Multichip Differential Phase-Shift-Keyed Transmission Over (Non)Linear Optical Channels

The recently introduced multichip differential phase-shift keying (MC-DPSK) optical transmission format, entailing the modulation of relative phases over a moving transmission window of successive chip intervals, is analytically and numerically analyzed. The maximum-likelihood optimal MC-DPSK receiver is derived and synthesized using integrated-optic Mach-Zehnder delay interferometers, whose electrical outputs are interpreted as generalized Stokes' parameters. The MC-DPSK performance over a nonlinear fiber channel, limited by the combination of amplified spontaneous emission noise and self-phase modulation, is further derived and simulated, demonstrating that the lowest complexity three-chip binary-phase MC-DPSK receiver provides an ~1-dB Q-factor advantage over conventional DPSK.     

Attitudes and beliefs of Canadian infection control decision-makers towards 'borderline' methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

'Borderline' methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are inhibited by drug concentrations of 2 to 8 micrograms/mL. This type of resistance is usually mediated by 'hyper beta-lactamase' production which is detectable in vitro by susceptibility to combinations of a beta-lactam and a beta-lactamase inhibitor (ie, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid). A survey of Canadian infection control experts was performed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding the containment requirements for borderline MRSA strains in acute health care facilities. Twenty-three of 38 Canadian infection control experts (61%) (members of the Canadian Hospital Epidemiology Committee [CHEC] or the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of American [SHEA]) returned a questionnaire about a fictional patient with a postoperative wound infection with such a strain. Eleven respondents (48%) considered the isolate as an MRSA, 11 did not and one was unsure. All who did not believe the strain to be MRSA would not have isolated or cohorted the patient. Four in the latter group would have isolated the patient if he or she were on a neurosurgery or cardiovascular surgery unit, indicating a desire to restrict spread of this isolate on those units. Seven of the 12 individuals who had managed at least one patient with a borderline MRSA did not advocate patient isolation or cohorting, and five did. This survey has supported the belief that there are discrepancies among infection control decision-makers in Canada regarding the approach, precautions and therapy of patients infected with borderline strains of MRSA. Further data on virulence of and effective therapy for these isolates are needed to assess whether the additional cost is warranted in controlling the nosocomial spread of these isolates.     

TBC experience in land- based gas turbines

This paper summarizes prior and on-going machine evaluations of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) for power generation, that is large industrial gas turbine applications. Rainbow testing of TBCs on turbine nozzles, shrouds, and buckets are described along with a test of combustor liners. General Electric Power Generation has conducted more than IS machine tests on TBC turbine nozzles with various coatings. TBC performance has been quite good, and additional testing, including TBCs on shrouds and buckets, is continuing. Included is a brief comparison of TBC requirements for power generation and aircraft turbines.     

Common pediatric esophageal disorders

Esophageal disorders in children can result in significant morbidity. The most common esophageal disorder seen in children is gastroesophageal reflux. Other common disorders affecting the esophagus include peptic esophageal strictures, esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula, caustic and foreign body ingestions, achalasia, and cricopharyngeal achalasia. We discuss what is currently known about these common pediatric esophageal disorders with regard to pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic and treatment strategies.     

Disk and ring microcavity lasers and their concentric coupling

Structures of concentric microdisk and rings were studied theoretically and experimentally. A three-dimensional (3-D) model was developed, emphasizing the possibility of coupling several concentric microresonators. The 3-D analysis resulted in closed-form analytic expressions for the six field components from which the limitations and necessary conditions for concentric coupling were derived. We emphasized the important differences between our results and the predictions of the more commonly used two-dimensional models-the latter are failing to predict the concentric coupling actual feasibility. Finally, we present experimental results of coupled ring vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, revealing a good match to the 3-D model predictions     

HBT optoelectronic mixer at microwave frequencies: modeling andexperimental characterization

A heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) optoelectronic mixer was studied experimentally and theoretically. A detailed large signal π-model and a small signal analysis are described. The frequency dependence of down and up conversion has been analyzed and measured. In terms of conversion gain, the advantage of the down conversion process is clearly demonstrated. The values of parameters employed in the mixing process are also discussed for both large and small signal regimes     

Treatment and prognosis of lobar and segmental atelectasis in cystic fibrosis

Studies are presented of the effect of procaine group anesthetics on rat brain synaptosome stability to dodecyl sulfate and on catalytic properties of the membrane bound alkaline phosphatase. The dose curves of detergent stability are characterized by two maxima, one at 3.10(-4) M for tetracaine, 2.10(-6) M for lidocaine and 5.10(-5) M for procaine; the other being at 10(-3) M for all anesthetics. The curves of Vmax and KM versus procaine concentration to exhibit the minimum at 5.10(-7) M and maximum at 3,2.10(-6) M. Procaine at 5.10(-7) M increases enthalpy and enthropy of membraneous alkaline phosphatase. It is suggested that interactions between anesthetics and centers of high affinity lead to synaptosome structural rearrangements, which affect the properties of membraneous enzymes.     

A historical note on thought stopping.

A case report from 1875 suggests that "thought stopping" has been used for many years. It is concluded that although the types of thoughts people need to control may change with the times, techniques for behavior change are more enduring. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Repetition rate enhancement and mode shaping in dual-cavity stretched pulse fiber laser

A novel orthogonally polarized coupled-cavities configuration for stretched pulse fiber lasers, based on tunable birefringence, is presented. By alignment of the birefringence, we achieve envelope modulated mode patterns, which in turn are used to increase the repetition rate of the laser while maintaining the well-profiled femtosecond pulses. Experimental results and a supporting theoretical model are presented.