Method of Time-Resolving Fourier-Transform Spectroscopy to Allow Interferogram Sampling at Unevenly Spaced Path Length Differences

A low cost method of adding time-resolving capability to commercial Fourier-transform spectrometers with a continuously scanning Michelson interferometer. This invention is specifically designed to eliminate noise and artifacts caused by mirror-speed variations in the interferometer. The method exists as two parts: 1) a novel timing scheme for synchronizing the transient events under study with the digitizing by an analog-to-digital converter, and 2) a mathematical algorithm for extracting the spectral information from the recorded data. The novel timing scheme is a modification of the well known interleaved, or stroboscopic, method. It achieves the same timing accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio, and freedom from artifacts as step-scan time-resolving Fourier spectrometers by locking the sampling of the interferogram to a stable time base rather than to the occurrences of the HeNe fringes. The necessary path-length-difference information at which samples are taken is obtained from a record of the mirror speed. The resulting interferograms with uneven path-length-difference spacings are transformed into optical frequency space by least-squares fits of periodic functions

Partners without Partners: The Legal Status of Single Person Partnerships

Is it possible to have a partnership consisting of one person, a partner without a partner? The question will arise when all but one of the members leaves a partnership. The Revised Uniform Partnership Act attempts to give greater stability to partnerships by narrowing the circumstances under which dissolutions occur, but it also fails to address the fundamental and important question of whether a partnership may be continued by a sole surviving partner. In this Article, we explore the issues raised by a single person partnership. In particular, we address the central issue of whether the departure of the penultimate partner from a term partnership triggers a winding up of the business or whether the statutory buyout is called into play. We have structured much of the discussion as a dialog between the authors. This allows us both to focus on the precise issues under RUPA presented by a single person partnership and to probe the competing arguments on whether such a partnership may exist. Although we have differing views on whether a single person partnership is possible under RUPA, we conclude on common ground that the buyout is appropriate. We also unite in a call for statutory clarification

Introduction to Human- and Task-Centered Assistance Systems Minitrack

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When Process Affects Punishment: Differences in Sentences After Guilty Plea, Bench Trial, and Jury Trial in Five Guidelines States

The research reported in this Essay examines process discounts-differences in sentences imposed for the same offense, depending upon whether the conviction was by jury trial, bench trial, or guilty plea-in five states that use judicial sentencing guidelines. Few guidelines systems expressly recognize plea agreement as an acceptable basis for departure, and none authorizes judges to vary sentences based upon whether or not the defendant waived his right to a jury trial and opted for a bench trial. Nevertheless, we predicted that because of the cost savings resulting from waivers, judges and prosecutors in any sentencing system would ensure that guilty plea convictions would generate the lowest sentences, with bench trial sentences averaging higher than plea-based sentences for the same offense, and sentences following jury trials averagingt he highest of all, even after controllingf or otherf actors associated with sentence severity. We found that a significant plea discount is evident for most offenses in all five states. Waiving a jury in favor of a bench trial has less consistent punishment consequences. Among states and even within a single state, the prevalence of process discounts is extraordinarily varied, as are the causes and methods of discounting. The Essay explores how these findings might inform sentencing reform and discusses the use of bench trials in sentencing guidelines systems generally

Wood Wind Quintet: Robert Snyder, Flute; Earl Boyd, Clarinet; Joseph Martin, Oboe; Robert Weidner, Bassoon; Burton Hardin, Horn; March 3, 1975

Hayden AuditoriumMonday EveningMarch 3, 19758:00 p.m

Assembly and structure of α-helical peptide films on hydrophobic fluorocarbon surfaces

The structure, orientation and formation of amphiphilic α-helix model peptide films on fluorocarbon surfaces has been monitored with sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The α-helix peptide is a 14-mer of hydrophilic lysine and hydrophobic leucine residues with a hydrophobic periodicity of 3.5. This periodicity yields a rigid amphiphilic peptide with leucine and lysine side chains located on opposite sides. XPS composition analysis confirms the formation of a peptide film that covers about 75% of the surface. NEXAFS data are consistent with chemically intact adsorption of the peptides. A weak linear dichroism of the amide π* is likely due to the broad distribution of amide bond orientations inherent to the α-helical secondary structure. SFG spectra exhibit strong peaks near 2865 cm(−1) and 2935 cm(−1) related to aligned leucine side chains interacting with the hydrophobic surface. Water modes near 3200 cm(−1) and 3400 cm(−1) indicate ordering of water molecules in the adsorbed--peptide fluorocarbon surface interfacial region. Amide I peaks observed near 1655 cm(−1) confirm that the secondary structure is preserved in the adsorbed peptide. A kinetic study of the film formation process using XPS and SFG showed rapid adsorption of the peptides followed by a longer assembly process. Peptide SFG spectra taken at the air–buffer interface showed features related to well ordered peptide films. Moving samples through the buffer surface led to the transfer of ordered peptide films onto the substrates

Complications After Systematic, Random, and Image-guided Prostate Biopsy

Prostate biopsy (PB) represents the gold standard method to confirm the presence of cancer. In addition to traditional random or systematic approaches, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided technique has been introduced recently. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of complications after transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided, transperineal, and MRI-guided PB. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a systematic literature search of Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases up to October 2015, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Complications and mortality following random, systematic, and image-guided PBs were reviewed. Eighty-five references were included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The most frequent complication after PB was minor and self-limiting bleeding (hematuria and hematospermia), regardless of the biopsy approach. Occurrence of rectal bleeding was comparable for traditional TRUS-guided and image-guided PBs. Almost 25% of patients experienced lower urinary tract symptoms, but only a few had urinary retention, with higher rates after a transperineal approach. Temporary erectile dysfunction was not negligible, with a return to baseline after 1-6 mo. The incidence of infective complications is increasing, with higher rates among men with medical comorbidities and older age. Transperineal and in-bore MRI-targeted biopsy may reduce the risk of severe infectious complications. Mortality after PB is uncommon, regardless of biopsy technique. CONCLUSIONS: Complications after PB are frequent but often self-limiting. The incidence of hospitalization due to severe infections is continuously increasing. The patient's general health status, risk factors, and likelihood of antimicrobial resistance should be carefully appraised before scheduling a PB. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed the variety and incidence of complications after prostate biopsy. Even if frequent, complications seldom represent a problem for the patient. The most troublesome complications are infections. To minimize this risk, the patient's medical condition should be carefully evaluated before biopsy

Digital Curation Micro-Applications: Digital Lifecycle Management with AutoHotkey

Poster presented at the 2013 Texas Conference on Digital Libraries. This poster discusses open source software tools coded with AutoHotkey that the UNT digital libraries group has developed for digital curation during the pre-ingest stage of the digital resource lifecycle

ApOL-Application Oriented Workload Model for Digital Human Models for the Development of Human-Machine Systems

Since musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common work-related diseases for assemblers and machine operators, it is crucial to find new ways to alleviate the physical load on workers. Support systems such as exoskeletons or handheld power tools are promising technology to reduce the physical load on the humans. The development of such systems requires consideration of the interactions between human and technical systems. The physical relief effect of the exoskeleton can be demonstrated in experimental studies or by simulation with the digital human model (DHM). For the digital development of these support systems, an application-oriented representation of the workload is necessary. To facilitate digital development, an application-oriented workload model (ApOL model) of an overhead working task is presented. The ApOL model determines the load (forces, torques) onto the DHM during an overhead screw-in task using a cordless screwdriver, based on experimental data. The ApOL model is verified by comparing the simulated results to the calculated values from a mathematical model, using experimental data from three participants. The comparison demonstrates successful verification, with a maximum relative mean-absolute-error (rMAE) of the relevant load components at 11.4%. The presented ApOL model can be utilized to assess the impact of cordless screwdriver design on the human workload and facilitate a strain-based design approach for support systems e.g., exoskeletons