Blind equalization - case of an unknown symbol period

We address the problem of estimating blindly a linearly modulated sequence of unknown rate transmitted over an unknown frequency selective channel. We achieve the goal by extending the concept of deconvolution to a cyclo-stationary context and present a generic class of functionals, the minimization of which achieves the equalization. This defines estimates of the symbol rate: by construction, they are insensitive to a lack of excess bandwidth, bestowing a clear advantage on them over the estimates of the literature.     

Interaction of NbVNi with Hydrogen

The interaction of NbVNi with hydrogen is studied over wide pressure and temperature ranges. Hydrogen absorption–desorption isotherms are measured, and the compositions of the resulting hydride phases are determined. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the incorporation of hydrogen into NbVNi leads to an isotropic expansion of its crystal lattice.     

Influence of the model for random birefringence on the differential group delay of periodically spun fibers

We consider the two Wai-Menyuk models of birefringence in periodically spun fibers, and we show that the differential group delay differs significantly for the two models when the spin period approaches or exceeds the fiber beat length. When the fiber correlation length is large, we explain this difference quantitatively, and we explain it qualitatively for any fiber correlation length.     

The Gilbert-Holland FDTD thin slot model revisited: an alternative expression for the in-cell capacitance

This paper proposes an alternative expression for the in-cell capacitance of a photoelectrical cell (PEC)-mounted slot, which is the conceptual cornerstone of the Gilbert-Holland subcell finite difference time domain (FDTD) model. By treating a slightly modified electrostatic problem, the extraneous charge singularity on the PEC edges touching the cell, which is characteristic of the originally proposed model, is removed. The latter offers better physical grounds for a new expression of the capacitance and the effective permittivity used in the update equations. High resolution standard FDTD simulation results are presented in support of the new expression.     

'Size leap' algorithm: an efficient extraction of the longest common motifs from a molecular sequence set. Application to the DNA sequence reconstruction.

We propose a new method, called 'size leap' algorithm, of search for motifs of maximum size and common to two fragments at least. It allows the creation of a reduced database of motifs from a set of sequences whose size obeys the series of Fibonacci numbers. The convenience lies in the efficiency of the motif extraction. It can be applied in the establishment of overlap regions for DNA sequence reconstruction and multiple alignment of biological sequences. The method of complete DNA sequence reconstruction by extraction of the longest motifs ('anchor motifs') is presented as an application of the size leap algorithm. The details of a reconstruction from three sequenced fragments are given as an example.     

Catalysis of linoleate oxidation by soluble chicken muscle proteins

A soluble fraction of a chickenMusculus gastrocnemius muscle was used to characterize the catalyst of linoleate oxidation. Separation of the chicken muscle extract into low (free metal) and high (protein) molecular weight fractions revealed that the molecular weight of the major catalyst of linoleate oxidation in chicken muscle extract was greater than 700 daltons. Catalysis of linoleate oxidation by the protein fraction exhibited a pH optimum of 5.9. Subjecting the protein fraction to heat treatments at increasing temperatures (30–90 C) decreased the catalysis of linoleate oxidation. Addition of two mM EDTA had no effect on the catalysis of linoleate oxidation. Cyanide (2 mM), glutathione (1 mM) and cysteine (1 mM) decreased the oxidation of linoleate by the protein fraction 21.0%, 22.9% and 29.0% respectively. Characterization of the oxidative catalyst in chicken muscle extract indicated that free metals and hemoproteins contribute to overall catalysis of linoleate oxidation but are not the sole catalysts. Heat inactivation of the oxidative catalyst and the observed pH optimum suggests that the unidentified catalyst is proteinacious and may be an enzyme.