Evaluation technique of gate oxide damage

Gate oxide damage by plasma processing was evaluated using structures with various antenna lengths. The gate oxide damage by plasma processing was found to be monitored quantitatively by measuring the charge to breakdown, Q_BD. From the Q_BD measurements, we have confirmed that the degradation occurs during overetching, not in main etching. Plasma current was calculated from the decrease of Q_BD during the etching. The breakdown spot in the gate oxide was detected by photon emission and TEM. The LOCOS structure plays an important role for the degradation by plasma damage. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the Q_BD method is effective for realizing a highly reliable process against plasma damage     

The threat of optical communications

Research shows that the future capability of optical communication technology vastly exceeds the use that we make of it today. The result is that opportunities are now opening up to completely bypass large parts of established telecommunication networks with immensely powerful new networks having very different properties to the long-established ones. `Free' bandwidth may soon be a near reality with major consequences for today's network operators     

Data to frequency mappings in various MSK schemes

Minimum shift keying (MSK) is a digital modulation scheme which is suited to demanding applications requiring good bandwidth efficiency and error performance. It can be regarded as continuous phase frequency shift keying (CPFSK) with two signalling frequencies. In general, there is no unique mapping from the input data polarity to the particular signalling frequency during a given bit interval. The simplest formulation maps zeros of the data (marks) to the lower frequency, and ones (spaces) to the higher frequency. Other formulations of MSK employ more complex mappings. The article summarises the most commonly encountered mappings, then shows how to convert from one formulation to another by manipulating the input or output data. It is, therefore, possible to establish communication between different MSK modems employing different formulations of MSK by simple processing of the data     

The flagship is dropping behind the fleet [UK telecommunicationindustry]

Following privatisation in 1984, BT was mainly preoccupied with customer service, operating costs and business exploitation. BT, its competitors and the industry regulators now have to address major new network issues. Their success in meeting the challenges of the new technologies will have a major impact on the future of UK telecommunications equipment manufacturers. The author takes a hard look at the facts. He argues that duplicating local telecommunications plant is a mistake and should stop; price cap regulation produces the wrong result; and an authoritative engineering agency is needed to co-ordinate technology nationally     

Phase II study of vinorelbine (Navelbine) in previously treated small cell lung cancer patients. EORTC Lung Cancer Cooperative Group

26 previously treated patients with progressive recurrent small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were given vinorelbine (Navelbine), 30 mg/m2 weekly. All patients had responded to first-line chemotherapy and were off therapy for at least 3 months. Partial response was observed in 4 out of 25 eligible patients (16%; 95% confidence interval 4-36%), stable disease in 7 patients and progression in 12 patients. The limiting toxicity was a non-cumulative leucopenia (80%, 32% WHO grade 3-4). Reaction at the site of injection was observed in 5 patients, causing treatment discontinuation in 2 cases. Other non-haematological toxicities were moderate. These results suggest acceptable toxicity and some antitumour activity of vinorelbine in pretreated SCLC patients.     

Thrombolytic therapy for unstable angina

Thrombolytic therapy for unstable angina has not gained acceptance as a primary treatment for unstable angina (UA) despite the evidence showing a reduction in mortality when these agents are given for myocardial infarction. The purpose of this review is to examine the clinical value of thrombolytic therapy for UA. The multiple lines of evidence supporting intracoronary thrombus formation as a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of UA are reviewed. Studies examining the effect of thrombolytic therapy on angiographic endpoints have shown little effect on the extent of luminal narrowing, but do reveal a decrease in angiographically detected thrombus. Twelve randomized, controlled trials of thrombolytic agents in 611 UA patients with predefined clinical endpoints have been published. These trials varied widely in design and adjunctive therapy both in treated and control grops. Review of these trials show a tendency to fewer clinical events such as death, infarction, and need for revascularization in treated patients, with a corresponding increase in bleeding complications. Clinical efficacy of thrombolytic therapy cannot be excluded by the available data, perhaps in part because of insufficient numbers of patients treated. Determination of the net clinical value of thrombolytic therapy must await larger and more definitive trials.