Multilayered additive-manufactured half-wavelength coupled line filters

This work presents the design, fabrication and measurements of third-order multilayered filters by additive manufacturing technology. The filters are fabricated using conventional half-wavelength line resonators and a low-cost 3d polylactic acid polymer additive manufacturing process, which allows rapid prototyping and fabrication of complex topologies. The designs, performed at a centre frequency of 2.0 GHz, aim to provide fast manufacturing and get enhanced performances when compared to conventional coupled line third order filters using microstrip technology on commercial substrates. The simulated and measured responses of the fabricated prototypes are in all cases in good agreement

UWB-Printed Rectangular-Based Monopole Antenna for Biological Tissue Analysis

This paper presents the design of a printed step-type monopole antenna for biological tissue analysis and medical imaging applications in the microwave frequency range. The design starts from a very simple and widely known rectangular monopole antenna, and different modifications to the antenna geometry are made in order to increase the bandwidth. The antenna dimensions are optimized by means of a parametric analysis of each dimension using a 3-D electromagnetic simulator based on the finite element method. The optimized antenna, with final dimensions of 40 36 mm2, is manufactured onto a low-cost FR4 (fiber glass epoxy) substrate. The characteristics of the antenna have been measured inside an anechoic chamber, obtaining an omnidirectional radiation pattern and a working frequency range between 2.7 GHz and 11.4 GHz, which covers the UWB frequencies and enables the use of the antenna in medical imaging applications. Finally, the behaviour of four of these antennas located around a realistic breast model, made with biocompatible materials, has been analysed with the electromagnetic simulator, obtaining good results and demonstrating the usefulness of the designed antenna in the proposed application

Design and Fabrication of a Band-Pass Filter With EBG Single-Ridge Waveguide Using Additive Manufacturing Techniques

A novel band-pass filter topology in waveguide technology is presented in this work. The proposed filter design is based on a periodic structure that uses modified sections of a single-ridge waveguide (SRW) as the unit cell to produce the desired frequency response. Two-step height profiles are included in the central part of the SRW, which provide useful parameters to yield a simple design method to achieve the required filtering characteristics. The suggested topology and design process are used to achieve band-pass filter responses with different fractional bandwidth and rejection characteristics. A 54% fractional bandwidth band-pass filter centered at 5.4 GHz is implemented using low cost 3-D additive manufacturing techniques, which allow fast prototyping and the fabrication of complex geometries. Experimental measurements are in agreement with the expected simulated response of the designed band-pass filter

Low-Cost Additive Manufacturing Techniques Applied to the Design of Planar Microwave Circuits by Fused Deposition Modeling

This work presents a study on the implementation and manufacturing of low-cost microwave electronic circuits, made with additive manufacturing techniques using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. First, the manufacturing process of substrates with different filaments, using various options offered by additive techniques in the manufacture of 3D printing parts, is described. The implemented substrates are structurally analyzed by ultrasound techniques to verify the correct metallization and fabrication of the substrate, and the characterization of the electrical properties in the microwave frequency range of each filament is performed. Finally, standard and novel microwave filters in microstrip and stripline technology are implemented, making use of the possibilities offered by additive techniques in the manufacturing process. The designed devices were manufactured and measured with good results, which demonstrates the possibility of using low-cost 3D printers in the design process of planar microwave circuits

3D-Printed Electromagnetic Band-Gap Band-Pass Filter Based on Empty Single-Ridge Waveguide

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Genetic structure of Cannabis sativa var. indica cultivars based on genomic SSR (gSSR) markers: implications for breeding and germplasm management

[EN] Cannabis saliva L. is cultivated for its fiber or seeds (var. saliva; hemp), or for its high content in cannabinoids (var. indica; marijuana). Knowledge of the genetic structure of C. sativa var. indica is important for selection and breeding of cultivars with medicinal interest. We used six genomic SSRs (gSSRs) for genotyping 154 individual plants of 20 cultivars of C. sativa var. indica, plus two cultivars of C. sativa var. sativa. A very high polymorphism was observed, with an average of 17 alleles and 23.8 genotypes per locus. Expected (H-e) and observed (H-o) heterozygosities were high, with average values of 0.753 and 0.429, respectively. In some cultivars H-e and H-o presented similar values, while in others H-e was considerably higher than H-o suggesting that consanguinity and fixation had taken place during its development. In addition, some cultivars had a reduced number of alleles per locus (in some cases only two) indicating that a genetic bottleneck had taken place during its development. Gene flow (Nm) between both botanical varieties was high, with Nm = 1.736. The molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) revealed that only 31.94% of the molecular variation observed was caused by differences among cultivars, while the variation among plants of the same cultivar was of 37.11%, and within individual variation, due to heterozygosity, was of 30.96%. This indicates that a large variation exists within cultivars, which can be exploited for selection, but also complicates germplasm management and regeneration. The population structure analysis identified 14 genetic clusters, with most individuals of a single cultivar clustering together. This analysis, together with UPGMA cluster analysis shows that the two C. saliva var. saliva cultivars studied are differentiated from C. sativa var. indica, and that some cultivars of C. saliva var. indica seem to represent different selections from a common original cultivar. Our results represent the first comprehensive study of intra-varietal diversity in C. sativa var. indica and provide information of relevance for selection, breeding, and germplasm conservation, as well as for forensic studies in this crop.Soler Aleixandre, S.; Gramazio, P.; Figás-Moreno, MDR.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Rosa-Martínez, E.; Llosa, ER.; Borràs-Palomares, D.... (2017). Genetic structure of Cannabis sativa var. indica cultivars based on genomic SSR (gSSR) markers: implications for breeding and germplasm management. Industrial Crops and Products. 104:171-178. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.04.043S17117810

Characteristics and selection of the 'Almagro' heirloom eggplant and potential for further development

[EN] 'Almagro' eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an heirloom native to the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha used for making pickles. Pickled 'Almagro' eggplants from the "Campo de Calatrava" municipalities have a Protected Geographical Indication status, which has boosted its cultivation and importance in the last years. In order to make high quality pickles, fruits are harvested when the berry has not completed growth. An important characteristic of the 'Almagro' eggplant is that fruits are covered by an acrescent calyx which at the time of harvest covers all or most of the fruit. Given the interest of this heirloom for the local development, we have been studying its characteristics and we have performed a selection and breeding programme. Our studies show that this variety presents specific morphological and composition features when compared to other similar eggplant varieties. The molecular characterization with AFLP and SSR markers shows that 'Almagro' eggplant is different from other similar pickling varieties and that genetic variation exists within this heirloom, which allows the selection of the best materials. At the nutritional level, 'Almagro' eggplant presents a high content in antioxidant phenolics and represents a source of variation for breeding programmes aimed at improving the bioactive constituents of eggplant. In this respect, we have made a selection ('H15') which has low calyx prickliness and a high yield. Furthermore, we have initiated a backcross programme in order to develop new 'Almagro' eggplant materials with lower prickliness. In this respect, marker assisted selection will be helpful in this programme in order to recover the genetic background of the 'Almagro' eggplant.This work has been financed by the Consejeria de Educaciony Ciencia de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha and Feder (HITO-09-23) and by the Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnologia (AGL2009-07257 and RF-2008-00008-00-00)Prohens Tomás, J.; Muñoz Falcón, JE.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A.; Plazas Ávila, MDLO.; Ribas-Elcorobarrutia, F.; Castro-Calzado, A. (2012). Characteristics and selection of the 'Almagro' heirloom eggplant and potential for further development. Acta Horticulturae. 936:385-392. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.936.51S38539293

NLRP3 inflammasome activation and symptom burden in KRAS-mutated CMML patients is reverted by IL-1 blocking therapy

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is frequently associated with mutations in the rat sarcoma gene (RAS), leading to worse prognosis. RAS mutations result in active RAS-GTP proteins, favoring myeloid cell proliferation and survival and inducing the NLRP3 inflammasome together with the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), which promote caspase-1 activation and interleukin (IL)-1(3 release. Here, we report, in a cohort of CMML patients with mutations in KRAS, a constitutive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in monocytes, evidenced by ASC oligomerization and IL-1(3 release, as well as a specific inflammatory cytokine signature. Treatment of a CMML patient with a KRASG12D mutation using the IL-1 receptor blocker anakinra inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduces monocyte count, and improves the patient's clinical status, enabling a stem cell transplant. This reveals a basal inflammasome activation in RAS-mutated CMML patients and suggests potential therapeutic applications of NLRP3 and IL-1 blockers

Biocompatible Qu-based glucose sensor with inverted microstrip microwave resonator

[Resumen] En este trabajo se muestra un sensor de glucosa basado en los cambios del factor de calidad sin carga (Qu) de un resonador de microondas. La implementación se ha realizado con fabricación aditiva empleando un material biocompatible. Se ha diseñado una estructura en configuración de línea microstrip invertida para aumentar la sensibilidad. El artículo muestra el interés de la medida basada en Qu tanto desde el punto de vista analítico como desde el experimental. El sensor final trabaja a 4.62 GHz con un Qu base de 27.87. Los resultados han mostrado un aumento de la sensibilidad con respecto a otros trabajos, lo que ha permitido realizar la medida de concentraciones de glucosa habituales en el contexto de la diabetes.[Abstract] This work shows a glucose sensor based on the variations of the unloaded quality factor (Qu) of a microwave resonator. The sensor has been implemented with a biocompatible material using additive manufacturing techniques. An inverted microstrip structure has been designed in order to enhance the sensitivity. The paper shows the interest of Qu-based measurements both from the analytical and experimental points of view. The final sensor works at 4.62 GHz with operating Qu of 27.87. The results show a sensitivity increment with respect to other works, which allows to address the measurement of glucose concentrations related to diabetes.Los autores agradecen la financiación parcial de este trabajo por parte de la Agencia Estatal de Investigación a través del proyecto PID2019- 111023RB-C32. Carlos G. Juan agradece la financiación recibida por parte de Stratégie d’Attractivité Durable (SAD) Région Bretagne a través del proyecto NoNeedle, y por parte del Ministerio de Universidades, la Unión Europea (NextGenerationEU) y la Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche a través del programa Margarita Salas

Diversity, relationships, and genetic fingerprinting of the Listada de Gandia eggplant landrace using genomic SSRs and EST-SSRs

Listada de Gandia is one of the most renowned Spanish eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) landraces. Assessing its genetic diversity and relationships, as well as devising tools for its identification, is of great relevance for the enhancement and protection of this landrace. Forty-two eggplant accessions, which included 25 Striped accessions, of which 19 were of the Listada type (six accessions of Listada de Gandia, eight of Other Spanish Listada, and five of Non-Spanish Listada) and six of the Other Non-Spanish Striped group, and 17 Non-Striped accessions were characterized with 17 genomic SSRs and 32 EST-SSRs. Genomic SSRs had, as a mean, a greater polymorphism and polymorphic information content (PIC) than EST-SSRs. Although Listada de Gandia proved to be genetically diverse, specific and universal alleles for two SSR markers were found for this landrace. All the Listada accessions cluster together in the multivariate PCoA and UPGMA phenograms performed, and are separated from the Other Non-Spanish Striped and Non-Striped accessions. Also, Listada de Gandia accessions were clearly differentiated from the Other Spanish Listada and Non-Spanish Listada accessions in these analyses. SSR markers revealed of great utility to obtain a specific fingerprint for the Listada de Gandia eggplant as well as to establish the uniqueness and distinctness of this landrace. This information will be very helpful for the enhancement and protection from imitation of Listada de Gandia, and contributes to support its potential recognition with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.This work was partially financed by the Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnologia (AGL2009-07257 and RF-2008-00008-00-00), Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (PAID-05-10-2318) and Generalitat Valenciana (ACOMP/2010/033 and ACOMP/2011/032).Muñoz Falcón, JE.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Plazas Ávila, MDLO.; Prohens Tomás, J. (2011). Diversity, relationships, and genetic fingerprinting of the Listada de Gandia eggplant landrace using genomic SSRs and EST-SSRs. Scientia Horticulturae. 129(2):238-246. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2011.03.034S238246129