A novel power allocation scheme under outage constraints in NOMA systems

In this letter, we study a downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) transmission system, where only the average channel state information (CSI) is available at the transmitter. Two criteria in terms of transmit power and user fairness for NOMA systems are used to formulate two optimization problems, subjected to outage probabilistic constraints and the optimal decoding order. We first investigate the optimal decoding order when the transmitter knows only the average CSI, and then, we develop the optimal power allocation schemes in closed form by employing the feature of the NOMA principle for the two problems. Furthermore, the power difference between NOMA systems and OMA systems under outage constraints is obtained

Multi-Plant Production and Transportation Planning Based on Data Envelopment Analysis

This paper proposes a methodology for developing a coordinated aggregate production plan for manufacturers producing multiple products at multiple plants simultaneously, in a centralized environment via data envelopment analysis (DEA). Based on demand forecast of the planning horizon, the central decision maker (DM) specifies the optimal combination of input resources required by the optimal output targets for each plant to keep the supply and demand in balance, and the accompanying transportation trips and volumes among distribution centers (DCs) or warehouse facilities. In this paper, we focus on an integrated production-transportation problem since production and transportation are two fundamental ingredients in the whole operation chain. We deal with multiple products manufactured in multiple plants.The proposed mixed integer DEA models minimize both production costs and transportation costs. The capacity constraint for each plant is enforced by using the production possibility set theory. Finally, we validate our models by a numerical example and sensitivity analysis

Impact of factor graph on average sum rate for uplink sparse code multiple access systems

In this paper, we first study the average sum rate of sparse code multiple access (SCMA) systems, where a general scenario is considered under the assumption that the distances between the mobile users and the base station are not necessarily identical. Closed-form analytical results are derived for the average sum rate based on which an optimal factor graph matrix is designed for maximizing the capacity of the SCMA systems. Moreover, we propose a low-complexity iterative algorithm to facilitate the design of the optimal graph matrix. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are provided to corroborate the accuracy of the theoretical results and the efficiency of the proposed iterative algorithm

Advancements in Addressing Microcrack Formation in Ni–Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium–Ion Batteries

Nickel–rich layered oxides of LiNi$_{1–x–y}$CoxMn(Al)yO2 (where 1–x–y > 0.6) are considered promising cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high reversible capacity and energy density. However, the widespread application of NCM(A) is limited by microstructural degradation caused by the anisotropic shrinkage and expansion of primary particles during the H2!H3 phase transition. In this mini–review, we comprehensively discuss the formation of microcracks, subsequent material degradation, and related alleviation strategies in nickel–rich layered NCM(A). Firstly, theories on microcracks’ formation and evolution mechanisms are presented and critically analyzed. Secondly, recent advancements in mitigation strategies to prevent degradation in Ni–rich NCM/NCA are highlighted. These strategies include doping, surface coating, structural optimization, and morphology engineering. Finally, we provide an outlook and perspective to identify promising strategies that may enable the practical application of Ni–rich NCM/NCA in commercial settings

Placement and power allocation for NOMA-UAV networks

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used as flying base stations to provide ubiquitous connections for mobile devices in over-crowded areas. On the other hand, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a promising technique to support massive connectivity. In this letter, the placement and power allocation (PA) are jointly optimized to improve the performance of the NOMA-UAV network. Since the formulated joint optimization problem is non-convex, the location of the UAV is first optimized, with the total path loss from the UAV to users minimized. Then, the PA for NOMA is optimized using the optimal location of the UAV to maximize the sum rate of the network. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed scheme for NOMA-UAV networks

Complementary stabilization by core/sheath carbon nanofibers/spongy carbon on submicron tin oxide particles as anode for lithium-ion batteries

To limit the pulverization of tin-based anode materials during lithiation/delithiation, submicron tin oxide/tin particles are fixed on core/sheath carbon nanofiber/spongy carbon via hydrothermal and carbothermal reduction treatment in this work. During carbothermal reduction, SnO2 nanosheets are converted to spherical Sn submicron particles and simultaneously the hollow spongy carbon is produced and still enwrap on carbon nanofiber. The as-produced flexible film is used for a binder-free anode for lithium ion batteries, without the polymer binder and conductive carbon. At 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 A g-1, the composite electrode respectively displays a discharging capacity of 1393.0, 738.2, 583.6 and 382.6 mAh g-1. Moreover, it delivers specific capacity of 726.9 mAh g-1 and coulombic efficiency of 99.45 % after 300 cycles at 0.1 A g-1. The comparison sample of carbon nanofiber/SnOx film without the presence of spongy carbon displays much lower rate performance and worse cyclic performance. The integrated structure of carbon nanofiber/SnOx/spongy carbon results in the remarkable Li-storage performance, in which the carbon nanofiber and spongy carbon synergistically provide conductive channel and buffer zone to hinder the pulverization and peeling of SnOx particles during charging-discharging processes

Aberrant Protein Turn-Over Associated With Myofibrillar Disorganization in FHL1 Knockout Mice

Mutations in the FHL1 gene, and FHL1 protein deletion, are associated with rare hereditary myopathies and cardiomyopathies. FHL1-null mice develop age-dependent myopathy and increased autophagic activity. However, the molecular pathway involved in contractile function and increased autophagic activity in the FHL1-null mouse has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, FHL1 protein was knocked out in mice using Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALENs) and the IRS1-FOXO1/mTOR signaling pathway was investigated in skeletal muscles and heart. TALEN constructs caused targeted mutations in 30% of newborn mice; these mutations caused a deletion of 1–13 base pairs which blocked synthesis of the full-length FHL1 protein. Furthermore, 2.5-month old FHL1-null male mice were not prone to global muscular fatigue when compared with WT littermates, but histological analysis and ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of myofibrillar disorganization and the accumulation of autophagosome or autolysosome-like structures in FHL1-null mice. Moreover, autophagy and mitophagy were both activated in FHL1 KO mice and the degradation of autophagic lysosomes was impeded. Enhanced autophagic activity in FHL1 KO mice was induced by FOXO1 up-regulation and protein synthesis was increased via mTOR. The cytoskeletal proteins, MYBPC2 and LDB3, were involved in the formation of pathological changes in FHL1 KO mice. Markers of early differentiation (MEF2C and MYOD1) and terminal differentiation (total MYH) were both up-regulated in tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in FHL1 KO mice. The number of type I and type II fibers increased in FHL1-null TA muscles, but the number of type| | b, and type | | d fibers were both reduced in FHL1-null TA muscles. The results obtained from the heart were consistent with those from the skeletal muscle and indicated autophagic activation by FOXO1 and an increase in protein synthesis via mTOR also occurred in the heart tissue of FHL1 knockout mice. In conclusion, aberrant protein turn-over associated with myofibrillar disorganization in FHL1 knockout mice. the up-regulation of FOXO1 was associated with enhanced autophagic activity and pathological changes in the muscle fibers of FHL1 KO mice. These results indicated that autophagy activated by FOXO1 is a promising therapeutic target for hereditary myopathies and cardiomyopathies induced by FHL1

OR-018 The study of acupuncture intervention on the dynamic changes of Ca2+, Na+, H2O2 flux at earlier time points of rat skeletal muscle regeneration following eccentric exercise

Objective  In this study, the Non-invasive Micro-test Technique was adopted to study the dynamic changes of Ca2+, Na+ , H2O2 flux during the early phase of skeletal muscle regeneration (0–24 h post-injury) after acupuncture intervention, and to explore the role of interaction between TRP channel and NADPH oxidase 2(NOX2) in the acupuncture mechanism. Methods  324 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: blank control group (C), electrical stimulation group (E), electrical stimulation group with acupuncture intervention (EA), electrical stimulation gropu with acupuncture +TRP channel inhibitor (EAT ), electrical stimulation gropu with acupuncture + NOX2 inhibitor (EAN), electrical stimulation gropu with acupuncture + placebo (EAP). Except for group C, the animal model of eccentric induced skeletal muscle injury  was established by electrostimulation on gastrocnemius of anaesthetised rats in vivo.Immediately after electrical stimulation, GdCl3, apocynin and PBS buffer were injected by tail vein in EAT, EAN and EAP respectively. After 30 min, gastrocnemius muscle belly were stuck with acupuncture needles (diameter of 0.13 mm) in EA, EAT, EAN and EAP respectively. Shortly afterwards, a special polypropylene ring-shaped perforated vessel wall was sutured to the exposed gastrocnemius muscle, and to measure Ca2+, Na+, H2O2 fluxes by non-invasive micro-test technique in the phase of retaining needle, needle drawing immediately, 3h, 6h and 24h, respectively. The phase and time of detection in the C and E groups were consistented. Results  1 When the gastrocnemius muscle was in a resting state, Ca2+ and Na+ were influx in small amounts, and H2O2 had a small eflux. 2 Effect of eccentric Exercise and acupuncture on the dynamic changes of Ca2+ flux at different phases : ① In the E, a small eflux occurred at 0min, 10min and 3h, and the eflux suddenly increased significantly at 6 h (p<0.05), followed by a small eflux at 24h; ② In the EA, a small eflux occurred during retaining needle and needle drawing immediately, and Surprisingly, a small influx was observed at 3h. After that, the eflux increased suddenly at 6h and 24h, and the eflux peaked at 24h, which was significantly different from the E group at 24h. (p<0.05); ③ The EAT showed a significant influx trend. Specifically, except a small eflux in the retention period and 3h phase, significant influx occurred immediately after the needle pulling、6h and 24h. Compared with C and EA, there was no statistically significant difference in net flux (influx and efflux), but Ca2+ oscillation amplitude (influx and eflux fluctuation amplitude) in EAT was significantly increased (p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively); ④ In EAN, the eflux was dominant. Specifically, there was significant influx in the retention period and immediately after needle pulling, and suddenly significant eflux was observed at 3h and 6h. The 6h phase was significant difference than that of E (p<0.05), afterwards, the eflux was significantly decreased at 24h, and was significantly different from 6h (p<0.05); ⑤ The EAP flowed outward at all phases, and the overall trend was similar to the E group. The eflux peaked at needle drawing immediately, which was significantly different from that of the concurrent phase E and EA (p<0.05), and the eflux was significantly decreased at 24h. 3 Effect of eccentric exercise and acupuncture on the dynamic changes of Na+ flux at different phases : ① In the E, the eflux occurred at during retaining needle and needle drawing immediately, and the influx occurred suddenly at 3h and 6h. There was a significant difference between 6h and the C (p<0.001), and the eflux again occurred at 24h;② In the EA, the flux occurred during retaining needle and needle drawing immediately, and after that, efflux occurred at the 3h, 6h, and 24h;③ The EAT efflux at all phases was in line with the trend of changes in the E. ④ The EAN only eflux at 6h (p<0.05), while the rest of the phases flowed inward, and the influx peaked at 3h, which was significantly different from that at needle drawing immediately (p<0.05). The influx amplitude decreased at 24h, showing a significant difference from 3h (p<0.01). ⑤ The EAP only flowed inward at 3h, and the rest of the phases flowed outward. 4 Effect of eccentric exercise and acupuncture on the dynamic changes of H2O2 flux at different phases : ① In the E, the influx occurred only at 10 min, and the rest of the phases flowed outward with an increasing trend. The peak value were reached at 24h, showing a significant difference with C group and 0 min(p<0.01), and extremely significant with 3h (p<0.001) and 6h (p<0.05);② EA only flowed inward during retaining needle, all other phases flowed outward and peaked at 24h, but the eflux was less than that of E and there was a significant difference at 6h with E (p<0.05);③ The EAT group flowed outward at all phases and reached the peak at 3h, showing a significant difference compared with the E and EA at the same phases (p<0.001); ④The EAN flowed outward at each time phase and peaking needle drawing immediately, but the flow velocity was higher than that of the EAT. There was an extremely significant difference compared with EA at the peaking phase (P<0.001) and a significant difference with EAT at the same phase (p<0.05);⑤ In the EAP, all phases flowed outward, but the flow rate was less than the EAT and EAN. Conclusions  1  In the early subsequent phase of skeletal muscle regeneration, Ca2+ efflux  decreased, while Na+ influx increased, accompanied by increased H2O2 efflux. 2  Acupuncture intervention increased Ca2+ efflux in the early subsequent phase of skeletal muscle regeneration and advanced the Na+ influx phase, with the decrease of H2O2 efflux, and the effect was related to the interaction of TRP channels synergize with NOX2 Activity