2,770 research outputs found
Congenital Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism: Minipuberty and the Case for Neonatal Diagnosis
No full textCopyright \ua9 2019 Swee and Quinton. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.Congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare but important etiology of pubertal failure and infertility, resulting from impaired gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion or action. Despite the availability of effective hormonal therapies, the majority of men with CHH experience unsatisfactory outcomes, including chronic psychosocial and reproductive sequelae. Early detection and timely interventions are crucial to address the gaps in medical care and improve the outlook for these patients. In this paper, we review the clinical implications of missing minipuberty in CHH and therapeutic strategies that can modify the course of disease, as well as explore a targeted approach to identifying affected male infants by integrating clinical and biochemical data in the early postnatal months
Performance of Broadband Multicarrier DS-CDMA using Space-Time Spreading-Assisted Transmit Diversity
No full textIn this contribution multicarrier direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (MC DS-CDMA) using space–time spreading (STS)-assisted transmit diversity is investigated in the context of broadband communications over frequency-selective Rayleigh-fading channels. We consider the issue of parameter design for the sake of achieving high-efficiency communications in various dispersive environments. Furthermore, in contrast to conventional MC DS-CDMA schemes employing time (T)-domain spreading only, in this contribution we also investigate broadband MC DS-CDMA schemes employing both T-domain and frequency (F)-domain spreading, i.e., employing TF-domain spreading. The bit-error rate (BER) performance of STS-assisted broadband MC DS-CDMA is investigated for downlink transmissions associated with the correlation based single-user detector and the decorrelating multiuser detector. Our study demonstrated that when appropriately selecting the system parameters, broadband MC DS-CDMA using STS-assisted transmit diversity constitutes a promising downlink transmission scheme. This scheme is capable of supporting ubiquitous communications over diverse communication environments without BER performance degradation. Index Terms—Broadband system, code-division multiple access (CDMA), frequency-domain spreading, frequency-selective fading, multicarrier direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (MC-DS-CDMA), multicarrier CDMA, multicarrier modulation, multiuser detection, space–time spreading (STS), transmit diversity
Adaptive Minimum-BER Linear Multiuser Detection for DS-CDMA Signals in Multipath Channels
No full textThe problem of constructing adaptive minimum bit error rate (MBER) linear multiuser detectors is considered for direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) signals transmitted through multipath channels. Based on the approach of kernel density estimation for approximating the bit error rate (BER) from training data, a least mean squares (LMS) style stochastic gradient adaptive algorithm is developed for training linear multiuser detectors. Computer simulation is used to study the convergence speed and steady-state BER misadjustment of this adaptive MBER linear multiuser detector, and the results show that it outperforms an existing LMS-style adaptive MBER algorithm first presented at Globecom'98 by Yeh, Lopes and Barry
Measurement of the branching fractions of Ds+→η'X and Ds+→η'ρ+ in e+e-→Ds+Ds-
No full textÇetin, Serkant Ali (Dogus Author)We study Ds+ decays to final states involving the η' with a 482 pb-1 data sample collected at s=4.009 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We measure the branching fractions B(Ds+→η'X)=(8.8±1.8±0.5)% and B(Ds+→η'ρ+)=(5.8±1.4±0.4)% where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. In addition, we estimate an upper limit on the non-resonant branching ratio B(Ds+→η'π+π0)<5.1% at the 90% confidence level. Our results are consistent with CLEO's recent measurements and help to resolve the disagreement between the theoretical prediction and CLEO's previous measurement of B(Ds+→η'ρ+)
Groupwise Multiuser Detection in a Multirate DS-CDMA System
No full textThis report presents the performance of groupwise successive interference cancellation (GSIC) within a direct sequence code division multiple access system (DS-CDMA). Within the groups, matched filter and PIC receivers are used for detection of the users. A multirate DS-CDMA system model, based on a single rate system is presented. Although the study of multiuser detection for single rate systems has resulted in several structures, multiuser receivers designed specifically for a DS-CDMA variable spreading factor multirate system are shown to be benificial. Since they can exploit the specific properties of these systems. The bit error rate performance of matched filter, parallel interference cancellation and GSIC receivers are compared in AWGN channel. The GSIC receiver is seen to perform best. The various GSIC receiver variants are then simulated in a Rayleigh fading channel to investigate how they will perform in a realistic mobile environment. Finally the impact of fixed delay is studied.Applied SciencesElectrical EngineeringTelecommunications and Traffic-Control Systems Grou
Multibeam Adaptive Antenna Array Applied to DS-CDMA Communication Systems
No full textIn this thesis, the multibeam adaptive antenna array has been investigated for application to DS/CDMA The objective is to design an adaptive controller and a beamformer for an Adaptive Antenna Array suitable for the wideband DS/CDMA environment. The research was in accordance with the current research on third generation mobile communications systems in development in Europe…Applied SciencesInformation Technology and SystemsTelecommunications and Traffic Control Systems Grou
Performance Analysis of DS, SFH and Hybrid DS/SFH CDMA in an Micro - and Macro cellular Environment with Fading and Shadowing: Task report
No full textIn this report, a performance analysis of DS, SFH and Hybrid DS/SFH in terms of biterror probability, throughput and delay are presented. The modulation techniques used are BPSK and QPSK. The effect of Selection Diversity and Forward Error Correction (FEC) Codeon the performance are also investigated. A comparison between the CDMA techniques is made in macro- and micro cellular environment.Applied SciencesElectrical EngineeringTelecommunications and Traffic Control Systems Grou
Reduced-rank adaptive least bit-error-rate detection in hybrid direct-sequence time-hopping ultrawide bandwidth systems
No full textDesign of high-efficiency low-complexity detection schemes for ultrawide bandwidth (UWB) systems is highly challenging. This contribution proposes a reduced-rank adaptive multiuser detection (MUD) scheme operated in least bit-errorrate (LBER) principles for the hybrid direct-sequence timehopping UWB (DS-TH UWB) systems. The principal component analysis (PCA)-assisted rank-reduction technique is employed to obtain a detection subspace, where the reduced-rank adaptive LBER-MUD is carried out. The reduced-rank adaptive LBERMUD is free from channel estimation and does not require the knowledge about the number of resolvable multipaths as well as the knowledge about the multipaths’ strength. In this contribution, the BER performance of the hybrid DS-TH UWB systems using the proposed detection scheme is investigated, when assuming communications over UWB channels modeled by the Saleh-Valenzuela (S-V) channel model. Our studies and performance results show that, given a reasonable rank of the detection subspace, the reduced-rank adaptive LBER-MUD is capable of efficiently mitigating the multiuser interference (MUI) and inter-symbol interference (ISI), and achieving the diversity gain promised by the UWB systems
Understanding the risk of underwater skimming of slow sand filters
No full textJefferson, Bruce - Associate SupervisorAbstract
This research presents an in-depth examination of underwater skimming (UWS)
for cleaning slow sand filters (SSF), as an alternative to the traditional dry
skimming (DS). The study explores the risks and advantages of UWS compared
to DS methods, particularly in terms of filtration performance, microbial removal
effectiveness, and operational efficiencies.
The research includes an evaluation of the current state of SSF technology,
including operational practices and associated risks faced by operators within the
potable water sector, setting the background for identifying the potential
improvements that UWS may offer. The study further analyses the risks of particle
penetration, head loss development and water quality in SSFs when employing
UWS, supported by data from pilot-scale experiments conducted to compare
UWS and DS. These experiments compare the effects of UWS against the
conventional methods, focusing on filtrate quality, recovery after skimming, and
system resilience. Additionally, the study investigates the effects of UWS on
dissolved oxygen consumption within the SSF, using a mass balance model to
predict the dynamic changes in oxygen levels that occur due to operational
disturbances caused by UWS. This aspect of the research highlights the
environmental implications of adopting UWS in water treatment practices.
One of the key findings from this research is that UWS filters exhibited less
disruption post-skimming, allowing for quicker recovery to microbial compliance
compared to DS filters. They also maintained more stable microbial water quality
immediately post-skim, as evidenced by consistent removals of coliform at
1.9±0.2 log, compared to DS where removals dropped to 1.1±0.4 log. While
surface agitation in a worst-case scenario UWS system may increase the
likelihood of particle penetration and breakthrough, deeper media depth
(>500mm) mitigates this, with particle breakthrough reducing from 2229 no/mL at
200 mm to 53 no/mL at 500mm. Maintaining a 'sweetening flow' during UWS
could considerably improve DO supply, and reduce the emergence of anoxic
conditions, while considerably reducing the recovery time caused by any flow
reductions or pauses. For example, recovery can increase from 10.1-10.9 bed
volumes when flow is completely paused, to less than one bed volume with a
continuous sweetening flow during skimming.
The study maintains that UWS not only addresses the operational challenges
posed by traditional methods but also enhances the efficacy and sustainability of
SSFs. Through this comprehensive analysis, the research provides substantial
evidence that UWS could be instrumental in advancing SSF operation, solidifying
its importance as a vital aspect of future research and application in the field. This
research contributes to knowledge by demonstrating that UWS enhances the
efficacy and sustainability of slow sand filtration systems, reducing operational
downtime and maintaining microbial water quality. The potential impact of this
research is significant, as it offers a method to increase production capacity from
existing SSF assets, potentially transforming slow sand filtration practices
globally.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)STREAM EngD Programm
Current concepts surrounding neonatal hormone therapy for boys with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
No full text\ua9 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Introduction: Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a genetic disorder of reproduction and development, characterized by deficient gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion or action, affecting 1-in-4,000–15,000 males. Micropenis and undescended testes are cardinal features of antenatal GnRH deficiency and could indicate absent minipuberty in the first postnatal months. In this review, we outline the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of absent minipuberty and its implications for optimal approaches to the endocrine management of affected boys. Areas covered: Deficient GnRH activity during fetal development and neonatal-infancy phase of minipuberty accounts for the diminished mass of Sertoli cells and seminiferous tubules among CHH males, enduring impairment of reproductive function even during gonadotropin replacement in adult life. In overcoming this obstacle, several clinical studies of neonatal gonadotropin replacement have consistently shown positive results in inducing testicular development and correcting cryptorchidism. Expert opinion: A high index of clinical suspicion, combined with hormonal testing undertaken in the postnatal period of 1–4 months, can reliably confirm or refute the diagnosis of CHH. Timely identification of CHH in affected male infants (having characteristic “red flag’ developmental anomalies) opens up the possibility for gonadotropin replacement as a targeted therapy to restore the normal hormonal milieu of minipuberty. Further work is necessary in formulating optimal gonadotropin treatment regimens to be more widely adopted in clinical practice
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