On Multirate DS-CDMA Schemes with Interference Cancellation

This paper investigates interference cancellation (IC) in direct-sequence code-division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems that support multiple data rates. Two methods for implementing multiple data rates are considered. One is the use of mixed modulation and the other is the use of multicodes. We introduce and analyze a new approach that combines these multiple data rate systems with IC. The cancellation in the receiver is performed successively on each user, starting with the user received with the highest power. This procedure can in turn be iterated, forming a multistage scheme, with the number of iterations set as a design parameter. Our analysis employs a Gaussian approximation for the distribution of the interference, and it includes both the AWGN and the flat Rayleigh fading channel. The systems are also evaluated via computer simulations. Our analysis and simulations indicate that the IC schemes used in mixed modulation or multicode systems yield a performance close to the single BPSK user bound and, consequently, give a prospect of a considerable improvement in performance compared to systems employing matched filter detectors.     

Pulsewidth control loop in high-speed CMOS clock buffers

In high-speed CMOS clock buffer design, the duty cycle of a clock is liable to be changed when the clock passes through a multistage buffer because the circuit is not pure digital. Signal quality degradation is influenced by temperature and process deviation. In this paper, we propose a pulsewidth control loop to get required pulsewidth. To investigate the loop stability, a linearized small signal analysis model is used. Results of SPICE simulation show that the pulsewidth can be well controlled if the loop parameters are properly chosen. The pulsewidth can be easily adjusted to a desired value by sizing the ratio of transistor sizes in the current mirror of charge pump     

High in situ rat intestinal permeability of artemisinin unaffected by multiple dosing and with no evidence of P-glycoprotein involvement

PURPOSE: To evaluate inflammation after clear corneal incision (CCI) cataract surgery in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and no retinopathy. METHODS: Forty patients with diabetes and 40 age-matched controls had standardized temporal CCI cataract surgery with implantation of a foldable intraocular lens. Anterior chamber flare was evaluated in an undilated eye with a laser flare-cell meter preoperatively and 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days postoperatively. RESULTS: In both groups, flare and cell values increased on the first postoperative day and successively decreased on the following days. Flare had not recovered to preoperative values by day 28. At no time was there a significant mean difference in cell and flare between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: It does not appear necessary to alter the postoperative therapeutic regimen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and no retinopathy.     

Comparison between automatic ribotyping and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of Bacillus cereus isolates from the dairy industry.

Discrimination by automatic ribotyping and random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR, RAPD, was compared for 40 different B. cereus dairy isolates, 4 different B. mycoides isolates and 6 culture collection strains. RAPD-PCR has previously shown to be useful for tracing contamination routes of B. cereus to milk. Automatic ribotyping using EcoRI and PvuII separated the B. cereus and B. mycoides isolates/strains into 36 different ribotypes. RAPD-typing with primers generated 40 different RAPD-profiles. However, 17 isolates clustered into eight groups, irrespective of the primer and restriction enzyme used, and in all but one case, the isolates with the same pattern were isolated from the same dairy. Automatic ribotyping proved to be a useful, standardized and quick method to discriminate between B. cereus strains, only slightly less discriminatory than RAPD-typing.     

EEM fluorescence spectroscopy as a fast method to assess the brine composition of salted herring

Ripening of barrel-salted herring (Clupea harengus) is evaluated by the use of fluorescence spectroscopy and protein determinations. During ripening, protein degradation takes place in the herring and protein is extracted into the brine. The present study aims at identifying parameters which are correlated to the ripening characteristics of barrel-salted herring and which can provide a better understanding of the ripening process. Front face fluorescence landscapes were obtained by measuring directly on the brine from barrel-salted herring. These data were analyzed by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), which revealed four fluorophores, tryptophan (two states), vitamin B6 and riboflavin. All four parameters showed an increase in concentration during the storage period corresponding to an increase in protein content that varied from 3 g/100 g at day 60 to 5 g/100 g after 277 days of storage. It was not possible to see a difference in the development of the four fluorophores during the ripening period. The protein content was predicted from the fluorescence landscapes by partial least squares (PLS). The use of unfolded fluorescence spectra gave an RMSECV of 0.26 g/100 g and a correlation between the measured protein content and the predicted values of 0.86.     

Jet-grouting

An ultra-high pressure jet of water and air with simultaneous cement grouting is revolutionishing the practice of ground consolidation and foundation reinforcement. Swedish research has been studying this development, briefly explained here. The note report is based on a summary note issued by the Swedish Council for Building Research.     

Evaluation of the oxidation and Cr evaporation properties of selected FeCr alloys used as SOFC interconnects

In recent years, a number of ferritic interconnect materials for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have been developed and are now commercially available. Although similar, there are substantial variations in minor alloying elements. This study compares the oxidation performance of five such interconnect materials: Crofer 22 H, Crofer 22 APU (ThyssenKrupp VDM), Sanergy HT (Sandvik Materials Technology), ZMG232 G10 (Hitachi Metals) and E-Brite (ATI Allegheny Ludlum).     

Pathways to a hydrogen fuel infrastructure in Norway

Hydrogen is expected to become an integral part of the Norwegian energy system in the future, primarily as transportation fuel. The NorWays project aims at providing decision support for introduction of hydrogen in the Norwegian energy system by modelling of energy system and hydrogen infrastructure at various spatial levels. GIS-based regional hydrogen demand scenarios and fuelling station networks have been generated, considering organic growth of regional hydrogen coverage and increasing density of hydrogen users over time. A regional model optimised supply scenarios for these fuelling station networks, including choice of production technology (biomass gasification, NG SMR, electrolysis, by-product hydrogen) and delivery (pipeline, truck, and onsite schemes), including integrated hydrogen delivery networks by truck and pipeline. The impact of energy price and GHG emission constraint scenarios on hydrogen production and delivery mix and average hydrogen costs is analysed, and conclusions on the effectiveness of policy measures are drawn.