Dimensioning of the LTE access network

This paper proposes efficient analytical models to dimension the necessary transport bandwidths for the Long Term Evolution (LTE) access network satisfying the QoS targets required by different services. In this paper, we consider two major traffic types: elastic traffic and real time traffic. For each type of traffic, individual dimensioning models are proposed for both the S1 interface and the X2 interface. For elastic traffic the dimensioning models are based on the Processor Sharing models; while for real time traffic the dimensioning models are based on the fundamental queuing models. For validating these analytical dimensioning models, a developed LTE system simulation model is used. Extensive simulations are performed for various traffic and network scenarios. The analytical results derived from the proposed dimensioning models are compared with the simulation results. The presented results demonstrate that the proposed analytical models can appropriately estimate the required performances for different service classes and priorities. Hence they are suitable to be used for dimensioning of the LTE access network with different traffic and network conditions.     

Ni-W Electrodeposited Coatings on Low Carbon Steel Substrate: Fatigue Observations

The fatigue response of electrodeposited Ni-W on low carbon steel substrate was studied. The considered Ni-W coatings are a promising substitute for toxic hard chromium coatings which, according to EU directives (2000/53/WE, 2011/37/UE), must be eliminated. Specimens of pure substrate and those covered by coating were compared. Coated specimens exhibited lower fatigue resistance under higher stress amplitudes than their non-coated counterparts in stress-controlled fatigue experiments. However, at lower stress amplitudes, the fatigue strength of both specimen types was similar. The cyclic softening of the coatings was demonstrated using indentation techniques.     

Perils, pitfalls, and accomplishments of guidelines for treatment of back problems

Science should be the basis for guidelines. As a result of the Flexner Report in 1911, we now live in an era where randomized trials are available. Statistical methods can truly be applied to evaluate the reliability of data published in the literature. The result is that we can now demand more from future publications and allow for a better evaluation of the mistakes or bias that can distort validity, applicability, and reliability. The importance of this methodology is to reduce misunderstandings by patients, clinicians, manufacturers, and government agencies about issues important to patient care.     

Survivable MPLS Over Optical Transport Networks: Cost and Resource Usage Analysis

In this paper we study different options for the survivability implementation in MPLS over optical transport networks (OTN) in terms of network resource usage and configuration cost. We investigate two approaches to the survivability deployment: single layer and multilayer survivability and present various methods for spare capacity allocation (SCA) to reroute disrupted traffic. The comparative analysis shows the influence of the offered traffic granularity and the physical network structure on the survivability cost: for high bandwidth LSPs, close to the optical channel capacity, the multilayer survivability outperforms the single layer one, whereas for low bandwidth LSPs the single layer survivability is more cost-efficient. On the other hand, sparse networks of low connectivity parameter use more wavelengths for optical path routing and increase the configuration cost, as compared with dense networks. We demonstrate that by mapping efficiently the spare capacity of the MPLS layer onto the resources of the optical layer one can achieve up to 22% savings in the total configuration cost and up to 37% in the optical layer cost. Further savings (up to 9 %) in the wavelength use can be obtained with the integrated approach to network configuration over the sequential one, however, at the increase in the optimization problem complexity. These results are based on a cost model with different cost variations, and were obtained for networks targeted to a nationwide coverage     

Optimized design of survivable MPLS over optical transport networks

In this paper we study different options for the survivability implementation in MPLS over Optical Transport Networks (OTNs) in terms of network resource usage and configuration cost. We investigate two approaches to the survivability deployment: single-layer survivability, where some recovery mechanism (e.g. protection or restoration) is implemented in a single network layer and multilayer survivability, where recovery is implemented in multiple network layers. The survivable MPLS over OTN design is implemented as a static network optimization problem and incorporates various methods for spare capacity allocation (SCA) to reroute disrupted traffic.The comparative analysis between the single layer and the multilayer survivability shows the influence of the traffic granularity on the survivability cost: for high-bandwidth LSPs, close to the optical channel capacity, the multilayer survivability outperforms the single layer one, whereas for low-bandwidth LSPs the single-layer survivability is more cost-efficient. For the multilayer survivability we demonstrate that by mapping efficiently the spare capacity of the MPLS layer onto the resources of the optical layer one can achieve up to 22% savings in the total configuration cost and up to 37% in the optical layer cost. Further savings (up to 9%) in the wavelength use can be obtained with the integrated approach to network configuration over the sequential one; however, this is at the increase in the optimization problem complexity. These results are based on a cost model with current technology pricing and were obtained for networks targeted to a nationwide coverage.     

8 color, 10-parameter flow cytometry to elucidate complex leukocyte heterogeneity

We developed the chemistry, instrumentation, and software technologies needed to measure, simultaneously and independently, eight different fluorescent molecules on individual cells. Conjugation of these fluorochromes to monoclonal antibodies is straightforward; all immunofluorescence staining is accomplished with direct stains only. We built a hybrid flow cytometer with eight fluorescence detectors and two light scatter channels, with excitation provided by three spatially separated laser beams emitting at 407 nm, 488 nm, and 595 nm. The fluorescence compensation required to make the data orthogonal is of sufficient complexity that it cannot be performed manually; thus, we use software to compensate the data post hoc, based on data collected from singly stained compensation control samples. In this report, we evaluate the 8 color staining technology. Of the seven fluorochromes other than fluorescein, six have a useful brightness at least as great as fluorescein. Three of the fluorochromes (phycoerythrin, allophycocyanin, and the Cy5 resonance energy tandem of phycoerythrin) are considerably brighter than fluorescein and are useful for detecting antigens expressed at low levels. Finally, we show the power and utility of the 8 color, 10-parameter technology using staining experiments on both human and murine immune systems.