2.4 GHz continuously variable ferroelectric phase shifters using all-pass networks

Continuously variable ferroelectric (BST on sapphire) phase shifters based on all-pass networks are presented. An all-pass network phase shifter consists of only lumped LC elements, and thus the total size of the phase shifter is kept to less than 2.2 mm /spl times/ 2.6 mm at 2.4 GHz. The tunability (C/sub max//C/sub min/) of a BST interdigital capacitor is over 2.9 with a bias voltage of 140 V. The phase shifter provides more than 121/spl deg/ phase shift with the maximum insertion loss of 1.8 dB and the worst case return loss of 12.5 dB from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. By cascading two identical phase shifters, more than 255/spl deg/ phase shift is obtained with the maximum insertion loss of 3.75 dB. The loss figure-of-merit of both the single- and double-section phase shifters is over 65/spl deg//dB from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.     

Murine thymic lymphoma is associated with a species-specific hematopoietic progenitor cell subpopulation

Many strains of laboratory mouse are uniquely susceptible to the development of T cell lymphoma/leukemia, either spontaneously or as a result of chemical or radiation exposure. In contrast, T cell leukemias or lymphomas which are relatively uncommon in human populations, are not easily induced by radiation, and are not generally associated with chemotherapy or chemical exposure. Evidence is presented to suggest that differences in the susceptibility to the development of these malignancies is related to subtle but important variations in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell differentiation between these two species.     

Treatment of hypertension in nondiabetic renal disease

To clarify whether long-term impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with dysfunction of peripheral and autonomic nerves, age-matched men with IGT and diabetes mellitus were followed prospectively for 12-15 years, when peripheral and autonomic nerve function was assessed. The patients comprised four subgroups: (1) 51 IGT subjects (duration of IGT at least 12-15 years); (2) 35 diabetic patients, with IGT 12-15 years ago, who later developed diabetes; (3) 34 diabetic patients, duration of diabetes at least 12-15 years; and (4) 62 age-matched non-diabetic control subjects. Mean age of the whole study population was 61 +/- 2 years (mean +/- SD), not different in the four groups. Peripheral nerve function tests included nerve conduction velocities, amplitudes, distal latencies, F-reflexes, and sensory perception thresholds for heat, cold, and vibration. Autonomic nerve function tests included the heart rate reaction during deep breathing (expiration to inspiration ratio) and to tilt (acceleration and brake indices). Despite 12-15 years of IGT, peripheral nerve function did not differ between IGT and control subjects, whereas autonomic nerve function deviated; an abnormal expiration to inspiration ratio (a sign of vagal nerve dysfunction) was significantly more common (15/51 versus 5/62; p < 0.01) in IGT than in control subjects. Diabetic patients (groups 2 and 3) showed lower conduction velocities (in general 2-4 m s-1 lower) than IGT and control subjects in all tested nerves. In conclusion, diabetes but not IGT, is associated with peripheral nerve dysfunction.     

Epoxy paint failure in B-52 fuel tanks: Part II. Influence of DIEGME concentration in the fuel on the failure process

A model has been proposed to explain the failure of the original BMS10-39 epoxy paint on upper vertical surfaces in B-52 fuel tanks. The model involves interaction of the paint with DIEGME, a fuel system ice inhibitor (FSII) in jet fuel, that is distilled from the liquid fuel. In this communication, distillation experiments used to support the model are refined to better match the mass transfer of vapor from fuel in a B-52 fuel tank at close to room temperature. The interaction of these lower temperature distillates with the paint affirms the earlier model. On the basis of these experiments it is proposed that paint failure may be controlled or eliminated by reducing the level of DIEGME in the fuel. Proposed changes in military jet fuel composition are detailed.     

The role of experience in liking "read-to-drink" alcoholic beverages.

Ready-to-drinks (RTDs) are composed of an alcoholic component and a soft-drink base and are primarily consumed by a youth market. The authors explored whether liking and experience with an RTD soft-drink base predicts liking for the RTD. Participants (N=350) from ages 12 to 30 years sampled 3 RTDs and their respective soft-drink and alcoholic components. For milk- and fruit-based RTDs, liking for and familiarity with their soft-drink base was the best predictor of liking for and familiarity with the RTD itself. For the Coke-based RTD, familiarity with and liking for bourbon best predicted familiarity with and liking for the RTD. All of these effects were consistent across blind and nonblind testing. The authors' results suggest that where there is perceptual similarity between the RTD and its soft-drink base, these beverages may provide an easy transition into alcohol consumption for novice drinkers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mantle cell lymphoma: a clinicopathologic study of 80 cases

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a relatively uncommon yet distinct type of malignant lymphoma whose clinical and pathological characterization has been limited by the small numbers of cases published to date. We studied 80 cases of MCL seen at a single institution over 7 years to determine both clinical and pathological prognostic factors. The patients in this study were predominantly male (70%) and older (mean age, 63 years) and presented with advanced-stage disease (88%). Extranodal involvement was common. Median overall survival (OS) was 43 months. Except for performance status, prognosis was not significantly influenced by clinical prognostic factors. Histologically, MCL architecture was classified as diffuse (78%), nodular (16%), or mantle zone (6%); the OS among these groups was identical. Increased mitotic activity (>20 mitotic figures per 10 high power fields), blastic transformation, and peripheral blood involvement at diagnosis also predicted for a worse outcome, but bone marrow involvement did not. The presence or absence of a translocation t(11; 14) by cytogenetic analysis or a bcl-1 rearrangement by Southern analysis did not significantly predict outcome. In summary, this study of 80 cases of MCL highlights its distinctive clinicopathologic features and shows that increased mitotic activity, blastic morphology, and peripheral blood involvement at diagnosis are prognostically important factors.