A high-speed gateable image pipeline

We present the performance of a high-speed gateable vacuum image pipeline, which permits individual images to be delayed and selected from continuous non-repetitive image stream. This device is composed of a vacuum tube equipped with a photocathode at one end, a phosphor screen at the other end, and a system of metal grids in between. Photoelectrons produced by the images focused on the photocathode, are guided by a uniform magnetic field, parallel to the tube axis. By changing the grid potentials, the drift time of the photoelectrons inside the tube can be varied from 0.35 to 1.5 μs. An image can then be selected by an external trigger with a time resolution in the range of 4–30 ns, depending on the delay time. The selected photoelectrons are finally accelerated onto the phosphor screen, set at 10 kV, where they reproduce the desired image. With a magnetic field of 0.1 T, a spatial resolution of 33 lp/mm was obtained. The high spatial and time resolution make this device an interesting tool for high-energy physics and astrophysics experiments, and for high-speed photography.     

The morphological stability of lateral growth in solid-solid phase transformation during thin-film interdiffusion in Al/Cu bimetal films

This article describes the phenomenon of morphological instability in solid-solid phase transformations during thin-film interdiffusion, specifically related to the initial stages of precipitation when phase growth occurs along the interface between thin films. The experimental observations that revealed this effect will be presented, and a working hypothesis will be discussed. Experimental observations suggest that the ledge mechanism of growth is present in this system but does not inhibit the formation of interfacial instabilities. It is proposed that morphological stability for solid-phase growth occurring during thin-film interdiffusion can be treated by the inclusion of a solute-source term into the two-dimensional perturbation approach generally used to study unstable growth morphologies. Experimental observations that provide qualitative and semiquantitative support for the solute-source model are also presented.     

Enantioselective antiplatelet actions of nipecotamides

This investigation retrospectively examined changes in marital satisfaction following stroke. The relationship between such changes and other pertinent factors were also examined, including severity of aphasia, knowledge of aphasia, number of months after stroke, and length of the marriage. The subjects were 40 spouses of patients with aphasia grouped according to severity of the aphasia (mild, moderate, severe). Spouses completed two different measures of marital satisfaction--the Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS) and the Marital Comparison Level Index (MCLI). These measures were completed in both a prestroke (retrospective reporting) and a poststroke format to allow for change to be assessed. In addition, a Knowledge of Aphasia questionnaire was completed by the normal spouses to evaluate their understanding of the disorder of aphasia. There was a significant difference between prestroke and poststroke scores on both the MSS and the MCLI, indicating a lower level of satisfaction following the stroke. The amount of change between prestroke and poststroke MSS and MCLI scores was not related to either number of months poststroke or number of years married. Although there was no relationship between changes in prestroke and poststroke scores on the MCLI and Knowledge of Aphasia scores, there was a significant correlation between changes in these scores on the MSS and Knowledge of Aphasia scores. Hence, the more knowledge spouses had regarding aphasia, the less the negative impact the stroke had on marital satisfaction, as measured by the MSS. Results are discussed in terms of the interdisciplinary treatment needs of aphasic patients and the implications for future investigations.     

Effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins on growth of Bifidobacterium bifidus in milk

The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins in milk using neutrase on the growth of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium bifidus was evaluated by estimation of microbial growth, acidity, viscosity and flavour production. A significant increase in the growth of B bifidus was observed in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk. The setting time of bifidus‐cultured milk was advanced by about 12 h at 5% degree of hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins prior to cultivation also significantly increased the viscosity of the product. An approximately 60% increase in viscosity of the product was observed in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk. Production of steam‐volatile monocarbonyls as an indication of development of flavour was also higher in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk. The concentration of steam‐volatile monocarbonyls was 2.47 µmol per 100 ml in neutrase‐hydrolysed milk but only 1.84 µmol per 100 ml in control milk at the setting point of the curd. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Genetic Identification of Lophius budegassa and L. piscatorius by PCR-RFLP Analysis of a Mitochondrial tRNAGlu/Cytochrome bSegment

Identification of Lophius budegassa(black‐bellied angler) and L. piscatorius(angler) (Lophiiformes) was carried out on the amplification of a 486 bp tRNA^Glu/cytochrome b segment using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Direct DNA sequencing of 6 PCR products was carried out. Six restriction endonucleases (AluI, CfoI, HaeIII, HinfI, Mae, and ScrFI) with different species‐specific restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were selected. Digestions of PCR products from 30 individuals showed no intraspecific polymorphism. Double digestions (CfoI and HinfI, and HaeIII and ScrFI) were simpler and more rapid than single digestions. This technique is suitable for distinguishing tails of both Lophius species.     

An easy-to-use mismatch model for the MOS transistor

In this paper, a physics-based mismatch model is presented. It is demonstrated on a 0.18-/spl mu/m technology that a simple mismatch model can still be used to characterize deep-submicron technologies. The accuracy of the model is examined and found to be within 20% in the strong inversion region. Bulk bias dependence is modeled in a physical way. To extract the mismatch parameters, a weighted fit is introduced. It is shown that the width and length dependence of the mismatch parameters is given by the Pelgrom model.     

50 years of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society

The early history of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (IEEE MTT-S) is summarized since its founding in 1952, and all administrative committee members and presidents are listed. Some of the more recent changes resulting from growth and multinational participation are described. Publications are discussed with editors listed for this Transactions, the IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, the IEEE Microwave Newsletter, and IEEE Microwave Magazine. The chronological evolution of the IEEE MTT-S's awards is presented, including a listing of all award winners. Distinguished lecturers and microwave symposia sites and chairpersons are also discussed. Early technology trends are described     

Development of a recurrent Sigma-Pi neural network rainfall forecasting system in Hong Kong

At the moment, weather forecasting is still an art — the experience and intuition of forecasters play a significant role in determining the quality of forecasting. This paper describes the development of a new approach to rainfall forecasting using neural networks. It deals with the extraction of information from radar images and an evaluation of past rain gauge records to provide shortterm rainfall forecasting. All of the meteorological data were provided by the Royal Observatory of Hong Kong (ROHK). Preprocessing procedures were essential for this neural network rainfall forecasting. The forecast of the rainfall was performed every half an hour so that a storm warning signal can be delivered to the public in advance. The network architecture is based on a recurrent Sigma-Pi network. The results are very promising, and this neural-based rainfall forecasting system is capable of providing a rain storm warning signal to the Hong Kong public one hour ahead.