Joint Approximately Sparse Channel Estimation and Data Detection in OFDM Systems Using Sparse Bayesian Learning

It is well known that the impulse response of a wide-band wireless channel is approximately sparse, in the sense that it has a small number of significant components relative to the channel delay spread. In this paper, we consider the estimation of the unknown channel coefficients and its support in OFDM systems using a sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) framework for exact inference. In a quasi-static, block-fading scenario, we employ the SBL algorithm for channel estimation and propose a joint SBL (J-SBL) and a low-complexity recursive J-SBL algorithm for joint channel estimation and data detection. In a time-varying scenario, we use a first-order autoregressive model for the wireless channel and propose a novel, recursive, low-complexity Kalman filtering-based SBL (KSBL) algorithm for channel estimation. We generalize the KSBL algorithm to obtain the recursive joint KSBL algorithm that performs joint channel estimation and data detection. Our algorithms can efficiently recover a group of approximately sparse vectors even when the measurement matrix is partially unknown due to the presence of unknown data symbols. Moreover, the algorithms can fully exploit the correlation structure in the multiple measurements. Monte Carlo simulations illustrate the efficacy of the proposed techniques in terms of the mean-square error and bit error rate performance.

Role of the loop L-4,L-5 in allosteric regulation in mtHsp70s: in vivo significance of domain communication and its implications in protein translocation

Mitochondrial Hsp70 (mtHsp70) is essential for a vast repertoire of functions, including protein import, and requires effective interdomain communication for efficient partner-protein interactions. However, the in vivo functional significance of allosteric regulation in eukaryotes is poorly defined. Using integrated biochemical and yeast genetic approaches, we provide compelling evidence that a conserved substrate-binding domain (SBD) loop, L-4,L-5, plays a critical role in allosteric communication governing mtHsp70 chaperone functions across species. In yeast, a temperature-sensitive L-4,L-5 mutation (E467A) disrupts bidirectional domain communication, leading to compromised protein import and mitochondrial function. Loop L-4,L-5 functions synergistically with the linker in modulating the allosteric interface and conformational transitions between SBD and the nucleotide-binding domain (NBD), thus regulating interdomain communication. Second-site intragenic suppressors of E467A isolated within the SBD suppress domain communication defects by conformationally altering the allosteric interface, thereby restoring import and growth phenotypes. Strikingly, the suppressor mutations highlight that restoration of communication from NBD to SBD alone is the minimum essential requirement for effective in vivo function when primed at higher basal ATPase activity, mimicking the J-protein-bound state. Together these findings provide the first mechanistic insights into critical regions within the SBD of mtHsp70s regulating interdomain communication, thus highlighting its importance in protein translocation and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Unusual eigenvalue spectrum and relaxation in the Levy-Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process

We consider the rates of relaxation of a particle in a harmonic well, subject to Levy noise characterized by its Levy index mu. Using the propagator for this Levy-Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process (LOUP), we show that the eigenvalue spectrum of the associated Fokker-Planck operator has the form (n + m mu)nu where nu is the force constant characterizing the well, and n, m is an element of N. If mu is irrational, the eigenvalues are all nondegenerate, but rational mu can lead to degeneracy. The maximum degeneracy is shown to be 2. The left eigenfunctions of the fractional Fokker-Planck operator are very simple while the right eigenfunctions may be obtained from the lowest eigenfunction by a combination of two different step-up operators. Further, we find that the acceptable eigenfunctions should have the asymptotic behavior vertical bar x vertical bar(-n1-n2 mu) as vertical bar x vertical bar -> infinity, with n(1) and n(2) being positive integers, though this condition alone is not enough to identify them uniquely. We also assert that the rates of relaxation of LOUP are determined by the eigenvalues of the associated fractional Fokker-Planck operator and do not depend on the initial state if the moments of the initial distribution are all finite. If the initial distribution has fat tails, for which the higher moments diverge, one can have nonspectral relaxation, as pointed out by Toenjes et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 150602 (2013)].

Spectrum of the three-dimensional fuzzy well

We develop the formalism of quantum mechanics on three-dimensional fuzzy space and solve the Schrodinger equation for the free particle, finite and infinite fuzzy wells. We show that all results reduce to the appropriate commutative limits. A high energy cut-off is found for the free particle spectrum, which also results in the modification of the high energy dispersion relation. An ultra-violet/infra-red duality is manifest in the free particle spectrum. The finite well also has an upper bound on the possible energy eigenvalues. The phase shifts due to scattering around the finite fuzzy potential well are calculated.

Quick re-introduction of selective scalar interactions in a pure-shift NMR spectrum

A new 1D NMR experiment cited as `Quick G-SERF', which re-introduces selective proton-proton scalar interactions in a pure shift spectrum during real time data acquisition, is reported. The method provides information on multiple proton-proton couplings from a single experiment, analogous to the 2D G-SERF technique, while significantly shortening the experimental time by 1-2 orders of magnitude due to reduced dimension and enhanced sensitivity.

MEMS Tunable Optical Filter Based on Multi-Ring Resonator

We propose a novel MEMS tunable optical filter with a flat-top pass band based on multi-ring resonator in an electrostatically actuated microcantilever for communication application. The filter is basically structured on a microcantilever beam and built in optical integrated ring resonator which is placed in one end of the beam to gain maximum stress on the resonator. Thus, when a DC voltage is applied, the beam will bend, that induces a stress and strain in the ring, which brings a change in refractive index and perimeter of the rings leading to change in the output spectrum shift, providing the tenability as high as 0.68nm/mu N. and it is capable of tuning up to 1.7nm.

Assignment of the C-13 NMR spectrum by correlation to dipolar coupled proton-pairs and estimation of order parameters of a thiophene based liquid crystal

Materials with widely varying molecular topologies and exhibiting liquid crystalline properties have attracted considerable attention in recent years. C-13 NMR spectroscopy is a convenient method for studying such novel systems. In this approach the assignment of the spectrum is the first step which is a non-trivial problem. Towards this end, we propose here a method that enables the carbon skeleton of the different sub-units of the molecule to be traced unambiguously. The proposed method uses a heteronuclear correlation experiment to detect pairs of nearby carbons with attached protons in the liquid crystalline core through correlation of the carbon chemical shifts to the double-quantum coherences of protons generated through the dipolar coupling between them. Supplemented by experiments that identify non-protonated carbons, the method leads to a complete assignment of the spectrum. We initially apply this method for assigning the C-13 spectrum of the liquid crystal 4-n-pentyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl oriented in the magnetic field. We then utilize the method to assign the aromatic carbon signals of a thiophene based liquid crystal thereby enabling the local order-parameters of the molecule to be estimated and the mutual orientation of the different sub-units to be obtained.

On the Communication Complexity of Secret Key Generation in the Multiterminal Source Model

Communication complexity refers to the minimum rate of public communication required for generating a maximal-rate secret key (SK) in the multiterminal source model of Csiszar and Narayan. Tyagi recently characterized this communication complexity for a two-terminal system. We extend the ideas in Tyagi's work to derive a lower bound on communication complexity in the general multiterminal setting. In the important special case of the complete graph pairwise independent network (PIN) model, our bound allows us to determine the exact linear communication complexity, i.e., the communication complexity when the communication and SK are restricted to be linear functions of the randomness available at the terminals.

A Novel and Scalable LED Communication System

We describe our novel LED communication infrastructure and demonstrate its scalability across platforms. Our system achieves 50 kilo bits per second on very simple SoCs and scales to megabits bits per second rates on dual processor based mobile phone platforms.

Extremely High Near Field Enhancement in a Novel Plasmonic Nano Material used for Photovoltage Generation

Enhancement of localized electric field near metal (plasmonic) nanostructures can have various interesting applications in sensing, imaging, photovoltage generation etc., for which significant efforts are aimed towards developing plasmonic systems with well designed and large electromagnetic response. In this paper, we discuss the wafer scale fabrication and optical characterization of a unique three dimensional plasmonic material. The near field enhancement in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum obtained in these structures (order of 106), is close to the fundamental limit that can be obtained in this and similar EM field enhancement schemes. The large near field enhancement has been reflected in a huge Raman signal of graphene layer in close proximity to the plasmonic system, which has been validated with FEM simulations. We have integrated graphene photodetectors with this material to obtain record photovoltage generation, with responsivity as high as A/W. As far as we know, this is the highest sensitivity obtained in any plasmonic-graphene hybrid photodetection system till date.

A Generalist Predator Regulating Spread of a Wildlife Disease: Exploring Two Infection Transmission Scenarios

Ecoepidemiology is a well-developed branch of theoretical ecology, which explores interplay between the trophic interactions and the disease spread. In most ecoepidemiological models, however, the authors assume the predator to be a specialist, which consumes only a single prey species. In few existing papers, in which the predator was suggested to be a generalist, the alternative food supply was always considered to be constant. This is obviously a simplification of reality, since predators can often choose between a number of different prey. Consumption of these alternative prey can dramatically change their densities and strongly influence the model predictions. In this paper, we try to bridge the gap and explore a generic ecoepidemiological system with a generalist predator, where the densities of all prey are dynamical variables. The model consists of two prey species, one of which is subject to an infectious disease, and a predator, which consumes both prey species. We investigate two main scenarios of infection transmission mode: (i) the disease transmission rate is predator independent and (ii) the transmission rate is a function of predator density. For both scenarios we fulfil an extensive bifurcation analysis. We show that including a second dynamical prey in the system can drastically change the dynamics of the single prey case. In particular, the presence of a second prey impedes disease spread by decreasing the basic reproduction number and can result in a substantial drop of the disease prevalence. We demonstrate that with efficient consumption of the second prey species by the predator, the predator-dependent disease transmission can not destabilize interactions, as in the case with a specialist predator. Interestingly, even if the population of the second prey eventually vanishes and only one prey species finally remains, the system with two prey species may exhibit different properties to those of the single prey system.

Soft Real Time Implementation of a Cognitive Radio Testbed for Frequency Hopping Primary Satisfying QoS Requirements

The Cognitive Radio (CR) is a promising technology which provides a novel way to subjugate the issue of spectrum underutilization caused due to the fixed spectrum assignment policies. In this paper we report the design and implementation of a soft-real time CR MAC, consisting of multiple secondary users, in a frequency hopping (Fit) primary scenario. This MAC is capable of sensing the spectrum and dynamically allocating the available frequency bands to multiple CR users based on their QoS requirements. As the primary is continuously hopping, a method has also been implemented to detect the hop instant of the primary network. Synchronization usually requires real time support, however we have been able to achieve this with a soft-real time technique which enables a fully software implementation of CR MAC layer. We demonstrate the wireless transmission and reception of video over this CR testbed through opportunistic spectrum access. The experiments carried out use an open source software defined radio package called GNU Radio and a basic radio hardware component USRP.

Optimal Power Allocation Policies for Low Powered Wireless Communication Systems

We consider optimal average power allocation policies in a wireless channel in the presence of individual delay constraints on the transmitted packets. Power is consumed in transmission of data only. We consider the case when the power used in transmission is a linear function of the data transmitted. The transmission channel may experience multipath fading. We have developed a computationally efficient online algorithm, when there is same hard delay constraint for all packets. Later on, we generalize it to the case when there are multiple real time streams with different hard deadline constraints. Our algorithm uses linear programming and has very low complexity.

Microwave Spectrum of Hexafluoroisopropanol and Torsional Behavior of Molecules with a CF3-C-CF3 Group

This paper presents the first microwave spectroscopic investigation on hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). A pulsed nozzle Fourier transform microwave spectrometer has been used to determine the rotational constants for HFIP as A = 2105.12166(18) MHz, B = 1053.99503(12) MHz, and C = 932.33959(13) MHz. In addition, five isotopologues of HFIP have been observed experimentally to determine the accurate structure of HFIP. The observed spectrum could be assigned to the most stable conformer of HFIP, called antiperiplanar. Available spectroscopic information and ab initio calculations on five prototype molecules helped in exploring the torsional behavior of molecules having a CF3-C-CF3 group. Two-dimensional potential energy surfaces have been analyzed for all molecules, which explained the presence/absence of doubling in the rotational transitions. With the help of natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, reasons for the conformational preference of HFIP have been explained.