bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Digital Scholar
Authors: Weller Martin
Published: January 2012

While industries such as music, newspapers, film and publishing have seen radical changes in their business models and practices as a direct result of new technologies, higher education has so far resisted the wholesale changes we have seen elsewhere. However, a gradual and fundamental shift in the practice of academics is taking place. Every aspect of scholarly practice is seeing changes effected by the adoption and possibilities of new technologies. This book will explore these changes, their implications for higher education, the possibilities for new forms of scholarly practice and what lessons can be drawn from other sectors.
Interaction of NO2 with TiO2 surface under UV irradiation: measurements of the uptake coefficient
Authors: El Zein A. , Bedjanian Y.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The interaction of NO2 with TiO2 solid films was studied under UV irradiation using a low pressure flow reactor (1–10 Torr) combined with a modulated molecular beam mass spectrometer for monitoring of the gaseous species involved. The NO2 to TiO2 reactive uptake coefficient was measured from the kinetics of NO2 loss on TiO2 coated Pyrex rods as a function of NO2 concentration, irradiance intensity (JNO2 = 0.002–0.012 s−1), relative humidity (RH = 0.06–69 %), temperature (T = 275–320 K) and partial pressure of oxygen (0.001–3 Torr). TiO2 surface deactivation upon exposure to NO2 was observed. The initial uptake coefficient of NO2 on illuminated TiO2 surface (with 90 ppb of NO2 and JNO2≅0.006 s−1) was found to be γ0 = (1.2±0.4) ×10−4 (calculated using BET surface area) under dry conditions at T = 300 K. The steady state uptake, γ, was several tens of times lower than the initial one, independent of relative humidity, and was found to decrease in the presence of molecular oxygen. In addition, it was shown that γ is not linearly dependent on the photon flux and seems to level off under atmospheric conditions. Finally, the following expression for γ was derived, γ = 2.3×10−3 exp(−1910/T)/(1 + P0.36) (where P is O2 pressure in Torr), and recommended for atmospheric applications (for any RH, near 90 ppb of NO2 and JNO2 = 0.006 s−1).
Simulating melt, runoff and refreezing on Nordenskiöldbreen, Svalbard, using a coupled snow and energy balance model
Authors: van Pelt W. J. J. , Oerlemans J. , Reijmer C. H. , Pohjola V. A. , Pettersson R. , van Angelen J. H.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A distributed energy balance model is coupled to a multi-layer snow model in order to study the mass balance evolution and the impact of refreezing on the mass budget of Nordenskiöldbreen, Svalbard. The model is forced with output of a regional climate model (RACMO) and meteorological data from Svalbard Airport. Extensive calibration and initialisation are performed to increase the model accuracy. For the period 1989–2010, we find a mean net mass balance of −0.39 m w.e. a−1. Refreezing contributes on average 0.27 m w.e. a−1 to the mass budget and is most pronounced in the accumulation zone. The simulated mass balance, radiative fluxes and subsurface profiles are validated against observations and are generally in good agreement. Climate sensitivity experiments reveal a non-linear, seasonally dependent response of the mass balance, refreezing and runoff to changes in temperature and precipitation. Output of the climate sensitivity experiments is used in combination with temperature and precipitation time-series to extend mass balance time-series in the past and the future to obtain estimates for the period 1912–2085. It is shown that including seasonality in climate change, with less pronounced summer warming, has a major impact on future mass balance and ELA estimates. Due to compensating effects, the contribution of refreezing hardly changes in a future climate.
Value of Echocardiography and Electrocardiography as Screening Tools Prior to Doxorubicin Administration
Authors: Ratterree William , Gieger Tracy , Pariaut Romain , Saelinger Carley , Strickland Keith
Published: January 2012

The dose-limiting toxicity of doxorubicin is cardiotoxicosis. The authors of this report hypothesized that by using their institution's adopted guidelines (that involve prescreening echocardiography and electrocardiography), they would detect pre-existing cardiac abnormalities that preclude doxorubicin administration in <10% of dogs. Of 101 dogs, only 6 were excluded from doxorubicin administration based on electrocardiogram abnormalities, with a majority of those arrhythmias classified as ventricular premature contractions. One patient was excluded based on echocardiogram alone due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The incidence of cardiotoxicity in treated dogs was 8% (8/101). Additional pretreatment and ongoing studies are indicated to identify risk factors for cardiotoxicity.
Approaches to Regeneration
Authors: Bishop Peter
Published: January 2012

Planning in the capital is at a watershed. Development has become almost entirely market‐driven and the government's localism agenda now requires that local authorities take a back seat. Does this leave a role for inclusive regeneration strategies led by the public sector? Peter Bishop thinks so. He illustrates his argument with the work of Design for London and the London Borough of Newham at the Royal Docks in East London. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NEO Bankside
Authors: Gandy Matthew
Published: January 2012

Beyond the City's walls, Southwark was for hundreds of years one of the capital's liveliest boroughs: London's industrial backyard and entertainment district. It was the site of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens as well as several prisons, such as the Marshalsea. However, it fell into decline in the late 20th century as print works and the London docks closed. Matthew Gandy describes a new development in Southwark, adjacent to Tate Modern, which marks its reinvention as a luxurious enclave for the internationally rich. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Overground Line and the Sense of Place
Authors: Harbison Robert
Published: January 2012

Robert Harbison describes how the upgrading and extension of the old East London Line, which connects the city east and south, enables new explorations and insights. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of the Estates: From Agriculture to Urbiculture
Authors: Farrell Terry
Published: January 2012

Large swathes of London's West End remain under the ownership of the Great Estates, with the Grosvenor Estate (Duke of Westminster) owning much of Mayfair and the Cadogan family (Earl of Cadogan) much of Chelsea. Terry Farrell looks at how this long‐term custodianship has impacted on the development of the fabric of the city and its strong sense of place. He explains how it is a model that he has tried to draw from in his own Earl's Court masterplan. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Power of the Image
Authors: Rice Louis
Published: January 2012

Designers have long used fantastical imagery as part of an urban regeneration process. Here, Louis Rice examines the legacy of Foreign Office Architects' seminal image for the 2005 winning bid for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Works In/On//Around///Behind Progress
Authors: Powell Hilary
Published: January 2012

Artist Hilary Powell describes how her work in film, food and the pop‐up book offers playful critiques of regeneration and place making. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ti Coatings with Macropores for Improved Implant Fixation Obtained by Electrophoretic Deposition of TiH2 Stabilized Emulsions
Authors: Mattheys Tina , Braem Annabel , Neirinck Bram , Van der Biest Omer , Vleugels Jozef
Published: January 2012

Current implant technology focuses on enhancing the fixation between implant and surrounding tissue in order to reduce the risk of implant loosening and subsequent failing. Modifying the implant's surfaces with a macroporous metallic coating can provide a mechanical anchorage by bone ingrowth and at the same time improves the loading capacity for antibacterial drugs or bone growth stimulating agents. In this work, pure Ti coatings with spherical macropores are applied on dense Ti6Al4V substrates by electrophoretic deposition of TiH2 stabilized emulsions, followed by drying, dehydrogenation, and subsequent vacuum sintering at 850 °C. The obtained Ti coatings exhibit a porous network with an open porosity varying from 50 to 65% and a mean spherical pore size changeable from 50 to 80 µm. The morphology of the coating is easily adapted by changing the powder particle size, the emulsion droplet size, and the deposition parameters. Since the coatings are produced in the frame of optimizing implant technology, a good adhesion between the substrate and the coating is a crucial prerequisite. Measurements show that the obtained tensile adhesion strength is >29 MPa.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative CC Bond Cleavage Cyclization of Biaryl‐2‐amines with Alkenes Involving CH Olefination and Carboamination
Authors: Liu Yan‐Yun , Song Ren‐Jie , Wu Cui‐Yan , Gong Lu‐Bin , Hu Ming , Wang Zhi‐Qiang , Xie Ye‐Xiang , Li Jin‐Heng
Published: January 2012

A new, general method for the synthesis of phenanthridines has been developed by palladium‐catalyzed oxidative remote CH olefination–carboamination–CC bond cleavage tandem reaction. It is noteworthy that alkenes are used as the one‐carbon resources for this tandem reaction.
Predicting the risk of venous thromboembolism recurrence
Authors: Heit John A.
Published: January 2012

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a chronic disease with a 30% ten‐year recurrence rate. The highest incidence of recurrence is in the first 6 months. Active cancer significantly increases the hazard of early recurrence, and the proportions of time on standard heparin with an APTT ≥ 0.2 anti‐Xa U/mL, and on warfarin with an INR ≥ 2.0, significantly reduce the hazard. The acute treatment duration does not affect recurrence risk after treatment is stopped. Independent predictors of late recurrence include increasing patient age and body mass index, leg paresis, active cancer and other persistent VTE risk factors, idiopathic VTE, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, antithrombin, protein C or protein S deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia and a persistently increased plasma fibrin D‐dimer. A recommendation for secondary prophylaxis should be individualized based on the risk for recurrent VTE (especially fatal pulmonary embolism) and bleeding. The appropriateness of secondary prophylaxis should be continuously reevaluated, and the prophylaxis stopped if the benefit no longer exceeds the risk. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of Second‐to‐Fourth Digit Length Ratios (2D:4D) in Two Species of Frogs and Two Species of Lizards at La Selva, Costa Rica
Authors: Direnzo Graziella Vittoria , Stynoski Jennifer Lynn
Published: January 2012

It is now well documented that androgen and estrogen signaling during early development cause a sexual dimorphism in second‐to‐fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D). It is also well documented that males of mammalian species have a smaller 2D:4D than females. Although there are discrepancies among 2D:4D studies in birds, the consensus is that birds exhibit the opposite pattern with males having a larger 2D:4D than females. The literature currently lacks substantial information regarding the phylogenetic pattern of this trait in amphibians and reptiles. In this study, we examined 2D:4D in two species of frogs (Oophaga pumilio and Craugastor bransfordii) and two species of lizards (Anolis humilis and Anolis limifrons) to determine the existence and the pattern of the sexual dimorphism. Male O. pumilio and C. bransfordii displayed larger 2D:4D than females in at least one of their two forelimbs. Male A. humilis had larger 2D:4D than females in both hindlimbs, but smaller 2D:4D than females in both forelimbs. Male A. limifrons may also have smaller 2D:4D than females in the right forelimb. Finally, digit ratios were sometimes positively related to body length, suggesting allometric growth. Overall, our results support the existence of the 2D:4D sexual dimorphism in amphibians and lizards and add to the knowledge of 2D:4D trait patterning among tetrapods. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Vivo Antihyperlipidemic Activity of a New Series of N‐(Benzoylphenyl) and N‐(Acetylphenyl)‐1‐benzofuran‐2‐carboxamides in Rats
Authors: Al‐Qirim Tariq , Shattat Ghassan , Sweidan Kamal , El‐Huneidi Waseem , Sheikha Ghassan Abu , Khalaf Reema Abu , Hikmat Suhair
Published: January 2012

A new series of N‐(benzoylphenyl) and N‐(acetylphenyl)‐1‐benzofuran‐2‐carboxamides (3a–3d and 4a′–4c′) were synthesized. Compounds (3a, 3b, and 4a′–4c′) were tested in vivo using Triton‐WR‐1339‐induced hyperlipidemic rats as an experimental model for their hypolipidemic activity. The tested animals were divided into eight groups: control, hyperlipidemic, 3a, 3b, 4a′, 4b′, 4c′, and bezafibrate. At a dose of 15 mg/kg, the elevated plasma triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly reduced in compounds 3b (p <0.0001) and 4c′ (p <0.05) after 12 and 24 h compared to the normal control group. Furthermore, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels were remarkably increased in compounds 3b (p <0.001) and 4c′ (p <0.05). Meanwhile, compound 4b′ slightly reduced the TG levels after 12 and 24 h. The present study demonstrated new properties of the novel series of benzofuran‐2‐carboxamides 3b and 4c′ as potent lipid‐lowering agents. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that compounds 3b and 4c′ may have a promising potential in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and coronary heart diseases.
DEM‐Simulation of the Oblique Impact of Modeled Granules
Authors: Müller Peter , Tomas Jürgen
Published: January 2012

Der schiefe Stoß eines Granulatkorns gegen eine steife Wand wurde mittels der Diskrete‐Elemente‐Methode simuliert. Das Granulatkorn besteht aus 1000 Primärpartikeln. Die mechanischen Eigenschaften wurden durch Simulation eines Druckversuchs kalibriert. Als Modellstoff dienten Zeolith 4A‐Granulate. Die numerischen Ergebnisse des Stoßvorgangs bei verschiedenen Aufprallwinkeln werden mit experimentellen Ergebnissen aus Fallversuchen der Modellgranulate verglichen.
Surface Functionalization and Characterization of TiO2 with Cibacron Blue Dye: An Affinity Column for Proteins
Authors: Subbalakshmi Chilukuri , Nag Manaswita , Manorama Sunkara V.
Published: January 2012

Surface‐functionalized colloidal nanoparticles provide a versatile scaffold for protein surface recognition because of their size, the ability to tailor nanoparticle surfaces with a wide range of functionalities, and the ability to template the surface monolayer. Furthermore, the wide range of core materials such as TiO2 and Fe3O4 etc., enhance the utility of these particles. Owing to its high electron affinity for many proteins and enzymes, the dye Cibacron blue (CB) has been attached to various solid supports such as Sephadex, Sepharose, and polyacrylamide. The diversity shown by the blue dye in binding several unrelated classes of proteins makes it a potential candidate in terms of studies of the immobilized ligand. A facile method of synthesis and utility of a new, cheaper, and robust support material, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), functionalized with Cibacron blue dye for protein (lactic dehydrogenase) purification by affinity chromatography is described. The TiO2–CB nanoparticles do not lose their binding property even upon long storage, drying, and re‐suspending into buffer multiple times. Studies carried out with Fe3O4–CB nanoparticles have also shown that they bind lactic dehydrogenase similar to TiO2–CB nanoparticles.
ImageStream promyelocytic leukemia protein immunolocalization: In search of promyelocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Mirabelli Peppino , Scalia Giulia , Pascariello Caterina , D'Alessio Francesca , Mariotti Elisabetta , Noto Rosa Di , George Thaddeus C. , Kong Raymond , Venkatachalam Vidya , Basiji David , Vecchio Luigi Del
Published: January 2012

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematological emergency in which a rapid diagnosis is essential for early administration of appropriate therapy, including all‐trans retinoic acid before the onset of fatal coagulopathy. Currently, the following methodologies are widely used for rapid initial diagnosis of APL: 1) identification of hypergranular leukemic promyelocytes by using classical morphology; 2) identification of cells with diffuse promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein distribution by immunofluorescence microscopy; 3) evidence of aberrant promyelocyte surface immunophenotype by conventional flow cytometry (FCM). Here, we show a method for immunofluorescent detection of PML localization using ImageStream FCM. This technique provides objective per‐cell quantitative image analysis for statistically large sample sizes, enabling precise and operator‐independent PML pattern recognition even in electronic and real dilution experiments up to 10% of APL cellular presence. Therefore, we evidence that this method could be helpful for rapid and objective initial diagnosis and the prompt initiation of APL treatment. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Enantioselective Organocatalytic α‐Alkylation of Ketones by SN1‐Type Reaction of Alcohols
Authors: Trifonidou Maria , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: January 2012

The enantioselective α‐alkylation reaction of cyclic ketones is described. Our catalyst, based on a “privileged” pyrrolidine ring bearing a chiral thioxotetrahydropyrimidinone ring, is a highly reactive catalyst for cyclic ketones. When this catalyst was coupled with in situ generated carbocations derived from alcohols, the corresponding α‐alkylated adducts were obtained in moderate to quantitative yields and low to high enantioselectivities (up to 80 % ee). The catalyst loading can be efficiently reduced to 10 %, which is the lowest value reported in the literature for such an organocatalytic transformation.
Sustainability of groundwater usage in northern China: dependence on palaeowaters and effects on water quality, quantity and ecosystem health
Authors: Currell Matthew J. , Han Dongmei , Chen Zongyu , Cartwright Ian
Published: January 2012

A synthesis of groundwater ages, recharge rates and information on processes affecting groundwater quality in northern China highlights the major challenges faced for sustainable management of the region's groundwater. Direct recharge rates range from hundreds of millimetres per year in the North China Plain, to tens of millimetres per year in the Loess Plateau to less than 4 mm/year in the arid northwest. Recharge rates and mechanisms to deep semiconfined and confined aquifers are poorly constrained; however, on the basis of available data, these are likely to be mostly negligible. Severe groundwater level declines (0.5–3 m/year) have occurred throughout northern China in the last three to four decades, particularly in deep aquifers. Radiocarbon dating, stable isotope and noble gas data show that the most intensively extracted deep groundwater is palaeowater, recharged under different climate and land cover conditions to the present. Reservoir construction has reduced surface runoff in mountain‐front areas that would naturally recharge regional Quaternary aquifers in many basins. In combination with intensive irrigation practices, this has resulted in the main recharge source shifting from surface runoff and mountain‐front recharge to irrigation returns. This has reduced infiltration of fresh recharge at basin margins and rapidly increased nitrate concentrations and overall mineralisation in phreatic groundwater over wide areas (in some cases to >400 mg/l and >10 g/l, respectively). In some basins, there is evidence that poor quality shallow water has leaked into deep layers (>200 m) via preferential flow, mixing with palaeowaters stored in semiconfined aquifers. High concentrations of naturally occurring fluoride and arsenic (locally >8.5 and >4 mg/l, respectively) have recently lead to the abandonment of numerous supply wells in northern China, creating further pressure on stressed water resources. Increasing water demand from direct and indirect consumption poses major challenges for water management in northern China, which must consider the full water cycle. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly potent mRNA based cancer vaccines represent an attractive platform for combination therapies supporting an improved therapeutic effect
Authors: Fotin‐Mleczek Mariola , Zanzinger Kai , Heidenreich Regina , Lorenz Christina , Thess Andreas , Duchardt Katharina M. , Kallen Karl‐Josef
Published: January 2012

Direct vaccination with mRNA encoding tumor antigens is a novel and promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. CureVac's mRNA vaccines contain free and protamine‐complexed mRNA. Such two‐component mRNA vaccines support both antigen expression and immune stimulation. These self‐adjuvanting RNA vaccines, administered intradermally without any additional adjuvant, induce a comprehensive balanced immune response, comprising antigen specific CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and B cells. The balanced immune response results in a strong anti‐tumor effect and complete protection against antigen positive tumor cells. This tumor inhibition elicited by mRNA vaccines is a result of the concerted action of different players. After just two intradermal vaccinations, we observe multiple changes at the tumor site, including the up‐regulation of many genes connected to T and natural killer cell activation, as well as genes responsible for improved infiltration of immune cells into the tumor via chemotaxis. The two‐component mRNA vaccines induce a very fast and boostable immune response. Therefore, the vaccination schedules can be adjusted to suit the clinical situation. Moreover, by combining the mRNA vaccines with therapies in clinical use (chemotherapy or anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody therapy), an even more effective anti‐tumor response can be elicited. The first clinical data obtained from two separate Phase I/IIa trials conducted in PCA (prostate cancer) and NSCLC (non‐small cell lung carcinoma) patients have shown that the two‐component mRNA vaccines are safe, well tolerated and highly immunogenic in humans. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐related changes in organization and content of the collagen matrix in rabbit cortical bone
Authors: Turunen Mikael J. , Saarakkala Simo , Helminen Heikki J. , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Isaksson Hanna
Published: January 2012

The organization and composition of the collagen matrix of cortical bone changes as the bone matures due to growth and mechanical loading. We aimed to investigate the composition and organization of the collagen matrix in rabbit cortical bone during maturation using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and polarized light microscopy (PLM). FTIR and PLM findings were compared to biochemical analysis from an earlier study. Mid‐diaphyseal samples from left femora of female New Zealand White rabbits were used. The animal age ranged from newborn to 18‐month old (5 age groups, n = 10 per group). The bones had earlier been decalcified and evaluated with biochemistry. In this study, collagen content, orientation, collagen cross‐linking and spatial heterogeneity of all parameters was evaluated. Similar results were obtained when collagen content was evaluated with FTIR and PLM compared to the collagen content assessed with BA. Collagen content, orientation and collagen maturity increased significantly until the age of 3 months and remained similar thereafter. Simultaneously, spatial heterogeneity of the measured parameters decreased. Based on these findings, it seems that the collagen matrix of rabbit bone attains its mature state around 3 months of age, which is before the overall skeletal maturity is reached. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:435–442, 2012
Influence of loading and activity on the primary stability of cementless tibial trays
Authors: Taylor Mark , Barrett David S. , Deffenbaugh Daren
Published: January 2012

Several potential advantages exist for cementless tibial fixation including preservation of bone stock and increased longevity of fixation. However, clinical results have been variable, with reports of extensive radiolucent lines, rapid early migration, and aseptic loosening. The primary stability of an implant depends on the micromotion of the bone–implant interface, which depends on the kinematics and kinetics of the replaced joint. Finite element analysis was used to examine the micromotion for different activities (walking, stair ascent, stair descent, stand‐to‐sit, and deep knee bend) for three commercially available tibial tray designs. Similar trends were observed for all three designs across the range of activities. Stair ascent and descent generated the highest micromotions, closely followed by level gait. Across these activities, the mean peak (maximum) micromotions measured across the entire resected surface ranged from 64 to 78 (186–239) µm for PFC Sigma, 61–72 (199–251) µm for LCS Complete Duofix, and 92–106 (229–264) µm for LCS Complete. The peak micromotions did not necessarily occur at the peak loads. For instance, the peak micromotions for level walking occurred when there were low axial forces, but moderate varus–valgus moments. This highlights the need to examine the whole gait cycle to properly determine the initial stability of tibial tray designs. By exploring a range of activities and interrogating the entire resected surface, it is possible to differentiate between the relative performance of different implant designs. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1362–1368, 2012
Passive mechanical properties of rat abdominal wall muscles suggest an important role of the extracellular connective tissue matrix
Authors: Brown Stephen H.M. , Carr John Austin , Ward Samuel R. , Lieber Richard L.
Published: January 2012

Abdominal wall muscles have a unique morphology suggesting a complex role in generating and transferring force to the spinal column. Studying passive mechanical properties of these muscles may provide insights into their ability to transfer force among structures. Biopsies from rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) were harvested from male Sprague–Dawley rats, and single muscle fibers and fiber bundles (4–8 fibers ensheathed in their connective tissue matrix) were isolated and mechanically stretched in a passive state. Slack sarcomere lengths were measured and elastic moduli were calculated from stress–strain data. Titin molecular mass was also measured from single muscle fibers. No significant differences were found among the four abdominal wall muscles in terms of slack sarcomere length or elastic modulus. Interestingly, across all four muscles, slack sarcomere lengths were quite long in individual muscle fibers (>2.4 µm), and demonstrated a significantly longer slack length in comparison to fiber bundles (p < 0.0001). Also, the extracellular connective tissue matrix provided a stiffening effect and enhanced the resistance to lengthening at long muscle lengths. Titin molecular mass was significantly less in TrA compared to each of the other three muscles (p < 0.0009), but this difference did not correspond to hypothesized differences in stiffness. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1321–1326, 2012
Compact power dividers with filtering capability for ground penetrating radar applications
Authors: Vélez Adolfo , Vélez Paris , Bonache Jordi , Martín Ferran
Published: January 2012

In this letter, it is demonstrated that wide‐band power dividers with filtering capability can be implemented by adding an inductive transformer to the output stage of a band‐pass filter. By this means, the load of the device (corresponding to the parallel connection of the two terminated output ports) can be driven to the required value to achieve input matching, and the filtering and splitting action are combined in a single device. Two proof‐of‐concept demonstrators, implemented in microstrip technology using complementary split‐ring resonators are presented. These devices are useful to reduce the size of the microwave front‐end of frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave ground penetrating radars operating at the L‐band, as they are very compact. Moreover, the proposed devices provide the necessary bandwidth to achieve significant in‐depth resolution, and the necessary stop‐band rejection to suppress the harmonics of the modulated radar signal. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:608–611, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26605
Parallelization of the FDTD method based on the open computing language and the message passing interface
Authors: Stefański T. P. , Chavannes N. , Kuster N.
Published: January 2012

A novel approach for parallelization of the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method based on open computing language (OpenCL) and the message passing interface (MPI) was presented. Because of the portability of OpenCL, the developed code targets not only distributed shared memory computer clusters based on multicore central processing units but also clusters accelerated by graphics processing units. Subsequently, this article shows the results of numerical tests to evaluate the hybrid MPI‐OpenCL FDTD solver in electromagnetic simulations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:785–789, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26610
Design of printed dipole antenna for ultra wideband applications
Authors: Shambavi K. , Alex Zachariah C.
Published: January 2012

Design and performance measures of an ultra wideband (UWB) printed dipole antenna suitable for UWB systems are presented. The proposed antenna operates in the frequency range 3.18–12.45 GHz with impedance bandwidth (VSWR < 2) of 9.27 GHz and maximum gain of 6.04 dBi. It consists of five dipole strips of different resonant length combined orthogonally for effective signal reception and better performance. The radiation pattern is nearly omnidirectional in both elevation and azimuth plane, the consistency of the radiation pattern exists for all frequency within the operating band. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:748–751, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26611
A novel coplanar waveguide‐fed elliptical‐shaped printed monopole antenna for ultrawideband applications
Authors: Moosazadeh Mahdi , Esmati Zahra
Published: January 2012

A printed ellipse‐shaped monopole antenna with coplanar waveguide feed for use in ultrawideband (UWB) communication systems is presented.In this proposed antenna, the impedance bandwidth increases with a pair of ellipse‐shape‐combined design on the patch and ground plane. The effect of the ground plane form on the optimization of the S11 characteristics is discussed in detail. Proposed antenna operates in the adopted bandwidth (3.1–10.6 GHz) with S11 < −10 dB and covers it very well from 2.4 to 20 GHz. Experimental and simulated antenna results show that the proposed antenna has a desirable S11 level and radiation pattern characteristics for the UWB frequency band range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:675–677, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26615
A V‐band low‐noise amplifier co‐designed with ESD network in 65‐nm RF CMOS
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Hsien , Hsu Shawn S. H.
Published: January 2012

A V‐band low‐noise amplifier (LNA) with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection using RF junction varactors is demonstrated in a 65‐nm CMOS technology. The gate‐source junction varactor is used to achieve a power‐constrained simultaneous noise and input matching, and also as an auxiliary ESD protection for the NS and ND modes. The measured results shows an over 2.0‐kV ESD protection in the PD and PS modes, whereas the ESD level is enhanced up to 4.0 kV in the NS and ND modes. Under a power consumption of only 14.1 mW, the LNA demonstrates a noise figure (NF) of 5.2 dB and a peak power gain of 10.9 dB at 51 GHz, only a 0.8‐dB degradation for both NF and power gain compared with the reference design (LNA without ESD protection). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:820–822, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26623
Low‐profile, small‐size, wireless wide area network handset antenna close integration with surrounding ground plane
Authors: Chen Shu‐Chuan , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: January 2012

An internal wireless wide area network (WWAN) handset antenna having a low profile of 3 mm, small footprint of 30 × 10 mm2, and closely integrated with surrounding ground plane is presented.The antenna volume is 0.9 cm3 only and can provide two wide‐operating bands to cover the desired 824–960 and 1710–2170 MHz bands. The major portion of the antenna is printed on the main circuit board of the handset, and the antenna has a simple structure formed by a strip monopole and a parasitic shorted strip monopole. Two techniques are applied in the proposed design to achieve penta‐band WWAN operation with a small antenna size. The first technique is to load a proper chip inductor at a proper position in the shorted strip monopole, which supports a resonant mode for the antenna's lower band with a resonant length much smaller than 0.25‐wavelength. The second one is to use a band‐stop matching circuit disposed on the main circuit board of the handset. The combined effects of the two techniques are discussed in this article. Also, the proposed antenna shows low near‐field radiation characteristic and meets the specific absorption rate and hearing‐aid compatibility requirements for practical handset applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:623–629, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26633
Influence of the hand on the specific absorption rate assessments of mobile phones
Authors: Monebhurrun V.
Published: January 2012

The influence of the hand on the specific absorption rate (SAR) assessments of mobile phones is investigated.An increase of the SAR value in the presence of the hand has been observed but the electromagnetic phenomenon is still unexplained. The distance between the palm of the hand and the antenna is herein shown to be an important parameter. Numerical simulations and measurements performed using a dipole antenna placed in‐between a flat head phantom and a flat hand phantom confirm that an increase of the SAR is expected for some specific values of the distance between the antenna and the hand at a given frequency. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:654–656, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26644
Design and development of triple band tunable microstrip antenna
Authors: Kulkarni Nagraj , Mulgi S. N. , Satnoor S. K.
Published: January 2012

A novel design of corner truncated U‐slot rectangular microstrip antenna is proposed for triple band operation. The middle and upper bands are tuned from 4.615 to 4.5 GHz and 5.919 to 5.88 GHz, respectively, when the width of vertical arm of U‐slot is varied from 0.1 to 0.2 cm. If the width of vertical arm of U‐slot is varied from 0.2 to 0.3 cm, these bands are tuned to opposite direction from 4.615 to 5.795 GHz and 5.919 to 8.315 GHz, respectively, without changing the resonant frequency of primary band and nature of broadside radiation characteristics. The experimental and simulated results are in good agreement with each other. Design concepts of antennas are presented and experimental results are discussed. These antennas may find applications in WLAN. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:614–617, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26646
Low‐cost dual‐polarized printed antenna for multifunction phased‐array radar
Authors: Mastrangeli Federica , Luca Angelo De , Valerio Guido , Galli Alessandro
Published: January 2012

A novel low‐cost element is proposed for S‐band multifunction phased‐array radars: a compact stacked‐patch configuration is fed with a strip‐line hybrid‐ring network providing the dual polarizations for weather‐surveillance applications.Full‐wave simulations in a phased‐periodic array environment show promising features, in terms of reduced cross‐polarization, high isolation between the input ports, scanning capability, and regular radiation patterns. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:697–702, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26665
Histamine Stimulates Neurogenesis in the Rodent Subventricular Zone
Authors: Bernardino Liliana , Eiriz Maria Francisca , Santos Tiago , Xapelli Sara , Grade Sofia , Rosa Alexandra Isabel , Cortes Luísa , Ferreira Raquel , Bragança José , Agasse Fabienne , Ferreira Lino , Malva João O.
Published: January 2012

Neural stem/progenitor cells present in the subventricular zone (SVZ) are a potential source of repairing cells after injury. Therefore, the identification of novel players that modulate neural stem cells differentiation can have a huge impact in stem cell-based therapies. Herein, we describe a unique role of histamine in inducing functional neuronal differentiation from cultured mouse SVZ stem/progenitor cells. This proneurogenic effect depends on histamine 1 receptor activation and involves epigenetic modifications and increased expression of Mash1, Dlx2, and Ngn1 genes. Biocompatible poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles, engineered to release histamine in a controlled and prolonged manner, also triggered robust neuronal differentiation in vitro. Preconditioning with histamine-loaded microparticles facilitated neuronal differentiation of SVZ-GFP cells grafted in hippocampal slices and in in vivo rodent brain. We propose that neuronal commitment triggered by histamine per se or released from biomaterial-derived vehicles may represent a new tool for brain repair strategies.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Animal-Related Motorcycle Collisions in North Dakota
Authors: Bramati Patricia S. , Heinert Lynn F. , Narloch Lindsey B. , Hostetter Jeff , Finkielman Javier D.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To study the epidemiology and mortality of animal-motorcycle collisions.

Methods

A retrospective study of all motorcycle collisions recorded in the North Dakota Department of Transportation Crash Reporting System from January 2007 to December 2009 was conducted. Mortality was designated as the main outcome measure.

Results

Seven hundred sixty-six collisions involving 798 motorcycles were included in this study; 48 of these collisions were with animals (6.3% of all motorcycle collisions). Deer were the most common animal involved (81%). Most animal-motorcycle collisions took place during nighttime with clear weather and on straight rural roads. Drivers were older in animal collisions compared with nonanimal collisions (median of 44 vs 30 years old, respectively, P < .0001). Most drivers were males, whereas most passengers were females. Helmets were worn by only 32% of drivers and 12% of passengers. There were 4 (8%; 95% CI, 3%–20%) fatal animal collisions; 9% of the collisions with large animals were fatal compared with 3% of nonanimal collisions ( P = .0411).

Conclusions

Animal-motorcycle collisions are a small subgroup of all motorcycle collisions, but with a high mortality rate. Efforts should be made to increase helmet usage, mitigate these collisions, and increase awareness of this problem among motorcycle riders.
Redescription and postmarsupial development of Apseudopsis latreillii (Crustacea: Tanaidacea)
Authors: Esquete P. , Bamber R.N. , Moreira J. , Troncoso J.S.
Published: January 2012

Apseudopsis latreillii is a common tanaidacean species widely-distributed in the north-east Atlantic, but its diagnostic characters remain unspecified. Furthermore, intraspecific variation in relation to its developmental stages has not been described. Knowledge about this variation is needed owing to the difficulty of identification of the significant number of juvenile specimens within samples, particularly when sympatric with other apseudid species. Specimens from three different localities of the north-east Atlantic have been examined, and the size of 766 individuals has been measured. Study of postmarsupial development shows that the manca II is followed by two juvenile stages before reaching maturity. Males present two possible morphologies. After a preparatory stage, females pass through a sequence of copulatory instars followed by intermediate stages in which the female loses the ovisac after manca release. Characters allowing the distinction of A. latreillii specimens regardless of developmental stage are the combination of a pointed and downturned rostrum, pereonites without apophyses, three ventral spines on the pereopod 1 propodus, and one dorsodistal spine on the merus.
Wildlife and oil in the Antarctic: a recipe for cold disaster
Authors: Ruoppolo Valeria , Woehler Eric J. , Morgan Kerri , Clumpner Curtiss J.
Published: January 2012

The increasing rate of incidents involving vessels in the Southern Ocean (including vessels sinking) has highlighted the potential for substantial fuel spills into the Antarctic environment. An increasing number of tourist and fishing vessels, often without ice strengthened hulls, are penetrating farther into, and staying longer in, Antarctic waters, with a focus for destinations of wildlife concentrations. Based on a survey of national operators in the Antarctic, there is little preparation for an oil spill event that involves Antarctic wildlife. This is a recipe for a catastrophic spill event, with the potential for high numbers of oiled wildlife in a remote part of the world where there are major logistical constraints on the provision of equipment and skilled response personnel. Here we chronicle shipping incidents that have led to oil spills in the Southern Ocean, the current legislation and contingency plans currently in place by national Antarctic operators, and examine their preparedness and expertise for an oiled wildlife event response. It is clear that national, fishing and tourism operators are manifestly unprepared for an oiled wildlife event in the Southern Ocean. We identify five critical constraints to any response and provide recommendations that address these constraints.
Medical comforts during the heroic age of Antarctic exploration
Authors: Guly H. R.
Published: January 2012

In the literature of the exploration of the Antarctic in the early 20th century, there are many references to ‘medical comforts’. While ‘medical comforts’ was sometimes used as a euphemism for alcoholic beverages, the term, which originated in the army, covered all foods and drinks used for the treatment and prevention of illness and during convalescence. This article describes the use of medical comforts during the Antarctic expeditions of the so called ‘heroic age’. Apart from alcohol, medical comforts included beef extracts, milk extracts and arrowroot. These products were extensively advertised to the medical and nursing professions and to the general public and the Antarctic connection was sometimes used in the advertising. The products were largely devoid of vitamins and their use may have contributed to some of the disease that occurred on these expeditions.
Childhood maltreatment is associated with increased body mass index and increased C-reactive protein levels in first-episode psychosis patients
Authors: Hepgul N. , Pariante C. M. , Dipasquale S. , DiForti M. , Taylor H. , Marques T. R. , Morgan C. , Dazzan P. , Murray R. M. , Mondelli V.
Published: January 2012

Background

The high incidence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with psychosis is mainly attributed to antipsychotic treatment. However, it is also possible that psychological stress plays a role, inducing a chronic inflammatory process that may predispose to the development of metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the association between childhood maltreatment and inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in subjects with first-episode psychosis and healthy controls.

Method

Body mass index (BMI), weight and waist circumference were measured in 95 first-episode psychosis patients and 97 healthy controls. Inflammatory and metabolic markers were measured in a subsample of 28 patients and 45 controls. In all the subjects we collected information on childhood maltreatment and recent stressors.

Results

Patients with childhood maltreatment had higher BMI [25.0 (s.e.=0.6) kg/m2] and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels [1.1 (s.e.=0.6) mg/dl] when compared with healthy controls [23.4 (s.e.=0.4) kg/m2,p=0.030 and 0.2 (s.e.=0.1) mg/dl,p=0.009, respectively]. In contrast, patients without childhood maltreatment were not significantly different from healthy controls for either BMI [24.7 (s.e.=0.6) kg/m2,p=0.07] or CRP levels [0.5 (s.e.=0.2) mg/dl,p=0.25]. After controlling for the effect of BMI, the difference in CRP levels across the three groups remained significant (F2,58=3.6,p=0.035), suggesting that the increase in inflammation was not driven by an increase in adipose tissue.

Conclusions

Childhood maltreatment is associated with higher BMI, and increased CRP levels, in patients with a first-episode psychosis. Further studies need to confirm the mechanisms underlying the putative causal relationship between childhood maltreatment and higher BMI, and whether this is indeed mediated by increased inflammation.
Insecticides that Interfere with Insect Growth and Development
Authors: Marrs Timothy C
Published: January 2012

The insecticides discussed in this chapter target structures and physiological systems unique to insects and similar creatures and are consequently of low mammalian toxicity. This is despite one group, the ecdysone agonists, targeting an insect steroid hormonal system. Curiously, a remarkably large number of these compounds, notwithstanding their structural diversity, have adverse effects on the mammalian haematological system. As these compounds target insect development, they are not ‘knock-down’ insecticides and are not very effective against established adult insect infestation.
Insecticides of Natural Origin, Other than Pyrethrum and Nicotine
Authors: Solecki Roland , Niemann Lars
Published: January 2012

This chapter gives a detailed overview on the history, use and toxicology of substances of biological origin such as plant extracts (rotenone, azadirachtin, quassin, anabasin) and fermentation products from soil microorganisms (avermectins and spinosins) that are more or less widely used as insecticides in plant protection products or biocides but may also play a role in public health to prevent spread of infectious diseases or even to cure them.
Toxicology of Biological Insecticides
Authors: Dewhurst Ian C
Published: January 2012

This chapter focuses primarily on insecticides based on viable microorganisms. Other biological insecticides such as plant extracts (e.g. nicotine, azadirachtin) and purified fermentation products (e.g. avermectins and spinosins) are covered in other chapters. Bacillus thuringiensis is the most widely used microbial pesticide with uses both as a viable organism and with its insecticidally active proteins incorporated into genetically modifiedcrop plants. The proteins are activated inside the alkaline insect gut and should present minimal risks to mammals. Granulovirus and nuclear polyhedrosis virus preparations are based on these naturally occurring arthropod specific pathogens. Beauvaria bassiana species are active against a range of insects and act by damaging the cuticle, invading and growing in the insect or possibly secreting a toxic secondary metabolite.