bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonadhesive, silica nanoparticles‐based brush‐coated contact lens cases—Compromising between ease of cleaning and microbial transmission to contact lenses
Authors: Qu Wenwen , Hooymans Johanna M. M. , Qiu Jun , de‐Bont Nik , Gelling Onko‐Jan , van der Mei Henny C. , Busscher Henk J.
Published: January 2013

Surface properties of lens cases are determinant for their cleanability and for microbial transmission from lens cases to contact lenses (CLs). PEG‐polymer‐brush‐coatings are known to decrease microbial adhesion more than other surface‐coatings. Here, we applied a robust, silica nanoparticles‐based brush‐coating to polypropylene cases to evaluate their ease of cleaning and probability of bacterial transmission to CLs. Adhesion forces of nine bacterial strains (Pseudomonas, Staphylococci, and Serratia) to rigid CLs, polypropylene, and silica nanoparticles‐based brush‐coated polypropylene were measured using atomic‐force‐microscopy and subjected to Weibull analyses to yield bacterial transmission probabilities. Biofilms of each strain were grown in coated and uncoated cases and rinsed with a NaCl or antimicrobial lens care solution. Residual, viable organisms were quantified. Bacterial adhesion forces of all strains were significantly, up to tenfold smaller on brush‐coated than on uncoated polypropylene. This yielded, higher transmission probabilities to a CL, but mild‐rinsing yielded 10–100 fold higher removal of bacteria from brush‐coated than from polypropylene cases. Moreover, due to weak adhesion forces, bacteria on brush‐coated cases were two‐to‐three fold more susceptible to an antimicrobial lens care solution than on polypropylene cases. Therewith, the design of lens case surfaces is a compromise between ease of cleaning and transmission probability to CLs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
PLGA/PEG‐hydrogel composite scaffolds with controllable mechanical properties
Authors: Rahman Cheryl V. , Kuhn Gisela , White Lisa J. , Kirby Giles T. S. , Varghese Oommen P. , McLaren Jane S. , Cox Helen C. , Rose Felicity R. A. J. , Müller Ralph , Hilborn Jöns , Shakesheff Kevin M.
Published: January 2013

Biodegradable polymer scaffolds have great potential for regenerative medicine applications such as the repair of musculoskeletal tissues. Here, we describe the development of scaffolds that blend hydrogel components with thermoplastic materials, combining the unique properties of both components to create mouldable formulations. This study focuses on the structural and mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds, produced by combining temperature‐sensitive poly(DL‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) particles with a hydrogel component [Pluronic F127, fibrin or hyaluronic acid (HyA)]. The composite formulations solidified over time at 37°C, with a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in compressive strength observed from 15 min to 2 h at this temperature. The maximum compressive strength was 1.2 MPa for PLGA/PEG‐Pluronic F127 scaffolds, 2.4 MPa for PLGA/PEG‐HyA scaffolds and 0.6 MPa for PLGA/PEG‐fibrin scaffolds. Porosity for each of the PLGA/PEG‐hydrogel formulations tested was between 50 and 51%. This study illustrates the ability to combine this thermoplastic PLGA/PEG system with hydrogels to fabricate composite scaffolds, and demonstrates that altering the particle to hydrogel ratio produces scaffolds with varying mechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Comparison of bare metal and statin‐coated coils on rates of intra‐aneurysmal tissue organization in a rat model of aneurysm
Authors: Kodama Tomonobu , Iwata Hiroo
Published: January 2013

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with detachable coils has been accepted widely. Problems of coil compaction, recanalization and rare endothelialization at the aneurysm orifice are not yet solved. We investigated the efficacy of a simvastatin coating applied without any additional matrix to coils to accelerate thrombus organization in the cavity in a rat model of aneurysm. Twelve metal coils coated with simvastatin and 12 bare coils were inserted into the ligated external carotid arterial (ECA) sacs of rats. The ECA sacs were removed 2 or 4 weeks after the coils were implanted and examined by histology and immunohistochemical assay. The organized areas in the ECA sacs in the simvastatin group (73.6 ± 19.4%, 2 wk; 83.4 ± 11.1%, 4 wk) was significantly higher p = 0.003, 2 wk; p = 0.0004, 4 wk than the bare metal group at 2 and 4 weeks (20.5 ± 10.7%, 2 wk, p < 0.003; 37.4 ± 20.6%, 4 wk, p < 0.0004). Organized tissues that formed around the coils coated with simvastatin were characterized by an accumulation of cells positive for αSMA and collagen connective matrix. Tissues also were accompanied by marked formation of endothelium at the orifice of the ECA sac. We suggest that coating coils with simvastatin effectively accelerated organization within the aneurysms and endothelialization over the coil. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part 2013.
Comparison of ceramic‐on‐metal and metal‐on‐metal hip prostheses under adverse conditions
Authors: Williams Sophie , Al‐Hajjar Mazen , Isaac Graham H. , Fisher John
Published: January 2013

Ceramic‐on‐metal (COM) hip replacements, where the head is BIOLOX® Delta ceramic and the liner is CoCrMo alloy, have demonstrated reduced wear under standard simulator conditions compared to metal‐on‐metal (MOM) bearings. COM hips are now being used clinically around the world. MOM hip resurfacings have raised concerns regarding poor clinical performance and increased in vivo wear was associated with steeply inclined acetabular components and translationally malpositioned components. The aim of this study was to compare the wear rates of MOM and COM total hip prostheses under adverse edge‐loading conditions in a hip simulator test. COM and MOM 36 mm hip prostheses were tested in a hip simulator, with liners mounted to provide a clinical inclination angle of 55°. A simplified gait cycle and microseparation conditions were applied for two million cycles in 25% new born calf serum. The overall mean volumetric wear rate of COM bearings under adverse conditions was 0.36 ± 0.55 mm3/million cycles; this was significantly less than MOM wear (1.32 ± 0.91 mm3/million cycles). Under these adverse conditions; the contact zone on the head intersects the rim of the cup causing substantially elevated contact stresses, disrupting the protective boundary and mixed lubrication regime causing changes in types and severity of wear mechanisms. In COM bearings, the harder head does not become damaged when there is lubricant starvation and wear does not accelerate. In conclusion, COM bearings showed reduced wear compared to MOM bearings under standard and adverse clinically relevant simulator conditions and COM bearings may provide an advantage over MOM bearings under edge‐loading conditions clinically. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Characterization of porous polymethylmethacrylate space maintainers for craniofacial reconstruction
Authors: Wang Limin , Yoon Diana M. , Spicer Patrick P. , Henslee Allan M. , Scott David W. , Wong Mark E. , Kasper F. Kurtis , Mikos Antonios G.
Published: January 2013

Porous polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used as an alloplastic bone substitute in the craniofacial complex, showing integration with the surrounding soft and hard tissue. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of curing and cured mixtures of a PMMA‐based bone cement and a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel porogen. Four formulations yielding porous PMMA of varied porosity were examined; specifically, two groups containing 30% (w/w) CMC gel in the mixture using a 7% (w/v) or 9% (w/v) stock CMC gel (30‐7 and 30‐9, respectively) and two groups containing 40% (w/w) CMC gel (40‐7 and 40‐9). An additional group comprising solid PMMA without CMC was investigated. The incorporation of the CMC gel into the PMMA bone cement during polymerization decreased the setting time from 608 ± 12 s for the solid PMMA to 427 ± 10 s for the 40‐9 group, and decreased the maximum temperature from 81 ± 4°C for the solid PMMA to 38 ± 2°C for the 40‐9 group. The porous PMMA groups exhibited reduced compressive strength and bending modulus and strength relative to the solid PMMA. All the porous PMMA formulations released more unconverted methylmethacrylate (MMA) monomer and N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine (DMT) from cured specimens and less MMA and DMT from curing specimens than the solid PMMA. The data suggest that the physicochemical properties of the porous PMMA formulations are appropriate for their application in craniofacial space maintenance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
The effect of PCL‐TCP scaffold loaded with mesenchymal stem cells on vertical bone augmentation in dog mandible: A preliminary report
Authors: Khojasteh Arash , Behnia Hossein , Hosseini Fatemeh Sadat , Dehghan Mohammad Mehdi , Abbasnia Pegah , Abbas Fatemeh Mashhadi
Published: January 2013

Polycaprolactone‐tricalcium phosphate (PCL‐TCP), a new composite scaffold, has been shown to facilitate early revascularization and speed up bone regeneration process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PCL‐TCP seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on healing of the vertical bone critical sized defect in dog's mandible. Bone marrow aspirate from dog humerous was cultured and the stemness of the cells was examined by differentiation staining methods and flow cytometric analysis. Third passage subculture cells (5 × 105 cells) were loaded on 20 × 10 × 10 mm3 and incubated for 48 h. The presence of MSCs in the pores was evaluated by scanning electron microscope. Bilateral mandibular premolar teeth were extracted in four dogs and the buccal and lingual bone plates were reduced to make a vertical defect. Cell‐loaded scaffolds were fixed in right side and left side received pure PCL‐TCP scaffolds as a control side defects. Histomorphometric analysis after 8 weeks of the scaffold implantation showed higher amount of lamellar bone in the test side (48.63%) than control side (17.27%) (p < 0.05).The results suggest that PCL‐TCP may be an appropriate scaffold for loading MSCs in bone regeneration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
HIV infection is strongly associated with hip fracture risk, independently of age, gender, and comorbidities: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Güerri-Fernandez Robert , Vestergaard Peter , Carbonell Cristina , Knobel Hernando , Avilés Francesc Fina , Castro Alberto Soria , Nogués Xavier , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Diez-Perez Adolfo
Published: January 2013

HIV infection and antiretroviral therapies have detrimental effects on bone metabolism, but data on their impact on fracture risk are controversial. We conducted a population-based cohort study to explore the association between clinical diagnosis of HIV infection and hip and major osteoporotic fracture risk. Data were obtained from the SIDIAPQ database, which contains clinical information for >2 million patients in Catalonia, Spain (30% of the population). We screened the database to identify participants with a clinical diagnosis of HIV infection, and ascertained incident hip and osteoporotic major fractures in the population aged 40 years or older in 2007 to 2009. In addition, data on incident fractures involving hospital admission were obtained from the Hospital Admissions database. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the HIV-infected versus uninfected participants. Models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol drinking, oral glucocorticoid use, and comorbid conditions (Charlson index). Among 1,118,156 eligible participants, we identified 2489 (0.22%) subjects with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. Age- and sex-adjusted HR for HIV/AIDS were 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5–10.9; p < 0.001) and 2.7 (2.01–3.5; p < 0.001) for hip and major fractures, respectively; this remained significant after adjustment for all mentioned potential confounders: HR 4.7 (2.4–9.5; p < 0.001) and 1.8 (1.2–2.5; p = 0.002). After stratifying by age, the association between HIV infection and major fractures was attenuated for those aged <59 years (adjusted HR 1.35 [0.88–2.07], p = 0.17) but appeared stronger in older patients (adjusted HR 2.11 [1.05–4.22], p = 0.035). We report a strong association between HIV infection and hip fracture incidence, with an almost fivefold increased risk in the HIV infected, independent of sex, age, smoking, alcohol drinking, and comorbidities. Similarly, we demonstrate a 75% higher risk of all clinical fractures and a 60% increase in risk of non-hip clinical fractures among patients with a diagnosis of HIV infection.
Pyk2 regulates megakaryocyte-induced increases in osteoblast number and bone formation
Authors: Cheng Ying-Hua , Hooker R Adam , Nguyen Khanh , Gerard-O'Riley Rita , Waning David L , Chitteti Brahmananda R , Meijome Tomas E , Chua Hui Lin , Plett Artur P , Orschell Christie M , Srour Edward F , Mayo Lindsey D , Pavalko Fredrick M , Bruzzaniti Angela , Kacena Melissa A
Published: January 2013

Preclinical and clinical evidence from megakaryocyte (MK)-related diseases suggests that MKs play a significant role in maintaining bone homeostasis. Findings from our laboratories reveal that MKs significantly increase osteoblast (OB) number through direct MK-OB contact and the activation of integrins. We, therefore, examined the role of Pyk2, a tyrosine kinase known to be regulated downstream of integrins, in the MK-mediated enhancement of OBs. When OBs were co-cultured with MKs, total Pyk2 levels in OBs were significantly enhanced primarily because of increased Pyk2 gene transcription. Additionally, p53 and Mdm2 were both decreased in OBs upon MK stimulation, which would be permissive of cell cycle entry. We then demonstrated that OB number was markedly reduced when Pyk2−/− OBs, as opposed to wild-type (WT) OBs, were co-cultured with MKs. We also determined that MKs inhibit OB differentiation in the presence and absence of Pyk2 expression. Finally, given that MK-replete spleen cells from GATA-1–deficient mice can robustly stimulate OB proliferation and bone formation in WT mice, we adoptively transferred spleen cells from these mice into Pyk2−/− recipient mice. Importantly, GATA-1–deficient spleen cells failed to stimulate an increase in bone formation in Pyk2−/− mice, suggesting in vivo the important role of Pyk2 in the MK-induced increase in bone volume. Further understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the MK-mediated enhancement of OB number and bone formation will facilitate the development of novel anabolic therapies to treat bone loss diseases.
Tumor localization and biochemical response to cure in tumor-induced osteomalacia
Authors: Chong William H , Andreopoulou Panagiota , Chen Clara C , Reynolds James , Guthrie Lori , Kelly Marilyn , Gafni Rachel I , Bhattacharyya Nisan , Boyce Alison M , El-Maouche Diala , Crespo Diana Ovejero , Sherry Richard , Chang Richard , Wodajo Felasfa M , Kletter Gad B , Dwyer Andrew , Collins Michael T
Published: January 2013

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare disorder of phosphate wasting due to fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23)-secreting tumors that are often difficult to locate. We present a systematic approach to tumor localization and postoperative biochemical changes in 31 subjects with TIO. All had failed either initial localization, or relocalization (in case of recurrence or metastases) at outside institutions. Functional imaging with 111Indium-octreotide with single photon emission computed tomography (octreo-SPECT or SPECT/CT), and 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT) were performed, followed by anatomic imaging (CT, MRI). Selective venous sampling (VS) was performed when multiple suspicious lesions were identified or high surgical risk was a concern. Tumors were localized in 20 of 31 subjects (64.5%). Nineteen of 20 subjects underwent octreo-SPECT imaging, and 16 of 20 FDG-PET/CT imaging. Eighteen of 19 (95%) were positive on octreo-SPECT, and 14 of 16 (88%) on FDG-PET/CT. Twelve of 20 subjects underwent VS; 10 of 12 (83%) were positive. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were as follows: sensitivity = 0.95, specificity = 0.64, PPV = 0.82, and NPV = 0.88 for octreo-SPECT; sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.36, PPV = 0.62, and NPV = 0.50 for FDG-PET/CT. Fifteen subjects had their tumor resected at our institution, and were disease-free at last follow-up. Serum phosphorus returned to normal in all subjects within 1 to 5 days. In 10 subjects who were followed for at least 7 days postoperatively, intact FGF23 (iFGF23) decreased to near undetectable within hours and returned to the normal range within 5 days. C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23) decreased immediately but remained elevated, yielding a markedly elevated cFGF23/iFGF23 ratio. Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) rose and exceeded the normal range. In this systematic approach to tumor localization in TIO, octreo-SPECT was more sensitive and specific, but in many cases FDG-PET/CT was complementary. VS can discriminate between multiple suspicious lesions and increase certainty prior to surgery. Sustained elevations in cFGF23 and 1,25D were observed, suggesting novel regulation of FGF23 processing and 1,25D generation.
Vitamin D activation of functionally distinct regulatory miRNAs in primary human osteoblasts
Authors: Lisse Thomas S , Chun Rene F , Rieger Sandra , Adams John S , Hewison Martin
Published: January 2013

When bound to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) is a potent regulator of osteoblast transcription. Less clear is the impact of 1,25D on posttranscriptional events in osteoblasts, such as the generation and action of microRNAs (miRNAs). Microarray analysis using replicate (n = 3) primary cultures of human osteoblasts (HOBs) identified human miRNAs that were differentially regulated by >1.5-fold following treatment with 1,25D (10 nM, 6 hours), which included miRNAs 637 and 1228. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analyses showed that the host gene for miR-1228, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), was coinduced with miR-1228 in a dose-dependent fashion following treatment with 1,25D (0.1–10 nM, 6 hours). By contrast, the endogenous host gene for miR-637, death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3), was transcriptionally repressed by following treatment with 1,25D. Analysis of two potential targets for miR-637 and miR-1228 in HOB, type IV collagen (COL4A1) and bone morphogenic protein 2 kinase (BMP2K), respectively, showed that 1,25D-mediates suppression of these targets via distinct mechanisms. In the case of miR-637, suppression of COL4A1 appears to occur via decreased levels of COL4A1 mRNA. By contrast, suppression of BMP2K by miR-1228 appears to occur by inhibition of protein translation. In mature HOBs, small interfering RNA (siRNA) inactivation of miR-1228 alone was sufficient to abrogate 1,25D-mediated downregulation of BMP2K protein expression. This was associated with suppression of prodifferentiation responses to 1,25D in HOB, as represented by parallel decrease in osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase expression. These data show for the first time that the effects of 1,25D on human bone cells are not restricted to classical VDR-mediated transcriptional responses but also involve miRNA-directed posttranscriptional mechanisms.
A physically based diode model for circuit simulation
Authors: Khachroumi Sofiane , Amouri Aymen , Ben Salah Tarek , Morel Hervé
Published: January 2013

A physically based power PiN diode model is presented. Eigen value internal approximation method is used to solve the ambipolar diffusion equation. This model is implemented in SIMPLORER circuit simulator using VHDL‐AMS language. The proposed model can be used in both circuit simulators and the optimization of a given power PiN diode. Good agreement is obtained by comparing the results of the suggested model with experimental data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A record of Lateglacial/Holocene environmental change from a high‐elevation site in the Intermountain West, USA
Authors: Brunelle Andrea , Minckley Thomas A. , Lips Elliott , Burnett Paul
Published: January 2013

Records of past vegetation and fire history can be complicated by changes in the depositional environment of a sampling location. However, these changes can alternatively be used as a measure of climate variability. Our study site, ca. 18.0 cal. ka BP record from Little Brooklyn Lake, Wyoming, located near the crest of the Snowy Range, records three moisture states. Initially, the lake was likely a glacier‐fed pond indicated by the presence of Pediastrum algae colonies. Around 13.0 cal. ka BP this pond transitioned to a meadow environment, suggested by the loss of Pediastrum algae colonies and slow sedimentation rates. Meadow conditions were maintained until ca. 5.0 cal. ka BP when Pediastrum algae colony abundance increased,indicating the formation of a shallow lake. From 18.0 to ca. 5.0 cal. ka BP, the pollen record is suggestive of alpine vegetation conditions with relatively high spruce and herbaceous taxa. Low charcoal influx also characterizes the period between 18.0 and 5.0 cal. ka BP. After 5.0 cal. ka BP, the coincidence of the formation of shallow lake and pollen data, indicating a shift to a spruce and fir forest, suggests an increase in effective moisture. Fire remained rare in this basin over the entire record, however, once the lake established sedimentation rates and charcoal influx increased. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution stimulated Raman study of the first vibrational hot band of 14N2. Separate observation of the spectra of the ortho and para species.
Authors: Martínez R. Z. , Bermejo D.
Published: January 2013

We present high‐resolution stimulated Raman spectra of the first hot band of nitrogen, 14N2, obtained under conditions of low sample pressure and temperature. The use of a Raman optical pumping system allowed us to transfer a significant amount of population to the v = 1 vibrational state, which made possible the observation of the aforementioned hot band with good S/N ratio without resorting to the use of high temperatures or pressures. This has resulted in a more precise and accurate determination of the peak positions than previously existing ones, which in turn has yielded improved values for the molecular constants obtained from the analysis. The rotational selectivity of the pumping process (only one rotational state is initially populated in v = 1), coupled with the negligible probability of nuclear spin interconversion in the time frame of the experiment, has allowed us to observe the hot band spectra of the ortho and para species of 14N2 separately. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of applied potential on bradykinin adsorption onto Ag, Au, and Cu electrodes
Authors: Proniewicz Edyta , Skołuba Dominika , Ignatjev Ilja , Niaura Gediminas , Sobolewski Dariusz , Prahl Adam , Proniewicz Leonard M.
Published: January 2013

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, electrochemistry, and generalized two‐dimensional correlation analysis (G2DCA) methods were used to characterize bradykinin (BK), a hormone which is known to be involved in small‐cell and non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma and prostate cancer. BK was deposited onto Ag, Au, and Cu electrode surfaces under different applied electrode potentials (−1.000 V to 0.200 V) in aqueous solutions. Based on the analysis of the enhancement, the broadening, and the shifts in the wavenumbers of individual bands, specific conclusions were drawn regarding the peptide geometry and changes in this geometry that occurred when the electrode type and applied electrode potential were varied. Briefly, BK deposited onto the Ag, Au, and Cu electrode surfaces showed bands that were due to the vibrations of moieties in contact with or in close proximity to the electrode surfaces and were thus located on the same side of the polypeptide backbone. These moieties included the Phe, Arg, and Pro residues. The findings for adsorbed BK were fully supported by G2DCA, which also allowed us to determine the order in which changes occurred when the electrode potential was changed. In addition, it was found that at negative electrode potentials, the Phe rings and methylene groups interact with Ag electrode surface. No such interaction was observed for Au and Cu electrodes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving antioxidant status in aged mice by 50% ethanol extract from red bean fermented by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chou Su‐Tze , Chung Yun‐Chin , Peng Hsin‐Yi , Hsu Cheng‐Kuang
Published: January 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 50% ethanol extracts from red bean non‐fermented (RBE) and fermented by Bacillus subtilis (RBNE) on the antioxidant status of aged ICR mouse.

Results

Compared to 2‐month‐old ICR mouse, the plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) in 12‐month‐old ICR mouse decreased about 57%, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and brain of 12‐month‐old ICR mouse increased 56% and 30%, respectively. Orally administration of RBE or RBNE could completely recover the changes of MDA and plasma TAS levels due to the aging process. Vitamin E contents declined 88% in the liver and 74% in the brain of aged ICR mouse. At a level of 0.3 or 0.6 g kg−1 body weight, RBNE raised vitamin E content in the liver and brain; however, RBE showed no significant influence. All antioxidant enzymes activities in the liver and brain of aged ICR mouse decreased compared to those activities in 2‐month‐old ICR mouse. RBNE could significantly enhance the superoxide dismutase activity in the brain of aged ICR mouse.

Conclusion

Oral administration of RBE or RBNE could improve antioxidant status in aged ICR mouse. Fermentation by Bacillus subtilis could enhance the antioxidant properties of red bean. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation of polyphenols and arecoline from areca nut (Areca catechu L.) by solvent extraction, its antioxidant activity, and identification of polyphenols
Authors: Chavan Yogita V , Singhal Rekha S
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) or betel nut, a commercial cash crop, is a rich source of polyphenols but also contains toxic alkaloids, mainly arecoline. Separation of these bioactive polyphenols from toxic constituents could propel the safe and beneficial use of betel nut; also it will help arecanut processing industries to produce arecoline‐free products. With the aim to develop an effective method for maximum extraction of polyphenols with minimum arecoline, several factors such as nature of the solvent, pH (2–10), substrate concentration (6–14 %) and extraction time (30–150 min) under shaking conditions were evaluated. Qualitative analysis was done using spectrophotometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

Maximum extraction of polyphenols (407.47 mg GAE g−1), total tannin and its antioxidant activity with minimum arecoline (1.73 mg g−1 of sample) was achieved by using 80% acetone at pH 4 for 90 min with 10% w/v substrate under shaking conditions.

CONCLUSION

Solvent extraction under optimized parameters gave maximum polyphenols with minimum extraction of arecoline, and highest ratio of polyphenols to arecoline. HPLC and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry results confirmed the presence of catechin and epicatechin in the extract, which suggests its potential as a source of bioactives. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Overproduction of a thermostable 4‐α‐glucanotransferase by codon optimization at N‐terminus region
Authors: Kim Min‐Su , Jang Jun‐Hyuck , Kim Young‐Wan
Published: January 2013

Background

4‐α‐Glucanotransferases are useful enzymes to modify starch owing to their transglycosylation activity. In this study, codon optimizations were conducted to overproduce a thermostable 4‐α‐glucanotransferase from Thermus thermophilus (TTαGT).

Results

Two variants, termed TTαGT‐P4CCG and TTαGT‐mut6, were constructed, which have the optimized codon at the first rare codon and optimized codons at all six chosen rare codons at the N‐terminus of TTαGT, respectively. In the Escherichia coli system, the expression of both optimized genes was enhanced by about 100‐fold relative to that of the original gene, whereas all six mutated codons contributed to the overall enhancement of TTαGT production in Bacillus subtilis. On the basis of the αGTase activity of the crude cell extracts, relative activities of 1:2.9:5.8 were determined for TTαGT, TTαGT‐P4CCG and TTαGT‐mut6, respectively, in B. subtilis. In addition, the activity of TTαGT‐mut6 from B. subtilis grown without antibiotics was as much as that with the antibiotics. Finally, after heat treatment, the specific activity of TTαGT‐mut6 from B. subtilis was 1.5‐fold greater than that from E. coli.

Conclusion

The codon‐optimized TTαGT that was produced in a GRAS microorganism, B. subtilis, without the selection antibiotics is potentially useful in the food industry as a food‐grade enzyme. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of isoxazoline‐fused 2‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acids on a chiral ligand‐exchange stationary phase
Authors: Gecse Zsanett , Ilisz István , Nonn Melinda , Grecsó Nóra , Fülöp Ferenc , Agneeswari Rajalingam , Hyun Myung Ho , Péter Antal
Published: January 2013

The application of a chiral ligand‐exchange column for the direct high‐performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of unusual β‐amino acids with a sodium N‐((R)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethyl)‐N‐undecylaminoacetate‐Cu(II) complex as chiral selector is reported. The investigated amino acids were isoxazoline‐fused 2‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid analogs. The chromatographic conditions were varied to achieve optimal separation. The effects of temperature were studied at constant mobile phase compositions in the temperature range 5–45°C, and thermodynamic parameters were calculated from plots of lnk or lnα versus 1/T. Δ(ΔH°) ranged from –2.3 to 2.2 kJ/mol, Δ(ΔS°) from –3.0 to 7.8 J mol−1 K−1 and –Δ(ΔG°) from 0.1 to 1.7 kJ/mol, and both enthalpy‐ and entropy‐controlled enantioseparations were observed. The latter was advantageous with regard to the shorter retention and greater selectivity at high temperature. Some mechanistic aspects of the chiral recognition process are discussed with respect to the structures of the analytes. The sequence of elution of the enantiomers was determined in all cases.
Characterizing liability for cranial nerve injuries: A detailed analysis of 209 malpractice trials
Authors: Svider Peter F. , Sunaryo Peter L. , Keeley Brieze R. , Kovalerchik Olga , Mauro Andrew C. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: January 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The potential for adverse events with lasting functional effects makes cranial nerve (CN) injury a target for litigation. Our objective was to comprehensively examine records of malpractice trials and detail issues influencing outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

The Westlaw database (Thomson Reuters, New York, NY) was searched for jury verdict reports related to medical malpractice and CN injury. After excluding nonrelevant cases, we examined 209 trials for characteristics including nerve(s) injured, alleged causes of malpractice, demographic information, specialty, and outcome.

Results

The most commonly litigated CNs were VII (24.4%) and II (19.6%). Sixty‐nine (33.0%) trials resulted in damages awarded. Outcomes varied, ranging from a 29.2% plaintiff success rate for CN XI injury to 48.4% for CN II injury. Plaintiffs had less success with increasing age. Average damages awarded were $1.7 million. The most commonly named defendants were otolaryngologists and general surgeons. Individual considerations varied but commonly included alleged deficits in informed consent (25.4%), unnecessary procedures (14.8%), undergoing additional surgery (25.8%), and untimely recognition of complications (23.9%).

Conclusions

Malpractice trials were resolved in the defendant's favor the majority of the time. In cases where plaintiffs were successful, however, awards were considerable, averaging nearly $2 million. Factors influencing case outcome included age, location, perceived deficits in informed consent, allegedly unnecessary surgery, requiring additional surgery to repair a complication, and untimely recognition of complications. Although specific factors should be taken into consideration with each procedure, providing detailed informed consent and communicating with patients regarding expectations may minimize liability.
Effect of Planting Method on the Growth of Alnus glutinosa and Quercus petraea in Compacted Opencast Coal‐Mine Spoils, South Wales
Authors: Haigh M. , Reed H. , Flege A. , D'Aucourt M. , Plamping K. , Cullis M. , Woodruffe P. , Sawyer S. , Panhuis W. , Wilding G. , Farrugia F. , Powell S.
Published: January 2013

Land degradation on officially ‘reclaimed’ opencast coal‐mine sites is a widespread problem in South Wales. This project explores methods suitable for use by community volunteers seeking to effect local environmental improvement by restoring geoecological self‐sustainability on lands that are commonly affected by extreme auto‐compaction and low soil nutrient status. This paper describes a formally established 7‐year experiment designed to assess the effect of three alternative tree planting strategies used in the forestation of such lands. These are notch planting (e.g. forestry), pit planting (e.g. parks and gardens) and trench planting (e.g. orchard terraces). The study explores tree survival and growth for two species commonly used in land reclamation contexts: alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn] and Welsh or Durmast Oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl]. t‐testing of the results shows that survival and growth rates for both species tend to be significantly better for trench planting than for pit planting than for notch planting. Differences in mortality between pit‐planted and trench‐planted trees become less significant during the experiment while differences in growth increase with time. The conclusion is that providing a loosened, lower density, rooting substrate significantly improves both the growth and the survival rates of trees planted in compacted Welsh surface coal‐mine spoils and that trench planting is more effective than parks and gardens‐style pit planting, which is more effective than forestry‐style notch planting. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benzimidazolyl phosphates as anti‐wear additives in poly(ethylene glycol) for steel/steel contacts
Authors: Qiao Dan , Wang Haizhong , Feng Dapeng
Published: January 2013

Four novel benzimidazolyl phosphates (BPs) were synthesized and evaluated as anti‐wear additives in poly(ethylene glycol) for steel/steel contacts. The friction experiments were carried out on an Optimol SRV‐I oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester (SRV) both at room temperature and high temperature. The worn surfaces of the steel discs were analysed by JSM‐5600LV scanning electron microscope and PHI‐5702 multifunctional X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer. It was indicated that poly(ethylene glycol) with 2 wt% BP additives had better friction‐reducing and anti‐wear properties than the commercial lubricant additive, tricresyl phosphate. Excellent tribological performance of BPs could be ascribed to the formation of high quality boundary films that consisted of the ordered adsorption films and tribo‐chemical reaction films. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convolution operators on spaces of real analytic functions
Authors: Langenbruch Michael
Published: January 2013

Let\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$I\subset \mathbb {R}$\end{document}be an open interval and let\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mu \in A(\mathbb {R})^{\prime }$\end{document}and\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$G:=\mbox{conv}(\mbox{supp}(\mu ))$\end{document}. We characterize the surjectivity of the convolution operatorTμ:A(I−G) →A(I) by means of a new estimate from below for the Fourier transform\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\widehat{\mu }$\end{document}valid on conical subsets of\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {C}\setminus \mathbb {R}$\end{document}. We also characterize whenTμadmits a continuous linear right inverse.
Uniqueness of solutions to degenerate parabolic and elliptic equations in weighted Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Punzo Fabio
Published: January 2013

We investigate uniqueness for degenerate parabolic and elliptic equations in the class of solutions belonging to weighted Lebesgue spaces and not satisfying any boundary condition. The uniqueness result that we provide relies on the existence of suitable positive supersolutions of the adjoint equations. Under proper assumptions on the behavior at the boundary of the coefficients of the operator, such supersolutions are constructed, mainly using the distance function from the boundary.
A 2.3–14 GHz UWB planar octagonal antenna with modified ground plane
Authors: Bitchikh M. , Aksas R. , Azrar A. , Kimouche H.
Published: January 2013

This article concerns the design of a new ultra‐wideband antenna with an octagonal configuration and reduced size. The prototype has been simulated and designed as a monopole. It has shown a permissible agreement between simulations and measures and an operation of ultra‐wideband from 2.3 to 14 GHz (143.55%) for wireless applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:474–479, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27342
An FMCW and chirp pulse‐doppler radar system for surveillance in X‐band
Authors: Im Yun‐Taek , Park Seong‐Ook
Published: January 2013

A narrow band radar system based on a field programmable gate array is proposed for dual‐mode operation.Frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave (FMCW) radar mode is for short‐range target detection and pulse‐Doppler (PD) radar mode is for long‐range target detection. Precomputed codes are used to generate linear frequency modulation signals in both FMCW and PD radar mode. The bandwidths of FMCW and PD radar modes are 10 and 1 MHz. Experiments have been carried out to confirm the system operation. In FMCW radar mode, nonlinear amplitude response can be corrected by precomputed code. In PD radar mode, the RX signals have been checked in the pulse width of 4 μs with a compressed echo signal response. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:474–479, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27343
Correlation analysis on UWB MIMO tree‐antenna orientations
Authors: Jusoh M. , Jamlos M.F. , Kamarudin M. R. , Erawan Ade
Published: January 2013

This research proposes a miniaturized antenna with a novel design for the ultra‐wideband (UWB) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system. The UWB‐MIMO tree‐antenna (UMTA) design consists of two symmetrical designs with minimum inter‐element spacing of 53 mm on the same negative Taconic substrate. Three UMTA geometrical orientations, i.e., MIMO (0°‐R), MIMO (180°‐R), and MIMO (0°‐U), were analyzed in terms of the reflection coefficient (< −10 dB), mutual coupling, and correlation coefficient. The UMTA is successfully achieved decrements of the correlation coefficient, with MIMO (0°‐R) being less than −30 dB, MIMO (180°‐R) being less than −40 dB, and MIMO (0°‐U), being less than −35 dB. MIMO (180°‐R), indicates the lowest correlation coefficient, which, in turn, enhances the diversity of the antenna. Measured and simulated results are presented. All designs and simulations are performed by Computer System Technology software. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:688–692, 2013, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27344
Wideband nanocrescent plasmonic antenna with engineered spectral response
Authors: Soliman Ezzeldin A.
Published: January 2013

A novel nantenna is presented in this article. It is formed by locating a gold circular patch inside a circular aperture etched from a gold plate. The centers of the two objects are shifted from each other, which results in having a “crescent‐shaped” aperture. Each of the circular patch and aperture has its own resonance wavelength whose location can be controlled by varying the corresponding diameter. It has been demonstrated that the working bands around these two resonances can be made slightly overlapping at their inner edges. This results in a remarkably wideband behavior characterized by a full‐width half‐maximum of more than 2000 nm centered around 2500 nm, which is equivalent to more than 80% fractional bandwidth. The proposed nantenna with 20‐nm gap width is capable of providing maximum electric field intensity enhancement of about 3000. It can confine the incident radiation within a volume well below the diffraction limit. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:624–629, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27347
A study on the rectangular ring, open‐ended monopole antenna with a vertical strip for WLAN dual‐band operations
Authors: Yoon Joong Han , Rhee Young Chul , Jang Yeon Kil
Published: January 2013

In this article, a novel design of a simple rectangular ring with open‐ended monopole antenna that is well suited to wireless local area network (WLAN) applications for dual‐band operations is proposed.The proposed antenna consists of an open‐ended rectangular ring, vertical strip, and a rectangular slit in the ground plane. Prototypes of the proposed antenna were fabricated and measured. This proposed monopole antenna had −10 dB impedance bandwidths of about 400 and 1600 MHz (2.1625–2.5625 GHz and 5.025–6.625 GHz), respectively, or about 16.93 and 27.47%, covering the required bandwidths of 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN standards. Meanwhile, the two‐dimensional (2D) radiation patterns and 3D gain performance of the antenna in the operation bands were also observed and discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:619–624, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27348
An efficient ray‐tracing method for RCS prediction in greco
Authors: Liu Jia , Fang Ning , Wang Baofa , Zhang Lvqian
Published: January 2013

Graphical electromagnetic computing (GRECO) is a fast method to predict radar cross section (RCS) of electrically large targets. Combining shooting and bouncing ray method with GRECO is an effective solution for the RCS prediction considering multibouncing effects. However, the ray tracing operation degrades its application due to its computation complexity. In this article, a novel optimization approach based on the binary tree structure is proposed to accelerate the computation process of the proposed algorithm. Numerical results on corner reflectors are used to validate the accuracy and efficiency. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:586–589, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27349
Small global positioning system antennas on a printed circuit board for mobile handsets loaded with lumped elements
Authors: Ahn Jungho , Kim Seunghwan , Lee Min‐Jae , Kim Austin S. , Kim Youngsik
Published: January 2013

Two printed circuit board embedded global positioning system antennas with a T‐shape are presented in this article.Both antennas are loaded with three lumped elements and have the same antenna and ground size. Antenna 1 is used to a chip capacitor at the input port, whereas Antenna 2 is equipped with a chip inductor. The resonant frequency decreases with increasing capacitance for Antenna 1, whereas that of Antenna 2 does not change significantly with change in the inductance. Antenna 1 has a lower bandwidth and smaller gain than Antenna 2. Both antennas are investigated via simulations and experiments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:576–580, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27350
Polarization reconfigurable ultrawideband antenna for cognitive radio applications
Authors: Aboufoul Tamer , Alomainy Akram , Parini Clive
Published: January 2013

A novel compact ultrawideband microstrip monopole antenna with reconfigurable polarization capability is presented. The antenna can be switched from linear polarization to right‐hand circular polarization (RHCP) or left‐hand circular polarization (LHCP). The measured 3‐dB axial ratio fractional bandwidth for the RHCP or the LHCP after reconfiguration is 59.5% from 5.9 to 10.9 GHz. The interest of the proposed antenna in cognitive radio systems is twofold. First, it can be used to add polarization sensing to the conventional frequency sensing. Second, there are the gains of using it to add polarization diversity in communication between cognitive devices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:501–506, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27353
A novel approach to transform an open circuit series stub to a short circuit shunt stub for the implementation of high‐pass butterworth filter
Authors: Shoaib Nosherwan , Shoaib Imran , Shoaib Sultan
Published: January 2013

A new approach for transforming an open circuit series stub to short circuit shunt stub is presented.A mathematical identity is also derived. Additional transmission lines of particular lengths are also used while performing this transformation. The simulations and the experimental results verified that the derived mathematical identity can be used for the implementation of high‐pass maximum flat Butterworth filter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:497–501, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27354
Design of a coupled line feed structure for the wideband characteristic of a mobile internal antenna
Authors: Yu Yeonsik , Kim Uisheon , Seong Wonmo , Choi Jaehoon
Published: January 2013

A method to design an adjustable wideband impedance matching structure based on the impedance transformer concept is proposed in order to enhance wideband impedance matching. The designed coupled line feed structure (CLFS) provides a wide impedance characteristic via an operating principle similar to that of an impedance transformer. The CLFS enables tuning capability for the impedance characteristic of an inverted‐F antenna (IFA) through adjustments in the line width and gap between the two CLFS spirals. By adding the proposed CLFS to the antenna feed, the bandwidth of the original IFA can provide about 22% wider coverage when compared with an IFA alone, especially over the LTE band, without changing the original antenna design. For frequencies below 1100 MHz, the impedance bandwidth of an IFA is about 40% at a center frequency of 862 MHz. This covers the LTE 17 (704–746 MHz)/13 (746–787 MHz), GSM 850 (824–894 MHz)/900 (890–960 MHz)/1800 (1710–1880 MHz)/1900 (1850–1990 MHz), and WCDMA (1710–2170 MHz) bands. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:522–526, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27356