Mean vs. variance trade-off analysis in multi-antenna multi-user channels

In multi-user communications, the access point (AP) has several alternatives for distributing the scarce resources among users. Since there exists a trade-off between the global performance and the individual needs, an analytical framework to study fairness is derived, which completes the scope given by the existing fairness indexes in the literature. The framework proposed in this paper is a way to interpret fairness that has been inspired by portfolio selection; basically, it analyzes the mean vs. standard deviation trade-off. In this work, the target application is a multi-antenna AP transmitting simultaneously to several single-antenna terminals, although this framework is valid to analyze other procedures in multi-user communications.     

MMSE techniques for space diversity receivers in OFDM-based wireless LANs

This paper studies the application of the minimum mean square error (MMSE) beamformer to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based wireless local area networks. The questions here addressed are mainly the design with finite-length data and the choice of the OFDM signal domain where the beamformer is applied, either frequency or time. As OFDM signals need more samples than other modulations to stabilize the estimation of the signal statistics, how to exploit the finite-length training sequence provided for the design of equalizers becomes an important issue. The paper also shows that the usual frequency processing in OFDM is not always the best choice for the spatial beamforming, mainly for channels with a very high delay spread. Then, time processing turns out to be the best suited approach in terms of the tradeoff between performance and complexity. Additionally, novel modifications of the MMSE spatial filter are proposed to improve the raw bit-error rate performance: 1) a temporal semiblind approach that exploits the cyclic prefix and 2) windowing in the frequency domain.     

Molecular Basis of AmpC β-Lactamase Induction by Avibactam in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: PBP Occupancy,Live Cell Binding Dynamics and Impact on Resistant Clinical Isolates Harboring PDC-X Variants

Avibactam belongs to the new class of diazabicyclooctane β-lactamase inhibitors. Its inhibitory spectrum includes class A, C and D enzymes, including P. aeruginosa AmpC. Nonetheless, recent reports have revealed strain-dependent avibactam AmpC induction. In the present work, we wanted to assess the mechanistic basis underlying AmpC induction and determine if derepressed PDC-X mutated enzymes from ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant clinical isolates were further inducible. We determined avibactam concentrations that half-maximally inhibited (IC₅₀) bocillin FL binding. Inducer β-lactams were also studied as comparators. Live cells’ time-course penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) occupancy of avibactam was studied. To assess the ampC induction capacity of avibactam and comparators, qRT-PCR was performed in wild-type PAO1, PBP4, triple PBP4, 5/6 and 7 knockout derivatives and two ceftazidime/avibactam-susceptible/resistant XDR clinical isolates belonging to the epidemic high-risk clone ST175. PBP4 inhibition was observed for avibactam and β-lactam comparators. Induction capacity was consistently correlated with PBP4 binding affinity. Outer membrane permeability-limited PBP4 binding was observed in the live cells’ assay. As expected, imipenem and cefoxitin showed strong induction in PAO1, especially for carbapenem; avibactam induction was conversely weaker. Overall, the inducer effect was less remarkable in ampC-derepressed mutants and nonetheless absent upon avibactam exposure in the clinical isolates harboring mutated AmpC variants and their parental strains.     

Spatial scheduling in multiuser wireless systems: from power allocation to admission control

Given a zero forcing transmit beamforming, we focus on how the multi-antenna access point distributes the scarce resource (power) among the single-antenna terminals. Since there is a clear trade-off between the satisfaction of the individual needs and the global performance of the cell, several criteria are proposed, ranging from a classical physical layer point of view of capacity (rate) maximization to bit error rate (BER)-based cost functions, which are closer to the second layer of the protocol stack. Between two traditional techniques, namely the uniform power allocation and the equal BER and rate, a new one is proposed, which ultimately provides an intermediate performance. Then, we add BER (or signal to noise ratio) constraints so that the admission control problem has to be solved. Among traditional options, we propose a new mechanism to balance the above-mentioned trade-off between the total performance and the particular user behavior. The results in terms of fairness are presented by a mean vs. variance plot and by the Gini plot.     

Influence of locally-selected yeast on the chemical and sensorial properties of Albariño white wines

The use of selected yeast strains with improved or novel properties may promote wines with special and original quality attributes. In this paper, changes in the chemical composition (aroma compounds and polyphenols) and sensorial properties of Albariño white wines elaborated with the same must and selected yeast (named as 1, 2 and 3) have been studied in comparison with wines subjected to non-inoculated fermentation (control wine). The results indicated that yeast strain can significantly influence the aroma and polyphenol composition of the wines. Wines elaborated with strain 1 had a higher concentration of terpenes and norisoprenoids, which are compounds closely associated with the fruity and fresh character of Albariño white wines. These same wines had a lower concentration of flavan-3-ols, closely associated with the astringency and bitterness of the wine and the lowest browning potential. The formal sensory analysis conducted by 8 trained judges showed that wines elaborated with strain 1 were preferred by the tasting panel. Therefore, the selection of yeast strains could offer the possibility to modulate sensorial attributes related with the aroma and phenol composition in Albariño white wines.     

Preparation and characterization of carbon nano-onions by nanodiamond annealing and functionalization by radio-frequency Ar/O2 plasma

Carbon nanomaterials can be prepared by several methods having in common that need a carbon source and often require high energies. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of carbon nano-onions by annealing of commercially available nanodiamonds and explore for the first time their functionalization with a radio frequency Ar/O₂ plasma. Heat treatment of nanodiamonds at 1200°C for 6 hours under argon atmosphere afforded small spherical carbon nano-onion particles of 3–4 nm diameter and 5–6 graphitic shells. The prepared CNOs were visualized by HRTEM and showed the characteristic XRD and Raman features. The results have been compared with a sample prepared by annealing at 1600°C. Plasma functionalization in Ar/O₂ atmosphere was used to introduce oxygen moieties into the surface of synthesized CNOs. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy showed that oxygen-containing groups like C─O, C═O and O─C═O were introduced on the surface of CNOs, a process that is accompanied by a surface reorganization as evidenced by the change of I_D/I_G ratios in the Raman spectra, indicating a conversion of sp² to sp³ as a result of functionalization in the surface of CNO.     

One-step sonochemical synthesis of a graphene oxide-manganese oxide nanocomposite for catalytic glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of a graphene oxide (GO)-manganese oxide nanocomposite (GO-Mn(3)O(4)) was conducted without further modification of GO or employing secondary materials. With the GO nanoplate as a support, potassium permanganate oxidizes the carbon atoms in the GO support and gets reduced to Mn(3)O(4). An intensive ultrasound method could reduce the number of reaction steps and temperature, enhance the reaction rate and furthermore achieve a Mn(3)O(4) phase. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The coverage and crystallinity of Mn(3)O(4) were controlled by changing the ratio of permanganate to GO dispersion. The synthesized nanocomposite was used as a catalyst for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) depolymerization into its monomer, bis(2-hydroxylethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The highest monomer yield of 96.4% was obtained with the nanocomposite containing the lowest amount of Mn(3)O(4), while PET glycolysis with the Mn(3)O(4) without GO yielded 82.7% BHET.     

Economic comparison of timed artificial insemination and exogenous progesterone as treatments for ovarian cysts

The objective of this study was to compare the economic benefits of timed artificial insemination (AI) and a progesterone insert as therapeutic treatments for cows diagnosed with cystic ovarian disease (COD). A secondary objective was to illustrate the use of a stochastic dynamic simulation model to fully account for all changes in revenues and costs affected by differences in treatments. First, 4 herds of 1,000 cows each were simulated until steady state. These cows were free from COD and inseminated based on estrus only. Herds differed by probability of estrus detection (46 or 70%) and days in milk (DIM) when nonpregnant cows were culled (330 or 400 d). Second, 3 herds were created with 1,000 nonpregnant cows at 90, 170, or 250 DIM. These cows were considered diagnosed with COD at the start of the simulation (d 0); no new cases of COD developed after d 0. Cows spontaneously recovered or were treated. Treatments were either timed AI or intravaginal device containing progesterone followed by PGF_2α and then AI if estrus was detected. Effects of treatments were evaluated in 48 scenarios based on compliance of timed AI (82 or 100%), probability of estrus detection (46 or 70%), and DIM when nonpregnant cows were culled (330 or 400 d). As cows became pregnant or were replaced, the herd evolved into the associated steady-state herd. Seven scenarios resulted in less than 50% of cows conceiving before they were culled. The percentage of cows diagnosed with COD that calved again ranged from 14.0 to 74.4% and was significantly reduced when COD was diagnosed later in lactation. Treatments in all cases were more valuable than waiting for spontaneous recovery. The average values of timed AI (82 or 100% compliance) and the progesterone insert were $83.29, $86.83, and $71.89, respectively, compared with waiting for spontaneous recovery. Treatments were least beneficial at 90 DIM. The benefits of timed AI (82 or 100% compliance) compared with the progesterone insert, adjusted for DIM and days to culling, were $14.98 and $21.53 when the probability of estrus detection was 46%. At 70% probability of estrus detection, the benefits were $7.81 and $8.34, respectively. Overall benefit of treatment by timed AI was $11.39 greater than by progesterone insert.     

Efficacy of natural grassland buffers for removal of Cryptosporidium parvum in rangeland runoff

Our goal for this project was to estimate the retention efficiency of natural grassland buffers for Cryptosporidium parvum. Three sets of 16 plots (2.0 by 3.0 m) were established at 5, 20, and 35% slopes. Within each set of 16 plots, residual dry vegetation matter treatments of 225, 560, and 900 kg/ha were implemented, along with a noncut control averaging 4,500 kg/ ha. Buffer width treatments were implemented by placing cattle fecal material containing known loads of C. parvum 0.1, 1.1, or 2.1 m up-slope of the runoff collector. Grassland buffers of 1.1 and 2.1 m generated 3.2- to 8.8-log and 3.6- to 8.8-log retention of C. parvum, respectively, across the range of residual dry vegetation matter, land slope, rainfall, and runoff conditions examined during this project. Buffers with an increased percent land slope exhibited improved the retention efficiencies, whereas buffers experiencing larger maximum annual runoff events exhibited reduced retention efficiencies. Water-quality data from the 0.1-m-wide buffer plots (effectively no buffer) demonstrated that the majority of C. parvum oocysts (98 to 99.999%) were retained in the fecal matrix for the duration of the storm season, irrespective of the presence of a vegetated buffer. In conclusion, these results support the assertion that grassland buffers are an effective method for reducing animal agricultural inputs of waterborne C. parvum into drinking and irrigation water supplies.     

Uterine involution and fertility of holstein cows subsequent to early postpartum PGF2alpha treatment for acute puerperal metritis

The objective was to evaluate the effect of 2 doses of PGF_2α injected early postpartum on uterine involution, serum concentration of acute phase proteins at 12 d postpartum, and fertility in Holstein cows with acute puerperal metritis. Only cows diagnosed with retained fetal membranes and metritis and treated with ceftiofur hydrochloride for 5 d were used in the study. Two hundred cows were assigned randomly to be treated (n = 100) or to serve as controls (n = 100). Treatment consisted of 2 i.m. injections of PGF_2α 8 h apart on d 8 postpartum. A subsample of 90 cows was selected randomly (45 treated cows; 45 controls) to evaluate uterine diameter using ultrasonography, uterine score, and serum concentrations of acute phase proteins at 12 d postpartum. The outcome variable for all cows was conception rate at first service. Postpartum, primiparous, treated cows had smaller uterine diameters and lower uterine scores than controls. Cows with a uterine diameter <5.1 cm at 12 d postpartum were 5.5 times more likely to conceive at first service than cows with larger uterine horn diameter. Treatment significantly reduced the concentrations of serum α1-acid glycoprotein. Within primiparous cows, treatment also increased conception at first service by 17%. It was concluded that 2 doses of PGF_2α 8 h apart at 8 d postpartum in primiparous cows with acute puerperal metritis decreased the diameter of uterine horns and serum concentration of α1-acid glycoprotein at 12 d postpartum and increased the conception rate at first service.