bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of liver resection versus transplantation for early hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria
Authors: Lim Kheng Choon , Wang Vivian W. , Siddiqui Fahad J. , Shi Luming , Chan Edwin S.Y. , Oh Hong Choon , Tan Say Beng , Chow Pierce K.H.
Published: March 2014

Both liver resection (LR) and cadaveric liver transplantation (CLT) are potentially curative treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria and with adequate liver function. Adopting either as a first‐line therapy carries major cost and resource implications. The objective of this study was to estimate the relative cost‐effectiveness of LR against CLT for patients with HCC within the Milan criteria using a decision analytic model. A Markov cohort model was developed to simulate a cohort of patients aged 55 years with HCC within the Milan criteria and Child‐Pugh A/B cirrhosis, undergoing LR or CLT, and followed up over their remaining life expectancy. Analysis was performed in different geographical cost settings: the USA, Switzerland and Singapore. Transition probabilities were obtained from systematic literature reviews, supplemented by databases from Singapore and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (USA). Utility and cost data were obtained from open sources. LR produced 3.9 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) while CLT had an additional 1.4 QALYs. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CLT versus LR ranged from $111,821/QALY in Singapore to $156,300/QALY in Switzerland, and was above thresholds for cost‐effectiveness in all three countries. Sensitivity analysis revealed that CLT‐related 5‐year cumulative survival, one‐time cost of CLT, and post‐LR 5‐year cumulative recurrence rates were the most sensitive parameters in all cost scenarios. ICERs were reduced below threshold when CLT‐related 5‐year cumulative survival exceeded 84.9% and 87.6% in Singapore and the USA, respectively. For Switzerland, the ICER remained above the cost‐effectiveness threshold regardless of the variations. Conclusion: In patients with HCC within the Milan criteria and Child‐Pugh A/B cirrhosis, LR is more cost‐effective than CLT across three different costing scenarios: the USA, Switzerland, Singapore. (Hepatology 2015;61:227–237)
Development of a grid‐based version of the SWAT landscape model
Authors: Rathjens H. , Oppelt N. , Bosch D. D. , Arnold J. G. , Volk M.
Published: March 2014

Integrated river basin models should provide a spatially distributed representation of basin hydrology and transport processes to allow for spatially implementing specific management and conservation measures. To accomplish this, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was modified by integrating a landscape routing model to simulate water flow across discretized routing units. This paper presents a grid‐based version of the SWAT landscape model that has been developed to enhance the spatial representation of hydrology and transport processes. The modified model uses a new flow separation index that considers topographic features and soil properties to capture channel and landscape flow processes related to specific landscape positions. The resulting model is spatially fully distributed and includes surface, lateral and groundwater fluxes in each grid cell of the watershed. Furthermore, it more closely represents the spatially heterogeneous distributed flow and transport processes in a watershed. The model was calibrated and validated for the Little River Watershed (LRW) near Tifton, Georgia (USA). Water balance simulations as well as the spatial distribution of surface runoff, subsurface flow and evapotranspiration are examined. Model results indicate that groundwater flow is the dominant landscape process in the LRW. Results are promising, and satisfactory output was obtained with the presented grid‐based SWAT landscape model. Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiencies for daily stream flow were 0.59 and 0.63 for calibration and validation periods, and the model reasonably simulates the impact of the landscape position on surface runoff, subsurface flow and evapotranspiration. Additional revision of the model will likely be necessary to adequately represent temporal variations of transport and flow processes in a watershed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer‐associated fibroblast promote transmigration through endothelial brain cells in three‐dimensionalin vitromodels
Authors: Choi Yoon Pyo , Lee Joo Hyun , Gao Ming‐Qing , Kim Baek Gil , Kang Suki , Kim Se Hoon , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: March 2014

Brain metastases are associated with high morbidity as well as with poor prognosis and survival in breast cancer patients. Despite its clinical importance, metastasis of breast cancer cells through the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is poorly understood. The objective of our study was to investigate whether cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play crucial roles in breast cancer brain metastasis. Using a cell adhesion assays,in vitroBBB permeability and transmigration assays and soft agar colony formation assays, we investigated the physical roles of CAFs in breast cancer brain metastasis. We also performed immunofluorescence, flow cytometric analysis, Droplet Digital PCR and Simon™ Simple Western System to confirm changes in expression levels. We established two novel three‐dimensional (3D) culture systems using a perpendicular slide chamber and applying 3D embedded culture method to reflect brain metastasis conditions. With a newly developed device, CAFs was proven to promote cell adhesion to human brain microvascular endothelial cells,in vitroBBB permeability and transmigration and colony formation of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, CAFs enhanced the invasive migration of breast cancer cells in two kinds of 3D cultures. These 3D models also reliably recapitulate the initial steps of BBB transmigration, micro‐metastasis and colonization. Expression of integrin α5β1 and αvβ3, c‐MET and α2,6‐siayltransferase was increased in breast cancer cells that migrated through the BBB. In conclusion, based on ourin vitroBBB and co‐culture models, our data suggest that CAFs may play a role in breast cancer brain metastasis.
Genetic association of gastric cancer with miRNA clusters including the cancer‐related genes MIR29, MIR25, MIR93 and MIR106: Results from the EPIC‐EURGAST study
Authors: Espinosa‐Parrilla Yolanda , Muñoz Xavier , Bonet Catalina , Garcia Nadia , Venceslá Adoración , Yiannakouris Nikos , Naccarati Alessio , Sieri Sabina , Panico Salvatore , Huerta José M. , Barricarte Aurelio , Menéndez Virginia , Sánchez‐Cantalejo Emilio , Dorronsoro Miren , Brennan Paul , Duarte‐Salles Talita , B(as) Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Lund Eiliv , Clavel‐Chapelon Françoise , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Racine Antoine , Numans Mattijs E. , Tumino Rosario , Canzian Federico , Campa Daniele , Sund Malin , Johansson Mattias , Ohlsson Bodil , Lindkvist Björn , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Palli Domenico , Travis Ruth C. , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nick , Boeing Heiner , Nesi Gabriella , Riboli Elio , Gonzalez Carlos A. , Sala Núria
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post‐transcriptional gene regulators involved in a wide range of biological processes including tumorigenesis. Deregulation of miRNA pathways has been associated with cancer but the contribution of their genetic variability to this disorder is poorly known. We analyzed the genetic association of gastric cancer (GC) and its anatomical and histological subtypes, with 133 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging 15 isolated miRNAs and 24 miRNA clusters potentially involved in cancer, in 365 GC cases and 1,284 matched controls within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. Various SNPs were associated with GC under the log‐additive model. Furthermore, several of these miRNAs passed the gene‐based permutation test when analyzed according to GC subtypes: three tagSNPs of the miR‐29a/miR‐29b‐1 cluster were associated with diffuse subtype (minimum p‐value = 1.7 × 10−4; odds ratio, OR = 1.72; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.30–2.28), two tagSNPs of the miR‐25/miR‐93/miR‐106b cluster were associated with cardia GC (minimum p‐value = 5.38 × 10−3; OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37–0.86) and one tagSNP of the miR‐363/miR‐92a‐2/miR‐19b‐2/miR‐20b/miR‐18b/miR‐106a cluster was associated with noncardia GC (minimum p‐value = 5.40 × 10−3; OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.12–1.78). Some functionally validated target genes of these miRNAs are implicated in cancer‐related processes such as methylation (DNMT3A, DNMT3B), cell cycle (E2F1, CDKN1A, CDKN1C), apoptosis (BCL2L11, MCL1), angiogenesis (VEGFA) and progression (PIK3R1, MYCN). Furthermore, we identified genetic interactions between variants tagging these miRNAs and variants in their validated target genes. Deregulation of the expression of these miRNAs in GC also supports our findings, altogether suggesting for the fist time that genetic variation in MIR29, MIR25, MIR93 and MIR106b may have a critical role in genetic susceptibility to GC and could contribute to the molecular mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis.
Key role for myeloid cells: Phase II results of anti‐GD2 antibody 3F8 plus granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor for chemoresistant osteomedullary neuroblastoma
Authors: Cheung Nai‐Kong V. , Cheung Irene Y. , Kramer Kim , Modak Shakeel , Kuk Deborah , Pandit‐Taskar Neeta , Chamberlain Elizabeth , Ostrovnaya Irina , Kushner Brian H.
Published: March 2014

Anti‐GD2 murine antibody 3F8 plus subcutaneously (sc) administered granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) was used against primary refractory neuroblastoma in metastatic osteomedullary sites. Large study size and long follow‐up allowed assessment of prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis not reported with other anti‐GD2 antibodies. In a phase II trial, 79 patients without prior progressive disease were treated for persistent osteomedullary neuroblastoma documented by histology and/or metaiodobenzyl‐guanidine (MIBG) scan. In the absence of human antimouse antibody, 3F8 + scGM‐CSF cycles were repeated up to 24 months. Minimal residual disease (MRD) in bone marrow was measured by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction pre‐enrollment and post‐cycle #2, before initiation of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid. Study endpoints were: (i) progression‐free survival (PFS) compared with the predecessor trial of 3F8 plus intravenously administered (iv) GM‐CSF (26 patients) and (ii) impact of MRD on PFS. Using all 105 patients from the two consecutive 3F8 + GM‐CSF trials, prognostic factors were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression model. Complete response rates to 3F8 + scGM‐CSF were 87% by histology and 38% by MIBG. Five‐year PFS was 24 ± 6%, which was significantly superior to 11 ± 7% with 3F8 + ivGM‐CSF (p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, significantly better PFS was associated with R/R or H/R FCGR2A polymorphism, sc route of GM‐CSF and early MRD response. MYCN amplification was not prognostic. Complement consumption was similar with either route of GM‐CSF. Toxicities were manageable, allowing outpatient treatment. 3F8 + scGM‐CSF is highly active against chemoresistant osteomedullary neuroblastoma. MRD response may be an indicator of tumor sensitivity to anti‐GD2 immunotherapy. Correlative studies highlight the antineoplastic potency of myeloid effectors.
Binding Kinetics of a Fluorescently Labeled Bisphosphonate as a Tool for Dynamic Monitoring of Bone Mineral Deposition In Vivo
Authors: Tower Robert J , Campbell Graeme M , Müller Marc , Will Olga , Glüer Claus C , Tiwari Sanjay
Published: March 2014

Bone mineral deposition during the modeling of new bone and remodeling of old bone can be perturbed by several pathological conditions, including osteoporosis and skeletal metastases. A site-specific marker depicting the dynamics of bone mineral deposition would provide insight into skeletal disease location and severity, and prove useful in evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological interventions. Fluorescent labels may combine advantages of both radioisotope imaging and detailed microscopic analyses. The purpose of this study was to determine if the fluorescent bisphosphonate OsteoSense could detect localized changes in bone mineral deposition in established mouse models of accelerated bone loss (ovariectomy) (OVX) and anabolic bone gain resulting from parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment. We hypothesized that the early rate of binding, as well as the total amount of bisphosphonate, which binds over long periods of time, could be useful in evaluating changes in bone metabolism. Evaluation of the kinetic uptake of bisphosphonates revealed a significant reduction in both the rate constant and plateau binding after OVX, whereas treatment with PTH resulted in a 36-fold increase in the bisphosphonate binding rate constant compared with untreated OVX controls. Localization of bisphosphonate binding revealed initial binding at sites of ossification adjacent to the growth plate and, to a lesser extent, along more distal trabecular and cortical elements. Micro-computed tomography (CT) was used to confirm that initial bisphosphonate binding is localized to sites of low tissue mineral density, associated with new bone mineral deposition. Our results suggest monitoring binding kinetics based on fluorescently labeled bisphosphonates represents a highly sensitive, site-specific method for monitoring changes in bone mineral deposition with the potential for translation into human applications in osteoporosis and bone metastatic processes and their treatment. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Implementation of an acute venous thromboembolism clinical pathway reduces healthcare utilization and mitigates health disparities
Authors: Misky Gregory J. , Carlson Todd , Thompson Elaina , Trujillo Toby , Nordenholz Kristen
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is prevalent, expensive, and deadly. Published data at our institution identified significant VTE care variation based on payer source. We developed a VTE clinical pathway to standardize care, decrease hospital utilization, provide education, and mitigate disparities.

METHODS

Target population for our interdisciplinary pathway was acute medical VTE patients. The intervention included order sets, system‐wide education, follow‐up phone calls, and coordinated posthospital care. Study data (n = 241) were compared to historical data (n = 234), evaluating outcomes of hospital admission, length of stay (LOS), and reutilization, stratified by payer source.

RESULTS

A total of 241 patients entered the VTE clinical care pathway: 107 with deep venous thrombosis (44.4%) and 134 with a pulmonary embolism (55.6%). Within the pathway, uninsured VTE patients were admitted at a lower rate than insured patients (65.9 vs 79.1%; P = 0.032). LOS decreased from 4.4 to 3.1 days (P < 0.001) for admitted VTE patients and from 5.9 to 3.1 days among uninsured patients (P = 0.0006). Overall, 30‐day emergency department recidivism remained 11%, but declined (17.9% to 13.6%) among uninsured patients (P = 0.593). Fewer pathway patients (5.8%) were readmitted compared to historical patients (9.4%, P = 0.254). Individual cost of care decreased from $7610 to $5295 (P < 0.005) for any VTE patient, and from $9953 to $4304 (P = 0.001) per uninsured patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing an interdisciplinary, clinical pathway standardized care for VTE patients and dramatically reduced hospital utilization and cost, particularly among uninsured patients. Results of this novel study demonstrate a model for improving transitional care coordination with local community health clinics and delivering care to vulnerable populations. Other disease populations may benefit from the development of a similar model. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:430–435. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
The impact of the Atlantic cold tongue on West African monsoon onset in regional model simulations for 1998–2002
Authors: Druyan Leonard M. , Fulakeza Matthew
Published: March 2014

The Atlantic cold tongue (ACT) develops during spring and early summer near the Equator in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea. The hypothesis that the ACT accelerates the timing of West African monsoon (WAM) onset is tested by comparing two regional climate model (RM3) simulation ensembles. Observed sea surface temperatures (SST) that include the ACT are used to force a control ensemble. An idealized, warm SST perturbation is designed to represent lower boundary forcing without the ACT for the experiment ensemble. Summer simulations forced by observed SST and reanalysis boundary conditions for each of five consecutive years are compared to five parallel runs forced by SST with the warm perturbation. The article summarizes the sequence of events leading to the onset of the WAM in the Sahel region. The representation of WAM onset in RM3 simulations is examined and compared to Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and reanalysis data. The study evaluates the sensitivity of WAM onset indicators to the presence of the ACT by analysing the differences between the two simulation ensembles. Results show that the timing of major rainfall events and therefore the WAM onset in the Sahel are not sensitive to the presence of the ACT. However, the warm SST perturbation does increase downstream rainfall rates over West Africa as a consequence of enhanced specific humidity and enhanced northward moisture flux in the lower troposphere.
Up‐regulation of expression of selected genes in human bone cells with specific capacitively coupled electric fields
Authors: Clark Charles C. , Wang Wei , Brighton Carl T.
Published: March 2014

The objective of the described experiments was to determine the electrical parameters that lead to optimal expression of a number of bone‐related genes in cultured human bone cells exposed to a capacitively coupled electric field. Human calvarial osteoblasts were grown in modified plastic Cooper dishes in which the cells could be exposed to various capacitively coupled electric fields. The optimal duration of stimulation and optimal duration of response to the electrical field, and the optimal amplitude, frequency and duty cycle were all determined for each of the genes analyzed. Results indicated that a capacitively coupled electric field of 60 kHz, 20 mV/cm, 50% duty cycle for 2 h duration per day significantly up‐regulated mRNA expression of a number of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β family genes (bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)‐2 and ‐4, TGF‐β1, ‐ β2 and ‐β3) as well as fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2, osteocalcin (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Protein levels of BMP‐2 and ‐4, and TGF‐β1 and ‐ β2 were also elevated. The clinical relevance of these findings in the context of a noninvasive treatment modality for delayed union and nonunion fracture healing is discussed. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:894–903, 2014.
The Radon‐Nikodym property, generalized bounded variation and the average range
Authors: Kaliaj Sokol Bush
Published: March 2014

A generalized bounded variation characterization of Banach spaces possessing the Radon‐Nikodym property is given in terms of the average range. We prove that a Banach space X has the Radon‐Nikodym property if and only if for each function of generalized bounded variation on [0, 1], the average range is a nonempty set at almost all .
Components of Golgi‐to‐vacuole trafficking are required for nitrogen‐ and TORC1‐responsive regulation of the yeast GATA factors
Authors: Fayyadkazan Mohammad , Tate Jennifer J. , Vierendeels Fabienne , Cooper Terrance G. , Dubois Evelyne , Georis Isabelle
Published: March 2014

Nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) is the regulatory pathway through which Saccharomyces cerevisiae responds to the available nitrogen status and selectively utilizes rich nitrogen sources in preference to poor ones. Expression of NCR‐sensitive genes is mediated by two transcription activators, Gln3 and Gat1, in response to provision of a poorly used nitrogen source or following treatment with the TORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin. During nitrogen excess, the transcription activators are sequestered in the cytoplasm in a Ure2‐dependent fashion. Here, we show that Vps components are required for Gln3 localization and function in response to rapamycin treatment when cells are grown in defined yeast nitrogen base but not in complex yeast peptone dextrose medium. On the other hand, Gat1 function was altered in vps mutants in all conditions tested. A significant fraction of Gat1, like Gln3, is associated with light intracellular membranes. Further, our results are consistent with the possibility that Ure2 might function downstream of the Vps components during the control of GATA factor‐mediated gene expression. These observations demonstrate distinct media‐dependent requirements of vesicular trafficking components for wild‐type responses of GATA factor localization and function. As a result, the current model describing participation of Vps system components in events associated with translocation of Gln3 into the nucleus following rapamycin treatment or growth in nitrogen‐poor medium requires modification.
Frequency optimization for visible light communication based on carrier allocation in offset OFDM
Authors: Kim Deok‐Rae , Yang Se‐Hoon , Kim Hyun‐Seung , Son Yong‐Hwan , Han Sang‐Kook
Published: March 2014

Visible light communication (VLC) has many issues, including realizing complex modulations, increasing data rate, addressing the light emitting diode (LED) bandwidth limitation, and achieving multiservice capabilities such as for location‐based service (LBS). Therefore, we investigated frequency optimization for VLC parameters such as offset OFDM frequency location, allocated RF signal frequency location, allocated RF signal input power, operating point, and clipping. We experimentally demonstrated the characteristics of the proposed system. The results show that received offset frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) can achieve a 12‐Mbps data rate with a BER of 8 × 10−4. Additionally, the received allocated RF signal can satisfy a BER requirement of 10−4 after conversion from its EVM. The transmission distance was 1.8 m in an indoor environment when using white LED. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1431–1437, 2014
A balanced pulse‐modulated polar transmitter for improved efficiency and stability using power recycling
Authors: Wu Meng‐Han , Lin Hou‐Chung , Lee Chih‐Jie , Lee Kung‐Yen , Chen Jau‐Horng
Published: March 2014

This article presents a balanced pulse‐modulated polar transmitter that is capable of withstanding load mismatch and out‐of‐band reflection. The balanced architecture directs the reflected power to the isolated port of the 90°‐hybrid coupler. Using a rectifier, the reflected power can be recycled and used for assisting the supply of the polar transmitter. A prototype system was implemented and measurement was performed for validation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1452–1454, 2014
Triple‐pass‐band, dual‐stop‐band UWB antenna with substrate‐integrated waveguide resonators
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Bornemann Jens
Published: March 2014

A coplanar‐waveguide fed ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna with substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) stop‐band resonators is introduced for the 3–10 GHz band. The symmetrically placed SIW cavities provide dual‐stop‐band characteristics due to their TE101 and TE102 resonance modes. Thus, the entire UWB is divided into three pass‐bands which cover the frequency ranges 4.23–4.62 GHz, 6.6–8.175 GHz, and 9.39–10.7 GHz. Measurements of a prototype show good agreement with simulation results with a minimum measured return loss of 9 dB in any of the three pass‐bands. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1265–1270, 2014
Microfluidic coaxial transmission line and phase shifter
Authors: Hayes Gerard J. , Desai Sharvil C. , Liu Yuyu , Annamaa Petteri , Lazzi Gianluca , Dickey Michael D.
Published: March 2014

This article presents a microfluidic coaxial transmission line assembly that is realized by weaving together stretchable metallic fibers composed of a liquid‐metal core inside an elastomeric shell. These fibers are woven around a core fiber to create a coaxial assembly. The resulting structure exhibits exceptional stretchability compared to conventional coaxial transmission lines. The mechanical properties of the supporting elastomer and the fluidic properties of the conductors ensure that the characteristic impedance of the transmission line is maintained while stretched. As a result, the system is well suited for applications requiring durable transmission lines and tunable phase shifters (or time‐delay lines). A prototype fluidic coaxial structure is characterized that consists of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) encased in an elastomeric poly‐styrene‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐styrene (SEBS). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1459–1462, 2014
Theory analysis and experimental demonstration of temporal and power parameters optimized design for all‐optical ultrawideband pulse generation based on dark RZ
Authors: Zhang Ziran , Zhang Junwen , Tang Chanjuan , Li Rongling , Tao Li , Chi Nan
Published: March 2014

We analysis the temporal and power evaluation of an ultrawideband (UWB) signal based on monocycle Gaussian pulse and experimentally verify it. With optimized design, 1.25 Gb/s UWB signal with good Gaussian shape is successfully generated with dark return‐to‐zero based on the nonlinear polarization rotation in semiconductor optical amplifier and the −10 dB bandwidth is larger than 10 GHz with a fractional bandwidth close to 200%. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1492–1495, 2014
A low profile polarization reconfigurable dipole antenna using tunable electromagnetic band‐gap surface
Authors: Yi Guangwei , Huang Cheng , Ma Xiaoliang , Pan Wenbo , Luo Xiangang
Published: March 2014

In this article, we present a low profile polarization reconfigurable dipole antenna using a tunable electromagnetic band‐gap (EBG) structure as ground plane. The EBG structure can be dynamically modulated by tuning the loaded PIN diodes through bias voltage circuit. The EBG‐based antenna is fabricated and measured. Experimental results show that the tunable EBG structure can make the dipole antenna work at four states. For the state 1 and state 2, the emitted waves with left‐hand and right‐hand circular polarization are produced at 4.6 GHz, and the axial ratio is 1.2 and 0.3 dB, respectively. For the state 3 and state 4, the dipole antenna radiates the linearly polarized waves with the gains of about 6 dB at 4.6 and 4.25 GHz, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1281–285, 2014
A study on the effect of wire bonding interconnects of BCB capped CPW to CPW on LTCC substrate
Authors: Seok Seonho , Kim Janggil , Lahti Markku
Published: March 2014

The effect of wire bonding interconnects between BCB capped CPW on silicon chip and CPW on low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) package is presented. The Si chip is attached onto LTCC package using conductive silver epoxy. Two different bond wires, ribbon‐wire and normal wire are used for the transition of CPW–CPW between Si chip and LTCC. The test module has been characterized up to 20 GHz. The CPW lines interconnected with normal wire has insertion loss of 0.6 dB at 5 GHz, while the ribbon wired ones show 0.5 dB at the same frequency. Lumped equivalent circuit model has been developed to figure out the behavior of the test module and three‐dimensional HFSS electromagnetic simulation has been also carried out. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1378–1381, 2014
Design of a ultrawideband monopole antenna using split ring resonator for notching frequencies
Authors: Sousa Neto Marinaldo P. , Fernandes Humberto C. C. , Moura Carlos G.
Published: March 2014

A novel design of an ultrawideband antenna is proposed. The antenna is an optimization of the circular monopole patch antenna with a type split ring resonator (SRR) that is inserted underneath a circular radiating patch at the opposite side of the dielectric substrate. The SRR structure will work as a band stop filter for notching a frequency band between 5.3 and 5.8 GHz. A good agreement was observed between the simulated and measured results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1471–1473, 2014
Experimental analysis of different measurement techniques for characterization of millimeter‐wave mixers
Authors: Maestrojuan Itziar , Rea Simon , Ederra Iñigo , Gonzalo Ramón
Published: March 2014

This article compares for the first time three well‐known procedures for characterizing the noise temperature and conversion loss of a millimeter wave mixer. To carry out this study, a 183 GHz subharmonic mixer has been measured using three common procedures, that is, the “attenuator,” the “gain,” and the “noise injection” procedures. Furthermore, for every measurement procedure, three different detection methods have been used; a broadband power meter, a yttrium iron garnet filter working together with a broadband power meter, and a spectrum analyzer. The “gain procedure” has turned out to be the most stable one in terms of less variation between consecutive values and flatter results along all the frequency range. Results obtained with every detection method are consistent with each other, showing a similar performance of the mixer independent of the detection method used. In addition, the effect of the inclusion or omission of an isolator between mixer and intermediate frequency pre‐amplifier has also been evaluated. For the first time, clear conclusions about its influence are driven. The inclusion of the isolator has culminated in more reliable results, although the measured NT values are increased. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1441–1447, 2014
Active folded loop antenna with reconfigurable feed and ground points
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Thail Sron Seng
Published: March 2014

By utilizing the inherent symmetry of a folded loop structure, a novel active antenna solution is presented that can optimize the performance of the antenna in terms of efficiency for various user cases like the mobile phone in free space, in the hand or close to the head—right or left side. The principle is to excite two distinct modes, and we can note as much as 1.5 dB improvement in efficiency while maintaining all the bandwidth requirements for 3G operation. The structure can be implemented with relative ease on most smart phones and shows potential for meeting the bandwidth requirements of a 3G handset. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1437–1441, 2014
On the field leakage of the leapfrog ADI‐FDTD method for nonpenetrable targets
Authors: Gan Theng Huat , Tan Eng Leong
Published: March 2014

This letter investigates the field leakage of the leapfrog alternating‐direction‐implicit finite‐difference time‐domain (ADI‐FDTD) method for nonpenetrable targets. The update equation for lossy media using time‐averaging scheme is reviewed. Investigation reveals that the leapfrog ADI‐FDTD method has substantial nonphysical field leakage within the target. To overcome the field leakage, a simple approach is proposed. Numerical results are presented to validate the proposed approach. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1401–1405, 2014
Obesity and the cardiovascular health effects of fine particulate air pollution
Authors: Weichenthal Scott , Hoppin Jane A. , Reeves Francois
Published: March 2014

Objective

This review examines evidence related to the potential impact of obesity on the cardiovascular health effects of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5).

Methods

A PubMed search was conducted in December, 2013 and studies were included if they examined the relationship between PM2.5 and cardiovascular health as well as effect modification by obesity.

Results

One hundred twenty‐one citations were reviewed; three large prospective cohort studies and 14 panel studies with short‐term follow‐up met the above criteria. All three cohort studies reported stronger associations between PM2.5 and cardiovascular mortality among obese subjects and one reported a significant trend of increased risk with increased body mass index. Similarly, 11 of 14 panel studies reported stronger associations between PM2.5 and acute changes in physiological measures of cardiovascular health among obese subjects including outcomes such as blood pressure and arrhythmia. Although interactions were not always statistically significant, the consistent pattern of stronger associations among obese subjects suggests that obesity may modify the impact of PM2.5 on cardiovascular health.

Conclusions

Epidemiological evidence suggests that obesity may increase susceptibility to the cardiovascular health effects of PM2.5. This an important area of research as the public health impacts of air pollution could increase with increasing prevalence of obesity.
The long‐term efficacy and safety of DPP‐IV inhibitors monotherapy and in combination with metformin in 18 980 patients with type‐2 diabetes mellitus—a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xia , Xiao Qian , Zhang Li , Yang Qiao , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Lingjie , Cheng Wen
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To assess the long‐term efficacy and safety of DPP‐IV inhibitors therapy versus comparators in patients with T2DM.

Methods

A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs; ≥24 weeks) was performed. RCTs had to compare DPP‐IV inhibitors therapy with placebo, metformin and sulphonylureas + metformin. Inverse variance mean difference (IV‐MD) with 95%CI was calculated for the mean HbA1c changes (%) from baseline to (imputed) endpoint. Mantel–Haenszel odds ratio (MH‐OR) with 95%CI was calculated for side reactions.

Results

Twenty‐three RCTs were included. The mean HbA1c changes (%) were as follows: IV‐MD, 95%CI = −0.35 [−0.51, −0.19], p < 0.0001 for DPP‐IV inhibitors therapy versus comparators, and IV‐MD, 95%CI = 0.11 [0.04, 0.18], p = 0.002 for DPP‐IV inhibitors + met versus su + met. For hypoglycaemia, MH‐OR, 95%CI = 0.13 [0.09, 0.19], p < 0.00001(DPP‐IV inhibitors + met vs. su + met). For diarrhoea, MH‐OR, 95%CI = 0.77 [0.64, 0.93], p = 0.008 (DPP‐IV inhibitors + met vs. met). By comparing DPP‐IV inhibitors therapy with comparators, we found 95%CI = 0.00 [−0.01, 0.01], p = 0.49, for the upper respiratory tract infection MH‐OR; 95%CI = 0.97 [0.70, 1.34], p = 0.83 for the urinary tract infection MH‐OR; and 95%CI = 1.07 [0.94, 1.21], p = 0.30 for nasopharyngitis MH‐OR.

Conclusions

DPP‐IV inhibitors could achieve a long‐term effective and safe glycaemic control for use as monotherapy or in combination with metformin. They have low incidences of hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal side effects. There is no evidence that DPP‐IV inhibitors increase the risk of infections. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intensification of antihyperglycemic therapy among patients with incident diabetes: a Surveillance Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus (SUPREME‐DM) study
Authors: Raebel Marsha A. , Ellis Jennifer L. , Schroeder Emily B. , Xu Stanley , O'Connor Patrick J. , Segal Jodi B. , Butler Melissa G. , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Kirchner H. Lester , Goodrich Glenn K. , Lawrence Jean M. , Nichols Gregory A. , Newton Katherine M. , Pathak Ram D. , Steiner John F.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Antihyperglycemic medication intensification practices among patients with incident diabetes are incompletely understood. We characterized the first intensification the year after oral antihyperglycemic medication initiation among incident diabetes patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study across 11 US health systems included adults identified with incident diabetes between 2005 and 2009 who started oral antihyperglycemic monotherapy or combination therapy within 6 months after diabetes identification. We determined intensification, defined as increased index medication dosage, addition of another oral medication, or switch to/addition of insulin 31–365 days after initial antihyperglycemic dispensing. Cox regression was used to assess intensification for patient, temporal, and system covariates, adjusting for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a time‐dependent variable.

Results

Among 41 233 patients, 33.5% and 45.3% had treatment intensified within 6 and 12 months, respectively. This first intensification was most often with increased index medication dosage (78%), least often with insulin (<1%). HbA1c% was strongly associated with intensification (adjusted hazard ratios [HR] 1.59, 3.62, 4.44, and 5.52 for HbA1c 6.5% to <7%, 7% to <7.5%, 7.5 to <8%, and ≥8%, respectively, all P < 0.001, compared with HbA1c < 6.5%). In patients initially on monotherapy, age modified the HbA1c effect: at HbA1c < 7%, the HR differed little between middle‐aged and older patients; at HbA1c ≥ 7%, the HR decreased with older age (e.g., age 40–49 years and HbA1c ≥ 8%: HR 8.14; age ≥ 80 years and HbA1c ≥ 8%: HR 4.44; compared with age ≥ 80 years and HbA1c < 6.5%). Within 1 year, 84.3% achieved HbA1c < 8%; 65.1% achieved HbA1c < 7%.

Conclusions

Clinicians appear to be applying treatment intensification guidelines and individualizing therapy by considering patient age, achieving glycemic control among most incident diabetes patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Truncal fat distribution correlates with decreased vital capacity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Canapari Craig A. , Barrowman Nick , Hoey Lynda , Walker Scott W. , Townsend Elise , Tseng Brian S. , Katz Sherri L.
Published: March 2014

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked recessive disorder associated with progressive muscle weakness and respiratory failure. Oral corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment, but are associated with obesity with a central distribution. This study is designed to determine the relationship between body mass index, central adiposity, and lung function in subjects with DMD.

Methods

Retrospective fat distribution data was obtained in boys with DMD from studies using dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Fat distribution data was reviewed at two tertiary academic institutions and compared with concurrent height, weight, body mass index (BMI), measures of lung function, and sleep study data when available. Truncal fat mass used as a measure of central adiposity.

Results

Forty‐four subjects (age 12.0 ± 3.4 years) were included. Mean BMI was 22.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2. Sixty‐eight percent (30 patients) were on corticosteroid therapy. Truncal fat mass percentage was inversely correlated with forced vital capacity (% predicted FVC) (Pearson coefficient −0.37, P = 0.01). Linear regression showed that truncal fat distribution, but not total fat mass, age or corticosteroid use negatively predicted FVC (r2 = 0.24, P = 0.048). BMI had a positive effect (P = 0.04). However, fat distribution did not predict the rate of change of lung function in a smaller sample. Fat distribution, BMI, or age did not predict measures of sleep disordered breathing.

Conclusions

Truncal fat distribution is a significant predictor of lower vital capacity in boys with DMD, whereas BMI has a positive effect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:63–70. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distance restraints from crosslinking mass spectrometry: Mining a molecular dynamics simulation database to evaluate lysine–lysine distances
Authors: Merkley Eric D. , Rysavy Steven , Kahraman Abdullah , Hafen Ryan P. , Daggett Valerie , Adkins Joshua N.
Published: March 2014

Integrative structural biology attempts to model the structures of protein complexes that are challenging or intractable by classical structural methods (due to size, dynamics, or heterogeneity) by combining computational structural modeling with data from experimental methods. One such experimental method is chemical crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL‐MS), in which protein complexes are crosslinked and characterized using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry to pinpoint specific amino acid residues in close structural proximity. The commonly used lysine‐reactive N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester reagents disuccinimidylsuberate (DSS) and bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS3) have a linker arm that is 11.4 Å long when fully extended, allowing Cα (alpha carbon of protein backbone) atoms of crosslinked lysine residues to be up to ∼24 Å apart. However, XL‐MS studies on proteins of known structure frequently report crosslinks that exceed this distance. Typically, a tolerance of ∼3 Å is added to the theoretical maximum to account for this observation, with limited justification for the chosen value. We used the Dynameomics database, a repository of high‐quality molecular dynamics simulations of 807 proteins representative of diverse protein folds, to investigate the relationship between lysine–lysine distances in experimental starting structures and in simulation ensembles. We conclude that for DSS/BS3, a distance constraint of 26–30 Å between Cα atoms is appropriate. This analysis provides a theoretical basis for the widespread practice of adding a tolerance to the crosslinker length when comparing XL‐MS results to structures or in modeling. We also discuss the comparison of XL‐MS results to MD simulations and known structures as a means to test and validate experimental XL‐MS methods.
More Accurate Prediction Intervals for Exponential Smoothing with Covariates with Applications in Electrical Load Forecasting and Sales Forecasting
Authors: Göb Rainer , Lurz Kristina , Pievatolo Antonio
Published: March 2014

The most widely used prediction intervals in empirical time series analysis are of plug‐in type; that is, the empirical estimates of model parameters are inserted into formulae for prediction intervals that are obtained from a theoretical analysis of the time series model. Several authors have pointed out that such model‐based prediction intervals are too narrow, that is, that the actual confidence level is smaller than the nominal confidence level. The reason is that the uncertainty contained in the parameter estimates is not taken into account in the prediction interval. We investigate this problem for exponential smoothing under covariates with additive trend and additive season. We determine alternative prediction intervals by analysing a linearisation of the underlying model with linear model methods. Two simulation studies based on electricity load data and on sales data confirm the reservations about the plug‐in prediction intervals, whereas the intervals based on the linearisation approach are significantly better, and perform very well, with actual confidence levels close to the nominal. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient batch verification system and its effect in a real time VANET environment
Authors: Chen Jiageng , Mamun Mohammad Saiful Islam , Miyaji Atsuko
Published: March 2014

Vehicle ad hoc network (VANET) provides communication between vehicles and vehicle‐to‐infrastructure communication. High mobility, high speed of vehicles, fast topology changes, and sheer scale are some characteristics that establish VANET as an intensive research topic different from other types of mobile ad hoc network. In this paper, we improve an existing batch verification system on ID‐based group signature and also compare the performance achieved. Then, we analyze the best possible value of the number of signatures to batch at a time for large‐scale VANET. In addition, we introduce a scheduling algorithm for signature verification where batch verification cannot be implemented efficiently. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of surface morphology on angular photo‐electron spectroscopy measurements of nanometer thin overlayers
Authors: Zoethout E.
Published: March 2014

In order to investigate the boundaries of our angle‐resolved analyzer, we have prepared a variety of surface morphologies that are relevant for a wide class of surfaces in many research areas. These specimens are used as a template to be covered with a bi‐layer that is exhibiting perfect overlayer behavior when coated on a smooth template and with an overlayer that is expected to react with the template material. These sets are in‐vacuum characterized with angle‐resolved photo‐electron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the morphologies of both sets are characterized by atomic force microscopy. All experimental data as well as a model including a gradient interface between overlayer and substrate layer are used to discuss the limits of interpreting our angle‐resolved data with non‐smooth surfaces. It will be argued that this apparently wrong model for surface roughness can still be used to estimate the surface morphology when additional information is available either by prior knowledge of the growth behavior or by chemical information within the photo‐electron measurements. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of surface pre‐treatment for SAW‐substrate material (LiNbO3) and deposited thin films of Ta/Ti using ARXPS
Authors: Vogel U. , Gemming T. , Eckert J. , Oswald S.
Published: March 2014

Next generation surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices require improved metallisations due to the demand of higher frequencies and power densities for new applications. Most likely, these metallisations will include adhesion or diffusion‐barrier layers between the piezoelectric substrate and the electrode. For improved properties, the pre‐treatment of the substrate and the chemical state of these layers is of great interest. This work gives an overview about studies of the effect of surface preparation at LiNbO3 substrates for Ta and Ti depositions and their different chemical reactions (oxidation) with the substrate surface. An ion beam and a radio‐frequency plasma source are applied for surface treatment; a dicrect current (DC)‐sputter process is used for the deposition. The characterisation of the surface's chemical changes is performed by XPS connected to a separate preparation chamber (quasi in situ) used for pre‐cleaning and film deposition. The detailed chemical layer structures at the surfaces are determined by angle‐resolved XPS and comparison with model calculations. In addition, atomic force microscope measurements are used to study the surface morphology showing almost no difference in surface roughness of the preparations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐arc oxidation and electrophoretic deposition of nano‐grain merwinite (Ca3MgSi2O8) surface coating on magnesium alloy as biodegradable metallic implant
Authors: Razavi Mehdi , Fathi Mohammadhossein , Savabi Omid , Vashaee Daryoosh , Tayebi Lobat
Published: March 2014

Magnesium alloys are promising biomaterials as biodegradable implant for orthopedic applications. However, their low corrosion resistance and poor bioactivity have prohibited their implant applications. In order to enhance these two properties, a nano‐grain merwinite coating was prepared on magnesium alloy. Its corrosion and the bioactivity behavior were characterized with electrochemical and immersion tests. The results showed that the nano‐grain merwinite coating can improve both the corrosion resistance and the bioactivity of the magnesium alloy making it an appropriate material for biodegradable bone implants. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.