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We describe a majority-logic gate device suitable for use in developing single-electron integrated circuits. The device consists of a capacitor array for input summation and an irreversible single-electron box for threshold operation. It accepts three binary inputs and produces a corresponding output, a complementary majority-logic output, by using the change in its tunneling threshold caused by the input signals; it produces a logical 1 output if two or three of the inputs are logical 0 and a logical 0 output if two or three of the inputs are logical 1. We combined several of these gate devices to form subsystems, a shift register and a full adder, and confirmed their operation by computer simulation. The gate device is simple in structure and powerful in terms of implementing digital functions with a small number of devices. These superior features will enable the device to contribute to the development of single-electron integrated circuits.

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This paper proposes a neuromorphic analog CMOS controller for interlimb coordination in quadruped locomotion. Animal locomotion, such as walking, running, swimming, and flying, is based on periodic rhythmic movements. These rhythmic movements are driven by the biological neural network, called the central pattern generator (CPG). In recent years, many researchers have applied CPG to locomotion controllers in robotics. However, most of these have been developed with digital processors and, thus, have several problems, such as high power consumption. In order to overcome such problems, a CPG controller with analog CMOS circuit is proposed. Since the CMOS transistors in the circuit operate in their subthreshold region and under low supply voltage, the controller can reduce power consumption. Moreover, low-cost production and miniaturization of controllers are expected. We have shown through computer simulation, such circuit has the capability to generate several periodic rhythmic patterns and transitions between their patterns promptly.

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SynopsisThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iron oxide application on improving the volume of eyelashes. Iron oxide, having a negative surface charge in its natural form, was coated with commercial cationic polymers to increase its adhesion. The iron oxides coated with different types and concentrations of these polymers were incorporated into a basic mascara formula to test their volume effects by means of the weight difference of eyelashes. The results indicated that the type and concentration of coating materials affect the surface zeta potential and particle cluster size of iron oxides. The type of cationic polymer, especially, was shown to modify both factors of iron oxide. The obtained results also suggested that the volume effect of mascara increases with a higher positive surface zeta potential and a smaller particle cluster size of the coated iron oxides.J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 627-636 (November/December 2009) Study and description of hydrogels and organogels as vehicles for cosmetic active ingredients Synopsis Cellulite, a clinical syndrome mainly affecting women, involves specific changes in conjunctive dermic and subcutaneous tissue, leading to vascular and hypertrophic alterations in adipose tissues and the consequent alteration of tissue structure. This paper describes the design of hydrogels and pluronic-lecithin organogels elaborated as vehicles of Aloe vera (Aloe vera linné) and Hydrocotyle asiatica (Centella asiatica) for the treatment of cellulite.The objective of this work was to carry out a complete evaluation of the proposed formulae through the study of the organoleptic and rheological properties of the formulae. Our work revealed that, in appearance, hydrogels show better organoleptic characteristics than organogels. On the other hand, from a rheological point of view, both hydrogels and organogels display a plastic behavior. However, the main difference between the two is that the more complex internal structure of the organogel bestows it with more viscosity. Finally, in vitro tests with Franz-type diffusion cells revealed that the release of cosmetic active principle from the tested excipients was appropriate, both in terms of magnitude and velocity.J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 637-648 (November/December 2009) Changes in structure and geometric properties of human hair by aging SynopsisTo clarify hair changes by aging, the effect of age on hair properties was investigated from macro-to microscopic viewpoints. Sensory hair luster tests were performed on 230 Japanese females from 10 to 70 year of age, revealing that hair luster decreases with age. The age dependence of the hair diameter and the ellipticity of the hair cross section could not explain luster reduction by aging. It has been determined that an irregular increase in fiber curvature occurs with age and is a cause of luster reduction with aging. A detailed structural analysis by synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray diffraction revealed that the inhomogeneity in the lateral distribution of the hair microstructure increas...

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