bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An effective technique based on off‐set fed patch to enhance the bandwidth of microstrip planar antenna
Authors: Azim R. , Aldhaheri R. W. , Sheikh M. M. , Islam M. T.
Published: March 2016

In this article a microstrip planar antenna with new bandwidth enhancement technique is proposed for broadband wireless communication. The antenna consists of a rectangular radiating patch, a fed line, and a conducting ground plane. To increase the operating band of a conventional microstrip patch antenna, the radiating patch is shifted from the center of the substrate (asymmetric) while the feed line is made as off‐set. It is observed that this asymmetric patch and off‐set feed line improve the impedance matching resulting in a bandwidth enhancement of more than 115% without changing of the overall antenna size. It is observed from the measurement that the proposed planar design with this technique can achieve an operating band ranging from 2.96 to 19GHz (146%) which makes it very suitable for a number of wireless communication applications such as WiMAX, WLAN, UWB, C‐band, X‐band, Ku‐band etc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1221–1226, 2016
A K‐band push–push oscillator employing differential transmission line loaded with SIW cavity operated in TM110 mode
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Liu Yongzhi , Bao Jingfu
Published: March 2016

In this letter, a novel differential transmission‐line (TL) loaded with circular substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity is presented for realizing K‐band push‐push oscillator. The SIW cavity is working at TM110 mode to enforce the 180° phase difference between two sub‐oscillators, and the tuning metal vias perturbation is introduced in the SIW resonator to maximize the distance between desired odd TM110 mode and adjacent even modes to stabilize the oscillation mode. Unlike the conventional SIW resonator structure, this differential TL possesses a reflective‐type property at the resonance frequency. A 19.76 GHz push–push oscillator based on this differential TL is designed and implemented. The measured suppression of fundamental frequency component is −25.62 dBc, and the phase noise is −118.1 dBc Hz−1 at 1 MHz offset frequency, which corresponds to a figure‐of‐merit (FOM) of −191 dBc Hz−1. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1217–1221, 2016
Derivation of the optimum distance between periodically spaced vias for leakage suppression at S‐band
Authors: Eu Guan Chai , Yoshitomi Kuniaki , Kanaya Haruichi
Published: March 2016

In this letter, the optimum center‐to‐center separation between vias in the conductor‐backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) is presented for leakage suppression in the dielectric region. Leakage mechanism at high frequencies associated with surface wave or parallel‐plate mode were widely studied in the past. In this work, antenna arrays have been used to compare leakage in CPW and CBCPW feed network at S‐band. By using identical antenna elements, CPW‐fed slot dipole antenna array has been compared against CBCPW‐fed slot dipole antenna array with a ground via fence. Instead of using shorting pins with minimum nonzero gap, optimum center‐to‐center separation distance between vias has been derived from the bandgap phenomenon. Approximately 20% of total loss across the frequency range of interest in CPW feed network obtained from the comparison of the CPW‐fed antenna array against the CBCPW‐fed antenna array can be attributed to unwanted leakage in the dielectric substrate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1257–1260, 2016
Switchable slot dipole to tapered slot antenna for wideband and multi‐band applications with directional beam patterns
Authors: Chagharvand Sahar , Hamid M. R. , Kamarudin M. R. , Ghanem F.
Published: March 2016

This article presents a slot dipole antenna switchable to tapered slot antenna for multiband and wideband operations. The antenna is designed to provide four modes of operation: namely wideband, single‐band, dual‐band, and triple‐band modes. These are achieved by activating/deactivating parts of the antenna structure by means of PIN diode switches, in order to form either a slot dipole or a tapered slot antenna. To guarantee a directional radiation of the antenna in all modes, V‐shaped slot is introduced and used in all modes. Five PIN diode switches are used. For demonstration purpose the wideband mode is designed around from 1 to 3 GHz. The resonance frequency of single‐band mode is designed at 2.4 GHz, whilst the dual‐band modes are at 2.1 and 3.2 GHz. The low, mid, and high frequencies of the triple‐band modes are at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.3 GHz, respectively. Return loss, radiation pattern, and gain of the fabricated antenna are in good agreement with the simulation results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1241–1245, 2016
Assessing multiple dimensions of urgency sensation: The University of South Australia Urinary Sensation Assessment (USA2)
Authors: Das Rebekah , Buckley Jonathan , Williams Marie
Published: March 2016

Aims

To develop and assess structure, test–retest reliability, and discriminative validity of a self‐report questionnaire (University of South Australia Urinary Sensation Assessment: USA2) to assess multiple dimensions of urgency sensation.

Methods

The USA2 was designed and tested over two prospective, observational studies (2013–2014). Participants were English speaking Australians aged 50 or more with and without overactive bladder (OAB; determined by OAB awareness tool), recruited via health and recreation centers. In Study 1, exploratory factor analysis determined USA2 structure and subscales. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis reassessed structure; Mann–Whitney U‐tests determined discriminative validity (OAB vs. non‐OAB for subscale and total scores) with Cohen's d effect sizes. Thirty‐three individuals completed the USA2 twice; intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Wilcoxon signed rank tests assessed test–retest reliability.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 189 eligible participants in Study 1 and 211 in Study 2. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three subscales: “urgency,” “affective,” “fullness.” Confirmatory factor analysis supported these subscales. Subscale and total scores were significantly different between groups with and without OAB (P < 0.001). Cohen's d effect sizes (95%CI) were total score 1.8 (0.5–3.1), “urgency” subscale 1.8 (1.3–2.3), “affective” 1.7 (0.95–2.4), and “fullness” 0.75 (0.42–1.09). Total and subscales scores demonstrated test–retest reliability; ICCs (95%CIs) of 0.95 (0.9–0.98), 0.96 (0.92–0.98), 0.94 (0.88–0.97), and 0.78 (0.56–0.89).

Conclusions

The USA2 assesses multiple dimensions of urgency sensation, is reliable over a 2‐week period, and discriminates between older adults with and without OAB. Further validation is required in conditions other than overactive bladder. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:667–672, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE EFFECT OF RECENT TAX CHANGES ON TAXABLE INCOME: CORRECTION AND UPDATE
Authors: Heim Bradley T. , Mortenson Jacob A.
Published: March 2016

This article is a Commentary on Bradley T. Heim (), The effect of recent tax changes on taxable income: Evidence from a new panel of tax returns,” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 28, 147–163. doi:10.1002/pam.20406. This note provides corrected estimates of the elasticity of taxable income to the net of tax share using a panel of tax returns that follows a random sample of taxpayers from 1999 to 2005, spanning the EGTRRA 2001 and JGTRRA 2003 tax changes. Two errors were corrected: the specification of income splines, and the subtraction of capital gains income from the dependent variable. Though the original results are largely robust to the first change, they are not robust to the second. The corrected estimates suggest that the elasticity of taxable income to the current year's net of tax share is small and statistically insignificantly different from zero.
Unique Familial MLL(KMT2A)‐Rearranged Precursor B‐Cell Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Non‐twin Siblings
Authors: Urtishak Karen A. , Robinson Blaine W. , Rappaport Eric F. , Sarezky Margaret D. , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Nichols Kim E. , Wilmoth Donna M. , Wang Li‐San , Stern Julie W. , Felix Carolyn A.
Published: March 2016

Background

Infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has never occurred in families except for the ∼100% concordant cases in monozygous twins attributed to twin‐to‐twin metastases. We report the first kindred with infant ALL in non‐twin siblings. The siblings were diagnosed with MLL‐rearranged (MLL‐R) ALL 26 months apart. The second affected sibling had an unaffected dichorionic monozygous co‐twin. Both had fatal outcomes.

Procedures

Translocations were characterized by karyotype, FISH, multiplex FISH, and MLL breakpoint cluster region (bcr) Southern blot analysis. Breakpoint junctions and fusion transcripts were cloned by PCR. TP53 mutation and NADPH quinone oxidorecuctase 1 (NQO1) C609T analyses were performed, and pedigree history and parental occupations were ascertained. The likelihood of chance occurrence of infant ALL in non‐twin siblings was computed based on a binomial distribution. Zygosity was determined by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array.

Results

The translocations were not related or vertically transmitted. The complex karyotype of the proband's ALL had chromosome 2, 3, 4, and 11 abnormalities causing a 5′‐MLL‐AFF1‐3′ fusion and a non‐productive rearrangement of 3′MLL with a chromosome 3q intergenic region. The affected twin's ALL exhibited a simple t(4;11). The complex karyotype of the proband's ALL suggested a genotoxic insult, but no exposure was identified. There was no germline TP53 mutation. The NQO1 C609T risk allele was absent. The likelihood of infant ALL occurring in non‐twin siblings by chance alone is one in 1.198 × 109 families.

Conclusions

Whether because of a deleterious transplacental exposure, novel predisposition syndrome, or exceedingly rare chance occurrence, MLL‐R infant ALL can occur in non‐twin siblings. The discordant occurrence of infant ALL in the monozygous twins was likely because they were dichorionic.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Abnormal Pulmonary Function in Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Record Elizabeth , Williamson Rebecca , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen , Mertens Ann C. , Meacham Lillian R. , Popler Jonathan
Published: March 2016

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for pulmonary‐related morbidity and mortality. The Children's Oncology Group Long‐Term Follow‐Up (COG‐LTFU) guidelines recommend pulmonary function testing after treatment with bleomycin, busulfan, carmustine, lomustine, thoracic radiation, bone marrow transplant, or pulmonary surgery. The aim of this analysis was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary function abnormalities in a pediatric survivor cohort.

Procedure

Patients ≥5 years old seen in our survivor clinic with at least one exposure outlined by COG‐LFTU Guidelines were included. Original pulmonary function test (PFT) results were obtained and blindly reinterpreted by a single reviewer. Demographic, diagnosis, treatment factors, and clinical and/or patient‐reported symptoms of cough, wheeze, and/or dyspnea were abstracted from their medical record.

Results

Overall, 143 (63.3%) survivors had PFT results available; 55.2% were male, 49.7% were white, and the mean age was 14.1 ± 4.8 years. Abnormal PFTs were found in 65.0% (n = 93) with 21.0% having multiple abnormalities. Specifically, 41.3% had hyperinflation, 25.9% had obstructive, and 13.3% had restrictive disease. Patients diagnosed at <5 years were more likely to have a pulmonary abnormality (P = 0.04); a majority of those diagnosed <5 years underwent pulmonary surgery or thoracic radiation. Regardless of the presence of a PFT abnormality, more than 80% of survivors were asymptomatic (82.9% vs.81.5%; P‐value = 0.54).

Conclusions

Almost two‐thirds of survivors screened per the COG‐LTFU Guidelines had an abnormal PFT but a majority reported no clinical symptoms. Hyperinflation was the most prevalent abnormality.
Tissue fixed with formalin and processed without paraffin embedding is suitable for imaging of both peptides and lipids by MALDI‐IMS
Authors: Pietrowska Monika , Gawin Marta , Polańska Joanna , Widłak Piotr
Published: March 2016

Type and quality of sample preparation have significant impact on imaging mass spectrometry results. Though imaging of fresh‐frozen tissues is considered to give the best results, they are incompatible with clinical practice, since routine diagnostics is most frequently performed using formalin‐fixed tissues, and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded material is a gold standard in histopathology. We aimed to assess utility of formalin‐fixed tissue specimen processed without paraffin embedding (i.e., deep‐frozen and cryo‐sectioned) for MALDI imaging of both peptides and lipids. Peptide and lipid imaging was performed in fresh‐frozen, FFPE and formalin‐fixed/frozen samples of a mouse kidney, then composition of the resulting spectra was compared. We demonstrated similarity of spectra registered during peptide imaging in FFPE and formalin‐fixed/frozen tissues, and similarity of spectra registered during lipid imaging in fresh‐frozen and formalin‐fixed/frozen material. Furthermore, molecular images of formalin‐fixed/frozen tissue resembled the features of both fresh‐frozen and FFPE tissue in the case of peptide imaging, and the features of fresh‐frozen tissue in the case of lipid imaging. We conclude that tissue preserved by formalin fixation and processed without paraffin embedding can be considered as an alternative to both fresh‐frozen and FFPE material.
Contributions of Design Thinking to Project Management in an Innovation Context
Authors: Mahmoud-Jouini Sihem Ben , Midler Christophe , Silberzahn Philippe
Published: March 2016

Researchers have long recognized that standard approaches to project management are ill-suited to address changes in the environment or business needs, particularly in innovative contexts characterized by uncertainty and complexity. Instead of being concerned with the efficient implementation of a deliberate strategy, a project in such a context becomes a process for strategy formulation. Three imperatives for project management arise as a result: managing the explorative phase, managing the involvement of stakeholders in the project, and managing the project in relation to the strategizing process of the firm. We propose that design thinking, a recent evolution in the field of design, can make some important contributions to these imperatives. Design thinking has been highlighted by practitioners as well as academia as a novel methodology that is potentially valuable for improving innovative outcomes, whether they are products, services, or strategies. We examine and articulate these possible contributions through 10 propositions that could form an agenda for future experimentation and empirical research on innovation project management.
Shared decision‐making and the use of patient decision aids
Authors: Rehman Ben
Published: March 2016

As part of our series on the NICE Medicines Optimisation guideline,1 this article discusses the section of the guidance concerning shared decisionmaking and the use of patient decision aids.
Vortioxetine for the treatment of major depression in adults
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: March 2016

Vortioxetine (Brintellix) is a new antidepressant recently recommended by NICE as third‐line therapy for the treatment of major depressive episodes in adults. This article describes the drug's properties, clinical trial evidence for its efficacy and its adverse effects.
Improving recognition and management of coeliac disease
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: March 2016

Coeliac disease is a prevalent condition, but it is currently under‐recognised and undertreated in the UK. The new NICE guidance published in September aims to address these issues, offering advice on who to test, how to manage the condition and what support to offer patients.
Processes of silver photodiffusion into Ge‐chalcogenide probed by neutron reflectivity technique
Authors: Sakaguchi Yoshifumi , Asaoka Hidehito , Uozumi Yuki , Kawakita Yukinobu , Ito Takayoshi , Kubota Masato , Yamazaki Dai , Soyama Kazuhiko , Sheoran Gaurav , Mitkova Maria
Published: March 2016

We performed time‐resolved neutron reflectivity measurement for stacks of Ag 500 Å/Ge25S75 1500 Å/Si substrate and Ge33S67 1500 Å/Ag 500 Å/Si substrate to clarify silver photodiffusion process into Ge‐chalcogenide layer. For Ag 500 Å/Ge25S75 1500 Å/Si substrate stack, it was found that the silver layer dissolves into Ge‐chalcogenide layer within 2 min by the light exposure, and Ag‐doped reaction layer forms. However, two‐layer structure with thicknesses of 800 and 1100 Å was established by a prolonged light exposure for 70 min and it did not change to form one homogeneous layer. For Ge33S67 1500 Å/Ag 500 Å/Si substrate stack, silver rapidly dissolves into Ge33S67layer leaving a thin silver layer in the first 2 min, and then, silver slowly dissolves from the silver layer as the next reaction process. At approximately 25 min light exposure, an anomalous decrease in the neutron reflectivity, suggesting a formation of macroscopic surface roughness, was observed.
Angioedema caused by ritonavir and risperidone
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: March 2016

Many patients with HIV are likely to be prescribed antipsychotics, antidepressants, or anxiolytics to manage psychiatric symptoms. Some of the protease inhibitors used in the treatment of HIV are modulators of various metabolic enzymes, but limited information is available regarding the potential for drug interaction between protease inhibitors and psychotropic agents. The following report describes three cases of angioedema that could be related to a potential interaction between risperidone and ritonavir.
Aerosol indirect effects on glaciated clouds. Part 2: Sensitivity tests using solute aerosols
Authors: Kudzotsa Innocent , Phillips Vaughan T. J. , Dobbie Steven
Published: March 2016

Sensitivity tests were performed on a midlatitude continental case using a state‐of‐the‐art aerosol–cloud model to determine the salient mechanisms of aerosol indirect effects (AIE) from solute aerosols. The simulations showed that increased solute aerosols doubled cloud‐droplet number concentrations and hence reduced cloud particle sizes by about 20% and consequently inhibited warm rain processes, thus enhancing the chances of homogeneous freezing of cloud droplets and aerosols. Cloud fractions and their optical thicknesses increased quite substantially with increasing solute aerosols. Although liquid mixing ratios were boosted, there was, however, a substantial reduction of ice mixing ratios in the upper troposphere, owing to the increase in snow production aloft. The predicted total aerosol indirect effect was equal to −9.46 ± 1.4 W m−2. The AIEs of glaciated clouds (−6.33 ± 0.95 W m−2) were greater than those of water‐only clouds (−3.13 ± 0.47 W m−2) by a factor of two in this continental case. The higher radiative importance of glaciated clouds compared with water‐only clouds emerged from their larger collective spatial extent and their existence above water‐only clouds. In addition to the traditional AIEs (glaciation, riming and thermodynamic), the new AIEs sedimentation, aggregation and coalescence were identified.
A new method for the characterization and verification of local spatial predictability for convective‐scale ensembles
Authors: Dey Seonaid R. A. , Roberts Nigel M. , Plant Robert S. , Migliorini Stefano
Published: March 2016

The use of kilometre‐scale ensembles in operational weather forecasting provides new challenges for forecast interpretation and evaluation to account for uncertainty on the convective scale. A new neighbourhood‐based method is presented for evaluating and characterizing the local predictability variations from convective‐scale ensembles. Spatial scales over which ensemble forecasts agree (agreement scales, SA) are calculated at each grid point ij, providing a map of the spatial agreement between forecasts. By comparing the average agreement scale obtained from ensemble member pairs () with that between members and radar observations (), this approach allows the location‐dependent spatial spread–skill relationship of the ensemble to be assessed. The properties of the agreement scales are demonstrated using an idealized experiment. To demonstrate the methods in an operational context, and are calculated for six convective cases run with the Met Office UK Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS‐UK). highlights predictability differences between cases, which can be linked to physical processes. Maps of are found to summarize the spatial predictability in a compact and physically meaningful manner that is useful for forecasting and model interpretation. Comparison of and demonstrates the case‐by‐case and temporal variability of the spatial spread–skill, which can again be linked to physical processes.
Projection Properties of Blocked Non‐regular Two‐level Designs
Authors: Hussain Shahrukh , Tyssedal John
Published: March 2016

Minimum resolution IV (MinResIV) and Plackett and Burman (PB) designs are popular screening designs because of their run size efficiency and good projection properties. The purpose of this investigation is to find out which projection properties that can be maintained when these designs are blocked and also the efficiency by which the effects of interest can be estimated. MinResIV designs with 10–20 runs and PB designs with 12 and 20 are investigated. For the PB designs, design factor columns were used as blocking columns, while for the MinResIV designs, the main rule consisted of finding good arrangements for allocating mirror‐image pair runs to the same blocks, a method inspired from Jacroux. As a criterion for a good blocking arrangements, we used maximum Ds ‐ efficiency, which we found to be more generally applicable and provide better projection properties than previous suggested methods. It came out that for most of these designs, it was possible to find blocking schemes satisfying that for any three factors, either all main effects and their interactions or all main effects and their two‐factor interactions could be estimated with a reasonable high efficiency when blocked. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and performance evaluation of a novel ion funnel driven by a phase‐modulated rectangular wave
Authors: Xu Hualei , Zhang Xiaohua , Wang Yuzhuo , Ling Xing , Tian Di
Published: March 2016

Rationale

The ion funnel has proven to be an important ion transport device. It is used in mass spectrometry as a replacement for the ion transmission limited skimmer. However, conventional out‐of‐phase radiofrequency (RF) supply approaches inevitably produce potential barriers, decreasing transmission efficiency. A novel RF supply method is proposed that produces better transmission performance.

Methods

We designed an ion funnel driven by a phase‐modulated rectangular wave (PMRW). The potential field distributions of the PMRW ion funnel and a conventional ion funnel were computer simulated to evaluate their focusing properties. A series of simulations were produced using the SIMION ion‐optics simulation program to compare the transmission efficiency of the two types of funnel. Preliminary experimental results were obtained using an electrospray ionization mass spectrometry platform with polypropylene glycol, propylamine and butylamine samples.

Results

The electrical potential distribution of a PMRW ion funnel has a bowl shape at the cross section of the electrodes, rather than in the field‐free region; this benefits focusing performance. A comparison of ion trajectories and flight time data produced by the SIMION simulations showed that the potential barrier did not exist in the PMRW mode. The experimental results showed that the PMRW method increased the signal intensity by 150–200% for propylamine and butylamine and 50% for polypropylene glycol.

Conclusions

A novel PMRW ion funnel has been designed and developed. The simulation and experimental results indicate that the PMRW ion funnel has better transmission efficiency than the conventional ion funnel, particularly for low mass‐to‐charge ratio ions.
Towards matrix‐free femtosecond‐laser desorption mass spectrometry for in situ space research
Authors: Moreno‐García Pavel , Grimaudo Valentine , Riedo Andreas , Tulej Marek , Wurz Peter , Broekmann Peter
Published: March 2016

Rationale

There is an increasing interest in the quest for low molecular weight biomarkers that can be studied on extra‐terrestrial objects by direct laser desorption mass spectrometry (LD‐MS). Although molecular structure investigations have recently been carried out by direct LD‐MS approaches, there is still a lack of suitable instruments for implementation on a spacecraft due to weight, size and power consumption demands. In this contribution we demonstrate the feasibility of LD‐MS structural analysis of molecular species by a miniature laser desorption–ionization mass spectrometer (instrument name LMS) originally designed for in situ elemental and isotope analysis of solids in space research.

Methods

Direct LD‐MS studies with molecular resolution were carried out by means of a Laser Ablation/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LIMS) technique. Two polymer samples served as model systems: neutral polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cationic polymerizates of imidazole and epichlorohydrin (IMEP). Optimal conditions for molecular fragmentation could be identified for both polymers by tuning the laser energy and the instrument‐sample distance.

Results

PEG and IMEP polymers show sufficient stability over a relatively wide laser energy range. Under mild LD conditions only moderate fragmentation of the polymers takes place so that valuable structural characterization based on fragment ions can be achieved. As the applied laser pulse energy rises, the abundance of fragment ions increases, reaches a plateau and subsequently drops down due to more severe fragmentation and atomization of the polymers. At this final stage, usually referred to as laser ablation, only elemental/isotope analysis can be achieved.

Conclusions

Our investigations demonstrate the versatility of the LMS instrument that can be tuned to favourable laser desorption conditions that successfully meet molecule‐specific requirements and deliver abundant fragment ion signals with detailed structural information. Overall, the results show promise for use in similar studies on planetary surfaces beyond Earth where no or minimal sample preparation is essential. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic profiling of new synthetic cannabinoids AMB and 5F‐AMB by human hepatocyte and liver microsome incubations and high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Andersson Maria , Diao Xingxing , Wohlfarth Ariane , Scheidweiler Karl B. , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: March 2016

Rationale

AMB (methyl (1‐pentyl‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carbonyl)‐L‐valinate)) and its fluoro analog 5F‐AMB (methyl (1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carbonyl)‐L‐valinate) are two new synthetic cannabinoids that are structural analogs of AB‐PINACA and 5F‐AB‐PINACA, respectively. 5F‐AMB is scheduled as an illicit drug in China, Germany, Singapore and Japan, and no metabolism data are currently available for either drug. The aim of the present work was to investigate the metabolism of AMB and 5F‐AMB and propose appropriate markers to identify their intake in clinical or forensic cases.

Methods

AMB and 5F‐AMB were incubated in human hepatocytes (10 μmol/L) to generate phase I and II metabolites, which were identified with a TripleTOF 5600+ high‐resolution mass spectrometer. AMB and 5F‐AMB metabolic stability studies also were performed with human liver microsomes (HLM) to evaluate metabolic clearances, and to adequately design the human hepatocyte experiment.

Results

AMB and 5F‐AMB were quickly metabolized in HLM with a 1.1 ± 0.1 and 1.0 ± 0.2min T1/2, respectively. The predominant metabolic pathway for AMB and 5F‐AMB in hepatocytes was ester hydrolysis, and further oxidation and/or glucuronidation. In total, 19 metabolites were identified for AMB and 17 for 5F‐AMB. We describe metabolites to differentiate AMB from 5F‐AMB, and metabolites that are common to both analytes due to oxidative defluorination of 5F‐AMB.

Conclusions

For the first time, AMB and 5F‐AMB metabolism profiles were characterized, providing valuable data for identifying these two novel psychoactive substances. The difficulties of differentiating AMB and 5F‐AMB from AB‐PINACA/5F‐AB‐PINACA metabolites also were examined. These data improve the interpretation of urinary markers after AMB and 5F‐AMB intake. Published in 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Identity‐based key management for cloud computing
Authors: Zhu Hong , Mei Zhuolin , Xie Meiyi
Published: March 2016

Recently, cloud computing has drawn much attention from research and industrial communities. With adoption of cloud computing, data providers can reap huge economic benefits by outsourcing their data to cloud. Because of serious privacy concerns, sensitive data should be encrypted before being outsourced. In order to share the encrypted and outsourced data, data providers need to distribute different keys to legal users. Thus, in the scenario of multiple data providers, a legal user may receive lots of keys from different providers and suffer from heavy burden from key management. In this paper, we proposed an identity‐based key management scheme, which can let a legal user only maintain a single root key regardless of the number of data providers. Based on the root key, a legal user can derive different resource keys to decrypt ciphertexts from different data providers. With the help of outsourcing decryption technique, a legal user could reduce the decryption overhead by outsourcing some decryption work to cloud. We proofed the correctness and analyzed the security of the proposed scheme, further implemented the proposed scheme, and conducted extensive experiments. The results demonstrate the efficiency and practicality of our scheme. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalysis of Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides Using a Bifunctional Schiff Base Iron(III) Catalyst
Authors: Al‐Qaisi Feda'a M. , Nieger Martin , Kemell Marianna L. , Repo Timo J.
Published: March 2016

Cyclic carbonates are solvents with high boiling points and low toxicity. For synthesis of cyclic carbonates we report on bifunctional Schiff base iron(III) complex for catalytic coupling reaction of propylene oxide and CO2. Due to the presence of two imidazole groups in the ligand framework it facilitates the coupling reaction in the absence of co‐catalyst with good activity reaching TON value 225 within 4 h. Among various solvents used, the catalyst gives the highest activity in dichloromethane. Moreover, the complex catalyses also the cycloaddition reactions of CO2 and epichlorohydrin, styrene, 1‐hexene and cyclohexene oxides. The iron catalysed coupling reaction was followed with in situ infrared spectroscopy giving an apparent first order reaction (n ≈ 1) towards catalyst concentration. Accordingly, a monomolecular mechanism involving imidazole carbamate is proposed.
Light‐Active Carbon Nanodots from Autoclaved Bioresources
Authors: Chechetka Svetlana A. , Miyako Eijiro
Published: March 2016

The preparation of carbon nanodots (CNDs) from living organisms can be expected to incur lower energy costs than existing CND synthesis methods. Here, water‐soluble and well‐dispersed fluorescent CNDs with high biocompatibility were synthesized from a variety of biological resources, i. e., arthropods and biomolecules, via a simple single‐step hydrothermal treatment. The as‐prepared CNDs exhibited a blue fluorescence, with a quantum yield of up to 1.5 %. Additionally, we discovered that synthesized CNDs can be transformed into carbon‐nanosheet structures through exposure to low‐intensity laser irradiation. High thermal energy is also generated. We further explored the use of CNDs with this powerful photothermal property as novel exothermic nanomaterials for the elimination of cancer cells. This new type of light‐active CND has considerable promise as regards the development of a variety of biological applications.
Printable Functional Chips Based on Nanoparticle Assembly
Authors: Huang Yu , Li Wenbo , Qin Meng , Zhou Haihua , Zhang Xingye , Li Fengyu , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2016

With facile manufacturability and modifiability, impressive nanoparticles (NPs) assembly applications were performed for functional patterned devices, which have attracted booming research attention due to their increasing applications in high‐performance optical/electrical devices for sensing, electronics, displays, and catalysis. By virtue of easy and direct fabrication to desired patterns, high throughput, and low cost, NPs assembly printing is one of the most promising candidates for the manufacturing of functional micro‐chips. In this review, an overview of the fabrications and applications of NPs patterned assembly by printing methods, including inkjet printing, lithography, imprinting, and extended printing techniques is presented. The assembly processes and mechanisms on various substrates with distinct wettabilities are deeply discussed and summarized. Via manipulating the droplet three phase contact line (TCL) pinning or slipping, the NPs contracted in ink are controllably assembled following the TCL, and generate novel functional chips and correlative integrate devices. Finally, the perspective of future developments and challenges is presented and widely exhibited.
Mining static and dynamic crosscutting concerns: a role‐based approach
Authors: Bernardi Mario Luca , Cimitile Marta , Di Lucca Giuseppe
Published: March 2016

The implementation of crosscutting concerns in object‐oriented (OO) systems entails scattering and tangling of code across several components increasing code duplication and making the system harder to comprehend, maintain, evolve and reuse. Therefore, identification of crosscutting concerns drives the re‐engineering or refactoring tasks in order to improve modularization of an existing system and increasing its overall internal quality. This paper proposes an approach to identify and analyse the components implementing the static and dynamic crosscutting in OO systems. The approach defines a meta‐model representing the structure of an OO system in terms of its components. A static analysis of an OO software system is performed to create an instance of this meta‐model. Such meta‐model is finally analysed to find static and dynamic crosscutting among concerns. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach have been validated in an empirical assessment where it was applied to some OO java systems. The obtained results show a good level of effectiveness for the crosscutting analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotypic and environmental effects on starch properties of Argentinean wheat flours
Authors: Vignola María B. , Baroni Verónica , Pérez Gabriela T.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different environments and genotypes on starch characteristics and properties of Argentinean wheat flours. Amylose content, starch granule size distribution, thermal characteristics, and pasting properties of flours were determinate on 24 wheat genotypes from six environments. There were significant differences for all parameters analyzed among genotypes and environments (p < 0.05). The environment was the main factor responsible for the increase of variability observed in amylose content. According to variance ratios, environmental conditions have a greater influence on the characteristics of A granules, while genotype influenced mostly B granules diameter and volume percentage. Balcarce‐2010 and Reconquista‐2010, environments which showed drought during grain filling, were the environments that presented the highest volume percent of B granules and the lowest percent of A granule. Genotype was the greatest source of variation, according to variance relationship, for DSC parameters. ΔH values were the highest on MarcosJuarez‐2009 and Reconquista‐2010 where high temperatures during grain filling period were recorded. Besides, these two environments also presented high pasting temperature values. Environment had a noticeable greater impact on starch properties of wheat than genotype for all pasting properties parameters except for pasting temperature. Both genetic and environmental factors control physicochemical characteristics of starch and the size distribution of starch granules in wheat grains at different degrees.
The Role of Appearance in Adolescents’ Experiences of Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Survey of Young People and Parents
Authors: Barke Jenny , Coad Jane , Harcourt Diana
Published: March 2016

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition which can result in varying degrees of visible difference (disfigurement). Adolescence is a time when appearance concerns become more salient for many young people and is acknowledged as a particularly challenging time for individuals with NF1. There is currently little research into the psychosocial impact of the appearance changes associated with NF1 during this stage of life. In order to address this, surveys of young people with NF1 aged 14–24 years (n = 73), and parents of young people with NF1 (n = 55) were developed following interview studies with these groups. The surveys included the Perceived Stigma Questionnaire, Social Comfort Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale (appearance subscale) and the Subjective Happiness Scale. Young people and parents identified appearance as central to young peoples’ experience of NF1, however no significant difference was found on measures of body esteem, happiness, stigma or social comfort between those young people who reported their NF1 was noticeable to others and those who reported it was not. Findings from the parent survey indicated that their reports of greater perceived noticeability did relate to greater perceived stigma and lower levels of social comfort. Findings highlight the importance of attending to young people's concerns around appearance in general and managing the possibility of future appearance changes, rather than the current noticeability of NF1.
Double twiddle trouble, a new variant of twiddler syndrome
Authors: Carrizo Aldo G. , Hong Paul S.G. , Amit Guy , Healey Jeff S.
Published: March 2016

The twiddler syndrome results in retraction and coiling of the lead in the pacemaker pocket with subsequent pacemaker malfunction. If the lead's parameters are not affected, then the problem can be corrected by lead repositioning. We describe the first reported case of a dramatic pacemaker lead coiling with a double level of lead compromise, with one of them being intra‐cardiac. This condition affected our treatment strategy, as the repositioning of the lead was unfeasible.
IL‐8 induces miR‐424‐5p expression and modulates SOCS2/STAT5 signaling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Peng Hsuan-Yu , Jiang Shih-Sheng , Hsiao Jenn-Ren , Hsiao Michael , Hsu Yuan-Ming , Wu Guan-Hsun , Chang Wei-Min , Chang Jang-Yang , Jin Shiow-Lian Catherine , Shiah Shine-Gwo
Published: March 2016

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative feedback regulators of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. Dysregulation of SOCS protein expression in cancers can be one of the mechanisms that maintain STAT activation, but this mechanism is still poorly understood in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, we report that SOCS2 protein is significantly downregulated in OSCC patients and its levels are inversely correlated with miR‐424‐5p expression. We identified the SOCS2 protein, which modulates STAT5 activity, as a direct target of miR‐424‐5p. The miR‐424‐5p‐induced STAT5 phosphorylation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression, and cell migration and invasion were blocked by SOCS2 restoration, suggesting that miR‐424‐5p exhibits its oncogenic activity through negatively regulating SOCS2 levels. Furthermore, miR‐424‐5p expression could be induced by the cytokine IL‐8 primarily through enhancing STAT5 transcriptional activity rather than NF‐κB signaling. Antagomir‐mediated inactivation of miR‐424‐5p prevented the IL‐8‐induced cell migration and invasion, indicating that miR‐424‐5p is required for IL‐8‐induced cellular invasiveness. Taken together, these data indicate that STAT5‐dependent expression of miR‐424‐5p plays an important role in mediating IL‐8/STAT5/SOCS2 feedback loop, and scavenging miR‐424‐5p function using antagomir may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of OSCC.
Multiproxy paleoecological evidence of Holocene climatic changes on the Boothia Peninsula, Canadian Arctic
Authors: Fortin Marie-Claude , Gajewski Konrad
Published: March 2016

A study of chironomid remains in the sediments of Lake JR01 on the Boothia Peninsula in the Central Canadian Arctic provides a high-resolution record of mean July air temperatures for the last 6.9 ka. Diatom and pollen studies have previously been published from this core. Peak Holocene temperatures occurred prior to 5.0 ka, a time when overall aquatic and terrestrial biological production was high. Chironomid-inferred summer air temperatures reached up to 7.5°C during this period. The region of Lake JR01 cooled over the mid- to late-Holocene, with high biological production between 6.1 and 5.4 ka. Biological production decreased again at ∼2 ka and the rate of cooling increased in the past 2 ka, with coolest temperatures occurring between 0.46 and 0.36 ka, coinciding with the Little Ice Age. Although biological production increased in the last 150 yr, the reconstructed temperatures do not indicate a warming during this time. During transitions, either warming or cooling, chironomid production increases, suggesting an ecosystem-level response to climate variability, seen at a number of lakes across the Arctic.
Rigidity for group actions on homogeneous spaces by affine transformations
Authors: BOULJIHAD MOHAMED
Published: March 2016

We give a criterion for the rigidity of the action of a group of affine transformations of a homogeneous space of a real Lie group. Let $G$ be a real Lie group, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ a lattice in $G$, and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ a subgroup of the affine group $\text{Aff}(G)$ stabilizing $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$. Then the action of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ on $G/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ has the rigidity property in the sense of Popa [On a class of type $\text{II}_{1}$ factors with Betti numbers invariants. Ann. of Math. (2)163(3) (2006), 809–899] if and only if the induced action of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ on $\mathbb{P}(\mathfrak{g})$ admits no $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$-invariant probability measure, where $\mathfrak{g}$ is the Lie algebra of $G$. This generalizes results of Burger [Kazhdan constants for $\text{SL}(3,\mathbf{Z})$. J. Reine Angew. Math.413 (1991), 36–67] and Ioana and Shalom [Rigidity for equivalence relations on homogeneous spaces. Groups Geom. Dyn.7(2) (2013), 403–417]. As an application, we establish rigidity for the action of a class of groups acting by automorphisms on nilmanifolds associated to two-step nilpotent Lie groups.
Self-consistent model for the saturation mechanism of the response to harmonic forcing in the backward-facing step flow
Authors: Mantič-Lugo V. , Gallaire F.
Published: March 2016

Certain flows denominated as amplifiers are characterized by their global linear stability while showing large linear amplifications to sustained perturbations. As the forcing amplitude increases, a strong saturation of the response appears when compared to the linear prediction. However, a predictive model that describes the saturation of the response to higher amplitudes of forcing in stable laminar flows is still missing. While an asymptotic analysis based on the weakly nonlinear theory shows qualitative agreement only for very small forcing amplitudes, the linear response to harmonic forcing around the mean flow computed by direct numerical simulations presents a good prediction of the saturation also at higher forcing amplitudes. These results suggest that the saturation process is governed by the Reynolds stress and thus motivate the introduction of a simple self-consistent model. The model consists of a decomposition of the full nonlinear Navier–Stokes equations in a mean flow equation together with a linear perturbation equation around the mean flow, which are coupled through the Reynolds stress. The full fluctuating response and the resulting Reynolds stress are approximated by the first harmonic calculated from the linear response to the forcing around the aforementioned mean flow. This closed set of coupled equations is solved in an iterative manner as partial nonlinearity is still preserved in the mean flow equation despite the assumed simplifications. The results show an accurate prediction of the response energy when compared to direct numerical simulations. The approximated coupling is strong enough to retain the main nonlinear effects of the saturation process. Hence, a simple physical picture is formalized, wherein the response modifies the mean flow through the Reynolds stress in such a way that the correct response energy is attained.
Associations between meal and snack frequency and overweight and abdominal obesity in US children and adolescents from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2012
Authors: Murakami Kentaro , Livingstone M. Barbara E.
Published: March 2016

The association between eating frequency (EF) and adiposity in young populations is inconsistent. This cross-sectional study examined associations of EF, meal frequency (MF) and snack frequency (SF) with adiposity measures in US children aged 6–11 years (n 4346) and adolescents aged 12–19 years (n 6338) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2012. Using data from two 24-h dietary recalls, all eating occasions providing ≥210 kJ of energy were divided into meals or snacks based on contribution to energy intake (≥15 or <15 %), self-report and time (06.00–09.00, 12.00–14.00 and 17.00–20.00 hours or others). When analysed without adjustment for the ratio of reported energy intake:estimated energy requirement (EI:EER), all measures of EF, MF and SF showed inverse or null associations with overweight (BMI≥85th percentile of BMI-for-age) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference≥90th percentile) in both children and adolescents. After adjustment for EI:EER, however, EF and SF, but not MF, showed positive associations in children, irrespective of the definition of meals and snacks. In adolescents, after adjustment for EI:EER, positive associations were observed for EF (abdominal obesity only), SF based on energy contribution and MF based on self-report, whereas there was an inverse association between MF based on energy contribution and overweight. In conclusion, higher SF and EF, but not MF, were associated with higher risks of overweight and abdominal obesity in children, whereas associations varied in adolescents, depending on the definition of meals and snacks. Prospective studies are needed to establish the associations observed here.