Depression of quasiparticle density of states at zero energy in La1.9Sr0.1Cu1-xZnxO4

We have measured low-temperature specific heat C(T, H) of La1.9Sr0.1Cu1-xZnxO4 (x=0, 0.01, and 0.02) both in zero and applied magnetic fields. A pronounced dip of C/T below 2 K was first observed in Zn-doped samples, which is absent in the nominally clean one. If the origin of the dip in C/T is electronic, the quasiparticle density of states N(E) in Zn-doped samples may be depressed below a small energy scale E0. The present data can be well described by the model N(E)=N(0)+alphaE^1/2, with a non-zero N(0) and positive alpha. Magnetic fields depress N(0) and lead to an increase in E0, while leaving the energy dependence of N(E) unchanged. This novel depression of N(E) below E0 in impurity-doped cuprates can not be reconciled with the semi-classical self-consistent approximation model. Discussions in the framework based on the non-linear sigma model field theory and other possible explanations are presented in this Letter

Impedance Restrictions on Independent Finger Grippers

The impedance matrices of independent point fingers of a multifingered gripper map to the impedance matrix of a grasped workpart. We find that in a planar geometry, three fingers are enough to allow an unrestricted range of workpart impedances, if finger impedances are selectable. In a spatial geometry however, five fingers are necessary for the broadest range of workpart impedances, and even so there is one impedance matrix that a workpart cannot attain regardless of the number of fingers that grasp it. We find this 'unattainable ' impedance matrix. We also characterize the impedance restrictions on workparts grasped with fewer than five spatial or three planar fingers. Brokowski & Peshkin Impedance Restrictions on Independent Finger Grippers July 30, 1996

Reactions to the National Academies/royal Society Report on Heritable Human Genome Editing

In September 2020, a detailed report on Heritable Human Genome Editing was published. The report offers a translational pathway for the limited approval of germline editing under limited circumstances and assuming various criteria have been met. In this perspective, some three dozen experts from the fields of genome editing, medicine, bioethics, law, and related fields offer their candid reactions to the National Academies/Royal Society report, highlighting areas of support, omissions, disagreements, and priorities moving forward

Being born in the era of genomics

International audienceL’ingénierie génétique est toujours plus présente dans l’accompagnement et le suivi des grossesses. Avec la diffusion du séquençage du génome humain et les avancées récentes concernant l’édition du génome germinal (germline editing), les données produites par la génomique sont sur le point de transformer la reproduction humaine et les décisions la concernant. Trois temps du processus reproductif sont concernés : prévoir, choisir, corriger. Désormais cruciale, la période anténatale, qui va de la fécondation à la naissance, place les parents en situation de dépendance par rapport à l’expertise biomédicale. La naissance est marquée par un processus d’abstraction et de standardisation qui se traduit par l’omniprésence de la mesure génétique fondée sur une logique de prévision probabiliste étrangère à l’expérience subjective de l’individu. Cette vision nouvelle véhicule une représentation « génocentrée » de l’humain : le génome apparaît comme l’infrastructure de la personne et, une fois décrypté, anticipe le destin individuel résumé en une suite de probabilités. S’ajoute, promu par une influente littérature bioéthique, un ensemble de considérations normatives relatives au choix prénatal dessinant le portrait du « bon parent » en devoir de faire le tri génétique dans l’intérêt de l’enfant à naître

A hybrid contact state analysis methodology for robotic-based adjustment of cylindrical pair

The peg-in-hole insertion and adjustment operation is one of the most common tasks in the robotic and automatic assembly processes. Fine motion strategies associated with adjustment operations on a peg-in-hole are fundamental manipulations that can be utilised in dynamic assembly and reconfigurable workholding or fixturing systems. This paper presents a comprehensive study of robotic-based height adjustment of a cylindrical pair based on maintaining minimum contact forces between the links

Reactions to the National Academies/Royal Society Report on Heritable Human Genome Editing.

In September 2020, a detailed report on Heritable Human Genome Editing was published. The report offers a translational pathway for the limited approval of germline editing under limited circumstances and assuming various criteria have been met. In this perspective, some three dozen experts from the fields of genome editing, medicine, bioethics, law, and related fields offer their candid reactions to the National Academies/Royal Society report, highlighting areas of support, omissions, disagreements, and priorities moving forward

An exploration of nonprehensile twopalm manipulation: Planning and execution

This paper describes our current research into nonprehensile palm manipulation. The term “palm ” refers to the use of the entire device surface during manipulation, as opposed to use of the fingertips alone