This paper presents a low‐cost ultra‐wideband (UWB) pulse generator that can vary the pulse duration digitally by using a step‐recovery diode (SRD), microstrip transmission lines, and PIN diodes. First, a sharp edge is generated by using SRD circuitry. Then a pulse is formed from the sharp edge through the use of transmission lines and the PIN diodes. Based on the number of transmission lines (N), the duration of the pulse can be varied in 2N steps. The UWB pulse generator circuits are implemented on an FR‐4 substrate using microstrip‐line technology and UWB pulses with durations of 550 to 2400 psec are measured. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1334–1339, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21620

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Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the value of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and PERK in predicting the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or post-CPR survival. Materials and Methods Non-traumatic out-of-hospital CA patients were included in this prospective, nested case-control study. Standard CPR and post-resuscitative care were applied. Levels of ER stress markers were measured at presentation and were investigated to determine whether they might constitute a marker predicting return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or sustained ROSC, and of 24-h, and 1 and 3-month survival. Results Fifty-two out of 99 non-traumatic CA patients were enrolled. ROSC was determined at a level of 25%, sustained ROSC at 23%, 24-h survival at 7%, and 1- and 3-month survival at 4.6%. No difference was determined in terms of ER stress markers between patients with and without ROSC or sustained ROSC. Only PERK levels were higher in surviving patients than non-surviving subjects in terms of 24-h survival (p = 0.01). Otherwise, no stress markers differed between surviving and non-surviving patients at any survival time point. Conclusion ER stress markers are of no value in determining establishment of ROSC or sustained ROSC, success of CPR, or survival. Only PERK levels may be valuable in terms of 24-h survival.