Channel Model Research Articles

Inhibitors of the small membrane (M) protein viroporin prevent Zika virus infection.

Flaviviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV), are a significant global health concern, yet no licensed antivirals exist to treat disease. The small Membrane (M) protein plays well-defined roles during viral egress and remains within virion membranes following release and maturation. However, it is unclear whether M plays a functional role in this setting. Here, we show that M forms oligomeric membrane-permeabilising channels in vitro, with increased activity at acidic pH and sensitivity to the prototypic channel-blocker, rimantadine. Accordingly, rimantadine blocked an early stage of ZIKV cell culture infection. Structure-based channel models, comprising hexameric arrangements of two trans-membrane domain protomers were shown to comprise more stable assemblages than other oligomers using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Models contained a predicted lumenal rimantadine binding site, as well as a second druggable target region on the membrane-exposed periphery. In silico screening enriched for repurposed drugs/compounds predicted to bind to either one site or the other. Hits displayed superior potency in vitro and in cell culture compared with rimantadine, with efficacy demonstrably linked to virion-resident channels. Finally, rimantadine effectively blocked ZIKV viraemia in preclinical models, supporting that M constitutes a physiologically relevant target. This could be explored by repurposing rimantadine, or development of new M-targeted-therapies.

Data-Driven Channel Modeling for End-to-End Visible Light DCO-OFDM Communication System Based on Experimental Data

End-to-end systems have been introduced to address the issue of independent signal processing module design in traditional communication systems, which prevents achieving global system optimization. However, research on indoor end-to-end Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems remains limited, especially regarding the channel modeling of high-speed, high-capacity Direct Current-biased Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) systems. This paper proposes three channel modeling methods for end-to-end DCO-OFDM VLC systems. The accuracy of the proposed methods is demonstrated through R-Square model fitting performance and data distribution analysis. The effectiveness of the proposed channel modeling methods is further validated by comparing the bit error rate (BER) performance of traditional receivers and existing deep learning (DL)-based receivers. The results show that the proposed methods can effectively mitigate both linear and nonlinear distortions. By employing these channel modeling methods, communication systems can reduce the spectral occupancy of pilot signals, thereby significantly lowering the complexity of traditional channel estimation methods. Thus, these methods are suitable for use in end-to-end VLC communication systems.

A robust OFDM IM-QAM NOMA scheme for URLLC and eMBB downlink service coexistence

This work introduces a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme suitable for low-rate ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services multiplexing in downlink communication. Tailored to minimize mutual interference, URLLC information is conveyed via a modified index modulation (IM) scheme on top of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) transferring eMBB traffic. Aiming at providing a proof of concept of the proposed scheme, we calculate the bit error rate of both services over Rayleigh fading with diversity, as well as the eMBB service achievable rate with typical multi-input multi-output (MIMO) configuration when the URLLC service utilizes space–time coding or diversity. The proposed scheme achieves a low bit error rate for the URLLC IM signal, at the cost of a lower information rate, while affecting the performance of the eMBB user mainly due to power sharing among the IM and QAM signals. To further investigate the feasibility of the proposed scheme, we calculate the transmission energy required by the base station to support both services over a typical cellular channel model, for various service requirements and user distances, in comparison to an orthogonal multiple access (OMA) puncturing scheme utilizing time-multiplexing of QAM for the eMBB traffic and BPSK for the URLLC traffic. Overall, our results show that the proposed scheme attains better performance compared to the puncturing scheme and offers a robust solution with easy user pairing for low-rate URLLC and typical eMBB downlink service multiplexing for 5G communications and beyond.

Precise Error Performance of BPSK Modulated Coherent Terahertz Wireless LOS Links with Pointing Errors.

One of the key advantages of terahertz (THz) communication is its potential for energy efficiency, making it an attractive option for green communication systems. Coherent THz transmission technology has recently been explored in the literature. However, there exist few error performance results for such a wireless link employing coherent THz technology. In this paper, we explore a comprehensive terrestrial channel model designed for wireless line-of-sight communication using THz frequencies. The performance of coherent THz links is analyzed, and it is found to be notably affected by two significant factors, atmospheric turbulence and pointing errors. These could occur between the terahertz transmitter and receiver in terrestrial links. The exact and asymptotic solutions are derived for bit error rate and interrupt probability for binary phase-shift keying coherent THz systems, respectively, over log-normal and Gamma-Gamma turbulent channels. The asymptotic outage probability analysis is also performed. It is shown that the presented results offer a precise estimation of coherent THz transmission performance and its link budget.

Nernst Equilibrium, Rectification, and Saturation: Insights into Ion Channel Behavior.

The dissipation of electrochemical gradients through ion channels plays a central role in biology. Herein we use voltage responsive kinetic models of ion channels to explore how electrical and chemical potentials differentially influence ion transport properties. These models demonstrate how electrically driven flux is greater than the Nernstian equivalent chemically driven flux, yet still perfectly cancels when the two gradients oppose each other. We find that the location and relative stability of ion binding sites dictates rectification properties by shifting the location of the most voltage sensitive transitions. However, these rectification properties invert when bulk concentrations increase relative to the binding site stabilities, moving the rate limiting steps from uptake into a relatively empty channel to release from an ion-blocked full channel. Additionally, the origin of channel saturation is shown to depend on the free energy of uptake relative to bulk concentrations. Collectively these insights provide framework for interpreting and predicting how channel properties manifest in electrochemical transport behavior.

Closed-form energy-based signal detection analysis in presence of a Lomax fading channel in full hyper-Rayleigh regime

The presented research examines the energy-based spectrum sensing problem of a signal transmitted over a wireless communication channel with severe fading. To account for the most challenging propagation conditions, a recently developed Lomax wireless channel model was utilized, which exhibits hyper-Rayleigh characteristics over the entire range of possible parameter values. For the channel model under consideration, the existence of the specific hyper-Rayleigh regimes (i.e., weak, strong, and full) are identified asymptotically and studied numerically for a finite signal-to-noise ratio. For the most severe fading conditions, the system’s performance was assessed in terms of the average probability of detection, receiver operating characteristics, and area under the curve. These metrics were derived in closed-form for the cases of Maximum Ratio Combining at the receiver and without diversity reception. The obtained expressions were analyzed via numerical and statistical simulation as functions of system and channel parameters, including the sensing base, average signal-to-noise ratio, and scale parameter for the signal-to-noise probability distribution. The results from numerical simulations were compared with existing regulations specified in the 5G standard for energy-based detection in medium access procedures.

Diverse biophysical mechanisms in voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.4 variants associated with myotonia.

Mutations in SCN4A gene encoding Nav1.4 channel α-subunit, are known to cause neuromuscular disorders such as myotonia or paralysis. Here, we study the effect of two amino acid replacements, K1302Q and G1306E, in the DIII-IV loop of the channel, corresponding to mutations found in patients with myotonia. We combine clinical, electrophysiological, and molecular modeling data to provide a holistic picture of the molecular mechanisms operating in mutant channels and eventually leading to pathology. We analyze the existing clinical data for patients with the K1302Q substitution, which was reported for adults with or without myotonia phenotypes, and report two new unrelated patients with the G1306E substitution, who presented with severe neonatal episodic laryngospasm and childhood-onset myotonia. We provide a functional analysis of the mutant channels by expressing Nav1.4 α-subunit in Xenopus oocytes in combination with β1 subunit and recording sodium currents using two-electrode voltage clamp. The K1302Q variant exhibits abnormal voltage dependence of steady-state fast inactivation, being the likely cause of pathology. K1302Q does not lead to decelerated fast inactivation, unlike several other myotonic mutations such as G1306E. For both mutants, we observe increased window currents corresponding to a larger population of channels available for activation. To elaborate the structural rationale for our experimental data, we explore the contacts involving K/Q1302 and E1306 in the AlphaFold2 model of wild-type Nav1.4 and Monte Carlo-minimized models of mutant channels. Our data provide the missing evidence to support the classification of K1302Q variant as likely pathogenic and may be used by clinicians.

Masked Channel Modeling for Bootstrapping Visual Pre-training

Masked Channel Modeling for Bootstrapping Visual Pre-training

The Performance and Fabrication of 3D Variable Cross-Section Channel for Passive Microfluidic Control.

Passive fluid control has mostly been used for valves, pumps, and mixers in microfluidic systems. The basic principle is to generate localized losses in special channel structures, such as branches, grooves, or spirals. The flow field in two-dimensional space can be easily calculated using the typical Stokes formula, but it is challenging in three-dimensional space. Moreover, the flow field with periodic variable cross-sections channeled of polyhedral units has been neglected in this research field due to previous limitations in manufacturing technology. With the continuous progress of 3D printing technology, the field of microfluidic devices ushered in a new era of manufacturing three-dimensional irregular channels. In this study, we present finite analysis results for a periodic nodular-like channel. The experiments involve variations in the Reynold number (Re), periodic frequency, and comparative analyses with conventional structures. The findings indicate that this variable 3D cross-section structure can readily achieve performance comparable to other passive fluid control methods in valve applications. A 3D model of the periodic tetrahedron channel was fabricated using 3D printing to validate these conclusions. This research has the potential to significantly enhance the performance of passive fluid control units that have long been constrained by manufacturing dimensions.

Nonstationary Channel Modeling for Wireless Communications Underlaying UAV-Based Relay-Assisted IIoT Networks in the Subterahertz Band

Nonstationary Channel Modeling for Wireless Communications Underlaying UAV-Based Relay-Assisted IIoT Networks in the Subterahertz Band

Performance modeling of composite fading channels: an application to wearable wireless communication systems

In pragmatic wireless propagation scenarios, communication between wearable devices may be significantly impacted by fading, particularly when wireless communication is crucial for mission control, situational awareness, and team coordination in defense operations. There may be times when communication links are temporarily unavailable in places due to contemporaneous effect of slow fading and fast fading, including cities or regions with tough terrain. This phenomena results in composite fading environments. Moreover, the data transfer speeds may drop as a result of fading, making it a challenging task to rapidly transmit crucial real time data. In addition, the precision of GPS and positioning systems, that are essential for operations viz., target tracking, navigation and rescue can be impacted by fading. In this setting, the work portrays modeling the fading channels over the Weibull distribution by exploiting Tsallis’ q-statistical framework. From the analytical observations, it was evident that in contrast to the well-known composite models, the q-Weibull model provides a better characterization of the generated fading signals. Furthermore, the closed form solution to the different performance metrics that are crucial in characterizing the fading environments are provided.

Terahertz channel modeling based on surface sensing characteristics

The dielectric properties of environmental surfaces, including walls, floors and the ground, etc., play a crucial role in shaping the accuracy of terahertz (THz) channel modeling, thereby directly impacting the effectiveness of communication systems. Traditionally, acquiring these properties has relied on methods such as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) or vector network analyzers (VNA), demanding rigorous sample preparation and entailing a significant expenditure of time. However, such measurements are not always feasible, particularly in novel and uncharacterized scenarios. In this work, we propose a new approach for channel modeling that leverages the inherent sensing capabilities of THz channels, specifically by obtaining channel measurement data through the analysis of refractive indices. By comparing the results obtained through channel sensing with that derived from THz-TDS measurements, we demonstrate the its ability to yield dependable surface property information. Integrating it into a ray-tracing algorithm for channel modeling in both a miniaturized cityscape scenario and an indoor environment, the results show consistency with experimental measurements, thereby validating its effectiveness in real-world settings.

Performance Evaluation of UOWC Systems from an Empirical Channel Model Approach for Air Bubble-Induced Scattering.

Underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) systems provide the potential to establish secure high-data-rate communication links in underwater environments. The uniqueness of oceanic impairments, such as absorption, scattering, oceanic turbulence, and air bubbles demands accurate statistical channel models based on empirical measurements for the development of UOWC systems adapted to different types of water and link conditions. Recently, generalized Gamma and a mixture of two generalized Gamma probability density functions (PDF) were proposed to describe the statistical behavior of small and large air bubbles, respectively, when considering several levels of particle-induced scattering. In this paper, we derive novel closed-form analytic expressions to compute the bit error rate (BER) and outage performance using both proposed PDFs for various scattering conditions. Furthermore, simple asymptotic expressions are obtained to determine the diversity order of each scenario. Monte Carlo simulation results verify the obtained theoretical expressions. Our results also reveal that UOWC systems present lower BER and outage performance under more turbid water cases with respect to the tap water case due to the higher diversity order and despite the significant increases in pathloss at short link distances. Particle-induced scattering provides an inherent mechanism of turbid waters to mitigate air bubble-induced fluctuations and light blockages.

Effects of using a finned cylindrical cooler in the nano-enhanced cooling channel on the exergetic performance of a PV/TEG-coupled system

ABSTRACT In this study, three different nano-enhanced channel models were integrated into the 3D photovoltaic (PV)/thermoelectric generator (TEG) system and the effect of the channel models on the PV/TEG system performance was examined. The flat rectangular channel, Model 1 while the cylindrical and fin-reinforced cylindrical object accommodated in the flat rectangular channel are defined as Model 2 and Model 3, respectively. A comparison of water and ternary nanofluid with various nanoparticle (solid particle volume fraction between 0.01 and 0.03) loading was performed in each channel model. In addition, impacts of cooling fluids at different inlet temperatures (Tg between 25°C and 12.5°C) were considered in the simulations. Among different cooling channels, lowest PV cell temperature and the highest PV output power were obtained in Model 3. The highest PV power (0.51 W) was obtained with Model 3 with ternary nanofluid (%3 volume fraction) at Tg = 12.5°C. This value is is 3.66% and 4.03% higher than Model 2 and Model 1, respectively. Under the same conditions, TEG output power reached its highest value with Model 2 and it was followed by Model 1 and Model 3, respectively. With the reinforcement of fins to the cylindrical object, an improvement in thermal performance was achieved, but a decrease in total output power was observed.

A Survey of Visible-Light-Communication-Based Indoor Positioning Systems.

There is a growing demand for indoor positioning systems (IPSs) in a wide range of applications. However, traditional solutions such as GPS face many technical challenges. In recent years, a promising alternative has been emerging, the visible light communication (VLC)-based IPS, which offers a combination of high accuracy, low cost, and energy efficiency. This article presents a comprehensive review of VLC-based IPSs, providing a tutorial-like overview of the system. It begins by comparing various positioning systems and providing background information on their inherent limitations. Experimental results have demonstrated that VLC-based systems can achieve localization accuracy to within 10 cm in controlled environments. The mechanisms of VLC-based IPSs are then discussed, including a comprehensive examination of their performance metrics and underlying assumptions. The complexity, operating range, and efficiency of VLC-based IPSs are examined by analyzing factors such as channel modeling, signal processing, and localization algorithms. To optimize VLC-based IPSs, various strategies are explored, including the design of efficient modulation schemes, the development of advanced encoding and decoding algorithms, the implementation of adaptive power control, and the application of state-of-the-art localization algorithms. In addition, system parameters are carefully examined. These include LED placement, receiver sensitivity, and transmit power. Their impact on energy efficiency and localization accuracy is highlighted. Altogether, this paper serves as a comprehensive guide to VLC IPSs, providing in-depth insights into their vast potential and the challenges that they present.

Coverage analysis of coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (C-OFDM) based high speed railways (HSR) networks under different propagation scenarios

In this research work, investigation of percentage of coverage area is performed for coded OFDM (COFDM) based high-speed railways (HSR) communication networks. Different HSR scenarios such as viaduct, rural, suburban, urban and cutting etc. are considered for this analysis. Path loss models for these HSR scenarios are explored and analysed w.r.t the distance between base station (BS) and the receiver located at the train. Further, link budget of the network is investigated under these HSR scenarios. In addition, bit error rates (BER) of this communication networks are analysed under vehicular A and vehicular B channel models. For these investigation, sub-GHz frequency bands such as 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 5.8 GHz are considered. It is observed that path loss in viaduct scenario is less as compared to other scenarios irrespective of frequency bands. It is also found that BER is more when the signal in propagated through vehicular B channel as compared to vehicular A channel. In addition, it is also noted that percentage of coverage area in viaduct scenario is more as compared to other HSR scenarios irrespective of frequency bands.

Finite Difference Model of Substrate Channeling in TCA Cycle Enzymes

The Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle is a highly optimized metabolic pathway. Of particular interest in the TCA cycle is the malate dehydrogenase—citrate synthase (MDH-CS) complex, which accomplishes citrate production from malate with an oxaloacetate intermediate. This complex was studied experimentally by Bulutoglu et al, who showed that mutation of positively-charged residues on the complex surface effected the dynamic response of citrate production as measured by lag time experiments.1 More recently, we have created a Markov State model that was used to predict the transfer efficiency of each complex and determine the reaction pathways on the surface.2 Utilizing the kinetic parameters of both the recombinant and mutant complexes determined experimentally1and Markov state transition matrix produced by previous modeling2, we report a finite difference model to calculate time trajectories of the surface and bulk occupancies by OAA. Solution of a system of differential mass balance equations, based on the transient matrix, provide the occupancy probability at each node in the network. The lag time of MDH-CS was determined computationally to be comparable to experiment for both the recombinant and mutant complex with lag times of 0.44 and 2.1 seconds, respectively.1 Using the model, the dynamics of each of the four possible reaction pathways between the the two source (MDH) active sites and the two sink (CS) sites could be studied independently. This analysis provides a dynamic model for intermediate transport in an electrostatically channeled system, and can be used as a predictive tool to provide mechanistic insight into pathway dominance. We gratefully acknowledge support from the Army Research Office MURI (#W911NF1410263) via The University of Utah. References B. Bulutoglu, K. E. Garcia, F. Wu, S. D. Minteer, and S. Banta, ACS Chemical Biology, 11, 2847–53 (2016). doi:10.1021/acschembio.6b00523Y. Xie, S. D. Minteer, S. Banta, and S. Calabrese Barton, ACS Nanoscience Au, 2, 414-421 (2022). doi:10.1021/acsnanoscienceau.2c00011 Figure 1

Transfer Learning Model for Joint Semantic and Channel Coding/Decoding in Wireless Systems

Transfer Learning Model for Joint Semantic and Channel Coding/Decoding in Wireless Systems

Rapid data collection and processing in dense urban edge computing networks with drone assistance

In the edge computing network systems for the Internet of Things (IoT), there is growing attention to utilizing drones for collecting data and maintaining the freshness of data processing. This study focuses on analyzing the problems related to trajectory planning and task scheduling in a single drone-assisted edge computing network within a dense, three-dimensional urban environment. We first design an edge computing network architecture and establish an air-to-ground channel model between the drone and ground mobile devices to address the blockage caused by buildings in urban environments. Subsequently, to provide effective edge computing services, we structure the problem as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) and introduce an optimization framework based on reinforcement learning. This improves data timeliness and reduces energy consumption.

A study on HAMR read/write channel models for double layer magnetic recording

Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic recording with multiple recording layers has garnered considerable attention as a next-generation magnetic recording method that uses dual conventional recording layers and a magnetoresistive (MR) head for reading. In this work, to examine signal processing methods for the 3D magnetic read/write (R/W) channel using heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), we have constructed a HAMR R/W channel using a granular media model. Our 3D HAMR R/W channel model, specialized for signal processing development, can account for the Curie temperatures of the recording layers and the temperature distribution of the heat source.