Variational Bayes Based Multiuser Detection for On–Off Random Access Channels

This paper considers on–off random access channels where the users transmit either a one or a zero to a base station or fusion center, and it is assumed that only a small fraction of users are active during any channel use. Under these assumptions, the problem of identifying the active users reduces to that of recovering a sparse binary vector from noisy random linear measurements. A hierarchical Bayesian approach is proposed in this paper to recover the set of active users. A fast approximate Bayesian inference based on Variational Bayes (VB) is then developed. Extensive simulation results are then provided to compare the performance of the proposed VB based Bayesian MUD approach to sparse estimation techniques such as OMP and LASSO. It is observed that the proposed approach is robust to variations in noise as well as sparsity levels. Further, for a given BER performance, the proposed approach requires substantially smaller dimensional codes as compared to OMP and LASSO, thus improving the spectral efficiency.     

Monte Carlo simulation of Cu,Ni and Fe grade determination in borehole by PGNAA technique

A prompt gamma neutron activation analysis borehole logging method for copper, nickel and iron grade estimation is proposed. The performance of the method was simulated by MCNP5 code. Based on the theory of neutron–gamma distribution on the borehole condition, the BGO scintillator and ³He neutron tube are adopted to record gamma ray spectrum and thermal neutron simultaneously, and least square method is used for the characteristic gamma ray counts calculation in the high energy range. The results of detection limit of metal grade in borehole condition indicate that the effectiveness of this logging method.     

Mass separator for radioactive isotopes

A new isotope separator has been designed, constructed, and put into routine operation for separation of ¹³³Xe providing a major advancement and significant cost reduction in preparation of this radioactive isotope. The design features and advantages are discussed that expedite high purity separation of relatively small quantities of this isotope. These advantages could be easily used to expedite separation of other shorter-lived radioactive isotopes.     

Neutron moderation effects in phc contaiminated soil samples

Prompt gamma ray analysis of soil samples contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons(PHC) like benzene was carried out using 14 MeV neutron beams. Intensities of silicon, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen gamma rays were measured for soil samples containing 2.20–10.4 wt% benzene. With increasing benzene concentration, the intensity of the C gamma rays increased while those of Si, H, and O gamma rays decreased. The reduction in Si, H, and O gamma ray intensities may be due to increasing neutron moderation effect in benzene-contaminated soil samples. The experimental intensities of gamma rays are in good agreement with the calculated intensities.The neutron moderation effects in benzene contaminated soil samples are about 26% weaker than those reported for soil samples containing moisture. From the slopes of silicon gamma ray intensity as a function of benzene concentration as well as moisture concentration, a simple scheme has been suggested to correct for the loss in carbon counts caused by neutron moderation from PHC and moisture in the soil samples.     

Nuclear analysis at NBS and NIST

For more than 50 years, nuclear methods have been applied to chemical analysis at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Radiochemical, instrumental, and prompt-gamma activation analysis are used, as well as neutron depth profiling and other techniques. The history of this group in methods development and the certification of Standard Reference Materials, among other applications, is reviewed.     

A cell-permeable green fluorescent probe for dsDNA

The sensitive and selective detection of nucleic acids is important for basic research and many applied fields. Herein, a novel green DEAB-TO-1 was designed and synthesized. DEAB-TO-1 shows significant fluorescence enhancement (800-fold) when bound to ctDNA and a distinct selectivity for dsDNA over RNA (5.9 times). Moreover, the limit of detection is 0.57 ng/mL. It is live-cell-permeant DNA intecalator, indicating a promising candidate for nucleus-specific imaging and a good counter-stain compatibility with other dyes.     

Preface: celebrating the 60th anniversary of the University of Science and Technology of China

正The University of Science and Technology of China(USTC)is a prominent institution with an excellent reputation for education and innovation that resonates across the world.The university holds a special place in history.It was established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)in1958 to meet China’s science and technology needs and increase the country’s international competitiveness.Throughout its history we have focused on frontier areas of science and technology and educated top leaders in science and technology for China and the world.     

Crystal phase control in two-dimensional materials

It is the nature of crystals to exist in different polymorphs. The recent emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials has evoked the discovery of a number of new crystal phases that are different from their bulk structures at ambient conditions, and revealed novel structure-dependent properties, which deserve in-depth understanding and further exploration. In this contribution, we review the recent development of crystal phase control in 2D materials, including group V and VI. transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), group IVA metal chalcogenides and noble metals. For each group of materials, we begin with introducing the various existing crystal phases and their structure-related properties, followed by a detailed discussion on factors that influence these crystal structures and thus the possible strategies for phase control. Finally, after summarizing the whole paper, we present the challenges and opportunities in this research direction.