Stability and throughput analysis of unslotted CDMA‐ALOHA with finite number of users and code sharing

We consider a system comprising a finite number of nodes, with infinite packet buffers, that use unslotted ALOHA with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to share a channel for transmitting packetised data. We propose a simple model for packet transmission and retransmission at each node, and show that saturation throughput in this model yields a sufficient condition for the stability of the packet buffers; we interpret this as the capacity of the access method. We calculate and compare the capacities of CDMA‐ALOHA (with and without code sharing) and TDMA‐ALOHA; we also consider carrier sensing and collision detection versions of these protocols. In each case, saturation throughput can be obtained via analysis of a continuous time Markov chain. Our results show how saturation throughput degrades with code‐sharing. Finally, we also present some simulation results for mean packet delay. Our work is motivated by optical CDMA in which “chips” can be optically generated, and hence the achievable chip rate can exceed the achievable TDMA bit rate which is limited by electronics. Code sharing may be useful in the optical CDMA context as it reduces the number of optical correlators at the receivers. Our throughput results help to quantify by how much the CDMA chip rate should exceed the TDMA bit rate so that CDMA‐ALOHA yields better capacity than TDMA‐ALOHA. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Processing and properties of zirconia-toughened alumina ceramics

Al₂O₃:ZrO₂ ceramics have been prepared from physically mixed pure oxide powders. The results indicate that careful processing of the starting powders and a two-stage sintering process can avoid expensive processing methods like hot pressing/hot isostatic pressing used for achieving high densification. The mechanical properties were measured and the resultant microstructure studied to explain the toughening behaviour of this material.     

Detection of multiple cracks using frequency measurements

A method for detection of multiple open cracks in a slender Euler-Bernoulli beams is presented based on frequency measurements. The method is based on the approach given by Hu and Liang [J. Franklin Inst. 330 (5) (1993) 841], transverse vibration modelling through transfer matrix method and representation of a crack by rotational spring. The beam is virtually divided into a number of segments, which can be decided by the analyst, and each of them is considered to be associated with a damage parameter. The procedure gives a linear relationship explicitly between the changes in natural frequencies of the beam and the damage parameters. These parameters are determined from the knowledge of changes in the natural frequencies. After obtaining them, each is treated in turn to exactly pinpoint the crack location in the segment and determine its size. The forward, or natural frequency determination, problems are examined in the passing. The method is approximate, but it can handle segmented beams, any boundary conditions, intermediate spring or rigid supports, etc. It eliminates the need for any symbolic computation which is envisaged by Hu and Liang [J. Franklin Inst. 330 (5) (1993) 841] to obtain mode shapes of the corresponding uncracked beams. The proposed method gives a clear insight into the whole analysis. Case studies (numerical) are presented to demonstrate the method effectiveness for two simultaneous cracks of size 10% and more of section depth. The differences between the actual and predicted crack locations and sizes are less than 10% and 15% respectively. The numbers of segments into which the beam is virtually divided limits the maximum number of cracks that can be handled. The difference in the forward problem is less than 5%.     

Studies on spray pyrolyzed molybdenum trioxide thin films

Semiconducting molybdenum trioxide thin films have been prepared by employing simple and inexpensive spray pyrolysis technique. Films are found to be polycrystalline in nature with hexagonal phase. Optical band gap energy (direct) and room temperature electrical resistivity are of the order of 2·9 eV and 10⁸ ohm-cm, respectively. These films exhibit cathodic electrochromism.     

Dynamic proteome in enigmatic preeclampsia: an account of molecular mechanisms and biomarker discovery

The coevolution of genomics and proteomics has led to advancements in the field of diagnosis and molecular mechanisms of disease. Proteomics is now stepping into the field of obstetrics, where early diagnosis of pregnancy complication such as preeclampsia (PE) is imperative. PE is a multifactorial disease characterized by hypertension with proteinuria, which is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality occurring in 5-7% of pregnancies worldwide. This review discusses the probable molecular mechanisms that lead to PE and summarizes the proteomics research carried out in understanding the pathogenicity of PE, and for identifying the candidate biomarker for diagnosis of the disease.     

Sustainable Synthesis of Biaryls Using Silica Supported Ferrocene Appended N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Palladium Complex

Catalysis Letters - A novel silica supported ferrocene appended N-heterocyclic carbene-palladium complex (SilFemBenzNHC@Pd) has been prepared and characterized by using fourier transform infrared...