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In order to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms in the exudate of fresh aquatic products during storage. Absorbent paper, absorbent cotton and nylon mesh were used as the substrates, three types of clay minerals (diatomite, columnar diatomite and bentonite) were used as the water absorbing materials and a new type of unidirectional water‐conducting preservation pads was prepared. The physicochemical properties of water absorbing materials and preservation properties of pads for Lateolabrax japonicas fillets were measured. The results show that all three kinds of clay have good water absorption properties, and bentonite exhibits the highest water retention properties because of metal oxide. After absorbing water, the surface holes of diatomite and columnar diatomite particles are blocked, while the volume of bentonite particles increases. Bentonite absorbs water slowly but retains water best and can absorb 10.31 times its own mass of water. Preservation study shows that water absorption preservation pads can effectively absorb the exudate of fish fillets and slow down the deterioration of fish fillet quality. Bentonite preservation pad shows the best effective and extends the shelf life of L. japonicas fillets from 6 to 9.3 days. This research can provide the technical support for the application of preservation pads carrying clay minerals in the field of fresh aquatic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an increasing cause of morbidity and its severity is graded based on clinical manifestation. To investigate the influence of the different stages on myopathy of ischemic muscle we analysed severity‐dependent effects of mitochondrial respiration in PAD. Eighteen patients with severe PAD, defined as chronic limb‐threatening ischemia, 47 patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and 22 non‐ischemic controls were analysed. High‐resolution respirometry (HRR) was performed on muscle biopsies of gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis muscle of patients in different PAD stages to investigate different respiratory states. Results from HRR are given as median and interquartile range and were normalized to citrate synthase activity (CSA), a marker for mitochondrial content. In order to account for inter‐individual differences between patients and controls, we calculated the ratio of O₂‐flux in gastrocnemius muscle over vastus muscle ('GV ratio'). CSA of the gastrocnemius muscle as a proxy for mitochondrial content was significantly lower in critical ischemia compared to controls. Mitochondrial respiration normalized to CSA was higher in IC compared to controls. Likewise, the GV ratio was significantly higher in IC compared to control. Mitochondrial respiration and CSA of PAD patients showed stage‐dependent modifications with greater changes in the mild PAD stage group (IC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color significantly shapes our perceptions of the world, and extensive scientific research has explored various aspects of color, including color linguistics, aesthetics, color and marketing, color therapy, and color psychology. Notably, there has been an increasing interest in understanding the psychological domain of color in recent years. However, limited scholarly attention has been given to studying the changes in color representations and emotions over the decades. To address this gap, we utilized word embedding models of Google Books Ngrams corpus to examine the most strongly associated entities and traits with colors and their evolution in color emotions over 200 years. Analyzing three emotional dimensions—pleasure, arousal, and dominance (PAD), we found that red, green, white, black, orange, purple, brown, and pink were related to the exuberant type (+P + A + D) in PAD emotional space. In contrast, blue was linked to the relaxed type (+P−A + D), and yellow constituted the anxious type (−P + A−D). Among all basic English color terms, the emotion‐driven perceptions associated with white, brown, and pink have significantly changed over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Cardiac contractile dysfunction is prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with an increased risk for heart failure. A hallmark of RA has increased levels of peptidyl arginine deaminases (PAD) that convert arginine to citrulline leading to ubiquitous citrullination, including in the heart. We aimed to investigate whether PAD‐dependent citrullination in the heart was linked to contractile function in a mouse model of RA during the acute inflammatory phase. Methods: We used hearts from the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice, with overt arthritis, and control mice to analyze cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and fractional shortening, the force‐Ca2+ relationship in isolated myofibrils, the levels of PAD, protein post‐translational modifications, and Ca2+ handling protein. Then, we used an in vitro model to investigate the role of TNF‐α in the PAD‐mediated citrullination of proteins in cardiomyocytes. Results: Cardiomyocytes from CIA mice displayed larger Ca2+ transients than controls, whereas cell shortening was similar in the two groups. Myofibrils from CIA hearts required higher [Ca2+] to reach 50% of maximum shortening, ie Ca2+ sensitivity was lower. This was associated with increased PAD2 expression and α‐actin citrullination. TNF‐α increased PAD‐mediated citrullination which was blocked by pre‐treatment with the PAD inhibitor 2‐chloroacetamide. Conclusion: Using a mouse RA model we found evidence of impaired cardiac contractile function linked to reduced Ca2+ sensitivity, increased expression of PAD2, and citrullination of α‐actin, which was triggered by TNF‐α. This provides molecular and physiological evidence for acquired cardiomyopathy and a potential mechanism for RA‐associated heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the need to prepare for the next generation of fingerprint spoofing, we applied the "proactive forensic science" strategy to the biometric field. The working concept, already successful in a few fields, aimed at adopting the sophisticated criminals' way of thinking, predicting their next move so that the crime‐fighting authorities can be one step ahead of them and take preventive measures, against biometric spoofing in this instance. This strategy involved the design, production, and characterization of innovative polymeric materials that could possibly serve in advanced fingerprint spoofs. Special attention was given to materials capable of fooling fingerprint readers equipped with spoof‐detecting abilities, known as "Presentation Attack Detection" (PAD) systems and often referred to as liveness detection. A series of direct cast fake fingerprints was produced from known commercially available spoofing materials, and was functionally tested to compare their performance with that of spoofs produced from the new polymers. The novel materials thus prepared were hydrogels based on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) that were chain‐extended. They showed good performance in deceiving security systems, considerably better than that of spoofs produced from commercial materials, and are, therefore, good spoofing candidates that law‐enforcement authorities should be aware of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A primiparous mare foaled a live foal and a mummy. The mummy and its fetal membranes were necrotic and had been invaginated within the fetal membranes of the live foal. Near the mummy, the fetal membranes of the live foal had a clear demarcation between a 'white' and a 'red' region. The white region was touching the mummy, and some of its features were similar to those of a fetal–foot placental area of degeneration (PAD): it was ischaemic and degenerate (as indicated by hypoplasia, hyaline degeneration, multifocal squamous metaplasia, cell swelling and basement membrane sclerosis) with villi that were shorter than normal and limited in number. However, the PAD in this case was thinner than those in previous reports, and it was much larger, as it surrounded the entire mummy. The red region, which was touching the maternal endometrium, was hyperaemic, but in other respects, it was similar to the fetal membranes in the other uterine horn. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first extensive report on the histology of type C twinning (i.e. with a mummified foal) in which the death of one foal had not been induced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: Analysis of factors determining acceptance of disease and satisfaction with life in patients with peripheral artery disease. Background: Peripheral artery disease is more common in older patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases and the risk of amputation. The acceptance of disease is one of the most important factors for adjusting to life with a chronic disease. Design: A cross‐sectional survey study. Patients' questionnaires. Method: The participants were patients with peripheral artery disease (N = 72). The study included the use the standardized research tools the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The highest acceptance of disease was observed for patients with higher education, while the lowest was found for patients with the greatest limitation of physical mobility. Conclusions: The education level and physical fitness of patients had significant impact on disease acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing availability of physician‐assisted death (PAD) has opened up a novel means of making donated bodies available for anatomical dissection. This practice has come to the fore in Canada, but is unlikely to be confined to that country as legislation changes in other countries. The ethical considerations raised by this development are placed within the framework of the ethical guidelines on body donation promulgated by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists. The discussion centers on understanding the ethical dimensions of moral complicity, and whether it is accepted or rejected. If rejected it is possible to separate ethical concerns regarding PAD from subsequent use of donated bodies, as long as there is fully informed consent and complete ethical and procedural separation of the two. Openness about the origin of bodies for dissection is essential. Students should be instructed on the nuances of moral complicity, and consideration be given to those with moral doubts about PAD. Two issues are raised in considering whether these moves represent an ethical slippery slope: the attraction represented by obtaining relatively "high quality" bodies, and the manner in which organ donation following PAD has led to challenges to the dead donor rule. Although body donation raises fewer concerns, the ethical dimensions of the two are similar. The ethical constraints outlined here have the capacity to prevent an ethical slippery slope and constitute a sound basis for addressing an innovative opportunity for anatomists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Randomized trials are designed to evaluate the effects of health care interventions. The recruitment process in a randomized trial can be challenging. Poor recruitment can have a negative impact on the allocated budget and estimated completion date of the study and may result in an underpowered research that will not adequately answer the original research question. Aim: We aim to perform a Study Within A Trial (SWAT) to evaluate the impact of same‐day consent or delayed consent on recruitment and retention in the host trial. Methods: This SWAT is designed as an observational study. However, the host trial is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle modification program in patients with peripheral arterial disease. For this trial and SWAT, same‐day consent is defined as the patient giving consent on the same day, after the investigator has fully explained the predesigned information leaflet for the host trial. Delayed consent is defined as the patient feeling they still need further time to consider their decision to participate or not. Swat registration: The SWAT was registered on the Northern Ireland Network for Trials Methodology Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? What is the degree to which skeletal muscle mitochondria‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is linked to impaired skeletal muscle function in patients with early‐stage peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and what is the impact on mitochondrial respiratory capacity? What is the main finding and its importance? This is the first study to document increased mitochondria‐derived reactive oxygen species production associated with elevated intramuscular oxidative stress, despite preserved mitochondrial respiratory function, in patients with PAD. Furthermore, systemic inflammation, mitochondria‐derived ROS production and skeletal muscle oxidative stress were strongly correlated to disease severity, as indicated by ankle‐brachial index, in patients with PAD. Abstract: Skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction, which is not fully explained by disease‐related arterial occlusion, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Therefore, this study comprehensively assessed mitochondrial respiratory function in biopsies from the gastrocnemius of 10 patients with PAD (Fontaine Stage II) and 12 healthy controls (HC). Intramuscular and systemic inflammation, mitochondria‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and oxidative stress were also assessed to better understand the mechanisms responsible for the proposed PAD‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, mitochondrial respiratory capacity, assessed as complex I (CI) and complex II (CII)‐driven State 3 respiration, measured separately and in combination (State 3 CI+II), revealed no difference between the patients with PAD and the HC. However, mitochondria‐derived ROS production was significantly elevated in PAD (HC: 1.0 ± 0.9; PAD: 4.3 ± 1.0 AU (mg tissue)−1). Furthermore, patients with PAD exhibited significantly greater concentrations of the pro‐inflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor α in plasma (HC: 0.9 ± 0.4; PAD: 2.0 ± 0.3 pg ml−1) and interleukin 6 in both plasma (HC: 2.3 ± 0.4; PAD: 4.3 ± 0.5 pg ml−1) and muscle (∼75% greater). Intramuscular oxidative stress, assessed by protein carbonyls and 4‐hydroxynonenal, was significantly greater in PAD compared to HC. Ankle brachial index was significantly correlated with intramuscular inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondria‐derived ROS production. Thus, elevated intramuscular inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondria‐derived ROS production are likely to contribute to the pathophysiology of the skeletal muscle dysfunction associated with PAD, even in the presence of preserved mitochondrial respiratory function in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrullinated collagen II (CII) is a well-known autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the direct effects of CII citrullination on cell behavior have not been described. To study whether citrullination of CII could affect cellular functions, we measured the adhesion of 3 different cell types (human Saos2 osteosarcoma cells, human synovial fibroblasts, and rat mesenchymal stem cells) with impedance-based technology. The binding of different collagen receptor integrins to citrullinated collagen was studied by CHO cell lines, each overexpressing 1 of the 4 human collagen receptors on the cell surface, and with solidphase binding assays, using the recombinant human integrin α1I, α2I, α10I, and α11I domains. Collagen citrullination decreased the adhesion of synovial fibroblasts ~50% (PC 0.05) and mesenchymal stem cells ~40% (P<0.05) by specifically decreasing the binding of integrins α10β1 and α11β1, to arginine-containing motifs, such as GFOGER. In contrast, citrullination had only a minor effect on the function of α1β1, and α2β1 integrins, which have been reported to play a critical role in regulating leukocyte function. Molecular modeling was used to explain the detected functional differences at the structural level. Given that the integrins regulate cell metabolism, proliferation, and migration, we suggest that collagen citrullination modifies the pathogenesis of RA. Here, CII citrullination was shown to decrease the survival of mesenchymal stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that MyD88 KO mice appear protected from ischemic muscle injury while TRIF KO mice exhibit sustained necrosis after femoral artery ligation ( FAL). However, our previous data did not differentiate whether the protective effect of absent MyD88 signaling was secondary to attenuated injury after FAL or quicker recovery from the insult. The purpose of this study was to delineate these different possibilities. On the basis of previous findings, we hypothesized that MyD88 signaling promotes enhanced inflammation while TRIF mediates regeneration after skeletal muscle ischemia. Our results show that after FAL, both MyD88 KO mice and TRIF KO mice have evidence of ischemia, as do their control counterparts. However, MyD88 KO mice had lower levels of serum IL-6 24 h after FAL, while TRIF KO mice demonstrated sustained serum IL-6 up to 1 week after injury. Additionally, MyD88 KO mice had higher nuclear content and larger myofibers than control animals 1 week after injury. IL-6 is known to have differential effects in myoblast function, and can inhibit proliferation and differentiation. In tibialis anterior muscle harvested from injured animals, IL-6 levels were higher and the proliferative marker MyoD was lower in TRIF KO mice by PCR. Furthermore, expression of MyD88 appeared to be higher in skeletal muscle of TRIF KO mice. In vitro, we showed that myoblast differentiation and proliferation were attenuated in response to IL-6 treatment giving credence to the finding that low IL-6 in MyD88 KO mice may be responsible for larger myocyte sizes 1 week after FAL. We conclude that MyD88 and TRIF work in concert to mediate a balanced response to ischemic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (5): 463-469 Abstract Background Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is involved in a multitude of inflammatory processes involving oxidative modification of soluble components and cellular surfaces. Thus, MPO plays a key role in promoting atherosclerosis via oxidative stress by modification of both high- and low-density lipoprotein and production of other bioactive molecules. A polymorphism (MPO 463G>A, rs2333227) results in different expression rates of MPO. We aimed to assess whether MPO could be of clinical use as a risk marker for vascular disease in a high-risk group. Material and methods Plasma MPO levels of 406 patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were measured on an Abbott Architect i2000sr and grouped into patients with high (>115 ng/mL) and low (< 115 ng/mL) MPO levels. Genotyping of rs2333227 was performed on an ABI TaqMan 7900HT RT-PCR thermocycler. Results The relative risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for patients with high plasma MPO is 1·2 (95%CI: 1·038-1·377, P < 0·05), initial event-free periods in male patients are significantly longer in patients with MPO <115 ng/mL (mean = 875 days compared with mean = 734 days, P < 0·05) In smokers, an increased hazard ratio was computed for patients with high MPO levels (HR = 3·127, 95%CI: 1·258-7·772, P < 0·05). Effects of MPO [-463A] allele on initial MACE-free intervals did not persist after multivariate analysis. Conclusions Hence, we suggest consideration of plasma MPO for risk stratification of MACE in patients with PAD. In contrast, MPO-463G>A is not an independent risk factor for MACE in patients suffering from PAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumour stage is the most important prognostic factor in colon cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the impact on the quality of pathology of the use of a standardized pathological and anatomical (PAD) protocol. A standardized PAD protocol for colorectal cancer was developed and all patients subjected to colon resection due to adenocarcinomas between 2004 and 2006 were analysed regarding lymph node status, circumferential resection margin (CRM), and intravascular and perineural growth. Moreover, usage of the PAD protocol and whether a pathologist or biomedicine analytical technician (BMA) performed the lymph node dissection was noted, and also whether the surgical procedure was elective or acute. During the study period 302 colon resections were carried out. The standard protocol was employed in 68% of the cases, varying from 0% to 100% between pathologists. The median number of investigated lymph nodes was 16 ± 11. When the lymph node dissection was performed by a BMA, significantly more lymph nodes were examined; 22 ± 15 and 14 ± 9, respectively ( P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between application of the standard protocol and the number of analysed lymph nodes (< 0.05). Comments on CRM, perineural growth and intravascular growth were also significantly more frequent when the protocol was used. Emergency surgery did not influence the handling of the specimens. Minor changes in procedure in terms of a standard protocol for pathology and specimen dissection by BMAs, leading to an increased quality of the PAD-report, may also improve the long-term outcome for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Böger RH, Endres HG, Schwedhelm E, Darius H, Atzler D, Lüneburg N, von Stritzky B, Maas R, Thiem U, Benndorf RA, Diehm C (Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg; Ruhr University Bochum; Vivantes Berlin-Neukölln Medical Center, Berlin; Sanofi-Aventis Pharma GmbH, Berlin; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Erlangen; Ruhr University Bochum, Herne; Klinikum Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Affiliated Teaching Hospital of the Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Germany) Asymmetric dimethylarginine as an independent risk marker for mortality in ambulatory patients with peripheral arterial disease. J Intern Med 2010; : 349-361. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis causing endothelial dysfunction, an early sign of atherogenesis. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) does not inhibit NO synthases. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a systemic indication of atherosclerosis. We assessed the associations between both ADMA and SDMA blood levels and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events or death from any cause within a 5-year follow-up in the multicentre getABI trial. From a cohort of 6821 primary care patients, aged ≥65 years, all 1260 patients with prevalent PAD were compared with a random sample of 1187 non-PAD controls. A total of 11 544 patient-years were documented. Multivariate risks were calculated by Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for PAD, renal dysfunction and other important cardiovascular risk factors. We documented 390 deaths, 296 cardiovascular events and 98 cerebrovascular events. Increased ADMA levels in the 4th quartile were significantly associated with total mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.41; 95% CI 1.14-1.74] and with cardiovascular events (HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.03-1.69), but there was a nonsignificant association with cerebrovascular events (HR 1.50; 95% CI 0.98-2.29). Increased SDMA was only just significantly associated with mortality (HR 1.27; 95% CI 1.01-1.59). In PAD patients compared with non-PAD controls, only mean SDMA concentration was considerably increased (0.52 μmol L vs. 0.48 μmol L; P < 0.001) mainly because of a highly significant association with impaired renal function. These data suggest that ADMA but not SDMA is an independent risk marker for death from any cause or from cardiovascular events. The association between SDMA and mortality is in part explained by a close link between SDMA and renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary afferent neurotransmission is the fundamental first step in the central processing of sensory stimuli and is controlled by pre- and postsynaptic inhibitory mechanisms. Presynaptic inhibition (PSI) is probably the more powerful form of inhibitory control in all primary afferent fibers. A major mechanism producing afferent PSI is via a channel-mediated depolarization of their intraspinal terminals, which can be recorded extracellularly as a dorsal root potential (DRP). Based on measures of DRP latency it has been inferred that this primary afferent depolarization (PAD) of low-threshold afferents is mediated by minimally trisynaptic pathways with pharmacologically identified GABAergic interneurons forming last-order axo-axonic synapses onto afferent terminals. There is still no “squeaky clean” evidence of this organization. This paper describes recent and historical work that supports the existence of PAD occurring by more direct pathways and with a complex pharmacology that questions the proprietary role of GABA and GABAA receptors in this process. Cholinergic transmission in particular may contribute significantly to PAD, including via direct release from primary afferents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral artery disease, defined as atherosclerosis in the lower extremities, affects nearly 8.5 million people in the United States. Due to the frequent asymptomatic manifestation of peripheral artery disease, diagnosis may be delayed and its true incidence underestimated. However, some patients may experience aching pain, numbness, weakness, or fatigue, a condition termed intermittent claudication. Peripheral atherosclerosis is associated with cardiovascular risk and physical impairment; therefore, treatment goals are aimed at decreasing cardiovascular risk, as well as improving quality of life. Little debate exists regarding the management of cardiovascular risk reduction, which consists of both antiplatelet therapy and risk factor modification. Despite recently published guidelines, the treatment of intermittent claudication is less well established and the management remains controversial and uncertain. Exercise remains the first-line therapy for intermittent claudication; however, pharmacologic treatment is often necessary. Although only two prescription drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of intermittent claudication, several supplements and investigational agents have been evaluated. Therapeutic optimization should balance the anticipated improvements in quality of life with the potential safety risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To determine current management and to identify patient-related factors and barriers that influence management strategies in diabetic foot disease. Methods The Eurodiale Study is a prospective cohort study of 1232 consecutive individuals presenting with a new diabetic foot ulcer in 14 centres across Europe. We determined the use of management strategies: referral, use of offloading, vascular imaging and revascularization. Results Twenty-seven percent of the patients had been treated for > 3 months before referral to a foot clinic. This varied considerably between countries (6–55%). At study entry, 77% of the patients had no or inadequate offloading. During follow-up, casting was used in 35% (0–68%) of the plantar fore- or midfoot ulcers. Predictors of use of casting were male gender, large ulcer size and being employed. Vascular imaging was performed in 56% (14–86%) of patients with severe limb ischaemia; revascularization was performed in 43%. Predictors of use of vascular imaging were the presence of infection and ischaemic rest pain. Conclusion Treatment of many patients is not in line with current guidelines and there are large differences between countries and centres. Our data suggest that current guidelines are too general and that healthcare organizational barriers and personal beliefs result in underuse of recommended therapies. Action should be undertaken to overcome these barriers and to guarantee the delivery of optimal care for the many individuals with diabetic foot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Heart Association meeting reported the results of several clinical trials of particular interest to those who care for patients with heart failure. Ω-3 fatty acids were associated with a trend to increased recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias but not mortality in patients with an implantable debrillator. The ACTIV in CHF study provides more evidence of a therapeutic role for arginine vasopressin antagonists in the treatment of heart failure. The VALIANT study provides further evidence to suggest that a combination of angiotensin receptor antagonist and ACE inhibitor does not reduce mortality but may reduce morbidity in post-MI patients with heart failure or major LV systolic dysfunction. A study of autologous bone marrow cell transplantation into myocardial scar give gave encouraging results. SPORTIF V showed ximelagation to be as effective as warfarin but with improved safety. ORBIT and PAD showed public access defibrillators saved lives but questioned their cost effectiveness. DEFINITE supported a role for ICDs in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, although cost-effectiveness remains in doubt. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high‐efficiency fast‐transient‐response V2‐controlled boost converter with a small equivalent series resistance (ESR) capacitor is presented. The proposed boost converter can achieve a fast and stable load transient response without relying on the ESR of the output capacitor. The switching frequency of the proposed boost converter is 500 kHz for a nominal 2.5–4.2 V input and a 3.3–5 V output application. Experimental results show that the transient recovery time inheriting the advantage of V2 control is shorter than 6.4 µs with the load step from 250 to 20 mA and the highest efficiency can be up to 95.4%. The proposed boost converter has been fabricated with a 0.35 µm 2P4M CMOS process, the total chip area is about 1.5 × 1.5 mm2, including the PADs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study of a smart-materials actuator driven by a microwave is presented in this paper. A proof-of-concept experiment using a smart material, such as thin layer composite unimorph ferroelectric driver and sensor (THUNDER), has been demonstrated with wirelessly transmitted microwave power. Such an advance system will offer a new class of smart devices that are remotely controlled via wirelessly transmitted power. Thus, a system of this nature autonomously functions without an onboard power infrastructure. Potential applications are integrated sensors, actuators, and smart flight control in space applications, as well as biologically-inspired systems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 331–333, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10757 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]