Second‐Order Statistics of System with Microdiversity and Macrodiversity Reception in Gamma‐Shadowed Rician Fading Channels

In this letter, a wireless communication system with microdiversity and macrodiversity reception in gamma‐shadowed Rician fading channels is considered. Exact and rapidly converging infinite‐series expressions for the average level crossing rate and average fade duration at the output of the system are provided. Numerical results are presented graphically to illustrate the proposed mathematical analysis and to examine the effects of the system's parameters on the quantities considered.     

Maximum Likelihood Approach for RFID Tag Set Cardinality Estimation with Detection Errors

Estimation schemes of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag set cardinality are studied in this paper using Maximum Likelihood (ML) approach. We consider the estimation problem under the model of multiple independent reader sessions with detection errors due to unreliable radio communication links and/or collisions. In every reader session, both the detection error probability and the total number of tags are estimated. In particular, after the $R$ -th reader session, the number of tags detected in $j$ ( $j=1,2,...,R$ ) reader sessions out of $R$ sessions is updated, which we call observed evidence. Then, in order to maximize the likelihood function of the number of tags and the detection error probability given the observed evidences, we propose three different estimation methods depending on how to treat the discrete nature of the tag set cardinality. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated under different system parameters and compared with that of the conventional method via computer simulations assuming flat Rayleigh fading environments and framed-slotted ALOHA based protocol.     

Antifungal efficiency of corona pretreated polyester and polyamide fabrics loaded with Ag nanoparticles

This study discusses the possibility of using the corona (electric discharge at atmospheric pressure) treatment for fiber surface activation that can facilitate the loading of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) from colloids onto the polyester and polyamide fabrics and thus enhance their antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The laundering durability of achieved effects and the influence of dyeing of fabrics with disperse dyes on their antifungal efficiency were studied. The morphology of fibers loaded with Ag nanoparticles was characterized by SEM whereas X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for the evaluation of surface chemical changes. Corona pretreated polyester and polyamide fabrics loaded with Ag nanoparticles showed better antifungal properties compared to untreated fabrics. The advantage of corona treated fabrics became even more prominent after washing test, particularly for polyester fabrics. Antifungal efficiency of polyester and polyamide fabrics loaded with Ag nanoparticles were almost unaffected by dyeing process.     

A Class of Algorithms for Collision Resolution with Multiplicity Estimation

The wireless connectivity in pervasive computing has ephemeral character and can be used for creating ad hoc networks, sensor networks, connection with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags etc. The communication tasks in such wireless networks often involve an inquiry over a shared channel, which can be invoked for: discovery of neighboring devices in ad hoc networks, counting the number of RFID tags that have a certain property, estimating the mean value contained in a group of sensors etc. Such an inquiry solicits replies from possibly large number of terminals n. This necessitates the usage of algorithms for resolving batch collisions (conflicts) with unknown conflict multiplicity n. In this paper we present a novel approach to the problem of collision resolution for batch conflicts. We show how the conventional tree algorithms for collision resolution can be used to obtain progressively accurate estimation of the multiplicity. We use the estimation to propose a more efficient binary tree algorithm, termed Estimating Binary Tree (EBT) algorithm. The EBT algorithm is suited for implementation when the conflicting nodes are passive, such as e.g. RFID tags. We extend the approach to design the Interval Estimation Conflict Resolution (IECR) algorithm. For n→∞ we prove that the efficiency achieved by IECR for batch arrivals is identical with the efficiency that Gallager’s FCFS algorithm achieves for Poisson packet arrivals. For finite n, the simulation results show that IECR is, to the best of our knowledge, the most efficient batch resolution algorithm reported to date.     

Functionalized oligopolysiloxanes by heterogeneously catalyzed equilibration polymerization reactions

Summary A new general procedure for preparation of functionalized oligopolysiloxanes of predetermined molecular weight is described. It utilizes heterogeneously catalyzed siloxane equilibration polymerization reactions which do not require troublesome and sometimes difficult post-preparative work-up procedures usually encountered with the well known homogeneously catalyzed corresponding reactions. The method is described using as example the preparation of , -telechelic vinyldimethylsiloxy-oligopolydimethylsiloxanes from octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane, but reference to the preparations of trimethylsiloxy-, dimethylsiloxy-and carboxypropyldimethylsiloxyoligopolydimethylsiloxanes, oligopolymethylhydridosiloxanes or their copolymers is also made.     

A 3D unsplit-advection volume tracking algorithm with planarity-preserving interface reconstruction

A new volume tracking method is introduced for tracking interfaces in three-dimensional (3D) geometries partitioned with orthogonal hexahedra. The method approximates interface geometries as piecewise planar, and advects volumes in a single unsplit step using fully multidimensional fluxes that have their definition based in backward-trajectory remapping. By using multidimensional unsplit advection, the expense of high-order interface reconstruction is incurred only once per timestep. Simple departures from strict backward-trajectory remapping remove any need for consideration of volume computations involving shapes consisting of non-planar ruled surfaces. Second-order accuracy of the method is demonstrated even for vigorous 3D deformations.     

Optimal closed-loop control of a hybrid step motor with chopper drive

Optimal closed-loop control of a hybrid step motor control with chopper drive is described. Expressions for the average torque and optimal control angle giving maximal average torque in the stationary state without phase current chopper control are presented. The effects of chopper current control on the torque and acceleration characteristics of a hybrid step motor are discussed. Expression have been developed for the control angle in the chopper current control mode, yielding greater torques and improved acceleration of hybrid step motors than for the optimal control angle without phase current control. The speed response of a hybrid step motor operated in a closed-loop system has been studied by computer simulation for different supply voltages and torque loads, using various control angle algorithms.     

Development of residual strength evaluation tool based on stress-strain approximation

To allow for a safe design of metallic structures, it must be considered that, as a result of the manufacturing and processing operations, cracks or flaws below the NDI (Non-Destructive Inspection) detectability level always exist in the component after inspection. Further problems originate from the defect geometry. Failure of engineering structural components and structures have been mostly traced to surface cracks. Especially for a surface crack containing structure that is thin, the limit collapse of a ligament is usually the main cause of structure rupture. Study of the evaluation procedure relating to the limit load of the surface crack ligament is, therefore, an important project for conventional fracture assessment, particularly for pressure vessel (LBB) assessment. For this purpose, novel more accurate residual strength prediction method based on the Elasto-Plastic Fracture Mechanics (EPFM) has been developed and tested. Laboratory tests on tensile plate specimens with surface cracks were performed considering two different materials. In the final part of the work, effort was directed toward the verification and justification of selected analytical methods by adequate component testing. The most significant results of this work deal with residual strength evaluation for the thin wall pressure containing components. The important finding is that there is a potential for improvement in comparison to the current methods that may be used to increase payoff of the lightweight structures. The presented very robust analysis method and the useful structure integrity evaluation procedure should significantly contribute to the state-of-the-art structure optimisation and being applied to the design of the light-weight structures should ease the effort of the structure engineer to develop the successful and reliable hardware and to keep in place with advancing technologies. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Selective and synergistic activity of L-S,R-buthionine sulfoximine on malignant melanoma is accompanied by decreased expression of glutathione-S-transferase

L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO) selectivley inhibits glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Malignant melanoma may be uniquely dependent on GSH and its linked enzymes, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and GSH-peroxidase, for metabolism of reactive orthoquinones and peroxides produced during melanin synthesis. We compared the in vitro effects of BSO on melanoma cell lines and fresh melanoma specimens (n = 118) with breast and ovarian cell lines and solid tumors (n = 244). IC50 values (microM) for BSO on melanoma, breast and ovarian tumor specimens were 1.9, 8.6, and 29, respectively. The IC90 for melanoma was 25.5 microM, a level 20-fold lower than steady state levels achieved clinically. The sensitivity of individual specimens of melanoma correlated with their melanin content (r = 0.63). BSO synergistically enhanced BCNU activity against melanoma cell lines and human tumors. We followed GSH levels, GST enzyme activity, GST isoenzyme profiles and mRNA levels after BSO. BSO (50 microM) treatment for 48 hr resulted in a 95% decrease in ZAZ and M14 melanoma cell line GSH levels, and a 60% decrease in GST enzyme activity. GST-mu protein and mRNA levels were significantly reduced in both cell lines. GST-pi expression was unaffected. These data suggest that BSO action on melanoma may be related to GSH depletion, diminishing the capacity to scavenge toxic metabolites produced during melanin synthesis. We report here for the first time that BSO enhancement of alkylator action may be related in part to down regulation of GST. BSO may be a clinically useful adjunct in the treatment of malignant melanoma.     

Automated retrofit targeting of heat exchanger networks

The aim of this paper is to develop a novel heat exchanger network (HEN) retrofit method based on a new automated retrofit targeting (ART) algorithm. ART uses the heat surplus-deficit table (HSDT) in combination with the Bridge Retrofit concepts to generate retrofit bridges option, from which a retrofit design may be formulated. The HSDT is a tabular tool that shows potential for improved re-integration of heat source and sink streams within a HEN. Using the HSDT, retrofit bridges—a set of modifications that links a cooler to a heater to save energy—may be identified, quantified, and compared. The novel retrofit method including the ART algorithm has been successfully implemented in Microsoft ExcelTM to enable analysis of large-scale HENs. A refinery case study with 27 streams and 46 existing heat exchangers demonstrated the retrofit method’s potential. For the case study, the ART algorithm found 68903 feasible unique retrofit opportunities with a minimum 400 kW·unit^–1 threshold for heat recovery divided by the number of new units. The most promising retrofit project required 3 new heat exchanger units to achieve a heat savings of 4.24 MW with a favorable annualised profit and a reasonable payback period.

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