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Using a specific input-restructuring sequence, a new VLSI algorithm and architecture have been derived for a high throughput memory-based systolic array VLSI implementation of a discrete cosine transform. The proposed restructuring technique transforms the DCT algorithm into a cycle-convolution and a pseudo-cycle convolution structure as basic computational forms. The proposed solution has been specially designed to have good fixed-point error performances that have been exploited to further reduce the hardware complexity and power consumption. It leads to a ROM based VLSI kernel with good quantization properties. A parallel VLSI algorithm and architecture with a good fixed point implementation appropriate for a memory-based implementation have been obtained. The proposed algorithm can be mapped onto two linear systolic arrays with similar length and form. They can be further efficiently merged into a single array using an appropriate hardware sharing technique. A highly efficient VLSI chip can be thus obtained with appealing features as good architectural topology, processing speed, hardware complexity and I/O costs. Moreover, the proposed solution substantially reduces the hardware overhead involved by the pre-processing stage that for short length DCT consumes an important percentage of the chip area.

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Most disease—both acute and chronic—results from inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered some of the strongest stimuli of inflammation. Many studies reported the traditional use of herbal species for treating inflammation, especially when ROS are involved. The present study aims to demonstrate the antioxidant–anti-inflammatory effects of a patented preparation based on Populus nigra and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts and to highlight its applicative potential; the formula was characterized by HPTLC and HPLC and in-vitro studies were conducted on TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. The antioxidant activity of the formula was determined by DPPH assay and the phosphomolybdenum method; to assess in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity, a rat paw edema model was used; the formula contains high amounts of polyphenols. It exhibited scavenging activity of 50–85% at 1–10 mg/mL, it inhibited nitrite production and ICAM-1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cell cultures dose-dependently, at a maximum of 58.7% at the maximum dose administered and exerted an obvious anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, settling early and decreasing at 180 min; a new herbal bioactive product was presented with promising therapeutic potential that can be an adjunct to conventional therapies for diseases based on oxidative stress and inflammation.

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