Outer loop power control in CDMA satellite systems with on-board power constraints

This paper aims at clarifying the role of the outer loop power control for CDMA satellite systems with on-board power constraints. If the inner loop of the power control is perfect, the channel turns into a AWGN channel and there is no need of the outer loop. In satellite CDMA systems, due to the longer propagation delay with respect to a terrestrial system, the inner loop of power control is only partly able to track power variations due to fast fading. Moreover, the Rice factor, which characterizes the channel statistics, can widely vary even if the user does not move but just because of the change of the elevation angle. Because of that, a wide range of target SNIR (and larger than in typical terrestrial systems) may be necessary to get the same BER performance. Therefore, the outer loop power control turns out to be essential to minimize the dynamic of the power link margins and avoid capacity degradations induced by the systematic use of static link margins. A semi-analytical model for the capacity evaluation has been developed, which is specifically intended for the power-limited satellite-to-mobile link with multi satellite reception. We found that the capacity gain with respect to a pure SNIR-based strategy (i.e., only inner loop) can reach the 40% of the total capacity in a single reception scheme. A smaller, but still noticeable capacity gain of the order of 20 - 30% is observed in presence of satellite diversity. Therefore, any dimensioning of CDMA satellite systems should not neglect this component of the power control.     

Combined modulation and coding for continuous-phase FSK withnonuniform alphabet

The problem of combined coding and modulation is addressed for M-ary continuous-phase frequency-shift-keying (CPFSK) with a redundant symbol alphabet. It is shown that in many cases of interest, the use of a nonuniform mapping between coded bits and phase increments at the CPFSK modulator allows for a significant increase of free Euclidean distance in the coder/modulator state trellis as compared to the uniform alphabet case. A systematic search for optimum encoder/mapper/modulator structures is carried out for short constraint length rate 1/2 and 2/3 codes combined with 4-ary and 8-ary CPFSK, respectively, and for a relevant set of rational modulation indexes. The power-bandwidth efficiency of the optimum schemes is discussed and compared with that exhibited by the best coder/modulator structures previously proposed in the literature     

Advances in satellite CDMA transmission for mobile and personalcommunications

An ubiquitous network for multimedia personal communications (Personal Communications Network (PCN)) with small, individual low-cost terminals is one of the most ambitious worldwide projects for the 21st century that are being pursued nowadays. In the development of such PCN, Geostationary, Medium, and Low Earth Orbiting (GEO, MEO, LEO) satellite constellations will play a fundamental role to provide worldwide coverage for most services required by the end-user. The characteristics of efficiency and flexibility inherently required by that scenario suggest, amidst other possibilities, to take into special consideration a radio interface based on code division multiple access (CDMA) to ensure, in addition to the features mentioned above, a sufficient grade of power and spectral efficiency of the relevant satellite radio link. The aim of this paper is a review of the current status of those issues in the field of satellite CDMA transmission systems design that, in our opinion, appear fundamental to the successful operation of an efficient PCN. In particular, we survey the techniques for multiplexing, coding and transmission of direct-sequence spread spectrum (DS/SS) signals, and we touch upon the techniques for the minimization of the self-noise effect, and the related topics of power-control and multiuser detection. We also shortly address in this respect some technological aspects related to an efficient modem design via digital signal processing techniques. The final part of the paper deals more specifically with some typical issues of satellite transmission, namely the minimization of the detrimental effects of the nonlinear satellite transponder and of multipath propagation; the applicability of diversity reception to a multisatellite network is also addressed as possible means of performance boost     

Antioxidative activity of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in minced,cooked pork meat

The sensory intensity measured as theabsolute threshold value of spice andrecognition of spice was evaluated for summer savory and rosemary in meat balls. The values forabsolute threshold value of spice were found to be significantly lower for rosemary than for summer savory. The antioxidative activity of the spices was analysed in two accelerated model systems and in a storage experiment. In one of the model systems, oxidation was accelerated by heat and by an elevated pressure of oxygen. Both spices significantly improved the oxidative stability of the meat balls in this model system. In the second model system metal catalyst oxidation in a meat slurry was used and a reduction in the oxidative processes in samples containing the spices was again shown. In both model systems a slightly higher antioxidative activity was seen for rosemary compared to summer savory. In the storage experiment, the spices were added at a sensorially acceptable level and the heat-treated meat balls were stored at 5°C. A significant reduction in the development of warmed-over flavour (WOF) caused by the addition of spices was measured by a reduction in 2-thiobarbituricacid-reactivesubstances (TBARS) and in hexanal. A reduction in TBARS of approximately 30% in meat balls containing added spices was seen independently of packaging in 1% oxygen or in atmospheric air and the reduction (30%) was constant throughout the storage period.     

Das Futterwahlverhalten des Rehes in einem voralpinen Revier

Zusammenfassung Von April bis Juli 1972 wurden im voralpinen Revier Grabs Ost Beobachtungen zum Futterwahlverhalten des Rehes ausgeführt.Die Rehe wurden beim Äsen direkt beobachtet und anschließend die am Äsungsplatz verbissenen und unverbissenen Pflanzenarten festgestellt. Von den 149 insgesamt notierten Pflanzenarten wurden 95 mindestens einmal verbissen. Eine Tabelle gibt Auskunft über Artstetigkeit und Verbißstetigkeit der 149 Arten.Verbißstetigkeit und Verbißintensität sind positiv korreliert. Die Rehe nahmen von einer regelmäßig verbissenen Pflanzenart auch viele Bisse.12 Arten wurden auf unterschiedliche Beäsungsintensität hin geprüft.Phyteuma spicatum wurde als einzige Art in jedem Monat etwa gleich intensiv verbissen. 6 Arten wurden während ihrer Blütezeit mehr als erwartet geäst.Für 3 Arten ist die Beziehung zwischen Entwicklungsphase der Pflanze und abgebissenem Pflanzenteil gezeigt. VonPrimula elatior ästen die Rehe in der Voll-Blüte vor allem Blüten, in der Nach-Blüte Blätter; vonTrifolium repens wurden vor allem die Blüten, vonAnemone nemorosa hingegen die Blätter bevorzugt.Bei der Bewertung des Äsungsanteils wurden nur Arten des Futtergrünlandes (Glatthafer-und Goldhaferwiesen) berücksichtigt. Mehr als 50% aller Bisse entfielen auf die ArtenGeranium silvaticum, Taraxacum officinale undPhyteuma spicatum.Beobachtungen an zwei sichtmarkierten Rehen wiesen auf individuelle Unterschiede in der Wahl der Futterpflanze hin. Ein Vergleich mit Befunden anderer Autoren zeigte: Es gibt einerseits Arten, welche in ihrer Bedeutung als Äsungspflanzen einheitlich beschrieben werden. Durchwegs bevorzugt werdenRubus idaeus undTaraxacum officinale, stets gemieden wirdColchicum autumnale. Viele Arten zeigen andererseits unterschiedliche Beliebtheit als Äsungspflanzen, zum BeispielTrifolium pratense und mehrere Gräser.

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Summary Data about food selection of roe deer were collected between April and July 1972 in a prealpine area near Grabs in the eastern part of Switzerland. Grazing animals were directly observed and the plant-species eaten and rejected recorded. Out of a total of 149 species eaten, 95 were selected once or more than one time. A relationship between plant-species occurrence and acceptance by the roe deer is shown. A positive correlation was found between the frequency of acceptance of and the intensity of feeding on different plant-species. Data on 12 species were tested for changes in intensity of grazing over a 4 month period. OnlyPhyteuma spicatum was grazed with about the same intensity in each month. 6 species were preferred when they had flowers. For 3 plantspecies, a relationship between developmental stage and the eaten plant-part was shown. WhenPrimula elatior was blooming, roe deer preferred the flowers; later, leaves were eaten. The flowers were also the preferred part ofTrifolium repens; however the leaves ofAnemone nemorosa were mainly eaten. For estimating the proportion of the total diet consisting of each plant-species, we used only data taken from meadows. Over 50% of all bites made by the deer occurred onGeranium silvaticum, Traxacum officinale undPhyteuma spicatum. Observations of 2 marked animals indicated individual differences in food selection. From our results and those of other authors there appear to be certain species which are generally preferred (e.g.Rubus idaeus, Taraxacum officinale), and other species which are exclusively avoided (e.g.Colchicum autumnale). But for many species the degree of preference varies from habitat to habitat (e.g.Trifolium pratense and several grasses).

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Résumé Dans la période d'avril jusqu' en juillet 1972 nous avons fait dans le district de chasse de Grabs Ost des observations concernant la sélection du fourrage du chevreuil. Nous avons observé les animaux directement pendant leur temps de pâturer. Ensuite nous avons enregistré d'un côté les espèces desquelles les chevreuils avaient mangé et de l'autre toutes les espèces existantes dans ce domaine. Sur un total de 149 plantes enregistrées, 95 ont été prises au moins une fois. Un tableau renseigne sur la constance des espèces et la constance de pâturer des 149 espèces de plante. Constance de pâturer et intensité de pâturer sont en correlation positive. D'une espèce souvent prise, les chevreuils en ont aussi mangé beaucoup. 12 espèces ont été examinées relativement à leur intensité de pâturer. Comme seule espèce,Phyteuma spicatum a été mordue avec une intensité à peu près conttante pendant chacun des mois de la période d'observation. Pendant leur floraison, 6 espèces ont été mordues davantage que prévu. Pour 3 espèces nous avons montré la relation entre le stade de développement de la plante et la partie de celle-ci qui a été mordue. Pendant la période de floraison dePrimula elatior, les chevreuils ont pâturé surtout les fleurs, après cette période surtout les feuilles; deTrifolium repens ont été préférées surtout les fleurs, deAnemone nemorosa par contre les feuilles. Pour l'évaluation de la partie pâturée ont été prises en consideration les espèces des prés. Plus de 50% des morsures ont été effectuées surGeranium silvaticum, Taraxacum officinale etPhyteuma spicatum. Nos observations de 2 chevreuils marqués semblent montrer qu'il existe des différences individuelles par rapport aux plantes préférées. Une comparaison avec les résultats d'autres auteurs nous a montré d'un côté qu'il y a des espèces qui sont décrites d'une manière uniforme dans leur signification en tant que plantes de fourrage (Rubus idaeus etTaraxacum officinale sont toujours préférés,Colchicum autumnale est toujours évité), de l'autre côté, beaucoup d'espèces montrent une attirance variable en tant que plantes de fourrage, par exempleTrifolium pratense et plusieurs sortes d'herbes.

     

Clock synchronization for wavelet-based multirate transmissions

This paper deals with symbol timing recovery for multirate transmission systems employing wavelets as signaling pulses either at baseband or with linear bandpass modulation. Our analysis is twofold. First, we investigate the impact of clock errors on the bit-error rate of the optimum receiver for a wavelet-based multirate signal. Second, we consider a nondata-aided maximum-likelihood clock synchronization scheme implemented as a multiple delay-locked loop. We derive a linearized loop model and assess its performance in terms of tracking jitter variance. The analytical results are contrasted with those obtained by simulation and with the relevant modified Cramer-Rao bound     

Immunothrombotic Mechanisms Induced by Ingenol Mebutate Lead to Rapid Necrosis and Clearance of Anogenital Warts

Ingenol mebutate (IM) is highly effective in the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced anogenital warts (AGW) leading to fast ablation within hours. However, the exact mode of action is still largely unknown. We performed dermoscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy (CLM), histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to gain insights in mechanisms of IM treatment in AGW. In addition, we used in vitro assays (ELISA, HPV-transfection models) to further investigate in vivo findings. IM treatment leads to a strong recruitment of neutrophils with thrombosis of small skin vessels within 8 h, in a sense of immunothrombosis. In vivo and in vitro analyses showed that IM supports a prothrombotic environment by endothelial cell activation and von Willebrand factor (VWF) secretion, in addition to induction of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis). IM superinduces CXCL8/IL-8 expression in HPV-E6/E7 transfected HaCaT cells when compared to non-infected keratinocytes. Rapid ablation of warts after IM treatment can be well explained by the observed immunothrombosis. This new mechanism has so far only been observed in HPV-induced lesions and is completely different from the mechanisms we see in the treatment of transformed keratinocytes in actinic keratosis. Our initial findings indicate an HPV-specific effect, which could be also of interest for the treatment of other HPV-induced lesions. Larger studies are now needed to further investigate the potential of IM in different HPV tumors.     

Unsaturated Mannich Bases Active Against Multidrug‐Resistant Trypanosoma brucei brucei Strains

Unsaturated Mannich bases with potent antitrypanosomal action against multidrug‐resistant strains of T. brucei brucei were identified. Their observed activities correlated well with their high Michael acceptor properties but not with their affinities to the P2 purine transporter.

     

Code-Aided Turbo Synchronization

The introduction of turbo and low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes with iterative decoding that almost attain Shannon capacity challenges the synchronization subsystems of a data modem. Fast and accurate signal synchronization has to be performed at a much lower value of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than in previous less efficiently coded systems. The solution to this issue is developing specific synchronization techniques that take advantage of the presence of the channel code and of the iterative nature of decoding: the so-called turbo-synchronization algorithms. The aim of this paper within this special issue devoted to the turbo principle is twofold: on the one hand, it shows how the many turbo-synchronization algorithms that have already appeared in the literature can be cast into a simple and rigorous theoretical framework. On the other hand, it shows the application of such techniques in a few simple cases, and evaluates improvement that can be obtained from them, especially in the low-SNR regime.     

Process Development of Lappula squarrosa Oil Refinement: Monitoring of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Boraginaceae Seed Oils

Boraginaceous plants are characterized by high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and show a high ratio of ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids. In addition, Lappula squarrosa (Boraginaceae) shows high levels of stearidonic acid content (ω-3; 18:4; 6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid) showing interesting medical and health promoting properties. On the other hand Boraginaceous plants contain genotoxic and carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). An HPLC–ESI–MS/MS sum parameter method was developed to monitor the total sum of 1,2-unsaturated PA in seed oil. The method was used to monitor different steps in oil refinement using lab model experiments and pilot scale refinement of L. squarrosa seed oil. A limit of detection and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.02 μg retronecine equivalents (RE)/kg and 0.05 μg RE/kg were achieved, respectively. Multiple washing steps at pH 2.2 can significantly reduce the PA content to 0.07 % of the start value. In addition, combining washing with neutralization, bleaching and deodorization can reduce the PA content of L. squarrosa oil below the LOQ (0.05 μg RE/kg). The newly established method was further used to analyze the PA content of commercially available Boraginaceous seed oils (Echium spp., Borago officinalis). Three out of ten products were tested as PA positive (PA content ranging from not detected to 0.6 μg RE/kg product).