bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a miniaturized‐element frequency selective surface
Authors: Lin Bao‐Qin , Zhao Shang‐hong , Da Xin‐yu , Fang Ying‐wu , Ma Jia‐jun , Zhu Zi‐Hang
Published: August 2015

An effective approach to design miniaturized‐element frequency selective surface (FSS) is presented. The FSS is based on an original Jerusalem cross‐shaped slot one, whereas there is a metallic patch array with the same period laid over it. An equivalent circuit model analysis is presented to provide an insightful design procedure for the miniaturization. Numerical simulations indicate that one prototype of the designed FSS has been much compacter in size, the unit size is miniaturized to only 0.0371λ × 0.0371λ, where λ represents the resonant wavelength in free space; moreover, the miniaturization performance is stable with respect to different polarizations and incident angles. In addition, after the amelioration of the unit cell structure, the unit size is consumedly miniaturized to 0.0094λ × 0.0094λ. Finally, the prototype FSS is fabricated and measured, a good agreement between the measured and simulated results is observed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2572–2576, 2015
Phase shifter designing base on half mode substrate integrated waveguide with reconfigurable quality
Authors: Kuhestani Hamed , Naser‐Moghadasi Mohammad , Maleki Mahshid , Zarrabi Ferdows B.
Published: August 2015

In this article, a novel phase shifter base on half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) whose characteristics can be reconfigured electronically by simply loading it with electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) unit cells at 9.5 GHz is presented. The prototype of phase shifter contains a HMSIW as a transmission line and four metamaterial structure as a load on the one side of the transmission line. These loads with junctions (or PIN diode) can be connected to HMSIW. To obtain different radar bit‐phases for S21, we change the situation of junctions (or PIN diode). For demonstration purposes, controllable phase shifters are designed, fabricated, and measured to give excellent performance for X‐band applications. The phase shifter has bandwidth around 0.38% at 9.55 GHz. Design method is based on simulation of EBG cells in different position and changing reactance of the phase shifting elements which help us to modify our phase shifter for different phases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2562–2567, 2015
Microstrip line‐fed fractal antenna with a high fidelity factor for UWB imaging applications
Authors: Islam M. M. , Islam M. T. , Samsuzzaman M. , Faruque M. R. I. , Misran N.
Published: August 2015

A printed microstrip line‐fed fractal antenna is presented with a high fidelity factor for UWB applications. The antenna structure of electrical dimension 0.24 λ × 0.33 λ at lower frequency 3.1 GHz is made of a fractal patch, a slotted partial ground plane, and a microstrip feed, which is fabricated on FR4 material of low cost and dielectric. Measured results demonstrates that the fractal antenna achieves fractional bandwidth of 117.88% covering the frequency range from 3.1 GHz to more than 12 GHz with a maximum gain 3.54 dBi at 6.25 GHz. An acceptable analogy is observed between measured and simulation results. The high fidelity factor, sharply surface current distribution, time domain performances, acceptable gain, and nearly omnidirectional radiation characteristic have validated the appropriateness of this proposed fractal antenna for UWB and microwave imaging applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2580–2585, 2015
Miniaturized triple‐band antennas with high isolation for mimo antenna system applications
Authors: Kuo Chi‐Jung , Liou Chong‐Yi , Mao Shau‐Gang
Published: August 2015

In this article, a miniaturized multiband antenna for multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) system is proposed. The proposed structure consists of two methods to obtain size reduction with a meandering monopole antenna and a quarter‐wavelength slot antenna. The antenna element is implemented on a FR4 PCB with dimensions of 20.6 × 29.5 × 0.8 mm3 for USB dongle applications. Measurements show that the isolation is below l0 dB and |S11| and |S22| is smaller than −6 dB at 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 5.5 GHz. To evaluate the mutual coupling effect of MIMO system, the correlation coefficients are determined by the measured scattering parameters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2555–2558, 2015
An UWB slot antenna without stub tuning
Authors: Jardon‐Aguilar Hildeberto , Tirado‐Mendez Jose Alfredo , Flores‐Leal Ruben
Published: August 2015

A slot omnidirectional wide‐band antenna without stub tuning is proposed. The antenna is fed with a slot waveguide, performing from 1.9 to 6.6 GHz and gain from 2 to 5 dB over the bandwidth. One of the main advantages is the small amount of parameters of the structure to modify and optimize, reducing the design complexity. The idea emerges from a complement of an UWB planarized elliptical monopole. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2658–2662, 2015
Triple band two‐segment cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna with a novel microstrip feed for WLAN/WIMAX applications
Authors: Sharma Anand , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: August 2015

In this letter, a triple band two‐segment cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna with a partial ground plane is investigated. Proposed antenna is excited by a novel microstrip feed that having a microstrip line along with two ring patches. Proposed triple band antenna has been analyzed, studied, and optimized using Ansoft HFSS simulation software. Prototype of proposed structure has been fabricated and tested. Good agreement has been obtained between simulated and measured parameters. The proposed design operates in three different frequency bands, that is, 2.3–2.5 GHz; 3.2–3.8 GHz; 4.67–7.0 GHz with the fractional bandwidth of 8.33%; 17.14%, and 39.93%, respectively. Proposed antenna is able to cover three frequency bands for different wireless applications (WLAN [2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz] and WiMAX [3.5/5.5 GHz] bands). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2649–2655, 2015
Micromachined 60 GHz postsupported patch antenna with flip‐chip interconnect
Authors: Deng Changjiang , Liu Wendong , Hao Qing , Feng Zhenghe
Published: August 2015

This letter presents the design of a micromachined patch antenna operating at 60‐GHz band. The radiating patch and the feedline network are designed on the quartz glass (SiO2) and silicon (Si) substrate layers, respectively. An air gap, which is supported by four nonconductive posts and one solder ball, is added between the two substrate layers to reduce dielectric loss. The utilization of transparent quartz glass is helpful in alignment, and the feedline network is universal in patch array design. A 1 × 2 patch array is designed to verify the concept of array design. The measured −10 dB bandwidth of the proposed array is 2.7 GHz (56.5–59.2 GHz). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2706–2710, 2015
Three‐dimensional information storage of polymer doped with nano‐silver
Authors: Cai Jianwen , Huang Wenhao
Published: August 2015

Femtosecond laser three‐dimensional optical storage is an important method to realize high‐density optical storage. Based on femtosecond laser microexplosion optical information storage principle, the information was written and readout with Titanium sapphire femtosecond pulsed laser, the storage experiments were performed in the polymer doped with nano‐silver, 11‐layer optical information storage was achieved, the information point spacing was 2 μm and the information layer spacing 14 μm. The experiments showed that polymeric materials doped with nano‐silver can be used for femtosecond laser three‐dimensional optical storage and this had laid a solid foundation for high density and ultrahigh density optical information storage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2662–2665, 2015
Reference values for ultrasonograpy of peripheral nerves
Authors: Qrimli Mohammad , Ebadi Hamid , Breiner Ari , Siddiqui Hafsah , Alabdali Majed , Abraham Alon , Lovblom Leif E. , Perkins Bruce A. , Bril Vera
Published: August 2015

Introduction: High‐resolution ultrasonography (HRU) is a novel method that provides morphological information about peripheral nerves. We aimed to determine reference values for nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) on HRU. Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers had HRU of median, radial, ulnar, fibular, tibial, sural, and superficial fibular nerves at defined sites. The CSA was measured and the effects of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. Results: CSA values in healthy subjects are described. CSA is larger in lower limb motor nerves than in sensory nerves at similar sites, and the CSA tends to be symmetrical. The strongest effect on CSA was for age, although gender and BMI had some effects. Conclusions: This study provides normative values for HRU, and it suggests that further research with age‐ and gender‐specific distributions must be a key priority in the development of HRU for use as a diagnostic test for peripheral nerve diseases. Muscle Nerve 53: 538–544, 2016
Higher‐order accurate integration of implicit geometries
Authors: Fries Thomas‐Peter , Omerović Samir
Published: August 2015

A unified strategy for the higher‐order accurate integration of implicitly defined geometries is proposed. The geometry is represented by a higher‐order level‐set function. The task is to integrate either on the zero‐level set or in the sub‐domains defined by the sign of the level‐set function. In three dimensions, this is either an integration on a surface or inside a volume. A starting point is the identification and meshing of the zero‐level set by means of higher‐order interface elements. For the volume integration, special sub‐elements are proposed where the element faces coincide with the identified interface elements on the zero‐level set. Standard Gauss points are mapped onto the interface elements or into the volumetric sub‐elements. The resulting integration points may, for example, be used in fictitious domain methods and extended finite element methods. For the case of hexahedral meshes, parts of the approach may also be seen as a higher‐order marching cubes algorithm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gastric bypass alters both glucose‐dependent and glucose‐independent regulation of islet hormone secretion
Authors: Salehi Marzieh , Woods Stephen C. , D'Alessio David A.
Published: August 2015

Objective

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (GB) is characterized by accentuated but short‐lived postprandial elevations of blood glucose and insulin. This profile has been attributed to effects of relative hyperglycemia to directly stimulate β‐cells and an augmented incretin effect. An additional glucose‐independent stimulation of insulin secretion in GB subjects was hypothesized.

Methods

Fifteen subjects with prior GB, six matched obese non surgical controls, and seven lean individuals were recruited. Islet hormones were measured before and after meal ingestion during hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamps to minimize the direct effects of glycemia and glucose‐dependent gastrointestinal hormones on insulin secretion.

Results

The GB subjects had less suppression of fasting β‐cell secretion during the insulin clamp compared to controls. In addition, meal‐induced insulin secretion increased in the GB subjects but not controls during fixed sub‐basal glycemia. In contrast, the glucagon responses to hypoglycemia and meal ingestion were lower in the GB subjects than controls.

Conclusions

Among subjects with GB, the response of insulin and glucagon secretion to decreasing blood glucose is blunted, but meal‐induced insulin secretion is stimulated even at fixed systemic sub‐basal glycemia. These findings indicate that, following GB, islet hormone secretion is altered as a result of factors beyond circulatory glucose levels.
Nonlinearities in protein space limit the utility of informatics in protein biophysics
Authors: Rackovsky S.
Published: August 2015

We examine the utility of informatic‐based methods in computational protein biophysics. To do so, we use newly developed metric functions to define completely independent sequence and structure spaces for a large database of proteins. By investigating the relationship between these spaces, we demonstrate quantitatively the limits of knowledge‐based correlation between the sequences and structures of proteins. It is shown that there are well‐defined, nonlinear regions of protein space in which dissimilar structures map onto similar sequences (the conformational switch), and dissimilar sequences map onto similar structures (remote homology). These nonlinearities are shown to be quite common—almost half the proteins in our database fall into one or the other of these two regions. They are not anomalies, but rather intrinsic properties of structural encoding in amino acid sequences. It follows that extreme care must be exercised in using bioinformatic data as a basis for computational structure prediction. The implications of these results for protein evolution are examined. Proteins 2015; 83:1923–1928. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Graphene oxide/PEDOT:PSS as injection layer for quantum dot light emitting diode
Authors: Chen Jing , Pan Jiangyong , Huang Qianqian , Xu Feng , Zhang Zichen , Lei Wei , Nathan Arokia
Published: August 2015

We report a color‐saturated, red quantum dot light‐emitting diode (QD‐LED) using graphene oxide doped PEDOT:PSS (PEDOT‐GO) as the hole injection layer (HTL) to optimize the band offset between the HTL and emitting layers. As the doping concentration of the GO increases, the valence band of the PEDOT‐GO down‐shifts by 0.66 eV approaching that of the QDs. Meanwhile, the conductivity and transparency linearly changes as the doping concentration of GO increases. The QD‐LEDs show a maximum luminance of up to 4200 cd/m2, corresponding to 7.5 lm/W in power efficiency and a turn‐on voltage of 1.6 V. It is worth noting that the reduced turn‐on voltage can be attributed to the direct exciton recombination within the QDs. Overall, there is a sixfold enhancement in the performance of the QD‐LED with graphene oxide due to the higher hole injection/transfer rate and lower operating voltage.
Machine‐learning scoring functions to improve structure‐based binding affinity prediction and virtual screening
Authors: Ain Qurrat Ul , Aleksandrova Antoniya , Roessler Florian D. , Ballester Pedro J.
Published: August 2015

Docking tools to predict whether and how a small molecule binds to a target can be applied if a structural model of such target is available. The reliability of docking depends, however, on the accuracy of the adopted scoring function (SF). Despite intense research over the years, improving the accuracy of SFs for structure‐based binding affinity prediction or virtual screening has proven to be a challenging task for any class of method. New SFs based on modern machine‐learning regression models, which do not impose a predetermined functional form and thus are able to exploit effectively much larger amounts of experimental data, have recently been introduced. These machine‐learning SFs have been shown to outperform a wide range of classical SFs at both binding affinity prediction and virtual screening. The emerging picture from these studies is that the classical approach of using linear regression with a small number of expert‐selected structural features can be strongly improved by a machine‐learning approach based on nonlinear regression allied with comprehensive data‐driven feature selection. Furthermore, the performance of classical SFs does not grow with larger training datasets and hence this performance gap is expected to widen as more training data becomes available in the future. Other topics covered in this review include predicting the reliability of a SF on a particular target class, generating synthetic data to improve predictive performance and modeling guidelines for SF development. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:405–424. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1225

This article is categorized under:

Computer and Information Science > Chemoinformatics
Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Catalytic Properties of Three Coordination Polymers Containing ­Flexible Bis(benzimidazole) and Dicarboxylate Ligands
Authors: Hu Ju‐Meng , Liu Yong‐Guang , Van Hecke Kristof , Cui Guang‐Hua
Published: August 2015

Three metal‐organic coordination polymers, namely {[Cd(L1)(1,2‐chdc)]·2H2O}n (1), {[Ni(L2)(1,2‐chdc)]·H2O}n (2), and [Cd(L2)(npht)]n (3) [L1 = 1,2‐bis(2‐methylbenzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, L2 = 1,2‐bis(5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, 1,2‐H2chdc = 1,2‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, H2npht = 3‐nitrophthalic acid] were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods, IR spectroscopy, TGA, and elemental analysis. In compound 1, two 1,2‐chdc2– ligands connect two neighboring Cd atoms to form a dinuclear [Cd2(1,2‐chdc)2] subunit, which is further linked by L1 ligands to construct a 1D ladder‐like chain. Compound 2 exhibits a 2D (4,4) coordination network with {44.62} topology, whilst compound 3 shows a 1D helical chain structure. The fluorescence, UV/Vis diffuse reflection spectra, and catalytic properties of complexes 1–3 for the degradation of the congo red azo dye in a Fenton‐like process are investigated.
The Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Four 2D Lanthanide(III)‐naphthalenedicarboxylic Complexes
Authors: Lu Ying‐Bing , Chen Lei‐Peng , Zhang Shi‐Yong , Lian Ping , Xie Yong‐Rong
Published: August 2015

Four Ln‐NDC coordination polymers [Ln(NDC)(HNDC)(H2O)] (Ln = La (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Sm (4), H2NDC = 1,4‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1–4 are isomorphous, and their structures display a layer constructed from a Ln‐organic chain and NDC2– ligand, in which the H2NDC ligands adopt two different acidity‐dependent types and coordination modes: HNDC1– with μ‐η1:η1 and NDC2– with μ‐η1:η2:η1:η2. The 3D supramolecular networks of 1–4 are mainly controlled by hydrogen bonds interactions. The magnetic susceptibilities of complexes 2–4 reveal overall antiferromagnetic interactions between the LnIII ions. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis of compound 2 is described.
A New N‐Trityl‐Substituted Aminopyridinato Titanium Catalyst for Hydroamination and Hydroaminoalkylation Reactions – Unexpected Intramolecular C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Lühning Lars H. , Brahms Christian , Nimoth Jelte P. , Schmidtmann Marc , Doye Sven
Published: August 2015

Sterically demanding 2,6‐bis(tritylamino)pyridine is used for the synthesis of a mono(2,6‐diaminopyridinato) titanium complex that undergoes unexpected intramolecular C–H bond activation to give access to an unusual 1‐titanaisoindoline derivative. Both titanium complexes do not show high catalytic activity for hydroaminoalkylation reactions of alkenes but exceptional results are obtained in the field of alkene, alkyne, and allene hydroamination including room temperature activity for intramolecular alkene hydroamination, excellent regioselectivity of intermolecular alkyne and allene hydroamination as well as selectivity for hydroamination over hydroaminoalkylation during cyclization reactions of primary aminoalkenes.
The Double Molybdate Rb2Ba(MoO4)2: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Optical, Thermal, Vibrational Properties, and Electronic Structure
Authors: Zhou Molin , Jiang Xingxing , Li Chao , Lin Zheshuai , Yao Jiyong , Wu Yicheng
Published: August 2015

The double molybdate Rb2Ba(MoO4)2 was synthesized by high temperature solid‐state reaction. According to the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structure determination, it is isostructural to the mineral Palmierite K2Pb(SO4)2 in the trigonal space group Rm. Its structure can be described as layers of MoO4 tetrahedra corner‐sharing with distorted BaO6 octahedra, while the layers are separated by bi‐layers of rubidium cations in 10‐coordinate environment. UV/Vis‐NIR spectroscopy measurement indicates that Rb2Ba(MoO4)2 has an indirect bandgap of 4.40 eV, comparable to the calculated value 4.21 eV. The DSC test demonstrates the melting point and incongruent melting characteristic of the title compound. About seven narrow Raman lines were observed in the Raman spectrum recorded for Rb2Ba(MoO4)2 powder sample.
The Missing Link: Manganese Complexes with Sterically Demanding Pyrrolyl Ligands
Authors: Kreye Markus , Freytag Matthias , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Jones Peter G. , Walter Marc D.
Published: August 2015

Reaction of NaPyrtBu2 [PyrtBu2 = 2, 5‐(Me3C)2C4H2N] and KPyrtBu2Me2 [PyrtBu2Me2 = 2, 5‐(Me3C)2‐3, 4‐Me2C4N] with MnI2(thf)3 resulted in the isolation of the first bis(pyrrolyl)manganese(II) complexes. However, different coordination modes are realized depending on the identity of the Pyr‐ligand. For example, the MnII atom is κN coordinate in [(κN‐PyrtBu2)2Mn] (1‐Mn), whereas several different species were isolated with the more bulky PyrtBu2Me2 ligand. Depending on the reaction conditions the κN‐coordinate complex [(κN‐PyrtBu2Me2)2Mn] (2‐Mn′) is initially formed, but converts on sublimation to the η3 coordinate isomer [(η3‐PyrtBu2Me2)2Mn] (2‐Mn′). In some cases we could also identify a THF adduct of 2‐Mn to give [(κN‐PyrtBu2Me2)(η2‐PyrtBu2Me2)Mn(thf)] [2‐Mn(thf)], in which one PyrtBu2Me2 ligand binds in a κN coordination mode, while the other is best described as η2‐PyrtBu2Me2. These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and X‐ray diffraction studies. Density functional theory (DFT) computations confirm that the potential energy surface between the different hapticities is rather flat for these MnII high‐spin species (S = 5/2).
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron, Cobalt, and Nickel [PNP] Pincer Amido Complexes by N–H Activation
Authors: Zhao Hua , Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Shumiao , Sun Hongjian
Published: August 2015

The N–H bond activation product [PNP]‐FeI(PMe3)2 (2) was obtained at room temperature by the reaction of diphosphinito [PNP] pincer ligand ((Ph2P(C6H4))2NH (1)) with Fe(PMe3)4. Treatment of 1 with Co(PMe3)4, CoCl(PMe3)3 and CoMe(PMe3)4 afforded the same N–H bond activation product [PNP]‐CoI(PMe3)2 (3). In order to have a better understanding of the mechanism of formation of 3, in situ IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic investigations were conducted.The reaction of 1 with Ni(PMe3)4 afforded the ligand replacement complex 4 while a [PNP]‐NiIIMe complex 5 was obtained via deprotonation through the reaction of 1 with NiMe2(PMe3)3. The molecular structures of 2–4 were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Characterization of a Series of Iron(II) Coordination Frameworks with 2, 6‐Bis(1, 2,4‐triazole‐4‐yl)pyridine
Authors: Liu Yue , Huo Jian Zhong , Liu Yuan Yuan , Su XiuMei , Guo Jian Hua , Ding Bin , Wang Xiu Guang , Xia Jun
Published: August 2015

Based on the bis‐triazole ligand 2, 6‐bis(1, 2,4‐triazole‐4‐yl)pyridine (L), the triazole‐iron(II) complexes [Fe(L)2(dca)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (1) (Nadca = sodium dicyanamide), {[Fe(μ2‐L)2(H2O)2]Cl2}n (2), and {[Fe(μ2‐L)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2·L·H2O}n (3) were isolated by solvent diffusion methods. When iron(II) salts and Nadca were used, compound 1 was isolated, which contains mononuclear Fe(L)2(dca)2(H2O)2 units. When FeCl2 or FeClO4 were used, one‐dimensional (1D) cation iron(II) chains (2) and two‐dimensional (2D) cation iron(II) networks (3) were isolated indicating anion directing structural diversity. Moreover, variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility data of 1–3 were recorded in the temperature range 2–300 K. The magnetic curve of complex 2 was fitted by using the classical spin Heisenberg chain model indicating anti‐ferromagnetic interactions (J = –5.31 cm–1). Obviously complexes 1–3 show no detectable thermal spin crossover behaviors, the lack of spin‐crossover behavior may be correlated with FeN4O2 coordination spheres in 1–3.
Fatty alcohols production by oleaginous yeast
Authors: Fillet Sandy , Gibert Jordi , Suárez Beatriz , Lara Armando , Ronchel Carmen , Adrio José L
Published: August 2015

We have engineered Rhodosporidium toruloides to produce fatty alcohols by expressing a fatty acyl-CoA reductase from Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8. Production of fatty alcohols in flasks was achieved in different fermentation media at titers ranging from 0.2 to 2 g/L. In many of the conditions tested, more than 80 % of fatty alcohols were secreted into the cultivation broth. Through fed-batch fermentation in 7 L bioreactors, over 8 g/L of C16–C18 fatty alcohols were produced using sucrose as the substrate. This is the highest titer ever reported on microbial production of fatty alcohols to date.
Expression and display of a novel thermostable esterase fromClostridium thermocellumon the surface ofBacillus subtilisusing the CotB anchor protein
Authors: Chen Huayou , Zhang Tianxi , Jia Jinru , Vastermark Ake , Tian Rui , Ni Zhong , Chen Zhi , Chen Keping , Yang Shengli
Published: August 2015

Esterases expressed in microbial hosts are commercially valuable, but their applications are limited due to high costs of production and harsh industrial processes involved. In this study, the esterase-DSM (from Clostridium thermocellum) was expressed and successfully displayed on the spore surface, and the spore-associated esterase was confirmed by western blot analysis and activity measurements. The optimal temperature and pH of spore surface-displayed DSM was 60 and 8.5 °C, respectively. It also demonstrates a broad temperature and pH optimum in the range of 50–70, 7–9.5 °C. The spore surface-displayed esterase-DSM retained 78, 68 % of its original activity after 5 h incubation at 60 and 70 °C, respectively, which was twofold greater activity than that of the purified DSM. The recombinant spores has high activity and stability in DMSO, which was 49 % higher than the retained activity of the purified DSM in DMSO (20 % v/v), and retained 65.2 % of activity after 7 h of incubation in DMSO (20 % v/v). However, the recombinant spores could retain 77 % activity after 3 rounds of recycling. These results suggest that enzyme displayed on the surface of the Bacillus subtilis spore could serve as an effective approach for enzyme immobilization.
Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Views of Genetic Healthcare Providers
Authors: Lisi Emily C. , McCandless Shawn E.
Published: August 2015

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), lysosomal enzyme deficiencies causing multi‐system organ damage, have come to the forefront in newborn screening (NBS) initiatives due to new screening technologies and emerging treatments. We developed a qualitative discussion tool to explore opinions of genetic healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding population‐based NBS for MPS types 1 and 2, Pompe, Gaucher, Fabry, and Krabbe diseases. Thirty‐eight telephone interviews conducted by a single researcher were analyzed and coded for thematic trends. Six major themes emerged: 1) treatment availability and efficacy is crucial; 2) early age of disease onset is important; 3) ambiguity regarding prognosis is undesirable; 4) parents’ ability to make reproductive decisions is seen by some as a benefit of NBS; 5) paucity of resources for follow‐up exists; and 6) the decision‐making process for adding conditions to mandated NBS is concerning to HCPs. Among the LSDs discussed, Pompe was considered most appropriate, and Krabbe least appropriate, for NBS. MPS1 and MPS2 were overall considered favorably for screening, but MPS1 ranked higher, due to a perception of better efficacy of therapeutic options. Fabry and Gaucher diseases were viewed less favorably due to later age of onset. The themes identified in this study must be addressed by decision‐makers in expanding NBS for LSDs and may be applied to many diseases being considered for NBS in the future.
Contemporary and future distribution patterns of fluvial vegetation under different climate change scenarios and implications for integrated water resource management
Authors: Rocha João , Hughes Samantha Jane , Almeida Paulo , Garcia‐Cabral Isabel , Amich Franciso , Crespí António L.
Published: August 2015

Knowledge of plant community structure and how it can confer resistance to climate change effects is required for the management of fluvial ecosystems. Findings from such studies can be applied in decision making processes to implement measures to maintain, conserve or improve fluvial quality. Floristic and environmental data from 100 sample stations located in three River Basin Districts in northern Portugal were gathered as part of the 2010 Water Framework Directive monitoring program carried out on mainland Portugal. Three habitat types were characterized based on the flow dynamic level: the wetted channel, the bankfull area and the riparian gallery. Hierarchical cluster analysis of environmental data revealed three distinct environmental groups of sites. Floristic data were organized by these environmental groups characterized by altitudinal, temperature and precipitation data variables. The combination of taxonomic diversity and species frequency reflect functional differences for these habitats, here explained by a resistance and resilience approach. More low‐frequency species and higher levels of functional diversity occurred at stations with more variable environmental conditions. Predictive modelling of the future distribution of the three environmental groups under two different climate scenarios supported the relevance of low‐frequency traits in conferring resistance to climatic change effects.
High‐Fat Diet Alters Serum Fatty Acid Profiles in Obesity Prone Rats: Implications for InVitro Studies
Authors: Liu Tzu‐Wen , Heden Timothy D. , Matthew Morris E. , Fritsche Kevin L. , Vieira‐Potter Victoria J. , Thyfault John P.
Published: August 2015

High‐fat diets (HFD) are commonly used in rodents to induce obesity, increase serum fatty acids and induce lipotoxicity in various organs. Invitro studies commonly utilize individual free fatty acids (FFA) to study lipid exposure in an effort to model what is occurring in vivo; however, these approaches are not physiological as tissues are exposed to multiple fatty acids in vivo. Here we characterize circulating lipids in obesity‐prone rats fed an HFD in both fasted and fed states with the goal of developing physiologically relevant fatty acid mixtures for subsequent in vitro studies. Rats were fed an HFD (60 % kcal fat) or a control diet (10 % kcal fat) for 3 weeks; liver tissue and both portal and systemic blood were collected. Fatty acid profiles and absolute concentrations of triglycerides (TAG) and FFA in the serum and TAG, diacylglycerol (DAG) and phospholipids in the liver were measured. Surprisingly, both systemic and portal serum TAG were ~40 % lower in HFD‐fed compared to controls. Overall, compared to the control diet, HFD feeding consistently induced an increase in the proportion of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with a concomitant decline in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) in both serum TAG and FFA. The elevations of PUFA were mostly attributed to increases in n‐6 PUFA, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. In conclusion, fatty acid mixtures enriched with linoleic and arachidonic acid in addition to SFA and MUFA should be utilized for in vitro studies attempting to model lipid exposures that occur during in vivo HFD conditions.
Left behind or moving forward? Effects of possible selves and strategies to attain them among rural Chinese children
Authors: Bi Chongzeng , Oyserman Daphna
Published: August 2015

Are possible selves and strategies to attain them universally helpful even among children with few resources? We test this question in rural China. Rural Chinese children are commonly “left behind” (LB) by parents seizing economic opportunities by migrating, hoping the family will “move forward” and their children will attain their predestined better future. Media, teachers, and peers negatively represent LB children as unruly and undisciplined, with negative fates, making LB a negative stereotype that includes the idea of destiny or fate. Indeed, making the idea of LB salient increases children's fatalism (Study 1 n = 144, Study 2 n = 124). However, having strategies to attain possible future selves predicts better in‐class behavior, fewer depressive symptoms, and better exam performance even a year later and controlling for prior performance (Study 3 n = 176, Study 4 n = 145). Possible selves have mixed effects, not always predicting better grades and undermining LB children's self‐control.
Double‐negative feedback loop between long non‐coding RNA TUG1 and miR‐145 promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition and radioresistance in human bladder cancer cells
Authors: Tan Jiemei , Qiu Kaifeng , Li Mingyi , Liang Ying
Published: August 2015

LncRNAs have a critical role in the regulation of cellular processes such as cancer progression and metastasis. In the present study, we confirmed that TUG1 was overexpressed in bladder cancer tissues and established cell lines. Knockdown of TUG1 inhibited bladder cancer cell metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that TUG1 promoted cancer cell invasion and radioresistance through inducing epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, TUG1 decreased the expression of miR‐145 and there was a reciprocal repression between TUG1 and miR‐145 in an Argonaute2‐dependent manner. ZEB2 was identified as a down‐stream target of miR‐145 and TUG1 exerted its function through the miR‐145/ZEB2 axis. In summary, our data indicated that blocking TUG1 function may be an effective anti‐cancer therapy.
Clearing Up the Table: Food Pedagogies and Environmental Education — Contributions, Challenges and Future Agendas
Authors: Swan Elaine , Flowers Rick
Published: August 2015

In our paper, we draw on recent scholarship on food pedagogies and pedagogy studies to explore themes in the collection of articles in this special issue. In particular, we show how the articles variously conceptualise formal and informal pedagogies, their curricula, aims, and potential effects in relation to food and sustainability. Drawing on debates in pedagogy studies, we investigate how the papers reflect on what makes a pedagogy pedagogical. We then turn to food studies literature to identify how the articles in this special issue construct food as a theoretical and empirical object. Given food's multifaceted nature, which means that food works materially, biologically, economically, symbolically and socially, we explore which versions of food and its attributes are profiled across and within the articles. Inspired by critiques on race and class in relation to food and food social movements, in the final section of the paper we ask how the articles and future research on food and environmental education can take account of the racialised, gendered and classed dimensions of education for food sustainability. As part of our discussion, we evaluate the ethics of doing good, the moral economy educators reproduce in relation to class, race and gender, and the contribution feminism and critical race theory can make to future research agendas and writing in the field.
Exploring the Hidden Depths of Tara’s Hinterland: Geophysical Survey and Landscape Investigations in the Meath–North Dublin Region, Eastern Ireland
Authors: Dowling Ger
Published: August 2015

This paper explores how geophysical survey, undertaken in conjunction with landscape and historical analysis, is contributing to a deeper understanding of prehistoric focal centres and landscape organisation in the wider ‘hinterland’ of the Hill of Tara, Co. Meath. Arising out of the Discovery Programme’s ‘Late Iron Age and ‘Roman’ Ireland’ (LIARI) Project, the present investigations targeted a number of prominent hilltop sites in the Meath–north Dublin region suspected, on the basis of archaeological, topographical, and early documentary evidence, to have been important ceremonial/political centres in later prehistory. Foremost among these are the Hill of Lloyd (Co. Meath), the location of a prehistoric enclosure overlooking the early monastic foundation at Kells; Faughan Hill (Co. Meath), the traditional burial place of Niall of the Nine Hostages; and Knockbrack (Co. Dublin), whose summit is crowned by a large, internally-ditched enclosure with central burial mound. The discovery through this multi-disciplinary study of additional large-scale enclosures, burial monuments, and other significant archaeological features serves to further corroborate the deep historical importance of these sites, and opens up new avenues for exploring such themes as territoriality, social organisation, and identity in the wider Tara region.
Association between dietary factors and plasma fetuin-A concentrations in the general population
Authors: Nimptsch Katharina , Janke Jürgen , Pischon Tobias , Linseisen Jakob
Published: August 2015

Circulating fetuin-A, a novel marker for hepatic fat accumulation, has been related to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in a growing number of prospective studies. However, little is known about dietary determinants of fetuin-A concentrations in the general population. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between dietary intake of energy, energy-providing nutrients, alcohol and major food groups and plasma fetuin-A concentrations in the Bavarian Food Consumption Survey II. Dietary intake was assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls, and plasma concentrations of fetuin-A were measured in 558 adults (18–81 years). After multivariable adjustment for lifestyle factors and body fatness, higher energy intake was nonsignificantly associated with higher fetuin-A concentrations (per 2092 kJ/d (500 kcal/d) 3·7 µg/ml, 95 % CI –0·5, 7·8 µg/ml). There was no clear association between energy-providing nutrients and fetuin-A concentrations. Higher alcohol intake was associated with lower fetuin-A concentrations (Ptrend 0·003): mean fetuin-A concentrations were 324 (95 % CI 313, 335) µg/ml in non-drinkers, and with 293 (95 % CI 281, 306) µg/ml significantly lower in participants who drank ≥30 g alcohol per d. Mean fetuin-A concentrations decreased across quintiles of milk and dairy product intake (lowest quintile 319 (95 % CI 309, 330) µg/ml; highest quintile 304 (95 % CI 293, 314) µg/ml; Ptrend 0·03), and each 150-g increment in milk/dairy products per d was associated with 5·6 (95 % CI –9·6, –1·5) µg/ml lower fetuin-A. Dietary intakes of vegetables, meat or fish were not associated with fetuin-A concentrations. Because of the preventive potential of our findings, further exploration is warranted.
A single serving of caffeinated coffee impairs postprandial glucose metabolism in overweight men
Authors: Robertson Tracey M. , Clifford Michael N. , Penson Simon , Chope Gemma , Robertson M. Denise
Published: August 2015

Previous studies regarding the acute effects of coffee on glycaemic control have used a single large dose of coffee, typically containing the caffeine equivalent of 2–4 servings of coffee. This study investigates whether the acute effects of coffee are dose-dependent, starting with a single serving. A total of ten healthy overweight males participated in a two-part randomised double-blind cross-over study. In the first part, they ingested 2, 4 or 8 g instant decaffeinated coffee (DC) dissolved in 400 ml water with caffeine added in proportion to the DC (total 100, 200 or 400 mg caffeine) or control (400 ml water) all with 50 g glucose. In the second part, they ingested the same amounts of DC (2, 4, 8 g) or control, but with a standard 100 mg caffeine added to each. Capillary blood samples were taken every 15 min for 2 h after each drink and glucose and insulin levels were measured. Repeated measures ANOVA on glucose results found an effect when caffeine was varied in line with DC (P=0·008). Post hoc analysis revealed that both 2 and 4 g DC with varied caffeine content increased the glycaemic response v. control. There was no effect of escalating doses of DC when caffeine remained constant at 100 mg. These results demonstrate that one standard serving of coffee (2 g) is sufficient to affect glucose metabolism. Furthermore, the amount of caffeine found in one serving (100 mg) is sufficient to mask any potential beneficial effects of increasing other components. No dose-dependent effect was found.
INTERGENERATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS AND CHILD OBESITY
Authors: Jones Antwan
Published: August 2015

This study used US National Longitudinal Study of Youth data to explore how exposure to different socioeconomic conditions (proxied by maternal education) before birth can shape child weight. Using endogenous selection regression models, the findings suggest that educational selectivity affects weight gain. Mothers whose mothers graduated from high school were more likely to complete high school, and mothers reared in an intact family had higher levels of education. However, mothers who had given birth as a teenager had the same educational outcomes as mothers who gave birth in their post-teenage years. Based on this intergenerational educational selectivity, caretaking (e.g. breast-feeding) was found to be associated with a lower child body mass index (BMI), while negative maternal characteristics (e.g. mothers with high BMIs) were associated with higher child BMIs. Thus, educational selectivity influences child health through values passed on to the child and the lifestyle in which the child is reared. Maternal education may be tied to parenting, which relates to child obesity risk.
Changing indications for paediatric tracheostomy and the role of a multidisciplinary tracheostomy clinic
Authors: Yaneza M M C , James H P , Davies P , Harrison S , McAlorum L , Clement W A , Kubba H
Published: August 2015

Objective:

This paper presents our experience of managing children with a tracheostomy in a multidisciplinary team clinic consisting of an ENT consultant, paediatric respiratory consultant, a nurse specialist, and speech and language therapist.

Method:

A retrospective case note review was conducted of all children seen in the multidisciplinary team tracheostomy clinic (at a tertiary paediatric hospital) between February 2009 and September 2014.

Results:

Ninety-seven patients were examined. The most common indications for tracheostomy were: lower airway and respiratory problems (66 per cent), upper airway obstruction (64 per cent), and neurodevelopmental problems (60.8 per cent).

Conclusion:

Children with a tracheostomy are a diverse group of patients. The most common indications for paediatric tracheostomy have changed from infective causes to airway obstruction and anomalies, long-term ventilation requirement, and underlying neuromuscular or respiratory problems. Our unified approach empowers the carers and patient, as a home management plan, long-term plan and goals are generated at the end of each appointment.
Myringoplasty outcomes in the UK
Authors: Phillips J S , Yung M W , Nunney I
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

To determine the outcome of myringoplasty as undertaken by ENT surgeons in the UK, and to assess the current systems available for providing national outcome data.

Methods:

A prospective national multicentre audit was conducted involving multiple hospitals throughout the UK. Participants consisted of ENT surgeons practising in the UK.

Results:

Data were prospectively collected over a three-year period between 1 March 2006 and 1 March 2009 using the web-based Common Otology Database. In total, 33 surgeons provided valid and complete data for 495 procedures. The overall closure rate for myringoplasty was 89.5 per cent. The average hearing gain for successful primary myringoplasties was 9.14 dB (standard deviation = 10.62). The Common Otology Database provided an effective platform for capturing outcome data.

Conclusion:

Myringoplasty is a safe and effective procedure in the UK. With the introduction of revalidation by the General Medical Council, participation in national audits will be mandatory in the future. This study demonstrates that a web-based audit tool would be suitable for performing such audits.
Can computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging differentiate between malignant pathology and osteomyelitis in the central skull base?
Authors: Lesser F D , Derbyshire S G , Lewis-Jones H
Published: August 2015

Background:

Central skull base osteomyelitis is clinically difficult to distinguish from malignancy.

Method:

The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of six patients with central skull base osteomyelitis were compared with scans from patients with a range of skull base conditions.

Results and conclusion:

Computed tomography scans of central skull base osteomyelitis show much less bony destruction relative to the magnetic resonance imaging changes, whereas malignancy cases were associated with similar bony destruction on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In magnetic resonance imaging scans, it was possible to confirm previous findings of clival hypointensity on T1-weighted images relative to normal fatty marrow. In addition, there were signs of pre- and para-clival soft tissue infiltration, with the obliteration of normal fat planes and frank soft tissue masses in all six central skull base osteomyelitis patients. Signal intensity on T2-weighted images of the clivus was high in five central skull base osteomyelitis patients. With intravenous contrast, fascial plane anatomy appeared restored in central skull base osteomyelitis cases, almost in keeping with that of non-involved areas. This was not a feature in any of the malignant conditions.
Socially Differentiated Urban Flood Governance in Mexico: Ambiguous Negotiations and Fragmented Contestations
Authors: NYGREN ANJA
Published: August 2015

Cities around the world are developing new ways of governing risks and vulnerabilities. In the new flood-governance measures, technological risk-prevention is linked to programmes of social resilience and cultural adaptation. By focusing on the catastrophic floods in the city of Villahermosa, Mexico, this article argues that new flood-governance strategies rely on complicated forms of neoliberal governance, in which flood governance is turned into a matter of adaptation and self-responsibilisation, while scant attention is paid to the socio-spatial distribution of vulnerabilities. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in three socially differentiated neighbourhoods of Villahermosa, this article demonstrates how flood-governance strategies and the residents' responses to them vary across the city and how the production of flood risk is connected to the uneven production of urban space. The institutional acts of governing aim to render certain population groups governable, whilst being unable to eradicate dispersed contestation efforts.