Architectures, stability and optimization for clock distribution networks

Synchronous telecommunication networks, distributed control systems and integrated circuits have its accuracy of operation dependent on the existence of a reliable time basis signal extracted from the line data stream and acquirable to each node. In this sense, the existence of a sub-network (inside the main network) dedicated to the distribution of the clock signals is crucially important. There are different solutions for the architecture of the time distribution sub-network and choosing one of them depends on cost, precision, reliability and operational security. In this work we expose: (i) the possible time distribution networks and their usual topologies and arrangements. (ii) How parameters of the network nodes can affect the reachability and stability of the synchronous state of a network. (iii) Optimizations methods for synchronous networks which can provide low cost architectures with operational precision, reliability and security. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

A New Control Architecture for Robust Controllers in Rear Electric Traction Passenger HEVs

It is well known that control systems are the core of electronic differential systems (EDSs) in electric vehicles (EVs)/hybrid HEVs (HEVs). However, conventional closed-loop control architectures do not completely match the needed ability to reject noises/disturbances, especially regarding the input acceleration signal incoming from the driver's commands, which makes the EDS (in this case) ineffective. Due to this, in this paper, a novel EDS control architecture is proposed to offer a new approach for the traction system that can be used with a great variety of controllers (e. g., classic, artificial intelligence (AI)-based, and modern/robust theory). In addition to this, a modified proportional-integral derivative (PID) controller, an AI-based neuro-fuzzy controller, and a robust optimal H-infinity controller were designed and evaluated to observe and evaluate the versatility of the novel architecture. Kinematic and dynamic models of the vehicle are briefly introduced. Then, simulated and experimental results were presented and discussed. A Hybrid Electric Vehicle in Low Scale (HELVIS)-Sim simulation environment was employed to the preliminary analysis of the proposed EDS architecture. Later, the EDS itself was embedded in a dSpace 1103 high-performance interface board so that real-time control of the rear wheels of the HELVIS platform was successfully achieved.

Nursing care time in the Intensive Care Unit: evaluation of the parameters proposed in COFEN Resolution N degrees 293/04

This study aimed to evaluate the parameters established in COFEN Resolution 293/04 concerning nursing staff dimensioning in adult intensive care units (AICU). The research was conducted in six hospitals in Sao Paulo City. The daily quantitative average of professionals needed for patient care was calculated according to the parameters established by COFEN. The obtained results were compared with the existing number of daily staff members in these units. It was observed that the proportions recommended by COFEN for the nurse category are superior to those used in the hospitals studied, which represents a challenge for Brazilian nursing. Mean care time values were found appropriate and represent important standards for dimensioning the minimum number of professionals in AICU. This study contributed to the validation of the parameters indicated in Resolution 293/04 for nursing staff dimensioning in the AICU.

Tailoring Molecular Architectures with Cobalt Tetrasulfonated Phthalocyanine: Immobilization in Layer-by-Layer Films and Sensing Applications

In the field of organic thin films, manipulation at the nanoscale can be obtained by immobilization of different materials on platforms designed to enhance a specific property via the layer-by-layer technique. In this paper we describe the fabrication of nanostructured films containing cobalt tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (CoTsPc) obtained through the layer-by-layer architecture and assembled with linear poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) polyelectrolytes. Film growth was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy following the Q band of CoTsPc and revealed a linear growth for both systems. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the driving force keeping the structure of the films was achieved upon interactions of CoTsPc sulfonic groups with protonated amine groups present in the positive polyelectrolyte. A comprehensive SPR investigation on film growth reproduced the deposition process dynamically and provided an estimation of the thicknesses of the layers. Both FTIR and SPR techniques suggested a preferential orientation of the Pc ring parallel to the substrate. The electrical conductivity of the PAH films deposited on interdigitated electrodes was found to be very sensitive to water vapor. These results point to the development of a phthalocyanine-based humidity sensor obtained from a simple thin film deposition technique, whose ability to tailor molecular organization was crucial to achieve high sensitivity.

Toward supramolecular architectures of the anti-HIV drug lamivudine: understanding the effect of the inclusion of water in a hydrochloride form

Two salts of the anti-HIV drug lamivudine, namely, lamivudine hydrochloride and lamivudine hydrochloride monohydrate, were prepared for the first time. Structural relationships and the role of water in crystal assembly and lamivudine conformation were established and allowed for a rational approach to understand how solid state properties could be changed by engineering new salts of the drug.

STUDY BY MASS SPECTROMETRY OF SOLUTIONS OF [HYDROXY(TOSYLOXY)IODO]BENZENE: PROPOSED DISPROPORTIONATION MECHANISMS

STUDY BY MASS SPECTROMETRY OF SOLUTIONS OF [HYDROXY(TOSYLOXY)IODO]BENZENE: PROPOSED DISPROPORTIONATION MECHANISMS. Solutions of [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene (HTIB or Koser's reagent) in acetonitrile were analyzed using high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) under different conditions. Several species were characterized in these analyses. Based on these data, mechanisms were proposed for the disproportionation of the iodine(III) compounds in iodine(V) and iodine(I) species.

Laryngeal involvement in pemphigus vulgaris: a proposed classification

Objective: (1) To investigate the incidence of laryngeal involvement in a large series of patients with pemphigus vulgaris, using endoscopic examination, (2) to describe the lesions, and (3) to establish a classification of laryngeal involvement in pemphigus vulgaris based on the location of the lesions. Study design: Prospective study. Methods: A total of 40 sequentially treated pemphigus vulgaris patients, diagnosed using clinical, histological and immunofluorescence criteria, were evaluated for laryngeal manifestations using endoscopic examination. The results were used to establish a graded classification of laryngeal involvement according to the location of the lesions. Results: Active laryngeal lesions (ulcers or blisters) were found in 16 patients (40 per cent). Of these, 37.5 per cent were classified as grade I, 20 per cent as grade II, 20 per cent as grade III and 17.5 per cent as grade IV. Conclusion: Laryngeal involvement is common in pemphigus vulgaris and must be considered at the point of diagnosis. Grade I lesions are the most frequent.

Observational study on efficacy of negative expiratory pressure test proposed as screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among commercial interstate bus drivers - protocol study

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disease characterized by the collapse of the extrathoracic airway and has important social implications related to accidents and cardiovascular risk. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether the drop in expiratory flow and the volume expired in 0.2 s during the application of negative expiratory pressure (NEP) are associated with the presence and severity of OSA in a population of professional interstate bus drivers who travel medium and long distances. Methods/Design An observational, analytic study will be carried out involving adult male subjects of an interstate bus company. Those who agree to participate will undergo a detailed patient history, physical examination involving determination of blood pressure, anthropometric data, circumference measurements (hips, waist and neck), tonsils and Mallampati index. Moreover, specific questionnaires addressing sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness will be administered. Data acquisition will be completely anonymous. Following the medical examination, the participants will perform a spirometry, NEP test and standard overnight polysomnography. The NEP test is performed through the administration of negative pressure at the mouth during expiration. This is a practical test performed while awake and requires little cooperation from the subject. In the absence of expiratory flow limitation, the increase in the pressure gradient between the alveoli and open upper airway caused by NEP results in an increase in expiratory flow. Discussion Despite the abundance of scientific evidence, OSA is still underdiagnosed in the general population. In addition, diagnostic procedures are expensive, and predictive criteria are still unsatisfactory. Because increased upper airway collapsibility is one of the main determinants of OSA, the response to the application of NEP could be a predictor of this disorder. With the enrollment of this study protocol, the expectation is to encounter predictive NEP values for different degrees of OSA in order to contribute toward an early diagnosis of this condition and reduce its impact and complications among commercial interstate bus drivers.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome using two proposed definitions in a Japanese-Brazilians community

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of morbi-mortality, thus the characterization of the population magnitude of this syndrome is critical for allocating health care. However, prevalence estimates of MetS in the same population could differ depending on the definition used. Therefore, we compared the prevalence of the MetS using definitions proposed by: National Cholesterol Education Panel Revised (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2009 in a Japanese-Brazilians community (131 individuals, age 57 ± 16 years, 1st and 2nd generation). All individuals went through a clinical and laboratorial evaluation for assessment of weigh, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose. The prevalence of MetS was 26.7% (n = 35) and 37.4% (n = 49) under the NCEP and IDF definitions, respectively. Despite higher blood pressure measurements, waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.01), individuals identified with MetS did not show increased blood glucose levels. IDF definition classified 14 individuals (10.7%) with MetS that were not classified under the NCEP and 35 individuals were identified with MetS by both criteria. We observed, in this group, more severe lipid disorders, compared to individuals identified only under the IDF definition, and the BMI and waist circumference (p = 0.01; p = 0.006, respectively) were lower. In conclusion, the IDF revised criteria, probably because of the ethnic specific values of waist circumference, was able to identify a larger number of individuals with MetS. However, our data suggesting that additional studies are necessary to define best MetS diagnostic criteria in this population.

Nursing care time in the Intensive Care Unit: evaluation of the parameters proposed in COFEN Resolution Nº 293/04

This study aimed to evaluate the parameters established in COFEN Resolution 293/04 concerning nursing staff dimensioning in adult intensive care units (AICU). The research was conducted in six hospitals in São Paulo City. The daily quantitative average of professionals needed for patient care was calculated according to the parameters established by COFEN. The obtained results were compared with the existing number of daily staff members in these units. It was observed that the proportions recommended by COFEN for the nurse category are superior to those used in the hospitals studied, which represents a challenge for Brazilian nursing. Mean care time values were found appropriate and represent important standards for dimensioning the minimum number of professionals in AICU. This study contributed to the validation of the parameters indicated in Resolution 293/04 for nursing staff dimensioning in the AICU.