Wavelet-based deconvolution

A fast computational algorithm for deconvolution of signals in the form of peaks with exponentially falling fronts in the presence of noise is proposed. The filter bank coefficients are constructed on the basis of new wavelets called quasi-wavelets, which are derived from the instrument’s pulse response (instrument function) or similar functions defined analytically. A regularization procedure is offered based on selecting the sampling interval of the observed signal and the smoothing parameter of the restoring filter. This method ensures separation of completely overlapping peaks (without any noticeable saddle between them). The systematic error of restoration with an exactly known instrument function is a few tenths of a percent at three-to fourfold noise suppression.     

A technique for measuring charges of relativistic nuclei in a nuclear emulsion on the PAVICOM automated facility

A technique for measuring the charges of relativistic nuclei in thick emulsion layers irradiated in a longitudinal direction is described. This technique has been implemented on the PAVICOM completely automated facility at the Lebedev Physical Institute. The calibration curves for relativistic nuclei with Z > 3 are presented. The advantages of this technique are demonstrated using charge measurements of ²⁸Si nuclear fragments as an example.     

Rhodium coated mirrors deposited by magnetron sputtering for fusion applications

Metallic mirrors will be essential components of all optical spectroscopy and imaging systems for ITER plasma diagnostics. Any change in the mirror performance, in particular, its reflectivity, due to erosion of the surface by charge exchange neutrals or deposition of impurities will influence the quality and reliability of the detected signals. Due to its high reflectivity in the visible wavelength range and its low sputtering yield, rhodium appears as an attractive material for first mirrors in ITER. However, the very high price of the raw material calls for using it in the form of a film deposited onto metallic substrates. The development of a reliable technique for the preparation of high reflectivity rhodium films is therefore of the highest importance. Rhodium layers with thicknesses of up to 2 microm were produced on different substrates of interest (Mo, stainless steel, Cu) by magnetron sputtering. Produced films exhibit a low roughness and crystallite size of about 10 nm with a dense columnar structure. No impurities were detected on the surface after deposition. Scratch tests demonstrate that adhesion properties increase with substrate hardness. Detailed optical characterizations of Rh-coated mirrors as well as results of erosion tests performed both under laboratory conditions and in the TEXTOR tokamak are presented in this paper.     

Fabrication of planar cobalt electrodes separated by a sub-10nm gap using high resolution electron beam lithography with negative PMMA

We present a fabrication process of cobalt nanoelectrodes compatible with spin-dependent transport measurements through a few or a single nano-object. It consists in etching a cobalt thin layer into pairs of planar nanoelectrodes separated by a nanometric gap using a negative Poly-MethylMethAcrylate (PMMA) mask patterned by high resolution electron beam lithography (HREBL). The irradiation parameters of 200keV HREBL on PMMA have been investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to define accurately the PMMA transformation from positive to negative tone. The influence of the electron dose and the designed gap on the final gap between electrodes is presented. This complete study proves that PMMA can be used as a HREBL negative resist to fabricate nanoelectrodes separated by a controlled and reproducible gap ranging from 5nm to several tens of nanometers.     

Force-clamp spectroscopy with a small dithering of AFM tip, and its application to explore the energy landscape of single avidin-biotin complex

We have recently developed a new method for directly measuring the spring constant of single molecules and molecular complexes on a real-time basis [L.A. Chtcheglova, G.T. Shubeita, S.K. Sekatskii, G. Dietler, Biophys. J. 86 (2004) 1177]. The technique combines standard force spectroscopy with a small dithering of tip. Changes in the amplitude of the oscillations are measured as a function of the pulling-off force to yield the spring constant of the complex. In this report, we present the first results of combination of this approach with the force-clamp spectroscopy. The standard atomic-force microscope has been supplemented with an electronic unit, which is capable of realizing an arbitrary force function, and permits the force-loading regime to be interrupted at any time. Using this method, the time needed to rupture a single bond can be measured as a function of the force that is required to maintain the complex in a stretched condition. The energy landscape of the avidin-biotin complex is explored and discussed.     

Physiological and psychophysical responses in handling maximum acceptable weights under different footwear--floor friction conditions

A study on combined manual materials-handling tasks performed on floors under three friction levels was conducted. Eight male subjects participated in the study. The maximum acceptable weight of handling, including lifting, carrying for 3m, lowering, and walking 3m back at twice per minute was determined. The subject then performed the same tasks for 10 min. Heart rate, Vo2, energy efficiency, perceived sense of slip, and rating of perceived exertion for whole body strain were measured. The results showed that the effects of friction level on the maximum acceptable weights of handling, perceived sense of slip, Vo2, and energy efficiency were statistically significant (p相似文献   

Interface with angels: the future of VIR and AR interfaces

Although real guardian angels aren't easy to get hold of, some of the computer technology needed for such a personal assistant is already available. Other parts exist in the form of research prototypes, but some technological breakthroughs are necessary before we can realize their potential, let alone integrate into our daily routines. Future VR and AR interfaces won't necessarily try to provide a perfect imitation of reality but instead will adapt their display mechanisms to their users' individual requirements. The emergence of these interfaces won't rely on a single technology but will depend on the advances in many areas, including computer graphics, display technology, tracking and recognition devices, natural and intuitive interactions, 3D interaction techniques, mobile and ubiquitous computing, intelligent agents, and conversational user interfaces, to name a few. The guardian angel scenario exemplifies how future developments in AR and VR user interfaces might change the way we interact with computers. Although this example is just one of several plausible scenarios, it demonstrates that AR and VP, in combination with user-centered design of their post-WIMP interfaces, can provide increased access, convenience, usability, and efficiency     

Error Estimates for Semidiscrete Finite Element Approximations of the Stokes Equations Under Minimal Regularity Assumptions

Semidiscrete (spatially discrete) finite element approximations of the Stokes equations are studied in this paper. Properties of L ², H ¹ and H ^–1 projections onto discretely divergence-free spaces are discussed and error estimates are derived under minimal regularity assumptions on the solution.     

An expert system for managing medical appropriateness criteria based on computer algebra techniques

This article presents the development of an expert system for managing medical appropriateness criteria together with an outline of its theoretical foundations. Techniques borrowed from computer algebra (Gröbner bases) are applied to this field of medicine.

The steps of the expert system construction process are as follows. First, the knowledge provided in table format by experts in coronary diseases is translated into a set of production rules of a rule-based expert system (RBES). Kleene's three-valued logic augmented with modal operators is chosen in order to manage uncertainty.