Multiuser detection in a horizontal underwater acoustic channelusing array observations

We present a multisensor, multiuser receiver that is capable of operating in an underwater acoustic channel with severe multipath. For each active user, the receiver consists of a multi-input, single-output array processing filter followed by a single-channel adaptive equalizer. The array processing filter is chosen to maximize an averaged performance metric which measures reduction in the interference from multiple asynchronous cochannel users and the reduction in intersymbol interference caused by time spreading of the transmitted signal. The single-channel adaptive equalizer that follows the array processing filter eliminates the remaining intersymbol interference prior to hard symbol decisions. The division of labor between the array processing filter and single-channel equalizer reduces receiver complexity by allowing the array processing filter weights to be based on the fixed deterministic channel component and the single-channel equalizer to be based on the stochastic channel component. Receiver performance is demonstrated using data obtained from two shallow-water acoustic channels where two cochannel users are transmitting in shallow water at 18 and 30 nautical miles from the receiver array     

Pulp reconstruction of fingers with very small sensate medial plantar free flap

The essence in dealing with the pulp deficit accompanying fingertip injuries lies in functional restitution of the inherent skin texture and characteristics unique to that area and sufficient preservation of digital length, along with successful restoration of fine tactile sensation indispensable to delicate and skillful maneuvers. Among various techniques used to meet such demands, the very small sensate medial plantar free flap can be considered an excellent method in view of the skin texture that allows firm grasping, durability to friction rub, a cushion effect, and adequate sensation. Six cases of finger pulp reconstruction with the very small sensate medial plantar free flap are presented. At follow-up examination (an average follow-up of 24.3 months), the patients were evaluated clinically and neurologically. The operative procedures, advantages, and results in clinical cases are presented. Satisfactory results were obtained with sufficient preservation of digital length and good sensory recovery. No functional deficit was found at the donor site.     

Efficiency testing of medium induction motors-a comment on IEEE Std112-1991

The energy crisis of 1973 focused attention on the efficiency of polyphase induction motors, and the need to have a test procedure that was repeatable and accurate. Medium power induction motors, especially those in the size range 1 through 125 horsepower, were important because of the large number in service and the fact that a significant efficiency improvement through redesign was economically feasible. In response to this the ANSI/IEEE Std. 112, “IEEE Standard Test procedure for Polyphase Induction Motors and Generators” Method B was chosen for testing medium power AC motors for efficiency. The current version IEEE Std. 112-1991 Method B contains several requirements for accuracy improvement which have been found to be effective. Even though the Method B procedure with the additional accuracy requirement has been in use since 1984 no rational has been published to support these extra requirements. The paper discusses the purpose of these improvements, and also points out some weakness in procedure     

Women,public housing and inequality: A Northern Ireland perspective

This paper traces the development of public housing in Northern Ireland and highlights the unique structure of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Using data from the 1991 census it goes on to assess how women as independent consumers have fared in this system of administration.     

Translational Failure Analysis of Landfills

The scope of this paper is to develop a new approach to the two-part wedge method for translational failure analysis of landfills. The upper and lower bound solutions for the landfill stability, i.e., FSmax and FSmin, can be readily determined using this method. Using an average factor of safety, FSave, to replace the true factor of safety, FStrue, the differences between FSave and FStrue are within 5% for most considered cases. The solutions from the new method ensure that the waste strength is not exceeded anywhere within the waste mass. The calculated results agreed well with the results computed from the computer code PCSTABL6. The ability of the new method to calculate the translational failure of waste mass with a predetermined sliding failure face is demonstrated. Also, a waste filling sequence to keep the factor of safety above a stipulated value during the operation phase of the landfilling process can be generated.     

Transmit diversity in 3G CDMA systems

Transmit diversity (TD) is one of the key contributing technologies to defining the ITU endorsed 3G systems W-CDMA and cdma2000. Spatial diversity is introduced into the signal by transmitting through multiple antennas. The antennas are spaced far enough apart that the signals emanating from them can be assumed to undergo independent fading. In addition to diversity gain, antenna gain can also be incorporated through channel state feedback. This leads to the categorization of TD methods into open loop and closed loop methods. Several methods of transmit diversity in the forward link have been either under consideration or adopted for the various 3G standards. This article describes the concept of transmit diversity and explains the features of selected TD techniques     

Follicle stimulating hormone-granulosa cell axis involvement in the antifolliculotrophic effect of low dose mifepristone (RU486)

This study was designed to assess the involvement of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-granulosa and luteinizing hormone (LH)-theca axes in the antifolliculotrophic effect of mifepristone. Plasma gonadotrophins, including plasma LH bioactivity and pulsatility, oestradiol, testosterone and inhibin concentrations, and follicular growth were monitored in volunteer women treated with placebo or mifepristone in two consecutive cycles. Mifepristone was given either as a single dose of 5 mg (n = 7) when the leading follicle had reached a diameter between 12 and 14 mm, or as a multiple dose of 5 mg/day for 3 days, beginning when the leading follicle had reached a diameter between 14 and 16 mm (n = 5) or between 6 and 11 mm (n = 5). Following the single dose of mifepristone, follicular growth and the accompanying increase in plasma oestradiol were arrested at 12 and 36 h respectively without changes in gonadotrophin or testosterone serum concentrations. The 3 day regimen arrested follicular growth and oestradiol rise and decreased plasma inhibin concentrations when follicles were larger than 12 mm at the onset of treatment. These results indicate that the antifolliculotrophic action of mifepristone is associated with a selective compromise of the FSH-granulosa axis of dominant follicles that have passed a critical stage of growth.