Switching Memory Effect

Several workers published memory switching effects in metalfree [85, 156-159] and metal-doped polymer or carbon films [117,158] made in the form of a sandwich metal-polymer-metal. Recently, it has been found that these effects are not likely related to the intrinsic properties of the organic (dielectric) film [157]. More details on composite metal/polymer films can be found elsewhere [159]. 

A. Beck, J.G. Bednorz, C. Gerber, C. Rossel, D. Sidmer, Reproducible switching effect in thin oxide films for memory applications, Appl. Phys. Lett. 77 (2000) 139-141. 

The first element, dynamic dilution, provides a reproducible sample for each panelist. The system must minimize the loss of the odorant to the walls of the delivery apparatus, provide clean dilution air of odor-free quality, maintain a constant dilution ratio for the duration of a given test, and have no memory effect when going from high to low concentrations or switching between odorants of different character. The type of mask or port and the delivery flow rate have been found to influence the response of panelists in determining odor threshold and intensity. 

New methods can be created by automatic optimization of parameters during a trial run and all methods can be stored permanently in a non-volatile area of memory which is preserved even when the instrument is switched off. Some instruments provide a means of producing first and second derivatives of the titration curve (p. 243) which can be advantageous where the end-point is indistinct or there is more than one end-point to be detected. Titrators with a substantial amount of RAM incorporate what is in effect a dedicated microcomputer. 

Adverse effects of the TCAs on the brain include confusion, impaired memory and cognition and occasionally delirium some of these effects have been reported to occur in up to 30% of patients over the age of 50. These effects may occasionally be confused with a recurrence of the s)nnptoms of depression and are probably due to the central antimuscarinic activity of these drugs. Tremor also occurs frequently, particularly in the elderly, and may be controlled by the concurrent administration of propranolol. Neuroleptics are normally not recommended to be used in combination with TCAs as they are liable to accentuate the side effects of the latter drugs. The risk of seizures, and the switch from depression to mania in bipolar patients, has also been reported following TCA administration. 

---