bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Determines Employee Perceptions of HRM Process Features? The Case of Performance Appraisal in MNC Subsidiaries
Authors: Sumelius Jennie , Björkman Ingmar , Ehrnrooth Mats , Mäkelä Kristiina , Smale Adam
Published: June 2014

Against the background of Bowen and Ostroff's () human resource management (HRM) process theorization, this study explores influences on individual employee perceptions of the visibility, validity, and procedural and distributive justice of performance appraisal in subsidiaries of multinational corporations, and at what levels these influences reside. The study adopts an embedded, multiple‐case design with interview data from 33 managers and professionals in six subsidiaries of three corporations. The findings show that perceptions of the performance appraisal process are driven by a number of influences pertaining to the unit, relationship, and individual levels. Further, the study highlights differences and similarities of influences across four performance appraisal process features, and identifies overlaps and inter‐linkages between the process features suggested by Bowen and Ostroff (). For practitioners, the value of our study lies in the identification of steps that can be taken to increase the likelihood that HRM practices are perceived positively and as intended by the organization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mind the Intended‐Implemented Gap: Understanding Employees’ Perceptions of HRM
Authors: Piening Erk P. , Baluch Alina M. , Ridder Hans‐Gerd
Published: June 2014

This study aims to shed light on the implementation of HR practices as a key piece of the human resource management (HRM)–performance puzzle. Although the literature suggests that discrepancies between the organization's intended and implemented HR practices are essential to understanding employees’ perceptions of and reactions to HRM, little attention has been devoted to this issue. Drawing upon a multiple‐case study of German health and social services organizations, we therefore explore the linkages (and potential gaps) between intended, implemented, and perceived HR practices. Our study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of this relationship, highlighting an organization's ability to leverage its resources as playing a crucial moderating role in implementing intended HR practices, while employees’ expectations of HRM moderate the link between implemented and perceived HR practices. We advance a set of propositions that contributes to a more nuanced, multilevel understanding of the complex phenomenon of HRM implementation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influences of sudden changes in discharge and physical stream characteristics on transient storage and nitrate uptake in an urban stream
Authors: Mueller Price Jennifer , Bledsoe Brian P. , Baker Daniel W.
Published: June 2014

Changes in the physical structure of urban streams can occur abruptly due to flashy high‐flow events and subsequently alter stream processes, including transient storage and nitrate uptake. We examined temporal variability in transient storage and nitrate uptake by exploring the effects of altered physical characteristics resulting from a single high‐flow event in three reaches of Spring Creek, an urban stream in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Study reaches of varying geomorphic and hydraulic characteristics were chosen to represent distinct geomorphic settings in terms of substrate size, sinuosity, bed slope, and degree of rehabilitation and structural controls. We performed detailed physical characterizations and multiple nutrient injections of Br− and NO3− to estimate transient storage and nitrate uptake in each reach. A comparison of pre‐flood and post‐flood data indicates that transient storage and nitrate uptake are highly context specific and mediated by interactions between geomorphic setting and flood discharge. In the two reaches that showed significant post‐flood increases in transient storage (250% to 350% increases in Fmed200), the pool‐riffle reach exhibited a significant increase in uptake velocity, while the channelized reach did not. In contrast, transient storage decreased post‐flood in the third reach containing hydraulic structures. These complex responses likely reflect reach‐specific differences in hyporheic versus in‐channel storage. This study shows that repeat injections are necessary to describe nutrient dynamics because transient storage and nitrate uptake can be highly variable over time (showing changes on the order of 100%) due to variation in discharge and geomorphically influential flow events. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum microRNA expression signatures identified from genome‐wide microRNA profiling serve as novel noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis and recurrence of bladder cancer
Authors: Jiang Xiumei , Du Lutao , Wang Lili , Li Juan , Liu Yimin , Zheng Guixi , Qu Ailin , Zhang Xin , Pan Hongwei , Yang Yongmei , Wang Chuanxin
Published: June 2014

Recent advantages of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) open a new realm of possibilities for noninvasive diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer (BC). The aim of our study was to identify serum miRNA expression signatures in patients with BC and establish new models for the diagnosis of BC and recurrence prediction. We performed genome‐wide serum miRNA analysis by Miseq sequencing followed by evaluations in the training and validation sets with reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR assays from serum samples of 250 patients with BC and 240 controls. A six‐miRNA panel (miR‐152, miR‐148b‐3p, miR‐3187‐3p, miR‐15b‐5p, miR‐27a‐3p and miR‐30a‐5p) for the diagnosis of BC was finally developed by multivariate logistic regression model with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.899. The corresponding sensitivities of this panel for Ta, T1 and T2–T4 were 90.00, 84.85 and 89.36%, significantly higher than those of urine cytology, which were 13.33, 30.30 and 44.68%, respectively (all at p < 0.001). In addition, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with nonmuscle‐invasive BC (NMIBC) with high miR‐152 level and low miR‐3187‐3p level had worse recurrence‐free survival (p = 0.023 and 0.043, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, miR‐152 was independently associated with tumor recurrence of NMIBC (p = 0.028). Our results suggested that a serum miRNA signature may have considerable clinical value in diagnosing BC. Furthermore, expression level of serum miR‐152 could provide information on the recurrence risk of NMIBC.
Strains, Strengths, and Intervention Outcomes: A Critical Examination of Intervention Efficacy for Underrepresented Groups
Authors: Williams Krystal L.
Published: June 2014

This chapter offers a critical lens for examining intervention efficacy. It highlights a conceptual framework particularly relevant for understanding the experiences of underrepresented students and illustrates how such framing can explicate the mechanisms that impede or enhance successful intervention outcomes in STEM fields.
Civic Engagement Measures for Latina/o College Students
Authors: Alcantar Cynthia M.
Published: June 2014

This chapter uses a critical quantitative approach to study models and measures of civic engagement for Latina/o college students. The chapter describes the importance of a critical quantitative approach to study civic engagement of Latina/o college students, then uses Hurtado et al.'s () model to examine the civic engagement of Latina/o college students. Alternative and additional measures of civic engagement are described, such as ethnic and indigenous identity, immigrant generation and status, nativity, and time of arrival in the United States. I conclude with recommendations for future models and research on civic engagement of Latina/o college students.
Critical Quantitative Study of Immigrant Students
Authors: Conway Katherine M.
Published: June 2014

The author discusses the importance of critical quantitative research for studies of immigrant students, a large and growing group, whose higher education experience is crucial to the future of the United States. The author outlines some of the distinctions to be made among immigrant students and recommends areas of future inquiry.
A graph‐based short‐cut to low‐energy structures
Authors: Dieterich Johannes M. , Hartke Bernd
Published: June 2014

A new graph‐based move class for global optimization of cluster structures is presented. Its performance and efficiency is analyzed for water clusters (H2O)n, n = 24, 61. This analysis indicates superior basin exploitation capabilities of the new move class for large clusters, compared to traditional moves. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
M‐CSF Priming of Osteoclast Precursors Can Cause Osteoclastogenesis‐Insensitivity, Which Can be Prevented and Overcome on Bone
Authors: de Vries Teun J. , Schoenmaker Ton , Aerts David , Grevers Lilyanne C. , Souza Pedro P.C. , Nazmi Kamran , van de Wiel Mark A. , Ylstra Bauke , van Lent Peter L. , Leenen Pieter J.M. , Everts Vincent
Published: June 2014

Osteoclasts and macrophages share progenitors that must receive decisive lineage signals driving them into their respective differentiation routes. Macrophage colony stimulation factor M‐CSF is a common factor; bone is likely the stimulus for osteoclast differentiation. To elucidate the effects of both, shared mouse bone marrow precursor myeloid blast was precultured with M‐CSF on plastic and on bone. M‐CSF priming prior to stimulation with M‐CSF and osteoclast differentiation factor RANKL resulted in a complete loss of osteoclastogenic potential without bone. Such M‐CSF primed cells expressed the receptor RANK, but lacked the crucial osteoclastogenic transcription factor NFATc1. This coincided with a steeply decreased expression of osteoclast genes TRACP and DC‐STAMP, but an increased expression of the macrophage markers F4/80 and CD11b. Compellingly, M‐CSF priming on bone accelerated the osteoclastogenic potential: M‐CSF primed cells that had received only one day M‐CSF and RANKL and were grown on bone already expressed an array of genes that are associated with osteoclast differentiation and these cells differentiated into osteoclasts within 2 days. Osteoclastogenesis‐insensitive precursors grown in the absence of bone regained their osteoclastogenic potential when transferred to bone. This implies that adhesion to bone dictates the fate of osteoclast precursors. Common macrophage‐osteoclast precursors may become insensitive to differentiate into osteoclasts and regain osteoclastogenesis when bound to bone or when in the vicinity of bone. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 210–225, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overview of recently approved 505(b)(2) new drug applications (2010–2012): Role of clinical pharmacology
Authors: Agarwal Sheetal , Qiu Wei , Sahajwalla Chandrahas
Published: June 2014

The role of clinical pharmacology (CP) in the approval of 505(b)(2) NDAs was explored with the goal of sharing with the drug development community, some of the critical CP aspects that need to be considered and addressed during the planning and submission of a 505(b)(2) NDA. Among the 106 505(b)(2) NDAs approved in 2010–2012 (excluding those that were approved under the PEPFAR program), 25% included only CP information, no supportive clinical safety/efficacy was necessary for their approval and 43% included both clinical and CP information. A review of the pre‐submission interaction discussion held for 58% of the non‐PEPFAR NDAs, indicated that CP‐related aspects discussed at this avenue included study design of the pivotal BA/BE study, biowaiver related discussion, need for additional or supportive pharmacokinetic information to be included in the NDA, selection of the most appropriate reference drug product for 505(b)(2) purpose, as well as acceptability of publicly available information to address data gaps in knowledge. Further, we also noted that 505(b)(2) NDAs that did not report having a pre‐submission interaction with the Agency had twice the rate of receiving a complete response action in the first cycle as compared to the NDAs that did meet with the Agency.
Adeno‐associated virus 8‐mediated gene therapy for choroideremia: preclinical studies in in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Black Aaron , Vasireddy Vidyullatha , Chung Daniel C. , Maguire Albert M. , Gaddameedi Rajashekhar , Tolmachova Tania , Seabra Miguel , Bennett Jean
Published: June 2014

Background

Choroideremia (CHM) is a slowly progressive X‐linked retinal degeneration that results in a loss of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. CHM, the gene implicated in choroideremia, encodes Rab escort protein‐1 (REP‐1), which is involved in the post‐translational activation via prenylation of Rab proteins.

Methods

We evaluated AAV8.CBA.hCHM, a recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 8 (rAAV8) vector, which targets retinal cells efficiently, for both therapeutic effect and safety in vitro and in vivo in a murine model. In vitro studies included western blot analyses and prenylation assays. In vivo studies included ophthalmoscopy, pupillometry, histology and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Infection with AAV8.CBA.hCHM induced the expression of REP‐1 protein in a dose‐responsive fashion. Transduction with AAV8.CBA.hCHM reverses the biochemical and pathogenetic defects in CHM both in vitro and in vivo and showed no safety concerns in the in vivo investigations performed in the present study.

Conclusions

AAV8 is a promising vector for human clinical gene therapy trials for choroideremia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Some Tri‐Substituted Imidazole/thiazole Derivatives
Authors: B'Bhatt H. , Sharma S.
Published: June 2014

A novel compound series of tri‐substituted imidazole/thiazole derivatives (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i) were prepared by Radziszewski reaction. Benzil (1), ammonium acetate or ammonium thiocynate, and 1‐phenyl‐3‐(p‐substituted phenyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g) were reacted to give the desired product. Synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis (CHNS) and spectral analysis (FTIR, 1H and 13C FT NMR, and LC–MS). All the compounds were screened for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antimycobacterial activities. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against some bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli (MTCC 443), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 442), and the H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the fungal activity was observed against strains, for example, Candida albicans (MTCC 227), Aspergillus niger (MTCC 282), and Aspergillus clavatus (MTCC 1323). All the synthesized compounds were found to possess moderate to excellent activity against the above selected strains.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of O‐Methyl Methyl 1‐(Substituted Phenoxyacetoxy)‐1‐(thien‐2‐yl)methylphosphinates
Authors: Wang Tao , Peng Hao , He Hongwu
Published: June 2014

A series of novel O‐methyl methyl 1‐(substituted phenoxyacetoxy)‐1‐(thien‐2‐yl)methylphosphinates 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h were synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The results of preliminary bioassays show that some of the title compounds exhibit moderate to good herbicidal and fungicidal activities. For example, the title compounds 5c, 5d, and 5g possess 90–100% inhibition against the tested plants at the concentration of 10 mg/L and 100 mg/L, whereas the title compounds 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5h possess 70–94% inhibition against Phyricularia grisea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum at the concentration of 50 mg/L.
Efficient Synthesis of Novel Thiazol‐2‐ylidene‐amides Using Carbonylthiourea Building Blocks
Authors: Saeedi Mina , Goli Fereshteh , Mahdavi Mohammad , Asadipour Ali , Shafiee Abbas , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: June 2014

In this work, an efficient and versatile synthesis of novel thiazol‐2‐ylidene‐amides from various carbonylthiourea derivatives is described. A sequential alkylation–cyclization reaction between thioureas and propargyl bromide in the presence of DABCO in refluxing ethanol afforded 4‐methylthiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidene‐amide derivatives in good yields.
A Facile One‐Step Synthesis of 2‐Arylindazoles via Reductive Cyclization of N‐(2‐nitroarylidene)amines
Authors: Lin Wei , Hu Minghua , Feng Xian , Cao Chengpao , Huang Zhibin , Shi Daqing
Published: June 2014

A mild and efficient synthesis of 2‐arylindazole derivatives via the reductive cyclization of nitro‐aryl substrates mediated by a low‐valent titanium reagent (TiCl4/Sm/Et3N) has been developed. The attractive features of the current method include an N–N bond formation and the selective reduction of the C = N bond and nitro group, both of which were easily achieved in one‐pot by controlling the pH of the reaction mixture.
Synthesis of Thiadiazolylaminoglycosides Through Ring Contraction of Triazinoglycosides Induced by [TBA‐Ox]
Authors: Kikelj Vincent , Julienne Karine , Chalopin Thibaut , Gouin Sébastien G. , Evain Michel , Deniaud David
Published: June 2014

A new synthetic route to thiadiazolylaminoglycosides, by a ring expansion/ring contraction sequence of glycosyl triazines, has been developed. Two potential mechanisms of this oxidative ring contraction using [TBA‐Ox] are discussed. The more plausible involves formation of an oxatriazepane intermediate followed by loss of formic acid, ring opening, and subsequent recyclization.
Spiro[4H‐pyran‐3,3′‐oxindoles] Derived from 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroquinoline
Authors: Vahedi Hosein , Baradarani Mehdi M. , Rashidi Ahmad , Joule John A.
Published: June 2014

Three‐component reactions of 5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrrolo[3,2,1‐ij]quinoline‐1,2‐dione with malononitrile, or ethyl cyanoacetate, and cyclic six‐membered or a five‐membered 1,3‐diketone, produce spiro[4H‐pyran‐3,3′‐oxindoles].
Effect of head diameter on passive and active dynamic hip dislocation
Authors: Bunn Adam , Colwell Clifford W. , D'Lima Darryl D.
Published: June 2014

Hip dislocation is a major short‐term complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). One factor thought to reduce the risk for dislocation is head size. We constructed subject‐specific computer models to study the effect of head size on risk for postoperative dislocation. Femoral and acetabular geometry was constructed after segmenting CT scans of nine hips. CAD models of THA components with four head diameters (28, 32, 36, and 44 mm) were virtually implanted. Hip capsular ligaments were simulated using rigid‐body ellipsoids connected by non‐linear springs. Posterior dislocation was simulated during a rise from a low chair; anterior dislocation was simulated during a pivot activity. Intraoperative stability tests were simulated for anterior or posterior dislocation. While rising from a low chair (posterior dislocation) and during the pivot activity (anterior dislocation), increasing head size significantly increased hip flexion angle at dislocation and generated higher dislocation moments. Larger heads reduced the risk for dislocation. Intraoperative stability tests detected the relative increased resistance to dislocation despite differences in the absolute magnitude of moments. This model can be useful preclinical tool for assessing design changes, the effect of component placement, and the activity‐based risk for dislocation. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1525–1531, 2014.
3D statistical modeling techniques to investigate the anatomy of the sacrum, its bone mass distribution, and the trans‐sacral corridors
Authors: Wagner Daniel , Kamer Lukas , Rommens Pol M. , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Richards Robert Geoff , Noser Hansrudi
Published: June 2014

The complex anatomy of the sacrum makes surgical fracture fixation challenging. We developed statistical models to investigate sacral anatomy with special regard to trans‐sacral implant fixation. We used computed tomographies of 20 intact adult pelves to establish 3D statistical models: a surface model of the sacrum and the trans‐sacral corridor S1, including principal component analysis (PCA), and an averaged gray value model of the sacrum given in Hounsfield Units. PCA demonstrated large variability in sacral anatomy markedly affecting the diameters of the trans‐sacral corridors. The configuration of the sacral alae and the vertical position of the auricular surfaces were important determinants of the trans‐sacral corridor dimension on level S1. The statistical model of trans‐sacral corridor S1 including the adjacent parts of the iliac bones showed main variation in length; however, the diameter was the main criterion for the surgically available corridor. The averaged gray value model revealed a distinct pattern of bone mass distribution with lower density particularly in the sacral alae. These advanced 3D statistical models provide a thorough anatomical understanding demonstrating the impact of sacral anatomy on positioning trans‐sacral implants. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1543–1548, 2014.
Evolution and defect analysis of vertical graphene nanosheets
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Ganesan K. , Polaki Shyamal R. , Ravindran T. R. , Krishna Nanda Gopala , Kamruddin M. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: June 2014

We report catalyst‐free direct synthesis of vertical graphene nanosheets (VGNs) on SiO2/Si and quartz substrates using microwave electron cyclotron resonance – plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The evolution of VGNs is studied systematically at different growth stages. Raman analysis as a function of growth time reveals that two different disorder‐induced competing mechanisms contributing to the defect band intensity. The VGNs grown on SiO2/Si substrates predominantly consists of both vacancy‐like and hopping defects. On the other hand, the VGNs grown on quartz substrates contain mainly boundary‐like defects. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy studies also corroborate Raman analysis in terms of defect density and vacancy‐like defects for the VGNs grown on SiO2/Si substrates. Moreover, the grown VGNs exhibit a high optical transmittance from 95% to 78% at 550 nm and the sheet resistance varies from 30 to 2.17 kΩ/sq. depending on growth time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific ion effects on the electrophoretic mobility of small, highly charged peptides: A modeling study
Authors: Allison Stuart A. , Wu Hengfu , Bui Tuyen M. , Dang Lac , Huynh Giang H. , Nguyen Tam , Soegiarto Linda , Truong Bi C.
Published: June 2014

In this work, we use coarse‐grained modeling to study the free solution electrophoretic mobility of small highly charged peptides (lysine, arginine, and short oligos thereof (up to nonapeptides)) in NaCl and Na2SO4 aqueous solutions at neutral pH and room temperature. The experimental data are taken from the literature. A bead modeling methodology that treats the electrostatics at the level of the nonlinear Poisson Boltzmann equation developed previously in our laboratory is able to account for the mobility of all peptides in NaCl, but not Na2SO4. The peptide mobilities in Na2SO4 can be accounted for by including sulfate binding in the model and this is proposed as one possible explanation for the discrepancy. Oligo arginine peptides bind more sulfate than oligo lysines and sulfate binding increases with the oligo length.
Patch‐burn management: Implications for conservation of avian communities in fire‐dependent sagebrush ecosystems
Authors: Holcomb Elizabeth D. , Davis Craig A. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D.
Published: June 2014

Rangeland birds in the Southern High Plains, USA evolved within a context of fire and grazing (i.e., pyric herbivory), a disturbance regime that played a dominant role in shaping rangelands in this region but has been absent since the 1880s. A management technique known as patch‐burn grazing was used to mimic the heterogeneity in vegetation created by the historical disturbance regime of fire and grazing in sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) rangelands. We compared nest survival of Cassin's sparrows (Peucaea cassinii), field sparrows (Spizella pusilla), and lark sparrows (Chondestes grammacus); species richness; and densities of 11 bird species between rangelands managed with patch‐burn grazing and rangelands managed with traditional management (i.e., seasonal grazing) in Oklahoma from 2006 to 2008. Estimates of nest survival were similar between patch‐burn and traditional pastures (Cassin's sparrows: 51% and 57%; field sparrows: 18% and 22%; and lark sparrows: 14% and 12%, patch‐burn and traditional, respectively). Species richness was higher in patch‐burn pastures compared to traditionally managed pastures. Densities of the majority of avian species (73%) were similar between treatments; however, lark sparrow densities were 5 times more abundant in patch‐burn pastures and grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) and brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) were >3 times more abundant on traditional pastures. Our results suggest that introducing patch‐burn grazing management to sand sagebrush rangelands is not detrimental to nesting shrubland birds, and the creation of heterogeneity through patch‐burn grazing can increase avian species diversity. Furthermore, some species such as lark sparrows may benefit from patch‐burn grazing. Patch‐burn management may be an important tool to assist in the recovery of biodiversity in this ecosystem. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Design and Fabrication of Regenerable Polyelectrolyte Multilayers for Applications in Foulant Removal
Authors: Irigoyen Joseba , Politakos Nikolaos , Murray Richard , Moya Sergio E.
Published: June 2014

Regenerable polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are prepared on the basis of a sacrificial block of polyelectrolyte on the top of a non‐removable PEM. Poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and polyestyrene sulfonate (PSS) PEMs with a block of poly(diallylmethylammonium chlor­ide) (PDADMAC)/PSS on top; PAH/PSS with PDADMAC/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) on top; and poly­ethylenimine (PEI)/PSS with PEI/PAA on top are fabricated. The top PDADMAC/PSS and PEI/PAA blocks are removed by interaction with (1‐tetradecyl) trimethylammonium bromide and sodium dodecylsulfate surfactants, respectively, whereas PDADMAC/PAA is removed by exposure them to basic pH. The supporting PEMs are not removed. The PEMs are coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model foulant. The top block is removed together with the BSA. After removal of the top block, the film is regenerated by assembling polyelectrolyte layers with the same composition as the original top block. Removal and regeneration are followed by quartz crystal microbalance measurements with dissipation, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and X‐ray photon electron spectroscopy.

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Facile Fabrication of Electrochromic Poly(amine‐amide) and Poly(amine‐imide) Films Via Carbazole‐Based Oxidative Coupling Electropolymerization
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Huei , Lin Jun‐Wen
Published: June 2014

The synthesis and electrochemical properties of four electropolymerizable monomers featuring an interior aromatic diamide or diimide segment bridged by p‐phenylene units to terminal electroactive carbazole groups are described. Upon electrochemical oxidation, the coupling reactions between carbazole radical cations occur instantly, rendering an efficient electropolymerization process feasible. The electrogenerated polymer films exhibit reversible electrochemical processes and stable color changes upon electro‐oxidation, which can be switched by potential modulation. The remarkable electrochromic behavior of the film is clearly interpreted on the basis of spectroelectrochemical studies.

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GALNT14 mediates tumor invasion and migration in breast cancer cell MCF‐7
Authors: Huanna Tian , Tao Zuo , Xiangfei Wang , Longfei An , Yuanyuan Xie , Jianhua Wang , Cuifang Zhang , Manjing Jiao , Wenjing Cao , Shaochuan Qin , Feifei Xu , Naikang Li , Jinchao Zhang , Chen Wu
Published: June 2014

Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of most human cancers and affects many cellular properties, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, transformation, migration, invasion, and immune responses. Here, we report that N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase14 (GALNT14), which mediates the initial step of mucin‐type O‐glycosylation and is heterogeneously expressed in most breast cancers, plays a critical role in the invasion and migration of breast cancers by regulating the activity of MMP‐2 and expression of some EMT genes. We have modulated the expression of GALNT14 by RNAi and overexpression in MCF‐7 cells. Overexpression of GALNT14 significantly enhanced cell migration and invasion and promoted the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Knockdown of GALNT14 reduced clonogenicity and attenuates cell migration and cell invasion. The mRNAs for N‐cadherin, vimentin, E‐cadherin, MMP‐2, VEGF, and TGF‐β were determined by RT‐qPCR involving GALNT14‐overexpressing or knockdown MCF‐7 cells. Expression profiling revealed the upregulation of N‐cadherin, vimentin, MMP‐2, VEGF, TGF‐β and the downregulation of E‐cadherin in GALNT14 overexpressing cells, with the opposite seen in GALNT14 knockdowns. Gelatin zymography analysis further indicated that overexpression of GALNT14 increased MMP‐2 activity in MCF‐7 cells. Conversely, downregulation of GALNT14 reduced MMP‐2 activity. Promoter analysis revealed that GALNT14 stimulates MMP‐2 expression through the AP‐1‐binding site. Western blot analyses showed that knockdown of GALNT14 significantly reduced the expression of an oncoprotein mucin 1 (MUC1). These findings indicate that GALNT14 contributes to breast cancer invasion by altering the cell proliferation, motility, expression levels of EMT genes, and by stimulating MMP‐2 activity, suggesting GALNT14 may be a potential target for breast cancer treatment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional and structural impact of the most prevalent missense mutations in classic galactosemia
Authors: Coelho Ana I. , Trabuco Matilde , Ramos Ruben , Silva Maria João , Tavares de Almeida Isabel , Leandro Paula , Rivera Isabel , Vicente João B.
Published: June 2014

Galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) is a key enzyme in galactose metabolism, particularly important in the neonatal period due to ingestion of galactose‐containing milk. GALT deficiency results in the genetic disorder classic galactosemia, whose pathophysiology is still not fully elucidated. Whereas classic galactosemia has been hypothesized to result from GALT misfolding, a thorough functional–structural characterization of GALT most prevalent variants was still lacking, hampering the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural–functional effects of nine GALT mutations, four of which account for the vast majority of the mutations identified in galactosemic patients. Several methodologies were employed to evaluate the mutations' impact on GALT function, on the protein secondary and tertiary structures, and on the aggregation propensity. The major structural effect concerns disturbed propensity for aggregation, particularly striking for the p.Q188R variant, resulting from the most frequent (~60%) allele at a worldwide scale. The absence of major effects at the secondary and tertiary structure levels suggests that the disturbed aggregation results from subtle perturbations causing a higher and/or longer exposure of hydrophobic residues in the variants as compared to WT GALT. The results herein described indicate a possible benefit from introducing proteostasis regulators and/or chemical/pharmacological chaperones to prevent the accumulation of protein aggregates, in new avenues of therapeutic research for classic galactosemia.
Bandwidth enhancement and cross‐polarization suppression in ultrawideband microstrip antenna with defected ground plane
Authors: Khandelwal Mukesh Kumar , Kanaujia Binod Kumar , Dwari Santanu , Kumar Sachin , Gautam A. K.
Published: June 2014

A compact microstrip antenna is proposed with very wide bandwidth ranging from 2 to 18 GHz. Impedance bandwidth of 160% is achieved which covers S, C, X, and Ku bands. Antenna gain upto 5 dBi is achieved within the operating band with suppressed cross‐polarized radiation characteristics. The maximum cross‐polarization levels are −28 and −20 dB in E‐plane and H‐plane, respectively. Further, the ground plane of the proposed antenna is embedded with triangular and square defects. Proposed antenna with defected ground plane operates in impedance bandwidth ranging from 2 to 21 GHz and bandwidth is improved to the value of 165.22%. The antenna gain is improved upto the maximum value of 18 dBi within the band of operation. The maximum cross‐polarization levels are improved to the value of −40 and −42 dB in E‐plane and H‐plane, respectively. The measured results are in good match with simulated results for both the antennas. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2141–2146, 2014
Planar inverted‐Eantenna for future generation applications
Authors: Chattha Hassan Tariq , Nasir Mumammad , Jamal Yasir , Huang Yi , Alja'afreh Saqer S.
Published: June 2014

This work presents a new simple low‐profile and compact planar inverted‐E antenna (PIEA) which is a modified form of planar inverted‐F antenna having two shorting plates instead of one. A slot is inserted on the ground plane to further enhance the impedance bandwidth of this antenna. This PIEA covers the frequency band from around 1700 MHz to more than 2700 MHz in a single band which covers most of the frequency bands used in 2G, 3G, and 4G applications. The height of this antenna is h = 5 mm which makes it suitable for handheld applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2103–2107, 2014
A stable low noise and high gain dual‐band active band‐pass filter with GaAs‐MESFET using CRLH metamaterial
Authors: Yoon Ki‐Cheol , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: June 2014

In this article, a stable low noise and high gain dual‐band active bandpass filter (BPF) with GaAs‐metal‐semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFET) using composite right‐/left‐handed (CRLH) metamaterial is presented. The CRLH approach in a microstrip structure is applied to develop a dual‐band BPF using an amplifier circuit with two arbitrary frequency bands. The two center frequencies of the filter are then chosen as ω1 = 1.23 GHz and ω2 = 1.63 GHz, where the phase slope characteristics of the response are chosen as −90° and −270° at frequencies of ω1 and ω2, respectively. The experimental results show gain values of 7.82 and 7.03 dB and the return losses of −15.1 and −10.1 dB with bandwidth of 55 (4.4%) and 105 MHz (6.4%) at the center frequencies of 1.22 and 1.61 GHz, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1985–1988, 2014
A novel protection mechanism for local passive optical networks with bus topology and its verification
Authors: Lafata Pavel
Published: June 2014

The most critical components of passive optical networks (PONs) are usually the central optical line termination unit (OLT) and optical fibers. That is why this article contains the description of a novel protection mechanism for designing of a local PON with a bus topology and enhanced network resilience. The idea is based on using dual OLT units together with contra‐directionally arranged passive splitters to form a bus topology. Thanks to that the resistance of presented PON solution against the potential malfunctions of OLT units as well as optical fibers is significantly increased. Since the application of asymmetric passive splitters is necessary to balance the attenuation and optical signal levels in the entire network, the mathematical model for calculating their optimum splitting ratios is presented as well. Moreover, the functionality of designed bus topology was verified by using real PON equipment and by performing complex measurements. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2005–2010, 2014
Compact dual‐mode differential bandpass filter using stepped impedance resonators
Authors: Shao Chuan , Chen Jian‐Xin , Shi Jin , Bao Zhi‐Hua
Published: June 2014

A compact dual‐mode differential bandpass filter using a pair of identical stepped impedance resonators connected by a short microstrip line is presented in this letter. The proposed filter showcases good differential‐mode (DM) bandpass response centered at 2.5 GHz (f0) while possesses inherent bandstop effect across the differential passband for the common‐mode (CM) signal. In addition, there is a transmission zero for the CM operation located within the DM passband. Accordingly, the loaded lumped element or stub for the CM suppression is not required in this design. In addition, compact size and wide stopband of the differential filter are both achieved, and the DM stopband rejection is more than 30 dB up to 8.0 GHz (3.2 f0). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2055–2058, 2014
An L‐band‐cascaded erbium‐doped fiber amplifier for uniform gain without gain equalizing filter
Authors: Anthony Ricky , Lahiri Rini , Biswas Sambhunath
Published: June 2014

In the letter, a high gain‐naturally flattened L‐band erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is demonstrated. The system uses two bidirectionally pumped lasers for exciting Er3+ in three cascaded fiber amplifiers. The maximum gain of ∼36.4 dB and equalized gain of over 26 dB in the absence of any gain flattening filter with ∼2.5‐dB variation over 35 nm (1572–1608 nm) was obtained. Studies for varying amplifier lengths; signal power and pump powers have also been reported. The proposed EDFA has a noise figure below 5 dB and was found to be stable at extreme temperatures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2053–2055, 2014
Circular microstrip antenna with dual band‐stop performance for ultrawideband systems
Authors: Ojaroudi Nasser
Published: June 2014

In this article, a novel small monopole antenna with dual band‐notched characteristic for ultrawideband applications is proposed. The proposed antenna consists of circular‐disc radiating patch with a rotated T‐shaped slit, a feed line with a rotated Ω‐shaped split‐ring resonator, and a ground plane. The designed antenna has a small size. The simulated and measured results show that the antenna design exhibits an operating bandwidth (VSWR < 2) from 2.86 to 12.92 GHz with 3.3–4.2 and 5–6 GHz rejected bands covering all the 5.2/5.8 GHz wireless local area network, 3.5/5.5 GHz worldwide interoperability microwave access, and 4 GHz C bands. Good antenna gain and radiation pattern characteristics are obtained in the frequency band of interest. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2095–2098, 2014
A compact balanced antipodal bow‐tie antenna having double notch‐bands
Authors: Dadgarpour Abdolmehdi , Jolani Farid , Yu Yiqiang , Chen Zhizhang , Virdee Bal S. , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: June 2014

A balanced antipodal bow‐tie antenna is presented for ultrawideband (UWB) applications. Bandwidth enhancement and size reduction are achieved by introducing staircase edging to the peripheral of the patch radiator, and by tapering the microstrip feed balun to generate balanced currents on each branch of radiator. The antenna provides band‐notch functionality by embedding dumbbell‐shaped slots within the radiator, and adding an open‐circuit L‐shaped meander stub. The small and low‐profile antenna can easily be fabricated on a single layer of FR4 substrate with dimensions of 26 × 31 × 1.6 mm3. Good correlation is obtained between the simulated and measured results. The antenna operates across 2.8–11 GHz to fully satisfy Federal Communications Commission's UWB specifications. In addition, the antenna provides notch‐bands across 3.3–4 and 5–6 GHz to minimize interference from the WiMAX and WLAN networks. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2010–2014, 2014
Embroidered wearable textile antenna on bending and wet performances for UWB reception
Authors: Shakhirul M. S. , Jusoh M. , Sahadah A. , Nor C. M. , Rahim Hasliza A.
Published: June 2014

This research proposed an integration of the telecommunication system within garment and wearable product known as textile antenna. Such antenna performances on bending and wet conditions are discussed in the manuscript. This embroidered antenna provides a wide operating band satisfying an ultrawideband application of 3.1–10.6 GHz at 10 dB return loss. The proposed antenna is developed from a simple circular with T‐slot structure and a partial ground plane. The fabricated textile antenna was made from both conductive and nonconductive wearable materials. The simulated and measured bend angles of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, and 80° is analyzed in terms of reflection coefficient via computer simulation technology software and programmable network analyzer, respectively. Moreover, the proposed embroidered antenna performance in wet conditions are investigated in four states of antenna inside water, antenna immediately wet, antenna approximately dry, and antenna completely dry. Simulated and measured results of reflection coefficient, surface current distribution, and gain are presented to validate the usefulness of the presented design. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2158–2163, 2014
Fast solution of low‐frequency complex problems over a frequency band using enhanced A‐EFIE and FMM
Authors: Wu Jun Wei , Qian Zhi Guo , Schutt‐Ainé José E. , Chew Weng Cho
Published: June 2014

We present a fast method for solving low‐frequency complex problems over a frequency band. In this method, we apply fast multipole method to accelerate the solution process of augmented electric field integral equation with perturbation method (enhanced A‐EFIE). As the current is expanded as a power series in frequency in enhanced A‐EFIE, results over a frequency band can be obtained by one low‐cost simulation. Real circuit problem with one million unknowns is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2153–2158, 2014
Dual‐band microstrip‐fed bow‐tie antenna for GPS and WLAN application
Authors: Liu Hai‐Wen , Qin Feng , Lei Jiu‐Huai , Wen Pin , Ren Bao‐Ping , Xiao Xiang
Published: June 2014

A novel microstrip‐fed bow‐tie antenna for the global positioning system (GPS) and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications is presented in this letter. The proposed antenna consists of two pairs of printed bow‐tie patches with different dimensions, which can generate dual‐band characteristics independently. Based on this design concept, a prototype of the dual‐band antenna is fabricated and measured. The simulated and measured reflection coefficients, together with the radiation patterns, are presented and compared. Measurements show that the 10‐dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed dual‐band bow‐tie antenna is about 670 MHz (1.22–1.89 GHz) and 1130 MHz (5.24–6.37 GHz), which can cover both the GPS and WLAN bands. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2088–2091, 2014
GaN HEMT‐based hybrid current‐mode class‐S power amplifier for 955 MHz LTE signal
Authors: Park Jun‐Chul , Yook Jong‐Gwan , Park Bong Hyuk , Yoo Chan‐Sei , Kim Dongsu , Lee Woo Sung
Published: June 2014

This article presents a gallium nitride‐based hybrid current‐mode class‐S (CMCS) power amplifier (PA) in conjunction with a realized band‐pass delta‐sigma modulator for 955 MHz long‐term evolution (LTE) signal. Commercial surface mount Schottky diodes are located behind switching transistors to protect them against negative voltage swing, and performances are analyzed from the perspective of the variations of the output voltage and current waveforms by the intrinsic components of diode. In particular, the chip‐on‐board technique is adopted to enhance the drain efficiency, and the differential output filter and balun composed of lumped LC resonators are integrated at the back of the switching transistor to extract amplified LTE signal. From the measured results with an 8.5 dB peak to average power ratio 3G LTE 10 MHz input signal, the proposed CMCS PA shows maximum average output power of 37.1 and 32.2 dBm, and the resulting drain efficiencies of 35.5 and 38.5% with the drain voltage of 20 and 10 V, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2118–2121, 2014
Design of broadband circularly polarized dielectric resonator antenna using improved feed network
Authors: Han Rong‐Cang , Zhong Shun‐Shi , Liu Jing
Published: June 2014

The design of a broadband dual‐feed type circularly polarized rectangular dielectric resonator antenna is presented. Its feed network is of a switched line structure comprised of a 3‐dB Wilkinson power divider and a wideband 90° phase shifter, providing good impedance matching, equal power splitting, and consistent 90° phase shifting over a wide bandwidth. The proposed antenna prototype has been fabricated and measured. The measurements verify that it exhibits advanced characteristics with an impedance bandwidth (VSWR ≤ 2) of 50.8%, an axial ratio bandwidth (AR ≤ 3 dB) of 41.7% and a 3‐dB gain bandwidth of 45.5%. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2191–2195, 2014
Novel 2.4 Ghz branch‐line coupler using microstrip cells
Authors: Salehi Mohamadreza , Noori Leila
Published: June 2014

A novel microstrip structure is proposed to design a miniaturized branch‐line coupler operated at 2.4 GHz for Wireless LANs applications. By analyzing different microstrip cells, one method is presented to obtain the perfect input impedance matching condition and another one is proposed to control the resonance frequency. In comparison to the previous works, the proposed coupler features good isolation and negligible phase imbalance equal to 42.9 dB, and 0.09°, respectively. Also in comparison to all of the references in this article, the proposed coupler has a minimum size of 175.1 mm2. Finally, the designed structure is fabricated and measured. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2110–2113, 2014
Meshless implementation of the geometrically exact Kirchhoff–Love shell theory
Authors: Ivannikov V. , Tiago C. , Pimenta P.M.
Published: June 2014

In the present paper, a meshless generalized multiple fixed least squares implementation of the geometrically exact Kirchhoff–Love shell theory is described. The material time derivative of the deformation gradient and the first Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor are considered as basic conjugate quantities to evaluate the internal power. The shell's initial geometry is reproduced exactly by the predefined mapping from a reference plane configuration. As a constitutive model, a neo‐Hookean material, whose functional is altered in compliance with the plane stress condition, is chosen.

The augmented weak form, suitable for both interpolative and non‐interpolative approximations thanks to the imposition of the essential boundary conditions through Lagrange multipliers, is consistently linearized, and the resultant bilinear form proved to be symmetric. The appearance of the corner reactions, related to the jumps of the pseudo‐torsion boundary moment, requires the inclusion of additional pointwise displacement constraints at the essential boundary corners. The importance of these quantities is demonstrated in the numerical tests, revealing its positive influence on the displacements and, particularly, their derivatives (up to 3rd order) in both linear and nonlinear problems.

The possibility of incorporation of drilling boundary moment for nonlinear problems was successfully assessed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.