Achieving near-optimum asymptotic efficiency and fading resistanceover the time-varying Rayleigh-faded CDMA channel

We study multiuser receiver design and analysis for synchronous code-division multiple-access (CDMA) channels with time-varying Rayleigh fading. Starting from an error probability criterion, we first derive a near-optimum receiver for this channel that admits a detector-estimator decomposition, has certain asymptotic optimality properties and a complexity which is independent of the length of the observation interval. The performance of this detector is analytically characterized and contrasted with that of the optimal multiuser detector for the time-invariant (or static) CDMA Rayleigh-fading channel when it is implemented over the time-varying channel. Notable among our conclusions is the fact that, unlike the static channel multiuser detector, the time-varying channel detector is able to withstand not only the estimated interference from the other system users, but also, the residual interference (that cannot be estimated) arising out of imperfect estimation of the interferer fading parameters. Using estimation error covariance information, this detector shows flexibility in accommodating a wide range of interferer fading conditions     

A simple correlation for estimating viscosities of solutions of salts in aqueous,non-aqueous and mixed solvents applicable to high concentration,temperature and pressure

A new correlation is proposed to correlate the viscosities of salt solutions in aqueous, non-aqueous solvents and their mixtures. The correlation involves two parameters i.e. solvation number and ion-solvent interaction coefficient, which are well-documented quantities in the literature. The proposed correlation has been examined on the experimental viscosity data of salt solutions in aqueous, non-aqueous and their mixtures up to 473 K and 31 MPa pressure. The salts with various ionic charges were employed for testing the proposed correlation. Several non-aqueous solvents like dimethyl sulphoxide, alcohols and formamide were included for the data regression. The viscosities of these solutions can be correlated to within 0.7%.     

Studies on miscibility of blends of ethylene methyl acrylate and polydimethyl siloxane rubber

Blends of ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) rubber (PDMS) are demonstrated to be miscible. The miscibility results in a single and composition-dependent glass transition temperature. IR spectra of the blends provide direct evidence of chemical reaction between EMA and PDMS rubber.     

Differential proteomics of human seminal plasma: A potential target for searching male infertility marker proteins

The clinical fertility tests, available in the market, fail to define the exact cause of male infertility in almost half of the cases and point toward a crucial need of developing better ways of infertility investigations. The protein biomarkers may help us toward better understanding of unknown cases of male infertility that, in turn, can guide us to find better therapeutic solutions. Many clinical attempts have been made to identify biomarkers of male infertility in sperm proteome but only few studies have targeted seminal plasma. Human seminal plasma is a rich source of proteins that are essentially required for development of sperm and successful fertilization. This viewpoint article highlights the importance of human seminal plasma proteome in reproductive physiology and suggests that differential proteomics integrated with functional analysis may help us in searching potential biomarkers of male infertility.     

Measurements and analysis of transmitted spectra from LOTUS fission-suppressed hybrid blanket driven by D-T neutrons

The neutron spectra transmitted across a fission-suppressed hybrid blanket and its components, driven by a low intensity 14 MeV Haefely neutron generator, were measured with a 2×2 NE213 detector at LOTUS facility. These experiments have been analyzed with 2D and 3D codes DOT3.5 and MCNP, respectively. The spectral integrals between 15 to 1 MeV show good agreement among the 2D, the 3D, and the NE213 for 15 cm lead, 18 cm beryllium, and 25 cm graphite slabs. However, there are large discrepancies for 6.2 cm stainless steel and 15 cm lithium carbonate slabs. The assemblies involving two or more of these slabs reflect these tendencies. We observe also considerable disagreement over pointwise spectra for a number of assemblies.Work done while on visiting assignment to Institut de Génie Atomique, E.P.F.L.     

An approximate analysis of the effect of micro fractures on the caustic of a dynamically moving crack tip

The optical recording of the conditions at the tips of dynamically moving cracks is often associated with a wave pattern which arises from what we call here radial waves. This observation is prevalent for tough solids, especially when the observation tools involve surface deformations such as the caustic method. These waves can modify the caustic shape and size and thus influence the interpretation of measurements. The quantification of the sources of these waves poses a very difficult problem so that a precise evaluation of that phenomenon is not yet possible. However, in an attempt to better understand the limitation imposed on the method of caustics by this set of waves this paper analyzes primarily the change of shape in the caustic associated with the passage of radial waves over the region of the initial curve of the caustic. The analysis is approximate in that the radial waves are assumed to be insensitive to the presence of the crack surfaces, but otherwise accounts for the three dimensional character of wave propagation in a plate of finite thickness.

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Résumé On associe souvent l'enregistrement optique des conditions présentes à l'extrémité de fissures en cours de propagation spectaculaire, à une disposition ondulée, due à ce que l'on dénomme ici des ondes radiales. L'observation vaut surtout pour les corps à haute ténacité, et en particulier lorsque les méthodes d'observation tiennent compte des déformations de surface, comme la méthode des caustiques. Les ondes radiales peuvent altérer la forme et la dimension d'une caustique, et, de ce fait, influencer l'interprétation des mesures. Une évaluation précise de ce phénomène n'est pas encore possible, car la quantification des sources de ces ondes pose un problème trés délicat. Néanmoins, en vue de mieux comprendre les limites qu'impose à la méthode des caustiques la formation de ces ondes, on a analysé essentiellement le changement de forme de la caustique lorsque se développent des ondes radiales sur la région couverte par la courbe originale de la caustique. On procède à une approximation dans la mesure où on suppose que les ondes radiales sont insensibles à la présence des surfaces de la fissure, mais prennent par ailleurs en considération le caractère tridimensionnel de la propagation d'une fissure dans une plaque d'épaisseur finie.

     

Viscosity of compressed cold lake bitumen

Viscosity data over a temperature range of 37-115°C and a pressure range of 0-10 MPa gauge are presented for a Cold Lake bitumen sample. These data show that the compression of Cold Lake bitumen results in a significant increase in its viscosity. Results are compared with those from a similar study on an Athabasca bitumen sample. Also presented are two correlations for the effects of pressure and temperature on the viscosity of Cold Lake bitumen.     

Photoelastic Studies on Rubber-to-Rubber Joints

Photoelasticity is a method which yields information on the principal stress difference and orientation in a composite structure. Various problems associated with this technique, especially those concerning the fundamental relationship between the fringe order and the stress, have yet to be investigated. A few studies of this relationship in a universal stress state have been presented, particularly in the field of rubber-to-metal and rubber-to-fabric composites, but no evaluations have so far been made in the field of rubber-to-rubber joints. Applying the photoelastic method, we report our observations on the stress distribution in a natural rubber to natural rubber joint subjected to uniaxial tension. A comparison between the results of experimental photoelastic studies and the corresponding computer modelling has been illustrated. The theoretical displacement pattern of the angular joints of bi-rubber part has also been highlighted.     

Modelling a circulating fluidized bed riser reactor with gas—solids downflow at the wall

A predictive model was developed for the fully developed zone of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) riser reactor operating in the fast fluidization regime that overcomes limitations of existing models. The model accounts for the upward flow of gas and solids in the core and downward flow of the two phases in the annulus. Additionally, a numerical solution methodology for the simulation of a riser reactor employing the hydrodynamic model was devised. A simulation was performed using the fast, main Claus reaction to demonstrate the effects of backmixing in the fast fluidization regime. It was found that the molar flow rates of the reactants leaving a fast fluidized CFB riser reactor were significantly higher than those leaving an identical reactor operating in the pneumatic transport regime.