A novel wideband space‐time channel simulator based on the geometrical one‐ring model with applications in MIMO‐OFDM systems

In this paper, we extend the geometrical one‐ring multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) channel model with respect to frequency selectivity. Our approach enables the design of efficient and accurate simulation models for wideband space‐time MIMO channels under isotropic scattering conditions. Two methods will be provided to compute the parameters of the simulation model. Especially, the temporal, frequency and spatial correlation properties of the proposed wideband space‐time MIMO channel simulator are studied analytically. It is shown that any given specified or measured discrete power delay profile (PDP) can be incorporated into the simulation model. The high accuracy of the simulation model is demonstrated by comparing its statistical properties with those of the underlying reference model with specified correlation properties in the time, frequency and spatial domain. As an application example of the new MIMO frequency‐selective fading channel model, we study the influence of various channel model parameters on the system performance of a space‐time coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. For example, we investigate the influence of the antenna element spacings of the base station (BS) antenna as well as the mobile station (MS) antenna. It turns out that an increasing of the antenna element spacing at the BS side results in a higher diversity gain than an increasing of the antenna element spacing at the MS side. Furthermore, the diversity gain brought in by space‐time block coding schemes is investigated by simulation. Our results show that transmitter diversity can significantly reduce the symbol error rate (SER) of multiple antenna systems. Finally, the influence of the Doppler effect and the impact of imperfect channel state information (CSI) on the system performance is also investigated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fiber-optic laser sensor for mine detection and verification

What we believe to be a new optical approach for the identification of mines and explosives by analyzing the surface materials and not only bulk is developed. A conventional manually operated mine prodder is upgraded by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In situ and real-time information of materials that are in front of the prodder are obtained during the demining process in order to optimize the security aspects and the speed of demining. A Cr4+:Nd3+:YAG microchip laser is used as a seed laser for an ytterbium-fiber amplifier to generate high-power laser pulses at 1064 nm with pulse powers up to E(p) = 1 mJ, a repetition rate of f(rep.) = 2-20 kHz and a pulse duration of t(p) = 620 ps. The recorded LIBS signals are analyzed by applying neural networks for the data analysis.     

Solidly mounted ZnO shear mode film bulk acoustic resonators for sensing applications in liquids

Solidly mounted film bulk acoustic resonators (FBAR) operating at 850 MHz in the shear vibration mode have been fabricated. C-axis inclined zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films realized by modified reactive magnetron sputtering were used: Coupling factors k2 of 1.7% and Q-factors of 312 were determined in air. Q-factors of 192 were measured in water, making these devices attractive for sensing applications in liquids, e.g., biosensing.     

Factorial coding of natural images: how effective are linear models in removing higher-order dependencies?

The performance of unsupervised learning models for natural images is evaluated quantitatively by means of information theory. We estimate the gain in statistical independence (the multi-information reduction) achieved with independent component analysis (ICA), principal component analysis (PCA), zero-phase whitening, and predictive coding. Predictive coding is translated into the transform coding framework, where it can be characterized by the constraint of a triangular filter matrix. A randomly sampled whitening basis and the Haar wavelet are included in the comparison as well. The comparison of all these methods is carried out for different patch sizes, ranging from 2x2 to 16x16 pixels. In spite of large differences in the shape of the basis functions, we find only small differences in the multi-information between all decorrelation transforms (5% or less) for all patch sizes. Among the second-order methods, PCA is optimal for small patch sizes and predictive coding performs best for large patch sizes. The extra gain achieved with ICA is always less than 2%. In conclusion, the edge filters found with ICA lead to only a surprisingly small improvement in terms of its actual objective.     

Quantum dots for human mesenchymal stem cells labeling. A size-dependent autophagy activation

Lately certain cytotoxicity of quantum dots (QDs) and some deleterious effects of labeling procedure on stem cells differentiation abilities were shown. In the present study we compared cytotoxicity and intracellular processing of two different-sized protein-conjugated QDs after labeling of the human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). An asymmetrical intracellular uptake of red (605 nm) and green (525 nm) quantum dots was observed. We describe for the first time a size-dependent activation of autophagy, caused by nanoparticles.     

Deutsche Nationalbibliothek 4. Erweiterungsbau in Leipzig – Besonderheiten bei der Unterfangung und der Bestandssicherung

Derzeit entsteht der 4. Erweiterungsbau der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek in Leipzig. Der neue Baukörper grenzt bereichsweise an die Bestandsgebäude und wurde 6 bis 8 m unterhalb der bestehenden Fundamente gegründet. Der setzungsempfindliche Baugrund infolge eines 4 m mächtigen Kohleflözes musste in der Planung besonders berücksichtigt werden. Um die Bestandsgebäude gegen Setzungen, Rissbildungen und Schiefstellungen zu schützen, wurden außergewöhnliche Sicherungsmaßnahmen realisiert: –·Zusammenspannen der Gebäude mittels Anordnung von Zugstäben –·Auskreuzung gefährdeter Bereiche durch Holz‐Fachwerkverbände –·Anwendung einer besonderen Technologie der HDI‐Unterfangung. Mit diesen Maßnahmen konnten ungleichmäßige Setzungen und Rissbildungen weitestgehend vermieden werden. The German National Library in Leipzig – 4^th extension – Special features of the underpinning and safety measures of inventory. At present the 4^th extension of the German National Library in Leipzig is under construction. The new building is near the existing buildings and was founded in 6 to 8 m below the existing foundations. The ground is liable to subsidence due to a 4 m thick coal seam. This had to be specially considered in the planning. To protect the existing buildings against settlements, cracking and misalignment extraordinary safety measures were implemented: –·tensioning arrangement of buildings by means of tension bars –·strengthening of vulnerable areas by timber trussed bond –·using a special technology of grouted underpinning With these measures, non‐uniform settlements and cracks could be largely avoided.     

Hochwasserschutz im Land Bremen – Anpassung an prognostizierte Klimaänderungen

Im Beitrag wird auf Besonderheiten bei der Umsetzung des Generalplans Küstenschutz Niedersachsen/Bremen im Land Bremen eingegangen. Im ersten Teil werden die Grundlagen und Ergebnisse des Generalplans sowie die administrative Aufstellung des Landes Bremen zur Anpassung des Hochwasserschutzes beschrieben. Das Instrument der Kostenvergleichsrechnung wird vorgestellt, welches in Bremen bereits im frühen Projektstadium zur Bewertung der Vorzugslösungen eingesetzt wird. Ein wichtiger Aspekt bei der Umsetzung des Generalplans sind die technischen Anforderungen, die sich aus den bestehenden Hochwasserschutzanlagen ergeben. Weiterhin müssen im Land Bremen die Maßnahmen zum Hochwasserschutz im Wesentlichen unter Berücksichtigung der bestehenden konstruktiv geprägten Ufer (Spundwände und Kaianlagen) umgesetzt werden. Dabei sind spezielle Anforderungen hinsichtlich der aktuellen und zukünftigen Nutzung insbesondere in den Hafenrevieren zu berücksichtigen. Beispielhaft werden begleitende Projekte der INROS LACKNER AG vorgestellt. Flood protection in the Federal State and the city of Bremen by adjustment of climate changes. The present article describes how the Federal State and the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen adapts its flood protection with respect to climate changes and global sea level rise. Design basics are compiled in the “Generalplan Küstenschutz Niedersachsen/Bremen” (General Plan for Coastal Protection – Lower Saxony/Bremen). Main results of the general plan will be described and administrative aspects of the adaptation of the flood protection elements in Bremen will be lined out. Special technical requirements as the consideration of existing walls and dikes will be described. Also requirements from harbour operation, recreational use and urban architecture have to be considered as the Bremen port partly undergoes a rapid change in this regard. The instrument of cost analysis will be introduced which is utilised in Bremen at an early stage of planning in order to develop cost effective measures of public founded projects. Mentioned topics will be described based on projects carried out by INROS LACKNER AG.     

Systematic approach to the synthesis of continuous-time cascaded sigma–delta modulators

This paper deals with a systematic approach to the synthesis of continuous-time cascaded sigma–delta modulators. Based on a system-theoretical model, a detailed derivation of the digital cancelation filters for continuous-time cascaded architectures is presented in order to achieve maximum signal-to-noise ratio together with optimal anti-aliasing performance. By using the same model, an exact equation for the performance loss of any cascaded architecture is derived. The latter is due to the scaling for stability and given relative to an ideal high-pass filter of the overall modulator order. Finally, an analytical calculation of optimal scaling coefficients in between the stages is performed, resulting in a limited search-space for these coefficients. Theoretical results are verified by simulations.     

MEtreePOLIS 1901-2111

As the natural world continues to change, it is clear that people would rather employ technology to adapt to shifting circumstances rather than alter their lifestyles to suit nature's demands. MEtreePolis is a timeline of crucial historical developments that explores the dichotomy of nature and technology. Commencing in 1901, it shoots past the present and into the future, closing in 2111. By providing an imaginative vision of tomorrow, Matthias Hollwich and Marc Kushner provide an entertaining argument for human manipulation of the environment, suggesting that it will inadvertently trigger ‘ecological salvation’ and ‘social utopia’. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High quality extrudates from aluminum chips by new billet compaction and deformation routes

The effects of different billet preparation techniques as well as selection of various deformation routes and their influence on the final mechanical properties in chip extrusion was studied. The AA6060 chips were compacted into billets using various techniques and then extruded through the flat-face, porthole and ECAP dies to create different deformation routes. The microstructures and the mechanical properties of the chip extruded profiles were compared to cast billets extruded through the flat-face die under the same conditions. The proposed technology shows very promising results in terms of energy savings and production of the high quality engineered aluminum profiles.