technological gaps have seriously restricted the ability of the vice-ACW to successfully work in future actual rescue combats, therefore, it must be highly valued in the follow-up research and development (R&D) through cooperating with professional manufacturers in China, thereby making technological advances

Modified dome shaped proximal tibial osteotomy for treatment of infantile tibia vara

Background: Tibial deformity in childhood is not always one plane deformity, but often combines torsional and angular malalignment.Methods: In this prospective study, dome shaped osteotomy was performed in 36 tibiae in 24 patients. The osteotomy was held with K-wires and a plaster cast. The mean age at surgery was 5.5 years and the mean follow-up time was 30 months, range (24-42) months.Results: All osteotomies united and no compartment syndrome occurred. Postoperatively, one leg (2.7%) had temporary weakness of external hallucis longus muscle. Thirty five of thirty six legs had good clinical and radiological correction of alignment. Recurrent deformity was seen in one leg. ‎ Conclusions: Dome shaped osteotomy of the tibia is a simple, safe and effective method for correction of uni-planar varus deformity. For bi-planar deformities in childhood with infantile tibia vara we may need to step cut the lateral cortex to allow good bone contact to help in union with minimum morbidity.