Spectral Efficiency of Channel-Aware Schedulers in Non-identical Composite Links with Interference

Accurate system planning and performance evaluation requires knowledge of the joint impact of scheduling, interference, and fading. However, current analyses either require costly numerical simulations or make simplifying assumptions that limit the applicability of the results. In this paper, we derive analytical expressions for the spectral efficiency of cellular systems that use either the channel-unaware but fair round robin scheduler or the greedy, channel-aware but unfair maximum signal to interference ratio scheduler. As is the case in real deployments, non-identical co-channel interference at each user, both Rayleigh fading and lognormal shadowing, and limited modulation constellation sizes are accounted for in the analysis. We show that using a simple moment generating function-based lognormal approximation technique and an accurate Gaussian-Q function approximation leads to results that match simulations well. These results are more accurate than erstwhile results that instead used the moment-matching Fenton-Wilkinson approximation method and bounds on the Q function. The spectral efficiency of cellular systems is strongly influenced by the channel scheduler and the small constellation size that is typically used in third generation cellular systems.

Unique Utilization of a Phosphoprotein Phosphatase Fold by a Mammalian Phosphodiesterase Associated with WAGR Syndrome

Metallophosphoesterase-domain-containing protein 2 (MPPED2) is a highly evolutionarily conserved protein with orthologs found from worms to humans. The human MPPED2 gene is found in a region of chromosome 11 that is deleted in patients with WAGR (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and mental retardation) syndrome, and MPPED2 may function as a tumor suppressor. However, the precise cellular roles of MPPED2 are unknown, and its low phosphodiesterase activity suggests that substrate hydrolysis may not be its prime function. We present here the structures of MPPED2 and two mutants, which show that the poor activity of MPPED2 is not only a consequence of the substitution of an active-site histidine residue by glycine but also due to binding of AMP or GMP to the active site. This feature, enhanced by structural elements of the protein, allows MPPED2 to utilize the conserved phosphoprotein-phosphatase-like fold in a unique manner, ensuring that its enzymatic activity can be combined with a possible role as a scaffolding or adaptor protein. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of Electron Spin Lifetime and Optical Orientation Efficiency in Germanium Using Electrical Detection of Radio Frequency Modulated Spin Polarization

We propose and demonstrate a technique for electrical detection of polarized spins in semiconductors in zero applied magnetic fields. Spin polarization is generated by optical injection using circularly polarized light which is modulated rapidly using an electro-optic cell. The modulated spin polarization generates a weak time-varying magnetic field which is detected by a sensitive radio-frequency coil. Using a calibrated pickup coil and amplification electronics, clear signals were obtained for bulk GaAs and Ge samples from which an optical spin orientation efficiency of 4.8% could be determined for Ge at 1342 nm excitation wavelength. In the presence of a small external magnetic field, the signal decayed according to the Hanle effect, from which a spin lifetime of 4.6 +/- 1.0 ns for electrons in bulk Ge at 127 K was extracted.

Nanostructuration via solid state transformation as a strategy for improving the thermoelectric efficiency of PbTe alloys

The approach taken in this paper in order to modify the scattering features of electrons and phonons and improve the figure of merit (ZT) of thermoelectric PbTe is to alter the microstructure at constant chemistry. A lamellar pattern of PbTe/GeTe at the nano- and microscale was produced in Pb(0.36)Ge(0.64)Te alloy by the diffusional decomposition of a supersaturated solid solution. The mechanism of nanostructuration is most likely a discontinuous spinodal decomposition. A simple model relating the interface velocity to the observed lamellar spacing is proposed. The effects of nanostructuration in Pb(0.36)Ge(0.64)Te alloy on the electrical and thermal conductivity, thermopower and ZT were investigated. It was shown that nanostructuration through the formation of a lamellar pattern of PbTe/GeTe is unlikely to provide a significant improvement due to the occurrence of discontinuous coarsening. However, the present study allows an analysis of possible strategies to improve thermoelectric materials via optimal design of the microstructure and optimized heat treatment. (C) 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fuel Cell Efficiency Redefined; Carnot Limit Reassessed

There are deficiencies in current definition of thermodynamic efficiency of fuel cells (ηcth = ΔG/ΔH); efficiency greater than unity is obtained when AS for the cell reaction is positive, and negative efficiency is obtained for endothermic reactions. The origin of the flow is identified. A new definition of thennodynamic efficiency is proposed that overcomes these limitations. Consequences of the new definition are examined. Against the conventional view that fuel cells are not Carnot limited, several recent articles have argued that the second law of thermodynamics restricts fuel cell energy conversion in the same way as heat engines. This controversy is critically examined. A resolution is achieved in part from an understanding of the contextual assumptions in the different approaches and in part from identifying some conceptual limitations.