bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macromol. Biosci. 5/2009
Authors: Mi Kun , Wang Guixia , Liu Zijia , Feng Zhihua , Huang Ben , Zhao Xiaojun
Published: May 2009

Front Cover: The cover picture shows distinct morphological phenotypes of the breast cancer cells cultured in different 3D matrices of Matrigel, collagen and ionic self assembling peptide RADA16. Self‐assembling peptide RADA16 does not contain animal cell‐derived contaminants and provides a clean and simply 3D culture system mimicking extracellular matrix for future cancer studies ex vivo. Further details can be found in the article by K. Mi, G. Wang, Z. Liu, Z. Feng, B. Huang, and X. Zhao* on page 437.
Segmental Mobility in the Non‐crystalline Regions of Semicrystalline Polymers and its Implications on Melting
Authors: Rastogi Sanjay , Yao Yefeng , Lippits Dirk R. , Höhne Günther W. H. , Graf Robert , Spiess Hans Wolfgang , Lemstra Piet J.
Published: May 2009

Detailed knowledge on chain mobility in polymers is of fundamental interest in order to understand their mechanical properties. As a specific example, the melting behavior of semicrystalline polyethylene can be studied by thermal analysis and NMR spectroscopy. In ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) crystallised via different routes, i.e., directly during polymerisation, from solution, or from the melt, and melted under different protocols, different melting processes involving detachment of stems from the crystals and cluster melting can be distinguished. Melting by the consecutive detachment of chain stems from the crystal substrate ultimately results in a melt state where chain dynamics for entanglement formation are much more restricted.

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Polymer Brushes for Surface Tuning
Authors: Uhlmann Petra , Merlitz Holger , Sommer Jens‐Uwe , Stamm Manfred
Published: May 2009

Mixed polymer brushes as functional ultra thin films for surface functionalization have an enormous potential to create a variety of smart, switchable, and multifunctional surfaces and thin films. It is shown how computer simulations can contribute to a better understanding of the switching behavior of brushes. Furthermore, it is described how polymer brushes can be used to create surfaces with switchable ultrahydrophobicity and wettability gradients, as well as functional layers for the immobilization of nanoparticles. Applications of these versatile and multifunctional brush coatings are envisioned in many areas including fluid control, microfluidics, and thin film sensors.

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Effect of cervical dystonia on employment: A retrospective analysis of the ability of treatment to restore premorbid employment status
Authors: Molho Eric S. , Agarwal Nitendra , Regan Katy , Higgins Donald S. , Factor Stewart A.
Published: May 2009

Using a structured interview method, we sought to address the following questions regarding cervical dystonia (CD) and employment: (1) what is the frequency and severity of job impairment in CD; (2) what are the clinical features that contribute to job impairment; (3) how does the effectiveness of botulinum toxin (BTx) compare to oral medications in restoring employment status. In our population of 155 CD patients, employment was affected by CD in 53.3% (31.2% reduced hours or responsibilities, 3.3% changed to different job, 18.9% loss of employment) and 68.9% of patients reported reduced overall productivity. The likelihood of altered employment (P < 0.0006), reduced productivity (P < 0.0001), and seeking disability benefits (P < 0.003) was significantly associated with the presence of neck pain, but not type of employment, spasmodic head motions, or duration of CD symptoms before treatment with BTx. Treatment with BTx was more likely to improve employment status than oral medications (66.1 vs. 18.5%) and much more likely to restore full employment with normal productivity (12.9 vs. 0.0%). These findings suggest that employment status is frequently affected by CD, particularly in patients withneck pain. BTx is significantly more effective than oral medications in restoring premorbid employment status. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Design of multi and wideband 3D fractal monopole antenna for wireless operations in L‐ and S‐bands
Authors: Rmili Hatem , Miane Jean‐Louis , Floch Jean‐Marie , Zangar Habib
Published: May 2009

In this article, a 3D multiband monopole fractal antenna was realized and characterized for radar and wireless communication operations. The fractal structure was obtained by using electrochemical deposition technique. The measured return loss of the proposed antenna present multi‐ and wideband behaviors. Three resonant bands around frequencies 1.4, 2.6, and 3.7 GHz with impedance bandwidth 16.6, 23.3, and 17.6% are observed, respectively. The measured gain is between 2 and 3 dBi at the cited resonant frequencies. The designed antenna permits various wireless operations in both L‐ and S‐bands such as radar detection and 2.4 GHz WLAN. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1976–1979, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24460
Wideband printed dipole antenna using a novel PBG structure
Authors: Yuan H.‐W. , Gong S.‐X. , Wang X. , Wang W.‐T.
Published: May 2009

A wideband printed dipole antenna with an integrated balun feed is given. To further get larger bandwidth capabilities of this antenna, a novel low‐cost smaller unit‐cell planar photonic bandgap (PBG) structure is etched onto the antenna surface, and a better dipole antenna is fabricated. Through optimizing the sizes of PBG structure, a 56.7% bandwidth is obtained where voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is less than 1.5 while a 36% bandwidth is obtained from initial structure. Agreement between calculations and measurements is very good. The result indicates that the novel design may obtain better wideband characteristic. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1862–1865, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24466
Design of an integrated loop coupler and loop antenna for RFID applications
Authors: Bancroft Randy
Published: May 2009

The design of a novel planar loop antenna with an integrated coupling loop for RFID applications is described. The antenna consists of a center nonradiating coupling loop, which acts as a phase shifter to produce a radiating current distribution on the outer loop. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1830–1833, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24467
Cavity embedded GPS antenna in GSM wire‐patch radiating element
Authors: Zaid L. , Staraj R.
Published: May 2009

This article describes a complete low cost radiating structure, combining a stacked wire‐patch GSM antenna, with an active GPS printed element located in a cavity realized in the upper plate of the GSM radiating element. GPS active amplifier and filter are located under the ground plane of GPS antenna and receive the DC bias voltage trough the GPS coaxial probe feed. The GSM antenna is a low profile, large bandwidth antenna, having a dipolar radiation pattern. An isolation system is integrated in the structure to avoid small ground plane problems. This structure, totally protected by a low cost dielectric radome is very suitable for automobile applications needing a very small ground plane. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1896–1899, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24473
Compact slot antenna for 2.4 GHz/UWB with dual band‐notched characteristic
Authors: Zha Feng‐Tao , Gong Shu‐Xi , Liu Gang , Yang Hong‐Yu , Lin Shu‐Guang
Published: May 2009

A novel compact microstrip slot antenna for 2.4–2.5 GHz (WLAN) band and ultra‐wideband is proposed and fabricated. Two single ring split resonators are etched in the feed line to obtain dual band‐notched function in the 5 GHz WLAN band and ITU 8025–8400 MHz band, respectively. The entire antenna only occupies a volume of 33 mm × 35.5 mm × 1 mm. The proposed antenna is analyzed both numerically and experimentally. The measured results and simulated results reach good agreements. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1859–1862, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24475
Miniaturized dual‐mode bandpass filter using stub‐loaded square ring resonator
Authors: Singh Yatendra K. , Chakrabarty Ajay
Published: May 2009

This article presents a novel miniaturized bandpass filter using a square ring. Each side of the ring is loaded almost at one of the ends with a stub. The stub increases the current path length; bring down the resonance frequency of the ring. The other end of each stub is terminated with a square patch whose size is kept such so as to give a dual‐mode characteristic. The proposed filter offers a size reduction of 67% over an unloaded square ring resonator. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1927–1929, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24482
CPW‐fed ultrawideband square antenna with round corners, a trident‐shaped feeding strip and semielliptic ground
Authors: Wang J. , Zhang H.
Published: May 2009

A novel coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed monopole ultrawideband antenna is proposed to operate from 2.1 to 13.4 GHz. It consists of a square radiator with round corners, a trident‐shaped feeding strip, and semielliptic ground. By use of these techniques, the operating bandwidth and radiation performance (approximate omni‐directional pattern) can be improved. And then, the relationship between the return loss curves and the geometry of the trident‐shaped feeding strip was gotten. Finally, good agreement has been obtained between the simulation and experiment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1924–1927, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24483
ACS fed printed F‐shaped uniplanar antenna for dual band WLAN applications
Authors: Deepu V. , Sujith R. , Mridula S. , Aanandan C. K. , Vasudevan K. , Mohanan P.
Published: May 2009

An asymmetric coplanar strip (ACS) fed dual band F‐shaped antenna covering the 2.4/5.2 GHz WLAN bands is presented. The optimized dimensions of the proposed uniplanar antenna are 21 mm × 19 mm when printed on a substrate of dielectric constant 4.4 and height 1.6 mm. The dual band nature of the antenna is brought about by the various current paths in the F‐shaped structure and the ground plane. The antenna exhibits nearly omnidirectional radiation characteristics and moderate gain in both the operating bands. Details of the antenna design, simulation, and experimental results are presented and discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1852–1856, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24486
A 5.7‐GHz low‐noise amplifier with source‐degenerated active inductor
Authors: Chu Chun‐Hsueh , Huang I‐Lun , Lin Yih‐Hsia , Gong Jeng
Published: May 2009

This article presents a novel application of the active inductor in the design of the low‐noise amplifier (LNA). To reduce the silicon area consumed by the LNA without sacrificing its linearity, the passive source‐degenerated inductor in the conventional design is replaced with the active inductor. The LNA is fabricated with a standard 0.18‐μm CMOS process. Compared with previous arts, this LNA exhibits good figure of merit based on its total power consumption of 19 mW, measured power gain of 17 dB, input third‐order intercept point of −7 dBm, and noise figure of 3.4 dB at 5.7 GHz. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1955–1958, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24493
A high‐efficiency power amplifier using multilevel digital pulse modulation
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Jeon Youngsang , Lee Jaejun , Lee Sungho , Nam Sangwook
Published: May 2009

This article introduces a new architecture for a high‐efficiency linear transmitter using a pulse modulated envelope signal. The transmitter employs multilevel PWM to represent the baseband signal. By using multilevel PWM, the efficiency of the power amplifier can be improved compared with that using the conventional PWM. To demonstrate the validity of the proposed architecture, a transmitter using three‐level PWM is implemented and tested with the CDMA IS‐95A signal. The measured PAE, including isolator and filter loss, is 37.6% at 21.6 dBm average output power and the linearity requirements are satisfied. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1921–1924, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24494
Interference artifact reduction by multiangle illumination in millimeter wave images: Model and experimental validation
Authors: Zhang Lixiao , Koers Gaetan , Stiens Johan
Published: May 2009

Successful interference artifact reduction in mm‐wave images by multiangle illumination is presented. Imaging simulations were performed in a Fourier‐domain coherent optics framework. Both the model and experimental results show that interference patterns highly depend on the illumination angles and can be reduced by simply processing the multiangle images. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1845–1848, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24498
An internal multiband antenna for WLAN and WWAN applications
Authors: Chiu Chien‐Wen , Chi Yu‐Jen , Deng Sheng‐Ming
Published: May 2009

In this letter, we propose a novel multiband antenna which can be integrated into a laptop computer for WLAN and WWAN applications. The antenna, evolved from a dual‐band inverted‐F antenna, is mounted on the top‐edge of a vertical ground plane of LCD panel. By adding four parasitic resonators which are short‐circuited quarter‐wavelength elements, the antenna can achieve wideband performance to cover GSM850/GSM900/DCS/PCS/UMTS and 802.11a/b/g. A simulation was performed by HFSS to optimally design the antenna, and then a practical structure was also fabricated to verify the simulation results. The measured antenna parameters as well as the radiation efficiency are presented to validate the proposed antenna. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1803–1807, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24501
Dual‐mode ring resonators with inductive ω‐shaped perturbations for miniaturizations and dual‐bands
Authors: Liu Ji‐Chyun , Liu Ta‐Cheng , Zeng Bing‐Hao , Chou His‐Chiang
Published: May 2009

Novel inductive Ω‐shaped perturbations for dual‐mode ring resonators (DMRR) to design dual‐band band‐pass filter with size reduction are presented in this article. Both inductive Ω‐shaped perturbations in DMRR and DMDRR (Dual‐Mode Double Ring Resonator) are studied to improve the performance of the conventional DMRR and DMDRR. Significant size reductions over 56 and 10% are achieved at dual‐band 1.13 and 2.11 GHz, respectively. To obtain a lower insertion loss (2.49/0.75 dB), higher rejection (−19.93/−16.41 dB), and wider bandwidth (about 4.82/16.45%) responses, the miniaturized DMDRR filter are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1986–1991, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24502
An extremely miniaturized 15‐GHz CMOS distributed voltage‐controlled oscillator
Authors: Chirala Mohan K. , Nguyen Cam
Published: May 2009

A distributed voltage‐controlled oscillator (DVCO) employing novel multilayered inductors is implemented in a standard 0.18‐μm CMOS process. The DVCO is at least 90% smaller than the earlier reported DVCOs and its core occupies a mere 348 μm × 195 μm or 0.06 mm2, making it the smallest distributed VCO reported in any monolithic technology to date. The VCO employs a four‐stage unstable distributed amplifier and generates a fundamental signal at 14.9 GHz with a phase noise of −100.2 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz offset and a 12% tuning range. The circuit consumes 34 mW of DC power and provides −0.8 dBm of output power. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1953–1955, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24504
WDM ring performance improvement by means of four‐wave mixing crosstalk minimization algorithm
Authors: Reis J. D. , Neto B. , André P. S. , Teixeira A.
Published: May 2009

An automatic method to assess and minimize the impact of four‐wave mixing crosstalk in WDM ring channels is presented. The objective is achieved by applying a genetic algorithm, which optimizes channel frequencies and tunes powers. This technique improvement result is validated experimentally. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1949–1952, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24505
Application of the FCEL method to a microstrip disk antenna with a parasitic director
Authors: Berbar T. B. , Azrar A. , Zerguerras A. , Aksas R.
Published: May 2009

The method of finite coupled elementary lines (FCEL) is used in the analysis of a microstrip disk antenna with a larger parasitic director. A closed form expression of the effective radius for the used structure is proposed. The obtained numerical results are compared with published measurements and good agreement is noticed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1911–1918, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24506
Compact UWB planar monopole antenna with band‐notch function
Authors: Zhang Li‐Na , Zhong Shun‐Shi , Du Chen‐Zhu , Chen Jun‐Hua
Published: May 2009

A new band‐notch ultrawideband (UWB) printed monopole antenna is proposed, where the band‐notch characteristic is realized by introducing a microstrip feeder with a tuning stub. The simulation results agree well with the measured ones, showing that the proposed antenna provides an operating band ranging from 2.9 to 11.6 GHz, a notched band from 5.0 to 5.9 GHz, and a good omni‐directional far‐field radiation in the H‐plane. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1908–1911, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24507
Design of a small, low‐profile print antenna using a Peano line
Authors: Terada Takashi , Ide Kazuki , Iwata Kazuki , Fukusako Takeshi
Published: May 2009

This article describes a small, low‐profile linear antenna that is fed at the tip of a half‐wavelength element to maintain the input impedance high with a metallic reflector at a position near the antenna. A CPW‐like port at one end of a linear element yields a capacitive coupling with the metallic reflector resulting in a resistance of 50 Ω at the serial resonant frequency. Using this feed structure, a low‐profile electrically small antenna using a Peano line antenna is presented. The antenna gain and radiation efficiency of this antenna is compared with those of a meander antenna with the same dimensions and feed structure. The radiation efficiency of the Peano line antenna increases by ∼2 dB compared with that of the meander line at the 1‐GHz band. Finally, the polarization parameters are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1833–1838, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24511
A compact 1‐to‐8 planar spatial power divider/combiner
Authors: Yan Jun‐Mei , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: May 2009

A compact 1‐to‐8 planar spatial power divider/combiner is proposed. It employs two dielectric substrates with a common ground plane. Two transitions are cascaded to divide power equally. The first transition is from a parallel stripline to two microstrip lines and the second transition is from oversized microstrip line to parallel multiport microstrip lines. A line taper is inserted to provide impedance match. The proposed structure is compact and has little possibility to stimulate high‐order modes wave. A working prototype at 4–6 GHz is designed and fabricated. Measured results show a good agreement with simulated ones and an input reflection coefficient of less than −15 dB is achieved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1998–2001, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24514
Perineuritis in acute lyme neuroborreliosis
Authors: Elamin Marwa , Alderazi Yazan , Mullins Gerard , Farrell Michael A. , O'Connell Sue , Counihan Timothy J.
Published: May 2009

Perineuritis is an unusual cause of direct peripheral nerve injury. We describe the clinicopathologic features of a 56‐year‐old man with mononeuritis multiplex due to Lyme disease; sural nerve biopsy demonstrated florid perineuritis. Treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone resulted in marked neurologic improvement. This study supports the notion that perineuritis forms part of the pathogenesis in acute Lyme neuroborreliosis. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Logisch mit der Bahn
Authors: Jordan Annette
Published: May 2009

Weil der Weg über die Schiene verlässlicher, schneller und sicherer ist als der Transport über die Straße, binden immer mehr Chemieunternehmen Güterbahnen in ihre Logistikketten ein.
Mikrokapseln — ein runde Sache
Authors: Brandau Thorsten
Published: May 2009

Die Kunst, Substanzen zu umhüllen, verändert die Lebensmitteltechnik: Nun entfalten sich Aromen langsam, Zusatzstoffe wirken erst im Magen, und Champagner findet neue Herstellungsmethoden.
Screening options for Down syndrome: how women choose in real clinical setting
Authors: Lo T. K. , Lai F. K. , Leung W. C. , Lau W. L. , Ng L. S. , Wong W. C. , Tam S. S. , Yee Y. C. , Choi H. , Lam H. S. W. , Sham A. S. Y. , Tang L. C. H. , Chin R. K. H.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To study pregnant women's preference among various screening options for Down syndrome (DS) in routine clinical setting, and its potential association with women's demographic characteristics.

Methods

Women aged 35 years and older carrying singleton pregnancy were offered a variety of screening tests for DS before 14 weeks of gestation. Their preference was confirmed by the test they actually underwent. The association between women's choice of test and a number of demographic characteristics was studied using multinomial regression.

Results

Among 1967 eligible women, 619 opted for first‐trimester screening test (FTS), 924 for partial integrated test (PIT), and 424 for full integrated test (FIT). Nulliparous women and working mothers were more likely to choose FTS and FIT. Women with history of subfertility were more likely to choose FIT. Women with family history of chromosomal abnormalities were more likely to choose FTS. The choice of screening test could be predicted for 49.9% of women using four demographic characteristics.

Conclusions

Among older women of predominantly Chinese ethnicity, integrated test is a favorite alternative to FTS. Their choice of DS screening test can be predicted by their obstetric and socioeconomic characteristics. Many women show willingness to pay for a test with a lower false‐positive rate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical model of solar thermophotovoltaic systems with cylindrical symmetry: Ray tracing approach
Authors: Datas A. , Algora C.
Published: May 2009

An analytical model for a full solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) system with cylindrical symmetry is presented. In contrast to the already published TPV models, this model considers both TPV optical cavity and absorber (or heating) systems. An analytical ray‐tracing method has been used to analyse the radiation interchange within a TPV optical cavity. It allows us to calculate the portion of the absorbed power in each component within the system. Using this model, a broad analysis of an STPV system has been carried out, finding the optimum configurations and presenting a detailed loss analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Student–teacher relationships matter: Moderating influences between temperament and preschool social competence
Authors: Griggs Marissa Swaim , Gagnon Sandra Glover , Huelsman Timothy J. , Kidder‐Ashley Pamela , Ballard Mary
Published: May 2009

Ecological approaches to preschool assessment, which consider both within‐child and environmental variables, are considered best practice for school psychologists. This study employs such a model to investigate the interactive influence of child temperament and student–teacher relationship quality on peer play behaviors. Parents of 44 preschool children (25 girls, 19 boys) ranging in age from 40 to 68 months (mean [M] = 53.00) and primarily White (92.9%) provided ratings of their children's temperaments on the Behavioral Style Questionnaire. Their teachers completed the Student–Teacher Relationship Scale and the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale. Results indicate that (a) student–teacher relationships characterized by low conflict and low dependence are associated with less disruptive peer play, and (b) the association between temperament and disruptive play is attenuated in low conflict student–teacher relationships. Implications for school psychologists include the importance of student–teacher relationships in the context of preschool assessment and intervention planning. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
English language learners' and non–English language learners' perceptions of the classroom environment
Authors: LeClair Courtney , Doll Beth , Osborn Allison , Jones Kristin
Published: May 2009

This study examines the degree to which English language learners' (ELL) descriptions of classroom supports for learning are similar to or different from the descriptions of non‐ELL students. Specifically, the study compared the classroom perceptions of ELL students and general education students using the ClassMaps Survey (CMS), which includes indices of classroom relationships (teacher–student, peer, and home–school) and supports for self‐regulation (self‐efficacy, self‐determination, and self‐control). It was hypothesized that the CMS subscale scores would differ for the two student groups. Results indicated that ELL students rated themselves significantly lower in academic efficacy and rated their classmates as more likely to follow class rules compared to the ratings of non‐ELL students. Implications for practical application of the results and suggestions for future research are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple approach for synthesis of TiO2nanotubes with through‐hole morphology
Authors: Kant Krishna , Losic Dusan
Published: May 2009

The present work reports a simple approach for fabrication of self‐standing titania (TiO2) nanotube membranes with through‐hole morphology. The method is hydrofluoric acid free and the pore opening of TiO2nanotubes is performed by electrochemical thinning of the oxide barrier layer. A reduction of anodization voltage was applied at the end of the anodization process to cause a successful removal of the remaining barrier layer from the TiO2nanotubes during their detachment from the underlying titanium substrate. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and immunomodulatory properties of a flavonoid, casticin from Vitex agnus‐castus
Authors: Mesaik M. Ahmed , Azizuddin  , Murad Shahnaz , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Tareen Rasool Bakhsh , Ahmed Aqeel , Atta‐ur‐Rahman  , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal
Published: May 2009

Casticin (1), a flavonoid isolated from the aerial parts of Vitex agnus‐castus, was found to be a potent immunomodulatory and cytotoxic compound. The activity was tested in vitro for chemiluminescence, chemotaxis, T‐cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Casticin (1) exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on monocyte oxidative burst in a dose dependent manner. It was found to have a significant suppressive effect on the chemotaxic action at higher concentrations on fMLP (10−8 m) stimulated neutrophils. It also showed a potent suppressive effect on PHA stimulated T‐cell (PMBC). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beneficial effects of aCannabis sativaextract treatment on diabetes‐induced neuropathy and oxidative stress
Authors: Comelli Francesca , Bettoni Isabella , Colleoni Mariapia , Giagnoni Gabriella , Costa Barbara
Published: May 2009

Neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and it is still considered to be relatively refractory to most of the analgesics. The aim of the present study was to explore the antinociceptive effect of a controlled cannabis extract (eCBD) in attenuating diabetic neuropathic pain. Repeated treatment with cannabis extract significantly relieved mechanical allodynia and restored the physiological thermal pain perception in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats without affecting hyperglycemia. In addition, the results showed that eCBD increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) content in the liver leading to a restoration of the defence mechanism and significantly decreased the liver lipid peroxidation suggesting that eCBD provides protection against oxidative damage in STZ‐induced diabetes that also strongly contributes to the development of neuropathy. Finally, the nerve growth factor content in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats was restored to normal following the repeated treatment with eCBD, suggesting that the extract was able to prevent the nerve damage caused by the reduced support of this neurotrophin. These findings highlighted the beneficial effects of cannabis extract treatment in attenuating diabetic neuropathic pain, possibly through a strong antioxidant activity and a specific action upon nerve growth factor. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol® inhibits immunoglobulin E‐mediated allergic response in mast cells
Authors: Choi Yun Ho , Yan Guang Hai
Published: May 2009

IgE‐dependent mast cell activation is known to be associated with the allergic diseases. Pycnogenol® (PYC) is a standardized extract of the bark of French maritime pine containing bioflavonoids with a potent antioxidant activity. The antiallergic activity of PYC was evaluated using both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Oral administration of PYC significantly inhibited anti‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE‐mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. In an in vitro study, PYC dose‐dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) triggered by anti‐DNP IgE. PYC inhibited the protein expression and secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in anti‐DNP IgE‐stimulated RPMC. Moreover, PYC decreased anti‐DNP IgE‐induced calcium uptake into RPMC. Furthermore, PYC suppressed nuclear factor‐kappa B activation. From these results, the clinical use of PYC in the mast cell‐mediated immediate‐type allergic diseases is proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complement activation by carotenoid derived aldehydes in cultured human vein epithelial cells
Authors: Wu Pei‐Lin , Lin Guo‐Hua , Kang Xiao‐Dong , Yuan Hong , Shen Yue‐Liang
Published: May 2009

This study was designed to determine the complement activation effects of carotenoid‐derived aldehydes (CDA) on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). A dose‐dependent complement activation upon incubation of HUVEC with CDA was observed. Interestingly, the data showed that the alternative pathway was not activated. In addition, upon CDA treatment a significant number of apoptotic cells was also observed. The results revealed that CDA could activate the complement by way of the classical pathway. The study suggests that high carotenoid supplementation for the treatment of coronary heart disease should be used cautiously. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of crataegus fruit extract and some of its flavonoids on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the heart
Authors: Bernatoniene J. , Trumbeckaite S. , Majiene D. , Baniene R. , Baliutyte G. , Savickas A. , Toleikis A.
Published: May 2009

Crataegus (Hawthorn) fruit extracts (CE) are widely used for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases (arrhythmias, heart failure, myocardial weakness, etc). Despite the fact that many of these diseases are associated with disturbances of the mitochondria, no data have been found on the effect of CE on their function. The aim of this study was to perform an oxygraphic investigation of the effect of CE (in concentration range from 70 ng/mL to 13.9 µg/mL of Crataegus phenolic compounds (PC)) and its several pure flavonoids on isolated rat heart mitochondria respiring on pyruvate + malate, succinate and palmitoyl‐L‐carnitine + malate. CE at doses under 278 ng/mL of PC had no effect on mitochondrial functions. At concentrations from 278 ng/mL to 13.9 µg/mL of PC, CE stimulated State 2 respiration by 11%–34% with all used substrates, and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential by 1.2–4.4 mV measured with a tetraphenylphosphonium‐selective electrode and H2O2 production measured fluorimetrically. Similar uncoupling effects on mitochondrial respiration were observed with several pure CE flavonoids. The highest CE concentration also slightly reduced the maximal ADP‐stimulated and uncoupled respiration, which might be due to inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain between flavoprotein and cytochrome c. Whether or not the uncoupling and other effects of CE on mitochondria may be realized in vivo remains to be determined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ocimum sanctum extracts attenuate hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxic ultrastructural changes in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Halder Nabanita , Joshi Sujata , Nag Tapas Chandra , Tandon Radhika , Gupta Suresh Kumar
Published: May 2009

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the major oxidant involved in cataract formation. The present study investigated the effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) against H2O2 induced cytotoxic changes in human lens epithelial cells (HLEC). Donor eyes of the age range 20–40 years were procured within 5–8 h of death. After several washings with gentamicin (50 mL/L) and betadine (10 mL/L), clear transparent lenses (n = 6 in each group) were incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) alone (normal) or in DMEM containing 100 µm of H2O2 (control) or in DMEM containing both H2O2 (100 µm) and 150 µg/mL of Ocimum sanctum extract (treated) for 30 min at 37 °C with 5% CO2 and 95% air. Following incubation, the semi‐hardened epithelium of each lens was carefully removed, fixed and processed for electron microscopic studies. Thin sections (60–70 mm) were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and viewed under a transmission electron microscope. Normal epithelial cells showed intact, euchromatic nucleus with few small vacuoles (diameter 0.58 ± 0.6 µm) in well‐demarcated cytoplasm. After treatment with H2O2, they showed pyknotic nuclei with clumping of chromatin and ill‐defined edges. The cytoplasm was full of vacuoles (diameter 1.61 ± 0.7 µm). The overall cellular morphology was typical of dying cells. Treatment of cells with Ocimum sanctum extract protected the epithelial cells from H2O2 insult and maintained their normal architecture. The mean diameter of the vacuoles was 0.66 ± 0.2 µm. The results indicate that extracts of O. sanctum have an important protective role against H2O2 injury in HLEC by maintaining the normal cellular architecture. The protection could be due to its ability to reduce H2O2 through its antioxidant property and thus reinforcing the concept that the extracts can penetrate the HLEC membrane. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of gardeniae fructus extract and geniposide on promoting ligament cell proliferation and collagen synthesis
Authors: Chen Quan Cheng , Zhang Wei Yun , Kim HongJin , Lee Ik Soo , Ding Yan , Youn Ui Joung , Lee Sang Myung , Na MinKyun , Min Byung‐Sun , Bae KiHwan
Published: May 2009

Gardeniae Fructus is a traditional medicine used for the treatment of contusion such as ankle sprain. Geniposide is one of the main components of Gardeniae Fructus with diverse biological activities. In order to gain further insight into the therapeutic action of Gardeniae Fructus extract (GFE) and geniposide on ligament injuries, a new in vitro model was developed in the present study. Rat hind ankle ligament fibroblasts (RHALFs) derived from Sprague‐Dawley rats were cultured, and the cell proliferation and collagen content were examined by MTT and a Sirius Red‐based colorimetric assay after stimulating with each drug. The cell growth of RHALFs was promoted by culturing with 37.5–150 µg/mL of GFE and 25–200 µm of geniposide. The content of collagen in the RHALFs was significantly increased up to 131.4% and 124.2% of the control value by culturing with the GFE and geniposide, respectively. By contrast, both cell growth and collagen content were impaired by adding 25–200 µm of diclofenac, one of the common medications for ligament injuries. The findings suggest that GFE and geniposide may ameliorate the treatment of ligament injuries by proliferating ligament fibroblasts and promoting the synthesis of collagen. However, the use of diclofenac to treat acute ligament injuries should be reassessed although it possesses a potential effect on relieving symptoms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hericium erinaceum induces maturation of dendritic cells derived from human peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Kim Sun Kyung , Son Chang Gue , Yun Cheol‐Heui , Han Seung Hyun
Published: May 2009

Hericium erinaceum, a medicinal mushroom, has long been used as a therapeutic due to its immuno‐regulating potentials eliciting anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial efficacies. Since maturation of dendritic cells (DC) is an important process in the initiation and regulation of immune responses, the ability of water‐soluble components from H. erinaceum (WEHE) to regulate DC maturation was investigated. Immature DC were prepared by differentiating human peripheral blood CD14‐positive cells with GM‐CSF and IL‐4. DC were stimulated with WEHE at 2–20 µg/mL for 48 h and subjected to flow cytometric analysis to determine the expression of indicative maturation markers. The endocytic capacity of WEHE‐stimulated DC was examined by a Dextran‐FITC uptake assay. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to examine the secretion of TNF‐α and IL‐12p40. DC stimulated with WEHE showed representative features upon DC maturation: enhanced expression of CD80, CD83 and CD86, and both MHC class I and II molecules, decreased endocytic capacity of DC, increased expression of CD205, and decreased expression of CD206. However, interestingly, WEHE could not induce the production of TNF‐α and IL‐12p40, whereas lipopolysaccharide substantially increased the production of both cytokines. Collectively, these results suggest that H. erinaceum induces the maturation of human DC, which might reinforce the host innate immune system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic effect of meliacine, an antiviral derived from Melia azedarach L., in mice genital herpetic infection
Authors: Petrera Erina , Coto Celia E.
Published: May 2009

Since natural products are considered powerful sources of novel drug discovery, a partially purified extract (meliacine) from the leaves of Melia azedarach L., a plant used in traditional medicine in India for the treatment of several diseases, has been studied. Meliacine exhibits a potent antiviral effect against several viruses without displaying cytotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of intravaginal administration of meliacine in a mouse model of genital herpetic infection. BALB/c female mice were infected with MS or G strains of Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 and then treated with meliacine topically. An overall protective effect was observed. Animal survival increased, the severity of the disease was reduced, life span was extended and virus shedding in vagina fluids was diminished. In addition, meliacine reduced the amount of virus that migrated to the brain and vaginal fluids presented higher levels of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α than untreated infected mice. These results indicate that meliacine could be an alternative therapeutic compound against HSV‐2 genital infection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective effects ofTriticum aestivumL. against β‐Amyloid‐induced cell death and memory impairments
Authors: Jang Jung‐Hee , Kim Chang‐Yul , Lim Sun Ha , Yang Chae Ha , Song Kyung‐Sik , Han Hyung Soo , Lee Hyeong‐Kyu , Lee Jongwon
Published: May 2009

β‐Amyloid (Aβ) is a key component of senile plaques, neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and has been reported to induce cell death via oxidative stress. This study investigated the protective effects ofTriticum aestivumL. (TAL) on Aβ‐induced apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells and cognitive dysfunctions in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. Cells treated with Aβ exhibited decreased viability and apoptotic features, such as DNA fragmentation, alterations in mitochondria and an increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, which were attenuated by TAL extract (TALE) pretreatment. To elucidate the neuroprotective mechanisms of TALE, the study examined Aβ‐induced oxidative stress and cellular defense. TALE pretreatment suppressed Aβ‐increased intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via up‐regulation of glutathione, an essential endogenous antioxidant. To further verify the effect of TALE on memory impairments, Aβ or scopolamine was injected in SD rats and a water maze task conducted as a spatial memory test. Aβ or scopolamine treatment increased the time taken to find the platform during training trials, which was decreased by TALE pretreatment. Furthermore, one of the active components of TALE, total dietary fiber also effectively inhibited Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity and scopolamine‐caused memory deficits. These results suggest that TALE may have preventive and/or therapeutic potential in the management of AD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consensus‐based distributed sensor calibration and least‐square parameter identification in WSNs
Authors: Bolognani Saverio , Del Favero Simone , Schenato Luca , Varagnolo Damiano
Published: May 2009

In this paper we study the problem of estimating the channel parameters for a generic wireless sensor network (WSN) in a completely distributed manner, using consensus algorithms. Specifically, we first propose a distributed strategy to minimize the effects of unknown constant offsets in the reading of the radio strength signal indicator due to uncalibrated sensors. Then we show how the computation of the optimal wireless channels parameters, which are the solution of a global least‐square optimization problem, can be obtained with a consensus‐based algorithm. The proposed algorithms are general algorithms for sensor calibration and distributed least‐square parameter identification, and do not require any knowledge either on the global topology of the network nor the total number of nodes. Finally, we apply these algorithms to experimental data collected from an indoor WSN. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning on zoo field trips: The interaction of the agendas and practices of students, teachers, and zoo educators
Authors: Davidson Susan Kay , Passmore Cynthia , Anderson David
Published: May 2009

This paper reports on the findings of a case study that investigated the interaction of the agendas and practices of students, teachers, and zoo educators during a class field trip to a zoo. The study reports on findings of the analysis of two case classes of students and their perceptions of their learning experiences during the field trip. The goals, expectations, and perceived outcomes of the trip for students, their classroom teachers, and the zoo educators were elicited through interviews, surveys, student work, and observations. Both cases demonstrated how students placed high value and importance on social interactions with their peers. In addition, classroom teachers' pedagogical practices and the learning agendas they held for their students had a significant influence on students' subsequent learning and perceptions of the experience. This was in contrast to the zoo educators' practices and agendas that appeared not to be significant influences on student learning and perceptions. Implications for field trip planning and implementation are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 94:122–141, 2010
PWC: a proactive worm containment solution for enterprise networks
Authors: Jhi Yoon‐Chan , Liu Peng , Li Lunquan , Gu Qijun , Jing Jiwu , Kesidis George
Published: May 2009

We propose PWC, a proactive worm containment solution for enterprises. PWC can stop—instead of just slow down—an infected host from releasing worm scans as early as after merely four scans. Motivated by the observation that a worm uses a sustained outgoing packet rate, PWC gains infection awareness seconds before a signature or filter can be generated. To overcome denial‐of‐service possibly caused by such characteristic indicators of infection, PWC/,develops two new white detection (detecting who are uninfected) techniques: (a) the vulnerability time window lemma, and (b) the relaxation analysis. PWC does not rely on contents‐based signatures thus it can defend against polymorphic worms timely in containment. PWC is also resilient to containment evading. PWC is not sensitive to worm scan rate, and not protocol specific. Due to white detection, PWC causes minimal denial‐of‐service. Evaluation based on real traces and worm simulations demonstrates that PWC significantly outperforms Virus Throttle in terms of number of released worm scans, number of hosts infected by local scans, and denial‐of‐service effects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate analysis of ToF‐SIMS data for biological applications
Authors: Park Ji‐Won , Min Hyegeun , Kim Young‐Pil , Kyong Shon Hyun , Kim Jinmo , Moon Dae Won , Lee Tae Geol
Published: May 2009

Applications of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) were demonstrated, focusing on multivariate analysis (MVA) such as principal component analysis (PCA), principal component regression (PCR), and maximum autocorrelation factors (MAF). Three main categories are presented in this report: quantitative analysis of protein and chemical derivatives, surface characterization of chemical composition, and image‐based analysis in disease‐related tissues. The use of MVA in a ToF‐SIMS study showed improved data interpretation of chemicals or biomolecules on a surface, and consequently enabled the straightforward analysis of ToF‐SIMS data. Even on biological samples with high complexity, the MVA method effectively contributed to obtaining valuable information, including chemical distribution of biomolecules. It is anticipated that MVA with ToF‐SIMS data will be widely used for exploring biological studies in a reliable and simple way. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.