Priority-based reserved spectrum allocation by multi-agent through reinforcement learning in cognitive radio network

Research in cognitive radio networks aims at maximized spectrum utilization by giving access to increased users with the help of dynamic spectrum allocation policy. The unknown and rapid dynamic nature of the radio environment makes the decision making and optimized resource allocation to be a challenging one. In order to support dynamic spectrum allocation, intelligence is needed to be incorporated in the cognitive system to study the environment parameters, internal state, and operating behaviour of the radio and based on which decisions need to be made for the allocation of under-utilized spectrum. A novel priority-based reserved allocation method with a multi-agent system is proposed for spectrum allocation. The multi-agent system performs the task of gathering environmental artefacts used for decision making to give the best of effort service in this adaptive communication

How Do Individuals in a Radical Echo Chamber React to Opposing Views? Evidence from a Content Analysis of Stormfront

Calls to “break up” radical echo chambers by injecting them with alternative viewpoints are common. Yet, thus far there is little evidence about the impact of such counter-messaging. To what extent and how do individuals who inhabit a radical echo chamber engage with messages that challenge their core beliefs? Drawing on data from the radical right forum Stormfront we address this question with a large-scale content and longitudinal analysis of users’ posting behavior, which analyses more than 35,000 English language contributions to the forum spanning 2011 through 2013. Our findings show that engaging with oppositional views is actually a core practice among Stromfront users which invites active participation and encourages engagement. Indeed, many “echoes” in the echo chamber we studied were not core beliefs being restated, but the sound of opposing viewpoints being undermined and marginalized. These findings underscore the limited potential for counter-messages to undermine radical echo chambers

A comparative study of MRI versus arthroscopic findings in ACL and meniscal injuries of the knee

Background: This study was conducted to compare accuracy of MRI findings taking arthroscopy as standard in knee injuries.Methods: All patients attending our hospital with knee injury underwent clinical examination. Out of them 100 patients with knee injury were subjected to clinical examination, MRI and then Arthroscopy. The results were compared and analyzed using various statistical tests. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on these arthroscopic and MRI findings.Results: The accuracy of clinical diagnosis in our study was 88% for ACL tears and 85% for meniscal tears. Our study proved high sensitivity and specificity and almost high accuracy for ACL injuries of knee joint in comparison to arthroscopy. MRI is an excellent screening tool for therapeutic arthroscopy. We can avoid diagnostic arthroscopy in patients with knee injuries having equivocal clinical and MRI examination and go on for therapeutic modality. Conclusions: For the assessment of ligamentous and meniscal injuries magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is accurate and noninvasive modality. It can be used as a first line investigation but arthroscopy still remains gold standard in diagnosing ACL and meniscal injuries.

OPTIMIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITOSAN-BASED NANOPARTICLES CONTAINING METHYLPREDNISOLONE USING BOX-BEHNKEN DESIGN FOR THE TREATMENT OF CROHN’S DISEASE

Objective: The present research was designed to produce methylprednisolone containing chitosan-based nanoparticles using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for optimization. Methods: Nanostructures were prepared using the ionic gelation method with screened process parameters. According to the design, methylprednisolone chitosan-based nanoparticles (MCSNPs) were optimized using factors like methylprednisolone concentration, stirring speed and temperature whereas particle size, zeta potential and % encapsulation efficiency as responses. From the observed values of responses with confirmation location and desirability, the predicted values were very close to the observed values. Results: Observed values for the optimized formulation have a particle size of 243±2.33 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 79.3±7.2%. Morphology of the particles using scanning electron microscopy reveals nearly spherical shaped particles. Methylprednisolone was released in vitro in a sustained manner for about 24 h in simulated colonic fluid pH 7, pH 7.8 (Fasted state) and phosphate buffer pH 7.4, when compared to simulated colonic fluid at pH 6 (Fed state). Optimized MCSNPs followed Korsmeyer peppas kinetics with drug release mechanism as anomalous transport. Conclusion: Application of Box-Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology using Design Expert software was successfully used in the optimization of methylprednisolone loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency

A simple method for the production of large volume 3D macroporous hydrogels for advanced biotechnological, medical and environmental applications

The development of bulk, three-dimensional (3D), macroporous polymers with high permeability, large surface area and large volume is highly desirable for a range of applications in the biomedical, biotechnological and environmental areas. The experimental techniques currently used are limited to the production of small size and volume cryogel material. In this work we propose a novel, versatile, simple and reproducible method for the synthesis of large volume porous polymer hydrogels by cryogelation. By controlling the freezing process of the reagent/polymer solution, large-scale 3D macroporous gels with wide interconnected pores (up to 200??m in diameter) and large accessible surface area have been synthesized. For the first time, macroporous gels (of up to 400?ml bulk volume) with controlled porous structure were manufactured, with potential for scale up to much larger gel dimensions. This method can be used for production of novel 3D multi-component macroporous composite materials with a uniform distribution of embedded particles. The proposed method provides better control of freezing conditions and thus overcomes existing drawbacks limiting production of large gel-based devices and matrices. The proposed method could serve as a new design concept for functional 3D macroporous gels and composites preparation for biomedical, biotechnological and environmental applications

Comparison of short-term outcomes following open and laparoscopic resections for colorectal malignancies

Background: The laparoscopic approach for colorectal cancers are still a matter of controversy. In the present study, we tried to compare the laparoscopy with open methods of colorectal resections.Methods: Retrospective study where patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in our hospital from year 2014 January to December 2016 were taken. Total number of cases were 69 of which, the total number of right colon cases were 26. Out of twenty-six, 12 underwent open procedure and 14 underwent laparoscopic resections. Total number of left colon cancers were 09. Of these, 2 underwent open and 7 underwent laparoscopic procedure. Thirty-four (34) rectal cancers were included in the study. Of these, 12 underwent open rectal procedures and 22 underwent laparoscopic resections. Multiple parameters like duration of surgery, post-operative complications, postoperative stay, pathological T staging, lymph node yield, positive nodes, distal resection margins, circumferential radial margins were compared.Results: Operating time was significantly shorter in open procedure than laparoscopic surgery in both rectal resection and right hemicolectomies. The postoperative stay was significantly shorter in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy compared to open procedure. All other parameters like post-operative complications, T stage, lymph node yield, positive nodes, distal resection margins and CRMs were comparable in both groups. The lymph node yield was similar in upfront and post neoadjuvant carcinoma rectum cases.Conclusions: Laparoscopic colorectal resections have similar rates of complication, with shorter hospital stays with no compromise on oncological clearance with respect to lymph node yield, CRMs, distal resection margins compared to open procedures

The Sodium Absorption Ratio in Neyveli Aquifer

Source: ICHE Conference Archive - https://mdi-de.baw.de/icheArchiv

Noise Propagation in Two-Step Series MAPK Cascade

Series MAPK enzymatic cascades, ubiquitously found in signaling networks, act as signal amplifiers and play a key role in processing information during signal transduction in cells. In activated cascades, cell-to-cell variability or noise is bound to occur and thereby strongly affects the cellular response. Commonly used linearization method (LM) applied to Langevin type stochastic model of the MAPK cascade fails to accurately predict intrinsic noise propagation in the cascade. We prove this by using extensive stochastic simulations for various ranges of biochemical parameters. This failure is due to the fact that the LM ignores the nonlinear effects on the noise. However, LM provides a good estimate of the extrinsic noise propagation. We show that the correct estimate of intrinsic noise propagation in signaling networks that contain at least one enzymatic step can be obtained only through stochastic simulations. Noise propagation in the cascade depends on the underlying biochemical parameters which are often unavailable. Based on a combination of global sensitivity analysis (GSA) and stochastic simulations, we developed a systematic methodology to characterize noise propagation in the cascade. GSA predicts that noise propagation in MAPK cascade is sensitive to the total number of upstream enzyme molecules and the total number of molecules of the two substrates involved in the cascade. We argue that the general systematic approach proposed and demonstrated on MAPK cascade must accompany noise propagation studies in biological networks