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The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) are top avian predators of Arctic ecosystems. Although existing monitoring efforts are well established for both species, collaboration of activities among Arctic scientists actively involved in research of large falcons in the Nearctic and Palearctic has been poorly coordinated. Here we provide the first overview of Arctic falcon monitoring sites, present trends for long-term occupancy and productivity, and summarize information describing abundance, distribution, phenology, and health of the two species. We summarize data for 24 falcon monitoring sites across the Arctic, and identify gaps in coverage for eastern Russia, the Arctic Archipelago of Canada, and East Greenland. Our results indicate that peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon populations are generally stable, and assuming that these patterns hold beyond the temporal and spatial extents of the monitoring sites, it is reasonable to suggest that breeding populations at broader scales are similarly stable. We have highlighted several challenges that preclude direct comparisons of Focal Ecosystem Components (FEC) attributes among monitoring sites, and we acknowledge that methodological problems cannot be corrected retrospectively, but could be accounted for in future monitoring. Despite these drawbacks, ample opportunity exists to establish a coordinated monitoring program for Arctic-nesting raptor species that supports CBMP goals.

Little is known about brominated flame retardant (BFR) dynamics in birds, especially large molecules such as decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209). In particular, bioaccumulation from food and transfer dynamics to eggs are poorly understood. Therefore, an input-output mass balance study of tri-decaBDEs, DBDPE and HBCDD was performed in three female peregrine falcons from a captive breeding program by analyzing their naturally contaminated food (quail, chicken (cockerels)), plasma, feces and eggs. Predominant BFRs in cockerels and quail were BDE-209 and DBDPE, as well as HBCDD in quail. The predominant BFRs found in falcon plasma were BDE-209, -153 and -183, in eggs, HBCDD, BDE-209 and -153 and in feces, BDE-209. Mean absorption efficiencies (AE) for the tetra-octabrominated BDEs ranged from 84-100% and 70% for HBCDD. The AEs for BDE-206, -207, -208 and -209 varied due to the large variability seen for feces fluxes. All egg/plasma ratios for BDEs were similar and greater than one (range 1.1-2.7), including for BDE-209, indicating efficient transfer from females to the eggs. Excretion via egg-laying was approximately 6.0-29% of the initial, pre-breeding body burden of individual penta-decaBDE congeners, (15-45% for BDE-206). HBCDD was not detected in plasma but was found in eggs, also indicating efficient transfer and excretion via eggs. Input fluxes from food exceeded the output fluxes (feces, eggs) indicating considerable metabolism for tetra-octaBDEs, possibly also for the nona-decaBDEs and HBCDD. Bioaccumulation factors calculated from lipid weight concentrations in plasma and food (BAFp) were highest for BDE-208 (31), -153 (23), -209 (19) and -207 (16) and from eggs and food (BAFe), were highest for HBCDD (140), BDE-153 (41), -208 (42), BDE-207 (24) and BDE-209 (21). BAFe and BAFp values were below 10 for BDE-47, -99 and -100. For one falcon, egg results were available from three different years and estimated half-lives were 65 d (BDE-99), 624 d (BDE-153), 31 d (BDE-154), 349 d (BDE-183), 77 d (BDE-196) and 89 d (BDE-197).

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) are top avian predators of Arctic ecosystems. Although existing monitoring efforts are well established for both species, collaboration of activities among Arctic scientists actively involved in research of large falcons in the Nearctic and Palearctic has been poorly coordinated. Here we provide the first overview of Arctic falcon monitoring sites, present trends for long-term occupancy and productivity, and summarize information describing abundance, distribution, phenology, and health of the two species. We summarize data for 24 falcon monitoring sites across the Arctic, and identify gaps in coverage for eastern Russia, the Arctic Archipelago of Canada, and East Greenland. Our results indicate that peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon populations are generally stable, and assuming that these patterns hold beyond the temporal and spatial extents of the monitoring sites, it is reasonable to suggest that breeding populations at broader scales are similarly stable. We have highlighted several challenges that preclude direct comparisons of Focal Ecosystem Components (FEC) attributes among monitoring sites, and we acknowledge that methodological problems cannot be corrected retrospectively, but could be accounted for in future monitoring. Despite these drawbacks, ample opportunity exists to establish a coordinated monitoring program for Arctic-nesting raptor species that supports CBMP goals. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13280-019-01300-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A concept for multiple-input, multiple-output antenna arrays, integrated in an ultra-thin full metal cover laptop computer, is proposed. The antennas are for octa-band wireless wide area network (WWAN) and triple-band wireless local area network (WLAN) operation. The proposed solution makes use of the gap between the metallic display lid and keyboard chassis to form notch and slot antenna arrays, thereby removing the need for additional protrusions or openings. Simulated as well as measured performance is presented. The notch antenna array for WWAN exhibits wide impedance bandwidth, with more than 24 dB isolation from 690 MHz to 3 GHz, and a total efficiency better than -2.5 dB. The slot antenna array for WLAN shows more than 12 dB isolation and a total efficiency of more than -3 dB. Both arrays exhibit a very low envelope correlation coefficient of less than 0.1 within their respective frequency bands.

The significant gain in efficiency by a KF post deposition treatment (PDT) on small cells, observed by several groups, can be scaled to full size modules. This is shown here by a significant gain for full size modules with KF PDT and a module reaching 17.2% (aperture area efficiency, externally confirmed). Another important topic is reducing the cell-to-module losses. Two different methods are presented and compared, a metal grid on top of the TCO and an improved TCO (ZnO:B). A sub-module (300×275 mm2) reaching 17.6% efficiency and a mini-module (50×50 mm2) reaching 18.7% efficiency is presented and confirms the reduction of cell-to-module losses.

A temporal trend study of brominated flame retardants in eggs from peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinus), a terrestrial bird of prey, is presented. Eggs collected between 1974 and 2007 were analyzed for the major constituents of the Penta-, Octa- and Decabromodiphenyl ether technical products (BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, -183 and -209), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Concentrations of BDE-99, -100, -153, -183, -209 and HBCD increased from 1974 to 2000. After the early 2000s, BDE-99, -100, -153 and -183 concentrations decreased, whereas BDE-209 and HBCD concentrations continued to increase. No temporal trend was detected for BDE-47. Rates of increase also differed, with BDE-99 and -100 increasing 3-fold between the 1980s and mid-1990s, and BDE-153 and -183 increasing approximately 10-fold during the same period. The average yearly increase was 15% and 11% for BDE-209 and HBCD, respectively, based on log-linear regression trends. There is a change in BDE congener patterns over time, with a shift from the predominance of BDE-99 and -47 until the late 1980s, to BDE-153 becoming the predominant congener later on. BFR temporal trends in Swedish peregrine falcon eggs reflect European BFR usage patterns. Keywords: Brominated flame retardants, PBDE, HBCD, Raptor, Temporal trend, Peregrine falcon

Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are today known to be globally distributed environmental contaminants. In the present study, concentrations of PFAS were analyzed in Swedish peregrine falcon eggs (Falco peregrinus), collected between 1974 and 2007. Analytes included in the study were perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs; carbon chain lengths C6-C15), perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs; C4, C6, C8, and C10), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA). The predominant PFAS was perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS (83 ng/g wet weight (w wt) mean concentration in samples from 2006), followed by perfluorotridecanoate, PFTriA (7.2 ng/g w wt) and perfluoroundecanoate, PFUnA (4.2 ng/g w wt). PFCA concentrations increased exponentially over the studied time. In contrast, concentrations of PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) increased initially but leveled off after the mid 1980s. This is different from previously observed temporal trends in marine organisms. The present study is the first to establish temporal trends for PFAS in terrestrial biota. The results indicate potential differences between marine and terrestrial biota regarding sources of PFAS exposure and response to emission changes. The toxicological implications of PFAS exposure for the falcons are not known, but according to recent findings impaired hatching success and sublethal toxicological effects from PFOS exposure in the Swedish peregrine falcon cannot be ruled out.

The integration of an on-chip folded dipole antenna with a monolithic 24-GHz receiver manufactured in a 0.8-mum SiGe HBT process is presented. A high-resistivity silicon substrate (1000 Omega ldr cm) is used for the implemented circuit to improve the efficiency of the integrated antenna. Crosstalk between the antenna and spiral inductors is analyzed and isolation techniques are described. The receiver, including the receive and an optional transmit antenna, requires a chip area of 4.5 mm2 and provides 30-dB conversion gain at 24 GHz with a power consumption of 960 mW.

The purpose of this study was to improve a resonance sensor system for prostate cancer detection and evaluate its performance on silicone with different hardness. Furthermore, to investigate if the instrument could distinguish between cancerous and normal prostate tissue in one in vitro prostate specimen. The system could measure the frequency shift, impression depth and the rise time of the force signal. The frequency shift, impression depth and the rise time described the relative hardness of silicone (n = 50, P < 0.05). The results from measurements on the prostate specimen indicated that there is a significant difference in the parameter data between cancerous and normal prostate tissue (n = 15, P < 0.05). The parameters’ impression depth and force rise time adds important information for cancer detection. Further studies on prostate tissue with different tumour types must be performed in order to understand the full value of the new sensor system.

A novel technique for enhancing the impedance bandwidth of wireless terminal antennas is presented. By introducing resonant short circuit transmission lines to the long sides of the chassis edges, an effective electrical shortening of the terminal ground plane is achieved. This effect has been used to realize terminal ground planes with resonant lengths at high frequencies, such as GSM 1800/1900 MHz or UMTS 2 GHz, thereby extending the impedance bandwidth. The proposed technique has been validated by simulations and measurements. Three typical applications are presented where the introduction of wavetraps improves the bandwidth and/or in-band performance

A novel microsystem device in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) for MS detection is presented. The microchip integrates sample injection, capillary electrophoretic separation, and electrospray emitter in a single substrate, and all modules are fabricated in the PDMS bulk material. The injection and separation flow is driven electrokinetically and the total amount of external equipment needed consists of a three-channel high-voltage power supply. The instant switching between sample injection and separation is performed through a series of low-cost relays, limiting the separation field strength to a maximum of 270 V/cm. We show that this set-up is sufficient to accomplish electrospray MS analysis and, to a moderate extent, microchip separation of standard peptides. A new method of instant in-channel oxidation makes it possible to overcome the problem of irreversibly bonded PDMS channels that have recovered their hydrophobic properties over time. The fast method turns the channel surfaces hydrophilic and less prone to nonspecific analyte adsorption, yielding better separation efficiencies and higher apparent peptide mobilities.

We compared the breeding success of Black-throated Divers Gavia arctica inside and outside bird sanctuaries with restricted public access during the incubation period in Lake Fegen-Svansjöarna and Lake Sottern, South Sweden. Both lakes held populations of approximately 15–20 pairs. At Fegen-Svansjöarna, average breeding success was 0.51 large chicks per pair and year inside and 0.27 outside the sanctuaries (field surveys in 1983—1984 and 1997—2000). The difference was not statistically significant, however, and in two out of the six study years breeding success was higher outside the bird sanctuaries. At Sottern, breeding success was 0.39 and 0.25 large chicks per pair and year inside and outside the bird sanctuary, but breeding success was higher inside the sanctuary only in four out of nine years, 1997—2005. The results from the two lakes together indicated an overall positive effect (P = 0.08). We recommend keeping a constant water-level during incubation to be the primary measure to enhance breeding success. Sanctuaries with limited access may be an additional benefit at lakes highly frequented for out-door recreation.

We investigated concentration of mercury in eggs of Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata and Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica collected in South and Central Sweden, 1981—1997. In South Sweden (Sydsvenska Höglandet), mean concentration in Red-throated Diver eggs was remarkably high (6.84 ppm dry weight, 5 pairs), or more than three times as high as in Black-throated Diver eggs (2.11 ppm dry weight, 16 pairs). In Central Sweden (Svealand), the concentration in Red-throated Diver eggs (3.04 ppm dry weight, 8 pairs) was significantly lower than in South Sweden, but still higher than in Black-throated Diver eggs (1.21 ppm dry weight, 5 pairs). In Black-throated, but not in Red-throated Diver, there was higher mercury concentrations in eggs from pairs fishing in lakes affected by acidification. We found no relationship between mercury and breeding success, although concentrations in single Red-throated Diver eggs exceeded the level associated with high risk of impaired reproduction. We recommend that mercury concentration of diver eggs should be further monitored, with reference to the risks of increased exposure, related to leakage from terrestrial deposits of air-borne transmissions to freshwater habitats.

The increased use of platinum group elements (PGE) in automobile catalysts and their emission into the environment has lead to a concern over environmental and particularly biological accumulation. Specimens of samples from raptors are useful for the investigation of the impact of PGE because these birds are found in both urban and rural environments and are invariably at the top of the food chain. Platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh) concentrations were determined by quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in eggs of the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), and in blood, liver and kidney of the peregrine falcon, while only Pt was determined in faeces of the peregrine falcon and the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus). PGE concentrations were higher in blood compared to both faeces and eggs, while liver and kidney concentrations were not elevated indicating no bioaccumulation through metallothionein pathways. A significant spatial trend could only be established for Pt in faeces. The general lack of a spatial trend is probably due to the widespread distribution of automobiles and the long-range transport of nanoparticles containing PGE, and because birds migrate and forage over large areas. No significant temporal trend could be established. Higher relative concentrations of Pd, followed by Rh and Pt, indicates a mobility gradient of Pd >> Rh > Pt.

Microcontact printing (µCP) has been used to introduce temporary hydrophobic barriers on carboxymethylated dextran (CMD) hydrogels on gold. Among the investigated types of inks, tetraoctadecylammonium bromide (TOAB), electrostatically bound to the CMD layer, provided the most well-defined features both with respect to pattern-definition and reversibility upon exposure to a regeneration solution. The printed patterns were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microscopic wetting and imaging null ellipsometry to explore the influence of concentration of ink solution and contact time on the appearance of the printed layer. AFM revealed that the printed TOAB molecules aggregated into clusters rather than into a homogeneous mono- or multilayer on the CMD hydrogel. It was also observed that printed areas of TOAB that are larger than 25?µm are inhomogeneous most likely because of an edge transfer lithography (ETL) mechanism. A protein model system based on Protein A-rabbit antimouse Fc ? was used to evaluate the potential of the patterned surface as a protein microarray chip by means of surface plasmon microscopy (SPM). Moreover, non-specific adsorption of several proteins onto TOAB barriers was also studied using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and it is evident that undesired adsorption can be eliminated by removing barriers after ligand immobilization, but prior to analyte exposure, by treating the patterned surface with a simple salt regeneration solution. © Springer-Verlag/Wien 2004.

Several brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were analyzed in peregrine falcon eggs collected in 1987-1999, including the constituents of the technical polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) products Penta (BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, -154), Octa (BDE-183), and Deca (BDE-209), hexabrominated biphenyl (BB-153), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). The eggs represented females from three different breeding populations, northern Sweden, southwestern Sweden, and a captive breeding population. All BFRs analyzed for were found, including BDE-183 and -209, and concentrations were much higher in wild falcons (geometric mean sigmaPBDE, BB-153, and HBCD for northern/southern populations of 2200/2700, 82/77, and 150/250 ng/g lw, respectively) than in captive falcons (39, 8 ng/g lw, and not detected, respectively). This is the first time, to our knowledge, that BDE-183 and -209 have been quantified in high trophic level wildlife.

In this paper we present results of efficiency optimizations in conjunction with increased CIGS deposition rates. Furthermore, we describe Solibro's recent technology improvements for higher module efficiencies and our roadmap for further efficiency improvements. Our results indicate that with co-evaporation of CIGS absorbers high module efficiencies can be realized at high dynamic deposition rates. Various improvements have recently been introduced in Solibro's CIGS production process, which led to a champion module efficiency of 14.4% (total area, externally confirmed). Solibro's efficiency roadmap shows that the technology is capable of producing average efficiencies of 17% within the next 3 years.

During the latest decades, Canada Geese have increased in numbers and expanded over large parts of north-western Europe. Hitherto, the risk for adverse effects on the native bird fauna has been assessed to be negligible, although there are single records of divers (Gavia spp.) having failed or abandoned the breeding site after the establishment of Canada Geese. Therefore, we initiated an inquiry about breeding success and nest locations of divers and geese in Sweden. For Red-throated Diver, we compared the breeding success for pairs nesting at tarns with and without breeding Canada Geese. We found no indication of any negative effects on breeding success: The average production was 0.82 “large” chicks per pair and year for pairs at tarns with breeding Canada Geese, compared to 0.75 at tarns without breeding geese. For Black-throated Diver, the average hatching success for pairs with and without nesting Canada Geese on the same islet was 46% and 47%, respectively. But the average distance to the closest goose nest (on another islet) was lower for failed nests compared to successful ones. We judge, that the expansion of the Canada Goose is not a threat on a national or regional scale, although single diver pairs certainly suffer from having Canada Geese as close neighbours. Among both species of divers there are also indications of adaptations to the geese, e.g. through moving to new nesting sites at the same breeding lake. Finally, potential benefits from the presence of Canada Geese, e.g. if the geese keep other potential predators away, should not be overlooked.

A compact and flexible fiber-optic cell for absorbance detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been developed. Optical fibers with a large core diameter were combined with focusing optics and a circular aperture, the size of the aperture being matched to the I.D. and O.D. of the separation column, in order to maximize light throughput and reduce stray light. The detection limit for mesityl oxide was 1.5 μM for a 100-μm I.D. column, and the linear dynamic range was larger than 1000 for columns from 100-μm I.D. down to 30-μm I.D. The design is suitable for high-speed CE, utilizing short columns.

In this work, we studied the behavior of electrophoretic columns, having an inner diameter (ID) of 2-10 microm, filled with a cross-linked polyacrylamide gel matrix. The usefulness of these columns for DNA sequencing is discussed. Evaluation of column performance included tests of gel stability and migration time reproducibility. Confocal laser-induced fluorescence (LIF)-detection was employed utilizing a 488 nm argon ion laser for separations of C- and T-terminated DNA Sanger fragments. Reducing the inner diameter of the column from 50 microm to 10 microm resulted in an approximately eightfold increase in lifetime, under conditions in which the columns were subjected to a field strength of 1000 V/cm. The 10 microm ID columns were utilized for separation of Sanger fragments, and adequate detection sensitivity was obtained by stacking of the fragments from a deionized sample solution. A linear algorithm for retention data synchronization between individual electropherograms was employed to provide a route towards a reliable automated base calling protocol.

The performance of poly(N-acryloylaminopropanol) (poly AAP) gel columns, proved to be stable during electrophoresis at elevated temperature, was investigated. The column manufacturing procedure included the preparation of a coating of the inner wall of the fused silica capillary column with linear poly(AAP). Then, a mixture of the AAP monomer, the cross-linker dihydroxyethylenebisacrylamide (DHEBA) and linear poly(AAP) was introduced into the column and in situ polymerized (for preparation of linear gel columns, the addition of DHEBA was omitted). The poly(AAP) columns were first evaluated by electrophoresis of oligonucleotides at room temperature and at 50 degrees C, utilizing 260 nm UV-absorbance detection. In a further evaluation of column performance, samples of T-terminated DNA Sanger fragments from the bacteria Moraxella were separated at 200 V/cm electrical field strength, utilizing a 488 nm argon ion laser and a confocal optical setup for laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. A temperature increase from 25 degrees C to 50 degrees C effectively released a compression of DNA bands. However, for cross-linked poly(AAP) gel columns, the elevated temperature resulted in a considerable reduction of the DNA sequence reading length. When a linear poly(AAP) column was utilized, no detrimental effect of elevated temperature on the separation could be observed.

A novel Salmonella serovar was isolated from Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nestlings in northern Sweden in 2006. Three isolates of the same clone was retrieved from three falcon siblings and characterized as Salmonella enterica sub-species enterica: O-phase 13, 23:-: e, n, z 15 and the H-phase was not present. We propose the geographical name Salmonella enterica, sub-species entericaserovar Pajala to this novel Salmonella.Keywords: Salmonella; epidemiology; ecology; peregrine falcon; novel serovar(Published: 30 August 2012)Citation: Infection Ecology and Epidemiology 2012, 2: 7373 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/iee.v2i0.7373

An on-ground internal antenna for FM radio reception in mobile phones is proposed and evaluated. By combining a parasitic loop radiator with a driven active monopole antenna, a dual resonant frequency response is achieved with an average effective antenna efficiency of −22.5 dB over the frequency band 88–108 MHz. The total volume of the antenna is 0.93 cm3 with a height above ground of 4 mm. A comparison with the conventional solution of re-using the headset cord as the antenna is included.

Application-perceived throughput plays a major role for the performance of networked applications and user experience and thus, for network selection decisions. To support the latter, this tutorial paper investigates the process of user-perceived throughput in GPRS and UMTS systems seen over rather small averaging intervals, based on test traffic mimicking the needs of streaming applications, and analyzes the results with aid of summary statistics. These results reveal a clear influence of the network, seen from variations and autocorrelation of applicationperceived throughput mostly on the one-second time scale and indicate that applications have to cope with significant jitter when trying to exploit the nominal throughputs. In GPRS, the promised average throughputs are not reached in downlink direction; instead, significant packet loss occurs. Furthermore, with aid of causality arguments for an equivalent bottleneck, bounds for the extra delay of the first packet sent via mobile links is derived from throughput measurements.

An antenna concept for FM radio reception in mobile phones is proposed and evaluated. By resonating a loop or monopole radiator with a shunt element and connecting the antenna to a high-impedance low noise amplifier, an equivalent antenna efficiency of −24±3 dB is achieved over the entire band of 88 – 108 MHz despite having high-Q gain characteristics and without using control voltages for frequency tuning. Due to the resonant frequency behavior ≫45 dB isolation against co-located transmitting antennas is realized, thereby preventing the amplifier from being saturated during simultaneous operation. A comparison with the hands-free cord and other possible internal solutions is included.

International audience; Disease can have severe impact on animal populations, especially in rare species. Baseline data for atypical host species are missing for a range of infectious diseases, although such hosts are potentially more affected than the normal vectors and reservoir species. If highly pathogenic avian influenza strikes rare birds of prey, this may have crucial impact on the predator species itself, but also on the food web in which it interacts. Here we present the first large-scale screening of raptors that regularly consume birds belonging to the natural reservoir of influenza A viruses. Influenza A virus prevalence was studied in two rare raptors, the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). Nestlings were screened for active (181 white-tailed sea eagles and 168 peregrine falcons) and past (123 white-tailed sea eagles and 6 peregrine falcons) infection in 2006-2007, and an additional 20 succumbed adult white-tailed sea eagles were sampled in 2003-2006. Neither high- nor low-pathogenic influenza infections were found in our sample, but this does not rule out that the former may have major impact on rare raptors and their food webs

A technique for reducing the antenna induced electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the earpiece speaker in mobile phones is presented, thereby improving the hearing aid compatibility (HAC). By introducing resonant quarter-wave short-circuited transmission lines to each long side of the chassis edges, the earpiece speaker section of the chassis is electrically decoupled from the antenna section. The proposed technique has been validated through simulations and measurements.

Resonance sensor systems have been shown to be able to distinguish between cancerous and normal prostate tissue, in vitro. The aim of this study was to improve the accuracy of the tissue determination, to simplify the tissue classification process with computerized morphometrical analysis, to decrease the risk of human errors, and to reduce the processing time. In this article we present our newly developed computerized classification method based on image analysis. In relation to earlier resonance sensor studies we increased the number of normal prostate tissue classes into stroma, epithelial tissue, lumen and stones. The linearity between the impression depth and tissue classes was calculated using multiple linear regression (R(2) = 0.68, n = 109, p0.001) and partial least squares (R(2) = 0.55, n = 109, p0.001). Thus it can be concluded that there existed a linear relationship between the impression depth and the tissue classes. The new image analysis method was easy to handle and decreased the classification time by 80%.

The field of portable terminal antenna design has witnessed a remarkable evolution during the last decade, mainly as result of the increasing requirements set by the mobile phone industry. Less than 10 years ago mobile phones were used exclusively for voice communication, utilizing a single wireless system (e.g. GSM) and a single frequency band (e.g. 900 MHz). The terminal antenna was external; either a retractable rod, or to make it smaller, folded together into a coil/helix. In the mid 90’s, frequency bands at 1800 MHz in Europe and 1900 MHz in the US were allocated to increase the network capacity, thus creating a need for antennas supporting two separate frequency bands, so called dual-band antennas. The first phone1 with this feature appeared on the market in late 1997. 1998 saw the first internal antenna (single-band however) in a commercial phone2, a concept that had been proposed already in 1982 [1]. These antennas were non-obtrusive and thus retained the aesthetics and increased the mechanical ruggedness of the phone. Dual-band internal solutions was first presented in the literature in 1997 [2] with commercial phones using the technique available in mid-19993. A couple of years later, the consumer requirement of global roaming (e.g. Europeans wanting to use their mobile phones in the US and vice versa) led to the development of triple band phones, featuring triple band antennas (900/1800/1900 MHz). Around the same time, Bluetooth modules, with a separate internal antenna, and FM radio receivers, using the earpiece cord as antenna, started to become standard features in phones. In early 20034, a new cellular network called 3G (or UMTS/WCDMA), using a separate frequency band, started world-wide deployment. In about 5 years time, wireless terminals went

The planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) is currently the most popular internal antenna for mobile phones. In its most basic form, the PIFA consists of a rectangular patch element, a feed pin and a short circuit pin, see Fig. 5.1. The operating principle of the antenna is easily understood by first considering a standard quarter wavelength monopole antenna over ground. At 900 MHz, the required height above ground is about 8 cm, which is too much for many applications (e.g. terminals). To reduce the total height but still maintain self-resonance, the monopole can be bent down towards ground and form a so called “inverted-L” antenna, see Fig. 5.2. As a consequence of the induced anti-phase currents in the ground plane, the radiation resistance drops significantly compared to the monopole (from ∼ 37 to a few ohms (depending on the height), see Fig. 5.3). Hence, the inverted-L antenna is more narrow-band than the monopole, and the input impedance at resonance presents a large impedance mismatch in a typical 50 system. To increase the real part of the input impedance, the gamma-match can be implemented by moving the feed point along the length of the antenna and with the antenna short-circuited at the previous feed location, forming a so called “inverted-F” antenna1. The introduction of the short-circuit pin adds shunt inductance – with a magnitude set by the thickness and length of the pin, and closeness to the feed point – to the series resonance circuit provided by the antenna, thereby enabling the selection of the real part of the input impedance at the resonance frequency and hence a good match to any

During recent years, it has become evident that mobility functions will have a profound impact on current and future wireless networks. Users expect service connectivity anywhere and anytime without having to think about the underlying communication systems used at that particular moment in time. On this background, this paper presents a ready-to-deploy implementation of a mobility framework that supports seamless communication and represents an important enabler for adaptive applications through its simple QoS feedback mechanism. The framework selects the best available network through a decision algorithm that takes advantage of both experience with different network types for certain types of services and a link performance monitoring concept. The impact of the proposed framework on performance in terms of processing and throughput overhead is also discussed.

In this paper, the matched performance of a dual band PIFA antenna is reported. The transducer power gain of the matched antenna is optimized over the popular commercial wireless communication bands of 824-960 MHz and 1710-1990 MHz using only one matching network. The antenna matching network was designed using the simplified real frequency technique and it was realized employing 0.18μm Si-processing technology. It is exhibited that realized matching network can be used for mass production for commercial use in multi band wireless communication systems.

The diastereomeric composition of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in eggs of peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), guillemot (Uria aalge) and common tern (Sterna hirundo) as well as the guillemots' main prey, herring (Clupea harengus) was determined by reversed-phase chromatography with triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS-MS). alpha-HBCD was the predominant diastereomer in all bird species, while in herring, gamma-HBCD made a substantial contribution. Two, as yet unidentified diastereomers, were detected in common tern egg. The alpha-, beta- and gamma-HBCD (+) and (-) enantiomers were separated using a chiral stationary phase. The enantiomer fractions for alpha-HBCD differed substantially between different bird species as well as between guillemot and its prey, herring. Total HBCD levels determined by LC-MS-MS were comparable to those previously obtained by GC-MS.

N-Methylformamide (NMF)-based matrices for capillary electrophoretic separation of nucleic acids have been developed. The use of an organic solvent as liquid base for the separation matrices allowed a hydrophobic polymer, C 16 -derivatized 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), to be employed as structural element in the sieving medium. With a matrix consisting of 5% w/v of this polymer dissolved in NMF containing 50 mM ammonium acetate, p(dA) 12-18 and p(dA) 40-60 oligonucleotides were baseline separated. The addition of ammonium acetate to the buffer and separation matrix resulted in enhanced separation efficiency. Furthermore, it was possible to tailor the sieving performance of the separation medium by the use of a binary mixture of C 16 -derivatized HEC and PVP. Differences in sieving behavior of the various matrices evaluated are discussed.

In this paper, matched performance of a double band PIFA antenna is reported. The transducer power gain of the antenna is optimized over the commercialized wireless communication bands of 824-960 MHz and 1710-1990 MHz using only one matching network. In the design process, several commercially available computer aided design packages with variety of different matching network topologies were employed. The best result was obtained by using the Simplified Real Frequency Technique, which in turn yields an "easy to implement circuit topology". The matched antenna provides an average transducer power gain of -1.6±0.4 dB in 824-960 MHz and -2.2±0.5 dB in 1710-1990 MHz. Inst. Electronics, Information Communication Eng., IEICE Japan,IEEE MTT-S,URSI,EuMA,IEEE MTT-S Japan Chapter

A quarter-wave transversal slot in the center of a handheld terminal ground plane is proposed and evaluated as a wideband antenna for low profile mobile phones. By feeding the slot with a microstrip line, a triple-resonance response is obtained from the chassis, slot and microstrip stub interaction, providing sufficient impedance bandwidth and radiation efficiency to cover the 0.9-2.7 GHz frequency range. While the introduction of a slot in the ground plane has many advantages over e.g. PIFA or patch structures, both in terms of performance and cost, the circuit floor planning becomes more complicated. To address this problem, a possible solution in terms of module partitioning and signal line routing is suggested. In addition, simulations of parasitic antenna to signal line coupling and techniques to reduce this effect are presented.

The analysis of low abundant biological molecules is often challenging due to their chemical properties, low concentration and limited sample volumes. Neuropeptides are one group of molecules that fits these criteria. Neuropeptides also play an important role in biological functions, which makes them extra interesting to analyze. A classic chemical analysis involves sampling, sample preparation, separation and detection. In this thesis, an enhanced solid supported microdialysis method was developed and used as a combined sampling- and preparation technique. In general, significantly increased extraction efficiency was obtained for all studied peptides. To be able to control the small sample volumes and to minimize the loss of neuropeptides because of unwanted adsorption onto surfaces, the subsequent analysis steps were miniaturized to a micro total analysis system (µ-TAS), which allowed sample pre-treatment, injection, separation, manipulation and detection. In order to incorporate these analysis functions to a microchip, a novel microfabrication protocol was developed. This method facilitated three-dimensional structures to be fabricated without the need of clean room facilities. The sample pre-treatment step was carried out by solid phase extraction from beads packed in the microchip. Femtomole levels of neuropeptides were detected from samples possessing the same properties as microdialysates. The developed injection system made it possible to conduct injections from a liquid chromatographic separation into a capillary electrophoresis channel, which facilitated for advanced multidimensional separations. An electrochemical sample manipulation system was also developed. In the last part, different electrospray emitter tip designs made directly from the edge of the microchip substrate were developed and evaluated. The emitters were proven to be comparable with conventional, capillary based emitters in stability, durability and dynamic flow range. Although additional developments remain, the analysis steps described in this thesis open a door to an integrated, on-line µ-TAS for neuropeptides analysis in complex biological samples.

Based on the need for secure and reliable mobile communication, this paper investigates the application-perceived throughput of an end-to-end (E2E) VPN connection using IPSec over GPRS. GPRS is of particular interest regarding performance issues due to its wide deployment but limited capacity. To this end, different encryption and authentication algorithms are considered. The throughput is measured on small time scales and interpreted with aid of summary statistics, histograms and autocorrelation coefficients. The results reveal a clear influence of the network and the chosen security solution, seen from variations of application-perceived throughput on the one-second time scale, which has to be considered when assessing the appropriateness of network for a specific task. The different statistical metrics considered will later be used in our research to maintain the security and Quality of service (QoS) of the service decided by the user.

Miniaturization, low cost and excellent performances at microwave and millimeterwave applications represent the main leitmotivs of the future mass market communication systems. Consequently, a novel "MEMS above IC" technology has developed in order to allow the elaboration of post-processed micro-machined passive components on top of SiGe circuits to realize a complete short-range communication receiver centered at 24 GHz. The developed technology is based on the use of : -a thick organic layer (BCB), which is employed as a dielectric membrane, -metallizations to realize the passive metal layer and also the vias to interconnect the active circuits with the post-processed passive components, -and a bulk silicon micromachining. This 'above IC' technology presents many advantages, as it uses conventional equipments of microelectronics and is in adequation with high frequency applications. A specific attention has been carried out in order to assure the compatibility of the post-process steps and the IC’s. This has been performed through the choice of the adequate technological steps, which had to present a low temperature budget. The compatibility of each step has been evaluated with a specific test protocol on SiGe transistors. It implies static and dynamic characterisation of these transistors as well as low frequency noise measurements. Each step has been validated, even the bulk silicon micromachining. Design rules have thus been defined in order to localize the silicon etching without any damage on the ICs.

In order to meet user expectations and to be of efficient help for people using or implementing Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS), mobile ITS-related services need efficient support from the underlying communication systems, which in turn requires profound knowledge of those needs. As a first step towards an optimal automatic choice of communication technologies in order to provide for seamless communications, this paper groups services into generic groups and presents a framework to classify their needs in terms of availability, performance, security and cost in a generic manner. These needs are consequently seen from the user's perspective, but formulated in a way such that they can be matched towards known network parameters. Upon comparing needs with offers, the feasibility of a certain communication technology for a certain type of service can be determined both proactively and reactively, which helps to automatically select the right kind of connectivity in order to yield the desired degree of availability, performance, security and cost. We motivate for instance the need for determining and monitoring application-perceived speeds, a multi-level security models and the one-stop service concept. We also provide an example on how these needs can be matched to offers by different networks.

The paper presents an IQ-demodulator for use in a 24 GHz direct conversion receiver. The circuit has been monolithically implemented in a commercial SiGe HBT process production line using a standard (20 /spl Omega/cm) substrate. Measured results show a conversion gain of 11 dB, a LO/RF isolation of 35 dB and a 1-dB compression point of -10 dBm while consuming 101 mA at 3 V Vcc.

The integration of an on-chip dipole antenna with a monolithic 24 GHz receiver manufactured in a 0.8 /spl mu/m SiGe HBT process is presented. A high resistivity silicon substrate (1000 /spl Omega/cm) is used for the implemented circuit to improve the efficiency of the on-chip antenna. The receiver, including the receive and an optional transmit antenna, requires a chip area of 7.3 mm and delivers 33 dB conversion gain at 24 GHz.

Cadmium, copper, lead, palladium, platinum, rhodium, and zinc profiles were investigated along feather shafts of raptor and other bird species by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The distribution of external versus internal metal contamination of feathers was investigated. The species examined were peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), sparrowhawk ( Accipiter nisus), willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus), and house sparrow (Passer domesticus) in Sweden. For habitat comparisons, total Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations were analyzed by ICP-MS in feathers of the examined species as well as captive peregrine falcon. For investigation of metal distribution and correlation in different biological materials of raptors, total concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn were also investigated by ICP-MS in feathers, eggs, blood, feces, liver, and kidney of wild peregrine falcon from southwestern Sweden. Laser ablation of feathers revealed that Pb contamination is both external and internal, Zn contamination is internal, and Cd and Cu contamination is predominantly internal, with a few externally attached particles of high concentration. Pb, Cu, and Cd signal intensities were highest in urban habitats and contamination was mainly external in feathers. The background signal intensity of Zn was also higher in birds from urban habitats. The laser ablation profile of PGE (Pt, Pd, Rh) demonstrated that PGE contamination of feathers consists almost exclusively of externally attached PGE-containing particles, with little evidence of internally deposited PGE.Generally, total metal concentrations in feathers were highest in sparrowhawk and house sparrow due to their urban habitat. Total Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations were highest in liver and kidney due to binding to metallothionein, while the total Pb concentration was highest in feces due to the high excretion rate of Pb. A decreasing temporal trend for Pb in feathers, showing that Pb levels in feathers have decreased since the introduction of nonleaded petrol, is also discussed.

Tetraoctadecylammonium bromide (TOAB, (CH3(CH2)17)4N+Br−) has been used to print temporary hydrophobic barriers on carboxymethylated dextran (CMD) hydrogels to create a generic platform for protein microarray applications. The primary reason for printing temporary hydrophobic barriers is to prevent cross-contamination and overflow during microdrop dispensing. Equally important is to eliminate the risk for non-specific binding to the barriers during analyte exposure. This has been accomplished by introducing a regeneration step that removes the barriers after ligand immobilization. The overall fabrication process was characterized by microscopic wetting, atomic force microscopy, imaging ellipsometry, fluorescence microscopy, surface plasmon microscopy and biospecific interaction analysis. A series of model proteins including transferrin, Protein A, anti-myoglobin and bovine serum albumin was spotted into the TOAB-defined areas under different experimental conditions, e.g. at increased humidity and reduced substrate temperature or with glycerol as an additive in the protein solution. Much emphasis was devoted to studies aiming at exploring the homogeneity and activity of the immobilized proteins. The printed barriers were removed after protein immobilization using tert-n-butyl alcohol (TBA). TBA was found to be a very efficient agent as compared to previously used salt regeneration solutions, and the regeneration time could be reduced from ∼30 to 10 minutes. Finally, the potential of using the well established CMD hydrogel chemistry as a platform for protein microarrays was exploited using surface plasmon microscopy.

Minisequencing, solid-phase single-nucleotide primer extension reaction, is a robust method for performing multiplex single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. We have combined this technology with capillary gel electrophoresis in a multicapillary format, using liquid core waveguide (LCW) fluorescence detection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of multiple DNA targets is performed with one primer for each target biotinylated. Separation of the complementary strands, minisequencing and washing steps are carried out using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Dideoxynucleotides analogues labelled with different fluorophores are used for the extension of the minisequencing primers. The extended oligonucleotides, the length of which defines the position on the target and the color the identity of the polymorphism, are then separated in a gel-filled array of capillaries, coated on the outside with a layer of a fluoropolymer to provide the liquid core waveguide characteristics. The technology has a potential for extremely high throughputs when a combination of multiplex PCR-minisequencing is used together with a large array of capillaries, four-color detection and high-speed separation.