Examining the Role of CtEG using Drosophila

This project focused on creating viable drosophila models that could be used to evaluate and understand the significance of the N-tarp portion in the effector genes of Chlamydia Trachomatis. During our project we performed multiple DNA clean ups, PCR\u27s, gel electrophoresis, double digestions, and DNA ligations. In this we learned not only the methodological importance within these laboratory techniques but that a great deal of learning occurs in being able to evaluate and analyze ways to troubleshoot when intended results from an experiment are not observed.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2023fall/1045/thumbnail.jp

A generalized space-frequency index modulation scheme for downlink MIMO transmissions with improved diversity

Multidimensional Index Modulations (IM) are a novel alternative to conventional modulations which can bring considerable benefits for future wireless networks. Within this scope, in this paper we present a new scheme, named as Precoding-aided Transmitter side Generalized Space-Frequency Index Modulation (PT-GSFIM), where part of the information bits select the active antennas and subcarriers which then carry amplitude and phase modulated symbols. The proposed scheme is designed for multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) scenarios and incorporates a precoder which removes multiuser interference (MUI) at the receivers. Furthermore, the proposed PT-GSFIM also integrates signal space diversity (SSD) techniques for tackling the typical poor performance of uncoded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based schemes. By combining complex rotation matrices (CRM) and subcarrier-level interleaving, PT-GSFIM can exploit the inherent diversity in frequency selective channels and improve the performance without additional power or bandwidth. To support reliable detection of the multidimensional PT-GSFIM we also propose three different detection algorithms which can provide different tradeoffs between performance and complexity. Simulation results shows that proposed PT-GSFIM scheme, can provide significant gains over conventional MU-MIMO and GSM schemes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Adaptation to reduced salinity affects the olfactory sensitivity of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis Kaup 1858) to Ca2+ and Na+ but not amino acids

The Senegalese sole is a marine flatfish, which often penetrates into estuarine waters to feed. It cannot, however, survive in full freshwater. The current study investigated the effect of adaptation to low salinity (10‰) on olfactory responses to changes in environmental [Ca2+] and [Na+] and amino acids by the electro-encephalogram (EEG) recorded from the olfactory bulb. The sole showed olfactory responses to increases in environmental [Na+] and decreases in environmental [Ca2+]; sensitivity to Na+ was greater at 10‰ whereas sensitivity to Ca2+ was greater at 35‰. Decreased environmental [Na+] increased sensitivity to changes in [Ca2+] whereas increased environmental [Ca2+] decreased bulbar responses to changes in [Na+]. Sensitivity to amino acids was unaffected by external salinity. However, the absence of external Na+ strongly decreased bulbar responses to amino acids in fish adapted to 35‰ seawater but not in those at 10‰. The absence of external Ca2+ had no such effect at either salinity. This suggests that odorant-receptor binding and/or olfactory transduction is reliant on external Na+ (but not Ca2+) at higher salinities but the olfactory system is able to adapt to lower environmental [Na+]. Taken together, these results suggest that reductions of external salinity modulate olfactory sensitivity to environmental Ca2+ and Na+ but not amino acids. However, at low salinities, olfactory sensitivity to amino acids is maintained by decreasing reliance on external Na+

Direct Observation of the Electroadsorptive Effect on Ultrathin Films for Microsensor and Catalytic-Surface Control

Microchemical sensors and catalytic reactors make use of gases during adsorption in specific ways on selected materials. Fine-tuning is normally achieved by morphological control and material doping. The latter relates surface properties to the electronic structure of the bulk, and this suggests the possibility of electronic control. Although unusual for catalytic surfaces, such phenomena are sometimes reported for microsensors, but with little understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Herein, direct observation of the electroadsorptive effect by a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and conductivity analysis on nanometre-thick semiconductor films on buried control electrodes is reported. For the SnO2/NO2 model system, NO3 surface species, which normally decay at the latest within minutes, can be kept stable for 1.5 h with a high coverage of 15 % under appropriate electric fields. This includes uncharged states, too, and implies that nanoelectronic structures provide control over the predominant adsorbate conformation on exterior surfaces and thus opens the field for chemically reactive interfaces with in situ tunability

Performance assessment of a RIS-empowered post-5G/6G network operating at the mmWave/THz bands

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) are considered to be a key enabling technology for 6G as they can potentially provide a boost in performance with a high energy efficiency. RISs rely on the use of arrays with a large number of low-cost quasi-passive reflecting elements which can be individually tuned in order to shape the radio wave propagation. This can effectively enable the implementation of smart radio environments, increasing the capacity and improving the coverage of the system. Since most RISs related studies focus on evaluating the gains of RIS based solutions in simplified communication scenarios, in this paper we investigate the potential benefits of RISs when integrated into future wireless networks within the context of post-5G/ 6G systems. With this aim, we present an iterative algorithm for accomplishing the joint design of the access point precoder and phase-shifts of the RIS elements considering a multi-stream multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) link. Based on this approach, we then present the system-level evaluation of a RIS-aided post-5G/6G network deployment operating in two different bands, mmWave and sub-THz, and which considers both near-field and far-field propagation models. The results obtained in two different environments namely, Indoor Open Office (IOO) and Urban Micro Truncated (UMT), show that the adoption of the proposed RIS-based approach can effectively improve the throughput and coverage area.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Precoded generalized spatial modulation for downlink MIMO transmissions in beyond 5G networks

The design of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) schemes capable of achieving both high spectral and energy efficiency constitutes a challenge for next-generation wireless networks. MIMO schemes based on generalized spatial modulations (GSM) have been widely considered as a powerful technique to achieve that purpose. In this paper, a multi-user (MU) GSM MIMO system is proposed, which relies on the transmission of precoded symbols from a base station to multiple receivers. The precoder’s design is focused on the removal of the interference between users and allows the application of single-user GSM detection at the receivers, which is accomplished using a low-complexity iterative algorithm. Link level and system level simulations of a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) comprising several radio remote units (RRUs) were run in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed solution. Simulation results show that the proposed GSM MU-MIMO approach can exploit efficiently a large number of antennas deployed at the transmitter. Moreover, it can also provide large gains when compared to conventional MU-MIMO schemes with identical spectral efficiencies. In fact, regarding the simulated C-RAN scenario with perfect channel estimation, system level results showed potential gains of up to 155% and 139% in throughput and coverage, respectively, compared to traditional cellular networks. The introduction of imperfect channel estimation reduces the throughput gain to 125%.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Spin reversal in Fe8 under fast pulsed magnetic fields

We report measurements on magnetization reversal in the Fe8 molecular magnet using fast pulsed magnetic fields of 1.5 kT s−1 and in the temperature range of 0.6–4.1 K. We observe and analyze the temperature dependence of the reversal process, which involves in some cases several resonances. Our experiments allow observation of resonant quantum tunneling of magnetization up to a temperature of ~4 K. We also observe shifts in the maxima of the relaxation within each resonance field with temperature that suggest the emergence of a thermal instability—a combination of spin reversal and self-heating that may result in a magnetic deflagration process. The results are mainly understood in the framework of thermally-activated quantum tunneling transitions in combination with emergence of a thermal instability

Spin reversal in Fe8 under fast pulsed magnetic fields

We report measurements on magnetization reversal in the Fe8 molecular magnet using fast pulsed magnetic fields of 1.5 kT s−1 and in the temperature range of 0.6–4.1 K. We observe and analyze the temperature dependence of the reversal process, which involves in some cases several resonances. Our experiments allow observation of resonant quantum tunneling of magnetization up to a temperature of ~4 K. We also observe shifts in the maxima of the relaxation within each resonance field with temperature that suggest the emergence of a thermal instability—a combination of spin reversal and self-heating that may result in a magnetic deflagration process. The results are mainly understood in the framework of thermally-activated quantum tunneling transitions in combination with emergence of a thermal instability

Platelets activate a pathogenic response to blood-stage Plasmodium infection but not a protective immune response

© 2017 by The American Society of Hematology. Clinical studies indicate that thrombocytopenia correlates with the development of severe falciparum malaria, suggesting that platelets either contribute to control of parasite replication, possibly as innate parasite killer cells or function in eliciting pathogenesis. Removal of platelets by anti-CD41 mAb treatment, platelet inhibition by aspirin, and adoptive transfer of wild-type (WT) platelets to CD40-KO mice, which do not control parasite replication, resulted in similar parasitemia compared with control mice. Human platelets at a physiologic ratio of 1 platelet to 9 red blood cells (RBCs) did not inhibit the in vitro development or replication of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum. The percentage of Plasmodium-infected (iRBCs) with bound platelets during the ascending parasitemia in Plasmodium chabaudi- and Plasmodium berghei-infected mice and the 48-hour in vitro cycle of P falciparum was <10%. P chabaudi and P berghei iRBCs with apoptotic parasites (TdT1) exhibited minimal platelet binding (<5%), which was similar to nonapoptotic iRBCs. These findings collectively indicate platelets do not kill bloodstage Plasmodium at physiologically relevant effector-to-target ratios.Pchabaudi primary andsecondary parasitemiawassimilar in mice depleted of platelets by mAb-injection just before infection, indicating that activation of the protective immune response does not require platelets. In contrast to the lack of an effect on parasite replication, adoptive transfer ofWTplatelets to CD40-KOmice, which are resistant to experimental cerebral malaria, partially restored experimental cerebral malaria mortality and symptoms in CD40-KO recipients, indicating platelets elicit pathogenesis and platelet CD40 is a key molecule

System-level assessment of low complexity hybrid precoding designs for massive MIMO downlink transmissions in beyond 5G networks

The fast growth experienced by the telecommunications field during the last few decades has been motivating the academy and the industry to invest in the design, testing and deployment of new evolutions of wireless communication systems. Terahertz (THz) communication represents one of the possible technologies to explore in order to achieve the desired achievable rates above 100 Gbps and the extremely low latency required in many envisioned applications. Despite the potentialities, it requires proper system design, since working in the THz band brings a set of challenges, such as the reflection and scattering losses through the transmission path, the high dependency with distance and the severe hardware constraints. One key approach for overcoming some of these challenges relies on the use of massive/ultramassive antenna arrays combined with hybrid precoders based on fully connected phase-shifter architectures or partially connected architectures, such as arrays of subarrays (AoSAs) or dynamic AoSAs (DAoSAs). Through this strategy, it is possible to obtain very high-performance gains while drastically simplifying the practical implementation and reducing the overall power consumption of the system when compared to a fully digital approach. Although these types of solutions have been previously proposed to address some of the limitations of mmWave/THz communications, a lack between link-level and system-level analysis is commonly verified. In this paper, we present a thorough system-level assessment of a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) for beyond 5G (B5G) systems where the access points (APs) operate in the mmWave/THz bands, supporting multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) transmission with massive/ultra-massive antenna arrays combined with low-complexity hybrid precoding architectures. Results showed that the C-RAN deployments in two indoor office scenarios for the THz were capable of achieving good throughput and coverage performances, with only a small compromise in terms of gains when adopting reduced complexity hybrid precoders. Furthermore, we observed that the indoor-mixed office scenario can provide higher throughput and coverage performances independently of the cluster size when compared to the indoor-open office scenario.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio