Fully Integrated 24-GHz 1TX-2RX Transceiver for Compact FMCW Radar Applications.

A fully integrated 24-GHz radar transceiver with one transmitter (TX) and two receivers (RXs) for compact frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar applications is here presented. The FMCW synthesizer was realized using a fractional-N phase-locked loop (PLL) and programmable chirp generator, which are completely integrated in the proposed transceiver. The measured output phase noise of the synthesizer is -80 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset. The TX consists of a three-bit bridged t-type attenuator for gain control, a two-stage drive amplifier (DA) and a one-stage power amplifier (PA). The TX chain provides an output power of 13 dBm while achieving <0.5 dB output power variation within the range of 24 to 24.25 GHz. The RX with a direct conversion I-Q structure is composed of a two-stage low noise amplifier (LNA), I-Q generator, mixer, transimpedance amplifier (TIA), a two-stage biquad band pass filter (BPF), and a differential-to-single (DTS) amplifier. The TIA and the BPF employ a DC offset cancellation (DCOC) circuit to suppress the strong reflection signal and TX-RX leakage. The RX chain exhibits an overall gain of 100 dB. The proposed radar transceiver is fabricated using a 65 nm CMOS technology. The transceiver consumes 220 mW from a 1 V supply voltage and has 4.84 mm2 die size including all pads. The prototype FMCW radar is realized with the proposed transceiver and Yagi antenna to verify the radar functionality, such as the distance and angle of targets.

A 5G NR FR2 Beamforming System with Integrated Transceiver Module.

This paper presents a 5G new radio (NR) FR2 beamforming system with an integrated transceiver module. A real-time operating module providing enhanced flexibility and capability has been proposed. The integrated RF beamforming system with an integrated transceiver module can be operated in 8Tx-8Rx mode configuration simultaneously. A series-fed structure 8 × 7 microstrip antenna array for compact size and improved directivity is employed in the RF beamforming module. The RF beamforming module incorporates a custom 28 GHz, eight-channel fully differential beamforming IC (BFIC). An eight-channel BFIC in a phased-array beamforming system offers advantages in terms of increased antenna density and improved beam steering precision. The RF beamforming module is integrated with an RF transceiver module that enables the simultaneous up-conversion and down-conversion of the baseband signal. The RF transmitter module consists of a transmitter, a receiver, a signal generator, a power supply, and a control unit. The RF beamforming system can scan horizontally from -50° to +50° with a step of 10°. To achieve an optimized beam pattern, a calibration was conducted. The transmit and receive conversion gain of around 20 dB is achieved with the transceiver module. To verify the communication performance of the manufactured integrated RF beamforming system, a real-time wireless video transmission/reception test was performed at a frequency of 28 GHz, and the video file was transmitted smoothly in real time without interruption within a range of ±50°.

A Wideband True Time Delay Circuit Using 0.25 µm GaN HEMT Technology.

This paper presents a wideband 4-bit true time delay IC using a 0.25 µm GaN HEMT (High-Electron-Mobility Transistor) process for the beam-squint-free phased array antennas. The true time delay IC is implemented with a switched path circuit topology using DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) with no shunt transistor in the inter-stages to improve the bandwidth and SPDT (Single Pole Single Throw) switches at the input and the output ports. The delay lines are implemented with CLC π-networks with the lumped element to ensure a compact chip size. A negative voltage generator and an SPI controller are implemented in the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) due to the lack of digital control logic in GaN technology. A maximum time delay of ~182 ps with a time delay resolution of 10.5 ps is achieved at DC-6 GHz. The RMS (Root Mean Square) time delay and amplitude error are <5 ps and <0.6 dB, respectively. The measured insertion loss is <6.8 dB and the input and output return losses are >10 dB at DC-6 GHz. The current consumption is nearly zero with a 3.3 V supply. The chip size including pads is 2.45 × 1.75 mm2. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a true time delay IC using GaN HEMT technology.

A Multimode 28 GHz CMOS Fully Differential Beamforming IC for Phased Array Transceivers.

A 28 GHz fully differential eight-channel beamforming IC (BFIC) with multimode operations is implemented in 65 nm CMOS technology for use in phased array transceivers. The BFIC has an adjustable gain and phase control on each channel to achieve fine beam steering and beam pattern. The BFIC has eight differential beamforming channels each consisting of the two-stage bi-directional amplifier with a precise gain control circuit, a six-bit phase shifter, a three-bit digital step attenuator, and a tuning bit for amplitude and phase variation compensation. The Tx and Rx mode overall gains of the differential eight-channel BFIC are around 11 dB and 9 dB, respectively, at 27.0-29.5 GHz. The return losses of the Tx mode and Rx mode are >10 dB at 27.0-29.5 GHz. The maximum phase of 354° with a phase resolution of 5.6° and the maximum attenuation of 31 dB, including the gain control bits with an attenuation resolution of 1 dB, is achieved at 27.0-29.5 GHz. The root mean square (RMS) phase and amplitude errors are <3.2° and <0.6 dB at 27.0-29.5 GHz, respectively. The chip size is 3.0 × 3.5 mm2, including pads, and Tx mode current consumption is 580 mA at 2.5 V supply voltage.

Omega-Class Glutathione Transferases Protect DNA from Oxidative Stress in Pathogenic Helminth Reproductive Cells.

Pathogenic helminths have evolved mechanisms to preserve reproductive function while surviving long-term in the host via robust protective responses. A protective role of antioxidant enzymes in preventing DNA degradation has long been proposed, but little evidence has been provided. Here, we show that omega-class glutathione transferases (GSTOs) are critical for maintaining viability by protecting the reproductive cell DNA of the carcinogenic liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis. Clonorchis sinensis GSTO (CsGSTO) activities modified by changes in the GSH/GSSG and NADPH/NADP+ molar ratios suppressed the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. CsGSTO1 and CsGSTO2 catalyzed deglutathionylation under physiologic and low-stress conditions (GSH/GSSG ratio of 6:1 or higher) but promoted glutathionylation under high-stress conditions (GSH/GSSG ratio of 3:1 or lower). Gliotoxin-induced functional disruption of CsGSTOs in living C. sinensis reduced the GSH/GSSG molar ratio and increased the production of protein glutathionylation (PSSG) under physiologic and low-stress conditions, indicating that suppression of GSTO function did not affect deglutathionylation. However, the perturbation of CsGSTOs decreased the GSH/GSSG ratio but also reduced PSSG production under high oxidative stress, demonstrating that glutathionylation was impeded. In response to oxidative stimuli, C. sinensis decreased GSTO-specific dehydroascorbate reductase and thiol transferase activities and the GSH/GSSG ratio, while it increased the NADPH/NADP+ ratio and PSSG. CsGSTOs utilized GSH to regulate GSH/GSSG and NADPH/NADP+ recycling and triggered a redox signal leading to nuclear translocation. Nuclear-imported CsGSTOs were modified by glutathionylation to prevent DNA damage. Antibodies specific to CsGSTOs dose-dependently inhibited this process. Disruption of CsGSTOs or the depletion of GSH caused glutathionylation defects, leading to DNA degradation. Our results demonstrate that CsGSTOs and the GSH system play a previously unappreciated role in protecting DNA from oxidative stress.

Deep-Q-Network-Based Packet Scheduling in an IoT Environment.

With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) era, a wide array of wireless sensors supporting the IoT have proliferated. As key elements for enabling the IoT, wireless sensor nodes require minimal energy consumption and low device complexity. In particular, energy-efficient resource scheduling is critical in maintaining a network of wireless sensor nodes, since the energy-intensive processing of wireless sensor nodes and their interactions is too complicated to control. In this study, we present a practical deep Q-network (DQN)-based packet scheduling algorithm that coordinates the transmissions of multiple IoT devices. The scheduling algorithm dynamically adjusts the connection interval (CI) and the number of packets transmitted by each node within the interval. Through various experiments, we verify how effectively the proposed scheduler improves energy efficiency and handles the time-varying nature of the network environment. Moreover, we attempt to gain insight into the optimized packet scheduler by analyzing the policy of the DQN scheduler. The experimental results show that the proposed scheduling algorithm can further prolong a network's lifetime in a dynamic network environment in comparison with that in other alternative schemes while ensuring the quality of service (QoS).

Echinococcus granulosus Protoscolex DM9 Protein Shows High Potential for Serodiagnosis of Alveolar Echinococcosis.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by infection with E. multilocularis metacestode, represents one of the most fatal helminthic diseases. AE is principally manifested with infiltrative, proliferating hepatic mass, resembling primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Sometimes metastatic lesions are found in nearby or remote tissue. AE diagnosis largely depends on imaging studies, but atypical findings of imaging features frequently require differential diagnosis from other hepatic lesions. Serological tests may provide further evidence, while obtaining reliable AE materials is not easy. In this study, alternative antigens, specific to AE were identified by analyzing E. granulosus protoscolex proteins. An immunoblot analysis of E. granulosus protoscolex showed that a group of low-molecular-weight proteins in the range from 14 kDa to 16 kDa exhibited a sensitive and specific immune response to AE patient sera. Partial purification and proteomic analysis indicated that this protein group contained myosin, tubulin polymerization promoting protein, fatty-acid binding protein, uncharacterized DM9, heat shock protein 90 cochaperone tebp P-23, and antigen S. When the serological applicability of recombinant forms of these proteins was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, DM9 protein (rEgDM9) showed 90.1% sensitivity (73/81 sera tested) and 94.5% specificity (172/181 sera tested), respectively. rEgDM9 showed weak cross-reactions with patient sera from the transitional and chronic stages of cystic echinococcosis (3 to 5 stages). rEgDM9 would serve as a useful alternative antigen for serodiagnosis of both early- and advanced-stage AE cases.

Cerebral paragonimiasis: Clinicoradiological features and serodiagnosis using recombinant yolk ferritin.

Cerebral paragonimiasis (CP), caused by aberrant migration of Paragonimus worms, frequently invokes serious illness. The causal relationship between the lesion characteristics and patients' symptoms has poorly been understood. CP serodiagnosis has not been properly evaluated to date. A total of 111 CP cases were diagnosed in our laboratory between 1982 and 2003. This study retrospectively assessed the clinical and imaging characteristics of the 105 patients along with the evaluation of diagnostic potentials of recombinant P. westermani yolk ferritin (rPwYF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) employing patients' sera and cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs). We analyzed 60 male and 45 female patients; 50 early-stage patients with non-calcified enhancing nodule(s) (median age, 38 years; interquartile range [IQR], 24.75-52; median symptom duration, 0.75 years; IQR, 0.2-2) and 54 chronic cases having calcified lesion(s) (median age, 33 years; IQR, 25-41; median symptom duration, 10 years; IQR, 5-20). One patient showed a normal neuroimage. The patients were largely diagnosed in their 30s. The parietal lobe was most commonly affected, followed by occipital, frontal, and temporal lobes. Twenty-six patients had lesions encompassing ≥ two lobes. The patients complained mainly of seizures, headaches, hemiparesis, and focal neurologic deficits (P < 0.001). Seizures and visual defects were predominant in patients with calcified lesion(s) (P < 0.001). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of rPwYF against serum/CSF were 100%/97% and 97.2%/92.5%, respectively. The specific IgG antibody levels against rPwYF in sera and CSFs showed a positive correlation (r = 0.59). The clinical manifestations of the early-stage patients might be associated with cortical lesions or meningeal irritation, while those in the chronic stage were caused by conglomerated space-occupying lesions. rPwYF would be useful for the serodiagnosis of both early and chronic CP cases.

Omega-Class Glutathione Transferases of Carcinogenic Liver Fluke, Clonorchis sinensis, Modulate Apoptosis and Differentiation of Host Cholangiocytes.

The small liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis causes hepatobiliary ductal infections in humans. Clonorchiasis is characterized histopathologically by ductal dysplasia, hyperplasia and metaplasia, which closely resembles cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The disruption of programmed cell death is critical for malignant transformation, while molecular events underlying these phenomena have poorly been understood in clonorchiasis-related CCA tumorigenesis. We incorporated recombinant C. sinensis omega-class glutathione transferase (rCsGSTo) 1 or 2 into human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBECs) and analyzed pathophysiological alterations of HIBECs upon the application of oxidative stress. rCsGSTos partially but significantly rescued HIBECs from cell death by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced apoptosis (p < 0.01). rCsGSTos modulated transcriptional levels of numerous genes. We analyzed 13 genes involved in programmed cell death (the upregulation of five antiapoptotic and two apoptotic genes, and the downregulation of one antiapoptotic and five apoptotic genes) and 11 genes associated with cell differentiation (the increase in seven and decrease in four genes) that showed significant modifications (p < 0.05). The induction profiles of the mRNA and proteins of these differentially regulated genes correlated well with each other, and mostly favored apoptotic suppression and/or cell differentiation. We detected increased active, phosphorylated forms of Src, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB p65, MKK3/6 and p38 MAPK, but not JNK and ERK1/2. CsGSTos were localized in the C. sinensis-infected rat cholangiocytes, where cytokeratin 19 was distributed. Our results demonstrated that CsGSTos excreted to the biliary lumen are internalized and accumulated in the host cholangiocytes. When cholangiocytes underwent oxidative stressful condition, CsGSTos appeared to be critically involved in both antiapoptotic process and the differentiation of host cholangiocytes through the regulation of target genes following the activation of responsible signal molecules.

An 18.8-33.9 GHz, 2.26 mW Current-Reuse Injection-Locked Frequency Divider for Radar Sensor Applications.

An 18.8-33.9 GHz, 2.26 mW current-reuse (CR) injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD) for radar sensor applications is presented in this paper. A fourth-order resonator is designed using a transformer with a distributed inductor for wideband operating of the ILFD. The CR core is employed to reduce the power consumption compared to conventional cross-coupled pair ILFDs. The targeted input center frequency is 24 GHz for radar application. The self-oscillated frequency of the proposed CR-ILFD is 14.08 GHz. The input frequency locking range is from 18.8 to 33.8 GHz (57%) at an injection power of 0 dBm without a capacitor bank or varactors. The proposed CR-ILFD consumes 2.26 mW of power from a 1 V supply voltage. The entire die size is 0.75 mm × 0.45 mm. This CR-ILFD is implemented in a 65 nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology.

Spectrum of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis: An analysis of 685 cases diagnosed over 22 years.

OBJECTIVES: Paragonimiasis is a global foodborne zoonosis. Overlapping clinical and imaging features with other lung pathologies hamper correct diagnosis and require differential diagnosis. METHODS: During 1982-2003, 49,012 samples were referred for immunodiagnosis of helminthiases. We detected paragonimiasis cases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We assessed clinical, radiographical and laboratory characteristics, and diagnostic dilemmas associated with delayed diagnosis. RESULTS: We analyzed 685 pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis cases. ELISA-positive was 665. Eggs were detected in 50. Symptom duration correlated well with the appearance of chest radiographs; 359 pleural, 33 pleuroparenchymal, and 264 parenchymal lesions (P < 0.001). Twenty-nine had normal chest images. Eosinophilia, seen in 304, was common in pleural and pleuroparenchymal patients (P < 0.05). Chest pain and dyspnea were characteristic for pleurisy patients. Sputum (odds ratios [OR]: 6.79; 95% CI: 4.41-10.47), blood-tinged sputum (OR: 5.62; 95% CI: 3.75-8.42), and foul-odor (OR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.42-5.16) were significant in parenchymal patients. Delayed diagnosis (119) for ≥ 25 weeks was attributed mainly to misdiagnosis as tuberculosis, malignancy, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 111.75; 95% CI: 43.25-288.74). CONCLUSIONS: Variable symptoms and radiographs of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis depended on the stage of infection. Suspicion of tuberculosis, malignancy, or COPD was major cause of delayed diagnosis.

Survey of echinococcoses in southeastern Qinghai Province, China, and serodiagnostic insights of recombinant Echinococcus granulosus antigen B isoforms.

BACKGROUND: Echinococcoses, caused by metacestodes of Echinococcus granulosus (cystic echinococcosis; CE) and E. multilocularis (alveolar echinococcosis; AE), represent major emerging parasitic diseases. These enzootic helminthiases invoke significant public health concerns and social burdens in endemic areas. The diseases are prevalent in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China, while community-based epidemiological studies have been scarcely reported. We surveyed echinococcosis patients in the southeastern Qinghai Province, China, to better understand the concurrent epidemiological situation in this area. METHODS: During July and August of 2013 and 2014, we screened echinococcosis patients at Yushu and Golog Prefectures, Qinghai Province, China, in a diagnostic campaign. A total of 2856 people (male:female ratio, 1:1.12; mean age, 34.6 years; age range, 6-88 years) were ultrasonographically examined for the presence of hepatic echinococcal cysts. We also collected serum samples from patients and analyzed antibody reactivity against recombinant forms of diverse E. granulosus antigen Bs (rEgAgB1-5) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: We detected 134 patients whose imaging scans were compatible with CE (115 cases) and AE (20 patients). One patient might have been infected with both CE and AE. The overall incidence was 4.7% (CE, 4.0%; AE, 0.7%). A large proportion (67.5%) of CE patients was diagnosed at active and transitional CE1-CE3 stages in their late 30s. The AE cases were generally detected at advanced stage in patients at early 20s (60%). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden's index indicated that rEgAgB2 was the most promising biomarker, followed by rEgAgB3 and rEgAgB1. Overall, sensitivity and specificity of rEgAgB1-3 were 84.5-92.7% and 91.9-94.6%, respectively. rEgAgB4 and 5 showed low sensitivity with high cross-reactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that disability-adjusted life years related to echinococcoses in Qinghai-Tibetan areas might be more serious than previously considered. Control and prevention strategy against CE and AE are highly required in these areas. In addition to ultrasonography, serological tests might provide supportive data. However, serological data should be carefully interpreted for differential diagnosis, especially in areas where both CE and AE are co-endemic.

Advances in Serological Diagnosis of Taenia solium Neurocysticercosis in Korea.

Cysticercosis, a parasitic disease caused by Taenia solium metacestode (TsM), has a major global public health impact in terms of disability-adjusted life years. The parasite preferentially infects subcutaneous tissue, but may invade the central nervous system, resulting in neurocysticercosis (NC). NC is an important neglected tropical disease and an emerging disease in industrialized countries due to immigration from endemic areas. The prevalence of taeniasis in Korea declined from 0.3%-12.7% during the 1970s to below 0.02% since the 2000s. A survey conducted from 1993 to 2006 revealed that the percentage of tested samples with high levels of specific anti-TsM antibody declined from 8.3% to 2.2%, suggesting the continuing occurrence of NC in Korea. Modern imaging modalities have substantially improved the diagnostic accuracy of NC, and recent advances in the molecular biochemical characterization of the TsM cyst fluid proteome also significantly strengthened NC serodiagnosis. Two glycoproteins of 150 and 120 kDa that induce strong antibody responses against sera from patients with active-stage NC have been elucidated. The 150 kDa protein showed hydrophobic-ligand binding activities and might be critically involved in the acquisition of host-derived lipid molecules. Fasciclin and endophilin B1, both of which play roles in the homeostatic functions of TsM, showed fairly high antibody responses against calcified NC cases. NC is now controllable and manageable. Further studies should focus on controlling late-onset intractable seizures and serological diagnosis of NC patients infected with few worms. This article briefly overviews diagnostic approaches and discusses current issues relating to NC serodiagnosis.

A Survey of Energy-Efficient Communication Protocols with QoS Guarantees in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks.

In recent years, wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have emerged as a prominent technique for delivering multimedia information such as still images and videos. Being under the great spotlight of research communities, however, multimedia delivery over resourceconstraint WMSNs poses great challenges, especially in terms of energy efficiency and quality-ofservice (QoS) guarantees. In this paper, recent developments in techniques for designing highly energy-efficient and QoS-capable WMSNs are surveyed. We first study the unique characteristicsand the relevantly imposed requirements of WMSNs. For each requirement we also summarize their existing solutions. Then we review recent research efforts on energy-efficient and QoS-awarecommunication protocols, including MAC protocols, with a focus on their prioritization and service differentiation mechanisms and disjoint multipath routing protocols.

Biliary Taeniasis with Cholecystitis: An Unusual Case of Taenia solium Infection with a Literature Review.

Taeniasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic disease caused by Taenia species, which included Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica. These parasites typically infect the small intestine, but cases of aberrant migration have been reported. We treated a 70-year-old man who presented with vomiting and colicky abdominal pain. On physical examination, Murphy's sign was positive, and laboratory findings indicated severe inflammation. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed typical features of cholecystitis. An 82-cm-long, slender and degenerated, parasite-like organism was aspirated through a percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage tube. After extensive washing of the organism, we detected yellowish-brown colored, spherical 37.9 × 33.8-µm-sized taenid eggs with thick transverse striations. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained worm sections also contained Taeniidae eggs. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA extracted from the worm with species-specific cytochrome c1 (cox1) primer sets detected a T. solium-specific fragment. Because of sustained high fever combined with inflammatory signs, the patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and inflamed gallbladder removal. A histopathologic specimen demonstrated chronic reactive cholecystitis. The patient's fever and leukocytosis rapidly resolved after surgery. We experienced an uncommon case of biliary taeniasis representing cholecystitis caused by adult worm of T. solium.

Human Sparganosis in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Sparganosis is a larval cestodiasis caused by the plerocercoid of Spirometra spp. Since the first description of human sparganosis in 1924, several hundred cases have been reported in Korea. However, systematic approaches for literature surveys of Korean sparganosis have seldom appeared. METHODS: We searched publicly available databases such as PubMed, Research Information Sharing Service, and Korea Medical Citation Index with relevant Medical Subject Headings. RESULTS: At least 438 Korean sparganosis cases have been described from 1924 to 2015. Preoperative diagnosis has been significantly increased since the 1980s due to popularization of serological and imaging diagnostics. Cases were largely detected from fifth decades in general, but cerebral sparganosis was detected in relatively young age groups (third and fourth decades). Sparganosis was prevalent in men (75.9%). Consumption of frog/snake and drinking unfiltered water were found in 63.4% and 16.9% of patients, respectively. Most frequently affected sites were subcutaneous tissues (49.9%), followed by the central nervous system (36.2%). Involvements of visceral organs (7.6%), ocular regions (3.6%), and muscles (2.7%) were noticed. In women, breast sparganosis constituted a large proportion (34.2%). Sparganosis associated with immunocompromised patients has recently been reported. CONCLUSION: Sparganosis has been continuously reported in Korea during the past 90 years, although its incidence has decreased during the last 20 years. The disease is mostly characterized by subcutaneous nodule, but infection of the worm in vital organs often results in serious illness. Continuous awareness is warranted to monitor sparganosis occurrence and associated clinical consequences.

Design of Dual-Mode Local Oscillators Using CMOS Technology for Motion Detection Sensors.

Recently, studies have been actively carried out to implement motion detecting sensors by applying radar techniques. Doppler radar or frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar are mainly used, but each type has drawbacks. In Doppler radar, no signal is detected when the movement is stopped. Also, FMCW radar cannot function when the detection object is near the sensor. Therefore, by implementing a single continuous wave (CW) radar for operating in dual-mode, the disadvantages in each mode can be compensated for. In this paper, a dual mode local oscillator (LO) is proposed that makes a CW radar operate as a Doppler or FMCW radar. To make the dual-mode LO, a method that controls the division ratio of the phase locked loop (PLL) is used. To support both radar mode easily, the proposed LO is implemented by adding a frequency sweep generator (FSG) block to a fractional-N PLL. The operation mode of the LO is determined by according to whether this block is operating or not. Since most radar sensors are used in conjunction with microcontroller units (MCUs), the proposed architecture is capable of dual-mode operation by changing only the input control code. In addition, all components such as VCO, LDO, and loop filter are integrated into the chip, so complexity and interface issues can be solved when implementing radar sensors. Thus, the proposed dual-mode LO is suitable as a radar sensor.

Comparison of Secretome Profile of Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica.

The obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica causes amebic dysentery and liver abscess. E. histolytica adheres to the host tissues in a contact-dependent manner. E. histolytica excretory-secretory products (ESP) might play critical roles during invasion. We comparatively analyzed the secretome profile of E. histolytica pathogenic HM-1:IMSS and non-pathogenic Rahman strains. The two ESP revealed similar but distinct spotting patterns. In both ESP, alcohol dehydrogenase, enolase 1, and transketolase, which control classical carbohydrate metabolism and other moonlighting effects, constituted the most abundant fractions. We recognized differently secreted molecules. Secretion of cytoskeletal organization proteins (actin, actin binding protein, and EHI_068510), protein remodeling amino peptidase, and multifunctional elongation factor 1-α were increased in Rahman. Conversely, carbohydrate metabolizing enolase 1, alcohol dehydrogenase, transketolase, calponin, phosphoglucose mutase, malic enzyme and EHI_156420, xenobiotic scavenging superoxide dismutase and EHI_140740, and pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and coronin (carbohydrate metabolism/detoxification) showed reduced secretion. Transcription levels of some genes involved in these processes also decreased. Changes of secretory behavior, especially decreased secretion of multifunctional carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and detoxifying proteins that importantly participated in amoeba pathogenesis might reflect avirulent nature of Rahman strain in the host.

Comparison of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus hydatid fluid proteome provides molecular strategies for specialized host-parasite interactions.

Alveolar and cystic echinococcoses, caused by the metacestodes of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus, are prevalent in several regions and invoke deleterious zoonotic helminthiases. Hydatid fluid (HF), which contains proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous secretions of the parasite- and host-derived components, critically affects the host-parasite interplay and disease progression. We conducted HF proteome profiling of fully mature E. multilocularis vesicle (nine months postinfection) and E. granulosus cyst (stage 2). We identified 120 and 153 proteins, respectively, in each fluid. Fifty-six and 84 proteins represented distinct species; 44 and 66 were parasites, and 12 and 18 were host-derived proteins. The five major parasite protein populations, which included antigen B isoforms, metabolic enzymes, proteases and inhibitors, extracellular matrix molecules (ECMs), and developmental proteins, were abundantly distributed in both fluids and also exclusively in one sample or the other. Carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes were enriched in E. granulosus HF. In the E. multilocularis HF, proteins that constitute ECMs, which might facilitate adhesion and cytogenesis, were highly expressed. Those molecules had physical and functional relationships along with their biochemical properties through protein-protein interaction networks. Twelve host-derived proteins were largely segregated to serum components. The major proteins commonly and uniquely detected in these HFs and their symbiotic interactome relationships might reflect their biological roles in similar but distinct modes of maturation, invasion, and the longevity of the parasites in the hosts.

Fasciclin-calcareous corpuscle binary complex mediated protein-protein interactions in Taenia solium metacestode.

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NC) caused by Taenia solium metacestode (TsM) is a serious neurological disease of global concern. Diverse bioactive molecules involved in the long-term survival of TsM might contribute to disease progression. Fasciclin (Fas) is an extracellular protein that mediates adhesion, migration and differentiation of cells by interacting with other molecules. We hypothesized that TsMFas might bind to calcareous corpuscle (CC) through its adhesive property and participate in crucial protein-protein interactions, thus contributing to the creation of a symbiotic interactome network. METHODS: Two paralogous TsMFas (TsMFas1 and TsMFas2) were isolated, and their molecular properties were characterized. The co-localization pattern of TsMFas1 and TsMFas2 with CC was determined. CC-TsMFas binary complex was generated by incubating CC with recombinant proteins (rTsMFas1 and 2). In vitro binding assay of CC-rTsMFas1 or CC-rTsMFas2 binary complex with TsM cellular proteins extracted from scolex and neck was conducted. Their binding partners were identified through proteomic analysis. Integrated protein-protein interaction networks were established. RESULTS: TsMFas1 (6072 bp long) was composed of 15 exons (841 amino acid polypeptide) interrupted by 14 introns. TsMFas2 (5201 bp long) comprised of 11 exons (597 amino acids) and 10 intervening introns. These proteins displayed 22% amino acid sequence identity to each other, but tightly conserved Fas-related domains. Several isoforms of Fas1 and Fas2 proteins might have been expressed through post-translational modifications. They showed adhesion activity with other cells. TsMFas proteins were largely distributed in parenchymal regions of the scolex and bladder wall. These molecules were co-localized with CC, a unique organelle found in platyhelminths. Subsequent proteome analysis of CC-Fas binary complex mediated protein-protein interactions revealed seven protein ligands in the TsM cellular proteins. Their functions were mainly segregated into carbohydrate metabolism (enolase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, phosphoglycerate kinase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and cytoskeleton/cellular motility (actin, paramyosin and innexin nuc-9). Those proteins had direct (physical) and/or indirect (functional) relationships along with their biochemical properties and biological roles. CONCLUSION: Protein repertoires strongly suggest that TsMFas and CC may symbiotically mediate protein-protein interactions during biological processes to maintain efficacious homeostatic functions and ensure the prolonged survival of TsM in the host.