Low-Cost H.264/AVC Inter Frame Mode Decision Algorithm for Mobile Communication Systems

One of the important issues of green mobile networking is the low energy consumption for either mobile devices or transmissions. To adapt this, a low-cost Inter frame mode decision (MD) algorithm is proposed for H.264/AVC encoder to reduce the computational complexity of the original encoding procedure in this paper. The information extracted from macroblock (MB), such as energy, temporal domain mode similarity and so on, which can be used to pre-estimate the optimal mode of the MB is investigated and utilized to eliminate the redundant mode candidates. The performance evaluations including quantitative analysis and PC simulations show that the proposed algorithm is an energy-efficient source coding because it can reduce around 85% Inter frame encoding time with little quality loss. It can be widely implemented in green mobile networking systems with H.264/AVC standard to realize the real-time video signal coding.     

Fiber-based single-channel polarization-sensitive spectral interferometry

We present a novel, to our knowledge, fiber-based single-channel polarization-sensitive spectral interferometry system that provides depth-resolved measurement of polarization transformations of light reflected from a sample. Algebraic expressions for the Stokes parameters at the output of the interferometer are derived for light reflected from a birefringent sample by using the cross-spectral density function. By insertion of a fiber-optic spectral polarimetry instrument into the detection path of a common-path spectral interferometer, the full set of Stokes parameters of light reflected from a sample can be obtained with a single optical frequency scan. The methodology requires neither polarization-control components nor prior knowledge of the polarization state of light incident on the sample. The fiber-based single-channel polarization-sensitive spectral interferometer and analysis are demonstrated by measurement of phase retardation and fast-axis angle of a birefringent mica plate.     

Unravelling the Adaptation Mechanisms to High Pressure in Proteins

Life is thought to have appeared in the depth of the sea under high hydrostatic pressure. Nowadays, it is known that the deep biosphere hosts a myriad of life forms thriving under high-pressure conditions. However, the evolutionary mechanisms leading to their adaptation are still not known. Here, we show the molecular bases of these mechanisms through a joint structural and dynamical study of two orthologous proteins. We observed that pressure adaptation involves the decoupling of protein–water dynamics and the elimination of cavities in the protein core. This is achieved by rearranging the charged residues on the protein surface and using bulkier hydrophobic residues in the core. These findings will be the starting point in the search for a complete genomic model explaining high-pressure adaptation.     

Multi-Nuclear NMR spectroscopic and proton NMR imaging studies on the effect of water on the silane coupling agent/matrix resin interface in glass fiber-reinforced composites

Multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy and proton NMR imaging are used to investigate the absorption of water as well as the effect of water on the relaxation of the silane coupling agent/epoxy resin interface. For samples in which leaching occurred, proton NMR imaging is used to complement weight measurements by showing the amount and location of the water in the sample. ¹³C and ²⁹Si solidstate NMR spectroscopy show that the water can interact with the silane coupling agent and affect the relaxation of the sample. Water can leach out the low molecular weight oligomers and/or further hydrolyze the silane coupling agent.