Method for preventing delay ambiguity

A detection error mechanism termed delay ambiguity is identified as one of the main causes of the irreducible bit error rate observed for data detection over fast fading communication channels. A periodic sequence of phase rotations applied to the phase shift keyed (PSK) transmit data symbols is proposed to prevent this type of detection error     

Studies on the ultrastructure, histochemistry and cytochemistry of the uninfected digestive gland of Bithynia tentaculata (Mollusca: Gastropoda) and on the ultrastructure of this host organ in snails infected with larval digeneans

The structure and function of the digestive gland of the gastropod mollusc, Bithynia tentaculata, was investigated using ultrastructural, histochemical, and cytochemical techniques. The digestive gland was shown to be composed of two main cell types, the "digestive" cells and "secretory" cells. The digestive cells appeared to be concerned with the absorption and digestion of nutrients, while secretory cells produced digestive enzymes and calcareous concretions. Undifferentiated cells were scattered between these two main cell types. The pathological effects of larval digeneans on the digestive gland were also investigated, at the ultrastructural level. In such infected snails the digestive gland appeared to be degenerating. The significance of this tissue destruction was briefly discussed.     

Lung deposition of fenoterol and flunisolide delivered using a novel device for inhaled medicines: comparison of RESPIMAT with conventional metered-dose inhalers with and without spacer devices

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare lung deposition of fenoterol or flunisolide administered from a novel, multidose inhalation device delivering liquid droplets (RESPIMAT; Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd; Bracknell, UK) or from conventional metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) with and without spacers. DESIGN: Two randomized, three-way crossover studies. SETTING: Clinical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy, nonsmoking volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: In one study, radiolabeled aerosols of fenoterol from the RESPIMAT device and from a conventional MDI with or without an Aerochamber spacer (Trudell Medical; London, Ontario Canada). In the second study, radiolabeled aerosols of flunisolide from a RESPIMAT device, from a RESPIMAT device modified by inclusion of a baffle/impactor in the mouthpiece, and from a conventional MDI with an Inhacort spacer (Boehringer Ingelheim; Ingelheim, Germany). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Assessment of the deposition of fenoterol or flunisolide in the lung and oropharynx using gamma scintigraphy. Safety was assessed based on reported adverse effects and spirometry (FEV1, FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate) to detect any paradoxical bronchoconstriction. The RESPIMAT device delivered significantly more fenoterol to the lungs than either an MDI alone or an MDI with Aerochamber (39.2% vs 11.0% and 9.9% of metered dose, respectively; p<0.01). Oropharyngeal deposition of fenoterol from the new device was lower than that from the MDI (37.1% vs 71.7%, respectively; p<0.01). The RESPIMAT device deposited significantly more flunisolide in the lungs compared with MDI plus spacer (44.6% vs 26.4%, respectively; p<0.01), while resulting in similar oropharyngeal deposition (26.2% vs 31.2%, respectively). Introduction of a baffle into the RESPIMAT system reduced lung deposition of flunisolide to 29.5%, and oropharyngeal deposition to 7.8% (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The RESPIMAT device may prove to be an effective alternative to MDIs for the administration of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids. The high lung deposition and low oropharyngeal deposition may lead to improved efficacy and tolerability of inhaled medications, especially corticosteroids.     

Reference wavelengths for strong lines of atomic hydrogen and deuterium

Wavelengths of the individual fine-structure components of the n = 1-2 (Ly(alpha)), n = 1-3 (Ly(beta)), n = 1-4 (Ly(gamma)), n = 1-5 (Ly(delta)), n = 1-6 (Ly(epsilon)), n = 1-7 (Ly(zeta)), n = 2-3 (H(alpha)), n = 2-4 (H(beta)), n = 2-5 (H(gamma)), n = 2-6 (H(delta)), and n = 2-7 (H(epsilon)) transitions of H and D are determined from theoretical values for the binding energies. Theoretical line strengths are used to obtain recommended values for the peaks of unresolved blends of these components as likely to be observed with discharge light sources and spectrometers with low to moderate resolution.     

Radio frequency coupling between an antenna and two unshieldedparallel wires above a metal sheet-measurement precautions

An unshielded 1 m transmission line, made of two parallel wires suspended 0.1 m above a plane metal sheet, is illuminated in the VHF and UHF bands by a log-periodic dipole array (LPDA). A network analyzer is used to measure the voltage induced at one end of the line. The measured signal is compared to the predictions of a moment method numerical analysis, using the NEC code. The measured and predicted coupling are in reasonable agreement only once two measurement precautions are taken. First, the illuminating antenna has to be well-balanced to suppress common mode radiation from the coaxial cable connecting the transmitter to the antenna. Second, an output balun must be inserted between the unshielded transmission line and the coaxial cable to the network analyzer. This is needed to prevent common mode signals on the coaxial cable from contaminating the measurements. Besides these practical steps, it is also necessary to use physical insight and high frequency circuit theory to develop a good equivalent circuit of the output balun for use in the computational model     

Partitioning Analog and Digital Processing in Mixed-Signal Systems

Shrinking feature sizes, combined with the need for low-power and lightweight components, fuel the desire to place large mixed-signal systems onto a single die. A major design issue in mixed-signal systems is the effect of digital switching noise coupled to sensitive analog circuits through the substrate. A method is presented for minimizing this effect by partitioning digital and analog processing into separate time blocks. The resulting trade-off between lost signal and increased energy consumption is explored. As an example, a GPS synchronizer design is analyzed with respect to modifications that can be made to increase performance, while minimizing any associated energy penalty. Application of the partitioning method to other communications systems is discussed.     

Time and the eyes to see [waveform analysis]

In engineering we frequently make use of an oscilloscope to see the various forms of waves with which we work. If it is a sound wave, we would use a microphone to capture the wave. The microphone is known as a transducer, converting the acoustic energy into electrical energy. A photo-sensor acts as a transducer for a light wave and an antenna is able to retrieve a radio wave. To interpret the waves, of whichever kind, the waveform can be recorded and this is not a difficult task if the wave is displayable on the oscilloscope. Joseph Fourier (1768-1830) produced a theory that allowed us to analyze the waves that we record. His method can be likened to many of the tools that have been discussed. We have seen physical transformations to provide insights and this is a transformation of a mathematical kind.