Transducer circuit and catheter transducer Patent

Transducer circuit design with single coaxial cable for input and output connections including incorporation into miniaturized catheter transduce

The Conference on High Temperature Electronics

The status of and directions for high temperature electronics research and development were evaluated. Major objectives were to (1) identify common user needs; (2) put into perspective the directions for future work; and (3) address the problem of bringing to practical fruition the results of these efforts. More than half of the presentations dealt with materials and devices, rather than circuits and systems. Conference session titles and an example of a paper presented in each session are (1) User requirements: High temperature electronics applications in space explorations; (2) Devices: Passive components for high temperature operation; (3) Circuits and systems: Process characteristics and design methods for a 300 degree QUAD or AMP; and (4) Packaging: Presently available energy supply for high temperature environment

Development of integrated thermionic circuits for high-temperature applications

Integrated thermionic circuits (ITC) capable of extended operation in ambient temperatures up to 500 C are studied. A set of practical design and performance equations is demonstrated. Experimental results are discussed in which both devices and simple circuits were successfully operated in 5000 C environments for extended periods. It is suggested that ITC's may become an important technology for high temperature instrumentation and control systems in geothermal and other high temperature environments

Synthesis of 2-Substituted 9-Oxa-Guanines {5-Aminooxazolo 5,4-D Pyrimidin-7(6H)-Ones} and 9-Oxa-2-Thio-Xanthines{5-Mercaptooxazolo 5,4-D Pyrimidin-7(6H)-Ones}

Oxazolo[5,4-d] pyrimidines can be considered as 9-oxa-purine analogs of naturally occurring nucleic acid bases. Interest in this ring system has increased due to recent reports of biologically active derivatives. In particular, 5-aminooxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine-7(6H)-ones (9-oxa-guanines) have been shown to inhibit ricin. The preparation of a series of 2-substituted 5-aminooxazolo[5,4-d] pyrimidin-7(6H)-ones and related 5-thio-oxazolo[5,4-d] pyrimidines is described, including analogs suitable for further elaboration employing "click" chemistry utilizing copper-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions. Two of the compounds prepared were found to inhibit ricin with IC(50) ca. 1-3 mM.Pharmac

BIOMECHANICS, TECHNOLOGY AND COACHING

INTRODUCTION: The interactions between biomechanics, technology and coaching are presented via a research example. The purpose of this paper is to review new technologies and applied biomechanics in a coaching setting. Sprinting is used to highlight technological demands in providing meaningful feedback. This is a snapshot of work in progress, which builds on years of combined expertise within a large multi-partner research team. The overall objective is to apply novel wireless technologies in an elite sport setting with the aim of improving performance through the use of enhanced coach and athlete feedback. APPROACH: Wide ranging methods have been employed, including structured coach interviews, field data collections requiring novel developments (e.g. Kerwin et al, ISBS2007, 497-500) and extensive technological development, prototyping and from our point of view evaluation (e.g. Kuntze et al, ISBS2009). Sprinting was selected for its clear objective performance measure (time). Sprinting also presents a set of technological challenges including the need to adopt high sampling rates whilst ensuring that athlete worn sensors are small enough not to alter an athlete’s running action. Speed is the ultimate goal in sprinting and so an obvious device to deploy would be a ‘speedometer’. Remote and accurate measurement of velocity turns out to be particularly difficult to achieve. Laser ‘guns’ (e.g. Opti-Logic™, LaserTech™) have been used to track athlete’s speed in training and occasionally in competition – e.g. the 1997 World Athletics Championships, (Müller & Hommel, 1997). This technology requires a dedicated operator per athlete. The vision within the current project is to produce a turnkey system where a coach flicks a switch on entering the training arena and the technology is ‘live’ and ready for use. This vision is still someway off, but current examples from the project will illustrate progress. EXAMPLES: Four examples will highlight different challenges and outcomes. Wireless technology was central to this research project, and so sensors were key components. The problem with any athlete-worn sensor is that it has volume and mass, requires a battery and is generally not popular amongst athletes. Two such systems will be used to illustrate that progress has been made in addressing these issues. By extension, the athlete needs to become part of a ubiquitous computing network, within a training environment – in this case the National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC) in Cardiff. Two approaches, where wireless technology has been employed but without athlete-worn sensors, will be highlighted. The four examples comprise insole pressure measurements; a multi-sensor integrated system; automatic video tracking and a multi-lane light gate solution. CONCLUSION: This paper outlines how wireless technology is addressing problems associated with collecting biomechanical data in a training environment to aid understanding, and enhance feedback with the ultimate goal of improving sporting performance. REFERENCES: Müller, H. and H. Hommel (1997). "Biomechanical Research Project at the VIth World Championships in Athletics, Athens, 1997: Preliminary Report." New Studies in Athletics 12(2-3): 43-73. Acknowledgement [1] The author acknowledges the support of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK for financial support (Grant No. EP/D076943) and all members of the SESAME project team, The SEnsing for Sports And Managed Exercise, http://www.sesame.ucl.ac.uk

Entanglement model of antibody viscosity

Antibody solutions are typically much more viscous than solutions of globular proteins at equivalent volume fraction. Here we propose that this is due to molecular entanglements that are caused by the elongated shape and intrinsic flexibility of antibody molecules. We present a simple theory in which the antibodies are modeled as linear polymers that can grow via reversible bonds between the antigen binding domains. This mechanism explains the observation that relatively subtle changes to the interparticle interaction can lead to large changes in the viscosity. The theory explains the presence of distinct power law regimes in the concentration dependence of the viscosity as well as the correlation between the viscosity and the charge on the variable domain in our anti-streptavidin IgG1 model system

USE OF '2D-DLT' FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LONGSWINGS ON HIGH BAR

The purpose of this study was to establish how closely a 2D DLT analysis compared with a normal 3D analysis during a longswing on the high bar. Repeated digitisations from two orthogonal camera views were averaged to produce 3D criterion data. Comparisons between 2D reconstructions from the left, right and from an additional perpendicular (2DP) camera view were made. Root mean squared differences (RMSD) for hip and shoulder angles (θH, θS) and angular velocities (ωH, ωS) were determined. Max RMSD was found to be θS= 0.06 rad viewed from the left camera and ωS = 0.60 rad.s-1 from 2DP view. It is therefore recommended that 2D DLT can be used to analyse this skill and that added accuracy can be obtained using left or right camera views during ascending and descending phases respectively. This has direct implications for future research of this type of skill

COMPARISON OF SINGLE- AND MULTILAYER MATERIALS USED AS DAMPENING ELEMENTS IN KNEE-PROTECTORS

The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of protectors and materials used to assemble protectors, which can be used to create a ranking and proof that a protector has the effects wanted. Single layer neoprene of increasing material strength (n=7) was compared to prototype multilayer materials (n=18) and different commercially available knee protectors (n=18). The test object was attached to a realistic knee dummy, and a fall to the floor was recorded, both kinematically and kinetically. Maximum acceleration and pressure on a single sensor was calculated at the time of the impact, as well as the height of the first rebounce after impact. For single layer materials, results showed a linear correlation of material strength and all three measured parameters. While max. acceleration and pressure both decreased with growing material strength, bounce height increased. This behaviour cannot be observed in multilayer systems. For our test materials as well as fully assembled protectors, pressure values were almost identical, while bounce height varied in a wide range. Different protectors showed great difference in their effectiveness to reduce maximum acceleration

BIOMECHANICS AND GYMNASTICS

The applied session at the 28th The second theme presented by Dr Marianne Gittoes and Professor Peter Brüggemann examines the effects of gymnastic performance on the loading of the biological structures of the gymnast. These two talks will explore impact loading and the resultant physical demand on performers. Examples will include landing in gymnastics. One fundamental topic will be an examination of the ability of the gymnast to voluntarily i.e. consciously modify technique. Investigating what the gymnast can do and what is inherent in predisposing them to high loads therefore how does the gymnast interact technique changes with inherent mechanisms of load attenuation. International Society of Biomechanics in Sport Conference focuses on two major themes of research; the Coaching-Biomechanics Interface and Injury and biological loading. These two interrelated themes underpin the understanding and knowledge needed to provide a safe and effective environment for the development of gymnastics skills and for the well being of performers. Ecological validity permeates these research approaches ensuring that meaningful information for coaches, scientists and clinicians is provided. The four presentations will use examples from evidenced based research on these themes. Two will focus on the coaching-biomechanics interface; one from an experimental perspective (Dr Gareth Irwin) and the other from a theoretical/modelling one (Dr Mike Hiley). The coaching-biomechanics interface is a term used to conceptualise how coaching can be informed from a biomechanical perspective. The process involved here is a continuous one, with each cycle starting and ending with the athlete. The process is based on a coach’s tacit knowledge in relation to the practices that are routinely used to develop athletes’ skills. Integral to this process, is the communication between the biomechanist and the coach and athlete. This cycle of extracting, processing and imparting new scientifically grounded knowledge and understanding represents the coaching-biomechanics interface. Sometimes this new knowledge may simply reinforce existing practices or it can provide new insights which inform future skill development. The overall purpose of developing the coaching-biomechanics interface is to bridge the gap between biomechanical science and sport practice. The interface aims to make training more effective and efficient for athletes who are already working near to their physiological limits. Presenters are: 1. Dr Gareth Irwin (Wales): Coaching Biomechanics Interface: Competition and training 2. Dr Mike Hiley (England): Coaching Biomechanics Interface: Simulation modelling 3. Dr Marianne Gittoes (Wales): Variability and performance: implications for injury in gymnastics 4. Prof Dr Peter Brüggemann (Germany): Biological load and injury in gymnastic

COACHING BIOMECHANICS INTERFACE: COMPETITION AND TRAINING

Bridging the gap between the underlying biomechanical parameters that determine successful gymnastics performance, and the provision of meaningful information for coaches has been the challenge for sports biomechanists for decades. Conceptualising this fundamental relationship through the coaching-biomechanics interface draws on the cognitive processes of learning and understanding, combined with grounded scientific concepts, which help explain and increase understanding of gymnastic performance. As such the coaching-biomechanics interface begins with an examination of coaches’ implicit knowledge highlighted through the conceptual models of skill learning and development (Irwin et al., 2005). Central to this model is the development of a mind set, a conceptual understanding of how a skill works. Coaches develop an understanding of how the skill works then aim to replicate the spatial and temporal characteristics of the final skill in the physical preparations, progressions and preparatory skills used in training