A Multi-Stage CTLE Design and Optimization for PCI Express Gen6.0 Link Equalization

The continuously increasing bandwidth demand from new applications has led to the development of the new peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) Gen6, reaching data rates of 64 giga-transfers per second (GT/s) and adopting the pulse amplitude modulation 4-level (PAM4) signaling scheme. While PAM4 solves the bandwidth requirements, it brings new challenges for the physical channel design. PAM4 is more susceptible to errors due to various noise sources caused by reduced voltage (and timing) ranges, yielding a higher bit error rate (BER). It also introduces new challenges in slicers, transition jitter, and equalizers, making of equalization (EQ) a critical process for PAM4 signaling. In this paper, we propose a multi-stage continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE) with high-band, mid-band, and low-band frequency boost stages to deal with highly lossy channels. Given the complexity of EQ of multi-level signals, optimization techniques are used, including an efficient optimization of the transmitter finite impulse response (FIR) filter and the receiver CTLE tuning.ITESO, A.C

Toxic gas removal – metal–organic frameworks for the capture and degradation of toxic gases and vapours

The release of anthropogenic toxic pollutants into the atmosphere is a worldwide threat of growing concern. In this regard, it is possible to take advantage of the high versatility of MOFs materials in order to develop new technologies for environmental remediation purposes. Consequently, one of the main scientific challenges to be achieved in the field of MOF research should be to maximize the performance of these solids towards the sensing, capture and catalytic degradation of harmful gases and vapors by means of a rational control of size and reactivity of the pore walls that are directly accessible to guest molecules.The authors are grateful for the generous support by the Spanish Ministries of Economy (project: CTQ2011-22787) and Defense (COINCIDENTE Program) as well as Junta de Andalucia (P09-FQM-4981)

Influence of sodium hypochlorite at 2.5% and EDTAC at 17% as endodontic irrigants in the adhesion of fiber posts

El propósito de este trabajo es demostrar que la utilización de EDTAC 17 % como irrigante final mejora sustancialmente la formación de la capa híbrida en relación a la utilización del Hipoclorito de Sodio al 2,5% como único irrigante, logrando mayor adhesión. En una etapa inicial se seleccionaron 20 premolares unirradiculares y se dividieron en 2 grupos (1 y 2) de 10 c/u, los cuales fueron tratados endodónticamente utilizando como irrigante agua destilada. En una segunda etapa se seleccionarán 20 premolares unirradiculares conformando los grupos 3 y 4 en los que se utilizará Hipoclorito de Sodio al 2,5% como único irrigante, y en una tercera instancia se seleccionarán 20 premolares unirradiculares, correspondiente a los grupos 5 y 6, utilizando como irrigante Hipoclorito de Sodio al 2,5% y EDTA al 17% como último lavaje. Una vez tratados endodónticamente se evaluará la calidad de obturación mediante una radiografía periapical y se cementarán los postes utilizando un sistema adhesivo autoacondicionante dual y de grabado total dual para los grupos control y experimental. Cada diente será cortado con discos de diamante en los tercios cervical, medio y apical de la raíz. Las muestras serán tratadas con ácido fosfórico al 37%, luego inmersa en ultrasonido con agua destilada, y analizadas en MEB en el cual se determinará la posible presencia de fallas en la adhesión.The purpose of this work is to demonstrate that the use of EDTAC 17% as final irrigant substantially improves the formation of the hybrid layer in relation to the use of Hypochlorite of 2.5% sodium as the only irrigant, achieving greater adhesion. In an initial stage, 20 single-rooted premolars were selected and divided into 2 groups (1 and 2) of 10 each, which were endodontically treated using distilled water as irrigant. In a second stage, 20 single-rooted premolars will be selected, conforming groups 3 and 4 in which 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite will be used as the sole irrigant, and in a third stage, 20 single-rooted premolars will be selected, corresponding to groups 5 and 6 , using 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite as irrigant and 17% EDTA as the last wash. Once endodontically treated, the quality of the filling will be evaluated using a periapical radiograph and the posts will be cemented using a self-conditioning adhesive system and total etching for the control and experimental groups. Each tooth will be cut with diamond discs in the cervical and middle thirds of the root. The samples will be treated with 37% phosphoric acid, then immersed in ultrasound with distilled water, and analyzed in SEM in which the possible presence of adhesion failures will be determined.Facultad de Odontologí

Nurses' perceptions of aids and obstacles to the provision of optimal end of life care in ICU

Contains fulltext : 172380.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Evaluación del perfil fenólico individual de Calluna vulgaris (L.) y de su potencial bioactivo

En la actualidad, existe una tendencia en el consumo de alimentos más nutritivos y que aporten beneficios para la salud [1]. En este contexto, el consumo de plantas ha demostrado ser beneficioso, debido a la presencia de diversos nutrientes y moléculas bioactivas con propiedades funcionales. Los polifenoles son un grupo de compuestos que, según diversos estudios, han demostrado propiedades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatorias, antimicrobianas y antitumorales, entre otros, ejerciendo efectos terapéuticos sobre diversas enfermedades [1,2]. Así en el presente trabajo se determinó el perfil individual de compuestos fenólicos en los extractos hidroetanólicos e infusiones obtenidas a partir de las flores de Calluna vulgaris (L.); así como las propiedades bioactivas a través de ensayos in vitro de actividad antioxidante y antimicrobiana. Los compuestos fenólicos individuales se analizaron mediante HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó a través de las metodologías de TBARS y OxHLIA; la actividad antimicrobiana se determinó usando el método de microdilución en bacterias Gram-positivas y Gram-negativas, y en hongos; y finalmente, la hepatotoxicidad se estimó usando un cultivo de células primarias no tumorales (PLP2) y aplicando el ensayo de sulforhodamina B. En la evaluación del perfil fenólico individual, en ambos extractos evaluados (hidroetanólico e infusión) fue evidente la presencia de 20 compuestos fenólicos, de los cuales siete fueron identificados como ácidos fenólicos y trece como flavonoides. La quercetina-3-O-ramnosida se destacó como el compuesto principal. Con respecto a la actividad antioxidante, ambos ensayos testados mostraron valores promisorios de EC50, que tradujeron el excelente potencial antioxidante de la especie. Lo mismo sucedió con la actividad antimicrobiana, donde se demostró el potencial bacteriostático, bactericida y fungicida contra las cepas de bacterias y hongos analizados. También fue probado la ausencia de toxicidad del estrato hidroetanólico y la infusión de C. vulgaris. Este estudio concluyó que C. vulgaris es una flor rica en moléculas bioactivas, especialmente flavonoides y ácidos fenólicos, que pueden generar un gran interés en la industria alimentaria y farmacéutica.Los autores agradecen a la FCT, Portugal y FEDER bajo el Programa PT2020 por el apoyo financiero a CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019). L. Barros agradece a FCT, P.I., a través del contrato institucional del programa científico de empleo; contrato de investigación de C. Caleja (proyecto AllNatt, POCI- 01-0145-FEDER-030463); y a lo Programa FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal pelo apoyo financiero a través del proyecto 0377_Iberphenol_6_E. Agradecen tambien al Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades por el soporte económico del investigador pre-doctoral Anxo Carreira Casais y a la Xunta de Galicia “Programa de axudas á etapa predoutoral da Xunta de Galicia” por el apoyo financiero a la investigadora pre-doctoral Paula García Oliveira. A la Xunta de Galicia por el soporte financiero de las “Axudas Conecta Peme” al proyecto IN852A 2018/58 NeuroFood.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The use of seaweed in daily diets as a source of nutrientes

Seaweed plays an important role in the biosphere being responsible for most of the production in aquatic ecosystems [1]. Although commonly consumed since ancient times in Asia, their consumption has been increasing in Europe and North America [2]. These species are known for their excellent nutritional value, especially as a protein sources and low lipid and caloric content. In addition, they are rich in several bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, essential fatty acids and phenolic compounds, providing important health benefits to consumers [3]. This work aims to determine ash, proteins, fat, carbohydrates and energy contents, as also the composition in free sugars, organic acids and fatty acids of some seaweeds species, namely Himanthalia elongate L., S.F. Gray; Laminaria ochroleuca Bach.Pyl.; Saccharina latissima L.; Porphyra sp. C.Agardh; Palmaria palmata (L.) Kuntze, and Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar. The nutritional aspects were determined using official methodologies for food analysis, while free sugars were identified by HPLC-RI, organic acids by UPFLC-PDA and fatty acids by GC-FID. Proteins stood out as the main macronutrients present, with values that oscillated between 6 and 30 g/100 g of dry weight (dw) for S. latissima and Porphyra sp., respectively. On the other hand, a low lipid content was evident in all the studied seaweed species with values below 1 g/100 g dw, as well as low carbohydrates’ content. The energy values ranged from 218 and 370 kcal/100 g dw for L. ochrouleuca and Porphyra sp, respectively. Furthermore, several compounds of interest were identified, namely free sugars and organic acids, in this case being oxalic acid the only molecule present in all species. Saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were also determined, showing a clear heterogeneity of concentrations depending on the species. The present study demonstrates the high potential of these seaweed species as an alternative source of non-animal protein, as well as some molecules with bioactive properties. Thus, the incorporation of this food into the daily diet will contribute for the improvement of a number of functionalities.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019). L. Barros thanks FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for her contract; research contract of C. Caleja (Project AllNatt, POCI- 01-0145-FEDER-030463). The authors are also grateful to Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades for Anxo Carreira-Casais FPU grant; and to Xunta de Galicia for Paula García-Oliveira predoctoral grantinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influence of Sodium Hypochlorite at 2.5% and EDTAC at 17% as endodontic irrigants in the adhesion of fiber posts

El propósito de este trabajo fue demostrar que la utilización de EDTAC 17 % como irrigante final mejora sustancialmente la formación de la capa híbrida en relación a la utilización del Hipoclorito de Sodio al 2,5% como único irrigante, logrando mayor adhesión. Se seleccionaron 20 premolares unirradiculares y se dividieron en 2 grupos (1 y 2) de 10 c/u. Fueron tratados endodónticamente utilizando como irrigante agua destilada. Luego se seleccionaron 20 premolares unirradiculares (grupos 3 y 4) en los que se utilizó Hipoclorito de Sodio al 2,5% como único irrigante, y grupos 5 y 6, utilizando Hipoclorito de Sodio al 2,5% y EDTA al 17% como último lavaje. Se evaluó la obturación mediante una radiografía periapical y se cementaron los postes utilizando un sistema adhesivo autoacondicionante dual y de grabado total dual para los grupos control y experimental. Cada diente se cortó con discos de diamante en los tercioscervical, medio y apical de la raíz. Los datos fueron analizados mediante un test de ANOVA de una vía y test de BONFERRONI. En los grupos experimentales 3 y 5 se detectó la presencia de capa hibrida en los tercios cervical y medio radicular, sin embargo, también existieron fallas adhesivas.The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that the use of EDTAC 17 % as final irrigant ubstantially improves the formation of the hybrid layer in relation to the use of hypochlorite of 2.5% sodium as the only irrigant, achieving greater adhesion. Selected 20 unirradicular premolars and divided into 2 groups (1 and 2) of 10 each. They were treated endodontically using distilled water as irrigator. Then 20 unirradicular premolars were selected (groups 3 and 4) in which 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite was used as the only irrigant, and groups 5 and 6, using 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite and 17% EDTA as the last wash.The seal was evaluated by periapical radiography and the posts were cemented using a dual self-conditioning adhesive system and dual total etching for the control and experimental groups. Each tooth was cut with diamond discs in the cervical, middle and apical thirds of the root. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test and BONFERRONI test. In experimental groups 3 and 5 the presence of hybrid layer was detected in the cervical and middle root thirds, however there were also adhesive failures.Facultad de Odontologí

In vitro bioactive potential of several macroalgae species

Algae are described as a source of bioactive compounds, with nutritional and therapeutic benefits for the human health [1]. In general, dried macroalgae are foods with a low-caloric content, being rich in non-digestible polysaccharides, proteins and essential aminoacids, vitamins, interesting minerals and phenolic compounds. Although the lipid content is low, this matrix is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential for the correct functioning of the organism [2]. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive potential of the hydroethanolic extract of several macroalgae species, namely Laminaria ochroleuca Bachelot de la Pylaie, Saccharina latissila Linnaeus, Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, Palmaria palmata L., Porphyra sp., Codium tomentosum Stackhouse, Undaria pinnafitida (Harvey) Suringar and Himantalia elongate (Linnaeus) SF Grey. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through the OxHLIA method; the antimicrobial activity was determined using the microdilution method using Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi; and the toxicity was evaluated in a non-tumour primary cell culture (PLP2), by applying the sulforhodamine B assay. The results showed bioactive activity in all the in vitro assays performed. In the antioxidant activity, L. ochroleuca was the species that stood out with an EC50 value of 1.7±0.3 mg/mL. Otherwise, for the antibacterial activity all macroalgae revealed inhibitory capacity against the studied strains, especially S. latissila and H. elongata with MIC values of 0.5 mg/mL for the Salmonella Typhimurium and Bacillus cereus strains, respectively. H. elongata also presented the most promising values for the bactericidal capacity (MBC=1 mg/mL) for Bacillus cereus. Regarding the antifungal activity, inhibitory and fungicidal capacity was also verified in all the studied species, particularly in S. latissila with MIC values of 0.5 mg/mL and MFC values of 1 mg/mL for Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus versicolor strains. Moreover, all the studied macroalgae samples did not present toxicity in the non-tumour primary cell culture evaluated. This work allowed to verify the in vitro bioactive effects of several macroalgae species, namely regarding its antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal potential.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support by national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020); L. Barros, C. Pereira and R. Calhelha thank the national funds through the FCT, I.P., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for their contracts; and for financial support to Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of Republic of Serbia. The authors are also grateful to FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal programme for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio