Article Abstract:
Digital cinema or D-cinema will allow motion pictures to be distributed in electronic format rather than conventional film and digitally projected in theaters. Texas Instruments already has five D-cinema projectors installed, with 14 more planned by the end of the year. Part of the trend is driven by the convergence of motion pictures and high-definition television broadcasting. FCC standards for digital TV promise film-quality images in homes. Technical challenges in scaling this technology to film include creating an image large enough for a 1000-seat, old-style movie palace as well as for smaller multiplex theaters. TI's system uses a digital micromirror device; Hughes-JVC Technology has a competing system using an image light amplifier. Both types are expensive, with prototype projectors costing $250,000 each, and neither yet projects an image adequate for the largest venues. Digital film delivery could save millions in print production and distribution costs. Sound design is also discussed.
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Article Abstract:
Evolutionary computation is based on the tenets of Darwinian evolution. The process is not unlike that of Natural Selection. Random variations are generated from an initial pool of possible solutions, which are then evaluated against a set of criteria that define the necessary characteristics of effective solutions. This process repeats until the most effective solution is generated. In drug modeling studies, evolutionary computation was used to generate possible models of molecules well suited to dock to HIV-1 protease protiens. In 149 generations of the program, the computer found a very close match to a molecule that had been discovered by traditional research methods.
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Article Abstract:
Military researchers face an increasing likelihood of urban warfare. An expert points out that virtually every recent U.S. military operation has had an urban component. Urban battles tend to be particularly complex and unpredictable. It means that new technologies are needed and guiding military doctrines need to be re-examined.
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