bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of no‐rain measurements on the comparison of radar and rain gauge rain rate
Authors: Yoo Chulsang , Kim Kyoungjun , Choi Jeongho , Ha Eunho
Published: December 2009

This study evaluated four possible cases of comparing radar and rain gauge rain rate for the detection of mean‐field bias. These four cases, or detection designs, consider in this study are: (1) design 1‐uses all the data sets available, including zero radar rain rate and zero rain gauge rain rate, (2) design 2—uses the data sets of positive radar rain rate and zero or positive rain gauge rain rate, (3) design 3—uses the data sets of zero or positive radar rain rate and positive rain gauge rain rate and (4) design 4—uses the data sets of positive radar rain rate and positive rain gauge rain rate. A theoretical review of these four detection designs showed that only the design 1 causes no design bias, but designs 2, 3 and 4 can cause positive, negative and negative design biases, respectively. This theoretical result was also verified by applying these four designs to the rain rate field generated by a multi‐dimensional rain rate model, as well as to that of the Mt Gwanak radar in Korea. The results from both applications showed that especially the design 4, which is generally used for the detection of mean‐field bias of radar rain rate, causes a serious design bias; therefore, is inappropriate as a design for detecting the mean‐field bias of radar rain rate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ERK/MAPK activation involves hypoxia‐induced MGr1‐Ag/37LRP expression and contributes to apoptosis resistance in gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Lili , Zhang Hongbo , Sun Li , Gao Yuqi , Jin Haifeng , Liang Shuhui , Wang Yanxia , Dong Mingqing , Shi Yongquan , Li Zhichao , Fan Daiming
Published: December 2009

We previously demonstrated that hypoxia increased the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF‐1)–dependent MGr1‐Ag/37LRP expression, which enhanced adhesion of gastric cancer cells to laminin, inhibited drug‐induced apoptosis and caused cell adhesion–mediated drug resistance (CAM‐DR). Here, we investigated the role of extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in the signaling mechanisms underlying these events. We found that hypoxia activated ERK activityin vitroandin vivo. Overexpression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK), which preferentially activated ERK, mimics, in a nonadditive way, hypoxia‐induced activity ofMGr1‐Ag/37LRPpromoter and expression of MGr1‐Ag/37LRP. Furthermore, U0126, the MEK inhibitor, inhibited hypoxia‐ and MEK‐inducedMGr1‐Ag/37LRPpromoter activity in a dose‐dependent manner. MEK inhibition also reversed hypoxia‐ and MEK‐induced HIF‐1 protein and its activity in a dose‐dependent manner. We also investigated reactive oxygen species signaling this response. Exogenous addition of H2O2was sufficient to activate ERK in a dose‐dependent profile. Reactive oxygen species scavengers of H2O2significantly inhibited hypoxia‐induced ERK or HIF‐1 activation and sequential expression of MGr1‐Ag/37LRP. We also investigated the signaling in hypoxia‐induced cell adhesion and apoptosis induced by vincristine. Hypoxia significantly enhanced adhesion of SGC7901 cells to laminin in a time‐dependent manner, which might be inhibited by the MEK inhibitor U0126 and MGr1‐Ag/37LRP siRNA. Consistent with results of adhesion assay, hypoxia‐resistant apoptosis might be reversed by U0126 in a dose‐dependent manner. Our results suggest that hypoxia‐elicited MGr1‐Ag/37LRP expression activated by HIF‐1 depends on ERK activation. These events are dependent of reactive oxygen intermediates.
Recent Low‐Cost Technologies to Analyse Physical Properties of Cases and Tubes Built by Aquatic Animals
Authors: Statzner Bernhard , Dolédec Océane , Sagnes Pierre
Published: December 2009

Assessing architecture and resistance against crushing forces of cases and tubes built from particles by aquatic animals has been a major thread in studies of the biology and ecology of such builders. Traditionally, these physical properties have been assessed by hand (e.g., sieving and weighting mineral grains, crushing the building applying known forces). Recent innovations in industrial technologies used to automate production processes offer low‐cost, time‐saving alternatives to such traditional techniques. Assessing such alternatives using freely available software for image analysis, low‐cost load cells and standard laboratory equipment, we describe simple procedures for accurate descriptions of mineral grains in pupal cases of lotic hydropsychids (e.g., number, area, perimeter, shape, mass, association with virtual sieve fractions) and forces deforming cases to levels being fatal for the builder. Using headwater and large‐river species of the Loire, we also provide examples how these descriptions could serve in comparisons of species or sites. Our methods should be helpful in studies on similar topics using other aquatic or terrestrial animal builders. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temporal Coherence of Chlorophylladuring a Spring Phytoplankton Bloom in Xiangxi Bay of Three‐Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Xu Yao‐Yang , Wang lan , Cai Qing‐Hua , Ye Lin
Published: December 2009

Algal bloom phenomenon was defined as “the rapid growth of one or more phytoplankton species which leads to a rapid increase in the biomass of phytoplankton”, yet most estimates of temporal coherence are based on yearly or monthly sampling frequencies and little is known of how synchrony varies among phytoplankton or of the causes of temporal coherence during spring algal bloom. In this study, data of chlorophyllaand related environmental parameters were weekly gathered at 15 sampling sites in Xiangxi Bay of Three‐Gorges Reservoir (TGR, China) to evaluate patterns of temporal coherence for phytoplankton during spring bloom and test if spatial heterogeneity of nutrient and inorganic suspended particles within a single ecosystem influences synchrony of spring phytoplankton dynamics. There is a clear spatial and temporal variation in chlorophyllaacross Xiangxi Bay. The degree of temporal coherence for chlorophyllabetween pairs of sites located in Xiangxi Bay ranged from –0.367 to 0.952 with mean and median values of 0.349 and 0.321, respectively. Low levels of temporal coherence were often detected among the three stretches of the bay (Down reach, middle reach and upper reach), while high levels of temporal coherence were often found within the same reach of the bay. The relative difference of DIN between pair sites was the strong predictor of temporal coherence for chlorophyllain down and middle reach of the bay, while the relative difference in Anorganic Suspended Solids was the important factor regulating temporal coherence in middle and upper reach. Contrary to many studies, these results illustrate that, in a small geographic area (a single reservoir bay of approximately 25 km), spatial heterogeneity influence synchrony of phytoplankton dynamics during spring bloom and local processes may override the effects of regional processes or dispersal. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of recombinant galectin‐1 on the growth of immortal rat chondrocyte on chitosan‐coated PLGA scaffold
Authors: Chen Shiang‐Jiuun , Lin Chien‐Chung , Tuan Wei‐Cheh , Tseng Ching‐Shiow , Huang Rong‐Nan
Published: December 2009

The effect of galectin‐1 (GAL1) on the growth of immortal rat chondrocyte (IRC) on chitosan‐modified PLGA scaffold is investigated. The experimental results showed that water absorption ratio of chitosan‐modified PLGA scaffold was 70% higher than that of PLGA alone after immersion in ddH2O for 2 weeks, indicating that chitosan‐modification significantly enhances the hydrophilicity of PLGA. The experimental results also showed that GALl efficiently and spontaneously coats the chitosan‐PLGA scaffold surface to promote adhesion and growth of immortal rat chondrocyte (IRC). To investigate the effect of endogenous GAL1, the full‐length GAL1 cDNAs were cloned and constructed into pcDNA3.1 vectors to generate a plasmid expressed in IRC (IRC‐GAL1). The results showed that IRC‐GAL1 growth was significantly higher than that of IRC on chitosan‐PLGA scaffold. The GAL1‐potentiated IRC growth on chitosan‐PLGA scaffold was dose‐dependently inhibited by TDG (specific inhibitor of GAL1 binding). These results strongly suggest that GAL1 is critical for enhancing IRC cell adhesion and growth on chitosan‐PLGA scaffold. Moreover, GAL1‐coating or expression tends to promote IRC cell–cell aggregation on chitosan‐PLGA scaffold and significantly enhances IRC migration. These results suggest that GAL1 probably could induce tissue differentiation and facilitates cartilage reconstruction. In conclusion, the experimental results suggest that both GAL1 and chitosan are important for enhancing IRC cell adhesion and growth on PLGA scaffold, and GAL1 is a potential biomaterial for tissue engineering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
PGE2 inhibits MMP expression by suppressing MKK4–JNK MAP kinase–c‐JUN pathway via EP4 in human articular chondrocytes
Authors: Nishitani Kohei , Ito Hiromu , Hiramitsu Teruko , Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Tanida Shimei , Kitaori Toshiyuki , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Masahiko , Nakamura Takashi
Published: December 2009

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one of pro‐inflammatory mediators. PGE2 maintains the homeostasis of many organs including articular cartilage, and a previous report showed that continuous inhibition of PGE2 accelerates the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). While PGE2 inhibits matrix metalloprotease (MMP) expression in several types of cells, little is known on direct effects of PGE2 on MMP expression in articular chondrocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate direct effects of PGE2 on IL‐1β‐induced MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 expression and the intracellular signaling in articular chondrocytes. PGE2 showed inhibitory effects on IL‐1β‐induced MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 expression demonstrated by immunoblotting both in OA and normal chondrocytes, which was further confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry of explant cultures of articular cartilages. An EP4 agonist, ONO‐AE1‐329, mimicked the inhibitory effect of PGE2, while an EP4 antagonist, ONO‐AE3‐208, blocked the effects. PGE2 suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK MAP kinases, but only knockdown of JNK by specific siRNA mimicked the effect of PGE2. PGE2 further inhibited the phosphorylation of MKK4 without suppression of MKK7 phosphorylation, and of c‐JUN to decrease expression levels of MMP‐1 and MMP‐13. These results demonstrate that PGE2 inhibits IL‐1β‐induced MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 productions via EP4 by suppressing MKK4–JNK MAP kinase–c‐JUN pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 425–433, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Empowering the disempowered: harm reduction with racial/ethnic minority clients
Authors: Blume Arthur W. , Lovato Laura V.
Published: December 2009

Harm‐reduction principles, such as empowerment of clients and goals for moderation, align well with the cultural worldviews of many clients of color. Empirically supported harm‐reduction strategies often work well with ethnic minority clients. However, clients of color require special clinical considerations. A case study illustrates the use of the community participatory model, which combines harm reduction, cultural sensitivity, and community support. Treatment services can be provided under one roof to eliminate barriers to seeking and receiving services. Harm‐reduction therapists can carefully assess and diagnose clients of color to minimize the potential shortcomings and cultural biases in assessment tools. Therapy will include the family and incorporate traditional practices as desired by clients. Use of these methods will empower and support clients of color as they seek their treatment goals. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66: 1–12, 2010.
A three‐dimensional Monte Carlo model for the simulation of nanoelectronic devices
Authors: Sadi T. , Thobel J.‐L.
Published: December 2009

We present a three‐dimensional (3D) semi‐classical ensemble Monte Carlo model newly developed to simulate a variety of nanoelectronic devices. The characteristics of the 3D model are compared with the widely used two‐dimensional (2D) models. The advantages of our model, in terms of accuracy in modelling the physics behind the operation of nanodevices, are presented by applying it to T‐branch junctions based on InGaAs/InAlAs heterostructures. Simulation of a T‐branch junction with a Schottky gate terminal is presented, using both 2D and 3D models, demonstrating the necessity of using 3D simulation models to study the physics of complex‐geometry nanostructures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing the computational requirements of time‐reversal device optimizations
Authors: Scott Ian , Vukovic Ana , Sewell Phillip
Published: December 2009

Time‐reversal simulations using conventional numerical algorithms provide the basis for a simple component optimization procedure. However, the computational requirements of the approach can become excessive, requiring the recording of the complete field time histories on a surface surrounding the problem space. In this work temporal, spatial and modal filtering methods are employed to significantly reduce the computational resources demanded by the time‐reversal process. The design of a number of WR90 (X‐band) waveguide components is used to quantify the balance between the computational efficiency gains and deterioration in the final design quality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional silica nanoparticle‐mediated neuronal membrane sealing following traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Cho Youngnam , Shi Riyi , Ivanisevic Albena , Ben Borgens Richard
Published: December 2009

The mechanical damage to neurons and their processes induced by spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a progressive cascade of pathophysiological events beginning with the derangement of ionic equilibrium and collapse of membrane permeability. This leads to a cumulative deterioration of neurons, axons, and the tissue architecture of the cord. We have previously shown that the application of the hydrophilic polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) following spinal cord or brain injury can rapidly restore membrane integrity, reduce oxidative stress, restore impaired axonal conductivity, and mediate functional recovery in rats, guinea pigs, and dogs. However there are limits to both the concentration and the molecular weight of the application that do not permit the broadest recovery across an injured animal population. In this study, PEG‐decorated silica nanoparticles (PSiNPs) sealed cells, as shown by the significantly reduced leakage of lactate dehydrogenase from damaged cells compared with uncoated particles or PEG alone. Further in vivo tests showed that PSiNPs also significantly reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species and the process of lipid peroxidation of the membrane. Fabrication of PSiNPs containing embedded dyes also revealed targeting of the particles to damaged, but not undamaged, spinal cord tissues. In an in vivo crush/contusion model of guinea pig SCI, every animal but one injected with PSiNPs recovered conduction through the cord lesion, whereas none of the control animals did. These findings suggest that the use of multifunctional nanoparticles may offer a novel treatment approach for spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and possibly neurodegenerative disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progressive noradrenergic deficits in the locus coeruleus of Mecp2 deficient mice
Authors: Roux Jean‐Christophe , Panayotis Nicolas , Dura Emmanuelle , Villard Laurent
Published: December 2009

Methyl‐CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a transcriptional regulator. Mutations in this gene cause a wide range of neurological disorders. Mecp2 deficiency has been previously associated to catecholaminergic dysfunctions leading to autonomic defects in the brainstem and the sympathoadrenergic system of the mouse. The present study was undertaken to determine if the locus coeruleus (LC), the main noradrenergic cell group of the brain, is affected. Using real type PCR, we found a reduction of the tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) mRNA level, the rate‐limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis, in the whole pons of P15 (‐36%), P30 (‐47%) and P50 (‐42%) Mecp2 null male as well as in adult heterozygous female (‐44%) mice. Using immunoquantification we did not observe any difference of the Th staining level in P30 null male mice. However at P50, we demonstrated a significant decrease in both the Th staining level (‐24%), and the number of Th‐positive neurons (‐23%). We subsequently characterized a reduction (‐28%) of the dendritic density of the Th‐positive fibers surrounding the LC in P50 null male mice. In heterozygous female mice immunoquantification did not revealed significant modifications, but only a tendency towards reduction. Finally, we did not found any apoptotic neurons in the pons indicating that LC neurons are not dying but are more likely loosing their catecholaminergic phenotype. In conclusion, our results showing a progressive catecholaminergic deficit in the LC of Mecp2 deficient null male mice could open new perspectives to better understand the autonomic and cognitive deficits due to the lack of Mecp2. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
When does quality of relationships with coworkers predict burnout over time? The moderating role of work motivation
Authors: Fernet Claude , Gagné Marylène , Austin Stéphanie
Published: December 2009

The present prospective study examines the interplay between the quality of relationships with coworkers and work motivation in predicting burnout. Considering self‐determined motivation at work as a potential moderator, we investigated whether relationships with coworkers are equally important to all employees in preventing burnout. A total of 533 college employees participated in this study. Data were collected at two time points, two years apart. Results from structural equation modeling indicated negative main effects for high‐quality relationships and self‐determined motivation on burnout. A significant interaction effect between these two factors on burnout was also revealed, suggesting that high‐quality relationships with coworkers is crucial for those employees who exhibit less self‐determined work motivation. Implications for burnout research and management practices are discussed (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the connections between relationship conflict and performance: The intervening roles of trust and exchange
Authors: Lau Rebecca S. , Cobb Anthony T.
Published: December 2009

Research shows that relationship conflict has a negative impact on job performance. There is scant theoretical work, however, explaining the interpersonal dynamics that lead to this outcome. A conceptual model is developed that explores how relationship conflict impacts performance through its effects on trust and exchange. We argue that relationship conflict has a detrimental effect on trust motivating coworkers to rely more on calculus‐based trust than on relationship‐based trust. This, in turn, affects the form of exchange coworkers use with one another, leading them to rely on negotiated exchange to the exclusion of reciprocal exchange. This kind of exchange relationship, finally, affects in‐role, extra‐role, and attitudinal outcomes. The literature shows that superordinate goals can mitigate relationship conflict and we use social and self‐categorization theories to explain and explore this effect on both relationship conflict and trust. How trust and exchange might change over time is also explored. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of bromoacetate‐substituted β‐CD‐bonded silica particles as chiral stationary phase for HPLC
Authors: Thamarai Chelvi Sennappan K. , Yong E. L. , Gong Yinhan
Published: December 2009

Bromoacetate‐substituted [3‐(2‐O‐β‐cyclodextrin)‐2‐hydroxypropoxy]propylsilyl‐appended silica particles (BACD‐HPS), an important and useful synthetic intermediate for preparation of novel types of macrocycles‐capped β‐CD‐bonded silica particles including crown ether/cyclam/calix[4]arene‐capped β‐CD‐bonded silica particles, have been prepared and used as chiral stationary phase for HPLC. This synthetic stationary phase is characterized by means of elemental analysis. For the first time, the chromatographic behavior of BACD‐HPS was systematically evaluated with several disubstituted benzenes and some chiral drug compounds under both normal and RP conditions in HPLC. The results show that BACD‐HPS has excellent selectivity for the separation of aromatic positional isomers and chiral isomers of some drug compounds when used as stationary phase in HPLC.
Determination of phthalates in fruit jellies by dispersive SPE coupled with HPLC‐MS
Authors: Ma Yuwei , Hashi Yuki , Ji Feng , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: December 2009

In this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the determination of five phthalates including dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, and dicyclohexyl phthalate in fruit jellies by LC coupled with MS has been developed. Samples were pretreated by a dispersive SPE method, termed QuEChERS, which is an acronym for quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe. The standard calibration curves were linear for all the analytes over the concentration range of 10–250 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.9976 to 0.9991. The LODs and LOQs were in the ranges of 0.09–3.68 ng/mL and 0.28–11.25 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy of this method was evaluated by measuring the recovery from spiked samples. The recoveries of all five phthalates from samples spiked at three different concentrations (0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 mg/kg), were in the ranges of 83.5–103.9%, 86.7–95.8%, and 87.1–95.2%, respectively. The RSD values for the samples spiked at 0.01, 0.03 , and 0.05 mg/kg ranged from 2.0–7.6%, 1.4–6.4%, and 1.2–3.8%, respectively. The method has been used for the analysis of real samples and BBP and DEP were found in real samples.
Highly selective GC stationary phases consisting of binary mixtures of polymeric ionic liquids
Authors: Zhao Qichao , Anderson Jared L.
Published: December 2009

GC stationary phases composed of binary mixtures of two polymeric ionic liquids (PILs), namely, poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐hexylimidazolium) bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (poly(ViHIm‐NTf2))/poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐hexylimidazolium) chloride (poly(ViHIm‐Cl)) and poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐hexadecylimidazolium) bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (poly(ViHDIm‐NTf2))/poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐hexadecylimidazolium) chloride (poly(ViHDIm‐Cl)), were evaluated in terms of their on‐set bleed temperature and separation selectivity. A total of six neat or binary PIL stationary phases were characterized using the solvation parameter model to investigate the effects of the polymeric cation and anion and PIL composition on the system constants of the resulting stationary phases. The hydrogen bond basicity of the mixed poly(ViHIm‐NTf2)/poly(ViHIm‐Cl) stationary phases was enriched linearly with the increase in the poly(ViHIm‐Cl) content. Results revealed that tuning the composition of the stationary phase allowed for fine control of the retention factors and separation selectivity for alcohols and carboxylic acids as well as selected ketones, aldehydes, and aromatic compounds. A reversal of elution order was observed for particular classes of analytes when the weight percentage of the chloride‐based PIL was increased.
New Generation of Polymeric Drugs: Copolymer from NIPAAM and Cyclodextrin Methacrylate Containing Supramolecular‐Attached Antitumor Derivative
Authors: Maciollek Arkadius , Munteanu Maricica , Ritter Helmut
Published: December 2009

We describe the synthesis of an adamantane‐bearing analogue of 5‐fluorocytosine. The process was investigated by 1H NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopy, MS‐EI mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The non‐covalent inclusion complexation of the synthesized compound with a copolymer containing NIPAAM and cyclodextrin methacrylate was investigated by turbidity measurement, dynamic light scattering, and UV–Vis spectrofotometry.

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Endocytosis and Intracellular Distribution of PLGA Particles in Endothelial Cells: Effect of Particle Geometry
Authors: Yoo Jin‐Wook , Doshi Nishit , Mitragotri Samir
Published: December 2009

Targeting, internalization, and intracellular trafficking of carriers are key processes in drug delivery to endothelial cells. We synthesized PLGA particles with spherical and elliptical disk geometries and investigated the effect of particle shape on rate of particle endocytosis and their intracellular distribution in endothelial cells. Elliptical disks (aspect ratio of 5) were endocytosed at a slower rate compared to spheres (1.8 µm diameter) of the same volume. However, both particles were eventually internalized and accumulated around the nucleus. We quantified the orientation of elliptical disks and found that disks, on average, oriented tangentially with the nuclear membrane. The non‐spherical geometry of elliptical disks brings unique aspects to the kinetics and equilibrium distribution of these particles in cells.

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Controlling the Optical Properties of Hyperbranched Conjugated Polyazomethines through Terminal‐Backbone Interactions
Authors: Song Liang , Tu Chunlai , Shi Yunfeng , Qiu Feng , He Lin , Jiang Yi , Zhu Qi , Zhu Bangshang , Yan Deyue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: December 2009

A simple approach to tune the optical properties of the hyperbranched conjugated polymers by only adjusting the terminal‐backbone interactions has been reported in this article. Hyperbranched conjugated polyazomethines have been successfully prepared by the reaction of tetramine and dialdehyde. Not only varying the monomer feed ratio to change the quantity of terminal amino groups, but also adopting protonation or complexion with proper dopants (SnCl2 and β‐cyclodextrin), can alter the interactions between amino terminals and imine bonds in the backbone. Correspondingly, the optical properties of the resulting hyperbranched polymers are controlled.

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Diosgenin attenuates inflammatory changes in the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages
Authors: Hirai Shizuka , Uemura Taku , Mizoguchi Noriko , Lee Joo‐Young , Taketani Keiko , Nakano Yuki , Hoshino Shohei , Tsuge Nobuaki , Narukami Toshihiko , Yu Rina , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kawada Teruo
Published: December 2009

Obese adipose tissues are characterized by the enhanced infiltration of macrophages. It is considered that the paracrine loop involving monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and the free fatty acid between adipocytes and macrophages establishes a vicious cycle that aggravates inflammatory changes and insulin resistance in obese adipose tissues. Diosgenin, a saponin aglycon found in a variety of plants, has anti‐inflammatory properties. In the present study, we examined the effect of diosgenin on the inflammatory changes in the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages. A coculture of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and RAW 264 macrophages markedly enhanced the production of tumor necrosis factor‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and nitric oxide compared with the sum of their single cultures; however, treatment with diosgenin inhibited the production of these proinflammatory mediators. Diosgenin also suppressed the inflammation in RAW 264 macrophages that was induced by the conditioned medium derived from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, diosgenin inhibited the conditioned medium‐induced degradation of inhibitor κB and the phosphorylation of c‐jun N‐terminal kinase in macrophages. These results indicate that diosgenin exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties in the interaction of adipocytes and macrophages by inhibiting the inflammatory signals in macrophages. Diosgenin may be useful for ameliorating the inflammatory changes in obese adipose tissues.
A comparative study of directivity enhancement of microstrip patch antennas with using three different superstrates
Authors: Mittra Raj , Li Yanfei , Yoo Kyungho
Published: December 2009

In this article, we present the results of a comparative study of three different types of superstrates used to enhance the directivity of a microstrip patch antenna. The three superstrates are frequency selective surface (FSS) with dipole elements; a dielectric slab; and a double negative (DNG) slab. We find that microstrip antennas (MPAs) covered either by an FSS or a plain dielectric slab superstrate provide higher directivities than that realized by using a DNG superstrate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 327–331, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24898
New and accurate synthesis formulas for open supported coplanar waveguides
Authors: Kaya S. , Guney K. , Yildiz C. , Turkmen M.
Published: December 2009

In this article, new and accurate synthesis formulas to compute the physical dimensions of open supported coplanar waveguides (OS‐CPWs) are presented. The synthesis formulas are obtained with the use of differential evolution (DE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. They are useful for the computer‐aided design of OS‐CPWs. The average percentage errors of the synthesis formulas obtained by using DE and PSO algorithms are computed to be 1.26% and 1.67%, respectively, for 4560 OS‐CPW samples having different electrical parameters and physical dimensions, as compared with the results of quasi‐static analysis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 262–269, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24908
Highly linear analog predistortion power amplifier with low memory effects at high drain bias voltage
Authors: Lee Yong‐Sub , Lee Mun‐Woo , Kam Sang‐Ho , Jeong Yoon‐Ha
Published: December 2009

In this article, we propose a highly linear analog predistortion power amplifier (PA). To successfully use the analog predistorter, memory effects of the PA are significantly reduced using drain bias circuit with high drain bias voltage as well as widened λ/4 bias line and several decoupling capacitors. For a two‐tone signal and a two‐carrier wideband code division multiple access signal, the analog predistortion PA shows the significant IM3 cancellation and ACLR improvement by delivering low memory effects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 295–299, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24909
A 2.6‐GHz fully integrated CMOS power amplifier using power‐combining transformer
Authors: Chiou Hwann‐Kaeo , Liao Hsien‐Yuan , Chen Chien‐Chung , Wang Shih‐Ming , Chen Cheng‐Chung
Published: December 2009

A 2.6‐GHz power amplifier was implemented with a 0.18 μm RF CMOS process. The matching networks were fully integrated without any external components. To increase the output power, the power combining technique was adopted and realized by a 2:1 on‐chip transformer, which was designed to provide an optimum load for the power cell. The measured efficiency of this power combining transformer is about 75% at 2.6 GHz. The proposed power amplifier exhibits maximum output power of 26.7 dBm with power‐added efficiency of 18.1%. The power gain is 13.6 dB under 3.3 V supply voltage. Moreover, this letter shows good agreement between simulated and measured results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 299–302, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24910
Well‐conditioned MLFMA for electromagnetic scattering from dielectric objects above a lossy half‐space
Authors: Hu Yun Qin , Ding Dazhi Z. , Fan Z. H. , Chen Ru Shan
Published: December 2009

In this article, the electromagnetic analysis of arbitrarily shaped three‐dimensional homogenous dielectric objects located above a lossy half space is considered with a well‐conditioned surface integral equation. The electric‐magnetic current combined‐field integral equation (JMCFIE) is extended to the half‐space situation to realize accurate and fast solution. This formulation can lead to a well‐tested equation system with the RWG basis functions and Galerkin's testing procedure. The multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) accelerated inner‐outer Flexible Generalized Minimal Residual method (FGMRES) is used for the efficient solution. Numerical results demonstrate the accuracy and high efficiency of this method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 381–386, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24914
Bandwidth enhancement of open slot antenna with a T‐shaped stub
Authors: Song Kun , Yin Ying‐Zeng , Wu Xiao‐Bo , Zhang Li
Published: December 2009

A novel open slot antenna with a T‐shaped stub for bandwidth enhancement is presented. By attaching a T‐shaped stub to the rectangular radiating patch, the bandwidth enhancement of the proposed antenna is achieved well. From experimental results, the measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna can reach an operating bandwidth of about 131% over a wideband frequency range from 2.3 to 11.1 GHz, which makes it an excellent candidate for the WLAN (2.4/5 GHz) and UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz) applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 390–393, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24929
Novel compact UWB bandpass filter with notched band
Authors: Qi Li , Chang‐Hong Liang , Wei Zhang , Wei‐Feng Xu
Published: December 2009

A compact planar microstrip ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) with notched band has been proposed and implemented in this letter for the use in UWB wireless communication applications set by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Three coupled lines and quarter‐wave short‐circuited shunt stubs are used to realize a high selectivity filtering characteristic. By employing embedding open stubs, the narrow notched band was introduced to reject the undesired wireless local‐area network (WLAN) radio signals. The bandwidth of the notched filter can be controlled by adjusting the width or length of the slot. The proposed component has been designed, simulated, and fabricated for verification. Simulation results are confirmed via experiment, showing good wideband filtering performance with notched band. The measured insertion loss is less than 1.2 dB, the return loss is more than 18 dB, and the variation of group delay is lessthan 0.4 ns throughout the passband except for the notched band. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 280–283, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24934
A compact step recovery diode subnanosecond pulse generator
Authors: Protiva Pavel , Mrkvica Jan , Macháč Jan
Published: December 2009

A compact Ultra‐Wideband subnanosecond pulse generator is described in this article. The fundamental part of the generator consists of a step recovery diode (SRD), which works as a waveform edge sharpener. The SRD is included in a compact pulse‐forming network, which is used to form a narrow Gaussian pulse. Theproposed circuit solution utilizes the performance of the SRD effectively with minimal requirements regarding the driver stage of the generator. The measurements show the waveform and power spectrum of the Gaussian pulse that is generated. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 438–440, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24945
Design and development of aperture‐coupled microstrip antennas for intensified bandwidth, adequate gain and low cross‐polarization
Authors: Sameena N. M. , Singh Kishan , Konda R. B. , Mulgi S. N.
Published: December 2009

This article presents a novel design of complementary‐symmetry aperture‐coupled microstrip antenna for wideband, adequate gain, and low cross‐polarization. An experimental bandwidth of 129.51% with gain of 5.17 dB is achieved. The antenna operates from 3.85 to 18 GHz, which covers C, X, and Ku bands. The obtained cross‐polar power level is −30.5 dB down with respect to co‐polar. The effectof coupling aperture and microstrip feedline is studied and reported. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 403–406, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24952
Multi‐channel AM video transmission beyond the baseband of multimode fiber
Authors: Kowalczyk M. , Siuzdak J.
Published: December 2009

For the first time, SCM transmission of analog AM TV signals (four channels) was demonstrated beyond the base‐band of typical 4.4 km long GI silica fiber with 50 μm core. Obtained image and sound qualities were good in all channels. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 435–438, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24953
Computational homogenization of uncoupled consolidation in micro‐heterogeneous porous media
Authors: Larsson Fredrik , Runesson Kenneth , Su Fang
Published: December 2009

Variationally consistent homogenization is exploited for the analysis of transient uncoupled consolidation in micro‐heterogeneous porous solids, whereby the classical approach of first‐order homogenization for stationary problems is extended to transient problems. Homogenization is then carried out in the spatial domain on representative volume elements (RVE), which are introduced in quadrature points in standard fashion. Along with the classical averages, a higher‐order conservation quantity is obtained. An iterative FE2‐algorithm is devised for the case of nonlinear permeability and storage coefficients, and it is applied to pore pressure changes in asphalt‐concrete (particle composite). Various parametric studies are carried out, in particular, with respect to the influence of the ‘substructure length scale’ that is represented by the size of the RVE's. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benign mandibular tumours: Two case studies from the Maya lowland site of Tikal, Guatemala
Authors: Bartelink E. J. , Wright L. E.
Published: December 2009

This study presents a differential diagnosis of benign mandibular tumours identified in two adult burials from the precontact Maya city of Tikal, Guatemala. Both individuals were recovered from domestic structures that date to the Late Classic Period (AD 550–850). The osseous growths were interpreted as probable benign tumours based on evidence of localised growth, a circumscribed border, a dense texture and a lack of osteolytic activity or spiculate bone formation.

Burial PTP‐026A is a middle adult (35–50 years) of indeterminate sex with evidence of a small dense, circular mass extending laterally from the right mandibular corpus. Macroscopic and radiographic assessment of this lesion provided a diagnosis of osteoma, a true neoplasm, or alternately, hyperplasia (e.g. exostosis) or hamartoma, which are not true neoplasms.

Burial PTP‐017 is a probable young adult female (20–35 years) with a large osteoblastic lesion on the right anterior mandibular corpus. This dense, bony mass extends from the anterior margin of the mental canal, and shows a distinct boundary from the adjacent trabecular and cortical bone. The growth of the osseous mass displaced the right first premolar anteriorly. Radiographic assessment showed the presence of dense, radiopaque material, indicating significant calcification. This suggested a likely fibro‐osseous origin for this lesion, with a probable diagnosis of ossifying fibroma, or possibly osseous dysplasia. Although not definitive, our differential diagnosis was able to exclude a number of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic conditions that affect the jaws. This study provides the first reported cases of possible benign mandibular tumours in the ancient Maya. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Right foot congenital infantile fibrosarcoma treated only with chemotherapy
Authors: Demir Hacı Ahmet , Akyüz Canan , Varan Ali , Ergen Fatma Bilge , Büyükpamukçu Münevver
Published: December 2009

Congenital infantile fibrosarcoma (CIF) is a rare tumor in childhood. The 5‐year survival rate for CIFs is high and has been reported between 84% and 93%, but limb‐amputation/disarticulation is still a major problem. We report the case of a male newborn with a mass in his right foot. X‐ray and MRI revealed a mass destroying all tarsal, metatarsal, and phalangeal bones. The patient was treated only with VAC chemotherapy and is able to walk normally. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:618–620. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preventable drug related mortality in a Swedish population
Authors: Jönsson Anna K. , Hakkarainen Katja M. , Spigset Olav , Druid Henrik , Hiselius Anne , Hägg Staffan
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Several studies indicate that the medical burden of fatal adverse drug reactions (FADRs) is significant, but the preventability of FADRs in the general population is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of preventable FADRs and preventable fatal drug poisonings (FDPs) in a Swedish population.

Methods

Previously, a population‐based sample of 1574 deceased subjects was scrutinised for FADRs and FDPs using relevant case records, including death certificates, medical charts and medico‐legal files. Forty‐nine cases (3%) of FADRs and nine cases (0.6%) of FDPs were identified in 57 subjects. In this study, the preventability of all these identified FADRs and FDPs was evaluated by clinical experts in a stepwise manner, applying a set of predefined and well established preventability criteria. Only cases for which consensus was achieved were included in the study.

Results

Of 49 FADRs, 14% (seven fatalities) was considered definitely or possibly preventable and four of these were due to the presence of a contraindication for the drug. All nine FDPs were considered possibly preventable. As one subject had a combination of an FADR and an FDP, a total of 15 persons (26%) were considered having a definitely or possibly preventable FADR or FDP, corresponding to 0.95% of all deceased subjects in Sweden.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that approximately one fourth of FADRs and FDPs could be prevented. Therefore, an increased awareness of the possibility to reduce the risk of fatal events due to pharmaceutical drugs is warranted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personality and lexical decision times for evaluative words
Authors: Borkenau Peter , Paelecke Marko , Yu Rongrong
Published: December 2009

We studied personality influences on accessibility of pleasant and unpleasant stimuli in a sample of 129 students. Self‐reports and reports by knowledgeable informants on extraversion, neuroticism, approach temperament and avoidance temperament were combined with a go/no‐go lexical decision task that included pleasant, unpleasant and neutral words, and two response modes, manual and vocal. The data were analysed using multilevel modelling. Extraversion and approach temperament predicted faster identification of pleasant words than of neutral and of unpleasant words. Vocal responses took longer than manual responses, but mode of response did not interact with the valence of the words. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult temperament and childbearing over the life course
Authors: Jokela Markus , Hintsa Taina , Hintsanen Mirka , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa
Published: December 2009

Emerging evidence suggests that temperament may predict childbearing. We examined the association between four temperament traits (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence and persistence of the Temperament and Character Inventory) and childbearing over the life course in the population‐based Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study (n = 1535; 985 women, 550 men). Temperament was assessed when the participants were aged 20–35 and fertility history from adolescence to adulthood was reported by the participants at age 30–45. Discrete‐time survival analysis modelling indicated that high childbearing probability was predicted by low novelty seeking (standardized OR = 0.92; 95% confidence interval 0.88–0.97), low harm avoidance (OR = 0.90; 0.85–0.95), high reward dependence (OR = 1.09; 1.03–1.15) and low persistence (OR = 0.91; 0.87–0.96) with no sex differences or quadratic effects. These associations grew stronger with increase in numbers of children. The findings were substantially the same in a completely prospective analysis. Adjusting for education did not influence the associations. Despite its negative association with overall childbearing, high novelty seeking increased the probability of having children in participants who were not living with a partner (OR = 1.29; 1.12–1.49). These data provide novel evidence for the role of temperament in influencing childbearing, and suggest possible weak natural selection of temperament traits in contemporary humans. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethylene polymerization with hybrid nickel diimine/Cp2TiCl2 catalyst: a new method to prepare blends of linear and branched polyethylene
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Jingdai , Jiang Binbo , Yang Yongrong , Jie Zheng
Published: December 2009

Blends of linear polyethylene (LPE) and branched polyethylene (BPE) display very good mechanic properties that can be beneficial for various applications such as shear thinning and melt elasticity. LPE, BPE and amorphous polyethylene can be produced using nickel diimine (DMN) catalyst under various polymerization conditions, while LPE can be obtained using metallocene catalyst. Thus, LPE/BPE blends can be achieved by in situ polymerization using a hybrid DMN/metallocene catalyst. A novel hybrid catalyst made of DMN and Cp2TiCl2 was designed and used for ethylene polymerization. A synergistic effect of the two active sites in the hybrid DMN/metallocene catalyst was observed. Blends of linear and low branched polyethylene were synthesized when polymerization was conducted at low temperature (0 °C), while blends of linear and highly branched polyethylene were obtained at high temperature (50 °C). However, the miscibility of the polymers obtained at 50 °C was dramatically reduced as compared to those obtained at 0 °C. Mesoporous particles (MCM‐41) consisting of aluminosilicate with cylindrical pores were used to support the hybrid catalyst, in which MCM‐41 provides sufficient nanoscale pores to facilitate the polymerization in well‐controlled confined spaces. Blends of LPE and BPE were synthesized by in situ polymerization without adding comonomer and characterized. The miscibility of the polymer blends can be improved by supporting the hybrid catalyst on MCM‐41. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry