Crosstalk suppression in networked resistive sensor arrays using virtual ground technique

In 2D resistive sensor arrays, the interconnections are reduced considerably by sharing rows and columns among various sensor elements in such a way that one end of each sensor is connected to a row node and other end connected to a column node. This scheme results in total N?+?M interconnections for N?×?M array of sensors. Thus, it simplifies the interconnect complexity but suffers from the crosstalk problem among its elements. We experimentally demonstrate that this problem can be overcome by putting all the row nodes at virtually equal potential using virtual ground of high gain operational amplifiers in negative feedback. Although it requires large number of opamps, it solves the crosstalk problem to a large extent. Additionally, we get the response of all the sensors lying in a column simultaneously, resulting in a faster scanning capability. By performing lock-in-amplifier based measurements on a light dependent resistor at a randomly selected location in a 4?×?4 array of otherwise fixed valued resistors, we have shown that the technique can provide 86?dB crosstalk suppression even with a simple opamp. Finally, we demonstrate the circuit implementation of this technique for a 16?×?16 imaging array of light dependent resistors.     

Performance analysis of wireless communication system over nonidentical cascaded generalised gamma fading channels

Multiplicative fading statistics usually encountered in different radio propagation environments. In this context, we evaluate and analyse the performance of a wireless communication system over the nonidentical cascaded generalised Gamma Fading Channels, also known as generalised Bessel‐K fading channel. To this end, the closed‐form expressions for the amount of fading (AOF), the outage probability (OP), the average symbol error probability (SEP), and the channel capacity are derived. In addition approximate expressions for the average SEP with maximal ratio combining (MRC) diversity are also provided. The low‐ and high‐power solutions for the channel capacity are also provided. Furthermore, simplified asymptotic average SEP expressions for MRC and selection combining (SC) are presented to gain the system performance with diversity. The proposed methodologies provide more flexibility to accommodate different radio propagation scenarios. To examine the accuracy of the proposed solutions, numerical and simulation results are compared and shown to fit for variety of fading parameters.     

Hybrid connection algorithm: A strategy for efficient restoration in WDM optical networks

In present communication, we propose a modified resource allocation strategy, namely, hybrid connection algorithm, for achieving efficient restoration in WDM optical networks. The main theme of the algorithm is that, while attempting connection establishment, a wavelength is reserved in advance for providing resources for backup lightpaths. The analysis and the comparison of the proposed strategy with other existing strategies has been undertaken using metrics such as, restoration efficiency, number of wavelength links used by primary and backup lightpaths, and the percent link utilization. The proposed strategy provides 100% restoration efficiency and much better performance than the existing techniques.     

EAPB0503, an Imidazoquinoxaline Derivative Modulates SENP3/ARF Mediated SUMOylation,and Induces NPM1c Degradation in NPM1 Mutant AML

Nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) is a pleiotropic protein involved in numerous cellular processes. NPM1 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, but exhibits a predominant nucleolar localization, where its fate and functions are exquisitely controlled by dynamic post-translational modifications (PTM). Sentrin/SUMO Specific Peptidase 3 (SENP3) and ARF are two nucleolar proteins involved in NPM1 PTMs. SENP3 antagonizes ARF-mediated NPM1 SUMOylation, to promote ribosomal biogenesis. In Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), NPM1 is frequently mutated, and exhibits an aberrant cytoplasmic localization (NPM1c). NPM1c mutations define a separate AML entity with good prognosis in some AML patients, rendering NPM1c as a potential therapeutic target. SENP3-mediated NPM1 de-SUMOylation induces resistance to therapy in NPM1c AML. Here, we demonstrate that the imidazoquinoxaline EAPB0503 prolongs the survival and results in selective reduction in the leukemia burden of NPM1c AML xenograft mice. Indeed, EAPB0503 selectively downregulates HDM2 expression and activates the p53 pathway in NPM1c expressing cells, resulting in apoptosis. Importantly, we unraveled that NPM1c expressing cells exhibit low basal levels of SUMOylation paralleled with high SENP3 and low ARF basal levels. EAPB0503 reverted these molecular players by inducing NPM1c SUMOylation and ubiquitylation, leading to its proteasomal degradation. EAPB0503-induced NPM1c SUMOylation is concurrent with SENP3 downregulation and ARF upregulation in NPM1c expressing cells. Collectively, these results provide a strong rationale for testing therapies modulating NPM1c post-translational modifications in the management of NPM1c AML.     

A Novel Sprague-Dawley Rat Model Presents Improved NASH/NAFLD Symptoms with PEG Coated Vitexin Liposomes

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a global threat to the human population, with manifestations resulting from alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, if not treated, may progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Furthermore, inflammation leads to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Vitexin, a natural flavonoid, has been recently reported for inhibiting NAFLD. It is a lipogenesis inhibitor and activates lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. In addition, owing to its antioxidant properties, it appeared as a hepatoprotective candidate. However, it exhibits low bioavailability and low efficacy due to its hydrophobic nature. A novel rat model for liver cirrhosis was developed by CCL4/Urethane co-administration. Vitexin encapsulated liposomes were synthesized by the ‘thin-film hydration’ method. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was coated on liposomes to enhance stability and stealth effect. The diseased rats were then treated with vitexin and PEGylated vitexin liposomes, administered intravenously and orally. Results ascertained the liposomal encapsulation of vitexin and subsequent PEG coating to be a substantial strategy for treating liver cirrhosis through oral drug delivery.     

Occurrence of wax esters and 1-O-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerols in goat epididymal sperm plasma membrane

Two unusual lipid classes were detected by thin-layer chromatography in the neutral lipids derived from goat cauda-epididymal sperm plasma membrane. The lipids were identified as wax esters and 1-O-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerols based on chromatographic properties, identity of their hydrolysis products, and infrared/¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectral evidence. The membrane containedca. 3 and 5 μg/mg protein of wax esters and alkyldiacylglycerols, respectively. The relative proportions of wax esters and alkyldiacylglycerols in the total neutral lipids were 1.5% and 2.4%, respectively. The lipids contained fatty acids with chain lengths of C₁₄ to C₂₂. The major fatty acids of the wax esters were 14∶0, 16∶0, 16∶1ω7, 18∶0 and 18∶1ω9. The fatty acids in alkyldiacylglycerol were 16∶0, 18∶0, 22∶5ω3 and 22∶6ω3. Alkyldiacylglycerol was particularly rich in docosahexaenoic acid 22∶6ω3) representing 30% of the total fatty acids. The alcohols of wax ester were all saturated with C₂₀–C₂₉ carbon chains. The deacylated products derived from alkyldiacylglycerols were identified as hexadecyl, octadecyl and octadec-9′-enyl glycerol ethers.     

Photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac using hybrid MIL-53(Al)@TiO2 and MIL-53(Al)@ZnO catalysts

In this work, TiO₂ and ZnO were incorporated successfully into a MIL-53(Al) metal–organic framework (MOF) to form nanocomposites via a facile post-modification technique. The hybrid MIL-53(Al)@TiO₂ and MIL-53(Al)@ZnO were characterized by several characterization tests. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analyses showed evidence of the successful incorporation of TiO₂ and ZnO within the MIL-53(Al) framework. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis demonstrated the excellent thermal stability of MIL-53(Al)@TiO₂ and MIL-53(Al)@ZnO, while diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) determined the direct optical band gaps of MIL-53(Al)@ZnO and MIL-53(Al)@TiO₂ to be 3.24 and 3.34 eV, respectively. The composites were also tested for the photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac (DCF) as a micropollutant. The DCF degradation efficiency of the photocatalysts was ranked in the following order: MIL-53(Al)@TiO₂ > MIL-53(Al) > TiO₂ > ZnO > MIL-53(Al)@ZnO. The incorporation of TiO₂ enhanced the optical properties of MIL-53 (Al), which was confirmed with the superior photodegradation efficiency of MIL-53(Al)@TiO₂ (>85% in 2 h) as compared to the pristine MIL-53(Al) (around 80% in 2 h). The improvement in the photodegradation of the hybrid-MOF is mostly associated with the possible dual function of the adsorption and photodegradation mechanisms. The reusability of MIL-53(Al) and its composites was inspected over 3 cycles of photodegradation experiments with DCF. The photocatalytic activity of MIL-53(Al)@TiO₂ remained unchanged (>90%), while for MIL-53(Al) and MIL-53(Al)@ZnO a slight drop was observed over three cyclic degradation experiments. Fluorescence measurements revealed that the hydroxyl radical is an important reactive oxygen species produced by all the photocatalysts that aid in the photodegradation of DCF. Furthermore, the kinetic modelling of the photoreaction identified a second-order kinetics for all catalysts. Experiments with scavengers showed that hydroxyl radicals played a major role in the photocatalytic process, and it was found that only 2 h of treatment was sufficient to obtain a considerable chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of 58%.     

Adsorption desalination of chloride ions on composite natural–synthetic materials: An approach for the reduction of chlorine corrosion in electrodeionization units

The release of chlorine in the electrodeionization (EDI) unit causes corrosion in the EDI unit, damaging ion exchange membranes and creating a safety risk for the workers. In this work, adsorption desalination of Cl^? ions on low-cost composite synthetic–natural Jordanian materials were investigated as an approach to prevent the release of corrosive chlorine gas at the positive electrode. The percentage removal reaches 25% at 25 min shaking time to 55% at 120 min, in a single batch experiment. The values of ΔH⁰, ΔS⁰, and ΔG⁰ indicate the favorability of physisorption. Zeolite and Pozzolana represent potential adsorbents of chloride.     

Effect of phosphorus on activity of hydrotreating catalyst of Maya heavy crude

The effect of phosphorus on physical properties of the catalyst and on activity of hydrotreating of Maya crude was studied in this work. Catalysts were prepared by the co-impregnation method. Alumina-titania binary oxide was used as a support material. The presence of phosphorus in the catalyst decreases the percentage of micropores, and it results in a decrease of specific surface area. Temperature program reduction (TPR) shows that phosphates reduce metal support interaction. It leads to the formation of polymolybdate phases in expense of strongly bonded tetrahedral molybdates. At higher P loading, polymolybdates may be present with quasi crystalline MoO₃. However, the TPR experiment is not sufficiently sensitive to distinguish several phases present on the catalysts used by the authors. A slight increment of HDM activity is observed, but HDS activity is lower in the P containing catalyst compared with the P free catalyst. The changes of physical properties of the spent catalysts are mainly due to the coke formation on the catalyst. The presence of phosphorus on hydrotreating catalysts inhibits coke formation during the hydrotreating reaction.