An electronic card uses a magnetic stripe communication device in which either a horizontal magnetic field generator or a vertical magnetic field generator is selectively activated on a transaction specific basis as determined by the electronic card to transmit data to a magnetic reader to emulate a magnetic stripe. This invention is further directed to methods and systems for conducting social-network analysis. A phase difference detecting circuit 23 detects a phase shift amount which is caused when the signal of the cut-off frequency is supplied to the subordinate LPF 21. An inner member is positionable within a patient and a flexible member extends between the inner member and outer member and is operatively associated with the outer member.