Search

The recognition of named entities in the field of water conservancy is of great significance for the building of water conservancy knowledge graphs and intelligent question answering systems. However, in the current field of water conservancy, there are shortcomings in named entity recognition, such as a lack of annotated corpus, low recognition accuracy of traditional methods and inability to solve polysemous entities. Aiming at the characteristics of water conservancy texts, a Named Entity Recognition Model for Machine Reading Comprehension (MRC) based on data (vocabulary and entity type labels) enhancement, namely the MRC-WLE model was put forward. Mainly, the vocabulary feature information and entity type label feature information in water conservancy texts were injected into the model as "knowledge". It introduced models such as BERT-CRF, BERT-CRF-Word, BERT-BILSTM-CRF and BERT-BILSTM-CRF-Word as controls to evaluate the performance of the MRC-WLE model. The results show that compared with the BERT-CRF and other models mentioned above, the micro average F1 value of the MRC-WLE model has been improved. Compared with the MRC model, the micro average F1 value of the MRC-WLE model has been increased by 0.85%, reflecting the effectiveness of data augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing deep learning for data mining in biomedicine often falls short in leveraging prior knowledge and adapting to the complexities of biomedical literature mining. Entity recognition, a fundamental task in information extraction, also provides data support for Natural Language Processing (NLP) downstream tasks. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) results in considerable economic losses in the cattle industry due to calf diarrhea, bovine respiratory syndrome, and cow abortion. This study aims to extract information on BVDV from relevant literature and build a knowledge base. It enhances feature extraction in the BioBERT pre-trained model using the Machine Reading Comprehension (MRC) framework for information fusion and bi-directionally extracts corpus information through the Bi-LSTM network, followed by a CRF layer for decoding and prediction. The results show the construction of a BVDV Corpus with 22 biomedical entities and introduce the BioBERT-Bi-LSTM-CRF Integrated with MRC (BBCM) model for Named Entity Recognition (NER), combining prior knowledge and the reading comprehension framework (MRC). The BBCM model achieves F 1 -scores of 78.79% and 76.3% on the public datasets JNLPBA and GENIA, respectively, and 67.52% on the BVDV Corpus, outperforming other models. This research presents a targeted NER method for BVDV, effectively identifying related entities and exploring their relationships, thus providing valuable data support for NLP's downstream tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better combat the devastation of the protected forests in Côte d'Ivoire, a study was conducted to create a technique for detecting the acoustic signals produced by chainsaws deployed to fell trees in these areas. To improve the recognition rate of chainsaw sounds in a forest environment and increase the detection range of the recognition system, we are implementing the maximum ratio combining (MRC) technique on a microphone array. Therefore, the employment of an identification system is compared using one (01) microphone against the outcomes obtained by adopting system with three (03), six (06), and twelve (12) microphones. The use of MRC is then contrasted with an alternative recombining approach, designated as simple summation (SS). The SS is characterised by the simple addition of the signals acquired by the microphone array in the frequency domain. The MRC was employed on various microphone arrangements, accounting for varying degrees of attenuation experienced by chainsaw sounds. The K-Nearest Neighbors, in combination with Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), was employed to detect chainsaw sounds within the 16 kHz central frequency octave band. MRC applied to microphone arrays provided superior outcomes than simple summation. The enhancement in terms of classification rate ranged from [18; 51], favouring MRC. Moreover, it extended the chainsaw detection range from 520 m (using one microphone) to 1210 m (using a 12-microphone array). Taking into account the criteria for selecting an optimum microphone array, including classification rate, number of microphone nodes, information processing time and detection range, the six-microphone array was chosen as the best configuration. This configuration boasts a theoretical detection range of 1040 meters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine reading comprehension is introduced to improve machines' readability and understandability of human languages. This sophisticated version of natural language processing is used for testing and improving the machine's efficiency for reading and responding to the input texts for appropriate queries. In this article, a persistent comprehensive model using query reconstruction is introduced to address the "Cloze Style" issue in text reading. This issue results in multiple output delivery that serves as irrelevant for different input queries. Therefore, the query reconstruction using the possible combination, reducing the aforementioned issue, is introduced in this model. The possible query keywords are replaced using the maximum individual combinations. The combinations are swapped using deep learning through keyword training and substitution processes. This process is persistent until the maximum text output (answer/ response) is obtained from the machine. The output is used for analyzing the understandability of the machine based on which the training intensity is tuned for successive iterations. Therefore, the proposed model scrutinizes output accuracy by reducing errors under controlled combination time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of an eRehabilitation intervention named Fit After Stroke @Home (Fast@home) – including cognitive/physical exercise applications, activity-tracking, psycho-education – after stroke resulted in health-related improvements. This study investigated what worked and why in the implementation. Implementation activities (information provision, integration of Fast@home, instruction and motivation) were performed for 14 months and evaluated, using the Medical Research Council framework for process evaluations which consists of three evaluation domains (implementation, mechanisms of impact and contextual factors). Implementation activities were evaluated by field notes/surveys/user data, it's mechanisms of impact by surveys and contextual factors by field notes/interviews among 11 professionals. Surveys were conducted among 51 professionals and 73 patients. User data (n = 165 patients) were extracted from the eRehabilitation applications. Implementation activities were executed as planned. Of the professionals trained to deliver the intervention (33 of 51), 25 (75.8%) delivered it. Of the 165 patients, 82 (49.7%) were registered for Fast@home, with 54 patient (65.8%) using it. Mechanisms of impact showed that professionals and patients were equally satisfied with implementation activities (median score 7.0 [IQR 6.0–7.75] versus 7.0 [6.0–7.5]), but patients were more satisfied with the intervention (8.0 [IQR 7.0–8.0] versus 5.5 [4.0–7.0]). Guidance by professionals was seen as most impactful for implementation by patients and support of clinical champions and time given for training by professionals. Professionals rated the integration of Fast@home as insufficient. Contextual factors (financial cutbacks and technical setbacks) hampered the implementation. Main improvements of the implementation of eRehabilitation are related to professionals' perceptions of the intervention, integration of eRehabilitation and contextual factors. To increase the use of eRehabilitation by patients, patients should be supported by their healthcare professional in their first time use and during the rehabilitation process. To increase the use of eRehabilitation by healthcare professionals, healthcare professionals should be (1) supported by a clinical champion and (2) provided with sufficient time for learning to work and getting familiar with the eRehabilitation program. Integration of eRehabilitation in conventional stroke rehabilitation (optimal blended care) is an important challenge and a prerequisite for the implementation of eRehabilitation in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive radar is an interesting approach in the context of non-cooperative target detection. Because the signal source takes advantage of the so-called illuminator of opportunity (IoO), the deployed system is silent, allowing the operator cheap, portable, and practically undetectable deployments. These systems match perfectly with the use of antenna arrays to take advantage of the additional gains provided by the coherent combination of the signals received at each element. To obtain these benefits, linear processing methods are required to enhance the system's performance. In this work, we summarize the main beamforming methods in the literature to provide a clear picture of the current state of the art. Next, we perform an analysis of the benefits and drawbacks and explore the chance of increasing the number of antenna elements. Finally, we identify the major challenges to be addressed by researchers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the remote sensing monitoring of conservation tillage, the acquisition of remote sensing data with high spatial and temporal resolution is critical. The current optical remote sensing images cannot realize both temporal and spatial resolution, especially under cloud and rain interference. Thus, this study employs the enhanced spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (ESTARFM) to obtain the normalized difference tillage index (NDTI) with both temporal and spatial resolution estimated by Sentinel−2 and MODIS using the Index−then−Blend (IB) and Blend−then−Index (BI) fusion schemes. After comparison, the IB scheme was better than the BI scheme in predicting results and prediction efficiency. The NDTI predicted by ESTARFM and Sentinel−2 on June 12, 2020 was compared. A coefficient of determination R2 of 0.73 and RMSE of 0.000117 was obtained, indicating a high prediction accuracy, which meets the prediction requirements. Based on the predicted ESTARFM NDTI of the study area on May 17, 2021, the maize residue cover (MRC) of the study area was estimated using the previously constructed MRC unary linear regression model. The MRC of the sampling points of the remote sensing images was estimated by verifying the predicted ESTARFM NDTI with the MRC of the sampling points taken in the field extracted by the maximum likelihood classifier, which has a coefficient of determination R2 of 0.78 and RMSE of 0.00676, signifying better prediction results. The proposed method provides considerable data sources for the remote sensing monitoring studies of conservation tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: chronic idiopathic demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired, immune-mediated neuropathy characterized by weakness, sensory symptoms and significant reduction or loss of deep tendon reflexes evolving over 2 months at least, associated with electrophysiological evidence of peripheral nerve demyelination. Recently, subcutaneous immunoglobulins (SCIg) have been introduced in clinical practice as a maintenance therapy for CIDP; nevertheless, electrophysiological and efficacy data are limited. Methods: to evaluate SCIg treatment efficacy, we retrospectively reviewed data from 15 CIDP patients referring to our clinic, receiving SCIg treatment and who performed electrophysiological studies (NCS) and clinical scores (MRC sumscore, INCAT disability score and ISS) before starting the treatment and at least one year after. Results: NCS showed no significant changes before and during treatment for all the nerves explored. Clinical scores did not significantly change between evaluations. Correlation analysis evidenced a positive correlation of cMAPs distal amplitude with MRC sumscore and a trend of negative correlation with the INCAT disability score. Conclusions: SCIg maintenance therapy preserves nerve function in CIDP with a good efficacy and safety. Treatment effectiveness can be assessed with ENG, which represents a useful instrument in the follow-up and prognostic assessment of CIDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hand tendon reconstruction is required in both acute and chronic tendon injuries. A number of donor sites have been described; one such novel donor site is semitendinosus tendon used a graft for hand tendon reconstruction. Based on data reviewed, only a few cases are described up till now. Objective: Utility of semitendinosus tendon graft with adequacy of tendon material for hand tendon reconstruction and minimal donor site morbidity Methods: Semitendinosus tendon was utilized in total of 18 patients undergoing tendon reconstruction for chronic tendon injuries and for tendon transfer to achieve adequate length. All cases were performed during January 2019 To December 2020. Full length uni/bilateral semi-tendinosus tendon was harvested using a tendon harvester. Tendon was used as a single slip or was split into further slips as needed for tendon reconstruction. Post operatively splints were continued as per protocol (keeping splint for 6 weeks, encouraging active physiotherapy at 8 weeks, continuing night splintage for total of 10 weeks and advising patient to avoid lifting heavy weight for at least 12 weeks). Patients were followed with assessment of strength via MRC (Medical Research Council) grading scale, and tendon excursion measurements via tip to palm distance. Results: Patients had a mean age for 27.5±2.3 with a predominant male population (72.2%). Post-operative assessment showed finger strength of MRC 5 in twelve patients and MRC 4 in three and MRC 3 in three patients. Tendon excursion was documented measuring a tip to palm distance. Three patients developed tendon adhesions which were treated with tenolysis. Conclusion: Semitendinosus is a recommended option for hand tendon (both flexor & extensor) reconstruction, providing adequate length & strength for reconstruction with high predictable availability and reliability. Although Palmaris longus remains the recommended option for single tendon reconstruction, it is absent in a few cases or is rudimentary, making it difficult to be utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally demonstrate the transmission of 20-Gbaud QPSK millimeter-wave signals within a 1.2-km wireless range at 128-GHz using constant-modulus-algorithm (CMA) and the maximum ratio combining (MRC) technology with over 2.2-dB gain in a photonics-assisted millimeter wave (MMW) 1 × 2 Single Input Multi Output (SIMO) communication system. MRC is applied for SIMO signal merging which leads to Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) enhancement and significant Bit Error Rate (BER) reduction. The comparison which is performed for Single Input Single Output (SISO) and SIMO system, demonstrates the BER improvement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration of high gain in a D-band MMW 1 × 2 SIMO system by using these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olga Kennard (née Weisz, 1924–2023) was a true pioneer in crystallography. She left a lasting mark on scientific research with the establishment of the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have formulated a novel expression of the probability density function (PDF) of the L-MRC receiver over correlated η − μ channel considering the existing error in the estimation of the channel coefficients. The derived PDF is used to calculate the average bit error rate of the Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) scheme and further performance analysis of the receiver has been done with respect to this modulation. The performance of the receiver in terms of different channel and receiver performance parameters has been plotted and discussed in the results section. The results are verified with the help of the Monte Carlo simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops three low-complexity detection schemes for the spatial modulation (SM) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems. We first propose a reduced complexity maximum likelihood (RC-ML) detection scheme. For the practical values of the modulation index, the proposed RC-ML method is simpler than the existing hard-limiting-based ML schemes. The two other proposals are based on a suboptimal Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) detection method. We present a new analysis of the MRC detector in the uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channel and identify the system operational scenarios for which the MRC performance is nearly identical to the ML performance. Our proposals — a hybrid MRC-ML method and an MRC scheme with rank reduction — are inspired by this analysis. The analytical and simulation results show that the proposed MRC-based schemes can attain a near-optimal performance while reducing the complexity of the ML-based SM receiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the average symbol error rate (ASER) with rectangular quadrature amplitude modulation (RQAM) scheme has been analyzed over Rayleigh fading channels considering exponential correlation among the input branches of an MRC receiver. Exponential correlation is noticed by the antennas placed in a linear array at the receiver. The effect of correlation on the ASER for various levels of fading parameter as well as with different diversity order has been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke can affect any portion of the central nervous system leading to a wide variety of symptoms depending on the part that is involved. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an emerging neuroimaging technique that allows measuring the integrity of white matter tracts. Objectives: The objective of this study is to find out if the diffusion tensor tractography technique can provide prognostic information regarding clinical outcome following ischemic stroke. Subjects and methods: Forty patients with acute ischemic stroke were studied with DTI. Size of infraction, degree of reduction of fractional anisotropy (FA), and pattern of corticospinal tract (CST) affection were identified. We assessed our patients according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Medical Research Council (MRC) scale at onset of stroke and 3 months later. Results: FA reduction was correlated with MRC and NIHSS on admission (P < 0.001, 0.004 respectively) and after 3 months (P < 0.001, 0.013 respectively). The pattern of CST affection was associated with NIHSS and MRC after 3 months (P = 0.035, 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: DTI may be an indirect indicator of the ischemic stroke outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers power domain based multiple access (PDMA) in cognitive radio network to serve numerous users who intend to multiple access to core network. In particular, we investigate the effect of signal combination scheme equipped at PDMA end-users as existence of direct link and relay link. This system model using relay scheme provides performance improvement on the outage probability of two PDMA end-users. We first propose a simple scheme of fixed power allocation to PDMA users who exhibit performance gap and fairness. Inspired by PDMA strategy, we then find signal to noise ratio (SNR) to detect separated signal for each user. In addition, the exact expressions of outage probability are derived in assumption that receiver can cancel out the interference completely with successive interference cancellation (SIC). By exploiting theoretical and simulation results, both considered combination schemes (Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) and Selection Combining (SC) can achieve improved performance of two PDMA users significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Le pharmacien d'officine est reconnu comme un acteur de la prévention et de l'éducation thérapeutique. Un projet pédagogique mené dans les officines du Nord-Pas-de-Calais et coordonné par la faculté de pharmacie de Lille avec le réseau Néphronor nous a permis de collecter des données permettant d'évaluer l'intérêt d'une évaluation pharmaceutique officinale de la MRC. Nous rapportons ici le résultat de l'intervention réalisée dans 109 pharmacies d'officine. Les entretiens pharmaceutiques ont concerné 2 populations de patients. Le groupe A concerne des patients se connaissant porteurs d'une IRC (entretien pharmaceutique d'optimisation thérapeutique). Le groupe B regroupe des patients à risque de MRC pour lesquels est proposée une stratégie de dépistage. Ainsi, 354 patients ont été inclus dans le groupe A, majoritairement des femmes (51,2 %), en stade 3 d'IRC, d'âge moyen 73 ans, diabétiques (44 %). Environ 70 % des patients avaient déjà été vus par un néphrologue et 45 % d'entre eux présentaient une bonne adhésion thérapeutique selon le questionnaire de Morisky Green. Par ailleurs, 20 % des patients n'avaient pas de traitement néphroprotecteur en stades 3 et 4 de la MRC et plus de la moitié ne connaissaient pas les situations à risque d'insuffisance rénale aiguë. Le groupe B a inclus 532 patients (âge moyen 70 ans). L'intervention pharmaceutique a permis de dépister 10 % de patients avec un DFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2. L'entretien pharmaceutique en officine a permis d'optimiser la prise en charge thérapeutique et l'information des patients IRC, ainsi que le dépistage précoce chez certains patients à risque. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major concern of public health. The pharmacist is known as a health practitioner involved in prevention and therapeutic education. Our study aimed at defining the impact of community pharmacists' interventions for preventing and screening CKD. In our observational prospective study of 5 months conducted in 109 community pharmacy, we included 2 groups of patients: A (therapeutic optimization): CKD patients and B (CKD screening): population at risk. In group A, we included 354 patients, mainly women (51.2%), in stage 3 of CKD, mean age 73 years old, with hypertension alone (40.6%) or associated with diabetes (44%). About 70% of the patients had a follow up by a nephrologist and 45% of them were good adherent according to the Morisky Green self-report. However, approximately 20% of patients did not have nephroprotective treatments in their regimen although they were on stage 3 or 4 CKD patients, and about half of them were not aware of medical situations at risk. Concerning group B, 532 patients were included. The pharmaceutical interventions screened 10 % of patients with a GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2. The community pharmacists' interventions helped to optimize the therapeutic management of CKD patients and in the early screening of patients at risk. More studies are needed to extrapolate our observations to a larger population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the performance of filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) signaling in conjunction with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM) in multi-user (MU) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Initially, closed form expressions are derived for tight lower bounds corresponding to the achievable uplink sum-rates for FBMC-based single-cell MU massive MIMO systems relying on maximum ratio combining (MRC), zero forcing (ZF) and minimum mean square error (MMSE) receiver processing with/without perfect channel state information (CSI) at the base station (BS). This is achieved by exploiting the statistical properties of the intrinsic interference that is characteristic of FBMC systems. Analytical results are also developed for power scaling in the uplink of MU massive MIMO-FBMC systems. The above analysis of the achievable sum-rates and corresponding power scaling laws is subsequently extended to multi-cell scenarios considering both perfect as well as imperfect CSI, and the effect of pilot contamination. The delay-spread-induced performance erosion imposed on the linear processing aided BS receiver is numerically quantified by simulations. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the close match between our analysis and simulations, and to illustrate and compare the performance of FBMC and traditional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based MU massive MIMO systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one‐dimensional mathematical model has been developed to do the comparative analysis of four design of the desiccant wheel. The mathematical model has been validated with experimental results and shows good agreements with experimental results. In this study, a two‐sector desiccant wheel is modified into a three‐sector wheel by introducing a purge section in the desiccant wheel. Similarly, a four‐sector desiccant wheel is reformed into a six‐sector wheel by installing two purge section in the desiccant wheel and comparative study of these designs have been carried for given ranges of operating conditions. The effect of purge conditions has been also investigated and found that in all operating conditions six‐sector design is a better choice for optimum MRC and ∆T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperative relaying is an effective technique to combat multi-path fading, improves system capacity and enhances the coverage. In this paper, three different types of operations of infrastructure-based multi-antenna cooperative relay network have been investigated. Closed form expressions of outage probability and average error rate for each type of operation have been derived, when the relay and destination perform maximum ratio combining (MRC) of signals. The effect of antennas installed on relay and its placement has also been studied in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicarrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) is a novel wireless communication technology with high spectral efficiency and system performance. However, all multiple access techniques including MC-CDMA were most likely to have multiple access interference (MAI). So, this paper mainly aims at designing a suitable receiver for MC-CDMA system to mitigate such MAI. The classical receivers like maximal-ratio combining and minimum mean square error fail to cancel MAI when the MC-CDMA is subjected to nonlinear distortions, which may occur due to saturated power amplifiers or arbitrary channel conditions. Being highly nonlinear structures, the neural network (NN) receivers such as multilayer perceptron and radial basis function networks could be better alternative for such a case. The possibility NN receiver for a MC-CDMA system under different nonlinear conditions has been studied with respect to both performance and complexity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a radio-frequency identification (RFID) backscatter system with two scenarios: single input multiple output (SIMO) and multiple input single output (MISO). We investigate the impact of channel correlation between the forward and backscatter links on the symbol error rate (SER), and we compare the performance of SIMO and MISO RFID systems with maximum ratio combining reception over arbitrarily correlated Nakagami- $m$ fading channels. In order to gain an insight for the system design, closed-form expressions for the asymptotic SER and an upper bound are derived for $M$ -ary phase-shift keying and quadrature amplitude modulation. The diversity order in the fully correlated cases, revealed from these expressions, is half of that in the partially correlated and uncorrelated cases. Finally, simulations are performed to validate the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient backscatter (AmBack) communication, also called “modulation in the air,” has drawn growing interest by both academia and industry recently. In this paper, we investigate and analyze an AmBack system, where the user is equipped with an AmBack circuit at the transmitter and maximum ratio combing at the receiver. By harvesting power from the surrounding radio frequency source, the circuit operation and the signal backscattering can be supported. However, if there is not enough harvested power for the circuit operation, the signal backscattering will be suspended. Different from previous works on AmBack, an adaptive scheme is proposed to opportunistically exploit the residual or full user battery power for insufficient harvested power so that the signal backscattering is always available. However, there is no exact closed-form expression for the outage probability, and its approximation is obtained to facilitate our analysis. For comparison, the traditional non-adaptive scheme is also analyzed, and a closed-form expression for the outage probability is derived. In order to get more insight into both schemes, asymptotic outage performance is also derived when the number of receiver antennas/the noise power is sufficiently large/low. Simulation results demonstrate the tightness and the correctness of the derived outage probabilities, and show that the proposed adaptive scheme can significantly outperform the traditional non-adaptive scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we proposed an underwater visible light communication system utilizing QAM-DMT and Multi-PIN reception to do the MRC receiving. The transmitter is a 600 μ m × 600 μ m green-emitting silicon substrate LED which has a peak emission wavelength of 521 nm. We study the effect of quiescent working point of the LED, the zero-padding number, the ISFA tap number and the ratio of two receivers on the BER performance of our VLC system. We notice that the ratio of two receivers can remarkably affect the performance of our system. We also measured the BER performance versus the bandwidth of the signal in 32QAM, 64QAM and 128QAM modulation format and we find the highest data rate of our system can reach 2.175 Gb/s. As far as we know, it is the highest data rate in under pure water VLC system using commercial LED and a PIN receiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the impact of a multi slot based cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) on the performance of a cognitive radio (CR) network has been investigated. Each CR user, equipped with an improved energy detector (IED), uses a number of mini slots of the sensing time to perform the spectrum sensing. Each CR uses OR logic to combine the sub local decisions generated in each mini slot to obtain a local decision at CR level. Local decisions are sent to fusion centre (FC) over reporting channel. The FC obtains a final decision about the presence of primary user (PU) by combining the local decisions using a fusion rule: Majority or Maximal Ratio Combining. The performance of the CSS is assessed in terms of detection probability and false alarm probability considering both the sensing and reporting channels are Rayleigh faded. Furthermore, the impact of a number of sensing slots and IED parameter on throughput of CR network is also evaluated under the proposed spectrum sensing scenario. Impacts of several sensing parameters such as sensing channel SNR and reporting channel SNR on the performance of CR network are also evaluated. Performances of two fusion rules under study are compared. Effect of sensing error and synchronisation error is indicated. Further the study is extended for independent but non identically distributed (i.n.i.d.) Rayleigh faded channels as well as for a multiple PU scenario also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-SNR asymptotic capacity of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) optical intensity channel is studied under both average and peak intensity constraints. We focus on low SNR, which can be modeled as the scenario where both constraints proportionally vanish, or where the peak constraint is held constant while the average constraint vanishes. A capacity upper bound is derived and is shown to be tight at low SNR under both scenarios. The capacity achieving input distribution at low SNR is shown to be a maximally correlated vector-binary input distribution. Consequently, the low-SNR capacity of the channel is characterized. As a byproduct, it is shown that for a channel with peak intensity constraints only, or with peak intensity constraints and individual (per aperture) average intensity constraints, a simple scheme composed of coded ON–OFF keying, spatial repetition, and maximum-ratio combining is optimal at low SNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, mixture gamma (MG) distribution is used for analysing the performance of L-Hoyt/lognormal composite fading channel. To overcome small-scale fading effect, micro-diversity using maximum ratio combining (MRC) is used at the receiver. Due to mathematical complexity, performance analysis of composite (L-Hoyt/lognormal) fading models is not present in closed form. The analytical expressions for the performance measure are derived in the form of received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The impact of system parameters on the energy detector (ED) performance is studied in terms of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Further, the detection threshold parameter is optimised by minimising the total probability of error for L-Hoyt/lognormal channel. The accuracy of the proposed closed-form expressions is validated by comparing all the results with the Monte-Carlo/exact simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In November 2014, the U.S. Army held a readiness summit to address concerns about the accuracy of medical reporting systems. At the time, soldiers on temporary disability were tracked as a medical readiness classification (MRC) 3A or 3B. MRC 3A soldiers had a medical condition with recovery expected within 30 d and MRC 3B soldiers were expected to take longer than 30 d to recover. Both groups were considered "non-available" and presumably non-deployable. Starting June 1, 2016, with the implementation of the Army Medical Readiness Transformation, soldiers on temporary disability longer than 14 d began to be reported as MRC 3s and are considered "non-deployable." The purpose of this study is to compare the number of soldiers on temporary disability previously reported as MRC 3A and 3B to the number listed as MRC 3 under the new reporting system for a light infantry brigade and to quantify the types and relative percentage of medical conditions leading to temporary disability under the new system.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2016 at Fort Carson, Colorado and included all soldiers assigned to Second Brigade, Fourth Infantry Division. We calculated the average number and proportion of soldiers on temporary disability at any one time for the period prior to implementation of the new reporting system (January 1 through May 31, 2016) and compared this to the period after implementation on June 1, 2016. The difference between the two independent proportions was calculated along with the lower and upper limits of the 95% confidence interval for the difference.Results: Between January 1 and May 31, 2016, the average number of soldiers on temporary disability at any one time was 186, accounting for 4.3% of the authorized unit strength. After June 1, 2016, the average number increased to 244 or 5.7%. The difference in the proportion of temporary profiles was 1.4% (95% confidence interval 0.43-2.3%). From June 1 through December 31, 2016, 936 soldiers were placed on temporary disability. The majority was for orthopedic-related conditions (68.6%). Lower extremity (18.3%) and knee (17.5%) conditions were the two most common orthopedic issues. Behavioral health-related conditions (6.9%) and postoperative recovery (5.6%) were the next two most common categories.Conclusion: Implementation of the Army Medical Readiness Transformation resulted in a statistically significant increase in reported "non-deployable" MRC 3 soldiers compared with the previous "non-available" MRC 3A/3B population. One possible reason for this relates to how temporary disability is reported under each system, especially for those soldiers with only mild limitations. Under the new system, musculoskeletal conditions accounted for the majority of disability. Important limitations include small sample sizes, a fluctuating denominator representing authorized unit strength, and that the study did not take into account seasonal variation and the operational cycle for the unit. Future studies should look at those conditions or soldier characteristics that can help guide commanders as they make deployability decisions and how to address wellness and injury prevention to mitigate the risk of soldiers going on temporary disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to assess whether differential peripheral nerve involvement parallels dissociated forearm muscle weakness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods The analysis comprised 41 ALS patients and 18 age-, sex-, height- and weight-matched healthy controls. Strength of finger-extension and -flexion was measured using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Radial, median and ulnar nerve sonographic cross-sectional area (CSA) and echogenicity, expressed by the hypoechoic fraction (HF), were determined. Results In ALS, finger extensors were significantly weaker than finger flexors. Sonographic evaluation revealed peripheral nerve atrophy, affecting various nerve segments in ALS. HF was unaltered. Conclusions This systematic study confirmed a long-observed physical examination finding in ALS – weakness in finger-extension out of proportion to finger-flexion. This phenomenon was not related to any particular sonographic pattern of upper limb peripheral nerve alteration. Significance In ALS, dissociated forearm muscle weakness could aid in the disease’s diagnosis. Nerve ultrasound did not provide additional information on the differential involvement of finger-extension and finger-flexion strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing number of antennas are closely packed in emerging multiantenna systems and correlation among them can no longer be ignored. In this paper, such a multiantenna spectrum sensing system is investigated considering dual, triple, four and up to infinite number of correlated antenna branches. Constant, arbitrary and exponential correlation among the antenna branches are considered. Closed form expressions for the detection probability, in terms of the confluent hypergeometric function, is derived assuming maximal ratio combining (MRC) and equal gain combining (EGC) diversity techniques in Nakagami-$m$ multipath fading channel. Numerical results quantify the interbranch correlation that impacts the detector performance significantly. However, results also show that this effect could be compensated by employing the appropriate diversity combining technique and by increasing the diversity branches. Furthermore, we find that at high $m$ values (Rician like channel), low false alarm probability and highly correlated environments, EGC which is a simpler scheme performs as good as MRC which is a more complex scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the performance of hybrid control-access schemes for small cells (such as femtocells) in the context of two-tier overlaid cellular networks. The proposed hybrid access schemes allow for sharing the same downlink resources between the small-cell network and the original macrocell network, and their mode of operations are characterized considering post-processed signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios (SINRs) or preprocessed interference-aware operation. This paper presents a detailed treatment of achieved performance of a desired user that benefits from MIMO arrays configuration through the use of transmit antenna selection (TAS) and maximal ratio combining (MRC) in the presence of Poisson field interference processes on spatial links. Furthermore, based on the interference awareness at the desired user, two TAS approaches are treated, which are the signal-to-noise-based selection and SINR-based selection. The analysis is generalized to address the cases of highly-correlated and un-correlated aggregated interference on different transmit channels. In addition, the effect of delayed TAS due to imperfect feedback and the impact of arbitrary TAS processing are investigated. The analytical results are validated by simulations, to clarify some of the main outcomes herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes RSS-based multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) receiver diversity-combining techniques for identity-based attack detection. The diversity-combining techniques considered for identity-based attack detection using MIMO systems include selection combining (SLC), equal gain combining (EGC), and maximal ratio combining (MRC). First, we exploit the spatial correlation of the RSS hereditary from wireless nodes to detect identity-based attacks. Analytical expressions of the proposed method for the spatial correlation of the RSS hereditary using MIMO-combining diversities are provided and validated through simulation results. Second, we propose unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithms such as k -means and k -medoids for the detection of identity-based attacks using RSS with different MIMO-combining diversities. Complete statistical derivations for the detection of identity-based attacks using k -means and k -medoids algorithms were performed. The simulation results confirm that the proposed techniques exploiting MIMO diversity-combining techniques for identity-based attack detection using unsupervised ML algorithms outperform the previously proposed techniques in terms of the false positive rate (FPR) and detection rate (DR). Furthermore, the simulation showed that the EGC-combining diversity with k -means and k -medoids outperformed the SLC- and MRC-combining techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Preservation of function is essential in surgical resection of lesions involving the motor pathways. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of anatomic features of lesions located in the motor pathway on neurologic and functional outcome. We propose an evaluation score to assess the risk of postoperative worsening. Methods A total of 92 patients suffering from lesions involving the motor pathways have been studied for what concerns motor functions (muscular strength scale [MRC]) after surgical treatment. Patient-related, surgery-related, and lesion-related data were recorded to identify relations with motor outcomes. Cortical surfacing of the lesion and amount of millimeters of interface between the lesion and corticospinal tract have been investigated with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging sequences and tractographic reconstructions. Results Means of the MRC Scale preoperative and 7 days postoperative were 3.6 ± 2.23 and 3.8 ± 2.28 for the upper limbs, and 4.1 ± 2.31 and 4.4 ± 2.33 for the lower limbs, respectively. Patients that were stable or improved at 7 days from surgery were 82.6%. The anatomic features investigated have been summed up in a single score (envelopment/surfacing [ES]). In cases of ES classes V and VI, a total cumulative predicted worsening rate was 24.2% and 14.8%, respectively. The risk of worsening was 1.682 times greater for the higher ES classes (IV–VI). Conclusions The anatomic features of lesions are crucial in the prediction of motor outcome. The new proposed score (ES score) is useful to stratify motor function prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pattern of improvement in Neurological status after disc surgery is different. The chronology of improvement in Medical Research Council (MRC) scores, sensory status and improvement in Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test degrees is benefi cial in management part to surgeons, relatives and the patients. To assess pattern of neurological outcomes in patients with lumbar disc herniation after microdiscectomy interms of muscle power, sensory status and SLR. A Quasi experimental study comprising 70 consecutive cases though non-probability purposive sampling technique of both the sexes admitted in Neurosurgery department, Mayo Hospital operated for the 1st time for any disc pathology with no other spinal lesions giving consent themselves or though legal guardians was conducted. Pain for leg and back was measured pre and post-operatively was done by VAS which had 42 days of follow up. Standard Neurological examinations were conducted pertaining to muscle power (by MRC), sensory status and SLR test pre and post-operatively. Variables according to their nature were expressed in the form of Mean±SD, Median (Range) and Frequency (percentage). Mc Neumer's chi square test and paired t test were used to see association between preoperative and post-operative Neurological status depending on their nature viz: qualitative or quantitative respectively in SPSS version 15. Out of 70 patients 74% were male and 26% were females. Mean±SD of patients was 37.6±13.0 years. Majority were Laborers after housewives. Illiterates, Poor lifting techniques were the most common characteristics in the respective headings of education and employment. Most common level of disc herniation was L4-L5, L5- S1 level (96%) where Prolapse and extrusion were most common MRI fi ndings. As compared to pre-operative (3.4) muscle power 1st and 42nd day power were respectively 4.0 and 4.7 (p=0.001). Pre-operatively only 32 (45.7%) had normal sensation which improved to 38 (54.3%) and 51 (72.9%) respectively in 1st and 42nd day of surgery (p=0.001). Pre-operative mean SLR improved to 98.6 degrees in 1st POD and continued to be the same till 42nd day (p=0.001). All the MRC fi ndings, sensory status and SLR values in each post-operative days were statistically signifi cant with the baseline by paired t test (p=0.001). MRC and Sensory status had same pattern of improvement (r=0.0. p=0.04) unlike SLR which total improvements were see in 1st POD itself. In conclusion, muscle power and sensory improvement follows same improvement pattern whereas maximum SLR improves in the 1st POD itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low complexity soft‐decision decoding technique is presented for Reed–Solomon codes, over magnetic recording channels (MRC), by considering symbol and bit reliability, jointly. A symbol detection scheme for burst error scenarios has been put forward for the iterative error‐and‐erasure decoding algorithm (IEED), which is based on multiple trials, and is a combination of the generalised minimum distance and Chase‐2 decoding schemes. In order to decrease complexity, the decoding test patterns are used in a certain order, while the stopping criteria is also discussed. Simulations show that the proposed algorithms can achieve almost the same performance as that of IEED for the additive white Gaussian noise channel and slightly better performance in MRC, but with significantly less complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse blanking is a widely used method to eliminate impulsive interference in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) receiver. To analyze the effect of the inter-carrier interference caused by pulse blanking on the symbol error rate (SER) performance of OFDM employing maximum ratio combining (MRC) receiver, the analytical expression of the signal-to-interference-noise ratio (SINR) of the OFDM employing MRC receiver is derived. Based on the SINR expression, furthermore, the SER performances over both Rayleigh and Ricean fading channels are also analyzed quantitatively. Simulation results validate the correctness of the derived formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of the diversity combining techniques on the performance of wireless code division multiple access (CDMA) ad hoc networks operating over κ -μ fading channels, where the performance criterion in this study is in terms of the expected progress per hop. The probability density function (PDF) and the cumulative density function (CDF) of the interference power are obtained in κ -μ fading conditions. Furthermore, expression for the unconditional CDF of the signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio (SNIR) is derived, which is utilized to derive expressions for the expected progress per hop with selecting combining (SC) and maximal ratio combining (MRC) diversity. Corresponding expressions for Nakagami- m and Rician fading are presented in this paper as special cases of κ -μ fading. Numerical results are presented for illustration purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For minimizing contention and interference among co-channel devices, efficient channel selection is essential in 802.11 mesh deployments. The IEEE 802.11 standard provides at least three non overlapping channels. Thus, a node equipped with more than one Network Interface Card can operate on different channels simultaneously. This may increase the aggregate bandwidth available for end users and thereby support a plurality of QoS-sensitive applications. In this work, we propose a joint routing and channel assignment protocol (JRCAP) that defines a density based clustering algorithm for channel allocation (DCCA). DCCA partitions the mesh network into balanced clusters and affects a fixed and static channel to each cluster. Moreover, the JRCAP uses a routing protocol that combines routing and channel allocation for establishing routes and selecting channels for links forming the path. It also uses a new routing metric maximum residual capacity that considers channel diversity, data rate and channel load. We evaluate the performance of the JRCAP through simulation and we compare it to the distributed Hyacinth. Obtained results show that our solution achieves better performance than Hyacinth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a wireless technology for transmitting large amounts of digital data over a wide spectrum of frequency bands with very low power for a short distance. This technology is useful for indoor communication. However, it generates many multipaths. So, to obtain optimum result, RAKE receiver is to be used. The complexity associated with a RAKE receiver can be minimized by using reduced number of fingers. To address the above-mentioned issue of complexity in RAKE receiver, two methods like partial combining (called PRAKE) and selective combining (called SRAKE) are evaluated. The PRAKE receiver exhibits less optimum performance by combining first arriving multipath components, while the SRAKE combines the strongest multipath components and gives better results. SRAKE has to keep track of all multipath components in order to select the best multipath which leads to increase in complexity. A novel algorithm that introduces a predefined cut-off value for the multipath amplitude gain level is proposed for the PRAKE. It is shown that though the complexity is increased to some extent, the performance of the PRAKE improves to a level comparable to that of SRAKE. The responses of SRAKE, PRAKE, and proposed novel PRAKE are analysed for different channel conditions like line of sight and non-line of sight using Saleh–Valenzuela channel model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The influence of nonlinear power amplifiers (PAs) on the performance of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is investigated. A “full” MIMO scheme with transmitters (TX) precoding and receivers (RX) decoding is considered. It is shown, under assumption of high order OFDM and frequency selective channel, that the ratio between the useful signal and the nonlinear distortions is proportional to the number of TX antennas, i.e., the influence of the nonlinear distortions decreases as the number of TX antennas increases. The distortion reduction factor (DRF) is proposed as a performance metric for MIMO–OFDM systems with nonlinear PAs. A general formula for signal to distortion and noise ratio is obtained for the nonlinear PA with memory, described by the Wiener–Hammerstein (WH) model. Special cases of MIMO, such as maximum ratio transmission (MRT) and maximum ratio combining (MRC), are considered. A full agreement between the theoretical and simulation results is obtained. The main contribution of this paper is in a statement that TX processing reduces the effect of nonlinear distortions. This is obtained by novel approach for analysis of the MIMO–OFDM systems with nonlinear PAs with memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a comparison between Neuropathy Impairment Scale-sensory ( NISs) vs. the modified Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment sensory scale ( mISS), and NIS-motor vs. the Medical Research Council sum score in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome ( GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy ( CIDP), and IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-related polyneuropathy ( MGUSP). The ordinal data were subjected to Rasch analyses, creating Rasch-transformed ( RT)-intervals for all measures. Comparison between measures was based on validity/reliability with an emphasis on responsiveness (using the patient's level of change related to the individually obtained varying SE for minimum clinically important difference). Eighty stable patients ( GBS: 30, CIDP: 30, and MGUSP: 20) were assessed twice (entry: two observers; 2-4 weeks later: one observer), and 137 newly diagnosed or relapsing patients ( GBS: 55, CIDP: 59, and IgM-MGUSP: 23) were serially examined with 12 months follow-up. Data modifications were needed to improve model fit for all measures. The sensory and motor scales demonstrated approximately equal and acceptable validity and reliability scores. Responsiveness scores were poor but slightly higher in RT-mISS compared to RT-NISs. Responsiveness was equal for the RT-motor scales, but higher in GBS compared to CIDP; responsiveness was poor in patients with MGUSP, suggesting a longer duration of follow-up in the latter group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we analyze hybrid ARQ (HARQ) transmission over the independent block fading channel. We consider two scenarios with respect to the message sent by the receiver via the feedback channel: i) “conventional”, one-bit feedback used to inform the transmitter about the decoding success/failure (ACK/NACK), and ii) the multi-bit feedback message, where on top of ACK/NACK, the transmitter is provided with additional information about the state of the receiver. To minimize the outage probability under long-term average and peak power constraints, we cast the problems into the dynamic programming (DP) framework and solve them for Nakagami- \ssr m fading channels. An approximate, closed-form solution for the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime is proposed using geometric programming (GP). The obtained results quantify the advantage of the multi-bit feedback over the conventional one-bit approach, and show that the power optimization can provide significant gains over conventional power-constant HARQ transmissions even in the presence of peak-power constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Francis Crick Institute Laboratory, opened in 2016, is supported by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust, and University College London, King's College London and Imperial College London. The emphasis on research training and early independence of gifted scientists in a multidisciplinary environment provides unique opportunities for UK medical science, including clinical and translational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study of climate change discourse in the Mekong River Commission (MRC) over the past decade, we find that climate change policy strategies are framed as science-based actions. Scale is largely expressed in terms of short-term, immediate temporal horizons that are human-dominated and regionally based. Further, we uncover a broadening of climate change discourse across multiple scales to incorporate justice, integrated water resource management (IWRM), development, and security frames. These patterns not only reflect trends in the larger global water governance and climate change discourse and reinforce historic patterns in the Mekong River Basin, but they also signal more strategic efforts by the MRC and member states to attract donor support. In our examination of links between discourse and MRC climate change action, we argue that the MRC’s climate change actions narrowly reflect the production of studies and project scoping rather than real adaptive actions in the basin. We examine official documents of the MRC over the past decade to better understand how the discourse around climate change is framed and to what extent the discourse is linked to climate change actions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The destruction caused by channel can be seen by the existence of Amplitude and Phase Shift. By using the 6 Ways Diversity Combining method (6 Antennas/Receivers), it is expected that the disruption caused by Amplitude and Phase Shift can be suppressed as small as possible. In addition, by using diversity combining module, we will get a large SNR output which has a value sum of SNR of each diversity path. The design of Diversity combining module begins with MATLAB functional design as a big picture of the whole system. Subsequently, it will be made the hardware based on the MATLAB functional. This architectural design that will be the cornerstone in the MATLAB bit precision manufacturing. Then MATLAB bit precision will be designed as the foundation of the VHDL design. Diversity combining the output module meets the standards specified by the DVB consortium. In the hardware (FPGA) test results of diversity combining, the maximum working frequency is 44.56 MHz which has shown that is qualified with the standard sampling clock (9.142 MHz). This design also needs 4% of total FPGA Cyclone II 484I8 combinational units which is 2499 units and it needs also 3% of total register of FPGA Cyclone II 484I8 which is 1720 register units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigates the role of branchial and extrabranchial processes in acid–base regulation in the Pacific Hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii). Hagfish were injected with one of the following solutions: acid saline (250mM HCl [pH=0.60], 250mM NaCl), alkaline saline (250mM NaHCO3, 250mM NaCl, [pH≈8.43]) or control saline (500mM NaCl) in order to achieve an acid/alkaline/saline load of 6000μmol·kg−1. Using a custom designed hagfish compartmentalizing flux chamber, we partitioned flux of net acid or base equivalents and ammonia into the anterior (gill+skin) and posterior (skin+intestinal/renal/cloacal) components. We found that Pacific hagfish excrete H+ primarily via branchial mechanisms but base excretion occurs through extrabranchial mechanisms located in the posterior region. In addition, we demonstrate that hagfish are able to excrete ammonia via the skin although this flux was not involved in compensation from an acid–base disturbance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The performance of maximal ratio combining (MRC) in Rayleigh channels with co-channel interference (CCI) is well-known for receive arrays which are co-located. Recent work in network MIMO, edge-excited cells and base station collaboration is increasing interest in macrodiversity systems. Hence, in this paper we consider the effect of macrodiversity on MRC performance in Rayleigh fading channels with CCI. We consider the uncoded symbol error rate (SER) as our performance measure of interest and investigate how different macrodiversity power profiles affect SER performance. This is the first analytical work in this area. We derive approximate and exact symbol error rate results for M-QAM/BPSK modulations and use the analysis to provide a simple power metric. Numerical results, verified by simulations, are used in conjunction with the analysis to gain insight into the effects of the link powers on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Freshwater fishes lose ions to the external medium owing to the steep concentration gradients between the body fluids and the water. To maintain homeostasis, they use ionocytes to actively extract Na+, Cl−, and Ca2+ from the dilute external medium and excrete acidic (H+) or basic (HCO3 −) equivalents by specialized cells termed ionocytes that are responsible for transport of ions. Freshwater fishes have evolved diverse approaches to solving these similar ionic and acid–base problems. In the few well-studied species, there are clearly different patterns in the physiology and morphology for ionocytes in the gill. In this review, we describe the varying nomenclature of ionocytes that have been used in the past 80 years to allow direct comparison of ionocytes and their common functions in different species. We focus on the recent advancement in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ion and acid–base regulation as represented by ionocyte subtypes found in rainbow trout, killifish, tilapia and zebrafish gill. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Medical Research Council grading system has served through decades for the evaluation of muscle strength and has been recognized as a cardinal feature of daily neurological, rehabilitation and general medicine examination of patients, despite being respectfully criticized due to the unequal width of its response options. No study has systematically examined, through modern psychometric approach, whether physicians are able to properly use the Medical Research Council grades. The objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate physicians’ ability to discriminate among the Medical Research Council categories in patients with different neuromuscular disorders and with various degrees of weakness through thresholds examination using Rasch analysis as a modern psychometric method; (ii) to examine possible factors influencing physicians’ ability to apply the Medical Research Council categories through differential item function analyses; and (iii) to examine whether the widely used Medical Research Council 12 muscles sum score in patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy would meet Rasch model's expectations. A total of 1065 patients were included from nine cohorts with the following diseases: Guillain–Barré syndrome (n = 480); myotonic dystrophy type-1 (n = 169); chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (n = 139); limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (n = 105); multifocal motor neuropathy (n = 102); Pompe's disease (n = 62) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined related polyneuropathy (n = 8). Medical Research Council data of 72 muscles were collected. Rasch analyses were performed on Medical Research Council data for each cohort separately and after pooling data at the muscle level to increase category frequencies, and on the Medical Research Council sum score in patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Disordered thresholds were demonstrated in 74–79% of the muscles examined, indicating physicians’ inability to discriminate between most Medical Research Council categories. Factors such as physicians’ experience or illness type did not influence these findings. Thresholds were restored after rescoring the Medical Research Council grades from six to four options (0, paralysis; 1, severe weakness; 2, slight weakness; 3, normal strength). The Medical Research Council sum score acceptably fulfilled Rasch model expectations after rescoring the response options and creating subsets to resolve local dependency and item bias on diagnosis. In conclusion, a modified, Rasch-built four response category Medical Research Council grading system is proposed, resolving clinicians’ inability to differentiate among its original response categories and improving clinical applicability. A modified Medical Research Council sum score at the interval level is presented and is recommended for future studies in Guillain–Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: BACE1 is a key protease involved in the proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein (APP) that generates a toxic peptide amyloid beta (Aβ), a pathological feature of Alzheimer''s disease (AD). The enzyme is believed to possess an open and a closed conformation that corresponds to its free and inhibitor-bound form respectively. Here, we study the dynamic transition of BACE1 employing normal mode analysis (NMA) using a simplified elastic network model (ENM). Estimation of the catalytic cavity volume on the structures of BACE1 encoded by the lowest frequency normal mode reveals the dynamical transition of the enzyme from the open to the closed conformer. Detailed analysis reveals that concerted movement of different loop segments in the active site of the protein, namely flap regions, 10s loop, A loop and F loop, squeeze the catalytic cavity between the N-terminal and C-terminal lobe of the substrate binding domain of BACE1. We also propose that the NMA encoded multiple receptor conformations (MRC) of BACE1 elucidate the pharmacophoric feature necessary to inhibit the enzyme by a polyphenol, myricetin. van der Waals interaction is found to be the main driving force that guides the ligand induced conformational switching to the closed conformer. We suggest that NMA derived MRC of BACE1 is an efficient way to treat the receptor flexibility in docking and thus can be further applied in virtual screening and structure based drug design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]