A mixed-signal RAM decision-feedback equalizer for disk drives

A mixed-signal RAM decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) that operates at 90 Mb/s is described. In the analog domain, the DFE subtracts intersymbol interference caused by the past four outputs. The equalized signal is fed into a nonuniform flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to produce the decision output and error signal used to adapt the RAM contents in the digital domain. With a 5 V supply voltage, the power dissipation is 260 mW during steady-state operation. The active area is 4.5 mm² in a 1 μm CMOS process     

Two-dimensional map of Haemophilus influenzae following protein enrichment by heparin chromatography

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis separates several hundred protein molecules in one single experiment and is efficiently used to study the products expressed by different genomes. Low-copy-number gene products are invisible on a stained two-dimensional map and must be enriched such that sufficient amounts are present for visualization and identification. We investigated the enrichment of proteins of the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae by chromatography on immobilized heparin which has affinity for growth and protein biosynthesis factors. Total soluble proteins of the microorganism were fractionated on Heparin-Actigel which resulted in enrichment of approximately 160 proteins. The eluates, representing about 40% of the applied proteins, were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the protein spots were characterized by amino acid composition analysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. The proteins enriched by chromatography on the heparin gel were not exclusively low-copy-number gene products and they did not exclusively belong to one single class of proteins. The proteins that bound to the heparin gel are indicated in a two-dimensional protein map which includes more than 110 newly identified proteins.     

Parameter optimization and simulated performance of a DVB-T digitaltelevision broadcasting system

A prototype of a digital television terrestrial broadcasting system has been implemented according to the European DVB-T standard. The first step in the construction of this prototype involved parameter optimization via simulation. This paper presents the optimization process of the system parameters and the final achieved BER performance. Important design aspects such as interleaving, convolutional puncturing codes, Viterbi decoding, pilot-based channel correction and optimal pilot power are considered. The DVB-T standard offers some suggested values of the C/N ratio needed to achieve the desired BER requirements in the receiver. However, they have been obtained assuming ideal channel correction and synchronization. Simulation results are provided here in non-ideal conditions     

TiNi shape memory alloys prepared by normal sintering

This paper covers the use of conventional press and sinter of titanium and nickel equiatomic blends, involving transient liquid phases. A notable development has been the fabrication of homogeneous compacts from the elemental powders. Results indicate that employment of a double-stage sintering cycle is effective to sustain the geometrical integrity of the sintered sample. The TiNi alloy prepared in this manner exhibits a recovery strain of 4.6% by generating a restoring stress of 230 MPa, with a martensitic transformation point M_s of 34 °C.     

Training in human service management for future practitioner-managers.

The growing involvement of psychologists in the management of human services, particularly in the public sector, has not been reflected in the development of corresponding academic or practicum training focusing on issues of service delivery. This article gives an overview of the practitioner-manager role and develops a rationale for management-oriented training in doctoral programs. An introductory course is briefly noted, and a review of models, knowledge and skills, and training resources is provided. Also described are practitioner-manager trends, training alternatives, and competing demands of the graduate curriculum. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of neuropsychology in the assessment and treatment of persons with epilepsy.

Several areas of current interest in the neuropsychology of epilepsy are briefly reviewed in this article. These include variables pertaining to seizures, seizure history, antiepileptic drugs, and methods of neuropsychological evaluation. It is apparent that epilepsy is a multifaceted area: Psychologists not only can be of great assistance to patients with this condition, but may also learn a great deal from this complex disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)