bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Don't let the group down”: Facets of instrumentality moderate the motivating effects of groups in a field experiment
Authors: Hüffmeier Joachim , Krumm Stefan , Kanthak Jens , Hertel Guido
Published: March 2012

The motivating effects of group work as compared with individual work are not restricted to the research laboratory but have recently been documented in existing groups performing meaningful tasks. Freestyle swimmers at the 2008 Olympics were shown to swim faster in relay groups than in the individual competitions when their contribution was highly instrumental for the relay group (i.e., indispensable) because of their serial position in the group. The present study replicated and extended this work, aggregating a larger sample from major sports events (N = 199 freestyle swimmers) that also allowed for a competitive test between the instrumentality approach and explanations based on differences in the starting procedures of relay and individual competitions. Consistent with expectancy value models of effort expenditure in groups, swimmers were faster in the relay groups as compared with individual competitions only when (i) a swimmer's performance was highly instrumental for the group's performance (i.e., later serial position in the relay) and (ii) the group's performance was highly instrumental for a positive group outcome (i.e., the relay group had a good chance of winning a medal). The data were not consistent with an explanation of performance differences merely as a result of different starting procedures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of flame retardancy of polymeric materials: application, technology, and future directions
Authors: Morgan Alexander B. , Gilman Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2012

Flame retardancy of polymeric materials is conducted to provide fire protection to flammable consumer goods, as well as to mitigate fire growth in a wide range of fires. This paper is a general overview of commercial flame retardant technology. It covers the drivers behind why flame retardants are used today, the current technologies in use, how they are applied, and where the field of flame retardant research is headed. The paper is not a full review of the technology, but rather a general overview of this entire field of applied science and is designed to get the reader started on the fundamentals behind this technology. This paper is based upon presentations given by the authors in late 2009 at the Flame Retardants and Fire Fighters meeting held at NIST. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wet/dry areas method for interfacial (free surface) flow
Authors: Wen Xianyun
Published: March 2012

In this paper, a new numerical method is developed for two‐dimensional interfacial (free surface) flows, based on the control volume method and conservative integral form of the Navier–Stokes equations with a standard staggered grid. The new method deploys two continuity equations, the continuity equation of the mass conservation for better convergence of the implicit scheme and the continuity equation of the volume conservation for the equation of pressure correction. The convection terms (the total momentum flux) on the surfaces of control volume are accurately calculated from the wet area exposed to the water, and the dry area exposed to the air. The numerical results produced by the new numerical method agree very well with the analytical solution, experimental images and experimentally measured velocity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unified semi‐analytical wall boundary conditions for inviscid, laminar or turbulent flows in the meshless SPH method
Authors: Ferrand M. , Laurence D. R. , Rogers B. D. , Violeau D. , Kassiotis C.
Published: March 2012

Wall boundary conditions in smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is a key issue to perform accurate simulations. We propose here a new approach based on a renormalising factor for writing all boundary terms. This factor depends on the local shape of a wall and on the position of a particle relative to the wall, which is described by segments (in two‐dimensions), instead of the cumbersome fictitious or ghost particles used in most existing SPH models. By solving a dynamic equation for the renormalising factor, we significantly improve traditional wall treatment in SPH, for pressure forces, wall friction and turbulent conditions. The new model is demonstrated for cases including hydrostatic conditions for still water in a tank of complex geometry and a dam break over triangular bed profile with sharp angle where significant improved behaviour is obtained in comparison with the conventional boundary techniques. The latter case is also compared with a finite volume and volume‐of‐fluid scheme. The performance of the model for a two‐dimensional laminar flow in a channel is demonstrated where the profiles of velocity are in agreement with the theoretical ones, demonstrating that the derived wall shear stress balances the pressure gradient. Finally, the performance of the model is demonstrated for flow in a schematic fish pass where both the velocity field and turbulent viscosity fields are satisfactorily reproduced compared with mesh‐based codes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pregabalin augmentation of antidepressants in older patients with comorbid depression and generalized anxiety disorder—an open‐label study
Authors: Karaiskos Dimitrios , Pappa Dimitra , Tzavellas Elias , Siarkos Kostas , Katirtzoglou Everina , Papadimitriou George N. , Politis Antonios
Published: March 2012

Objective

The objective of this 12‐week open‐label study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of pregabalin as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressants in older patients suffering from depression and comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Methods

The initial sample of this open‐label study consisted of 94 older patients fulfilling criteria for depression with comorbid GAD who were treated with antidepressants. Twenty of them who had received antidepressant monotherapy for an adequate time and shown partial response to the antidepressant prescribed, in terms of either anxiety or depressive symptomatology, followed the next phase. During the 12‐week study period, pregabalin was gradually added to the previously prescribed antidepressant, reaching 225 mg/day over 4 weeks. Depression and anxiety scores as well as side effects were monitored. Within groups, differences of depression and anxiety scores at baseline and during the following 12 weeks of treatment were estimated with repeated‐measure analysis of variance.

Results

A statistical significant reduction in depression scores was observed after the 4th week of treatment (p < 0.01), which further improved between the 8th and 12th weeks (p < 0.01). Concerning overall anxiety scores, a statistically significant improvement was noted between the 2nd and 4th weeks (p < 0.01), which further continued throughout the 8th (p < 0.05) and 12th weeks (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated a good therapeutic response to pregabalin in patients with depression comorbid with GAD after a 12‐week treatment period. Both anxiety and depressive symptomatology significantly improved, and minimal side effects were observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiation therapy for life‐threatening huge laryngeal hemangioma involving pharynx and parapharyngeal space
Authors: Huang Chun–Ming , Lee Ka–Wo , Huang Chih–Jen
Published: March 2012

Background

Adult hemangiomas are rare, slowly progressing vascular tumors. Potential complications include laryngeal involvement or massive tumor burden.

Methods

A case of recurrent, bulky laryngeal hemangioma involving the parapharyngeal space is presented herein. The clinical course and treatment are described, and a series of MRI studies are compared to demonstrate the treatment response.

Results

A 35‐year‐old woman presented with progressive hoarseness, neck fullness, and intermittent dyspnea caused by a bulky laryngeal hemangioma. Steroid therapy had a limited response. Radiation therapy with a total dose of 40 Gray (Gy) in 20 fractions successfully relieved her symptoms. Image studies after therapy revealed moderate tumor regression. The patient showed no serious complications during the next 2 years of follow‐up.

Conclusion

Radiation therapy may be effective in intractable and function‐threatening laryngeal hemangiomas. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Elevated gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor mRNA expression in buccal mucosa: Association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Egloff Ann Marie , Liu Xuwan , Davis Autumn L. Gaither , Trevelline Brian K. , Vuga Marike , Siegfried Jill M. , Grandis Jennifer R.
Published: March 2012

Background

Expression of gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is elevated in mucosa adjacent to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) compared with mucosa from cancer‐free controls, suggesting elevated GRPR expression may indicate presence of HNSCC.

Methods

We measured GRPR mRNA levels in histologically normal buccal mucosa from 65 surgical patients with HNSCC and 75 cancer‐free control subjects using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We tested for association between GRPR expression and HNSCC and evaluated differences in patient progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Buccal GRPR expression was higher in cases but not controls who were active smokers (p = .04). High GRPR expression was associated with HNSCC (odds ratio [OR] = 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–10.93), even after adjustment for age, sex, tobacco use, and sample storage time. PFS did not differ between patients with HNSCC with high versus low GRPR expression (p = .22).

Conclusion

Elevated buccal GRPR expression was significantly associated with HNSCC independent of known risk factors but was not an indicator of disease prognosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
The Nature of Expertise in Scheduling: The Case of Timetabling
Authors: Hoc Jean‐Michel , Guerin Clément , Mebarki Nasser
Published: March 2012

This study aims to gain greater insight into scheduling expertise by comparing the work of experts and novices when designing a university timetable. We assumed that the scheduling activity would take place within two dual spaces: the constraints space (CS) and the objects space (OS). Constraints are defined in the strictest sense as relations between variables that cannot be represented in the solution (timetable), whereas objects are constraint satisfactions that can be thus represented. The study shows that experts were more likely than novices to use external representations as activity support. They satisfied many constraints with partially defined objects. On the contrary, novices devoted a long time to managing constraints in their heads before defining only fully specified objects (concrete objects). The objects space could be a suitable activity support for experts. Novices, on the other hand, could benefit from support in managing constraints and translating constraints into objects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The performance of the reformulated Gash's interception loss model in Mexico's northeastern temperate forests
Authors: Návar José
Published: March 2012

The quantitative importance of rainfall interception loss and the performance of the reformulated Gash model were evaluated as a function of basal area in Mexico's northeastern temperate forest communities. A sensitivity analysis as well as an iterative search of parameters matched interception loss measurements and assessments and isolated coefficient values that drive the model performance. Set hypothesis was tested with a total of 73 rainfalls recorded on four forest stands with different canopy cover for model fitting (39) and validation (34). The reformulated Gash model predicted well rainfall interception loss because mean deviations between recorded and modelled interception loss as a function of gross rainfall, MD, were <2.6% and 5.3% for fitting and validating parameter data sets, respectively. Basal area was negatively related to the model performance, but maximum projected MD range values can be found in most interception loss studies, for example, <7% when basal area is <5 m2 ha−1. The wet canopy evaporation rate and the canopy storage coefficient drive interception loss and the iterative parameter search showed that high wet canopy evaporation rates were expected in these forests. These parameters must be further studied to physically explain drivers of high wet canopy evaporation rates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic adaptations to arsenic‐induced oxidative stress in male wistar rats
Authors: Rana Tanmoy , Bera Asit Kumar , Das Subhashree , Bhattacharya Debasis , Pan Diganta , Das Subrata Kumar
Published: March 2012

The present study was planned to investigate the effect of arsenic in rats on several biochemical indices of oxidative stress. Rats were exposed to arsenite in drinking water for upto 12 weeks. Chronic exposure to arsenic for a period of 12 weeks significantly (p < 0.05) increased arsenic burden in blood, liver, and kidney. Several intrinsic antioxidant defenses were activated after a 4‐week exposure to arsenic. Some remained elevated, but others became depressed over a longer exposure period. Alterations in most of the biochemical variables reached statistical significant (p < 0.05). Arsenic significantly (p < 0.01) reduced mRNA expression of the superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene with respect to the glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene. These observations indicated that prolong exposure to arsenic causes induction of oxidative stress and biochemical alterations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:101–116, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20416
Production of nitric oxide by human salivary peroxidase and by bovine lactoperoxidase
Authors: Palmerini Carlo Alberto , Marmottini Fabio , Arienti Giuseppe
Published: March 2012

Peroxidases catalyze the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Two pathways may occur: one entailing the intermediate formation of NO2 and the other implying the generation of peroxynitrite. The products of nitrite (NO2−) oxidation by salivary peroxidase (SPO) and commercial bovine lactoperoxidase (LPO) are studied by utilizing an electrochemical assay that allows the direct, continuous monitoring of NO and/or NO2 and by HPLC to assess nitrates at the end of the reaction. Dialyzed saliva and LPO, in the presence of H2O2, convert nitrite into nitrate and form some NO, with a molar ratio of 103. In our experimental conditions, no NO2 was detectable among the products of nitrite oxidation. SCN− inhibits NO formation and so does I−, although at higher concentrations. No effects are observed with Cl− or Br−. We conclude that SPO and LPO transform NO2− into nitrate‐forming small amounts of NO in the presence of H2O2 as an intermediate or a by‐product, synthesized through the peroxynitrite pathway. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:87–93, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21407
Unexpectedly strong anion–π interactions on the graphene flakes
Authors: Shi Guosheng , Ding Yihong , Fang Haiping
Published: March 2012

Interactions of anions with simple aromatic compounds have received growing attention due to their relevancy in various fields. Yet, the anion–π interactions are generally very weak, for example, there is no favorable anion–π interaction for the halide anion F− on the simplest benzene surface unless the H‐atoms are substituted by the highly negatively charged F. In this article, we report a type of particularly strong anion–π interactions by investigating the adsorptions of three halide anions, that is, F−, Cl−, and Br−, on the hydrogenated‐graphene flake using the density functional theory. The anion–π interactions on the graphene flake are shown to be unexpectedly strong compared to those on simple aromatic compounds, for example, the F−‐adsorption energy is as large as 17.5 kcal/mol on a graphene flake (C84H24) and 23.5 kcal/mol in the periodic boundary condition model calculations on a graphene flake C113 (the supercell containing a F− ion and 113 carbon atoms). The unexpectedly large adsorption energies of the halide anions on the graphene flake are ascribed to the effective donor–acceptor interactions between the halide anions and the graphene flake. These findings on the presence of very strong anion–π interactions between halide ions and the graphene flake, which are disclosed for the first time, are hoped to strengthen scientific understanding of the chemical and physical characteristics of the graphene in an electrolyte solution. These favorable interactions of anions with electron‐deficient graphene flakes may be applicable to the design of a new family of neutral anion receptors and detectors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Efficient separation of Nannochloropsis salina using minerals to optimize algae sedimentation
Authors: Epsztein Razi , Felder Amichai , Mishelevitz Alex , Gitis Vitaly
Published: March 2012

The following article from the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Efficient separation of Nannochloropsis salina using minerals to optimize algae sedimentation by Razi Epsztein, Amichai Felder, Alex Mishelevitz and Vitaly Gitis, published online on 20 March, 2012 in WileyOnlineLibrary (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com; doi: 10.1002/jctb.3754), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Jack Melling and John Wiley & Sons. The retraction has been agreed following an investigation by the academic ethics code committee of Ben‐Gurion University which decided that the corresponding author had no right to publish the results of the study without permission from the other authors (decision from 21 June 2012). Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
GM1485, a nonimmunosuppressive immunophilin ligand, promotes neurofunctional improvement and neural regeneration following stroke
Authors: Ducruet Andrew F. , DeRosa Peter A. , Zacharia Brad E. , Sosunov Sergey A. , Connolly E. Sander , Weinstein David E.
Published: March 2012

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the industrialized world, and the development of pharmacologic strategies to promote poststroke recovery is of paramount importance. GM1485, a nonimmunosuppressive immunophilin ligand, promotes regeneration of multiple cell types following injury. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of GM1485 treatment on functional recovery and neurogenesis following rat stroke. Transient cerebral ischemia was induced in rats receiving daily GM1485 (5 mg/kg) beginning 24 hr postischemia and continuing for a total of 6 weeks. Neurological function was evaluated over this period using a battery of neurobehavioral tests, and immunostaining for stem‐cell markers was performed following animal sacrifice. An in vitro model of oxidative stress was also employed to evaluate the ability of GM1485 to mediate stem‐cell‐like induction and plasticity. GM1485‐treated rats demonstrated improved neurological function as well as increased Sox2+ cells in the ipsilateral SVZ and striatum relative to vehicle‐treated rats. Additionally, GM1485‐treated fibroblasts subjected to oxidative stress were reprogrammed to a stem‐cell‐like phenotype and were able to differentiate down a neuronal lineage. These data demonstrate that GM1485 administration improves neurological function and is consistent with an upregulation of endogenous neurogenesis following stroke in rats. Further experiments are necessary to characterize the molecular pathways involved in these processes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman spectroscopy of ZnS nanostructures
Authors: Kim J. H. , Rho H. , Kim J. , Choi Y‐J. , Park J‐G.
Published: March 2012

We report Raman scattering results of wurtzite ZnS nanowires, nanocombs, and nanobelts. The Raman spectrum obtained from ZnS nanowires exhibits first‐order phonon modes at 272, 284, and 350 cm−1, corresponding to A1/E1 transverse optical, E2 transverse optical, and A1/E1 longitudinal optical phonons, respectively. Several multiphonon modes are also observed. The longitudinal optical phonon mode varies in wavenumber for nanocombs and nanobelts, indicating that the residual strain varies during the morphological change from ZnS nanowires to nanocombs and ultimately to nanobelts. Interestingly, a surface optical (SO) phonon mode varies in wavenumber depending on the shape and surface roughness of the ZnS nanostructures. The surface modulation wavelengths of the ZnS nanowires, nanocombs, and nanobelts are estimated using the SO phonon dispersion relations and the observed SO phonon wavenumbers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Herman–Wallis corrections in dual‐pump CARS intensities for combustion temperature and species
Authors: Marrocco Michele , Magnotti Gaetano , Cutler Andrew D.
Published: March 2012

Interaction between vibration and rotation in light molecules is responsible for many spectroscopic corrections to the fundamental rigid‐rotor model. In this context, we discuss the interpretation of the coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) intensity that is recurrently considered in combustion science to measure high temperatures. Intensity changes are quantified by the Herman–Wallis (HW) factor and, unlike other recent works appearing on the subject where the focus is on thermometry, the present work examines the consequences for the quantitative detection of chemical species. Indeed, the diagnostic potential of CARS spectra is not limited to gas‐phase thermometry in that multiple species detection is also possible. To this end, we describe an experiment based on a conventional set‐up designed according to the principles of dual‐pump CARS that, in our case, allows for the simultaneous measurements of temperatures and mole fractions of nitrogen and oxygen observed in a reference flame operated at equivalence ratios below or near stoichiometry. Two HW factors are compared with common reference to the experimental spectra and the results show that, beyond the confirmation of thermometric corrections of about 0.5% for nitrogen CARS, the choice between different vibrational HW models significantly affects the measurement of mole fractions. The effect reaches 1% for nitrogen at stoichiometric conditions, whereas the sensitivity of oxygen to HW models reaches 2.5%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rationale for complete metastasectomy in patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma
Authors: Ollila David W. , Gleisner Ana L. , Hsueh Eddy C.
Published: March 2012

Patients with stage IV melanoma have usually been treated with systemic therapies; however, the overall survival for patients with this approach is disappointing. A complete surgical resection of metastatic disease to stage IV sites offers the best chance to maximize survival. This review article will present data supporting the position that if a complete metastasectomy is technically feasible, then surgery should be strongly considered the first option for properly selected patients with stage IV melanoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:420–424. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unified model for blister growth in coating degradation using weight function and diffusion concepts
Authors: Prawoto Y.
Published: March 2012

This paper discusses new conceptual and mathematical models for blistering propagation especially useful for coating life assessment. It proposes new equations governing blister development that combines fracture mechanics and diffusion based concepts. The fracture mechanics concept is used to treat blister growth as crack propagation, while the diffusion concept is used to treat the ionic transport that eventually causes corrosion and blistering to occur. The new equations are expected to be useful in coating development as well as coating life assessment. Furthermore, with little modification, the equations are also beneficial for other surface engineering methods.
Corrosion characterization of microarc oxidation coatings formed on Mg–7Li alloy
Authors: Li J. G. , Lv Y. , Wang H. W. , Zhu Z. J. , Wei Z. J. , Meng X. C.
Published: March 2012

Ceramic coatings with thickness of 27 µm were fabricated on Mg–7Li alloy in Na2SiO3–C6H18O24P6solution by microarc oxidation (MAO). The morphology and phase composition of MAO coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion behavior of the bare and MAO coated Mg–7Li alloy was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that the MAO coatings were composed of MgO, Li2O, and Mg2SiO4, and there existed some micropores on the coating surface with a diameter of 3–20 µm. The corrosion potential (Ecorr) and corrosion current density (Icorr) of the MAO coated alloy were about −1.4761 V and 7.204 × 10−7 A/cm2, respectively. TheEcorrof the MAO coated alloy increased by 109.6 mV and itsIcorrdecreased by three orders compared with that of the bare Mg–7Li alloy. The EIS plots indicated that the impedance of the MAO coated alloy was 15 times higher than that of the bare alloy. The fitting parameters showed that the resistance of the MAO coatings was far greater than that of the bare alloy. The dense intermediate layer and the transition layer of the MAO coatings acted as a barrier to hinder the proceeding of solution permeation, remarkably improving the corrosion resistance of the Mg–7Li alloy.
Frequency down‐converter with vector control capability for receiving phased array applications
Authors: Marante R. , García J.A. , Cabria L. , Rizo L. , Ruiz M. N.
Published: March 2012

In this article, a simple and nonexpensive solution to be used as constitutive element in receiving phased arrays is proposed. Properly adjusting a PHEMT gate biasing voltage, when used in an active mixing topology, the fundamental component of its time‐varying transconductance may be controlled, both in magnitude and sign. In this way, a down‐converting I/Q architecture, implemented over two of such mixers, is shown to allow the desired level adjustment and phase shifting over the resulting intermediate frequency signal, either for beamsteering or beamforming purposes. The down‐converter performance may be accurately predicted, not only in terms of the desired but also of the intermodulation distortion components, based on the use of two‐dimensional converting transfer functions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1371–1375, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26806
A dual band‐notched UWB printed antenna with C‐shaped and U‐shaped slots
Authors: Wang Chen , Yan Ze‐Hong , Li Bo , Xu Ping
Published: March 2012

A novel printed antenna having dual frequency band‐notched functions for ultra‐wideband applications is proposed and studied. The antenna consists of a rectangular radiating patch with a staircase structure symmetrically in the bottom. With a pair of C‐shaped slots and a U‐shaped slot introduced on the radiating patch, two frequency‐notched responses at 3.5/5.5 GHz are obtained. And, good radiation patterns and gains within the operating band have been observed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1450–1452, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26807
Small‐size WWAN tablet computer antenna with distributed and lumped parallel resonant circuits
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Liu Ying‐Chieh
Published: March 2012

The technique of embedding a distributed parallel resonant circuit (PRC) and a lumped PRC, respectively, to enhance the bandwidths of the lower and upper bands of a small‐size tablet computer antenna to cover the WWAN operation in the 824–960 and 1710–2170 MHz bands is presented. With the proposed technique, the antenna occupies a small volume of 40 × 10 × 3.8 mm3 only and can mainly be disposed on a thin FR4 substrate of 40 × 10 mm2. The antenna comprises a feeding portion, a long shorted strip, and an antenna ground. The shorted strip is short‐circuited to the antenna ground, which is then connected to the display ground in the tablet computer. A lumped PRC and a distributed PRC are added at the front and open ends of the feeding portion, respectively. The two PRCs, respectively, generate a parallel resonance at the high‐frequency tails of the first two resonant modes at about 900 and 1800 MHz contributed by the shorted strip to result in additional resonances occurred near the two resonant modes, thereby resulting in additional resonant modes excited in the desired antenna's lower and upper bands. This behavior greatly increases the operating bandwidths of the antenna's lower and upper bands, without additional resonant elements needed. Hence, small size for the proposed WWAN antenna is obtained. Details of the proposed antenna and the bandwidth enhancement techniques applied therein are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1348–1353, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26811
Development of low phase noise digitally controlled CMOS ring oscillator with quadrature outputs
Authors: Nugroho Prapto , Pokharel Ramesh K. , Anand Awinash , Tomar Abishek , Kanaya Haruichi , Yoshida Keiji
Published: March 2012

This article present a development of low phase noise 14‐bit digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) based on ring oscillator with quadrature output in 0.18‐μm CMOS technology. Proposed design use digital control and feed‐forward technique to obtain wider output swing and stable quadrature output on even number of stages respectively. Designed DCO has tuning frequency range from 212 MHz to 1 GHz. Phase noise at 1‐MHz frequency offset is −123.93 dBc/Hz, which is the lowest among the recently published result. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1479–1483, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26824
Design of compact UWB bandpass filter with dual notched bands using novel SCRLH resonator
Authors: Liu Bo‐Wen , Yin Ying‐Zeng , Sun An‐Feng , Fan Shou‐Tao , Ren Xue‐Shi
Published: March 2012

In this letter, a novel and compact ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter with dual sharply notched bands based on a novel simplified composite right/left‐handed (SCRLH) resonator is presented.The basic UWB BPF comprises a stub‐loaded multiple‐mode resonator and two interdigital coupled lines. The SCRLH resonator is studied and introduced to obtain the dual notched bands. The proposed filter is simulated, fabricated, and measured, with good agreement between the simulated and measured results. The two notched bands of the BPF centered at 5.8 and 8.7 GHz have 10‐dB fractional bandwidths of about 2.6 and 3.4%, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1506–1508, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26832
Operating frequency calculation of a shorting pin‐loaded ETMA
Authors: Aydin Elif , Can Sultan
Published: March 2012

This article presents the calculation of upper and lower operating frequencies with the expressions of effective side length, effective permittivity, and correction factor to develop accurate lower and upper operating frequencies of a single feed, a shorting pin‐loaded equilateral triangular patch, that is, analyzed through a cavity model. To insert permittivity and shorting pin position effects correction factor expressions are determined empirically for both upper and lower frequencies. The various positions of the shorting pin, substrate thickness and side length properties are considered by calculating both upper and lower frequencies. The results from this study are compared with research in the literature comprising results from both experimental and transmission line models. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1432–1435, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26838
Stacked compact ring‐coupled rectangular microstrip antenna for multiband applications
Authors: Vani R. M. , Naveen S.M. , Hunagund P. V.
Published: March 2012

The investigations on stacked compact ring coupled rectangular microstrip antenna which are able to generate multiple resonant frequencies in the wireless communication bands, are reported. In these antennas by embedding various shapes of slots the size reduction is obtained. Also, the stacking on the ring‐coupled patch has been made to achieve wide bandwidth. The multifrequency nature of the stacked slotted patch is studied using IE3D software. The proposed antennas exhibits broadside radiation pattern. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1387–1391, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26842
A small CPW‐fed ultra wideband antenna with dual band‐notched characteristics
Authors: Moosazadeh M. , Esmati Z.
Published: March 2012

A coplanar waveguide fed (CPW‐fed) ultra wideband (UWB) antenna with dual band‐ notched characteristics is proposed. In this antenna, an E‐shaped patch and a ground plane truncated with two mirror notches are designed for UWB applications. Two notched frequency bands are achieved by adjusting the E‐shaped form lengths in the radiation patch. The proposed antenna operates in the 3.1–10.6 GHz for a voltage standing‐wave ratio (VSWR) less than 2, except two frequency notched bands of 3.3–4.23 and 5.05–5.87 GHz, and has small overall dimensions of 18 × 15 × 1.6 mm3. Experimental and simulated antenna results show that the proposed antenna has a desirable VSWR level and radiation pattern characteristics for the UWB frequency band range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1528–1532, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26847
Effects of bending on impedance and radiation characteristics of rectangular wearable antenna utilizing smart clothes
Authors: Sankaralingam S. , Gupta Bhaskar
Published: March 2012

The electronics that facilitate our daily pursuits and interactions may soon be integrated into textiles in all areas of our near environment. These “Interactive Electronic Textiles” are also called “Electro‐textiles” or “Smart Clothes” and find niches in many applications. Opportunities exist for electro‐textiles in fashion and industrial apparel, residential and commercial interior, military, medical, and industrial textile markets. Electro‐textiles are developed for communication, entertainment, health, and safety. Electro‐textile technologies may soon integrate multiple electronic devices directly into textile and apparel products using shared resources increasing the mobility, comfort and convenience of such devices. For example, communication devices may be integrated into products such as garments. Smart clothes will emerge in various sports outfits, emergency workers' outfits, military, medical, space applications, and so on. The ability to establish wireless communication link is an essential requirement for smart clothes. In this article, the impedance characteristics of a rectangular wearable patch antenna for such wireless data communication using smart clothes have been examined under flat and bent position. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1508–1511, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26849
Automated frequency tracking system for efficient mid‐range magnetic resonance wireless power transfer
Authors: Kim Nam Yoon , Kim Ki Young , Kim Chang‐Woo
Published: March 2012

An automated frequency tracking system is implemented for an efficient mid‐range magnetic resonance wireless power transfer based on an analysis of a wireless power link consisting of transmitting and receiving resonators placed in a strong coupling region.The proposed tracking system is designed to maintain a power transfer efficiency of more than 70% for any transfer distance range by directly monitoring the efficiency via out‐band communication. The advantage of the proposed system over other frequency tracking schemes is that the performance of the resonators and power amplifier can be applied to the tracking algorithm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1423–1426, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26858
Simulation of properties of the transverse modal electric field of an infinite parabolic multimode fiber
Authors: Amphawan Angela , Alabdalleh Wa'el Ali
Published: March 2012

The visualization of the modal electric field for an infinite parabolic multimode fiber may not be immediately intuitive due to the intricate nature of the Laguerre function. To capture the essence of the various properties of the transverse modal electric field of the infinite parabolic multimode fiber, various simulations are drawn on and key observations are made. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1362–1365, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26861
Comparison of analysis approaches for phase III clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Healy Brian C. , Schoenfeld David
Published: March 2012

Introduction: In this study we explore several methods for incorporating survival information in the analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) scores. Methods: ALSFRS scores and patient survival times were simulated based on estimates from a recent clinical trial. Six analysis approaches were applied to the data. Each approach was based on ALSFRS scores, the survival time, or a combination of the 2. The power of each approach to detect potential treatment effects was estimated. Results: When the treatment acted solely on the change in ALSFRS, the shared parameter model provided the most power, although all of the models based on random effects were similar. As the effect on survival increased, rank‐based analysis showed potential gains in power. Survival analysis was superior under a small effect on ALSFRS and a larger effect on mortality. Conclusions: The shared parameter model and rank‐based approach can offer improvements in power over traditional approaches. Muscle Nerve 46: 501–511, 2012
Exchange rates of creatine kinase metabolites: feasibility of imaging creatine by chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI
Authors: Haris Mohammad , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Singh Anup , Cai Kejia , Kogan Feliks , Hariharan Hari , Reddy Ravinder
Published: March 2012

Creatine (Cr), phosphocreatine (PCr) and adenosine‐5‐triphosphate (ATP) are major metabolites of the enzyme creatine kinase (CK). The exchange rate of amine protons of CK metabolites at physiological conditions has been limited. In the current study, the exchange rate and logarithmic dissociation constant (pKa) of amine protons of CK metabolites were calculated. Further, the chemical exchange saturation transfer effect (CEST) of amine protons of CK metabolites with bulk water was explored. At physiological temperature and pH, the exchange rate of amine protons in Cr was found to be 7–8 times higher than PCr and ATP. A higher exchange rate in Cr was associated with lower pKa value, suggesting faster dissociation of its amine protons compared to PCr and ATP. CEST MR imaging of these metabolites in vitro in phantoms displayed predominant CEST contrast from Cr and negligible contribution from PCr and ATP with the saturation pulse parameters used in the current study. These results provide a new method to perform high‐resolution proton imaging of Cr without contamination from PCr. Potential applications of these finding are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the health‐promoting lifestyle profile II
Authors: Pérez‐Fortis Adriana , Ulla Díez Sara M. , Padilla Jose‐Luis
Published: March 2012

The Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII) has been psychometrically validated across several linguistic and cultural groups; however the Spanish version has not been psychometrically tested for the Spanish population. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the reliability and factor structure of the Spanish version of the HPLPII for Spanish people. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that a six‐component model for 44 items accounted for 40% of the variance, and the scale had an internal consistency of .87. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that a better fit of the six‐component structure emerged from the PCA than from the model proposed in the original version of the HPLPII, suggesting that the health‐promoting lifestyle might be sensitive to context and culture. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:301–313, 2012
A feasibility and efficacy study of rapamycin and erlotinib for recurrent pediatric low‐grade glioma (LGG)
Authors: Yalon Michal , Rood Brian , MacDonald Tobey J. , McCowage Geoff , Kane Rochelle , Constantini Shlomi , Packer Roger J.
Published: March 2012

Background

To determine the toxicity and efficacy of rapamycin and erlotinib for the treatment of recurrent pediatric low‐grade gliomas (LGGs).

Methods

Patients <21 years of age with recurrent LGGs who had failed conventional treatment were eligible, including those with NF1. The treatment consisted of two phases, a feasibility portion which assessed the toxicity of erlotinib at 65 mg/m2/day once daily and rapamycin at 0.8 mg/m2/dose twice daily for 28 consecutive days.

Results

Nineteen (19) patients, median age of 8 years, with recurrent LGGs received the two‐drug regimen. Eight (8) of the patients had NF1. The combination of erlotinib and rapamycin was well tolerated and no patient was removed from study due to toxicity. All 19 patients were evaluable for response and one child, with NF1, had a partial response to treatment. Six (6) patients received the planned 12 courses of treatment. The reasons for stoppage of therapy before 1 year of treatment were poor compliance (1), parental desire for withdrawal (1), persistent vomiting which pre‐dated initiation of therapy (1), and radiographic progression (10). In those patients with stabilization of disease for 12 months or greater, 3 stayed on therapy and ultimately developed progressive disease, and one patient stopped therapy at 12 months and progressed. Two (2) patients, both with NF1, have had >1 year disease control.

Conclusions

The combination of rapamycin and erlotinib is well tolerated in children with LGGs. Objective responses were infrequent, although there was prolonged disease stabilization in some patients with LGGs, especially in two children with NF1. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 71–76. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Swelling, pH sensitivity, and mechanical properties of poly(acrylamide‐co‐sodium methacrylate) nanocomposite hydrogels impregnated with carboxyl‐functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Liu Zhanqing , Yang Zupei , Luo Yanling
Published: March 2012

A series of novel nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared by a cross‐linking copolymerization method. Structural and morphological characterizations of the nanocomposite hydrogels revealed that a good compatibility exists between poly(acrylamide‐co‐sodium methacrylate) [P(AM‐co‐SMA)] and carboxyl‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (MWNTs–COOH). The P(AM‐co‐SMA)/MWNTs–COOH nanocomposite hydrogels with a suitable MWNTs–COOH loading exhibited better swelling capability, higher pH sensitivity, good reversibility, and repeatability, and rapid response to external pH stimuli, compared with the P(AM‐co‐SMA). The compression mechanical tests revealed that the nanocomposite hydrogel displayed excellent compressive strengths and elastic mechanical properties, with higher ultimate compressive stress, and meanwhile still retain a good recoverable strain in the presence of MWNTs–COOH. These excellent properties may primarily be attributed to effectively dispersing of a suitable MWNTs–COOH loading into the matrix of the polymers and formation of additional hydrogen bonds. The nanocomposite hydrogels were expected to find applications in drug controlled release and issue engineering. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Angry Spotlight: Trait Anger and Selective Visual Attention to Rewards
Authors: Ford Brett Q. , Tamir Maya , Gagnon Stephanie A. , Taylor Holly A. , Brunyé Tad T.
Published: March 2012

This investigation examined links between trait anger and selective attention to threats and rewards. Existing research has focused mainly on trait anxiety and is equally consistent with several competing theoretical accounts of trait emotion and visual attention. Both valence–based and motivation–based accounts predict that trait anxiety would be associated with biased attention toward threats. In contrast, a valence–based account predicts that trait anger would be associated with biased attention toward threats, whereas a motivation–based account predicts that it would be associated with biased attention toward rewards. To test these predictions, we measured trait anxiety, trait anger and selective attention to threats and rewards. Consistent with a motivation–based account, we found that trait anger was associated with selective attention toward rewarding but not threatening information, whereas trait anxiety was associated with selective attention toward threatening but not rewarding information. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: The Attentional Basis of Positive Affectivity
Authors: Grafton Ben , Ang Christian , MacLeod Colin
Published: March 2012

There is now reliable evidence that heightened positive affectivity is associated with a distinctive pattern of attentional selectivity, favouring emotionally positive information. While this has invited speculation that differential attentional responding to positive information may directly contribute to the determination of this emotional temperament, the causal basis of their association as yet remains unknown. We addressed this issue by experimentally manipulating selective attentional response to positive information, using a cognitive bias modification variant of the attentional probe task, and examining the impact of this attentional manipulation on positive emotional reactivity to a subsequent success experience. The findings support the hypothesis that individual differences in selective attentional response to positive information can make a causal contribution to variation in positive affectivity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperament and Attentional Bias in Vocal Emotional Stroop Tasks
Authors: Paelecke Marko , Paelecke–Habermann Yvonne , Borkenau Peter
Published: March 2012

Human information processing is influenced by the affective quality of pleasant and unpleasant stimuli. A widely known example is the emotional variant of the colour–naming Stroop task. Although participants are not instructed to attend to valence, it nevertheless influences response times. We studied how persons differ in ignoring the irrelevant valence of stimuli and how such differences are related to personality traits. In two emotional Stroop tasks using a vocal response mode, participants were instructed to name the colour of unpleasant and pleasant words presented in different physical colours. In Study 2, we introduced a second task to increase the cognitive load. Across both studies, extraversion and approach temperament were associated with higher interferences by pleasant words. Neuroticism and avoidance temperament, however, were associated with higher interferences by unpleasant words only when cognitive load increased because of a task switch. This finding suggests that highly neurotic individuals can mitigate influences of emotional stimuli on information processing under conditions of low cognitive load. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.