Scalar quantisation using a fast systolic array

A systolic array capable of outperforming a table look-up quantiser is proposed. The design has high throughput, can perform uniform or non-uniform quantisation and is suitable for VLSI or field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation. In the latter case, the array can be used dynamically to both reduce latency and switch between quantisers without the need to reset look-up tables     

Photoacoustic spectroscopy of condensed media with a phase transition

The gas-microphone method of recording a photoacoustic (PA) Rosencwaig—Herschow signal is extended theoretically for consideration of material evaporation of a sample. For an excitation source of constant intensity and exponential saturation of vapor concentration, relations are derived to describe the transient dynamics of the PA response. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 70, No. 1, pp. 153–155, January–February, 1997.     

Metabolic activation and inactivation of metanil yellow and orange II in the Salmonella typhimurium his-reversion assay.

Among a variety of experimental protocols used, the combined use of 0.5% dextrose in bottom agar and 1 micromol of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) in preincubation mixtures without fraction S9 mix resulted in the highest level of induced Salmonella typhimurium his reversions with both dyes metanil yellow and orange 11 with strain TA100. Strain TA98 yielded notably lower levels of reversions under the same conditions. The presence of uninduced hamster liver S9 fraction resulted in a weak mutagenic response while Aroclor 1254-induced rat liver S9 fraction resulted in the complete absence of mutagenicity with both strains and with both dyes.     

The composition and microbial quality of pre-packed dates purchased in Greater Glasgow

Composition and microbiological contamination was measured in samples of pre-packed dates purchased from a number of stores and retail outlets in Greater Glasgow. The sugar content of dried pitted dates was c . 74%, about 10% more than reported on those packs where nutritional information was given. Potentially pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were identified in some of the samples together with lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds, Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus . Fresh dates were the most heavily contaminated of all samples, probably owing to the high moisture content.     

Number of groups in neutron-constant libraries for calculating nuclear fields and neutron parameters

Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 79, No. 1, pp. 76–78, July, 1995.     

News: Environmental biotechnology meetings bring developers, manufacturers, users together

Technology.     

Health risks valuations based on public consent

Health risks for the public due to electric power generation are examined. The risk include those already known to exist due to air pollution and nuclear radiation and the newer potential risks of electromagnetic fields at power frequencies. It is shown that members of populations at risk are capable of making valuations of the worth to them of reduction of such risks. In soliciting their responses, the people are given scientific information on the nature of the hazards involved and their chances of being affected. Thus, the process is one of informed consent, preferable to having the valuation judgment imposed technocratically. The process allows a cost benefit comparison without the moral dilemma of valuing human life and suffering.<>