Characterization of an embedded RF-MEMS switch

An RF-MEMS capacitive switch for mm-wave integrated circuits, embedded in the BEOL of 0.25μm BiCMOS process, has been characterized. First, a mechanical model based on Finite-Element-Method (FEM) was developed by taking the residual stress of the thin film membrane into account. The pull-in voltage and the capacitance values obtained with the mechanical model agree very well with the measured values. Moreover, S-parameters were extracted using Electromagnetic (EM) solver. The data observed in this way also agree well with the experimental ones measured up to 110GHz. The developed RF model was applied to a transmit/receive (T/R) antenna switch design. The results proved the feasibility of using the FEM model in circuit simulations for the development of RF-MEMS switch embedded, single-chip multi-band RF ICs

Evaluation of an Antimicrobial L-Amino Acid Oxidase and Peptide Derivatives from Bothropoides mattogrosensis Pitviper Venom

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The prevalence of bacterial resistance to common antibiotics has increased in recent years, highlighting the need to develop novel alternatives for controlling these pathogens. Pitviper venoms are composed of a multifaceted mixture of peptides, proteins and inorganic components. L-amino oxidase (LAO) is a multifunctional enzyme that is able to develop different activities including antibacterial activity. In this study a novel LAO from Bothrops mattogrosensis (BmLAO) was isolated and biochemically characterized. Partial enzyme sequence showed full identity to Bothrops pauloensis LAO. Moreover, LAO here isolated showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, clearly suggesting a secondary protective function. Otherwise, no cytotoxic activities against macrophages and erythrocytes were observed. Finally, some LAO fragments (BmLAO-f1, BmLAO-f2 and BmLAO-f3) were synthesized and further evaluated, also showing enhanced antimicrobial activity. Peptide fragments, which are the key residues involved in antimicrobial activity, were also structurally studied by using theoretical models. The fragments reported here may be promising candidates in the rational design of new antibiotics that could be used to control resistant microorganisms

Componentes epidemiológicos da ferrugem do cafeeiro afetados pela aplicação foliar de silicato de potássio.

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MEMS module integration into SiGe BiCMOS technology for embedded system applications

Different MEMS process techniques have been integrated to 0.25 m BiCMOS process for embedded system applications. Back-End-Off-Line (BEOL) integration technique was developed using standard metallization layers of BiCMOS process with additional MEMS process steps. As an example, an RF-MEMS capacitive switch was realized using BEOL embedded MEMS module. Backside substrate etch method was developed as another MEMS integration technique. This technique is demonstrated by several high-Q passive components which can prevent from substrate losses and on-chip antennas/sensors for multi-GHz applications. Lastly, thick copper metallization with low-k BCB dielectric material was developed and processed on top of BiCMOS BEOL. It provides 2 additional thick copper metallization layers and allows realizing high-Q passives and on-chip THz resonators. Several design examples realized by using developed MEMS modules and processing techniques were also analyzed