We present a flexible, yet cost-effective prototyping platform for hybrid hardware/software systems. Our approach is based on combining off-the-shelf hardware components with custom software to arrive at an encompassing solution. We address the hybrid nature by tightly coupling a conventional processor with configurable logic on a single PCI expansion card.

A programmable switch based on a DNA hairpin loop is functionalised with a rigid or flexible porphyrin or FAM and TAMRA FRET pair, which provides insight into the restructuring of the hairpin as well as porphyrin-porphyrin coupling. The switch contains five discrete states which can be accessed independently and followed by real-time spectroscopy, opening the way to a quinary computing code.

Counterion distributions at charged flexible membranes are studied using analytical and simulation methods in both Poisson-Boltzmann and strong-coupling limits. The softer the membrane, the more smeared out the counterion-density profile becomes and counterions penetrate through the mean-membrane surface location, in agreement with anomalous scattering results. Repulsion between membrane charge...

Even today, some types of fuel cells have been already used in practical applications such as combined heat and power generation applications and space vehicle applications. Though research and development activities are still required, the fuel cell technology is one of the most important technologies that allow us to draw the environment friendly society in the twenty-first century. This sect...