Multiple Order Dual-Band Active Ring Filters with Composite Right/Left Handed Cells

In this paper, a novel dual-band active filter topology is presented. The non-linear phase response of a composite right/left-handed cell is used to achieve the desired dual-band performance. Additionally, the proposed structure based on coupled ring resonators yields a very compact solution in which high-order implementations can be easily obtained by cascading multiple rings. The theoretical principles of this type of filters are analyzed in detail. Finally, three prototypes based on first-, second- and third-order structures validate the feasibility of this type of filters. Good agreement between simulations and measurements has been achieved

Noise Figure Measurement of Differential Amplifiers Using non-Ideal Baluns

This paper analyzes the noise and gain measurement of microwave differential amplifiers using two passive baluns. A general model of the baluns is considered, including potential losses and phase/amplitude unbalances. This analysis allows de-embedding the actual gain and noise performance of the isolated amplifier by using single-ended measurements of the cascaded system and baluns. Finally, measured results from two amplifier prototypes are used to validate the theoretical principles

In-silico modeling to compare radiofrequency-induced thermal lesions created on myocardium and thigh muscle

[EN] Beating heart (BH) and thigh muscle (TM) are two pre-clinical models aimed at studying the lesion sizes created by radiofrequency (RF) catheters in cardiac ablation. Previous experimental results have shown that thermal lesions created in the TM are slightly bigger than in the BH. Our objective was to use in-silico modeling to elucidate some of the causes of this difference. In-silico RF ablation models were created using the Arrhenius function to estimate lesion size under different energy settings (25 W/20 s, 50 W/6 s and 90 W/4 s) and parallel, 45 degrees and perpendicular catheter positions. The models consisted of homogeneous tissue: myocardium in the BH model and striated muscle in the TM model. The computer results showed that the lesion sizes were generally bigger in the TM model and the differences depended on the energy setting, with hardly any differences at 90 W/4 s but with differences of 1 mm in depth and 1.5 m in width at 25 W/20 s. The higher electrical conductivity of striated muscle (0.446 S/m) than that of the myocardium (0.281 S/m) is possibly one of the causes of the higher percentage of RF energy delivered to the tissue in the TM model, with differences between models of 2-5% at 90 W/4 s, similar to 9% at 50 W/6 s and similar to 10% at 25 W/20 s. Proximity to the air-blood interface (just 2 cm from the tissue surface) artificially created in the TM model to emulate the cardiac cavity had little effect on lesion size. In conclusion, the TM-based experimental model creates fairly similar-sized lesions to the BH model, especially in high-power short-duration ablations (50 W/6 s and 90 W/4 s). Our computer results suggest that the higher electrical conductivity of striated muscle could be one of the causes of the slightly larger lesions in the TM model.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades/Agencia Estatal de Investigacion MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grant number: RTI2018-094357-B-C21)Pérez, JJ.; Berjano, E.; González-Suárez, A. (2022). In-silico modeling to compare radiofrequency-induced thermal lesions created on myocardium and thigh muscle. Bioengineering. 9(7):1-13. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9070329S1139

How far the zone of heat-induced transient block extends beyond the lesion during RF catheter cardiac ablation

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Hyperthermia on 02-01-2023, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/ https://doi.org/10.1080/02656736.2022.2163310[EN] Purpose While radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) creates a lesion consisting of the tissue points subjected to lethal heating, the sublethal heating (SH) undergone by the surrounding tissue can cause transient electrophysiological block. The size of the zone of heat-induced transient block (HiTB) has not been quantified to date. Our objective was to use computer modeling to provide an initial estimate. Methods and materials We used previous experimental data together with the Arrhenius damage index (omega) to fix the omega values that delineate this zone: a lower limit of 0.1-0.4 and upper limit of 1.0 (lesion boundary). An RFCA computer model was used with different power-duration settings, catheter positions and electrode insertion depths, together with dispersion of the tissue's electrical and thermal characteristics. Results The HiTB zone extends in depth to a minimum and maximum distance of 0.5 mm and 2 mm beyond the lesion limit, respectively, while its maximum width varies with the energy delivered, extending to a minimum of 0.6 mm and a maximum of 2.5 mm beyond the lesion, reaching 3.5 mm when high energy settings are used (25 W-20s, 500 J). The dispersion of the tissue's thermal and electrical characteristics affects the size of the HiTB zone by +/- 0.3 mm in depth and +/- 0.5 mm in maximum width. Conclusions Our results suggest that the size of the zone of heat-induced transient block during RFCA could extend beyond the lesion limit by a maximum of 2 mm in depth and approximately 2.5 mm in width.This work was supported by Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades/Agencia Estatal de Investigacion IMCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033 (Grant RTI2018-094357-B-C21).Pérez, JJ.; Berjano, E.; González Suárez, A. (2023). How far the zone of heat-induced transient block extends beyond the lesion during RF catheter cardiac ablation. International Journal of Hyperthermia. 40(1):1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/02656736.2022.216331011040

Mariano Peset, historiador de las universidades, historiador de la Universidad de México

En este trabajo analizamos a partir de las obras de Mariano Peset sobre la Universidad de México, su aportación a la historia de las universidades hispánicas

El paternalismo como límite a la autonomía individual

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto el análisis de la figura del paternalismo, en su doble versión moral y jurídica, como límite directo de la autonomía individual y su aplicación justificada en los diferentes supuestos de hecho en los que repercute y sobre los que las discusiones dogmáticas se suceden. También, a su vez, pretende buscar un enlace entre la aplicación de la interferencia y la consecuencia que éste genera para obtener el pleno desarrollo de la personalidad.The present job has as an objective the analysis of the figure of the paternalism, in their double legal and moral version, as direct limit of the individual autonomy and their application justified in the different supposed of fact in which results and upon the ones that the dogmatic discussions happen themselves. Also, at the same time, intends to seek a link among the application of the interference and the consequence that this generates to obtain the full development of the personality

Making Transport Safer: V2V-Based Automated Emergency Braking System

An important goal in the field of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) is to provide driving aids aimed at preventing accidents and reducing the number of traffic victims. The commonest traffic accidents in urban areas are due to sudden braking that demands a very fast response on the part of drivers. Attempts to solve this problem have motivated many ITS advances including the detection of the intention of surrounding cars using lasers, radars or cameras. However, this might not be enough to increase safety when there is a danger of collision. Vehicle to vehicle communications are needed to ensure that the other intentions of cars are also available. The article describes the development of a controller to perform an emergency stop via an electro-hydraulic braking system employed on dry asphalt. An original V2V communication scheme based on WiFi cards has been used for broadcasting positioning information to other vehicles. The reliability of the scheme has been theoretically analyzed to estimate its performance when the number of vehicles involved is much higher. This controller has been incorporated into the AUTOPIA program control for automatic cars. The system has been implemented in Citroën C3 Pluriel, and various tests were performed to evaluate its operation