Noise properties of AlGaAs/GaAs MODFET's

An analytically tractable model is presented for the calculation of noise performance of a modulation-doped field-effect transistor (MODFET). The charge control is based on the self-consistent solution of Schrodinger and Poisson's equation. An improved velocity-field characteristic is used in the calculation. The fit provided by the developed theory to the experimental data is excellent     

Activation of complement by mannose-binding lectin on isogenic mutants of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum protein that has been demonstrated to activate the classical complement pathway and to function directly as an opsonin. Although MBL deficiency is associated with a common opsonic defect and a predisposition to infection, the role of the protein in bacterial infection remains unclear. We have investigated MBL binding to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B1940 and three isogenic mutants, and the subsequent activation of the two major isoforms of C4 (C4A and C4B) by an associated serine protease, MASP. The mutants lacked expression of the capsular polysaccharide (siaD-), the lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) outer core that prevented LOS sialylation (cpsD-), or both capsule and LOS outer core (cps-). Using flow cytometry, it was possible to detect strong MBL binding to the cps- and cpsD- mutants over a wide range of concentrations. In contrast, minimal or no MBL binding was detected on the parent organism, with binding to siaD- only at higher MBL concentrations. C4 was activated and bound by mutants that had previously bound MBL/MASP, but there was no significant difference in the amounts of C4A and C4B bound. When sialic acid residues were removed from the parent organism by neuraminidase treatment, the binding of both MBL and C4 increased significantly. Our results suggest that MBL may bind to and activate complement on these encapsulated organisms, and the major determinants of these effects are the LOS structure and sialylation.     

Noise performance of Si/Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ FETs

Noise characteristics are evaluated for SiGe/Si based n-channel MODFETs and p-channel MOSFETs. The analysis is based on a self-consistent solution of Schrodinger and Poisson's equations. The model predicts a superior minimum noise figure for an n-channel MODFET at 77 K. P-channel MOSFETs behave similar to n-channel devices operating at 300 K. Minimum noise figure decreases with increasing quantum well (QW) width for both n- and p-channel devices. However, the p-channel devices are less sensitive to QW width variation. Minimum noise temperature behaves similarly. As observed, a range of doped epilayer thickness exists where minimum noise figure is a minimum for both n- and p-channel FETs.<>     

Chemical modification of cotton through reaction with alkoxy adducts of acrylamide and hexahydro-1,3,5-triacryloyl-s-triazine in nonaqueous medium

(β-Alkoxypropionamide as well as hexahydro-1,3,5-x(β-alkoxypropionyl)-y(acryloyl)-s-triazine in nonaqueous medium were prepared. The products so obtained were reacted with cotton cellulose in nonaqueous medium under a variety of conditions. It was postulated that β-methoxypropionamide reacted with cotton cellulose in presence of an acid catalyst via a substitution reaction. Reaction of hexahydro-1,3,5-mono(β-alkoxypropionyl)-diacryloyl-s-triazine with cotton cellulose also proceeded mainly through a substitution reaction. Addition and/or polymerization reaction, which entailed saturation of the double bonds of the acryloyl groups, occurred when the chemical modification of cotton was carried out at high temperature (above 130°C) for more than 10 minutes using higher concentrations of hexahydro-1,3,5-mono(β-alkoxypropionyl)diacryloyl-s-triazine (8% or more)).     

Selecting and prioritizing key factors for CAD/CAM software in small- and medium-sized enterprises using AHP

In today’s fast-paced world, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems have become a necessary element in manufacturing industries. Prior to investment in a CAD/CAM system, it is essential for investor to know how to maximize their benefits from buying a new or by changing an existing CAD/CAM system. The purpose of this study is to provide a methodology to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies of Pakistan in selecting a CAD/CAM system. It will also facilitate the software providers in recognizing the current state of affairs as well as preceding problems regarding the application of CAD/CAM in manufacturing firms when assisting them in choosing the direction for future development simultaneously. To accomplish this purpose, data have been collected about current CAD/CAM systems. Important criteria for system selection and parameters for evaluation have also been identified and prioritized. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used as a decision-making technique for identifying and prioritizing important factors for CAD/CAM software selection. Expert Choice (AHP-based software) has been used to validate the results.     

Physicochemical studies of hemp (Cannabis sativa) seed oil using enzyme‐assisted cold‐pressing

The effects of enzyme‐assisted cold‐pressing (EACP) on the physicochemical attributes of Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil were investigated using five enzyme preparations: Protex 7L, Viscozyme L, Kemzyme, Feedzyme, and Natuzyme. The oil contents (28.4–32.8%) offered by the enzyme‐treated hempseeds were found to be significantly (p <0.05) higher than that determined for the control (26.7%). The protein, fiber, and ash contents of the seeds were unaffected by the enzyme treatment. There were no significant (p >0.05) variations observed for the values of iodine number, refractive index, density, unsaponifiable matter and fatty acid composition between the enzyme‐extracted and control hempseed oils. The levels of saponification value, free fatty acids, iodine value and peroxide value were slightly varied between the oils tested. The color intensity of the enzyme‐extracted oils was also higher than that of the control oil. A relatively higher level of tocopherols (724.4–788.8 mg/kg) was observed in the enzyme‐extracted oils compared to the control (691.2 mg/kg), showing an enhancement of ca. 4.8–14.1% in the total tocopherols. The Rancimat profiles and sensory scores of the enzyme‐extracted oils were noted to be improved compared to the control. The results of the present analysis (with respect to the control) showed that the enzyme added during the hempseed cold‐pressing resulted in considerably higher oil yields, without adversely affecting the quality of the oil.     

Development of Polyoxyethylene Zwitterionic Surfactants for High-Salinity High-Temperature Reservoirs

Substantial efforts are underway to improve the recovery factor from existing oil reserves to meet the ever-growing global oil demand. Surfactants are known to increase oil recovery through reducing interfacial tension (IFT) and/or altering the rock wettability. The selection of surfactants for high-salinity high-temperature oil fields is a challenging task owing to poor thermal stability, precipitation, and adsorption of surfactants on reservoir rocks. Sulfobetaine-based polyoxyethylene zwitterionic surfactants have shown excellent thermal and surface properties. However, their solubility in high-salinity brines becomes poor particularly with a long hydrophobic tail (>C17). Recently, we synthesized such types of surfactants by incorporating ethylene oxide (EO) units into the hydrophobic tail, which improved the solubility in formation water (213,734 ppm) and seawater (SW) (57,643 ppm). In this work, we investigated the IFT, thermal stability, rheological behavior, and foaming properties of two polyoxyethylene zwitterionic surfactants having different degrees of ethoxylation. Aging experiments exhibited excellent thermal stability and no change in the chemical structure was detected. The surfactant with lesser EO units (EASB-1a) showed a lower IFT compared to the surfactant with higher EO units (EASB-1b). Rheological studies revealed that the addition of both surfactants reduced the viscosity of the acrylamide copolymer. However, the effect of EASB-1a was more prominent compared to that of EASB-1b. The surfactant with a higher degree of ethoxylation showed lower adsorption compared to the surfactant with a lesser degree of ethoxylation. Both surfactants showed excellent foamability and foam stability compared to the commercial surfactants. Excellent thermal stability, water solubility under harsh reservoir conditions, foaming properties, and lower adsorption make them a suitable choice for high-temperature, high-salinity reservoirs.     

Automated techniques for blood vessels segmentation through fundus retinal images: A review

Retina is the interior part of human's eye, has a vital role in vision. The digital image captured by fundus camera is very useful to analyze the abnormalities in retina especially in retinal blood vessels. To get information of blood vessels through fundus retinal image, a precise and accurate vessels segmentation image is required. This segmented blood vessel image is most beneficial to detect retinal diseases. Many automated techniques are widely used for retinal vessels segmentation which is a primary element of computerized diagnostic systems for retinal diseases. The automatic vessels segmentation may lead to more challenging task in the presence of lesions and abnormalities. This paper briefly describes the various publicly available retinal image databases and various machine learning techniques. State of the art exhibited that researchers have proposed several vessel segmentation methods based on supervised and supervised techniques and evaluated their results mostly on publicly datasets such as digital retinal images for vessel extraction and structured analysis of the retina. A comprehensive review of existing supervised and unsupervised vessel segmentation techniques or algorithms is presented which describes the philosophy of each algorithm. This review will be useful for readers in their future research.     

Laser beam machining of zirconia ceramic: An investigation of micro-machining geometry and surface roughness

Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology - Micro-machining of dental ceramics namely as zirconium oxide is carried out through laser beam machining. Micro-channels of different sizes are...