Low spurious noise frequency synthesis based on a DDS-driven wideband PLL architecture

An S-band frequency synthesizer for a stepped-frequency radar is presented. This frequen- cy synthesizer is based on a direct digital synthesizer （ DDS ） -driven wideband phase-locked loop （PLL） architecture which can achieve low spurious noise and rapid frequency hopping simultaneous- ly. The mechanism of introducing high level spurs by the images of DDS digital to analog convertor （DAC） output is analyzed. A novel DDS frequency planning method is proposed to ensure low col- ored noise within the entire bandwidth. The designed output frequency range is 3. 765 -4. 085 GHz, and the step size is 5 MHz with frequency agility of less than 1 μs. Measured results demonstrate that the average spurious free dynamic range （SFDR） is about 64 dBc in a 320 MHz bandwidth.

A simulation-based optimization approach for passenger train timetabling with periodic track maintenance and stops for praying

This paper presents two optimization methods for solving the passenger train timetabling problem to minimize the total delay time in the single track railway networks. The goal of the train timetable problem is to determine departure and arrival times to or from each station in order to prevent collisions between trains and effective utilization of resources. The two proposed methods are based on integration of a simulation and an optimization method to simulate train traffic flow and generate near optimal train timetable under realistic con- straints including stops for track maintenance and praying. The first proposed method integrates a cellular automata （CA） simulation model with genetic algorithm optimiza- tion method. In the second proposed approach, a CA simulation model combines with dynamically dimensioned search optimization method. The proposed models are applied to hypothetical case study to demonstrate the merit of them. The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways （IRIR） data and regulations have been used to optimize train timetable. The results show the first method is more effi- cient than the second method to obtain near optimal train timetabling.

Synthesis strategies for disulfide bond-containing polymer- based drug delivery system for reduction-responsive controlled release

Tumor micro-environment responsive drug delivery systems （DDSs） have been developed as a potential approach to reduce the side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Glutathione （GSH） has been supposed to the most significant signal of the difference between the normal tissue and the tumor cells, besides the media pH and temperature. In recent years, the reduction-responsive DDSs have attracted more and more attention for delivery of anti-cancer drugs, based on such physiological signal. Among them, disulfide bond-containing polymers have been designed as the main tool for the purpose. The recent progress in the synthesis strategies for the disulfide bond- containing polymer-based DDS is focused in the present review.