bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave Synthesis of Water‐Soluble 2‐, 5‐ and 9‐Substituted Benzo[a]phenoxazinium Chlorides in Comparison with Conventional Heating
Authors: Firmino A. Daniela G. , Raju B. Rama , Gonçalves M. Sameiro T.
Published: January 2013

Microwave irradiation was used for the first time in an efficient synthesis of benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides. The main advantage of this protocol is the notable reduction in reaction times and good to excellent yields of the products in comparison to those obtained under classical heating conditions. These new series of compounds possess 5‐amine and/or 2‐hydroxyl substituents in the polycyclic system to improve their solubility in aqueous media, in addition to the functional groups as terminals in the side chains, allowing their further use in covalent labeling. Fundamental photophysical studies carried out in ethanol and water at physiological pH revealed that all cationic fluorophores absorbed and emitted at 610–628 and 630–652 nm, respectively, with relative fluorescent quantum yields of 0.16–0.96.
Coinage Metal Catalysts for the Addition of O–H to C=C Bonds
Authors: Barreiro Elena M. , Adrio Luis A. , (Mimi) Hii King Kuok , Brazier John B.
Published: January 2013

The direct addition of O–H bonds to C=C bonds is a very attractive way of synthesising alcohols, ethers and esters, due to the inherent atom‐ and step‐economy of the process. This microreview focuses on the development of group 11 metal catalysts in mediating these transformations. Brønsted acid catalysis has been shown to play a role in some of these processes, and this is highlighted where appropriate. The utility of these methods in organic synthesis is addressed through selected examples.
Catalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of α‐Substituted Nitro Acetates to Nitro Olefins: Enantioselective Synthesis of Highly Substituted γ‐Lactams
Authors: Li Ying‐Zi , Li Fei , Tian Ping , Lin Guo‐Qiang
Published: January 2013

Bifunctional bis(demethyldihydroquinine)‐catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition of α‐substituted nitro acetates to nitro olefins is described. These addition reactions proceed smoothly with a low catalyst loading (1.0 mol‐%) at 0 °C, giving excellent diastereo‐ (up to 99:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee). Furthermore, highly substituted and optically pure 1‐pyrazoline and γ‐lactam have been prepared to demonstrate the synthetic application of the addition products.
Alternative Motifs for Halogen Bonding
Authors: Troff Ralf W. , Mäkelä Toni , Topić Filip , Valkonen Arto , Raatikainen Kari , Rissanen Kari
Published: January 2013

The halogen‐bonding interaction is one of the rising stars in supramolecular chemistry. Although other weak interactions and their influence on the structure and chemistry of various molecules, complexes and materials have been investigated thoroughly, the field of halogen bonding is still quite unexplored and its impact on chemistry in general is yet to be fully revealed. In principle, every Y–X bond (Y = electron‐withdrawing atom or moiety, X = halogen atom) can act as a halogen‐bond donor when the halogen is polarized enough by Y. Perfluorohalocarbons are iconic halogen‐bond donor molecules in which Y is a perfluorinated aryl or alkyl moiety and X is either iodine or bromine. In this article, alternative halogen‐bond motifs such as X2···A and Ar–X···A [A = Lewis basic halogen‐bond‐accepting atom of a molecule or ion; Ar = neutral or charged (hetero)aromatic system] are reviewed. In addition, haloalkenes, haloalkynes, N‐haloamides and other non‐metallic halogen‐bond donors and their respective halogen‐bonded structures will also be described. Although purely organic halogen‐bonding motifs are very prominent, the role of metal complexes in halogen bonding is becoming increasingly evident as well, which is also reflected in this review. Finally, halogen bonding in solution is briefly highlighted. Contemporary research is proving that halogen bonding is more than a solid‐state phenomenon and is now a well‐recognized weak interaction in chemistry.
The U.P. Mammoth Site, Carbon County, Wyoming, USA: More Questions than Answers
Authors: Haynes C. Vance , Surovell Todd A. , Hodgins Gregory W. L.
Published: January 2013

In the summer of 1960, mammoth bones were discovered by a dragline operator in southern Wyoming at the Union Pacific (U.P.) Mammoth site. Although subsequent archaeological work during 1960 and 1961 identified artifacts in association with the mammoth remains, many authors have since questioned the nature of that association. Also, little has been published about the site other than a brief article in National Geographic Magazine in 1962. In this paper, we present additional information on the U.P. Mammoth site including stratigraphic profiles from the first author's geoarchaeological work in 1961, stratigraphic and spatial location of bones and artifacts derived from the original field notes, and new radiocarbon dates. Although the precise stratigraphic provenance for many artifacts and skeletal elements remains unclear, a compelling argument can be made for spatial and stratigraphic association of the mammoth remains with the artifact assemblage suggesting some kind of human interaction with the animal.
C–O isotope geochemistry of the Dashiqiao magnesite belt, North China Craton: implications for the Great Oxidation Event and ore genesis
Authors: Tang Hao‐Shu , Chen Yan‐Jing , Santosh M. , Zhong Hong , Wu Guang , Lai Yong
Published: January 2013

The worldwide 2.33−2.06 Ga unique positive δ13Ccarbexcursion has been correlated with the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). The Dashiqiao Formation in the Liaohe Group of the northeastern North China Craton formed at 2.2−2.174 Ga and hosts one of the world‐class magnesite deposits. Here we present major element and C and O isotope analyses of 22 samples from the Dashiqiao Formation and use the data to evaluate the impact of the GOE in the North China Craton, as well as the genesis of the Dashiqiao giant magnesite deposits. Six dolomitic marble samples from a ~600 m thick interval with 1.10 ± 0.04 of MgO/CaO (mol) ratios show higher δ13CPDBvalues of 0.6−1.4‰ (average 1.2 ± 0.3‰) than those of normal marine carbonates over the globe. However, they display lower δ18OSMOWof 16.4−19.5‰ (average 18.2 ± 1.1‰) as compared to their contemporaneous counterparts, suggesting that the primary carbonates in the Dashiqiao Formation should possess a positive δ13C anomaly (possibly 4.2‰) reflecting the impact of the GOE, and that the δ13C and δ18O values have been depleted in post‐sedimentation diagenesis and/or regional metamorphism. The >550 m thick magnesite layer in the studied section has MgO/CaO ratios ranging from 4.45−200.00. These rocks show δ13C and δ18O values of 0.1−0.9‰ and 9.2−16.9‰, with average values of 0.4 ± 0.2‰ and 13.3 ± 2.5‰, respectively, obviously lower than those of the underlying dolomites. The depletions of13C and18O in magnesites relative to dolomitic marbles are interpreted to be the result of hydrothermal alteration related to regional metamorphism leading to rock recrystallization and mass exchange. This interpretation is further confirmed from the hanging‐wall dolomitic marble and the veinlet‐filled magnesite from the ore layer. The former contains mega‐crystals of cylindrical talc and has δ13C of −2.6‰ and δ18O of 14.1‰, indicating that a local fluid–rock interaction between (argillaceous) dolomite and (siliceous) hydrothermal fluids poor in13C and18O resulted in the formation of talc and further depletion both in δ13C and in δ18O. The veinlet‐filled magnesite yields δ13C and δ18O values of −2.7‰ and 16.2‰, respectively, showing lower δ13C but higher δ18O than those of massive magnesite in the adjacent strata. Our observation thus strongly supports the interpretation that the massive magnesite interacted with low‐δ13C fluids which were possibly sourced from meteoric water at low temperature during post‐ore time. Thus, the formation of the Dashiqiao magnesite deposits involved primary sedimentation, diagenesis, regional metamorphism, hydrothermal replacement and local post‐ore fluid–rock interaction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential effects of climate change on streambed scour and risks to salmonid survival in snow‐dominated mountain basins
Authors: Goode Jaime R. , Buffington John M. , Tonina Daniele , Isaak Daniel J. , Thurow Russell F. , Wenger Seth , Nagel David , Luce Charlie , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Soulsby Chris
Published: January 2013

Snowmelt‐dominated basins in northern latitudes provide critical habitat for salmonids. As such, these systems may be especially vulnerable to climate change because of potential shifts in the frequency, magnitude, and timing of flows that can scour incubating embryos. A general framework is presented to examine this issue, using a series of physical models that link climate change, streamflow, and channel morphology to predict the magnitude and spatial distribution of streambed scour and consequent risk to salmonid embryos at basin scales. The approach is demonstrated for a mountain catchment in the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA. Results show that risk of critical scour varies as a function of species and life history and is modulated by local variations in lithology and channel confinement. Embryos of smaller‐bodied fall spawners may be at greater risk because of shallow egg burial depths and increased rain‐on‐snow events during their incubation period. Scour risk for all species is reduced when changes in channel morphology (width, depth, and grain size) keep pace with climate‐driven changes in streamflow. Although climate change is predicted to increase scour magnitude, the frequency of scouring events relative to typical salmonid life cycles is relatively low, indicating that individual year classes may be impacted by critical scour, but extirpation of entire populations is not expected. Furthermore, refugia are predicted to occur in unconfined portions of the stream network, where scouring shear stresses are limited to bankfull stage because overbank flows spread across alluvial floodplains; conversely, confined valleys will likely exacerbate climate‐driven changes in flow and scour. Our approach can be used to prioritize management strategies according to relative risk to different species or spatial distributions of risk and can be used to predict temporal shifts in the spatial distribution of suitable spawning habitats. A critical unknown issue is whether biological adaptation can keep pace with rates of climate change and channel response. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effectiveness of an Attachment‐Based Intervention in Promoting Foster Mothers’ Sensitivity toward Foster Infants
Authors: Bick Johanna , Dozier Mary
Published: January 2013

Infants in foster care need sensitive, responsive caregivers to promote their healthy outcomes. The current study examined the effectiveness of the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up Intervention, a short‐term, targeted, attachment‐based intervention program designed to promote sensitive caregiving behavior among foster mothers. Ninety‐six foster mother–infant dyads participated in this study; 44 dyads were assigned to the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up Intervention, and 52 dyads were assigned to a control intervention. Results of hierarchical linear modeling indicated that foster mothers who were assigned to the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up Intervention showed greater improvements in their sensitivity from pre‐ to postintervention assessment time points when compared with foster mothers who were assigned to the control intervention. We conclude that a short‐term, targeted, attachment‐based intervention is effective in changing foster mothers’ responsiveness to their foster infants, which is critical for foster infants’ healthy socioemotional adjustment.
In vitro study on newly designed biodegradable Fe‐X composites (X = W, CNT) prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Cheng J. , Zheng Y.F.
Published: January 2013

Early in vivo animal test on pure iron coronary stent had proved that it is a promising candidate material as biodegradable metal, despite a faster degradation rate and uniform degradation mode is expected. In this work, Fe‐X (X= W, CNT) composites were prepared from powders of pure iron and the additive secondary phase X using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method, aiming to obtain a higher corrosion rate and a more uniform corrosion mode in physiological environment. The microstructures, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors, and in vitro biocompatibility of these Fe‐X composites were investigated. It was found that the additives were uniformly distributed in the iron matrix and relatively high dense Fe‐X composite bulk samples were obtained after sintering by SPS. Both the yield strength and ultimate compressive strength increased when compared with that of as‐cast pure iron. The corrosion mode of Fe‐X composites turned out to be uniform corrosion instead of localized corrosion. Electrochemical measurements and immersion tests indicated that the addition of W and CNT could increase the corrosion rate of the iron matrix. From the results of cytotoxicity evaluation, it was found that all the Fe‐X composites extracts induced no obvious cytotoxicity to L929 cells and ECV304 cells whereas significantly decreased cell viabilities of VSMC cells. The hemocompatibility tests showed that all the hemolysis percentage of Fe‐X composites were less than 5%, and no sign of thrombogenicity was observed. It might be concluded that Fe composited with suitable second phase can exhibit higher strength, faster degradation rate, and uniform degradation mode than those of pure iron and are promising candidates for future development of new degradable metallic stents. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Effects of different sterilization techniques and varying anodized TiO2 nanotube dimensions on bacteria growth
Authors: Kummer Kim M. , Taylor Erik N. , Durmas Naside G. , Tarquinio Keiko M. , Ercan Batur , Webster Thomas J.
Published: January 2013

Infection of titanium (Ti)‐based orthopedic implants is a growing problem due to the ability of bacteria to develop a resistance to today's antibiotics. As an attempt to develop a new strategy to combat bacteria functions, Ti was anodized in the present study to possess different diameters of nanotubes. It is reported here for the first time that Ti anodized to possess 20 nm tubes then followed by heat treatment to remove fluorine deposited from the HF anodization electrolyte solution significantly reduced both S. aureus and S. epidermidis growth compared to unanodized Ti controls. It was further found that the sterilization method used for both anodized nanotubular Ti and conventional Ti played an important role in the degree of bacteria growth on these substrates. Overall, UV light and ethanol sterilized samples decreased bacteria growth, while autoclaving resulted in the highest amount of bacteria growth. In summary, this study indicated that through a simple and inexpensive process, Ti can be anodized to possess 20 nm tubes that no matter how sterilized (UV light, ethanol soaking, or autoclaving) reduces bacteria growth and, thus, shows great promise as an antibacterial implant material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part 2013.
Novel pluronic‐chitosan micelle as an ocular delivery system
Authors: Lin Hong‐Ru , Chang Pei‐Csang
Published: January 2013

Pluronic micelles were prepared for ophthalmic delivery by incorporation of ethyl acetate as a dispersion agent and their surfaces were modified by chitosan to improve their bioavailability. The micelles disperse well in the solution and have a core‐shell like structure with a particle size ranging from 93 to 181 nm for drug unloaded, 123–232 nm for drug‐loaded, and a zeta potential between 6.1 and 9.2 mV, indicating very suitable use as ophthalmic carrier. The in vitro serum stability tests indicate the particle size of the micelles was very stable during the serum absorption. The turbidity test reveals that the prepared micelles were very stable under phosphate buffered saline environment, which can prevent the blurred vision. The loading efficiency of metipranolol in micelles can be as high as 83%. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo studies indicate the pluronic micelles modified by chitosan have sustained release behavior and good pharmacological response. As the results, the pluroic‐chitosan micelles system provides a potential opportunity in decreasing frequency of administration and improving patient compliance for ocular drug delivery. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Cell viabilities and biodegradation rates of DNA/protamine complexes with two different molecular weights of DNA
Authors: Mori Nana , Ohno Jun , Sakagami Ryuji , Hayakawa Tohru , Fukushima Tadao
Published: January 2013

Two types of DNA/protamine complexes were prepared from protamine sulfate and 7000 base pair (bp) DNA or original DNA to investigate the effect of the molecular weight of DNA on zeta potential, cell viability, flowability, soft tissue response, and biodegradation rate. The 7000 bp DNA/protamine complex had a negative charge while the original DNA/protamine complex had a positive charge. The cell viabilities (90.4–106.8%) of these complexes were close to each other. The 7000 bp DNA/protamine complex became a softer dough than that of the original DNA/complex when both were kneaded with water. In vivo, the original DNA/protamine complex showed a milder tissue response. The original DNA/protamine complex almost disappeared 30 days after implantation. The 7000 bp DNA/complex disappeared approximately 2 weeks after implantation and areas where samples were implanted became empty. Thereafter, the empty space was gradually replaced by new soft tissues. The original DNA/protamine complex showed low intercalation and groove binding ratios of daunorubicin hydrochloride. Results indicate that high DNA condensation by cationic protamine protected the penetration of degradation enzymes into these complexes. It was found that a high molecular weight of DNA reduced the biodegradation rate and flowability. This study suggests that DNA/protamine complexes could be candidates for biomaterials that control biodegradation rates and flowability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Biocompatibility studies and characterization of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate)/polycaprolactone blends
Authors: Lim Jing , Chong Mark Seow Khoon , Teo Erin Yiling , Chen Guo‐Qiang , Chan Jerry K. Y. , Teoh Swee‐Hin
Published: January 2013

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is a biocompatible and bioresorbable copolymer that has generated research interest as a bone scaffold material. However, its brittleness and degradation characteristics can be improved upon. We hypothesized that blending with medical‐grade polycaprolactone (PCL) can improve degradation and mechanical characteristics. Here, we report the development of solvent‐blended PHBHHx/PCL for application as a potential biomaterial for tissue engineering. Enhanced yield strength, yield strain and Young's modulus occurred at 30/70 blend when compared with PHBHHx and PCL. Polarized light microscopy demonstrated PHBHHx and PCL to exist as morphologically and optically distinct phases and, together with thermal analyses, revealed immiscibility. Hydrophilicity improved with the addition of PCL. Accelerated hydrolytic studies suggested predictable behavior of PHBHHx/PCL. Notably, 30/70 blend exhibited similar degradation behavior to PCL in terms of changes in crystallinity, molecular weight, morphology, and mass loss. Finally, human fetal mesenchymal stem cells (hfMSCs) were evaluated on PHBHHx/PCL using live/dead assay and results suggested encouraging hfMSC adhesion and proliferative capacity, with near‐confluence occurring in PHBHHx and 30/70 blend after 5 days. Taken together, these are encouraging results for the further development of PHBHHx/PCL as a potential biomaterial for tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Transplantation of inbred adipose‐derived stromal cells in rats with plasma gel containing fragmin/protamine microparticles and FGF‐2
Authors: Sumi Yuki , Ishihara Masayuki , Kishimoto Satoko , Takikawa Megumi , Doumoto Takashi , Azuma Ryuichi , Nakamura Shingo , Hattori Hidemi , Fujita Masanori , Kiyosawa Tomoharu
Published: January 2013

Fragmin/protamine microparticles (F/P MPs) have been used as a cell carrier for adipose‐derived stromal cells (IR‐ASCs) in inbred male Fisher 344 rats, and for preservation and controlled‐release of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 and various cytokines in inbred rat plasma (IRP)‐DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium) gel. In this study, we investigated the capability of an IRP‐DMEM gel containing F/P MPs and/or FGF‐2, as a three‐dimensional (3D)‐culture, to expand IR‐ASCs. We found that IR‐ASCs grow faster under 3D‐culture conditions in low IRP (3%)‐DMEM gel containing F/P MPs and FGF‐2 without any animal serum than those under 2D‐culture in low inbred rat serum (3%)‐DMEM with F/P MPs and FGF‐2. About 0.3 mL of IR‐ASCs (about 4,000,000 cells mL−1) grown in IRP (6%)‐DMEM gel containing F/P MPs and FGF‐2 disappeared 8 days after subcutaneous injection in rats, suggesting that they are rapidly biodegradable. The number of large (diameter ≥200 μm or containing ≥100 erythrocytes), medium (diameter = 20–200 μm or containing 10–100 erythrocytes) and small (diameter ≤20 μm or containing 1–10 erythrocytes) capillaries after injection with IR‐ASCs in an IRP‐DMEM gel containing both F/P MPs and FGF‐2, as well as the thickness of tissue granulation per microphotograph at the injected site, was significantly higher than those after injection with IR‐ASCs in an IRP‐DMEM gel containing either FGF‐2 or F/P MPs. Thus, IRP‐DMEM gel containing F/P MPs and FGF‐2 are useful and safe IR‐ASC carriers that facilitate cell proliferation, vascularization, and tissue granulation locally at injection sites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Swimming Capability and Swimming Behavior of Juvenile Acipenser schrenckii
Authors: Cai Lu , Taupier Rachel , Johnson David , Tu Zhiying , Liu Guoyong , Huang Yingping
Published: January 2013

Acipenser schrenckii, the Amur Sturgeon, was a commercially valuable fish species inhabiting the Amur (Heilongjiang) River but populations have rapidly declined in recent years. Dams impede A. schrenckii spawning migration and wild populations were critically endangered. Building fishways helped maintain fish populations but data on swimming performance and behavior was crucial for fishway design. To obtain such data on A. schrenckii, a laboratory study of juvenile A. schrenckii (n = 18, body mass = 32.7 ± 1.2 g, body length = 18.8 ± 0.3 cm) was conducted using a stepped velocity test carried out in a fish respirometer equipped with a high‐speed video camera at 20°C. Results indicate: (1) The counter‐current swimming capability of A. schrenckii was low with critical swimming speed of 1.96 ± 0.10 BL/sec. (2) When a linear function was fitted to the data, oxygen consumption, as a function of swimming speed, was determined to be MO2 = 337.29 + 128.10U (R2 = 0.971, P < 0.001) and the power value (1.0) of U indicated high swimming efficiency. (3) Excess post‐exercise oxygen cost was 48.44 mgO2/kg and indicated excellent fatigue recovery. (4) Cost of transport decreased slowly with increased swimming speed. (5) Increased swimming speed led to increases in the tail beat frequency and stride length. This investigation contributed to the basic science of fish swimming behavior and provided data required for the design of fishways. Innovative methods have allowed cultivation of the species in the Yangtze River and, if effective fishways could be incorporated into the design of future hydropower projects on the Amur River, it would contribute to conservation of wild populations of A. schrenckii. The information provided here contributes to the international effort to save this critically endangered species. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:149–155, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
β‐Endorphin‐induced Inhibition of Vitellogenic Follicular Growth in the Fish Oreochromis mossambicus: Evidence for Opioidergic Mediation of Ovarian Stress Response
Authors: CHABBI AMBARISHA , GANESH C.B.
Published: January 2013

The opioid peptide β‐endorphin (β‐EP) is known to play modulatory role in vertebrate reproduction. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of β‐EP and the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (NALT) on follicular development in normal, and stressed female tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. Administration of 4 µg β‐EP, but not 0.5 or 1.5 µg β‐EP daily for 22 days caused a significant reduction in the mean GSI, HSI, and number of Stage IV (vitellogenic) follicles compared to experimental controls during the prespawning phase of the ovarian cycle. Furthermore, the Stage V (vitellogenic) follicles were completely absent during the prespawning phase concomitant with the significantly lower serum levels of estradiol and cortisol in 4 µg β‐EP treated fish compared to experimental controls. On the other hand, exposure of the fish to mild acute stressors for 22 days caused changes in the ovary similar to that of high dose of β‐EP, whereas administration of NALT attenuated these effects. The results reveal that β‐EP exerts inhibitory effect on the vitellogenic follicular growth through the suppression of ovarian steroidogenesis. The study provides evidence for the opioidergic mediation of the ovarian stress response for the first time in fish. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:156–165, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteoarthritic versus osteoporotic bone and intra‐skeletal variations in normal bone: Evaluation with µCT and bone histomorphometry
Authors: Zupan Janja , van't Hof Rob J. , Vindišar Franci , Haring Gregor , Trebše Rihard , Komadina Radko , Marc Janja
Published: January 2013

Several studies have shown that in contrast to osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by high bone mineral density (BMD). Bone strength not only depends on mineral content as determined by dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), but also on bone microarchitecture. We studied intertrochanteric bone from normal controls and OA and OP patients by bone histomorphometry (BHM) and microcomputed tomography (µCT) as well as DXA in order to first, test the differences between OA and OP comparing both groups to healthy controls, second, to assess variations between three different skeletal sites in controls and third, to determine the level of agreement between µCT, BHM, and DXA. Analysis was performed on 115 samples from OA and OP patients, and controls. We found significant differences between OA and OP samples in structural parameters and in the osteoid fraction (p < 0.05). The majority of the intra‐skeletal differences were shown between lumbar spine and femoral head samples (p < 0.05). Significant agreements were found between µCT and BHM and DXA (r = 0.32–0.45, p < 0.05). Our findings suggest differences in intertrochanteric bone between OA and OP, the age‐related intra‐skeletal variations and a correlation between microscopic and macroscopic bone evaluation methods. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1059–1066, 2013
In vivo efficacy of fresh versus frozen osteochondral allografts in the goat at 6 months is associated with PRG4 secretion
Authors: Pallante‐Kichura Andrea L. , Chen Albert C. , Temple‐Wong Michele M. , Bugbee William D. , Sah Robert L.
Published: January 2013

The long‐term efficacy of osteochondral allografts is due to the presence of viable chondrocytes within graft cartilage. Chondrocytes in osteochondral allografts, especially those at the articular surface that normally produce the lubricant proteoglycan‐4 (PRG4), are susceptible to storage‐associated death. The hypothesis of this study was that the loss of chondrocytes within osteochondral grafts leads to decreased PRG4 secretion, after graft storage and subsequent implant. The objectives were to determine the effect of osteochondral allograft treatment (FROZEN vs. FRESH) on secretion of functional PRG4 after (i) storage, and (ii) 6 months in vivo in adult goats. FROZEN allograft storage reduced PRG4 secretion from cartilage by ∼85% compared to FRESH allograft storage. After 6 months in vivo, the PRG4‐secreting function of osteochondral allografts was diminished with prior FROZEN storage by ∼81% versus FRESH allografts and by ∼84% versus non‐operated control cartilage. Concomitantly, cellularity at the articular surface in FROZEN allografts was ∼96% lower than FRESH allografts and non‐operated cartilage. Thus, the PRG4‐secreting function of allografts appears to be maintained in vivo based on its state after storage. PRG4 secretion may be not only a useful marker of allograft performance, but also a biological process protecting the articular surface of grafts following cartilage repair. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 880–886, 2013
The role of sinus surgery in children
Authors: Makary Chadi A. , Ramadan Hassan H.
Published: January 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To critically review the current literature discussing the outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in children with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Literature review.

Methods

PubMed database and the Cochrane Library were searched. The PubMed search included all English‐language literature published between January 1990 and July 2012 discussing the role of ESS in children with CRS. Studies that included patients with cystic fibrosis, primary immunodeficiency disorders, or ciliary dysmotility disorders were excluded.

Results

Of the 507 articles retrieved from the primary research strategy, 11 studies were included for further discussion. There were no randomized controlled studies. The rate of success of pediatric ESS ranged from 82% to 100% in selected patients. Children undergoing ESS for CRS usually have more severe disease compared to those who get medical treatment or adenoidectomy. The extracted rate of complication was 1.4%, with no cases of cerebrospinal fluid leak or major orbital injury such as hematoma or blindness reported.

Conclusions

ESS offers a surgical alternative in the treatment of CRS in children with an excellent safety profile. There remains a need for higher level studies addressing the indications of ESS in children.

Level of Evidence

2a
Soil Properties and Maize Growth in Saline and Nonsaline Soils using Cassava‐Industrial Waste Compost and Vermicompost with or Without Earthworms
Authors: Oo A. N. , Iwai C. B. , Saenjan P.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of compost and vermicompost as soil conditioners in alleviating salt‐affected soils and increasing maize productivity. A greenhouse trial, consisting of seven soil amendment treatments in a completely randomized design with three replications, was carried out at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, during the rainy season of 2011. Plant height and total dry matter of maize increased in treatments with compost and vermicompost application when compared with the control (no fertilizer) in two types of soils (saline and nonsaline) during the growing season. Soil pH and electrical conductivity in saturation paste extracts were decreased by compost and vermicompost amendments with or without earthworms when compared with unamended treatments in the saline soil. Compost and vermicompost amendments improved cation exchange capacity, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and extractable phosphorus in both soils. These amendments also increased exchangeable K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ while decreasing exchangeable Na+ in the saline soil, which suggested that Ca2+ was exchanged for Na+, exchangeable Na+, then leached out, and soil salinity reduced as a result. Soil microbial activities including microbial C and N and basal soil respiration were improved by the application of compost and vermicompost amendments with or without earthworms when compared with the control in both soils. This experiment showed that the compost and vermicompost were effective in alleviating salinity and improving crop growth. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple solutions for a superlinear p‐Laplacian equation with concave nonlinearities
Authors: Sun Mingzheng
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we consider a superlinear p‐Laplacian equation with concave nonlinearities, and by Morse theory we can obtain multiple nontrivial solutions of this equation.
Slotline‐fed ultracompact antenna for wide band applications
Authors: Nair Sreejith M. , Shameena V. A. , Sreenath S. , Mohanan P.
Published: January 2013

A compact, wide‐band slotline‐fed uniplanar antenna is presented. The antenna offers a wide bandwidth from 3.8 to 10.2 GHz with a directional radiation pattern in the entire operating band. Also the antenna offers an average gain of 5 dBi in the entire band with an average efficiency of 85%. The antenna possesses an overall dimension of 21.9 × 8.8 × 1.6 mm3 when fabricated on substrate of dielectric constant 4.4 and thickness 1.6 mm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:526–529, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27355
Design and validation of low‐pass filter using microstrip stub and defected ground structure
Authors: Tamasi Moyra , Santanu Das , Susanta Parui
Published: January 2013

In this article, a compact microstrip low‐pass filter using conventional elliptical headed dumbbell‐shaped defected ground structure (DGS) is presented.The proposed structure with main dimension parameters has been analyzed as a design guide, which can be used to fabricate the filter in future. The H‐shape open stub increases the equivalent parallel capacitance to improve the out‐band suppression. The proposed LPF shows low cut‐off frequency response, low insertion loss, sharp transition, and fairly good rejection in stop band. For the five‐array DGS filter, including stubs provides the rejection in stop band from 2.8 GHz to higher frequencies. DGSs have shown increasing potential for implementation in different applications: microwave integrated circuit (MIC), monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), and radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC). They provide sharp, distinct electromagnetic band‐gap, and high slow wave factor, which lead to smaller size circuits and takes lots of engineering challenges. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:571–573, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27361
Secure dual‐chip contactless card with an integrated complementary touch switch
Authors: Shin B. H. , Yum J. W. , Kim S. H. , Lee J. Y. , Jang J. H.
Published: January 2013

A complementary operating dual‐chip contactless card is designed by incorporating an integrated touch switch to avoid potential identity theft.The designed contactless card contains two microchips for a credit card and a transport card. Users can select which card will be used by touching the integrated switch, which is composed of parallel copper plates. By touching the integrated switch with a finger, the impedance of the switch is changed and the power transferred to the microchip is also changed. When the power transferred to the microchip is higher than the threshold power, the microchip is activated. In the normal state, i.e., the untouched state, only the microchip for the transport card is activated. When the switch is touched by a finger, the microchip for the transport card is deactivated and the microchip for the credit card is activated. By incorporating a simple touch switch, the smart card can be under the user's control so that unwanted identity theft or unauthorized credit card charges can be avoided. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:529–533, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27362
A compact ultrawideband antenna with two band‐notches
Authors: Zhai Huiqing , Ou Jinxia , Li Tong , Li Guihong , Li Long , Liang Changhong
Published: January 2013

A compact ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with two band‐notched characteristics is presented and investigated in this article.Two conformal U type slots are etched on the patch to generate two notched bands at 3.5 and 5.2–5.8 GHz, which contribute good rejection of interference with WiMAX (3.5 GHz) and wireless local area network (5.2–5.8 GHz), each of which can be controlled independently. The presented antenna can provide an UWB bandwidth with expected notched band, and it has omnidirectional radiation pattern and stable gain at working frequencies according to simulation and measurement results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:583–586, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27369
Polarization reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Han Tuan‐Yung , Jiashih Shih Chuang , Row Jeen‐Sheen
Published: January 2013

The performances of a quasilumped coupler with a pair of capacitors are first described. By varying the capacitance value of the capacitors, the coupler can operate at three different modes, including uncoupled‐line mode, quadrature hybrid mode, and T‐junction power divider mode. Based on the coupler design, a microstrip antenna with switchable polarization is developed and implemented. Experimental results demonstrate that the reconfigurable antenna can provide two linear polarizations and one circular polarization at one frequency. In addition, the antenna operating at each polarization state has good impedance matching and broadside radiation with low cross polarization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:471–474, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27374
A novel design of reconfigurable small monopole antenna with switchable band notch and multi‐resonance functions for UWB applications
Authors: Ojaroudi Nasser , Ojaroudi Mohammad
Published: January 2013

A novel reconfigurable square monopole antenna with switchable band‐notch and multiresonance performances is designed and manufactured.In the proposed structure, by cutting an inverted Γ‐shaped slit with variable dimension on the ground plane, new additional resonance is excited and hence much wider impedance bandwidth can be produced, especially at the higher band. Additionally, to generate multiresonance characteristics, we use an inverted U‐ring shaped slot, in the ground plane. To achieve reconfigurable function, we use a pin diode across the inverted U‐ring slot in the ground plane. When this pin diode is biased, the inverted U‐ring slot has converted to a rectangular slot with an E‐shaped strip protruded inside the slot, and also by creating this new structure, band notched performance is generated. The designed antenna has a small size of 12 × 18 mm2 while showing the radiation performance in the frequency band of 3.02 to over 12.97 GHz with a band rejection performance in the frequency band of 5.03–5.98 GHz. Simulated and experimental results obtained for this antenna with a reconfigurable frequency function in the range of 5 GHz–6 GHz show that it exhibits good radiation behavior within the UWB frequency range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:652–656, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27376
Very simple synthesis formulas for microcoplanar striplines
Authors: Yildiz C. , Kisioglu H.
Published: January 2013

Accurate and very simple synthesis formulas for the microcoplanar strip (MCS) lines are presented. They are very useful for microwave engineers to easily and accurately compute the physical dimension of MCS lines. The coefficients in the synthesis formulas are determined with the use of artificial bee colony algorithm. The results of the synthesis formulas are compared with the results of respective quasi‐static analysis, other synthesis formulas, and experimental works available in the literature to show the validation of synthesis formulas presented in this article. The average percentage error is calculated 3.07% for 864 MCS line samples having different electrical parameters and physical dimensions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:615–619, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27377
Novel wire‐bond free asymmetrical power divider for coplanar waveguide
Authors: León Germán , Herrán Luis F. , Heras Fernando Las
Published: January 2013

The design and the experimental result of an asymmetrical power divider based on three resonators in coplanar waveguide (CPW) technology are presented.In this work, resonators coupling do not excite unwanted modes in CPW. This characteristic can be used to design power dividers that do not need air‐bridges. The proximity of the resonators will determinate the coupling of the divider as well as the symmetrical or asymmetrical behavior of the element. This novel design has been measured and good power transfer is found in the bandpass. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:629–632, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27388
Novel low‐profile foam dielectric over‐the‐shoulder antenna based on coupled patches technique
Authors: Svanda Milan , Polivka Milan , Hudec Premysl
Published: January 2013

The article presents a novel wearable antenna composed of two coupled patches excited by an overlapping folded dipole. In spite of being operated in a relatively low frequency band 380 ÷ 390 MHz, the antenna shows a very low profile and other dimensions are acceptable as well. Besides a very low absorption of the radiated RF power by any nearby human body, it also ensures a very good immunity against influence on antenna parameters. In comparison to commonly used simple conformal monopole antennas, the presented solution provides a double‐side radiation pattern and a substantially higher gain. The antenna can be manufactured using very light and twistable foam dielectric and conductive fabric, and can be worn as a strap placed over the shoulder. It is intended to be used together with personal radio communication transceivers operated in the given frequency band. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:593–597, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27389
Design of an ultrawideband UHF embedded annular slot antenna
Authors: Zhu Yong Zhong
Published: January 2013

A novel ultrawideband annular slot antenna for ultrahigh‐frequency airborne communication applications is presented. This antenna is composed of concave cylinder, four shorting inductive posts, a top plate, and backed cavity, and achieves a wide impedance bandwidth from 225 to 400 MHz. Measurements show that the proposed structure can get omnidirectional radiation pattern, and can be used in airborne applications as flush‐mounted alternatives to monopole blade antenna. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:680–682, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27400
Broadband three‐section symmetrical directional couplers with reduced coupling coefficient requirements
Authors: Staszek Kamil , Wincza Krzysztof , Gruszczynski Slawomir
Published: January 2013

A new class of broadband symmetrical directional couplers has been investigated. The proposed couplers consist of three coupled‐line sections with the middle coupled‐line section connected between two identical coupled‐line sections in such a way that the coupled and transmission ports of the resulting three‐section directional coupler are exchanged in comparison to the well‐known three‐section symmetrical directional coupler. By choosing coupling coefficients and electrical lengths it is possible to achieve an equal‐ripple coupling characteristic. Theoretical analysis has been performed and the properties of the proposed directional couplers are compared to the well‐known multisection couplers. The presented theoretical analysis has been verified by the design. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:639–645, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27401
Epigenetic regulation of the X‐linked tumour suppressors BEX1 and LDOC1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Chia‐Huei , Wong Thian‐Sze , Chan Jimmy Yu‐Wai , Lu Shao‐Chun , Lin Pinpin , Cheng Ann‐Joy , Chen Yin‐Ju , Chang Jeffrey Shu‐Ming , Hsiao Shu‐Huei , Leu Yu‐Wei , Li Chuan‐i , Hsiao Jenn‐Ren , Chang Jang‐Yang
Published: January 2013

The strong associations between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and dietary habits such as alcohol consumption (A), betel quid chewing (B) and cigarette smoking (C) and its predominance in men have been well documented; however, systemic analysis of OSCC is limited. Our study applied high‐throughput screening methods to identify causative epigenetic targets in a cohort of men with ABC‐associated OSCC. We identified BEX1 and LDOC1 as two epigenetically silenced X‐linked tumour suppressors and demonstrated a functional link between the transcription of BEX1 and LDOC1 and promoter hypermethylation. Methylation of the BEX1 and LDOC1 promoters was associated significantly (p < 0.0001) with OSCC and were detected in 75% (42/56) and 89% (50/56) of the samples, respectively. We observed concordant increases in the methylation of both genes in 71% (40/56) of the tumours, and potent in vitro and in vivo growth inhibitory effects in OSCC cells ectopically expressing BEX1 and/or LDOC1. Restored expression of BEX1 and LDOC1 suppressed the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling pathway, which is the most frequently hyperactivated signalling pathway in OSCC. This suppression might result from decreased p50 and p65 expression. These findings suggest that silencing of BEX1 and LDOC1 by promoter hypermethylation might represent a critical event in the molecular pathogenesis of OSCC and account for the oncogenic effects of ABC exposure and the male predominance of OSCC occurrence. Microarray data are available in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid detection of aneuploidies on a benchtop sequencing platform
Authors: Xie Weiwei , Tan Yueqiu , Li Xuchao , Lin Ge , Jiang Hui , Chen Fang , Zhang Chunlei , Gong Fei , Pan Xiaoyu , Chen Shengpei , Lu Guangxiu , Wang Wei , Zhang Xiuqing
Published: January 2013

Objective

To report a novel method of rapidly detecting fetal aneuploidies for spontaneous abortion using ultra‐low whole genome sequencing data on a benchtop sequencing platform.

Method

Fetal chorionic villus samples were collected from 40 cases of spontaneous abortion with 22 different types of aneuploidy. Genomic DNA of each sample was extracted and sequenced on Illumina MiSeq platform. Unique reads of different read lengths were generated and analyzed using a z‐score test.

Results

The entire test was finished in 48 hours. An average of 102 k unique reads was obtained for each sample, and all 40 different aneuploidy samples were correctly identified with a z‐score of ≥3 or ≤ ‐3. No false positives or false negatives were observed. Further analysis demonstrated that read length and sequencing type (Paired‐end or Single‐end) significantly affects the efficiency of sex chromosomal aneuploidy detection. Paired‐end 50 bp reads displayed the highest mapping rate and is recommended for future large‐scale clinical settings.

Conclusion

Ultra‐low whole genome sequencing can rapidly detect aneuploidy of chromosomes in spontaneous abortion samples in less than 48 hours and therefore can serve as an alternative option to current aneuploidy detection methods for aborted tissues. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.