bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential language expertise related to white matter architecture in regions subserving sensory‐motor coupling, articulation, and interhemispheric transfer
Authors: Elmer Stefan , Hänggi Jürgen , Meyer Martin , Jäncke Lutz
Published: December 2010

The technique of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to investigate alterations in white matter architecture following long‐term training and expertise. Professional simultaneous interpreters (SI) provide an ideal model for the investigation of training‐induced plasticity due to the high demands placed on sound to motor mapping mechanisms, which are vital for executing fast interpretations. In line with our hypothesis, we found clusters with decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the SI group in brain regions previously shown to support sensory‐motor coupling mechanisms and speech articulation (cluster extent family‐wise error corrected, P < 0.01). Furthermore, we found an altered white matter architecture indicated by lower FA values in the SI group in the most anterior and posterior parts of the corpus callosum. Our results suggest that language expertise is accompanied by plastic adaptations in regions strongly involved in motor aspects of speech and in interhemispheric information transfer. These results have implications for our understanding of language expertise in relation to white matter adaptations. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of multi‐subject ICA methods for analysis of fMRI data
Authors: Erhardt Erik Barry , Rachakonda Srinivas , Bedrick Edward J. , Allen Elena A. , Adali Tülay , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: December 2010

Spatial independent component analysis (ICA) applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data identifies functionally connected networks by estimating spatially independent patterns from their linearly mixed fMRI signals. Several multi‐subject ICA approaches estimating subject‐specific time courses (TCs) and spatial maps (SMs) have been developed, however, there has not yet been a full comparison of the implications of their use. Here, we provide extensive comparisons of four multi‐subject ICA approaches in combination with data reduction methods for simulated and fMRI task data. For multi‐subject ICA, the data first undergo reduction at the subject and group levels using principal component analysis (PCA). Comparisons of subject‐specific, spatial concatenation, and group data mean subject‐level reduction strategies using PCA and probabilistic PCA (PPCA) show that computationally intensive PPCA is equivalent to PCA, and that subject‐specific and group data mean subject‐level PCA are preferred because of well‐estimated TCs and SMs. Second, aggregate independent components are estimated using either noise‐free ICA or probabilistic ICA (PICA). Third, subject‐specific SMs and TCs are estimated using back‐reconstruction. We compare several direct group ICA (GICA) back‐reconstruction approaches (GICA1‐GICA3) and an indirect back‐reconstruction approach, spatio‐temporal regression (STR, or dual regression). Results show the earlier group ICA (GICA1) approximates STR, however STR has contradictory assumptions and may show mixed‐component artifacts in estimated SMs. Our evidence‐based recommendation is to use GICA3, introduced here, with subject‐specific PCA and noise‐free ICA, providing the most robust and accurate estimated SMs and TCs in addition to offering an intuitive interpretation. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carcinoma of unknown primary in the head and neck: Comparison between positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT
Authors: Keller Florian , Psychogios Georgios , Linke Rainer , Lell Michael , Kuwert Torsten , Iro Heinrich , Zenk Johannes
Published: December 2010

Background

Comparison of the diagnostic validity of positron emission tomography (PET) alone with integrated PET and CT (PET/CT) in the search for occult primary tumors in patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) site in the head and neck.

Methods

Thirty‐nine consecutive patients with clinical CUP were investigated with PET and 38 patients with PET/CT. After initial diagnostic panendoscopy and histological confirmation of the cervical lymph node metastasis, either PET or PET/CT scanning was performed.

Results

Integrated PET/CT had a significantly higher overall detection rate than dedicated PET alone (55.2% vs 30.8%; p = .039) and positive prediction rate (93.3% vs 46.1%; p = .01).

Conclusion

Integrated PET/CT showed to be superior to PET in the detection of the primary site of clinically occult tumors in CUP syndrome. However, a negative result should still be investigated further by means of panendoscopy with tonsillectomy and blind biopsies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Pretreatment nutritional status and locoregional failure of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing definitive concurrent chemoradiation therapy
Authors: Platek Mary E. , Reid Mary E. , Wilding Gregory E. , Jaggernauth Wainwright , Rigual Nestor R. , Hicks Wesley L. , Popat Saurin R. , Warren Graham W. , Sullivan Maureen , Thorstad Wade L. , Khan Mohamed K. , Loree Thom R. , Singh Anurag K.
Published: December 2010

Background

This study was carried out to determine if markers of nutritional status predict for locoregional failure following intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 78 patients with SCCHN who received definitive CCRT. We compared patient factors, tumor characteristics, and nutritional status indicators between patients with and without locoregional failure.

Results

Fifteen of 78 patients (19%) experienced locoregional failure. Median follow‐up for live patients was 38 months. On univariate analysis, pretreatment percentage of ideal body weight (%IBW) (p < .01), pretreatment hemoglobin (p = .04), and treatment duration (p < .01) were significant predictors of failure. On multivariate analysis, pretreatment %IBW (p = .04) and treatment time (p < .01) remained statistically significant.

Conclusions

Although treatment time is an accepted risk factor for failure, differences in outcome for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing definitive CCRT based on pretreatment %IBW should be examined further. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Synthesis and Characterization of New 7‐Substituted 6,14‐Ethenomorphinane Derivatives: N‐{5‐[(5α,7α)‐4,5‐Epoxy‐3,6‐dimethoxy‐17‐methyl‐6,14‐ethenomorphinan‐7‐yl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl}arenamines
Authors: Yavuz Serkan , Yıldırır Yılmaz
Published: December 2010

In this study, (5α,7α)‐4,5‐epoxy‐3,6‐dimethoxy‐17‐methyl‐6,14‐ethenomorphinan‐7‐carboxylic acid hydrazide (5) was synthesized by the condensation of methyl (5α,7α)‐4,5‐epoxy‐3,6‐dimethoxy‐17‐methyl‐6,14‐ethenomorphinan‐7‐carboxylate (4) with NH2NH2⋅H2O. The (5α,7α)‐4,5‐epoxy‐3,6‐dimethoxy‐17‐methyl‐6,14‐ethenomorphinan‐7‐carboxylic acid 2‐[(arylamino)carbonyl]hydrazides 6a–6q were prepared by the reaction of 5 with corresponding substituted aryl isocyanates, and the N‐{5‐[(5α,7α)‐4,5‐epoxy‐3,6‐dimethoxy‐17‐methyl‐6,14‐ethenomorphinan‐7‐yl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl}arenamines 7a–7q were obtained via the cyclization reaction of 6a–6q in the presence of POCl3. The synthesized compounds have a rigid morphine structure, including the 6,14‐endo‐etheno bridge and the 5‐(arylamino)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl residue at C(7) adopting the (S)‐configuration (7α). The structures of the compounds were confirmed by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS) and various spectroscopic methods such as FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, APT, and 2D‐NMR (HETCOR, COSY, INADEQUATE).
A New Antifungal Cyclic Lipopeptide from Bacillus marinus B‐9987
Authors: Liu Rong‐Feng , Zhang Dao‐Jing , Li Yuan‐Guang , Tao Li‐Ming , Tian Li
Published: December 2010

A new cyclic lipopeptide, marihysin A (1), along with the three known cyclodipeptides cyclo(Ala‐Ile) (2), cyclo(Ala‐Leu) (3), and cyclo(Ala‐Tyr) (4), was isolated from the fermentation broth of the marine microorganism Bacillus marinus B‐9987 isolated from the tissues of rhizophere of Suaeda salsa in the intertidal zone of the Bohai Bay of P. R. China. Marihysin A (1) was established to be cyclo(Pro‐Gln‐Asn1‐Ser‐Asn2‐Tyr‐Asn3‐β‐aminotetradecanoic acid) by spectroscopic analysis, and it exhibits broad‐spectrum but low activity against plant pathogens as determined by antifungal bioassay.
Deep vein thrombosis associated with protein C and protein S deficiency: An unusual cause of acute abdomen
Authors: Doganay Selim , Sonmezgoz Fitnet , Sen Yasar , Kocakoc Ercan
Published: December 2010

Deep venous thrombosis is an extremely rare cause of acute abdomen and is often difficult to diagnose. Protein C and protein S deficiencies are rare genetic abnormalities that predispose the patient to thrombophilia and lead to thrombosis. We report the case of a previously healthy 7‐year‐old boy with iliofemoral thrombosis due to protein C and protein S deficiencies mimicking acute abdomen. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Sonographic measurements of the thickness of the soft tissues of the interscapular region in a population of normal young adults
Authors: Yang Clement Shih‐Hsien , Chen Huang‐Chung , Liang Chung‐Chao , Yu Tung‐Yang , Hung David , Tseng Tzu‐Chia , Tsai Wen‐Chung
Published: December 2010

Background. To use sonography (US) to measure the interscapular soft‐tissue thickness and to determine any correlation with anthropometric indices.

Methods. Fifty‐five healthy young adults (21 men and 34 women) with a mean age of 22.1 ± 3.0 years (range, 18–35) were enrolled. High‐resolution US was used to measure the bilateral soft‐tissue thickness near the medial border of the scapula. Anthropometric indices, including body weight, height, and circumferences of chest, waist, and hip, were also measured.

Results. On the right side, mean values ± standard deviation for the thickness of the trapezius, rhomboid, and posterior serratus muscles in millimeters were 4.9 ± 1.0, 6.3 ± 2.3, and 3.5 ± 1.4, respectively, for men and 3.4 ± 0.8, 3.8 ± 1.7, and 2.2 ± 1.5, respectively, for women. The thickness of each muscle was significantly greater in men than in women (p < 0.05). For both genders, no significant differences in the soft‐tissue thicknesses were found between both sides. Based on the anthropometric indices, body weight was the only significant contributor to the soft‐tissue thickness.

Conclusions. US is a practical tool for measuring soft‐tissue thickness in the interscapular region. Body weight and soft‐tissue thickness are closely associated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Direct Polymerization of Polyacrylic Acid on Mica Substrates using ATRP – A Preliminary Study
Authors: Borozenko Olga , Skene W.G. , Giasson Suzanne
Published: December 2010

Summary: Unprecedented direct polymerization of sodium acrylate (NaA) on mica and silica substrates was undertaken using standard ATRP polymerization conditions at room temperature. The resulting thickness of the poly(sodium acrylate) (PNaA) grafted layer was determined using ellipsometry and AFM.
Snap Together Bonds for Amine Capturing – New Spectroscopic and Amperometric Sensors
Authors: Bolduc Andréanne , Lachapelle Virginie , Skene W.G.
Published: December 2010

Summary: A conjugated polymer (P1) containing a pendant aldehyde was anodically prepared on ITO electrodes. Aminothiophenes could be captured by reacting with an aldehyde group located along the polymer backbone resulting in a robust azomethine bond. This was confirmed both spectroscopically and electrochromically. P1 undergoes absorbance and fluorescence bathochromic shifts when an aminothiophene is covalently linked to the aldehyde resulting from azomethine formation. Both the absorbance and fluorescence shifts are dependent on the aminothiophene used to form the azomethine bond.
The Preparation of Functionalized Crosslinked Macroporous Chitosan Microspheres and their Adsorption Properties for Bilirubin
Authors: Liping Wu , Weihua Wu , Qian Li , Qian Zhang , Yong Wang , Wei Lu , Zhengpu Zhang
Published: December 2010

Summary: glutaraldehyde cross‐linked macroporous chitosan microspheres (CS) were prepared by inverse phase suspension reaction with sugar as porogenic agent. The microspheres were modified with different reagents of 1, 6 hexanediamine (HDA) and low generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers including PAMAM G1.0, PAMAM G2.0, PAMAM G3.0. The content of amino groups on CS, CS‐PAMAM G1.0, CS‐PAMAM G2.0, CS‐PAMAM G3.0, CS‐HDA was 3.56, 5.10, 5.47, 6.47, 4.66 mmol/g, respectively. The bilirubin adsorption on the above five microspheres was carried out in 0.05M phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.2–7.4) at 37 °C. The results indicated all the modified CS microspheres were better than unmodified CS microspheres for bilirubin adsorption. CS‐HDA has the best adsorption property even if the content of the amino groups was not very high.
An Introduction to Entropically‐driven Ring‐opening Polymerizations
Authors: Ben‐Haida Abderrazak , Conzatti Lucia , Hodge Philip , Manzini Barbara , Stagnaro Paola
Published: December 2010

Summary: This mini‐review outlines the principles of entropically‐driven ring‐opening polymerizations (ED‐ROPs), a relatively new approach to the synthesis of condensation polymers. The various features of ED‐ROPs are noted and examples of applications to polymer synthesis, polymer processing and polymer recycling are discussed.
Application of Chitosan‐Based Biomaterials for Blood Vessel Regeneration
Authors: Deng Chao , Li Fengfu , Griffith May , Ruel Marc , Suuronen Erik J
Published: December 2010

Summary:Vascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world. Autologous vessels remain the standard for coronary grafting and peripheral bypass surgery; however, their availability in patients can be limited. Therapeutic angiogenesis using growth factors, genes, or progenitor cells has been given considerable scientific attention over the last decade, but has not yet provided a definitive clinical benefit. Biomaterials could be developed to protect protein, DNA and cells against hostile conditions. Chitosan, a natural polymer of glucosamine and N‐acetyl glucosamine, has been widely studied in tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and muco‐adhesive and antimicrobial properties. Notably, the application of chitosan has been gaining attention in the vascular field due to its structural similarity to glycosaminoglycans, which are components of a tissue's extracellular matrix. In this review, chitosan‐based materials, and their use in tissue engineered blood vessels, and as protein, gene and cell vectors for angiogenic therapy are discussed.
Preparation, Micro‐Patterning and Electrical Characterization of Functionalized Carbon‐Nanotube Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposite Polymer
Authors: Khosla A. , Gray B. L.
Published: December 2010

Summary: We present the preparation, improved micro‐patterning, and electrical property characterization of COOH‐ functionalized mutli‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) conductive nanocomposite polymers that can be employed for lab on a chip applications. The nanocomposites are prepared by mixing functionalized MWCNTs into an uncured PDMS matrix and employing high frequency ultrasonics (∼ 42‐50 kHz) using a horn tip probe. The prepared nanocomposites are micromolded using soft lithography techniques down to a feature size of 25 µm against a micropatterned SU‐8 polymer master. An array of peg like microstructures have been fabricated with a radii of 25 µm and height of 100 µm, that are embedded on a non‐conductive PDMS substrate using novel and improved fabrication techniques. The percolation threshold of the prepared nanocomposite is achieved at 1.5 weight percentage (wt.%) of COOH‐ functionalized MWCNT in the PDMS matrix. Resistivity levels at 2 wt.% of functionalized MWCNTs are 62 Ω‐cm or better, which is an improvement over our previously reported nanocomposite resistivity value of 100 Ω‐cm at 2 wt.% of nonfunctionalized MWCNT's in a PDMS matrix. The nanocomposites also have fairly uniform dispersion and no agglomeration of COOH‐ functionalized MWCNT as shown by SEM analysis. Furthermore, the nanocomposites show a negative temperature coefficient of resistivity (NTCR), making them ideal candidates for micropatternable temperature microsensors for lab on a chip systems.
Cheminformatics Approach to Gene Silencing: Z Descriptors of Nucleotides and SVM Regression Afford Predictive Models for siRNA Potency
Authors: Ebalunode Jerry O. , Zheng Weifan
Published: December 2010

Short interfering RNA mediated gene silencing technology has been through tremendous development over the past decade, and has found broad applications in both basic biomedical research and pharmaceutical development. Critical to the effective use of this technology is the development of reliable algorithms to predict the potency and selectivity of siRNAs under study. Existing algorithms are mostly built upon sequence information of siRNAs and then employ statistical pattern recognition or machine learning techniques to derive rules or models. However, sequence‐based features have limited ability to characterize siRNAs, especially chemically modified ones. In this study, we proposed a cheminformatics approach to describe siRNAs. Principal component scores (z1, z2, z3, z4) have been derived for each of the 5 nucleotides (A, U, G, C, T) from the descriptor matrix computed by the MOE program. Descriptors of a given siRNA sequence are simply the concatenation of the z values of its composing nucleotides. Thus, for each of the 2431 siRNA sequences in the Huesken dataset, 76 descriptors were generated for the 19‐NT representation, and 84 descriptors were generated for the 21‐NT representation of siRNAs. Support Vector Machine regression (SVMR) was employed to develop predictive models. In all cases, the models achieved Pearson correlation coefficient r and R about 0.84 and 0.65 for the training sets and test sets, respectively. A minimum of 25 % of the whole dataset was needed to obtain predictive models that could accurately predict 75 % of the remaining siRNAs. Thus, for the first time, a cheminformatics approach has been developed to successfully model the structure–potency relationship in siRNA‐based gene silencing data, which has laid a solid foundation for quantitative modeling of chemically modified siRNAs.
A novel duplexer for UMTS applications based on a cross‐coupled filter
Authors: Cabral H. A. , Bezerra S. T. G. , de Melo M. T.
Published: December 2010

A novel duplexer design based on cross‐coupled resonators is presented which has the advantages of small size and reasonably sharp cutoff frequency. A duplexer for the UMTS upload and download bands is fabricated and the measured response is shown to be in close agreement to full‐wave simulations. The fractional bandwidth for both bands is about 3%. The duplexer has an insertion loss of less than 1 dB and provides more than 20 dB of isolation. Lumped‐element models for both the resonator and duplexer are derived and their responses are also shown to be very close to the simulated results, which make them potentially very useful since it can simplify the design of systems using the duplexer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2792–2795, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25590
Compact modeling of silicon nanowire MOSFET for radio frequency applications
Authors: Cho Seongjae , Kim Kyung Rok , Park Byung‐Gook , Kang In Man
Published: December 2010

This article presents the radio frequency small‐signal modeling of silicon nanowire (SNW) MOSFET with 30 nm channel length and 5 nm channel radius. Analytical parameter extraction methods are developed by Y‐parameter analysis for the proposed equivalent circuit. Y‐parameters of SNW MOSFET are obtained by three‐dimensional (3D) device simulator. Accuracies of the new model and extracted parameters have been verified by the 3D device simulation data up to 200 GHz. The RMS modeling error of Y‐parameter was calculated to be only 1.4%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:471–473, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25686
An efficient technique for reducing spectral shift of a polymer arrayed waveguide gratings
Authors: Qin Zheng‐Kun , Ma Chun‐Sheng
Published: December 2010

An efficient technique is reported for reducing the spectral shift of the polymer arrayed waveguide grating. By regulating the spin‐coating rate to control the polymer core thickness, the spectral shift of the device can be reduced obviously. The designed value of the central wavelength is 1550.918 nm, and the measured central wavelength is 1550.911 nm. That is, by using the presented technique in the fabrication of the device, the spectral shift is reduced to 0.007 nm, which is much less than the wavelength spacing of 0.8 nm. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:273–275, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25697
Linearity enhanced Doherty power amplifier using analog predistortion
Authors: Sik Cho Choon , Lee Jae W.
Published: December 2010

We propose a linearity‐enhanced Doherty power amplifier using an analog predistortion (APD) technique, which incorporates an intermodulation (IM) generator.Because the IM generator is configured with antiparalleled diode structure, the resulting Doherty power amplifier behaves differently from a conventional one. Using antiphased IM generated by the hybrid coupler before the auxiliary amplifier, linearity for the whole power amplifier is improved because the IM from the main amplifier can be cancelled out at the combining section. The output power of the proposed Doherty power amplifier is observed 28 dBm at the maximum in measurement, whereas the adjacent channel leakage ratio is 18 dB improved at 5 MHz offset compared with that of the Doherty power amplifier without APD. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:403–404, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25701
A simple instrument for measuring the light‐induced birefringence in a photorefractive crystal
Authors: Twu Ruey‐Ching , Chu Yi‐Fan , Hsu Ming‐Tsung
Published: December 2010

We present a simple homodyne phase measurement instrument to evaluate a light‐induced birefringence change in an Mg‐doped congruent lithium niobate crystal by using an integrated lithium niobate Zn‐indiffused phase modulator (ZIPM) for optical signal modulations.The results successfully demonstrate that the focused beam and modulated phase of the ZIPM can provide a simple pump‐probe method for measuring the evolutions of light‐induced birefringence changes. The detection of birefringence change at the level of 10−7 is lower than the conventional Senarmont compensation method. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:367–369, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25702
Simultaneous measurement of the dual‐polarization phase variations in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Twu Ruey‐Ching , Hsu Ming‐Tsung , Chu Yi‐Fan
Published: December 2010

We propose a novel optical instrument to simultaneously measure the phase variations of both orthogonal linear polarizations in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. An integrated Ti‐indiffused LiNbO3 Mach–Zehnder modulator is adopted for phase modulation and the optical homodyne scheme is used to measure the phase variations in the experimental setup. By using the multiplexed capabilities and flexible designs of a LABVIEW‐based platform, the simultaneous measurements with real‐time display of output interferomertic signals, spectrum results, and phase variations for both orthogonal polarizations, have been successfully demonstrated in this study. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:334–337, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25703
Design of a circularly polarized rectangular microstrip antenna for GPS applications
Authors: Nishamol M. S. , Sarin V. P. , Tony D. , Aanandan C. K. , Mohanan P. , Vasudevan Kesavath
Published: December 2010

A compact design of a single feed microstrip antenna for circular polarization (CP) is proposed and studied.CP is brought about by embedding a slot in a cross shaped patch. The structure enables an area reduction of 46% as compared to conventional rectangular microstrip antenna. The antenna offers a 2:1 VSWR bandwidth from 1.53 to 1.61 GHz on a substrate of dielectric constant 4.4 and height 1.6 mm with a broadside radiation characteristic in the entire band. The 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the antenna is 5% with moderate gain that covers global positioning system (GPS) L1 band. Simulation and experimental results of the antenna are presented and discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:468–470, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25706
Experimental demonstration of an ultrafast all‐optical bit‐error indicating scheme
Authors: Finot C. , Fatome J.
Published: December 2010

We experimentally demonstrate an all‐optical bit error monitoring scheme based on the self‐phase modulation occurring during the propagation in a highly nonlinear fiber followed by an optical bandpass filter. Numerical simulations are confirmed by experimental observations performed at a repetition rate of 40 Gb/s. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:392–395, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25711
Fast electromagnetic simulation algorithm based on hierarchical and curvilinear finite elements
Authors: Ping X. W. , Zhou X. Y. , Yu W. M. , Cui T. J.
Published: December 2010

In this article, hierarchical finite element method (FEM) based on curvilinear elements is used to study three‐dimensional (3D) electromagnetic problems. The incomplete Cholesky preconditioned loose generalized minimal residual solver (LGMRES) based on decomposition algorithm (DA) is applied to solve the FEM equations. The efficiency of the proposed approach is studied on several numerical problems. Numerical results demonstrate that the DA‐based LGMRES is especially effective when the hierarchical FEM is used to solve 3D electromagnetic problems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:324–331, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25714
CMOS injection‐locked frequency divider with two series‐LC resonators
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Shih Chih‐Chieh , Liu Cheng‐Chen , Juang Miin‐Horng
Published: December 2010

A fourth order resonator has been implemented to design an injection locked frequency divider (ILFD) implemented in a 0.18‐μm CMOS process. The ILFD is realized with a cross‐coupled nMOS LC‐tank oscillator with a direct injection MOSFET and two series‐LC resonators. At the supply voltage of 0.8 V, the low‐band free‐running tuning frequency is from 2.7 to 3.18 GHz. One excited high‐band frequency band is measured, and the free‐running tuning frequency is from 4.07 to 4.13 GHz. The divide‐by‐2 operational locking range is from 3.4 to 9.4 GHz, and the divide‐by‐4 operational locking range is from 10.5 (15.95) GHz to 13.6 (16.9) GHz for the low‐(high)‐frequency band. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:290–293, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25716
Design of a novel planar ultrawideband antenna with 3.5 and 5.5 GHz dual band‐notched characteristics
Authors: Shan K. , Ruan C. L. , Peng L.
Published: December 2010

A novel planar ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with 3.5/5.5 GHz dual band‐notched characteristics is presented. The antenna consists of a radiation patch which has an arc‐shaped edge and a partially modified ground plane with a tapered microstrip feeder line. These designs improve the input impedance bandwidth with the operating band covering the whole UWB frequency range (3.1–10.6 GHz). By etching two nested U‐shaped slots in the radiation patch, band‐rejected filtering properties in the worldwide interoperability for microwave access/wireless local area network bands are achieved. Parametric studies are presented to investigate the effect of the antenna geometrical parameters on its performance. Measured results confirm that the antenna is suitable for UWB applications due to its compact size and high performance. A single band‐notched UWB antenna is also provided for references. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:370–375, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25721
Proximity‐fed broadband rectangular microstrip antennas
Authors: Deshmukh Amit A. , Ray K.P.
Published: December 2010

The broadband proximity‐fed rectangular microstrip antenna (RMSA) is proposed. The proximity‐fed antenna has larger bandwidth (BW) and is simpler in design when compared with L‐probe‐fed RMSA. Further, the BW of proximity‐fed antenna is increased by using multiresonator or slot cut configurations. The proposed antennas give a BW of more than 300 MHz (>30%) with broadside radiation pattern with peak gain of 8.5 dBi. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:294–300, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25723
Modeling and design of milled microwave printed circuit boards
Authors: Djordjević Antonije R. , Olćan Dragan I. , Zajić Alenka G.
Published: December 2010

This article investigates the influence of milling process on properties of printed microwave circuits. Furthermore, design guidelines are proposed for optimizing the milling process by leaving large unmilled copper surfaces on the board without deteriorating circuit performance. The proposed concepts are experimentally verified. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:264–270, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25724
Ehrlichia‐induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in two children
Authors: Hanson Derek , Walter Andrew W. , Powell Jonathan
Published: December 2010

Two children presented with a history of fever and rash. Lab values revealed pancytopenia, elevated ferritin, coagulopathy, and elevated triglycerides. Both children quickly developed respiratory distress and hypotension requiring admission to the ICU. Bone marrow biopsies revealed hemophagocytosis. Studies for Ehrlichia returned positive. The patients were started on doxycycline and treated for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Each made a full recovery. In both patients, testing for MUNC and perforin genes were found to have no mutation. These two cases demonstrate the importance of considering Ehrlichiosis as a possible trigger of HLH. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:661–663. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solitary skeletal osteosarcoma recurrence. Findings from the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group
Authors: Franke Markus , Hardes Jendrik , Helmke Knut , Jundt Gernot , Jürgens Heribert , Kempf‐Bielack Beate , Kevric Matthias , Tunn Per‐Ulf , Werner Mathias , Bielack Stefan
Published: December 2010

Background

Solitary skeletal osteosarcoma (OS) manifestations distant from the site of the primary tumor rarely arise as only sign of disease recurrence.

Methods

This report reviews 38 patients with high‐grade central OS of the limbs or axial skeleton and initial complete surgical remission (CR) who developed first recurrences as solitary osseous lesions distant from the primary tumor. The Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS) database was used to evaluate patient‐, tumor‐, and treatment‐related variables and outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients (27 males and 11 females; 36 limb and 2 axial primaries) developed solitary osseous recurrences a median of 2.1 years (range: 0.5–14.3) from primary diagnosis. Relapses involved axial (24), extremity (10), or craniofacial bones (4). Treatment for recurrence included surgery (28), radiotherapy (10), and chemotherapy (27). After a median follow‐up of 1.9 years (range: 0.1–21.2) from first recurrence for all 38 patients and 5.5 years (0.3–21.2) for 16 survivors (10 in continuous second CR), 2‐ and 5‐year overall and event‐free survival (EFS) probabilities were 55% and 34% and 34% and 27%, respectively. A long interval to recurrence (>1.5 years) predicted for better overall (P < 0.001) and EFS (P = 0.005). For 21 patients achieving a second CR, 2‐ and 5‐year overall and EFS probabilities were 81% and 61% and 52% and 49%, respectively, while only 1/17 others survived beyond 5 years (P < 0.001). Survivors (14/16) had also received second‐line chemotherapy.

Conclusion

First solitary skeletal recurrences of OS should be treated with curative intent. Some presumed bone metastases may represent second primary OSs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:771–776. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective medical assessment of adults surviving childhood cancer: Study design, cohort characteristics, and feasibility of the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Hudson Melissa M. , Ness Kirsten K. , Nolan Vikki G. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Green Daniel M. , Morris E. Brannon , Spunt Sheri L. , Metzger Monika L. , Krull Kevin R. , Klosky James L. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Robison Leslie L.
Published: December 2010

Background

To facilitate prospective medical assessment of adults surviving pediatric malignancies and advance knowledge about long‐term childhood cancer survivor health, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) is establishing a lifetime cohort of survivors.

Methods

Eligibility criteria for inclusion in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE) study include: (1) diagnosis of childhood malignancy treated at SJCRH; (2) survival ≥ 10 years from diagnosis; and (3) current age ≥18 years. Three levels of participation are offered: (1) comprehensive evaluation on SJCRH campus; (2) limited home evaluation; or (3) completion of health surveys only. A systematic recruitment structure based upon blocks of 50 patients initially focused on leukemia and lymphoma survivors and patients eligible for pilot studies.

Results

As of January 1, 2010, 1,625 (42%) of 3,900 eligible ≥10‐year survivors have been contacted. Among the first 1,000 potentially eligible survivors selected for recruitment, 971 were subsequently confirmed to fulfill eligibility criteria. To date, 898/971 (92.5%) have been successfully contacted of whom 825 (91.8%) have agreed to participate. Among participants, 88.6% agreed to comprehensive medical evaluation, 0.4% limited local evaluation, and 11.0% survey only. Anticipated minimum overall participation rate for medical evaluation is 75.3% (731/971). Comparison of those contacted who agreed versus declined to participate revealed a greater proportion of males who declined participation (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Early results of the SJLIFE study support its feasibility to recruit aging childhood cancer survivors to research investigations evaluating late health outcomes by medical assessments. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:825–836. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurocognitive deficits in children with sickle cell disease: a comprehensive profile
Authors: Hijmans Channa T. , Fijnvandraat Karin , Grootenhuis Martha A. , van Geloven Nan , Heijboer Harriët , Peters Marjolein , Oosterlaan Jaap
Published: December 2010

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) can lead to profound cerebral damage, associated with neurocognitive deficits. The aim of the current study was to evaluate a broad range of neurocognitive functions in children with SCD compared to a SES‐matched control group, in order to gain more insight into the specific deficits of these patients.

Methods

Forty‐one children with homozygous SCD (HbSS or HbS‐β0‐thalassemia) and 38 controls were assessed on a comprehensive set of well‐defined and validated measures of neurocognitive functioning. Besides general intelligence, we evaluated executive functioning extensively (including response inhibition, sustained attention, planning, visuo‐spatial working memory, and verbal working memory) as well as visuo‐motor functioning.

Results

SCD was clearly associated with lower IQ scores. More than one in three children with SCD had a Full‐scale IQ below 75. Furthermore, children with SCD showed deficits in visuo‐motor functioning. Some evidence was found for executive dysfunction: Children with SCD displayed poor visuo‐spatial working memory, as well as subtle deficits in sustained attention and planning. No significant differences were found between children with SCD and controls in terms of response inhibition and verbal working memory.

Conclusions

Children with SCD are at increased risk of lower intelligence, visuo‐motor impairments, and executive dysfunction. These neurocognitive deficits may underlie high rates of scholastic impairments in these children. The present findings further illuminate the importance of regular neurocognitive evaluations and future neurocognitive rehabilitation programs for children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:783–788. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
External‐beam radiotherapy for pediatric and young adult desmoid tumors
Authors: Rutenberg Michael S. , Indelicato Daniel J. , Knapik Jacquelyn A. , Lagmay Joanne P. , Morris Christopher , Zlotecki Robert A. , Scarborough Mark T. , Gibbs Charles P. , Marcus Robert B.
Published: December 2010

Background

To report long‐term outcomes following radiotherapy for desmoid tumors in children and young adults and identify variables impacting local‐regional control and treatment complications.

Procedure

From 1978 to 2008, 30 patients <30 years old were treated with radiotherapy for a pathologically confirmed desmoid tumor. The median age at radiotherapy was 23.7 years old (range, 10.3–29.9). Fifteen patients underwent definitive radiotherapy, 14 received radiotherapy after gross total resection, and 1 received preoperative radiotherapy. Sixteen patients received 1.8 Gy once daily and 14 received 1.2 Gy twice daily. Variables analyzed for prognostic value included gender, age at diagnosis, primary or recurrent presentation, age at radiotherapy, tumor site, tumor size, extent of resection, fractionation schedule, and radiotherapy dose.

Results

The actuarial 15‐year overall survival and local‐regional control rates were 96% and 55%, respectively. Local‐regional control in patients <18 years old at the time of radiotherapy was 20% versus 63% in those 18–30 years old (P = 0.08). Local‐regional control rates for tumors receiving ≥55 Gy and <55 Gy were 79% and 30%, respectively (P = 0.02). No other factors had a statistically significant association with local‐regional control by univariate analysis. Twelve of 30 patients experienced grade 3–4 complications, including pathologic fractures, impaired range of motion, pain, and in‐field skin cancers.

Conclusions

The role of radiotherapy in managing young patients with desmoid tumors remains unclear. Younger patient age is associated with inferior local‐regional control following RT. In children and young adults, doses ≥55 Gy were associated with improved tumor control, but also lead to increased risk of complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 435–442. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in membranous vesicle and exosome proteomics improving biological understanding and biomarker discovery
Authors: Raimondo Francesca , Morosi Lavinia , Chinello Clizia , Magni Fulvio , Pitto Marina
Published: December 2010

Exosomes are membranous vesicles released by cells in extracellular fluids: they have been found and analyzed in blood, urine, amniotic fluid, breast milk, seminal fluid, saliva and malignant effusions, besides conditioned media from different cell lines. Several recent papers show that exosome proteomes of different origin include both a common set of membrane and cytosolic proteins, and specific subsets of proteins, likely correlated to cell‐type associated functions. This is particularly interesting in relation to their possible involvement in human diseases. The knowledge of exosome proteomics can help not only in understanding their biological roles but also in supplying new biomarkers to be searched for in patients' fluids. This review offers an overview of technical and analytical issues in exosome proteomics, and it highlights the significance of proteomic studies in terms of biological and clinical usefulness.
Quantitative plant proteomics
Authors: Bindschedler Laurence V. , Cramer Rainer
Published: December 2010

Quantitation is an inherent requirement in comparative proteomics and there is no exception to this for plant proteomics. Quantitative proteomics has high demands on the experimental workflow, requiring a thorough design and often a complex multi‐step structure. It has to include sufficient numbers of biological and technical replicates and methods that are able to facilitate a quantitative signal read‐out. Quantitative plant proteomics in particular poses many additional challenges but because of the nature of plants it also offers some potential advantages. In general, analysis of plants has been less prominent in proteomics. Low protein concentration, difficulties in protein extraction, genome multiploidy, high Rubisco abundance in green tissue, and an absence of well‐annotated and completed genome sequences are some of the main challenges in plant proteomics. However, the latter is now changing with several genomes emerging for model plants and crops such as potato, tomato, soybean, rice, maize and barley. This review discusses the current status in quantitative plant proteomics (MS‐based and non‐MS‐based) and its challenges and potentials. Both relative and absolute quantitation methods in plant proteomics from DIGE to MS‐based analysis after isotope labeling and label‐free quantitation are described and illustrated by published studies. In particular, we describe plant‐specific quantitative methods such as metabolic labeling methods that can take full advantage of plant metabolism and culture practices, and discuss other potential advantages and challenges that may arise from the unique properties of plants.
Proteogenomics
Authors: Renuse Santosh , Chaerkady Raghothama , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: December 2010

The ability to sequence DNA rapidly, inexpensively and in a high‐throughput fashion provides a unique opportunity to sequence whole genomes of a large number of species. The cataloging of protein‐coding genes from these species, however, remains a non‐trivial task with the majority of initial genome annotation dependent on the use of gene prediction algorithms. Recent advances in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics now enable generation of accurate and comprehensive protein sequence of tissues and organisms. Proteogenomics allows us to harness the wealth of information available at the proteome level and apply it to the available genomic information of organisms. This includes identifying novel genes and splice isoforms, assigning correct start sites and validating predicted exons and genes. It is also possible to use proteogenomics to identify protein variants that could cause diseases, to identify protein biomarkers and to study genome variation. We anticipate proteogenomics to become a powerful approach that will be routinely employed by ‘Genome and Proteome Centers’ of the future.
Recognition and management of abulia in the elderly
Authors: D'Souza Geraldine , Kakoullis Alex , Hegde Nibha , Tadros George
Published: December 2010

Abulia is a state of diminished motivation in which an individual may appear apathetic, disinterested, asocial and emotionally remote. There is currently a lack of information on the recognition and management of abulia in elderly patients, despite the fact that it occurs in conjunction with many conditions that are associated with ageing. Here, the authors review the current literature and describe three cases of abulia in elderly patients that responded well to treatment with bromocriptine. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Current approaches to the management of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shantsila Eduard , Lip Gregory
Published: December 2010

Atrial fibrillation is increasingly common in older age groups and is associated with a high risk of stroke. Our Drug review considers today's recommended management of AF and thromboprophylaxis, followed by sources of further information. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Nonradiative surface electromagnetic waves at the interface of uniaxially bianisotropic enantiomeric media
Authors: Tarkhanyan Roland H. , Niarchos Dimitris G.
Published: December 2010

A new class of nonradiative surface electromagnetic waves guided by the interface between two enantiomorph uniaxially bianisotropic media is predicted. The waves are caused by bianisotropy and are absent in the case of enantiomorph bi‐isotropic materials. The basic properties of the waves, in particular, dispersion relation and localization conditions differ dramatically from those for conventional surface waves propagating along the interface between chiral and achiral media, as well as between two different achiral media. These waves can be considered as a generalization of Dyakonov‐type surface waves in the case of enantiomeric bianisotropic media.
Determination and comparison of wind loads for industrial reinforced concrete chimneys
Authors: Karaca Zeki , Türkeli̇ Erdem
Published: December 2010

Like all other tall structures, determination of wind loads is important for industrial reinforced concrete chimneys. All countries use different wind load standards. These different wind load standards are compared with each other in some studies. For example, in one study by Zhou et al., major international codes and standards for tall buildings were compared.

In the first part of this study, modelling information about 10 selected industrial reinforced concrete chimneys is given. All structural and material information about the chimneys are given in the first section. In addition, the first mode natural periods of model chimneys are given. In the second part of this study, procedures of standards used for calculating wind loads are introduced. These standards are ACI 307/98, CICIND 2001, DIN 1056, Eurocode 1 and TS 498. In the third part of the study, the calculated wind loads according to these five standards are shown and compared with each other. In the last part of the study, a conclusion and discussion part is taking place. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Low‐dose Vasopressin on Trauma Outcome: Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Cohn Stephen M. , McCarthy Janet , Stewart Ronald M. , Jonas Rachelle B. , Dent Daniel L. , Michalek Joel E.
Published: December 2010

Background

We previously found that regardless of the animal injury model used resuscitation strategies that minimize fluid administration requirements lead to better outcomes. We hypothesized that a resuscitation regimen that limited the total volume of fluid administered would reduce morbidity and mortality rates in critically ill trauma patients.

Methods

We performed a double‐blind randomized trial to assess the safety and efficacy of adding vasopressin to resuscitative fluid. Subjects were hypotensive adults who had sustained acute traumatic injury. Subjects were given fluid alone (control group) or fluid plus vasopressin (experimental group), first as a bolus (4 IU) and then as an intravenous infusion of 200 ml/h (vasopressin 2.4 IU/h) for 5 h.

Results

We randomly assigned 78 patients to the experimental group (n = 38) or the control group (n = 40). The groups were similar in age, sex, preexisting medical illnesses, and mechanism and severity of injury. Serum vasopressin concentrations were higher in the experimental group than in the control group at admission, after infusion of vasopressin (p = 0.01), and 12 h later. The experimental group required a significantly lower total volume of resuscitation fluid over 5 days than did the control group (p = 0.04). The mortality rate at 5 days was 13% in the experimental group and 25% in the control group (p = 0.19). The rates of adverse events, organ dysfunction, and 30‐day mortality were similar.

Conclusions

This is the first trial to investigate the impact of vasopressin administration in trauma patients. Infusion of low‐dose vasopressin maintained elevated serum vasopressin levels and decreased fluid requirements after injury.