Partial Dissipation Research Articles

64-BIT PIPELINE CARRY LOOKAHEAD ADDER USING ALL-N-TRANSISTOR TSPC LOGICS

This paper proposes two improved circuit techniques of True Single-Phase Clocking (TSPC) logic, which called Nonfull Swing TSPC (NSTSPC) and All-N-TSPC (ANTSPC). The voltage of internal node of the NSTSPC is not full swing; it saves partial dynamic power dissipation. And the ANTSPC uses NMOS transistors to replace PMOS transistors, the output loading of Φ-section is therefore reduced and a higher layout density is obtained. Through postlayout simulation comparisons between number of stacked MOS transistors and delay time, and supply voltage vs maximum frequency, the proposed NSTSPC and ANTSPC circuits show better operation speed and power performance than the conventional TSPC circuit. Finally, the new TSPC circuits are applied to a 64-bit hierarchical pipeline Carry Lookahead Adder (CLA), which based on TSMC 0.35 μm CMOS process technology. By using the techniques of NSTSPC and ANTSPC alternately, the 64-bit CLA is successfully implemented as a pipelined structure. The results of post-layout simulation show that the 64-bit CLA can be operated on 1.25 GHz clock frequency and its power/maximal frequency ratio is 151.4 μW/MHz.

Asymmetric contests with general technologies

We investigate the pure-strategy Nash equilibria of asymmetric, winner-take-all, imperfectly discriminating contests, focussing on existence, uniqueness and rent dissipation. When the contest success function is determined by a production function with decreasing returns for each contestant, there is a unique pure-strategy equilibrium. If marginal product is also bounded, limiting total expenditure is equal to the value of the prize in large contests even if contestants differ. Partial dissipation occurs only when infinite marginal products are permitted. Our analysis relies heavily on the use of ‘share functions’ and we discuss their theory and application.

Partial discharge and dissipation factor behavior of model insulating systems for high voltage rotating machines under different stresses

This article describes the change in partial discharge (PD) pattern of high voltage rotating machines and the change in the tan /spl delta/ as a function of the applied test voltage during the aging processes as caused by the application of different stresses on stator bars. It also compares the PD patterns associated with internal, slot, and end-winding discharges, which were produced in well-controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, the influence of different temperature conditions on the partial discharge activities are shown. The investigations in this work were performed on model stator bars under laboratory conditions, and the results might be different from those obtained for complete machines, as rotating machines are complex PD test objects, and for example, the detected PD signals in a complete machine significantly depend on the transmission path from the PD source to the measurement device.

On the effect of the inhomogeneous subsurface flows on the high degree solarp-modes

The observed power spectrum of high-degree solar p-modes (l>200) shows discrepancies with the power spectrum predicted by the stochastic excitement and damping theory. In an attempt to explain these discrepancies, the present paper is concerned with the influence of the observed subsurface flows on the trapped acoustic modes (p-modes). The effect of these inhomogeneous background flows is investigated by means of a non-modal analysis and a multi-layer model. It is shown that the rotational and meridional components of the velocity field change the wavelengths of the oscillation modes which, in turn, results in modifications of the corresponding modal frequencies. The magnitudes of the frequency residuals depend on the spatial scales of the modes and on the gradients of the different components of the flow velocity. Together with other mechanisms (e.g. the scattering of modes by the large scale convection (Goldreich & Murray 1994), the non-modal effect of the variation of the frequencies in time may contribute: 1) to the observed widening of the corresponding peaks in the observed power spectrum with increasing angular degree; 2) to the partial dissipation of spectral power, and, as a result, 3) to the discrepancies between the predicted and the observed power spectrum of solar p-modes.

Cd2+-induced swelling-contraction dynamics in isolated kidney cortex mitochondria: role of Ca2+ uniporter, K+ cycling, and protonmotive force

The nephrotoxic metal Cd(2+) causes mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of kidney proximal tubule cells. A K(+) cycle involving a K(+) uniporter and a K(+)/H(+) exchanger in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is thought to contribute to the maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of mitochondria. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of Cd(2+) on K(+) cycling in rat kidney cortex mitochondria. Cd(2+) (EC(50) approximately 19 microM) induced swelling of nonenergized mitochondria suspended in isotonic salt solutions according to the sequence KCl = NaCl > LiCl >> choline chloride. Cd(2+)-induced swelling of energized mitochondria had a similar EC(50) value and showed the same cation dependence but was followed by a spontaneous contraction. Mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU) blockers, but not permeability transition pore inhibitors, abolished swelling, suggesting the need for Cd(2+) influx through the MCU for swelling to occur. Complete loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) induced by K(+) influx did not prevent contraction, but addition of the K(+)/H(+) exchanger blocker, quinine (1 mM), or the electroneutral protonophore nigericin (0.4 microM), abolished contraction, suggesting the mitochondrial pH gradient (DeltapH(m)) driving contraction. Accordingly, a quinine-sensitive partial dissipation of DeltapH(m) was coincident with the swelling-contraction phase. The data indicate that Cd(2+) enters the matrix through the MCU to activate a K(+) cycle. Initial K(+) load via a Cd(2+)-activated K(+) uniporter in the IMM causes osmotic swelling and breakdown of DeltaPsi(m) and triggers quinine-sensitive K(+)/H(+) exchange and contraction. Thus Cd(2+)-induced activation of a K(+) cycle contributes to the dissipation of the mitochondrial protonmotive force.

Partial discharge, dissipation factor, and corona aspects for high voltage electric generator stator bars and windings

High voltage stator windings in modern electric generators are subject to high electrical, mechanical, and thermal stress. Operation of these machines in both air and high pressure hydrogen results in different considerations. Operation in the air environment does not offer the dielectric advantages of operating in high-pressure hydrogen. The two major design factors that are significant for the design of high voltage stator bars to be operated in air, are corona activity and PD activity. These of course are closely related. With the movement to increasing the power density of generators, which means operation at higher voltages and higher insulation stress levels, it has become more critical to be sure the design constraints are met in the stator bar design to minimize both partial discharge activity and corona activity involving the stator bars. The stator bar insulation system must be designed for minimum partial discharge activity and ideally is corona free at the stator winding operating stress levels, and at the operating conditions (temperature and pressure) the generator is subject to. This paper will present the findings associated with the development work in designing, testing and implementing a PD reduced and corona free design.

Potential involvement of mammalian and avian uncoupling proteins in the thermogenic effect of thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones (THs) have long been known to be involved in the control of thermoregulation in birds and mammals. In particular, they are reported to play a role in the regulation of heat production. The underlying mechanisms could be the stimulation of the nuclear and mitochondrial transcription of several genes involved in energy metabolism and/or a direct action on the activity of components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Attention has recently been focussed on a subfamily of mitochondrial anion carriers called uncoupling proteins (UCPs). These proteins are suspected to be involved in a partial dissipation of the mitochondrial proton electrochemical gradient that would uncouple phosphorylations from oxidations and hence produce heat. However, the involvement of uncoupling mechanisms in thermogenesis and particularly in the thermogenic effect of TH is still unclear. The thermogenic role of UCP1, specifically expressed in brown adipose tissue, and its regulation by TH in rodents is quite well recognised, but the involvement in heat production of its mammalian homologues UCP2, ubiquitously expressed, and UCP3, muscle and adipose tissue-specific, as well as the role of the muscular avian UCP (avUCP), are to be further investigated. The expression of the UCP2 and UCP3 genes was shown to be enhanced by TH in muscle of several rodent species, and to be increased in situations where thermogenesis is stimulated, whereas results are more contrasted in pig. There is now increasing evidence that the physiological role of the mammalian UCP3 and UCP2 is rather related to lipid oxidation and/or prevention of reactive oxygen species accumulation than to heat production by uncoupling. The expression of avUCP was also recently demonstrated to be strongly regulated by thyroid status in chicken, and overexpressed in experimental conditions favouring high triiodothyronine concentrations and thermogenesis. However, its real uncoupling activity and contribution to thermogenesis remain to be established.

Involvement of the mitochondrial KATP+ channel in H2O2- or NO-induced programmed death of soybean suspension cell cultures

Soybean suspension cell cultures were treated by H2O2 or nitric oxide (NO), to assess the mechanism leading to programmed cell death (PCD). Hydrogen peroxide (5 mM) induced PCD. Cells become necrotic at 20 mM H2O2, with cells exhibiting intermediate hallmarks before that (necrapoptotic cells). The level of ATP and of glucose-6-phosphate remained constant in cells undergoing PCD, while it decreased significantly in the necrotic ones. Mitochondria, isolated from 5 mM H2O2-treated (apoptotic) cells, showed that succinate-dependent oxygen consumption was slightly uncoupled, and the electrical potential difference (delta psi) weakly decreased. The addition of KCl to the delta psi formed determined a partial dissipation, which was higher than the dissipation observed in mitochondria from control cells. The addition of cyclosporin A (CsA) to de-energized mitochondria also induced delta psi formation, due to a K+ efflux from the matrix, which was decreased in mitochondria from treated cells. The same pattern of response was also observed in mitochondria isolated from 1 mM sodium nitroprusside (NO)-treated cells, exhibiting apoptotic symptoms. In mitochondria isolated from 20 mM H2O2-treated (necrotic) cells, succinate-dependent oxygen consumption was completely uncoupled, delta psi generation significantly inhibited, and CsA-dependent delta psi formation prevented. In addition, mitochondria isolated from control cells still underwent swelling, which was partially or completely prevented in mitochondria isolated from apoptotic or necrotic cells, respectively. The moderate swelling was accompanied by a slight rupture of the outer membrane and by a release of cytochrome c. These results point to the involvement of a K(+)ATP channel during the manifestation of PCD induced by H2O2 or NO in plants.

Development of Overpressure in the Tertiary Damintun Depression, Liaohe Basin, Northern China

Abstract The Damintun depression is one of the four depressions in the Liaohe basin in northern China, and is a rift basin developed in the Paleogene. This paper discusses in detail the characteristics of pressure and fluid potential of the Damintun depression based on a synthesis of the data from boreholes, well tests and seismic surveys. Data from sonic logs, well tests and seismic velocity measurements are used to study the pressure characteristics of the areas. From the sonic log data, shales can be characterized as normally pressured, slightly overpressured or highly overpressured; from the well test data, the pressure‐depth gradient in oil‐producing intervals implies hydrostatic pressure in general. Most seismic profiles in the Damintun depression are of sufficiently high quality for seismic velocities to be measured. The fluid pressures, excess pressures and pressure coefficients in 47 representative seismic profiles are predicted using formula calculation methods, and further transformed to fluid potentials. The resultant pressure profiles show normal pressure, moderate overpressure and intense overpressure increasing with depth. The pressure evolution can be divided into three stages as initial generation, partial dissipation and re‐accumulation. Fluid potential is the principal factor controlling hydrocarbon migration in a reservoir. Its distribution varies with depth; above the T4 interface a gravity‐flow dominates, whereas beneath it a compaction flow dominates. The development of overpressure in the Damintun depression has a crucial influence on the distribution of fluid potentials, which agrees with that of overpressure in general. The results of the fluid potential analysis indicate that the areas of Dongshenpu‐Xinglongpu and the southwestern part of the depression are most favorable for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation.

K+ATP channel opening prevents succinate‐dependent H2O2 generation by plant mitochondria

The role of a recently identified K+ATP channel in preventing H2O2 formation was examined in isolated pea stem mitochondria. The succinate‐dependent H2O2 formation was progressively inhibited, when mitochondria were resuspended in media containing increasing concentration of KCl (from 0.05 to 0.15 M). This inhibition was linked to a partial dissipation of the transmembrane electrical potential (ΔΨ) induced by KCl. Conversely, the malate plus glutamate‐dependent H2O2 formation was not influenced. The succinate‐sustained H2O2 generation was also unaffected by nigericin (a H+/K+ exchanger), but completely prevented by valinomycin (a K+ ionophore). In addition, cyclosporin A (a K+ATP channel opener) inhibited this H2O2 formation, while ATP (an inhibitor of the channel opening) slightly increased it. The inhibitory effect of ATP was strongly stimulated in the presence of atractylate (an inhibitor of the adenine nucleotide translocase), thus suggesting that the receptor for ATP on the K+ channel faces the intermembrane space. Finally, the succinate‐dependent H2O2 formation was partially prevented by phenylarsine oxide (a thiol oxidant).

The stability of constant equilibrium states in relaxation models

We consider various first-order systems of PDEs with partial dissipation, as well as partial conservation. This class includes relaxation models, for instance the one designed by S. Jin and Z. Xin, as well as discrete velocity models for gases, as the Broadwell system. As we showed in a recent paper, the Jin-Xin model admits a convex compact positively invariant region, whenever the equilibrium system does. As a by-product, we obtained the existence of global weak solutions for the Cauchy problem with large data. For more general systems, the global existence of a uniformly bounded entropy solution will be a basic assumption in this work. We consider one-dimensional data which are either space periodic or square integrable. We prove that the (expected globally bounded) entropy solution relaxes to the equilibrium state; the latter is either zero or is determined by the mean value of the conserved components. We emphasize that we do not need any assumption about the nonlinearity of the underlying equilibrium system. We give two different proofs of the stabilization, which apply in different contexts. The first one uses compensated compactness and has a rather broad efficiency. For instance, it applies to several quasi-linear models. But the convergence result does not provide any decay rate in the periodic setting. The other one uses a dispersion estimate for the principal part of the model. It applies to periodic data and needs the strong assumption of semi-linearity, but yields an exponential decay in theL2-norm. We expect that it could extend to multi-dimensional contexts.

Extinction and reignition in counterflow spray diffusion flames interacting with laminar vortices

The interaction of laminar vortices with a methanol spray counterflow diffusion flame was studied experimentally with vortices generated from either the fuel side or the oxidizer side. The overall stoichiometry was such that the flame resided on the fuel side of the gas-stagnation plane. Local extinction and subsequent reignition were investigated as the circulation of the vortex was varied. It was found that extinction required vortices of larger circulation if generated from the oxidizer side. The effect was attributed to stretching and possibly, partial dissipation of the vortex, as it approached the stagnation plane before interacting with the flame. The robustness of the spray flame to vortex-induced extinction was compared with that of a similar gaseous flame. The spray flame was found to be comparatively weaker. Of the two potential culprits for such a difference, namely, the energetic handicap of spray flames due to the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid fuel and droplet inertia, the former was found to be the dominant factor. After extinction occurred, a hole was created in the diffusion flame, confining the combustion process to an annular region. The flame was then able to propagate back toward the centerline, re-establishing itself as a flat diffusion flame. The time interval for this reignition process was investigated as a function of the vortex circulation. It was found that, if the vortex approached the flame from the fuel side, the reignition time was much shorter than when the vortex was injected from the oxidizer side, and decreased for increasing values of the vortex circulation. In contrast, the reignition time increased with the circulation, if the vortex approached the flame from the oxidizer side. Only in the latter case, droplet inertia played a role in the reignition process.

II. Geometrical optics of variable-frequency light rays in special relativistic and nonrelativistic situations:The general law of reflection

The general law of reflection concerns situations when the light ray undergoes a shift of frequency at the reflection point. For example, it governs reflection of light rays from a moving mirror (either in a vacuum or in a transparent medium), reflection from a motionless mirror coated with a layer of Raman-active molecules in the coherent-scattering regime, or external reflection of X-rays from the surface of a condensed matter sample, with partial dissipation of energy within the skin depth. The general law of reflection is derived from the extremum principle for propagation of variable-frequency light rays. It states that the angle of reflection depends not only on the angle of incidence but also on the frequency shift in the reflection point and dispersion of the refractive index of the medium in contact with the mirror. The compatibility of the general law of reflection and the special relativistic treatment of reflection is examined in detail. Applications of the new law of reflection are discussed in the special relativistic and the nonrelativistic regime. PACS Nos.: 42.15-i, 03.30+p

A novel aspect of lindane testicular toxicity: in vitro effects on peritubular myoid cells

The in vitro effects of the insecticide lindane have been investigated in rat testis peritubular myoid cells (PMCs). Upon PMC exposure to lindane, polarity increase and decrease of dipole dynamics were seen at the membrane level (EC50 20 μM), leading to a partial dissipation of the membrane intrinsic dipole potential. The initial membrane depolarization was increased by Cl − efflux and limited by Ca 2+-activated repolarizing currents. Concomitantly, lindane produced an increase in [Ca 2+] i (EC50 125 μM) resulting from both Ca 2+ release from an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive intracellular store and a voltage-dependent Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular medium. Of particular interest from a toxicologic point of view, insecticide concentrations well below those effective in altering ion homeostasis potently inhibited both [Ca 2+] i increase and contraction induced by the natural agonists vasopressin and endothelin-1 (IC50s < 10 μM). These data demonstrate that PMCs are highly susceptible to lindane and suggest that the insecticide may exert testicular toxicity by interfering with hormone-regulated PMC function.

Fluctuations in mitochondrial membrane potential caused by repetitive gating of the permeability transition pore

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and the potentiometric fluorescence probe tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester were used to measure changes in membrane electrical potential (DeltaPsi(m)) in individual mitochondria after isolation or in the living cell. Recordings averaged over small mitochondrial populations revealed a gradual decline in DeltaPsi(m) caused by the light-induced generation of free radicals. Depolarization was attenuated by dithiothreitol or acidification. In contrast, individual organelles displayed rapid spontaneous depolarizations caused by openings of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MTP). Repetitive openings and closings of the pore gave rise to marked fluctuations in DeltaPsi(m) between the fully charged and completely depolarized state. Rapid spontaneous fluctuations in DeltaPsi(m) were observed in mitochondria isolated from rat heart and in mitochondria in living endothelial cells. The loss of DeltaPsi(m) of mitochondria in the living cell coincided with swelling of the organelle and the breakdown of long mitochondrial filaments. In the individual mitochondrion, oxidative stress initially triggered pore openings of shorter duration, before prolonged openings caused the complete dissipation of DeltaPsi(m) and a measurable efflux of larger solutes. Generalizing this scheme, we suggest that under conditions of prolonged oxidative stress and/or cellular Ca(2+) overload, short openings of MTP might serve as an emergency mechanism allowing the partial dissipation of DeltaPsi(m), the fast release of accumulated Ca(2+) ions and the decreased generation of endogenous oxygen radicals. In contrast, loss of matrix metabolites, swelling and other structural damage of the organelle render prolonged openings of the transition pore deleterious to mitochondria and to the cell.

Cooperative structural effects in relaxing Pd-Er-H and Fe-C systems

The dynamics of oscillating structural changes in nonequilibrium Fe-C and Pd-Er-H systems is studied. For Fe-C it is established that the Fourier spectrum of the time dependence of its Mossbauer spectra is similar to the Fourier transform of systems in a state of dynamic chaos on which several long-wavelength modes are superposed. The structural-oscillatory effects for Pd-Er-H consist of a combination of oscillatory processes, corresponding to the appearance and partial dissipation of H-D-M complexes, vibrational changes in the ratio of the fractions of the erbium-rich and-poor phases, and the difference of the compositions of these phases. The oscillations have a multimode character with periods increasing with time. Thus, cooperative effects associated with collective interactions of the matrix atoms, defects, and “perturbing” impurities such as hydrogen and oxygen atoms are clearly seen in the processes studied. It is shown that the synergetic concept in the spirit of the system of nonlinear Lorentz equations is useful for giving a macroscopic description of the observed defects.

Nod factors modulate the concentration of cytosolic free calcium differently in growing and non-growing root hairs of Medicago sativa L.

Using Ca(2+)-selective microelectrodes, the concentration of free calcium ([Ca(2+)]) in the cytosol has been measured in root hair cells of Medicago sativa L. in the presence of nodulation (Nod) factors. Growing root hairs of M. sativa displayed a steep apical [Ca(2+)] gradient, i.e. 604-967 nM in the tip compared with 95-235 nM in the basal region. When tested within the first 5 to 10 µm of the tip, addition of NodRm-IV(C16:2,S) decreased the cytosolic [Ca(2+)], whereas an increase was observed when tested behind the tip. Overall, this led to a partial dissipation of the [Ca(2+)] gradient. The Ca(2+) response was specific: it was equally well observed in the presence of NodRm-IV(Ac,C16:2,S), reduced with NodRm-IV(C16:0,S), but not with chitotetraose, the nonactive glucosamine backbone. In contrast to growing root hairs, non-growing root hairs without a tip-to-base cytosolic [Ca(2+)] gradient responded to NodRm-IV(C16:2,S) with an increase in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] at the tip as well as at the root hair base. We suggest that the response to Nod factors depends on the stage of development of the root hairs, and that changes in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] may play different roles in Nod-factor signaling: changes of cytosolic [Ca(2+)] in the apical part of the root hair may be related to root hair deformation, while the increase in [Ca(2+)] behind the tip may be essential for the amplification of the Nod signal, for its propagation and transduction to trigger downstream events.

Evolution and modelling of subgrid scales during rapid straining of turbulence

The response, evolution, and modelling of subgrid-scale (SGS) stresses during rapid straining of turbulence is studied experimentally. Nearly isotropic turbulence with low mean velocity and Rλ˜290 is generated in a water tank by means of spinning grids. Rapid straining (axisymmetric expansion) is achieved with two disks pushed towards each other at rates that for a while generate a constant strain rate. Time-resolved, two-dimensional velocity measurements are performed using cinematic PIV. The SGS stress is subdivided to a stress due to the mean distortion, a cross-term (the interaction between the mean and turbulence), and the turbulent SGS stress τ(T)ij. Analysis of the time evolution of τ(T)ij at various filter scales shows that all scales are more isotropic than the prediction of rapid distortion theory, with increasing isotropy as scales decrease. A priori tests show that rapid straining does not affect the high correlation and low square-error exhibited by the similarity model. Analysis of the evolution of total SGS energy dissipation reveals, surprisingly, that the Smagorinsky model with a constant coefficient (determined from isotropic turbulence data) underpredicts the dissipation during rapid straining. While the partial dissipation −〈τ(T)ijS˜ij〉 (due only to the turbulent part of the stress) is overpredicted by the Smagorinsky model, addition of the cross-terms reverses the trend. The similarity model with a constant coefficient appropriate for isotropic turbulence, on the other hand, overpredicts SGS dissipation. Owing to these opposite trends a linear combination of both models (mixed model) provides better prediction of SGS dissipation during rapid straining. However, the mixed model with coefficients determined from dissipation balance underpredicts the SGS stress.

Uniform decay rates for full von karman system of dynamic theromelasticity with free boundary conditions and partial boundary dissipation

The full von Karman system accounting for in plane acceleration and thermal effects is considered. The main results of the paper are: (i) the wellposedness of regular and weak (finite energy) solutions, (ii) the uniform decay rates obtained for the energy function in the presence of boundary damping affecting only the velocity field representing in plane displacements of the plate. The key role in these results is played by: (i) new sharp regularity estimates for the boundary traces of elastic systems and (ii) newly established properties of analyticity of semigroups arising in thermoelastic systems with free boundary conditions.

Physical and geometrical interpretation of fractional operators

In this paper an interpretation of fractional operators in the time domain is given. The interpretation is based on the four concepts of fractal geometry, linear filters, construction of a Cantor set and physical realisation of fractional operators. It is concluded here that fractional operators may be grouped as filters with partial memory that fall between two extreme types of filters with complete memory and those with no memory. Fractional operators are capable of modelling systems with partial loss or partial dissipation. The fractional order of a fractional integral is an indication of the remaining or preserved energy of a signal passing through such system. Similarly, the fractional order of a differentiator reflects the rate at which a portion of the energy has been lost.