bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory and visual connectivity gradients in frontoparietal cortex
Authors: Braga Rodrigo M. , Hellyer Peter J. , Wise Richard J. S. , Leech Robert
Published: August 2016

A frontoparietal network of brain regions is often implicated in both auditory and visual information processing. Although it is possible that the same set of multimodal regions subserves both modalities, there is increasing evidence that there is a differentiation of sensory function within frontoparietal cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in humans was used to investigate whether different frontoparietal regions showed intrinsic biases in connectivity with visual or auditory modalities. Structural connectivity was assessed with diffusion tractography and functional connectivity was tested using functional MRI. A dorsal–ventral gradient of function was observed, where connectivity with visual cortex dominates dorsal frontal and parietal connections, while connectivity with auditory cortex dominates ventral frontal and parietal regions. A gradient was also observed along the posterior–anterior axis, although in opposite directions in prefrontal and parietal cortices. The results suggest that the location of neural activity within frontoparietal cortex may be influenced by these intrinsic biases toward visual and auditory processing. Thus, the location of activity in frontoparietal cortex may be influenced as much by stimulus modality as the cognitive demands of a task. It was concluded that stimulus modality was spatially encoded throughout frontal and parietal cortices, and was speculated that such an arrangement allows for top–down modulation of modality‐specific information to occur within higher‐order cortex. This could provide a potentially faster and more efficient pathway by which top–down selection between sensory modalities could occur, by constraining modulations to within frontal and parietal regions, rather than long‐range connections to sensory cortices. Hum Brain Mapp 38:255–270, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of soil‐hydraulic properties and infiltration timescales in wildfire‐affected soils
Authors: Ebel Brian A. , Moody John A.
Published: August 2016

We collected soil‐hydraulic property data from the literature for wildfire‐affected soils, ash, and unburned soils. These data were used to calculate metrics and timescales of hydrologic response related to infiltration and surface runoff generation. Sorptivity (S) and wetting front potential (Ψf) were significantly different (lower) in burned soils compared with unburned soils, whereas field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) was not significantly different. The magnitude and duration of the influence of capillarity during infiltration was greatly reduced in burned soils, causing faster ponding times in response to rainfall. Ash had large values of S and Kfs but moderate values of Ψf, compared with unburned and burned soils, indicating ash has long ponding times in response to rainfall. The ratio of S2/Kfs was nearly constant (~100 mm) for unburned soils but more variable in burned soils, suggesting that unburned soils have a balance between gravity and capillarity contributions to infiltration that may depend on soil organic matter, whereas in burned soils the gravity contribution to infiltration is greater. Changes in S and Kfs in burned soils act synergistically to reduce infiltration and accelerate and amplify surface runoff generation. Synthesis of these findings identifies three key areas for future research. First, short timescales of capillary influences on infiltration indicate the need for better measurements of infiltration at times less than 1 min to accurately characterize S in burned soils. Second, using parameter values, such as Ψf, from unburned areas could produce substantial errors in hydrologic modeling when used without adjustment for wildfire effects, causing parameter compensation and resulting underestimation of Kfs. Third, more thorough measurement campaigns that capture soil‐structural changes, organic matter impacts, quantitative water repellency trends, and soil‐water content along with soil‐hydraulic properties could drive the development of better techniques for numerically simulating infiltration in burned areas.
Macrophagic control of the response to uropathogenic E. coli infection by regulation of iron retention in an IL‐6‐dependent manner
Authors: Owusu‐Boaitey Nana , Bauckman Kyle A. , Zhang Tingxuan , Mysorekar Indira U.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the causative agent of over 85% of urinary tract infections (UTIs), elaborate a number of siderophores to chelate iron from the host. On the other hand, the host immune imperative is to limit the availability of iron to the bacteria. Little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying this host‐iron‐UPEC interaction. Our objective was to determine whether macrophages, in response to UPEC infection, retain extracellular siderophore‐bound and free iron, thus limiting the ability of UPEC to access iron.

Methods

Quantitative PCR, immunoblotting analysis, and gene expression analysis of wild type and IL‐6‐deficient macrophages was performed.

Results

We found that (1) macrophages upon UPEC infection increased expression of lipocalin 2, a siderophore‐binding molecule, of Dmt1, a molecule that facilitates macrophage uptake of free iron, and of the intracellular iron cargo molecule ferritin, and decreased expression of the iron exporter ferroportin; (2) bladder macrophages regulate expression of genes involved in iron retention upon UPEC infection; (3) IL‐6, a cytokine known to play an important role in regulating host iron homeostasis as well as host defense to UPEC, regulates this process, in part by promoting production of lipocalin 2; and finally, (4) inhibition of IL‐6 signaling genetically and by neutralizing antibodies against the IL‐6 receptor, promoted intra‐macrophagic UPEC growth in the presence of excess iron.

Conclusions

Together, our study suggests that macrophages retain siderophore‐bound and free iron in response to UPEC and IL‐6 signaling is necessary for macrophages to limit the growth of UPEC in the presence of excess iron. IL‐6 signaling and iron regulation is one mechanism by which macrophages may mediate UPEC clearance.
DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS OF INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DC:0–5: SELECTIVE REVIEWS FROM A NEW NOSOLOGY FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Authors: Zeanah Charles H. , Carter Alice S. , Cohen Julie , Egger Helen , Gleason Mary Margaret , Keren Miri , Lieberman Alicia , Mulrooney Kathleen , Oser Cindy
Published: August 2016

The Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood: Revised Edition (DC:0–5; ZERO TO THREE) is scheduled to be published in 2016. The articles in this section are selective reviews that have been undertaken as part of the process of refining and updating the nosology. They provide the rationales for new disorders, for disorders that had not been included previously in the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood: Revised Edition (DC:0–3R; ZERO TO THREE, 2005), and for changes in how certain types of disorders are conceptualized.
Effect of polyvinylidene fluoride electrospun fiber orientation on neural stem cell differentiation
Authors: Lins Luanda C. , Wianny Florence , Livi Sebastien , Dehay Colette , Duchet‐Rumeau Jannick , Gérard Jean‐François
Published: August 2016

Electrospun polymer piezoelectric fibers can be used in neural tissue engineering (NTE) to mimic the physical, biological, and material properties of the native extracellular matrix. In this work, we have developed scaffolds based on polymer fiber architectures for application in NTE. To study the role of such three‐dimensional scaffolds, a rotating drum collector was used for electrospinning poly(vinylidene) fluoride (PVDF) polymer at various rotation speeds. The morphology, orientation, polymorphism, as well as the mechanical behavior of the nonaligned and aligned fiber‐based architectures were characterized. We have demonstrated that the jet flow and the electrostatic forces generated by electrospinning of PVDF induced local conformation changes which promote the generation of the β‐phase. Fiber anisotropy could be a critical feature for the design of suitable scaffolds for NTEs. We thus assessed the impact of PVDF fiber alignment on the behavior of monkey neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs were seeded on nonaligned and aligned scaffolds and their morphology, adhesion, and differentiation capacities into the neuronal and glial pathways were studied using microscopic techniques. Significant changes in the growth and differentiation capacities of NSCs into neuronal and glial cells as a function of the fiber alignment were evidenced. These results demonstrate that PVDF scaffolds may serve as instructive scaffolds for NSC survival and differentiation, and may be valuable tools for the development of cell‐ and scaffold‐based strategies for neural repair. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2376–2393, 2017.
Clinical Pharmacology of Delafloxacin in Patients With Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Hoover Randall , Marbury Thomas C. , Preston Richard A. , Quintas Megan , Lawrence Laura E. , Paulson Susan K. , Luke David R. , Cammarata Sue K.
Published: August 2016

Delafloxacin is a novel anionic fluoroquinolone with robust activity against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative, atypical, and anaerobic bacteria, including methicillin‐resistant S aureus. Delafloxacin is currently being studied for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and community‐acquired pneumonia. This was a phase 1, open‐label pharmacokinetic and safety study of a single intravenous dose of 300 mg delafloxacin in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment (Child‐Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively) compared with matched healthy controls. The effects of hepatic impairment were assessed by ANOVA of log‐transformed values for AUC0‐∞, Cmax, and systemic clearance, with hepatic group as a fixed effect. Mean AUC0‐∞ and Cmax in each impairment group were not significantly different from those of the pooled healthy subjects (P > 0.05). The 90% confidence interval (CI) of the percentage ratios of least‐squares means of AUC0‐∞ did not indicate significant differences between the impairment groups and pooled healthy controls: Child‐Pugh class A (mild) 114.4 (CI: 95.6, 137.0), Child‐Pugh class B (moderate) 114.8 (CI: 95.9, 137.4), and Child‐Pugh class C (severe) 115.1 (CI: 96.1, 137.8). A single IV infusion of delafloxacin was generally well tolerated in all treatment groups. The exposure and clearance of delafloxacin in subjects with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment did not significantly differ from those of pooled, matched healthy subjects. Based on these pharmacokinetic data, dose adjustment of delafloxacin in the presence of hepatic impairment is not needed.
Structural Correlation‐based Outlier Rejection (SCORE) algorithm for arterial spin labeling time series
Authors: Dolui Sudipto , Wang Ze , Shinohara Russell T. , Wolk David A. , Detre John A. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To propose and validate Structural Correlation‐based Outlier REjection (SCORE), a novel algorithm for removal of artifacts arising from outlier control‐label pairs in 2D arterial spin labeling (ASL) data.

Materials and Methods

The proposed method was assessed with respect to other state‐of‐the‐art ASL signal processing approaches using 2D pulsed ASL data obtained with a 3T Siemens scanner from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Longitudinal data from control participants acquired 3 months apart were used to assess within‐subject coefficient of variation (wsCV) based on the assumption that the optimal signal processing strategy will minimize control subject retest variability in Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF). SCORE was further evaluated by determining its sensitivity for distinguishing patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) from controls based on hypoperfusion in predefined regions of interest (ROIs) that are known to be sensitive to AD‐related changes.

Results

SCORE coupled with a preprocessing step to discard a few extreme outliers (combined algorithm referred to as SCORE+) reduced wsCV up to 21% in gray matter and 39% in smaller ROIs compared to the reference algorithms. It also provided an average increase in effect size for patient–control differences of 50% compared to other algorithms in a priori ROIs sensitive to AD‐related changes. This increase was statistically significant (P < 0.05) for the majority of the ROIs and methods as evaluated by permutation tests.

Conclusion

CBF maps generated with SCORE or SCORE + provide improved retest reliability in control subjects while simultaneously increasing sensitivity to pathological CBF effects between controls and patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016

Level of Evidence: 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1786–1797
ADC histogram analysis for adrenal tumor histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient in differentiating adrenal adenoma from pheochromocytoma
Authors: Umanodan Tomokazu , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Kumagae Yuichi , Shindo Toshikazu , Nakajo Masatoyo , Takumi Koji , Nakajo Masanori , Hakamada Hiroto , Umanodan Aya , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis in diffusion‐weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiating adrenal adenoma from pheochromocytoma.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 52 adrenal tumors (39 adenomas and 13 pheochromocytomas) in 47 patients (21 men, 26 women; mean age, 59.3 years; range, 16–86 years) who underwent DW 3.0T MRI. Histogram parameters of ADC (b‐values of 0 and 200 [ADC200], 0 and 400 [ADC400], and 0 and 800 s/mm2 [ADC800])—mean, variance, coefficient of variation (CV), kurtosis, skewness, and entropy—were compared between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas, using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the histogram parameters were generated to differentiate adrenal adenomas from pheochromocytomas. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using a threshold criterion that would maximize the average of sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Variance and CV of ADC800 were significantly higher in pheochromocytomas than in adrenal adenomas (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). With all b‐value combinations, the entropy of ADC was significantly higher in pheochromocytomas than in adrenal adenomas (all P ≤ 0.001), and showed the highest area under the ROC curve among the ADC histogram parameters for diagnosing adrenal adenomas (ADC200, 0.82; ADC400, 0.87; and ADC800, 0.92), with sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 84.6% (cutoff, ≤2.82) with ADC200; sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity of 84.6% (cutoff, ≤2.77) with ADC400; and sensitivity of 94.9% and specificity of 92.3% (cutoff, ≤2.67) with ADC800.

Conclusion

ADC histogram analysis of DW MRI can help differentiate adrenal adenoma from pheochromocytoma.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1195–1203
Characteristics, composition, and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino seed oil
Authors: Wang Lu , Pang Min , Wang Xiaobing , Wang Pan , Xiao Yaping , Liu Quanhong
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

In order to further develop and utilise Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino seeds, a detailed analysis of the characteristics of G. pentaphyllum seed oil (GPSO), including its physico‐chemical parameters, fatty acid composition and unsaponifiable matter constituents, has been investigated in this study. The antioxidant potential of GPSO was evaluated by radical‐scavenging activity and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power assay in vitro, and the antioxidant activity in vivo was examined by using an aged mice model.

RESULTS

The main components of the seeds are lipids (485.54 g kg−1) and proteins (203.26 g kg−1). The GPSO obtained by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (92.85%), especially conjugated linolenic acid (88.17%); and various useful compounds (squalene, tocopherol and phytosterols) were identified in the unsaponifiable matter. The overall antioxidant capacity of GPSO in vitro was shown to be comparable to that of Camellia seed oil as a positive control. GPSO could provide protection to the aged mice against oxidative stress and minimised the impact of ageing.

CONCLUSION

All the results suggest that GPSO has direct and potent antioxidant activities; it could be utilised as a functional food to supplement or replace some conventional oils. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental and Kinetic Modeling Study of C2H2 Oxidation at High Pressure
Authors: Gimenez‐Lopez Jorge , Rasmussen Christian Tihic , Hashemi Hamid , Alzueta Maria U. , Gao Yide , Marshall Paul , Goldsmith C. Franklin , Glarborg Peter
Published: August 2016

A detailed chemical kinetic model for oxidation of acetylene at intermediate temperatures and high pressure has been developed and evaluated experimentally. The rate coefficients for the reactions of C2H2 with HO2 and O2 were investigated, based on the recent analysis of the potential energy diagram for C2H3 + O2 by Goldsmith et al. and on new ab initio calculations, respectively. The C2H2 + HO2 reaction involves nine pressure‐ and temperature‐dependent product channels, with formation of triplet CHCHO being dominant under most conditions. The barrier to reaction for C2H2 + O2 was found to be more than 50 kcal mol−1 and predictions of the initiation temperature were not sensitive to this reaction. Experiments were conducted with C2H2/O2 mixtures highly diluted in N2 in a high‐pressure flow reactor at 600–900 K and 60 bar, varying the reaction stoichiometry from very lean to fuel‐rich conditions. Model predictions were generally in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. Under the investigated conditions, the oxidation pathways for C2H2 are more complex than those prevailing at higher temperatures and lower pressures. Acetylene is mostly consumed by recombination with H to form vinyl (reducing conditions) or with OH to form a CHCHOH adduct (stoichiometric to lean conditions). Both C2H3 and CHCHOH then react primarily with O2. The CHCHOH + O2 reaction leads to formation of significant amounts of glyoxal (OCHCHO) and formic acid (HOCHO), and the oxidation chemistry of these intermediates is important for the overall reaction.
Synthesis and Characterization of Double Crystalline Cyclic Diblock Copolymers of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Poly(l(d)‐lactide) (c(PCL‐b‐ PL(D)LA))
Authors: Liénard Romain , Zaldua Nerea , Josse Thomas , Winter Julien De , Zubitur Manuela , Mugica Agurtzane , Iturrospe Amaia , Arbe Arantxa , Coulembier Olivier , Müller Alejandro J.
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of symmetric cyclo poly(ε‐caprolactone)–block–poly(l(d)‐lactide) (c(PCL–b–PL(D)LA)) by combining ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and lactides and subsequent click chemistry reaction of the linear precursors containing antagonist functionalities is presented. The two blocks can sequentially crystallize and self‐assemble into double crystalline spherulitic superstructures. The cyclic chain topology significantly affects both the nucleation and the crystallization of each constituent, as gathered from a comparison of the behavior of linear precursors and cyclic block copolymers. The stereochemistry of the PLA block does not have a significant effect on the nonisothermal crystallization of both linear and cyclo PCL‐b‐PDLA and PCL‐b‐PLLA copolymers.

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Just Add Salt: A Mass Spectrometric Analysis Method for Imaging Anion‐Exchanged Poly(Ionic Liquid)s
Authors: Steinkoenig Jan , Cecchini Martina M. , Goldmann Anja S. , Reale Samantha , Angelis Francesco De , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: August 2016

We report the first mass spectrometric analysis of poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) containing weakly coordinating anions introduced by a fast, simple, and quantitative postmodification method on the example of the hydrophilic, well‐defined poly(vinylbenzylpyridinium chloride) p([VBPy]Cl) species, analyzed with an in‐source collision induced dissociation‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) protocol. Using the MS approach allows for the precise structural elucidation of ion‐exchanged p([VBPy]Cl) utilizing AgX (X = NO3−, CF3CO2−, BF4−) salts. The anion exchange is shown to be quantitative – without observing residual chlorinated PIL – on rapid time scales, using only filtration as a standard procedure during sample preparation. In addition, the influence of weakly coordinating anions on the ionization behavior of PILs is studied in detail.

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A Highly Stretchable and Autonomous Self‐Healing Polymer Based on Combination of Pt···Pt and π–π Interactions
Authors: Mei Jin‐Feng , Jia Xiao‐Yong , Lai Jian‐Cheng , Sun Yang , Li Cheng‐Hui , Wu Jun‐Hua , Cao Yi , You Xiao‐Zeng , Bao Zhenan
Published: August 2016

A new self‐healing polymer has been obtained by incorporating a cyclometalated platinum(II) complex Pt(C∧N∧N)Cl (C∧N∧N = 6‐phenyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl) into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) backbone. The molecular interactions (a combination of Pt···Pt and π–π interactions) between cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes are strong enough to crosslink the linear PDMS polymer chains into an elastic film. The as prepared polymer can be stretched to over 20 times of its original length. When damaged, the polymer can be healed at room temperature without any healants or external stimuli. Moreover, the self‐healing is insensitive to surface aging. This work represents the first example where the attractive metallophilic inter­actions are utilized to design self‐healing materials. Moreover, our results suggest that the stretchability and self‐healing properties can be obtained simultaneously without any conflict by optimizing the strength of crosslinking interactions.

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Cell Dynamic Simulations of Diblock Copolymer/Colloid Systems
Authors: Díaz Javier , Pinna Marco , Zvelindovsky Andrei V. , Asta Adelchi , Pagonabarraga Ignacio
Published: August 2016

The presence of nanoparticles in a diblock copolymer leads to changes in the morphology and properties of the matrix and can produce highly organized hybrid materials. The resulting material properties depend not only on the polymer composition but also on the size, shape, and surface properties of the colloids. The dynamics of this kind of systems using a hybrid mesoscopic approach has been studied in this work. A continuum description for the polymer is used, while colloids are individually resolved. The method allows for a variable preference of the colloids, which can have different sizes, to the different components the block copolymer is made of. The impact that the nanoparticle preference for either, both, or none of the blocks has on the collective properties of nanoparticle–block copolymer composites can be analyzed. Several experimental results are reproduced covering colloid‐induced phase transition, particles' placement within the matrix, and the role of incompatibilities between colloids and monomers.

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The medial femoral trochlea flap with a monitor skin island—Report of two cases
Authors: Tremp M. , Haumer A. , Wettstein R. , Zhang Y.X. , Honigmann P. , Schaefer D. J. , Kalbermatten D. F.
Published: August 2016

In this report, we present two cases of the bony reconstruction with the medial trochlea (MFT) flap including a skin island that was used to monitor the perfusion of flap in the postoperative period. Between March 2013 and April 2015, we performed surgery on two patients who suffered from scaphoid and talus non‐union after trauma and initial treatment by osteosynthesis. A skin island (1 cm × 1 cm and 3 cm × 1 cm, respectively) was included with the osseous flap (1.6 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm and 2 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm, respectively) to assess the perfusion of the flap. The design of the skin island was based on either the saphenous artery perforator or a cutaneous perforator of the descending genicular artery. Both flaps remained viable throughout the postoperative period, and there were no donor site complications. After a follow‐up of 36 and 11 months, bony union was observed in both patients with a high degree of satisfaction. Thus, a MFT flap with a skin island could be a tool to assess the perfusion of the flap in the early postoperative period. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:431–435, 2017.
The maxillary artery as a recipient vessel option for complex midface and anterior skull base microsurgical repair: A cadaveric study
Authors: Assam Jed H. , Quinn Thomas H. , Militsakh Oleg N.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Variations in the operative situation for complex head and neck defect reconstructions resulting from mechanisms such as trauma, oncologic resection, and prior radiation exposure can result in situations of a vessel‐depleted neck. This requires an awareness of alternate, innovative options for use in reconstructive repairs. The purpose of this study was to provide characterization of the third segment of the maxillary artery necessary to consider its use as a recipient vessel in free flap repair of complex midface defects.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen cadaver hemifaces were used for anatomic demonstration of the maxillary artery third segment by a transmaxillary approach to obtain descriptive measures for statistical analysis.

Results

The average artery intraluminal cross‐section diameter was obtained for the sphenopalatine (1.39 ± 0.12 mm) descending palatine (0.94 ± 0.10 mm), and terminal maxillary (1.68 ± 0.17 mm) arterial vessels. The mean transmaxillary depth with was (43 ± 1.2 mm). Mean mobilizable lengths for sphenopalatine, descending palatine, and terminal maxillary arteries were (30 ± 2 mm), (29 ± 2 mm), and (20 ± 2 mm), accordingly. Vessel patterns were characterized using Morton and Kahn classification for sphenopalatine‐descending palatine bifurcation as well as the Kwak classification for maxillary artery third segment morphology.

Conclusions

In situations where primary recipient vessel sites are unavailable, the maxillary artery represents an innovative option to be considered with suitable recipient artery characteristics.
A 25‐A peak current and 7.4‐NS pulse‐width laser driver using an avalanche transistor and switches for lidar applications
Authors: Cho Hyun‐Chang , Choi Hyun‐Yong , Kwon Won‐Bae , Lim Young‐Cheol
Published: August 2016

We propose and design a pulsed laser driver using an avalanche transistor and switches for LIDAR applications. The avalanche transistor is used to generate short optical pulses using high current flowing from the collector to the emitter due to the avalanche effect. The switches are used to make the peak amplitude and pulse‐width of the generated short pulse higher and narrower, respectively. The collector of the transistor is disconnected from the operating voltage of the avalanche transistor by switches when a high current flows from the collector to the emitter. This high current flows only from the capacitor connected to the collector to the emitter and leading to more rapid capacitor discharge. Using these phenomena in the proposed pulsed laser driver, a shorter pulse with higher peak amplitude and narrower pulse‐width is generated, as compared to the pulsed laser driver using a single avalanche transistor. The proposed pulsed laser driver is analyzed through both simulation and experiment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2540–2543, 2016
A novel capacitive loaded structure for miniaturized resonators
Authors: Yue Hailing , Subramanyam Guru , Cerny Charles
Published: August 2016

Miniaturized resonators are designed with variable capacitive loading capability by utilizing both sides of the substrates with Printed Circuit Board technology. The proposed design integrates a spiral‐shaped sub‐wavelength inductive element with a parallel plate resonant structure of three variations to achieve notch depths of 37, 39, and 48 dB at 94, 138, and 116 MHz respectively within an area of 6.1 by 9.65 cm2 with reduced insertion losses and narrowed bandwidths. The ratio between the largest dimensions of structure to their guided wavelengths at resonance are all <0.05, demonstrating exceptional compactness of the design without sacrificing the performance of band‐rejection behavior. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2554–2557, 2016
A hybrid dielectric resonator antenna for spectrum sensing and ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Erfani Elham , Niroo‐Jazi Mahmoud , Tatu Serjio , Denidni Tayeb
Published: August 2016

A new type of dielectric resonator antenna with consistent monopole‐shape radiation pattern across an ultra‐wideband operating spectrum of at least 15 GHz is presented. A hybrid resonator configuration along with three different matching enhancement methods including, composite dielectric, dielectric shaping, and step matching technique, is used to obtain this radiation performance. A radially dielectric constant variation structure is proposed to create the composite dielectric material. Deemed to be appropriate for spectrum sensing and UWB applications, the frequency domain responses of this antenna are experimentally presented and discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2609–2611, 2016
Effects of lossy background and rebars on antennas embedded in concrete structures
Authors: Mauro G. S. , Castorina G. , Morabito A. F. , Di Donato L. , Sorbello G.
Published: August 2016

In this letter the effects of a lossy background on an antenna for wireless embedded sensors network has been studied. The efficiency of the antenna versus the concrete structure size decreases from 72% down to ∼20%. However, it is shown that the boresight gain is essentially unaffected by the block size. The proposed configuration is robust against concrete permittivity variations, change in block dimension and presence of rebars. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2653–2656, 2016
AMC‐based broadband bowtie antenna for WIMAX application
Authors: Song Xueyan , Yang Chuang , Zhang Tianling , Yan Zehong , Lian Ruina
Published: August 2016

A broadband bowtie antenna with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) ground is proposed for WIMAX application. Loaded with two parallel open stubs in the upper layer, the proposed bowtie antenna has the merit of broad band. An AMC surface composed of 6 × 9 Jerusalem cross slot unit cells is designed under the bowtie antenna with a distance of 0.1λ, where λ denotes the free space wavelength at 3.0 GHz, for gain enhancement and wide bandwidth on the basis of low profile. Measured results show that, with maintaining a low profile, the composite antenna has a wide bandwidth (return loss
10 dB) from 2.48 to 3.8 GHz (42.04%). The measured peak gain is up to 7.94 dBi, and the maximum cross‐polarization level is −17 dB for both E and H plane. And the measured front‐to‐back ratios are <−19 dB. Both the bowtie antenna and the AMC surface are fabricated and measured. The simulated and the measured results are in good agreement. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2657–2661, 2016
Theory and design of quarter‐wave‐like transformers implemented using conjugately characteristic‐impedance transmission lines
Authors: Jongsuebchoke Itthinat , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot , Torrungrueng Danai
Published: August 2016

Quarter‐wave transformers (QWTs) have been widely employed in microwave and antenna applications. In this letter, a theoretical analysis shows that properly designed conjugately characteristic‐impedance transmission lines, called quarter‐wave‐like transformers (QWLTs), can provide the impedance matching capability like standard QWTs with significantly shorter electrical length. This opens up new possibilities for miniaturization of microwave circuits and antennas. Design procedures of QWLTs are illustrated, and three case studies are discussed in this article to illustrate the QWLT concept. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2614–2619, 2016
An aperture coupled metamaterial mushroom antenna for operation at WLAN frequency
Authors: Olule Lillian J. A. , Kasi Baskaran , Kumar T. Nandha , Gnanagurunathan Gnanam
Published: August 2016

A proposed aperture coupled metamaterial mushroom antenna with inherent surface wave suppression at resonance (5.8 GHz) demonstrates over 5.41% higher measured impedance bandwidth of 8.8% and over 3.79 dBi higher gain of 5.46 dBi compared with a similar sized typical aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna, similarly fabricated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2692–2696, 2016
A 10:1 unequal gysel power divider/combiner
Authors: Kouhpayeh‐Zadeh‐Esfahani Sedigheh , Afrooz Kambiz , Moradi Elham
Published: August 2016

This article introduces a modified Gysel power divider, providing high power division ratios, alongside the advantage of high power handling. To overcome fabrication limitations of high characteristic impedance line, caused by the anticipated high power division ratio, a coupled line structure with two shorts is used. This proposed structure makes closed‐form equations available for design and leads to a simple microstrip fabrication. A 10:1 unequal Gysel power divider is presented and fabricated as a design example and a satisfactory agreement between measurements and simulation results is verified. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2689–2692, 2016
A small 4 by 4 MIMO antenna system for LTE smartphones
Authors: Lee Won‐Woo , Jang Beakcheol
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we present a small 4 by 4 MIMO antenna system which occupies only two corners of the circuit board by locating two antennas in one corner together. The supporting frequency ranges are 3.4 to 3.6 GHz that is planned for MIMO service in Japan. The proposed antenna system consists of two pairs of antenna sets. Each of the antenna set consists of one inverted‐F antenna and one coupling antenna. The coupling antenna has the property of the loop antenna, so it effectively isolates the induced current flow. We implement the prototype of our proposed antenna system and evaluate it via thorough experiments. Return losses are <−10 dB, isolations between antennas do not >−17 dB, ECCs are <0.03, gains in all ports are bigger than about −1 dB, and 3D radiation patterns are omnidirectional in all antennas. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2668–2672, 2016
Coplanar waveguides loaded with symmetric and asymmetric pairs of slotted stepped impedance resonators: Modeling, applications, and comparison to SIR‐loaded CPWS
Authors: Naqui Jordi , Su Lijuan , Mata Javier , Martín Ferran
Published: August 2016

This article is focused on the analysis and modeling of coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission lines loaded with pairs of slotted stepped impedance resonators (S‐SIRs), etched in the ground planes. These structures may be described by a pair of parallel‐connected transmission lines, each one loaded with a series‐connected parallel resonator, and with mutual capacitive coupling between such resonators. If the structures are symmetric, the transmission coefficient exhibits a single transmission zero, related to the fundamental resonance of the SIRs, though perturbed by the effects of mutual coupling. However, if symmetry is disrupted, two notches appear, separated a distance that depends on the level of asymmetry, coupling, and CPW length. Therefore, these structures may be useful for the implementation of differential sensors and comparators. It is shown that if the S‐SIR‐loaded CPWs are electrically small, the structures can be modeled by a lumped element equivalent circuit. Using this model, the resonance frequencies are obtained analytically. The proposed lumped element model is validated through electromagnetic simulation and experiment, and a prototype comparator loaded with dielectric samples is fabricated and measured. Finally, the circuit model of the structure is compared to that of SIR‐loaded CPW transmission lines. Despite the fact that the lumped element equivalent circuits of these structures are completely different, the equations providing the transmission zeros are formally identical.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2741–2745, 2016
Compact bandpass filters using multistub loaded spiral short‐ended resonator
Authors: Xu Kai‐Da , Bai Ye‐Cheng , Zhu Chun‐Hui , Liu Yan‐Hui , Ren Yi , Liu Qing‐Huo
Published: August 2016

A novel compact stub‐loaded short‐ended spiral resonator is presented for the first time. The characteristics of the proposed spiral resonator are deduced by even‐ and odd‐mode analysis method. In addition to miniaturization and high selectivity, the bandpass filter (BPF) utilizing the short‐ended spiral resonator is found to have a tunable bandwidth. On the basis of the proposed resonator, two practical BPFs operating at 2.4 GHz with a 3‐dB bandwidth of about 20.8 and 37.5% respectively for WLAN application is designed and fabricated. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results is provided to validate the designed concept.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2738–2741, 2016
High efficiency radio frequency power amplifier with dynamic load modulation for wireless communications
Authors: Kwon Taeyeop , Jeong Jinho
Published: August 2016

In this article, a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) with high efficiency and high linearity is presented by using dynamic load modulation (DLM) technique. To improve the average efficiency, the load impedance is dynamically modulated according to the input envelop using tunable matching circuit (TMC). The TMC using varactors is located at a low‐impedance region of the output matching network. This reduces the RF voltage swing across the varactors, which minimizes the performance degradation by the varactors. The measurement setup is constructed to generate a control signal for the TMC that is synchronized with an input envelope. For wideband code division multiple access (W‐CDMA) signal with a peak‐to‐average ratio of 7.4 dB and a bandwidth of 3.84 MHz at 1.85 GHz, the fabricated DLM PA shows a power‐added efficiency of 49.7% at an output power of 30.6 dBm with an adjacent channel leakage ratio of <–45 dBc © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2717–2722, 2016
Sacral neuromodulation of nociceptive bladder overactivity in cats
Authors: Zhang Zhaocun , Bandari Jathin , Bansal Utsav , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Lamm Vladimir , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng
Published: August 2016

Aims

To investigate the effects of electrical stimulation of sacral dorsal/ventral roots on irritation‐induced bladder overactivity, reveal possible different mechanisms under nociceptive bladder conditions, and establish a large animal model of sacral neuromodulation.

Methods

Intravesical infusion of 0.5% acetic acid (AA) was used to irritate the bladder and induce bladder overactivity in cats under α‐chloralose anesthesia. Electrical stimulation (5, 15, or 30 Hz) was applied to individual S1–S3 dorsal or ventral roots at or below motor threshold intensity. Repeated cystometrograms (CMGs) were performed with/without the stimulation to determine the inhibition of bladder overactivity.

Results

AA irritation induced bladder overactivity and significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the bladder capacity to 62.6 ± 11.7% of control capacity measured during saline CMGs. At threshold intensity for inducing reflex twitching of the anal sphincter or toe, S1/S2 dorsal root stimulation at 5 Hz but not at 15 or 30 Hz inhibited bladder overactivity and significantly (P < 0.05) increased bladder capacity to 187.3 ± 41.6% and 155.5 ± 9.7% respectively, of AA control capacity. Stimulation of S3 dorsal root or S1–S3 ventral roots was not effective. Repeated stimulation of S1–S3 dorsal root did not induced a post‐stimulation inhibition.

Conclusions

This study established a cat model of sacral neuromodualation of nociceptive bladder overactivity. The results revealed that the mechanisms underlying sacral neuromodulation are different for nociceptive and non‐nociceptive bladder activity.
A Test of the Effectiveness of the Coimbra Method in Capturing Activity‐induced Entheseal Changes
Authors: Michopoulou E. , Nikita E. , Henderson C. Y.
Published: August 2016

The current paper tests the effectiveness of entheseal changes in expressing activity patterns when the former have been recorded using the new Coimbra method. Changes on the subscapularis and biceps brachii were recorded using the Coimbra method on 78 men from the documented Athens Collection. Generalised linear models were adopted with entheseal changes as dependent variable and cross‐sectional geometric properties, age and body mass as predictors. The results suggest that age is the factor most frequently affecting entheseal changes; however, its impact is not as systematic as found in previous studies. Body mass is rarely statistically significant, again contradicting earlier studies. Finally, activity proxied by cross‐sectional geometric properties is occasionally significant, but no clear pattern emerges that can associate specific entheseal morphological changes with specific directions of mechanical loading. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple Injury and Health in Past Societies: An Analysis of Concepts and Approaches, and Insights from a Multi‐Period Study
Authors: Redfern R. C. , Judd M. A. , DeWitte S. N.
Published: August 2016

Earlier clinical and bioarchaeological studies found that injury recidivists were most likely to be young adult males. Since then, the clinical meaning of the injury recidivist has expanded to include all individuals with multiple injuries, and other aspects of health have been considered. Our study sought to apply these advances to paleopathology and place multiple injuries in a wider context by investigating: the age and sex distribution of those with single and multiple fractures, and if people with multiple injuries had poorer general health. The sample of 213 males and 190 females (≥18 years old) from six populations in England, Siberia, and Sudan ranged in date from the 3rd century BC to the mid‐19th century AD. Health variables included cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, periostitis, Schmorl's nodes, enamel hypoplasias, dental caries, and periodontitis. Ante‐mortem injuries were: fractures (0/1/≥2), myositis ossificans, dental trauma, and sharp‐force injuries. The data were analysed using chi‐square and hierarchical loglinear analyses (P = 0.05).

No significant three‐way association between age, sex, and injury was found. There was no difference between the sexes when individuals with single versus multiple injuries were compared. There were significant differences in the age‐distribution of people with 0 and 1/≥2 fractures. Males and those 26–35 years old were most likely to have fractures and multiple injuries. Porotic hyperostosis was significantly associated with fractures. There was no significant relationship between general poor health and multiple injuries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
25‐year weight gain in a racially balanced sample of U.S. adults: The CARDIA study
Authors: Dutton Gareth R. , Kim Yongin , Jacobs David R. , Li Xuelin , Loria Catherine M. , Reis Jared P. , Carnethon Mercedes , Durant Nefertiti H. , Gordon‐Larsen Penny , Shikany James M. , Sidney Stephen , Lewis Cora E.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To examine 25‐year trends in weight gain, partitioned by time‐related and aging‐related changes, during early and middle adulthood.

Methods

Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), a prospective, non‐nationally representative cohort study conducted at four urban field centers that began in 1985 to 1986 with 5,109 Black (B) and White (W) men (M) and women (W) aged 18 to 30 years, has followed participants for 25 years (aged 43–55 years in 2010–2011). Time‐related and aging‐related components of weight change were estimated to construct longitudinal models of linear and nonlinear trends.

Results

There were nonlinear trends in time‐related weight gain in W, with larger weight gains early that attenuated at subsequent exams. Time‐related trends were linear in M. There were nonlinear trends in aging‐related weight gain in BM, BW, and WM, with the greatest weight gains at younger ages. Aging‐related trends were linear in WW. Participants with overweight or obesity in early adulthood had greater attenuation of aging‐related weight gain during middle adulthood.

Conclusions

These findings partially support recent surveys indicating slower increases in obesity prevalence in recent years. Findings further suggest that aging‐related weight gain is greatest in the 20s and may begin attenuating as early as the mid‐30s among some groups.
Metabolically healthy obesity is associated with an increased risk of diabetes independently of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chang Yoosoo , Jung Hyun‐Suk , Yun Kyung Eun , Cho Juhee , Ahn Jiin , Chung Eun Chul , Shin Hocheol , Ryu Seungho
Published: August 2016

Objective

This study examined whether the metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype was associated with an increased risk of diabetes in a large cohort of metabolically healthy individuals and whether that association differed by presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

The cohort consisted of 74,509 Korean adults who were metabolically healthy at baseline, defined as not having any metabolic syndrome component except large waist circumference and having homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance <2.5. NAFLD was defined as hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography in the absence of excessive alcohol use or any other identifiable cause.

Results

Over 304,852.6 person‐years of follow‐up, 472 participants developed diabetes (incidence density, 1.5 per 1,000 person‐years). The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident diabetes in subjects with overweight and obesity compared with subjects with normal weight were 1.29 (1.00–2.16) and 1.57 (1.14–2.16), respectively, for subjects without NAFLD and 1.90 (0.95–3.80) and 2.57 (1.32–5.02), respectively, for those with NAFLD (P for interaction =0.57).

Conclusions

In this metabolically healthy population, individuals with overweight and obesity exhibited an increased incidence of diabetes, regardless of the presence of NAFLD. This finding suggests that the obese phenotype per se, independent of the presence of NAFLD, can increase the development of diabetes.
The effect of tobacco cessation on weight gain, obesity, and diabetes risk
Authors: Bush Terry , Lovejoy Jennifer C. , Deprey Mona , Carpenter Kelly M.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Most smokers gain weight after quitting, and some develop new onset obesity and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the current science investigating the consequences of tobacco cessation on body weight and diabetes, as well as intervention strategies that minimize or prevent weight gain while still allowing for successful tobacco cessation.

Methods

Systematic reviews and relevant studies that were published since prior reviews were selected.

Results

Smoking cessation can cause excessive weight gain in some individuals and can be associated with clinically significant outcomes such as diabetes or obesity onset. Interventions that combine smoking cessation and weight control can be effective for improving cessation and minimizing weight gain but need to be tested in specific populations.

Conclusions

Despite the health benefits of quitting tobacco, post‐cessation weight gain and new onset obesity and diabetes are a significant concern. Promising interventions may need to be more widely applied to reduce the consequences of both obesity and tobacco use.