Efficient symbolic computation of approximated small-signalcharacteristics of analog integrated circuits

A symbolic analysis tool is presented that generates simplified symbolic expressions for the small-signal characteristics of large analog integrated circuits. The expressions are approximated while they are computed, so that only those terms are generated which remain in the final expression. This principle causes drastic savings in CPU time and memory, compared with previous symbolic analysis tools. In this way, the maximum size of circuits that can be analyzed, is largely increased. By taking into account a range for the value of a circuit parameter rather than one single number, the generated expressions are also more generally valid. Mismatch handling is explicitly taken into account in the algorithm. The capabilities of the new tool are illustrated with several experimental results     

Authorization in multilevel database models

In a multilevel database architecture, authorization rules may be written at the conceptual level or at the external level. We analyze here the consistency of authorization rules written at these two levels. We assume that the conceptual level model is of the entity-relationship type and the external model is relational. The validation of access requests against authorization rules is also discussed.     

Evaluation of risk of deterministic effects in fluoroscopically guided procedures

A methodology for the evaluation of skin dose distribution and possible skin injuries on patients undergoing interventional procedures has been developed as part of the European DIMOND programme. Relevant dosimetric data from the procedures are recorded and other specific measurements for skin dose evaluation (slow films for therapy, radiochromic films, thermoluminescence dosemeters and optically stimulated luminescence dosemeters) have been carried out. For non-cardiac and for some cardiac procedures, dose-area product values of 200 and 300 Gy cm2 were proposed, respectively, as a trigger level for further detailed skin dose investigation and possible clinical follow-up. Results from a survey of 191 selected complex procedures are reported. Out of all the patients included in the trial, 16% received skin doses > or =1.5 Gy. No skin injuries were found in any of the patients followed.     

Effect of ionizing radiation on the properties of arc-induced long-period fiber gratings

We experimentally study the effect of ionizing radiation on the properties of long-period gratings fabricated in two pure-silica-core fibers with the arc-discharge technique. It is observed that the spectra of the gratings remain almost unchanged after being subjected to doses in excess of 0.5 MGy. The results also show that the gratings' temperature and strain sensitivities are not affected by gamma radiation.     

The dependence of crude papain yields on different collection (‘tapping’) procedures for papaya latex

The yields of fresh papaya latex, dry latex (crude papain) and proteolytic activity were studied with respect to fruit age (1.5–3 months); sex of the tree (those which produce fruit: female and hermaphrodite); time (5:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) of latex collection; pattern and frequency of fruit incisions. The yields from 250 randomly selected trees (750 fruits) were investigated under these different conditions. Yields of fresh latex are frequently unreliable guides to yields of proteolytic activity. In contrast to the literature recommendations, the yields of crude papain from female and hermaphrodite trees and during different periods of the day were similar. The proteolytic activity differs significantly with time of collection only with hermaphrodite trees. The proteolytic activity of hermaphrodite crude papain is usually less than that from females (under some conditions only 60% of that from females). Yields of crude papain were higher in older fruits (2.5–3 months) from both sexes. The proteolytic activity of the crude papain was highest in the younger fruits (1.5–2 months) from female trees (30% higher than from older fruits); these activity differences with age were not significant with hermaphrodite trees. No significant differences in crude papain yields were encountered using three or six incisions per fruit at weekly intervals. The optimum procedure is to tap 2.5–3-month-old fruit of both sexes with three incisions between dawn and the start of rains in early afternoon, at about 4-day intervals.     

Characterization and study of Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 glasses prepared by the sol-gel method

The sol-gel procedure has been used to prepare vitreous materials whose compositions are situated in the liquid-liquid immiscibility area of the Na₂O-B₂O₃ SiO₂ phase equilibrium diagram. Gels were prepared from different precursors and under different experimental conditions. After determining optimum conditions for gelling and heat-treatment, the gels were characterized with the aid of thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, density and specific surface area measurements, as well as infrared and near-infrared spectroscopy. The textures of the samples and their microstructures were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The phase separation in the gels was compared to the same phenomenon in one of the glasses of identical composition, but prepared by conventional melting.