bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Transformation of HMF into 2,5‐Diformylfuran and 2,5‐Dihydroxymethylfuran without an External Oxidant or Reductant
Authors: Li Gang , Sun Zhen , Yan Yueer , Zhang Yahong , Tang Yi
Published: November 2016

The selective transformation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to valuable 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) and 2,5‐dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF) is highly desirable but remains a great challenge owing to its tendency to over‐oxidation and over‐reduction. In this work, HMF is directly converted into DFF and DHMF without external oxidant or reductant through a Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley–Oppenauer (MPVO) reaction. In such a MPVO process, HMF is used as both oxidant and reductant and DFF and DHMF are simultaneously produced with a 1:1 molar ratio in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. Under high initial HMF concentration, a HMF conversion of up to 44.7 % can be reached within 1 h. Moreover, this atom‐efficient transformation route for HMF also provides a promising protocol for the crude separation of DHMF products from DFF products, owing to the lower solubility of DHMF compared to DFF in acetonitrile.
A drop in the circulating concentrations of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products is associated with seroconversion to autoantibody positivity but not with subsequent progression to clinical disease in children en route to type 1 diabetes
Authors: Salonen K.M. , Ryhänen S.J. , Forbes J.M. , Härkönen T. , Ilonen J. , Simell O. , Veijola R. , Groop P.‐H. , Knip M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their interaction with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) have been studied for their role in the pathogenesis and complications of type 1 diabetes. Decreased concentrations of soluble RAGE (sRAGE) have been reported in acute autoimmune inflammation. We set out to analyze the changes in sRAGE concentration during preclinical diabetes in children seroconverting to islet autoantibody positivity.

Methods

We measured serum concentrations of sRAGE in 168 children who progressed to clinical disease and 43 children who turned positive for at least 2 diabetes‐associated autoantibodies but remained nondiabetic. We analyzed the sRAGE before seroconversion in the first autoantibody‐positive sample and annually thereafter until the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes or end of follow‐up.

Results

Both groups had similar sRAGE before seroconversion, but subsequently, sRAGE concentrations were lower (P < .001) in the progressors. The progressors had significantly higher sRAGE concentrations before than after seroconversion (P < .001). The nonprogressors did not experience a similar decrease. The sRAGE concentrations remained stable after seroconversion in both groups.

Conclusions

These data indicate that sRAGE may be involved in the initiation of beta‐cell autoimmunity but not in the progression from beta‐cell autoimmunity to clinical disease.
Retinoic acid signaling regulates Krt5 and Krt14 independently of stem cell markers in submandibular salivary gland epithelium
Authors: Abashev Timur M. , Metzler Melissa A. , Wright Diana M. , Sandell Lisa L.
Published: November 2016

Background: Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, has been demonstrated to be important for growth and branching morphogenesis of mammalian embryonic salivary gland epithelium. However, it is not known whether RA functions directly within epithelial cells or in associated tissues that influence morphogenesis of salivary epithelium. Moreover, downstream targets of RA regulation have not been identified. Results: Here, we show that canonical RA signaling occurs in multiple tissues of embryonic mouse salivary glands, including epithelium, associated parasympathetic ganglion neurons, and nonneuronal mesenchyme. By culturing epithelium explants in isolation from other tissues, we demonstrate that RA influences epithelium morphogenesis by direct action in that tissue. Moreover, we demonstrate that inhibition of RA signaling represses cell proliferation and expression of FGF10 signaling targets, and upregulates expression of basal epithelial keratins Krt5 and Krt14. Importantly, we show that the stem cell gene Kit is regulated inversely from Krt5/Krt14 by RA signaling. Conclusions: RA regulates Krt5 and Krt14 expression independently of stem cell character in developing salivary epithelium. RA, or chemical inhibitors of RA signaling, could potentially be used for modulating growth and differentiation of epithelial stem cells for the purpose of re‐populating damaged glands or generating bioengineered organs. Developmental Dynamics 246:135–147, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐142 is a multifaceted regulator in organogenesis, homeostasis, and disease
Authors: Shrestha Amit , Mukhametshina Regina T. , Taghizadeh Sara , Vásquez‐Pacheco Esmeralda , Cabrera‐Fuentes Hector , Rizvanov Albert , Mari Bernard , Carraro Gianni , Bellusci Saverio
Published: November 2016

Over the past decade, microRNA‐142 (miR‐142) is emerging as a major regulator of cell fate decision in the hematopoietic system. However, miR‐142 is expressed in many other tissues, and recent evidence suggests that it may play a more pleiotropic role during embryonic development. In addition, miR‐142 has been shown to play important functions in disease. miR‐142 displays a functional role in cancer, virus infection, inflammation, and immune tolerance. Both a guide strand (miR‐142‐3p) and passenger strand (miR‐142‐5p) are generated from the miR‐142 hairpin. miR‐142‐3p and ‐5p display overlapping but also independent target genes. Loss of function mouse models (genetrap, global knock out [KO], and conditional KO) have been reported and support the important role of miR‐142 in different biological processes. This review will summarize the abundant literature already available for miR‐142 and will lay the foundation for future works on this important microRNA. Developmental Dynamics 246:285–290, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphoregulatory pathways in prostate ductal development
Authors: Montano Monica , Bushman Wade
Published: November 2016

The mouse prostate is a male sex‐accessory gland comprised of a branched ductal network arranged into three separate bilateral lobes: the anterior, dorsolateral, and ventral lobes. Prostate ductal development is the primary morphogenetic event in prostate development and requires a complex regulation of spatiotemporal factors. This review provides an overview of prostate development and the major genetic regulators and signaling pathways involved. To identify new areas for further study, we briefly highlight the likely important, but relatively understudied, role of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, we point out the potential importance of the ECM in influencing the behavior and prognosis of prostate cancer. Developmental Dynamics 246:89–99, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copper(II), Nickel(II), and Cobalt(II)/(III) Self‐Assembled Polynuclear Complexes of Bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]]methane
Authors: Gusev Alexey N. , Shul'gin Victor F. , Ryush Irina O. , Hasegawa Miki , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Eremenko Igor L. , Linert Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

The reactions of bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]methane (H2L) with copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) salts afford a series of unusual structures; among them are the homoleptic binuclear complexes [Ni2(H2L)2(H2O)4](NO3)4·6H2O (1) and [Ni2(H2L)2Cl2]Cl2·4H2O·2C4H8O2 (2), the octanuclear complex [Ni8(H2L)12](NO3)16·21H2O (3), and the tetranuclear complexes [Cu4(HL)4](ClO4)4·C2H5OH·3H2O (4), [Co4(HL)2(H2L)2(H2O)4](NO3)8·C2H5OH·6H2O (5), and [Co4(HL)2(H2L)2(H2O)4]·(ClO4)8·8H2O (6). All these compounds have been characterized by different techniques, such as elemental analysis, electrospray mass spectrometry (ES‐MS), UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray structural analyses, and magnetic measurements. It was found that the nature of the cation and the metal/ligand ratio have a substantial impact on the coordination geometries of the unique complexes. The magnetic properties of compounds 1 and 2 show the presence of intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange interactions (J = +2.3 and +15.2 cm–1) combined with intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling. Complexes 3, 5, and 6 show weak intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions, while complex 4 shows quite strong antiferromagnetic behavior (J = –53.7 cm–1).
Triammine fac and mer Coordination for Ruthenium–Nitrosyl Complexes: Synthesis and Characterization of [RuNO(NH3)3Cl2]Cl
Authors: Vorobyev Vasily , Emelyanov Vyacheslav A. , Plusnina Olga A. , Makarov Edgar M. , Baidina Iraida A. , Smolentsev Anton I. , Tkachev Sergey V. , Asanova Tatyana I.
Published: November 2016

New high‐yielding methods for two [RuNO(NH3)3Cl2]Cl complexes are suggested. First, the ammine ligands are arranged facially through the reaction of a concentrated ammonia solution with the ruthenium–hexanitro complex. In the next step, the treatment of the previously unknown fac‐Na[Ru(NO2)3(NH3)3]·3H2O with hydrochloric acid leads to the nitrosyl complex. The mer‐[RuNO(NH3)3Cl2]Cl·H2O complex is formed from the corresponding aqua complex under reflux in 6 m HCl. The complexes were studied by various methods [FTIR spectroscopy, 14N NMR spectroscopy, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X‐ray diffraction studies]. Metastable states (Ru–O–N) were observed in mer‐[RuNO(NH3)3Cl(H2O)]Cl2, mer‐[RuNO(NH3)3Cl2]Cl·H2O, and fac‐[RuNO(NH3)3Cl2]Cl under illumination at λ = 443 nm at liquid‐nitrogen temperatures.
Catalytic Behaviour of Calixarenylphosphanes in Nickel‐Catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Monnereau Laure , Sémeril David , Matt Dominique , Gourlaouen Christophe
Published: November 2016

Two upper‐rim‐functionalised calix[4]arenes, 5‐diphenylphosphino‐25,26,27,28‐tetra‐benzyloxycalix[4]arene and 5‐diphenylphosphino‐25,26,27,28‐tetra‐(p‐anisyl)methyloxy calix[4]arene, were investigated in the nickel‐catalysed cross‐coupling of phenylboronic acid with aryl bromides. The catalytic activities are higher than those observed for other triarylphosphanes, notably PPh3 and P(o‐tolyl)3 as well as the Buchwald‐type ligand o‐biph‐PPh2 [TOFs up to 2600 mol(ArPh) mol(Ni)–1 h–1], but the production of large amounts of dehalogenation product could not be avoided, thus strongly contrasting with the classical Pd‐catalysed reaction. Good activities were also obtained with aryl chlorides, even at room temperature. The higher efficiency of 1 and 2 relative to that of the Buchwald ligand 3 probably arises from the ease with which these two calix–phosphanes may form appropriate monophosphine complexes before the oxidative addition step.
Large wood clogging during floods in a gravel‐bed river: the Długopole bridge in the Czarny Dunajec River, Poland
Authors: Ruiz‐Villanueva Virginia , Wyżga Bartłomiej , Mikuś Paweł , Hajdukiewicz Maciej , Stoffel Markus
Published: November 2016

During floods, large quantities of wood can be mobilized and transported downstream. At critical sections, such as bridges, the transported wood might be entrapped and a quick succession of backwater effects can occur as a result of the reduction of the cross‐sectional area. The aim of this work is to explore large wood‐related hazards during floods in the gravel‐bed river Czarny Dunajec (Polish Carpathians), where the river flows through the village of Długopole. This work is based on the numerical modelling of large wood transport together with flow dynamics in which inlet and boundary conditions were designed based on field observations. The exploratory approach developed in this study uses multiple scenarios (193) to analyse the factors controlling bridge clogging: wood size, wood supply, flow conditions, morphology and obstacles in the riverbed. Results highlighted the strong control of log length (stronger than that of log diameter) on potential blockage probability; however, according to our results the main factor controlling bridge clogging was the flood discharge. River morphology and wood supply play an important role as well. The river morphology may reduce bridge blockage, as it influences flow velocity and depth, and creates natural retention zones for wood. In addition, the impacts of bridge blockage were analysed in terms of afflux depth and length, and flooded area. Results showed that bridge blockage may result in a significant increase in water depth (up to 0.7 m) and flooded area (up to 33% more), therefore increasing flood risk in the village. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional hydromorphological characterization with continuous and automated remote sensing analysis based on VHR imagery and low‐resolution LiDAR data
Authors: Demarchi Luca , Bizzi Simone , Piégay Hervé
Published: November 2016

Recent developments in remote sensing (RS) technologies lead the way in characterizing river morphology at regional scales and inferring potential channel responses to human pressures. In this paper, a unique regional database of continuous hydromorphological variables (HyMo DB) based on areal and topographic data has been generated from RS analysis. Key riverscape units with specific geomorphic meaning have been automatically mapped for 1700 km2 of river floodplains from simultaneous very‐high‐resolution (VHR) near‐infrared aerial imagery and low‐resolution LiDAR‐derived products. A multi‐level, geographical object‐based architecture (GEOBIA) was employed to integrate both spectral and topographic information and generate a regional classifier able to automatically map heterogeneous fluvial patterns in different geographical and topographical contexts of the Piedmont Region (Italy).

This HyMo‐generated DB offers a unique set of tools for hydromorphologists and can be exploited for different purposes. For the first time, topographic information can be exploited regionally per riverscape unit class, allowing for quantitative analysis of their regional spatial and statistical variability. In this manner, river types can be automatically characterized and classified using objective and repeatable hydromorphological variables. We discuss the potential of quantifying functional links between riverscape units and their driving processes, a valuable source of information to start assessing and highlighting the entity of potential channel adjustments at the regional scale to human pressures. The HyMo DB can also be integrated with historical, field‐based information to better comprehend current fluvial changes at a local scale. In view of future RS acquisitions, the present approach will result in a suitable procedure for quantitative, objective and continuous monitoring of river evolutions over large scales. This type of hydromorphological characterization will allow regional trends and patterns to be highlighted through time and river management strategies to thus be implemented at both regional and local scales. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subglacial abrasion rates at Goldbergkees, Hohe Tauern, Austria, determined from cosmogenic 10Be and 36Cl concentrations
Authors: Wirsig Christian , Ivy‐Ochs Susan , Reitner Jürgen M. , Christl Marcus , Vockenhuber Christof , Bichler Mathias , Reindl Martin
Published: November 2016

We report concentrations of cosmogenic 10Be and 36Cl used to determine erosion depths in the recently deglaciated bedrock at Goldbergkees in the Eastern Alps. The glacier covered the sampling sites during the Little Ice Age (LIA) until c. 1940. The youngest ages calculated from these concentrations match the known exposure time after the post‐LIA exposure of <100 years. The apparent age (no cover, no erosion) of most samples, however, is significantly older. We show that the measured nuclide concentrations represent subglacial erosion depths, rather than exposure times. In particular, erosion depths calculated using 10Be and 36Cl concentrations of individual samples match well, whereas apparent 36Cl ages are consistently older than 10Be ages. The bedrock at the ‘youngest’ surfaces was deeply eroded (≥ 297 cm) by the Goldbergkees during the late Holocene. In contrast, bedrock at the margin of the LIA ice extent was eroded ≤35 cm. These values convert to subglacial erosion rates on the order of 0.1 mm/a to >5 mm/a. While modeled erosion rates depend on the duration of glacial cover and erosion intrinsic to the different exposure scenarios used for calculation (700–3300 years), modeled total erosion depths are insensitive (5–20% change).

Analysis of erosion depths on the transverse valley profile shows a general trend of greatest erosion part way up the valley side and less erosion under thin ice at the lateral margin. A second profile along the valley axis indicates depth of erosion is greatest where the ice abuts the foot of the investigated bedrock riegel and at its lee side just beyond the crest. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the credibility of histopathology data in environmental endocrine toxicity studies
Authors: Wolf Jeffrey C. , Maack Gerd
Published: November 2016

Agencies responsible for environmental protection are tasked with developing regulatory guidance that is based on the best available scientific evidence. Histopathology is a common endpoint in toxicologic bioassays; however, because of the subjective nature of this endpoint, and the advanced level of specialized training required for its effective utilization, the reliability of histopathology data can be inconsistent. Consequently, mechanisms for evaluating such data on a case-by-case basis are needed. The purposes of the present review are to describe a methodology that can be used to evaluate the credibility of histopathology findings and to discuss the results of such assessments as applied to real-world data collected from the scientific literature. A key outcome of these efforts was the finding that only 54% of the studies examined contained histopathology data that were considered to be either highly credible or credible, whereas data in 46% of those studies were of equivocal, dubious, or no credibility. In addition, the results indicated that the quality of the data examined tended to decline during the past 15 yr. The ultimate goals of the present review are to draw attention to reliability issues that can affect histopathology results, provide recommendations to improve the quality of this endpoint, and suggest an approach for the expeditious and judicious use of histopathology data in the weight-of-evidence determinations required for hazard and/or risk assessment. This exercise was conducted initially as part of a SETAC Pellston Workshop™ entitled “Environmental Hazard and Risk Assessment Approaches for Endocrine-Active Chemicals (EHRA): Developing Technical Guidance Based on Case Studies to Support Decision Making” that was held in Pensacola, Florida (USA) from 31 January to 5 February 2016. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:601–611. © 2016 SETAC
Learning and Development of Second and Foreign Language Pragmatics as a Higher‐Order Language Skill: A Brief Overview of Relevant Theories
Authors: Timpe‐Laughlin Veronika
Published: November 2016

The development of effective second and foreign (L2) language learning materials needs to be grounded in two types of theories: (a) a theory of language and language use and (b) a theory of language learning. Both are equally important, insofar as an effective learning environment requires an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are being targeted as well as an idea of how learner development progresses. Although the author and colleagues have previously provided a theoretical basis for the construct of L2 pragmatic ability, and thus a theory of language use, the current paper focuses on learner development, particularly on the theoretical orientation towards L2 pragmatic learning. Given this superordinate goal, the paper will briefly review different theoretical paradigms that have been employed in adult L2 pragmatics development research. In the first part of the paper, I will provide an overview of the cognitive, socially oriented, and emergentist perspectives used in research on L2 pragmatic development. Then, based on the different ontological perspectives, I will discuss the affordances and challenges of applying a theoretical perspective to designing L2 pragmatic learning environments, drawing upon the example of the cognitively oriented information processing theory.
Comparing catchment hydrologic response to a regional storm using specific conductivity sensors
Authors: Inserillo E. Ashley , Green Mark B. , Shanley James B. , Boyer Joseph N.
Published: November 2016

A better understanding of stormwater generation and solute sources is needed to improve the protection of aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health from large runoff events. Much of our understanding of water and solutes produced during stormflow comes from studies of individual, small headwater catchments. This study compared many different types of catchments during a single large event to help isolate landscape controls on streamwater and solute generation, including human‐impacted land cover. We used a distributed network of specific electrical conductivity sensors to trace storm response during the post‐tropical cyclone Sandy event of October 2012 at 29 catchments across the state of New Hampshire. A citizen science sensor network, Lotic Volunteer for Temperature, Electrical Conductivity, and Stage, provided a unique opportunity to investigate high‐temporal resolution stream behavior at a broad spatial scale. Three storm response metrics were analyzed in this study: (a) fraction of new water contributing to the hydrograph; (b) presence of first flush (mobilization of solutes during the beginning of the rain event); and (c) magnitude of first flush. We compared new water and first flush to 64 predictor attributes related to land cover, soil, topography, and precipitation. The new water fraction was positively correlated with low and medium intensity development in the catchment and riparian buffers and with the precipitation from a rain event 9 days prior to Sandy. The presence of first flush was most closely related (positively) to soil organic matter. Magnitude of first flush was not strongly related to any of the catchment variables. Our results highlight the potentially important role of human landscape modification in runoff generation at multiple spatial scales and the lack of a clear role in solute flushing. Further development of regional‐scale in situ sensor networks will provide better understanding of stormflow and solute generation across a wide range of landscape conditions.
The Circadian Gene Clock Regulates Bone Formation Via PDIA3
Authors: Yuan Gongsheng , Hua Bingxuan , Yang Yang , Xu Lirong , Cai Tingting , Sun Ning , Yan Zuoqin , Lu Chao , Qian Ruizhe
Published: November 2016

The expression patterns of clock-controlled genes (ccgs) are regulated by circadian rhythm, which is a major regulatory and physiological mechanism tied to the solar day. Disruptions in circadian rhythm contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, metabolic syndromes, and aging. It has been reported that bone remodeling is also regulated by circadian rhythm. However, the molecular mechanism by which the circadian gene Clock regulates bone remodeling has yet to be elucidated. Here, we show that Clock mutant mice exhibit a significant reduction in bone density as well as increased apoptosis. Protein disulfide isomerase family A member 3 (PDIA3) is a 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] receptor that can regulate bone formation and apoptosis. Using luciferase and ChIP assays, we confirmed that Pdia3 is a ccg. Clock activates Pdia3 transcription by binding the E-box promoter, and transcription is decreased in ClockΔ19 mutant mice. Forced expression of Pdia3 or of Clock completely rescues the osteogenic disorders found in the mutant background and inhibits apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, ablation of PDIA3 via RNA interference completely blocks the compensatory effect of forced expression of Clock in osteoblasts. Our results demonstrate that the core circadian gene Clock regulates bone formation via transcriptional control of 1,2,5(OH)2D3 receptor PDIA3. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
2‐Methoxyestradiol‐Mediated Induction of Frzb Contributes to Cell Death and Autophagy in MG63 Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Bravo Dalibel , Shogren Kristen L. , Zuo Dongqing , Wagner Eric R. , Sarkar Gobinda , Yaszemski Michael J. , Maran Avudaiappan
Published: November 2016

Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that mainly affects children and adolescents. Although its pathogenesis is still not fully understood, activation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma. In this report, we have investigated the effect of the anti‐tumor compound, 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME) on Wnt antagonist frizzled‐related protein b (Frzb), also known as secreted frizzled‐related protein (sFRP)3 in human osteosarcoma (MG63) cells. Our results show that 2‐ME treatment induces Frzb gene promoter activity, and increases Frzb mRNA and protein levels in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, 2‐ME treatment regulates downstream Wnt signaling, increasing the cytoplasmic levels of β‐catenin, and blocking β‐catenin‐mediated Wnt activation in osteosarcoma cells. 2‐ME‐mediated induction of Frzb protein expression is specific to osteosarcoma cells, as it does not affect Frzb expression in normal primary human osteoblasts. Furthermore, 2‐ME‐induced apoptosis and autophagy are blocked in osteosarcoma cells transfected with Frzb siRNAs. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that Frzb protein plays an important role in 2‐ME‐mediated anti‐tumor mechanisms in osteosarcoma cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1497–1504, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sesamoid bones in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) investigated with X‐ray microtomography, and implications for sesamoid evolution in Lepidosauria
Authors: Regnault Sophie , Hutchinson John R. , Jones Marc E.H.
Published: November 2016

Sesamoids bones are small intra‐tendinous (or ligamentous) ossifications found near joints and are often variable between individuals. Related bones, lunulae, are found within the menisci of certain joints. Several studies have described sesamoids and lunulae in lizards and their close relatives (Squamata) as potentially useful characters in phylogenetic analysis, but their status in the extant outgroup to Squamata, tuatara (Sphenodon), remains unclear. Sphenodon is the only living rhynchocephalian, but museum specimens are valuable and difficult to replace. Here, we use non‐destructive X‐ray microtomography to investigate the distribution of sesamoids and lunulae in 19 Sphenodon specimens and trace the evolution of these bones in Lepidosauria (Rhynchocephalia + Squamata). We find adult Sphenodon to possess a sesamoid and lunula complement different from any known squamate, but also some variation within Sphenodon specimens. The penultimate phalangeal sesamoids and tibial lunula appear to mineralize prior to skeletal maturity, followed by mineralization of a sesamoid between metatarsal I and the astragalocalcaneum (MTI‐AC), the palmar sesamoids, and tibiofemoral lunulae around attainment of skeletal maturity. The tibial patella, ulnar, and plantar sesamoids mineralize late in maturity or variably. Ancestral state reconstruction indicates that the ulnar patella and tibiofemoral lunulae are synapomophies of Squamata, and the palmar sesamoid, tibial patella, tibial lunula, and MTI‐AC may be synapomorphies of Lepidosauria. J. Morphol. 278:62–72, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
Impact of stoniness correction of soil hydraulic parameters on water balance simulations of forest plots
Authors: Wegehenkel Martin , Wagner Annette , Amoriello Tiziana , Fleck Stefan , Meesenburg Henning , Raspe Stephan
Published: November 2016

Long‐term estimates of the water balance of forests are essential for forest ecosystem analysis. Such estimates can be achieved by using numerical modelling approaches for water balance calculations. These modelling approaches require data, e.g., for the description of the hydraulic properties of forest soils using soil water retention or hydraulic conductivity functions. However, these functions are usually valid only for fine‐earth conditions. However, many forest soils, especially those located in mountainous regions, contain larger fractions of gravel and rock fragments in the soil profiles. In our study, the impact of stoniness correction of soil hydraulic functions on the performance of a numerical water balance modelling approach was evaluated by using continuously measured time series of daily throughfall, soil water contents and pressure heads provided from three different ICP Forests Level II plots with high stoniness in the soil profiles. These measured data were compared with the corresponding model outputs. The application of stoniness correction of the soil hydraulic functions improved the model performance in terms of the Nash‐Sutcliffe Index NS and the coefficient of determination R2. This indicated the need for such a correction.
Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease: Its Pathophysiology and Pragmatic Approaches to Management
Authors: Iansek Robert , Danoudis Mary
Published: November 2016

View Supplementary Video 1

View Supplementary Video 2

View Supplementary Video 3

Background

Freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is poorly understood; however, with the established understanding of basal ganglia function, its manifestations should be more easily interpretable. This review examines freezing of gait (FOG) from such a perspective.

Methods

A search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from the year 2000 onward for review articles, focused on the pathophysiology of FOG, was used to determine current concepts. A previously established model of basal ganglia function was used to determine the concepts' validities. At the core of the model are deficits in motor set maintenance and timing cue production for automatic movement. It includes the shift between attention and automation to the predominant attention control of gait in PD.

Results

The difficulties of the found concepts to explain FOG stem from failure to characterize different FOG components, from the assumption that all components share a similar pathophysiology, from a failure to separate basic deficits from compensatory mechanisms, and from the assumption that cognitive deficits are the cause of FOG rather than representing an inadequate compensation to FOG. Pragmatic approaches to management use the attention shift, with the provision of visual information about correct amplitude of step to correct initiation deficits, and motor blocks during gait. It also emphasizes the need to prevent step length reduction on turns, environmental situations, and cognitive overload.

Conclusion

The concept of automatic deficits in set maintenance and cue production best describe FOG manifestations in PD and, with the use of attention, the concept also provides pragmatic strategies for management.
Inverse spectral problems for differential pencils with boundary conditions dependent on the spectral parameter
Authors: Wang Yu Ping , Yurko V.A.
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we discuss two inverse problems for differential pencils with boundary conditions dependent on the spectral parameter. We will prove the Hochstadt–Lieberman type theorem of – except for arbitrary one eigenvalue and the Borg type theorem of – except for at most arbitrary two eigenvalues, respectively. The new results are generalizations of the related results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a compact mimo antenna with asymmetric coplanar strip‐fed for UWB applications
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Abdalla Mahmoud A. , Hu Zhirun
Published: November 2016

This article presents a new compact asymmetric coplanar strip ‐fed UWB MIMO antenna. The UWB MIMO antenna consists of two identical elements which have quarter elliptical ring radiating element with asymmetric coplanar strip‐fed. By designing the antenna using asymmetric coplanar strip‐fed, the antenna size can be reduced (its size is only 6 × 2.6 cm2). The distance between the two antenna elements equals 0.37 λ0‐The single antenna element is operated at frequencies from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz with reflection coefficient lower than −10 dB. In addition, the designed antenna elements have less than 15 dB coupling isolation between the two input ports. The diversity performance between two antenna elements such as envelope correlation coefficient and diversity gain are investigated and they are within their allowed limits. This analysis confirms that the designed antenna is suitable for portable UWB MIMO applications. The proposed antenna is designed; simulated and measured. There is a good agreement between the simulated and measured results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:31–36, 2017
Millimetre wave wideband low‐loss waveguide‐to‐substrate integrated waveguide transition
Authors: Ross Aitken J. , Hong Jiasheng
Published: November 2016

A wideband Ka‐band waveguide‐to‐substrate integrated waveguide transition is presented based on a multi‐section transformer approach. We designed our transition by successfully adapting multi‐section inhomogeneous waveguide transformer theory to match a substrate integrated waveguide feedline to a standard waveguide flange, which offers more degrees of freedom than current design methods in the state of the art. We subjected our transition to a simulated tolerance analysis and have found the transition to be robust when fabrication errors are considered. We validated these simulations by measuring a back‐to‐back waveguide‐to‐substrate integrated waveguide transition, where there is very good agreement between measured and simulated results. Moreover, an insertion loss of −0.48 dB was measured at the center frequency of the required operating range. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:10–12, 2017
Dual‐band mimo rectangular dielectric resonator antenna with high port isolation for LTE applications
Authors: Ahmad Khan Aftab , Khan Rizwan , Aqeel Sajid , Ur Rehman Kazim Jalil , Saleem Jawad , Owais M.K.
Published: November 2016

A novel dual‐band dual‐polarized rectangular dielectric resonator antennas (DRA) for long term evolution (LTE) is described and fabricated. It covers LTE band 11 (1.43–1.50) GHz at low frequency and LTE band 7 (2.50–2.69) GHz at high frequency. The isolation between two antenna ports is more than 23 dB and 32 dB at 1.45 GHz and 2.6 GHz respectively. A u‐shaped and a rectangular ground planes have been used above and below the substrate to achieve high isolation. DRA is excited through a coaxial probe and a rectangular slot. The proposed antenna can transmit and receive information independently using fundamental
and higher order
modes of DRA. Scalable behavior and frequency ratio has also been investigated in this work Results of Co and Cross‐polarization, envelop correlation coefficient and diversity shows that the proposed design is suitable for MIMO LTE applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:44–49, 2017
Design and implementation of inverse legendre microstrip filter
Authors: Kant Rajni , Gupta Nisha
Published: November 2016

The inverse Legendre filter response is derived and its property is analysed by providing the magnitude specifications in the passband and stopband. The inverse Legendre function requires the identical order n as its Legendre counterpart. A quantitative comparison is carried out between Chebyshev, inverse Chebyshev, Legendre and inverse Legendre to show the improved characteristics of the inverse Legendre filters depending on specifications and criteria. The inverse Legendre filter shows maximally flat characteristic in the passband and in comparison to other filters, it exhibits improved group delay characteristics. Finally, the filter is implemented in microstrip low pass configuration and a prototype model of the proposed filter configuration is developed and measured. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:69–73, 2017
A domain decomposition semianalytical finite element scheme for electromagnetic simulations in layered media and waveguide discontinuities
Authors: Chen Jiefu
Published: November 2016

A novel domain decomposition semianalytical finite element method is proposed for modeling of electromagnetic wave propagation in layered media. A layered structure is decomposed into several domains. Conventional finite elements are used to discretize subdomains with inhomogeneous material or structural distributions. A recently developed high precision semianalytical finite element scheme is applied to layers with homogeneity along a specific direction. Domain decomposition based on Robin transmission conditions is used to hybridize subdomains with different discretization schemes, allowing nonconforming meshes on interfaces between subdomains. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method is flexible and efficient in electromagnetic modeling of layered media and waveguide discontinuities. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:101–105, 2017
Integrated lens antenna array with full azimuth plane beam scanning capability at 60 GHz
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Kamran , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Sheta Abdel Fattah , Abdel‐Rahman M. , Himdi Mohammed
Published: November 2016

An antenna array operating at 60 GHz is proposed. The proposed array covers impedance bandwidth of 5 GHz (57.5–62.5 GHz) with maximum gain of 16.25 dBi at 61. 5 GHz. With the proposed array 15 distinct radiation patterns in azimuth plane can be achieved, each having 3‐dB beamwidth of 24° and 3‐dB cross over. The beam scanning capability can be achieved by activating each array element one by one. Each array element consists of a conventional microstrip patch antenna (MPA) integrated with extended hemispherical Teflon lens. The Teflon lens is utilized to enhance the gain of conventional MPA as well as to achieve the desired elementary radiation pattern of array to cover full azimuth plane. A very good agreement between the measured and simulated results is observed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:116–120, 2017
A low insertion loss, wideband and compact Wilkinson power divider/combiner with lumped components in 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Oh Hyun‐Myung , Lee Eun‐Gyu , Lim Jeong‐Taek , Lee Jae‐Eun , Woo Byeon Chul , Son JuHo , Ho Lee Jeong , Kim Choul‐Young
Published: November 2016

In this article, a new design of a Wilkinson power divider is presented that offers substantially improved amplitude and reduced size characteristics over a broad frequency range compared to a conventional Wilkinson power divider. The improvement in bandwidth is obtained by reducing inductance and number of lumped components in even mode. The analytical design equations for this proposed power divider are obtained using even and odd mode analysis. This power divider with a compact size is fabricated using 65 nm 1P9M CMOS technology. The measurement results show an operation bandwidth 26–40 GHz with 15 dB input, output return loss, and 0.7 dB insertion loss. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:128–131, 2017
Nonlinear modeling method for DC trans‐conductance determination of GaAs MHEMTs
Authors: Nguyen Tung The‐Lam , Kim Sam‐Dong
Published: November 2016

We propose in this study an empirical nonlinear model to extract DC intrinsic transconductance (gmDC) and output conductance (gdsDC) from the high frequency intrinsic parameter set. The proposed method based on a nonlinear equation show a very good agreement in DC I–V characteristics between the calculations and measurements with a fitting error of 0.25% and enables us successfully extract the gmDC and gdsDC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:131–134, 2017
Log periodic slot‐loaded circular vivaldi antenna for 5–40 GHz UWB applications
Authors: Mazhar Waqas , Klymyshyn David , Qureshi Aqeel
Published: November 2016

A compact antipodal log periodic slot‐loaded circular Vivaldi antenna with dimension (L × W) 45 × 60mm is presented. Structural modification to the conventional antipodal Vivaldi antenna results in miniaturization, improved impedance and pattern bandwidth performance. Proposed designs are prototyped and measured to validate wide‐impedance bandwidths from 5 to 40 GHz. These are compared to measurements on similarly fabricated traditional antipodal and circular Vivaldi antennas which shows a bandwidth only up to 26 GHz. In addition, the measured antenna gain and radiation efficiency of the log periodic slot‐loaded circular Vivaldi antenna are also found higher than the conventional designs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:159–163, 2017
A differential‐fed Yagi–Uda antenna with enhanced bandwidth via addition of parasitic resonator
Authors: Luo Yu , Chu Qing‐Xin , Bornemann Jens
Published: November 2016

A printed‐circuit differential‐fed Yagi–Uda antenna is presented that features enhanced bandwidth by employing a parasitic quarter‐wavelength coplanar stripline (CPS) resonator which adds one more resonant mode within the operating bandwidth. The proposed antenna is designed, fabricated and measured. Experimental results are in good agreement with simulations. In the band of 2.27–2.58 GHz, the return loss is better than 10 dB and the gain better than 6 dBi. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:156–159, 2017
Design and performance analysis of pattern reconfigurable MIMO antennas for mobile smartphones
Authors: Shoaib Sultan , Shoaib Nosherwan , Shoaib Imran , Chen Xiaodong
Published: November 2016

This paper presents compact pattern reconfigurable antennas for mobile handsets in MIMO configuration. Each antenna of the MIMO configuration being coupled fed monopole in meandered form is capable of covering several cellular frequency bands in the range of 1.75–2.67 GHz including 4G‐LTE, 2G‐GSM, 3G‐UMTS, and WLAN. The MIMO antennas are printed diagonally at the left and right no‐ground portions on the top layer of the substrate to enhance the isolation performance. The substrate used is FR‐4 with relative permittivity of 4.35 and loss tangent of 0.02. The volume of the substrate is 120 × 65 × 1.6 mm3 with each antenna occupying an area of 26.5 × 14.5 mm2. The pattern reconfigurability is achieved by connecting and disconnecting a 4.5 × 2 mm2 metallic strip using the p‐i‐n diode switch. The antennas are pattern reconfigurable in the frequency range of 1.9–2.1 GHz. The isolation achieved is better than 16 dB over all the frequency bands covered by each antenna. A prototype has been fabricated and tested. The simulated and measured results show a good performance of the MIMO antennas. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:148–156, 2017
Compact octa‐band monopole antenna with independently tuning for WWAN/LTE mobile phones
Authors: Huang Daiwei , Du Zhengwei , Wang Yan
Published: November 2016

A compact octa‐band monopole antenna with the size of 70 mm × 8 mm × 4.8 mm for WWAN/LTE mobile phones is proposed in this letter. It consists of two branches and a match circuit. The two branches radiate at the lower and higher bands, respectively. Thus, the lower and higher bands can be tuned independently. The match circuit composed of a shorting strip which is used as a distributed inductance and a lumped capacitance of 3 pF that can make the lower band matched and enhance the bandwidth. The fascinating merits of the proposed antenna are that the lower and higher bands can be tuned independently and the non‐ground portion height is only 8 mm. A prototype is manufactured and measured. The measured −6 dB impedance bandwidths are 313 MHz (0.697–1.01 GHz) and 1.66 GHz (1.59–3.25 GHz) at the lower and higher bands, respectively, which can cover the LTE700, GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS, LTE2300, and LTE2500 bands. The measured radiation patterns, gain, and efficiency are presented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:208–214, 2017
Ultra‐compact switchable microstrip band‐pass filter–low‐pass filter with improved characteristics
Authors: Kumar Singh Prashant , Kumar Tiwary Anjini , Gupta Nisha
Published: November 2016

A novel, ultra‐compact switchable microstrip band‐pass filter–low‐pass filter (BPF–LPF) showing wide stop band and good attenuation characteristics is proposed in this paper. Both BPF and LPF operation utilizes a common geometrical filter section, and individual filter operation is realized by means of the switches operated in “ON” or “OFF” mode. The proposed filter is designed for the dual mode BPF for wireless local area network (5.15–5.35 GHz) application with all four switches in OFF condition and for the LPF at 3 GHz cut‐off frequency with all switches in ON condition. The insertion loss (S21) in the stop band region is below −20 dB extending up to 12 GHz for both the filters. The proposed reconfigurable filter is ultra‐compact having the circuit size of only 5.952 mm × 8 mm = 47.616 mm2. The simulation result is validated experimentally. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:197–201, 2017
Particle swarm optimization for numerical bifurcation analysis in computational inelasticity
Authors: Lai Zhengshou , Chen Qiushi
Published: November 2016

An efficient and robust algorithm to numerically detect material instability or bifurcation is of great importance to the understanding and simulation of material failure in computational and applied mechanics. In this work, an intelligence optimizer, termed the particle swarm optimization, is introduced to the numerical solution of material bifurcation problem consisting of finding the bifurcation time as well as the corresponding bifurcation directions. The detection of material bifurcation is approached as a constrained minimization problem where the determinant of the acoustic tensor is minimized. The performance of the particle swarm optimization method is tested through numerical bifurcation analysis on both small and finite deformation material models in computational inelasticity with increasing complexity. Compared with conventional numerical approaches to detect material bifurcation, the proposed method demonstrates superior performance in terms of both computational efficiency and robustness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On an Uzawa smoother in multigrid for poroelasticity equations
Authors: Luo P. , Rodrigo C. , Gaspar F. J. , Oosterlee C. W.
Published: November 2016

A poroelastic saturated medium can be modeled by means of Biot's theory of consolidation. It describes the time‐dependent interaction between the deformation of porous material and the fluid flow inside of it. Here, for the efficient solution of the poroelastic equations, a multigrid method is employed with an Uzawa‐type iteration as the smoother. The Uzawa smoother is an equation‐wise procedure. It shall be interpreted as a combination of the symmetric Gauss‐Seidel smoothing for displacements, together with a Richardson iteration for the Schur complement in the pressure field. The Richardson iteration involves a relaxation parameter which affects the convergence speed, and has to be carefully determined. The analysis of the smoother is based on the framework of local Fourier analysis (LFA) and it allows us to provide an analytic bound of the smoothing factor of the Uzawa smoother as well as an optimal value of the relaxation parameter. Numerical experiments show that our upper bound provides a satisfactory estimate of the exact smoothing factor, and the selected relaxation parameter is optimal. In order to improve the convergence performance, the acceleration of multigrid by iterant recombination is taken into account. Numerical results confirm the efficiency and robustness of the acceleration scheme.