Local vs. Global Optimization for Optical Line System Control in Disaggregated Networks

Setting the operating point of optical amplifiers of optical line systems (OLS)s within transparent, disaggregated and reconfigurable networks is a crucial task that determines the optical transmission performance of the specific infrastructure. In this work, four optimization strategies for OLS control are compared through a simulation campaign, where a realistic physical layer is replicated using a machine-learning model derived from an experimental dataset on commercial devices for the Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA)s and a characterized set of fiber spans. In particular, two distinct objective functions are evaluated, both at the end of the line (global approach), and, in turn, at the end of each single span (local approach)

Autonomous Physical Layer Characterization in Cognitive Optical Line Systems

We develop a procedure to autonomously characterize the optical line system physical layer, span-by-span, using in-line OTDRs and OCMs. This procedure has been experimentally validated, showing a clear correlation between the experimental outcomes and emulations

Autonomous Equalization of Independent Open ROADMs via NETCONF Protocol

The ongoing opening of optical network infrastructures is progressively favoring their automation in terms of maintenance and optimization. A proof-of-concept for the autonomous equalization of independent open reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADM)s via network configuration protocol (NETCONF) is provided in this work. The code has been developed in order to prove the feasibility of a software defined network (SDN) framework, formatting and parsing extensible markup language (XML) requests sent via NETCONF to the ROADMs. In addition, representational state transfer (REST) endpoints are exposed providing power level measurements for each deployed connection. It is shown that the developed interface is capable to set the multiplexer attenuation values in order to equalize all the channels composing the propagating spectrum

Absolute and relative quantitation of amylase/trypsin-inhibitors by LC-MS/MS from wheat lines obtained by CRISPR-Cas9 and RNAi

Quantitation of wheat proteins is still a challenge, especially regarding amylase/trypsin-inhibitors (ATIs). A selection of ATIs was silenced in the common wheat cultivar Bobwhite and durum wheat cultivar Svevo by RNAi and gene editing, respectively, in order to reduce the amounts of ATIs. The controls and silenced lines were analyzed after digestion to peptides by LC-MS/MS with different approaches to evaluate changes in composition of ATIs. First, a targeted method with stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) using labeled peptides as internal standards was applied. Additionally, four different approaches for relative quantitation were conducted, in detail, iTRAQ labeled and label free quantitation (LFQ) combined with data dependent acquisition (DDA) and data independent acquisition (DIA). Quantitation was performed manually (Skyline and MASCOT) and with different proteomics software tools (PLGS, MaxQuant, and PEAKS X Pro). To characterize the wheat proteins on protein level, complementary techniques as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gel electrophoresis were performed. The targeted approach with SIDA was able to quantitate all ATIs, even at low levels, but an optimized extraction is necessary. The labeled iTRAQ approach revealed an indistinct performance. LFQ with low resolution equipment (IonTrap) showed similar results for major ATIs, but low abundance ATIs as CM1, were not detectable. DDA measurements with an Orbitrap system and evaluation using MaxQuant showed that the relative quantitation was dependent on the wheat species. The combination of manual curation of the MaxQuant search with Skyline revealed a very good performance. The DIA approach with analytical flow found similar results compared to absolute quantitation except for some minor ATIs, which were not detected. Comparison of applied methods revealed that peptide selection is a crucial step for protein quantitation. Wheat proteomics faces challenges due to the high genetic complexity, the close relationship to other cereals and the incomplete, redundant protein database requiring sensitive, precise and accurate LC-MS/MS methods

QoT-Driven Optical Control and Data Plane in Multi-Vendor Disaggregated Networks

A novel disaggregated network architecture with independent PCE and optical control based on GNPy is proposed and experimentally validated over a network including two independent OLSs for total 1400 km, ROADM whiteboxes and pluggable transceivers

Early inspiratory effort assessment by esophageal manometry early predicts noninvasive ventilation outcome in de novo respiratory failure: a pilot study.

Rationale: The role of inspiratory effort has still to be determined as a potential predictors of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) failure in acute hypoxic de novo respiratory failure (AHRF). Objectives: We explore the hypothesis that inspiratory effort might be a major determinant of NIV failure in these patients. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with AHRF admitted to a single center and candidates for a 24-hour NIV trial were enrolled. Clinical features, tidal changes in esophageal (ΔPes) and dynamic transpulmonary pressure (ΔPL), expiratory tidal volume, and respiratory rate were recorded on admission and 2-4-12-24 hours after NIV start, and were tested for correlation with outcomes. Measurements and Main Results: ΔPes and ΔPes/ΔPL were significantly lower 2 hours after NIV start in patients who successfully completed the NIV trial (n=18) compared to those who needed endotracheal intubation (n=12) [median=11 (IQR=8–15) cmH2O vs 31.5 (30–36) cmH2O, p<0.0001] while other variables differed later. ΔPes was not related to other predictors of NIV failure at baseline. NIV-induced reduction in ΔPes of 10 cmH2O or more after 2 hours of treatment was strongly associated to avoidance of intubation, and represented the most accurate predictor of treatment success (OR=15, 95%CI 2.8-110, p=0.001, AUC=0.97, 95%CI 0.91–1, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The magnitude of inspiratory effort relief as assessed by ΔPes variation within the first 2 hours of NIV was an early and accurate predictor of NIV outcome at 24 hours