bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of one‐step and sequentially irradiated ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene for total joint replacements
Authors: Slouf Miroslav , Kotek Jiri , Baldrian Josef , Kovarova Jana , Fencl Jaroslav , Bouda Tomas , Janigova Ivica
Published: December 2012

Structure and properties of several ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs), which were crosslinked either by standard, single‐step irradiation or by newer, several‐step irradiation (sequential irradiation), were compared. To verify the results, the same characterization was carried out for commercially available UHMWPE liners made of sequentially irradiated polymer (X3™, Stryker, Mahwah, NJ) and one‐step irradiated polymer (denoted as PE‐IMC, produced by Beznoska, Kladno, Czech Republic). The structure was studied by a number of spectroscopic, diffraction, thermal, and microscopic methods. Mechanical properties were assessed by small‐punch, microhardness and, wear testing. Our results suggested that sequential irradiation followed by annealing did not lead to unusual structure at the molecular or supermolecular level. Consequently, all measured mechanical properties, including wear resistance, were comparable with one‐step irradiated UHMWPEs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 414–422, 2013.
Coating of carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone implants with titanium to improve bone apposition
Authors: Devine Declan M. , Hahn Joachim , Richards R.Geoffery , Gruner Heiko , Wieling Ronald , Pearce Simon G.
Published: December 2012

Carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) is a thermoplastic composite biomaterial exhibiting properties suitable for load‐bearing orthopedic implants. However, the hydrophobic surface of CF/PEEK implants induces the deposition of a peri‐implant fibrous tissue capsule preventing bone apposition. However, if bone apposition was improved, the use of CF/PEEK in orthopedics could be increased as it has many advantages compared with metallic implants. In this study, CF/PEEK screws were coated with titanium (Ti) using two different techniques, namely vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) with uncoated screws as controls. These coatings were characterized and implanted in a loaded sheep tibia model. In the characterization of the screw surfaces using microscopy techniques, the uncoated screws were seen to have an irregular surface. The PVD coating appeared smooth and consistent, whereas the VPS coating appeared to be a rough coating with some inhomogeneities, which did not cover the entire surface area. Nevertheless, in the ex vivo analysis the VPS‐coated screws had a screw removal torque which was statistically greater than uncoated and PVD‐coated screws (p ≤ 0.002 for both comparisons). Additionally, the VPS‐coated screws had a statistically higher bone contact area than the uncoated screws (p = 0.006), whereas no statistical difference was detected between VPS and PVD coating types (p = 0.11). Thereby illustrating that Ti coating of CF/PEEK screws significantly improve bone apposition and removal torque compared with uncoated CF/PEEK screws. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Novel dental adhesive containing antibacterial agents and calcium phosphate nanoparticles
Authors: Melo Mary Anne S. , Cheng Lei , Weir Michael D. , Hsia Ru‐Ching , Rodrigues Lidiany K. A. , Xu Hockin H.K.
Published: December 2012

Secondary caries remains the main reason for dental restoration failure. Replacement of failed restorations accounts for 50%–70% of all restorations performed. Antibacterial adhesives could inhibit biofilm acids at tooth‐restoration margins, and calcium phosphate (CaP) ions could remineralize tooth lesions. The objectives of this study were to: (1) incorporate nanoparticles of silver (NAg), quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate (QADM), and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) into bonding agent; and (2) investigate their effects on dentin bonding and microcosm biofilms. An experimental primer was made with pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). An adhesive was made with bisphenol‐A‐glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). NAg was incorporated into primer at 0.1 wt %. The adhesive contained 0.1% NAg and 10% QADM, and 0%–40% NACP. Incorporating NAg into primer and NAg‐QADM‐NACP into adhesive did not adversely affect dentin bond strength (p > 0.1). Scanning electron microscopy showed numerous resin tags, and transmission electron microscopy revealed NAg and NACP in dentinal tubules. Viability of human saliva microcosm biofilms on primer/adhesive/composite disks was substantially reduced via NAg and QADM. Metabolic activity, lactic acid, and colony‐forming units of biofilms were much lower on the new bonding agents than control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, novel dental bonding agents containing NAg, QADM, and NACP were developed with the potential to kill residual bacteria in the tooth cavity and inhibit the invading bacteria along tooth‐restoration margins, with NACP to remineralize tooth lesions. The novel method of combining antibacterial agents (NAg and QADM) with remineralizing agent (NACP) may have wide applicability to other adhesives for caries inhibition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
SNX10 mutations define a subgroup of human autosomal recessive osteopetrosis with variable clinical severity
Authors: Pangrazio Alessandra , Fasth Anders , Sbardellati Andrea , Orchard Paul J , Kasow Kimberly A , Raza Jamal , Albayrak Canan , Albayrak Davut , Vanakker Olivier M , De Moerloose Barbara , Vellodi Ashok , Notarangelo Luigi D , Schlack Claire , Strauss Gabriele , Kühl Jörn-Sven , Caldana Elena , Lo Iacono Nadia , Susani Lucia , Kornak Uwe , Schulz Ansgar , Vezzoni Paolo , Villa Anna , Sobacchi Cristina
Published: December 2012

Human Autosomal Recessive Osteopetrosis (ARO) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder caused by reduced bone resorption by osteoclasts. In 2000, we found that mutations in the TCIRG1 gene encoding for a subunit of the proton pump (V-ATPase) are responsible for more than one-half of ARO cases. Since then, five additional genes have been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, leaving approximately 25% of cases that could not be associated with a genotype. Very recently, a mutation in the sorting nexin 10 (SNX10) gene, whose product is suggested to interact with the proton pump, has been found in 3 consanguineous families of Palestinian origin, thus adding a new candidate gene in patients not previously classified. Here we report the identification of 9 novel mutations in this gene in 14 ARO patients from 12 unrelated families of different geographic origin. Interestingly, we define the molecular defect in three cases of “Västerbottenian osteopetrosis,” named for the Swedish Province where a higher incidence of the disease has been reported. In our cohort of more than 310 patients from all over the world, SNX10-dependent ARO constitutes 4% of the cases, with a frequency comparable to the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and osteopetrosis-associated transmembrane protein 1 (OSTM1)-dependent subsets. Although the clinical presentation is relatively variable in severity, bone seems to be the only affected tissue and the defect can be almost completely rescued by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). These results confirm the involvement of the SNX10 gene in human ARO and identify a new subset with a relatively favorable prognosis as compared to TCIRG1-dependent cases. Further analyses will help to better understand the role of SNX10 in osteoclast physiology and verify whether this protein might be considered a new target for selective antiresorptive therapies. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
DNA damage drives accelerated bone aging via an NF-κB–dependent mechanism
Authors: Chen Qian , Liu Kai , Robinson Andria R , Clauson Cheryl L , Blair Harry C , Robbins Paul D , Niedernhofer Laura J , Ouyang Hongjiao
Published: December 2012

Advanced age is one of the most important risk factors for osteoporosis. Accumulation of oxidative DNA damage has been proposed to contribute to age-related deregulation of osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells. Excision repair cross complementary group 1–xeroderma pigmentosum group F (ERCC1-XPF) is an evolutionarily conserved structure-specific endonuclease that is required for multiple DNA repair pathways. Inherited mutations affecting expression of ERCC1-XPF cause a severe progeroid syndrome in humans, including early onset of osteopenia and osteoporosis, or anomalies in skeletal development. Herein, we used progeroid ERCC1-XPF–deficient mice, including Ercc1-null (Ercc1−/−) and hypomorphic (Ercc1−/Δ) mice, to investigate the mechanism by which DNA damage leads to accelerated bone aging. Compared to their wild-type littermates, both Ercc1−/− and Ercc1−/Δ mice display severe, progressive osteoporosis caused by reduced bone formation and enhanced osteoclastogenesis. ERCC1 deficiency leads to atrophy of osteoblastic progenitors in the bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) population. There is increased cellular senescence of BMSCs and osteoblastic cells, as characterized by reduced proliferation, accumulation of DNA damage, and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This leads to enhanced secretion of inflammatory cytokines known to drive osteoclastogenesis, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and thereby induces an inflammatory bone microenvironment favoring osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, we found that the transcription factor NF-κB is activated in osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells of the Ercc1 mutant mice. Importantly, we demonstrated that haploinsufficiency of the p65 NF-κB subunit partially rescued the osteoporosis phenotype of Ercc1−/Δ mice. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of the NF-κB signaling via an I-κB kinase (IKK) inhibitor reversed cellular senescence and SASP in Ercc1−/Δ BMSCs. These results demonstrate that DNA damage drives osteoporosis through an NF-κB–dependent mechanism. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway represents a novel therapeutic target to treat aging-related bone disease. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hip and spine strength effects of adding versus switching to teriparatide in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with prior alendronate or raloxifene
Authors: Cosman Felicia , Keaveny Tony M , Kopperdahl David , Wermers Robert A , Wan Xiaohai , Krohn Kelly D , Krege John H
Published: December 2012

Many postmenopausal women treated with teriparatide for osteoporosis have previously received antiresorptive therapy. In women treated with alendronate (ALN) or raloxifene (RLX), adding versus switching to teriparatide produced different responses in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and biochemistry; the effects of these approaches on volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone strength are unknown. In this study, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis receiving ALN 70 mg/week (n = 91) or RLX 60 mg/day (n = 77) for ≥18 months were randomly assigned to add or switch to teriparatide 20 µg/day. Quantitative computed tomography scans were performed at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months to assess changes in vBMD; strength was estimated by nonlinear finite element analysis. A statistical plan specifying analyses was approved before assessments were completed. At the spine, median vBMD and strength increased from baseline in all groups (13.2% to 17.5%, p < 0.01); there were no significant differences between the Add and Switch groups. In the RLX stratum, hip vBMD and strength increased at 6 and 18 months in the Add group but only at 18 months in the Switch group (Strength, Month 18: 2.7% Add group, p < 0.01 and 3.4% Switch group, p < 0.05). In the ALN stratum, hip vBMD increased in the Add but not in the Switch group (0.9% versus –0.5% at 6 months and 2.2% versus 0.0% at 18 months, both p ≤ 0.004 group difference). At 18 months, hip strength increased in the Add group (2.7%, p < 0.01) but not in the Switch group (0%); however, the difference between groups was not significant (p = 0.076). Adding or switching to teriparatide conferred similar benefits on spine strength in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis pretreated with ALN or RLX. Increases in hip strength were more variable. In RLX-treated women, strength increased more quickly in the Add group; in ALN-treated women, a significant increase in strength compared with baseline was seen only in the Add group.
Augmentation of smad-dependent BMP signaling in neural crest cells causes craniosynostosis in mice
Authors: Komatsu Yoshihiro , Yu Paul B , Kamiya Nobuhiro , Pan Haichun , Fukuda Tomokazu , Scott Gregory J , Ray Manas K , Yamamura Ken-ichi , Mishina Yuji
Published: December 2012

Craniosynostosis describes conditions in which one or more sutures of the infant skull are prematurely fused, resulting in facial deformity and delayed brain development. Approximately 20% of human craniosynostoses are thought to result from gene mutations altering growth factor signaling; however, the molecular mechanisms by which these mutations cause craniosynostosis are incompletely characterized, and the causative genes for diverse types of syndromic craniosynostosis have yet to be identified. Here, we show that enhanced bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling through the BMP type IA receptor (BMPR1A) in cranial neural crest cells, but not in osteoblasts, causes premature suture fusion in mice. In support of a requirement for precisely regulated BMP signaling, this defect was rescued on a Bmpr1a haploinsufficient background, with corresponding normalization of Smad phosphorylation. Moreover, in vivo treatment with LDN-193189, a selective chemical inhibitor of BMP type I receptor kinases, resulted in partial rescue of craniosynostosis. Enhanced signaling of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathway, which has been implicated in craniosynostosis, was observed in both mutant and rescued mice, suggesting that augmentation of FGF signaling is not the sole cause of premature fusion found in this model. The finding that relatively modest augmentation of Smad-dependent BMP signaling leads to premature cranial suture fusion suggests an important contribution of dysregulated BMP signaling to syndromic craniosynostoses and potential strategies for early intervention.
Particulate Matter Containing Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals and Adverse Infant Respiratory Health Effects: A Review
Authors: Saravia Jordy , Lee Greg I. , Lomnicki Slawo , Dellinger Barry , Cormier Stephania A.
Published: December 2012

The health impacts of airborne particulate matter (PM) are of global concern, and the direct implications to the development/exacerbation of lung disease are immediately obvious. Most studies to date have sought to understand mechanisms associated with PM exposure in adults/adult animal models; however, infants are also at significant risk for exposure. Infants are affected differently than adults due to drastic immaturities, both physiologically and immunologically, and it is becoming apparent that they represent a critically understudied population. Highlighting our work funded by the ONES award, in this review we argue the understated importance of utilizing infant models to truly understand the etiology of PM‐induced predisposition to severe, persistent lung disease. We also touch upon various mechanisms of PM‐mediated respiratory damage, with a focus on the emerging importance of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) ubiquitously present in combustion‐derived PM. In conclusion, we briefly comment on strengths/challenges facing current PM research, while giving perspective on how we may address these challenges in the future. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:56‐68, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21465
Vitamin D Treatment Modulates Organic Dust–Induced Cellular and Airway Inflammatory Consequences
Authors: Golden Gregory A. , Wyatt Todd A. , Romberger Debra J. , Reiff Daniel , McCaskill Michael , Bauer Christopher , Gleason Angela M. , Poole Jill A.
Published: December 2012

Exposure to organic dusts elicits airway inflammatory diseases. Vitamin D recently has been associated with various airway inflammatory diseases, but its role in agricultural organic dust exposures is unknown. This study investigated whether vitamin D reduces organic dust–induced inflammatory outcomes in cell culture and animal models. Organic dust extracts obtained from swine confinement facilities induced neutrophil chemokine production (human IL‐8, murine CXCL1/CXCL2). Neutrophil chemokine induction was reduced in human blood monocytes, human bronchial epithelial cells, and murine lung slices pretreated with 1,25‐(OH)2D3. Intranasal inhalation of organic dust extract induced neutrophil influx, and CXCL1/CXCL2 release was also decreased in mice fed a relatively high vitamin D diet as compared to mice fed a low vitamin D diet. These findings were associated with reduced tracheal epithelial cell PKCα and PKCε activity and whole lung TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression. Collectively, vitamin D plays a role in modulating organic dust–induced airway inflammatory outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:77‐86, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21467
Synthesis and Characterization of β‐Co(OH)2, CuO and ZnO Nanostructures by Solvothermal Method without Any Additive
Authors: Mehdizadeh Robabeh , Saghatforoush Lotf Ali , Sanati Soheila
Published: December 2012

β‐Co(OH)2, CuO and ZnO nanostructures with plate‐like, particle‐like and flower‐like morphologies were prepared through the use of simple solvothermal method using of melt salt and 1,10‐phenanthroline as complexing agent and sodium hydroxide. β‐Co(OH)2 consisted of a plate‐like structure, and the nanoplates size was about 29 nm. The structure was comprised of regular sheets which were assembled together. Furthermore, the as‐obtained β‐Co(OH)2 nanoplates can be easily converted into Co3O4 nanoplates by calcining in air at 500 °C for 2 h. The results indicate that ZnO powder is of hexagonal wurtzite structure and well crystallized with high purity. CuO powder is pure monoclinic‐structured crystalline. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra. Possible formation mechanism of the nanostructures is proposed.
The Existence and Construction of (K5∖e)‐Designs of Orders 27, 135, 162, and 216
Authors: Kolotoğlu Emre
Published: December 2012

The problem of the existence of a decomposition of the complete graphinto disjoint copies ofhas been solved for all admissible ordersn, except for 27, 36, 54, 64, 72, 81, 90, 135, 144, 162, 216, and 234. In this paper, I eliminate 4 of these 12 unresolved orders. Let Γ be a‐design. I show thatdivides 2k3 for someand that. I construct‐designs by prescribingas an automorphism group, and show that up to isomorphism there are exactly 24‐designs withas an automorphism group. Moreover, I show that the full automorphism group of each of these designs is indeed. Finally, the existence of‐designs of orders 135, 162, and 216 follows immediately by the recursive constructions given by G. Ge and A. C. H. Ling, SIAM J Discrete Math 21(4) (2007), 851–864.
Interpersonal Motives in Anorexia Nervosa: The Fear of Losing One's Autonomy
Authors: Brockmeyer Timo , Holtforth Martin Grosse , Bents Hinrich , Kämmerer Annette , Herzog Wolfgang , Friederich Hans‐Christoph
Published: December 2012

Objective

This study examined the widely held but insufficiently studied hypothesis of autonomy disturbances in anorexia nervosa.

Method

A total sample of 112 participants comprising patients with acute anorexia nervosa (AN), women recovered from anorexia nervosa (REC), clinical controls (CC), and healthy controls (HC) completed measures of dependency and intimacy strivings, as well as measures of frustrations of these same strivings.

Results

In comparison to HC and CC, AN showed a stronger motivation to avoid dependency and lower strivings for intimacy. Compared with HC, but not with CC, AN also showed stronger frustrations of the same motives. Whereas REC did not differ from AN regarding avoidance of dependency, they reported lower frustration of dependency avoidance (i.e., less actual experiences of dependency). Finally, REC reported higher intimacy motivation as well as better satisfaction of intimacy motivation as compared with AN.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that a pronounced motive of avoiding dependency may be a vulnerability factor for anorexia nervosa that is disorder‐specific and trait‐like. Frustrations of this motive seem to be associated with psychopathology.
Trait Mindfulness, Repression, Suppression, and Self‐Reported Mood and Stress Symptoms Among Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Tamagawa Rie , Giese‐Davis Janine , Speca Michael , Doll Richard , Stephen Joanne , Carlson Linda E.
Published: December 2012

Objective

This study sought to identify relationships between trait mindfulness, repressive, and suppressive emotional styles, and the relative importance of these traits in their association with self‐reported psychological health among women with breast cancer.

Method

Of the 277 women with breast cancer accrued in the study, 227 (81.9%) completed a set of questionnaires assessing personality traits, stress symptoms, and mood.

Results

High levels of mindfulness were associated with fewer stress‐related symptoms and less mood disturbance, while high levels of suppression were associated with poorer self‐reported health.

Conclusion

Individuals’ dispositional ways to manage negative emotions were associated with the experience of symptoms and aversive moods. Helping patients cultivate mindful insights and reduce deliberate emotional inhibition may be a useful focus for psycho‐oncological interventions.
Relationship of Self‐Reported and Acute Stress to Smoking in Emerging Adult Smokers
Authors: Conrad Megan , Wardle Margaret , King Andrea , de Wit Harriet
Published: December 2012

Objective

In the current study, we examined subjective and objective measures of stress and their relationship to baseline and future cigarette smoking behaviors over a 1‐year follow‐up in young adult experimental smokers.

Method

Participants (N = 56) completed two laboratory sessions to determine subjective and objective responses to a controlled laboratory stressor versus a control task. Baseline measures included drug use and smoking histories and a self‐report measure of habitual stress (i.e., daily hassles). They were re‐contacted 1 year after the laboratory sessions to determine smoking status.

Results

There was wide variability in smoking trajectories, with 34% of participants increasing their smoking over the course of the year. Contrary to predictions, neither daily hassles nor stress reactivity was related to smoking at baseline or change over the year.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest that daily stress or responses to acute social stress are not strong predictors of progression in emerging adult smokers.
Poverty and Mental Health: How Do Low‐Income Adults and Children Fare in Psychotherapy?
Authors: Santiago Catherine DeCarlo , Kaltman Stacey , Miranda Jeanne
Published: December 2012

Poverty is associated with an increased risk for psychological problems. Even with this increased risk for mental health problems and need for care, many low‐income adults and families do not receive treatment because of logistical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers. Despite significant barriers to obtaining care, research suggests that low‐income individuals show significant benefit from evidence‐based mental healthcare. In this article, we review the link between poverty and mental health, common barriers to obtaining mental health services, and treatment studies that have been conducted with low‐income groups. Finally, we discuss the implications of the research reviewed and offer recommendations for clinicians working with low‐income children or adults, highlighting the importance of evidence‐based care, extensive outreach, and empathic respect.
Listening to the Voices of the Poor and Disrupting the Silence About Class Issues in Psychotherapy
Authors: Appio Lauren , Chambers Debbie‐Ann , Mao Susan
Published: December 2012

By its very nature, a life of poverty is harmful to the emotional well‐being of poor and working‐class women and men. Psychology, for the most part, has unwittingly played a part in this oppression by pathologizing the poor and maintaining barriers to mental health care. This article presents findings from qualitative studies that illustrate lived experiences and insights from poor and working‐class people in the community at large and in the therapeutic settings in particular. Drawing from these narratives, recommendations are made to psychologists who seek to subvert the normative silence around class issues and take on the work of providing class‐aware services to men and women in poverty.
Poverty and Mental Health Practice: Within and Beyond the 50‐Minute Hour
Authors: Goodman Lisa A. , Pugach Meghan , Skolnik Avy , Smith Laura
Published: December 2012

Despite the high and increasing prevalence of poverty in the United States, psychologists and allied professionals have done little to develop mental health interventions that are tailored to the specific sociocultural experiences of low‐income families. In this article, we describe the sociocultural stressors that accompany the material deprivations of poverty, and the mental health difficulties to which they often give rise. Next, we outline the psychosocial and class‐related issues surrounding low‐income adults’ access to and use of mental health services and suggest a conceptual framework to guide the modification of mental health practice to better accommodate poor peoples’ complex needs. This framework describes opportunities for practice modification at three levels of intervention, beginning at the individual level of traditional individual psychotherapy and subsequently targeting increasingly broad contextual elements of poverty.
The zebrafish myotome contains tonic muscle fibers: Morphological characterization and time course of formation
Authors: Marschallinger Julia , Obermayer Astrid , Steinbacher Peter , Stoiber Walter
Published: December 2012

It is long known that the skeletal muscle of teleost fish contains muscle fibers which are in all probability of a tonic type according to morphological criteria. However, the evidence for the existence of teleost tonic fibers is still confined to a very small number of species, and knowledge concerning their ontogeny and possible functions is even more restricted. A remarkable deficit in this context is that it is not even exactly known whether the zebrafish, which is widely used to study vertebrate developmental biology, has such fibers, or how they arise. The present study demonstrates the existence of tonic fibers in the zebrafish myotome. They are identical with a fiber population previously termed “red muscle rim” fibers. A combined histochemical, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural approach is used to characterize the morphology and development of these fibers. This study provides a basis for using the zebrafish model system in the future research on the developmental regulation and the functions of tonic fibers. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 infection with severe or fatal disease from 2009 to 2011 in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Wu Chunli , Cheng Xiaowen , Wang Xin , Lv Xing , Yang Fan , Liu Tao , Fang Shisong , Zhang Renli , Jinquan Cheng
Published: December 2012

In the past 3 years, the 2009 pandemic influenza virus H1N1 (pH1N1) has led to many severe or fatal cases. The virus‐related factors that cause severe or fatal disease are not clear. The clinical and molecular characteristics of pH1N1 infections with severe or fatal disease were examined to understand the correlation between pH1N1 infection and disease severity. Since 2009, three pH1N1 influenza epidemic outbreaks have occurred in Shenzhen, China. One hundred forty‐six severe cases were confirmed in the first wave in 2009. In severe cases, a high proportion (49.3%) of patents displayed high fever (>39.0°C), and 73.2% of patients had pneumonia and tracheobronchitis. Seven fatal cases were recorded: three with viral encephalitis and four with respiratory failure. The results of sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses from fatal or severe cases were scattered throughout the phylogenetic tree. Four substitutions (D222G, D222N, D222E, and Q223R) were observed on the 220‐loop of the receptor‐binding sites of the HA gene. Both D222G and D222N were associated statistically with severe disease. The 2011 viruses had evolved into two distinct branches. Ten specific point mutations occurred in the 2011 virus. In summary, high fever, lower respiratory tract infections and serious complications were the main features of severe cases. Gene variation seemed not to be the main reason for severe disease. Vaccination is the effective mean to prevent infection and severe disease. J. Med. Virol. 85:405–412, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐Assembled BolA‐like Amphiphilic Peptides as Viral‐Mimetic Gene Vectors for Cancer Cell Targeted Gene Delivery
Authors: Chen Jing‐Xiao , Xu Xiao‐Ding , Yang Shuo , Yang Juan , Zhuo Ren‐Xi , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: December 2012

In this study, two types of BolA‐like amphiphilic peptides with dual ligands comprising a tumor‐targeting moiety of RGD sequence and a cell‐penetrating moiety of R8 sequence are designed and synthesized as gene vectors. The BolA‐structural peptide carriers can self‐assemble into spherical nanoparticles with a hydrophilic core and shell, which are similar to the viral capsid and can bind plasmid DNA in an aqueous medium to form viral‐mimetic complexes. It is found that the BolA‐like dual ligands system exhibits significantly enhanced gene expression in both HeLa and 293T cell lines, as compared with poly(ethylenimine) PEI. These BolA‐like amphiphilic peptides are promising in clinical trials of gene therapy.

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Macroporous Oxide Platforms Templated by Non‐Close‐Packed Spherical Copolymer Aggregates
Authors: Kimura Tatsuo
Published: December 2012

Exclusive organic templating of macroporous oxide films is reported by using non‐close and lose packing of spherical copolymer aggregates, in combination with facile control of condensation degree/density of inorganic oxide frameworks. Unique macroporous oxide films, mainly titania showing highly porous, crystalline, and versatile properties, can be fabricated with continuous design from unusual 3‐D net‐shape to tunable spherical macrostructures, which expands the preparation of other inorganic oxide films (silica, alumina, and zirconia) and possibly adapts the use of other assembled organic polymers. The macroporous structures are helpful for effective accommodation of bulky biomoleculeshigh and diffusivity of organic molecules (useful for photocatalysts). Unusual structural variation, expansion of spherical voids, is also observed, being useful for fine tuning of optical property.
Determinants of Multi‐unit Franchising: An Organizational Economics Framework
Authors: Hussain Dildar , Perrigot Rozenn , Mignonac Karim , Akremi Assâad El , Herrbach Olivier
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we use organizational economics theories to explain the percentage of multi‐unit franchisees within franchise chains. We use transaction cost theory, property rights view and agency theory to formulate three research hypotheses that are related to franchisees' transaction‐specific investments, intangibility of system‐specific assets and risk of franchisee free‐riding, respectively. These hypotheses are tested in the French franchising context by using a sample of 138 franchisors. The empirical results are largely supportive of the hypotheses. We extend the franchising literature by arguing that the explanation of the franchisor's use of multi‐unit franchising requires the combined application of different theoretical perspectives. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photonic generation of microwave signal by beating a dual‐wavelength single longitudinal mode erbium‐doped fiber ring laser based on the polarization maintaining fiber bragg grating
Authors: Feng Suchun , Qi Chunhui , Li Qi , Peng Wanjing , Gao Song , Jian Shuisheng
Published: December 2012

A single‐longitudinal‐mode (SLM) dual‐wavelength erbium‐doped fiber (EDF) ring laser based on one polarization maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PMFBG) is demonstrated.Due to the polarization hole burning enhanced by the PMFBG, the laser can be designed to operate in stable dual‐wavelength oscillation with a wavelength spacing of 0.182 nm at room temperature by adjusting a polarization controller. A section of unpumped EDF acting as a saturable absorber and a feedback fiber loop is used to ensure SLM operation in each of the two lasing lines. A microwave signal at 22.807 GHz is obtained by beating the dual‐wavelength fiber laser at a photodetector. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:347–351, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27280
Temperature‐insensitive 2D fiber Bragg grating TILT sensor
Authors: Dong Xinyong , Hu Limin , Shao Liyang , Wang Yunpeng , Zheng Jie
Published: December 2012

A novel temperature‐insensitive tilt sensor is proposed based on two fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), which were embedded in a cylindrical cantilever‐based pendulum in two orthogonal planes. Tilt‐induced bending of the pendulum changes bandwidths and hence reflected optical powers of the two FBGs. Intensity‐measurements of two‐dimensional (2D) tilt angles can be realized without temperature dependence. Theoretical analysis and experimental verification have been carried out. Sensitivity of 42.97 nW/° with measurement accuracy of 0.27° has been achieved over a range up to ±15°. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:344–346, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27281
Equivalent model of circular‐type spiral inductor in printed circuit board
Authors: Chung Tong‐Ho , Kang Hee‐Do , Song Tae‐Lim , Yook Jong‐Gwan
Published: December 2012

This article presents a new equivalent circuit modeling methodology for circular‐type spiral inductors in printed circuit board. The N‐turn circular spiral inductor can be decomposed into an N‐π equivalent circuit model, and each π model is comprised of a series inductor, series capacitor, and two shunt capacitors. Both the inductance and capacitance of the equivalent circuit are calculated by the proposed formulas, which are based on the electromagnetic theory. It has been demonstrated that the proposed equivalent circuit model of the spiral inductor is well matched in S‐parameters as well as inductance values within 6% tolerance with measurement and electromagnetic field solver simulation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:337–340, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27287
A dual‐modulus injection‐locked frequency divider with large locking range
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Liang , Zhang Xu , Liu Yanyan
Published: December 2012

A dual‐modulus of 2/3 injection‐locked frequency divider with wide locking ranges is presented in this work. It uses an active inductor as the resonance loop, and a tunable active‐resistance is introduced to control the operation point and reinforce the injection efficiency. Simulations and measurements show that the proposed design can realize large locking ranges without any extra tuning, and cost low power consumption and small area. The divider was fabricated under the Chartered 0.35 μm CMOS technology, and the chip area is about 544 μm2. Measurements show that it has locking ranges from 1.5 to 2.05 GHz and 1.74 to 1.95 GHz at 0 dBm input power for divide‐by‐2 and ‐3, respectively, and the power consumed is only about 1.49 mW. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:269–272, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27290
1 × 8 MEMS Flexible integrated optical device for optical fiber‐based networking applications
Authors: Chen Qinghua , Chen Yingjun , Wu Wengang , Li Yanmei , Li Li , Yan Guizhen , Hao Yilong
Published: December 2012

A 1 × 8 MEMS (micro‐electronic mechanical system(‐based flexible integrated optical device with optical switch and variable optical power attenuating functions has been proposed to optimally serve optical fiber‐based networking applications.The device manipulates the light with binary‐slope mirrors driven by compound electrostatic actuator. The optical models for switching and attenuating are investigated, respectively. Performances of the fabricated devices assembled with ball‐lensed fibers are measured and discussed. Measurements reveal that the insertion loss of the device is less than 2.8 dB and the controllable attenuation range is up to 39 dB, respectively. Moreover, polarization‐dependent loss is less than 0.8 dB in the whole attenuation range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:231–236, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27293
Multilayer broadband absorbing structures for terahertz region
Authors: Dubey Ashish , Jain A. , Jayalakshmi C.G. , Shami T. C. , Awari N. , Prabhu S. S.
Published: December 2012

In this research, electromagnetic waves absorbing multilayer composite structures have been developed for terahertz (THz) region. In the recent past, most of the efforts to absorb the THz radiations are based on metamaterials or multilayer coatings, which are narrowband and fragile in nature, respectively. Under this work, we have designed and developed multilayer composite structures for THz absorption. Magnetic materials based composite structure shows more than 99% absorption in 0.5–2 THz frequency region for both TE and TM polarizations. Mechanically stable composite structures with such broadband THz absorptivity have huge potential in aero sector for stealth applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:393–395, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27295
Two‐dimensional near‐field focusing screen using nonuniform rectangular holes
Authors: Kim Younggook , Lim Sungjoon
Published: December 2012

In this article, a two‐dimensional (2D) metallic transmission screen with nonuniform rectangular holes that is able to focus spherical wave into one spot on the focal plane is proposed. The proposed structure consists of a monopole source, a focusing plane, and a detecting probe in an open‐ended rectangular waveguide. Full‐wave electromagnetic simulation and experimental results successfully demonstrate the 2D focusing capability of the proposed structure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:391–393, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27296
Discretization of the CFS‐PML for computational electromagnetics using discrete differential forms
Authors: Moura Alex. S. , Saldanha Rodiney R. , Silva Elson J. , Pantoja Mario F. , Lisboa Adriano C. , Facco Werley G.
Published: December 2012

A new numerical discretization of the complex frequency shifted‐perfectly matched layer (CFS‐PML) is presented for truncation of open domains. This discretization is based on the theory of discrete differential forms applied to electromagnetism, which guarantees both the simplification of the algorithms and a more elegant formulation of expression. The curl Maxwell's equations are solved in time domain in terms of electric e magnetic fields. The Ampere‐Maxwell law with, the constitutive relations included through the Hodge operator, is discretized in space by applying the Galerkin method. Conversely, the Faraday law is represented by topological relations via incidence matrix. The time domain discretization uses the leap‐frog scheme with a recursive convolution inside PML region. Two examples are shown, the first one to validate the CFS‐PML procedure and the second one to solve a typical ground penetrating radar scenario which include a lossy media. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:351–357, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27298
High‐efficiency wideband class‐E PA with reduced circuit elements
Authors: Zhou Jiafeng , Morris Kevin , Watkins Gavin , Yamaguchi Keiichi
Published: December 2012

This letter proposes a method to design wideband class‐E amplifiers.Traditionally, wideband class‐E operation can be achieved by cascading a wideband filter and a wideband matching network. In this letter, an output network is designed as both the filter and the matching network. The circuit is thus significantly simplified. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:323–325, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27305
A CMOS RF front‐end with linearized current‐to‐current converter and gate switching mixer
Authors: Choi Joonwoo , Choi Chihoon , Nam Ilku
Published: December 2012

A CMOS RF front‐end with a linearized current‐to‐current converter and a gate switching mixer for multiband and multistandard mobile TV tuners is proposed. A linearized current‐to‐current converter and a gate switching passive mixer merged with the linearized current‐to‐current converter are proposed to improve the linearity of the RF front‐end. It is fabricated in a 0.13‐μm CMOS process and draws 13, 15, and 15 mA from a 1.2 V power supply at VHF, UHF, and L‐band operation, respectively. It shows a gain of more than 32 dB, NF of less than 2.5 dB, IIP2 of more than 35 dBm, and IIP3 of more than −10.5 dBm across all bands. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:247–250, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27309
Ultrabroadband power amplifier using 16‐way spatial combining finline array
Authors: Hosseini S. Esmail , Banai Ali
Published: December 2012

An ultrabroadband power amplifier using 16‐way spatial power divider/combiner that using a quasi‐TEM‐guided wave structure is designed. An oversized coaxial waveguide was used as the host of the dividing/combining circuits that incorporates an antipodal finline array. Galerkin's technique in the spectral domain was used to analyze the antipodal finline. The oversized TEM‐guided wave structure and antipodal transitions were designed using the theory of small reflection and near optimum design. A high power amplifier using 16 monolithic‐microwave integrated‐circuit power amplifiers is built. The measured results show 160% bandwidth impedance match covering the entire 2–18 GHz with maximum output power of 39 dBm CW (Continous Wave) and corresponding gain greater than 11 dB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:454–460, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27321
Frequency and pattern reconfigurable dipole‐Yagi antenna
Authors: Ahyat Ezla Najwa , Kamarudin Muhammad Ramlee , Rahman Tharek Abd. , Jamlos Mohd.Faizal , Hamid Mohamad R. , Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Ramli Nur Hidayah
Published: December 2012

A novel dipole‐Yagi antenna is presented with pattern and frequency reconfigurable capability. The novel structure is based from Yagi‐Uda antenna, consist of dipole as a main radiator and four parasitic metal strips. The parasitic metal strips can be formed to function as part of the radiator, reflector, or director by means of switches. The switches are located at specific position. By bridging the main radiator to the metal strips, frequency reconfiguration can be achieved. Whilst by bridging the strips itself, will results in pattern changing. Three switchable patterns at 2.5 GHz and four switched band at 0.98, 1.5, 2.1, and 2.5 GHz are demonstrated. This antenna exhibits −10 dB return loss and 76–79% efficiency. Good agreement between measured and simulated results is observed. The antenna might be useful for wireless body area networks communication system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:447–450, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27323
A 77 GHz CMOS requency triplers with subharmonic injection locking technology
Authors: Ke P.‐Y. , Huang F. H. , Chiu H.‐C.
Published: December 2012

In this article, a novel 90‐nm gate length CMOS injection‐locked frequency tripler that generates the 77 GHz output signal is proposed. The output signal frequency of proposed tripler could be locked precisely by using a one‐third frequency local oscillator, which is beneficial for obtaining a wide tuning range and a low‐phase‐noise performance. In addition, the slow wave elevated‐center coplanar waveguide transmission lines were adopted to reduce the chip size. The locked output frequency range is from 77.34 to 80.32 GHz together with a phase noise of −83.24 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. The 0.81 mm2 tripler (including passives) consumes 6.52 mW DC power under a 1.2 V voltage supply. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:434–439, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27336
A systematic approach for optimizing the robustness of pulse sequence elements with respect to couplings, offsets, and B1‐field inhomogeneities (COB)
Authors: Ehni Sebastian , Luy Burkhard
Published: December 2012

Robust experiments that cover a wide range of chemical shift offsets and J‐couplings are highly desirable for a multitude of applications in small molecule NMR spectroscopy. Many attempts to improve individual aspects of the robustness of pulse sequence elements based on rational and numerical design have been reported, but a general optimization strategy to cover all necessary aspects for a fully robust sequence is still lacking.

In this article, a viable optimization strategy is introduced that covers a defined range of couplings, offsets, and B1‐field inhomogeneities (COB) in a time‐optimal way. Individual components of the optimization strategy can be optimized in any adequate way. As an example for the COB approach, we present the 1H − 13C‐COB‐INEPT with transfer of approximately 99% over the full carbon and proton bandwidth and 1JCH‐couplings in the range of 120–250 Hz, which have been optimized using efficient algorithms derived from optimal control theory. The theoretical performance is demonstrated in a number of corresponding COB‐HSQC experiments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HR‐HSBC: Measuring heteronuclear one‐bond couplings with enhanced resolution
Authors: Görling Benjamin , Bräse Stefan , Luy Burkhard
Published: December 2012

Heteronuclear one‐bond couplings have a variety of applications, and their accurate determination is the basis for obtaining specific structural information of mostly small organic compounds. In this context, it is of utmost importance to reduce signal overlap to a minimum, and a number of techniques has been introduced during the last decades. Here, we introduce a modified version of the HR‐HMBC (Magn. Reson. Chem. 2010, 48, 179‐183) for heteronuclear one‐bond coupling measurements with improved resolution because of the J‐resolved‐like tilt of corresponding multiplet patterns. The pulse sequence is introduced, and its performance is compared with a standard ω2‐coupled HSQC experiment. Example spectra on glucose and maltose demonstrate that signals can be resolved that overlap otherwise. The approach is discussed in detail. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.