End-to-end error correction and online diagnosis for on-chip networks

Abstract In an on-chip network, roughly 80 % of the communication faults are transient [9]. Different fault tolerance approaches such as Forward Error Control (FEC), Automatic Repeat Query (ARQ), and multi-path routing have been used and compared in literature for reliable on-chip transmission [15-17]. These approaches tolerate transient faults, but they become ineffective in the presence of permanent faults. Permanent faults on wires occur both during manufacturing and in the field, causing yield degradation and service costs respectively. The overall system cost can be reduced by adding some spare wires per each link of the network to replace the defective wires [15,18]. Nevertheless, an in-field diagnosis mechanism is required to locate the defective wire and initiates the wire replacement. We propose a comprehensive solution for end-to-end (e2e) error correction and online defect diagnosis for on-chip networks. For e2e error correction, we propose an interleaved error-locality-aware code that efficiently corrects both random and burst errors. We demonstrate that for 64-bit wide network links, interleaving four of the proposed code, 2G4L(26,16), each of which supports 16-bit data, can correct as many as two random errors or 16 adjacent errors. In order to maintain the error correction capability of the Error Correcting Code (ECC) for transient and intermittent errors, we further propose an e2e data gathering and online diagnosis approach that locates the defective wires and replaces them with the spare wires embedded in the network. Our analytical and experimental studies show that under heavy noise, high escape rate, uncertainty about routing, and many other harmful effects, the diagnostic data collected by the proposed approach are accurate enough for the purpose of passive diagnosis. 1

The effect of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles on color change and adhesion strength of polyurethane coating on wood surface

In this study the effect of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) on color change and adhesion strength of polyurethane clear coat in Elm wood species (Ulmus glabra) investigated. ZnO nanoparticles with concentration of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 1.50 and 2 wt% were dispersed in coating. TEM (Transmission electron microscopy) images were used for investigate the dispersion of nanoparticles in coatings matrix. Results of investigate the dispersion of nanoparticles in polyurethane coating indicated that the best dispersion of nanoparticles obtained in coating with 1 wt% nano. Increasing concentration of nanoparticles to 2 wt%, reduced dispersion of nanoparticles and aggregates of nanoparticles observed in coating. Investigation adhesion strength of coating showed that the highest value of adhesion was in nanocomposite coating with 1 wt% nano but increasing nanoparticles more than this content, had negative effect on coating adhesion. Results also revealed that adding ZnO nanoparticles, changed color of samples coated with nanocomposite coating but it was not significant in low content of nanoparticles

A Comparison of Buccal Midazolam and Intravenous Diazepam for the Acute Treatment of Seizures in Children

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to compare efficacy and safety of buccal midazolam with intravenous diazepam in control of seizures in Iranian children. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial. 92 patients with acute seizures, ranging from 6 months to 14 years were randomly assigned to receive either buccal midazolam (32 cases) or intravenous diazepam (60 cases) at the emergency department of a children's hospital. The primary outcome of this study was cessation of visible seizure activity within 5 minutes from administration of the first dosage. The second dosage was used in case the seizure remained uncontrolled 5 minutes after the first one. Findings: In the midazolam group, 22 (68.8%) patients were relieved from seizures in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, diazepam controlled the episodes of 42 (70%) patients within 10 minutes. The difference was, however, not statistically significant (P=0.9). The mean time required to control the convulsive episodes after administration of medications was not statistically significant (P=0.09). No significant side effects were observed in either group. Nevertheless, the risk of respiratory failure in intravenous diazepam is greater than in buccal midazolam. Conclusion: Buccal midazolam is as effective as and safer than intravenous diazepam in control of seizures

Naringenin improves learning and memory in an Alzheimer's disease rat model : Insights into the underlying mechanisms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the prevalent neurological disorders of the central nervous system hallmarked by increased beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and ensuing learning and memory deficit. In the present study, the beneficial effect of naringenin on improvement of learning and memory was evaluated in an Alzheimer's disease rat model. The Aβ-injected rats showed a lower alternation score in Y-maze task, impairment of retention and recall capability in passive avoidance test, and lower correct choices and higher errors in radial arm maze (RAM) task as compared to sham group in addition to enhanced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Naringenin, but not a combination of naringenin and fulvestrant (an estrogenic receptor antagonist) significantly improved the performance of Aβ-injected rats in passive avoidance and RAM tasks. Naringenin pretreatment of Aβ-injected rats also lowered hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA) with no significant effect on nitrite and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in addition to lowering apoptosis. These results suggest naringenin pretreatment attenuates Aβ-induced impairment of learning and memory through mitigation of lipid peroxidation and apoptosis and its beneficial effect is somewhat mediated via estrogenic pathway.Funding agencies: Cellular and Molecular Research Center at Iran University of Medical Sciences (Tehran) [2011.37]; Linkoping University (Linkoping, Sweden)</p