bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Exerts Its Effects on Placenta and Regulates Vitamin D Metabolism in Pregnancy of Hyp Mice
Authors: Ohata Yasuhisa , Yamazaki Miwa , Kawai Masanobu , Tsugawa Naoko , Tachikawa Kanako , Koinuma Tomoko , Miyagawa Kazuaki , Kimoto Akihito , Nakayama Masahiro , Namba Noriyuki , Yamamoto Hironori , Okano Toshio , Ozono Keiichi , Michigami Toshimi
Published: January 2014

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) functions in an endocrine fashion and requires α-Klotho to exert its effects on the target organs. We have recently demonstrated that the human placenta also expresses α-Klotho, which led us to hypothesize that FGF23 may exert effects on the placenta. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the expression of FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) as well as that of α-Klotho in the feto-maternal interface of both mouse and human normal-term placentas, which suggested that these areas might be receptive to FGF23. Therefore, we next investigated whether FGF23 has some roles in the placenta using Hyp mice with high levels of circulating FGF23. Hyp and wild-type (WT) females were mated with WT males, and the mothers and their male fetuses were analyzed. FGF23 levels in Hyp mothers were elevated. FGF23 levels were about 20-fold higher in Hyp fetuses than in Hyp mothers, whereas WT fetuses from Hyp mothers exhibited low levels of FGF23, as did fetuses from WT mothers. We analyzed the placental gene expression and found that the expression of Cyp24a1 encoding 25OHD-24-hydroxylase, a target gene for FGF23 in the kidney, was increased in the placentas of fetuses from Hyp mothers compared with fetuses from WT mothers. In an organ culture of WT placentas, treatment with plasma from Hyp mothers markedly increased the expression of Cyp24a1, which was abolished by the simultaneous addition of anti-FGF23 neutralizing antibody. The direct injection of recombinant FGF23 into WT placentas induced the expression of Cyp24a1. The increase in the placental expression of Cyp24a1 in fetuses from Hyp mothers resulted in decreased plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. These results suggest that increased levels of circulating FGF23 in pathological conditions such as Hyp mice exerts direct effects on the placenta and affects fetal vitamin D metabolism via the regulation of Cyp24a1 expression. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osteoclast-Derived Complement Component 3a Stimulates Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Matsuoka Kazuhiko , Park Kyoung-ae , Ito Masako , Ikeda Kyoji , Takeshita Sunao
Published: January 2014

Bone remodeling is regulated by a coupling of resorption to subsequent formation; however, the “coupling factor” and underlying mechanism are not fully understood. Here, we found that the condition medium (CM) of mature osteoclasts contains a humoral factor that stimulates the differentiation of primary osteoblasts, as determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. We purified osteoblastogenesis-stimulating activity from 3 L of osteoclast CM through successive ion exchange chromatographies by monitoring the ALP activity of osteoblasts and identified complement component 3 (C3). Expression of the C3 gene increased during osteoclastogenesis, and the cleavage product C3a was detected by ELISA in the CM of osteoclasts but not in that of bone marrow macrophages. The osteoblastogenesis-stimulating activity present in osteoclast CM was inhibited by a specific antagonist of the C3a receptor (C3aR), SB290157. Conversely, the retroviral expression of C3a as well as treatment with the C3aR agonist, benzeneacetamide, stimulated osteoblast differentiation. C3 gene expression in bone was increased in the high bone turnover states of ovariectomy (OVX) or a receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) injection, and blocking the action of C3a with the daily administration of SB290157 resulted in the attenuation of bone formation elevated by OVX and the exacerbation of bone loss. These results suggest that osteoclast-derived C3a functions in the relay from bone resorption to formation and may be a candidate for a coupling factor. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cytotoxic effects of thiamethoxam in the midgut and malpighian tubules of Africanized Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Catae Aline Fernanda , Roat Thaisa Cristina , De Oliveira Regiane Alves , Ferreira Nocelli Roberta CornéLio , Malaspina Osmar
Published: January 2014

Due to its expansion, agriculture has become increasingly dependent on the use of pesticides. However, the indiscriminate use of insecticides has had additional effects on the environment. These products have a broad spectrum of action, and therefore the insecticide affects not only the pests but also non‐target insects such as bees, which are important pollinators of agricultural crops and natural environments. Among the most used pesticides, the neonicotinoids are particularly harmful. One of the neonicotinoids of specific concern is thiamethoxam, which is used on a wide variety of crops and is toxic to bees. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of this insecticide in the midgut and Malpighian tubule cells of Africanized Apis mellifera. Newly emerged workers were exposed until 8 days to a diet containing a sublethal dose of thiamethoxam equal to 1/10 of LC50 (0.0428 ng a.i./l L of diet). The bees were dissected and the organs were processed for transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that thiamethoxam is cytotoxic to midgut and Malpighian tubules. In the midgut, the damage was more evident in bees exposed to the insecticide on the first day. On the eighth day, the cells were ultrastructurally intact suggesting a recovery of this organ. The Malpighian tubules showed pronounced alterations on the eighth day of exposure of bees to the insecticide. This study demonstrates that the continuous exposure to a sublethal dose of thiamethoxam can impair organs that are used during the metabolism of the insecticide. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:274–281, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphometric variation between two morphotypes within the Astyanax Baird and Girard, 1854 (Actinopterygii: Characidae) genus, From a Mexican tropical lake
Authors: Ornelas‐García Claudia P. , Bastir Markus , Doadrio Ignacio
Published: January 2014

Phenotypic variation is important for evolutionary processes because it can allow local adaptation, promote genetic segregation, and ultimately give rise to speciation. Lacustrine systems provide a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms by which sister species can co‐occur by means of ecological segregation. The fish genus Astyanax is characterized by high levels of phenotypic variability, providing an excellent model for the study of local specialization. Here, we analyze the morphological specializations through geometric morphometrics of two sympatric species described as different genera: Bramocharax caballeroi endemic to Lake Catemaco, and the widely distributed Astyanax aeneus. Additionally, we assess the correlation between phenotypic and genetic structure, and the phylogenetic signal of morphological variation. We examined body size and shape variation in 196 individuals and analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences in 298 individuals. Our results confirm the striking morphological divergence among the sympatric characids. Differences between them were mainly found in the body depth and profile and orientation of the head, where B. caballeroi in contrast with the A. aeneus, presented a fusiform body and an upward mouth. Moreover, different growth trajectories were observed among morphotypes, suggesting that a heterochronic process could be involved in the diversification of our study system. Morphological differences did not correspond with the molecular differentiation, suggesting high levels of homoplasy among the lineages of B. caballeroi morphs. J. Morphol. 275:721–731, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can they dig it? Functional morphology and semifossoriality among small‐eared shrews, genus Cryptotis (Mammalia, Soricidae)
Authors: Woodman Neal , Gaffney Sarah A.
Published: January 2014

Small‐eared shrews (Mammalia: Soricidae: Cryptotis), exhibit modifications of the forelimb skeleton that have been interpreted as adaptations for semifossoriality. Most species inhabit remote regions, however, and their locomotory and foraging behaviors remain mostly speculative. To better understand the morphological modifications in the absence of direct observations, we quantified variation in these species by measuring 151 individuals representing 18 species and populations of Cryptotis and two species of moles (Talpidae) for comparison. From our measurements, we calculated 22 indices, most of which have been used previously to characterize substrate use among rodents and other taxa. We analyzed the indices using 1) average percentile ranks, 2) principal components analysis, and 3) cluster analysis. From these analyses, we determined that three basic modes of substrate adaptation are present within Cryptotis: 1) a primarily terrestrial mode, with species that are capable of burrowing, but lack adaptations to increase digging efficiency, 2) a semifossorial mode, with species whose forelimbs bones show strong muscle attachment areas and increased mechanical advantage, and 3) an intermediate mode. In addition to identifying new morphological characters and contributing to our understanding of the functional morphology of soricids, these analyses provide additional insight into the ecology of the species of interest. J. Morphol. 275:745–759, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors influencing radiation therapy student clinical placement satisfaction
Authors: Bridge Pete , Carmichael Mary‐Ann
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Radiation therapy students at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) attend clinical placements at five different clinical departments with varying resources and support strategies. This study aimed to determine the relative availability and perceived importance of different factors affecting student support while on clinical placement. The purpose of the research was to inform development of future support mechanisms to enhance radiation therapy students’ experience on clinical placement.

Methods

This study used anonymous Likert‐style surveys to gather data from years 1 and 2 radiation therapy students from QUT and clinical educators from Queensland relating to availability and importance of support mechanisms during clinical placements in a semester.

Results

The study findings demonstrated student satisfaction with clinical support and suggested that level of support on placement influenced student employment choices. Staff support was perceived as more important than physical resources; particularly access to a named mentor, a clinical educator and weekly formative feedback. Both students and educators highlighted the impact of time pressures.

Conclusions

The support offered to radiation therapy students by clinical staff is more highly valued than physical resources or models of placement support. Protected time and acknowledgement of the importance of clinical education roles are both invaluable. Joint investment in mentor support by both universities and clinical departments is crucial for facilitation of effective clinical learning.
Potential Economic Contribution of Regional Tourism Development in China: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Pratt Stephen
Published: January 2014

The tourism industry in China has increased dramatically in recent years. Tourism development has been somewhat asymmetric with east coast provinces developing faster than others. This research compares and contrasts the potential economic contribution of tourism across China's provinces. Because of larger multiplier effects, the more economically developed provincial economies will experience greater economic benefits as a result of further increases in tourism. However, several inland provinces are also poised to benefit from increased tourism. Increases in visitor arrivals in these provinces have the potential to benefit both the tourism sectors and those sectors that demand and supply services to these industries. This is an attractive source of economic development in lesser developed provinces. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced Corpus‐Callosum Volume in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Highlights the Importance of Interhemispheric Connectivity for Associative Memory
Authors: Saar‐Ashkenazy Rotem , Cohen Jonathan E. , Guez Jonathan , Gasho Chris , Shelef Ilan , Friedman Alon , Shalev Hadar
Published: January 2014

Memory deficits are a common complaint of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite vivid trauma‐related memory, previous studies report memory impairment for nontrauma‐related stimuli when compared to controls, specifically in associative memory (Guez et al., 2011). Healthy individuals show hemispheric memory asymmetry with left‐prefrontal lateralization of encoding and right‐prefrontal lateralization of episodic retrieval, suggesting a role for interhemispheric communication in memory‐related tasks (Gazzaniga, ; Ringo, Doty, Demeter, & Simard, ). Because brain magnetic resonance imaging (bMRI) studies in PTSD patients report volume changes in various regions, including white matter and corpus callosum (CC), we aimed to test the relationship between memory deficits and CC volume in PTSD patients. We probed for specific alterations in associative memory in PTSD and measured the volume of subportions within the CC employing bMRI. Our main finding was a reduction in CC white‐matter volume in PTSD patients, as compared to controls, t(35) = −2.7, p = .010, that was correlated with lower associative performance (r = .76, p = .003). We propose that CC volume reduction is a substrate for the associative memory deficits found in PTSD.
Role of steroids in acute phonotrauma: A basic science investigation
Authors: Ingle John W. , Helou Leah B. , Li Nicole Y. K. , Hebda Patricia A. , Rosen Clark A. , Abbott Katherine V.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Steroids are used for the treatment of laryngitis in vocal performers and other individuals despite the absence of evidence demonstrating their impact on vocal fold inflammation. Our objective was to examine laryngeal secretion cytokine inflammatory profile changes associated with corticosteroid treatment in a human phonotrauma model.

Study Design

Prospective, individual, randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial.

Methods

Participants included 10 healthy females who were randomized to either treatment with oral hydrocortisone or placebo, each given in three doses over 20 hours after the experimental induction of acute phonotrauma. Cytokines associated with inflammation and healing (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10) were measured in laryngeal secretions before and after vocal loading and at 4 and 20 hours after treatment.

Results

Proinflammatory mediators IL‐1β and IL‐6 were doubled in the controls versus the steroid treatment group at 21 hours following induction of acute vocal fold inflammation. Anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 showed a 6.3‐fold increase in the steroid treatment group versus the controls, indicating anti‐inflammatory modulation by steroid treatment.

Conclusions

This study provides biologic evidence supporting the use of steroids for acute vocal fold inflammation associated with phonotrauma.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 124:921–927, 2014
Additive Benefits of Chondroitin Sulfate and Oriented Tethered Epidermal Growth Factor for Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Survival
Authors: Lequoy Pauline , Liberelle Benoît , De Crescenzo Gregory , Lerouge Sophie
Published: January 2014

An anti‐apoptotic coating combining chondroitin sulfate (CS) and coiled–coil‐based tethering of epidermal growth factor (EGF) is designed for vascular applications. The oriented tethering strategy enables to reach higher EGF surface densities compared to the commonly used random covalent grafting, while using much lower concentrations of EGF during incubation. It also significantly improves vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) survival and resistance to apoptosis in serum‐free conditions. The comparison of CS and low‐fouling carboxymethylated dextran as a sublayer for growth factors highlights the tremendous benefit of CS thanks to its selective protein resistance and good cell adhesion properties. This approach can be tuned by capturing other growth factors on CS through coiled–coil interactions.
Hydrophilic Block Azidation of PCL‐b‐PEO Block Copolymers from Epichlorohydrin
Authors: Liu Junjie , Gan Zhihua
Published: January 2014

Amphiphilic diblock copolymers poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PCL‐b‐PEO) with well‐controlled pendant azido groups along the hydrophilic PEO block, that is, poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide‐co‐glycidyl azide) (PCL‐b‐P(EO‐co‐GA)), are synthesized from poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide‐co‐epichlorohydrin) (PCL‐b‐P(EO‐co‐ECH)). The further conversion of those azido groups along the hydrophilic block of copolymers into amino or carboxyl groups via click chemistry is studied. The micelles self‐assembled from PCL‐b‐P(EO‐co‐GA) with azido groups on the shell are crosslinked by the dialkynyl‐PEO. The micelles with crosslinked shell show better stability, higher drug loading capacities, subsequent faster drug release rate, and higher cytotoxicity to cancer cells. The introduction of azido groups into PCL‐b‐PEO amphiphilic diblock copolymers from epichlorohydrin in PEO hydrophilic block in this work provides a new method for biofunctionalization of micelles via mild click chemistry.
PS Microspheres Coated by AuNPs via Thermodynamic Driving Heterocoagulation and Their High Catalytic Activity
Authors: Pan Yunfei , Wang Jianing , Wang Yong , Wang Zhaoqun
Published: January 2014

A unique method of fabricating PS/AuNPs composite particles in ex situ mode is proposed on the basis of thermodynamically driving mechanism. It is facile and versatile as it eliminates the need for surface functionalizations and modifications of both PS microspheres and AuNPs. The PS/AuNPs composite particles take on a raspberry‐like morphology with controllable coverage according to some thermodynamic factors, which have been extensively characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. More importantly, the PS/AuNPs composite particles hold higher catalytic efficiency and better repeatability than the previously reported results, which are confirmed in two oxidation–reduction reactions of 2‐nitroaniline/NaBH4 and rhodamine B/NaBH4.

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Sandwich Complex‐Containing Macromolecules: Property Tunability Through Versatile Synthesis
Authors: Abd‐El‐Aziz Alaa S. , Agatemor Christian , Etkin Nola
Published: January 2014

Sandwich complexes feature unique properties as the physical and electronic properties of a hydrocarbon ligand or its derivative are integrated into the physical, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of a metal. Incorporation of these complexes into macromolecules results in intriguing physical, electrical, and optical properties that were hitherto unknown in organic‐based macromolecules. These properties are tunable through well‐designed synthetic strategies. This review surveys many of the synthetic approaches that have resulted in tuning the properties of sandwich complex‐containing macromolecules. While the past two decades have seen an ever‐growing number of research publications in this field, gaps remain to be filled. Thus, we expect this review to stimulate research interest towards bridging these gaps, which include the insolubility of some of these macromolecules as well as expanding the scope of the sandwich complexes.

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Modified three‐circular‐ring monopole antenna for WiMAX/WLAN triple‐band operations
Authors: Yoon Joong Han , Rhee Young Chul
Published: January 2014

In this article, a novel triple‐band‐modified three‐circular‐ring monopole antenna with a rectangular slot in the ground plane for wireless local area network (WLAN)/worldwide interoperability of microwave access (WiMAX) applications is proposed. The proposed antenna consists of two circular rings and one open‐ended circular ring. Based on the concept, a prototype of the proposed triple‐band antenna was designed, fabricated, and tested. The numerical and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed antenna satisfied the −10‐dB return loss for impedance bandwidth requirement while simultaneously covering the WLAN and WiMAX bands. Furthermore, this article presents and discusses the two‐dimensional radiation patterns and gains according to the results of the experiment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:625–631, 2014
Balanced and balun diplexers designed using center‐grounded uniform‐impedance resonators
Authors: Lee Ching‐Her , Hsu Chung‐I G. , Wen Pi‐Hung
Published: January 2014

A balanced diplexer and a balun diplexer, both with high isolation, are proposed in this article. First, a balanced bandpass filter (BPF) operating in GSM (with a center frequency of 1.92 GHz) and the other in WLAN (with a center frequency of 2.45 GHz) were designed using ordinary uniform‐impedance resonators (UIRs) and center‐grounded UIRs. Next, the two balanced BPFs were combined through two T‐junctions to form a six‐port balanced diplexer. Finally, a five‐port balun diplexer was obtained by removing from the balanced diplexer one of the two T‐junctions along with the microstrip feeding lines connected to it and by carefully adjusting the structural dimensions of the other T‐junction. A satisfactory agreement is validated between simulated and measured results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:555–559, 2014
An LTCC multilayer packaged 24‐Ghz short‐range radar with an embeded Tx leakage canceller
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Seung , Kim Choul‐Young
Published: January 2014

The high isolation performance of a Tx leakage canceller was demonstrated using low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) technology. The Tx‐to‐Rx isolation of −52 dB was achieved at 24.15 GHz. The parasitic effects of the Tx leakage canceller were studied for the purpose of reducing Tx leakage. A method involving the vertical stacking of a three‐dimensional LTCC packaging module and an FR‐4 substrate was developed, and a compact 24‐GHz quadrature Doppler radar front‐end module was fabricated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:671–677, 2014
An X‐band Wilkinson power divider and comparison with its miniaturization based on GaAs MMIC process
Authors: Yi Zhenxiang , Liao Xiaoping
Published: January 2014

This article presents an X‐band Wilkinson power divider which is completely compatible with GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). The novelty is that, GaAs is chosen for the realization for substrate because of its excellent microwave performance, and Au is used to fabricate transmission lines and air bridges due to its good electric properties. The measured return loss of port 1 is about −32 dB at the center frequency of 9 GHz and less than −16 dB over X‐band. The insertion loss of port 2 and 3 is close to 3.3 dB at 8–12 GHz. The measured bandwidth for which the input return loss is less than −20 dB is about 3.2 GHz. For the miniaturized power divider, the measured return loss of port 1 is about −23 dB at the center frequency of 11 GHz and less than −13 dB over the band of 8–12 GHz. The measured insertion loss of port 2 and 3 is close to 3.5 dB over the X‐band. The measured bandwidth of the miniaturized divider is less than 1.6 GHz. Comparison between the Wilkinson power divider and the miniaturized one shows that the shorter the quarter‐wave transmission line is, the larger the impedance is. Meanwhile, the chip area reduction also leads to narrowed bandwidth of the power divider. The experiments demonstrate that the MMIC chip area of the power divider has been reduced by nearly 50% by capacitive loading, whereas the bandwidth is also narrowed by 50%. Therefore, the Wilkinson power divider applies to the situation if wide bandwidth is needed, while the miniaturized one is a better solution for small chip area. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:700–705, 2014
Application of the multilevel compressed block decomposition to electromagnetic problems analysis based on FETD method
Authors: Ding Dazhi Z. , Niu Rongxin X. , Jiang Zhaoneng N. , Chen Rushan S.
Published: January 2014

In this article, the multilevel compressed block decomposition algorithm (MLCBD) is introduced to provide a data‐sparse way to approximate the inverse of the sparse coefficient matrix produced by the finite‐element time‐domain (FETD) method which is dense originally. Once the approximate inverse is obtained, the FETD method can be computed explicitly at each time step. The accuracy of this approximation is controllable related to the different choices of the MLCBD parameters. A modification algorithm is proposed to efficiently improve the accuracy of the approximate solution computed by the MLCBD‐based direct method. Numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:654–660, 2014
Design of dual‐band bandpass filter with improved upper stopband using novel stepped‐impedance resonator
Authors: Mashhadi Mostafa , Komjani Nader
Published: January 2014

In this letter, a new dual‐band bandpass filter with multispurious suppression is proposed using novel stepped‐impedance resonators (SIRs). The proposed resonator is composed of a SIR with embedded bandstop structure. A third‐order filter is designed and fabricated that shows a rejection level of 30 dB up to 20 GHz (8.33f1). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:603–606, 2014
A compact circular slot UWB antenna with multimode reconfigurable band‐notched characteristics using resonator and switch techniques
Authors: Li Yingsong , Li Wenxing , Ye Qiubo
Published: January 2014

In this article, we propose a circular slot ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with multimode reconfigurable dual band‐notched characteristics. By using a two‐stage T‐shaped stepped impedance resonator (TS‐TSIR) and a parallel stubs loaded resonator (PSLR), dual band‐notched function is achieved to reject worldwide interoperability for microwave access, WLAN, and X‐band signals. The multimode reconfigurable band‐notched characteristic is realized by integrating four switches onto the TS‐TSIR and the PSLR. Simulated and measured results show that this antenna, with multimode reconfigurable characteristics and dual band‐notched function, can operate from 2.7 to 12 GHz (VSWR<2), which includes the entire UWB band. This antenna maintains omnidirectional radiation patterns that is suitable for UWB applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:570–574, 2014
A UHF band wideband HTS filter with wide upper stopband
Authors: Wang Jingchen , Bin Wei , Cao Bisong , Guo Xubo , Zhang Xiaoping , Zheng Tianning
Published: January 2014

This article presents a novel six‐pole high‐temperature superconducting (HTS) UHF band filter that achieves a wide passband and a wide stopband simultaneously. This filter is designed with a new type of resonator that is composed of interdigital fingers and a vertical meander line. The center frequency of the filter is 357 MHz, and the fractional bandwidth is 28%. The measured out‐of‐band rejection is better than 55 dB up to 1438 MHz, which is four times higher than the fundamental frequency. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:600–603, 2014
A cross‐stitch geometry‐based multiband fractal antenna
Authors: Dhaliwal Balwinder S. , Pattnaik Shyam S. , Boparai Jasmine
Published: January 2014

Fractal antennas have the characteristics of radiating in the multiple frequency bands due to self‐similarity property. Using the same, a new fractal patch antenna is presented in this article. The antenna is based on cross‐stitch geometry. The simulation and measured results show that the proposed antenna has multiband performance with sufficient gain and high directivity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:667–671, 2014
Design of broad‐stop band low pass filter using a novel quasi‐Yagi‐DGS‐resonators and metal box‐technique
Authors: Boutejdar Ahmed
Published: January 2014

A novel 1.8 GHz compact microstrip low pass Filter (LPF) based on quasi‐Yagi defected ground structure (DGS) and compensated capacitors is proposed in this article. The filter has a very sharp cut‐off frequency response with low insertion loss and achieves a wide reject band with overall 20 dB attenuation from 2.8 GHz up to 10 GHz. The equivalent circuit model of Yagi‐DGS unit is derived using AWR software and the circuit parameters are extracted by using a simple circuit analysis method. The advantage of this structure is that the reject band can be controlled by tuning the dimension of yagi‐arms at higher frequency rang. To improve the filter characteristics in reject band, a new metal box has been used to minimize the loss in pass band and to extend the reject band. The proposed LPFs are designed and fabricated. The compact filter occupies an area of (0.45 λg × 0.35 λg) with λg = 44 mm. A comparison between simulation and measurement results confirms the validity of the LPF configuration and design procedure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:523–528, 2014
Barriers to recruiting ethnic minorities to mental health research: a systematic review
Authors: Brown Gillian , Marshall Max , Bower Peter , Woodham Adrine , Waheed Waquas
Published: January 2014

Disparities in the prevalence of mental illness are widely reported for people from ethnic minorities. Unlike the United States, there is no legislation for clinical research in the UK to mandate the inclusion of ethnic minorities and they are underrepresented in European trials compared with those conducted in the United States. This restricts generalization of research findings.

This systematic review of the barriers to the recruitment of ethnic minority participants into psychiatric research is based on a comprehensive literature search. Nine included papers explore such barriers based on the authors’ and participants’ experiences of research. These barriers are mainly categorized as: participant related, practical issues, family/community related, health service related and research process issues.

This review provides a compilation of important barriers to recruitment which can facilitate future research. The barriers that were identified are not all unique to participants from ethnic minorities, although the way in which they manifest themselves is often distinct in minority groups. It is important that these barriers are considered when designing research design so that solutions to overcome such obstacles can be incorporated in research protocols from the start and appropriate resources allocated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonintrusive coupling of 3D and 2D laminated composite models based on finite element 3D recovery
Authors: Guguin Guillaume , Allix Olivier , Gosselet Pierre , Guinard Stéphane
Published: January 2014

In order to simulate the mechanical behavior of large structures assembled from thin composite panels, we propose a coupling technique, which substitutes local 3D models for the global plate model in the critical zones where plate modeling is inadequate. The transition from 3D to 2D is based on stress and displacement distributions associated with Saint‐Venant problems, which are precalculated automatically for a simple 3D cell. The hybrid plate/3D model is obtained after convergence of a series of iterations between a global plate model of the structure and localized 3D models of the critical zones. This technique is nonintrusive because the global calculations can be carried out using commercial software. Evaluation tests show that convergence is fast and that the resulting hybrid model is very close to a full 3D model. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid displacement function element method: a simple hybrid‐Trefftz stress element method for analysis of Mindlin–Reissner plate
Authors: Cen Song , Shang Yan , Li Chen‐Feng , Li Hong‐Guang
Published: January 2014

In order to develop robust finite element models for analysis of thin and moderately thick plates, a simple hybrid displacement function element method is presented. First, the variational functional of complementary energy for Mindlin–Reissner plates is modified to be expressed by a displacement function F, which can be used to derive displacement components satisfying all governing equations. Second, the assumed element resultant force fields, which can satisfy all related governing equations, are derived from the fundamental analytical solutions of F. Third, the displacements and shear strains along each element boundary are determined by the locking‐free formulae based on the Timoshenko's beam theory. Finally, by applying the principle of minimum complementary energy, the element stiffness matrix related to the conventional nodal displacement DOFs is obtained. Because the trial functions of the domain stress approximations a priori satisfy governing equations, this method is consistent with the hybrid‐Trefftz stress element method. As an example, a 4‐node, 12‐DOF quadrilateral plate bending element, HDF‐P4‐11 β, is formulated. Numerical benchmark examples have proved that the new model possesses excellent precision. It is also a shape‐free element that performs very well even when a severely distorted mesh containing concave quadrilateral and degenerated triangular elements is employed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of fixed charge density and diffusivity profiles in cartilage using contrast enhanced computer tomography
Authors: Huttunen J.M.J. , Kokkonen H.T. , Jurvelin J.S. , Töyräs J. , Kaipio J.P.
Published: January 2014

Contrast enhanced computer tomography (CT) imaging of articular cartilage has been proposed for diagnostics of cartilage degeneration, that is, osteoarthritis. Previous studies also indicate that acute cartilage damage can be detected by measuring diffusion of contrast agent into cartilage using CT. However, currently, there is no reliable method to measure spatial diffusion rates within cartilage tissue, and only average bulk values have been reported. In this paper, we develop a method to determine depthwise diffusivity of contrast agents in cartilage tissue using contrast enhanced CT. The triphasic mechano‐electrochemical theory of cartilage is modified to include diffusion of contrast agents. By applying statistical inversion theory and Bayesian approximation error approach, the method allows us to estimate a fixed charge density distribution in the cartilage tissue, an important determinant for mechanical competence of articular cartilage. The method is tested by using a one‐dimensional simulation study. Preliminary tests with experimental data on diffusion of anionic iodine contrast agent in bovine articular cartilage indicate that the method can provide realistic estimates for depth dependent fixed charge density. Thereby, the present study can improve our understanding on the feasibility of contrast enhanced CT for cartilage diagnostics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bifurcation indicator based on meshless and asymptotic numerical methods for nonlinear poisson problems
Authors: Tri Abdeljalil , Zahrouni Hamid , Potier‐Ferry Michel
Published: January 2014

We propose in this work new algorithms associating asymptotic numerical method and meshless discretization (MFS‐MPS: Method of fundamental solutions‐Method of particular solutions) to compute branch solutions of nonlinear Poisson problems. To detect singular points on these branches, geometrical indicator, Padé approximants, and analytical bifurcation indicator are proposed. Numerical applications show the robustness and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 978–993, 2014
Numerical analysis of two partitioned methods for uncoupling evolutionary MHD flows
Authors: Layton W. , Tran H. , Trenchea C.
Published: January 2014

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) studies the dynamics of electrically conducting fluids, involving Navier–Stokes (NSE) equations in fluid dynamics and Maxwell equations in eletromagnetism. The physical processes of fluid flows and electricity and magnetism are quite different and numerical simulations of each subprocess can require different meshes, time steps, and methods. In most terrestrial applications, MHD flows occur at low‐magnetic Reynold numbers. We introduce two partitioned methods to solve evolutionary MHD equations in such cases. The methods we study allow us at each time step to call NSE and Maxwell codes separately, each possibly optimized for the subproblem's respective physics. Complete error analysis and computational tests supporting the theory are given.Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1083–1102, 2014
Increases in insulin sensitivity among obese youth are associated with gene expression changes in whole blood
Authors: Miranda Danielle N. , Coletta Dawn K. , Mandarino Lawrence J. , Shaibi Gabriel Q.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Lifestyle intervention can improve insulin sensitivity in obese youth, yet few studies have examined the molecular signatures associated with these improvements. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore gene expression changes in whole blood that are associated with intervention‐induced improvements in insulin sensitivity.

Methods

Fifteen (7M/8F) overweight/obese (BMI percentile = 96.3 ± 1.1) Latino adolescents (15.0 ± 0.9 years) completed a 12‐week lifestyle intervention that included weekly nutrition education and 180 minutes of moderate–vigorous exercise per week. Insulin sensitivity was estimated by an oral glucose tolerance test and the Matsuda Index. Global microarray analysis profiling from whole blood was performed to examine changes in gene expression and to explore biological pathways that were significantly changed in response to the intervention.

Results

A total of 1,459 probes corresponding to mRNA transcripts (717 up, 742 down) were differentially expressed with a fold change ≥1.2. These genes were mapped within eight significant pathways identified, including insulin signaling, type 1 diabetes, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Participants with increased insulin sensitivity exhibited five times the number of significant genes altered compared with nonresponders (1,144 vs. 230).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that molecular signatures from whole blood are associated with lifestyle‐induced health improvements among high‐risk Latino youth.
High‐dose busulfan–thiotepa with autologous stem cell transplantation followed by posterior fossa irradiation in young children with classical or incompletely resected medulloblastoma
Authors: Bergthold Guillaume , Kababri Maria El , Varlet Pascale , Dhermain Frederic , Sainte‐Rose Christian , Raquin Marie‐Anne , Kieffer Virginie , Goma Gisele , Grill Jacques , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Dufour Christelle
Published: January 2014

Background

The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of young children with high risk localized medulloblastomas (newly diagnosed classical or incompletely resected) treated by high‐dose busulfan–thiotepa with autologous stem cell rescue (ASCT) followed by focal radiation therapy (RT).

Procedure

Between September 1994 and January 2010, 19 children younger than 5 years old at diagnosis fulfilling the above inclusion criteria were treated at the Institute Gustave Roussy. After conventional chemotherapy, they received busulfan at a dose of 600 mg/m2 and thiotepa at a dose of 900 mg/m2 followed by ASCT. Focal RT was delivered at least 70 days after ASCT.

Results

The median follow‐up was 40.5 months (range, 14.5–191.2 months). The 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and OS were 68% (95% CI 45–84%) and 84% (95% CI 61–94%), respectively. Acute toxicity consisted mainly in hepatic veno‐occlusive disease (6/19 patients) and bone marrow aplasia (all patients). No toxic death occurred. The Full Scale Intellectual Quotient tended to decrease over time at a mean rate of 0.9 point per year from the date of diagnosis.

Conclusions

This intensive treatment resulted in a high overall survival rate in young children with newly diagnosed non‐metastatic classic or incompletely resected MB. In spite of a high incidence of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease (32%), the acute toxicity was manageable. Delayed neuropsychological side effects remain main concerns. These results should to be confirmed in a larger cohort. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:907–912. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The 253‐kb inversion and deep intronic mutations in UNC13D are present in North American patients with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis 3
Authors: Qian Yaping , Johnson Judith A. , Connor Jessica A. , Valencia C. Alexander , Barasa Nathaniel , Schubert Jeffery , Husami Ammar , Kissell Diane , Zhang Ge , Weirauch Matthew T. , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Zhang Kejian
Published: January 2014

Background

The mutations in UNC13D are responsible for familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 3. A 253‐kb inversion and two deep intronic mutations, c.118–308C > T and c.118–307G > A, in UNC13D were recently reported in European and Asian FHL3 patients. We sought to determine the prevalence of these three non‐coding mutations in North American FHL patients and evaluate the significance of examining these new mutations in genetic testing.

Procedure

We performed DNA sequencing of UNC13D and targeted analysis of these three mutations in 1,709 North American patients with a suspected clinical diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Results

The 253‐kb inversion, intronic mutations c.118–308C > T and c.118–307G > A were found in 11, 15, and 4 patients, respectively, in which the genetic basis (bi‐allelic mutations) explained 25 additional patients. Taken together with previously diagnosed FHL3 patients in our HLH patient registry, these three non‐coding mutations were found in 31.6% (25/79) of the FHL3 patients. The 253‐kb inversion, c.118–308C > T and c.118–307G > A accounted for 7.0%, 8.9%, and 1.3% of mutant alleles, respectively. Significantly, eight novel mutations in UNC13D are being reported in this study. To further evaluate the expression level of the newly reported intronic mutation c.118–307G > A, reverse transcription PCR and Western blot analysis revealed a significant reduction of both RNA and protein levels suggesting that the c.118–307G > A mutation affects transcription.

Conclusions

These specified non‐coding mutations were found in a significant number of North American patients and inclusion of them in mutation analysis will improve the molecular diagnosis of FHL3. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1034–1040. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of organoclay structure characteristics on properties of ternary PP‐EP/EVA/nanoclay blend systems
Authors: Olivares‐Maldonado Yeraldin , Ramírez‐Vargas Eduardo , Sánchez‐Valdés Saúl , Ramos‐DeValle Luis Francisco , Rodriguez‐Fernandez Oliverio Santiago , Espinoza‐Martínez Adriana Berenice , Medellín‐Rodríguez Francisco Javier , Lozano‐Ramirez Tomas
Published: January 2014

In this study, the effect on the degree of organoclay exfoliation in polypropylene‐ethylene (PP‐EP)/Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/organoclay blend system was studied while varying organoclay structural characteristics. Cloisite 6A, Cloisite 15A, Cloisite 20A, Cloisite 25A, Cloisite 30B, Cloisite 93A, and Cloisite 10A were used because they have different type of modifier. Ternary PP‐EP/EVA/organoclay system was obtained with each type of clay and results were organized to analyze the effect of type of clay chemical modification (C20A, C15A, and C6A), steric effect caused by surfactant structure (C15A and C10A), length of substitute groups on the surfactant (C20 and C25A), and surfactant polarity (C30B and C93A). Samples were characterized by: wide angle X‐ray diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), dynamic mechanical analysis, and capillary rheometry. Results showed that clay galleries can be saturated with chemical modifier complicating the polymer chain intercalation into the clay galleries. Some clay modifier substituent groups could cause certain steric effect promoting less exfoliated platelets structures. Finally, longer chains in the modifier substituent group can promote a better intercalated–exfoliated structure. Among all the studied organoclays, best results were obtained in the ternary system when using C20A, which modifier has two hydrogenated tallows. In this case, interlayer spacing was increased more noticeable after ternary system was formed. This was corroborated with the obtained increase in viscosity and the intercalated–exfoliated structure observed by STEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2241–2250, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of organoclay on the compatibility and interfacial phenomena of PE/EVA blends with UCST phase behavior
Authors: Hemmati Farkhondeh , Garmabi Hamid , Modarress Hamid
Published: January 2014

The compatibilization effects of organically modified nanoclay on the miscibility window, phase separation kinetics, biphasic morphology, interfacial tension, and final properties of polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends exhibiting UCST behavior have been investigated. Regardless of blend composition, intercalated nanoclay decreases the phase transition temperatures to lower values and changes the symmetry of phase diagram. The miscibility of PE and EVA phases in the amorphous regions of nanocomposites noticeably enhances and finer biphasic morphology is obtained by the incorporation of organoclay. The pinning influence of the nanofiller on polymer chain diffusion causes much slower phase separation kinetics for the nanocomposites. Similar to conventional compatibilizers such as block copolymers, the interfacial activity of nanoclay leads to a sharp decline in the interfacial tension of PE/EVA up to 2‐orders of magnitude. Moreover, the results show that imposing restrictions on the phase separation phenomenon increases the impact strength of the virgin blend and related nanocomposite. However, this improvement has been much more noticeable in the presence of nanoparticles, which is due to the simultaneous roles of organoclay as an effective compatibilizer and reinforcement. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2329–2342, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: a devastating rhinological condition
Authors: Grant Paul , Skilbeck Christopher J
Published: January 2014

Mucormycosis is an unusual but serious fungal infection that most commonly affects people with diabetes mellitus. A defining characteristic is the rapidity at which it develops and the devastation which it can cause. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
GRADUATE STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF TRAINING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE: DEVELOPMENT OF A TRAINING MODEL
Authors: Miranda Antoinette Halsell , Radliff Kisha M. , Cooper Jennifer M. , Eschenbrenner Charlotte Risby
Published: January 2014

A school psychology training model that translates social justice from an aspiration to a model of practice for school psychologists will be examined. The strategies used to incorporate principles of social justice into the school psychology graduate training program with the goal of preparing school psychologists as agents of change will be discussed as well as key areas of training that were targeted (i.e., program mission, student body, program courses, community partnering, and community‐based projects). Evaluative data from three cohorts about the impact of their training experiences on integrating social justice into their professional practice will be presented. Graduate student perceptions, implications of the training model, and suggestions for programs that are considering embracing a philosophy of social justice in an explicit way will be discussed.