Feedback active noise control based on forward–backward LMS predictor

In this paper, a new feedback active noise control (FBANC) system based on forward–backward error LMS (FBLMS) predictor is proposed. The misadjustment of the FBLMS predictor is about half that of the forward error LMS (FLMS) predictor. The new ANC system employs FBLMS predictors both for its main path (MP) predictor and for the noise canceler (NC) for the secondary path (SP) identification (SPI). To realize the MP predictor based on the FBLMS concept, a new FXLMS structure is proposed. But for the NC for the SPI, the FBLMS predictor is directly used. The MP predictor based on FBLMS reduces its misadjustment. Further the use of FBLMS predictor for the NC, as it gives a good prediction of primary noise component in the error (residual noise), improves the SNR for SPI. Thus, the improved SP estimate and the reduced misadjustment for the MP predictor achieved result in a significantly better overall noise reduction (of about 8 dB) over the ANC that uses the MP predictor and noise canceler for SPI, both based only on the forward error LMS algorithm. The computational load for the proposed algorithm is about twice that of FBANC that uses only forward error.     

Multi-gateway association in wireless mesh networks

Most traditional models of wireless mesh networks involve a mobile device connecting to the backbone through one of the available gateways in a wireless mesh network. In this paper, we present an alternate model, in which mobile devices are allowed to connect through more than one of the available gateways. We call the model multi-gateway association (MGA). We present arguments for why such a model can result in better capacity, fairness, diversity and security when compared to the default single-association model. We also identify the primary challenges that need to be addressed when using multiple-gateway associations, and propose solutions to handle these challenges. Using simulations, we show that throughput benefits ranging from 10% to 125% can be obtained by the proposed model as compared to a default single association model with just two gateways and more importantly, benefits linear in the number of gateways are obtainable. Through simulations and analysis, we establish why only intelligent multi-gateway association and neither single or simple multi-gateway association strategies can yield significant benefits.     

Investigation on 2D photonic crystal-based eight-channel wavelength-division demultiplexer

In this paper, eight-channel wavelength-division demultiplexer (WDDM) is proposed and designed using two-dimensional photonic crystal (2DPC) ring resonator whose corresponding functional parameters such as transmission efficiency, resonant wavelength, Q factor are investigated. The proposed structure consists of bus waveguide, dropping waveguide and square ring resonators. Eight different channels are dropped by altering the cavity size and radius of the defect rods. The plane-wave expansion (PWE) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods are employed to analyse the photonic band gap (PBG) of periodic and non-periodic structure and to arrive normalized transmission spectra, respectively. The resonant wavelengths of eight-channel demultiplexers are 1496.9, 1502.3, 1506.9, 1512.3, 1515.0, 1520.4, 1525.3 and 1530.6 nm. The average transmission efficiency, Q factor and spectral width of proposed demultiplexer are 81%, 825 and 1.8 nm, respectively. The mean channel spacing is about 4.2 nm. The size of the demultiplexer is small; hence, it can be utilized for photonic integrated circuits (PIC).     

A numerical fracture analysis of indentation into thin hard films on soft substrates

In this paper, finite element simulations of spherical indentation of a thin hard film deposited on a soft substrate are carried out. The primary objective of this work is to understand the mechanics of fracture of the film due to formation of cylindrical or circumferential cracks extending inwards from the film surface. Also, the role of plastic yielding in the substrate on the above mechanics is studied. To this end, the plastic zone development in the substrate and its influence on the load versus indentation depth characteristics and the stress distribution in the film are first examined. Next, the energy release rate J associated with cylindrical cracks is computed. The variation of J with indentation depth and crack length is investigated. The results show that for cracks located near the indenter axis and at small indentation depth, J decreases over a range of crack lengths, which implies stability of crack growth. This regime vanishes as the location of the crack from the axis increases, particularly for a substrate with low yield strength. Finally, a method for combining experimental load versus indentation depth data with simulation results in order to obtain the fracture energy of the film is proposed.     

Collecting Statistics Over Runtime Executions

We present an extension to linear-time temporal logic (LTL) that combines the temporal specification with the collection of statistical data. By collecting statistics over runtime executions of a program we can answer complex queries, such as “what is the average number of packet transmissions' in a communication protocol, or “how often does a particular process enter the critical section while another process remains waiting' in a mutual exclusion algorithm. To decouple the evaluation strategy of the queries from the definition of the temporal operators, we introduce algebraic alternating automata as an automata-based intermediate representation. Algebraic alternating automata are an extension of alternating automata that produce a value instead of acceptance or rejection for each trace. Based on the translation of the formulas from the query language to algebraic alternating automata, we obtain a simple and efficient query evaluation algorithm. The approach is illustrated with examples and experimental results.     

TGF-beta inhibits IL-2-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of Jak-1 and Stat 5 in T lymphocytes

The major yolk protein precursor in mosquito oocytes, vitellogenin (Vg), is internalized by a 205-kDa membrane-bound receptor (VgR). Recently, VgR has been isolated permitting the production of polyclonal anti-VgR antibodies. To elucidate the pathway of VgR internalization and recycling in mosquito oocytes during Vg uptake, we carried out an immunogold electron-microscopic study, labeling both Vg and VgR in ultrathin frozen sections of ovarian tissue. VgR immunolabeling demonstrated that the oocyte plasma membrane was subdivided into microdomains, with VgR being located between and at the lower portions of the oocyte microvilli. During the early stages of internalization, Vg and VgR were observed together in coated pits, coated vesicles, and early endosomes. Fusion of early endosomes created transitional yolk bodies (TYB) in which Vg and VgR became segregated. VgR label was present in the numerous tubular compartments that protruded from the TYBs. These tubular organelles extended to and fused with the plasma membrane, suggesting that they represented the vehicle for VgR recycling. Vg label was not observed in the tubular compartments. Instead, Vg accumulated in the core of the TYB, a region free of VgR label. Mature yolk bodies (MYB) were heavily labeled for Vg, but completely lacked any VgR label, indicating that MYB are storage compartments that do not participate in receptor recycling. Thus, our immunocytochemical data clearly visualize the steps in Vg/VgR internalization, dissociation, sorting, and recycling of the receptor to the plasma membrane.     

Effect of sugars on freeze-thaw and lyophilization of liposomes

Various sugars were investigated for their ability to protect liposomes against fusion and leakage during freeze-and-thaw or lyophilization processes. Size of liposome was measured before and after the events with a light scattering technique. Leakage of the content of the sulfate, was encapsulated in the liposome which was made of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC)/egg phosphatidylglycerol (EPG)/cholesterol (5:1:2). Addition of 1% lactose to the liposome suspension prevented the fusion between liposome but not the leakage of the content. Freeze-thawing caused more damage to the liposomes than the freeze-drying/reconstitution. After freeze-thawing, one-third of the encapsulated drug leaked out from the liposome. The freeze-drying did not cause additional leakage.     

Film cooling at hypersonic Mach numbers using forward facing array of micro-jets

Experimental investigations are carried out in the IISc hypersonic shock tunnel on film cooling effectiveness of a single jet (diameter 2 mm and 0.9 mm), and an array forward facing of micro-jets (diameter 300 μm each) of same effective area (corresponding to the respective single jet). The single jet and the corresponding micro-jets are injected from the stagnation zone of a blunt cone model (58° apex angle and nose radius of 35 mm). Nitrogen and Helium are injected as coolant gases. Experiments are performed at freestream Mach number 5.9, at 0° angle of attack, with a stagnation enthalpy of 1.84 MJ/kg, with and without injections. The ratios of the jet stagnation pressure to the freestream pitot pressure used in the present study are 1.2 and 1.45. Up to 50% reduction in surface heat transfer rate was observed with the array of micro-jets, compared to that of the respective single jet with nitrogen as the coolant, while the corresponding reduction was up to 37% for helium injection, with the schlieren flow visualizations showing no major change in the shock standoff distance, and thus no major changes in other aerodynamic aspects such as drag.