bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoblast maturation on microtextured titanium involves paracrine regulation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling
Authors: Olivares‐Navarrete Rene , Hyzy Sharon L. , Pan Qingfen , Dunn Ginger , Williams Joseph K. , Schwartz Zvi , Boyan Barbara D.
Published: August 2014

Osteoblasts are sensitive to surface microtopography and chemistry. Osteoblast differentiation and maturation are higher in vitro and bone formation and osseointegration enhanced in vivo on microstructured titanium (Ti) compared to smooth surfaces. Cells increased BMP2 expression on microtextured Ti alloy, suggesting a paracrine role in regulating osteoblast maturation. However, recent studies show that exogenous BMP2 inhibits osteoblast production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and osteocalcin, indicating that control of BMP‐signaling may be involved. This study examined whether cells modulate BMP ligands, receptors, and inhibitors during osteoblast maturation on Ti, specifically focusing on the roles of BMP2 and Noggin (NOG). mRNA and protein for BMP2, BMP4, and BMP7 and receptors BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and BMPR2, and BMP inhibitors were upregulated on microtextured surfaces in comparison to smooth surfaces. Maturation on microstructured Ti was slightly enhanced with exogenous BMP2 while NOG addition inhibited osteoblast maturation. Cells with NOG knocked down significantly increased osteoblast maturation. These results demonstrate that BMP‐related molecules are controlled during osteoblast maturation on microstructured Ti surfaces and that endogenous NOG is an important regulator of the process. Modifying paracrine BMP signaling may yield more robust bone formation than application of exogenous BMPs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1721–1731, 2015.
Detection of DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Jansen Rick J. , Fonseca‐Williams Sharon , Bamlet William R. , Ayala‐Peña Sylvette , Oberg Ann L. , Petersen Gloria M. , Torres‐Ramos Carlos A.
Published: August 2014

DNA repair is a key mechanism in maintaining genomic stability: repair deficiencies increase DNA damage and mutations that lead to several diseases, including cancer. We extracted DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 48 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases and 48 healthy controls to determine relative levels of nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage by QPCR. All participants were never smokers and between the ages of 60 and 69. Average levels among cases were compared to controls using a rank sum test, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounding factors (age, sex, and diabetes mellitus). Cases had less DNA damage, with a significant decrease in mtDNA damage (P‐value = 0.03) and a borderline significant decrease in nDNA damage (P = 0.08). Across samples, we found mtDNA abundance was higher among non‐diabetics compared to diabetics (P = 0.04). Our results suggest that patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma have less DNA damage in their PBMCs, and that having diabetes, a known pancreatic cancer risk factor, is associated with lower levels of mtDNA abundance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression quantitative trait loci in long non‐coding RNA ZNRD1‐AS1 influence both HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma development
Authors: Wen Juan , Liu Yao , Liu Jibin , Liu Li , Song Ci , Han Jing , Zhu Liguo , Wang Cheng , Chen Jianguo , Zhai Xiangjun , Shen Hongbin , Hu Zhibin
Published: August 2014

Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 (ZNRD1), cloned from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, may play integral roles in diverse processes including immune response against HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. ZNRD1‐AS1 (ZNRD1 antisense RNA 1) may be an important regulator of ZNRD1. By bioinformatics analyses, we identified that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ZNRD1‐AS1 may be expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for ZNRD1. In this study, we hypothesized that these eQTLs SNPs in ZNRD1‐AS1 may influence both chronic HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We designed a case‐control study of 1300 HBV‐positive HCC patients, 1344 HBV persistent carriers and, 1344 HBV natural clearance subjects to test the associations of three ZNRD1 eQTLs SNPs (rs3757328, rs6940552 and, rs9261204) in ZNRD1‐AS1 with the risk of both chronic HBV infection and HCC. Logistic regression analyses in additive genetic model showed that variant alleles of all the three SNPs increased host HCC risk, whereas variant allele of rs3757328 was associated with HBV clearance. Moreover, the haplotype containing variant alleles of the three SNPs was significantly associated with both HCC development (adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01–1.38, P = 0.035) and HBV clearance (adjusted OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71–0.96, P = 0.013), when compared with the most frequent haplotype. In vitro experiments showed that ZNRD1 knockdown inhibited the expression of HBV mRNA and promoted proliferation of HepG2.2.15 cells. These findings suggest that ZNRD1 regulatory SNPs may be susceptibility makers for risk of both chronic HBV infection and HCC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell‐centered finite volume discretizations for deformable porous media
Authors: Nordbotten Jan Martin
Published: August 2014

The development of cell‐centered finite volume discretizations for deformation is motivated by the desire for a compatible approach with the discretization of fluid flow in deformable porous media. We express the conservation of momentum in the finite volume sense, and introduce three approximations methods for the cell‐face stresses. The discretization method is developed for general grids in one to three spatial dimensions, and leads to a global discrete system of equations for the displacement vector in each cell, after which the stresses are calculated based on a local expression. The method allows for anisotropic, heterogeneous and discontinuous coefficients.

The novel finite volume discretization is justified through numerical validation tests, designed to investigate classical challenges in discretization of mechanical equations. In particular our examples explore the stability with respect to the Poisson ratio and spatial discontinuities in the material parameters. For applications, logically Cartesian grids are prevailing, and we also explore the performance on perturbations on such grids, as well as on unstructured grids. For reference, comparison is made in all cases with the lowest‐order Lagrangian finite elements, and the finite volume methods proposed herein is comparable for approximating displacement, and is superior for approximating stresses. © 2014 The Authors. International Journal for NumericalMethods in Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Global format for energy–momentum based time integration in nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Krenk Steen
Published: August 2014

A global format is developed for momentum and energy consistent time integration of second‐order dynamic systems with general nonlinear stiffness. The algorithm is formulated by integrating the state‐space equations of motion over the time increment. The internal force is first represented in fourth‐order form consisting of the end‐point mean value plus a term containing the stiffness matrix increment. This form gives energy conservation for systems with internal energy as a quartic function of the displacement components. This representation is then extended to general energy conservation via a discrete gradient representation. The present procedure works directly with the internal force and the stiffness matrix at the time integration interval end‐points, and in contrast to previous energy‐conserving algorithms, it does not require any special form of the energy function nor use of mean value products at the element level or explicit use of a geometric stiffness matrix. An optional monotonic algorithmic damping, increasing with response frequency, is developed in terms of a single damping parameter. In the solution procedure, the velocity is eliminated and the nonlinear iterations are based on the displacement components alone. The procedure represents an energy consistent alternative to available collocation methods, with an equally simple implementation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bubble‐enhanced smoothed finite element formulation: a variational multi‐scale approach for volume‐constrained problems in two‐dimensional linear elasticity
Authors: Wu C. T. , Hu Wei , Liu G. R.
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a bubble‐enhanced smoothed finite element formulation for the analysis of volume‐constrained problems in two‐dimensional linear elasticity. The new formulation is derived based on the variational multi‐scale approach in which unequal order displacement‐pressure pairs are used for the mixed finite element approximation and hierarchical bubble function is selected for the fine‐scale displacement approximation. An area‐weighted averaging scheme is employed for the two‐scale smoothed strain calculation under the framework of edge‐based smoothed FEM. The smoothed fine‐scale solution is shown to naturally contain the stress field jump of the smoothed coarse‐scale solution across the boundary of edge‐based smoothing domain and thus provides the possibility to stabilize the global solution for volume‐constrained problems. A global monolithic solution strategy is employed, and the fine‐scale solution is solved without the consideration of approximating the strong form of the fine‐scale equation. Several numerical examples are analyzed to demonstrate the accuracy of the present formulation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long chain branched impact copolymer of polypropylene: Microstructure and rheology
Authors: Chikhalikar Kalyani , Deshpande Anushree , Pol Harshawardhan , Dhoble Deepa , Jha Saroj , Jadhav Kishor , Mahajan Sunil , Ahmad Zubair , Kulkarni Surendra , Gupta Surendra , Lele Ashish
Published: August 2014

A biphasic impact copolymer of polypropylene (ICP) was modified with peroxide by reactive extrusion process resulting in reduced melt flow index, improved melt strength, and higher die swell. The polymers were for the first time subjected to systematic rheological and microstructural characterization in an effort to understand their structure‐property relations. In shear rheological tests, the modified ICP displayed higher flow activation energy, reduced values of loss tangent and nearly equal frequency dependence of storage and loss modulli. The modified ICP also showed strain hardening behaviour in uniaxial extensional rheology and higher crystallization temperature in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All these are definitive indications of the presence of long chain branches (LCB). Fitting the rheological data of modified ICPs with the eXtended Pom Pom (XPP) model indicated the presence of LCB on the higher molecular weight fraction in the polymer, a result which was corroborated with multi‐detector high temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT‐GPC). More importantly, the matrix and rubber phases of the ICP were separately characterized for presence of long chain branching by rheology, DSC and HT‐GPC. The results indicate that while LCB existed in the matrix phase, microgels were present in both phases indicating that the reaction with peroxide occurred in both phases. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1463–1474, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Process Optimization for Synthesis of Guanylurea Dinitramide (GUDN)
Authors: Badgujar Dilip M. , Wagh Rashmi M. , Pawar Suman J. , Sikder Arun K.
Published: August 2014

Guanylurea dinitramide (GUDN), a stable salt of dinitramidic acid has good thermal stability and is a potential candidate for insensitive munitions. The synthesis process involves nitration of the ammonium salt of sulfamic acid with conc. HNO3/H2SO4 at −20 °C to −50 °C and further treatment with an aqueous suspension of guanylurea sulfate to obtain GUDN as white crystalline solid in 50 % yield. In order to optimize the process parameters to get the product in higher yield and greater purity, a systematic study with variation of different parameters like molar ratio of nitrating mixture, conditioning time, and temperature was carried out.
Antiinflammatory Properties of the Stem‐bark ofAnopyxis klaineanaand its Major Constituent, Methyl Angolensate
Authors: Mireku Evelyn A. , Mensah Abraham Y. , Mensah Merlin L. K. , Tocher Derek A. , Habtemariam Solomon
Published: August 2014

Anopyxis klaineana(Pierre) Engl. (Rhizophoraceae) is one of the reputed West African folkloric medicines that has never been investigated for its pharmacological effects or phytochemical constituents. In the present study, the antiinflammatory properties of the stem‐bark extracts were evaluated using the carrageenan‐induced paw oedema model in chicks. The petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts all showed a time and dose‐dependent antiinflammatory effect over the 5‐h observation period. Phytochemical analysis of the most active extract (methanol extract) yielded the principal constituent that was identified as methyl angolensate through extensive spectroscopic and X‐ray analysis studies. Although slightly less potent (ED50, 4.05 ± 0.0034 mg/kg, orally) than the positive control, diclofenac (ED50, 2.49 ± 0.023, intraperitoneallyn = 5), this first ever compound isolated fromA. klaineanashowed promising antiinflammatory activity that may account to some of the reported medicinal uses of the plant. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pose Interpolation for Laser‐based Visual Odometry
Authors: Tong Chi Hay , Anderson Sean , Dong Hang , D. Barfoot Timothy
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we present two methods for obtaining visual odometry (VO) estimates using a scanning laser rangefinder. Although common VO implementations utilize stereo camera imagery, passive cameras are dependent on ambient light. In contrast, actively illuminated sensors such as laser rangefinders work in a variety of lighting conditions, including full darkness. We leverage previous successes by applying sparse appearance‐based methods to laser intensity images, and we address the issue of motion distortion by considering the timestamps of the interest points detected in each image. To account for the unique timestamps, we introduce two estimator formulations. In the first method, we extend the conventional discrete‐time batch estimation formulation by introducing a novel frame‐to‐frame linear interpolation scheme, and in the second method, we consider the estimation problem by starting with a continuous‐time process model. This is facilitated by Gaussian process Gauss‐Newton (GPGN), an algorithm for nonparametric, continuous‐time, nonlinear, batch state estimation. Both laser‐based VO methods are compared and validated using datasets obtained by two experimental configurations. These datasets consist of 11 km of field data gathered by a high‐frame‐rate scanning lidar and a 365 m traverse using a sweeping planar laser rangefinder. Statistical analysis shows a 5.3% average translation error as a percentage of distance traveled for linear interpolation and 4.4% for GPGN in the high‐frame‐rate scenario.
Linear low‐density polyethylene‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)/(organo‐montmorillonite) hydrogel composite as hydrogel electrolytes for zinc–carbon batteries
Authors: Irani Maryam , Ismail Hanafi , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: August 2014

A hydrogel composite that has been prepared by using waste linear low‐density polyethylene, acrylic acid, and organo‐montmorillonite (LLDPE‐g‐PAA/OMMT) is used as a hydrogel electrolyte. An absorbency test was used to determine the percentage of ZnCl2 solution absorbed by the hydrogel composite. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel composite in the ZnCl2 solution was then studied. The highest absorbency was recorded when the concentration of ZnCl2 solution was 3 M. The conductivity of ZnCl2‐hydrogel composite electrolytes is dependent on the solution's concentration. A mixture of ZnCl2 solution with hydrogel composite yields a good hydrogel composite electrolyte with a conductivity of 0.039 S cm−1 at 3 M ZnCl2. The hydrogel composite electrolyte was used to produce zinc‐carbon cells. The fabricated cell gives capacity of 7.8 mAh, has an internal resistance of 9.9 Ω, a maximum power density of 15.78 mWcm−2, and a short‐circuit current density of 43.75 mAcm−2 for ZnCl2‐hydrogel composite electrolytes. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:279–284, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of the Performance of a Portable Mid‐Infrared Analyzer for the Rapid Determination of Total Trans Fat in Fast Food
Authors: Mossoba Magdi M. , Srigley Cynthia Tyburczy , Farris Samantha , Kramer John K G , Chirtel Stuart , Rader Jeanne
Published: August 2014

The performance of a novel, transmission‐mode, portable, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyzer was evaluated and compared to that of a benchtop attenuated total reflection (ATR)‐FTIR spectrometer. The total concentration of trans fatty acids in the fat extracted from 19 representative fast foods was rapidly (<5 min) quantified in a single measurement after conversion to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). While the FTIR determination is rapid, the time required for extraction and derivatization is not. For all extracts, the total trans FAME concentration varied from approximately 0.5 to 11 % (of total FAME) as determined using the portable FTIR analyzer. The trans fat contents (mean ± SD), expressed in grams per serving and calculated on the basis of total fat content and FTIR determination of trans fat content, were found to be 1.00 ± 0.42 for hamburgers, 0.67 ± 0.78 for chicken tenders, 1.00 ± 1.24 for French fries, and 0.27 ± 0.23 for apple pies. Determinations of total trans‐unsaturated FAME were consistent with those obtained by use of ATR‐FTIR and GC official methods (AOCS Cd 14e‐09 and AOCS Ce 1j‐07, respectively). These results indicate that the portable FTIR analyzer is suitable for the rapid and routine quantification of total trans fat measured as FAME prepared from fats extracted from fast foods.
Recurrence and pressure for group extensions
Authors: JAERISCH JOHANNES
Published: August 2014

We investigate the thermodynamic formalism for recurrent potentials on group extensions of countable Markov shifts. Our main result characterizes recurrent potentials depending only on the base space, in terms of the existence of a conservative product measure and a homomorphism from the group into the multiplicative group of real numbers. We deduce that, for a recurrent potential depending only on the base space, the group is necessarily amenable. Moreover, we give equivalent conditions for the base pressure and the skew product pressure to coincide. Finally, we apply our results to analyse the Poincaré series of Kleinian groups and the cogrowth of group presentations.
Why Northern Ireland’s Institutions Need Stability
Authors: McCrudden Christopher , McGarry John , O’Leary Brendan , Schwartz Alex
Published: August 2014

Northern Ireland’s consociational institutions were reviewed by a committee of its Assembly in 2012–13. The arguments of both critics and exponents of the arrangements are of general interest to scholars of comparative politics, power-sharing and constitutional design. The authors of this article review the debates and evidence on the d’Hondt rule of executive formation, political designation, the likely impact of changing district magnitudes for assembly elections, and existing patterns of opposition and accountability. They evaluate the scholarly, political and legal literature before commending the merits of maintaining the existing system, including the rules under which the system might be modified in future.
Assessment of body composition in Indian adults: comparison between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and isotope dilution technique
Authors: Kulkarni Bharati , Kuper Hannah , Taylor Amy , Wells Jonathan C. , Radhakrishna K. V. , Kinra Sanjay , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Smith George Davey , Ebrahim Shah , Kurpad A. V. , Byrne Nuala M. , Hills Andrew P.
Published: August 2014

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and isotope dilution technique have been used as reference methods to validate the estimates of body composition by simple field techniques; however, very few studies have compared these two methods. We compared the estimates of body composition by DXA and isotope dilution (18O) technique in apparently healthy Indian men and women (aged 19–70 years,n152, 48 % men) with a wide range of BMI (14–40 kg/m2). Isotopic enrichment was assessed by isotope ratio mass spectroscopy. The agreement between the estimates of body composition measured by the two techniques was assessed by the Bland–Altman method. The mean age and BMI were 37 (sd15) years and 23·3 (sd5·1) kg/m2, respectively, for men and 37 (sd14) years and 24·1 (sd5·8) kg/m2, respectively, for women. The estimates of fat-free mass were higher by about 7 (95 % CI 6, 9) %, those of fat mass were lower by about 21 (95 % CI − 18, − 23) %, and those of body fat percentage (BF%) were lower by about 7·4 (95 % CI − 8·2, − 6·6) % as obtained by DXA compared with the isotope dilution technique. The Bland–Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement that indicated poor agreement between the methods. The bias in the estimates of BF% was higher at the lower values of BF%. Thus, the two commonly used reference methods showed substantial differences in the estimates of body composition with wide limits of agreement. As the estimates of body composition are method-dependent, the two methods cannot be used interchangeably.
Dynamic behavior of the (3+1)-dimensional generalized Johnson model in a dusty plasma
Authors: Zhen Hui-Ling , Tian Bo , Sun Wen-Rong , Tan Zhao
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we study the (3+1)-dimensional generalized Johnson model, which can be used to describe the dust-ion-acoustic waves in a cosmic unmagnetized dusty plasma, and its perturbed model, which can be found in an unmagnetized dusty plasma for the electron temperature below the Curie temperature. (I) For the original model: Bilinear form and soliton solutions are obtained. Amplitude of the one soliton reaches the maximum when the equilibrium electron (ne0) and ion (ni0) densities take certain values which correspond withne0/ni0= 2. Overtaking and head-on interactions between the two solitons are given. (II) For the perturbed model: Phase projections are given numerically. Via the spectral analysis, two kinds of chaotic motions, i.e., the weak and developed chaos, are investigated. Largest Lyapunov exponents and power spectra are investigated to corroborate that those motions are indeed chaotic. Dynamic behavior of such a perturbed model varying with the external perturbation is different when the nonlinear term changes. With the damped term considered, two kinds of periodic motions are studied, and spectra of those periodic motions are also given. Through the comparison between the chaotic motions and periodic ones, possible chaotic or periodic motions in the perturbed model can be predicted.
The Effect of a Community-Engaged Arts Program on Older Adults’ Well-being
Authors: Phinney Alison , Moody Elaine M. , Small Jeff A.
Published: August 2014

Cette étude utilisant des méthodes mixtes a évalué l'effet d'un programme d'arts communautaires engagés sur le bien-être physique, émotionnel et social des personnes âgées. Ateliers hebdomadaires ont été offerts pendant une période de trois ans dans des centres communautaires où les artistes ont collaboré avec quatre groupes de personnes âgées pour produire une œuvre d'art collective ou la performance d'une présentation publique. Les participants ont rempli questionnaires avant et après et des entretiens de groupe ont été menées à la fin du programme. Des analyses t-test appariés ont indiqué que les personnes âgées ont connu une amélioration perçue dans leur état de santé générale, l’expérience de la douleur, et le sens de la communauté. Une analyse descriptive et intérpretative des entretiens de groupe a révélé six thèmes qui ont éclairé la compréhension: (1) fournissant de la structure et de la discipline; (2) facilitant l’adaptation; (3) nécessitant un travail acharné et des efforts; (4) faisant ressortir son côté artistique; (5) la promotion de la participation sociale; et (6) apportant une contribution. Ces résultats concordent avec les recherches antérieures et contribuent à une meilleure compréhension de la façon dont les arts communautaires engagés peuvent favoriser le bien-être des personnes âgées.
Uncovering the Meaning of Home Care Using an Arts-Based and Qualitative Approach
Authors: Fraser Kimberly , Archibald Mandy , Nissen Catherine
Published: August 2014

Le besoin de soins à domicile s'accroît au Canada, mais on sait peu de l'expérience de soins à domicile de clients et de leurs familles. Découvrir le sens de l'expérience de soins à domicile est une étape importante vers le développement de la compréhension et la sensibilisation du public. Nous avons exploré les expériences de soins à domicile en utilisant des méthodes axées sur les arts et des entretiens individuels avec 11 participants (un client et 10 aidants naturels). Les participants ont débattu les nombreuses façons de soins à domicile et de la famille et comment ceux-ci ont affecté leur vie, comment ils ont fait face à ces effets, leurs expériences dans les hôpitaux ou les résidences-services, et les aspects de l'expérience de soins à domicile qu'ils aimaient ou n'aimaient pas. Les participants ont convenu que les soins à domicile ont facilité une meilleure qualité de vie pour les familles et les clients, bien qu'ils reconnaissent certains défis avec eux. Les résultats artistiques produites par les participants ont facilité le dialogue de l'entrevue et ont favorisé la compréhension des thèmes clés de la recherche par l'équipe.
Minority Populations and Advance Directives: Insights from a Focus Group Methodology
Authors: Hauser Joshua M. , Kleefield Sharon F. , Brennan Troyen A. , Fischbach Ruth L.
Published: August 2014

Numerous studies have shown almost uniformly positive opinions among patients and physicians regarding theconceptof advance directives (either a healthcare proxy or living will). Several of these studies have also shown that the actual use of advance directives is significantly lower than this enthusiasm would suggest, but they have not explained the apparent discordance. Nor have researchers explained why members of minority groups are much less likely to complete advance directives than are white patients. In this study, we used a focus group methodology to examine the ways in which diverse populations of patients view the medical, philosophical, and practical issues surrounding advance directives. We were motivated by the significantly lower prevalence of advance directives among African-American and Hispanic patients at one urban teaching hospital (18% for Caucasians, 4% for African-Americans, and 2% for Hispanics). Our premise was that African-American and Hispanic populations, who have had higher rates of morbidity and mortality across numerous disease categories, and historically have had limited access to care and opportunities to discuss health concerns, may be more suspicious about the right of autonomy that an advance directive is designed to ensure.
A new compact UWB traveling-wave antenna based on CRLH-TLs for embedded electronic systems
Authors: Alibakhshi Kenari Mohammad
Published: August 2014

Design and fabrication of a traveling-wave printed planar composite right/left-handed (CRLH) antenna are presented in this paper. The proposed traveling-wave antenna constructed of four unit cells with b-shaped geometries, which each occupy 2.49 mm length, 6.32 mm width, and 0.8 mm height. In this paper, with designing the optimized b-shaped printed planar structure by the standard manufacturing techniques on the printed circuit boards, which perform the roles of the series left-handed (LH) capacitances (CL), the antenna size, bandwidth, and radiation specifications may be improved to the desirable range. Also, to obtaining the desired results the spiral inductors have been used, which play the roles of the shunt LH inductances (LL). The fabricated antenna with the proposed structure can be covered more from 2 GHz measured impedance bandwidth with minimum of the measured gain and radiation efficiency equal to 6.1 dBi and 52.3%, respectively, which happen at 9 GHz. According to the provided results, the proposed compact ultra-wideband traveling-wave antenna is a potential candidate to use in the embedded electronic systems and portable wireless communication devices.
MEMS-based fine tuning of highQ-factorE-plane filters
Authors: Gentili Fabrizio , Nocella Valeria , Pelliccia Luca , Cacciamani Fabrizio , Farinelli Paola , Sorrentino Roberto
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a new concept for the fine tuning of high-Q bandpass filters to compensate for small response deviations due to manufacturing tolerances and temperature variations. Discrete frequency tuning steps are obtained using a rectangular waveguide resonator loaded with a reconfigurable E-plane circuit. Ohmic micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches can be placed along thin E-plane metal strips so as to modify the E-field distribution of the TE101resonant mode, thus the central frequency of the filter. As an example, 0.1% frequency steps can easily be obtained in a 10 GHz resonant cavity. The use of low-loss substrates ensures high-quality factors of the order of 1000. The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated both by full-wave simulations and by fabricating and measuring an X-band hardwired prototype.
The Asymmetric Behavioral Homeostasis Hypothesis: Unidirectional Flexibility of Fundamental Motivational Processes
Authors: Park Justin H. , van Leeuwen Florian
Published: August 2014

Natural selection has produced not only fixed adaptive traits in response to enduring environments, but also contingencies capable of yielding variable outcomes in variable environments. A well-known example is phenotypic plasticity, which entails alternative developmental outcomes in different environments. Here, we focus on more immediate and transitory behavioral plasticity (underpinned by motivational processes), and we suggest that the physiological concept of homeostasis offers a coherent perspective for studying human motivations and associated behavioral processes. We further propose the asymmetric behavioral homeostasis hypothesis, which conceptualizes many motivational processes as 1-sided homeostatic mechanisms and which predicts that motivational responses that are amplified by certain cues will not be reversed simply by reversing the input cues. An important implication is that many evolutionarily adaptive—albeit subjectively and socially deleterious—responses to fitness threats (e.g., fears, aversions) are more easily inflamed than dampened. We review literature bearing on this hypothesis and discuss implications for psychology.
Optimization of headspace solid-phase microextraction conditions to determine fruity-aroma compounds produced by Neurospora sitophila
Authors: Souza de Carvalho Daniele , Junior Stanislau Bogusz , Dionisio Ana Paula , Junior Mario Maróstica , Godoy Helena Teixeira , Pastore Glaucia Maria
Published: August 2014

The biotechnological production of aromatic compounds is an important alternative to the chemical synthesis of flavor ingredients in food industry.
Heterogenization of Pd–NHC complexes onto a silica support and their application in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling under batch and continuous flow conditions
Authors: Martínez Alberto , Krinsky Jamin L. , Peñafiel Itziar , Castillón Sergio , Loponov Konstantin , Lapkin Alexei , Godard Cyril , Claver Carmen
Published: August 2014

Immobilised Pd–NHC catalysts were successfully applied in Suzuki–Miyaura reaction under batch and flow conditions.
Synthesis and structures of tris(2-pyridyl)aluminate sandwich compounds [{RAl(2-py′)2}2M] (py′ = 2-pyridyl, M = Ca, Mn, Fe)
Authors: García-Rodríguez Raúl , Bullock Thomas H. , McPartlin Mary , Wright Dominic S.
Published: August 2014

While neither the bridgehead group (R) nor remote ring Me-groups have any impact on metal coordination of tris(2-pyridyl) aluminate ligands [RAl(2-py′)3]−, Me groups adjacent to the donor pyridyl-N atoms have a large effect on their ability to form sandwich arrangements.
One-dimensional GdIII–MII (M = Mn, Co) acetate chains exhibiting a large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect at ΔH = 3 T
Authors: Pan Yin-Yin , Yang Yan , Long La-Sheng , Huang Rong-Bin , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: August 2014

Two one-dimensional acetate chains, GdIII–MnII (1) and GdIII–CoII (2), have been prepared. Magnetic investigations indicate that the magnetic entropy changes in 1 and 2 are up to 38.70 and 35.18 J kg−1 K−1 at ΔH = 7 T, and 31.08 and 28.67 J kg−1 K−1 at ΔH = 3 T, respectively.
Synthesis of micrometer-sized hierarchical rutile TiO2flowers and their application in dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Subramaniam Mohan Raj , Devanathan Sriram , Kumaresan Duraisamy
Published: August 2014

Morphologically advantageous hierarchical TiO2architectures such as cactus-like flowers, and highly branched TiO2nanorods were synthesized and tested as DSSC photoanodes.
A highly efficient catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction of benzyl chloride under mild conditions
Authors: Guan Zhenhong , Li Buyi , Hai Guoliang , Yang Xinjia , Li Tao , Tan Bien
Published: August 2014

Microporous polymers with built-in triphenylphosphine palladium exhibit highly efficient catalytic activity for cross-coupling reactions of benzyl chloride under mild conditions.
Chaos to order: an eco-friendly way to synthesize graphene quantum dots
Authors: Huang Ying , Bai Chiyao , Cao Kecheng , Tian Yin , Luo Yue , Xia Chuanqin , Ding Songdong , Jin Yongdong , Ma Lijian , Li Shoujian
Published: August 2014

A rapid, simple and pollution-free method was developed to synthesize graphene quantum dots from amorphous activated carbon.
A 2D → 2D polyrotaxane lanthanide–organic framework showing field-induced single-molecule magnet behaviour
Authors: Liu Cai-Ming , Zhang De-Qing , Zhu Dao-Ben
Published: August 2014

An entangled Dy(iii) MOF with both polyrotaxane and polycatenane features was prepared, displaying two-step magnetic relaxation processes.
Zinc selenide nano- and microspheres via microwave-assisted ionothermal synthesis
Authors: Tyrrell Sophie , Behrendt Gereon , Liu Yawen , Nockemann Peter
Published: August 2014

Zinc selenide nanospheres were prepared from a diphenyl diselenide precursor and halozincate(ii) ionic liquids via a microwave-assisted ionothermal route.
Facile synthesis of PVP-assisted PtRu/RGO nanocomposites with high electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation
Authors: Bin Duan , Ren Fangfang , Wang Huiwen , Zhang Ke , Yang Beibei , Zhai Chunyang , Zhu Mingshan , Yang Ping , Du Yukou
Published: August 2014

With the assistance of PVP surfactant, well-dispersed PtRu nanoclusters supported on a graphene surface exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity and stability in methanol oxidation.
Metal nickel nanoparticles in situ generated in rice husk char for catalytic reformation of tar and syngas from biomass pyrolytic gasification
Authors: Shen Yafei , Areeprasert Chinnathan , Prabowo Bayu , Takahashi Fumitake , Yoshikawa Kunio
Published: August 2014

The upgraded tar-free syngas could be produced from the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass impregnated with nickel cations and modified by NaBH4, accompanied by thein situgeneration of the recyclable silica-based metallic nickel (Ni0) nanoparticles embedded in rice husk char.
Selective ion pair recognition of citrate and zinc ions in water by ratiometric luminescence signaling
Authors: McMahon Brian K. , Parker David
Published: August 2014

Cooperative ion pair recognition of citrate and zinc ions occurs selectively in water at pH 7.4 and is signalled by modulation of europium emission in a ditopic macrocyclic complex.
Chromo-pharmacophores: photochromic diarylmaleimide inhibitors for sirtuins
Authors: Falenczyk C. , Schiedel M. , Karaman B. , Rumpf T. , Kuzmanovic N. , Grøtli M. , Sippl W. , Jung M. , König B.
Published: August 2014

Controlling the activity of sirtuins is of high biomedical relevance as the enzymes are involved in cancer, neurodegeneration and other diseases.
Size-controlled SiO2nanoparticles as scaffold layers in thin-film perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hwang Sun Hye , Roh Jongmin , Lee Jungsup , Ryu Jaehoon , Yun Juyoung , Jang Jyongsik
Published: August 2014

The effects of scaffold layers composed of SiO2NPs with diameters of 15, 30, 50, 70, and 100 nm on the properties of a perovskite film were investigated . Among the various sizes of SiO2NPs, the performance of a 50 nm diameter SiO2NP based perovskite solar cell presented a high power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.45%.
The role of the bone morphogenetic proteins in leukaemic stem cell persistence
Authors: Toofan Parto , Irvine David , Hopcroft Lisa , Copland Mhairi , Wheadon Helen
Published: August 2014

CML (chronic myeloid leukaemia) is characterized by the presence of the oncogenic tyrosine kinase fusion protein BCR (breakpoint cluster region)–Abl, responsible for driving the disease. Current TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) therapies effectively inhibit BCR–Abl to control CML in the majority of patients, but do not eliminate the LSC (leukaemic stem cell) population, which becomes quiescent following treatment. Patients require long-term treatment to sustain remission; alternative strategies are therefore required, either alone or in combination with TKIs to eliminate the LSCs and provide a cure. The embryonic morphogenetic pathways play a key role in haemopoiesis with recent evidence suggesting LSCs are more dependent on these signals following chemotherapy than normal HSCs (haemopoietic stem cells). Recent evidence in the literature and from our group has revealed that the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) pathway is differentially expressed in CML patients compared with normal donors. In the present review, we explore the role that BMP signalling plays in oesteoblast differentiation, HSC maintenance and the implication of altered BMP signalling on LSC persistence in the BM (bone marrow) niche. Overall, we highlight the BMP pathway as a potential target for developing LSC-directed therapies in CML in the future.
Aberrant redox homoeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in Rett syndrome
Authors: Müller Michael , Can Karolina
Published: August 2014

RTT (Rett syndrome) is a severe progressive neurodevelopmental disorder with a monogenetic cause, but complex and multifaceted clinical appearance. Compelling evidence suggests that mitochondrial alterations and aberrant redox homoeostasis result in oxidative challenge. Yet, compared with other severe neuropathologies, RTT is not associated with marked neurodegeneration, but rather a chemical imbalance and miscommunication of neuronal elements. Different pharmacotherapies mediate partial improvement of conditions in RTT, and also antioxidants or compounds improving mitochondrial function may be of potential merit. In the present paper, we summarize findings from patients and transgenic mice that point towards the nature of RTT as a mitochondrial disease. Also, open questions are addressed that require clarification to fully understand and successfully target the associated cellular redox imbalance.
Ribonuclease H2 in health and disease
Authors: Reijns Martin A.M. , Jackson Andrew P.
Published: August 2014

Innate immune sensing of nucleic acids provides resistance against viral infection and is important in the aetiology of autoimmune diseases. AGS (Aicardi–Goutières syndrome) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disorder mimicking in utero viral infection of the brain. Phenotypically and immunologically, it also exhibits similarities to SLE (systemic lupus erythaematosus). Three of the six genes identified to date encode components of the ribonuclease H2 complex. As all six encode enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism, it is thought that pathogenesis involves the accumulation of nucleic acids to stimulate an inappropriate innate immune response. Given that AGS is a monogenic disorder with a defined molecular basis, we use it as a model for common autoimmune disease to investigate cellular processes and molecular pathways responsible for nucleic-acid-mediated autoimmunity. These investigations have also provided fundamental insights into the biological roles of the RNase H2 endonuclease enzyme. In the present article, we describe how human RNase H2 and its role in AGS were first identified, and give an overview of subsequent structural, biochemical, cellular and developmental studies of this enzyme. These investigations have culminated in establishing this enzyme as a key genome-surveillance enzyme required for mammalian genome stability.
Comparative study of the molecular variation between ‘central’ and ‘peripheral’ MUPs and significance for behavioural signalling
Authors: Phelan Marie M. , McLean Lynn , Hurst Jane L. , Beynon Robert J. , Lian Lu-Yun
Published: August 2014

MUPs (major urinary proteins) play an important role in chemical signalling in rodents and possibly other animals. In the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) MUPs in urine and other bodily fluids trigger a range of behavioural responses that are only partially understood. There are at least 21 Mup genes in the C57BL/6 mouse genome, all located on chromosome 4, encoding sequences of high similarity. Further analysis separates the MUPs into two groups, the ‘central’ near-identical MUPs with over 97% sequence identity and the ‘peripheral’ MUPs with a greater degree of heterogeneity and approximately 20–30% non-conserved amino acids. This review focuses on differences between the two MUP sub-groups and categorizes these changes in terms of molecular structure and pheromone binding. As small differences in amino acid sequence can result in marked changes in behavioural response to the signal, we explore the potential of single amino acid changes to affect chemical signalling and protein stabilization. Using analysis of existing molecular structures available in the PDB we compare the chemical and physical properties of the ligand cavities between the MUPs. Furthermore, we identify differences on the solvent exposed surfaces of the proteins, which are characteristic of protein–protein interaction sites. Correlations can be seen between molecular heterogeneity and the specialized roles attributed to some MUPs.
PolyQ-mediated regulation of mRNA granules assembly
Authors: Castilla-Llorente Virginia , Ramos Andres
Published: August 2014

RNA granules have been observed in different organisms, cell types and under different conditions, and their formation is crucial for the mRNA life cycle. However, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing their assembly and disassembly. The aggregation-prone LSCRs (low-sequence-complexity regions), and in particular, the polyQ/N-rich regions, have been extensively studied under pathological conditions due to their role in neurodegenerative diseases. In the present review, we discuss recent in vitro, in vivo and computational data that, globally, suggest a role for polyQ/N regions in RNA granule assembly.
Regulation of ELAV/Hu RNA-binding proteins by phosphorylation
Authors: Bräuer Ulrike , Zaharieva Emanuela , Soller Matthias
Published: August 2014

ELAV (embryonic lethal/abnormal visual system)/Hu proteins comprise a family of highly related neuronal RBPs (RNA-binding proteins) involved in many aspects of mRNA processing. Although they bind to highly similar short sequence motifs, they have acquired diverse functions suggesting that cellular signalling is important for their functional diversification. Indeed, ELAV/Hu proteins harbour many phosphorylatable amino acids. In the present article, we review our current knowledge about phosphorylation of ELAV/Hu proteins and how phosphorylation affects cellular localization of ELAV/Hu proteins and their binding to RNA.
Mechanisms and physiological impact of the dual localization of mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins
Authors: Petrungaro Carmelina , Riemer Jan
Published: August 2014

Eukaryotic cells developed diverse mechanisms to guide proteins to more than one destination within the cell. Recently, the proteome of the IMS (intermembrane space) of mitochondria of yeast cells was identified showing that approximately 20% of all soluble IMS proteins are dually localized to the IMS, as well as to other cellular compartments. Half of these dually localized proteins are important for oxidative stress defence and the other half are involved in energy homoeostasis. In the present review, we discuss the mechanisms leading to the dual localization of IMS proteins and the implications for mitochondrial function.
Exploring mechanisms of acquired resistance to HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)-targeted therapies in breast cancer
Authors: Creedon Helen , Byron Adam , Main Joanna , Hayward Larry , Klinowska Teresa , Brunton Valerie G.
Published: August 2014

HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)-targeted therapy in breast cancer is one of the earliest and arguably most successful examples of the modern class of targeted drugs. Initially identified in the 1980s, the observation that HER2 acts as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in the 20% of breast cancer cases carrying a gene amplification or protein overexpression cemented its place at the forefront of research in this field. The outlook for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer has been revolutionized by the introduction of HER2-targeted agents, such as trastuzumab and lapatinib, yet resistance is frequently encountered and multiple different resistance mechanisms have been identified. We have explored resistance to a novel pan-HER inhibitor, AZD8931, and we examine mechanisms of resistance common to trastuzumab, lapatinib and AZD8931, and discuss the current problems associated with translating the wealth of pre-clinical data into clinical benefit.
Poly(A)-binding proteins are required for diverse biological processes in metazoans
Authors: Smith Richard W.P. , Blee Tajekesa K.P. , Gray Nicola K.
Published: August 2014

PABPs [poly(A)-binding proteins] bind to the poly(A) tail of eukaryotic mRNAs and are conserved in species ranging from yeast to human. The prototypical cytoplasmic member, PABP1, is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein with roles in global and mRNA-specific translation and stability, consistent with a function as a central regulator of mRNA fate in the cytoplasm. More limited insight into the molecular functions of other family members is available. However, the consequences of disrupting PABP function in whole organisms is less clear, particularly in vertebrates, and even more so in mammals. In the present review, we discuss current and emerging knowledge with respect to the functions of PABP family members in whole animal studies which, although incomplete, already underlines their biological importance and highlights the need for further intensive research in this area.