bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐throughput mAb expression and purification platform based on transient CHO
Authors: Barnard Gavin C. , Hougland Maria D. , Rajendra Yashas
Published: November 2014

A high‐cell‐density transient transfection system was recently developed in our laboratory based on a CHO‐GS‐KO cell line. This method yields monoclonal antibody titers up to 350 mg/L from a simple 7‐day process, in volumes ranging from 2 mL to 2 L. By performing transfections in 24‐deep‐well plates, a large number of mAbs can be expressed simultaneously. We coupled this new high‐throughput transfection process to a semiautomated protein A purification process. Using a Biomek FXp liquid handling robot, up to 72 unique mAbs can be simultaneously purified. Our primary goal was to obtain >0.25 mg of purified mAb at a concentration of >0.5 mg/mL, without any concentration or buffer‐exchange steps. We optimized both the batch‐binding and the batch elution steps. The length of the batch‐binding step was important to minimize mAb losses in the flowthrough fraction. The elution step proved to be challenging to simultaneously maximize protein recovery and protein concentration. We designed a variable volume elution strategy based on the average supernatant titer. Finally, we present two case studies. In the first study, we produced 56 affinity maturation mAb variants at an average yield of 0.33 ± 0.05 mg (average concentration of 0.65 ± 0.10 mg/mL). In a second study, we produced 42 unique mAbs, from an early‐stage discovery effort, at an average yield of 0.79 ± 0.31 mg (average concentration of 1.59 ± 0.63 mg/mL). The combination of parallel high‐yielding transient transfection and semiautomated high‐throughput protein A purification represents a valuable mAb drug discovery tool. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:239–247, 2015
Unravelling the Scent of Vetiver: Identification of Character‐Impact Compounds
Authors: Belhassen Emilie , Baldovini Nicolas , Brevard Hugues , Meierhenrich Uwe J. , Filippi Jean‐Jacques
Published: November 2014

Vetiver oil is a highly esteemed basic ingredient of modern perfumery, but the nature of the constituents that really impart its typical and most sought woody‐earthy scent has remained controversial. Indeed, vetiver oil is considered as one of the most complex essential oils, being mostly composed of several hundreds of sesquiterpene derivatives with a large structural diversity. Its complexity has hindered the direct identification of its odoriferous components. We thus aimed at using a combination of GC×GC/MS and GC‐Olfactometry in order to identify most of its odor‐impact constituents. The olfactory analysis of vetiver oil and vetiveryl acetate revealed a huge variety of odors in both products. While khusimone has almost unanimously been recognized as the most characteristic vetiver odorant, we have identified several even more important contributors to the typical vetiver character.
StructureOdor Relationships of Semisynthetic β‐Santalol Analogs
Authors: Delasalle Céline , de March Claire A. , Meierhenrich Uwe J. , Brevard Hugues , Golebiowski Jérôme , Baldovini Nicolas
Published: November 2014

A series of eleven β‐santalol analogs, including nine new derivatives, was prepared by semisynthesis from natural (−)‐(Z)‐β‐santalol and studied by gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O) to characterize their olfactory properties and potencies. These compounds and 45 others selected in the literature were used to build three olfactophores by molecular modelling. Three models were obtained that gather structural and physicochemical constraints that will be useful for further design of new sandalwood odorants.
Niobium‐Based Nickel–Tungsten Hydrotreatment Catalysts with Enhanced Isomerization Properties
Authors: Bouadjadja‐Rohan Karolina , Bonduelle‐Skrzypczak Audrey , Hugon Antoine , Fournier Michel , Lamonier Carole , Lancelot Christine
Published: November 2014

Alumina‐supported NiW catalysts doped with Nb were prepared with different W contents and different Ni/W ratios. Studies of the sulfide state by TEM and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated the influence of Nb on the sulfidation of W and Ni. The catalytic performance of the solids was evaluated in toluene hydrogenation and cyclohexane isomerization and was compared to that of Nb‐free catalysts. The presence of Nb resulted in a decrease of the hydrogenation activity at low W content and low Ni/W ratio, in agreement with XPS and TEM characterizations. However, increasing the W content and the Ni/W ratio increased the hydrogenation activity. Regardless of the W and Ni content, cyclohexane conversion was significantly improved by the presence of Nb. The most efficient catalyst of the series, with a W content of 15 wt % WO3 and a Ni/W ratio of 0.9, showed slightly higher activity for hydrogenation than that of a Nb‐free NiW catalyst. Also, the isomerization activity was greatly enhanced, demonstrating the potential of these Nb‐based catalyst formulations.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of a Sc3N@C80‐Corrole Electron Donor–Acceptor Conjugate
Authors: Liu Bin , Fang Hongyun , Li Xiaofang , Cai Wenting , Bao Lipiao , Rudolf Marc , Plass Fabian , Fan Louzhen , Lu Xing , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: November 2014

Embedding endohdedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) into electron donor–acceptor systems is still a challenging task owing to their limited quantities and their still largely unexplored chemical properties. In this study, we have performed a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of a corrole‐based precursor with Sc3N@C80 to regioselectively form a [5,6]‐adduct (1). The successful attachment of the corrole moiety was confirmed by mass spectrometry. In the electronic ground state, absorption spectra suggest sizeable electronic communications between the electron acceptor and the electron donor. Moreover, the addition pattern occurring at a [5,6]‐bond junction is firmly proven by NMR spectroscopy and electrochemical investigations performed with 1. In the electronically excited state, which is probed in photophysical assays with 1, a fast electron‐transfer yields the radical ion pair state consisting of the one‐electron‐reduced Sc3N@C80 and of the one‐electron‐oxidized corrole upon its exclusive photoexcitation. As such, our results shed new light on the practical work utilizing EMFs as building blocks in photovoltaics.
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Authors: Abeysundara Namal , Leung Albert C. , Primrose David A. , Hughes Sarah C.
Published: November 2014

Background: The tumor suppressor protein merlin is thought to regulate cell proliferation and cell adhesion through interaction with protein partners. Loss of merlin is associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) tumors. NHERF1 or EBP50 is a scaffolding protein that functions in apical organization of polarized cells. Merlin and NHERF1 have been shown to interact in vitro in vertebrates. We investigate how the Drosophila NHERF1 orthologue, Sip1, and Merlin function to regulate cell proliferation and adhesion. Results: We identify two conserved arginine residues (R325 and R335) in Merlin which, in addition to the FERM domain, are required for interaction with Sip1. Mutation of the arginine residues result in reduced Sip1 binding to Merlin and loss of Merlin growth suppressor function. Over‐expression of MerlinR325A and/or MerlinR335L in Drosophila wings result in increased proliferation in the adult wing (increase in size), which is rescued by co‐over‐expression of constitutively active Merlin protein. Reduced Sip1 binding to Merlin also produces defects in adhesion in follicle epithelial cells. Conclusions: Sip1 facilitates the activation of Merlin as a tumor suppressor protein. Thus, our work provides insight into how Merlin functions as a tumor suppressor and in adhesion and this provides insight into the mechanism of NF2 pathogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 243:1554–1570, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microarray identification of novel genes downstream of Six1, a critical factor in cranial placode, somite, and kidney development
Authors: Yan Bo , Neilson Karen M. , Ranganathan Ramya , Maynard Thomas , Streit Andrea , Moody Sally A.
Published: November 2014

Background: Six1 plays an important role in the development of several vertebrate organs, including cranial sensory placodes, somites, and kidney. Although Six1 mutations cause one form of branchio‐otic syndrome (BOS), the responsible gene in many patients has not been identified; genes that act downstream of Six1 are potential BOS candidates. Results: We sought to identify novel genes expressed during placode, somite and kidney development by comparing gene expression between control and Six1‐expressing ectodermal explants. The expression patterns of 19 of the significantly up‐regulated and 11 of the significantly down‐regulated genes were assayed from cleavage to larval stages. A total of 28/30 genes are expressed in the otocyst, a structure that is functionally disrupted in BOS, and 26/30 genes are expressed in the nephric mesoderm, a structure that is functionally disrupted in the related branchio‐otic‐renal (BOR) syndrome. We also identified the chick homologues of five genes and show that they have conserved expression patterns. Conclusions: Of the 30 genes selected for expression analyses, all are expressed at many of the developmental times and appropriate tissues to be regulated by Six1. Many have the potential to play a role in the disruption of hearing and kidney function seen in BOS/BOR patients. Developmental Dynamics 244:181–210, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a Glucose Measuring System Using a Confocal Optical System
Authors: Miyauchi Yuki , Ishizawa Hiroaki , Koyama Shouhei , Tezuka Shin‐ichirou , Hara Hitoshi
Published: November 2014

Our research team has developed a confocal optical system using a near‐infrared laser that is capable of reducing the effects of scattering when measuring glucose concentration. We have measured the light reflection of our samples, and because our system has the depth resolution offered by a confocal optical system, it is able to limit the length of the light path and to detect light absorption at each depth level of the samples, thereby restricting the point of measurement. This report details the use of this system for a basic experiment involving measuring blood samples and predicting glucose concentration levels. The results show a high correlation between the glucose concentration and near‐infrared light absorption. We also demonstrate the potential for calculating glucose concentrations in living organisms using our system.
Statistical Outliers in Voxel SARs and Their Effect of Whole‐Body Average SARs in Pregnant Woman and Child for Far‐Field Exposure
Authors: Asayama Ryota , Wang Jianqing , Fujiwara Osamu , Nagaoka Tomoaki , Watanabe Soichi
Published: November 2014

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the necessity of electromagnetic (FM) dosimetry evaluation of pregnant women with fetus and of children as an urgent research subject in 2006, with emphasis on studies of whole‐body average specific absorption rates (WBA‐SARs) in various numerical models of pregnant woman and children for the purpose of determining the safety limits of WBA‐SARs. The current safety limits were determined on the basis of behavior abnormalities in healthy adult animals in radio‐frequency FM exposure and FM absorption characteristics at resonant frequencies, but not in experiments using pregnant and young animals. In this investigation, we calculated the voxel SARs and WBA‐SARs in anatomically detailed models of pregnant woman and 3‐year‐old children at their resonant frequencies. The histograms and cumulative relative distributions of the voxel SARs were also derived to determine statistical outliers in the voxel SARs for pregnant woman and 3‐year‐old child models. We found that the mean voxel SARs agree with the WBA‐SARs, and that median voxel SARs in the pregnant woman and 3‐year‐old child models are 47% and 55% of their means, respectively, and the peak voxel SARs are 70 times the mean in both cases. This suggests the possibility that finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD)–calculated WBA‐SARs may be overestimated due to the existence of statistical outliers. It was also found that although the total number ratio of voxel SARs for the outliers is 0.36% for the pregnant woman model and 0.34% for the 3‐year‐old child model, WBA‐SARs excluding these outliers are less than those in the pregnant woman and 3‐year‐old child models by 6.8% and 5.7%, respectively.
RF‐SiP Reflectometer Technology for RF Testers
Authors: Kimishima Masayuki , Nakayama Yoshikazu , Kogami Yoshinori
Published: November 2014

Technologies of small size reflectometers constructed in the form of RF functional systems in packages (SiPs) for RF testers are described. As primary concerns, focusing on the directivity and dynamic range of the reflectometer performance, we propose the construction and core circuit topologies to realize a very small reflectometer SiP that satisfies the functions of vector network analysis for RF testers. The reflectometer features a very small size, less than 1/50 of our conventional hybrid form reflectometer, and has good performance for RF testers.
Synthesis of Phenanthridine Derivatives Functionalized in the C‐Ring by Means of IMDAF Reactions under Microwave or Conventional Heating Conditions
Authors: Gulbrandsen Håkon Sætren , Hennum Martin , Osheka Maksim , Read Matthew Lovell , Gundersen Lise‐Lotte
Published: November 2014

Phenanthridines functionalized in the C‐ring have been synthesized by IMDAF (intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction on furans) cyclization of ortho‐furyl(alkenylamino)arenes under both microwave and conventional heating conditions. The outcomes of the reactions are highly dependent on the substitution patterns both on the dienophile and on the arene components. 5,6‐Dihydrophenanthridines, which can easily be oxidized to fully aromatic phenanthridines, are formed under microwave conditions as long as the Diels–Alder adduct contains a hydrogen atom in the 6a‐position. Aromatization of the phenanthridine C‐ring does not occur when the cyclization is performed under conventional heating conditions. The IMDAF reaction can, under these conditions, lead to Diels–Alder adducts or to phenanthridines with partially saturated and functionalized C‐rings, depending on the detailed structure of the starting material.
Process‐based modeling of kilometer‐scale alongshore sandbar variability
Authors: Walstra D. J. R. , Ruessink B. G. , Reniers A. J. H. M. , Ranasinghe R.
Published: November 2014

Subtidal nearshore sandbars may exhibit cyclic net offshore migration during their multi‐annual lifetime along many sandy coasts. Although this type of behavior can extend continuously for several kilometers, alongshore variations in cross‐shore bar position and bar amplitude are commonly observed. Alongshore variability is greatest when bars display km‐scale disruptions, indicative of a distinct alongshore phase shift in the bar cycle. An outer bar is then attached to an inner bar, forming a phenomenon known as a bar switch. Here, we investigate such large‐scale alongshore variability using a process‐based numerical profile model and observations at 24 transects along a 6 km section of the barred beach at Noordwijk, The Netherlands. When alongshore variability is limited, the model predicts that the bars migrate offshore at approximately the same rate (i.e. the bars remain in phase). Only under specific bar configurations with high wave‐energy levels is an increase in the alongshore variability predicted. This suggests that cross‐shore processes may trigger a switch in the case of specific antecedent morphological configurations combined with storm conditions. It is expected that three‐dimensional (3D) flow patterns augment the alongshore variability in such instances. In contrast to the observed bar behaviour, predicted bar morphologies on either side of a switch remain in different phases, even though the bars are occasionally located at a similar cross‐shore position. In short, the 1D model is not able to remove a bar switch. This data‐model mismatch suggests that 3D flow patterns are key to the dissipation of bar switches. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POD enriched boundary models and their optimal stabilisation
Authors: Chen L. , Edeling W. N. , Hulshoff S. J.
Published: November 2014

Modes obtained using the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition are used as boundary enrichment functions within a variational multiscale method for the stochastically forced Burgers equation. Initially, large increases in accuracy are obtained using the enrichment functions without stabilisation terms. Then, optimal coefficients for the stabilisation parameter τ of the unresolved scale model are calibrated using a goal‐oriented model‐constrained optimisation technique, resulting in further improvements. As both the determination of the enrichment functions and the optimisation of the coefficients requires high‐accuracy reference data, a scaling procedure is introduced to allow their use over range of conditions. Numerical experiments confirm that the scaling procedure is effective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfated Triterpenes from Lemon Balm
Authors: Tantry Mudasir A. , Bhat Gulzar A. , Idris Ahmed , Dar Javid A. , Yousef Al Omar Suliman , Masoodi Khalid Z. , Ganai Bashir A. , Kamili Azra N. , Shawl Abdul S.
Published: November 2014

The hydroalcoholic (EtOH/H2O) extract of matured leaf margins of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) afforded a new 3,23‐disulfate of 2α,3β‐23,29‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid 28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1) and a new 23‐monosulfate of 2α,23‐dihydroxyurs‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2), along with six known compounds, i.e., 23‐monosulfate of 2α,3β,19α,23‐tetrahydroxyurs‐12‐ene‐28‐oic acid 28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3), 3,5,6‐trihydroxydehydro‐α‐ionol 9‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (4), quadranoside III (5), rosmarinic acid (6), caffeic acid (7), and luteolin (8). All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities. Only rosmarinic acid exhibited substantial antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, whereas sulfated terpenes showed considerably lower or no antimicrobial activity.
A Practical and Enantiospecific Synthesis of (−)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐Piperidin‐3‐ols
Authors: Suresh Babu Meruva , Raghunadh Akula , Ramulu Konda , Dahanukar Vilas H. , Syam Kumar Unniaran K. , Kumar Dubey P.
Published: November 2014

A highly enantiospecific, azide‐free synthesis of (−)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐piperidin‐3‐ol in excellent yield was developed. The key step of the synthesis involves the enantiospecific ring openings of enantiomerically pure (R)‐ and (S)‐2‐(oxiran‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3(2H)‐diones with the diethyl malonate anion and subsequent decarboxylation.
A New Cyclic Peptide and a New Steroid from the Fungus Penicillium sp. GD6 Isolated from the Mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza
Authors: Zhou Zhen‐Fang , Yang Xiao‐Hong , Liu Hai‐Li , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Ye Bo‐Ping , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: November 2014

A rare new cyclic tetrapeptide, 5,5′‐epoxy‐MKN‐349A (1), featured by a MKN‐349A (5) skeleton and containing an uncommon ether bridge between C(5) and C(5′), and a new steroid, named 11‐O‐acetyl‐NGA0187 (2), together with two known steroids, 3 and 4, were isolated from an endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. GD6 associated with the Chinese mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with the data of related compounds reported in literature. Neither of the compounds 3 and 4, isolated in this study, showed obvious bioactivities in the antibacterial bioassay experiments.
Viability of Nonclassical Carbocations Proposed as Intermediates in the Biosynthesis of Atiserene, Beyerene, Kaurene, and Trachylobane Diterpenes
Authors: Hong Young J. , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: November 2014

The results of quantum‐chemical calculations aimed at assessing the viability of nonclassical carbocations proposed to be involved in the biosynthesis of atiserne, beyerene, kaurene, and trachylobane diterpenes are presented. While the proposed edge‐protonated structure is much lower in energy than the proposed face‐protonated structure, neither is predicted to be a viable intermediate energetically.
Organization‐Based Self‐Esteem, Psychological Contract Fulfillment, and Perceived Employment Opportunities: A Test of Self‐Regulatory Theory
Authors: Gardner Donald G. , Huang Guo‐Hua , Niu Xiongying , Pierce Jon L. , Lee Cynthia
Published: November 2014

This study addresses organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE) development by examining the role of perceptions of employer psychological contract fulfillment, and the self‐regulatory processes by which OBSE evolves and produces its effects. Self‐regulatory theory helps reveal why psychological contract fulfillment relates to OBSE, how OBSE mediates its effects, and the ways in which OBSE might interact with perceived employment opportunities to affect job satisfaction, performance, and turnover intentions. The results show that OBSE is related to and mediates the relationships between relational contract fulfillment and employee job satisfaction and performance, but OBSE is not related to transactional contract fulfillment. Nor does OBSE mediate the relationships between transactional contract fulfillment and the dependent variables. Perceived employment opportunities moderate the relationships of OBSE with job satisfaction and turnover intentions. This study concludes with recommendations of ways managers can increase their sensitivity to the types of messages they communicate to employees. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved fuzzy entropy clustering algorithm for MRI brain image segmentation
Authors: Verma Hanuman , Agrawal Ramesh K. , Kumar Naveen
Published: November 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain image segmentation is essential at preliminary stage in the neuroscience research and computer‐aided diagnosis. However, presence of noise and intensity inhomogeneity in MRI brain images leads to improper segmentation. The fuzzy entropy clustering (FEC) is often used to deal with noisy data. One major disadvantage of the FEC algorithm is that it does not consider the local spatial information. In this article, we have proposed an improved fuzzy entropy clustering (IFEC) algorithm by introducing a new fuzzy factor, which incorporates both local spatial and gray‐level information. The IFEC algorithm is insensitive to noise, preserves the image detail during clustering, and is free of parameter selection. The efficacy of IFEC algorithm is demonstrated by comparing it quantitatively with the state‐of‐the‐art segmentation approaches in terms of similarity index on publically available real and simulated MRI brain images.
Identification and extraction of brain tumor from MRI using local statistics of Zernike moments
Authors: Thapaliya Kiran , Kwon Goo‐Rak
Published: November 2014

In this article, a novel method is proposed for the detection of brain tumor in magnetic resonance images (MRIs). The features of Zernike moments are used to analyze the MRIs. The image is divided into two parts from the center of the image based on the average value of the pixel located at the center boundary, and new image vectors are formed to extract the tumor. The local statistics values obtained from the low and high order Zernike moments are used to calculate the appropriate threshold value for efficient tumor extraction. The proposed method successfully analyzes the tumor part of the image on testing with different MRIs.
Analysis of cerebral blood flow in Parkinson's disease with dementia versus subcortical ischemic vascular dementia using single photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Kim Tae‐Won , Chung Yong‐An , Song In‐Uk , Lee Kwang‐Soo
Published: November 2014

Since both Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) and subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVaD) are subcortical dementia syndromes and have similar patterns of cognitive dysfunction, it is difficult to accurately differentiate between these in their early phases using neuropsychological tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the cerebral perfusion pattern of patients with SIVaD and PDD at the earliest stages using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We, consecutively, recruited 24 patients with mild PDD, 28 patients with mild probable AD, and 33 age‐matched healthy subjects. All subjects underwent Tc‐99m HMPAO perfusion SPECT and general neuropsychological tests. Brain SPECT images were analyzed using the statistical parametric mapping program. There was more significant hypoperfusion in the right cuneus, fusiform gyrus and lingual gyrus in the occipital lobe, right middle temporal gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, and right cerebellar tonsil in PDD compared with the SIVaD group. Conversely, significant hypoperfusion was observed in the bilateral brain stem, limbic system and posterior cingulate gyrus in SIVaD compared with the PDD group. This study suggests that parieto‐occipital hypoperfusion in PDD and hypoperfusion of the brain stem and limbic system in SIVaD are likely useful to differentiate between mild PDD and SIVaD.
Efficacy of an NMDA receptor antagonist for Parkinson's disease dementia: A brain perfusion SPECT study
Authors: Song In‐Uk , Chung Sung‐Woo , Chung Yong‐An
Published: November 2014

Memantine's efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. However, memantine therapy is not typically used in treating Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), although the deviating glutamatergic pattern evidenced in neuropathological findings suggests that N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptor antagonists in patients with Lewy‐body disorder may be effective. Therefore, we conducted this longitudinal study to confirm the efficacy of memantine for PDD by analyzing comparative changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and neuropsychological tests before and after memantine administration in PDD. A total of 18 patients with PDD were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent technetium‐99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime single photon emission computed tomography and completed neuropsychological tests before and 12 months after memantine administration. This study showed that there was no significant difference in cognitive functioning before and after memantine administration. No significant difference in rCBF was observed in any regions at baseline compared to 12 months after memantine administration. Our results suggest that memantine delays the speed of deterioration in cognitive functioning and behavioral symptoms in PDD because we found no significant changes in rCBF and cognition after memantine treatment.
Assessment of Water Salinity Effect on Physical Clogging of Synthetic Drainage Envelopes by Permeability Tests
Authors: Hassanoghli A. , Pedram S.
Published: November 2014

In this study, a gradient ratio test which is one of the methods used in the laboratory to evaluate the clogging potential of soil‐synthetic envelope systems was applied. For this purpose, two physical models of permeameters (designed by ASTM D‐5101) were used to carry out a series of permeability tests by applying water with different salinities and five different PLMs (pre‐wrapped loose material). To simulate real conditions, soil and water were collected from the Khorramshahr drainage project area located in Khuzestan province (south of Iran) which has been significantly encountering the common trouble of water and soil salinity. Therefore, saline drainage water (EC =22.2 dS m−1, SAR =26.27 (meq l−1)0.5) in comparison with low salinity water (EC =0.78 dS m−1, SAR =1.23 (meq l−1)0.5)) were considered in this research. Permeability tests were carried out at five different hydraulic gradients (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) according to the standard method. Variations of system permeability and gradient ratios were investigated statistically as factorial experiments in the form of a randomized complete design. Based on the permeability test results, hydraulic conductivity and gradient ratio of all PLMs were susceptible to the salinity of the water utilized in permeability tests. Based on the results of all gradient ratios, the probability of clogging by applying saline water was higher. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnesium coated phosphate glass fibers for unidirectional reinforcement of polycaprolactone composites
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Grant David M. , Palmer Graham , Parsons Andrew J. , Rudd Chris D. , Ahmed Ifty
Published: November 2014

Bioresorbable composites have shown much potential for bone repair applications, as they have the ability to degrade completely over time and their degradation and mechanical properties can be tailored to suit the end application. In this study, phosphate glass fiber (from the system 45% P2O516% CaO24% MgO11% Na2O4% Fe2O3 (given in mol%)) were used to reinforce polycaprolactone (PCL) with approximately 20% fiber volume fraction. The glass fiber surfaces were coated with magnesium (Mg) through magnetron sputtering to improve the fiber–matrix interfacial properties. The Mg coating provided a rough fiber surface (roughness (Ra) of about 44nm). Both noncoated and Mg‐coated fiber‐reinforced composites were assessed. The water uptake and mass loss properties for the composites were assessed in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C for up to 28 days, and ion release profiles were also investigated in both water and PBS media. Inhibition of media influx was observed for the Mg‐coated composites. The composite mechanical properties were characterized on the basis of both tensile and flexural tests and their retention in PBS media at 37°C was also investigated. A higher retention of the mechanical properties was observed for the Mg‐coated composites over the 28 days degradation period. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1424–1432, 2015.
Role of Decorin in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Authors: Nemani Neeharika , Santo Loredana , Eda Homare , Cirstea Diana , Mishima Yuko , Patel Chirayu , O'Donnell Elizabeth , Yee Andrew , Raje Noopur
Published: November 2014

Decorin is a small, leucine-rich proteoglycan found in the extracellular matrix of various connective tissues with potential effective tumor suppressive properties. Recent data suggest low levels of decorin in multiple myeloma (MM) patients compared to healthy volunteers, as well as in patients with osteolytic bone lesions compared to non-osteolytic lesions. In the present report, we investigated the role of decorin in the MM microenvironment or niche. Our data suggests that decorin is produced by osteoblasts (OBs) but not by MM cells. Furthermore, MM cells decrease OB-induced decorin secretion and this effect is mediated by CCL3. Importantly, neutralizing CCL3 from MM cells restores decorin levels in OBs as does proteasome inhibitors such as carfilzomib. These findings indicate that decorin may indirectly act as an antagonist to MM cell survival and that the interplay between MM and decorin may be an important target to explore in manipulating the tumor niche to inhibit tumorigenesis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A Cationic Poly(2‐oxazoline) with High In Vitro Transfection Efficiency Identified by a Library Approach
Authors: Rinkenauer Alexandra C. , Tauhardt Lutz , Wendler Felix , Kempe Kristian , Gottschaldt Michael , Traeger Anja , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: November 2014

To date, cationic polymers with high transfection efficiencies (TE) often have a high cytotoxicity. By screening an 18‐membered library of cationic 2‐oxazoline‐based polymers, a polymer with similar TE as linear poly(ethylene imine) but no detectable cytotoxicity at the investigated concentrations could be identified. The influence of the polymer side chain hydrophobicity and the type and content of amino groups on the pDNA condensation, the TE, the cytotoxicity, the cellular membrane interaction as well as the size, charge, and stability of the polyplexes was studied. Primary amines and an amine content of at least 40% were required for an efficient TE. While polymers with short side chains were non‐toxic up to an amine content of 40%, long hydrophobic side chains induced a high cytotoxicity.
Dynamic Response of Anchored Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid‐co‐benzophenone methacrylate) Terpolymer Hydrogel Layers to Physicochemical Stimuli
Authors: Gianneli Maria , Anac Ilke , Rostkamp Robert , Menges Bernhard , Loppinet Benoit , Jonas Uli , Knoll Wolfgang , Fytas George
Published: November 2014

The use of responsive thin hydrogel films as the active matrix in sensor applications requires detailed knowledge of their structural and dynamical properties and their responsiveness to external conditions. Here, the structure and dynamics in photo‐crosslinked, surface‐attached films (≈1 μm dry thickness) of a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)‐based terpolymer (containing 5% methacrylic acid and 1% benzophenone methacrylate comonomers) at different temperatures and salt (NaCl) contents are reported. The swelling is monitored by surface plasmon resonance/optical waveguide spectroscopy (SPR/OWS), and the hydrogel dynamics are studied by micro‐photon correlation spectroscopy. In addition to the expected volume phase transition above a critical temperature of ca. 32–35 °C and at NaCl concentrations above 1 m, SPR/OWS reveals subtle thickness variations at lower salt concentrations. The fast cooperative diffusion of the polymer network and a slow mode for the relaxation of the thermal concentration fluctuations in the grafted hydrogel layer exhibit a non‐monotonic dependence on the salinity and a strong slowdown with temperature near the collapse transition. These dynamics respond sensitively and distinctly to structural changes induced by increasing temperature or added monovalent salt in comparison to the only subtle changes of the polymer fraction.

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Bioinspired Polymeric Nanocomposites for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Carrow James K. , Gaharwar Akhilesh K.
Published: November 2014

The design and fabrication of bioinspired nanomaterials for tissue‐engineering applications requires a fundamental understanding of the interactions between polymers, nanostructures, and cells. Most biomimetic polymeric nanocomposites consist of two or more types of polymers or of polymers combined with different nanomaterials to obtain composite structures with desired properties. In this Talents & Trends article, the focus is on bioinspired poly­meric nanocomposites surrounding three major strategies. Firstly, biomimetic structures composed of a fibrous architecture are discussed. Secondly, the emerging trends in designing complex nanocomposites with multiple functionalities are assessed. Finally, some of the most critical challenges that come with the design and fabrication are highlighted in bioprinting. Finally, the emerging trends in the field of bioinspired polymeric nanocomposites are highlighted.

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The Effect of SDS and TEG on Chain Mobility and Secondary Structure of Decolored Bloodmeal
Authors: Hicks Talia M. , Verbeek Casparus J. R. , Lay Mark C. , Bier James M.
Published: November 2014

The effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and triethylene glycol (TEG) on secondary structure of decolored bloodmeal (DBM) during heating was examined via synchrotron‐based Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). Both additives homogenize secondary structure distribution; SDS increases α‐helices and decreases β‐sheets and β‐turns, while SDS–TEG reduces α‐helices and β‐sheets and increase random coils. Short heat cycles only change the composition of SDS‐TEG treated DBM, implying TEG is responsible for chain mobility. Prolonged heating slowly increases β‐sheets and suddenly increases α‐helices at 55–75 °C in SDS‐TEG treated DBM and 100 °C in SDS‐treated DBM. Finally, WAXS shows that structural change due to heating is reversible for SDS‐TEG treated DBM.
Bone marrow stromal cells protect acute myeloid leukemia cells from anti‐CD44 therapy partly through regulating PI3K/Akt–p27Kip1 axis
Authors: Chen Ping , Huang Huifang , Wu Juanying , Lu Rong , Wu Yong , Jiang Xi , Yuan Qin , Chen Yuanzhong
Published: November 2014

The anti‐CD44 monoclonal antibody (mAb) A3D8 induces differentiation or apoptosis in vitro in various subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) via p27Kip1 upregulation. Bone marrow (BM) stromal cells play a vital role in the development of chemoresistance in AML cells attached to the stroma. To investigate the effect of BM stroma adhesion induced AML resistance to A3D8, we developed a co‐culture system composed of an AML‐derived cell line (NB4) cultured with either a human BM stroma cell line (HS‐5) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We found that NB4 cells adhered to HS‐5 cells or MSCs developed resistance against the anti‐proliferative effects of A3D8, and this action is caused by the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling following p27Kip1 down‐regulation and cytoplasmic re‐localization. The stromal co‐culture‐induced resistance can be partially abolished by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Such findings were confirmed in two additional AML‐derived cell lines as well as in primary AML cells. Our results suggest that BM stroma can induce A3D8 resistance in part via the PI3K/Akt–p27Kip1 axis, and blocking PI3K/Akt pathway maybe necessary for anti‐CD44 treatment on AML in BM microenvironment. © 2014 The Authors. Molecular Carcinogenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Printed monopole antenna with triangular‐shape groove at ground plane for bluetooth and UWB applications
Authors: Malheiros‐Silveira Gilliard N. , Yoshioka Ricardo T. , Bertuzzo Jose E. , Hernandez‐Figueroa Hugo E.
Published: November 2014

A compact printed monopole antenna on FR4 substrate is proposed for bluetooth and ultrawideband applications. The antenna patch is obtained by joining two distinct semiellipses through their major axes. Results are experimentally demonstrated over significant wideband operation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:28–31, 2015
Comparison between ray tracing and ray launching semianalytical methods for computing the radiation characteristics of a Fabry–Perot cavity
Authors: Boutayeb Halim
Published: November 2014

In this work, two semianalytical methods are compared for computing the radiation characteristics of a Fabry–Perot cavity excited by an internal current line source. One method uses the ray launching and the other method uses the ray tracing. A full‐wave method is used as a reference. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:13–15, 2015
A wideband dual polarization base station antenna
Authors: Kim Young‐Guk , Park Seong‐Ook
Published: November 2014

This article investigates the slotted bow‐tie dual‐polarization antenna with achieving the wide band. The proposed antenna consists of upper antenna and lower antenna in one PCB substrate. This antenna achieves a −10 dB return loss within the operating band of 1.6–2.3 GHz, which has a 700 MHz bandwidth. Isolation between antenna 1 and antenna 2 is about −30 dB within the operating frequency band. Antenna 1 and 2's gains are above 8 dBi in the entire frequency bandwidth. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:22–26, 2015
Generation of a 100‐GHz optical SSB signal using XPM‐based all‐optical frequency upconversion in an SOA‐MZI
Authors: Kim Hyoung‐Jun , Lee Seung‐Hun , Song Jong‐In
Published: November 2014

An all‐optical single‐sideband (SSB) frequency upconversion technique using a semiconductor optical amplifier Mach–Zehnder interferometer with an interferometric configuration was demonstrated for radio‐over‐fiber applications. 99 and 101 GHz optical SSB signals, which showed no power fading associated with fiber dispersion for transmission over a single‐mode fiber with a length up to 20 km, were generated. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:35–38, 2015
An UWB microstrip monopole antenna for breast tumor detection
Authors: Kahar Manisha , Ray Arup , Sarkar Debashree , Sarkar P. P
Published: November 2014

An ultrawideband (UWB) monopole antenna is designed for microwave breast imaging on a heterogeneous breast model. Antenna parameters are studied on the breast model for near and far proximity of the antenna from the breast skin. High current density has been observed for all positions and sizes of deep seated and superficial tumors keeping specific absorption rate (SAR) within limits on surrounding tissues and skin. Features of UWB and safe acceptable SAR make the antenna suitable for its intended application. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:49–54, 2015
The 1‐V 2.4 GHz low‐spur fractional‐N frequency synthesizer chip design with exploiting randomly selected PFD and sub‐sampling charge pump technology
Authors: Huang Jhin‐Fang , Yang Jia‐Lun , Liu Ron‐Yi
Published: November 2014

A 1‐V 2.4 GHz low‐spur phase‐locked loop (PLL) fractional‐N frequency synthesizer with a subsampling charge pump and a randomly selected phase frequency detector is implemented by TSMC 0.18‐μm CMOS process. The proposed frequency synthesizer randomizes the periodic ripples on the controlled voltage from the voltage‐controlled oscillator to reduce the reference spur at the output of the PLL. A random clock generator is used to perform this random selection control. At 1‐V supply voltage, measured results of the proposed prototype achieve the tuning range of 2.235–2.579 GHz, corresponding to 14.3%, a phase noise of −113.17 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency from 2.41 GHz, an output power of −4.534 dBm with a reference spur of −70.4 dBc and a power consumption of 9 mW. Including pads, the chip area only occupies 0.695 (0.819 × 0.849) mm2. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:61–66, 2015
Dual‐band frequency‐reconfigurable monopole antenna for WLAN applications
Authors: Basaran Siddik Cumhur , Sertel Kubilay
Published: November 2014

A frequency‐reconfigurable microstrip monopole antenna for WLAN applications is presented. Based on two side‐by‐side split‐ring (SR) resonators as the primary radiator, the antenna exhibits single or dual frequency operation that is tunable using an integrated switch. The antenna is electrically small, thanks to the SR structure, and exhibits similar radiation patterns for both frequency bands. The return loss and radiation pattern measurements of the fabricated antenna are in very good agreement with simulation results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:55–58, 2015
Fiber link tests of wavelength reuse after amplitude erasure in semiconductor optical amplifier
Authors: Ribeiro Napoleão S. , Gallep Cristiano M. , Conforti Evandro
Published: November 2014

Propagation in a 25‐km fiber link with wavelength reuse based on amplitude modulation erasure by deep saturated ultralong semiconductor optical amplifier is demonstrated up to 12.5 Gb/s. Downstream signals with modulation extinction ratio (ER) up to 10 dB were tested in links with standard and dispersion compensated fibers. The impact of bit rate and input ER over the wavelength reuse performance is investigated, including tests at diverse wavelengths to induce residual dispersion impairments. Despite the inherent spectral broadening occurring in the erasure process the upstream signals have good quality even after dispersive fiber links, as evidenced by BER characterization. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:132–137, 2015
Miniaturized rat‐race coupler with harmonic suppression
Authors: Nie Wei , Luo Sha , Guo Yongxin , Fan Yong
Published: November 2014

This article presents a miniaturized rat‐race coupler with harmonic suppression. The proposed coupler only takes 15.1% of the area of the corresponding conventional rat‐race coupler. By replacing the traditional transmission line with the proposed stub‐loaded transmission line equivalently, the coupler performances can be retained and size can be reduced significantly at the same time. In addition, due to the transmission zero introduced by the stubs, the harmonic suppression is also improved. To verify the effectiveness of the substitution, the design equations are derived for analysis. Finally, the proposed coupler is fabricated for experimental verification, and a good match is found between the simulation and measurement results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:190–193, 2015
Dual‐band CPW‐fed slot antenna with a pair of hook‐shaped slits
Authors: Ojaroudi Nasser , Ghadimi Noradin
Published: November 2014

In this article, we present a new dual‐band coplanar waveguide‐fed slot antenna for wireless communication systems. The proposed antenna is fabricated on an FR4 substrate with dielectric constant of 4.4. Configuration of the antenna structure consists of modified radiating stub with a pair of hook‐shaped slits and slotted ground plane where operates over a very wide bandwidth and improves the impedance matching. By cutting a pair of modified hook‐shaped slit at the radiating stub, a good dual‐band can be achieved. The measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna for 10 dB return loss is from 1.75 to 2.42 GHz and 3.51 to 3.72 GHz, covering the major wireless communication bands like 1.8 GHz digital communication service, 1.9 GHz personal‐mobile communication service, 2.2 GHz universal mobile telecommunications system, 2.3 GHz wireless broadband, 2.4 GHz wireless local area network, 3.5 GHz worldwide interoperability for microwave access, and so forth. Simulated and experimental results obtained for this antenna show that the proposed slot antenna has a good radiation behavior. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:172–174, 2015
Transmission enhancement using textile artificial magnetic conductor with coplanar waveguide monopole antenna
Authors: Kamardin Kamilia , Rahim Mohamad Kamal A. , Samsuri Nor Asmawati , Jalil Mohd Ezwan , Majid Huda A.
Published: November 2014

CPW monopoles with textile artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) sheet‐like waveguide were designed with the goal to improve transmission between antennas. The AMC substrate is made of Fleece fabric while SHIELDIT fabric is used for the conducting parts. A small AMC sheet as well as an AMC waveguide jacket were fabricated. Experiments were carried out in free space and near to human body settings, with different orientations being considered. The S21 transmission between two monopoles is improved up to maximum 29 dB with the presence of AMC surface. For both free space and on‐body placements, significant transmission enhancement has been observed for all the tested positions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:197–200, 2015
Planar square multiband frequency reconfigurable microstrip fed antenna with quadratic Koch‐Island fractal slot for wireless devices
Authors: Trad Imen Ben , Rmili Hatem , Floch Jean Marie , Zouch Wassim , Drissi Mohamed
Published: November 2014

A planarprinted multiband microstrip fed antenna with reconfigurable frequency performance was designed for multistandard wireless communication systems. The antenna consists on a square shaped patch with an optimized centered Koch‐Island fractal slot. The antenna allows a reconfigurability of the frequency bands by incorporating 16 PIN diodes inside the fractal slot which is highly complex. That is why short and open circuits will be used to produce frequency agility instead of RF switches (for proof of the concept). The proposed antenna is capable to switch between 15 operating frequency bands centered at 1.7, 1.77, 2.36, 2.43, 3.30, 3.61, 3.67, 3.79, 4.05, 4.34, 4.59, 5.2, 5.27, 5.47, and 5.57 GHz through four operating modes M1–M4 over the wide range 1–6 GHz. Prototypes corresponding to different modes were manufactured and characterized. Simulated and measured results are presented and discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:207–212, 2015