The use of pure carbon for permanent percutaneous electrical connector systems

Pure carbon was used as an electrode in the clinical application of long-term neuromuscular stimulation, as well as a connector for permanent neuroelectrodes. The history of this material and some examples of the material in use are presented

Resound: open-source live sound spatialisation

Resound is an open source cross-platform software tool for real time multi-channel sound spatialisation. This paper gives a non-technical account of the key capabilities of the system, predominantly from the standpoint of live performance in electroacoustic music, with specific examples of how the various functionalities might be used

Estimating the Impacts of Storage Dry Matter Losses on Switchgrass Production

This poster estimates dry matter losses as a function of harvest method, storage treatment, and time in storage. We then calculate the cost to store switchgrass bales under alternate harvest method and storage treatment scenarios; and determine the breakeven harvest method and storage treatment as a function of biomass price and time in storage.Biomass, bioenergy crops, function form, sustainable systems, Farm Management, Production Economics, Q10, Q42,

Functional organization and its implication in evolution of the human protein-protein interaction network

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Based on the distinguishing properties of protein-protein interaction networks such as power-law degree distribution and modularity structure, several stochastic models for the evolution of these networks have been purposed, motivated by the idea that a validated model should reproduce similar topological properties of the empirical network. However, being able to capture topological properties does not necessarily mean it correctly reproduces how networks emerge and evolve. More importantly, there is already evidence suggesting functional organization and significance of these networks. The current stochastic models of evolution, however, grow the network without consideration for biological function and natural selection.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>To test whether protein interaction networks are functionally organized and their impacts on the evolution of these networks, we analyzed their evolution at both the topological and functional level. We find that the human network is shown to be functionally organized, and its function evolves with the topological properties of the network. Our analysis suggests that function most likely affects local modularity of the network. Consistently, we further found that the topological unit is also the functional unit of the network.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We have demonstrated functional organization of a protein interaction network. Given our observations, we suggest that its significance should not be overlooked when studying network evolution.</p

Resound: a design-led approach to the problem of live multi-loudspeaker sound spatialisation

The process of live sound spatialisation has many unpredictable parameters. Large numbers of loudspeakers with variable frequency responses, hastily configured routings, live and recorded audio sources that change between works, unforeseen technical requirements, compatibility issues, unfamiliar control interfaces, limited setup, rehearsal and change-over time, complex power and signal routing schemes, long cable runs and unpredictable venue acoustics are all issues familiar to performers of electroacoustic music. Unsurprisingly, the articulation of space in a live, multi-loudspeaker scenario can be problematic. Even 'simple' CD-only diffusion requires dexterity on the part of the performer and considerable technical planning. If we consider multiple sources, with more than two channels of audio, each source to be diffused independently under the control of a single performer, the difficulties are compounded. Now consider that we want to stage a live performance of multiple works where each item on the programme has different requirements, and we have a real problem on our hands. A solution to this problem is needed. In Towards and New Architecture, Corbusier observes that a problem, clearly stated, naturally yields solutions through the process of design. Thus, the aeroplane is the logical conclusion to the problem, clearly stated, of sustaining flight. This ethos has been adopted by the authors in beginning to address the 'problem' of sound spatialisation, and in the ongoing development of Resound, a system comprising a bespoke hardware design and open-source software. This paper begins by stating the problem of sound spatialisation. Against this background, the Resound system is presented in design and implementation

A concept-based system for the live diffusion of sound via multiple loudspeakers

This paper presents a conceptual framework for sound diffusion: the process of presenting multiple channels of audio to an audience in a live performance context, via loudspeakers. Terminology that allows us to concisely describe the task of sound diffusion is defined. The conceptual model is described using this terminology. The model allows audio channels (sources) and loudspeakers (destinations) to be grouped logically, which, in turn, allows for sophisticated abstract methods of control that supercede the restrictive 'one-fader-one-loudspeaker' approach. The Resound project - an open source software initiative conceived to implement and further develop the conceptual model - is introduced. The aim is, through further theoretical and practice led research into the conceptual model and software respectively, to address the technical, logistical and aesthetic issues inherent in the process of sound diffusion

Digital preservation at Big Data scales: proposing a step-change in preservation system architectures

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider how digital preservation system architectures will support business analysis of large-scale collections of preserved resources, and the use of Big Data analyses by future researchers. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the architecture of existing systems, then discusses experimental surveys of large digital collections using existing digital preservation tools at Big Data scales. Finally, it introduces the design of a proposed new architecture to work with Big Data volumes of preserved digital resources – also based upon experience of managing a collection of 30 million digital images. Findings Modern visualisation tools enable business analyses based on file-related metadata, but most currently available systems need more of this functionality “out-of-the-box”. Scalability of preservation architecture to Big Data volumes depends upon the ability to run preservation processes in parallel, so indexes that enable effective sub-division of collections are vital. Not all processes scale easily: those that do not require complex management. Practical implications The complexities caused by scaling up to Big Data volumes can be seen as being at odds with preservation, where simplicity matters. However, the sustainability of preservation systems relates directly to their usefulness, and maintaining usefulness will increasingly depend upon being able to process digital resources at Big Data volumes. An effective balance between these conflicting situations must be struck. Originality/value Preservation systems are at a step-change as they move to Big Data scale architectures and respond to more technical research processes. This paper is a timely illustration of the state of play at this pivotal moment. The Polonsky Foundatio

M2 Diffusion: The Live Diffusion of Sound in Space

This paper outlines some of the rapid changes taking place in electroacoustic music performance and introduces the M2 diffusion system, currently in use at The University of Sheffield Sound Studios (USSS). The paper focuses upon a process commonly known as ‘sound diffusion’ and the performance of music usually played from CD or computer. The M2 system comprises bespoke software and hardware tools offering greater flexibility and improvisation in performance and new approaches to the musical composition of space. The paper speculates upon the future of the M2 system with SuperDiffuse software, and the new ‘composition opportunities’ it has triggered