bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory performance tests on aluminum splices for power conductors
Authors: Runde M. , Timsit R. S. , Magnusson N.
Published: February 2009

The paper reviews the results of laboratory testing of compression and bolted splices installed on stranded aluminum power conductors. The tests on compression splices involved connectors of 10 different designs using 240 mm2stranded aluminum cable. Testing on the bolted splices was performed on connectors of 16 different designs installed on stranded aluminum cable with dimensions of 50 and 240 mm2. Splice performance was assessed on the basis of resistance measurements during short‐circuit tests and thermal cycling as specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61238‐1 standard, and from inspections of cross‐sectioned connections. Differences in splice performance are related to such factors as physical properties of the materials in contact, splice assembly procedures, number of compression indentations or number of bolts, and other relevant parameters. The influence of conductor deformation on the ability to disrupt aluminum oxide films on the conductor surface during connector installation is addressed. The laboratory data indicate that large mechanical deformations in a splice significantly improve connector performance. For compression splices, relatively soft (annealed) conductors lead to inferior performance than hard‐drawn conductors, unless the soft conductor hardens significantly when it is deformed during installation. The sequence in which the compression indentations are made may influence connector performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association of serotonin transporter genotypes and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)‐associated sexual side effects: possible relationship to oral contraceptives
Authors: Bishop Jeffrey R. , Ellingrod Vicki L. , Akroush Michael , Moline Jessica
Published: February 2009

Objective

To study the relationship between functional variants in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)‐associated sexual dysfunction.

Methods

One hundred fifteen subjects aged 18–40 years and currently being treated with an SSRI for depression were assessed for clinical variables known to affect sexual well‐being. SSRI‐associated sexual difficulties were assessed with the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ). Subjects were subsequently genotyped for the SLC6A4 promoter region (5HTTLPR) insertion/deletion variant and a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the second intron.

Results

The 5HTTLPR insertion/deletion variant was associated with sexual dysfunction in this study sample [odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2, 6.4; p = 0.02]. The relationship between promoter genotypes and sexual well‐being differed in males and females and was related to whether females were taking an oral contraceptive (OC) medication. Females with the ll genotype were nearly eight times more likely to be categorized as having sexual dysfunction if they were taking OCs, while no relationship was observed in those not taking OCs.

Conclusions

These results suggest that a functional variant in the serotonin transporter gene is associated with sexual difficulties in persons taking an SSRI for depression. This relationship may differ by sex and be dependent on OC status in females. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SED1/MFG‐E8: A Bi‐Motif protein that orchestrates diverse cellular interactions
Authors: Raymond Adam , Ensslin Michael A. , Shur Barry D.
Published: February 2009

MFG‐E8 was initially identified as a principle component of the Milk Fat Globule, a membrane‐encased collection of proteins and triglycerides that bud from the apical surface of mammary epithelia during lactation. It has since been independently identified in many species and by many investigators and given a variety of names, including p47, lactadherin, rAGS, PAS6/7, and BA‐46. The acronym SED1 was proposed to bring cohesion to this nomenclature based upon it being a Secreted protein that contains two distinct functional domains: an N‐terminal domain with two EGF‐repeats, the second of which has an integrin‐binding RGD motif, and a C‐terminal domain with two Discoidin/F5/8C domains that bind to anionic phospholipids and/or extracellular matrices. SED1/MFG‐E8 is now known to participate in a wide variety of cellular interactions, including phagocytosis of apoptotic lymphocytes and other apoptotic cells, adhesion between sperm and the egg coat, repair of intestinal mucosa, mammary gland branching morphogenesis, angiogenesis, among others. This article will explore the various roles proposed for SED1/MFG‐E8, as well as its provocative therapeutic potential. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 957–966, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide‐mediated inhibition of NFκB regulates hyperthermia‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Aravindan Natarajan , Mohan Sumathy , Herman Terence S , Natarajan Mohan
Published: February 2009

Ascertaining the upstream regulatory mechanisms of hyperthermia‐induced apoptosis is important to understand the role of hyperthermia in combined modality cancer therapy. Accordingly, we investigated whether (i) hyperthermia‐induced apoptosis is mediated through the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway and (ii) inhibition of post‐translational modification of IκBα and down regulation of NFκB‐DNA binding activity is an intermediate step in NO‐dependent apoptosis in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. For hyperthermia treatment, the cells were exposed to 43°C. Intracellular NO levels measured by the fluorescent intensity of DAF‐2A and iNOS expression by immunobloting revealed an increased level of iNOS dependent NO production after 43°C. Apoptosis measured by Annexin V expression and cell survival by clonogenic assay showed a 20% increase in apoptosis after 43°C treatments. EMSA analysis showed a dose‐dependent inhibition of NFκB‐DNA binding activity. The hyperthermia‐mediated inhibition of NFκB was persistent even after 48 h. Inhibition of NO by L‐NAME rescued the NFκB‐DNA binding activity and inhibits heat‐induced apoptosis. Similarly, over‐expression of NFκB by transient transfection inhibits heat‐induced apoptosis. These results demonstrate that apoptosis upon hyperthermia exposure of MCF‐7 cells is regulated by NO‐mediated suppression of NFκB. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 999–1009, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopy applied to seed‐borne fungi examination
Authors: Alves Marcelo De Carvalho , Pozza Edson Ampélio
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to test the standard scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as a potential alternative to study seed‐borne fungi in seeds, by two different conditions of blotter test and water restriction treatment. In the blotter test, seeds were subjected to conditions that enabled pathogen growth and expression, whereas the water restriction method consisted in preventing seed germination during the incubation period, resulting in the artificial inoculation of fungi. In the first condition, seeds of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were submitted to the standard blotter test and then prepared and observed with SEM. In the second condition, seeds of cotton (G. hirsutum), soybean (Glycine max L.), and common bean (P. vulgaris L.) were, respectively, inoculated with Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides, Colletotrichum truncatum, and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum by the water restriction technique, followed by preparation and observation with SEM. The standard SEM methodology was adopted to prepare the specimens. Considering the seeds submitted to the blotter test, it was possible to identify Fusarium sp. on maize, C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides, and Fusarium oxysporum on cotton, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., and Mucor sp. on common bean. Structures of C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides, C. truncatum, and C. lindemuthianum were observed in the surface of inoculated seeds. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for bird‐like air sacs in saurischian dinosaurs
Authors: Wedel Mathew John
Published: February 2009

Among extant tetrapods, pneumatic postcranial bones are only present in birds, and they are osteological correlates of the diverticular lungs and pulmonary air sacs. The presence of postcranial pneumaticity in sauropod and theropod dinosaurs suggests that some form of air sac system was also present in the dinosaurian ancestors of birds. In particular, anatomical and evolutionary patterns of pneumatization in nonavian saurischian dinosaurs are diagnostic for specific air sacs, including the cervical, clavicular, and abdominal air sacs. Pneumatic hiatuses are gaps in the pneumatization of the vertebral column and indicate pneumatization from multiple sources. A pneumatic hiatus in Haplocanthosaurus provides additional support for the presence of abdominal air sacs in sauropods. The origins of postcranial pneumaticity in archosaurs are enigmatic because the earliest putative traces of pneumaticity are difficult to distinguish from skeletal imprints of other soft tissues. Nevertheless, several lines of evidence suggest that air sac‐driven lung ventilation was primitive for Saurischia. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:611–628, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convergent signalling through Fgfr2 regulates divergent craniofacial morphogenesis
Authors: Veistinen Lotta , Åberg Thomas , Rice David P.C.
Published: February 2009

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2) has two splice variants IIIb and IIIc, which are unique in function and localization. Signalling through Fgfr2IIIb controls epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, which regulate morphogenesis during the development of several organs including the palate and tooth. In this study, we confirm that molar tooth development in Fgfr2IIIb−/− mice is arrested early in development and that the molar teeth of Fgf10−/− mice develop through all the normal stages of morphogenesis. We show that the molar phenotype of Fgfr2IIIb−/− mice is, in part, owing to reduced cell proliferation in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. We also show that the developing molar teeth of Fgf10−/− mice exhibit reduced cell proliferation. However, this reduction is not sufficient to arrest molar development.

Recent evidence has indicated that Fgfr2IIIb/Fgf10 signalling is active in the calvaria in some pathological situations as heterozygous deletion of Fgfr2 exon IIIc in mice leads to ectopic expression of Fgfr2IIIb in the calvarial bones and causes craniosynostosis. Here, we investigate the mRNA expression of Fgfr2IIIb and Fgfr2IIIc as well as their ligands Fgf3, −7 and −10 in the developing murine tooth, palate and calvaria. We show that Fgf7 is expressed in the calvarial mesenchyme adjacent to the developing frontal bone and Fgf10 is expressed by osteoprogenitors in the developing frontal bone condensation. Taken together, we highlight the overlapping roles of Fgfr2IIIb/Fgf10 signalling in controlling epithelial–mesenchymal interactions during normal palate and tooth morphogenesis and how elevated signalling through Fgfr2IIIb/Fgf10 solely within the mesenchyme can result in abnormal calvarial morphogenesis. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:351–360, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium‐mediated differentiation of ameloblast lineage cells in vitro
Authors: Chen James , Zhang Yan , Mendoza Joseph , DenBesten Pamela
Published: February 2009

Calcium is a key component of the mineralized enamel matrix, but may also have a role in ameloblast cell differentiation. In this study we used human ameloblast lineage cells to determine the effect of calcium on cell function. Primary human ameloblast lineage cells were isolated from human fetal tooth buds. Cells were treated with calcium ranging from 0.05 to –1.8 mM. Cell morphology was imaged by phase contrast microscopy, and amelogenin was immunolocalized. Proliferation of cells treated with calcium was measured by BrdU immunoassay. The effect of calcium on mRNA expression of amelogenin, Type 1 collagen, DSPP, amelotin, and KLK‐4 was compared by PCR analysis. Von Kossa staining was used to detect mineral formation after cells were pretreated with calcium. Calcium induced cell organization and clustering at 0.1 and 0.3 mM concentrations. Increasing concentrations of calcium significantly reduced ameloblast lineage cell proliferation. The addition of 0.1 mM calcium to the cultures upregulated expression of amelogenin, Type I collagen, and amelotin. After pretreatment with 0.3 mM calcium, the cells could form a mineralized matrix. These studies, which utilized human ameloblast lineage cells grown in vitro, showed that the addition of calcium at 0.1 and 0.3 mM, induced cell differentiation and upregulation of amelogenin Type I collagen and amelotin. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:458–464, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repeated sequence homogenization between the control and pseudo‐control regions in the mitochondrial genomes of the subfamily Aquilinae
Authors: Cadahía Luis , Pinsker Wilhelm , Negro Juan José , Pavlicev Mihaela , Urios Vicente , Haring Elisabeth
Published: February 2009

In birds, the noncoding control region (CR) and its flanking genes are the only parts of the mitochondrial (mt) genome that have been modified by intragenomic rearrangements. In raptors, two noncoding regions are present: the CR has shifted to a new position with respect to the “ancestral avian gene order,” whereas the pseudo‐control region (ΨCR) is located at the original genomic position of the CR. As possible mechanisms for this rearrangement, duplication and transposition have been considered. During characterization of the mt gene order in Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus, we detected intragenomic sequence similarity between the two regions supporting the duplication hypothesis. We performed intra‐ and intergenomic sequence comparisons in H. fasciatus and other falconiform species to trace the evolution of the noncoding mtDNA regions in Falconiformes. We identified sections displaying different levels of similarity between the CR and ΨCR. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses, we outline an evolutionary scenario of the underlying mutation events involving duplication and homogenization processes followed by sporadic deletions. Apparently, homogenization may easily occur if sufficient sequence similarity between the CR and ΨCR exists. Moreover, homogenization itself allows perpetuation of this continued equalization, unless this process is stopped by deletion. The Pandionidae and the Aquilinae seem to be the only two lineages of Falconiformes where homology between both regionsis still detectable, whereas in other raptors no similarity was found so far. In these two lineages, the process of sequence degeneration may have slowed down by homogenization events retaining high sequence similarity at least in some sections. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:171–185, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental modularity and the marsupial–placental dichotomy
Authors: Goswami A. , Weisbecker V. , Sánchez‐Villagra M. R.
Published: February 2009

The contrasting evolutionary histories of marsupial and placental mammals have often been attributed to their different reproductive strategies. The speciose placentals develop mainly in utero and have radiated into diverse niches, whereas marsupials are born in a highly altricial state with immediate functional requirements and are limited in taxonomic, ecological, and morphological diversity. These differences have been tied to heterochrony, and it has been hypothesized that coordinated shifts in developmental timing occur among functionally‐ or developmentally related structures, such as forelimbs in marsupials. We use new ossification sequence data for 11 marsupial and 14 placental species to assess the integration of first ossification timing among skeletal elements. Although cranial elements fail to demonstrate significant coordination, marsupials and placentals differ markedly in postcranial integration. Marsupials display independent anterior and posterior developmental modules, whereas placentals show significant integration of the entire appendicular skeleton. This developmental integration of the placental postcranium is consistent with a recent study of phenotypic modularity in limbs of placental mammals, showing a potential correspondence between integration of developmental timing and of shape. The observed differences in postcranial integration between marsupials and placentals may reflect the disparate evolutionary histories of these two mammalian clades. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:186–195, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL‐1α secreted by colon cancer cells enhances angiogenesis: The relationship between IL‐1α release and tumor cells' potential for liver metastasis
Authors: Matsuo Yoichi , Sawai Hirozumi , Ma Jiachi , Xu Donghui , Ochi Nobuo , Yasuda Akira , Takahashi Hiroki , Funahashi Hitoshi , Takeyama Hiromitsu
Published: February 2009

Background and Objectives

Interleukin (IL)‐1α plays an important role in colon cancer progression and angiogenesis. We here asked whether IL‐1α derived from cancer cells modulates vascular endothelial cell growth, migration and tubule formation.

Methods

The existence of IL‐1α mRNA and protein in colon cancer cell lines (WiDr, HT‐29, Caco‐2, COLO 320) were investigated with RT‐PCR and ELISA. Proliferation and invasion were investigated by MTS assay and Matrigel‐double chamber assay. To answer our main question, we performed angiogenesis assay used an in vitro model consisting of co‐cultivated tumor cells and stromal cells.

Results

IL‐1α mRNA and protein were detected in highly metastatic colon cancer cells (WiDr and HT‐29). Recombinant IL‐1α significantly enhanced growth and invasiveness of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) (P < 0.01). Moreover, HUVEC growth and migration were significantly enhanced by WiDr compared to control (without co‐culture) or Caco‐2 (P < 0.05). Exogenous rIL‐1α significantly enhanced HUVEC tube‐like formation in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.01) in a HUVEC/fibroblast co‐cultivation system. Moreover, WiDr significantly enhanced HUVEC tubule formation compared with control or Caco‐2 (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Based on these findings, we conclude that colon cancer cell‐derived IL‐1α up‐regulates angiogenesis by modulating stromal cells within the tumor cells' microenvironment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:361–367. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The spectroscopic and energy transfer characteristics of the rare earth ions used for silicate glass fibre lasers operating in the shortwave infrared
Authors: Jackson S.D.
Published: February 2009

The continuing growth in the research and development of high power diode‐pumped fibre lasers relates to the exceptional thermal management provided by the extended geometry of the fibre and the small quantum defect associated with the 1 μm emitting Yb3+ ion. Lengthening the emission wavelength of diode‐pumped fibre lasers further into the infrared is important for many applications ranging from medicine to defence; however, extending the emission wavelength remains a challenge. This review will examine in detail the spectroscopy and the energy transfer processes that impact Tm3+‐doped and Ho3+‐doped silicate glasses that are used for fibre lasers in the 1.9 μm to 2.1 μm region of the shortwave infrared spectrum. We will explore a number of important applications that function in the shortwave infrared region that will benefit from using these light sources and I will suggest the reasons for choosing silicate glass over other glasses as the host material for this wavelength range.
The effect of choice complexity on perception of time spent choosing: When choice takes longer but feels shorter
Authors: Fasolo Barbara , Carmeci Floriana A. , Misuraca Raffaella
Published: February 2009

Two studies examine the effect of the complexity of the choice environment on the perceived duration of the time spent choosing. The experiments demonstrate that the estimation of the time spent making a decision is affected by the number of options available in the choice set. In Experiment 1, participants having to choose 1 of 24 mobile phones tended to underestimate the time spent whereas participants confronted with the choice of 6 mobile phones tended to overestimate the actual time spent. Experiment 2 corroborates this finding, in the presence of varying degrees of attribute correlation. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications for marketers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymorphisms at p53, p73, and MDM2 loci modulate the risk of tobacco associated leukoplakia and oral cancer
Authors: Misra Chaitali , Majumder Mousumi , Bajaj Swati , Ghosh Saurabh , Roy Bidyut , Roychoudhury Susanta
Published: February 2009

Polymorphisms at loci controlling cellular processes such as cell cycle, DNA repair, and apoptosis may modulate the risk of cancer. We examined the association of two linked polymorphisms (G4C14–A4T14) at p73 and one polymorphism (309G > T) at MDM2 promoter with the risk of leukoplakia and oral cancer. The p73 and MDM2 genotypes were determined in 197 leukoplakia patients, 310 oral cancer patients and in 348 healthy control subjects. The p73 GC/AT genotype increased the risk of leukoplakia (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.3) and oral cancer (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.7–3.3) but the 309G > T MDM2 polymorphism independently could not modify the risk of any of the diseases. Stratification of the study population into subgroups with different tobacco habits showed that the risk of the oral cancer is not modified further for the individuals carrying p73 risk genotype. However, leukoplakia patients with smokeless tobacco habit showed increased risk with combined GC/AT and AT/AT (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.3–7.0) genotypes. A combined analysis was done with our previous published data on p53 codon 72 pro/arg polymorphism. Analysis of pair wise genotype combinations revealed increase in risk for specific p73‐MDM2 and p73‐p53 genotype combinations. Finally, the combined three loci analyses revealed that the presence of at least one risk allele at all three loci increases the risk of both leukoplakia and oral cancer. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oncogenic role of nuclear accumulated Aurora‐A
Authors: Tatsuka Masaaki , Sato Sunao , Kanda Akifumi , Miki Tomoharu , Kamata Nobuyuki , Kitajima Shojiro , Kudo Yasusei , Takata Takashi
Published: February 2009

Aurora‐A, also known as Aik, BTAK, or STK15, is a centrosomal serine/threonine protein kinase, which is proto‐oncogenic and is overexpressed in a wide range of human cancers. Besides gene amplification and mRNA overexpression, proteolytic resistance mechanisms are thought to contribute to overexpression of Aurora‐A. However, it is not yet clear how overexpressed Aurora‐A affects the expression of transformed phenotype. Here, we found that nuclear accumulation of Aurora‐A was critical for transformation activity. Cellular protein fractionation experiments and immunoblot analysis demonstrated a predominance of Aurora‐A in the nuclear soluble fraction in head and neck cancer cells. Indirect immunofluorescence using confocal laser microscopy confirmed nuclear Aurora‐A in head and neck cancer cells, while most oral keratinocytes exhibited only centrosomal localization. The expression of nuclear export signal‐fused Aurora‐A demonstrated that the oncogenic transformation activity was lost on disruption of the nuclear localization. Thus, the cytoplasmic localization of overexpressed Aurora‐A previously demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis is not likely to correspond to that in intact cancer cells. This study identifies an alternative mode of Aurora‐A overexpression in cancer, through nuclear rather than cytoplasmic functions. We suggest that substrates of Aurora‐A in the cell nuclear soluble fraction can represent a novel therapeutic target for cancer. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiobjective combinatorial optimization: some approaches
Authors: Köksalan Murat
Published: February 2009

There have been many developments in multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) during the last 50 years. Researchers from different areas have also recognized the multiple‐criteria nature of problems in their application areas and tried to address these issues. Unfortunately, there has not always been sufficient information flow between the researchers in the MCDM area and the researchers applying MCDM to their problems. More recently, multiobjective combinatorial optimization (MOCO) and multiobjective metaheuristic areas have been enjoying substantial developments. These problems are hard to solve. Many researchers addressed the problem of finding all nondominated solutions. This is a difficult task for MOCO problems. This difficulty limits many of the studies to concentrate on bicriteria problems. In this paper, I review some MCDM approaches that aim to find only the preferred solutions of the decision maker (DM). I argue that this is especially important for MOCO problems. I discuss several of our approaches that incorporate DM's preferences into the solution process of MOCO problems and argue that there is a need for more work to be done in this area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aggregation of ordinal and cardinal preferences: a framework based on distance functions
Authors: González‐Pachón Jacinto , Romero Carlos
Published: February 2009

In this paper a collective choice function (CCF), formulated within a p‐metric distance function framework, is proposed as a generator of several compromise consensuses. Even though, the proposed CCF is not smooth, it is however demonstrated that it can be straightforwardly transformed into easily computable goal programming models. Finally, several cases of individual preferences aggregation are obtained by providing different interpretations of the CCF parameters: ordinal and complete information, ordinal and partial information and a cardinal case through ‘pairwise’ comparison matrices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pedicled muscle flap based solely on a neural pedicle
Authors: Avci Gulden , Akan Mithat , Akoz Tayfun , Kuzon William , Gul Aylin Ege
Published: February 2009

We tested the hypothesis that the intrinsic vascular plexus of the motor nerve could support viability in a rat hindlimb muscle flap. In a preliminary study, we examined the course and vascularity of the sciatic nerve, the peroneal nerve, and the peroneous longus muscle in the rat hindlimb via anatomic dissection, microangiography, and histologic study (n = 10 animals). On the basis of this examination, the peroneous longus muscle was chosen as our experimental model in this study. In 12 animals, the peroneus longus was acutely elevated, which severed all tendinous and vascular structures, this left the muscle pedicled on the motor nerve only (Group I). Animals in Group II underwent a staged elevation of the flap with division of the vascular pedicle, the tendon of insertion, and the tendon of origin during separate procedures that were 5 days apart (n = 12). Muscle viability was evaluated by gross inspection, measurement of muscle weight and length, nitroblue tetrazlium (NBT) staining, microangiography, and histology. NBT staining demonstrated that immediate elevation of the peroneus longus muscle flaps led to an average necrotic area of 80.6% ± 9.8% (Group I). A significant improvement in viability was observed for muscle flaps of animals in Group II, with peroneus longus muscle necrosis averaging 25.6% ± 9.3%. Microangiography demonstrated that the intrinsic vascularity of nerve was increased dramatically in Group II. These data support the hypothesis that the intrinsic vascular plexus of the motor nerve of a skeletal muscle can support at least partial viability of a muscle flap. However, this vascular axis is inadequate to support complete viability of a muscle flap if the flap is elevated immediately. If a staged elevation affects a surgical delay, the viability of a muscle flap elevated on a neural pedicle can be increased significantly. With adjustments in the delay procedure, this strategy may allow transfer of muscle flaps when maintenance or reconstitution of the primary vascular axis is not possible. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Design and development of a broadband amplitude compensated long time delay circuit on thin‐film liquid crystal polymer
Authors: Chen Morgan J. , Zhang Zhaonian , Pham Anh‐Vu H. , Hyman Dan
Published: February 2009

A 2‐bit long time delay circuit capable of 0 to 600 ps relative delays has been developed to operate from DC to 10 GHz. This circuit implements an amplitude compensation scheme through use of carefully designed attenuation coefficients on true time delay components that have been developed on a multilayer stack of thin‐film liquid crystal polymer. Minimal insertion losses are achieved by using prototype microelectromechanical system SP4T switches. Insertion losses are measured to be less than 4.3 dB across the band for all delays. Amplitude imbalance is measured to less than ±0.5 dB across the band. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1060–1063, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24231
A simple dual‐band frequency selective surface
Authors: Araújo L. M. , Maniçoba R. H. C. , Campos A. L. P. S. , d'Assunção A. G.
Published: February 2009

Design and experimental investigations are presented for a dual‐band frequency selective surface (FSS) with perfectly conducting rectangular patch elements. The work was developed in two steps. In the first step, two single‐band FSS screens were designed to obtain resonant frequencies at 9.5 GHz and 10.5 GHz, each one with about 1.5 GHz bandwidth. In the second step, these single FSS screens were cascaded and separated by an air gap layer to achieve a dual‐band response. The proposed dual‐band FSS screen is easy to analyze and to fabricate with low cost materials and exhibits a low weight and easy to handle structure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 942–944, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24236
An enhanced microwave rectifying circuit using HSMS‐282
Authors: He Qijuan , Liu Changjun
Published: February 2009

A novel single diode rectifying circuit at 2.45 GHz is presented. An inductor is series‐connected with an HSMS‐282 Schottky diode to enhance the rectification performance. The imaginary part of the complex impedance of the diode is taken into consideration. Simulations and measurements show that the dynamic range of the load is widened with good radio frequency to direct current conversion efficiency (RF‐to‐DC Eff.). A conversion efficiency over 70% is demonstrated in this novel design. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1151–1153, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24237
Miniaturized and harmonics‐rejected slow‐wave branch‐line coupler based on microstrip electromagnetic bandgap element
Authors: Zhang Fei
Published: February 2009

This article presents a planar branch‐line hybrid coupler with an effective technique for harmonic suppression and size reduction. The proposed technique served by a microstrip electromagnetic bandgap element entitled MEBE (compact microstrip resonant cell) is used to suppress the harmonics and reduce the length of a quarter wavelength line when compared with the conventional branch‐line coupler. The planar structure enables an easy circuit implementation in printed circuit boards without any additional process and lumped elements. From the measured results, better than 30 dB suppression for the second harmonic and 18 dB suppression for the third harmonic are obtained while maintaining the characteristics of conventional branch‐line hybrid coupler. It is able to achieve two insertion losses of less than 3.5 dB, the return loss of 18 dB, and isolation of 19 dB at operating frequency. With our improved beeline compact microstrip resonant cell, compact branch‐line coupler occupying areas of 35.86% relative to conventional designs has been realized. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1080–1084, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24241
An integrated packaging antenna‐diplexer module for cellular/SDMB bands with LTCC technology
Authors: Ha Jeung Uk , Chang Kihun , Yoon Young Joong
Published: February 2009

This article presents an integrated packaging antenna‐diplexer module for wireless communication system in the cellular and satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (SDMB) band. Multilayer low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology with integration capability was used in design and fabrication of the proposed module. To achieve a compact integration, an inverted‐F antenna (IFA) with a meander line and a diplexer composed of low‐pass filter (LPF) and high‐pass filter (HPF) was embedded. The proposed module with dimension of 27.5 × 12.0 × 2.2 mm3operates over a range from 813 to 902 MHz for the cellular band and from 2586 to 2655 MHz for the SDMB band. An isolation level below −25 dB was obtained at each band. The measured gains of the fabricated module are −1.96 and −5.43 dBi, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1039–1043, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24244
A 5.79‐dB NF, 30‐GHz‐band monolithic LNA with 10 mW power consumption in standard 0.18‐μm CMOS technology
Authors: Chen Chi‐Chen , Lin Yo‐Sheng , Huang Guo‐Wei , Lu Shey‐Shi
Published: February 2009

A 30‐GHz (Ka‐band) low‐noise amplifier (LNA) with 10 mW power consumption (PDC) using standard 0.18‐μm CMOS technology was designed and implemented. To achieve sufficient gain, this LNA was composed of three cascade common‐source stages, and a series peaking inductor (Lg3) was added to the input terminal of the third stage to boost the peak gain (S21‐max) from 11.7 (at 28.8 GHz) to 14.5 (at 28 GHz), i.e., 23.9% (simulation). Shunt RC feedback was adopted in the third stage for achieving good output impedance matching. At 30 GHz, this LNA achieved excellent input return loss (S11) of −19.5 dB, output return loss (S22) of −23.8 dB, forward gain (S21) of 11.1 dB, reverse isolation (S12) of −49.2 dB, and noise figure of 5.79 dB. The corresponding gain/PDC was 1.11, which is better than those of the CMOS LNAs around 30 GHz reported in the literature. The measured input‐referred 1‐dB compression point (P1dB‐in) and input third‐order intermodulation point (IIP3) were −10.9 and −2 dBm, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 933–937, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24250
Triple‐band parallel coupled microstrip bandpass filter with dual coupled length input/output
Authors: Kung Cheng‐Yuan , Chen Yin‐Chung , Yang Cheng‐Fu , Huang Chih‐Yu
Published: February 2009

A three‐order triple‐band bandpass filter is proposed to operate at 1.8/3.5/5.2 GHz for DCS, WIMAX, and WLAN applications. Three 1/2λ open‐loop resonators and two novel modified input/output structures parallel coupled are used as the bases. The cascaded resonators are designed for wide bandwidth and high out‐of‐band rejection. The modified input/output structure is used to tune the suppression/improvement of each spurious resonance. The filter is printed on Al2O3ceramic substrate with 0.635 mm in thickness and has the relative dielectric constant 9.4. Because of the high dielectric constant substrate and novel feed in/out structure, the proposed filter with optimized parameters exhibits low insertion loss, high out‐of‐band rejection, wide bandwidth, and simple structure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 995–997, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24257
A novel compact printed circular antenna for very ultrawideband applications
Authors: Srifi Mohamed Nabil , El Mrabet Otman , Falcone Fransisco , Ayza Mario Sorolla , Essaaidi Mohamed
Published: February 2009

In this article, we present a novel circular disc antenna for current and future ultrawideband (UWB) applications. The proposed antenna has a small size of 30 mm × 35 mm, a simple geometry, and the excitation is launched through a 50‐Ω microstrip feed line. The impedance matching of the proposed antenna is improved by introducing a second microstrip line between the feed line and the circular patch. A prototype of the proposed antenna has been fabricated and its performances are measured. The obtained results show that the proposed antenna operates on UWB frequency range from 2.7 to 28.8 GHz. Measured radiation patterns and simulated gain and radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna are presented and discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1130–1133, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24261
Analysis of a radial infusion model for in‐plane permeability measurements of fiber reinforcement in composite materials
Authors: Mekic Sait , Akhatov Iskander S. , Ulven Chad A.
Published: February 2009

The principal components of in‐plane permeability of fiber reinforcement during resin infusion can be determined by unidirectional or by radial flow experiments. Using unidirectional flow, two separate experiments are required to determine both components if the directions of principal axis are known. The main drawback of this method is related to the edge flow that may significantly affect the accuracy of measurements. In radial flow, both principal components can be determined by performing one experiment when the directions of principal axis are known. However, developed models that apply to this method require iterative procedures and are highly sensitive to the radius of the injection port. Measurements of the flow front displacement have to be taken when the wetted area becomes large enough in comparison with the size of the inlet gate. This analysis is based on a quasi‐steady radial infusion model developed by Adams et al., Int. J. Multiphase Flow, 14, 203 (1988), which is used for calculation of the principal components of in‐plane permeability. It is shown that the anisotropy coefficient and consequent permeability may be evaluated at any stage of the flow front displacement. This implies that the pressure difference does not necessarily need to be constant during the experiment, as usually required for most previous models. Asymptotic analysis for very small and very large flow front displacements is also conducted and comparison with point source algorithms is provided. Three accurate and relatively simple algorithms that do not require iterative procedures for evaluation of in‐plane components of permeability are proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Changes in children's peer interactions following a natural disaster: How predisaster bullying and victimization rates changed following Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Terranova Andrew M. , Boxer Paul , Morris Amanda Sheffield
Published: February 2009

Youth exposed to disasters experience stress and adjustment difficulties, which likely influence their interactions with peers. In this study, we examined changes in bullying and peer victimization in two cohorts of children. Youth from an area affected by Hurricane Katrina were assessed pre‐ and postdisaster (n = 96, mean [M] = 10.9 years old, 53% female), and a comparison group from a nearby area was assessed over the same time interval 1 year prior (n = 120, M = 10.2 years old, 52% female). Within the hurricane group, relations between symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with bullying and victimization also were examined. Following the hurricane, the hurricane group reported increased relational and overt bullying relative to the nonhurricane group, and PTSD symptoms predicted increased victimization. Thus, school personnel should be vigilant and prepared to respond to increased bullying following disasters and for increased victimization in youth experiencing PTSD symptoms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social preference choices in late elementary school: Within and across group nominations
Authors: Farmer Thomas W. , Leung Man‐Chi , Keagy Kristen , Boudah Daniel J. , Akos Patrick , McDonough Erin , Hall Cristin M.
Published: February 2009

This study examined the social preference nominations (i.e., “liked most” and “liked least”) in relation to peer group and classroom social dynamics in a sample of 622 fifth graders from 11 schools in a southeastern state. Liked most and liked least nominations were given to a small concentration of students within classrooms. The top five nominees for liked most and liked least tended to be in peer groups and associated with at least one classmate who shared their position as a top nominee. The majority of liked most nominations in a classroom were made toward members inside the nominator's group, whereas the majority of liked least nominations were made toward peers outside one's group. Students in the same peer group were more likely to nominate the same peers as liked most than were students who did not affiliate together. In contrast, the concordance for liked least nominations was moderate at both the peer‐group and classroom level. Implications for school‐based social interventions are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel side‐chain naphthalimide polyphenylacetylene as a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for fluoride ion
Authors: Qu Yi , Hua Jianli , Jiang Yihua , Tian He
Published: February 2009

Novel polyphenylacetylene (P1) containing naphthalimides units in the side chain was designed and synthesized. The structure and properties of the polymer were characterized and evaluated by IR, NMR, UV, and PL. The measurements of sensing behavior to various halide anions, that is, F−, Cl−, Br−, and I−, reveal that the polymer is a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensors for fluoride ion. The polymer sensor shows spectral shifts and intensity changes in the presence of fluoride, in a wavelength‐ratiometric and ‐colorimetric manner, which can detect fluoride concentrations in range of 10–100 μM at visible wavelengths. The obvious colorless‐to‐yellow color change and blue‐to‐orange emission color change on the addition of fluoride ion are easily observed by naked eyes. It provides a feasible way to construct a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensors for fluoride ion. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1544–1552, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of fluorene‐based copolymers containing siloxane or distilbene moieties on their main chain
Authors: Cho Hoon‐Je , Park Moo‐Jin , Hwang Do‐Hoon , Ahn Taek , Hong Ji‐Won , Lee Jonghee , Cho Nam Sung , Shim Hong‐Ku
Published: February 2009

Two novel types of polyfluorene copolymers containing siloxane linkages or distilbene moieties on their main‐chains were synthesized by Ni(0)‐mediated Yamamoto coupling polymerization. These polymers, designated P2Silo05, P2Silo15, PF‐P02, and PF‐P05 were prepared by copolymerization between 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9′‐dihexylfluorene and bis(bromobenzene)‐terminated disiloxane monomer (for P2Silo05 and P2Silo15) or dibromodistilbene monomer (for PF‐P02 and PF‐P05). All of the polymers were highly soluble in common organic solvents such as chloroform, toluene, and p‐xylene. The glass transition temperatures of the polymers were between 92 and 113 °C, and the decomposition temperatures for a 5% weight loss (Td) were above 420 °C for all of the polymers, demonstrating high thermal stability. The molecular weight (Mw) of the polymers ranged from 4.2 × 104 to 8.8 × 104. The blue shift of the maximum in the UV‐visible absorption was greater in polymers with a higher molar percentage of siloxane linkages or distilbene moieties than in homo poly (dihexylfluorene) (PDHF). However, the photoluminescence spectra of the polymers were similar to those of PDHF in terms of the onsets and patterns. Single‐layer light‐emitting diodes were fabricated with a configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymers/Ca/Al. The maximum electroluminescence emission wavelengths of the polymers were 425–450 nm, corresponding to pure blue light. The CIE co‐ordinates of the polyfluorenes containing siloxane linkages or distilbene moieties ranged from (0.21, 0.21) to (0.17, 0.10), indicating deeper blue light than that of PDHF {CIE co‐ordinates of (0.25, 0.29)}, with P2Silo15 giving the deepest blue‐light {CIE co‐ordinates of (0.17, 0.10)}. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1595–1608, 2009
Synthesis of copolyfluorenes containing green chromophores based on triphenylamine unit and their application in light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Hsieh Bar‐Yuan , Chen Yun
Published: February 2009

Two series of new copolyfluorenes (PFTP, PFTT) were prepared by the Suzuki coupling reaction from two green‐emitting dibromo monomers (TP‐Br, TT‐Br) based on triphenylamine unit to be applied in white light electroluminescent devices. They were characterized by molecular weight determination, elemental analysis, DSC, TGA, absorption and photoluminescence spectra, and cyclic voltammetry. The estimated actual contents of the TP and TT chromophores were lower than 7.8 mol % and 1.9 mol % for PFTP and PFTT, respectively. In film state both copolyfluorenes showed photoluminescence at 400–470 and 470–600 nm originated from fluorene segments and the chromophores, respectively, due to incomplete energy transfer. Light‐emitting diodes with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/copolymer/Ca(50 nm)/Al(100 nm) showed major emission at 493–525 nm, plus minor emission at 400–470 nm when chromophore contents were low. The maximum brightness and maximum current efficiency of PFTP2 device were 8370 cd/m2 and 1.47 cd/A, whereas those of PFTT1 device were 9440 cd/m2 and 1.77 cd/A, respectively. Tri‐wavelength white‐light emission was realized through blending PFTT1 with poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) and a red‐emitting iridium complex, in which the maximum brightness and CIE coordinates were 6880 cd/m2 and (0.31, 0.33), respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1553–1566, 2009
A green fluorescent protein screen for identification of well‐expressed membrane proteins from a cohort of extremophilic organisms
Authors: Hammon Justus , Palanivelu Dinesh V. , Chen Joy , Patel Chintan , Minor Daniel L.
Published: February 2009

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins provide a potentially facile tool for identification of well expressed, properly behaved membrane proteins for biochemical and structural study. Here, we present a GFP‐expression survey of >300 membrane proteins from 18 bacterial and archaeal extremophiles, organisms expected to be rich sources of membrane proteins having robust biophysical properties. We find that GFP‐fusion fluorescence intensity is an excellent indicator of over‐expression potential. By employing a follow‐up optimization protocol using a suite of non‐GFP constructs and different expression temperatures, we obtain 0.5–15 mg L−1 expression levels for 90% of the tested candidate proteins that pass the GFP screen. Evaluation of the results suggests that certain organisms may serve as better sources of well‐expressed membrane proteins than others, that the degree to which codon usage matches the expression host is uncorrelated with success rate, and that the combination of GFP screening and expression optimization is essential for producing biochemically tractable quantities of material.