Decorrelation-based blood flow velocity estimation: effect of spread of flow velocity,linear flow velocity gradients,and parabolic flow

In recent years, a new method to measure transverse blood flow, based on the decorrelation of the radio frequency (RF) signals has been developed. In this paper, we investigated the influence of nonuniform flow on the velocity estimation. The decorrelation characteristics of transverse blood flow using an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) array catheter are studied by means of computer modeling. Blood was simulated as a collection of randomly located point scatterers; moving this scattering medium transversally across the acoustical beam represented flow. First-order statistics were evaluated, and the signal-to-noise ratio from the signals were measured. The correlation coefficient method was used to present the results. Three velocity profiles were simulated: random spread of blood-flow velocity, linear blood-flow velocity gradient, and parabolic blood-flow. Radio frequency and envelope signals were used to calculate the decorrelation pattern. The results were compared to the mean decorrelation pattern for plug blood-flow. The RF signals decorrelation patterns were in good agreement with those obtained for plug blood flow. Envelope decorrelation patterns show a close agreement with the one for plug blood flow. For axial blood flow, there is a discrepancy between decorrelation patterns. The results presented here suggest that the decorrelation properties of an IVUS array catheter for measuring quantitative transverse blood flow probably will not be affected by different transverse blood-flow conditions     

Fabrication of nanocrystalline alloys Cu–Cr–Mo super satured solid solution by mechanical alloying

This work discusses the extension of solid solubility of Cr and Mo in Cu processed by mechanical alloying. Three alloys processed, Cu–5Cr–5Mo, Cu–10Cr–10Mo and Cu–15Cr–15Mo (weight%) using a SPEX mill. Gibbs free energy of mixing values 10, 15 and 20 kJ mol⁻¹ were calculated for these three alloys respectively by using the Miedema's model. The crystallite size decreases and dislocation density increases when the milling time increases, so Gibbs free energy storage in powders increases by the presence of crystalline defects. The energy produced by crystallite boundaries and strain dislocations were estimated and compared with Gibbs free energy of mixing values. The energy storage values by the presence of crystalline defects were higher than Gibbs free energy of mixing at 120 h for Cu–5Cr–5Mo, 130 h for Cu–10Cr–10Mo and 150 h for Cu–15Cr–15Mo. During milling, crystalline defects are produced that increases the Gibbs free energy storage and thus the Gibbs free energy curves are moved upwards and hence the solubility limit changes. Therefore, the three alloys form solid solutions after these milling time, which are supported with the XRD results.     

Associative Gray Level Pattern Processing using Binary Decomposition and α β Memories

In this note we show how a binary memory can be used to recall gray-level patterns. We take as example the α β associative memories recently proposed in Yáñez, Associative Memories based on order Relations and Binary Operators(In Spanish), PhD Thesis, Center for computing Research, February of 2002, only useful in the binary case. Basically, the idea consists on that given a set of gray-level patterns to be first memorized: (1) Decompose them into their corresponding binary patterns, and (2) Build the corresponding binary associative memory (one memory for each binary layer) with each training pattern set (by layers). A given pattern or a distorted version of it, it is recalled in three steps: (1) Decomposition of the pattern by layers into its binary patterns, (2) Recalling of each one of its binary components, layer by layer also, and (3) Reconstruction of the pattern from the binary patterns already recalled in step 2. The proposed methodology operates at two phases: training and recalling. Conditions for perfect recall of a pattern either from the fundamental set or from a distorted version of one them are also given. Experiments where the efficiency of the proposal is tested are also given.     

Generalized analysis of the illumination intensity vs. open-circuit voltage of solar cells

A new technique to determine the current–voltage characteristics of solar cells based on simultaneously measuring the open-circuit voltage as a function of a slowly varying light intensity has been proposed recently [Sinton and Cuevas, Proc. 16th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conf., Glasgow, UK, May 2000, pp. 1152–1155]. This paper presents a detailed theoretical analysis and interpretation of such quasi-steady-state V_oc measurements (QssV_oc). The ability of this analysis to accurately obtain the true steady-state device characteristics even in the case of high lifetime, high resistivity devices is demonstrated experimentally. Besides reasonable choices for the light source (2 and 4 ms exponential flashes), we have also used a rapidly varying illumination (0.35 ms decay rate) to illustrate problems with the existing analysis. The new analysis results in an excellent agreement between the three QssV_oc measurements and the true steady-state and dark I–V curves. An important application of the QssV_oc technique is to determine the minority carrier lifetime, and the new model proves to be especially important to do this accurately.     

Preliminary study of the use of spent diatomaceous earth from the brewing industry in clay matrix bricks

In this work the effect of spent diatomaceous earth (SDE), as pore forming or silica carrier, on the properties of clay ceramic bricks was investigated. Mixtures of clay and SDE waste were, compacted, dried and fired at 950°C during 6?h. The technological properties of waste-clay bricks were analysed to evaluate the influence of the waste incorporation. The SDE (1–5?wt-%) addition in the clay matrix causes a reduction between 6 and 12% of the bulk density compared with the control samples (only clay) which implies good insulating characteristics. In addition, the waste incorporation increases the water absorption within the range 4–31% and decreases the compressive strength between 12 and 26%. However, the incorporation of the waste is beneficial as no remarkable changes in the technological properties are observed. These results indicate that the waste has a predominant pore forming effect over a pore filling effect.