bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down‐Regulation of Thioredoxin1 Is Involved in Death of Calu‐6 Lung Cancer Cells Treated With Suberoyl Bishydroxamic Acid
Authors: You Bo Ra , Park Woo Hyun
Published: October 2015

Suberoyl bishydroxamic acid (SBHA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, can show an anticancer effect. In this study, we investigated the effects of SBHA on the growth inhibition and death of Calu‐6 and NCI‐H1299 cells in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant levels. SBHA inhibited the growth of Calu‐6 and NCI‐H1299 lung cancer cells with an IC50 of 50 µM at 72 h. This agent induced apoptosis in Calu‐6 cells and triggered to a G2/M phase arrest in NCI‐H1299 cells. Although it also reduced the growth of normal human pulmonary fibroblast (HPF) cells, the susceptibility of Calu‐6 cells to SBHA was higher than that of HPF cells. In addition, SBHA did not affect the growth of human small airway epithelial cells (HSAEC). Regarding ROS and antioxidant levels, SBHA increased ROS level and glutathione (GSH) depletion in Calu‐6 and NCI‐H1299 cells whereas it decreased ROS levels in HPF and HSAEC. SBHA also decreased thioredoxin1 (Trx1) level in Calu‐6 cells. Although the down‐regulation of Trx1 intensified apoptosis and ROS level in SBHA‐treated Calu‐6 cells, the overexpression of Trx1 attenuated apoptosis and ROS level in these cells. This down‐regulation of Trx1 did not affect apoptosis‐signaling regulating kinase1 (ASK1) activation. In conclusion, the down‐regulation of Trx1 by SBHA was closely involved in cell death in Calu‐6 cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1250–1261, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water solvent effects using continuum and discrete models: The nitromethane molecule, CH3NO2
Authors: Modesto‐Costa Lucas , Uhl Elmar , Borges Itamar
Published: October 2015

The first three valence transitions of the two nitromethane conformers (CH3NO2) are two dark n → π* transitions and a very intense π → π* transition. In this work, these transitions in gas‐phase and solvated in water of both conformers were investigated theoretically. The polarizable continuum model (PCM), two conductor‐like screening (COSMO) models, and the discrete sequential quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (S‐QM/MM) method were used to describe the solvation effect on the electronic spectra. Time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), configuration interaction including all single substitutions and perturbed double excitations (CIS(D)), the symmetry‐adapted‐cluster CI (SAC‐CI), the multistate complete active space second order perturbation theory (CASPT2), and the algebraic‐diagrammatic construction (ADC(2)) electronic structure methods were used. Gas‐phase CASPT2, SAC‐CI, and ADC(2) results are in very good agreement with published experimental and theoretical spectra. Among the continuum models, PCM combined either with CASPT2, SAC‐CI, or B3LYP provided good agreement with available experimental data. COSMO combined with ADC(2) described the overall trends of the transition energy shifts. The effect of increasing the number of explicit water molecules in the S‐QM/MM approach was discussed and the formation of hydrogen bonds was clearly established. By including explicitly 24 water molecules corresponding to the complete first solvation shell in the S‐QM/MM approach, the ADC(2) method gives more accurate results as compared to the TDDFT approach and with similar computational demands. The ADC(2) with S‐QM/MM model is, therefore, the best compromise for accurate solvent calculations in a polar environment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glucose transformation to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural in acidic ionic liquid: A quantum mechanical study
Authors: Arifin  , Puripat Maneeporn , Yokogawa Daisuke , Parasuk Vudhichai , Irle Stephan
Published: October 2015

Isomerization and transformation of glucose and fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in both ionic liquids (ILs) and water has been studied by the reference interaction site model self‐consistent field spatial electron density distribution (RISM‐SCF‐SEDD) method coupled with ab initio electronic structure theory, namely coupled cluster single, double, and perturbative triple excitation (CCSD(T)). Glucose isomerization to fructose has been investigated via cyclic and open chain mechanisms. In water, the calculations support the cyclic mechanism of glucose isomerization; with the predicted activation free energy is 23.8 kcal mol−1 at experimental condition. Conversely, open ring mechanism is more favorable in ILs with the energy barrier is 32.4 kcal mol−1. Moreover, the transformation of fructose into HMF via cyclic mechanism is reasonable; the calculated activation barriers are 16.0 and 21.5 kcal mol−1 in aqueous and ILs solutions, respectively. The solvent effects of ILs could be explained by the decomposition of free energies and radial distribution functions of solute‐solvent that are produced by RISM‐SCF‐SEDD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NEIGHBORHOODS AND MENTAL HEALTH TRAJECTORIES OF LOW‐INCOME MOTHERS
Authors: Brisson Daniel , Lopez Amy , Yoder Jamie
Published: October 2015

Research has demonstrated a correlation between living in a low‐income neighborhood and mental health. However, neighborhood variables affecting mental health and the extent they serve as risk or protective factors are not well understood. Using longitudinal data from a representative sample of low‐income mothers from the Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three City Study, the trajectories of total mental health, depression, somatization, and anxiety from the Brief Symptom's Inventory are assessed. Then, the effects of two neighborhood concepts–collective efficacy and neighborhood problems–on mental health trajectories are assessed. Results indicate that total mental health, depression, somatization, and anxiety all decrease in this sample over time. Perceiving one's neighborhood to be high in collective efficacy is predictive of healthier trajectories. The presence of neighborhood problems is associated with declines in mental health trajectories. Findings demonstrate the need to address neighborhood conditions to improve mental health for low‐income mothers living in low‐income neighborhoods.
INTEGRATING BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS AND BEHAVIORAL GENETICS: DELAYED REWARD DISCOUNTING AS AN ENDOPHENOTYPE FOR ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
Authors: MacKillop James
Published: October 2015

Delayed reward discounting is a behavioral economic index of impulsivity, referring to how much an individual devalues a reward based on its delay in time. As a behavioral process that varies considerably across individuals, delay discounting has been studied extensively as a model for self‐control, both in the general population and in clinical samples. There is growing interest in genetic influences on discounting and, in particular, the prospect of discounting as an endophenotype for addictive disorders (i.e., a heritable mechanism partially responsible for conferring genetic risk). This review assembles and critiques the evidence supporting this hypothesis. Via numerous cross‐sectional studies and a small number of longitudinal studies, there is considerable evidence that impulsive discounting is associated with addictive behavior and appears to play an etiological role. Moreover, there is increasing evidence from diverse methodologies that impulsive delay discounting is temporally stable, heritable, and that elevated levels are present in nonaffected family members. These findings suggest that impulsive discounting meets the criteria for being considered an endophenotype. In addition, recent findings suggest that genetic variation related to dopamine neurotransmission is significantly associated with variability in discounting preferences. A significant caveat, however, is that the literature is modest in some domains and, in others, not all the findings have been supportive or consistent. In addition, important methodological considerations are necessary in future studies. Taken together, although not definitive, there is accumulating support for the hypothesis of impulsive discounting as an endophenotype for addictive behavior and a need for further systematic investigation.
TOWARDS A GENERAL MODEL OF TEMPORAL DISCOUNTING
Authors: van den Bos Wouter , McClure Samuel M.
Published: October 2015

Psychological models of temporal discounting have now successfully displaced classical economic theory due to the simple fact that many common behavior patterns, such as impulsivity, were unexplainable with classic models. However, the now dominant hyperbolic model of discounting is itself becoming increasingly strained. Numerous factors have arisen that alter discount rates with no means to incorporate the different influences into standard hyperbolic models. Furthermore, disparate literatures are emerging that propose theoretical constructs that are seemingly independent of hyperbolic discounting. We argue that, although hyperbolic discounting provides an eminently useful quantitative measure of discounting, it fails as a descriptive psychological model of the cognitive processes that produce intertemporal preferences. Instead, we propose that recent contributions from cognitive neuroscience indicate a path for developing a general model of time discounting. New data suggest a means by which neuroscience‐based theory may both integrate the diverse empirical data on time preferences and merge seemingly disparate theoretical models that impinge on time preferences.
BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS AND EMPIRICAL PUBLIC POLICY
Authors: Hursh Steven R. , Roma Peter G.
Published: October 2015

The application of economics principles to the analysis of behavior has yielded novel insights on value and choice across contexts ranging from laboratory animal research to clinical populations to national trends of global impact. Recent innovations in demand curve methods provide a credible means of quantitatively comparing qualitatively different reinforcers as well as quantifying the choice relations between concurrently available reinforcers. The potential of the behavioral economic approach to inform public policy is illustrated with examples from basic research, pre‐clinical behavioral pharmacology, and clinical drug abuse research as well as emerging applications to public transportation and social behavior. Behavioral Economics can serve as a broadly applicable conceptual, methodological, and analytical framework for the development and evaluation of empirical public policy.
Evaluation of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Smith Carmen B. , Hurdle April C. , Kemp Leonette O. , Sands Christophe , Twilla Jennifer D.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients has been reported to be 0.5% to 6.3%. Studies report the use of thromboprophylaxis in CLD patients as suboptimal, with at least 75% of patients receiving no prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of VTE prophylaxis in CLD patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary‐care academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Inpatient admissions from August 2009 through July 2011 with CLD diagnosis.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS

Initiation and type of thromboprophylaxis, incidence of VTE, bleeding events, hospital length of stay, in‐hospital mortality, 30‐day readmission for VTE.

RESULTS

Of the 410 patients included, 225 (55%) patients received thromboprophylaxis. For patients with international normalized ratio (INR) >2.0, a significant decrease in overall thromboprophylaxis use and pharmacologic prophylaxis use was seen compared to those with INR 1.4 to 2.0 (P = 0.013 and P < 0.001, respectively). Overall incidence of VTE was 0.7%. Fifteen bleeding events occurred (3.7%): 9 on mechanical prophylaxis, 1 on pharmacologic, 3 on combination, and 2 with no prophylaxis. The majority of patients experiencing a bleeding event had an INR >2.0 (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The use of thromboprophylaxis in CLD patients is higher in our study than previous reports but remains suboptimal. Use of VTE pharmacologic prophylaxis does not appear to increase bleeding in CLD patients with INR ≤2.0. Further studies are needed to provide additional safety data. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:569–573. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
One drop chemical derivatization – DESI‐MS analysis for metabolite structure identification
Authors: Lubin Arnaud , Cabooter Deirdre , Augustijns Patrick , Cuyckens Filip
Published: October 2015

Structural elucidation of metabolites is an important part during the discovery and development process of new pharmaceutical drugs. Liquid Chromatography (LC) in combination with Mass Spectrometry (MS) is usually the technique of choice for structural identification but cannot always provide precise structural identification of the studied metabolite (e.g. site of hydroxylation and site of glucuronidation). In order to identify those metabolites, different approaches are used combined with MS data including nuclear magnetic resonance, hydrogen/deuterium exchange and chemical derivatization followed by LC‐MS. Those techniques are often time‐consuming and/or require extra sample pre‐treatment.

In this paper, a fast and easy to set up tool using desorption electrospray ionization–MS for metabolite identification is presented. In the developed method, analytes in solution are simply dried on a glass plate with printed Teflon spots and then a single drop of derivatization mixture is added. Once the spot is dried, the derivatized compound is analyzed. Six classic chemical derivatizations were adjusted to work as a one drop reaction and applied on a list of compounds with relevant functional groups. Subsequently, two successive reactions on a single spot of amoxicillin were tested and the methodology described was successfully applied on an in vitro incubated alprazolam metabolite. All reactions and analyses were performed within an hour and gave useful structural information by derivatizing functional groups, making the method a time‐saving and efficient tool for metabolite identification if used in addition or in some cases as an alternative to common methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of GC temperature and carrier gas flow rate on on‐line oxygen isotope measurement as studied by on‐column CO injection
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Gang , Yin Xi‐Jie , Zhou Youping
Published: October 2015

Although deemed important to δ18O measurement by on‐line high‐temperature conversion techniques, how the GC conditions affect δ18O measurement is rarely examined adequately. We therefore directly injected different volumes of CO or CO–N2 mix onto the GC column by a six‐port valve and examined the CO yield, CO peak shape, CO–N2 separation, and δ18O value under different GC temperatures and carrier gas flow rates. The results show the CO peak area decreases when the carrier gas flow rate increases. The GC temperature has no effect on peak area. The peak width increases with the increase of CO injection volume but decreases with the increase of GC temperature and carrier gas flow rate. The peak intensity increases with the increase of GC temperature and CO injection volume but decreases with the increase of carrier gas flow rate. The peak separation time between N2 and CO decreases with an increase of GC temperature and carrier gas flow rate. δ18O value decreases with the increase of CO injection volume (when half m/z 28 intensity is <3 V) and GC temperature but is insensitive to carrier gas flow rate. On average, the δ18O value of the injected CO is about 1‰ higher than that of identical reference CO. The δ18O distribution pattern of the injected CO is probably a combined result of ion source nonlinearity and preferential loss of C16O or oxygen isotopic exchange between zeolite and CO. For practical application, a lower carrier gas flow rate is therefore recommended as it has the combined advantages of higher CO yield, better N2–CO separation, lower He consumption, and insignificant effect on δ18O value, while a higher‐than‐60 °C GC temperature and a larger‐than‐100 µl CO volume is also recommended. When no N2 peak is expected, a higher GC temperature is recommended, and vice versa. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological ownership: A review and research agenda
Authors: Dawkins Sarah , Tian Amy Wei , Newman Alexander , Martin Angela
Published: October 2015

The concept of psychological ownership (PO) reflects a state in which individuals feel as though the target of ownership (e.g., job or organization) is theirs. In recent years, there has been an expansion of research linking PO with a range of desirable employee attitudes and behaviors. However, the theoretical foundations of the construct, its measurement, the factors that influence its development, and when and how it influences outcomes are areas of continued debate in the literature. In this article, we provide a narrative review of extant PO literature with the aim of developing a research agenda that encourages scholars to target opportunities for future research. In particular, we highlight the need for continued refinement of the conceptualization and measurement of PO, and development of its nomological network. In addition, we call for greater investigation of PO towards different objects or foci; examination of possible multilevel applications of PO research; identification of potential boundary conditions of PO; and exploration of the influence of culture and individual differences on the development and influence of PO. We also introduce alternative theoretical approaches for understanding and investigating PO. In doing so, we provide a roadmap for scholars to progress the development of the field. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overexpression of TOR (target of rapamycin) inhibits cell proliferation in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Swer Pynskhem Bok , Mishra Himanshu , Lohia Rakhee , Saran Shweta
Published: October 2015

TOR (target of rapamycin) protein kinase acts as a central controller of cell growth and development of an organism. Present study was undertaken to find the expression pattern and role of TOR during growth and development of Dictyostelium discoideum. Failures to generate either knockout and/or knockdown mutants indicate that interference with its levels led to cellular defects. Thus, the effects of TOR (DDB_G0281569) overexpression specifically, cells expressing Dd(Δ211‐TOR)‐Eyfp mutant was analyzed. Elevated expression of (Δ211‐TOR)‐Eyfp reduced both cell size and cell proliferation. DdTOR was found to be closer to fungus. mRNA level of TOR was found maximally in the freshly starved/aggregate cells that gradually declined. This was also strengthened by the expression patterns observed by in situ and the analysis of β‐galactosidase reporter driven by the putative TOR promoter. The TOR protein was found to be highest at the aggregate stage. The fusion protein, (Δ211‐TOR)‐Eyfp was localized to the cell membrane, cytosol, and the nucleus. We suggest, DdTOR to be an essential protein and high TOR expression inhibits cell proliferation.
Squamous/adenosquamous carcinoma of the gallbladder: Analysis of 34 cases and comparison of clinicopathologic features and surgical outcomes with adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Hu‐Wei , Chen Chen , Shen Hao‐Xin , Ma Li , Zhao Ya‐Ling , Zhang Guan‐Jun , Geng Zhi‐Min , Wang Lin
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To explore clinicopathological features and effects of surgical treatment of squamous/adenosquamous carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Methods

We enrolled 411 patients who were surgically treated for gallbladder cancer in our hospital, including 10 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 24 with adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), and 377 with adenocarcinoma (AC). The ASC–SCC group was compared with the AC group for clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes.

Results

The patients' average age was 61.4 years. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom, and 67.6% of patients had gallstones. All patients had advanced‐stage (T3/T4) carcinomas. The ASC–SCC group had significantly higher percentages of T4 disease (61.8%) and N1 nodal involvement (58.8%) than did the AC group (T4 disease: 34.0%, P = 0.001; N1 involvement: 39.0%, P = 0.02). Patients in the ASC–SCC group who underwent R0 resections had significantly better 1‐year survival (30%) than those who underwent R1 or R2 resections (0%; P = 0.025), but lower 1‐year survival rates than similar‐staged patients in the AC group (69.3%; P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Patients with gallbladder ASC–SCC were similar to those with AC in clinical characteristics, but tended to have more infiltration of multiple adjacent organs and lymphatic metastasis. Curative resection could give these patients better outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:677–680. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recultivation of Agricultural Land Impaired by Construction of a Hydropower Plant on the Sava River, Slovenia
Authors: Zupanc Vesna , Kammerer Gerhard , Grčman Helena , Šantavec Igor , Cvejić Rozalija , Pintar Marina
Published: October 2015

Hydropower plants on the lower river Sava, Slovenia, were developed without sealing the underground upstream. As a consequence, without the countermeasures of elevating and recultivating, the agricultural land on the river banks would be inundated because of the water‐table increase of the river. To remedy this, the fields were elevated and recultivated. The goal of this study was to assess soil quality and production potential after land raising and recultivation and to answer the question whether it is possible to recover soil quality and crop yield after large‐scale mass manipulation, such as land raising. After recultivation and after the second year of land reuse for the two cultures grass–clover mixture and corn on two sites, Middle Pijavsko and Lower Pijavsko, soil physical and chemical characteristics and crop yields were evaluated. Mixing of topsoil with the second horizon during removal and during backfill with filling material resulted in uneven soil fertility, plant growth and decreased yield. Driving on the refilled second layer with heavy machinery caused soil compaction in the Middle Pijavsko in spite of favourable soil texture (loam, 38·7% sand). On the areas with very high sand content (over 55%) and low clay content (10%), soil compaction was not as severe or persistent. Recultivation measures restored the agricultural land almost to the production potential prior to powerplant construction. Immediate intensive land use (corn) showed less favourable effect on soil characteristics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ternary mixes with high mineral additions contents and corrosion related properties
Authors: Alonso M. C. , García Calvo J. L. , Sánchez M. , Fernandez A.
Published: October 2015

The choice of blended cements and materials with cementitious properties in concrete is currently seen as a choice that increases the environmental sustainability of the construction industry. The developments with non‐traditional binders (such as the simultaneous incorporation of several types of supplementary cementitious materials) have highlighted new challenges to be researched. In the present paper ternary binders were prepared by mixing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) plus two blended components: low calcium fly ash, blast furnace slag, and/or limestone filler. Several physical and mechanical properties of ternary blend systems have been analyzed in mortar form at several curing ages: 2, 7, 28, and 90 days. Additionally preliminary tests of corrosion performance of reinforcement in these types of mixes have been considered. The results indicate that the use of appropriate content components in ternary blends will allow binders to fulfill the specified mechanical requirements. The best results are obtained when two additions with antagonist properties are mixed, as fly ashes and slags or slags and filler limestone. Besides, certain influence of the effect on durability performance is detected, in particular associated with the stability of the passive state and corrosion of reinforcements in presence of chlorides.
Non‐traditional assessment and maintenance methods for aging concrete structures – technical and non‐technical issues
Authors: Polder R. B. , Peelen W. H. A. , Courage W. M. G.
Published: October 2015

Based on construction dates and observed time to corrosion induced damage, the future need for repair of reinforced concrete motorway bridges in The Netherlands is predicted. Due to the age distribution and in particular the relatively short life of conventional repairs, the need for maintenance will increase steeply over the next few decades. It appears that a back log of postponed maintenance exists, which aggravates the problem. This steep rise may be mitigated by the application of various modern techniques for assessment, prevention, monitoring, and protection, that each have a good track record but are not widely used. Various factors that oppose the application of such innovations in the area of concrete maintenance are discussed.
Novel processing in inert atmosphere and in air to manufacture high‐activity slurry aluminide coatings modified by Pt and Pt/Ir
Authors: Galetz M. C. , Montero X. , Murakami H.
Published: October 2015

Slurry‐derived coatings are an interesting alternative method to pack aluminization of nickel‐base superalloys, which provide similar properties and protection at high temperatures. For highest performance, these aluminide coatings are modified by the addition of Pt or, as recent research suggests, with Pt/Ir. While the combination of Pt and Pt/Ir with an out‐of‐pack process is state of the art, slurry coatings are of special interest as a repair method for turbine blades. In this study, the microstructural evolution of slurry‐derived coatings manufactured on CM 247 in inert atmosphere as well as in air was investigated. Layers of Ni, Pt, and Pt/Ir mixtures were electrodeposited. After annealing, a diffusion heat‐treatment with a slurry containing aluminum or aluminum–silicon powder was applied on the samples. The addition of silicon is well known to be beneficial for hot corrosion environments. The reaction and interdiffusion behavior of aluminum/aluminum–silicon determines the microstructural evolution of the coatings. Depending on the initial electroplated layer on the surface, different microstructures can be obtained, such as the Pt/Ir‐modified beta phase (Ni,Pt)Al or two‐phase layers of PtAl2 and NiAl. Additionally, the reactivity between the elements at the surface and those from the slurry was shown to determine homogeneity and surface roughness of the diffusion coating, also depending on the atmosphere used during slurry aluminization. Finally, it was demonstrated that iridium has a high influence on the diffusion behavior and especially the distribution of platinum in the coatings. Such new coatings have the potential to overcome some disadvantages of conventionally manufactured high‐activity aluminide coatings, as the combination of Pt/Ir‐electroplating with the slurry process results in less detrimental substrate elements like molybdenum or tungsten close to the surface.
A novel mutation of PDE8B Gene in a Japanese family with autosomal‐dominant striatal degeneration
Authors: Azuma Reo , Ishikawa Kinya , Hirata Kosei , Hashimoto Yuji , Takahashi Makoto , Ishii Kenji , Inaba Akira , Yokota Takanori , Orimo Satoshi
Published: October 2015

Background

Autosomal‐dominant striatal degeneration is a rare autosomal‐dominant neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by slowly progressive parkinsonism. Recently, a mutation of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 8B gene was reported to be a causal gene mutation of this disease.

Methods

We report on the clinical characteristics of 2 patients of a Japanese family with autosomal‐dominant striatal degeneration and the result of gene mutation analysis of this family.

Results

Clinical features of the patients are slowly progressive parkinsonism and brain MRI showing high signal intensity in T2‐weighted images in the striatum. We found a heterozygous nonsense mutation in the first exon of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 8B gene, which is predicted to disrupt all important functional domains of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 8B protein.

Conclusions

This family is the second family with autosomal‐dominant striatal degeneration after the first German family, confirming that cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 8B gene is the causative gene for this disease. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dual‐band printed monopole slot antenna with combination of L‐slot and ARM‐slot for WLAN application
Authors: Rahim Sharul Abdul , Nor Zairil , Jizat Noorlindawaty Md. , Sabran Mursyidul , Jamlos Mohd Faizal
Published: October 2015

Antenna communication technologies were developing fast in recent research area, and these technologies demand high performance antenna to coop with the development. Wireless local area network (WLAN) application is famous term in antenna field nowadays, where this application allowed the users to communicate in long range without wired connection. WLAN demands an antenna with small size and volume, low in cost and weight, easy to design, and can perform efficiently at two distinct frequencies. In this article, the dual‐band antenna working at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz was proposed. The proposed antenna consists of L‐slots and arm's slot, where these slots greatly influenced the dual‐band ability. The combination of 45° of bending angle at all antenna edges and slots can enable the proposed antenna to have good performances in term of return losses, bandwidth percentages, and larger half‐power bandwidth (HPBW) values at both frequencies. The proposed antenna works efficiently at 2.45‐ and 5.8‐GHz frequency bands when this antenna gives return loss values of −25.1718 and −28.6754 dB, correspondingly. This device can generate a broad forward beam that covered −62.1 to 62.1° HPBW with 36% bandwidth at 2.45 GHz, whereas at 5.8‐GHz band, the HPBW for this antenna covered from −77.4 to 52.2° with 7.04% bandwidth. The proposed antenna suits to be used in WLAN's applications such as in Wi‐Fi, Bluetooth, and access point application. The proposed antenna measurement values meet the IEEE 802.11 standard to make this antenna reliable. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2668‐2673, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26305
Wide locking range divide‐by‐3 injection‐locked frequency divider using differential‐injection linear mixers and dual frequency tuning
Authors: Wang Chien‐Chin , Chen Chang‐Zhi , Lin Yo‐Sheng
Published: October 2015

A wide locking‐range Ka‐band CMOS divide‐by‐3 injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD3) using differential‐injection linear mixers and dual frequency‐tuning is demonstrated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology. Divide‐by‐3 and low‐voltage operation were achieved by the differential‐injection linear mixers, which constitute two source‐connected series NMOSFETs in parallel with the LC tank. In addition, two pairs of varactors were adopted to enhance the ratio of variable capacitance to the overall capacitance of the LC tank. This in turn results in an increase of the locking range (LR). Furthermore, a bypass capacitor was added to the drain terminal of the head current source to eliminate its noise contribution. The ILFD3 consumed 5.28 mW from a 1.5 V power supply. Measurement result shows the proposed ILFD3 achieved a state‐of‐the‐art 19.84% (31.29–38.18 GHz) locking range and an excellent output phase‐noise of −130.1 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. The chip area was only 0.87 × 0.72 mm2 excluding the test pads. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2622–2626, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26307
Formation of bowtie‐shaped excitation in a photonic–microfluidic integrated devices
Authors: Watts Benjamin R. , Kowpak Thomas , Zhang Zhiyi , Xu Chang‐Qing , Zhu Shiping
Published: October 2015

Narrowly confining the beam intensity in a well‐defined region in the center of cell flow is a necessary step to perform reliable flow cytometry testing but has so far not been achieved in a photonic–microfluidic integrated device.We were able to focus the excitation beam to a very narrow bowtie shape with a near uniform intensity across the flow stream for excitation for a flow cytometry application. Beam geometry was achieved by integrating a one‐dimensional lens system with planar waveguides and a microfluidic channel on one substrate using one patterning material via a one‐shot process. This letter reports the method used to achieve such shaped beams and the performance of the shaped beams. © 2011 National Research Council Canada & Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2583–2586, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26309
Sixteen‐by‐sixteen array of series‐fed aperture‐coupled microstrip patch antennas
Authors: Soliman E. A. , Vasylchenko A. , Volski V. , De Raedt W. , Vandenbosch G. A. E.
Published: October 2015

A new recursive technique of building series‐fed arrays is introduced in this paper. This technique is based on a series‐feeding network that distributes the input power uniformly among four output ports. If these output ports are terminated by four radiating elements, a one‐by‐four array is obtained. If four such arrays are connected using the same network, a four‐by‐four array can be constructed. Similarly, the same series‐feeding network is used to connect four of the previously obtained four‐by‐four arrays to realize a four‐by‐sixteen array. Finally, four of these arrays are connected together to achieve the desired sixteen‐by‐sixteen array. The single element used for this research is an aperture‐coupled square microstrip patch. All the proposed arrays are fabricated using Printed Circuit Board technology. Detailed theoretical analysis, via two well‐known packages, in addition to experimental characterization is performed. The results show that the proposed arrays enjoy wideband behavior, low‐cross‐polarization level, symmetric broadside radiation patterns, low‐side‐lobe level, reasonable front‐to‐back radiation ratio, high directivity, and good gain. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2705–2711, 2011; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.26310
Performance analysis of metallic carbon nanotubes as nanotechnology circuit interconnects
Authors: Parkash Vidur , Goel Ashok K.
Published: October 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as a potential nanoelectronic material that can replace traditional copper as the material for very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI) interconnects.In this article, we have quantified the performance expected out of CNTs‐based interconnect systems based on realistic characterization of their Tomonaga Luttinger theory‐based transmission line model. We have presented performance estimates for bus systems consisted of single‐walled nanotubes and crystalline bundles of CNTs. Results indicate that the bundles offer at leasta 10 times performance advantage over isolated nanotubes. However, this is at the expense of larger signal damping associated with them. Published 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2505–2508, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26314
Planar multiband antenna for multistandard mobile handset applications
Authors: Abbosh A. M. , Dadgarpour A.
Published: October 2015

A planar antenna for multiband operation is presented.The proposed microstrip‐fed antenna includes a slotted ground plane, a T‐shaped radiator, meandered and open circuit strips. A return loss of better than 10 dB is achieved at the frequency bands personal communication system (PCS) (1850–1990 MHz), UMTS (1920–2170 MHz), WiBro (2300–2390 MHz), WLAN + Bluetooth (2400–2480 MHz), WiMAX (2500–2690 MHz), and WiMAX (3400–3600 MHz). If a return loss of 6 dB is considered as a standard, the antenna can cover DCS (1710–1880 MHz). The proposed antenna occupies a small volume of 40 × 30 × 1.6 mm3, which makes it attractive to the portable devices. The simulated and measured performance of the antenna confirms its multiband operation and omnidirectional radiation pattern. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2700–2703, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26319
Design of a novel UWB omnidirectional semicircular disk antenna
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Chen Lijia , Qiu Jinghui
Published: October 2015

In this article, a novel omnidirectional semicircular disk antenna is investigated both numerically and experimentally.Two prototypes of different dimensions are fabricated and measured, resulting in a best impedance bandwidth ratio of more than 80:1. The antenna is considerably promising for future ultrawide‐band applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2497–2501, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26328
Vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser based digital coherent detection for multigigabit long reach passive optical links
Authors: Rodes Roberto , Jensen Jesper Bevensee , Zibar Darko , Neumeyr Christian , Rönneberg Enno , Rosskopf Juergen , Ortsiefer Markus , Monroy Idelfonso Tafur
Published: October 2015

We report on experimental demonstration of digital coherent detection based on a directly modulated vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser with bit rate up to 10 Gbps. This system allows a cooler‐less, free running, and unamplified transmission without optical dispersion compensation up to 105 km at 5 Gbps long reach passive optical links. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2462–2464, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26331
Broadband and size‐reduced microstrip antenna with double T‐feed for UHF RFID tags
Authors: Tang Zhi‐Jun , Zhan Jie , He Yi‐Gang
Published: October 2015

A novel radio frequency identification tag antenna at 915 MHz using a bent meandered strip, a U‐microstrip patch and an adjustable double T‐feed is proposed, which is suitable for attaching to dry objects with various content. The antenna's size is 21.2 × 63.0 mm2. The antenna achieves 400 MHz bandwidths, 1.60 dBi gains, and a good radiation pattern. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2697–2699, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26332
Fabrication and measurement of DR19/PMMA‐based electro‐optic switch with nanosecond response time
Authors: Jin Lin , Cao Zijian , Wang Xibin , Ma Chunsheng , Zhang Daming
Published: October 2015

In this article, a novel guest–host nonlinear optical material is synthesized by using poly(methylmethacrylate) as the host and Disperse Red 19 as the guest. This material can be synthesized easily. A high cost‐performance electro‐optic switch using the coplanar waveguide electrodes operating at 1550 nm has been designed and fabricated. Switching time of device is less than 114 ns. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2653–2657, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26334
Limit for the proportion of remaining samples in the mode‐stirred chamber sample selection technique
Authors: Hallbjörner Paul , Sánchez‐Heredia Juan D. , de los Reyes Elias , Sánchez‐Hernández David A.
Published: October 2015

An expression is derived for the maximum proportion of remaining samples in the sample selection technique for mode‐stirred chamber measurements. The limit is independent of the selection algorithm used. The limit is verified in simulations as well as measurement examples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2608–2610, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26336
Viable multiconductor spiral inductor design on silicon substrate with effective broadband shielding
Authors: Chiang Meng‐Ju
Published: October 2015

The viable multiconductor spiral inductor designs on the silicon substrate with effective broadband shielding are presented. The synthetic edge‐coupled transmission line (TL), which is operated in the even mode, is applied to realize the spiral inductor and provide the mesh ground shielding on the conventional silicon substrate for a well‐defined interface with the system integration. The proposed two types of spiral inductors are fabricated by the standard 0.18‐μm CMOS technology. For the high‐quality factor (Q‐factor) design, the measured result shows that the proposed inductor has the maximum Q‐factor of 6.5 at 24.0 GHz, which is the same with that of conventional design without shielding ground plane. For the high‐inductance design, the proposed shielded inductor reveals the inductance of 0.39 nH and Q‐factor of 4.9 at 16.0 GHz, respectively, indicating 13.5% higher and 16.1% lower than that of the conventional design. Furthermore, the coupling between the two adjacent spiral inductors with edge‐to‐edge spacing of 80.0 μm is 60.0‐to‐80.0 dB, indicating approximately more than 40.0 dB improvement against reference design. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2488–2492, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26343
Electrically Controlled Fast Response Cascading Tunable Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Focusing Lenses
Authors: Kun Gui , Jihong Zheng , Kangni Wang , Menghua Zhang , Caihong Guo , Zengjun Zhou , Songlin Zhuang
Published: October 2015

We experimentally demonstrated an electrically controlled variable focus optical system based on cascading polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) lens. Through adjusting external electric field applied on the hole‐type electrode of PDLC lens to change the spatial distribution of refractive index of PDLC, the plane PDLC cell can be functioned as a focusing lens with the variable focus length. In this article, we simulate the electromagnetic field distribution of the external electrical field, as well as analysis the corresponding principle and mathematic equation of its electrically controlled focusing length. The experimental results show that as external alternate current (AC) voltage is increased from 0 to 80 V, the focal length of single lens decreases from
to 1.073 m, and that of the double lens from
to 0.484 m. These experimental results are in good accordance with the simulation results. The experimental response time of PDLC tunable lens is less than 1 ms, which will bring benefits for the applications especially for the fast imaging system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2830–2835, 2013
A Dual Band U‐Slot Printed Antenna Array for Lte and Wimax Applications
Authors: Ali Muhsin , Khawaja Bilal A. , Tarar Munir A. , Mustaqim Muhammed
Published: October 2015

In this article, a dual‐band coaxial‐fed 2 × 2 rectangular U‐Slot microstrip patch antenna array for multiple input multiple output applications, in 4G long term evolution (LTE) and WiMAX systems, is presented. The targeted frequency bands are: (1) LTE Band‐1 at 2.1 GHz, and (2) WiMAX at 3.5 GHz. Simple design procedure and optimization techniques are discussed to achieve the desired parameters. Antenna design and simulation is performed in Agilent ADS Momentum using RT/Duroid substrate (εr = 2.2 and h = 3.175 mm). Substrate losses are also taken into account during design and simulation processes. The antenna is fabricated and characterized, and a comparison between the simulated and measured antenna is presented. The achieved impedance bandwidths/gains (determined by benchmark of voltage standing wave ratio ≤ 2) reach 2.4%/11.1 dBi and 2%/6.6 dBi for 2.1 and 3.5 GHz bands, respectively. The proposed antenna can be used as a template to form larger arrays. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2879–2883, 2013
W‐Band RF‐Mems Dicke Switch Networks in a Gaas MMIC Process
Authors: Reyaz Shakila Bint , Samuelsson Carl , Malmqvist Robert , Seok Seonho , Fryziel Michel , Rolland Paul‐Alain , Grandchamp Brice , Rantakari Pekka , Vähä‐Heikkilä and Tauno
Published: October 2015

A novel design of a W‐band RF‐microelectro‐mechanical‐system (RF‐MEMS) Dicke switch network realized in a GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit process is presented in this article (including a BenzoCycloButene cap type of 0‐level package used as protection during wafer dicing). Such fabricated GaAs MEMS Dicke switch circuits show transmission losses of 1.3–1.7 dB (uncapped on‐wafer), 1.6–2.0 dB (uncapped chips), and 1.8–2.7 dB (0‐level packaged chips) at 70–96 GHz. Corresponding measured maximum values of switch isolation equal 23, 26, and 27 dB, respectively. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported uncapped and wafer‐level packaged W‐band low loss/DC power and high isolation/linearity RF‐MEMS Dicke switch circuits made in a GaAs foundry process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2849–2853, 2013
A New Method to Determine Parasitic Capacitances for HEMTs
Authors: Shen Li , Chen Bo , Fan Caiyun , Gao Jianjun
Published: October 2015

A new direct extraction method for the determination of the parasitic capacitances of HEMTs is presented in this article. This method is based on a physically meaningful depletion‐layer model and the theoretical analysis of the two‐port network for the pinch‐off cold FETs. The main advantage of this approach is that parasitic capacitance Cpg, Cpd, and Cpdg can be extracted under different pinch‐off conditions. Good agreement is obtained between modeled and measured results for 2 × 20 μm gate width HEMT (number of gate fingers × unit gate width). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:3005–3007, 2013
Multiple‐Wavelength Sagnac Loop Based Microwave Photonic Notch Filter with Low Group Delay Ripple
Authors: Wang X. , Chan E. H. W. , Minasian R. A.
Published: October 2015

A new multiple‐tap microwave photonic notch filter structure that can realize a flat group delay, while simultaneously obtaining a narrow notch filter response, is presented. It is based on using wavelength division multiplexed light circulating in a Sagnac loop. Experimental results are presented that verify the new concept. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2938–2942, 2013
Tri‐Mode Wideband Bandpass Filter with Controllable Bandwidths using Shunted Short‐ and Open‐Stub Loaded Resonators
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Hu , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: October 2015

This article presents a high‐selectivity tri‐mode wideband bandpass filter. The shunted short‐ and open‐stub loaded resonators are analyzed that three modes are generated and combined within the passband. Circuit parameter analysis shows that the lower and upper passband bandwidths can be independently controlled, which can simplify the design and optimize process. Besides, two transmission zeros are generated at the lower and upper stopband to supply a very sharp passband selectivity. The prototype filters' performance is validated through both simulations and experiments, where good agreement can be observed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2864–2866, 2013