A combined solution of the Feed-Forward Equalizer (FFE) and Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) noise cancellation technique was suggested. The techniques increase data throughput and improve link quality in the 20-in FR4 legacy backplane application. Backplane channel loss and coupling noise were measured and characterized to develop the corresponding behavioral channel model. The receiver-side FFE with 4-tap Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter structure was adopted as the optimum equalizer topology. The 4-tap FIR filter consists of tap delay line with tap-spacing 33 ps and linear tap-gain amplifiers. The tap coefficients were calculated with the Minimum-Mean-Squared-Error (MMSE) algorithm. A 0.18-um CMOS 4-tap FIR filter IC was designed and fabricated. The experiment results showed the 20-Gbit/sec 4-PAM and 10-Gbit/sec NRZ signal were successfully equalized for the 20-in FR4 legacy backplane channel. Moreover, the suggested NEXT noise cancellation technique consists of coarse- and fine-cancellation stages. The 0.18-um CMOS building block ICs such as 7-tap FIR filter, tunable active Pole-Zero (PZ) filter, and a temporal alignment delay line were fabricated. The experiment results showed that 6-dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) improvement was achieved by the developed NEXT noise cancellation technique.

ITC/USA 2013 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Ninth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 21-24, 2013 / Bally's Hotel & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV / We address the problem of detection in orbital angular momentum (OAM). The focus of our analysis will be on the power efficient Q-ary Pulse Position Modulation (Q - PPM). Free space optical signals sent through wireless channels are degraded by atmospheric turbulence. In this paper a novel detection approach based on a factor graph representation of OAM Q-PPM signalling is presented to equalize for the crosstalk among orbital angular momentum vortices. It will be shown that our proposed detection algorithm significantly outperforms the separate detection scenario in terms of error rate performance.

Non-hematopoietic stromal cells (SCs) promote and regulate adaptive immunity through numerous direct and indirect mechanisms. SCs construct and support the secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) in which lymphocytes crawl on stromal networks and inspect antigen-presenting cells for surface-display of cognate antigens. SCs also secrete survival factors and chemotactic cues that recruit, organize, and facilitate interactions among these leukocytes. They influence antigen access by secreting and ensheathing extracellular matrix-based conduit networks that rapidly convey small, soluble lymph-borne molecules to the SLO core. Furthermore, lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs) directly induce \(CD8^+\) T cell tolerance to peripheral tissue restricted antigens and constrain the proliferation of newly activated T cells in these sites. Thus, stromal-hematopoietic interactions are crucial for the normal functioning of the immune system. LNSCs are extremely rare and difficult to isolate, hampering the thorough study of their biology. In order to better understand these stromal subsets, we sorted fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), lymphatic endothelial cells, blood endothelial cells, and podoplanin \(^−CD31^−\) cells (double negative stromal cells; DNCs) to high purity from resting and inflamed murine lymph nodes. We meticulously analyzed the transcriptional profiles of these freshly isolated LNSCs as part of the Immunological Genome Project Consortium. Analysis of the transcriptional profiles of these LNSC subsets indicated that SCs express key immune mediators and growth factors, and provided important insights into the lymph node conduit network, FRC-specialization, and the DNC identity. Examination of hematopoietic and stromal transcription of ligands and cognate receptors suggested complex crosstalk among these populations. Interestingly, FRCs dominated cytokine and chemokine transcription among LNSCs, and were also enriched for higher expression of these genes when compared with skin and thymic fibroblasts, consistent with FRC-specialization. LNSCs that were isolated from inflamed lymph nodes robustly upregulated expression of genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, antigen-processing and presentation machinery, and acute-phase response molecules. Little-explored DNCs showed many transcriptional similarities to FRCs, but importantly did not transcribe interleukin-7. We identified DNCs as consisting largely of myofibroblastic pericytes that express integrin \(\alpha 7\). Together these data comprehensively describe the transcriptional characteristics of four major LNSC subsets isolated from resting and inflamed SLOs, offering many avenues for future study.

EZH2 is a SET domain-containing methyltransferase and the catalytic component of the multimeric Polycomb- group (PcG) protein complex, PRC2. When in complex with other PRC2 members (EED, SUZ12, AEBP2, and RBBP4), EZH2 catalyzes methylation of H3K27, a histone modification associated with transcriptional repression and developmental regulation. As several PRC2 components are upregulated or mutated in a variety of human cancers, efforts to discover small-molecule modulators of PRC2 and understand its regulation may yield therapeutic insights. Identification of small-molecule probes with distinct chemotypes, MOAs, and selectivity profiles are not only of great value, but necessary in establishing comprehensive probe sets capable of illuminating the various roles of EZH2 in oncogenesis. Here we describe efforts to identify and characterize small-molecule modulators of PRC2 and further understand its regulation. Chapter II outlines the expression and purification of 5-component PRC2 (EZH2-EED-SUZ12-AEBP2-RBBP4) and the establishment of biochemical and cellular HTS assays. These assays were used to screen a diverse set of small molecules (>120,000), identifying biochemical PRC2 inhibitors and activators (described in Chapter III). One biochemical PRC2 inhibitor, BRD1835, appeared to inhibit PRC2 activity through a novel artifactual mechanism involving interaction with peptide substrate, leading to apparent peptide-competitive behavior and putative cellular activity (described in Chapter IV). The characterization of novel biochemical PRC2 activators, BRD3934 and BRD8284, is discussed in Chapter V. Chapter VI describes the use of an HCS assay to identify known bioactive compounds that alter intracellular levels of H3K27me3 through modulating H3K27me3-connected regulatory nodes or by targeting PRC2 directly. These efforts led to the discovery that an antifungal agent, miconazole, is capable of activating PRC2 activity in vitro, while a mucolytic agent, bromhexine, selectively ablates cellular H3K27me3 levels through targeting an activity distinct from PRC2. Finally, Chapter VII discusses novel PRC2-connected crosstalk mechanisms identified through screening libraries of uniquely modified histone peptides for their ability to bind or support methylation by PRC2. These studies enhance our understanding of PRC2 regulation by revealing the effects of H3R26 and H3K23me1 modifications on enzymatic activity, implicating their respective methyltransferases in PRC2 regulation.

Purpose: Intravaginal probes used for recording electromyography (EMG) from the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) likely record activity from nearby muscles (crosstalk), and move during functional tasks, causing motion artifact data contamination, threatening the validity of results obtained. This study investigated the test-retest reliability and validity of surface EMG recordings from the PFMs using a novel, theoretically superior electrode in comparison to a commercially available intravaginal probe, the FemiscanTM. Methods: Healthy subjects (n=20) performed tasks with each vaginal electrode in situ: i) PFM maximal voluntary contractions (MVC), ii) coughs, iii) unilateral hip adductor/external rotator contractions at 25%MVC, 50%MVC, and MVC while keeping the PFMs relaxed or maximally contracted, and iv) transversus abdominis contractions (TrA; recorded using fine-wires) at 25%MVC, 50%MVC, MVC. Analyses: i) Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), ii) t-tests of proportions (α=0.05), iii) repeated measures ANOVAs and Tukey’s post-hoc testing (α=0.05) and iv) cross-correlation functions between peaks of transversus abdominis and PFM activity were used to determine the between-trial and between-day reliability of each vaginal electrode, a difference in prevalence of motion artifact contamination between electrodes, and the presence of crosstalk from the hip and TrA, respectively. Results: Between-trial reliability of both vaginal electrodes was excellent (ICC(3,1)=0.943-0.974). Between-day reliability was less consistent (ICC(3,1)=0.788-0.924 and 0.648-0.715 for the FemiscanTM and novel electrode, respectively). No significant difference in the proportion of files contaminated with motion artifact using each electrode existed. At submaximal intensities of hip muscle contractions, the FemiscanTM recorded significantly higher EMG amplitudes compared to what it recorded when the hip was relaxed, whereas the novel electrode did not, indicating that the FemiscanTM recorded crosstalk from the hip musculature. Low cross-correlation coefficients (<0.90) and large time delays (≥ 0.5 milliseconds) between peaks of PFM and TrA activity indicated that neither vaginal electrode recorded crosstalk from the TrA. Conclusion: The novel electrode is a promising tool to record EMG from the PFMs, as it records less crosstalk from the hip musculature than current technology while maintaining a high degree of reliability when comparing results collected within the same session; however, this electrode should not be used to compare one’s muscle activity between days. / Thesis (Master, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-07 14:46:30.811

With increasing amount of user data and applications in wireless communication technology, demands are growing on performance and fabrication costs. One way to decrease cost is to integrate the building blocks in an RF system where digital blocks and high power amplifiers then are combined on one chip. This thesis presents LDMOS transistors integrated in a 65 nm CMOS process without adding extra process steps or masks. High power performance of the LDMOS is demonstrated for an integrated WLAN-PA design at 2.45 GHz with 32.8 dBm output power and measurements also showed that high output power is achievable at 5.8 GHz. For the first time, this kind of device is moreover demonstrated at X-band with over 300 mW/mm output power, targeting communication and radar systems at 8 GHz. As SOI is increasing in popularity due to better device performance and RF benefits, the buried oxide can cause thermal problems, especially for high power devices. To deal with self-heating effects and decrease the RF substrate losses further, this thesis presents a hybrid substrate consisting of silicon on top of polycrystalline silicon carbide (Si-on-poly-SiC). This hybrid substrate utilizes the high thermal conductivity of poly-SiC to reduce device self-heating and the semi-insulating properties to reduce RF losses. Hybrid substrates were successfully fabricated for the first time in 150 mm wafer size by wafer bonding and evaluation was performed in terms of both electrical and thermal measurements and compared to a SOI reference. Successful LDMOS transistors were fabricated for the first time on this type of hybrid substrate where no degradation in electrical performance was seen comparing the LDMOS to identical transistors on the SOI reference. Measurements on calibrated resistors showed that the thermal conductivity was 2.5 times better for the hybrid substrate compared to the SOI substrate. Moreover, RF performance of the hybrid substrate was investigated and the semi-insulating property of poly-SiC showed to be beneficial in achieving a high equivalent substrate parallel resistance and thereby low substrate losses. In a transistor this would be equal to better efficiency and output power. In terms of integration, the hybrid substrate also opens up the possibility of heterogeneous integration where silicon devices and GaN devices can be fabricated on the same chip.

Crosstalk is defined as an unwanted coupling between the conductors. By this it is meant that signals from one of the signal conductors (a generator in this case) are coupled to another signal conductor (receptor), or conductors (receptors), depending on the number of conductors in the vicinity of the generator. Crosstalk in this way affects the signal level on the receptor and thereby affects the total system performance within the system. This can happen in several ways, one of which is through edge coupling. Edge coupling is a process where two signal conductors are placed beside each other in the same layer while the ground conductor could have been placed either under these conductors, in a separate layer like Mclin (Microstrip coupled lines) and Sclin (Coupled striplines), or beside the signal conductors as in Cpwcpl2 (Coplanar wave guide coupled lines). This then means that edge coupling occurs through the sides where the generator and the receptor are facing each other. Broadside coupling is another way, where it occurs when the signal conductors are broadside faced to each other in different layers with reference planes above and below these signal conductors. Coupling of the signals from the generator to the receptor can occur through capacitive coupling or inductive coupling. Capacitive coupling, also known as electrical coupling, occurs due to the difference in the characteristic impedance of the generator (usually 50 or 100 §Ù) and its heavy load (1 k§Ù or more) which results in high voltage difference between the generator and the reference conductor (ground). This leads to the creation of a charge across the generator and the receptor-facing sides and finally results in the electric field coupling between them. On the other hand, inductive coupling, also known as magnetic coupling, occurs when the load is less than the characteristic impedance of the generator, and this thereby results in a heavy current flow through the generator which in return results in a strong magnetic field around itself and so leads to magnetic coupling to the receptor. The aim in this thesis is to measure both the capacitive and inductive coupling load¡¯s impacts on both the edge coupling and the broadside coupling models through crosstalk on the receptor. This thesis starts with the background and corresponding theory and equations to the crosstalk coupling. Later on it tests both the edge- and broadside coupling models with different physical properties exploitation. Inductive and capacitive loads are used to measure the resulting crosstalk coupling. Particularly to see the effect of capacitive and inductive coupling in reality in multi layered PCB, a Sbclin (Broadside coupled striplines) model has been used with different angular placement of the generator. Finally mclin physical models are compared with the simulated models and corresponding differences are discussed. It can be concluded that crosstalk effect increases or decreases with physical properties exploitation. Crosstalk also increases with the wrong termination of the load.

Central resistance to the actions of insulin and leptin is strongly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These anorexigenic hormones modulate one another’s actions at the neuronal level. To investigate the cellular events underlying the effect of insulin resistance on leptin modulation of hypothalamic neurons, a neuronal cell model was established. The rHypoE-19 cell line expresses the insulin and leptin receptors alongside a complement of signaling molecules rendering it an appropriate model to study the molecular events underlying leptin and insulin crosstalk. Hyperinsulinemia was used to induce insulin resistance and leptin regulation of the rHypoE-19 neurons was analyzed prior to and following the induction of insulin resistance. It was found that the attenuation of insulin signal transduction affects leptin signaling and transcriptional modulation of the rHypoE-19 neurons. These studies will ultimately lend itself to an improved understanding of the complex cellular events that accompany neuronal hormone resistance.

Central resistance to the actions of insulin and leptin is strongly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These anorexigenic hormones modulate one another’s actions at the neuronal level. To investigate the cellular events underlying the effect of insulin resistance on leptin modulation of hypothalamic neurons, a neuronal cell model was established. The rHypoE-19 cell line expresses the insulin and leptin receptors alongside a complement of signaling molecules rendering it an appropriate model to study the molecular events underlying leptin and insulin crosstalk. Hyperinsulinemia was used to induce insulin resistance and leptin regulation of the rHypoE-19 neurons was analyzed prior to and following the induction of insulin resistance. It was found that the attenuation of insulin signal transduction affects leptin signaling and transcriptional modulation of the rHypoE-19 neurons. These studies will ultimately lend itself to an improved understanding of the complex cellular events that accompany neuronal hormone resistance.

Capacitive crosstalk between adjacent signal wires in integrated circuits may lead to noise or a speedup or slowdown in signal transitions. These in turn may lead to circuit failure or reduced operating speed. This thesis focuses on generating test patterns to induce crosstalk-induced signal delays, in order to determine whether the circuit can still meet its timing specification. A timing-driven test generator is developed to sensitize multiple aligned aggressors coupled to a delay-sensitive victim path to detect the combination of a delay spot defect and crosstalk-induced slowdown. The framework uses parasitic capacitance information, timing windows and crosstalk-induced delay estimates to screen out unaligned or ineffective aggressors coupled to a victim path, speeding up crosstalk pattern generation. In order to induce maximum crosstalk slowdown along a path, aggressors are prioritized based on their potential delay increase and timing alignment. The test generation engine introduces the concept of alignment-driven path sensitization to generate paths from inputs to coupled aggressor nets that meet timing alignment and direction requirements. By using path delay information obtained from circuit preprocessing, preferred paths can be chosen during aggressor path propagation processes. As the test generator sensitizes aggressors in the presence of victim path necessary assignments, the search space is effectively reduced for aggressor path generation. This helps in reducing the test generation time for aligned aggressors. In addition, two new crosstalk-driven dynamic test compaction algorithms are developed to control the increase in test pattern count. The proposed test generation algorithm is applied to ISCAS85 and ISCAS89 benchmark circuits. SPICE simulation results demonstrate the ability of the alignment-driven test generator to increase crosstalk-induced delays along victim paths.