bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic and prognostic utility of positron emission tomography/computed tomography‐based follow‐up after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Kao Johnny , Vu Ha Linh , Genden Eric M. , Mocherla Bharat , Park Eunice E. , Packer Stuart , Som Peter M. , Kostakoglu Lale
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

The detection of subclinical head and neck cancer recurrence or a second primary tumor may improve survival. In the current study, the authors investigated the clinical value of a follow‐up program incorporating serial 18F‒fluorodeoxyglucose‒positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography (PET/CT) in the detection of recurrent disease in patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS:

A total of 240 PET/CT scans were reviewed in 80 patients with head and neck cancer who were treated with radiotherapy (RT) from July, 2005 through August, 2007. All patients were followed with clinical examination, PET/CT, and correlative imaging for a minimum of 11 months (median follow‒up, 21 months).

RESULTS:

The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET/CT‐based follow‐up for detecting locoregional recurrence were 92%, 82%, 42%, and 98%, respectively. Corresponding values for distant metastases or second primary tumors were 93%, 96%, 81%, and 98%, respectively. Eight patients (10%) developed disease recurrences or second primary tumors that were amenable to salvage surgery with negative surgical margins. The 2‐year progression‐free survival and 2‐year overall survival rates were significantly different between patients who had a negative and those with a positive PET/CT result within 6 months of the completion of RT (93% vs 30% [P<.001] and 100% vs 32% [P<.001], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although post‐therapy follow‐up using PET/CT is reportedly associated with a high false‐positive rate in the irradiated head and neck, PET/CT appears to be a highly sensitive technique for the detection of recurrent disease. Furthermore, negative PET/CT results within 6 months of the completion of RT offer significant prognostic value. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The Role of Triphenylamine in the Stabilization of Highly Efficient Polyfluorene‐Based OLEDs: A Model Oligomers Study
Authors: Pasini Mariacecilia , Giovanella Umberto , Betti Paolo , Bolognesi Alberto , Botta Chiara , Destri Silvia , Porzio William , Vercelli Barbara , Zotti Gianni
Published: June 2009

In order to understand the factors responsible for the improved efficiency and stability of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) when triphenylamine (TPA) is introduced as lateral fluorene substituent, we synthetize mono‐disperse fluorene–thiophene oligomers as model compounds. Their blends with different concentrations of the fluorenone containing oligomer are studied in order to verify if only a reduction of ketonic defect sites or also an impeded energy transfer (ET) towards such sites are responsible for the suppression of the green emission band. We show that the introduction of TPA groups leads specifically both to an antioxidant action and a reduced ET towards residual defect sites, thanks to the environmental micro‐encapsulation role played by TPA units surrounding the polymer backbone. As a result, the performances and colour stability of a device fabricated with TPA‐substituted PFO (PFTPA) are strongly improved with respect to standard PFO device prepared in the same conditions.
The impact of operational characteristics on firms' EMS decisions: strategic adoption of ISO 14001 certifications
Authors: Takahashi Takuya , Nakamura Masao
Published: June 2009

Firms choose to seek environmental management system (EMS) certifications such as ISO 14001 for a variety of reasons. In this paper we put forward a hypothesis that firms seek ISO 14001 certifications for their establishments when their operations involve low degrees of complexity. Another hypothesis we consider is that firms facing more uncertainty in their operations (and hence more risk) seek ISO 14001 certifications. These hypotheses have not been yet addressed in the literature and are of particular interest to business managers and policymakers.

We empirically test these hypotheses using probit and duration models using matched establishment–firm–industry data for large Japanese manufacturers. Our findings support the first as well as the second hypotheses. This suggests that firms tend to certify more routine and less complex operations first, and that firms use ISO 14001 certifications as an insurance scheme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Managing death – corporate social responsibility and tragedy
Authors: Hallin Anette , Gustavsson Tina Karrbom
Published: June 2009

Drawing on the true story of the actions of a middle manager in a major industrial company after the unexpected death of one of his employees, while participating in one of the most important social rituals to humans and society – the creation of meaning of death – we take an analytical approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This is done by discussing the overlap between CSR and human resource management (HRM). The story induces us to question the upholding of CSR an HRM as separate theoretical fields, since the managerial practice seems to indicate that these have merged into one. Also, the story indicates that the borders between the ‘private’ and ‘public’ roles in managerial practice are blurred and that to be a middle manager today is quite complicated. The article finishes with a discussion on why the writing of policies may not be the answer to this problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Effects of activation of hedgehog signaling on patterning, growth, and differentiation in Xenopus froglet limb regeneration
Authors: Yakushiji Nayuta , Suzuki Makoto , Satoh Akira , Ide Hiroyuki , Tamura Koji
Published: June 2009

Regenerating limbs of urodele amphibians and Xenopus tadpole are reconstructed along proximal–distal, anterior–posterior (AP), and dorsal–ventral axes. In contrast, a regenerated limb of the Xenopus froglet does not have digits, and only a simple cartilaginous structure referred to as a “spike” is formed. This suggests that repatterning along the AP axis is absent in the froglet blastema. Previous studies have shown that Shh and its target genes are not expressed in the froglet blastema. In this study, we activated Hedgehog signaling in the froglet blastema and found that target genes of Shh were inducible in the mesenchyme of limb blastema. Furthermore, we found that activation of the signaling had effects on blastema cell proliferation and chondrogenesis and resulted in the formation of multiple cartilaginous structures. These findings indicate that activation of signaling that is absent in the froglet blastema is effective for improvement of limb regeneration ability in the Xenopus froglet. Developmental Dynamics, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) gene expression in the developing cerebellum suggests multiple roles for FGF signaling during cerebellar morphogenesis and development
Authors: Yaguchi Yuichiro , Yu Tian , Ahmed Mohi U. , Berry Mary , Mason Ivor , Basson M. Albert
Published: June 2009

The cerebellum is derived from the anterior‐most segment of the embryonic hindbrain, rhombomere 1 (r1). Previous studies have shown that the early development and patterning of r1 requires fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. However, many of the developmental processes that shape cerebellar morphogenesis take place later in embryonic development and during the first 2 weeks of postnatal life in the mouse. Here, we present a more comprehensive analysis of the expression patterns of genes encoding FGF receptors and secreted FGF ligands during these later stages of cerebellar development. We show that these genes are expressed in multiple cell types in the developing cerebellum, in an astonishing array of distinct patterns. These data suggest that FGF signaling functions throughout cerebellar development to regulate many processes that shape the formation of a functional cerebellum. Developmental Dynamics, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spline function expression by orthogonal polynomial weighted sampling for high‐speed electric field calculation
Authors: Miyazaki Yohei , Kitamori Kazutaka
Published: June 2009

In the simulation of plasma processes, minimizing the error associated with the electric field calculation in the vicinity of the sheath is an important consideration. The sheath length scale compared to the plasma size, and the fact that the electric fields must be solved for self‐consistency with equations describing the plasma chemistry, make the electric field solution particularly expensive. Because an internal electric field is calculated based on the density of charged particles, it is necessary to obtain the density of charged particles correctly but at minimum possible expense. We describe an electric field simulation with high speed and good accuracy made possible by the description of the charge density by spline functions. Previously, we have taken advantage of the orthogonality of the Legendre polynomial in our methodology described as LPWS (Legendre Polynomial Weighted Sampling). Sampling with other orthogonal functions is also possible and we have thus generalized our method. A generalization called Orthogonal Polynomial Weighted Sampling (OPWS), in which the coefficients of the B‐spline function are obtained from the coefficients of the orthogonal expansion, has been developed and is described in this paper. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 169(1): 1–8, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20769
Implementation of owner distinction function for therapeutic pet robots
Authors: Nambo Hidetaka , Kimura Haruhiko , Hirose Sadaki
Published: June 2009

Rapid progress in robotics has led to the widespread use of robots in many fields. A typical case is pet robots, based on animal pets such as dogs or cats. Animal pets are also known to have a therapeutic effect, and efforts to apply pet robots in animal‐assisted therapy have begun. We have investigated a method of owner recognition for pet robots, emphasizing their therapeutic effects. This paper proposes a real‐time owner recognition method intended for implementation in pet robots. Specifically, it provides a real‐time matching algorithm and a forgetting mechanism. In real‐time matching, matching and data acquisition are performed simultaneously. The forgetting mechanism deletes owner features in the pet robot's database. It has the advantages of reducing matching costs or database size and allowing adjustment to a change of owner. The effectiveness and practicality of the method are evaluated experimentally. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 169(1): 20–27, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20882
A control method for inverter used for distributed power supply under voltage sag condition
Authors: Hatano Nobuhiko , Taniguchi Yuji , Kouchi Katsuhiko
Published: June 2009

Inverters which are used for distributed power supply, such as solar cell or fuel cell system, tend to stop easily as a result of voltage sag. In the present electric power system, there is little problem due to this characteristic of inverter. But if the number of those inverters connected to the power system increases, the quality of system voltage and frequency may deteriorate by stop of the inverters. In addition, regarding the fuel cell system, its output power cannot be controlled quickly, and the whole system may stop by a rise of inside temperature. Copyright © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

For these problems, we tried to realize high continuous operation ability of inverters used for distributed power supply under voltage sag condition. This paper shows a control method of inverter for the over‐current caused by sudden change or unbalance of the system voltage and examination results with three‐phase 200 V–4 kW class inverter system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 169(1): 28–40, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ eej.20888
The politics of high‐level nuclear waste management in Sweden: confined research versus research in the wild
Authors: Anshelm Jonas , Galis Vasilis
Published: June 2009

In 2010, the Swedish nuclear energy industry is expected to announce a proposal for the final storage of high‐level nuclear waste in bedrock. The underground storage concept is attracting increasing interest from other countries in Europe. Because of the nature of Swedish political culture, the development of the actual method for final disposal is commonly perceived as resting on consensus and democratic cooperation. However, this paper argues that the aforementioned disposal method instead represents the outcome of intense conflict between the nuclear energy industry and the anti‐nuclear movement. Accordingly, any investigation of the technical and political solutions to controversial environmental problems should involve the study of lay people and social movements. The present study does so, employing theoretical notions from science and technology studies that allow the analysis to conceptualize actions and strategies (enactments) of the nuclear energy industry (confined research) and the anti‐nuclear movement (research in the wild). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Role of T cell TGF‐β signaling in intestinal cytokine responses and helminthic immune modulation
Authors: Ince M. Nedim , Elliott David E. , Setiawan Tommy , Metwali Ahmed , Blum Arthur , Chen Hung‐lin , Urban Joseph F. , Flavell Richard A. , Weinstock Joel V.
Published: June 2009

Colonization with helminthic parasites induces mucosal regulatory cytokines, like IL‐10 or TGF‐β, that are important in suppressing colitis. Helminths induce mucosal T cell IL‐10 secretion and regulate lamina propria mononuclear cell (LPMC) Th1 cytokine generation in an IL‐10‐dependent manner in WT mice. Helminths also stimulate mucosal TGF‐β release. As TGF‐β exerts major regulatory effects on T lymphocytes, we investigated the role of T lymphocyte TGF‐β signaling in helminthic modulation of intestinal immunity. T cell TGF‐β signaling is interrupted in TGF‐β receptor II dominant negative (TGF‐βRII DN) mice by T‐cell‐specific over‐expression of a TGF‐βRII DN. We studied LPMC responses in WT and TGF‐βRII DN mice that were uninfected or colonized with the nematode, Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Our results indicate an essential role of T cell TGF‐β signaling in limiting mucosal Th1 and Th2 responses. Furthermore, we demonstrate that helminthic induction of intestinal T cell IL‐10 secretion requires intact T cell TGF‐β‐signaling pathway. Helminths fail to curtail robust, dysregulated intestinal Th1 cytokine production and chronic colitis in TGF‐βRII DN mice. Thus, T cell TGF‐β signaling is essential for helminthic stimulation of mucosal IL‐10 production, helminthic modulation of intestinal IFN‐γ generation and H. polygyrus‐mediated suppression of chronic colitis.
Mixed‐substrate (glycerol tributyrate and fibrin) zymography for simultaneous detection of lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes on a single gel
Authors: Choi Nack‐Shick , Choi Jong Hyun , Kim Bo‐Hye , Han Yun‐Jon , Kim Joong Su , Lee Seung‐Goo , Song Jae Jun
Published: June 2009

A new zymography method for simultaneous detection of two different enzymatic activities (lipolytic and proteolytic) using a single SDS‐containing or native‐conformation gel and a mixed‐substrate (glycerol tributyrate and fibrin) (MS)1 gel was developed. After routine electrophoresis, SDS in the gel was removed by treatment with Triton X‐100. Gel proteins were electrotransferred to the MS gel. To visualize lipolytic activity, the MS gel was incubated at 37°C (for 6 or 24 h) until clear bands against an opaque background were observed. To detect proteolytic activity, the same MS gel was stained with Coomassie brilliant blue. Using this method, we show that six lipolytic enzymes from Staphylococcus pasteuri NJ‐1 and four proteolytic enzymes from two Bacillus strains, B. licheniformis DJ‐2 and B. licheniformis NJ‐5, isolated from soil, can be simultaneously detected.
An alternate approach for modelling of transient vaporous cavitation
Authors: Sumam K. S. , Thampi S. G. , Sajikumar N.
Published: June 2009

Simulation of cavitating flow has been a thrust area of research for long period due to its practical and economic importance. The major hurdle in developing a numerical model for such flows is the difficulty in representing the quick phase changes, in general, and the alternate change of flow from single phase to two phase and back, in particular. In this case, instability due to sharp variation of flow characteristics also restricts the development of numerical models. The present study demonstrates the use of a relatively simple formulation for the analysis of flow characteristics in a quasi‐rigid pipeline under abrupt phase changes due to cavitation. A popular scheme—MacCormack scheme—was used for developing a numerical solution for this problem. It uses the conservative form of the governing equations, viz. conservation of mass and momentum, the transport equation and the constitutive relationship. The model can handle variable properties of the water–vapour mixture, which is highly compressible. A newly introduced pressure under‐relaxation method overcomes the numerical instability due to sharp variation of flow characteristics during phase change. The model could predict the instant of occurrence of vapour pressure, duration of persistence of vapour pressure and the rise of pressure due to vapour collapse to satisfactory levels with published data and experimental results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conformal decomposition finite element method for modeling stationary fluid interface problems
Authors: Noble David R. , Newren Elijah P. , Lechman Jeremy B.
Published: June 2009

A method is developed for modeling fluid transport in domains that do not conform to the finite element mesh. One or more level set functions are used to describe the fluid domain. A background, non‐conformal mesh is decomposed into elements that conform to the level set interfaces. Enrichment takes place by adding nodes that lie on the interfaces. Unlike other enriched finite element methods, the proposed technique requires no changes to the underlying element assembly, element interpolation, or element quadrature. The complexity is entirely contained within the element decomposition routines. It is argued that the accuracy of the method is no less than that for eXtended Finite Element Methods (XFEM) with Heaviside enrichment. The accuracy is demonstrated using multiple numerical tests. In all cases, optimal rates of convergence are obtained for both volume and surface quantities. Jacobi
preconditioning is shown to remove the ill‐conditioning that may result from the nearly degenerate conformal elements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Background: What the states created
Authors: Cox James C.
Published: June 2009

A summary of the Epper and Garn (2003) study of virtual universities in the United States.
Lessons learned from WashingtonOnline
Authors: Broughton Connie
Published: June 2009

Operating principles and policies that have proven successful in the development and operation of WashingtonOnline, a virtual consortium of the thirty‐four community and technical colleges in Washington State.
University System of Georgia's eCore: Virtual general education
Authors: Morris Libby V. , Finnegan Catherine L.
Published: June 2009

The approach to offering general education courses online in the University System of Georgia's eCore program.
A review of the short life of the U.S. Open University
Authors: Krenelka Lynette M.
Published: June 2009

The closing of the U.S. Open University provides lessons that may be relevant to other institutions of higher education creating new online initiatives.
The funding of virtual universities
Authors: Poulin Russell , Michelau Demarée K.
Published: June 2009

Different funding models have been used to fund virtual universities.
Academic advising in a virtual university
Authors: Steele George E. , Thurmond Karen C.
Published: June 2009

Technology can be used to maximize the effectiveness of academic advising for students in virtual institutions.
What we need to know about virtual universities
Authors: Meyer Katrina A.
Published: June 2009

Many research questions about virtual universities need answers.
Ultrasonographic hepatic steatosis increases prediction of mortality risk from elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels # †
Authors: Haring Robin , Wallaschofski Henri , Nauck Matthias , Dörr Marcus , Baumeister Sebastian E. , Völzke Henry
Published: June 2009

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels with all-cause mortality and to assess the impact of ultrasonographic findings of hepatic hyperechogenicity in that association. We used data from 4,160 subjects (2,044 men and 2,116 women) recruited for the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) without baseline hepatitis B and C infections or liver cirrhosis. GGT was divided into age- and sex-dependent quintiles to calculate overall and sex-specific crude incidence mortality rates. Hepatic steatosis was defined by elevated GGT levels (>80%) and the presence of hyperechogenic liver ultrasound. We used multiple-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, first, to assess the direct effect of GGT on all-cause mortality, second, to stratify according to the ultrasonographic finding, and third, to investigate potential mediating effects of cardiometabolic risk factors. During 29,810 person-years (7.3 years, median) of follow-up, 307 individuals (7.5%) died, resulting in a death rate of 0.86 deaths per 1000 person-years. Elevated GGT levels were associated with increased risk of mortality in men (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–2.05), but not in women (HR 1.30; 95% CI, 0.80–2.12). This association was even stronger in men with hepatic steatosis (HR 1.98; 95% CI, 1.21–3.27). Cause-specific mortality analysis by cardiovascular disease deaths confirmed the sex-specific association. Adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors did not affect the estimates. Conclusion: In the case of increased GGT levels, liver ultrasound should be performed, not only for diagnosis, but also for further risk stratification. (Hepatology 2009.)
Overexpression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor and lipid accumulation in intestinal polyps in Min mice
Authors: Mutoh Michihiro , Komiya Masami , Teraoka Naoya , Ueno Toshiya , Takahashi Mami , Kitahashi Tsukasa , Sugimura Takashi , Wakabayashi Keiji
Published: June 2009

Apc‐deficient Min mice feature low expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), high concentration of serum triglyceride (TG), fatty change of the liver and large numbers of intestinal polyps. We have reported that induction of LPL expression reduces serum lipid, especially TG, improves fatty change of the liver and inhibits intestinal polyp formation in the mice. In this study, fatty change/lipid accumulation in intestinal mucosa and polyps in Min mice were analyzed by Oil‐red O staining and electron microscopy. A number of large lipid droplets were found in the epithelia of the upper part of polyps. On the other hand, small lipid droplets were only slightly observed at the tip of the villi in non‐tumoros parts of the small intestine of Min mice and in the villi of wild‐type mice. Moreover, low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was overexpressed in the area where lipid droplets were observed. The expression levels of LDLR mRNA in the intestinal polyps of Min mice were ∼3 times higher compared to those in the non‐tumoros parts. Remarkable expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 was mainly distributed in stromal cells and some in epithelial cells. It is speculated that lipid accumulation in the intestinal polyps may play an important role in intestinal polyp formation in Apc‐deficient mice. © 2009 UICC
Biological indicators of prognosis in Ewing's sarcoma: An emerging role for lectin galactoside‐binding soluble 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP)
Authors: Zambelli Diana , Zuntini Monia , Nardi Filippo , Manara Maria Cristina , Serra Massimo , Landuzzi Lorena , Lollini Pier‐Luigi , Ferrari Stefano , Alberghini Marco , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio , Piccolo Enza , Iacobelli Stefano , Picci Piero , Scotlandi Katia
Published: June 2009

Starting from an experimental model that accounts for the 2 most important adverse processes to successful therapy of Ewing's sarcoma (EWS), chemoresistance and the presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis, we defined a molecular signature of potential prognostic value. Functional annotation of differentially regulated genes revealed 3 major networks related to cell cycle, cell‐to‐cell interactions and cellular development. The prognostic impact of 8 genes, representative of these 3 networks, was validated in 56 EWS patients. High mRNA expression levels of HINT1, IFITM2, LGALS3BP, STOML2 and c‐MYC were associated with reduced risk to death and lower risk to develop metastasis. At multivariate analysis, LGALS3BP, a matricellular protein with a role in tumor progression and metastasis, was the most important predictor of event‐free survival and overall survival. The association between LGALS3BP and prognosis was confirmed at protein level, when expression of the molecule was determined in tumor tissues but not in serum, indicating a role for the protein at local tumor microenvironment. Engineered enhancement of LGALS3BP expression in EWS cells resulted in inhibition of anchorage independent cell growth and reduction of cell migration and metastasis. Silencing of LGALS3BP expression reverted cell behavior with respect to in vitro parameters, thus providing further functional validation of genetic data obtained in clinical samples. Thus, we propose LGALS3BP as a novel reliable indicator of prognosis, and we offer genetic signatures to the scientific communities for cross‐validation and meta‐analysis, which are indispensable tools for a rare tumor such as EWS.
Macroporous photocrosslinked elastomer scaffolds containing microposity: Preparation and in vitro degradation properties
Authors: Ilagan Bernadette G. , Amsden Brian G.
Published: June 2009

The engineering of soft tissue would benefit from the development of effective biodegradable scaffolds capable of dynamic, elastic loading. For this purpose, highly porous, elastomeric scaffolds containing microporous struts were prepared using a dual porogen approach and a photocrosslinkable elastomer. The combination of paraffin microbeads distributed through a water‐in‐[star‐poly(lactide‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) triacrylate dissolved in ethyl acetate] emulsion followed by photocrosslinking generated a macroporous foam scaffold of average porosities between 90% to 93%, with an average pore diameter of 104 ± 31 μm with struts containing micropores of 3.1 ± 2 μm average diameter. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were readily manipulatable by altering the molecular weight of the star‐poly(lactide‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) triacrylate prepolymer used. The elastomer scaffolds degraded at the same rate as nonporous polymer samples of the same molecular weight, and exhibited similar changes in mass loss, mechanical properties, and sol fraction during in vitro degradation as found with the nonporous scaffolds. The modulus and stress at break of the scaffolds decreased continuously during degradation while the strain at break remained constant. These scaffolds show potential for use in the engineering of soft tissues. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Pancreato‐enteric anastomosis: The duct evagination technique
Authors: Shukla Parul J. , Sakpal Sujit Vijay , Barreto Savio G. , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: June 2009

Pancreatic anastomotic failure remains the most frequent and potentially life‐threatening complication following Pancreatoduodenectomy. Numerous modifications in the technique of the pancreatoenteric anastomosis have been reported. We suggest a simple modification which involves “evaginating” the cut end of the pancreatic duct. This technique helps avoid a compromise of the pancreatic ductal patency, and by achieving a wide pancreatic ductal opening can facilitate a safer pancreato‐enteric anastomosis. In addition, by possibly decreasing the likelihood of post‐operative pancreatic ductal stenosis, it has the potential to reduce post‐Pancreatoduodenectomy pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. The modification acts as an adjunct to an already established technique yielding good results. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:277–278. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A low‐power SiGe BiCMOS series‐tuned divide‐by‐3 injection locked oscillators
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Yang Ren‐Kai , Liu Cheng‐Chen , Hsue Ching‐Wen
Published: June 2009

An LC‐tank oscillator‐based divide‐by‐3 injection locked frequency divider (ILFD) is proposed and the series‐tuned Armstrong ILFD were implemented in the 0.35 μm SiGe 3P3M BiCMOS technology. Measurement results show that when the supply voltage Vdd is biased at 1.2 V, the free‐running oscillation frequency of the ILFD is tunable from 1.19 GHz to 1.0 GHz, and at the incident power of 0 dBm, the operation locking range is about 0.65 GHz, from the incident frequency 3.03–3.68 GHz. The core power consumption is 2.05 mW at Vdd = 1.2 V. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2239–2242, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24517
A simple low‐loss broadband 1–14 GHz microstrip‐to‐slotline transition
Authors: Wang Nai‐Biao , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Zhang Li , Song Yue , Zhang Fu‐Shun
Published: June 2009

The improved version of a broadband microstrip‐to‐slotline transition is presented. The transition consists of a microstrip radial stub, a slot radial stub, and a multisection matching transformer. An extremely large angle slot radial stub is introduced into the design to reduce radiation loss and maximize the field converting around the microstrip‐slotline tee junction. From experimental results, the improved transition has greater bandwidth and lower loss than the earlier designs. With the return loss of better than 15 dB, the 1‐ and 3‐dB back‐to‐back insertion loss bandwidth can cover from 1.04 to 5.13 GHz (1 : 4.9) and from 1.02 to 13.90 GHz (1:13.6), respectively. The proposed planar transition has the advantages of compact size, wide bandwidth, simple structure, and straightforward design procedure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2236–2239, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24518
A compact triple‐band antenna design for UMTS, WLAN and WiMAX applications
Authors: Huang Jhin‐Fang , Wu Ming‐Tzan , Wen Jiun‐Yu
Published: June 2009

A compact triple‐band planar antenna applied to UMTS, WiFi and WiMAX applications is proposed. The proposed antenna provides three wide frequency bands, which are 1744–2759 MHz, 3271–4126 MHz and 4718–5908 MHz, realized in a commercial FR4 printed‐ circuit board (PCB) with a permittivity of 4.4 and thickness of 0.6 mm. Both simulation and measurement are pretty matched and indicate that the proposed antenna achieves gains to be 3.5, 3.0, and 2.5 dBi at 2.4, 3.5, and 5.2 GHz, respectively. The antenna dimension is 52.8 × 31.2 mm2, smaller than presently published antennas discussed in comparison table. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2207–2212, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24522
A compact shorted rectangular‐ring slot antenna fed by a CPW for circularly polarized wave operations in the WLAN 2.4 GHz band
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Long , Deng Sheng‐Ming , Liu Li‐Wei
Published: June 2009

A compact shorted rectangular‐ring slot antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide is presented for circular polarization operations. This proposed antenna has only 40 mm square size in the applications of WLAN 2.4 GHz band. It seems the most compact size while referenced to other shorted ring slot antennas in recent articles. The reduced size is over 30% will save much cost and antenna can apply to portable devices. Simulated and measured data are matched in the reflection coefficient, axial ratio (AR), radiation patterns, and gain. Its measured center frequency and impedance bandwidth are 2.38 GHz and 15.1%, respectively. Also, the frequency of minimum axial‐ratio and axial‐ratio bandwidth are 2.43 GHz and 4.1%, respectively. From the bandwidths of view, both impedance and AR bandwidths can cover the 2.4 GHz band's applications. The radiation patterns are broadside radiations. Forward radiation belongs to right hand circular polarization and backward one is left hand circular polarization, respectively. Also, antenna gain is about 3 dBic in the operating band of WLAN 2.4 GHz band. The antenna performances and compact size of the proposed antenna are easy to be applied in the consumer products. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2229–2232, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24524
Balanced and single‐ended handset antennas: Free space and human loading comparison
Authors: Arenas Juan Jose , Anguera Jaume , Puente Carles
Published: June 2009

A study of the electromagnetic properties of balanced and single‐ended handset/wireless antennas in free space and human body scenario is presented. The article compares two particular cases, a single monopole and a balanced dipole, in terms of return loss, efficiency, and radiation pattern when changing the ground plane size. The same experiment is carried out taking into account a holding scenario, that is, when a phantom hand is holding the ground plane. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2248–2254, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24525
Design of a UWB microwave reflectometer with the use of a microstrip‐slot technique
Authors: Seman Norhudah , Bialkowski Marek E.
Published: June 2009

This article presents the design of a compact fully integrated UWB reflectometer that employs a multilayer microstrip‐slot technique. The device is formed by a complex measuring ratio unit that includes three couplers and one power divider, and two additional couplers. The design is accomplished using transient solver of CST Microwave Studio. The integrated reflectometer is manufactured and experimentally tested in the 3–11 GHz band. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2169–2175, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24533
Compact cavity‐backed four‐arm slot spiral antenna
Authors: Chen Min‐Hua , Zhong Shun‐Shi , Xu Sai‐Qing , Li Li‐Xian
Published: June 2009

This article introduces a miniaturized four‐arm slot spiral antenna on a ceramic dielectric substrate with a thin back cavity. The simulated and experimental results show that the proposed antenna is of good circular polarization and radiation pattern properties at 1.561 GHz, with measured gain of more than 6 dB at the zenith, and more than −4 dB for above 5° elevation angle. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2141–2143, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24534
Dark‐bright optical solitons conversion via an optical add/drop filter
Authors: Mitatha S. , Chaiyasoonthorn N. , Yupapin P. P.
Published: June 2009

We propose a new system of the dark‐bright solitons conversion using a micro and nano ring resonators incorporating an optical add/drop filter, where the add/drop filter can be used to convert the dark soliton to bright soliton. The key advantage of the system is that the detection of the dark soliton pulse is normally difficult due to the low level of the input power. Firstly, a dark soliton pulse is input into a micro ring resonator then propagating into a smaller micro and nano ring resonators, respectively. Secondly, the add/drop filter is applied (connected) into the ring system, where the bright and dark solitons are obtained via the drop and through (or throughput) ports of the add/drop filter, respectively. Results obtained have shown that the detected soliton power can be controlled by the input soliton power and the ring resonator coupling coefficient, which is enough to use in the transmission link. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2104–2107, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24537
Inward transform method for predicting the field in the inner area between the source antenna and the antenna under test
Authors: Oh Soon‐Soo , Moon Jung‐Ick , Jung Young‐Bae
Published: June 2009

In this article, we propose a new method for predicting the electromagnetic field in the inner area between the source antenna and the antenna under test, utilizing a far‐field measurement system. In particular, we describe the selection of the optimum number of data to be measured, as this is critical to the accuracy. The fields are measured and then transformed into the field in the inner area. The accuracy was verified by simulation and experiment. This inward transform method can be used for determining the worker safety area against high‐power microwave systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2032–2034, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24541
Performance of the Volterra behavioral model for wideband amplifiers
Authors: Crespo‐Cadenas Carlos , Reina‐Tosina Javier , Madero‐Ayora María J.
Published: June 2009

In this article, we test the performance of a Volterra behavioral model for wideband amplifiers, which has been theoretically developed based on the frequency dependence knowledge of the nonlinear transfer functions. Relying on a simple measurement setup, a commercial driver amplifier has been extensively characterized at 915 MHz and modeled by using a WCDMA‐like probing signal at different power levels. The calculated values of the normalized mean square error (NMSE) versus the model memory length were compared with a standard memory polynomial (MP) model. To assess the accuracy of the model with other modulation formats, parameters extracted with the WCDMA‐like signal were used to predict the response for a 2‐MHz‐wide GSM‐like signal. For each memory length, the NMSE was calculated again and compared with the corresponding MP model. In all tested cases, results show that the proposed model exhibits a better performance even in the range of memory lengths, where both the models have a very similar number of coefficients. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2166–2169, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24542
Fabrication of a polymer CPW electro‐optic modulator using a strip‐loaded waveguide structure
Authors: Gao Weinan , Sun Jie , Sun Xiaoqiang , Yan Yunfei , Gao Lei , Zhang Daming
Published: June 2009

In this letter, the successful demonstration of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) Mach‐Zehnder (MZ) electro‐optic (EO) modulator using a strip waveguide structure is described and fabricated. The EO active hybrid material is synthesized by sol–gel process. A large EO coefficient of r33 = 50 pm/V with a long‐term stability at 80°C for 200 h was gained. It also has a controllable refractive index and permits a high‐loading concentration. A simple and easily fabricated strip‐loaded waveguide structure is designed and demonstrated to utilize the EO material, which is suitable to reduce the coupling loss with optical fiber. The measured half wave voltage (Vπ) of the CPW MZ modulator is about 8.5 V at 1550 nm in a 3.5‐cm‐long sample. The optimized design principles of the efficient transmission for such a modulator are also discussed in this letter. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2097–2100, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24546
DVB‐H antenna structure using Z‐type hexagonal ferrite for folder‐type mobile phones
Authors: Rhyu Hanphil , Jung Chang Won , Lee Byungje
Published: June 2009

A new internal antenna structure using a Z‐type hexagonal ferrite is introduced for the DVB‐H reception in folder‐type mobile phones. The antenna element operates as a coupling element to excite the chassis as a radiator. Using a Z‐type hexagonal ferrite, the proposed antenna can be designed with a considerably low volume of 0.75 cm3 and meets the requirements of antenna for the DVB‐H service. The high isolation over 15 dB between the DVB‐H band and the communication bands (GSM, DCS, and PCS) is obtained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2196–2199, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24551
Efficiency measurement of UWB and UHF antennas in small cavities of arbitrary shape
Authors: Pintos Jean‐François , Guivarch Sylvain , Louzir Ali , Lemoine Christophe , Le Fur Gwenn , Besnier Philippe , Sharaiha Ala
Published: June 2009

A new method that extends the application of spherical Wheeler cap to relatively small cavities of any shape is presented for radiation efficiency estimation. We introduce a modified Huynh formulation to take into account cavity losses when they are non‐negligible for high frequencies. These assumptions are consistent with experimental results, which are based on antenna measurements in cubic cavities and for different frequency bands. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2193–2196, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24552
Composite right/left‐handed transmission line based on Koch fractal shape slot in the ground and UWB filter application
Authors: An Jian , Wang Guang‐Ming , Zeng Wei‐Dong , Ma Lai‐Xuan
Published: June 2009

A novel composite right/left‐handed transmission line is presented which is synthesized by etching Koch fractal shape slot in the ground plane and series capacitive gap in the conductor strip. Unlike the structures loaded with complementary split ring resonators, the proposed structure can operate at very wideband and is used to design an ultra‐wideband (UWB) filter. The UWB filter is fabricated and tested. The relative bandwidth of the −10 dB return loss is 128% and the insertion loss is larger than −1.5 dB except at high frequencies. The equivalent circuit model of the proposed structure is presented and the electrical parameters are also extracted. The circuit model results are compared with the simulation and measurement results which verify that not only the extracted parameters are exact but also the equivalent circuit model is reasonable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2160–2163, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24553
A feed forward method for stabilizing the gain and output power of an erbium‐doped fiber amplifier
Authors: Vijayakumar N. , Sreeja R.
Published: June 2009

The gain and the output power of an erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) are found to be sensitive to input power level fluctuations. Many feed back methods have been proposed to stabilize the gain of an EDFA. These feed back methods are based on sampling and detecting output light and using it to control the pump laser. Such methods fail when the amplifier is expected to repeat a multi‐gigabit data stream. It then becomes necessary to use all more complex optical feed back methods to stabilize the gain. In this article, we propose a novel feed forward technique for stabilizing the output power or gain of an EDFA. A lithium niobate (LiNbO3)‐based Mach–Zehnder interferometer is used to modulate the intensity of pump light in accordance with the input signal level so as to retain constant output power or gain. We observe that the gain or output power of EDFA can be stabilized by proper selection of the parameters of EDFA and modulator. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2156–2160, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24554
An ultra‐wideband bandpass filter having sharp skirt property and large attenuations in its stopband
Authors: Watanabe Koji , Ma Zhewang , Chen Chun‐Ping , Anada Tetsuo
Published: June 2009

An ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter having a midband frequency of 4.1 GHz and a fractional bandwidth of 34.1% is developed to meet Japan's UWB low‐band spectrum limit. To get sharp skirt property near the passband and large attenuations over a wide stopband, a microstrip stub‐loaded ring resonator and parallel‐coupled stepped‐impedance two‐mode resonators are used simultaneously, and their advantages are fully exploited. Both the simulated and measured frequency responses of the filter satisfy well Japan's low‐band spectrum limit. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2093–2097, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24557
Compact dual‐mode microstrip bandpass filter with adjustable transmission zero
Authors: Zhang Juan , Li Guo‐Hui , Wang Zhi‐Bin , Wang Hui‐Na
Published: June 2009

A novel compact dual‐mode microstrip bandpass filter (BPF) with adjustable transmission zero (TZ) is proposed. It is composed of a nested microstrip square‐loop resonator. The filter with two TZs in the lower and upper stopbands is designed, fabricated, and measured. A circuitry size reduction of 55% is achieved by the proposed filter when compared with the convention dual‐mode filters with nonorthogonal feed lines. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2049–2051, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24560
A neural network‐based approach to determine FDTD eigenfunctions in quantum devices
Authors: Soriano Antonio , Segura Jaume , Dima Gh. Tudor , Navarro Enrique A.
Published: June 2009

This article combines a Neural Network (NN) algorithm with the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) technique to estimate the eigenfunctions in quantum devices. A NN based on the Least Mean Squares (LMS) algorithm is combined with the FDTD technique to provide a first approach to the confined states in quantum wires. The proposed technique is in good agreement with analytical results and is more efficient than FDTD combined with the Fourier Transform. This technique is used to calculate a numerical approximation to the eigenfunctions associated to quantum wire potentials. The performance and convergence of the proposed technique are also presented in this article. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2017–2022, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24562
Planar multilateral monopole antenna with band‐notch characterization for UWB applications
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ming , Weng Zi‐Bin , Zhang Xin , Jiao Yong‐Chang
Published: June 2009

In this article, a novel CPW‐fed band‐notched UWB antenna is proposed. The prototype consists of planar multilateral disc monopole and ground plane. By inserting a symmetry rhombus‐shaped thin slot on the radiation element and square slots on the ground, the narrow frequency band notch has been created to cover the desired frequency varying from 3.4 to 3.69 GHz and the required UWB bandwidth is also acquainted. Also, good radiation patterns and gains within the operating band have been observed. The detailed design and experimental results are discussed in this article. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2186–2189, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24564