scholarly journals The evaluation of noise- and threshold-induced bias in the integration of single-fish echoes

2004 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-415
Author(s):  
Eckhard Bethke

Abstract The echo integration of single-fish echoes shows that characteristically the received-signal energy of single targets is small compared with the echo energy of schooled fish. The measuring error is minimized by the application of an integration threshold. The echo energy, however, is often only slightly larger than the noise and reverberation level making the determination of the optimal integration threshold difficult. During the evaluation of data from the echo-integration surveys on redfish in the Irminger Sea it was observed that the integration value of single fish increased steadily with decreasing integration threshold. There is no way to determine the integration threshold by eye as for schooled fish. The approach taken in all past publications for the estimation of the influence of the integration threshold on the integration result has been based on the computation of an equivalent beam angle. The influence of “environment noise” was not considered. Here a model is presented, which considers both influences on the integration result during the integration of single-fish echoes. It is assumed that the targets are distributed evenly in the observed volume and that in each pulse volume of the beam only one target is present. The starting point of the computations is the equation for signal processing implemented in the EK500. The echo signal power received is converted pixel-by-pixel into the appropriate volume-backscattering coefficients, sv and stored as echograms. These echograms are available for post-processing in the Bergen Integrator BI500. To exclude noise and reverberation from the subsequent processing a threshold was introduced. We assume that the fish echoes are always larger than the noise and reverberation. This is a very common situation and the largest part of the energy of noise and reverberation can be eliminated in this way. When a fish echo is received outside the centre of the beam it is attenuated by the beam pattern of the transducer and may therefore lie below the threshold and could be cut off. This leads to the reduction of the measured values and a measuring error. An opposite error arises when the signal crosses the threshold. In practice the signal received always consists of noise and echo signals and has more power than it should have. The measured value is larger and this is another error of the measurement process per se. The object of this paper is to calculate the influence of the threshold level on the result of measurement and to derive a practicable rule for the determination of the threshold level. The noise is modelled as a constant input power. The computations are carried out with model functions of the transducer beam and the received-echo pulse. General statements can be met by defining a signal-to-noise ratio and a signal-to-threshold ratio. The results of the theoretical investigations are applied on acoustic data obtained during redfish survey WH229 in the Irminger Sea and adjacent waters.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Bononi ◽  
Paolo Serea ◽  
Jean-Christophe Antona

We consider the capacity optimization of submarine links when including a realistic model of the gain-flattened constant-pump erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA). While Perin et al. [1] numerically attacked this optimization for Constant-Gain (CG) amplified links, we extend the analysis also to more realistic submarine constant power-spectral-density (CPSD) links. As in [1], we concentrate on a single spatial mode of a spatial division multiplexed (SDM) link at low EDFA pump power Pp, and thus consider only the impairments of amplified spontaneous emission noise. Here we adopt a novel semi-analytical approach which consists of fixing the inversion x1 of the first EDFA (the state-variable of the link) and analytically finding capacity C(x1) by searching over the x1-feasible input wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) PSD distributions. Then the optimum inversion x1 that maximizes C(x1) is numerically obtained. This approach enables us to get both approximate (for CG links) and exact (for CPSD links) capacity-maximizing WDM input distributions, which vary inversely with the EDFA gain profile. For CG links the optimal WDM allocation is called the gain-shaped water-filling. Other practical allocations are analyzed, such as the signal to noise ratio equalizing allocation (CSNR), and the constant input power (CIP) allocation which uses a flat WDM distribution. We find that, for typical submarine span attenuations around 10dB and when the link works at the optimal inversion x1, CIP and CSNR achieve essentially the same capacity as the optimal allocation. At sufficiently large pump Pp (>= 30 mW) the optimal inversion x1 is such that the EDFA gain at 1538nm equals the span attenuation, for EDFA emission and absorption as in [1]. When span attenuations increase to 20dB, then we start seeing an advantage of the optimal allocation. Another key finding is that optimized CG and CPSD links behave roughly the same, with a slightly superior capacity for CPSD.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Bononi ◽  
Paolo Serea ◽  
Jean-Christophe Antona

We consider the capacity optimization of submarine links when including a realistic model of the gain-flattened constant-pump erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA). While Perin et al. [1] numerically attacked this optimization for Constant-Gain (CG) amplified links, we extend the analysis also to more realistic submarine constant power-spectral-density (CPSD) links. As in [1], we concentrate on a single spatial mode of a spatial division multiplexed (SDM) link at low EDFA pump power Pp, and thus consider only the impairments of amplified spontaneous emission noise. Here we adopt a novel semi-analytical approach which consists of fixing the inversion x1 of the first EDFA (the state-variable of the link) and analytically finding capacity C(x1) by searching over the x1-feasible input wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) PSD distributions. Then the optimum inversion x1 that maximizes C(x1) is numerically obtained. This approach enables us to get both approximate (for CG links) and exact (for CPSD links) capacity-maximizing WDM input distributions, which vary inversely with the EDFA gain profile. For CG links the optimal WDM allocation is called the gain-shaped water-filling. Other practical allocations are analyzed, such as the signal to noise ratio equalizing allocation (CSNR), and the constant input power (CIP) allocation which uses a flat WDM distribution. We find that, for typical submarine span attenuations around 10dB and when the link works at the optimal inversion x1, CIP and CSNR achieve essentially the same capacity as the optimal allocation. At sufficiently large pump Pp (>= 30 mW) the optimal inversion x1 is such that the EDFA gain at 1538nm equals the span attenuation, for EDFA emission and absorption as in [1]. When span attenuations increase to 20dB, then we start seeing an advantage of the optimal allocation. Another key finding is that optimized CG and CPSD links behave roughly the same, with a slightly superior capacity for CPSD.


Author(s):  
David A. Grano ◽  
Kenneth H. Downing

The retrieval of high-resolution information from images of biological crystals depends, in part, on the use of the correct photographic emulsion. We have been investigating the information transfer properties of twelve emulsions with a view toward 1) characterizing the emulsions by a few, measurable quantities, and 2) identifying the “best” emulsion of those we have studied for use in any given experimental situation. Because our interests lie in the examination of crystalline specimens, we've chosen to evaluate an emulsion's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a function of spatial frequency and use this as our critereon for determining the best emulsion.The signal-to-noise ratio in frequency space depends on several factors. First, the signal depends on the speed of the emulsion and its modulation transfer function (MTF). By procedures outlined in, MTF's have been found for all the emulsions tested and can be fit by an analytic expression 1/(1+(S/S0)2). Figure 1 shows the experimental data and fitted curve for an emulsion with a better than average MTF. A single parameter, the spatial frequency at which the transfer falls to 50% (S0), characterizes this curve.


Author(s):  
F.A. Ponce ◽  
H. Hikashi

The determination of the atomic positions from HRTEM micrographs is only possible if the optical parameters are known to a certain accuracy, and reliable through-focus series are available to match the experimental images with calculated images of possible atomic models. The main limitation in interpreting images at the atomic level is the knowledge of the optical parameters such as beam alignment, astigmatism correction and defocus value. Under ordinary conditions, the uncertainty in these values is sufficiently large to prevent the accurate determination of the atomic positions. Therefore, in order to achieve the resolution power of the microscope (under 0.2nm) it is necessary to take extraordinary measures. The use of on line computers has been proposed [e.g.: 2-5] and used with certain amount of success.We have built a system that can perform operations in the range of one frame stored and analyzed per second. A schematic diagram of the system is shown in figure 1. A JEOL 4000EX microscope equipped with an external computer interface is directly linked to a SUN-3 computer. All electrical parameters in the microscope can be changed via this interface by the use of a set of commands. The image is received from a video camera. A commercial image processor improves the signal-to-noise ratio by recursively averaging with a time constant, usually set at 0.25 sec. The computer software is based on a multi-window system and is entirely mouse-driven. All operations can be performed by clicking the mouse on the appropiate windows and buttons. This capability leads to extreme friendliness, ease of operation, and high operator speeds. Image analysis can be done in various ways. Here, we have measured the image contrast and used it to optimize certain parameters. The system is designed to have instant access to: (a) x- and y- alignment coils, (b) x- and y- astigmatism correction coils, and (c) objective lens current. The algorithm is shown in figure 2. Figure 3 shows an example taken from a thin CdTe crystal. The image contrast is displayed for changing objective lens current (defocus value). The display is calibrated in angstroms. Images are stored on the disk and are accessible by clicking the data points in the graph. Some of the frame-store images are displayed in Fig. 4.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 346-354
Author(s):  
Yan A. Ivanenkov ◽  
Renat S. Yamidanov ◽  
Ilya A. Osterman ◽  
Petr V. Sergiev ◽  
Vladimir A. Aladinskiy ◽  
...  

Aim and Objective: Antibiotic resistance is a serious constraint to the development of new effective antibacterials. Therefore, the discovery of the new antibacterials remains one of the main challenges in modern medicinal chemistry. This study was undertaken to identify novel molecules with antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: Using our unique double-reporter system, in-house large-scale HTS campaign was conducted for the identification of antibacterial potency of small-molecule compounds. The construction allows us to visually assess the underlying mechanism of action. After the initial HTS and rescreen procedure, luciferase assay, C14-test, determination of MIC value and PrestoBlue test were carried out. Results: HTS rounds and rescreen campaign have revealed the antibacterial activity of a series of Nsubstituted triazolo-azetidines and their isosteric derivatives that has not been reported previously. Primary hit-molecule demonstrated a MIC value of 12.5 µg/mL against E. coli Δ tolC with signs of translation blockage and no SOS-response. Translation inhibition (26%, luciferase assay) was achieved at high concentrations up to 160 µg/mL, while no activity was found using C14-test. The compound did not demonstrate cytotoxicity in the PrestoBlue assay against a panel of eukaryotic cells. Within a series of direct structural analogues bearing the same or bioisosteric scaffold, compound 2 was found to have an improved antibacterial potency (MIC=6.25 µg/mL) close to Erythromycin (MIC=2.5-5 µg/mL) against the same strain. In contrast to the parent hit, this compound was more active and selective, and provided a robust IP position. Conclusion: N-substituted triazolo-azetidine scaffold may be used as a versatile starting point for the development of novel active and selective antibacterial compounds.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 813
Author(s):  
Magdalena Świądro ◽  
Paweł Stelmaszczyk ◽  
Irena Lenart ◽  
Renata Wietecha-Posłuszny

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a high-sensitivity methodology for identifying one of the most used drugs—ketamine. Ketamine is used medicinally to treat depression, alcoholism, and heroin addiction. Moreover, ketamine is the main ingredient used in so-called “date-rape” pills (DRP). This study presents a novel methodology for the simultaneous determination of ketamine based on the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) method, in combination with capillary electrophoresis coupled with a mass spectrometer (CE-TOF-MS). Then, 6-mm circles were punched out from DBS collected on Whatman DMPK-C paper and extracted using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The assay was linear in the range of 25–300 ng/mL. Values of limits of detection (LOD = 6.0 ng/mL) and quantification (LOQ = 19.8 ng/mL) were determined based on the signal to noise ratio. Intra-day precision at each determined concentration level was in the range of 6.1–11.1%, and inter-day between 7.9–13.1%. The obtained precision was under 15.0% (for medium and high concentrations) and lower than 20.0% (for low concentrations), which are in accordance with acceptance criteria. Therefore, the DBS/MAE/CE-TOF-MS method was successfully checked for analysis of ketamine in matrices other than blood, i.e., rose wine and orange juice. Moreover, it is possible to identify ketamine in the presence of flunitrazepam, which is the other most popular ingredient used in DRP. Based on this information, the selectivity of the proposed methodology for identifying ketamine in the presence of other components of rape pills was checked.


2006 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razvan Caracas ◽  
Renata M. Wentzcovitch

Density functional theory is used to determine the possible crystal structure of the CaSiO3 perovskites and their evolution under pressure. The ideal cubic perovskite is considered as a starting point for studying several possible lower-symmetry distorted structures. The theoretical lattice parameters and the atomic coordinates for all the structures are determined, and the results are discussed with respect to experimental data.


1975 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 1761-1778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduard Berg

abstract For a signal-to-noise ratio between 0.2 and 0.1 on the original single-component records, amplitudes for Rayleigh waves over oceanic paths of 155° at station MAT and 98° at station KIP have been determined as 12 mμ and 24 mμ peak-to-peak, respectively, with a standard error of less than 11 per cent. In each case the processed correlation signal is the highest in a half-hour record. The method makes use of preliminary high-pass filtering and normalized reference earthquake-matched filtering, and takes full advantage of the well-dispersed oceanic surface wave. The method also provides high resolution of co-located events with short time separation, or of widely spaced events with Rayleigh waves arriving nearly simultaneously at a single station, when the summed vertical and radial matched filtered components are used. Examples include: (1) clear separation and amplitude determination at stations KIP and MAT of two MS = 6.5 earthquakes located 0.7° and 145 sec apart off the coast of central Chile; (2) clear separation at station KIP of a Novaya Zemlya mb = 4.8 event from interfering Rayleigh waves of an mb = 5.0 Kermadec Island earthquake arriving 120 to 140 sec prior to the searched event, with almost complete elimination of interference on the summed vertical and radial processed components; and (3) clear separation at station KIP of two co-located mb = 4.4 and 4.5 earthquakes 6 min apart off the coast of Chile, with determination of their amplitudes in the presence of interfering Rayleigh waves from two central Alaska earthquakes, the first (mb = 4.1) arriving 15 min prior to the first Chile Rayleigh wave and the second between the two Chile arrivals. The single-station threshold reached (10 and 25 digital units, p-p) for stations MAT and KIP at 155° and 98°, respectively, corresponds to an MS = 3.3 and probably can be improved further.


Author(s):  
George T. Lountos ◽  
Brian P. Austin ◽  
Joseph E. Tropea ◽  
David S. Waugh

Human dual-specificity phosphatase 7 (DUSP7/Pyst2) is a 320-residue protein that belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP) subfamily of dual-specificity phosphatases. Although its precise biological function is still not fully understood, previous reports have demonstrated that DUSP7 is overexpressed in myeloid leukemia and other malignancies. Therefore, there is interest in developing DUSP7 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents, especially for cancer. Here, the purification, crystallization and structure determination of the catalytic domain of DUSP7 (Ser141–Ser289/C232S) at 1.67 Å resolution are reported. The structure described here provides a starting point for structure-assisted inhibitor-design efforts and adds to the growing knowledge base of three-dimensional structures of the dual-specificity phosphatase family.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document