Showing papers by "University of Colorado Colorado Springs published in 1993"

Software Requirements: Objects, Functions and States

Abstract: 1. Introduction. 2. Problem Analysis. 3. The Software Requirements Specification. 4. Specifying Behavioral Requirements. 5. Specifying Nonbehavioral Requirements. 6. Requirements Prototyping. 7. Some Final Thoughts. Glossary. Annotated Bibliography.

Adaptive data rate modem

Abstract: An adaptive data rate modulator/demodulator (modem) (102), particularly useful for transmitting data over fading communications channels, uses an adaptive data rate technique which supports multiple data rates in the same device. The modem incorporates an adaptive data rate encoder (104) and an adaptive data rate decoder (105) using adaptive, parallel-branch decoding to translate received symbols into corresponding data bits. Significantly, the soft decision metrics of the decoder are also used to provide an estimate W of the signal-to-noise ratio. An optional predictor (232) receives W from the adaptive data rate decoder (105) and predicts the future signal-to-noise ratio to determine the desired data rate for the modem. The data rate is changed automatically and dynamically without interrupting the decoding process. A constant channel symbol rate and a single signal set simplify signal acquisition and synchronization. Incoming and outgoing data are buffered, and the transmission rate is changed dynamically by a memory controller (109) to avert buffer overflows and underflows. An optional adaptive phase-lock loop system (116) maintains synchronization of the decoder at all data rates.

Identifying and measuring quality in a software requirements specification

Abstract: Numerous treatises exist that define appropriate qualities that should be exhibited by a well written software requirements specification (SRS). In most cases these are vaguely defined. The paper explores thoroughly the concept of quality in an SRS and defines attributes that contribute to that quality. Techniques for measuring these attributes are suggested. >

Moderation by organization-based self-esteem of role condition-employee response relationships

Abstract: Behavioral plasticity theory is offered as an explanation for the moderating effects of self-esteem on role perception-employee response relationships. According to this theory, because individuals...

Un)Structured creativity in information systems organizations

Abstract: The subject of creativity is a neglected area in the literature of the information systems field. Yet, according to a Delphi survey of chief information officers, the field needs to be developing more creative and innovative solutions to its problems. Organizations must first be sure that certain preconditions and organizational components be in place to help individuals and teams become more creative. They can then use numerous creativity improvements techniques that have proved successful in other disciplines. In this article, six case studies show how analytical techniques (progressive abstraction, interrogations, and force field analysis) and intuitive techniques (associations/images, wishful thinking, and analogy/metaphor) have been used in several industries to solve a variety of IS-related problems and/or opportunities. Al told, some 20 creativity techniques provide especially appropriate for the IS field. Once managers understand when and where to use creativity techniques, they can move forward with implementing formal creativity improvement programs in their organizations.

Malingering and other validity considerations in the neuropsychological evaluation of mild head injury

Abstract: Eight malingerers (MPs) were identified via significantly below-chance symptom validity testing (SVT) within a sample of 106 consecutive admissions for neuropsychological evaluation. The resulting incidence of 7.5% is seen as a minimal estimate of malingering within the sample. Eight individuals who “passed” SVT but produced neuropsychological data of questionable validity were also identified (QVs). MPs and QVs were compared with matched controls on 14 measures that have been previously suggested as indicators of invalid neuropsychological data. MPs and QVs differed from controls on General Neuropsychological Deficit Scale, Fingertip Number Writing, and Digit Span. CVLT Recognition, Finger Agnosia, and Speech Perception differed for one of the target groups versus controls and had trends toward significance in the other group. However, many of the previously suggested invalidity signs were rare or absent. Reliance on these measures could result in overconfidence in the validity of neuropsycholog...

A survey of interfering shoulder pain in United States competitive swimmers

Abstract: The prevalence of shoulder pain in United States competitive swimmers has not been extensively surveyed but is perceived as common. To evaluate this concern, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 1262 United States swimmers: 993 age group, 198 senior development, and 71 national team athletes. We sought to identify the incidence of interfering shoulder pain in this population and how it is influenced by various training tasks. The prevalence of current shoulder pain in these groups varied between 10% (age group) to 26% (national team) and increased with time in the sport. In those athletes with a painful shoulder, weight training, use of hand paddles, kickboard use, stretching, and various resistance activities aggravated the painful shoulder. This survey has identified that interfering shoulder pain is present in a substantial number of competitive swimmers.

Radiopaque tip marker for alignment of a catheter within a body

Abstract: A catheter having an outer wall of tubular shape, a cylindrical marker attached to the distal end of the catheter. The marker band includes markings for identifying the axial, rotational and yaw position of the catheter distal end when it is located in a body and viewed fluoroscopically.

Status report: requirements engineering

Abstract: It is argued that, in general, requirements engineering produces one large document, written in a natural language, that few people bother to read. Projects that do read and follow the document often build systems that do not satisfy needs. The reasons for the current state of the practice are listed. Research areas that have significant payoff potential, including improving natural-language specifications, rapid prototyping and requirements animation, requirements clustering, requirements-based testing, computer-aided requirements engineering, requirements reuse, research into methods, knowledge engineering, formal methods, and a unified framework, are outlined. >

Process for fabricating layered superlattice materials and making electronic devices including same

Abstract: A liquid precursor containing a metal is applied to a substrate, RTP baked, and annealed to form a layered superlattice material. Prebaking the substrate and oxygen in the RTP and anneal is essential, except for high bismuth content precursors. Excess bismuth between 110% and 140% of stoichiometry and RTP temperature of 725° C. is optimum. The film is formed in two layers, the first of which uses a stoichiometric precursor and the second of which uses an excess bismuth precursor. The electronic properties are so regularly dependent on process parameters and material composition, and such a wide variety of materials are possible, that electronic devices can be designed by selecting from a continuous record of the values of one or more electronic properties as a continuous function of the process parameters and material composition, and utilizing the selected process and material composition to make a device.

The Measurement of Computer Attitudes: An Empirical Comparison of Available Scales:

Abstract: This study empirically compared four available measures of attitudes towards computers, including computer anxiety. One objective of the study was to determine which, if any, of the measures was superior to the others on the psychometric criteria of reliability and validity. A secondary objective of the study was to identify a smaller number of items from the four measures of computer attitudes that would take less time to complete, yet result in highly reliable scales of computer attitudes. Results showed that all measures tested were essentially equal in terms of reliability and validity. Attempts to empirically derive improved scales were unproductive. Two of the measures were superior on a number of other criteria. Intended use should be the main criterion for choice as any of the four measures will likely provide reliable, reasonably valid information.

Tissue ablating device having a deflectable ablation area and method of using same

Abstract: An apparatus for ablating biological tissue having a deflectable ablation area including an elongated catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and an elongated body portion. A plurality of optical fibers extend between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter. The distal ends of all of the plurality of optical fibers define an ablation area at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter includes a device for selectively deflecting the distal ends of all of the optical fibers so that at least a portion of the ablation area extends beyond an area defined by the cross-sectional area of the catheter while the amount of light energy over the entire ablation area remains constant.

Fiber optic catheter with shortened guide wire lumen

Abstract: A fiber optic catheter has a short guide wire lumen (less than 10 cm) extending in a proximal direction from its distal end and an intermediate portion reinforced with a tapered mandrel which provides optimal steerability and trackability characteristics. The distal end of the mandrel is coextensive with a proximal portion of the guide wire lumen. The intermediate portion of the catheter may have a marker for visual identification, and the tip of the catheter may include a radiopaque tip marker band for fluoroscopic identification. The short guide wire lumen catheter provides superior flexibility, a low profile, and low-friction engagement with the guide wire.

Validity and reliability of the Cosmed K2 instrument.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure the validity and reliability of a portable telemetry system (Cosmed K2) for measurement of oxygen consumption (VO2) during a laboratory exercise test at submaximum and maximum intensities. Twenty subjects performed three testing sessions on a treadmill on three consecutive days. Each testing session consisted of a submaximal and a maximal exercise test. On one day, VO2 was determined with the conventional Douglas bag method, and on the other two days, VO2 was determined using the Cosmed K2 system. Utilization of the Douglas bag method or the Cosmed K2 was randomly assigned. The results indicated that the Cosmed K2 instrument is reliable and valid (p > 0.05) for measurement of VO2 (l.min-1) during laboratory exercise testing at submaximum and maximum intensities. The assumption made by the K2 apparatus of a constant respiratory gas exchange ratio (R) of 1.00 did not have a significant influence on VO2 measurements.

The vacuolar H(+)-ATPase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for efficient copper detoxification, mitochondrial function, and iron metabolism.

Abstract: Mutations in the GEF2 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have pleiotropic effects. The gef2 mutants display a petite phenotype. These cells grow slowly on several different carbon sources utilized exclusively or primarily by respiration. This phenotype is suppressed by adding large amounts of iron to the growth medium. A defect in mitochondrial function may be the cause of the petite phenotype: the rate of oxygen consumption by intact gef2 cells and by mitochondrial fractions isolated from gef2 mutants was reduced 60%-75% relative to wild type. Cytochrome levels were unaffected in gef2 mutants, indicating that heme accumulation is not significantly altered in these strains. The gef2 mutants were also more sensitive than wild type to growth inhibition by several divalent cations including Cu. We found that the cup5 mutation, causing Cu sensitivity, is allelic to gef2 mutations. The GEF2 gene was isolated, sequenced, and found to be identical to VMA3, the gene encoding the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase proteolipid subunit. These genetic and biochemical analyses demonstrate that the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase plays a previously unknown role in Cu detoxification, mitochondrial function, and iron metabolism.

Random walk on the infinite cluster of the percolation model

Abstract: We consider random walk on the infinite cluster of bond percolation on ℤ d . We show that, in the supercritical regime whend≧3, this random walk is a.s. transient. This conclusion is achieved by considering the infinite percolation cluster as a random electrical network in which each open edge has unit resistance. It is proved that the effective resistance of this network between a nominated point and the points at infinity is almost surely finite.

Transition Policy: Infusing Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy into Transition Programs:

Abstract: A SENSE OF DESTINY facilitates success (Coleman, 1966). Successful people assess their needs, determine goals, plan actions, act, monitor their performance, and make any needed adjustments (Mithaug, Martin, & Agran, 1987). Unfortunately, many students leaving our nation’s special education programs lack a sense of destiny (White, et al., 1982). They do not advocate for their own interests (Allen, 1989). During their final school years students remain dependent upon teachers, support staff, and parents to make decisions, evaluate performance, and make needed connections to post-school services (Chadsey-Rusch, Rusch, & O’Reilly, 1991). After exiting school, many former special education students can’t plan their future, remain unemployed or underemployed, and experience a quality of life remarkably different from their nondisabled peers (Hasazi, Gordon, & Roe, 1985; Mithaug, Horiuchi, & Fanning, 1985; McNair & Rusch, 1990; Neel, Meadows, Levine, & Edgar, 1988; Wagner, 1989, 1991).

Crews as groups: their formation and their leadership.

Abstract: Publisher Summary The objective of this chapter is to change the focus of crewmembers from solely a perspective of competent individuals coming together to do work to a perspective that acknowledges that a crew, group, or team has certain unique characteristics that cannot be explained at the individual level. Further, these group concepts are critical for performance and should be understood and leveraged by anyone who considers leading a crew. The study presents some examples of crew failure and then introduces a few critical group-based concepts. Paramount among these will be group dynamics and leadership. It details four specific areas in which the captain can create effective conditions for crew work. It briefly reviews a NASA-funded research project and examines the importance of leadership during the formation process of crews and discusses some of the unexpected results of that study. The concept of organizational shells is also introduced to explain the surprising findings. Lastly, the implications for effective crew leadership are discussed.

Fiber optic catheter with twistable tip.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter with a twistable tip. The catheter having a flexible wall for use in complex twisting anatomy contains a torque wire or a torquable guide wire lumen. The torque wire or torquable guide wire lumen extends through the length of the catheter and is attached to the catheter at or near the distal end thereof. The distal face of the catheter is angled to self align the catheter with an obstruction upon insertion. The proximal end of the torque wire protrudes from the proximal end of the catheter and is attached to a turn limiter. Rotation of the turn limiter imparts a torque to the torque wire or torquable guide wire lumen which is transmitted through the catheter to the distal end of the catheter where the applied torque twists the distal tip to manually align the tip with an obstruction. The twisting response at the tip of the catheter is determined by the torque applied to the torque element, the material and dimensional profile of the torque element, the attachment point of the torque element to the catheter and the material and dimensional profile of the catheter.

Individual characterization of broadband sampling oscilloscopes with a nose-to-nose calibration procedure

Abstract: A method is proposed to find the individual impulse response of broad-band sampling oscilloscopes (HP54124T, 50 GHz bandwidth). The method is based on the fact that, when the oscilloscope is sampling a dc voltage, pulses are launched from the sampler towards the input connector. These pulses contain information on the scope's characteristic and can be measured by a second oscilloscope. This type of measurement is called a "nose-to-nose" calibration. Applying deconvolution techniques to the result of this measurement, the characteristic of the two scopes can be found, assuming that the two scopes are identical. To avoid relying on this assumption, three oscilloscopes can be used. The nose-to-nose is then applied three times, with a different pair of scopes connected together each time. The individual characteristics of the three sampling oscilloscopes are then calculated. Both SPICE simulations and close correspondence between swept-sine measurements and this method indicate that it is probably the most accurate method available at this moment to calibrate broadband sampling oscilloscopes. Several measurement uncertainties and practical problems are identified. The phase contribution of the sampling aperture can never be determined by this method, but there is strong evidence that the effect is negligible. Practical measurement problems are related to linearity of the samplers, additive noise, time-base jitter, and time-base drift. >

Flash memory system, and methods of constructing and utilizing same

Abstract: An N-channel SNOS or SONOS type memory array (100) has programmable memory states with a negative, depletion mode threshold lower in magnitude than the supply voltage VCC when erased and a positive threshold when programmed. During reading, the supply voltage VCC is applied to the drain (16), while a positive voltage VR less than VCC-Vds,sat is applied to the source (14), where Vds,sat is the saturation voltage of the device. A reference voltage may also be applied to the substrate (11) during a read operation. Selected devices have VR applied to the gate (12), while inhibited devices have ground or the substrate potential VSS applied to the gate (12).

Integrated circuit with layered superlattice material and method of fabricating same

Abstract: A method of fabricating a ferroelectric or layered superlattice DRAM compatible with conventional silicon CMOS technology. A MOSFET is formed on a silicon substrate. A thick layer of BPSG followed by a thin SOG layer overlies the MOSFET. A capacitor is formed by depositing a layer of platinum, annealing, depositing an intermediate layer comprising a ferroelectric or layered superlattice material, annealing, depositing a second layer of platinum, then patterning the capacitor. Another SOG layer is deposited, contact holes to the MOSFET and capacitor are partially opened, the SOG is annealed, the contact holes are completely opened, and a Pt/Ti/PtSi wiring layer is deposited.

High voltage generator having a self-timed clock circuit and charge pump, and a method therefor

Abstract: A voltage generator for low power applications includes a circuit for generating, controlling and maintaining a high voltage for low power applications in an integrated circuit. The circuit includes separate standby and active circuits for pumping VCCP of a DRAM under different circumstances. The standby and active circuits operate independently of one another, but may operate simultaneously, to pump charge to VCCP. The standby circuit is generally a low power circuit activated in response to power up and leakage current conditions to maintain VCCP. The active circuit is generally a larger circuit and can pump more current. The active circuit is generally responsive to the word lines being driven. Accordingly, the voltage generator can maintain VCCP while minimizing power consumption in DRAM.

Ferroelectric dielectric memory cell can switch at least giga cycles and has low fatigue - has high dielectric constant and low leakage current

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a layered superlattice material having the formula A1 w1 +a1 A2 w2 +a2 . . . Aj wj +aj S1 x1 +s1 S2 x2 +s2 . . . Sk xk +ak B1 y1 +b1 B2 y2 +b2 . . . Bl yl +bl Q z -2 , where A1, A2 . . . Aj represent A-site elements in a perovskite-like structure, S1, S2 . . . Sk represent superlattice generator elements, B1, B2 . . . Bl represent B-site elements in a perovskite-like structure, Q represents an anion, the superscripts indicate the valences of the respective elements, the subscripts indicate the number of atoms of the element in the unit cell, and at least w1 and y1 are non-zero. Some of these materials are extremely low fatigue ferroelectrics and are applied in non-volatile memories. Others are high dielectric constant materials that do not degrade or breakdown over long periods of use and are applied in volatile memories.