ITC/USA 2010 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Sixth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 25-28, 2010 / Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, California / Most helicopter programs require the acquisition of parameters from the rotating systems. Historically, these systems made use of electromechanical slip rings for the transfer of power, control, and data from within the helicopter's cabin to the rotating hardware. Slip rings are primarily used in dedicated instrumentation vehicles and are not commonly used in production platforms that may require instrumentation of the rotating systems for in-service load and fatigue monitoring. Additionally, the use of slip rings requires time and money to integrate the hardware and equipment into the aircraft in order to perform rotor data acquisition. The time needed to perform modifications to transmissions and drive trains plays a big factor in the increased costs of aircraft development. Less intrusive installations would minimize the need for mechanical changes and would improve the time needed to install the instrumentation. This paper describes a wireless system approach to perform the test without the slip ring, and provides performance data that validates this new method of instrumenting unobtrusively to save time and money without sacrificing data integrity.

The thesis is composed of two topics : a charger circuit of Li-ion batteries for wireless biomedical systems and a capacitor-less low dropout regulator¡]LDO¡^. The first topic discloses a charger circuit of Li-ion batteries using 2P4M 0.35-£gm CMOS process, which comprises a small bias circuit, a comparator with hysteresis, a transistor voltage divider circuit, a power MOS, and a Li-ion charger with a cut-off voltage and a recharge voltage. The proposed design receives a 13.56 MHz carrier with 5¡Ó0.2 V amplitude to charge the Li-ion batteries with a small constant current. The second topic reveals a low dropout regulator ¡]LDO¡^ without capacitor load and ESR, including a bias circuit, an error amplifier, and a Flipped Voltage Follower circuit generating a stable output voltage independent on different loads. The proposed design improves the input voltage limitation of Flipped Voltage Follower by compensating phase margin such that the proposed design shows a good transient response and stability without any output capacitor. The proposed LDO is implemented by 1P6M 0.18-um CMOS process, which can operate correctly given an input voltage range from 3.3~4.2 V.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth-most common cancer in Canada with a high mortality rate. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary form of CRC; FAP patients carry germline mutations of the tumour suppressor gene adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). The function of Dlx genes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has not been previously explored. Methods: Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to identify Dlx2+ intestinal cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed to identify DLX2-Apc promoter interaction. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed on mouse small and large intestines (normal and Dlx1/Dlx2 mutant mice). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and reporter assays were carried out to investigate direct binding and activity, respectively, of DLX2 on the Apc promoter in-vitro. Dlx2 expression was explored in ApcMIN mice and human CRC tumor specimens. Results: Dlx2 is highly expressed in mouse embryonic and adult intestinal epithelia. Moreover, Dlx2 is expressed in the ApcMIN mice GIT as well as in some human CRC tumor specimens. ChIP, EMSA and reporter gene assays demonstrated that DLX2 protein specifically interacts with the Apc promoter in-situ and activates its expression in vitro. In-vivo and in-vitro, β-catenin protein levels are increased when DLX2 is absent or reduced by shRNA to Dlx2. Conclusions: Regulation of APC expression during development is poorly understood. We have evidence that DLX2 interacts with the Apc promoter in-vivo. We have shown that DLX2 induces Apc transcription by directly binding to the Apc promoter in-vitro. We also showed that β-catenin expression is altered in the Dlx1/Dlx2 mutant GIT. This finding implicates the involvement of DLX2 in the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. Ultimately, restoring APC expression may be a novel strategy towards preventing progression of intestinal polyps to adenocarcinoma. This research will contribute to our knowledge of the genetic and epigenetic regulatory pathways that control intestinal development, mucosal self-renewal and CRC.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth-most common cancer in Canada with a high mortality rate. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary form of CRC; FAP patients carry germline mutations of the tumour suppressor gene adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). The function of Dlx genes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has not been previously explored. Methods: Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to identify Dlx2+ intestinal cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed to identify DLX2-Apc promoter interaction. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed on mouse small and large intestines (normal and Dlx1/Dlx2 mutant mice). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and reporter assays were carried out to investigate direct binding and activity, respectively, of DLX2 on the Apc promoter in-vitro. Dlx2 expression was explored in ApcMIN mice and human CRC tumor specimens. Results: Dlx2 is highly expressed in mouse embryonic and adult intestinal epithelia. Moreover, Dlx2 is expressed in the ApcMIN mice GIT as well as in some human CRC tumor specimens. ChIP, EMSA and reporter gene assays demonstrated that DLX2 protein specifically interacts with the Apc promoter in-situ and activates its expression in vitro. In-vivo and in-vitro, β-catenin protein levels are increased when DLX2 is absent or reduced by shRNA to Dlx2. Conclusions: Regulation of APC expression during development is poorly understood. We have evidence that DLX2 interacts with the Apc promoter in-vivo. We have shown that DLX2 induces Apc transcription by directly binding to the Apc promoter in-vitro. We also showed that β-catenin expression is altered in the Dlx1/Dlx2 mutant GIT. This finding implicates the involvement of DLX2 in the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. Ultimately, restoring APC expression may be a novel strategy towards preventing progression of intestinal polyps to adenocarcinoma. This research will contribute to our knowledge of the genetic and epigenetic regulatory pathways that control intestinal development, mucosal self-renewal and CRC.

No description available.

Dissertação apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense-UNESC, como requisito parcial para a obtenção do título de Mestre em Ciências Ambientais. / According to the informal knowledge, Calea uniflora Less. is widely used in southern Santa Catarina (Brazil), however there is no ethnobotanical study of this plant, as there is no literature on the characterization of soil development of this plant. Its chemical composition is not well defined and there are no studies to prove the safety of using it orally. For these reasons, this study aims to determine the knowledge that the population holds over C. uniflora, popularly known as arnica-da-praia, in the city of Balneário Rincão (SC). In addition, we intend to evaluate nutritional characteristics of the soil of plant development, check content of phenolic compounds in the inflorescence the hydroalcoholic C. uniflora extracts, as well as the presence of acute toxicity in rats. For this, interviews were conducted by applying a semi-structured form, being interviewed residents in the city of Balneário Rincão (SC), totaling 372 people. Soil testing was conducted by the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension of Santa Catarina, characterizing the content of macro and micronutrients the soil. The assay of phenolic compounds was carried out using the Folin Ciocalteu methodologies and aluminum chloride. Acute toxicological potential was realized as Resolution No. 90, of March 16, 2004 the National Health Surveillance Agency. The results showed that 94.1% of respondents know C. uniflora and that 74.3% of these make its use as a medicinal plant, thus concluding that the species C. uniflora is widely known and used in the city of Balneário Rincão. The most popular indications cited were: healing, muscle pain and bruises. The predominant mode of preparation was a macerating and the modes of administration were cited as being more topical and oral. It was found that people have great confidence in the use of this plant, as 98% reported that it is non-toxic. The transmission of knowledge among relatives was of 84.6%, demonstrating the traditional use of the plant. The soil which develops C. uniflora quarry in the neighborhood, some characteristics of a soil poor in macronutrient, with high concentrations of micronutrients. The assay demonstrated phenolic compounds C. uniflora hydroalcoholic extract is rich in polyphenols, and approximately 4.6 g to 15.8 g flavonoid and polyphenol for 100g of extract. Acute toxicological study showed no toxic effect of the extract treated rats at doses of 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg / kg orally. As there were no deaths during the study, the LD 50 for the hydroalcoholic extract of the inflorescence of C. uniflora is greater than 1000 mg / kg. As conclusions, we can suggest that the plant is widely used in Balneário Rincão city, grows in poor soil on macronutrients, has a high concentration of phenolic compounds and appears to have low toxicity in acute treatment. / De acordo com o conhecimento informal, Calea uniflora Less. é amplamente utilizada na região sul de Santa Catarina (Brasil); no entanto, não há estudo etnobotânico específicos desta planta, como também não há em literatura a caracterização do solo onde se desenvolve. Sua composição química ainda não é bem definida e não há estudos que comprovem a segurança de utilização da planta por via oral. Por estes motivos, este trabalho teve por objetivo, determinar o conhecimento que a população detém sobre C. uniflora, popularmente conhecida como arnica-da-praia, no Município de Balneário Rincão (SC). Pretendeu-se ainda avaliar as características nutricionais do solo de desenvolvimento da planta, verificar teor de compostos fenólicos no extrato hidroalcoólico das partes aérea de C. uniflora, bem como a toxicidade aguda em ratos Wistar. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturada com 372 pessoas com aplicação de formulário, sendo entrevistados residentes do Município de Balneário Rincão (SC), totalizando 372 pessoas, sendo este o N representativo da amostra total. A análise do solo foi realizada pela Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina (EPAGRI), caracterizando o teor de macro e micronutrientes do solo. O doseamento de compostos fenólicos foi realizado utilizando-se as metodologias do Folin Ciocalteu e cloreto de alumínio. O potencial toxicológico agudo foi realizado conforme a resolução nº 90, de 16 de março de 2004 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Os resultados mostraram que 94,1% dos entrevistados conhecem C. uniflora e que destes 74,3% fazem uso como planta medicinal, evidenciando assim que C. uniflora é amplamente conhecida e utilizada no Município de Balneário Rincão. As indicações populares mais citadas foram: cicatrização, dor muscular, e hematomas. O modo de preparo predominante foi a maceração e as vias de administração mais citadas foram a tópica e oral. Verificou-se que a população tem grande credibilidade no uso desta planta, pois 98% relataram que ela não é tóxica. A transmissão de conhecimento entre familiares foi de 84,6%. O solo onde se desenvolve C. uniflora, no bairro Pedreira, apresentou características de um solo pobre em macronutrientes e concentrações altas dos micronutrientes zinco, cobre, manganês e ferro. O doseamento de compostos fenólicos demonstrou que o extrato hidrooalcoólico de C. unifloraé rico em polifenois, tendo aproximadamente 4,6 g de flavonoide e 15,8 g de polifenois totais a cada 100g de extrato. O estudo toxicológico agudo não mostrou efeito tóxico do extrato em ratos tratados nas doses de 100, 250, 500 e 1000 mg/Kg por via oral. Como não houve óbito durante o estudo, a DL50 para o extrato hidroalcoólico das partes aérea de C. uniflora é superior a 1000 mg/Kg. Portanto, pode-se sugerir que a planta é vastamente utilizada no município do Balneário Rincão, cresce em solos pobres em macronutrientes, apresenta teor elevado de compostos fenólicos e possui baixa toxicidade em tratamento agudo.

No description available.

The characterization and modeling of piezoelectric transformers are studied and developed for use in electronic ballasts. By replacing conventional L-C resonant tanks with piezoelectric transformers, inductor-less piezoelectric transformer electronic ballasts have been developed for use in fluorescent lamps. The piezoelectric transformer is a combination of piezoelectric actuators as the primary side and piezoelectric transducers as the secondary side, both of which work in longitudinal or transverse vibration mode. These actuators and transducers are both made of piezoelectric elements, which are composed of electrode plates and piezoelectric ceramic materials. Instead of the magnetic field coupling between the primary and secondary windings in a conventional magnetic core transformer, piezoelectric transformers transfer electrical energy via electro-mechanical coupling that occurs between the primary and secondary piezoelectric elements for isolation and step-up or step-down voltage conversion. Currently, there are three major types of piezoelectric transformers: Rosen, thickness vibration mode, and radial vibration mode, all three of which are used in DC/DC converters or in electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps. Unlike the other two transformers, the characterization and modeling of the radial vibration mode piezoelectric transformer have not been studied and developed prior to this research work. Based on the piezoelectric and wave equations, the physics-based equivalent circuit model of radial vibration mode piezoelectric transformers is derived and verified through characterization work. Besides the major vibration mode, piezoelectric transformers have many spurious vibration modes in other frequency ranges. An improved multi-branch equivalent circuit is proposed, which more precisely characterizes radial vibration mode piezoelectric transformers to include other spurious vibration modes in wide frequency ranges, as compared with the characterizations achieved by prior circuits. Since the equivalent circuit of piezoelectric transformers is identical to the conventional L-C resonant tank used in electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps, piezoelectric transformers replace the conventional L-C resonant tank in order to reduce the amount and cost of electronic components for the electronic ballasts. With the inclusion of the radial vibration mode piezoelectric transformer, the design and implementation of inductor-less piezoelectric transformer electronic ballast applications have been completed. / Ph. D.

Title The effect of wearing high heel shoes on pelvis motion. Aim The main aim of this work is the verification of the influence of wearing high heel shoes on pelvis motion in the sagittal plane, while walking on high heel shoes and walking on unmeasured high heel less shoes yet. After then, we want to monitori the impact of walking in these shoes on the trajectory of pelvis motion. Methods Objectification method was 3D record of human gait (= kinematic analysis), which was performed using the Qualisys. In our thesis we used the method of comparison. The aim of the study is the comparison of parameters measured in different types of shoes (high heeled shoes, high heeled less shoes with barefoot gait) and the influence on pelvis motion. Results Pelvis tilt to retroversion was more significant when walking on high heel less shoes compared with high heel shoes and barefooted walking, also an angle of the trunk and pelvis were most significantly diminished when walking on high heel less shoes compared to barefooted walking and high heel shoes. Objectively, a larger deflection of pelvis trajectory while walking on high heel shoes was not confirmed compared to walking on high heel less shoes. The average length of steps was most reduced when walking on high heel shoes, a little less when walking on HHL...

Uma das dificuldades do processo de retificação center-less é o estabelecimento de padrões confiáveis que determine com pequena margem de erro problemas no processo. Este trabalho visa desenvolver um sistema de monitoramento capaz de identificar falhas ocorridas durante a dressagem e o processo de retificação center-less acima dos centros de hastes de válvulas. Para tanto, inicialmente, foi feito um estudo teórico e prático acerca do processo de retificação center-less com o objetivo de conhecer seus elementos básicos, características, principais problemas e fatores que influenciam o processo. Em função da grande aplicação da emissão acústica em operações de retificação, foi desenvolvida uma nova metodologia, onde foi possível criar um mapa digital, baseado em informações acústicas detalhadas do processo, usando para isto uma constante de tempo muito pequena. Os resultados mostraram a potencialidade do sistema de mapeamento em detectar e diagnosticar problemas ocorridos durante processos de retificação e dressagem. Assim, pode-se atuar sobre o processo de tal forma a corrigir estas anomalias. / One of the difficulties of the center-less grinding process is to establish reliable patterns to determine, with a small error, problems in the process. This work aims to develop an monitoring system able to identify flaws happening during the dressing and the center-less grinding process above the center of values stems. Initially a theoretical and practical study was conduct on the center-less grinding process with the objective of discussing its basic elements, characteristics, main problems and factors that influence the process. Due to the great application of acoustic emission in grinding operations a new methodology was developed, where it was possible to create a digital map, based on detailed acoustic information on the process using for this a very short time constant. The results showed the potentiality of this mapping system to detect and to diagnose problems during grinding and dressing. Therefore, it is possible to correct anomalies when plunge center-less grinding process.