Implantable biomedical microsystems for neural prostheses.

In the following article, the technologies to fabricate polyimide-based thin and flexible substrates with monolithically integrated electrode arrays and printed circuit boards (PCB) for hybrid electronic assemblies as well as an assembling technique that connects bare electronic dice with flexible PCBs are presented. The concept of modular, flexible biomedical microsystems as neural prostheses is introduced in general and described in detail in three examples. A cuff electrode with integrated multiplexer circuitry and standard implantable cables represents the combination of microtechnology with precision mechanics; a sieve electrode used as an implant in peripheral nerve regeneration studies demonstrates the next level of integration density but still uses a cable connection; and last, joint effort to fabricate the demonstrator of a vision prosthesis that is completely implantable in the eye with a wireless link for energy supply and data transmission is presented. System design, hybrid assembling technology, and flexible multilayer encapsulation using parylene and silicone rubber are the key components for creating a new generation of neural prostheses for complex and challenging new applications.     

V. Yeast sequencing reports. Identification of a gene encoding a new Ypt/Rab-like monomeric G-protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A Saccharomyces cerevisiae sequence cloned by serendipity was found to encode a protein that is a new member of the Ypt/Rab monomeric G-protein family. This sequence shows high homology to the yeast genes SEC4 and YPT1 and, like SEC4 and YPT1, is essential for viability. The sequence was localized to chromosome V based upon hybridization to pulse-field gel-separated yeast chromosomes. The sequence has been deposited in the GenBank data library under Accession Number L17070.     

As number of patients grows, so do critical problems facing MDs who provide dialysis

The growth in the number of dialysis patients in Canada is causing a critical shortage of resources. The low transplantation rate and an increase in the number of patients, combined with insufficient funding to expand facilities, threatens access to the expensive but life-sustaining therapy. Michel Martin, who recently underwent a kidney transplant, looks at the situation facing dialysis patients in Quebec and Ontario.     

Surface leakage currents in SiN/sub x/ passivated AlGaN/GaN HFETs

A novel guarded surface leakage test structure is used to isolate the surface and bulk leakage contributions to gate current in AlGaN/GaN HFETs. Passivation with various recipes of SiN/sub x/ always resulted in the commonly observed increase in gate leakage, which was found to be dominated by bulk leakage through the AlGaN. However, high temperature deposited SiN/sub x/ recipes gave a 1-2 orders reduction in surface leakage, whereas low temperature deposition gave an increase. Gate lag measurements were found to correlate closely with the surface leakage component, giving direct evidence that the key device problem of current slump is associated with current flow at the AlGaN surface.     

Prebiotic synthesis of sequential peptides on the Hadean beach by a molecular engine working with nitrogen oxides as energy sources

Addressing the still open question of the prebiotic origin of sequential macromolecules (peptides, nucleic acids) on the primitive Earth, we describe a molecular engine (the primary pump), which works at ambient temperature and continuously generates, elongates and complexifies sequential peptides. This new scenario is based on a cyclic reaction sequence, whose keystep is the activation of amino acids into their N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCA) through nitrosation by NOx. This process could have taken place on tidal beaches; it requires a buffered ocean, emerged land and a nitrosating atmosphere. With the help of geochemical studies and computer simulations of atmosphere photochemistry, we show that the primitive Earth during the Hadean may have satisfied all these requirements. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Income and expenditure in a spatial economy

The question explored in this paper is whether the center attracts more spending by all agents in a spatial economy than do peripheral locations, and why this might be so. This is the macroeconomics pendant to the microeconomic concern with accessibility.This paper is the result of discussions on the subject of time and space in economics with my good friend, Tonu Puu. I dedicate it to the memory of another dear friend, Claude Ponsard.     

Vertical caliper gauge with digital readout for absolute dimensional measurements

A new gauge configuration for the measurement of outside dimensions up to 70 mm is described. The main advantage of the instrument is that it can be used to perform absolute measurements, i.e., without adjustment operations. The instrument has potential applications in many industries engaged in the manufacture of parts in relatively small lots.Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 10, pp. 32–33, October, 1993.     

Shear mode coupling and tilted grain growth of A1N thin films in BAW resonators.

Polycrystalline A1N thin films were deposited by RF reactive magnetron sputtering on Pt(111)/Ti electrode films. The substrates were tilted by an angle ranging from 40 degrees to 70 degrees with respect to the target normal. A low deposition temperature and a high sputter gas pressure were found ideal for tilted growth. The resulting grain tilt angle amounts to about half the substrate tilt angle. For coupling evaluation, 5 GHz solidly mounted resonator structures have been realized. The tilted grain A1N films exhibited a permittivity in the 9.5-10.5 range and loss tangent of 0.3%. Two shear modes as well as the longitudinal mode could be clearly identified. The coupling coefficient k2(eff) of the fundamental thickness shear mode (TS0) was found to be about 0.5%, which is compatible with a c-axis tilt of about 6 degrees.     

Preliminary results of ENVISAT RA-2-derived water levels validation over the Amazon basin

Since the launch of the ENVISAT satellite in 2002, the Radar Altimetry Mission provides systematic observations of the Earth topography. Among the different goals of the ENVISAT Mission, one directly concerns land hydrology: the monitoring of the water levels of lakes, wetlands, and rivers. The ENVISAT Geophysical Data Records products contain, over different type of surfaces, altimeter ranges derived from four specialized algorithms or retrackers. However, none of the retrackers are intended to the processing of the radar echoes over continental waters. A validation study is necessary to assess the performances of the different ENVISAT-derived water levels to monitor inland waters. We have selected four test-zones over the Amazon basin to achieve this validation study. We compare first the performances of these retracking algorithms to deliver reliable water levels for land hydrology. Comparisons with in-situ gauge stations showed that Ice-1 algorithm, based on the Offset Centre of Gravity technique, provides the more accurate water stages. Second, we examine the potentiality to combine water levels derived from different sensors (Topex/Poseidon, ERS-1 and -2, GFO).