bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ASCs and BMSCs combined with atelocollagen for vocal fold scar regeneration
Authors: Hiwatashi Nao , Hirano Shigeru , Suzuki Ryo , Kawai Yoshitaka , Mizuta Masanobu , Kishimoto Yo , Tateya Ichiro , Kanemaru Shin‐ichi , Nakamura Tatsuo , Dezawa Mari , Ito Juichi
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold scar remains a therapeutic challenge. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising tools for regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, few in vivo studies have directly compared various sources of MSCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs) in comparison with bone marrow–derived stromal cells (BMSCs) for vocal fold regeneration.

Study Design

Prospective animal experiments with controls.

Methods

Two months after stripping of the lamina propria, 18 beagles were divided into four implantation groups: atelocollagen alone (collagen group), atelocollagen with BMSCs (BMSC‐collagen), atelocollagen with ASCs (ASC‐collagen), or a sham‐treated group. One or 6 months after implantation, vibratory and histological examinations were performed.

Results

Mucosal vibration was significantly improved in both of the MSC‐implanted groups compared with the sham‐treated group, whereas only the ASC‐collagen group showed a significantly smaller glottal gap than the collagen group. Moreover, in the ASC‐collagen group, a significant reduction of collagen density was observed compared to the sham‐treated group, and there was a trend for better restoration of hyaluronic acid (HA). Implanted MSCs were detected 1 month postimplantation; however, none survived 6 months postimplantation.

Conclusions

Although implantation of an atelocollagen sponge and ASCs into vocal fold scars induced vibratory recovery comparable to that of BMSCs, ASCs might have more potential in terms of restoration of HA and suppression of excessive collagen deposition.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:1143–1150, 2016
Terminology and Nomenclature: A Prerequisite or Nuisance for Polymer Science Education?
Authors: Hiorns Roger C.
Published: September 2015

This paper gives personal observations on the current gulf between the use of polymer terminology and nomenclature in education and literature and the recommendations of the IUPAC Subcommittee on Polymer Terminology (SPT). SPT activities facilitating access to definitions and rules are highlighted.
Polymer Education of Public Universities in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Chin Han , Ho Chee‐Chong
Published: September 2015

Growth of the Malaysian economy was roughly 6% with an inflation rate of 3.0% and unemployment rate of 2.9% in 2014. The country enjoyed favorable economic growth in recent years. Concurrently, the employment situation of the Malaysian local graduates (skilled personnel) is often heard and discussed. Prime concerns on the employment issues are: (i) Are the graduates equipped with the necessary skills for the job market which is increasingly getting more sophisticated and digitized? (ii) Is their curriculum and training keeping abreast with the demand of the knowledge‐based economy of the global market? (iii) Will they be able to compete in an increasingly technology savvy economy? The Malaysian Rubber Product Companies comprising the production sector, the latex industry (paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants, latex dipped‐goods: rubber gloves, balloons), rubber product manufacturers and plastics converters are the major employers of polymer graduates in Malaysia. We report here the current scenario of polymer education in public universities in Malaysia in meeting up the human resource requirement of the country.
Multiple Resting‐State Networks Are Associated With Tremors and Cognitive Features in Essential Tremor
Authors: Fang Weidong , Chen Huiyue , Wang Hansheng , Zhang Han , Liu Mengqi , Puneet Munankami , Lv Fajin , Cheng Oumei , Wang Xuefeng , Lu Xiurong , Luo Tianyou
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The heterogeneous clinical features of essential tremor indicate that the dysfunctions of this syndrome are not confined to motor networks, but extend to nonmotor networks. Currently, these neural network dysfunctions in essential tremor remain unclear. In this study, independent component analysis of resting‐state functional MRI was used to study these neural network mechanisms.

Methods

Thirty‐five essential tremor patients and 35 matched healthy controls with clinical and neuropsychological tests were included, and eight resting‐state networks were identified. After considering the structure and head‐motion factors and testing the reliability of the selected resting‐state networks, we assessed the functional connectivity changes within or between resting‐state networks. Finally, image‐behavior correlation analysis was performed.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, essential tremor patients displayed increased functional connectivity in the sensorimotor and salience networks and decreased functional connectivity in the cerebellum network. Additionally, increased functional network connectivity was observed between anterior and posterior default mode networks, and a decreased functional network connectivity was noted between the cerebellum network and the sensorimotor and posterior default mode networks. Importantly, the functional connectivity changes within and between these resting‐state networks were correlated with the tremor severity and total cognitive scores of essential tremor patients.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide the first evidence that functional connectivity changes within and between multiple resting‐state networks are associated with tremors and cognitive features of essential tremor, and this work demonstrates a potential approach for identifying the underlying neural network mechanisms of this syndrome. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Microwave‐based sensors
Authors: Abraham Rebecca , Kiran K. Usha
Published: September 2015

A microwave‐based sensor for detection of cracks is proposed. Two types of resonators are designed and analyzed. The first resonator is a ring resonator with stubs attached to the rings. It resonates at a frequency of 2.3 GHz with an insertion loss of −38.51 dB and a return loss of −3.25 dB. The second resonator consists of a transmission line with a coupling in between as the waveguide. A complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) is used instead of conventional ground plane. It resonates at 4.1 GHz with an insertion loss of −26.92 dB and a return loss of −0.85 dB which is in good agreement. The two resonators were tested for cracks on surface of substrate. In the presence of cracks on the substrate, the resonators show a shift in its characteristics indicating misalignment of surfaces. A crack of 1 mm is detected for resonator using CSRR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2745–2750, 2015
A log‐periodic toothed trapezoidal antenna for RF energy harvesting
Authors: Simón Jorge , Flores‐Gonzalez Juan R. , González‐Salas Javier S. , Ordaz‐Salazar Francisco C. , Flores‐Troncoso Jorge
Published: September 2015

In this work, the performance of a broadband log‐periodic toothed trapezoidal antenna is evaluated to know its potential for RF energy harvesting. The energy harvested by the antenna from the different wireless standards in urban areas can be converted into Direct Current and used to feed low power electronics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2765–2768, 2015
A multiband uniplanar antenna for LTE/GSM/UMTS, GPS, and WLAN/WiMAX handsets
Authors: Yang Li , Cui Yue‐Hui , Li Rong‐Lin
Published: September 2015

A multiband uniplanar antenna is proposed for mobile handsets. The multiband antenna covers three frequency bands: 687–976 MHz for LTE700/GSM850/900, 1195–1246 MHz for GPS (L2), and 1423–7665 MHz for GPS (LI), GSM1800/1900, UMTS2100, LTE2300/2600, WLAN2.4/5.5 GHz, and WiMAX3.5 GHz. The uniplanar antenna consists of a meander ring, an inverted‐S monopole, and a subring, and is printed on a thin substrate, suitable for ultraslim smartphone applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2761–2765, 2015
Fabrication and small signal modeling of 0.5 μm InGaAs/InP DHBT demonstrating FT/Fmax of 350/532 GHz
Authors: Niu Bin , Wang Yuan , Cheng Wei , Xie Zi‐Li , Lu Hai‐Yan , Sun Yan , Xie Jun‐Ling , Chen Tang‐Sheng
Published: September 2015

An InGaAs/InP three mesa double heterojunction bipolar transistor demonstrating ft/fmax of 350/532 GHz was fabricated on 3 inch wafer with a 0.5 μm emitter and a composite collector. Base resistance Rbb of around 19 Ω was achieved to sustain a relative high fmax in 0.5 μm linewidth device. Small signal equivalent circuit model was established, and good agreement between measured and simulated values was achieved. Effects of some key parameters were analyzed based on simulated small signal equivalent circuit model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2774–2778, 2015
Experimental study of silicon‐based microwave switches optically driven by LEDs
Authors: Zhao Deshuang , Han Yifei , Zhang Qiaoli , Wang Bing‐Zhong
Published: September 2015

The feasibility of utilizing small‐size low‐cost commercial light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) to drive the optically controlled microwave switches (OCMS) is experimentally investigated. A series of experiments are performed within 0.5–5 GHz bandwidth by utilizing six kinds of LEDs and a 980 nm‐laser to drive the OCMS. The results show that white, red, and violet LEDs are three competitive candidates to replace high‐cost lasers as the controller of OCMS if their power density impinging on the silicon dice of the OCMS could be increased up to 100
. Additionally, the reason leading to high insertion loss of the OCMS driven by the LEDs is revealed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2768–2774, 2015
Microstrip patch antenna project with split ring resonator periodically arrayed on the substrate
Authors: da Silva José L. , de Andrade Humberto D. , Fernandes Humberto C. C. , da Silva Isaac B. T. , Júnior Idalmir de S. Q. , Pereira Jonathan P. P. , Neto Almir S. S.
Published: September 2015

This article presents an investigation about the parameters of rectangular microstrip patch antennas with resonators on the antenna's substrate, through a experimental collection, it has been observed a simulation analysis and its verification by measured data. This investigation refers to two arrayed sets on the substrate, the first one with 16 resonators and the second one with 36. The substrate composition of the antenna have been based on the use of split ring resonators, periodically organized on arrays and confined on the substrate. By applying this proposal, it has been made an evaluation of return loss behavior related to the operation frequency, bandwidth, gain, and feature impedance, in which intended to compare the obtained values to each spacial disposition of the resonator elements. The result analysis demonstrated acceptable agreement between simulated and measured values. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2715–2720, 2015
A loosely coupled distributed antenna array for lateral misalignment‐improved near‐field wireless power transfer system
Authors: Lee Wang‐Sang , Park Sungsoo , Lee Jaeho
Published: September 2015

A loosely coupled distributed antenna array for lateral misalignment‐improved near‐field power transfer system is presented. The characteristics of the proposed resonant coil are verified by the comparisons among the theoretical analysis, simulated results, and experimental measurements. Using the distributed loop structure, the uniform overall transfer range can be extended up to approximately 67% compared with the conventional square antenna according to the lateral misalignment of the receiving antenna at transfer distance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2829–2833, 2015
A compact low‐pass filter with ultrabroad stopband characteristics
Authors: Lan Siang‐Wen , Weng Min‐Hang , Chang Shoou‐Jinn , Hung Cheng‐Yuan
Published: September 2015

A compact low‐pass filter (LPF) with ultrabroad stopband characteristic is presented in this article. This filter mainly consists of a rectangular stub resonator and cumulative open‐circuited stubs, providing multiple transmission zeros to form a wide stopband region. Further, two open stub loads are simply adopted to improve the band selectivity. This fabricated LPF exhibits a 3 dB cutoff frequency (fc) at 1.74 GHz with an average low insertion loss of 0.25 dB and a broad stopband region from 2.6 to 22.8 GHz (10.8ƒc) under a high rejection level of 20 dB. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2800–2803, 2015
An X‐band RLC matched power amplifier using quasi‐MMIC technology
Authors: An Sung Jin , Kim Dongsu , Yook Jong Min , Kim Sung Ryul , Lee Won Chul , Kim Jun Chul , Yook Jong‐Gwan
Published: September 2015

This article presents an RLC matched power amplifier using quasi‐MMIC technology in the X‐band. The power amplifier consists of a GaN HEMT power device and several passive components including inductors, capacitors, resistors, and transmission lines using a silicon integrated passive device (IPD) process. The standard silicon process can drive the solution to cost down compared with conventional microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) technology. This technology using silicon IPDs provides small size matching networks close to MMIC dimensions. The input matching network using the RLC matched circuit is designed to obtain broadband characteristic and gain flatness. The dimensions of input and output silicon IPD are 1.5 mm × 1.2 mm and 1.9 mm × 2.2 mm, respectively, with a thickness of only 0.15 mm. The measured results show that the quasi‐MMIC power amplifier has a P3dB of more than 38.3 dBm with a drain efficiency of more than 51.2% in the frequency range from 8.2 to 10 GHz. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2803–2807, 2015
A compact reconfigurable microstrip antenna with frequency and radiation pattern selectivity
Authors: Li Na , Leng Wen , Wang An‐Guo , Guo Tong‐Feng , Zhang Zhen‐Yu
Published: September 2015

A reconfigurable microstrip antenna with frequency and radiation pattern selectivity is presented. The proposed planar antenna consists of six symmetrical main radiating elements and 12 parasitic elements. By controlling the states of PIN diodes, the proposed antenna is capable of operating within 2.29–2.50 GHz, 2.48–2.69 GHz, and 2.77–2.91 GHz, respectively, and steering radiation patterns in the whole azimuth plane to six different directions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2848–2854, 2015
Gigabit passive optical networks and catv over hybrid bidirectional free space optics +20 km single mode fiber
Authors: Sousa Artur , Shahpari Ali , Ribeiro Vitor , Lima Mario , Teixeira António
Published: September 2015

This article experimentally shows a gigabit passive optical network (GPON)+ community access television system (CATV) link, transmitting in 20 km of single mode optical fiber section or/and in free space. Bidirectional transmission of GPON traffic and CATV and further experimental apparatus is demonstrated and performed, based on signal transparency through the optical path, without optical‐electrical‐optical signal conversion between different media. The viability of such links is here analyzed by measuring the loss of data packets and the carrier‐to‐noise‐ratio value for the video signal overlay. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2867–2871, 2015
Compact dual band‐notched UWB mimo antenna with shared radiator
Authors: Srivastava Garima , Kanuijia Binod K.
Published: September 2015

An ultrawideband (UWB) multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna having shared radiator with dual band rejection characteristics is presented in this article. The proposed antenna is based on the concept of dual polarization. The antenna consists of two tapered CPW feeds printed on one side of the substrate and a circular shared radiator on the other side. The radiator is shared between two antenna elements. High isolation between the antenna elements is achieved by introducing a rectangular slot in the circular radiator and an inverted Y‐shaped stub on the ground plane at an angle of 45°. The proposed antenna rejects the WiMAX and wireless LAN band of frequencies using elliptical split ring slots in the shared radiator. The diversity performance of UWB MIMO antenna is also studied. The antenna is fabricated on FR4 substrate and has a small size of 41 mm × 41 mm. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement which demonstrate its potential use in UWB portable devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2886–2891, 2015
Circularly polarized frequency reconfigurable Koch antenna for GSM/Wi‐Fi applications
Authors: Reddy Venkateshwar V. , Sarma N. V. S. N.
Published: September 2015

A novel circularly polarized frequency reconfigurable Koch fractal boundary antenna is proposed. Initially, a Koch slot is etched on the Koch fractal boundary patch of larger dimension (48 × 48 mm2). Within the etched slot, an asymmetrical Koch fractal patch of smaller dimension (36 × 36 mm2) is embedded and switches are introduced along x and y‐directions to connect these inner and outer patch structures. By making ON/OFF switching of the diodes frequency reconfiguration is achieved. Measured results are in close agreement with the simulation results which demonstrates that the proposed antenna is well suited for GSM/Wi‐Fi wireless applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2895–2898, 2015
Broadband unidirectional printed antenna with quad‐folded dipoles for circular polarization
Authors: Ding Xiaoxiang , Zhao Zhiqin , Yang Yaohui , Zhou Lin , Ouyang Jun , Liu Qing‐Huo
Published: September 2015

In this article, a broadband unidirectional printed antenna with quad‐folded dipoles for circularly polarized radiation is proposed. The antenna consists of a trapezoidal feed structure, an annular transmission line and quad‐folded dipoles. An 80 × 80 mm2 reflector is used to achieve unidirectional radiation. Measured results indicate that the proposed design achieves an impedance bandwidth of 37.1% (1.82–2.65 GHz) for the voltage standing wave ratio <2.0 and a 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 35% (1.84–2.62 GHz), covering the third‐generation (3G, 1880–2125 MHz)/long‐term evaluation (1880–2400 MHz)/wireless local area network (2400–2480 MHz) bands. An average gain of 6.3 dBic is obtained in the operating band. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2871–2876, 2015
Observation violet emission of microfiber knot resonator
Authors: Sulaiman Azlan , Harun Sulaiman Wadi
Published: September 2015

Florescence violet upconversion emission was observed for the first time from erbium‐doped microfiber knot resonator (MKR), fabricated from flame brush technique. Sixty‐milliwatt pump power is in conjunction with 2‐m erbium‐doped fiber (EDF) as a gain medium. The 4‐cm microfiber was produced and used in constructing a MKR as a wave resonator and selector. The violet emission operated at 435 nm together with common EDF green upconversion operated at 545 nm with absorbance unit of 1725 AU and 5811 AU, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2929–2931, 2015
A new focused antenna array with circular polarization
Authors: Jiang Yuhai , Geyi Wen , Sun Hucheng
Published: September 2015

This article presents a new circularly polarized (CP) focused microstrip antenna array working at 2.45 GHz. To focus the energy of the antenna array to a target point, a CP testing antenna is introduced and placed at the target point. The distribution of excitations for the antenna array can be obtained by maximizing the power transmission efficiency between the antenna array and the testing antenna, which can then be realized by a feeding network. Both simulated and measured results are presented to demonstrate the focusing and CP performance of the antenna array. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2936–2939, 2015
Enhanced performance using STBC aided coding for led‐based multiple input single output visible light communication network
Authors: Shi Jianyang , Wang Yiguang , Huang Xingxing , Tao Li , Chi Nan
Published: September 2015

Light‐emitting diode‐based (LED) visible light communication (VLC) has become a candidate in next generation ultrahigh‐speed indoor wireless local area network. Within this scenario, it is most likely for a receiver to obtain the signals from multiple LED sources, which in general brings about interference among the transmitters and may result in failure detection. In this article, space‐time block coding (STBC), as a representative multiple antenna techniques, is adopted to enhance the VLC network performance for its effective suppression on the intertransmitter interference. We experimentally demonstrate a multiple input single output VLC network consisting of two RGB‐LEDs. Using STBC‐OFDM Coding, a total throughput of 500 Mb/s is achieved and the free space transmission reach can be extended as long as 5 m. As far as we know, it is the fastest speed and longest distance in multiple antenna VLC network using STBC coding. Both theoretical simulation and experimental investigation reveal great improvements in the robustness, flexibility, and compatibility of a LED‐VLC network due to the appropriate coding scheme. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2943–2946, 2015
Compact wideband bandpass filter with controllable bandwidth and suppression of the second passband using a trimode resonator
Authors: Ma Xing‐Bing , Jiang Ting
Published: September 2015

This article presents a wideband bandpass filter with controllable bandwidth and suppression of adjoining second passband, in which four same open loop resonators are adopted, hereinto two resonators located at the middle are integrated into a single trimode resonator using two microstrip lines. One line is applied to adjust desirable passband bandwidth, and the other is used to achieve the suppression of the second passband and obtain a wider stopband. Good return loss and inserted loss are obtained using an optimization routine. This technique has high flexibility on setting bandwidth and suppressing the adjoining second passband. Two prototype filters are designed and fabricated. Good agreements between simulation and measurement are demonstrated. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2939–2943, 2015
Incorporation of nonzero echo times in the SPGR and bSSFP signal models used in mcDESPOT
Authors: Bouhrara Mustapha , Spencer Richard G.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To analyze the effect of neglecting nonzero echo times (TEs) in the conventional model of multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT).

Theory and Methods

Formulations of the two‐component spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) and balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) models that incorporate nonzero TE effects are presented in the context of mcDESPOT and compared with the conventionally used SPGR and bSSFP models which ignore nonzero TEs. Relative errors in derived parameter estimates from conventional mcDESPOT, omitting TE effects, are assessed using simulations over a wide range of experimental and sample parameters.

Results

The neglect of nonzero TE leads to an overestimate of the SPGR signal and an underestimate of the bSSFP signal. These effects can introduce large errors in parameter estimates derived from conventional mcDESPOT under realistic imaging conditions.

Conclusion

SPGR and bSSFP signal models accounting for nonzero TE effects should be incorporated into quantitative mcDESPOT analyses. Magn Reson Med 74:1227–1235, 2015. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
31P‐MRS of healthy human brain: ATP synthesis, metabolite concentrations, pH, and T1 relaxation times
Authors: Ren Jimin , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R.
Published: September 2015

The conventional method for measuring brain ATP synthesis is 31P saturation transfer (ST), a technique typically dependent on prolonged pre‐saturation with γ‐ATP. In this study, ATP synthesis rate in resting human brain is evaluated using EBIT (exchange kinetics by band inversion transfer), a technique based on slow recovery of γ‐ATP magnetization in the absence of B1 field following co‐inversion of PCr and ATP resonances with a short adiabatic pulse. The unidirectional rate constant for the Pi → γ‐ATP reaction is 0.21 ± 0.04 s−1 and the ATP synthesis rate is 9.9 ± 2.1 mmol min−1 kg−1 in human brain (n = 12 subjects), consistent with the results by ST. Therefore, EBIT could be a useful alternative to ST in studying brain energy metabolism in normal physiology and under pathological conditions. In addition to ATP synthesis, all detectable 31P signals are analyzed to determine the brain concentration of phosphorus metabolites, including UDPG at around 10 ppm, a previously reported resonance in liver tissues and now confirmed in human brain. Inversion recovery measurements indicate that UDPG, like its diphosphate analogue NAD, has apparent T1 shorter than that of monophosphates (Pi, PMEs, and PDEs) but longer than that of triphosphate ATP, highlighting the significance of the 31P–31P dipolar mechanism in T1 relaxation of polyphosphates. Another interesting finding is the observation of approximately 40% shorter T1 for intracellular Pi relative to extracellular Pi, attributed to the modulation by the intracellular phosphoryl exchange reaction Pi ↔ γ‐ATP. The sufficiently separated intra‐ and extracellular Pi signals also permit the distinction of pH between intra‐ and extracellular environments (pH 7.0 versus pH 7.4). In summary, quantitative 31P MRS in combination with ATP synthesis, pH, and T1 relaxation measurements may offer a promising tool to detect biochemical alterations at early stages of brain dysfunctions and diseases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron complexes as potential photocatalysts for controlled radical photopolymerizations: A tool for modifications and patterning of surfaces
Authors: Telitel Sofia , Dumur Frederic , Campolo Damien , Poly Julien , Gigmes Didier , Pierre Fouassier Jean , Lalevée Jacques
Published: September 2015

This article reports on the presumably first use of iron complexes (FeC) as potential photocatalysts for controlled radical photopolymerization reactions (CRP2). Three compounds were designed and investigated. Good linear evolutions of the molecular weight (Mn) with the conversion were observed. A comparison was provided with a reference iridium (III) complex [Ir(ppy)3 where ppy stands for 2‐phenylpyridine]. The on/off photopolymerization experiments highlight the presence of dormant species and a re‐initiation on demand upon irradiation. This unique re‐initiation property was used for the modification of surfaces (hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties) and surface patterning as well as the synthesis of a block co‐polymer (PMMA‐b‐PBA). A comparative analysis of the behavior of these iron complexes in thermally and photochemically activated polymerization was provided. The chemical mechanisms were studied by steady state photolysis, laser flash photolysis, cyclic voltammetry, luminescence quenching, and electron spin resonance experiments. A catalytic cycle was proposed with two steps: (i) the oxidation of the FeC excited state by an alkyl halide and (ii) the reduction by the oxidized form (FeC°+) by an amine or the macroradicals leading to the regeneration of the catalyst. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 702–713
Highly active polymeric organocatalyst: Chiral ionic polymers prepared from 10,11‐didehydrogenated cinchonidinium salt
Authors: Hassan Md. Mehadi , Haraguchi Naoki , Itsuno Shinichi
Published: September 2015

Since few examples of 10,11‐didehydrogenated (3‐ethynyl) cinchona alkaloids have been utilized as organocatalysts in asymmetric reaction, we synthesized 10,11‐didehydrogenated cinchonidine. The 3‐vinyl group of cinchonidine was transformed into a 3‐ethynyl functionality. Based on the resulting 10,11‐didehydrogenated cinchonidine, the corresponding quaternary ammonium salt and its dimers were prepared. The ion‐exchange reaction between the quaternary ammonium salt and sodium sulfonate produced the quaternary ammonium sulfonate as a stable ionic compound. Chiral ionic polymers were then synthesized by the ion‐exchange polymerization of the 10,11‐didehydrogenated cinchonidinium salt dimer and a disulfonate. The chiral ionic polymers were found to be capable of efficiently catalyzing the asymmetric alkylation of N‐(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert‐butyl ester. The enantioselectivities obtained with the polymeric catalysts were higher than those obtained with the corresponding monomeric catalyst. Dimers of 10,11‐didehydrogenated cinchonidinium salts were prepared. Treatment of the dimer with disodium disulfonate gave the chiral ionic polymers, which showed high catalytic activity in asymmetric benzylation of N‐(diphenylmethylen)glycine tert‐butyl ester. The polymeric catalysts were reused several times without the loss of catalytic activity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 621–627
Visible light‐induced thiol‐ene reaction: A new strategy to prepare Α,ω‐dithiol and Α,ω‐divinyl telechelic polythiolether oligomers
Authors: Ma Wenchao , Chen Dong , Liu Lianying , Ma Yuhong , Wang Li , Zhao Changwen , Yang Wantai
Published: September 2015

A new strategy is developed to prepare both α,ω‐dithiol and α,ω‐divinyl linear telechelic polythiolether oligomers by visible light induced thiol‐ene chemistry in the presence of a fac‐Ir(ppy)3 photoredox catalyst. Polythiolether oligomers of well‐defined end groups and controlled molecular weights have been successfully synthesized at varying monomer molar ratios of 1,4‐benzenedimethanethiol (BDMT) to diethylene glycol divinyl ether (DEGVE). 1H NMR and MALDI‐TOF MS analyses demonstrate that as‐prepared polythiolethers possess high end‐group fidelity, which is further supported by the successful polyaddition of polythiolethers bearing α,ω‐dithiol and α,ω‐divinyl groups. For example, with the α,ω‐dithiol‐ (Mn = 1900 g mol−1, PDI = 1.25) and α,ω‐divinyl‐terminated (Mn = 2000 g mol−1, PDI = 1.29) polythiolethers as macromonomers, the molecular weight of resulting polythiolether is up to 7700 g mol−1 with PDI as 1.67. The reactivity of the terminal thiol group is further confirmed by the addition reaction with N‐(1‐pyrenyl)maleimide. UV‐vis spectra and fluorescene measurements suggest that fac‐Ir(ppy)3 undergo a redox quenching process reacted with BDMT to generate thiyl free radicals. With these results, the mechanism of the thiol‐ene reaction catalyzed by photoredox catalyst is proposed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 740–749
Effect of aluminum thickness and etching time of aluminum induced texturing process on soda lime glass substrates for thin solar cell applications
Authors: Ünal Mustafa , Nasser Hisham , Günöven Mete , Sökmen İlkay , Tankut Aydın , Turan Raşit
Published: September 2015

In this study, aluminum induced texturing (AIT) technique is used to increase light absorption in thin film by way of increasing the portion of the diffuse transmitted light (haze). For this purpose, various AIT process parameters such as starting aluminum thicknesses, annealing temperature and time, etching time, etchant's concentrations, and temperature of etching are known to affect the final texture. We have investigated the effect of aluminum thickness and etching time on AIT process while keeping the other parameters fixed. Our results show that by changing initial aluminum thickness and etching time, it is possible to control surface morphology of glass substrate and the resulting optical diffuse transmittance. In addition, diffuse transmittance is increased over the visible range of solar spectra and total absorption by a‐Si:H is increased. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Falling through the net
Authors: Bowman Jo
Published: September 2015

The internet has not been the force for good that tech companies claimed and many people hoped it would be, author Andrew Keen tells Jo Bowman
Empowering better business through better phone conversations
Authors: Kane John
Published: September 2015

On any given day, there are more than 10 billion phone conversations conducted throughout the world.
Data and analytics connect adidas with consumers
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: September 2015

At adidas Group, the consumer is at the heart of everything.
A flexible model for correlated medical costs, with application to medical expenditure panel survey data
Authors: Chen Jinsong , Liu Lei , Shih Ya‐Chen T. , Zhang Daowen , Severini Thomas A.
Published: September 2015

We propose a flexible model for correlated medical cost data with several appealing features. First, the mean function is partially linear. Second, the distributional form for the response is not specified. Third, the covariance structure of correlated medical costs has a semiparametric form. We use extended generalized estimating equations to simultaneously estimate all parameters of interest. B‐splines are used to estimate unknown functions, and a modification to Akaike information criterion is proposed for selecting knots in spline bases. We apply the model to correlated medical costs in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey dataset. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of our method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward Greener Oxidative Transformations: Base‐Metal Catalysts and Metal‐Free Reactions
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: September 2015

In this account, the advances in base‐metal‐catalyzed oxidative transformations and metal‐free oxidation reactions developed in our group are summarized and discussed. Related achievements from other research groups are also discussed.
How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update
Authors: Wampold Bruce E.
Published: September 2015

The common factors have a long history in the field of psychotherapy theory, research and practice. To understand the evidence supporting them as important therapeutic elements, the contextual model of psychotherapy is outlined. Then the evidence, primarily from meta‐analyses, is presented for particular common factors, including alliance, empathy, expectations, cultural adaptation, and therapist differences. Then the evidence for four factors related to specificity, including treatment differences, specific ingredients, adherence, and competence, is presented. The evidence supports the conclusion that the common factors are important for producing the benefits of psychotherapy.
Risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in people with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Stubbs Brendon , Mitchell Alex J. , De Hert Marc , Wampers Martien , Ward Philip B. , Rosenbaum Simon , Correll Christoph U.
Published: September 2015

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components are highly predictive of cardiovascular diseases. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the prevalence of MetS and its components in people with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, comparing subjects with different disorders and taking into account demographic variables and psychotropic medication use. The secondary aim was to compare the MetS prevalence in persons with any of the selected disorders versus matched general population controls. The pooled MetS prevalence in people with severe mental illness was 32.6% (95% CI: 30.8%‐34.4%; N = 198; n = 52,678). Relative risk meta‐analyses established that there was no significant difference in MetS prevalence in studies directly comparing schizophrenia versus bipolar disorder, and in those directly comparing bipolar disorder versus major depressive disorder. Only two studies directly compared people with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, precluding meta‐analytic calculations. Older age and a higher body mass index were significant moderators in the final demographic regression model (z = −3.6, p = 0.0003, r2 = 0.19). People treated with all individual antipsychotic medications had a significantly (p<0.001) higher MetS risk compared to antipsychotic‐naïve participants. MetS risk was significantly higher with clozapine and olanzapine (except vs. clozapine) than other antipsychotics, and significantly lower with aripiprazole than other antipsychotics (except vs. amisulpride). Compared with matched general population controls, people with severe mental illness had a significantly increased risk for MetS (RR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.35‐1.86; p<0.001) and all its components, except for hypertension (p = 0.07). These data suggest that the risk for MetS is similarly elevated in the diagnostic subgroups of severe mental illness. Routine screening and multidisciplinary management of medical and behavioral conditions is needed in these patients. Risks of individual antipsychotics should be considered when making treatment choices.
Predictive Genetic Testing and Alternatives to Face to Face Results Disclosure: A Retrospective Review of Patients Preference for Alternative Modes of BRCA 1 and 2 Results Disclosure in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: O'Shea Rosie , Meany Marie , Carroll Cliona , Cody Nuala , Healy David , Green Andrew , Lynch Sally Ann
Published: September 2015

The traditional model of providing cancer predictive testing services is changing. Many genetic centres are now offering a choice to patients in how they receive their results instead of the typical face‐to‐face disclosure. In view of this shift in practice and the increasing demand on the ROI cancer predictive testing service, a 2 year retrospective study on patient preference in how to receive a Breast Cancer (BRCA) predictive result was carried out. Results showed that 71.7 % of respondents would have liked to have the option of obtaining their results by telephone or by letter. However, when asked about their actual experience of BRCA predictive results disclosure 40.6 % did still value the face‐to‐face contact, while 44.9 % would still have preferred to receive results by either post or telephone. No significant difference was found between males and females (p > 0.05) and those who tested negative or positive for the BRCA mutation (p > 0.05) in wanting a choice in how their results were disclosed. While the majority expressed a wish to have a choice in how to receive their results, it is important not to underestimate the value of a face‐to‐face encounter in these circumstances.
Black Residential Segregation in the Era of Urban Sprawl
Authors: Ragusett Jared M.
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the relationship between alternative metropolitan land use patterns, including those characterized as “sprawl,” and Black residential segregation. Previous studies have explored this question using limited attributes and empirical measures of both land use and segregation. This econometric study advances the understanding of that relationship in several ways. First, the paper defines land use as a countervailing, multi-dimensional, phenomenon. Metropolitan areas do not generally exhibit high-sprawl (or low-sprawl) characteristics across multiple measures; rather, they typically exhibit some combination, or “configuration,” of low-sprawl and high-sprawl attributes. Second, the paper examines the relationship between such configurations and several of the segregation dimensions suggested by Massey and Denton (1988). Third, the paper analyzes results using the 2010 decennial Census. This study explores the contribution and transmission of countervailing spatial land use patterns to changes in Black segregation levels, and the implications of such changes for land use policies and regulations. These complex effects bring new precision and insights to the analysis of racial inequality in an age of rapid demographic change.
Study of circulating IgG antibodies to BIRC5 and MYC in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ye Leiguang , Wang Weili , Chen Cairen , Meng Qingyong , Yu Yan
Published: September 2015

An in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed in this study to detect circulating IgG antibodies to peptide antigens derived from baculoviral IAP repeat‐containing protein 5 isoform 2 (BIRC5) and myc proto‐oncogene protein (MYC) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Student'st‐test revealed that circulating anti‐MYC IgG levels were significantly increased in patients with NSCLC compared with control subjects in the discovery sample (t = 3.96,P = 0.0001) but not in the validation sample (t = 1.24,P = 0.217), generating a combinedP‐value of 0.0003. Neither the discovery sample nor the validation sample showed a significant change in anti‐BIRC5 IgG levels in NSCLC. Further analysis was performed to investigate whether circulating IgG antibodies to these two tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) significantly changed with early (stages I + II) and late (stages III + IV) NSCLC stages. The results showed that neither anti‐MYC IgG nor anti‐BIRC5 IgG levels significantly changed in patients with early stage NSCLC, while patients with late stage NSCLC had higher levels of circulating anti‐MYC IgG than control subjects in the discovery sample (t = 4.74,P < 0.0001) but not in the validation sample (t = 0.80,P = 0.423), generating a combinedP‐value of 0.00003 (X2= 26.13,df = 4). In conclusion, circulating IgG antibodies to MYC and BIRC5 do not appear to serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis of lung cancer but anti‐MYC IgG might have a prognostic value.
Age‐dependent differential expression profile of a novel intergenic long noncoding RNA in rat brain
Authors: Kour Sukhleen , Rath Pramod C.
Published: September 2015

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are ≥200 nt long, abundant class of non‐protein coding RNAs that are transcribed in complex, sense‐ and antisense patterns from the intergenic and intronic regions of mammalian genome. Mammalian central nervous system constitutes the largest repertoire of noncoding transcripts that are known to be expressed in developmentally regulated and cell‐type specific manners. Although many lncRNAs, functioning in the brain development and diseases are known, none involved in brain aging has been reported so far. Here, we report involvement of a novel, repeat sequence (simple repeats and SINES)‐containing, trans‐spliced, long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA (lincRNA), named as LINC‐RBE (rat brain expressed transcript) involved in maturation and aging of mammalian brain. The LINC‐RBE is strongly expressed in the rat brain and the upstream/downstream sequences of its DNA in the chromosome 5 contain binding sites for many cell growth, survival and development‐specific transcriptional factors. Through RT‐PCR and RNA in situ hybridization, LINC‐RBE was found to be expressed in an age‐dependent manner with significantly higher level of expression in the brain of adult (16 week) compared to both immature (4 week) and old (70 week) rats. Moreover, the expression pattern of the LINC‐RBE showed distinct association with the specific neuro‐anatomical regions, cell types and sub‐cellular compartments of the rat brain in an age‐related manner. Thus, its expression increased from immature stage to adulthood and declined further in old age. This is a first‐time report of involvement of an intergenic repeat sequence‐containing lncRNA in different regions of the rat brain in an age‐dependent manner.
Ischemic colitis: risk factors, diagnosis and prognosis in patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Fernandes Sara Francisca Ferreira , Barbosa Laura Elisabete Ribeiro
Published: September 2015

Objective To identify risk factors, diagnosis and prognosis associated with ischemic colitis, focusing mainly on patients undergoing surgery.

Materials and methods This retrospective study included all patients admitted to the Centro Hospitalar de São João – E. P. E., diagnosed with ischemic colitis during the period from 2012 to 2013.

Results The study included 154 patients; 118 were undergoing medical treatment, with a 12% mortality rate, and 36 were undergoing surgery, with a 61% associated mortality rate. Hypertension was the most common risk factor in both groups. The presence of a large number of cardiovascular risk factors in both groups, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, was recorded, but we still found no direct relationship with development of ischemic colitis. Comorbidities that affect blood flow, such as the presence of thrombi or aneurysms, do provide a worse prognosis and therefore require a more aggressive treatment.

Conclusion The diagnosis of ischemic colitis is not always immediately established due to a nonspecific presentation. Surgical treatment should be reserved for severe cases with a worse prognosis associated.
Strength‐Duration Curves of the Common Fibular Nerve Show Hypoexcitability in People With Functional Ankle Instability
Authors: Rodríguez‐Fernández Ángel L. , Rebollo‐Roldán Jesús , Jiménez‐Rejano José J. , Güeita‐Rodríguez Javier
Published: September 2015

Background

Some motor impairments, such as decreased reaction of peroneal muscles, altered kinematics, or poor postural control, have been described in people with functional ankle instability. Evidence shows a possible relationship between fibular nerve impairments and functional ankle instability.

Objective

To investigate the electrophysiologic excitability of the common fibular nerve, as measured by strength‐duration curves, in subjects with functional ankle instability compared with a control group without ankle impairment.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University Research laboratory.

Participants

Fifty subjects with functional ankle instability (35 men, 15 women; ages 24.36 ± 5.01 years) and 63 uninjured control patients (44 men, 19 women; ages 22.67 ± 4.85 years) were recruited by convenience sampling.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Strength‐duration curves of the common fibular nerve were made in all participants. Rheobase, chronaxie, Bawen index, accommodation index, galvano‐tetanic threshold, and intensity thresholds for different pulse durations were obtained and compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Subjects with functional ankle instability show increased values of chronaxie (0.58 ± 0.24 ms versus 0.47 ± 0.16 ms;P= .004), Bawen index (1.53 ± 0.24 versus 1.39 ± 0.21;P= .002), and intensity thresholds for pulse durations ≤2 ms both for rectangular and triangular pulse wave forms. The accommodation index was smaller in subjects with functional ankle instability than controls (3.7 ± 0.72 versus 4.05 ± 0.98;P= .036). The remaining parameters did not show significant differences between groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that subjects with functional ankle instability show a decreased excitability in their common fibular nerve when compared with subjects without ankle injuries.
A Medication Combination for the Treatment of Central Poststroke Pain via the Adjuvant Use of Prednisone With Gabapentin: A Case Report
Authors: Batlle Luis , Mattie Ryan , Irwin Robert
Published: September 2015

Central poststroke pain is a neuropathic pain syndrome that can occur from pathology of the brain. The case presented is of a woman with multiple comorbidities who was found to have an acute infarct in the left middle and anterior cerebral artery territories. She began to complain of worsening diffuse right upper and lower extremity pain, and central poststroke pain was diagnosed. First‐line agents were contraindicated as the result of medical comorbidities, and chronic kidney disease only permitted the use of low‐dose gabapentin. The patient's morbid obesity inspired the use of an adjunct medication protocol of a prednisone taper for proper treatment. After starting this treatment regimen, the patient experienced significant pain relief with eventual resolution. A steroid‐based treatment protocol was used successfully in the early stages of central poststroke pain with proper side effect management and may have prevented difficult treatment management in the outpatient setting.