Optimization algorithms for calculation of the joint design point in parallel systems

In large structures it is often necessary to estimate the reliability of the system by use of parallel systems. Optimality criteria-based algorithms for calculation of the joint design point in a parallel system are described and efficient active set strategies are developed. Three possible algorithms are tested in two examples against well-known general non-linear optimization algorithms. Especially one of the suggested algorithms seems to be stable and fast.     

Comparing awareness and use of content-free software in comprehensive schools

The study reports on a survey into the use of content-free computer software by comprehensive school teachers in South Wales. The survey includes questions on computer resources, staff training, level of awareness and utilization by year group and by subject taught. The findings suggest that many more teachers are aware of the potential of content-free software than are actually using them in their lessons. A shortfall in training provision together with the inequitable distribution of computers between subjects are major factors limiting the use of such software. Modern Languages and Humanities are generally poorly provided for in terms of hardware resources. However, Science (which has ample hardware) seems to make relatively little use of content-free software while Business Studies and Design Technology use it extensively. Sixth form teaching seems generally to ignore the potentials of computer-aided learning by means of content-free software.     

Electrical properties of N2O/NH3 plasma grownoxynitride on strained-Si

Growth of ultrathin (<100 Å) oxynitride on strained-Si using microwave N₂O and NH₃ plasma is reported. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate a nitrogen-rich layer at the strained-Si/SiO₂ interface. The electrical properties of oxynitrides have been characterized using a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structure. A moderately low value of insulator charge density (6.1×10¹⁰ cm^-2) has been obtained for NH₃ plasma treated N₂O oxide sample. Nitrided oxide shows a larger breakdown voltage and an improved charge trapping properties under Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) constant current stress     

Solder engineering for optoelectronic packaging

In addition to providing electrical connections, solder is useful in the formation of passive, precision alignments for optoelectronic packaging. Different designs have demonstrated micrometer-level alignment accuracies, and the aligned structures are becoming more and more complex. Solder engineering has been successfully introduced into the field of optoelectronics, and it is expected to be applied to many other areas demanding low-cost, precision alignments.     

Histologically confirmed changes on CT of reoperated low-grade astrocytomas

During a 15-year period 37 patients with primary low-grade astrocytoma have been operated upon twice in our institute. CT and histological data at the time of the first and second operations were compared. The majority of primary astrocytomas showed as a low-density area without contrast enhancement; minimal, mainly marginal enhancement was present in six cases. At reoperation 10 tumours were histologically unchanged; the corresponding CT studies displayed a nonenhancing lesion, although insignificant contrast uptake could be seen in three cases. There were 18 tumours which had transformed into anaplastic astrocytoma: CT before repeat surgery showed more or less marked enhancement. In all nine cases which progressed into glioblastoma multiforme strong contrast enhancement was seen on CT at the time of recurrence. Although the grade of contrast uptake varied, the appearance of or increase in enhancement was a sign of some degree of anaplastic change, particularly convincing in cases of dedifferentiated glioblastoma multiforme.     

Reply to comments on “Error rate performance of theprojection code”

The authors reply to the comments by Koppelaar and Tolhuizen (see ibid. vol.46, no.9, p.573, 1998). They state that the optimum choice of the slopes used to perform the encoding process in a projection code always results in maximizing the minimum Hamming distance so that d=2 ^r     

Laterality, alternation, and perseveration relationships on the T-maze test.

The T-maze test has been used to study several entirely different issues: spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB), perseveration behavior (PB), and behavioral lateralization. Despite the fact that in this test the behavior studied is always the same one (i.e., side choice), the possible relationships among SAB, PB, and lateralization have not been previously evaluated. The present study investigated the relationships among these functions. The results demonstrated that (1) shock increases PB and lateralization decreases SAB, (2) practice increases lateralization and decreases SAB but does not modify PB, and (3) there are sex differences for alternation and SAB. Because these functions are expressed by the same behavioral pattern, they must be quantified simultaneously to avoid mistaken conclusions when the T-maze test is used. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The heroic cancer patient: A critical analysis of the relationship between illusion and mental health.

Examines, in the context of cancer illness, S. E. Taylor and J. D. Brown's (see record 1988-16903-001) claim that mental health is to a degree predicated on illusory beliefs about the self, one's control, and the future. The Heroic Model (HM), a stance toward cancer characterized by belief that positive thoughts and feelings, a fighting spirit, and an optimistic outlook will promote cancer remission, is presented as paradigmatic of Taylor and Brown's thesis. Strong and weak formulations of the HM (the former affirming a direct influence of mental states over physical processes, and the latter affirming indirect effects only) are examined with respect to their potential adaptive value as true or false beliefs, with different consequences for well-being. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)