Electronic Techniques Applied to Analogue Methods of Computation

This paper describes in detail the electronic devices and principles that have been developed for the California Institute of Technology (CIT) electric analogue computer. This is a general-purpose, large-scale computer applicable to a wide range of linear and nonlinear ordinary algebraic or differential equations and linear and nonlinear partial differential equations. In addition to the basic principles of the computer, a detailed discussion is given of those elements considered to be of particular interest. These include the devices for generating the arbitrary functions of the independent variable (the excitation functions), the amplifiers for producing active linear elements such as negative impedances and for representing the nonsymmetrical terms of the matrix specifying the differential equations, the multipliers for producing arbitrary functions of the dependent variables (nonlinear elements). Performance data on these devices are presented, together with analogies and solutions of representative types of problems

Application of the California Institute of Technology Electric Analog Computer to Nonlinear Mechanics and Servomechanisms

This paper describes the non-linear elements and circuit techniques used with the California Institute of Technology electric analog computer. Their application to nonlinear mechanical vibratory systems and nonlinear servomotors is discussed in detail. These techniques have been found to be generally suitable for representing single valued nonlinear functions of a dependent variable. Nonlinear springs, spring loaded backlash, and nonlinear damping factors can be readily simulated as well as saturation effects and other single valued non-linearities in servomotors. Methods of analysis are illustrated for several typical problems including a nonlinear rotating mechanical system and an autopilot employing a solenoid-operated rate and position limited hydraulic motor. Numerous servos of this type have now been studied and correlation of computer solutions with actual servo test data have shown in every case that the mathematical equations presented here accurately describe this type of motor

Bio-inspired materials to control and minimise insect attachment

More than three quarters of all animal species on Earth are insects, successfully inhabiting most ecosystems on the planet. Due to their opulence, insects provide the backbone of many biological processes, but also inflict adverse impacts on agricultural and stored products, buildings and human health. To countermeasure insect pests, the interactions of these animals with their surroundings have to be fully understood. This review focuses on the various forms of insect attachment, natural surfaces that have evolved to counter insect adhesion, and particularly features recently developed synthetic bio-inspired solutions. These bio-inspired solutions often enhance the variety of applicable mechanisms observed in nature and open paths for improved technological solutions that are needed in a changing global society

Electronic Techniques Applied to Analogue Methods of Computation

This paper describes in detail the electronic devices and principles that have been developed for the California Institute of Technology (CIT) electric analogue computer. This is a general-purpose, large-scale computer applicable to a wide range of linear and nonlinear ordinary algebraic or differential equations and linear and nonlinear partial differential equations. In addition to the basic principles of the computer, a detailed discussion is given of those elements considered to be of particular interest. These include the devices for generating the arbitrary functions of the independent variable (the excitation functions), the amplifiers for producing active linear elements such as negative impedances and for representing the nonsymmetrical terms of the matrix specifying the differential equations, the multipliers for producing arbitrary functions of the dependent variables (nonlinear elements). Performance data on these devices are presented, together with analogies and solutions of representative types of problems

Application of the California Institute of Technology Electric Analog Computer to Nonlinear Mechanics and Servomechanisms

This paper describes the non-linear elements and circuit techniques used with the California Institute of Technology electric analog computer. Their application to nonlinear mechanical vibratory systems and nonlinear servomotors is discussed in detail. These techniques have been found to be generally suitable for representing single valued nonlinear functions of a dependent variable. Nonlinear springs, spring loaded backlash, and nonlinear damping factors can be readily simulated as well as saturation effects and other single valued non-linearities in servomotors. Methods of analysis are illustrated for several typical problems including a nonlinear rotating mechanical system and an autopilot employing a solenoid-operated rate and position limited hydraulic motor. Numerous servos of this type have now been studied and correlation of computer solutions with actual servo test data have shown in every case that the mathematical equations presented here accurately describe this type of motor

Continuous glucose monitoring metrics in people with liver glycogen storage disease and idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia:A single-center, retrospective, observational study

BACKGROUND: Cohort data on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics are scarce for liver glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) and idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia (IKH). The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe CGM metrics for people with liver GSDs and IKH.PATIENTS AND METHODS: CGM metrics (descriptive, glycemic variation and glycemic control parameters) were calculated for 47 liver GSD and 14 IKH patients, categorized in cohorts by disease subtype, age and treatment status, and compared to published age-matched CGM metrics from healthy individuals. Glycemic control was assessed as time-in-range (TIR; ≥3.9 - ≤7.8 and ≥3.9 - ≤10.0 mmol/L), time-below-range (TBR; &lt;3.0 mmol/L and ≥3.0 - ≤3.9 mmol/L), and time-above-range (TAR; &gt;7.8 and &gt;10.0 mmol/L).RESULTS: Despite all patients receiving dietary treatment, GSD cohorts displayed significantly different CGM metrics compared to healthy individuals. Decreased TIR together with increased TAR were noted in GSD I, GSD III, and GSD XI (Fanconi-Bickel syndrome) cohorts (all p &lt; 0.05). In addition, all GSD I cohorts showed increased TBR (all p &lt; 0.05). In GSD IV an increased TBR (p &lt; 0.05) and decreased TAR were noted (p &lt; 0.05). In GSD IX only increased TAR was observed (p &lt; 0.05). IKH patient cohorts, both with and without treatment, presented CGM metrics similar to healthy individuals.CONCLUSION: Despite dietary treatment, most liver GSD cohorts do not achieve CGM metrics comparable to healthy individuals. International recommendations on the use of CGM and clinical targets for CGM metrics in liver GSD patients are warranted, both for patient care and clinical trials.</p

Gradients of orientation, composition and hydration of proteins for efficient light collection by the cornea of the horseshoe crab

The lateral eyes of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, are the largest compound eyes within recent Arthropoda. While this visual system has been extensively described before, the precise mechanism allowing vision has remained controversial. Correlating quantitative refractive index (RI) mapping and detailed structural analysis, we demonstrate how gradients of RI in the cornea result from the hierarchical organization of chitin-protein fibers, heterogeneity in protein composition and bromine doping, as well as spatial variation in water content. Combining the realistic cornea structure and measured RI gradients with full-wave optical modelling and ray-tracing approaches, we show that the light collection mechanism depends on both refraction-based graded index (GRIN) optics and total internal reflection. The optical properties of the cornea are governed by different mechanisms at different hierarchical levels, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of arthropod cuticle.One-sentence summary Structural hierarchy and protein hydration determine the optical performance of the cornea of L. polyphemus.Competing Interest StatementTS and MAKAR are employed by TELIGHT. All other authors declare that they have no competing interests

High-resolution three-dimensional imaging of topological textures in single-diamond networks

Highly periodic structures are often said to convey the beauty of nature. However, most material properties are strongly influenced by the defects they contain. On the mesoscopic scale, molecular self-assembly exemplifies this interplay; thermodynamic principles determine short-range order, but long-range order is mainly impeded by the kinetic history of the material and by thermal fluctuations. For the development of self-assembly technologies, it is imperative to characterise and understand the interplay between self-assembled order and defect-induced disorder. Here we used synchrotron-based hard X-ray nanotomography to reveal a pair of extended topological defects within a self-assembled single-diamond network morphology. These defects are morphologically similar to the comet and trefoil patterns of equal and opposite half-integer topological charges observed in liquid crystals and appear to maintain a constant separation across the thickness of the sample, resembling pairs of full vortices in superconductors and other hard condensed matter systems. These results are expected to open new windows to study defect formation in soft condensed matter, particularly in biological systems where most structures are formed by self-assembly.Comment: Nat. Nanotechnol. (2024

Spectral reflectance properties of iridescent pierid butterfly wings

The wings of most pierid butterflies exhibit a main, pigmentary colouration: white, yellow or orange. The males of many species have in restricted areas of the wing upper sides a distinct structural colouration, which is created by stacks of lamellae in the ridges of the wing scales, resulting in iridescence. The amplitude of the reflectance is proportional to the number of lamellae in the ridge stacks. The angle-dependent peak wavelength of the observed iridescence is in agreement with classical multilayer theory. The iridescence is virtually always in the ultraviolet wavelength range, but some species have a blue-peaking iridescence. The spectral properties of the pigmentary and structural colourations are presumably tuned to the spectral sensitivities of the butterflies’ photoreceptors