bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response features and circuit decomposition for accelerated EM‐driven design of compact impedance matching transformers
Authors: Bekasiewicz Adrian , Koziel Slawomir
Published: June 2016

In this letter, a procedure for low‐cost simulation‐driven design optimization of compact impedance matching transformers is presented. The proposed methodology exploits a bottom‐up design with the design requirements for the entire transformer circuit being translated into specifications for its building blocks, here, compact microstrip resonant cells. These elementary cells are optimized using response features which permits considerable numerical savings compared to conventional approach. Subsequently, the entire circuit is fine‐tuned using local response surface approximation models and response correction methods. A three‐section 50‐to‐100 Ω transformer is designed for demonstration purposes. Its optimized design is obtained at the computational cost corresponding to only 31 evaluations of the high‐fidelity electromagnetic transformer model, despite large number of geometry parameters to be adjusted (here, 15). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2130–2133, 2016
Relationship between directional patterns and the electrode structure of the log‐periodic dipole antenna arrays for sensitive optical electric field sensors
Authors: Hidaka Naomi , Sugama Hideaki , Tsuchiya Akihisa , Ishida Takeshi , Hashimoto Osamu
Published: June 2016

An evaluation of the sensitivity characteristics of our improved optical electric field sensor (OEFS) that incorporates our log‐periodic dipole antenna array (LPDA‐type OEFS) via a detailed simulation model indicated an excellent but less than perfect outcome (Tsujino et al. PIERS Proc (2012), 1610–1614, Hidaka et al. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, Vol. 57, Issue 6, (2015) 1386–1390). However, in‐depth observations of directional patterns and frequency responses with horizontally polarized microwaves indicated that the microgaps of the electrodes of the LPDA‐type OEFS have a high sensitivity in the lateral direction. This behavior is closely related to the problems regarding electromagnetic compatibility. 2016 The Authors. Microwave and Optical Technology Letters. 58:2124–2129, 2016
Design of split ring antennas for WLAN and WiMAX applications
Authors: Rosaline S. Imaculate , Raghavan S.
Published: June 2016

This paper compares the design of two compact monopole antennas based on metamaterial inspired split ring structures. The effect of orientation of split axis to the direction of an incident EM wave is discussed. When the axis of the split is parallel to the direction of EM wave propagation, it results in a narrow band creation and when it is perpendicular, it leads to a notch frequency. Antenna 1 is intended for WLAN (2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz) application whereas antenna 2 operates on both WLAN and WiMAX (3.5 GHz) frequency bands. Both the antennas are printed on a 30 × 30 × 0.8 mm3 FR‐4 substrate with a partial ground plane and is fed by a microstrip line. The structures mainly differ in their split positions. Analysis of the split ring structures is also discussed. Prototype of the proposed structures are fabricated and the measured results comply greatly with the simulated results. The antenna has consistent radiation pattern over all the working region. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2117–2122, 2016
Multi‐band CPW fed MIMO antenna for bluetooth, WLAN, and WiMAX applications
Authors: Desde Irem , Bozdag Goksenin , Kustepeli Alp
Published: June 2016

In this letter, multi‐band coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna is presented for Bluetooth, WLAN and WiMAX applications. The elements of MIMO antenna are identical CPW‐fed printed monopole antennas whose bandwidth performances are improved by employing inverse U and meander line slots. In the design of the antennas, a low‐cost FR4 substrate is used and the size of the element antennas are optimized as 35 mm x 30 mm. According to the measurements, S11 is below −10 dB in 2.38 GHz – 2.52 GHz and 3.19 GHz – 6.44 GHz bands with 0.2 dB and 2.9 dB average peak realized gains, respectively. The element antennas are placed orthogonally and fed independently to obtain MIMO structure whose size is optimized as 42 mm x 62 mm. The performance of MIMO antenna is also examined in terms of diversity parameters such as envelope correlation coefficient and apparent diversity gain, which are lower than 0.02 and higher than 9.9 in the operating bands, respectively. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2182–2186, 2016
Compact ultra‐wideband bandpass filter with notch band based on the impedance matching method
Authors: Trabelsi Mohamed , Taibi Abdelkader , Slimane Abdelhalim , Saadi Abdelhalim A. , Tahar Belaroussi Mohand , Raskin Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2016

In this work, a new ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) with notch band (NB) at 5–6 GHz is presented. The design is performed using the impedance matching method based on optimization of objective function defined in the frequency range 3.1–10.6 GHz. The filter structure is composed of uniform transmission line loaded, at its center, with stepped impedance stub to generate two transmission zeros at cutoff frequencies, and uniform transmission line stub for NB purpose. The fabricated filter has a compact size of 306.17 mm2 and fulfills the UWB BPF specifications with a sharp selectivity and an efficient cancellation of two Wireless Local Area Network frequencies (5.2 and 5.8 GHz). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2176–2178, 2016
Single‐/Dual‐FBG‐based gain controller of gain‐clamped L‐band erbium‐doped fiber amplifier with high gain and flatness
Authors: Jiuru Yang , Xiangyu Meng , Chunyu Liu
Published: June 2016

In this letter, we report a novel fiber Bragg grating (FBG)‐based gain controller to simultaneously flatten and clamp the gain spectrum of a long‐wavelength‐band (L‐band) erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA). Respectively, the single‐ and dual‐FBG schemes are experimentally conducted and investigated in terms of flatness and dynamic stability with various central wavelengths. The results show that, under a suitable central wavelength of FBGs, the high average gain (over 22 dB) and ±0.1 dB stability in ∼30 dBm dynamic range is together guaranteed in our designed amplifier. In gain‐flatness, dual‐FBG scheme presents a smaller fluctuation (∼0.93 dB) in the range of 1570–1610 nm by accurately adjusting the voltage of PZT driver. Comparatively, single‐FBG scheme is more practical and controls the gain‐fluctuation of EDFA below 1.62 dB in the whole L‐band. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2168–2171, 2016
A microstrip antenna based on a standing‐wave fractal geometry for CubeSat applications
Authors: Ángel Figueroa‐Torres Cruz , Luis Medina‐Monroy José , Lobato‐Morales Humberto , Arturo Chávez‐Pérez Ricardo , Calvillo‐Téllez Andrés
Published: June 2016

A planar antenna based on the open‐loop standing‐wave radiator following a fractal design is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna operates at 2.45 GHz with circular polarization and directional radiation, and is designed over an FR‐4 substrate. Design methodology and optimization of the structure are detailed. Simulated and experimental results are presented with good agreement between them. Due to its radiation characteristics, reduced dimensions, and low weight, the proposed antenna is an excellent candidate for CubeSat applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2210–2214, 2016
Construction material mountable UHF RFID tag antenna
Authors: Jayawardana Devaka , Kharkovsky Sergey , Liyanapathirana Ranjith
Published: June 2016

This article presents a tag antenna for radio frequency identification (RFID)‐based wireless structural health monitoring systems. An ultra‐high frequency (UHF) microstrip patch tag antenna is designed with a new generation RFID tag chip for the Australian UHF RFID frequency band. Simulation studies with optimized slits demonstrate the ability of the antenna to tolerate the influence of construction materials such as concrete and metal on its resonant frequency, maximum gain, and read range. Noncontact measurement of the resonant frequency and experimental verification of the maximum gain of the fabricated tag antenna show good agreement with simulated performance. Read range measurements are conducted to verify the performance of the tag antenna on metal structures. It is also shown that the proposed tag antenna can be easily modified to operate in other UHF RFID frequency bands. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2231–2237, 2016
Dual‐band bandstop filter with tunable lower stopband based on double‐layer structure
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Han , Zhang Shi‐Xuan , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: June 2016

A novel reconfigurable dual‐band bandstop filter (DBBSF) with tunable lower stopband is presented. This DBBSF is a double‐layer structure composed of a pair of quarter wavelength (λ/4) open‐end resonators on the top layer and a pair of novel slot‐shaped structures occupying the bottom layer. Two varactors embedded in the λ/4 resonators are utilized to adjust the center frequency of the first stopband. Without increasing size, a fixed stopband located at 2.76 GHz is produced by the slot‐shaped defected ground structure (DGS). Both stopbands are independent of each other thus great design flexibility can be obtained. For demonstration, a prototypical filter is implemented with tunable lower stopband of 1.47–1.84 GHz (22.4%) and a fixed upper stopband at 2.76 GHz. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2273–2276, 2016
The in‐phase reflection bandwidth theoretical limit of artificial magnetic conductors based on transmission line model
Authors: Xie Yunsong , Fan Xin , Chen Yunpeng , Wilson Jeffrey D. , Simons Rainee N. , Xiao John Q.
Published: June 2016

Based on the transmission line model, the in‐phase reflection (IPR) bandwidth theoretical limit using a function of permeability (μ) and thickness (h) of the substrate as well as center frequency of IPR (f) was expressed. An experimental design strategy was further derived from this function for creating novel artificial magnetic conductors (AMCs). To date, they have successfully designed, simulated, and experimentally verified this proposed strategy with various AMCs, where the bandwidth ratio to the theoretical limit can be achieved by as high as 98.5%. This newly proposed theoretical limit function was further evaluated in two‐ways, (1) our theoretical limit was compared with previously reported literature values, and (2) literature values were recalculated using our function. Herein, it was concluded that their IPR bandwidth theoretical limit function provided most restrictive and accurate value, and their AMC design strategy has showed evident advantages over literature. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2257–2261, 2016
Investigation of influence of particle characteristics on the non‐coaxiality of anisotropic granular materials using DEM
Authors: Jiang Mingjing , Sima Jun , Li Liqing , Zhou Chuangbin , Cui Liang
Published: June 2016

As a result of deposition process and particle characteristics, granular materials can be inherently anisotropic. Many researchers have strongly suggested that the inherent anisotropy is the main reason for the deformation non‐coaxiality of granular materials. However, their relationships are not unanimous because of the limited understanding of the non‐coaxial micro‐mechanism. In this study, we investigated the influence of inherent anisotropy on the non‐coaxial angle using the discrete element method. Firstly, we developed a new discrete element method approach using rough elliptic particles and proposed a novel method to produce anisotropic specimens. Secondly, the effects of initial specimen density and particle characteristics, such as particle aspect ratio Am, rolling resistance coefficient β, and bedding plane orientation δ, were examined by a series of biaxial tests and rotational principal axes tests. Findings from the numerical simulations are summarized as follows: (1) the peak internal friction angle ϕp and the non‐coaxial angle i both increase with the initial density, Am and β, and they both increase initially and then decrease with δ in the range of 0–90°; (2) among the particle characteristics, the influence of Am is the most significant; and (3) for anisotropic specimens, the non‐coaxial angle can be calculated using the double slip and rotation rate model. Then, an empirical formula was proposed based on the simulation results to depict the relationship between the non‐coaxial angle and the particle characteristics. Finally, the particle‐scale mechanism of non‐coaxiality for granular materials was discussed from the perspective of energy dissipation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and implementation of application programming interface for Internet of things cloud
Authors: Hou Lu , Zhao Shaohang , Li Xing , Chatzimisios Periklis , Zheng Kan
Published: June 2016

Internet of things (IoT) technologies have developed rapidly to provide various applications and services, which benefit much on both industrial production and human lives. Meanwhile, with the deployment of cloud computing, the requirements of computing and storage capabilities of IoT can be well supported. The well‐designed application programming interfaces (APIs) are needed to offer good services of IoT cloud. APIs serve as the endpoints of services and offer convenient ways for either developers to design applications or vendors/OEMs to manufacture devices. In this paper, the design and implementation of APIs for IoT cloud is presented in detail. Taking the large number of resource‐constrained IoT devices into account, we propose the different kinds of APIs with different application protocols. APIs offer integrations between server‐side applications and client‐side applications or devices; thus, the specific implementation of APIs on these three parts are presented. Finally, a number of experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the designed APIs, and the result analysis is given as well. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative proteome analysis reveals that blood and sugar meals induce differential protein expression inAedes aegyptifemale heads
Authors: Nunes Alessandra T. , Brito Nathalia F. , Oliveira Daniele S. , Araujo Gabriel D. T. , Nogueira Fabio Cesar S. , Domont Gilberto B. , Moreira Monica F. , Moreira Leandro M. , Soares Marcia R. , Melo Ana C. A.
Published: June 2016

Aedes aegyptifemales ingest sugar or blood to obtain the nutrients needed to maintain cellular homeostasis. During human blood ingestion, female mosquitoes may transmit different viruses such as dengue, yellow fever and, more recently, zika and chikungunya. Here, we report changes in protein expression in the heads of adult femaleAe. aegyptimosquitoes in response to the ingestion of blood or sugar. Proteins extracted from the heads ofAe. aegyptifed exclusively on blood (BF) or sugar (SF) were trypsin hydrolyzed (off‐gel) and analyzed by the reverse‐phase nano‐liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid mass spectrometry. A total of 1139 proteins were identified in female heads, representing 7.4% of the predicted proteins inAe. aegyptigenome (total = 15 419 active genes). Gene ontology annotation and categories showed that, in this insect, the head was rich in proteins involved in the metabolic process, proton transport, organelle, macromolecular complex, structural molecule activity, antioxidant activity, and catalytic activity. Our report is the first indicating that many of the annotated genes are translated into functional proteins in heads of adult femaleAe. aegypti. Interestingly, we identified 8.7 times more exclusively expressed proteins involved in signal transduction, replication–transcription–translation (5.5 x), and transport (2.9 x) activity in BF than in SF groups. This paper discusses the protein profile ofAe. aegyptifemale heads and its implications for blood ingestion and carbohydrate intake.
Hydrolysis of phenyl trifluoroacetate in mixed surfactant systems
Authors: Torres María Florencia , de Rossi Rita Hoyos , Fernández Mariana A.
Published: June 2016

The rate of spontaneous hydrolysis of phenyl trifluoroacetate (1) was measured in pure and mixed fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon surfactant systems. The reaction is inhibited by the surfactants when their concentrations are higher than the critical micelle concentration. The same behavior is observed in mixtures of surfactants. The kinetic analysis according to the pseudophase separation model indicates that the contribution of the micelle‐associated substrate hydrolysis rate to the overall observed rate constant is negligible. In that condition, the substrate is less available for water. The differences in inhibition observed for the hydrolysis reaction of 1 in the studied systems are due to the contribution of several effects: differences in polarity of the interfaces, protection of the substrate (reactive center) inside the micelles, and stabilization of the transition state. The association constants of 1 with the surfactants and their mixtures were also determined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of the sirtuin‐linked macrodomain SAV0325 from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Appel C. Denise , Feld Geoffrey K. , Wallace Bret D. , Williams R. Scott
Published: June 2016

Cells use the post‐translational modification ADP‐ribosylation to control a host of biological activities. In some pathogenic bacteria, an operon‐encoded mono‐ADP‐ribosylation cycle mediates response to host‐induced oxidative stress. In this system, reversible mono ADP‐ribosylation of a lipoylated target protein represses oxidative stress response. An NAD+‐dependent sirtuin catalyzes the single ADP‐ribose (ADPr) addition, while a linked macrodomain‐containing protein removes the ADPr. Here we report the crystal structure of the sitruin‐linked macrodomain protein from Staphylococcus aureus, SauMacro (also known as SAV0325) to 1.75‐Å resolution. The monomeric SauMacro bears a previously unidentified Zn2+‐binding site that putatively aids in substrate recognition and catalysis. An amino‐terminal three‐helix bundle motif unique to this class of macrodomain proteins provides a structural scaffold for the Zn2+ site. Structural features of the enzyme further indicate a cleft proximal to the Zn2+ binding site appears well suited for ADPr binding, while a deep hydrophobic channel in the protein core is suitable for binding the lipoate of the lipoylated protein target.
Calcium Complexes Having Different Amidinate Ligands ‐ Synthesis and Structural Diversity
Authors: Anga Srinivas , Bhattacharjee Jayeeta , Banerjee Indrani , Nayek Hari Pada , Panda Tarun K.
Published: June 2016

A one‐pot reaction of α‐diimine ligand 1,4‐disubstituted diazabutadienes (DAD) with potassium benzyl and anhydrous calcium iodide in 1:1:1 molar ratio afforded unprecedented 3‐phenylprop‐2‐ene‐di‐amido calcium compound [κ2‐(THF)4Ca{DippNC(=CHPh)CH2NDipp}] (1) (Dipp = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) in good yield. The solid‐state structure of the compound 1 revealed the formation of dianionic 3‐phenylprop‐2‐ene‐di‐amido ligand having an exocyclic olefinic bond derived from neutral α‐diimine fragment. However, analogous reactions with three different carbodiimides (RN=C=NR; R=Cy, iPr and tBu) with alkyl potassium and anhydrous calcium diiodide yielded corresponding homoleptic calcium compounds with amidinato ligand [κ2‐(THF)2Ca{RN=C(CH2Ph)NR}2] [R=Cy (2), iPr (3) and tBu (4)]. A separate reaction of DAD ligand, LiCH2SiMe3 and anhydrous ZnCl2 in diethylether solvent produced tri‐coordinated zinc compound [κ2‐ {DippN=C(CH2SiMe3)CH2NDipp}Zn[κ1‐{DippN=C(CH2SiMe3)CH2N‐Dipp}] (5) having amidinato moieties in the zinc coordination sphere in high yield. Molecular structures of compounds 2–5 in their solid states were also established.
Comparing Nucleophilicity of Heavier Heteroleptic Amidinato‐Amido Tetrelylenes: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Parvin Nasrina , Pal Shiv , Rojisha Vallyanga Chalil , De Susmita , Parameswaran Pattiyil , Khan Shabana
Published: June 2016

In our previous communication we have reported the isolation and reactivity of heteroleptic three coordinated silylene, LSi(2,6‐iPr2C6H3NPPh2) [L= PhC(NtBu)2] (2). Here we report the isolation of analogous germylene and stannylene, LGe(2,6‐iPr2C6H3NPPh2) (6) and LSn(2,6‐iPr2C6H3NPPh2) (7) from the reaction of 2,6‐iPr2C6H3N(Li)PPh2 (1) with LGeCl (4) and LSnCl (5), respectively. Both compounds are characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, EI‐mass spectrometry, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The comparison of the molecular orbitals and the molecular electrostatic potential (ESP) maps on the van der Waal's surface of the atoms in silylene (2), germylene (6), and stannylene (7) indicate that nucleophilicity of the group‐14 atom reduces from silylene to stannylene. The Si‐center is more nucleophilic than P‐center in 2, whereas Ge and P‐ centers have similar nucleophilicity in 6 and Sn‐center is much less nucleophilic than P‐center in 7. The global minimum of the ESP of 2 is in the direction of the lone pair on Si, whereas the global minimum of the ESP of 6 and 7 is located above 2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3 ring on the N‐atom and in the opposite direction of the P‐center. This is supported by the observation that silylene 2 forms complex with AuCl by coordinating with Si‐center, whereas germylene 6 and stannylene 7 do not form the analogous adducts.
A Functional CT Contrast Agent for In Vivo Imaging of Tumor Hypoxia
Authors: Shi Hongyuan , Wang Zhiming , Huang Chusen , Gu Xiaoli , Jia Ti , Zhang Amin , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhu Lan , Luo Xianfu , Zhao Xuesong , Jia Nengqin , Miao Fei
Published: June 2016

Hypoxia, which has been well established as a key feature of the tumor microenvironment, significantly influences tumor behavior and treatment response. Therefore, imaging for tumor hypoxia in vivo is warranted. Although some imaging modalities for detecting tumor hypoxia have been developed, such as magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and optical imaging, these technologies still have their own specific limitations. As computed tomography (CT) is one of the most useful imaging tools in terms of availability, efficiency, and convenience, the feasibility of using a hypoxia‐sensitive nanoprobe (Au@BSA‐NHA) for CT imaging of tumor hypoxia is investigated, with emphasis on identifying different levels of hypoxia in two xenografts. The nanoprobe is composed of Au nanoparticles and nitroimidazole moiety which can be electively reduced by nitroreductase under hypoxic condition. In vitro, Au@BSA‐NHA attain the higher cellular uptake under hypoxic condition. Attractively, after in vivo administration, Au@BSA‐NHA can not only monitor the tumor hypoxic environment with CT enhancement but also detect the hypoxic status by the degree of enhancement in two xenograft tumors with different hypoxic levels. The results demonstrate that Au@BSA‐NHA may potentially be used as a sensitive CT imaging agent for detecting tumor hypoxia.
Accountability as an Inhabited Institution: Contested Meanings and the Symbolic Politics of Reform
Authors: Hallett Tim , Meanwell Emily
Published: June 2016

This paper examines the failed attempt to reauthorize the American educational law known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in 2007. Drawing on existing research on cultural processes of policymaking and insights from inhabited institutionalism, we analyze data from 20 congressional hearings, viewing them as social interactions. We find that hearing participants identified problems with strict accountability policies and, in interpreting those problems, introduced alternative meanings, including “NCLB means children left behind.” Our approach stresses the symbolic politics of reform at the meso level of interaction and makes the case for a cultural analysis of policymaking that synthesizes both interactionism and institutionalism.
Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO by NH3 over Photocatalysts (Photo‐SCR): Mechanistic Investigations and Developments
Authors: Yamamoto Akira , Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: June 2016

This account describes the work of our group in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) with ammonia over heterogeneous photocatalysts (photo‐SCR) in the past 16 years. We have found that the photo‐SCR proceeds over heterogeneous photocatalysts using a gas flow reactor, elucidated the reaction mechanism under UV‐ and visible‐light irradiation by spectroscopic and kinetic studies, and developed a highly active photo‐SCR system by improving the photocatalyst material itself and the reaction system with several approaches based on the reaction mechanism.
Translating the epitranscriptome
Authors: Hoernes Thomas Philipp , Erlacher Matthias David
Published: June 2016

RNAmodifications are indispensable for the translation machinery to provide accurate and efficient protein synthesis. Whereas the importance of transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications has been well described and is unquestioned for decades, the significance of internal messenger RNA (mRNA) modifications has only recently been revealed. Novel experimental methods have enabled the identification of thousands of modified sites within the untranslated and translated regions ofmRNAs. Thus far,N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), pseudouridine (Ψ), 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) andN1‐methyladenosine (m1A) were identified in eukaryal, and to some extent in prokaryal mRNAs. Several of the functions of these mRNA modifications have previously been reported, but many aspects remain elusive. Modifications can be important factors for the direct regulation of protein synthesis. The potential diversification of genomic information and regulation of RNA expression through editing and modifying mRNAs is versatile and many questions need to be addressed to completely elucidate the role of mRNA modifications. Herein, we summarize and highlight some recent findings on various co‐ and post‐transcriptional modifications, describing the impact of these processes on gene expression, with emphasis on protein synthesis.WIREs RNA2017, 8:e1375. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1375

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

Translation > Translation Mechanisms

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
Nickel(II), Cadmium(II), and Copper(II) Complexes Based on Ditopic Terpyridine Derivative Ligand: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Zhang Ai‐Jiang , Chen Chang‐Juan , Lou Dong‐Yang , Miao Yu‐Hang , Qiao Chen‐Xu , Hu Jiang‐Bo
Published: June 2016

Three complexes with the ditopic ligand 4′‐[4‐(quinolin‐8‐yloxymethyl)phenyl]‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (abbreviated as L), [Ni(L)2](CH3COO)2 (1), [Cd(L)2](ClO4)2 (2), and [Cu2(L)2](ClO4)4·4DMF (3), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and structurally analyzed by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. Interestingly, in complexes 1 and 2, two ligands adopt a tridentate chelating pattern where the oxaquinoline group is non‐coordinated and coordinate with one MII ion (M = Ni for 1, M = Cd for 2) to form a mononuclear unit. In complex 3, two ligands bridge two CuII ions by pyridyl N atoms, ethereal O atoms, and quinolyl N atoms in a head‐to‐tail mode to generate a dinuclear [Cu2L2] unit. Moreover, extended 1D and 2D supramolecular architectures are further constructed in 1–3 by multiple secondary interactions such as aromatic stacking and hydrogen bonding. Notably, the structural diversity of complexes 1–3 can be properly assigned to the central metal ions that have distinct coordination preferences. In addition, luminescent properties of the ligand and complex 2 were also investigated.
The interaction between anxiety sensitivity and cigarette smoking level in relation to sleep onset latency among adolescent cigarette smokers
Authors: Bilsky Sarah A. , Feldner Matthew T. , Knapp Ashley A. , Babson Kimberly A. , Leen‐Feldner Ellen W.
Published: June 2016

Cigarette smoking during adolescence is linked to a number of sleep disturbances and has been consistently linked to sleep onset latency among adults. However, little research has examined factors that may influence the relation between cigarette smoking level and sleep onset latency among adolescents. One factor that may be particularly important in this regard is anxiety sensitivity (AS). The current study examined whether cigarette smoking level interacted with AS in its association with sleep onset latency among 94 adolescent (Mage = 15.72) cigarette smokers. As hypothesized, AS interacted with smoking level to relate to sleep onset latency, even after controlling for age and gender. This relation was specific to sleep onset latency as opposed to other types of sleep disturbances, and that adolescents who smoked at higher levels tended to go to sleep later and wake up later than adolescents who smoked at relatively lower levels.
Clinical Issues‐July 2016
Authors: Burlingame Byron L.
Published: June 2016

This Month

Wearing ring dosimeters

Key words: dosimeter, ring dosimeters, finger dosimeters.

Reporting a retained surgical item (RSI)

Key words: reportable event, retained surgical item, RSI, retained foreign object, counts.

Definition of an implant

Key words: implant, implant documentation.

Determining whether RN first assistants (RNFAs) must maintain CNOR certification to practice

Key words: CNOR, CRNFA, RNFA, first assistant, RN first assistant.

Definition of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Key words: personal protective equipment, PPE, surgical attire, removing PPE.
APOE ε4 carriers may undergo synaptic damage conferring risk of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Dong Chuanhui , Levin Bonnie , Crocco Elizabeth , Loewenstein David , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Wright Clinton B. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) carriers remains unclear. We hypothesize that APOE isoforms have differential effects on synaptic function.

Methods

We compared levels of CSF neurogranin (Ng) between APOE ε4 carriers and noncarriers in 399 subjects with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD. We examined associations between Ng levels and age, education, gender, CSF‐Aβ42, and tau protein.

Results

Neurogranin levels were significantly higher in APOE ε4 carriers compared to APOE ε4 noncarriers with MCI. Levels of Ng between the APOE ε4 carriers and APOE ε4 noncarriers with AD did not differ. Ng levels were correlated with MMSE and levels of tau and Aβ42.

Discussion

Significantly higher CSF Ng levels in APOE ε4 carriers with MCI may reflect synaptic injury underlying early cognitive impairment. Neurogranin may be an early biomarker of AD and important for disease diagnosis and timing of intervention in APOE ε4 carriers.
Association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with spirituality and hope for cure of ostomized people
Authors: Moreira Carmelita Naiara de Oliveira , Marques Camila Barbosa , Silva Marcial Alexandre Pereira da , Pinheiro Fernanda Augusta Marques , Salomé Geraldo Magela
Published: June 2016

Objective To evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical factors related to patients with intestinal stoma and correlate them to the health locus of control, spirituality and hope for a cure.

Method This study was conducted at the Polo of Ostomized Patients of the city of Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais. Participants were 52 patients with intestinal stoma. The scale for Health Locus of Control, the Herth Hope Scale, and the Self-rating Scale for Spirituality were used for data collection.

Results The patients were aged up to 50 years, with the following means: Herth Hope Scale: 17.53; Self-rating Scale for Spirituality: 19.33. With regard to marital status, single people had a mean of 21.00 for the Herth Hope Scale. Retired ostomized patients had a mean of 20.53 for the Herth Hope Scale, of 10.38 for the Self-rating Scale for Spirituality, and of Scale for Health Locus of Control, of 18.79. The patients whose cause of making the stoma was neoplasia attained a mean of 19.43 for the Self-rating Scale for Spirituality. Regarding the character of the stoma, the mean for the Herth Hope Scale was 18.40. In the ostomized individuals who lived with the stoma for less than four years the means for the Herth Hope Scale, Self-rating Scale for Spirituality, and Scale for Health Locus of Control were 17.39, 20.35, and 23.09, respectively. Patients who did not participate of an association or support had means for the Herth Hope Scale, Self-rating Scale for Spirituality, and Scale for Health Locus of Control of 19.08, 17.25, and 20.63 respectively.

Conclusion Ostomized patients believe they can control their health and that those involved in their care and rehabilitation can contribute to their improvement.
Rapid virological response assessment by Abbott RealTime hepatitis C virus assay for predicting sustained virological responses in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 treated with pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Su Pei‐yuan , Yen Hsu‐Heng , Hsu Yu‐Chun , Wu Shun‐Sheng , Kor Chew‐Teng , Su Wei‐Wen
Published: June 2016

The lower limits of virus detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA detection assays are continuously improving. We aimed to assess the utility of more precise definition of 4th week viral load [rapid virological response (RVR)] in predicting sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV genotype 1 patients treated with pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin. Clinical data of treatment‐naïve HCV genotype 1 patients were retrospectively collected from 2009 to 2014. Patients were grouped according to 4th week viral load as follows: undetectable (n = 90) and detectable but not quantifiable (< 12 IU/mL, n = 27). All patients received PEG‐IFNα‐2a or ‐2b and ribavirin for 24 weeks. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured by Abbott RealTime (ART; Abbott Molecular, Abbott Park, IL, USA) HCV assay. SVR was 95.5% and 63% in the undetectable group and < 12 IU/mL group of 4th week viral load, respectively. The between‐group difference in SVR was significant (p < 0.001). We determined 4th week viral load was independently associated with SVR (odds ratio = 19.28; p = 0.002) and a good predictor of SVR [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.775; p = 0.001]. ART HCV assays had a stronger SVR predictive value in HCV genotype 1 patients, indicating that only the undetectable group of 4th week viral load patients measured by ART HCV assay should be considered for shorter treatment time (24 weeks) with PEG‐IFN and ribavirin.
Demonstration of safety of intravenous immunoglobulin in geriatric patients in a long‐term, placebo‐controlled study of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gelmont David , Thomas Ronald G. , Britt Jonathan , Dyck‐Jones Jacqueline A. , Doralt Jennifer , Fritsch Sandor , Brewer James B. , Rissman Robert A. , Aisen Paul
Published: June 2016

Introduction

We present safety results from a study of Gammagard Liquid intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

This was a placebo‐controlled double‐blind study. Subjects were randomized to 400 mg/kg (n = 127), 200 mg/kg (n = 135) IGIV, or to 0.25% human albumin (n = 121) administered every 2 weeks ± 7 days for 18 months.

Results

Elevated risk ratios of IGIV versus placebo included chills (3.85) in 9.5% of IGIV‐treated subjects (all doses), compared to 2.5% of placebo‐treated subjects, and rash (3.08) in 15.3% of IGIV‐treated subjects versus 5.0% of subjects treated with placebo. Subjects in the highest IGIV dose group had the lowest proportion of SAEs considered related to product (2 of 127 [1.6%]). Subjects treated with IGIV experienced a lower rate of respiratory and all other infections compared to placebo.

Discussion

IGIV‐treated subjects did not experience higher rates of renal failure, lung injury, or thrombotic events than the placebo group. There were no unexpected safety findings. IGIV was well tolerated throughout 18 months of treatment in subjects aged 50–89 years.
Damping of modal perturbations in solid rocket motors
Authors: Iyer A.S. , Chakravarthy V.K. , Saha S. , Chakraborty D.
Published: June 2016

Quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) tools developed for capturing flow and acoustic dynamics in non-segmented solid rocket motors are evaluated using multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamic simulations and used to characterise damping of modal perturbations. For motors with high length-to-diameter ratios (of the order of 10), remarkably accurate estimates of frequencies and damping rates of lower modes can be obtained using the the quasi-1D approximation. Various grain configurations are considered to study the effect of internal geometry on damping rates. Analysis shows that lower cross-sectional area at the nozzle entry plane is found to increase damping rates of all the modes. The flow-turning loss for a mode increases if the more mass addition due to combustion is added at pressure nodes. For the fundamental mode, this loss is, therefore, maximum if burning area is maximum at the centre. The insights from this study in addition to recommendations made by Blomshield(1)based on combustion considerations would be very helpful in realizing rocket motors free from combustion instability.
Psychological Distress and the Risk of Withdrawing From Hypertension Treatment After an Earthquake Disaster
Authors: Nakaya Naoki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Naho , Narita Akira , Tsuji Ichiro , Hozawa Atsushi , Tomita Hiroaki
Published: June 2016

Objective

This study examined the association between psychological distress and the risk of withdrawing from hypertension treatment (HTTx) 1 year after the earthquake disaster in the coastal area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE).

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from 2012, we studied people over 20 years of age living in Shichigahama Town, Miyagi, on the northeastern coast of Japan, which had been severely inundated by the tsunami that followed the GEJE in 2011. A total of 1014 subjects were categorized as in need of HTTx. Withdrawing from HTTx was assessed by using a self-reported questionnaire.

Results

Subjects with a higher degree of psychological distress (Kessler-6 [K6] score ≥ 13) exhibited a significantly higher risk of withdrawing from HTTx, compared with subjects with a lower degree of psychological distress (K6 score ≤ 12; odds ratio=4.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-10.6, P<0.01).

Conclusions

This study indicated that psychological distress is a risk factor for withdrawing from HTTx in post-disaster settings. Our data suggested that the increased risk of withdrawing from HTTx associated with post-disaster psychological distress may underlie the increased prevalence of vascular diseases after the earthquake disaster in coastal areas affected by the tsunami. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:179–182)
Zika Virus Update: More on an Emerging Arboviral Disease in the Western Hemisphere
Authors: Vest Kelly G.
Published: June 2016

Zika virus has captivated the world with its quick spread throughout the Western Hemisphere. Increased emphasis has been placed on the infection of pregnant women and subsequent adverse and severe effects in the developing fetus and newborn. This article supplements a previous article and provides updated information on new and evolving evidence that strengthens the association between Zika virus and unique congenital and neurologic diseases, updates what is known about the epidemiology of the disease, and provides new and updated material for primary care providers as they counsel patients who may be exposed or infected. With the extent of disease spread, it is expected that Zika virus will become endemic to the Western Hemisphere and will change the public health parameters and approach in this area of the world. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:163–167)
New heterodontosaurid remains from the Cañadón Asfalto Formation: cursoriality and the functional importance of the pes in small heterodontosaurids
Authors: Becerra Marcos G. , Pol Diego , Rauhut Oliver W.M. , Cerda Ignacio A.
Published: June 2016

New ornithischian remains reported here (MPEF-PV 3826) include two complete metatarsi with associated phalanges and caudal vertebrae, from the late Toarcian levels of the Cañadón Asfalto Formation. We conclude that these fossil remains represent a bipedal heterodontosaurid but lack diagnostic characters to identify them at the species level, although they probably represent remains ofManidens condorensis, known from the same locality. Histological features suggest a subadult ontogenetic stage for the individual. A cluster analysis based on pedal measurements identifies similarities of this specimen with heterodontosaurid taxa and the inclusion of the new material in a phylogenetic analysis with expanded character sampling on pedal remains confirms the described specimen as a heterodontosaurid. Finally, uncommon features of the digits (length proportions among nonungual phalanges of digit III, and claw features) are also quantitatively compared to several ornithischians, theropods, and birds, suggesting that this may represent a bipedal cursorial heterodontosaurid with gracile and grasping feet and long digits. In particular, the elongated non-terminal pedal phalanges and morphology of digit III resemble features present in arboreal birds, a unique condition found so far among ornithischians.
Effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on learning, memory and neuromuscular coordination in female albino mice
Authors: Allahyar Razia , Akbar Atif , Iqbal Furhan
Published: June 2016

Background

Research findings made over the last few years have highlighted the important role of creatine (Cr) in health and disease. However, limited information is available regarding the effect of Cr supplementation on cognation. Present study was designed to determine the effect of variable doses of Cr (1% and 3%) on selected parameters of female albino mice behaviour.

Methods

Following weaning, on 20th postnatal day, female albino mice were divided into three groups on the basis of dietary supplementation. Control group were was fed with normal rodent diet, whereas treated groups received diet supplemented with 1% and 3% Creatine monohydrate (Ssniff, Germany) for 10 weeks. Morris water maze (MWM), Rota rod and open field (OF) tests were carried out at the end of diet supplementation for neurofunctional assessment in all the groups.

Results

Data analysis showed that Cr supplementation did not affect the muscular activity and during rota rod test as well as locomotor and exploratory behaviour during OF test. Results of MWM probe trial indicated that mice supplemented with 3% Cr had significantly more entries in platform area than other two treatments (p=0.03) indicating improved spatial memory. Body weight remained unaffected (p>0.05) when compared between three experimental treatments.

Conclusion

Female mice supplemented with 3% Cr showed improved spatial memory than mice fed on 1% Cr-supplemented diet and mice on normal rodent diet.
Polarity of concavo-convex intervertebral joints in the necks and tails of sauropod dinosaurs
Authors: Fronimos John A. , Wilson Jeffrey A. , Baumiller Tomasz K.
Published: June 2016

The highly elongated necks, and often tails, of sauropod dinosaurs were composed of concavo-convex vertebrae that provided stability without compromising mobility. Polarities of these concavo-convex joints in the neck and tail are anatomically opposite one another but mechanically equivalent. Opisthocoelous cervical vertebrae and procoelous caudal vertebrae have the convex articular face directed away from the body and the concave articular face directed toward the body. This “sauropod-type” polarity is hypothesized to be (1) more resistant to fracturing of the cotylar rim and (2) better stabilized against joint failure by rotation than the opposite polarity. We used physical models to test these two functional hypotheses. Photoelastic analysis of model centra loaded as cantilevers reveals that neither polarity better resists fracture of the cotylar rim; strain magnitude and localization are similar in both polarities. We assessed the rotational stability of concavo-convex joints using pairs of concavo-convex centra loaded near the joint. Sauropod-type joints withstood significantly greater weight before failure occurred, a pattern we interpret to be dependent on the position of the center of rotation, which is always within the convex part of the concavo-convex joint. In sauropod-type joints, the free centrum rotates about a center of rotation that lies within the more stable proximal centrum. In contrast, the opposite polarity results in a free centrum that rotates about an internal point; when the condyle rotates down and out of joint, the distal end rotates back toward the body, unopposed by ligamentous support. Sauropod-type joints remained stable with greater mobility, more mechanically advantageous tensile element insertions, and greater distal loads than the opposite polarity. The advantages conferred by this joint polarity would have facilitated the evolution of hyperelongated necks and tails by sauropods. Polarity of concavo-convex joints of the appendicular skeleton (e.g., hip, shoulder) is also consistent with the demands of rotational stability.
An Empirically Informed Analysis of the Ethical Issues Surrounding Split Liver Transplantation in the United Kingdom
Authors: MOORLOCK GREG , NEUBERGER JAMES , BRAMHALL SIMON , DRAPER HEATHER
Published: June 2016

Surgical advances have allowed for the development of split liver transplantation, providing two recipients with the opportunity to potentially benefit from one donated liver by splitting the liver into two usable parts. Although current data suggest that the splitting of livers provides overall benefit to the liver-recipient population, relatively low numbers of livers are actually split in the United Kingdom. This article addresses the question of whether ethical concerns are posing an unnecessary barrier to further increasing the number of life-saving transplantations. Recognizing that an important aspect of exploring these concerns is gaining insight into how transplant staff and patients regard splitting livers, the article presents the findings of a qualitative study examining the views of senior transplant staff and liver transplant patients in the UK and uses these to inform a commentary on the ethical issues relating to split liver transplantation.
Public Engagement and Nanotechnology in Australia
Authors: DALTON-BROWN SALLY
Published: June 2016

Upstream engagement is commonly regarded as necessary for the smooth implementation of new technologies, particularly when there is an impact on health. Is the healthcare context in Australia geared toward such public engagement? There are established engagement practices for issues of healthcare resourcing, for example; however, the situation becomes more complex with the introduction of a new technology such as nanomedicine.