Decorrelating detector with diversity combining for single user frequency-selective rayleigh fading multipath channels

Diversity combining techniques are applied in mobile radio communications as a means of performance improvement in a fading multipath environment. Adaptive equalizers which incorporate diversity combining were shown to combat intersymbol interference (ISI) caused by multipath provided that the fading is sufficiently slow. However, for fast fading rates, noncoherent techniques are often desirable. In this paper, we examine the performance of several coherent and noncoherent detectors that make use of diversity combining. In particular, the decorrelating filter is shown to provide reliable performance for a frequency-selective Rayleigh fading multipath channel with ISI. Numerical and simulation results are presented for a channel with two independent Rayleigh fading paths. Signal design issues which arise in the implementation of the decorrelating detector and the zero-forcing equalizer are discussed.     

Pharmacokinetics of lamivudine in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with renal dysfunction

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of lamivudine (3TC), a nucleoside analog that has shown potent in vitro and recent in vivo activity against human immunodeficiency virus. Sixteen human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, six with normal renal function (creatinine clearance [CLCR], > or = 60 ml/min), four with moderate renal impairment (CLCR, 10 to 40 ml/min), and six with severe renal impairment (CLCR, < 10 ml/min), were enrolled in the study. After an overnight fast, patients were administered 300 mg of 3TC orally. Blood was obtained before 3TC administration and 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48 h afterward. Timed urine collections were performed for patients able to produce urine. Serum and urine were assayed for 3TC by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using standard noncompartmental techniques. The peak concentration of 3TC increased with decreasing renal function; geometric means were 2,524, 3,538, and 5,684 ng/ml for patients with normal renal function, moderate renal impairment, and severe renal impairment, respectively. The terminal half-life also increased with decreasing renal function; geometric means were 11.5, 14.1, and 20.7 h for patients with normal renal function, moderate renal impairment, and severe renal impairment, respectively. Both oral and renal clearances were linearly correlated with CLCR. A 300-mg dose of 3TC was well tolerated by all three patient groups. The pharmacokinetics of 3TC is profoundly affected by impaired renal function. Dosage adjustment, by either dose reduction or lengthening of the dosing interval, is warranted.