Energy-Based switches losses model for the optimization of PwrSoC buck converter

Current trends in automotive industry impose as main drivers the improvement of the efficiency and the miniaturization of the electronic systems. New technologies for passives enable the integration of inductor based power converter together with the load in a single chip. Due to the complexity of the system and various constraints, multi-variable optimization needs to be employed. This study presents an energy-based piece-wise linear model for switches losses estimation for 40 nm automotive approved semiconductor technology used for implementation of PwrSoC buck converter system. The model, based on discrete number of calculations performed with Spice simulations, is presented in detail in this study and it is validated experimentally

Uranyl complexes formed with apara-t-butylcalix[4]arene bearing phosphinoyl pendant arms on the lower rim. Solid and solution studies

The current interest in functionalized calixarenes with phosphorylated pendant arms resides in their coordination ability towards f elements and capability towards actinide/rare earth separation. Uranyl cation forms 1:1 and 1:2 (M:L) complexes with atetra-phosphinoylated p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, B4bL4: UO2(NO3)2(B4bL4)n· xH2O (n = 1, x = 2, 1; n = 2, x = 6, 2). Spectroscopic data point to the inner coordination sphere of 1 containing one monodentate nitrate anion, one water molecule and the four phosphinoylated arms bound to UO22+ while in 2, uranyl is only coordinated to calixarene ligands. In both cases the U(VI) ion is 8-coordinate. Uranyl complexes display enhanced metal-centred luminescence due to energy transfer from the calixarene ligands; the luminescence decays are bi-exponential with associated lifetimes in the ranges 220μs <τs <250μs and 630μs <τL < 640μs, pointing to the presence of two species with differently coordinated calixarene, as substantiated by aXPS study of U(4f5/2,7/2), O(1s) and P(2p) levels on solid state samples. The extraction study of UO22+ cation and trivalent rare-earth (Y, La, Eu) ions from acidic nitrate media by B4bL4 in chloroform shows the uranyl cation being much more extracted than rare earth

Radiación fetal a dosis bajas de rayos X en la rata albina (Rattus norvegicus albinus)

The project's goal was to obtain short-term information concerning the pathological effects caused in foetuses by exposure to low doses of X-rays (1 roentgen and 5 roentgen) in female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) on the 12th. day of gestation. Post-radiation repercussions and litter follow-up within defined haematological and morphological parameters were studied. Bone marrow hypoplasia, high mortality, congenital malformation and sluggish growth were found to be present in the experimental litiers. The use of low X-ray doses which are widely used in radiodiagnosis exams, permitied the experimental observation of albino rats, which warns us of the irreversible risk which the human embryofoetal development could be involved in.Con el objetivo de obtener información sobre los efectos patológicos a corto plazo en el feto, causados por la exposición a dosis bajas de rayos X de sus progenitoras, se irradiaron ratas albinas el día 12 de la gestación y se investigaron sus repercusiones con parámetros morfológicos y hematológicos; se observaron alteraciones significativas como hipoplasia medular, retardo del crecimiento fetal, malformaciones congénitas y mortalidad. Una extrapolación animal-humano en cuanto adosis-efecto, alertasobre los posibles riesgos de desarrollo embriofetal humano causados por madres que se exponen a estas dosis consideradas por muchos como no perjudiciales

Differential leukocyte expression of IFITM1 and IFITM3 in patients with severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and COVID-19

Interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins mediate protection against enveloped viruses by blocking membrane fusion at endosomes. IFITM1 and IFITM3 are crucial for protection against influenza, and various single nucleotide polymorphisms altering their function have been linked to disease susceptibility. However, bulk IFITM1 and IFITM3 mRNA expression dynamics and their correlation with clinical outcomes have not been extensively addressed in patients with respiratory infections. In this study, we evaluated the expression of IFITM1 and IFITM3 in peripheral leukocytes from healthy controls and individuals with severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Comparisons between participants grouped according to their clinical characteristics, underlying disease, and outcomes showed that the downregulation of IFITM1 was a distinctive characteristic of severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) that correlated with outcomes, including mortality. Conversely, increased IFITM3 expression was a common feature of severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and COVID-19. Using a high-dose murine model of infection, we confirmed not only the downregulation of IFITM1 but also of IFITM3 in the lungs of mice with severe influenza, as opposed to humans. Analyses in the comparative cohort also indicate the possible participation of IFITM3 in COVID-19. Our results add to the evidence supporting a protective function of IFITM proteins against viral respiratory infections in humans.Introduction Methods - Human samples - IFITM expression in humans - Influenza infection in mice - IFITM expression in mice - Cytokine levels in mouse lungs - Study approval - Statistical analysis Results - Participant characteristics - IFITM1 and IFITM3 in patients with severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) - High-dose influenza A (H1N1) virus infection downregulates IFITM expression in mice - IFITM1 and IFITM3 in severe COVID-19 Discussio

Edwardsiella tarda Ewing y McWhorter 1965: alimentos y pescado

Objetivo: Brindar una revisión que aporte una perspectiva general de Edwarsiella tarda patógeno en peces destinados al consumo humano y capaz de generar enfermedad humana a través de estos alimentos, se involucran los diferentes factores asociados a la aparición de la enfermedad, control y prevención. Metodología: Para el desarrollo del presente documento se realizó la búsqueda y análisis de información de diferentes bases de datos como Scielo, Scopus, Redalyc, Google Académico entre otras. Resultados: La infección por Edwarsiella tarda en peces destinados al consumo humano constituyen un riesgo a la salud pública. Se han desarrollado métodos tradicionales y moleculares para su detección, así como acciones en sanidad animal e higiene, a fin de controlar y prevenir su incidencia en la producción de alimentos y transmisión de enfermedades al consumidor. Implicaciones en el estudio: Edwardsiella tarda habita en ecosistemas acuáticos, y son parte de la microbiota de peces, capaz de producir enfermedad en peces y el ser humano cuando las condiciones de sanidad e higiene son inadecuadas a lo largo de la cadena alimentaria. El riesgo a la salud al consumir pescado es principalmente en estado crudo o sometido a un inadecuado procesamiento. Conclusiones: Edwarsiella tarda es considerado patógeno emergente en salud pública. Se ha establecido que la prevención y control de infecciones por este patógeno en animales (peces) de consumo humano y ser humano es a través de la implementación de las buenas prácticas de higiene a lo largo de la cadena alimentaria a fin de ofrecer alimentos sanos, nutritivos e inocuos

Assessment of table olives' organoleptic defect intensities based on the potentiometric fingerprint recorded by an electronic tongue

Table olives are prone to the appearance of sensory defects that decrease their quality and in some cases result in olives unsuitable for consumption. The evaluation of the type and intensity of the sensory negative attributes of table olives is recommended by the International Olive Council, although not being legally required for commercialization. However, the accomplishment of this task requires the training and implementation of sensory panels according to strict directives, turning out in a time-consuming and expensive procedure that involves a degree of subjectivity. In this work, an electronic tongue is proposed as a taste sensor device for evaluating the intensity of sensory defects of table olives. The potentiometric signal profiles gathered allowed establishing multiple linear regression models, based on the most informative subsets of signals (from 24 to 29 recorded during the analysis of olive aqueous pastes and brine solutions) selected using a simulated annealing meta-heuristic algorithm. The models enabled the prediction of the median intensities (R2 ≥ 0.942 and RMSE ≤ 0.356, for leave-one-out or repeated K-fold cross-validation procedures) of butyric, musty, putrid, winey-vinegary, and zapateria negative sensations being, in general, the predicted intensities within the range of intensities perceived by the sensory panel. Indeed, based on the predicted mean intensities of the sensory defects, the electrochemical-chemometric approach developed could correctly classify 86.4% of the table olive samples according to their trade category based on a sensory panel evaluation and following the International Olive Council regulations (i.e., extra, 1st choice, 2nd choice, and olives that may not be sold as table olives). So, the satisfactory overall predictions achieved demonstrate that the electronic tongue could be a complementary tool for assessing table olive defects, reducing the effort of trained panelists and minimizing the risk of subjective evaluations.This work was financially supported by Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006984—Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM, by Project UID/QUI/00616/2013 —CQ-VR, and UID/AGR/00690/ 2013—CIMO, all funded by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) through COMPETE2020—Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) and by national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal. Strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit is also acknowledged. Nuno Rodrigues thanks FCT, POPH-QREN, and FSE for the Ph.D. Grant (SFRH/BD/104038/2014).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Acondicionamiento de garbanzo (Cicer arientium) por el proceso de nixtamalización para la obtención de harina utilizada en la elaboración de pan de caja

Objective: The aim was to establish the effect on quality characteristics of loaf bread added with chickpea flour obtained by nixtamalization and soaking processes. Design/methodology/approach: The nixtamalization process was realized using 2% Ca(OH)2 solution, 3:1 (w/v) with respect to the grain, and cooking for 80 min. After 14 h, the nixtamal was washing three times. Nixtamalized grains were dried, milled and sieved (U.S. 35 mesh). The flour obtained by the soaking method (12 h, T=21 °C), was cooked (95 °C, 45 min), drying (48 h, 48 °C) and milling. The characterization of colour and ashes was determined on the flour and bread, also physical, quality and sensorial characteristics were measured. Results: The results demonstrated that substitution with 35% of nixtamalized chickpea flour, showed the best quality on physical and nutritional characteristics according with the reference (hardness: 23.6 ± 3 and 20.8 ± 6.2 N, color (C): 28.4 ± 1.37 and 29.2 ± 0.927, ashes: 0.17 and 1.43%, respectively). Limitations on study/implications: Results of sensory analysis of bread obtained by the soaking method has shown that the colour and flavour characteristics were not desired. Findings/conclusions: The information obtained demonstrates that this process has a positive impact for the consumer, increasing the availability of some nutrients.Objetivo: Establecer el efecto en las características de calidad de pan de caja elaborado con harina de garbanzo (Cicer arientium L.) obtenida por nixtamalización y remojo. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: El proceso de nixtamalización se realizó utilizando una solución de Ca(OH)2 al 2% en una relación 3:1 (p/v) con respecto al grano, se coció durante 80 min. Después de 14 h, el nixtamal se lavó tres veces. Los granos nixtamalizados se secaron, molieron y tamizaron (U.S. 35 mesh). Para el método de remojo (12 h, T = 21 ° C), el garbanzo se coció (95 °C, 45 min), se secó (48 h, 48 ° C) y se molió. Se determinó el color y cenizas en la harina y el pan, también se midieron las características físicas, de calidad y señoriales de este último. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el pan sustituido con 35% de harina de garbanzo nixtamalizado, presentó las mejores características de calidad, físicas y nutrimentales con respecto al testigo (dureza: 23.6±3 y 20.8±6.2 N, color (C): 28.41±1.368 y 29.23±0.927, cenizas: 0.17 y 1.43% respectivamente). Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: La evaluación sensorial del pan elaborado con harina de garbanzo obtenida por remojo indicó que estos presentaban sabor más intenso así como color no característico, que desagrado a los jueces. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los resultados tienen un impacto positivo para el consumidor, incrementando la disponibilidad de algunos nutrientes

Charge separation relative to the reaction plane in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}= 2.76 TeV

Measurements of charge dependent azimuthal correlations with the ALICE detector at the LHC are reported for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV. Two- and three-particle charge-dependent azimuthal correlations in the pseudo-rapidity range $|\eta| < 0.8$ are presented as a function of the collision centrality, particle separation in pseudo-rapidity, and transverse momentum. A clear signal compatible with a charge-dependent separation relative to the reaction plane is observed, which shows little or no collision energy dependence when compared to measurements at RHIC energies. This provides a new insight for understanding the nature of the charge dependent azimuthal correlations observed at RHIC and LHC energies.Comment: 12 pages, 3 captioned figures, authors from page 2 to 6, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/286