Quantisation noise control in perceptual audio coding using low selectivity filter banks

The problem of computing, in a subband audio coder, the maximum quantisation noise power that can be injected in each band to ensure transparent coding when low selectivity filter banks are used, is addressed. A low complexity strategy, taking into account the frequency responses of the synthesis filter bank, is proposed for achieving an overall distortion due to quantisation noise always below the masking threshold (provided by a psycho-acoustic model) for any length prototype filters.     

An optical instrumentation using a sensor with a sensordummyagainst noises on sensor and transmission line

This short paper discusses the method of effectively canceling equal status normal mode noise not only on a sensor line but also on a transmission line of an optical instrument using a sensor with a sensordummy resistance     

1/f noise sources

This survey deals with 1/f noise in homogeneous semiconductor samples. A distinction is made between mobility noise and number noise. It is shown that there always is mobility noise with an α value with a magnitude in the order of 10^-4. Damaging the crystal has a strong influence on α, α may increase by orders of magnitude. Some theoretical models are briefly discussed none of them can explain all experimental results. The α values of several semiconductors are given. These values can be used in calculations of 1/f noise in devices     

Metal diffraction gratings as laser power or energy dividers

The authors survey published results on the application of metal diffraction gratings as laser power or energy dividers when the laser beam is split into two approximately equal pans. The normal incidence of laser radiation on metal diffraction gratings of various profiles in the case of three propagating diffraction orders n=0, ±1 is discussed, along with the case of oblique incidence with only two propagating diffraction orders n=0 and n =–1.Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 2, pp. 22–26, February, 1994.     

Microstructure of Feta Cheese Made Using Different Cultures as Determined by Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work was to observe the microstructure of feta cheese using confocal scanning laser microscopy. Low fat cheese and cheese containing capsule-producing cultures were made. The protein network was observed using the reflectance mode of the confocal microscope. Fat was stained by Nile red dye diluted with whey. More even distribution of fat with a larger number of smaller globules was observed in cheese made with noncapsule-forming culture compared to that made with the capsule-forming culture. Nonfat cheese had compact structure when made with noncapsule-forming culture which contrasted with the open structure observed in cheese made with the capsule-forming culture     

The pharmacokinetics of pancuronium bromide in infants, children and adults

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is a new surgical procedure used to enhance staging in men with clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. The procedure has been performed in a limited number of patients at several centers with extensive laparoscopic experience. Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is a technically demanding procedure which can be successfully completed in the majority of patients. However, the risk of complications is greater than in patients who undergo standard open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The primary advantage of a laparoscopic approach is shortened hospitalization and rapid return to normal activity. The role of laparoscopy in the management of patients with testis malignancy has not been defined. The use of this staging procedure may help minimize the need for surveillance studies following surgery and may be best utilized in men with a lower likelihood of nodal metastases. Ultimately, prospective study in large groups of patients will be necessary to determine the role of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in patients with testis cancer.     

Control of stroma-dependent hematopoiesis by basic fibroblast growth factor: stromal phenotypic plasticity and modified myelopoietic functions

The immunological agglutination reactions of physically absorbed F(ab')2 molecules onto anionic and cationic latex particles have been investigated by means of optical absorbance measurements. These measurements have been conducted under different conditions to determine the most influential factors. Surface F(ab')2 and BSA densities, particle concentration in the reaction medium and polyethylene glycol concentration are some of these factors. Sensitized cationic and anionic latexes differ considerably with respect to their colloidal stability and reactivity. As a general rule, the sensitized cationic latex has a relatively higher colloidal stability and hence, it provides reagents with a better optical response. Less than 0.025 microgram/ml of C-reactive protein has been detected using this particle enhanced optical immunoassay.     

Morphological changes induced by colchicine in the chick optic cup in early stages of development. A stereological study

In this study chick embryo optic cups at HH stage 13 of development were analyzed under normal conditions and after inoculation with colchicine for 1, 2, 4, and 8 h. Several changes were seen after these periods of treatment: 1) modifications of the structure, with thicker regions in the cup and a general decrease in the total volume according to the duration of exposure to the drug (about 4 times less than normal, 5,035 x 10(3) microns 3 vs 1,334 x 10(3) microns 3 after 8 h of treatment); 2) enlargement of the ventricular cavity and its closure, due to failure of approximation of retinal and pigmentary layers; 3) failure of lens development, with delay and impairment of pit formation and deformation of all structures; lens volume was less than normal (about 4 times less, 2,148 x 10(3) microns 3 vs 658 x 10(3) microns 3 after 8 h of treatment); 4) a general segregation of the cells making up the structure, principally in the more active proliferating zones. The local alterations found are described.