A new approach to the optimization of robust antenna arrayprocessors

The authors present a method for solving a class of optimization problems with nonsmooth constraints. In particular, they apply the method to the design of narrowband minimum-power antenna array processors which are robust in the presence of errors such as array element placement, look direction misalignment, and frequency offset. They first show that the constrained minimum power problem has a unique global minimum provided that the constraint set is nonempty. Then it is shown how the design problem derived directly from considerations of the sensitivity of the antenna array processor to errors can be transformed into a quadratic programming problem with linear inequality constraints which can be solved efficiently by the standard active set strategy. They also present numerical results for two types of nonsmooth constraints developed to provided robustness. These results confirm the effectiveness of the method     

Parameter evaluation in automated digital deep-level transientspectroscopy (DLTS)

A method of directly evaluating the activation energy ΔE, capture cross section σ, and density N_T, of deep-level traps from the pulsed reverse bias capacitance transient is described. The main advantages of this technique are that it requires only a single temperature scan, and it can resolve nonexponential transients due to closely-spaced energy levels. The test samples used for this paper consisted of Schottky diodes fabricated on nonirradiated and 1-MeV electron-irradiated n-type VPE (vapor-phase epitaxy) GaAs wafers. The well known EL2 trap was identified with ΔE of 0.81 eV, and σ _n of 1.0×10^-13 cm² for the nonirradiated sample. These values were found to be in good agreement with published data using established, conventional DLTS techniques. For the irradiated samples a nonexponential capacitance transient was found in the EL2 range of temperatures. The discussed technique was able to resolve two closely spaced deep levels lying at E_c-0.81 eV and E_c-0.84 eV, and with capture cross sections of 1.5×10^-13 cm² and 2.5×10^-12 cm², respectively     

Effect of L-carnitine treatment on very low density lipoprotein kinetics in the hyperlipidemic rabbit

This study examined the hypolipidemic effect of 4 weeks of L-carnitine treatment (170 mg/kg b.w./day) in New Zealand White rabbits fed a high fat diet (5% corn oil/0.5% cholesterol). Specifically, [3H] glycerol and [125I] very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) turnover studies were conducted to examine the effect of treatment on VLDL kinetics. The masses of plasma VLDL-triglycerides (VLDL-TG) and VLDL-apoprotein B (VLDL-apoB) were significantly increased by the high-fat diet. Four weeks of treatment with L-carnitine significantly reduced these masses. Kinetic analysis indicated that fat feeding reduced the fractional catabolic rates (FCRs) of VLDL-TG and VLDL-apoB relative to chow-fed controls. The transport of these VLDL components was not altered by the diet. L-carnitine treatment had no effect on the FCRs of VLDL-TG and VLDL-apoB or on the transport of VLDL-apoB. Yet, treatment significantly lowered the transport of VLDL-TG. These data indicate that the lipid-lowering effect of L-carnitine in this animal model was due, in part, to a decrease in the transport and not due to an alteration in the fractional catabolic rate of VLDL-TG.     

A method for the preparation of PMMA-SiO2 nanocomposites with high homogeneity

It is possible to optimize the performance of the inorganic-organic composites dispersing the inorganic component in the organic matrix on a nanomiter length scale. If dry the inorganic phase cannot be intimately dispersed during the incorporation in the matrix. When the particle surface is organically modified, and the incorporation is made starting from a liquid dispersion (particles in polymer solution), the resulting composites exhibit an excellent homogeneity. Here, monolithic [poly(methyl methacrylate)/monodisperse silica particles] nanocomposites have been prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), micro-hardness, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).     

Influence of adsorption on the measurement of diffusion coefficients by Taylor dispersion

The effect of adsorption on the measurement of diffusion coefficients by the Taylor dispersion technique is investigated by modifying the governing equation to account for reversible, nonequilibrium adsorption. The resulting two-dimensional equations are solved by an explicit finite-difference technique. Experimental data for the acridine carbon dioxide system indicated that acridine adsorbs on the walls on the tubing and these data were investigated with this model. The influence of carious parameters including the number of sites and the rates of adsorption desorption was investigated by conducting a parametric sensitivity analysis on the model. It was found that adsorption of the solute on the wall of the tubing could produce an error as high as 35% on the measured diffusion coefficient compared to the actual diffusion coellicient. Examination of the influence of each of the parameters will enable Inure investigators to reduce the effect of adsorption in the measurement of diffusion coefficients by Taylor dispersion.     

A blackboard approach to modeling expertise in corporate settlement decisions*

Abstract: The SKADE system models expertise in corporate settlement decisions using the blackboard approach. The full model has four knowledge sources: General Counsel, Attorney, Manager and Insurance Adjuster. The combined expertise from each of these is required to make the settlement decision. A control component in the model coordinates the activities of the various knowledge sources. Based on the latest data entries on the blackboard, the control selects and executes the next knowledge source. The blackboard model reproduces the experts' opportunistic reasoning processes by the interaction between the various knowledge sources. The results of analyses of a hypothetical case through a series of experiments with the SKADE system indicate that the blackboard is an appropriate model for development of multiple cooperative expert systems in the settlement decision domain. Compared to straight rule-based models, this blackboard provides more efficient problem solving. The initial success with the blackboard model suggests that further work needs to be done to see whether more complex models can be built to incorporate a broader range of determinants of settlement decisions.     

Optimization of the properties obtained by quenching in martensitic stainless steels X30-40Cr13 and X40-60CrMoV14

An experimental study of the effects produced by different parameters of the heat-quenching cycle permitted the optimization of the properties typical of these martensitic stainless steels: hardness and corrosion resistance. The results obtained demonstrate that the heating temperatures currently used in industrial quenching treatment of these steels should be modified.