Abstract: Spectral ambiguities are resolved in transmitting data across a data communications channel from a local transmitter to a remote receiver using a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) scheme by augmenting the encoding-decoding process at the transmitter and receiver. At the transmitter, the encoding process is augmented by converting the mappings (Ik, Qk) into mappings (Ĩk, {tilde over (Q)}k), where Ĩk=Ik and {tilde over (Q)}k=|Qk|&agr;k and wherein &agr;k=sign({tilde over (Q)}k-1)sign(Qk). At the receiver, the decoding process is augmented by converting the mappings (k, k) into mappings (k, k), where k=k and k=|k|&bgr;k and wherein &bgr;k=sign(k)sign(k−1).

Abstract: A bag is disclosed for the collection, freezing, storage, and rapid thawing of fluids, and particularly blood and blood components. Front and back sheets of fluid impervious material are bonded to one another along edge portions thereof to form a bag defining a reservoir. The front and back sheets are further bonded together at a plurality of locations intermediate the edge portions to constrain the distance by which the front and back sheets can separate. The intermediate fastening locations are disposed to permit uniform filling of the reservoir. A port is provided for introducing and discharging fluid into and out of the reservoir. When a fluid is introduced into the reservoir, the front and back sheets are constrained from separating in response to a pressure exerted by the fluid by the intermediate fastenings between the front and back sheets to constrain the thickness of the bag.