Theoretical Study of the Circuit Architecture of the Basic CFOA and Testing Techniques

This paper examines the closed-loop characteristics of the basic CFOA, and in particular, the dynamic response. Additionally, it also examines the design and advantages of the CFOA regarding its ability to provide a significantly constant closed-loop bandwidth for closed-loop voltage gain. Secondly, the almost limitless slew–rate provided by the class AB input stage that makes it superior to the VOA counterpart. Additionally; this paper also concerns the definitions and measurements of the terminal parameters of the CFOA, regarded as a ‘black box’. It does not deal with the way that these parameters are related to the properties of the active passive and active components of a particular circuit configuration. Simulation is used in terminal parameter determination: this brings with it the facility of using test conditions that would not normally prevail in a laboratory test on silicon implementations of the CFOAs. Thus, we can apply 1mA and 1mV test signals from, respectively, infinite and zero source impedances that range in frequency from d.c to some tens of GHz. Also, we assume the existence of resistors with identical Ohmic value and very high value ideal capacitors. Where appropriate, practical test methods are referred to physical laboratory prototypes

A novel current-feedback op-amp exploiting bootstrapping techniques

The operation of the conventional current feedback operational amplifier (CFOA) is reviewed and its performance parameters used as benchmarks in the development of a new input stage architecture that provides a common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) improvement of some 45 dB and offset voltage less than 10 mV

Improved designs for current feedback op-amps

The performance of the current feedback op-amps (CFOAs) is very much determined by the input stage of CFOAs, including common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR). Two new CFOAs topologies are presented in this article: one topology uses a cascoding technique, and the second one uses a bootstrapping technique, both of which provide a much better CMRR and lower DC offset voltage than the conventional CFOAs. Moreover, the new CFOAs design exhibits an extended high frequency bandwidth, with a gain accuracy improvement. Applications requiring constant bandwidth with variable (closed loop) gain will benefit from the proposed topologies

Wide-Bandwidth CFOA with High CMRR Performance

​In this paper the authors analyze the conventional current-feedback operational amplifier (CFOA) in terms of common-mode-rejection ratio (CMRR) performance, and having identified the mechanism primarily responsible for the CMRR, they propose two new architecture CFOAs. These new CFOAs are further developed, and modified to provide improved bandwidth, AC gain accuracy and high CMRR performance. The key features of the two proposed new CFOAs are the designs of the internal voltage followers which have two separate biasing currents with a similar dynamic architecture to that of the conventional CFOA. The magnitude of one bias current determines the value of the maximum CMRR, and the second can be used to maximize bandwidth

Analysis and design of a high precision- high output impedance tissue current driver for medical applications

This paper describes the design and operation of a high output impedance tissue current driver circuit, for use in medical electronics, such as Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT). This novel architecture was designed for implementation in bipolar technology, to meet the specifications for EIT, namely operating frequency range 10 kHz–1 MHz with a target output resistance of 16 MW. Simulation results are presented, showing that the current source more than met the minimum specification for EIT

Evidence of mTOR Activation by an AKT-Independent Mechanism Provides Support for the Combined Treatment of PTEN-Deficient Prostate Tumors with mTOR and AKT Inhibitors

AbstractActivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway is commonly observed in human prostate cancer. Loss of function of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is associated with the activation of AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in many cancer cell lines as well as in other model systems. However, activation of mTOR is also dependent of kinases other than AKT. Here, we show that activation of mTOR is not dependent on AKT in a prostate-specific PTEN-deficient mouse model of prostate cancer. Pathway bifurcation of AKT and mTOR was noted in both mouse and human prostate tumors. We demonstrated for the first time that cotargeting mTOR and AKT with ridaforolimus/MK-8669 and M1K-2206, respectively, delivers additive antitumor effects in vivo when compared to single agents. Our preclinical data suggest that the combination of AKT and mTOR inhibitors might be more effective in treating prostate cancer patients than current treatment regimens or either treatment alone

GA-based multi-objective optimization of active nonlinear quarter car suspension system—PID and fuzzy logic control

Background The primary function of a suspension system is to isolate the vehicle body from road irregularities thus providing the ride comfort and to support the vehicle and provide stability. The suspension system has to perform conflicting requirements; hence, a passive suspension system is replaced by the active suspension system which can supply force to the system. Active suspension supplies energy to respond dynamically and achieve relative motion between body and wheel and thus improves the performance of suspension system. Methods This study presents modelling and control optimization of a nonlinear quarter car suspension system. A mathematical model of nonlinear quarter car is developed and simulated for control and optimization in Matlab/Simulink® environment. Class C road is selected as input road condition with the vehicle traveling at 80 kmph. Active control of the suspension system is achieved using FLC and PID control actions. Instead of guessing and or trial and error method, genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization algorithm is implemented to tune PID parameters and FLC membership functions’ range and scaling factors. The optimization function is modeled as a multi-objective problem comprising of frequency weighted RMS seat acceleration, Vibration dose value (VDV), RMS suspension space, and RMS tyre deflection. ISO 2631-1 standard is adopted to assess the ride and health criterion. Results The nonlinear quarter model along with the controller is modeled and simulated and optimized in a Matlab/Simulink environment. It is observed that GA-optimized FLC gives better control as compared to PID and passive suspension system. Further simulations are validated on suspension system with seat and human model. Parameters under observation are frequency-weighted RMS head acceleration, VDV at the head, crest factor, and amplitude ratios at the head and upper torso (AR_h and AR_ut). Simulation results are presented in time and frequency domain. Conclusion Simulation results show that GA-based FLC and PID controller gives better ride comfort and health criterion by reducing RMS head acceleration, VDV at the head, CF, and AR_h and AR_ut over passive suspension system

Global Chronic Total Occlusion Crossing Algorithm: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

The authors developed a global chronic total occlusion crossing algorithm following 10 steps: 1) dual angiography; 2) careful angiographic review focusing on proximal cap morphology, occlusion segment, distal vessel quality, and collateral circulation; 3) approaching proximal cap ambiguity using intravascular ultrasound, retrograde, and move-the-cap techniques; 4) approaching poor distal vessel quality using the retrograde approach and bifurcation at the distal cap by use of a dual-lumen catheter and intravascular ultrasound; 5) feasibility of retrograde crossing through grafts and septal and epicardial collateral vessels; 6) antegrade wiring strategies; 7) retrograde approach; 8) changing strategy when failing to achieve progress; 9) considering performing an investment procedure if crossing attempts fail; and 10) stopping when reaching high radiation or contrast dose or in case of long procedural time, occurrence of a serious complication, operator and patient fatigue, or lack of expertise or equipment. This algorithm can improve outcomes and expand discussion, research, and collaboration

Global Chronic Total Occlusion Crossing Algorithm

The authors developed a global chronic total occlusion crossing algorithm following 10 steps: 1) dual angiography; 2) careful angiographic review focusing on proximal cap morphology, occlusion segment, distal vessel quality, and collateral circulation; 3) approaching proximal cap ambiguity using intravascular ultrasound, retrograde, and move-the-cap techniques; 4) approaching poor distal vessel quality using the retrograde approach and bifurcation at the distal cap by use of a dual-lumen catheter and intravascular ultrasound; 5) feasibility of retrograde crossing through grafts and septal and epicardial collateral vessels; 6) antegrade wiring strategies; 7) retrograde approach; 8) changing strategy when failing to achieve progress; 9) considering performing an investment procedure if crossing attempts fail; and 10) stopping when reaching high radiation or contrast dose or in case of long procedural time, occurrence of a serious complication, operator and patient fatigue, or lack of expertise or equipment. This algorithm can improve outcomes and expand discussion, research, and collaboration.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of Systemic Hypertension With Versus Without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy on the Progression of Atrial Fibrillation (from the Euro Heart Survey).

Hypertension is a risk factor for both progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) and development of AF-related complications, that is major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). It is unknown whether left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as a consequence of hypertension is also a risk factor for both these end points. We aimed to assess this in low-risk AF patients, also assessing gender-related differences. We included 799 patients from the Euro Heart Survey with nonvalvular AF and a baseline echocardiogram. Patients with and without hypertension were included. End points after 1 year were occurrence of AF progression, that is paroxysmal AF becoming persistent and/or permanent AF, and MACCE. Echocardiographic LVH was present in 33% of 379 hypertensive patients. AF progression after 1 year occurred in 10.2% of 373 patients with rhythm follow-up. In hypertensive patients with LVH, AF progression occurred more frequently as compared with hypertensive patients without LVH (23.3% vs 8.8%, p = 0.011). In hypertensive AF patients, LVH was the most important multivariably adjusted determinant of AF progression on multivariable logistic regression (odds ratio 4.84, 95% confidence interval 1.70 to 13.78, p = 0.003). This effect was only seen in male patients (27.5% vs 5.8%, p = 0.002), while in female hypertensive patients, no differences were found in AF progression rates regarding the presence or absence of LVH (15.2% vs 15.0%, p = 0.999). No differences were seen in MACCE for hypertensive patients with and without LVH. In conclusion, in men with hypertension, LVH is associated with AF progression. This association seems to be absent in hypertensive women