bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the Pioneer Transcription Factor FoxA1 Promotes Activation of Estrogen Signaling
Authors: Yamaguchi Noritaka , Shibazaki Misato , Yamada Chiaki , Anzai Erina , Morii Mariko , Nakayama Yuji , Kuga Takahisa , Hashimoto Yuuki , Tomonaga Takeshi , Yamaguchi Naoto
Published: November 2016

The pioneer transcription factor FoxA1 plays an important role in estrogen signaling by opening closed chromatin and promoting recruitment of the estrogen receptor to its target regions in DNA. In this study, we analyzed tyrosine phosphorylation of FoxA1 by the non‐receptor‐type tyrosine kinase c‐Abl. c‐Abl was shown to phosphorylate FoxA1 at multiple sites, especially in the N‐ and C‐terminal regions. Tyr429 and Tyr464 were identified as the major phosphorylation sites in the FoxA1 C‐terminal region. The phosphomimetic and nonphosphorylatable FoxA1 mutants were generated by glutamic acid and phenylalanine substitutions at these tyrosine residues, respectively. The phosphomimetic FoxA1 promoted the activation of estrogen signaling, whereas the nonphosphorylatable FoxA1 suppressed its activation. Stimulation with the epidermal growth factor, which activates c‐Abl, enhanced the activation of estrogen signaling. In contrast, the c‐Abl inhibitor imatinib reduced its activation. The phosphomimetic FoxA1 mutant showed a higher affinity toward histone H3 than the wild‐type. These results suggest that c‐Abl‐mediated phosphorylation of FoxA1 promotes the activation of estrogen signaling by inducing its binding to histones. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1453–1461, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long Non‐Coding RNA Uc.187 Is Upregulated in Preeclampsia and Modulates Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Cao Chunyu , Li Jingyun , Li Jun , Liu Lan , Cheng Xiaoyan , Jia Ruizhe
Published: November 2016

Among the preeclampsia‐related long non‐cording RNAs (lncRNAs) screened with a gene chip in our preliminary study, uc.187 attracted our attention because of its high conservation across different species and significant positive correlation with preeclampsia (PE). The literature and bioinformatics analysis suggested that lncRNA uc.187 might be associated with cell growth, invasion, and apoptosis. The expression of uc.187 in severe preeclamptic placentas (n = 31) and normal placentas (n = 18) was evaluated by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). We constructed a silencing lentivirus vector (uc.187 siRNA) to explore the biological function of uc.187 in the development and progression of HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblast cells in vitro. Furthermore, we utilized CCK8 analysis, a transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry to determine the role of uc.187 in the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblast cells. The proteins related to proliferation (PCNA, Ki67), invasion (MMP‐2/‐9 and TIMP‐1), and apoptosis (caspase‐3, Bcl‐2) were evaluated with a Western blot assay. The results showed that there was an obvious upregulation of uc.187 expression in preeclamptic placental tissues. In addition, uc.187 silencing enhanced cell proliferation and invasion and reduced the cellular apoptotic response. Taken together, our findings suggest for the first time that abnormal expression of lncRNA uc.187 may lead to the aberrant biological behavior of HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Therefore, we propose uc.187 as a novel lncRNA molecule that might contribute to the development of PE and might represent a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for this disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1462–1470, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational Screening and Exploration of Disease‐Associated Genes in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Jamal Salma , Goyal Sukriti , Shanker Asheesh , Grover Abhinav
Published: November 2016

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease affecting large populations worldwide characterized mainly by progressive loss of memory along with various other symptoms. The foremost cause of the disease is still unclear, however various mechanisms have been proposed to cause the disease that include amyloid hypothesis, tau hypothesis, and cholinergic hypothesis in addition to genetic factors. Various genes have been known to be involved which are APOE, PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP among others. In the present study, we have used computational methods to examine the pathogenic effects of non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with ABCA7, CR1, MS4A6A, CD2AP, PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP genes. The SNPs were obtained from dbSNP database followed by identification of deleterious SNPs and prediction of their functional impact. Prediction of disease‐associated mutations was performed and the impact of the mutations on the stability of the protein was carried out. To study the structural significance of the computationally prioritized mutations on the proteins, molecular dynamics simulation studies were carried out. On analysis, the SNPs with IDs rs76282929 ABCA7; CR1 rs55962594; MS4A6A rs601172; CD2AP rs61747098; PSEN1 rs63750231, rs63750265, rs63750526, rs63750577, rs63750687, rs63750815, rs63750900, rs63751037, rs63751163, rs63751399; PSEN2 rs63749851; and APP rs63749964, rs63750066, rs63750734, and rs63751039 were predicted to be deleterious and disease‐associated having significant structural impact on the proteins. The current study proposes a precise computational methodology for the identification of disease‐associated SNPs. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1471–1479, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: MiR‐892a Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Proliferation and Invasion Through Targeting CD226
Authors: Jia Baoxing , Tan Ludong , Jin Zhe , Jiao Yan , Fu Yu , Liu Yahui
Published: November 2016

Our study is aim to investigate the influence of miR‐892a on proliferative and invasive activities of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through regulating CD226 expression. QRT‐PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR‐892a and CD226 mRNA in HCC tissues and adjacent tissues or HCC cells and normal cells whereas Western Blot was used to detect the CD226 protein expression in tissue and cell samples. Then HuH‐7 cell line was selected for following assays and respectively transfected with miR‐892a mimics, miR‐NC, Plenti‐GIII‐Ubc‐CD226, and Plenti‐GIII‐Ubc followed by qRT‐PCR assay to detect the miR‐892a and CD226 expression. The luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine if miR‐892a directly targeted CD226 and then CCK‐8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, invasion ability, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis. What's more, relationships between expression levels of miR‐892a or CD226 and overall survival (OS) or disease‐free survival (DFS) of HCC patients were investigated based on TCGA database. MiR‐892a was high‐expressed in HCC tissues or cells while CD226 was low‐expressed. MiR‐892a directly targeted CD226 and up‐regulating miR‐892a expression could promote proliferative, migrating, and invasive activities of HCC cells. Different expression levels of miR‐892a and CD226 both related to the prognosis of HCC. MiR‐892a promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cells proliferation and invasion through regulating CD226 expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1489–1496, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of the dipolar interactions on the relative stability in spin crossover systems
Authors: Cardona‐Serra Salvador , Sanvito Stefano
Published: November 2016

Molecules exhibiting a spin‐crossover transition have been proposed for a number of applications such as molecular switches, spintronic tunable interfaces, and single molecule gates. Both the rational design of new spin‐crossover systems and the improvement of the properties of the already existing ones require a theoretical understanding of the relative energy of the high (HS) and low spin state (LS) molecules in the solid‐state. This has proved to be very challenging so far. Here, we shed some light on the importance of considering the symmetry and the geometry of the crystallographic cell to correctly evaluate the influence of the dipolar interactions on the relative energies of the molecular complex in both different spin states. Moreover, in the case of Fe(SCN)2(phen)2 dipolar interactions are found to play an important role for the stabilization of the LS complex. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetics in Reactive and Reparative Cardiac Fibrogenesis: The Promise of Epigenetic Therapy
Authors: Ghosh Asish K. , Rai Rahul , Flevaris Panagiotis , Vaughan Douglas E.
Published: November 2016

Epigenetic changes play a pivotal role in the development of a wide spectrum of human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and intellectual disabilities. Cardiac fibrogenesis is a common pathophysiological process seen during chronic and stress‐induced accelerated cardiac aging. While adequate production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is necessary for post‐injury wound healing, excessive synthesis and accumulation of extracellular matrix protein in the stressed or injured hearts causes decreased or loss of lusitropy that leads to cardiac failure. This self‐perpetuating deposition of collagen and other matrix proteins eventually alter cellular homeostasis; impair tissue elasticity and leads to multi‐organ failure, as seen during pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and scleroderma. In the last 25 years, multiple studies have investigated the molecular basis of organ fibrosis and highlighted its multi‐factorial genetic, epigenetic, and environmental regulation. In this minireview, we focus on five major epigenetic regulators and discuss their central role in cardiac fibrogenesis. Additionally, we compare and contrast the epigenetic regulation of hypertension‐induced reactive fibrogenesis and myocardial infarction‐induced reparative or replacement cardiac fibrogenesis. As microRNAs—one of the major epigenetic regulators—circulate in plasma, we also advocate their potential diagnostic role in cardiac fibrosis. Lastly, we discuss the evolution of novel epigenetic‐regulating drugs and predict their clinical role in the suppression of pathological cardiac remodeling, cardiac aging, and heart failure. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1941–1956, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of heat–moisture treatment of potato starch granules by chemical surface gelatinization
Authors: Bartz Josiane , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Native potato starch was subjected to heat–moisture treatment (HMT) at 12%, 15%, 18%, 21%, and 24% of moisture content at 110 °C for 1 h, and the effects on morphology, structure, and thermal and physicochemical properties were investigated. To reveal the internal structure, 30% and 50% of the granular surface were removed by chemical surface gelatinization in concentrated LiCl solution.

RESULTS

At moisture contents of 12% and 15%, HTM reduced the gelatinization temperatures and relative crystallinity of the starches, while at moisture contents of 21% and 24 % both increased. The alterations on morphology, X‐ray pattern, physicochemical properties, and increase of amylose content were more intense with the increase of moisture content of HMT.

CONCLUSION

The removal of granular layers showed that the changes promoted by HMT occur throughout the whole granule and were pronounced at the core or peripheral region, depending of the moisture content applied during HMT. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Laboratory‐scale milling of whole‐durum flour quality: effect of mill configuration and seed conditioning
Authors: Deng Lingzhu , Manthey Frank A
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Research was conducted to develop a laboratory milling procedure to make whole‐durum flour. An ultracentrifugal mill was evaluated by determining the effect of mill configuration and seed conditioning on particle size distribution and quality of whole‐wheat flour.

RESULTS

Particle size of whole‐wheat flour decreased as screen aperture decreased from 1000 to 250 µm; as rotor speed increased from 6000 to 18 000 rpm; and as seed conditioning moisture content decreased from 150 to 90 g kg−1. Feed rate during milling did not affect particle size distribution. Starch damage decreased as screen aperture increased; as rotor speed increased from 6000 to12 000 rpm; and as seed conditioning moisture content decreased from 150 to 90 g kg−1. Flour temperature varied with milling parameters but did not exceed 34 °C.

CONCLUSION

An ultracentrifugal mill configured with a rotor speed of 12 000 rpm, screen aperture of 250 µm, and seed conditioning moisture of 90 g kg−1 resulted in a fine whole‐wheat flour where 82% of particles were <150 µm, starch damage was 59 g kg−1, and flour temperature was below 35 °C. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Malignant otitis externa hospitalizations: Analysis of patient characteristics
Authors: Sylvester Michael J. , Sanghvi Saurin , Patel Viral M. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Ying Yu‐Lan Mary
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a rare disorder that is not well studied in the inpatient setting. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to analyze characteristics and predischarge outcomes of hospitalized MOE patients.

Methods

MOE hospitalizations were identified in the 2002 to 2013 NIS. Patient demographics, length of hospital stay, hospital charges, concomitant diagnoses, treatment‐related procedures, complications, and in‐hospital mortality rates were examined, with comparisons made among age cohorts and between diabetes mellitus (DM) and non‐DM groups.

Results

A total of 8,300 cases of inpatient MOE were identified, with elderly DM patients compromising 22.7% of cases. Compared to adults, elderly patients had more inpatient procedures, longer hospitalizations (6.0 vs. 4.3 days), higher hospital charges ($26,712 vs. $19,047) (allP< 0.001), greater odds of in‐hospital complications, and in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 14.435, 95% confidence interval 5.313–39.220). Adult/elderly patients with DM had more comorbidities, longer hospital stays (5.5 vs. 4.0 days), and higher hospital charges ($25,118 vs. $17,039) (allP< 0.001) than non‐DM patients. However, DM was not associated with greater in‐hospital mortality rates (0.6% vs. 0.5%;P= 0.640). Compared to the adult/elderly cohort, pediatric patients had higher rates of nonelective admissions (19.8% vs. 14.5%), shorter hospital stays (2.9 vs. 4.9 days), and lower hospital charges ($8,876 vs. $21,672) (allP< 0.05).

Conclusion

Elderly diabetic patients made up a smaller fraction of hospitalized MOE cases than anticipated. Elderly patients had greater in‐hospital complications and mortality. Diabetes mellitus in adult/elderly patients was not associated with increased mortality. Pediatric patients fared well with low complications rates and no instances of in‐hospital mortality.

Level of Evidence

2C.Laryngoscope, 127:2328–2336, 2017
Effects of voice‐sparing cricotracheal resection on phonation in women
Authors: Tanner Kristine , Dromey Christopher , Berardi Mark L. , Mattei Lisa M. , Pierce Jenny L. , Wisco Jonathan J. , Hunter Eric J. , Smith Marshall E.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Individuals with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (SGS) are at risk for voice disorders prior to and following surgical management. This study examined the nature and severity of voice disorders in patients with SGS before and after a revised cricotracheal resection (CTR) procedure designed to minimize adverse effects on voice function.

Method

Eleven women with idiopathic SGS provided presurgical and postsurgical audio recordings. Voice Handicap Index (VHI) scores were also collected. Cepstral, signal‐to‐noise, periodicity, and fundamental frequency (F0) analyses were undertaken for connected speech and sustained vowel samples. Listeners made auditory‐perceptual ratings of overall quality and monotonicity.

Results

Paired samples statistical analyses revealed that mean F0 decreased from 215 Hz (standard deviation [SD] = 40 Hz) to 201 Hz (SD = 65 Hz) following surgery. In general, VHI scores decreased after surgery. Voice disorder severity based on the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (KayPentax, Montvale, NJ) for sustained vowels decreased (improved) from 41 (SD = 41) to 25 (SD = 21) points; no change was observed for connected speech. Semitone SD (2.2 semitones) did not change from pre‐ to posttreatment. Auditory‐perceptual ratings demonstrated similar results.

Conclusion

These preliminary results indicate that this revised CTR procedure is promising in minimizing adverse voice effects while offering a longer‐term surgical outcome for SGS. Further research is needed to determine causal factors for pretreatment voice disorders, as well as to optimize treatments in this population.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2085–2092, 2017
Initial boundary value problem for generalized logarithmic improved Boussinesq equation
Authors: Hu Qingying , Zhang Hongwei
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we consider the initial boundary value problem for generalized logarithmic improved Boussinesq equation. By using the Galerkin method, logarithmic Sobolev inequality, logarithmic Gronwall inequality, and compactness theorem, we show the existence of global weak solution to the problem. By potential well theory, we show the norm of the solution will grow up as an exponential function as time goes to infinity under some suitable conditions. Furthermore, for the generalized logarithmic improved Boussinesq equation with damped term, we obtain the decay estimate of the energy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐ and strain‐specific downregulation of intestinal EPAS1 via miR‐148a by Bifidobacterium bifidum
Authors: Taibi Amel , Singh Natasha , Chen Jianmin , Arioli Stefania , Guglielmetti Simone , Comelli Elena M.
Published: November 2016

Scope

Bifidobacteria play a role in intestinal homeostasis but molecular mechanisms remain underinvestigated. The aim of this study was to assess if probiotic Bifidobacterium strains alter expression of intestinal microRNA and downstream target gene response.

Methods and results

The expression of miR‐148a and its validated target endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) was analyzed in Caco‐2 cells and mice cecum in response to Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75, B. bifidum NCC390, or Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705.

In vitro, exposure to B. bifidum MIMBb75, but not to B. bifidum NCC390 or B. longum NCC2705, increased the expression of miR‐148a after 1 and 4 h (p < 0.01), but not after 24 h. In vivo, B. bifidum MIMBb75 administration to C57BL/6J mice increased miR‐148a expression in the cecum after 2 but not 14 days (p < 0.05). The increase in miR‐148a was accompanied by a decrease in EPAS1 expression in Caco‐2 cells and cecum (p < 0.05). Silencing of miR‐148a reversed B. bifidum MIMBb75 dependent downregulation of EPAS1.

Conclusion

This study shows an early response of intestinal cells to B. bifidum MIMBb75 through miR‐148a modulation. This brings a new concept of strain‐ and time‐dependent bifidobacteria–host crosstalk via microRNA. Probiotic B. bifidum MIMBb75 may help attenuating EPAS1 overexpression associated with intestinal inflammation.
Compact size tapered slot antenna array for ultra broadband applications
Authors: Alsulaiman Sulaiman , Ashraf M. A. , Jamil Khalid , Shoaib Mobien , Alshebieli Saleh
Published: November 2016

In this article, we present a compact sized wideband coupled slot balanced TSA array covering 4–25 GHz band. The measured reflection coefficients and mutual coupling values between adjacent elements are <−10 dB and −15 dB, respectively over the proposed band. The designed array is then tested in a direction finding application. In our experimental setup we used an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) to generate and transmit a source signal of 2 GHz bandwidth at central frequency of 10 GHz. The output of the antenna array is connected to a high‐speed digital signal oscilloscope. The recorded received signals are then digitally down‐converted and post‐processed using cross‐correlation method to find the source direction at various scan angles. All measurements are done in anechoic chamber to avoid multipath reflections. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical calculations. Our experimental work of direction finding using AWG is an exemplary work to realize a practical UWB test‐bed for developing various UWB applications working in real conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:26–31, 2017
Evaluation of a tumor detection microwave system with a realistic breast phantom
Authors: Koutsoupidou Maria , Karanasiou Irene S. , Kakoyiannis Constantine G. , Groumpas Evangelos , Conessa Christophe , Joachimowicz Nadine , Duchêne Bernard
Published: November 2016

In this article, we describe recent advances regarding a novel microwave imaging system intended to be used for in‐depth inspection of breast tissues. The system is made of a circular five‐element antenna array surrounding the breast that can be moved axially to perform a scan of the entire breast. The performance of the system is studied, both numerically and experimentally with a realistic anthropomorphic breast phantom, as a proof of concept of its fast and accurate screening ability to detect tumor‐like inclusions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:6–10, 2017
High selective frequency response in a complementary split ring resonator based transmission line
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Wu Qun , Sha Xuejun
Published: November 2016

In this letter, a microstrip line based on complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) technology and coupled with square open‐loop resonator (OLR) is presented. The addition of OLR to the conventional CSRR‐loaded unit cell generates transmission zero in the upper stop band and improves the upper band rejection level without increasing the traversal dimensions. Consequently, a new high selective passband with increased bandwidth and a pair of transmission zeros at both lower and upper sides are formed due to the appropriate couplings among the resonators and the host microstrip line. Moreover, the geometry of the basic cell is quite simple without requiring complex configurations and via holes which is easy to fabricate and low in cost. For demonstration, a two‐stage transmission line prototype is fabricated and tested to experimentally validate the attractive out‐of‐band performance (>36 dB) for filter applications as predicted in theory. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:12–15, 2017
A new broadband dual‐layer monoplolar circular patch antenna with slot coupling
Authors: Chen Jie , Liu Juhua
Published: November 2016

A new center‐fed dual‐layer circular patch antenna is proposed for bandwidth enhancement. The proposed antenna consists of a circular ground plane, a slotted circular patch on the lower layer and a parasitic circular patch on the top layer. The slotted circular patch is fed with a coaxial probe. With the help of the slots introduced to the lower patch, the parasitic patch on the top layer is strongly coupled. With the strong coupling of the two patches, a broadband is obtained. A prototype is fabricated. The measured results show that a wide bandwidth of 25% is obtained. Within the bandwidth, the measured peak gain is in the range of 6.2–8.7 dBi. The antenna produces an omnidirectional pattern in the horizontal plane, similar to that generated by a conventional monopole antenna. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:40–43, 2017
An all‐dielectric band‐stop frequency‐selective surface
Authors: Yun Junsik , Choi Jaehoon
Published: November 2016

In this paper, an all‐dielectric band‐stop frequency‐selective surface (FSS) is proposed for X‐band applications. The unit particle of the FSS consists of a thick upper hexagonal prism part and a thin lower hexagonal prism part for monolithic construction. The proposed FSS has a planar array of hexagonal ceramic prisms with a honeycomb‐shaped structure. The proposed FSS has three resonant dips. These are combined to establish a −10 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) with a broad stop‐band of 31.8% (center frequency of 9.75 GHz). To demonstrate the resonant characteristic modes, cylindrical cavity mode analysis based on cylindrical wave functions is used. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:56–60, 2017
A high‐sensitivity refractometer based on etched thin‐core fiber modal interferometer
Authors: Jiang Meng , Wang Ze‐Ming , Zhao Zhong‐Ze , Li Kun , Zhang Yixin
Published: November 2016

We present a high‐sensitivity refractive‐index sensor based on etched thin‐core fiber (TCF) modal interferometer. The sensor structure is formed by splicing a TCF between two single‐mode fibers. To enhance the sensitivity, the thickness of the cladding of sensing region is reduced by hydrofluoric etching. The sensors with different diameters are investigated, and the maximum sensitivity of this new structure is 512nm/R.I.U with fiber diameters of 60 um, which is 4 times higher than that of the basic structure without etching. This structure shows the merits of high sensitivity, low cost, easy control, simplicity of fabrication, and high repeatability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:53–56, 2017
Single‐layer differential CPW‐FED UWB antenna with common‐mode suppressed and band notched applications
Authors: Lu Liang , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Wang Rui‐Qi , Zhang Chi , Qiu Miao‐Miao
Published: November 2016

A single‐layer differential coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed antenna is proposed for common‐mode suppressed and WLAN band notched ultra‐wideband (UWB) applications. The UWB nature is generated by the stepped slot radiators and a pair of differential stepped CPW feeding lines. When two ports of the antenna are fed with common‐mode signals, the radiator cannot be excited and common‐mode suppression is obtained. Moreover, a pair of U‐shaped slits and stubs are etched on the CPW lines and stepped slots to earn a notch band characteristic. Then, to validate the presented antenna, a prototype antenna is fabricated and tested. The proposed antenna shows experimentally differential reflection coefficients −10 dB bandwidth of 122.6% (2.54 − 10.6 GHz). A measured band notch at 5.1–5.9 GHz for WLAN band is also obtained. Moreover, the common‐mode suppression within the operating band better than 1.5 dB is achieved. All the results show that the proposed antenna can be widely used in UWB wireless communication systems, medical imaging systems and vehicular radars. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:73–77, 2017
Broadband beam‐steering reconfigurable antenna
Authors: Li Zhouyuan , Bahceci Israfil , Cetiner Bedri A.
Published: November 2016

A broadband reconfigurable antenna (RA) capable of steering its main beam into three different directions is presented. The ∼15% bandwidth of the antenna covers the frequency range of ∼5.1 – 5.9 GHz compatible with IEEE 802.11ac standard. This RA consists of an aperture‐coupled stacked patch with a parasitic layer placed above it. The surface of the parasitic layer has a grid of 3 × 2 electrically small rectangular‐shaped metallic pixels. The pixels are connected/disconnected by means of switching resulting in reconfigurability in beam‐direction. Only two PIN diode switches are utilized to provide three beam‐steering directions yielding a simple RA. The simulations and measurements from fabricated prototypes show that the antenna maintains its beam‐steering capability with a flat maximum realized gain (∼6.5 dB) over the whole operational bandwidth. An RA Array (RAA) formed by the linear combination of four (4 × 1) identical RA elements is also designed, fabricated and measured. Despite being linear this RAA is capable of performing beam‐steering in the plane, which is perpendicular to the plane containing the central line of the array. The measured and simulated results agree well indicating a flat maximum realized array gain of ∼12.2 dB from 5.2 to 5.8 GHz. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:63–65, 2017
Multilayer cylindrical invisibility cloak at microwave frequencies built from polymer and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Danlée Yann , Huynen Isabelle , Bailly Christian
Published: November 2016

We present a multilayered invisibility cloak effective at microwave frequencies based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polymer foam. The structure deflects transverse magnetic (TM) waves at 6GHz to reconstruct the incoming wave front beyond an obstacle. This is achieved with the help of nested cylindrical arrangements of anisotropic conductive films and insulating foam spacers, which provide the correct gradient of effective permittivity in the radial direction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:65–69, 2017
Analytical synthesis of coupling matrix for a dual mode dual band filter
Authors: Rezaee Morteza , Attari Amir Reza
Published: November 2016

In this article, a simple approach for synthesis of coupling matrix of dual mode dual band filters is presented. Odd and even modes of dual mode cavities are used as basis of this coupling matrix. Each mode of cavities is coupled to the same mode of the adjacent cavity independent from the other mode and hence, two separate paths, odd path and even path, are provided from source to load. Therefore, the sensitivity of filter with respect to the fabrication tolerance is reduced. For validation of this approach, the coupling matrix of two‐cavity dual mode dual band filter is calculated and also, a dual mode dual band SIW filter by using corner cut square SIW cavities is designed and realized. Filter prototype is fabricated on a single layer substrate using PCB technology and the measured results are in a good agreement with the simulated results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:80–83, 2017
Compact and narrowband LTCC filter using vertically stacked end‐coupled resonators
Authors: Li Yufu
Published: November 2016

A compact and narrowband low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) bandpass filter (BPF) is proposed using vertically stacked half‐wavelength end‐coupled resonators. The multilayered end‐coupled stripline resonators are stacked and buried into LTCC substrate for vertical end‐coupling and size reduction. The coupling strength between adjacent resonators is adjustable by offsetting the intermediate ground layer. A narrowband fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 1.9% and a significant size reduction of 80% are achieved. Measurements agree with the simulation results well. Performance and size reduction comparisons and discussions are also implemented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:86–89, 2017
On the constraint of passive RFID sensor tag design with MOEA/D‐DE
Authors: Song Xiaotian , Wang Gang , Yang Chenwei , He Yuxing
Published: November 2016

For passive RFID sensor tag, high sensing sensitivity is achieved at the expense of read range reduction with a fixed transmitted power of RFID reader. To maximize sensing sensitivity and ensure satisfied communication performance of tag at meanwhile, the constraint between them can be defined as a multi‐objective problem. The MOEA/D‐DE (multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition combined with differential evolution) is applied for the first time to provide a direct and effective solution to this constraint. For demonstration, an effective permittivity sensor and a temperature sensor are designed with MOEA/D‐DE, respectively. Both the simulated and measured results show the feasibility of applying MOEA/D‐DE to design high‐sensitivity sensor tag with satisfied communication performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:83–86, 2017
Modified annular ring patch fed cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna for WLAN/WIMAX applications
Authors: Kumar Sahu Nikesh , Sharma Anand , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: November 2016

This article investigates modified annular ring patch fed cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) with hybrid mode excitation. The present article comprises of two main aims (i) generation of HE11δ and HE12δ mode in CDRA with the support of modified annular ring patch, both the hybrid modes radiates in broadside direction and (ii) achieve triple band characteristics by using the concept of hybrid antenna. The proposed antenna design is functioning in three different frequency bands, i.e. 1.92–2.3 GHz, 3.13–4.6 GHz, and 5.4–6.5 GHz. The simulated outcomes are verified by using archetype of proposed antenna. The practical outcomes indicate good settlement with simulated outcomes. The proposed antenna structure is appropriate for WLAN/WiMAX applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:120–125, 2017
Design and measurements of a terahertz quasi‐optical mixer integrated lens antenna
Authors: Guo Dalu , Li Mingxun , Qiao Haidong , Chen Kunhong , Lv Xin
Published: November 2016

The article propose a quasi‐optical mixer, which could operate from 325 GHz to 350 GHz. A hybrid method is offered that combined FEM and MLFMM algorithm to design and optimize the lens antenna integrated a planar log‐periodic antenna and a Schottky diode. We also give the method for characterizing the conversion loss and noise temperature of the quasi‐optical mixer. The antenna gains at 340 GHz is calculated to be 29 dB from the measured radiation patterns. The measured DSB conversion loss of the mixer could achieve from 10.5 dB to 12.5 dB and the noise temperature is estimated to be lower than 5300 K with an improved measurement method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:113–116, 2017
A tunable bandpass‐to‐bandstop filter with controllable bandwidth and high rejection level
Authors: Li Run‐Shuo , Chen Fu‐Chang
Published: November 2016

A tunable bandpass‐to‐bandstop filter with controllable bandwidth is proposed in this article. The bandpass‐to‐bandstop transformation can be achieved by adjusting the PIN diode, and bandwidth of the bandpass filter can be controlled by adjusting the voltage of varactors, as the coupling coefficients and the external quality factors (Qe) can be tuned by changing the ratios of the loaded capacitances. In the bandpass mode, a tuning range of 805–1032 MHz (24.7%) with return loss better than 11.5 dB can be achieved. In the bandstop mode, a tuning range of 760–1228 MHz (47.1%) can be obtained. The rejection level of the bandstop mode is higher than 40 dB. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:110–113, 2017
A wideband quadrature power splitter covering 81.75% fractional bandwidth in single layer via‐less technology
Authors: Lucarelli Matteo , Maddio Stefano , Collodi Giovanni , Cidronali Alessandro
Published: November 2016

A novel 90° wideband quadrature power splitter configuration based on the contemporary use of a large band 3‐dB Wilkinson power divider combined with a 90 degrees Schiffman phase shifter is presented. The proposed approach is consistent with an implementation on a single layer, via‐less, low performance substrate, thus enabling simple fabrication and integration. The proposed solution leads to a balanced power splitting (±1.5 dB), a consistent phase shifting (90°±10°), and a good input matching (S11 ≤ −10 dB) from 2.3 GHz to 5.48 GHz, hence suitable for a wide range of applications, comprising IEEE 802.11 WiFi operation in both S and C band. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:142–145, 2017
A compact broadband dual‐polarized omnidirectional antenna with high isolations for indoor DAS applications
Authors: Yang Zhijian , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Weng Zibin , Zhou Lei
Published: November 2016

A compact broadband horizontally/vertically polarized omnidirectional antenna with high isolations is presented for indoor distributed antenna systems. The antenna is a combination of a horizontally polarized (HP) element and a vertically polarized (VP) element, which are connected by four broadside parallel strips (BPSs). Its HP and VP elements consist of four horizontal and vertical elliptical printed dipoles respectively. The vertical dipoles locate between adjacent horizontal dipoles, which makes the antenna compact in structure. The dual‐polarized antenna obtains a bandwidth of 45.5% from 1.7 to 2.7 GHz, and the port isolations are better than 30 dB without introducing large distance between vertical dipoles and horizontal dipoles. The HP and VP gains are higher than 1.7 and 2 dBi respectively. For both horizontal and vertical elements, the radiation patterns in the horizontal plane are omnidirectional with ripples <2.5 dB, and the cross‐polarization levels are also below −25 dB in the horizontal plane. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:176–180, 2017
THz spatial filter employing bimaterial switching for temperature sensing
Authors: Sanphuang Varittha , Nahar Niru K. , Volakis John L.
Published: November 2016

We propose a THz spatial filter using frequency selective surfaces (FSS) integrated with bimaterial actuator for temperature sensing. The actuator consists of two materials that have different thermal expansion rates and controlled based on temperature tuning. In this paper, we develop reconfigurable filters operating in the THz band that subjected to the temperature gradient of the surrounding medium. The filter was fabricated using gold to create the filter pattern printed on silicon substrate. SiO2 and Al were used as bimaterial actuators. The equivalent circuit was extracted and demonstrated. Measurement and simulation results show good agreement with excellent transmittance (>80%). According to different gap of the actuator (up and down), the peak frequency is varied from 0.36 to 0.34 THz. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:168–171, 2017
Stability of coaxial cable transmission and measurement system using optical fiber link technologies
Authors: She Yuanfeng , Ameya Michitaka , Hirose Masanobu , Kurokawa Satoru , Hirokawa Jiro , Ando Makoto
Published: November 2016

This article measured the stability of the transmission of the coaxial cable and introduced a measurement system using the optical fiber link technologies in the millimeter‐wave band. The radiation patterns of two antennas have been measured by the proposed optical fiber link system at 60 GHz. The proposed system is a reliable candidate for the small antenna pattern measurement system in the millimeter wave band. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:201–204, 2017
Investigation of the fiber Bragg grating inscribed in multimode fiber by femtosecond laser
Authors: Jiang Yajun , Yang Dexing , Yuan Yuan , Xu Jian , Li Dong , Wang Meirong , Zhao Jianlin
Published: November 2016

Multimode fiber Bragg grating (MFBG) is inscribed in graded‐index multimode fiber using infrared femtosecond laser and phase mask. Multiple dips are observed in the transmission spectrum of MFBG. There is not only self‐coupling effect between the forward and backward principal modes, but also the mutual coupling effect between the neighbor modes. The induced refractive index modulation of 6.4 × 10 −4 is achieved for a peak power density of 4.1 × 1013 W/cm2 without any fiber sensitization. Thermal experiment results show that the MFBG belongs to type I grating. The transmission spectrum of MFBG shifts linearly with the strain and pressure at sensitivities of 1.27 ± 0.002 pm/με and −3.3 ± 0.06 pm/MPa, respectively. The MFBGs are expected to be used for multichannel filters, multiwavelength fiber lasers, and multiparameter sensing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:214–219, 2017
Flexible and wearable 2.45 GHz CPW‐fed antenna using inkjet‐printing of silver nanoparticles on pet substrate
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Hang Ying , Xie Zhicheng , Wu Can , Gao Le , Liu Caixia
Published: November 2016

This article demonstrated a fully printed CPW‐fed antenna based on silver‐nanoparticles for ISM that is flexible, wearable, and reversibly deformable. The proposed antenna consists of nano‐silver ink, a conducting material used as a radiating patch and ground planes printed on the polyethylene terephthalate flexible substrate. The fully printed antenna was fabricated and the radiating properties were investigated. The simulated and measured reflection coefficients are ∼−31 dB and ∼−23 dB, respectively. Meanwhile, the −10 dB bandwidth is ∼530 MHz and the obtained VSWR is ∼1.3. Radiating properties were characterized and agree well with the simulation results. The material and fabrication technique illustrated here could be extended to achieve other types of flexible antenna with more complex patterns for wearable electronics applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:204–208, 2017
Ultrawideband circularly polarized monopole antenna for millimeter‐wave applications
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia M. , Abdallah Esmat A.
Published: November 2016

This letter describes the design, and measurement of an ultrawideband (UWB) circularly polarized monopole antenna for millimeter‐wave short range wireless communications applications. This antenna is comprised elliptical loop monopole antenna with modified ground plane and connected by via to another loop on the other substrate side and coupled with small loop to create UWB without discontinuity bands. The −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the antenna provides 85 GHz which extended from 15 to 100 GHz. Moreover, multiband circularly polarized antenna provides 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth extends from 20 to 30 GHz, from 35 to 45 GHz and from 55 to 75 GHz. The average gain is around 4.5 dBi while the average radiation efficiency is 80% with 15% reduction as compared to original antenna size. The compact size and simple feed structure of the designed antenna make it a low cost solution for the integrated millimeter‐wave applications for wireless communications. The antenna with and without via are fabricated and measured to show the effect of via. The HFSS, FEM‐based 3D full wave electromagnetic solver simulator from Ansys is used for the design of the proposed antennas. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:189–194, 2017
Circulating adipocyte‐derived exosomal MicroRNAs associated with decreased insulin resistance after gastric bypass
Authors: Hubal Monica J. , Nadler Evan P. , Ferrante Sarah C. , Barberio Matthew D. , Suh Jung‐Hyuk , Wang Justin , Dohm G. Lynis , Pories Walter J. , Mietus‐Snyder Michelle , Freishtat Robert J.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Exosomes from obese adipose contain dysregulated microRNAs linked to insulin signaling, as compared with lean controls, providing a direct connection between adiposity and insulin resistance. This study tested the hypotheses that gastric bypass surgery and its subsequent weight loss would normalize adipocyte‐derived exosomal microRNAs associated with insulin signaling and the associated metabolome related to glucose homeostasis.

Methods

African American female subjects with obesity (N = 6; age: 38.5 ± 6.8 years; BMI: 51.2 ± 8.8 kg/m2) were tested before and 1 year after surgery. Insulin resistance (HOMA), serum metabolomics, and global microRNA profiles of circulating adipocyte‐derived exosomes were evaluated via ANCOVA and correlational analyses.

Results

One year postsurgery, patients showed decreased BMI (−18.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2; P < 0.001), ameliorated insulin resistance (HOMA: 1.94 ± 0.6 presurgery, 0.49 ± 0.1 postsurgery; P < 0.001), and altered metabolites including branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Biological pathway analysis of predicted mRNA targets of 168 surgery‐responsive microRNAs (P < 0.05) identified the insulin signaling pathway (P = 1.27E−10; 52/138 elements), among others, in the data set. The insulin signaling pathway was also a target of 10 microRNAs correlated to changes in HOMA (P < 0.05; r > 0.4), and 48 microRNAs correlated to changes in BCAA levels.

Conclusions

These data indicate that circulating adipocyte‐derived exosomes are modified following gastric bypass surgery and correlate to improved postsurgery insulin resistance.
Aqueous solution‐processed NiOx anode buffer layers applicable for polymer solar cells
Authors: Yang Weitao , Yu Zhikai , Liu Wenqing , Li Chang‐Zhi , Chen Hongzheng
Published: November 2016

A green and facile method has been developed for the room temperature and aqueous solution preparation of NiOx film as anode buffer layers for polymer solar cells (PSCs). The NiOx buffer layer is prepared simply by spin‐coating nickel acetylacetonate precursor‐based aqueous solution onto ITO substrate at room temperature in air. UV‐ozone post‐treatment promotes the formation of dipolar NiOOH species on the film surface, resulting in the anode buffer layer with suitable work function. PSCs have been fabricated with the device structure of ITO/NiOx/photoactive layer/PFN/Al. The power conversion efficiencies of the PSCs based on PTB7:PC71BM blends (8.43%) and P3HT:PC71BM blends (3.04%) with NiOx anode buffer layer are comparable to those with the commonly used PEDOT:PSS anode buffer layer. In addition, the devices made with NiOx buffer layer exhibit much better air stability than those with PEDOT:PSS. These results indicate that the water solution processed NiOx film at room temperature in air is a promising anode buffer layer for efficient and stable PSCs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 747–753
Quick water‐responsive shape memory hybrids with cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Tan Lin , Hu Jinlian , Ying Rena Koo , Zhu Yong , Liu Pengqing
Published: November 2016

A type of quick water‐responsive shape memory hybrids is fabricated by introducing cellulose nanofibrous mats as the filler in a polymeric matrix. Cellulose nanofibrous mats are obtained through hydrolyzing electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers, then casted in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solution to form the hybrids. The quick shape memory behavior of the formed hybrids is demonstrated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and stress–strain cyclic test. According to a predetermined protocol, the hybrids present desirable shape fixation and recovery, and the elastic modulus (E′) is shown to be responsive promptly and reversibly against drying and wetting cycle. Shape memory mechanism of the hybrids involves the reversible and competitive hydrogen bonds within cellulose before and after water immersion as well as the entropy elasticity of the TPU matrix. This study can pave a way to design novel smart materials by facile methods through incorporating natural nanomaterials as water sensitive fillers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 767–775
Thermo‐stable 2‐(arylimino)benzylidene‐9‐arylimino‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro cyclohepta[b]pyridyliron(II) precatalysts toward ethylene polymerization and highly linear polyethylenes
Authors: Zhang Youfu , Suo Hongyi , Huang Fang , Liang Tongling , Hu Xinquan , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: November 2016

A series of 2‐(arylimino)benzylidene‐9‐arylimino‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrocyclohepta[b]pyridyliron(II) chlorides was synthesized and characterized using FT‐IR and elemental analysis, and the molecular structures of complexes Fe3 and Fe4 have been confirmed by the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction as a pseudo‐square‐pyramidal or distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal geometry around the iron core. On activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), all iron precatalysts exhibited high activities toward ethylene polymerization with a marvelous thermo‐stability and long lifetime. The Fe4/MAO system showed highest activity of 1.56 × 107 gPE·mol−1(Fe)·h−1 at 70 °C, which is one of the highest activities toward ethylene polymerization by iron precatalysts. Even up to 80 °C, Fe3/MAO system still persist high activity as 6.87 × 106 g(PE)·mol−1(Fe)·h−1, demonstrating remarkable thermal stability for industrial polymerizations (80–100 °C). This was mainly attributing to the phenyl modification of the framework of the iron precatalysts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 830–842