bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy balance and evaporation loss of an agricultural reservoir in a semi‐arid climate (south‐eastern Spain)
Authors: Gallego‐Elvira B. , Baille A. , Martín‐Górriz B. , Martínez‐Álvarez V.
Published: December 2009

A typical agricultural water reservoir (AWR) of 2400 m2 area and 5 m depth, located in a semi‐arid area (southern Spain), was surveyed on a daily basis for 1 year. The annual evaporation flux was 102·7 W m−2, equivalent to an evaporated water depth of 1310 mm year−1. The heat storage rate G exhibited a clear annual cycle with a peak gain in April (G ∼ 45 W m−2) and a peak loss in November (G ∼ 40 W m−2), leading to a marked annual hysteretic trend when evaporation (λE) was related to net radiation (Rn). λE was strongly correlated with the available energy A, representing 91% of the annual AWR energy loss. The sensible heat flux H accounted for the remaining 9%, leading to an annual Bowen ratio in the order of 0·10. The equilibrium and advective evaporation terms of the Penman formula represented 76 and 24%, respectively, of the total evaporation, corresponding to a annual value of the Priestley–Taylor (P–T) coefficient (α) of 1·32. The P–T coefficient presented a clear seasonal pattern, with a minimum of 1·23 (July) and a maximum of 1·65 (December), indicating that, during periods of limited available energy, AWR evaporation increased above the potential evaporation as a result of the advection process. Overall, the results stressed that accurate prediction of monthly evaporation by means of the P–T formula requires accounting for both the annual cycle of storage and the advective component. Some alternative approaches to estimating Rn, G and α are proposed and discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro and in vivo testing of novel ultrathin PCL and PCL/PLA blend films as peripheral nerve conduit
Authors: Sun M. , Kingham P. J. , Reid A. J. , Armstrong S. J. , Terenghi G. , Downes S.
Published: December 2009

In an attempt to obviate the drawbacks of nerve autograft, ultrathin microporous biodegradable PCL and PCL/PLA films were tested for their compatibility with motor neuron‐like NG108‐15 cells and primary Schwann cells. Data obtained from MTS colorimetric and DNA fluorimetric assays showed that both cell lines readily attached and proliferated on these materials. Images taken using scanning electron microscope and fluorescence microscope confirmed these observations. Enhanced cell‐surface interaction was achieved by pretreating the films in NaOH solution. Importantly, NG108‐15 cells could be induced into differentiated phenotype with long, un‐branched neurites growing across the surface of the materials. The bipolar spindle‐shaped phenotype of Schwann cells was also retained on these scaffolds. Positive immunochemical staining using antibodies against neurofilament for NG108‐15 cells and S100 for Schwann cells indicated the expression of these marker proteins. In a small‐scaled pilot testing, the performance of PCL conduits in bridging up a 10 mm gap in rat sciatic nerve model was assessed. Immunohistochemical staining showed that regenerated nerve tissue and penetrated Schwann cells have the potential to span the whole length of the conduit in 2 weeks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Biodiesel from activated sludge through in situ transesterification
Authors: Revellame Emmanuel , Hernandez Rafael , French William , Holmes William , Alley Earl
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The microbial biomass present in activated sludge contains lipidic compounds that can be used as biodiesel feedstock. In this study, the production of biodiesel from activated sludge from Tuscaloosa, AL was optimized based on the yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). In situ transesterification was used with sulfuric acid as catalyst. A general factorial design of 4 × 6 × 5 for temperature, methanol to sludge ratio and catalyst concentration, respectively, was considered for optimization.

RESULTS: Biodiesel yield can be adequately described by the quadratic response surface model with R2 of 0.843 and statistically insignificant lack of fit (p = 0.152). Numerical optimization showed that an optimum biodiesel yield of 4.88% can be obtained at 55 °C, 25 methanol to sludge ratio and 4% volume sulfuric acid. The optimum experimental biodiesel yield was indeed obtained at that condition but with a value of 4.79 ± 0.02%. The highest error was 2.30% which indicates good agreement between the model and the experimental data.

CONCLUSIONS: Acid‐catalyzed polymerization of unsaturated fatty acids or their esters at temperature above 60 °C significantly decreased biodiesel yield. The fatty acid profile of the biodiesel produced indicates that activated sludge may be used as biodiesel feedstock. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Vertex decompositions of sparse graphs into an edgeless subgraph and a subgraph of maximum degree at most k
Authors: Borodin O. V. , Ivanova A. O. , Montassier M. , Ochem P. , Raspaud A.
Published: December 2009

A graph G is (k,0)‐colorable if its vertices can be partitioned into subsets V1 and V2 such that in G[V1] every vertex has degree at most k, while G[V2] is edgeless. For every integer k⩾0, we prove that every graph with the maximum average degree smaller than (3k+4)/(k+2) is (k,0)‐colorable. In particular, it follows that every planar graph with girth at least 7 is (8, 0)‐colorable. On the other hand, we construct planar graphs with girth 6 that are not (k,0)‐colorable for arbitrarily large k. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 65:83–93, 2010
Investigating the disorder–order transition of calmodulin binding domain upon binding calmodulin using molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Yong , Tan Hongwei , Chen Guangju , Jia Zongchao
Published: December 2009

We have studied the conformational transition of the calmodulin binding domains (CBD) in several calmodulin‐binding kinases, in which CBD changes from the disordered state to the ordered state when binding with calmodulin (CaM). Targeted molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the binding process of CaM and CBD of CaM‐dependent kinase I (CaMKI–CBD). The results show that CaMKI–CBD began to form an α‐helix and the interaction free energy between CaM and CaMKI–CBD increased once CaM fully encompassed CaMKI–CBD. Two series of CaM/CBD complex systems, including the complexes of CaM with the initially disordered and the final ordered CBD, were constructed to study the interaction using molecular dynamics simulations. Our analyses suggest that the VDW interaction plays a dominant role in CaM/CBD binding and is a key factor in the disorder–order transition of CBD. Additionally, the entropy effect is not in favor of the formation of the CaM/CBD complex, which is consistent with the experimental evidence. Based on the results, it appears that the CBD conformational change from a non‐compact extended structure to compact α‐helix is critical in gaining a favorable VDW interaction and interaction free energy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analogue filter group delay optimization using a stochastic approach
Authors: Zaplatilek Karel
Published: December 2009

An analogue filter group delay response is optimized using an all‐pass network connected in the cascade of the filter. This contribution introduces an original method of all‐pass network correction designing of using a random‐based approach. The main objective of the method is the calculation of an optimal all‐pass network order and optimal coefficients of its transfer function. To realize this objective it is necessary to find minima of so‐called optimization spaces. The spaces definition provides an important generalization of the optimization task. The original stochastic approach is used to find the mentioned minima of the spaces. The minima can be detected using several probability densities. The method combines advantages of a numerical approach with rigorous analytical pre‐processing. Compared to current optimization methods, the described approach provides very good convergence, velocity and especially independence from the initial estimation of the all‐pass network transfer function coefficients. The original objective function ensures absolutely stable convergence in the multidimensional optimization spaces. This objective function was developed with regard to properties of the analogue filters. The designed method is illustrated by a few practical optimizations. A well‐known circuit simulator, Micro‐Cap, is used as a comparative system because of its relatively good optimization algorithm. All the presented original algorithms and functions are debugged in the MATLAB®environment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase inhibitor can attenuate the neuronal death after 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐induced neurotoxicity in mice
Authors: Yokoyama Hironori , Kuroiwa Hayato , Tsukada Tatsuya , Uchida Hiroto , Kato Hiroyuki , Araki Tsutomu
Published: December 2009

An excessive expression of poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP) has been demonstrated to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we investigated the therapeutic effect of the PARP inhibitor benzamide against 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxicity in mice. In our HPLC and Western blot analysis, pretreatment with benzamide showed a neuroprotective effect against MPTP neurotoxicity in mice. Posttreatment with benzamide also attenuated MPTP neurotoxicity in mice. Furthermore, our immunohistochemical study showed that posttreatment with benzamide significantly prevented neuronal damage by suppressing overexpression of neuronal, microglial, and astroglial PARP after MPTP treatment. These findings have important implications for the therapeutic time window and choice of PARP inhibitors in PD patients. Our present findings provide further evidence that PARP inhibitor may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for PD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro studies on the hypoglycemic potential of Ficus racemosa stem bark
Authors: Ahmed Faiyaz , Urooj Asna
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have been reported to play an important role in modulating glycemic responses and have preventive and therapeutic implications. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the antidiabetic effect of medicinal plants such as inhibition of carbohydrate‐metabolizing enzymes, manipulation of glucose transporters, β‐cell regeneration and enhancing insulin‐releasing activity. The present investigation evaluated the possible mechanism of action through which Ficus racemosa stem bark (Moraceae) exerts its hypoglycemic effect using suitable in vitro techniques.

RESULTS: Ficus racemosa bark (FRB) exhibited significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) glucose‐binding capacity than wheat bran (WB) and acarbose (ACB) consequently showed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) retardation of glucose diffusion compared to WB and ACB. In case of amylolysis kinetics the liberation of glucose was greatly inhibited by FRB, as reflected by a significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) glucose diffusion rate in the system containing FRB compared to the control and acarbose. Furthermore, FRB significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01) the rate of glucose transport across the yeast cell membrane and also in isolated rat hemi‐diaphragm.

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate F. racemosa bark to possess strong hypoglycemic effect and hence can be utilized as an adjunct in the management of diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Exploratory study in tourism: designing an initial, qualitative phase of sequenced, mixed methods research
Authors: Mason Peter , Augustyn Marcjanna , Seakhoa‐King Arthur
Published: December 2009

Exploratory studies in the social sciences are being increasingly advocated, particularly in relation to new research themes or when addressing an existing issue from a new perspective. Although exploration is usually the starting point, it is frequently part of a sequence of research stages. However, until recently the actual process of conducting such exploratory research within the leisure and tourism field has received little attention. This is due not just to perceptions that exploration is merely the initial step in a longer research process, but significantly, because there is a lack of guidance on how to conduct such research. This paper argues that when the overall tourism research study involves the use of mixed methods, an initial exploratory stage conducted as part of a sequential research process, requires a systematic approach to achieve a reliable platform for further investigation. The paper shows how and why a systematic research design process in the exploratory stage can enhance the value of studies, when the initial qualitative stage is to be followed by a quantitative phase. Three phases of an exploratory qualitative research design process are identified: preparation, development and refinement. Criteria for assessing the suitability of qualitative data collection techniques are proposed. It is argued that careful attention to the process of designing the initial exploratory qualitative stage constitutes the necessary condition for achieving results that will form a sound basis for the next quantitative sequence of research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Head and neck sequelae of torture
Authors: Crosby Sondra S. , Mohan Shaulnie , Di Loreto Christina , Spiegel Jeffrey H.
Published: December 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To increase awareness of torture among otolaryngologists, and to describe methods and complications of head and neck torture.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Five cases of survivors of torture were evaluated in an otolaryngology practice in an urban hospital setting.

Results:

The subjects presented with widely variable symptoms and physical manifestations related to the head and neck as a result of torture, in addition to psychiatric disease. Documentation of head and neck findings were essential to the asylum claim.

Conclusions:

Otolaryngologists serving immigrant and refugee populations must be familiar with methods and manifestations of torture involving the head and neck. Laryngoscope, 2010
Determination of Propagation Rate Coefficients of a Family of Acrylates with PLP‐MALDI‐ToF‐MS
Authors: Willemse R. X. E. , van Herk A. M.
Published: December 2009

The combination of MALDI‐ToF‐MS with pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) has one big advantage over the combination of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with PLP. MALDI‐ToF‐MS is an absolute measurement which does not need calibration. Especially in the field of acrylates, this is an important advantage over the conventional use of SEC, since low polydispersity standards are not readily available for acrylates. Moreover, acrylates suffer from branching. Literature shows that since branched polymers have a different hydrodynamic volume than linear polymers, this can affect the calibration of SEC. The determination of the Arrhenius parameters for a family of acrylates is performed with PLP‐MALDI‐ToF‐MS. The results clearly demonstrate that an increase of the ester side group indeed results in an increase of the propagation rate coefficient. Whether this is due to an entropic or enthalpic effect cannot be derived from the results.

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Influence of Type of Initiation on Thiol–Ene “Click” Chemistry
Authors: Uygun Mustafa , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Yagci Yusuf
Published: December 2009

Thermally and photochemically initiated thiol–ene click reactions using thiol‐ and allyl‐ end functionalized linear polystyrenes with various enes (allyl bromide, methyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate) and thiol (3‐mercaptopropionic acid) have been investigated. Allyl‐ and thiol‐end‐capped polystyrenes with controlled molecular weight and low polydispersity were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene using functional initiator and end group modification approaches, respectively. Thiol–ene reactions can be initiated by both cleavage type photoinitiators such as (2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)diphenylphosphine oxide (TMDPO) and 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyl acetophenone (DMPA) and H‐abstraction type photoinitiators such as benzophenone (BP), thioxanthone (TX), camphorquinone (CQ), and classical thermal initiator, 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) at 80 °C. The kinetics of the reactions was monitored online with a real time ATR‐FTIR monitoring system and the conversions were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. A comparison of click efficiencies of the studied initiator systems was performed. Compare to the thermal initiators and H‐abstraction type photoinitiators, cleavage type photoinitiators were found to induce thiol–ene click reactions with higher efficiency.

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Dual Tuning of Emission Color and Electron Injection Properties Through in‐situ Chemical Reaction in a Conjugated Polymer Containing 9,10‐Phenanthrenequinone
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Lu Ping , Zhang Wensi , Shen Fangzhong , Hanif Muddasir , Ma Yuguang
Published: December 2009

Three new polymers were obtained through an in situ chemical reaction of the matrix conjugated polymer (PPQF) with ortho‐amine compounds. By controlling the conjugation degree of diamine compounds, the emission of PPQF was tuned from weak blue to bright blue, green, and orange for PFBQ, PFBP and PFNP, respectively. The photoluminescence efficiencies were also improved in the same tendency, and the LUMO levels were gradually decreased from −2.76 and −3.12 to −3.40 eV, which was beneficial for electron injection and transport in electronic devices. Thus, a dual tuning for the emission color and electron injection properties were realized through an in situ chemical reaction, which is a novel strategy to design and construct new valuable polymers from one reactive matrix polymer.

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Anisotropic Particle Synthesis Inside Droplet Templates on Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Rastogi Vinayak , García Antonio A. , Marquez Manuel , Velev Orlin D.
Published: December 2009

We demonstrate how droplet templates dispensed on superhydrophobic substrates can be used to fabricate both shape‐anisotropic (“doughnut”) and composition‐anisotropic (“patchy magnetic”) supraparticles. The macroscopic shape of the closely‐packed particle assemblies is guided by the droplet meniscus. Aqueous droplets of monodisperse microsphere suspensions dispensed on the substrates initially acquire near‐spherical shape due to a high contact angle. During the solvent evaporation, however, silica suspension droplets undergo shape transitions (concaving) guiding the structure of the final assemblies into doughnut supraparticles. Composition anisotropy is achieved by drying a droplet containing a mixed suspension of latex and magnetic nanoparticles, while exposing it to magnetic field gradients. Depending on the pattern of the magnetic fields, the magnetic nanoparticles segregate into single, bilateral, or trilateral, patched spherical supraparticles. The physical effects leading to the development of anisotropy are discussed. Unlike the conventional wet self‐assembly (WSA) methods where the final structures need to be extracted from the liquid environment, this efficient one‐step procedure produces ready to use “dry” supraparticles.

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Developments in factor Xa inhibitors for the treatment of thromboembolic disorders
Authors: Lee Yu‐Kai , Player Mark R.
Published: December 2009

Thromboembolic diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Anticoagulants provide effective treatment for venous or arterial thromboembolism. Two coagulation factors, factor Xa (fXa) and thrombin, are the primary targets under active investigation for anticoagulant therapy. fXa, in contrast to the multifunctional roles of thrombin in the coagulation cascade, converts prothrombin to thrombin collectively at the junction of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of coagulation. The effectiveness of fXa inhibitors as antithrombotic agents and their potentially reduced bleeding risks may offer superior therapeutic profiles with respect to thrombin inhibitors. After decades of research, many fXa inhibitors are now in the advanced stages of clinical trials. Unlike most reviews, which only provide incremental updates, this review provides an overview of fXa and the medicinal chemistry of its inhibitors. Overviews on coagulation models, antithrombotic therapy, and fXa will be provided, followed by the evolution of the medicinal chemistry of fXa inhibitors over the past few decades. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 31, No. 2, 202–283, 2011
Polymorphonuclear neutrophils and cancer: Intense and sustained neutrophilia as a treatment against solid tumors
Authors: Souto Juan Carlos , Vila Luis , Brú Antonio
Published: December 2009

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are the most abundant circulating immune cells and represent the first line of immune defense against infection. This review of the biomedical literature of the last 40 years shows that they also have a powerful antitumoral effect under certain circumstances. Typically, the microenvironment surrounding a solid tumor possesses many of the characteristics of chronic inflammation, a condition considered very favorable for tumor growth and spread. However, there are many circumstances that shift the chronic inflammatory state toward an acute inflammatory response around a tumor. This shift seems to convert PMN into very efficient anticancer effector cells. Clinical reports of unexpected antitumoral effects linked to the prolonged use of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, which stimulates an intense and sustained neutrophilia, suggest that an easy way to fight solid tumors would be to encourage the development of intense peritumoral PMN infiltrates. Specifically designed clinical trials are urgently needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of such drug‐induced neutrophilia in patients with solid tumors. This antitumoral role of neutrophils may provide new avenues for the clinical treatment of cancer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 31, No. 3, 311–363, 2011
Postoperative monitoring of lower limb free flaps with the Cook–Swartz implantable Doppler probe: A clinical trial
Authors: Rozen Warren M. , Enajat Morteza , Whitaker Iain S. , Lindkvist Ulrica , Audolfsson Thorir , Acosta Rafael
Published: December 2009

Background: Free flaps to the lower limb have inherently high venous pressures, potentially impairing flap viability, which may lead to limb amputation if flap failure ensues. Adequate monitoring of flap perfusion is thus essential, with timely detection of flap compromise able to potentiate flap salvage. While clinical monitoring has been popularized, recent use of the implantable Doppler probe has been used with success in other free flap settings. Methods: A comparative study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing microvascular free flap reconstruction of lower limb defects was undertaken, with postoperative monitoring achieved with either clinical monitoring alone or the use of the Cook‐Swartz implantable Doppler probe. Results: The use of the implantable Doppler probe was associated with salvage of 2/2 compromised flaps compared to salvage of 2/5 compromised flaps in the group undergoing clinical monitoring alone (salvage rate 100% vs. 40%, P = 0.28). While not statistically significant, this was a strong trend toward an improved flap salvage rate with the use of the implantable Doppler probe. There were no false positives or negatives in either group. One flap loss in the clinically monitored group resulted in limb amputation (the only amputation in the cohort). Conclusion: A trend toward early detection and salvage of flaps with anastomotic insufficiency was seen with the use of the Cook–Swartz implantable Doppler probe. These findings suggest a possible benefit of this technique as a stand‐alone or adjunctive tool in the clinical monitoring of free flaps, with further investigation warranted into the broader application of these devices. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:354–360, 2010.
Acute digital ischemia: A neglected microsurgical emergency. Report of 17 patients and literature review
Authors: Leclère Franck M. P. , Mordon Serge , Schoofs Michel
Published: December 2009

This study was performed to review our 16‐year experience in acute finger ischemia. A review of the literature was also performed. A retrospective chart review of 17 patients, 14 men and 3 women, was conducted. Etiologies were ulnar aneurysm in 11 cases, atrial fibrillation in five cases and thoracic outlet syndrome in one case. Upto the palmar superficial arch, embolus due to atrial fibrillation or thoracic outlet syndrome could be loosened by a Fogarty catheter. In cases of aneurysm of the ulnar artery, we performed each time an aneurysm resection followed by direct anastomose alone, while three patients had additional grafts: artery graft (epigastric artery) or reversed vein grafts (superficial forearm vein). Microsurgical dissection of the digital collateral arteries enabled us to perform a thrombectomy. The transversal arteriotomies were closed after the collateral arteries were washed. The immediate perfusion of digit after the reconstruction of the aneurysm was each time excellent. The disoccluded vessels, investigated by Allen testing and Doppler ultrasound, were all patents. Two patients suffered from a small ulcer of the small fingertip that disappeared after 2 weeks. One patient had a 30° ischemic flexion contracture in the metacarpophalangeal joint and 25° flexion contracture in the proximal interphalangeal joint of the third digit. With regards to long‐term outcomes, no secondary amputations were necessary and there was no recurrence after a mean follow‐up of 10.7 years. Diagnostic of acute digital ischemia is often neglected. An early recognition and an aggressive microsurgical treatment are necessary to ensure low morbidity. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., Microsurgery, 2010.
Sterigmatocystin: Occurrence in foodstuffs and analytical methods – An overview
Authors: Veršilovskis Aleksandrs , De Saeger Sarah
Published: December 2009

Sterigmatocystin (STC) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi of many different Aspergillus species. Other species such as Bipolaris, Chaetomium, Emiricella are also able to produce STC. STC producing fungi were frequently isolated from different foodstuffs, while STC was regularly detected in grains, corn, bread, cheese, spices, coffee beans, soybeans, pistachio nuts, animal feed and silage. STC shows different toxicological, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects in animals and has been recognized as a 2B carcinogen (possible human carcinogen) by International Agency for Research on Cancer. There are more than 775 publications available in Scopus (and more than 505 in PubMed) mentioning STC, but there is no summary information available about STC occurrence and analysis in food. This review presents an overview of the worldwide information on the occurrence of STC in different foodstuffs during the last 40 years, and describes the progress made in analytical methodology for the determination of STC in food.
Design of compact coplanar bandstop filter composed on open‐loop‐ring resonator and defected ground structure (DGS)
Authors: Batmanov Anatoliy , Boutejdar Ahmed , Omar Abbas , Burte Edmund
Published: December 2009

Design of a novel compact bandstop filter composed on an open‐loop‐ring resonator and a defected ground structure (DGS) for coplanar waveguide is proposed and investigated. A simple coplanar open‐loop‐ring resonator has been designed and tested for the stop‐band from 3.9 to 4.3 GHz with tree transmission zeroes inside the stop‐band. Two almost symmetrical poles are obtained on both sides of the stop‐band. Then the proposed broad band bandstop filter based on the one open‐loop‐ring resonator has been transformed to the bandstop filter with a narrower stop‐band but with improved pass‐ and stop‐band characteristics. It is realized by adding a conventional rectangular DGS slot inside the open‐loop‐ring. The equivalent circuit model has been proposed to describe the behaviour of the bandstop filters. The improved bandstop filter introduces the stop‐band from 3.75 to 5.3 GHz with two transmission zeroes within and more than −20 dB rejection. The total size of the proposed structure is 13.8 × 13.4 mm2. Both bandstop filters have been fabricated and measured. Measurements are in good agreement with simulation results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 478–483, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24905
Compact meander‐type antenna integrated with the module package for Bluetooth operation
Authors: Yoon JoongHan , Ko Junho
Published: December 2009

This article presents a compact meander‐type antenna integrated with the module package for Bluetooth application. Theantenna consists of a lower patch in the bottom layer, an upper patch in the top layer, and a three via for connecting the two layers. The proposed antenna with module package, which is integrated to the module package through shorted‐circuiting, have been designed and successfully implemented. From experimental results, the measured impedance bandwidth, defied by S11 = −7.5 dB, can reach an operating bandwidth of 220 MHz (2.34–2.56 GHz). Also, 3D radiation patterns and peak and average gains within the operating band are measured and studied. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 458–462, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24932
A modified CPW‐fed monopole antenna with very small ground for multiband WLAN applications
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Jiao Yong Chang , Song Yue , Zhang Tian Ling , Ning Shu Man , Zhang Fu Shun
Published: December 2009

A modified planar monopole antenna with multiband operation for wireless local area networks (WLAN) is presented in this article. The antenna is composed of symmetrical hook‐shaped strips and a horizontal strip on the top, both printed on an inexpensive FR4 substrate, and is fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feedline. The measured results explore broadband dual‐frequency operation with 2:1 VSWR impedance bandwidths range from 2.07 to 2.52 GHz and 5.07 to 6.62 GHz, which cover the 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN operating bands. Also, good similar omnidirectional radiation patterns have been achieved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 463–466, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24940
A Ka‐band frequency synthesizer using LTCC technology
Authors: Zhan Mingzhou , Qiu Pinjie , Yang Tao , Xu Ruimin , Yan Bo , Lin Weigan
Published: December 2009

This article is dedicated to the research on a Ka‐band frequency synthesizer based on low‐temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) technology. This module is composed of an X‐band phase locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer and a millimeter‐wave quadrupler. In this design, all devices and filters which buried in the substrate are in the same Ferro‐A6M LTCC board. Measurements show that the Ka‐band LTCC frequency synthesizer covers 34.8–35.2 GHz with a minimal step of 40 MHz, low‐phase noise (<−83 dBc/Hz @1 kHz), low‐spurious level (−62 dBc), fast‐hopping time (<15us). The board size is 33 cm2. So far as we know, this is the first time to realize a LTCC frequency synthesizer module on a single LTCC board in millimeter wave band. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 319–322, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24947
Erratum: Schemes of optical power splitter nodes for direct ONU‐ONU intercommunication
Authors: Yan Minhui , Xu Qing‐Yang , Chen Chih‐Hung , Huang Wei‐Ping , Hong Xiaobin
Published: December 2009

Originally published Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2814–2817, 2009 . © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 496, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24957
Food availability and sex reversal in Mytella charruana, an introduced bivalve in the southeastern United States
Authors: Stenyakina A. , Walters L.J. , Hoffman E.A. , Calestani C.
Published: December 2009

We studied the reproductive biology of Mytella charruana to determine the potential reproductive success of this newly introduced bivalve species from Central/South America. We analyzed gonad morphology, gametogenesis, and the sex ratios of introduced populations throughout a 12 month period. In the non‐native habitat M. charruana shows the same strategy of gametogenesis that had been observed in its native environment, which is an opportunistic type of gonadal cycle with gametes produced throughout the year. Instead, the spawning period of M. charruana along the southeastern US coast is extended compared to that found in the native environment. We determined the minimum size (shell length) of sexually reproductive mussels to be 1.25 cm. Interestingly, throughout the year the population samples were typically composed of a higher proportion of females. The female to male sex ratio varied within a wide range from 1:0 to 1:3.3. Upon this discovery we tested the effects of food availability on the gametogenesis of adult animals. The sex ratio of mussels collected from different locations and maintained in the laboratory with or without food changed toward a male‐bias under starvation conditions within a month. This is the first study directly showing that food availability can trigger sex reversal in an adult bivalve. According to our data this mussel species will likely continue to spread along the east coast of the US. Moreover, M. charruana may prove to be a model organism in the study of alternative sexuality in bivalves. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 222–230, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lessons from biodiversity—the value of nontraditional species to advance reproductive science, conservation, and human health
Authors: Wildt David E. , Comizzoli Pierre , Pukazhenthi Budhan , Songsasen Nucharin
Published: December 2009

Reproduction is quintessential to species survival. But what is underappreciated for this discipline is the wondrous array of reproductive mechanisms among species— variations as diverse as the morphology of the species themselves (more than 55,000 vertebrate and 1.1 million invertebrate types). We have investigated only a tiny fraction of these species in reproductive science. Besides the need to fill enormous gaps in a scholarly database, this knowledge has value for recovering and genetically managing rare species as well as addressing certain reproductive issues in humans. This article provides examples, first to advise against oversimplifying reproduction and then to show how such knowledge can have practical use for managing whole animals, populations, or even saving an entire species. We also address the expected challenges and opportunities that could lead to creative shifts in philosophy and effective actions to benefit more species as well as a future generation of reproductive scientists. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 397–409, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multigrid finite element methods on semi‐structured triangular grids for planar elasticity
Authors: Gaspar F. J. , Lisbona F. J. , Gracia J. L. , Rodrigo C.
Published: December 2009

Multigrid methods for a stencil‐based implementation of a finite element method for planar elasticity, using semi‐structured triangular grids, are presented. Local Fourier analysis (LFA) is applied to identify the correct multigrid components. To this end, LFA for multigrid methods on regular triangular grids is extended to the case of the problem of planar elasticity, although its application to other systems is straightforward. For the discrete elasticity operator obtained with linear finite elements, different collective smoothers, such as three‐color smoother and some zebra‐type smoothers, are analyzed, and LFA results for these smoothers are shown. The multigrid method is constructed in a block‐wise form. In particular, different smoothers and different numbers of pre‐ and post‐smoothing steps are considered in each triangle of the coarsest triangulation of the domain. Some numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the efficiency of this multigrid algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topology optimization for free vibrations using combined approximations
Authors: Bogomolny M.
Published: December 2009

This study shows how the Combined Approximations (CA) can be used for reducing the computational effort in Topology Optimization for free vibrations. The previously developed approach is based on the integration of several concepts and methods, including matrix factorization, series expansion, and reduced basis. In this paper the CA method is used for repeated eigenvalue analysis. Adjoint sensitivity analysis is developed such that the inaccuracies of the approximation are taken into consideration. Several 2‐D and 3‐D numerical examples show how optimal topology designs can be achieved by the reduced computational effort compared with the exact eigenvalue analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agency conflicts between board and manager
Authors: Du Bois Cind , Caers Ralf , Jegers Marc , De Cooman Rein , De Gieter Sara , Pepermans Roland
Published: December 2009

Detecting agency problems is an important task when assessing the effectiveness of a nonprofit organization's governance. A first step is to examine the objectives of principals and agents and determine whether there is a systematic difference between them. Using a discrete choice experiment, we identify the objectives of board chairpersons (principals) and headmasters (agents) of Flemish nonprofit schools. We find systematic differences between the two groups. Of the seven possible objectives set out in the experiment, six are relevant for both headmasters and board chairpersons. For four of these, the preferences of both groups differ significantly. Whereas ideological values play an important role for both the board and the headmaster, they are significantly more important for the board. Both parties dislike having a large number of pupils, and the disutility is larger for the board. With respect to job satisfaction and pupil satisfaction, we find the opposite: while the board is prepared to give up pupil and job satisfaction in favor of the other objectives, these two objectives score very high on the priority list of the headmasters.
BRAC: Anatomy of a “poverty enterprise”
Authors: Mannan Manzurul
Published: December 2009

Management of the poverty alleviation process has created a new form of poverty enterprise. This enterprise provides poverty‐production‐market linkages, and in the process, it combines three features: a nonprofit nongovernmental organization, a for‐profit nongovernmental organization that has established an internal market, and a profit‐making industrial and business concern. This article explains how BRAC (Building Resources Across Community) in Bangladesh has used poverty to transform itself from a tiny relief distribution organization into the world's largest poverty enterprise. This enterprise is characterized by contradictions between its public claims and actual practices.
Is organizational behavior in U.S. Muslim nonprofit institutions religious?
Authors: Yaghi Abdulfattah
Published: December 2009

Several researchers argue that religion influences organizational behavior in nonprofit institutions (Lotfy, 2004; Brinckerhoff, 1999). This article examines this claim by outlining major organizational values embraced by the leadership of twenty‐eight American Muslim nonprofit institutions. Two surveys were distributed to a random sample of 224 board members and 416 constituents in the southern and southeastern United States. Findings indicate that American Muslim nonprofit institutions remain religious even when they provide nonreligious services. Exhibiting religious organizational behavior is not random or accidental. Rather, it can be a reflection of the role of faith in nonprofits. Exploratory factor analysis reveals nine religiously important values that characterize managerial leadership in American Muslim nonprofit institutions. These values and their implications are discussed.
Second complete remission of relapsed medulloblastoma induced by metronomic chemotherapy
Authors: Sterba Jaroslav , Pavelka Zdenek , Andre Nicolas , Ventruba Jiri , Skotakova Jarmila , Bajciova Viera , Bronisova Danica , Dubska Lenka , Valik Dalibor
Published: December 2009

Prognosis for children with relapsed medulloblastoma remains poor. Metronomic chemotherapy may offer some benefit to patients treated initially with intensive regimens. However, dosing and duration of such palliative treatment have not been systematically studied. Here we describe a child with medulloblastoma relapsing after initial high‐dose chemotherapy and standard radiotherapy. The patient was then treated with metronomic chemotherapy and achieved second complete remission after 21 months of treatment. Three months off therapy he relapsed again and died from progressive disease. This case illustrates the potential benefit of metronomic chemotherapy but also shows the uncertainty of when to stop metronomic chemotherapy while balancing toxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:616–617. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Causal Inferences on the Cost Overruns and Schedule Delays of Large-Scale U.S. Federal Defense and Intelligence Acquisition Programs
Authors: Meier Steven R.
Published: December 2009

A study was undertaken to understand why cost overruns and schedule delays have occurred and continue to occur on large-scale U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence community programs. Analysis of data from this study infers the causes of cost overruns and schedule slips on large-scale U.S. federal defense and intelligence acquisition programs to ineffective human resources policies and practices, consolidation of the aerospace industry, and too many stakeholders. In this article, each inferred cause and the resulting systematic effects are discussed in detail. Moreover, block diagrams have been developed for each cause and illustrate the sequential flow from inferred cause to systematic effects and reveal key interrelationships among each cause.
Liquid–liquid equilibria of polymer solutions: Flory‐huggins with specific interaction
Authors: Jung Jae Gyeong , Bae Young Chan
Published: December 2009

We have developed a new Flory‐Huggins model by adding a specific interaction parameter derived from a modified double‐lattice model for the Helmholtz energy of mixing for binary liquid mixtures. This model is very simple and could be easily integrated into engineering applications. Using this revised model, we can successfully describe the phase behavior of polymer solutions with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), both UCST and LCST, and a closed miscibility loop. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 162–167, 2010
Statistical analysis of topographic and climatic controls and multispectral signatures of rock glaciers in the dry Andes, Chile (27°–33°S)
Authors: Brenning A. , Azócar G. F.
Published: December 2009

The dual nature of rock glaciers as ice‐rich mountain permafrost and sediment storage systems results in a combination of geomorphic processes and energy balance components controlling their distribution. We use the generalised additive model (GAM), a semi‐parametric nonlinear method, to empirically analyse environmental controls and spectral characteristics of rock glaciers in the dry Andes of Chile based on presence/absence data at random point locations and predictor variables derived from digital elevation models and Landsat data. A combination of nonlinearly transformed local and catchment‐related terrain attributes (especially local and catchment slope and potential incoming solar radiation, PISR) characterises the geomorphic and climatic niche of rock glaciers. The influence of (latitude adjusted) relative PISR varies with mean annual air temperature (MAAT): high‐PISR sites are favourable for rock glacier development at lower MAATs and low‐PISR sites at higher MAATs. TM/ETM+ band 6 (thermal infrared) is an additional nonlinear predictor. The combination of topographic, climatic and multispectral data in a GAM achieves an excellent general discrimination (area under the ROC curve 0.87 on the model domain and 0.94 overall). In automatic rock glacier detection at a sensitivity of 70 per cent, this model achieves a false‐positive rate (FPR) of 6.0 per cent overall and 12.8 per cent on the model domain (bootstrap estimates: 7.9% and 16.8%). Dropping the multispectral data significantly increases the bootstrapped FPR by 36 per cent. Thus, the fusion of multisource data using modern nonlinear classification techniques is a promising step towards automatic rock glacier detection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MgCl2 doped CuxZn1−xFe2O4 ferrite humidity sensors
Authors: Bagum Nishat , Gafur M. A. , Bhuiyan A. H. , Saha D. K.
Published: December 2009

The microstructure and humidity sensitivity of CuxZn1−xFe2O4 ferrites (where x varies from 0 to 1 mol% in steps of 0.2) doped with 0.05 and 0.1 wt% of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) prepared by standard ceramic route have been studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates the formation of ferrite. Infrared (IR) transmission spectra show the presence of chlorine band, octahedral and tetrahedral group complexes. Scanning electron micrographs reveal the presence of granulation and pores, which play an important role in determining the humidity sensitivity. Microhardness, bulk density, porosity and water absorption properties were studied. It was found that the humidity sensitivity depends on composition and porosity. Dependence of electrical resistivity on composition, temperature and humidity was also investigated. Electrical resistivity decreases with the increase of temperature, humidity and molar weight of copper oxide (CuO) content. The resistivity of the 0.05 wt% MgCl2 doped CuxZn1−xFe2O4 ferrite is more dependent on humidity. The resistance–humidity characteristics was examined. The good results concerning humidity sensitivity were obtained for 0.05 wt% MgCl2 doped ferrites except CuFe2O4 ferrite doped with 0.05 and 0.1 wt% MgCl2.
Bioguided isolation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L.
Authors: Geng Fang , Yang Li , Chou Guixin , Wang Zhengtao
Published: December 2009

Ethanolic extract of the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. showed significant inhibitory activity of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) determined by monitoring the transformation from a substrate hippuryl‐histidyl‐leucine (HHL) to the product hippuric acid (HA) in vitro using an UPLC‐MS method. The bioguided fractionation of the extract resulted in the isolation of four ACE inhibitory active phenylpropanoid glycosides acteoside, isoacteoside, plantainoside D, and plantamajoside with IC50 values of 2.69 mM, 2.46 mM, 2.17 mM, and 2.47 mM, respectively. Their structures were elucidated through the analysis of NMR, UV, IR and MS data. Our study is the first demonstration that Plantago asiatica L. and its major constituents have ACE inhibitory activity in vitro. It is assumed that the identified compounds contribute to the angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory activity of the extract. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.