Differential mixer with NMOS/PMOS stack at switching stage

This paper proposes a novel differential mixer topology. The traditional stage of switching is replaced by a stack of NMOS and PMOS transistors combined. A design is given of a 900 MHz down-conversion mixer using a 0.35 μm CMOS process. Comparison with conventional mixer shows that the topology leads to a better performance in terms of conversion gain and linearity. ©2012 IEEE.

New label free CA125 detection based on gold nanostructured screen-printed electrode

This paper describes the optimisation and the analytical performances of a label-free impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of tumour marker CA125 based on gold nanoparticles modified screen-printed graphite electrode. Experimental conditions of each step for the developed immunosensor were studied and optimised. The immunosensor response varied linearly (r2 = 0.996) with antigen concentration between 0 and 100 U/mL. The estimated detection limit was 6.7 U/mL. The electrochemical immunosensor allowed unambiguous identification of CA125, while no significant non-specific signal was detected in the case of all negative controls. The analytical usefulness of the impedimetric immunosensor was finally demonstrated analysing serum samples. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A DC-DC converter based on the three-state switching cell for high current and voltage step-down applications

This paper presents a pulsewidth modulation dc-dc nonisolated buck converter using the three-state switching cell, constituted by two active switches, two diodes, and two coupled inductors. Only part of the load power is processed by the active switches, reducing the peak current through the switches to half of the load current, as higher power levels can then be achieved by the proposed topology. The volume of reactive elements, i.e., inductors and capacitors, is also decreased since the ripple frequency of the output voltage is twice the switching frequency. Due to the intrinsic characteristics of the topology, total losses are distributed among all semiconductors. Another advantage of this converter is the reduced region for discontinuous conduction mode when compared to the conventional buck converter or, in other words, the operation range in continuous conduction mode is increased, as demonstrated by the static gain plot. The theoretical approach is detailed through qualitative and quantitative analyses by the application of the three-state switching cell to the buck converter operating in nonoverlapping mode $(D < 0.5)$. Besides, the mathematical analysis and development of an experimental prototype rated at 1 kW are carried out. The main experimental results are presented and adequately discussed to clearly identify its claimed advantages. © 1986-2012 IEEE.

An optimised electrochemical biosensor for the label-free detection of C-reactive protein in blood

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein whose levels are increased in many disorders. There exists, in particular, a great deal of interest in the correlation between blood serum levels and the severity of risk for cardiovascular disease. A sensitive, label-free, non-amplified and reusable electrochemical impedimetric biosensor for the detection of CRP in blood serum was developed herein based on controlled and coverage optimised antibody immobilization on standard polycrystalline gold electrodes. Charge transfer resistance changes were highly target specific, linear with log. CRP. concentration across a 0.5-50. nM range and associated with a limit of detection of 176. pM. Significantly, the detection limits are better than those of current CRP clinical methods and the assays are potentially cheap, relatively automated, reusable, multiplexed and highly portable. The generated interfaces were capable not only of comfortably quantifying CRP across a clinically relevant range of concentrations but also of doing this in whole blood serum with interfaces that were, subsequently, reusable. The importance of optimising receptor layer resistance in maximising assay sensitivity is also detailed. © 2012.

Regular and switching platform: Bone stress analysis with varying implant diameter

The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution of the peri-implant bone by simulating the biomechanical influence of implants with different diameters of regular or platform switched connections by means of 3-dimensional finite element analysis. Five mathematical models of an implant-supported central incisor were created by varying the diameter (5.5 and 4.5 mm, internal hexagon) and abutment platform (regular and platform switched). For the cortical bone, the highest stress values (rmax and rvm) were observed in situation R1, followed by situations S1, R2, S3, and S2. For the trabecular bone, the highest stress values (rmax) were observed in situation S3, followed by situations R1, S1, R2, and S2. The influence of platform switching was more evident for cortical bone than for trabecular bone and was mainly seen in large platform diameter reduction.

The platform switching concept revisited. An experimental study in dogs

Objective: To evaluate the influence of the configuration of the marginal aspect of implants placed immediately into extraction sockets on peri-implant hard tissue adaptation. Material and methods: In 6 Labrador dogs, endodontic treatments of the mesial roots of 1M1 were performed and the distal roots were removed. 2P2 was extracted as well. Implants were immediately placed in the center of the distal alveoli. Cylindrical straight implants were installed in the right side of the mandible (Control), while, in the left side, implants with a reduced diameter in the coronal portion, yielding an indentation in the surface continuity (Test), were installed. Cover screws were affixed, and the flaps were sutured to allow non-submerged healing. After 4 months of healing, histological slides were obtained for assessments. Results: A buccal resorption of 1.58 ± 1.28 and 1.90 ± 1.93 mm at the control and of 0.26 ± 0.90 and 0.14 ± 0.66 mm at the test sites was observed at the premolar and molar regions, respectively. The buccal coronal level of osseointegration was located apically to the margin of the smooth/rough surface border by 2.40 ± 0.90 and 3.70 ± 0.87 mm at the control sites and 1.19 ± 0.45 and 2.16 ± 0.96 mm at the test sites at the premolar and molar sites, respectively. All differences yielded statistical significance. Conclusions: The use of implants with a reduced diameter in their coronal aspect may contribute to preservation of the buccal bony crest in a more coronal level compared with conventional implants. Thus, the study confirmed the efficacy of the platform switching concept. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Label free redox capacitive biosensing

A surface confined redox group contributes to an interfacial charging (quantifiable by redox capacitance) that can be sensitively probed by impedance derived capacitance spectroscopy. In generating mixed molecular films comprising such redox groups, together with specific recognition elements (here antibodies), this charging signal is able to sensitively transduce the recognition and binding of specific analytes. This novel transduction method, exemplified here with C-reactive protein, an important biomarker of cardiac status and general trauma, is equally applicable to any suitably prepared interfacial combination of redox reporter and receptor. The assays are label free, ultrasensitive, highly specific and accompanied by a good linear range. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Socialização linguageira, aspectos culturais e uso de code-switching em uma criança bilíngue

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Exigências de lisina e de metionina+cistina digestíveis para aves de corte da linhagem ISA Label em sistemas semi-confinado

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeito da plataforma Switching sobre os tecidos peri-implantares: estudo experimental em cães

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência do tipo de conexão protética, do platform-switching e do designe do implante no ambiente biomecânico de implantes imediatos com carga imediata

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Plataforma regular versus switching: estudo mecânico por meio de testes laboratoriais de fadiga e análise de elementos finitos em implantes com hexágono externo e interno

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Platform switching: avaliação biomecânica por meio do método de elementos finitos tridimensional

Pós-graduação em Odontologia - FOA

Comparing label free electrochemical impedimetric and capacitive biosensing architectures

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Label-free Capacitive Diagnostics: Exploiting Local Redox Probe State Occupancy

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)