Nullator-norator approach to analogue circuit diagnosis using general-purpose analysis programmes

In this paper a decomposition approach to diagnosis and fault prediction in large analogue and switched capacitor circuits is proposed, reduced to an analysis of the corresponding nullator-norator models at a single test frequency. Algorithms for isolation of faulty nodes and subcircuits are presented. the topological conditions for performing diagnosis of faulty nodes and for identification of faulty elements have been considered. the element tolerance variations and measurement errors have been taken into account. the possibilities of the general-purpose programmes for frequency and worst-case analysis have been used in the practical implementation of diagnosis and fault prediction. Diagnosis of benchmark circuits has been performed and the results of a computer simulation using the programme PSpice are presented.     

An efficient visual tracking method for multiple moving targets

An efficient algorithm of the edge detection according to integrating the edge gradient with the average filter is proposed, which can significantly reduce sensitivity of the background subtraction method to noise and illumination. Taking into account the features of the target such as color, size, etc., a new modified Nearest Neighbor （NN） algorithm for data association using the target features is designed. A designed Interacting Multiple Model （IMM） filter is utilized to track the maneuvering target motion, i.e. the feature point （called the centroid of the target） motion of the target. The algorithms are validated via an example with natural video sequences. The results show the algorithms are performances and validity for visual tracking. In complex environment, the algorithm can still work well.     

Morphofunctional State and Circadian Rhythms of the Liver under the Influence of Chronic Alcohol Intoxication and Constant Lighting

A study of the influence of chronic alcohol intoxication, constant illumination and their combined effects on the morphofunctional state of the rat liver and the circadian rhythms (CR) of the studied parameters of the organism was carried out. It was found that both alcohol and constant illumination caused significant changes in the structure of the liver, as well as in the circadian rhythmicity of micromorphometric parameters of hepatocytes, ALT, and total and direct bilirubin rhythms; however, the combined effects of ethanol and constant illumination had the most significant effect on the studied parameters of the organism. These two factors caused disturbances in the circadian rhythms of the micromorphometric parameters of hepatocytes, disruption of the circadian rhythms of total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, and direct and total bilirubin, as well as disturbances in the expression and rhythmicity of the studied clock genes against a background of the development of an inflammatory process in the liver.     

Dynamic mechanical study of filled semi-interpenetrating polymer networks: Influence of γ-Fe2O3 on microphase structure

The preparation of filled two-component semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) is described and the results of an investigation of their morphology by means of dynamic mechanical spectroscopy are considered. The influence of an active dispersed filler (γ-Fe₂O₃) on the semi-IPNs phase structure is studied. A comparison is made between filled and unfilled semi-IPNs consisting of compatible or incompatible polymers. In the case of a semi-IPN of compatible polymers, the introduction of γ-Fe₂O₃ was observed to cause phase separation. With a two-phase semi-IPN the introduction of the filler enhanced the phase separation. The presence of two distinct peaks (the dynamic glass transition temperatures) corresponding to those of the two initial homopolymers shows the semi-IPN to have a two-phase structure.     

Mass-spectroscopy of polynuclear palladium carboxylate complexes as a key to new structures. Synthesis and X-Ray structure of Pd12(μ-CO)8(μ-NO2)8(μ-PrCO2)8

Palladium NO_x-containing polynuclear carboxylate complexes Pd₄(μ-CO)₂(μ-NO)(μ-ⁱPrCO₂)₅ and Pd₈(μ-CO)₄(μ-NO₂)₄(μ-ⁱPrCO₂)₈ were studied with MALDI-TOF mass-spectroscopic technique. The results confirm previous suggestion about Pd₄ metal chains as building blocks for big palladium carbonyl carboxylate clusters. Also a new Pd₃ bent metal chain observed in mass-spectra was demonstrated to serve a building block as well. Using the data the biggest palladium carboxylate cluster Pd₁₂(μ-CO)₈(μ-NO₂)₈(μ-ⁱPrCO₂)₈ was synthesized and characterized by X-Ray analysis. Thus it was shown that mass-spectroscopic data for palladium carboxylates can be used for prediction of new structures of palladium clusters.     

Intrinsically Connected: Therapeutically Targeting the Cathepsin Proteases and the Bcl-2 Family of Protein Substrates as Co-regulators of Apoptosis

Taken with the growing importance of cathepsin-mediated substrate proteolysis in tumor biology and progression, the focus and emphasis placed on therapeutic design and development is coming into fruition. Underpinning this approach is the invariable progression from the direction of fully characterizing cathepsin protease members and their substrate targets, towards targeting such an interaction with tangible therapeutics. The two groups of such substrates that have gained much attention over the years are the pro- and anti- apoptotic protein intermediates from the extrinsic and intrinsic signaling arms of the apoptosis pathway. As proteins that are central to determining cellular fate, some of them present themselves as very favorable candidates for therapeutic targeting. However, considering that both anti- and pro- apoptotic signaling intermediates have been reported to be downstream substrates for certain activated cathepsin proteases, therapeutic targeting approaches based on greater selectivity do need to be given greater consideration. Herein, we review the relationships shared by the cathepsin proteases and the Bcl-2 homology domain proteins, in the context of how the topical approach of adopting ‘BH3-mimetics’ can be explored further in modulating the relationship between the anti- and pro- apoptotic signaling intermediates from the intrinsic apoptosis pathway and their upstream cathepsin protease regulators. Based on this, we highlight important future considerations for improved therapeutic design.     

Effect of Mode Transformation in THz Clinotron

Extension of the theory of a clinotron is developed by use of the scattering matrix of an oversized T-junction on the ends of a slow wave system. The matrix contains elements corresponding to the transformation of slow grating modes into fast ones and vice versa. Those fast waves with low ohmic losses provide strong resonant properties of a clinotron even in the case of strong attenuation of the surface mode. Results of the theoretical simulation are compared with experimental ones and obtained dependencies explain strong resonances in sub-THz clinotrons.     

A comparison of two different methods for formation of the beta phase in nanocomposites based on vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer

Nanocomposite materials based on vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer and organically modified montmorillonite Cloisite®15A were prepared by two different methods: melt mixing and co-precipitation. The changes taking place in crystalline structure, tensile strength, thermal behavior and the formation of piezoelectric b-phase as a result of the polymer system dissolution in dimethyl sulfoxide were studied. The technological specificity of each method has certain effect on the properties of the obtained nanocomposites. The highest content of b-phase — 95 % was achieved by co-precipitation from the solution of vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer in dimethyl sulfoxide and 6 mass % content of Cloisite®15A. Despite the common view that the use of solvents and prolonged technological procedure lead to overall higher expenses, the obtained nanocomposites could be promising for the preparation of new piezo-materials.