bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CMOS low noise amplifier designs for 5.8 GHz dedicated short‐range communications applications
Authors: Huang Chien‐Chang , Guu George Changlin
Published: August 2015

This article presents two low noise amplifier (LNA) designs in 5.8 GHz using 0.18 μm CMOS technology, for dedicated short‐range communications (DSRC) applications. The source degenerate inductor is utilized for the cascode configuration with and without the mutual coupling from the gate inductor, to show the compromise between chip size and noise figure, where the mutual inductor reduces the chip area with a little increase of noise figure. To improve the receiver dynamic ranges of the two designed LNAs, the gain‐control function is added by the bias current bleeding at the common‐gate stage of the cascode configuration. The measured results accomplish 10.9 dB in gain and 3.6 dB in noise figure with −5 dBm of input 1 dB gain compression point (P1dB) for the design without mutual inductor, and 11.2 dB in gain and 4.4 dB in noise figure with −5 dBm input P1dB for the design with mutual inductor, while the chips occupy 0.42 mm2 and 0.36 mm2, respectively. These LNA designs can fulfill the requirements of DSRC applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2524–2529, 2015
Design of planar band‐notched monopole antenna for 2.4 GHz WLAN and UWB applications
Authors: Satyanarayana Boya , Mulgi Shivasharanappa
Published: August 2015

In this article, a novel design of band‐notched monopole antenna with U‐shaped slot capable to work for both WLAN (2.4 – 2.5 GHz) and UWB (3.1‐10.6 GHz) applications is proposed. This antenna comprises the multilateral structure of the circular radiating patch with U‐shaped slot fed by a 50Ω microstripline feed and on bottom of the antenna a partial ground plane is used. A U‐shaped slot is etched on the circular radiating patch. With this design the antenna gives the WiMAX (3.2‐4.2 GHz) band‐notched characteristics. The parametric study of the proposed antenna is investigated using the Ansoft HFSS software and the results are compared with experimental results and they are good in agreement with each other. The antenna can operate in the range of 2.36 to more than 12 GHz with notched band of 3.3‐4.20 GHz for 3.5 GHz WiMAX. Also, this antenna exhibits a good omni‐directional radiation patterns and stable peak gain over the desired frequency bands which will satisfy the UWB communication system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2496–2501, 2015
RCS of large calibration objects with different surface characteristics in 0.31 THz
Authors: Liu Chi , Wang Xuetian , Kou Yuxin
Published: August 2015

Nowadays, the space target characteristics of terahertz steps into a crucial stage, and the research in radar cross‐section (RCS) of large calibration objects is the foundation of it. This article gives the simulation and the tests of six conducting spheres of different surface characteristics. And the testing results show the variation of RCS calibrator. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2479–2482, 2015
A DVC switchable antenna technique for the hand effect in mobile terminals
Authors: Lee Won‐Woo , Jang Beakcheol
Published: August 2015

A human hand holding mobile terminals causes the impedance mismatch and the signal absorption in the human body and, in result, deteriorates the performance of the mobile terminals. In this letter, we show the hand effect on mobile terminals via appropriate experiments and propose a simple but novel antenna solution that compensates for the mismatch. Our proposed solution exploits the digital variable capacity (DVC), which makes the antenna adapt to the hand effect on mobile terminals. To validate our design, we implement the proposed antenna in band5. Experimental results show that a human hand holding mobile terminals causes losses by 5.39–6.02dB. They also show that the proposed DVC adaptive antenna technique improves the antenna performance as much as 0.47–1.78dB. This study presents new understanding on the effect of DVC that compensates mismatch losses. We believe that antenna designers can exploit this research when optimizing antenna performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2614–2617, 2015
Compact, high isolation, and dual‐polarized differential dual‐notched UWB‐MIMO slot antenna
Authors: Li Wen‐Ao , Tu Zhi‐Hong , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: August 2015

A compact differentially fed ultrawideband‐multiple‐input multiple‐output (UWB‐MIMO) antenna with very high isolation, dual‐polarization, and dual‐notched bands is proposed in this letter. The proposed MIMO antenna consists of two pairs of differential ports which share a common circular radiation slot, making the proposed UWB‐MIMO antenna as compact as one antenna element with the size of 30 × 30 mm2. By arranging two pairs of differential ports orthogonally in the virtual ac ground of each other, the differential isolation can be infinite theoretically and dual‐polarization are obtained. To achieve dual notch‐band, half‐wavelength stubs and slits are introduced. Besides, the radiation characteristic and diversity performance are discussed. Good agreement is achieved between the measured results and simulated results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2609–2614, 2015
X‐band printed fresnel zone plate antenna: Design, simulation, and field measurements
Authors: Perotoni Marcelo B. , Junqueira Cynthia
Published: August 2015

Design, simulation, and measurements of a horn‐fed X‐Band Fresnel Lens antenna is presented. The influence of the number of rings, substrate of choice and the respective near and far‐field measurements are shown. The antenna is designed to be used in a free‐space materials measurement setup, as a low cost and rugged alternative to dielectric horn antennas, therefore its focal area is defined and characterized. Measurements confirmed the simulation evaluations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2604–2609, 2015
Size improvement of rectangular microstrip patch antenna at MM‐wave and terahertz frequencies
Authors: Rabbani M. S. , Ghafouri‐Shiraz H.
Published: August 2015

ABSRACT

A method has been proposed to increase the size of rectangular microstrip patch antenna (RMPA) for mm‐wave and terahertz frequencies to increase the fabrication tolerance. The method is experimentally tested on a RMPA designed at 56 GHz frequency where both the simulation and measured results are in good agreement. Moreover, the antenna's overall performance is also improved. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2585–2589, 2015
Compact UWB monopole antenna with 3.5/5.5 GHz enhanced dual band rejection characteristics
Authors: Sanyal Rajarshi , Patra Abhirup , Sarkar Partha Pratim , Chowdhury Santosh Kumar
Published: August 2015

This article presents a compact ultrawideband (UWB) monopole microstrip antenna with enhanced band rejection at 3.5 and 5.5 GHz. The antenna consist an arrow shaped radiating patch with sequential steps at the lower edges and U shaped truncated ground plane to obtain UWB response. Enhanced band rejection at 3.5 GHz can be achieved by inserting a pair of identical quarter wave open ended complimentary split ‘O’ shaped resonator, connected to the stepped periphery of the patch surface, and conversely, deep band rejection at 5.5 GHz can be realized by embedding another pair of identical quarter wave open ended complimentary split ‘P’ shaped resonator symmetrically connected to the truncated edge of the ground plane. The proposed antenna exhibits quasiomnidirectional radiation pattern with stable gain performance. Moreover, group delay and transmission characteristic show excellent transient response. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2693–2699, 2015
Dual band printed quasi‐yagi antenna for RFID and WLAN applications
Authors: Ullah Mohammad Habib , Mahadi Wan Nor Liza , Latef Tarik Abdul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Uddin Md Jasim , Ahsan Md Rezwanul
Published: August 2015

In this letter, a new dual band quasi‐Yagi antenna is presented for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The proposed antenna is comprised of 0.17λ × 0.13λ radiating patch and reduced ground plane. The proposed antenna is fabricated on a custom made copper laminated 1.25‐mm thick dielectric substrate (εr = 4.5). Measurement results show that 27.78% and 23.4% bandwidths with maximum gains of 4.95 dBi and 7.26 dBi in lower and upper band, respectively. Configuration of driving elements, director, and the pairs of folded arm between excitation point and the driven element was optimized that reduces the length of driving poles significantly. Nearly, stable radiation characteristics with proper impedance matching make the proposed antenna appropriate for universal portable RFID reader with WLAN functionality. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2655–2659, 2015
Wideband bandpass filters using corrugated substrate integrated waveguide and periodic structures
Authors: Liang Fu‐tao , An Xiang
Published: August 2015

Two wideband bandpass filters are designed and implemented by combining corrugated substrate integrated waveguides (CSIWs) and periodic structures, moreover, the novel CSIW is for the first time used for creating filtering devices. The CSIW performs similar to the traditional substrate integrated waveguide (SIW); however, it provides a completely floating conductor. As a result, active devices can easily be connected to the edge of the CSIW without using extra biasing chokes. With the help of the bandstop characteristics of periodic structures, such as defected ground structures (DGSs) and electromagnetic band gaps (EBGs), the proposed filters show wide passband, high frequency‐selectivity, and low insertion loss. The filters are fabricated and investigated, and the simulation results and experiment results are in good agreements. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2665–2668, 2015
Analysis and design of miniaturized multisection crossover with open stubs
Authors: Kim Taewon , Lee Juneseok , Choi Jaehoon
Published: August 2015

A compact branch‐line crossover using open stubs structure is proposed. Even and odd mode analysis is adopted to derive the analytical formulas for a crossover with wide bandwidth and a compact size. The proposed crossover operating at 2.5 GHz has a fractional bandwidth of 23% (from 2.2 to 2.78 GHz) with high isolation, a high return loss, and low insertion loss. It also has a low group delay deviation of about 0.38 ns. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2673–2677, 2015
A simulation method for high‐cycle fatigue‐driven delamination using a cohesive zone model
Authors: Bak Brian L. V. , Turon Albert , Lindgaard Esben , Lund Erik
Published: August 2015

A novel computational method for simulating fatigue‐driven mixed‐mode delamination cracks in laminated structures under cyclic loading is presented. The proposed fatigue method is based on linking a cohesive zone model for quasi‐static crack growth and a Paris' law‐like model described as a function of the energy release rate for the crack growth rate during cyclic loading. The J‐integral has been applied to determine the energy release rate. Unlike other cohesive fatigue methods, the proposed method depends only on quasi‐static properties and Paris' law parameters without relying on parameter fitting of any kind. The method has been implemented as a zero‐thickness eight‐node interface element for Abaqus and as a spring element for a simple finite element model in MATLAB. The method has been validated in simulations of mode I, mode II, and mixed‐mode crack loading for both self‐similar and non‐self‐similar crack propagation. The method produces highly accurate results compared with currently available methods and is capable of simulating general mixed‐mode non‐self‐similar crack growth problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity‐based profiling of the proteasome pathway during hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Nasheri Neda , Ning Zhibin , Figeys Daniel , Yao Shao , Goto Natalie K. , Pezacki John Paul
Published: August 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often leads to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The stability of the HCV proteins is controlled by ubiquitin‐dependent and ubiquitin‐independent proteasome pathways. Many viruses modulate proteasome function for their propagation. To examine the interrelationship between HCV and the proteasome pathways we employed a quantitative activity‐based protein profiling method. Using this approach we were able to quantify the changes in the activity of several proteasome subunits and found that proteasome activity is drastically reduced by HCV replication. The results imply a link between the direct downregulation of the activity of this pathway and chronic HCV infection.
Population shuffling between ground and high energy excited states
Authors: Sabo T. Michael , Trent John O. , Lee Donghan
Published: August 2015

Stochastic processes powered by thermal energy lead to protein motions traversing time‐scales from picoseconds to seconds. Fundamental to protein functionality is the utilization of these dynamics for tasks such as catalysis, folding, and allostery. A hierarchy of motion is hypothesized to connect and synergize fast and slow dynamics toward performing these essential activities. Population shuffling predicts a “top‐down” temporal hierarchy, where slow time‐scale conformational interconversion leads to a shuffling of the free energy landscape for fast time‐scale events. Until now, population shuffling was only applied to interconverting ground states. Here, we extend the framework of population shuffling to be applicable for a system interconverting between low energy ground and high energy excited states, such as the SH3 domain mutants G48M and A39V/N53P/V55L from the Fyn tyrosine kinase, providing another tool for accessing the structural dynamics of high energy excited states. Our results indicate that the higher energy gauche− rotameric state for the leucine χ2 dihedral angle contributes significantly to the distribution of rotameric states in both the major and minor forms of the SH3 domain. These findings are corroborated with unrestrained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on both the major and minor states of the SH3 domain demonstrating high correlations between experimental and back‐calculated leucine χ2 rotameric populations. Taken together, we demonstrate how fast time‐scale rotameric side‐chain population distributions can be extracted from slow time‐scale conformational exchange data further extending the scope and the applicability of the population shuffling model.
Theoretical calculations on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of bulk silver nitrides
Authors: Suleiman Mohammed S. H. , Joubert Daniel P.
Published: August 2015

The extreme endothermic nature of silver nitride has been hampering its experimental characterization and there is incomplete detailed knowledge of the structural and physical properties of this material. Stimulated by this lack, we present a first‐principles DFT and GW investigation of structural, electronic, and optical properties of bulk crystalline silver nitrides. In this study, 20 structures for AgN, AgN, and AgN were investigated. The equilibrium cohesive and formation energies revealed that the series contains the most energetically stable phases. However, all the formation energies confirmed that silver nitrides are thermodynamically unstable. New possible structural phase transitions were discovered from the enthalpy–pressure equation of states diagrams. We predict that the most stable phases of AgN and AgN are metallic, while those of AgN are semiconductors. In agreement with a previous study, it is found that as the nitrogen to silver ratio decreases, the total DOS at Fermi energy decreases until a gap opens. The calculated lattice parameter of AgN(D09)—the most stable modification in the considered AgN phases—is close to the experimentally reported one, yet the calculated absorption spectrum does not explain the observed black color of the synthesized AgN.
Starch characterization and ethanol production of duckweed and corn kernel
Authors: Lee Chang Joo , Yangcheng Hanyu , Cheng Jay J. , Jane Jay‐lin
Published: August 2015

The objectives of this study were to characterize the chemical structure, physical properties, enzyme digestibility, and ethanol production of duckweed starch and compare them with that of corn starch (B73). Duckweed consisted of 23.3% starch (dry basis, db), which was less than B73 corn kernels (66.5%). The morphology of duckweed starch granules displayed disk/dome shapes with one side of the granule flat and diameters of 4–9 µm. Duckweed starch displayed a B‐type polymorph, having an average amylopectin branch‐chain length of DP 26.5, and 35.7% amylose; both were larger than corn starch counterparts (DP 21.3 and 31.0%, respectively). Cooked duckweed starch showed higher resistant‐starch content (14.1%) and a greater percentage of retrogradation after 7‐day storage (57.5%) than the cooked B73 corn starch counterparts (8.7 and 49.6%, respectively). Duckweed plant produced a smaller ethanol‐yield (12.0 g/100 g plant, db) but a greater ethanol‐conversion efficiency (90.8%) than the B73 corn kernels (33.7 g/100 g kernels and 89.4%, respectively).
Effect of enzymatic pretreatment on the extraction yield and physicochemical properties of sago starch
Authors: Pinyo Jukkrapong , Luangpituksa Pairoj , Suphantharika Manop , Hansawasdi Chanida , Wongsagonsup Rungtiwa
Published: August 2015

The aim of this research was to investigate the extraction yield and physicochemical properties of sago starch extracted after enzymatic pretreatment. Sago pith was enzymatic‐pretreated by varying enzyme (cellulase enzyme complex) concentration, pretreatment time, and sago pith slurry concentration. The extracted sago starch was analyzed for its properties,e.g., extraction yield, pasting and thermal properties, and in vitro starch digestibility. Sago pith contained 82% (db) starch. The extraction yield and reducing sugar released increased with enzyme concentration and pretreatment time. The optimum enzymatic pretreatment conditions were 10% (w/w) sago pith slurry, enzyme concentration of 0.25 mL (618 carboxymethylcellulose unit and 139p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside unit)/g substrate, and 24 h pretreatment time, providing the highest extraction yield of 71.36% (w/w sago pith, db), while control method, without enzymatic pretreatment, provided 61.01% extraction yield. Results from pasting and thermal properties confirmed that the granular stability, resistance to shear, and crystalline perfection of sago starch were improved due to hydrothermal effect of annealing during enzymatic pretreatment. The enzymatic‐pretreated sago starch also had lower retrogradation but higher starch digestibility than the control sago starch. The enzymatic pretreatment enhanced the extraction yield of sago starch and also improved its quality by the effect of annealing.
Prenatal diagnosis of cobblestone lissencephaly associated with Walker–Warburg syndrome based on a specific sonographic pattern
Authors: Lacalm A. , Nadaud B. , Massoud M. , Putoux A. , Gaucherand P. , Guibaud L.
Published: August 2015

We report a specific sonographic cerebral pattern of cobblestone lissencephaly (CL) that has not been described previously. This pattern was encountered in four index cases and allowed prenatal diagnosis of CL associated with Walker–Warburg syndrome. The pattern included both an outer echogenic band with reduced pericerebral space, corresponding to an infra‐ and supratentorial extracortical layer of neuroglial overmigration on pathological examination, and a ‘Z’‐shaped appearance of the brainstem. This pattern was found as early as 14 weeks' gestation in one of our cases. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Communications on quantum similarity (4): collective distances computed by means of similarity matrices, as generators of intrinsic ordering among quantum multimolecular polyhedra
Authors: Carbó‐Dorca Ramon , Barragán Diego
Published: August 2015

This study generalizes the notion of distance via defining an axiomatic collective distance, between arbitrary vector sets. A first part discusses conceptual tools, which can be later useful for general mathematical practice or as computational quantum similarity indices. After preliminary definitions, two elements, which can be associated with arbitrary sets of a vector space, are described: the centroid and the variance vectors. The Minkowski norm of the variance vector is shown to comply with the axioms of a collective distance. The role of the Gram matrix, associated with a vector set, is linked to the definition of numerical variance. Several simple application examples involving linear algebra and N‐dimensional geometry are given. In a second part, all previous definitions are applied to quantum multimolecular polyhedra (QMP), where a set of molecular quantum mechanical density functions act as vertices. The numerical Minkowski norm of the variance vector in any QMP could be considered as a superposition of molecular contributions, corresponding to a new set of quantum similarity indices, which can generate intrinsic ordering among QMP vertices. In this way, the role of quantum similarity matrix elements is evidenced. Application to collections of molecular structures is analyzed as an illustrative practical exercise. The connection of the QMP framework with classical and quantum quantitative structure–properties relation (QSPR) becomes evident with the aid of numerical examples computed over several molecular sets acting as QMP. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:380–404. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1223

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Computer and Information Science > Chemoinformatics

Computer and Information Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming
New Ternary Hafniumhalides: Cs[Hf2Br9] and Rb[Hf2Br9]
Authors: Jablonski Jonas , Köckerling Martin
Published: August 2015

The syntheses and crystal structures of two new ternary hafnium compounds, Cs[Hf2Br9] (1) and Rb[Hf2Br9] (2), are described. Both compounds are obtained in high yield from the chemical reaction of HfBr4 and CsBr or RbBr, respectively, in the presence of a small amount of elemental Al at 450 °C in sealed silica tubes. They crystallize isostructurally in the monoclinic space group P2/n. The lattice parameters are a = 9.946(1) (1) and 9.9388(4) Å (2), b = 6.6580(9) (1) and 6.6695(3) Å (2), c = 12.930(2) (1) and 12.8435(6) Å (2), and β = 112.479(6)° (1) and 112.726(2)° (2). The crystals of the two compounds contain dinuclear tri‐μ‐bromido‐hexabromido‐dihafnate(–) complex anions, [Hf2Br9]–, besides the alkali metal cations. The complex anions can be described as face‐sharing bioctahedral units.
Fusion of Information from 3D Printing and Surgical Robot: An Innovative Minimally Technique Illustrated by the Resection of a Large Celiac Trunk Aneurysm
Authors: Salloum Chady , Lim Chetana , Fuentes Liliana , Osseis Michael , Luciani Alain , Azoulay Daniel
Published: August 2015

The rapid advancement in technological innovations, such as 3D printing and robotic surgery, is a progression that few could imagine just a few years ago. The combination of these technologies namely 3D printing of patient‐specific anatomy and robotic surgery is reported here to plan and perform the resection of a large aneurysm of the celiac trunk.
Is the Reluctance for the Implantation of Right Donor Kidneys Justified?
Authors: Özdemir‐van Brunschot Denise M. D. , van Laarhoven Cees J. H. M. , van der Jagt Michel F. P. , Hoitsma Andries J. , Warlé Michiel C.
Published: August 2015

Background

The lengths of right renal veins are shorter when compared to their left counterparts. Since the implantation of kidneys with short renal veins is considered more challenging, many surgeons prefer left kidneys for transplantation. Therefore, our hypothesis is that the implantation of right kidneys from living and deceased donors is associated with more technical graft failures as compared to left kidneys.

Methods

Two consecutive cohorts of adult renal allograft recipients of living (n = 4.372) and deceased (n = 5.346) donor kidneys between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2013 were analyzed. Data were obtained from the prospectively maintained electronic database of the Dutch Organ Transplant Registry. Technical graft failure was defined as failure of the renal allograft within 10 days after renal transplantation without signs of acute rejection.

Results

In the living donor kidney transplantation cohort, the implantation of right donor kidneys was associated with a higher incidence of technical graft failure (multivariate analysis p = 0.03). For recipients of deceased donor kidneys, the implantation of right kidneys was not significantly associated with technique‐related graft failure (multivariate analysis p = 0.16).

Conclusions

Our data show that the implantation of right kidneys from living donors is associated with a higher incidence of technique‐related graft failure as compared to left kidneys.
How Do Quality‐of‐Life and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Differ Between Post‐cholecystectomy Patients and the Background Population?
Authors: Wanjura Viktor , Sandblom Gabriel
Published: August 2015

Background

Previous studies have indicated a correlation between indication for cholecystectomy and long‐term gastrointestinal quality‐of‐life (QoL). The aim of the present study was to compare QoL in a post‐cholecystectomy cohort with the background population and with historical controls.

Methods

A post‐cholecystectomy study group (on average 4 years after cholecystectomy) was compared with a control group from the background population using the Gastrointestinal Quality‐of‐Life Index (GIQLI). EQ‐5D scores were compared with expected scores derived from recent historical data.

Results

The post‐cholecystectomy study group (N = 451) had better QoL measured by the EQ‐5D compared with historical controls (p < 0.001), similar total GIQLI scores as the control group (N = 390), but scored worse on the GIQLI gastrointestinal symptoms subscale score (p < 0.001). The results include an item‐by‐item breakdown of the GIQLI questionnaire where the scores for diarrhea, bowel urgency, bloating, regurgitation, abdominal pain, flatus, fullness, nausea, uncontrolled stools, belching, heartburn, restricted eating, and bowel frequency were found to be significantly lower (i.e. worse) in the post‐cholecystectomy cohort than in the control group. The opposite was true for relationships, endurance, sexual life, physical strength, feeling fit, not being frustrated by illness, and being able to carry out leisure activities, i.e. items related to general performance and well‐being.

Conclusions

In this study, QoL after cholecystectomy was good, but there was an increased prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms compared to the background population.
Genome neighborhood network reveals insights into enediyne biosynthesis and facilitates prediction and prioritization for discovery
Authors: Rudolf Jeffrey D , Yan Xiaohui , Shen Ben
Published: August 2015

The enediynes are one of the most fascinating families of bacterial natural products given their unprecedented molecular architecture and extraordinary cytotoxicity. Enediynes are rare with only 11 structurally characterized members and four additional members isolated in their cycloaromatized form. Recent advances in DNA sequencing have resulted in an explosion of microbial genomes. A virtual survey of the GenBank and JGI genome databases revealed 87 enediyne biosynthetic gene clusters from 78 bacteria strains, implying that enediynes are more common than previously thought. Here we report the construction and analysis of an enediyne genome neighborhood network (GNN) as a high-throughput approach to analyze secondary metabolite gene clusters. Analysis of the enediyne GNN facilitated rapid gene cluster annotation, revealed genetic trends in enediyne biosynthetic gene clusters resulting in a simple prediction scheme to determine 9- versus 10-membered enediyne gene clusters, and supported a genomic-based strain prioritization method for enediyne discovery.
On fractional Laplacians $– 2$
Authors: Musina Roberta , Nazarov Alexander I.
Published: August 2015

For

s > −1

we compare two natural types of fractional Laplacians

(−\mathrm{\Delta })^{s}

, namely, the “Navier” and the “Dirichlet” ones.
Steel nitriding optimization through multi-objective and FEM analysis
Authors: Cavaliere Pasquale , Perrone Angelo , Silvello Alessio
Published: August 2015

Steel nitriding is a thermo-chemical process leading to surface hardening and improvement in fatigue properties. The process is strongly influenced by many different variables such as steel composition, nitrogen potential, temperature, time, and quenching media. In the present study, the influence of such parameters affecting physic-chemical and mechanical properties of nitride steels was evaluated. The aim was to streamline the process by numerical–experimental analysis allowing defining the optimal conditions for the success of the process. Input parameters–output results correlations were calculated through the employment of a multi-objective optimization software, modeFRONTIER (Esteco). The mechanical and microstructural results belonging to the nitriding process, performed with different processing conditions for various steels, are presented. The data were employed to obtain the analytical equations describing nitriding behavior as a function of nitriding parameters and steel composition. The obtained model was validated, through control designs, and optimized by taking into account physical and processing conditions.

Highlights The paper shows the development of a model based on very broad experimental activity. The data were employed to provide a provisional tool for nitrided steel mechanical and microstructural behavior. A very good experimental–numerical correlation was found.
Comparison of duplicate portion and 24 h recall as reference methods for validating a FFQ using urinary markers as the estimate of true intake
Authors: Trijsburg Laura , de Vries Jeanne H. M. , Boshuizen Hendriek C. , Hulshof Paul J. M. , Hollman Peter C. H. , van 't Veer Pieter , Geelen Anouk
Published: August 2015

As FFQ are subject to measurement error, associations between self-reported intake by FFQ and outcome measures should be adjusted by correction factors obtained from a validation study. Whether the correction is adequate depends on the characteristics of the reference method used in the validation study. Preferably, reference methods should (1) be unbiased and (2) have uncorrelated errors with those in the FFQ. The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of the duplicate portion (DP) technique as a reference method and compare its validity with that of a commonly used reference method, the 24 h recall (24hR), for protein, K and Na using urinary markers as the unbiased reference method. For 198 subjects, two DP, two FFQ, two urinary biomarkers and between one and fifteen 24hR (web based and/or telephone based) were collected within 1·5 years. Multivariate measurement error models were used to estimate bias, error correlations between FFQ and DP or 24hR, and attenuation factors of these methods. The DP was less influenced by proportional scaling bias (0·58 for protein, 0·72 for K and 0·52 for Na), and correlated errors between DP and FFQ were lowest (protein 0·28, K 0·17 and Na 0·19) compared with the 24hR. Attenuation factors (protein 0·74, K 0·54 and Na 0·43) also indicated that the DP performed better than the 24hR. Therefore, the DP is probably the best available reference method for FFQ validation for nutrients that currently have no generally accepted recovery biomarker.
A case of subglottic tumour presenting with type 2 respiratory failure
Authors: Egro F M , Sharma S , Baldwin D
Published: August 2015

Background:

Although type 2 respiratory failure is a plausible late presentation for laryngeal tumours, very little published literature is available to support this theory.

Methods:

This paper describes the unusual presentation of a subglottic tumour with uncompensated type 2 respiratory failure.

Results:

The patient was initially managed with biphasic positive airway pressure as a bridging measure while awaiting intensive care treatment and to provide sufficient time to arrange a surgical tracheostomy.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion towards subglottic tumours in patients presenting with type 2 respiratory failure. The positive outcome indicates that biphasic positive airway pressure is a potential bridging therapy for upper airway obstruction and a safe and stable treatment option for patients in respiratory distress.
Roman ‘Family Values’ and the Apologetic Concerns of Philo and Paul: Reading the Sixth Commandment
Authors: D'Angelo Mary R.
Published: August 2015

The Augustan laws criminalising adultery andstuprumand promoting marriage and childrearing not only intruded into the family lives of citizens (including freedpersons and their descendants) but also made marital probity central to moral and political discourse in the first century. This was true not only for imperial figures like Seneca and Musonius Rufus, but also for Jews and the earliest Christians. Considering Philo and Paul as interpreters of the sixth commandment (‘you shall not commit adultery’) illuminates the subtle but significant ways that the Roman matrix set the parameters within which they worked out their arguments. For Philo the ten commandments are heads or summaries of the legislation as whole; the sixth commandment (following the LXX) takes pride of place in the ‘second pentad’ because adultery is the greatest of injustices and is rooted in pleasure, the most fatal of passions. He reads the commandment expansively and through first-century constructions of sexuality. Comparison with Pseudo-Phocylides suggests that Philo did not originate these positions, but shares them with other first-century interpreters. Paul also is concerned with summarising the law; he cites the sixth commandment in Romans, where he grants it first place in the second pentad, and reads it as prohibiting all unions and acts that contravened good sexual mores. But for Paul, the sixth commandment is no longer a guide for the blind; it is never cited when he advises his communities on sexual morality. Instead it supports his argument for freedom from the law in Christ.
Reading for the Spirit of the Text: nomina sacra and πνεῦμα Language in P46
Authors: Estes Joel D.
Published: August 2015

This study examines every reference to πνεῦμα in NT Papyrus 46 (P. Chester Beatty ii / P. Mich. Inv. 6238) and whether or not it is contracted as a nomen sacrum. Against expectations, the scribe does not always use nomina sacra to designate the divine Spirit, nor are other kinds of spirits always written out in full. This discovery destabilises the assumption that we can access the scribe's understanding of πνεῦμα simply by identifying where nomina sacra do and do not occur. At the same time, such scribal irregularity itself may illustrate wider theological ambiguities among some early Christian communities concerning the status and role of the Holy Spirit.
Spatial patterns of primary seed dispersal and adult tree distributions:Genipa americanadispersed byCebus capucinus
Authors: Valenta Kim , Hopkins Mariah E. , Meeking Melanie , Chapman Colin A. , Fedigan Linda M.
Published: August 2015

The spatial distribution of adult trees is typically not expected to reflect the spatial patterns of primary seed dispersal, due to many factors influencing post-dispersal modification of the seed shadow, such as seed predation, secondary seed dispersal and density-dependent survival. Here, we test the hypothesis that spatial distributions of primary seed shadows and adult trees are concordant by analysing the spatial distributions of adultGenipa americanatrees and the seed shadow produced by its key primary disperser, the capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) in a tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. We mapped the dispersal ofG. americanaseeds by the capuchins during focal animal follows (mean = 463 min,n= 50) of all adults in one free-ranging group over two early wet seasons (May–July, 2005 and 2006). We mapped the locations of allG. americanatrees within a 60-ha plot that lay within the home range of the capuchin group. We conducted multiple spatial point pattern analyses comparing degrees of clustering of capuchin defecations andG. americanatrees. We found that adult tree distributions and primary dispersal patterns are similarly aggregated at multiple spatial scales, despite the modification of the primary dispersal patterns and long dispersal distances.
Cylindrically symmetric travelling fronts in a periodic reaction—diffusion equation with bistable nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Zhi-Cheng
Published: August 2015

This paper is concerned with the existence, non-existence and qualitative properties of cylindrically symmetric travelling fronts for time-periodic reaction–diffusion equations with bistable nonlinearity in ℝm with m ≥ 2. It should be mentioned that the existence and stability of two-dimensional time-periodic V-shaped travelling fronts and three-dimensional time-periodic pyramidal travelling fronts have been studied previously. In this paper we consider two cases: the first is that the wave speed of a one-dimensional travelling front is positive and the second is that the one-dimensional wave speed is zero. For both cases we establish the existence, non-existence and qualitative properties of cylindrically symmetric travelling fronts. In particular, for the first case we furthermore show the asymptotic behaviours of level sets of the cylindrically symmetric travelling fronts.
What do we know about obsessive-compulsive disorder following traumatic brain injury?
Authors: Rydon-Grange Michelle , Coetzer Rudi
Published: August 2015

In addition to the well-known cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury (TBI), neuropsychiatric sequelae are often reported as well. Although not the most common neuropsychiatric consequence of TBI, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been associated with TBI. However, diagnosing new onset OCD secondary to TBI is complicated by the potential for cognitive impairment secondary to TBI masquerading as OCD. In particular, memory difficulties and executive dysfunction may be confused as representing obsessions and compulsions. Research in this area, which could guide clinical practice, remains limited. In addition to using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria, neuropsychological testing and collateral interviews may help clinicians when considering differential diagnoses in this complex area of neuropsychiatry.
Screening of tropical isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) for virulence to the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae)
Authors: Dotaona Ronnie , Wilson Bree A.L. , Stevens Mark M. , Holloway Joanne , Ash Gavin J.
Published: August 2015

The sweet potato weevil (SPW),Cylas formicarius, is a serious pest of sweet potato in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Ten strains ofMetarhiziumsp. isolated from Australian soil samples were evaluated for their growth characteristics and screened for virulence to adult SPW under laboratory conditions. All isolates except QD62 (48.6%) had moderate to high germination (66–97%), and all took 2 to 4 days to sporulate at 25 °C. The optimal temperature for radial growth for the majority of isolates was 30 °C, and there was a significant interaction between isolate and temperature (P< 0.05). Isolate QS155 showed the fastest radial growth at 30 °C. The internal transcribed spacer sequences showed slight variations among the isolates; however, all isolates were shown to beMetarhizium anisopliae. Isolates varied greatly in their virulence. At 10 days after inoculation (DAI) by immersion in a suspension of 1 × 107conidia/ml, 9 of the 10 isolates were virulent, causing 80–100% mortality of adult SPW. Only two isolates (QS001-6 and QS155) caused more than 50% mortality at 5 DAI. In dose-mortality bioassays, isolate QS155 had the lowest 20-day LC50and LC90values; however, there were no statistically significant differences in mortality among the three most promising isolates tested (QD66, QS001-6 and QS155). These results show thatM. anisopliaeisolate QS155 has potential as a microbial control agent for SPW, and that further evaluation under glasshouse and field conditions is warranted.
Data-rate-efficient CMOS modulator for wireless biomedical sensor network applications
Authors: Yao Kai-Wen , Alex Gong Cihun-Siyong , Hsueh Yu-Ting , Tsou Yu-Lin , Shiue Muh-Tian , Liou Jian-Chiun , Hwang Yih-Shiou
Published: August 2015

A 0.18 µm CMOS Binary Frequency Shift Keying Modulator with a novel frequency synthesizer structure is proposed in this paper. Based on an analog adder technique being the backbone of the synthesizer, this prototype demonstrates a compact modulator with low complexity, which achieves 1 Mbps at 400 MHz while dissipating 3.1 mW at 1.5 V supply. The proposed design is ideal for biomedical sensor network systems including distributed wearable body area network.
Gender-based 30-day and long-term outcomes after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Lübke Thomas , Ahmad Wael , Koushk Jalali Bijan , Brunkwall Jan
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Background: We analyses the effect of gender on short and long-term morbidity and mortality in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under loco-regional anesthesia. Patients and methods: Patients who were entered into a prospectively compiled computerized database of unilateral, consecutive CEAs performed at our hospital from January 2000 to December 2010 were analysed. Endpoints were perioperative stroke and death, and overall long-term survival rates. Statistical analysis was used to determine the relationships between gender and outcomes after CEA. A Cox proportional hazard model was applied to determine independent risk factors for long term survival. Results: A total of 1880 CEA procedures were performed in the period between 2000 and 2010. Overall, there were 28 (1.48 %) neurological deficits according to the ipsilateral carotid supply territory, including minor and major strokes. 7 occurred in the female group (1.19 %), and 21 in the male group (1.62 %) with no significant difference between the genders (p = 0.60). No significant difference emerged between female and male patients when postoperative neurological events according to the ipsilateral carotid supply territory were stratified by linical presentation (asymptomatic ICA stenosis: p = 0.75; symptomatic ICA stenosis: p = 0.66). The late overall mortality rate was 4.1% (n = 78) and 26/78 of these late deaths occurred in the female group (33 %). Log rank analysis of Kaplan Meier curves showed no statistically significant difference in long-term survival between the groups (p = 0.74). The multivariate risk factor analysis with the Cox proportinal hazard model revealed age (p < 0.00), and smoking (p = 0,02) as independent risk factors for decreased long term survival. Conclusions: When considering short and long-term outcomes in patients receiving carotid endarterectomy in local anaesthesia gender should not be regarded as a factor on decision-making for carotid interventions in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
Markers of arterial stiffness in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Husmann Marc , Jacomella Vincenzo , Thalhammer Christoph , Amann-Vesti Beatrice R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Increased arterial stiffness results from reduced elasticity of the arterial wall and is an independent predictor for cardiovascular risk. The gold standard for assessment of arterial stiffness is the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Other parameters such as central aortic pulse pressure and aortic augmentation index are indirect, surrogate markers of arterial stiffness, but provide additional information on the characteristics of wave reflection. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterised by its association with systolic hypertension, increased arterial stiffness, disturbed wave reflexion and prognosis depending on ankle-brachial pressure index. This review summarises the physiology of pulse wave propagation and reflection and its changes due to aging and atherosclerosis. We discuss different non-invasive assessment techniques and highlight the importance of the understanding of arterial pulse wave analysis for each vascular specialist and primary care physician alike in the context of PAD.
Comparison of two devices for measuring exercise transcutaneous oxygen pressures in patients with claudication
Authors: Urban Marie , Fouasson-Chailloux Alban , Signolet Isabelle , Colas Ribas Christophe , Feuilloy Mathieu , Abraham Pierre
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Summary: Background: We aimed at estimating the agreement between the Medicap® (photo-optical) and Radiometer® (electro-chemical) sensors during exercise transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcpO2) tests. Our hypothesis was that although absolute starting values (tcpO2rest: mean over 2 minutes) might be different, tcpO2-changes over time and the minimal value of the decrease from rest of oxygen pressure (DROPmin) results at exercise shall be concordant between the two systems. Patients and methods: Forty seven patients with arterial claudication (65 + / - 7 years) performed a treadmill test with 5 probes each of the electro-chemical and photo-optical devices simultaneously, one of each system on the chest, on each buttock and on each calf. Results: Seventeen Medicap® probes disconnected during the tests. tcpO2rest and DROPmin values were higher with Medicap® than with Radiometer®, by 13.7 + / - 17.1 mm Hg and 3.4 + / - 11.7 mm Hg, respectively. Despite the differences in absolute starting values, changes over time were similar between the two systems. The concordance between the two systems was approximately 70 % for classification of test results from DROPmin. Conclusions: Photo-optical sensors are promising alternatives to electro-chemical sensors for exercise oximetry, provided that miniaturisation and weight reduction of the new sensors are possible.
Ten Years After Katrina: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Dixon Timothy
Published: August 2015

One mitigation strategy—relocating people and sensitive infrastructure to higher ground—eventually will need to be considered as sea level rise accelerates.
Factors associated with an increased risk of vertebral fracture in monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance
Authors: Piot J M , Royer M , Schmidt-Tanguy A , Hoppé E , Gardembas M , Bourrée T , Hunault M , François S , Boyer F , Ifrah N , Renier G , Chevailler A , Audran M , Chappard D , Libouban H , Mabilleau G , Legrand E , Bouvard B
Published: August 2015

Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS) have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of fractures. This study describes prospectively the bone status of MGUS patients and determines the factors associated with vertebral fracture. We included prospectively 201 patients with MGUS, incidentally discovered, and with no known history of osteoporosis: mean age 66.6±12.5 years, 48.3% women, 51.7% immunoglobulin G (IgG), 33.3% IgM and 10.4% IgA. Light chain was kappa in 64.2% patients. All patients had spinal radiographs and bone mineral density measurement in addition to gammopathy assessment. At least one prevalent non-traumatic vertebral fracture was discovered in 18.4% patients and equally distributed between men and women. Fractured patients were older, had a lower bone density and had also more frequently a lambda light chain isotype. Compared with patients with κ light chain, the odds ratio of being fractured for patients with λ light chain was 4.32 (95% confidence interval 1.80–11.16;P=0.002). These results suggest a high prevalence of non-traumatic vertebral fractures in MGUS associated with lambda light chain isotype and not only explained by low bone density.