bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurotoxicity and gene‐expressed profile in brain‐injured mice caused by exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Ze Yuguan , Hu Renping , Wang Xiaochun , Sang Xuezi , Ze Xiao , Li Bi , Su Junju , Wang Yuan , Guan Ning , Zhao Xiaoyang , Gui Suxin , Zhu Liyuan , Cheng Zhe , Cheng Jie , Sheng Lei , Sun Qingqing , Wang Ling , Hong Fashui
Published: March 2013

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used in toothpastes, sunscreens, and products for cosmetic purpose that the human use daily. Although the neurotoxicity induced by TiO2 NPs has been demonstrated, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the brain cognition and behavioral injury. In this study, mice were exposed to 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) TiO2 NPs by nasal administration for 90 consecutive days, respectively, and their brains' injuries and brain gene‐expressed profile were investigated. Our findings showed that TiO2 NPs could be translocated and accumulated in brain, led to oxidative stress, overproliferation of all glial cells, tissue necrosis as well as hippocampal cell apoptosis. Furthermore, microarray data showed significant alterations in the expression of 249 known function genes, including 113 genes upregulation and 136 genes downregulation following exposure to 10 mg/kg BW TiO2 NPs, which were associated with oxidative stress, immune response, apoptosis, memory and learning, brain development, signal transduction, metabolic process, DNA repair, response to stimulus, and cellular process. Especially, significant increases in Col1a1, serine/threonine‐protein kinase 1, Ctnnb1, cysteine–serine‐rich nuclear protein‐1, Ddit4, Cyp2e1, and Krev interaction trapped protein 1 (Krit1) expressions and great decreases in DA receptor D2, Neu1, Fc receptor‐like molecules, and Dhcr7 expressions following long‐term exposure to TiO2 NPs resulted in neurogenic disease states in mice. Therefore, these genes may be potential biomarkers of brain toxicity caused by TiO2 NPs exposure, and the application of TiO2 NPs should be carried out cautiously. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 470–478, 2014.
Performance of conical abutment (Morse Taper) connection implants: A systematic review
Authors: Schmitt Christian M. , Nogueira‐Filho Getulio , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Lai Jim Yuan , Brito Carlos , Döring Hendrik , Nonhoff Jörg
Published: March 2013

In this systematic review, we aimed to compare conical versus nonconical implant–abutment connection systems in terms of their in vitro and in vivo performances. An electronic search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases with the logical operators: “dental implant” AND “dental abutment” AND (“conical” OR “taper” OR “cone”). Names of the most common conical implant–abutment connection systems were used as additional key words to detect further data. The search was limited to articles published up to November 2012. Recent publications were also searched manually in order to find any relevant studies that might have been missed using the search criteria noted above. Fifty‐two studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. As the data and methods, as well as types of implants used was so heterogeneous, this mitigated against the performance of meta‐analysis. In vitro studies indicated that conical and nonconical abutments showed sufficient resistance to maximal bending forces and fatigue loading. However, conical abutments showed superiority in terms of seal performance, microgap formation, torque maintenance, and abutment stability. In vivo studies (human and animal) indicated that conical and nonconical systems are comparable in terms of implant success and survival rates with less marginal bone loss around conical connection implants in most cases. This review indicates that implant systems using a conical implant–abutment connection, provides better results in terms of abutment fit, stability, and seal performance. These design features could lead to improvements over time versus nonconical connection systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 552–574, 2014.
Recent climate and fire disturbance impacts on boreal and arctic ecosystem productivity estimated using a satellite‐based terrestrial carbon flux model
Authors: Yi Yonghong , Kimball John S. , Jones Lucas A. , Reichle Rolf H. , Nemani Ramakrishna , Margolis Hank A.
Published: March 2013

Warming and changing fire regimes in the northern (≥45°N) latitudes have consequences for land‐atmosphere carbon feedbacks to climate change. A terrestrial carbon flux model integrating satellite Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and burned area records with global meteorology data was used to quantify daily vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP) and net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) over a pan‐boreal/Arctic domain and their sensitivity to climate variability, drought, and fire from 2000 to 2010. Model validation against regional tower carbon flux measurements showed overall good agreement for GPP (47 sites: R = 0.83, root mean square difference (RMSD) = 1.93 g C m−2 d−1) and consistency for NEE (22 sites: R = 0.56, RMSD = 1.46 g C m−2 d−1). The model simulations also tracked post‐fire NEE recovery indicated from three boreal tower fire chronosequence networks but with larger model uncertainty during early succession. Annual GPP was significantly (p < 0.005) larger in warmer years than in colder years, except for Eurasian boreal forest, which showed greater drought sensitivity due to characteristic warmer, drier growing seasons relative to other areas. The NEE response to climate variability and fire was mitigated by compensating changes in GPP and respiration, though NEE carbon losses were generally observed in areas with severe drought or burning. Drought and temperature variations also had larger regional impacts on GPP and NEE than fire during the study period, though fire disturbances were heterogeneous, with larger impacts on carbon fluxes for some areas and years. These results are being used to inform development of similar operational carbon products for the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission.
DOING BUSINESS: USING RATINGS TO DRIVE REFORM
Authors: Irwin David
Published: March 2013

The World Bank Doing Business results are widely used to promote reform—but they are based entirely on rankings that imply an equal spread between consecutive ranks and effectively ignores shortcomings in the research methodology. Rankings can mislead countries that have made an effort to reform can fall in the rankings even when they have improved if others have done even better. A scorecard based on ratings would provide a better overall picture of which countries are doing well and less well and enable countries to set more realistic targets for reform because they could then entirely focus on improving their rating. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are changes in membrane lipids and fatty acid composition related to salt‐stress resistance in wild and cultivated barley?
Authors: Chalbi Najla , Hessini Kamel , Gandour Mhemmed , Mohamed Salma Naeit , Smaoui Abderrazek , Abdelly Chedly , Youssef Nabil Ben
Published: March 2013

The possibility to use membrane‐lipid measurements to screen barley genotypes for salt resistance was studied. The results showed that wild barley (Hordeum maritimum) displayed a typical halophytic response as compared to cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Manel). Growth, tissue hydration, and photosynthetic activity were less affected by salinity in H. maritimum than in H. vulgare. The induced effects of long‐term NaCl treatment were reflected in root membrane lipids that remained relatively unchanged in wild barley, whilst they were significantly diminished with increasing salinity in H. vulgare. The levels of membrane‐lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage were changed only at high salt concentrations in H. maritimum whereas those of H. vulgare were considerably increased by lower salinity levels as a result of oxidative damage. These findings indicate that maintained membrane integrity (in H. Maritimum) may be considered a possible trait for salt resistance. However, membrane fluidity in H. vulgare was more increased than in H. maritimum. Thus, the unsaturated–to–saturated fatty acid ratio (UFAs : SFAs) and the double‐bond index (DBI), significantly increased in response to salt stress in cultivated barley while it did not change in H. maritimum. The changes in lipid unsaturation were predominantly due to increases in linolenic (C18:3), linoleic (C18:2), and oleic (C18:1) acids and decreases in stearic acid (C18:0). These results suggest that, in spite of being important for maintenance of membrane fluidity, the ability to increase unsaturation is not a determinant factor for salt resistance in barley species.
Use of meat hydrolyzate derived from tanning residues as plant biostimulant for hydroponically grown maize
Authors: Ertani Andrea , Pizzeghello Diego , Altissimo Adriano , Nardi Serenella
Published: March 2013

Traditional agricultural production systems are evolving towards organic, sustainable, or environmentally friendly systems. Nonetheless, it is important to maintain crop yield and quality. For this purpose, the use of peptide‐based products from animal sources in agriculture could be a way to both reduce the disposal of animal‐processing residues and decrease the use of mineral fertilizers. The aim of our work was to obtain new insights into the biological effects of meat hydrolyzate (MH) derived from the hydrolysis of tanning residues. Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown hydroponically in a climatic chamber, and 12‐d‐old plants were treated for 48 h with different concentrations of the MH: 0 (control), 0.01 or 0.1 mL L–1. Both treatments enhanced plant growth and microelement concentrations in maize seedlings and decreased NO$ _3^- $, PO$ _4^{3-} $, and SO$ _4^{2-} $ concentrations compared to the control. The faster metabolic conversion of these ions was due to enzyme activities of nitrogen (nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, and aspartate aminotransferase) and carbon metabolism (malate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and citrate synthase). The gene transcription for these enzymes was in line with their activities. The effects of MH could partly be ascribed to endogenous indole‐3‐acetic acid and partly to amino acids and small peptides detected in the tested compound. This study shows that tanning‐process residues can be recycled and used in agriculture.
Rate Coefficients for the Gas‐Phase Reactions of Chlorine Atoms with Cyclic Ethers at 298 K
Authors: Alwe H. D. , Walawalkar M. , Sharma A. , Pushpa K. K. , Dhanya S. , Naik P. D.
Published: March 2013

Rate coefficients of reactions of Cl atoms with cyclic ethers, tetrahydropyran (THP), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and dihydrofurans (2,5‐DHF and 2,3‐DHF) have been measured at 298 K using a relative rate method. The relative rate ratios for THP and THF are 0.80 ± 0.05 and 0.80 ± 0.08, respectively, with n‐hexane as the reference molecule. The relative rate ratios for THF and 2,5‐DHF with n‐pentane as the reference molecule are 0.95 ± 0.07 and 1.73 ± 0.06, respectively, and for 2,5‐DHF with 1‐butene as reference is 1.38 ± 0.05. The average values of the rate coefficients are (2.52 ± 0.36), (2.50 ± 0.39), and (4.48 ± 0.59) × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for THP, THF, and 2,5‐DHF, respectively. The errors quoted here for relative rate ratios are 2σ of the statistical variation in different sets of experiments. These errors, combined with the reported errors of the reference rate coefficients using the statistical error propagation equation, are the quoted errors for the rate coefficients. In the case of 2,3‐DHF, after correcting for the dark reaction with CH3COCl and assuming no interference from other radical reactions, a relative rate ratio of 0.85 ± 0.16 is obtained with respect to cycloheptene, corresponding to a rate coefficient of (4.52 ± 0.99) × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Unlike cyclic hydrocarbons, there is no increase with increasing number of CH2 groups in these cyclic ethers whereas there is an increase in the rate coefficient with unsaturation in the ring. An attempt is also made to correlate the rate coefficients of cyclic hydrocarbons and ethers with the molecular size as well as HOMO energy.
On generalised subnormal subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Ballester‐Bolinches A. , Beidleman James , Feldman A. D. , Ragland M. F.
Published: March 2013

Let \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathfrak {F}}$\end{document} be a formation of finite groups. A subgroup M of a finite group G is said to be \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathfrak {F}}$\end{document}‐normal in G if \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$G/{\mbox{Core}_{G}(M)}$\end{document} belongs to \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathfrak {F}}$\end{document}. A subgroup U of a finite group G is called a K‐\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathfrak {F}$\end{document}‐subnormal subgroup of G if either U = G or there exist subgroups U = U0 ≤ U1 ≤ … ≤ Un = G such that Ui − 1 is either normal or \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathfrak {F}}$\end{document}‐normal in Ui, for i = 1, 2, …, n. The K‐\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathfrak {F}$\end{document}‐subnormality could be regarded as the natural extension of the subnormality to formation theory and plays an important role in the structural study of finite groups. The main purpose of this paper is to analyse classes of finite groups whose K‐\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathfrak {F}$\end{document}‐subnormal subgroups are exactly the subnormal ones. Some interesting extensions of well‐known classes of groups emerge.
Bilinear forms of dimension less than or equal to 5 and function fields of quadrics in characteristic 2
Authors: Laghribi Ahmed , Rehmann Ulf
Published: March 2013

The aim of this paper is to give a complete answer to the isotropy of bilinear forms of dimension less than or equal to 5 over the function field of a quadric in characteristic 2.
A two‐year randomized controlled trial of progressive resistance exercise for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Corcos Daniel M. , Robichaud Julie A. , David Fabian J. , Leurgans Sue E. , Vaillancourt David E. , Poon Cynthia , Rafferty Miriam R. , Kohrt Wendy M. , Comella Cynthia L.
Published: March 2013

The effects of progressive resistance exercise (PRE) on the motor signs of Parkinson's disease have not been studied in controlled trials. The objective of the current trial was to compare 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐month outcomes of patients with Parkinson's disease who received PRE with a stretching, balance, and strengthening exercise program. The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial between September 2007 and July 2011. Pairs of patients matched by sex and off‐medication scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, motor subscale (UPDRS‐III), were randomly assigned to the interventions with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The PRE group performed a weight‐lifting program. The modified fitness counts (mFC) group performed a stretching, balance, and strengthening exercise program. Patients exercised 2 days per week for 24 months at a gym. A personal trainer directed both weekly sessions for the first 6 months and 1 weekly session after 6 months. The primary outcome was the off‐medication UPDRS‐III score. Patients were followed for 24 months at 6‐month intervals. Of 51 patients, 20 in the PRE group and 18 in the mFC group completed the trial. At 24 months, the mean off‐medication UPDRS‐III score decreased more with PRE than with mFC (mean difference, −7.3 points; 95% confidence interval, −11.3 to −3.6; P<0.001). The PRE group had 10 adverse events, and the mFC group had 7 adverse events. PRE demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant reduction in UPDRS‐III scores compared with mFC and is recommended as a useful adjunct therapy to improve Parkinsonian motor signs. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Coplanar waveguide‐FED planar spiral antenna with integrated impedance transformer
Authors: Vahidpoor Zeynab , Forooraghi Keyvan , Fotowat‐Ahmady Ali , Atlasbaf Zahra
Published: March 2013

A new planar spiral antenna with integrated impedance transformer is presented which needs no external balun and can be fed by a coplanar waveguide.The proposed structure has a return loss of <−10 dB over a broad bandwidth of 0.5–5 GHz that is suitable for cognitive radio applications. The effects of different spiral and transformer parameters are investigated through various simulations. A case of the proposed antenna is fabricated, and measurement results are presented including return loss, gain, and radiation patterns. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1338–1341, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27535
Accurate resonant frequency of isosceles right‐angled triangular patch antenna
Authors: Maity Sudipta , Gupta Bhaskar
Published: March 2013

Due to high quality factor compared to other regular well known shaped resonators, triangular resonators, and/or radiators attract much attention recently. The development of triangular geometry (except equilateral) is still in its early stages of research due to lack of proper theory. In this article, an isosceles right‐angled triangular microstrip antenna (TMA) is analyzed theoretically using well known cavity model. Internal field components are derived. An expression for predicting resonant frequency is obtained. Results are compared with published results to show the correctness of our theory. A simple expression for computing effective side length of isosceles right‐angled TMA is provided. A prototype is also fabricated to verify this theory. The error between theoretical and experimental resonant frequency is 0.0773%. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1306–1308, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27536
Compact LTCC dual‐band bandpass filter with high selectivity using the vertically S‐shaped short‐ended SIR
Authors: Chen Jian‐Xin , Ge Yong , Tang Hui , Zhou Li‐Heng , Shi Jin , Bao Zhi‐Hua
Published: March 2013

For the first time, a vertically S‐shaped short‐ended stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) is proposed to design a compact low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF).The proposed SIR as a transmission line resonator can be used in high‐frequency application, and the size of the SIR can be miniaturized greatly because it is vertically folded in LTCC. Three transmission zeros in the stopbands are achieved by using the electric and magnetic mixed coupling schemes. The demonstrated dual‐band BPF at 5.8/10 GHz is designed and fabricated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1345–1348, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27539
Design of ultra‐wide stop‐band DGS low‐pass filter using meander‐ and multilayer‐techniques
Authors: Sharkawy M. Al , Boutejdar A. , Galal E.
Published: March 2013

This article presents a new dog‐bone defected ground structure (DGS) for low‐pass filter (LPF) applications with wide‐rejection band and low‐insertion loss in the pass‐band region.The prototype LPF consists of three dog‐bone cells in the ground plane with an open stub on the top layer acting as a compensated capacitor. The prototype LPF is then realized as a multilayer structure to enhance the filter response and reduce its size. The size reduction of the proposed multilayer LPF is about 34% more than the conventional one. The proposed filter has been fabricated and measured. Good agreement can be realized between the electromagnetic simulation and the measurement results. To minimize the difference between the simulation and measurement results, and at the same time to reduce the loss in the pass‐band region, a modification to the topology of the structure with the aid of the meander idea is used. The meander‐filter presents advantages of compactness, low insertion loss, and high out‐band suppression. The dog‐bone DGS cell is then used as a photonic band gap structure to minimize the coupling between two probe‐fed patch antennas and to improve the two antenna element array efficiency. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1276–1281, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27541
A novel dual‐band asymmetric slit with defected ground structure microstrip antenna for Circular Polarization operation
Authors: Gautam A. K. , Kr Kanaujia Binod
Published: March 2013

A novel dual‐band asymmetric slit with defected ground structure microstrip antenna for circular polarization (CP) operation is proposed. In which, the lower resonant band is excited by cutting asymmetric slit on square microstrip antenna, and a new concept of defected ground with truncated corners structure is used to excite upper resonant band. The antenna is practically fabricated and simulated. Measured results show a good agreement with simulated results. Antenna is compact in size and shows a good quality of polarization at both resonant bands. Antenna shows the bandwidth of 7.5% (2.30–2.48 GHz) and 2.94% (3.80–3.9 GHz) at lower and upper bands, respectively. The antenna also shows 40 and 11 MHz, 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth at lower and upper bands, respectively. The return loss and radiation pattern of the proposed antenna remain consistent for both resonant bands. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1198–1201, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27547
The on‐line measurement of dimethoate solution's degradation based on a long‐period grating
Authors: Hu Xingliu , Liang Dakai , Fang Ting , Wang Yan , Li Dan
Published: March 2013

A long‐period grating is used to detect the degradation of dimethoate solutions which is achieved by the electrocoagulation technology combined with ultrasonic waves in this article. This fiber‐based device can indicate the concentration of dimethoate solutions instantaneously without being sampled. It can be applied in the chemistry industry for process control. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1375–1379, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27554
Investigation of truncated waveguides
Authors: Lourie Nathan P. , Chuss David T. , Henry Ross M. , Wollack Edward J.
Published: March 2013

The design, fabrication, and performance of truncated circular and square waveguide cross‐sections are presented. An emphasis is placed upon numerical and experimental validation of simple analytical formulae that describe the propagation properties of these structures. A test component, a 90‐degree phase shifter, was fabricated and tested at 30 GHz. The concepts explored can be directly applied in the design, synthesis and optimization of components in the microwave to submillimeter wavebands. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1281–1285, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27561
Effective dielectric constant of top grounded coplanar waveguide on liquid crystal superstrate
Authors: Bulja Senad , Mirshekar‐Syahkal Dariush , James Richard , Day Sally E. , Fernández F.Aníbal
Published: March 2013

The effective dielectric constant of the top grounded coplanar waveguide with a liquid crystal (LC) superstrate for phase shifting applications is investigated in the frequency range of 30–60 GHz. Two nematic LC mixtures, namely E7 and MDA‐00‐3506, are used as the superstrate. The measurements show that MDA‐00‐3506 offers higher values of phase shift per millimeter than its E7 counterpart. In particular, the MDA‐00‐3506 provides 3.14°/mm, whereas E7 gives 2.79°/mm at 60 GHz. The results of the dielectric constants from measurement and computer modeling are found to agree to within 5%. For the modeling, a comprehensive finite element package predicting the local alignment of LC molecules and effective dielectric constant at different bias voltages and frequencies are used. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1416–1418, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27564
Studies on the orientation of radiators For high‐gain line‐fed array antenna
Authors: Kahar Manisha , Ray Arup , Sarkar P. P
Published: March 2013

Two antenna systems, each consisting of two microstrip line‐fed monopole antenna elements, differing in element geometry have been designed, investigated, and optimized for favorable antenna characteristics including the properties of ultra wide band, omnidirectional radiation characteristics, and high gain. Interestingly most parameters of credit were alike in the two designs except for the antenna gain which was remarkable high in the second design compared to the first one. The cause of difference has also been considered. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1348–1351, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27567
Comparison of different structures for transmitarray cells
Authors: Plaza Enrique G. , Loredo Susana , León Germán , Las‐Heras Fernando
Published: March 2013

This paper presents the comparison between two different transmitarray cells, one based on stacked slots and the other on aperture coupled patches. Both structures can achieve a phase shift of up to 360° keeping a reasonable level of transmission. Since the patches cell showed more stability with the incident angle, it was chosen to be fabricated and measured in a waveguide simulator. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1295–1299, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27577
Calculating the dual‐frequencies of equilateral triangular compact microstrip antennas with a shorting‐pin
Authors: Toktas Abdurrahim , Akdagli Ali , Yagoub Mustapha C. E.
Published: March 2013

In this article, simple but efficient expressions for determining the dual‐frequencies of equilateral triangular compact microstrip antennas (ETCMA) with a shorting‐pin are presented. Two expressions related to offset factor functions were derived with the use of a differential evolution optimization algorithm. The dual‐frequencies of an ETCMA with a shorting‐pin were then calculated by multiplying the offset factor functions with the single resonant frequency formulation of a conventional equilateral triangular microstrip antenna. The proposed approach was demonstrated through successful comparison with simulated and measured data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1227–1230, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27580
Design of a new ultra wideband planar antenna for wireless communication systems
Authors: Bassouh M. , Aznabet M. , Meloui M. , Mrabet O. El , Falcone F. , Khalladi M.
Published: March 2013

A new planar circular monopole antenna for ultra wideband (UWB) applications is presented. To achieve UWB characteristics, the proposed antenna is constructed by embedding the slot on the partial ground plane. The proposed antenna has been successfully simulated and measured. Experimental results indicate that the proposed antenna yields an impedance bandwidth of 2.3 up to 13 GHz with VSWR < 2, which makes it suitable to operate not only for UWB bandwidth but also it can be used also for WLAN application. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1335–1338, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27584
Compact and wideband 180° hybrid using vertically coupled CPW balun with lumped elements
Authors: Wei Kai , Lee Moon‐Que
Published: March 2013

A new compact and wideband 180° hybrid is proposed. The proposed structure stems from the idea of converting a balun into a 180° hybrid by adding an in‐phase power divider. In order to achieve wide bandwidth and miniaturized size, a lumped power divider and a vertically coupled CPW balun with lumped elements are used. For verification, the proposed 180° hybrid is designed at 917 MHz. The measurement shows that the bandwidth of CMRR greater than 25 dB is increased by 84 % compared with that of the conventional ring hybrid. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1328–1331, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27592
A pattern reconfigurable patch antenna using switched loop structure
Authors: Kim Yongjin
Published: March 2013

A pattern reconfigurable patch antenna using a switched loop structure is presented.The loop structure for switchable radiation pattern is connected with a feeding line of the patch antenna. The proposed antenna is designed to operate at 2.5 GHz band with 4.2 dBi maximum gain for wireless communication. The sizes of the rectangular patch and the ground plane are 28 mm × 28 mm and 50 mm × 60 mm, respectively. The simulation and experimental results show that the antenna radiation pattern can be changed with switch on/off configuration. The average gain value in the switch off case is 4.09 dB less than that of the switch on case over the range of from 30 to 150°. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1325–1328, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27593
Does a lesion in Broca's area cause apraxia?
Authors: Tsuruya Natsuko , Kobayakawa Mutsutaka , Futamura Akinori , Sugimoto Azusa , Kawamura Mitsuru
Published: March 2013

Background and Aim

Broca's area, which comprises the inferior frontal gyrus and its surrounding regions, is associated with language function. Recent functional imaging studies showed that it is also related to processing goal‐directed actions.This study aimed to determine the types of action disorders that occur after damage to Broca's area.

Methods

Here, we report four patients with left inferior frontal lesions that included Broca's area. The patients did not exhibit severe language comprehension impairment or paralysis that affected the apraxia testing. The patients were asked to perform intransitive gestures in response to verbal commands, imitate intransitive gestures, perform transitive gestures in response to verbal commands, perform transitive gestures in response to visual objects, imitate transitive gestures, and use tools.

Results

All patients exhibited impaired gestures in response to verbal commands, while the performances regarding imitation and actual tool use were better. An error pattern analysis showed that the patients predominantly made spatial action errors. This pattern corresponds to the classical definitions of ideomotor apraxia.

Conclusion

These results indicate that Broca's area mediates action production and that a lesion in this area can cause ideomotor apraxia. Although we should be cautious about the influence of aphasia, we believe that the comprehension deficit observed in our patients cannot account for their apraxic syndromes. Because the deficit was seen mainly for verbal commands, damage in Broca's area may have disrupted the association between verbal and action domains.
S‐Glutathionylation of hepatic and visceral adipose proteins decreases in obese rats
Authors: Picklo Matthew J. , Idso Joseph P. , Jackson Matthew I.
Published: March 2013

A number of clinical and biochemical studies demonstrate that obesity and insulin resistance are associated with increases in oxidative stress and inflammation. Paradoxically, insulin sensitivity can be enhanced by oxidative inactivation of cysteine residues of phosphatases, and inflammation can be reduced byS‐glutathionylation with formation of protein‐glutathione mixed disulfides (PSSG). Although oxidation of protein‐bound thiols (PSH) is increased in multiple diseases, it is not known whether there are changes in PSH oxidation species in obesity.

Objective:

In this work, the hypothesis that obesity is associated with decreased levels of proteins containing oxidized protein thiols was tested.

Design and Methods:

The tissue levels of protein sulfenic acids (PSOH) and PSSG in liver, visceral adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle derived from glucose intolerant, obese‐prone Sprague‐Dawley rats were examined.

Results:

The data in this study indicate that decreases in PSSG content occurred in liver (44%) and adipose (26%) but not skeletal muscle in obese rats that were fed a 45% fat‐calorie diet versus lean rats that were fed a 10% fat‐calorie diet. PSOH content did not change in the tissue between the two groups. The activity of the enzyme glutaredoxin (GLRX) responsible for reversal of PSSG formation did not change in muscle and liver between the two groups. However, levels of GLRX1 were elevated 70% in the adipose tissue of the obese, 45% fat calorie‐fed rats.

Conclusion:

These are the first data to link changes inS‐glutathionylation and GLRX1 to adipose tissue in the obese and demonstrate that redox changes in thiol status occur in adipose tissue as a result of obesity.
XOMA 052, an anti‐IL‐1β monoclonal antibody, prevents IL‐1β‐mediated insulin resistance in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Handa Masahisa , Vanegas Sandra , Maddux Betty A. , Mendoza Nerissa , Zhu Shirley , Goldfine Ira D. , Mirza Amer M.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) has recently been implicated as a major cytokine that is involved in the pancreatic islet inflammation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This inflammation impairs insulin secretion by inducing beta‐cell apoptosis. Recent evidence has suggested that in obesity‐induced inflammation, IL‐1β plays a key role in causing insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.

Design and Methods:

To further investigate the pathophysiological role of IL‐1β in causing insulin resistance, the inhibitory effects of IL‐1β on several insulin‐dependent metabolic processes in vitro has been neutralized by XOMA 052. The role IL‐1β plays in insulin resistance in adipose tissue was assessed using differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and several parameters involved in insulin signaling and lipid metabolism were examined.

Results and Conclusion:

IL‐1β inhibited insulin‐induced activation of Akt phosphorylation, glucose transport, and fatty acid uptake. IL‐1β also blocked insulin‐mediated downregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 expression. Co‐preincubation of IL‐1β with XOMA 052 neutralized nearly all of these inhibitory effects in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. These studies provide evidence, therefore, that IL‐1β is a key proinflammatory cytokine that is involved in inducing insulin resistance. These studies also suggest that the monoclonal antibody XOMA 052 may be a possible therapeutic to effectively neutralize cytokine‐mediated insulin resistance in adipose tissue.
Objectively measured sedentary behavior, physical activity, and plasma lipids in overweight and obese children
Authors: Cliff Dylan P. , Okely Anthony D. , Burrows Tracy L. , Jones Rachel A. , Morgan Philip J. , Collins Clare E. , Baur Louise A.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

This study examines the associations between objectively measured sedentary behavior, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and plasma lipids in overweight and obese children.

Design and Methods:

Cross‐sectional analyses were conducted among 126 children aged 5.5‐9.9 years. Sedentary behavior, LPA, and MVPA were assessed using accelerometry. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for plasma lipids (high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL‐C], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL‐C], total cholesterol [TC], and triglycerides [TG]).

Results:

MVPA was not related to plasma lipids (P > 0.05). Independent of age, sex, energy intake, and waist circumference z‐score, sedentary behavior and LPA were associated with HDL‐C (β = −0.23, 95% CI −0.42 to −0.04, P = 0.020; β = 0.20, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.39, P = 0.036, respectively). The strength of the associations remained after additionally adjusting for MVPA (sedentary behavior: β = −0.22, 95% CI −0.44 to 0.006, P = 0.056; LPA: β = 0.19, 95% CI −0.005 to 0.38, P = 0.056, respectively).

Conclusion:

Substituting at least LPA for sedentary time may contribute to the development of healthy HDL‐C levels among overweight and obese children, independent of their adiposity. Comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies to improve plasma HDL‐C among overweight and obese children should target reductions in total sedentary time and promote the benefits of LPA, in addition to promoting healthy levels of adiposity, healthy dietary behaviors, and MVPA.
Adipose tissue‐specific modulation of galectin expression in lean and obese mice: Evidence for regulatory function
Authors: Rhodes Davina H. , Pini Maria , Castellanos Karla J. , Montero‐Melendez Trinidad , Cooper Dianne , Perretti Mauro , Fantuzzi Giamila
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Galectins (Gal) exert many activities, including regulation of inflammation and adipogenesis. We evaluated modulation of Gal‐1, ‐3, ‐9 and ‐12 in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue in mice.

Design and Methods:

We used two mouse models of obesity, high‐fat diet induced obesity (DIO) and ob/ob mice. We also evaluated the response of Gal‐1 KO mice to DIO.

Results:

Both age and diet modulated expression of galectins, with DIO mice having higher serum Gal‐1 and Gal‐3 versus lean mice after 13‐17 weeks of high‐fat diet. In DIO mice there was a progressive increase in expression of Gal‐1 and Gal‐9 in SAT, whereas Gal‐3 increased in both VAT and SAT. Expression of Gal‐12 declined over time in VAT of DIO mice, similar to adiponectin. Obesity lead to increased production of Gal‐1 in adipocytes, whereas the increased Gal‐3 and Gal‐9 of obesity mostly derived from the stromovascular fraction. Expression of Gal‐12 was restricted to adipocytes. There was increased production of Gal‐3 and Gal‐9, but not Gal‐1, in CD11c− and CD11c+ macrophages from VAT of DIO versus lean mice. Expression of Gal‐1, ‐3 and ‐12 in VAT and SAT of ob/ob mice followed a trend comparable to DIO mice. Rosiglitazone reduced serum Gal‐1, but not Gal‐3 and modulated expression of Gal‐3 in VAT and Gal‐9 and Gal‐12 in SAT of DIO mice. High‐fat feeding lead to increased adiposity in Gal‐1 KO versus WT mice, with loss of correlation between leptin and adiposity and no alterations in glucose and insulin levels.

Conclusions:

Obesity leads to differential modulation of Gal‐1, 3, 9 and 12 in VAT and SAT, with Gal‐1 acting as a modulator of adiposity.
Turning the analysis of obesity–mortality associations upside down: Modeling years of life lost through conditional distributions
Authors: Robertson Henry T. , Campos Gustavo de los , Allison David B.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

We demonstrate the utility of parametric survival analysis. The analysis of longevity as a function of risk factors such as body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), activity levels, and dietary factors is a mainstay of obesity research. Modeling survival through hazard functions, relative risks, or odds of dying with methods such as Cox proportional hazards or logistic regression are the most common approaches and have many advantages. However, they also have disadvantages in terms of the ease of interpretability, especially for non‐statisticians; the need for additional data to convert parameter estimates to estimates of years of life lost (YLL); debates about the appropriate time scale in the model; and an inability to estimate median survival time when the censoring rate is too high.

Design and Methods:

We will conduct parametric survival analyses with multiple distributions, including distributions that are known to be poor fits (Gaussian), as well as a newly discovered “Compressed Gaussian”'' distribution.

Results:

Parametric survival analysis models were able to accurately estimate median survival times in a population‐based data set of 15,703 individuals, even for distributions that were not good fits and the censoring rate was high, due to the central limit theorem.

Conclusions:

Parametric survival models are able to provide more direct answers, and in our analysis of an obesity‐related data set, gave consistent YLL estimates regardless of the distribution used. We recommend increased consideration of parametric survival models in chronic disease and risk factor epidemiology.
Sterculic Oil, a natural inhibitor of SCD1, improves the metabolic state of obese OLETF rats
Authors: Ortinau L. C. , Nickelson K. J. , Stromsdorfer K. L. , Naik C. Y. , Pickering R. T. , Haynes R. A. , Fritsche K. L. , Perfield J. W.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Abnormal lipid metabolism and excess accumulation of lipid in non‐adipose tissues are defining characteristics of obesity and its comorbidities. Expression and/or activity of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1), a major regulator of lipid metabolism, is increased with obesity and the reduction/ablation of this enzyme is associated with an improved metabolic profile. Sterculic oil (SO), obtained from the seeds of the Sterculia feotida tree, contains a high concentration of cyclopropenoic fatty acids which are known inhibitors of SCD1. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SO supplementation on the development of obesity and insulin resistance in hyperphagic, obese Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats.

Design & Methods:

Rats received either an AIN‐93G diet (control) or an AIN‐93G diet containing 0.5% SO for 10 weeks.

Results:

SO did not alter body weight or body composition. Importantly, the desaturase indices, a proxy for the activity of SCD1, were reduced in the liver and adipose tissue of SO supplemented animals. This reduction in SCD1 activity was associated with a reduction in fasting blood glucose concentrations and improved glucose tolerance. In addition, SO reduced intra‐abdominal fat mass and adipocyte size and resulted in a ∼3‐fold increase in GLUT1 gene expression in intra‐abdominal fat. Liver triglyceride content and lipogenic gene expression were reduced by SO. Consistent with an improved metabolic phenotype, SO also improved plasma cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations.

Conclusion:

Overall, our data demonstrate an improved metabolic phenotype with SO supplementation and suggest further studies are required to better understand the therapeutic potential of SO.
Development and physico‐mechanical behavior of LDPE–sisal prepreg‐based composites
Authors: Dwivedi U.K. , Hashmi S.A.R. , Naik A. , Joshi R. , Chand N.
Published: March 2013

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)‐coated sisal fiber prepreg was prepared by using solution coating process. These coated fiber prepregs were consolidated to make composites having different weight fraction of sisal fibers in a hot compression‐molding machine. This experimental study reveals that higher loading of sisal fiber up to 57wt% in LDPE–sisal composites is possible by this technique. Mechanical and abrasive wear characteristics of these composites were determined. The tensile strength of composites increased with the increase in sisal fiber concentration. Coating thickness of LDPE was varied by changing the viscosity of LDPE–xylene solution that manifested to different weight fraction of fiber in sisal–LDPE composites. Mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and abrasive wear characteristics of these composites were determined. The tensile strength and modulus of sisal composites reached to 17.4 and 265 MPa, respectively, as compared to 7.1 and 33MPa of LDPE. Storage modulus of sisal composites LD57 reached to 2.7 × 109 MPa at 40°C as compared to 8.1 × 108 MPa of LDPE. Abrasive wear properties of LDPE and its composites were determined under multi‐pass mode; pure LDPE showed minimum specific wear rate. The specific wear rate of composites decreased with the sliding distance. Increase of coated sisal fiber content increased the specific wear rate at all the sliding distances, which has been explained on the basis of worn surface microstructures observed by using SEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Jatropha deoiled cake filler‐reinforced medium‐density polyethylene biocomposites: Effect of filler loading and coupling agent on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical and morphological properties
Authors: Elshaarani M.T. , Yaakob Z. , Dahlan K.Z.M. , Mohammad M.
Published: March 2013

This work focuses on the performance of Jatropha deoiled cake (JOC) as filler for medium‐density polyethylene. The biocomposites were prepared using a melt‐compounding technique. Maleated polyethylene (MPE) was used as a reactive additive to promote polymer/filler interfacial adhesion. The mechanical, thermodynamic mechanical and morphological properties of the resultant composites were investigated. The results show that the incorporation of JOC into the matrix reduced tensile, flexural, and impact strengths compared with the pure matrix. Moreover, tensile and flexural moduli were increased. The composites prepared with MPE had better mechanical properties and lower water uptake, indicating an enhancement in the interfacial interaction between JOC and polyethylene systems. The storage modulus was increased by the increase in filler loading and decreased when MPE was used. The composites loss modulus curves revealed two glass transitions indicating partial miscible blends. Scanning electron microscopy analysis for maleated composites showed a relatively homogeneous morphology with few left cavities, and the filler particle size is smaller compared to nontreated composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Impact of the aging process on event‐, time‐, and activity‐based prospective memory
Authors: Yang Tian‐xiao , Wang Ya , Lin Han , Zheng Liu‐ning , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: March 2013

The present study aimed to compare the impact of the aging process on event‐, time‐, and activity‐based prospective memory (PM) and to explore the aging patterns of PM‐related cognitive functions. Seventy‐five participants were recruited and divided into three age groups: young (20–24 years old), young‐old (60–70 years old), and older‐old (greater than 70 years old). A computerized PM test and a set of tests capturing executive functions, retrospective memory, and working memory were administered to all participants. Significant age effects were only found for event‐based PM and time‐based PM. However, event‐based PM was noted to decline gradually, whereas time‐based PM was noted to deteriorate abruptly with age. For older, but not young participants, performance on the time‐based PM tasks was significantly improved under a more lenient scoring criterion which had an increased response time window. Measures of executive functions and retrospective memory were significantly associated with PM, but these relations disappeared after controlling for age and education. Working memory was found to be the most important contributor to the effect of age on PM. These findings suggest a differential aging process for event‐, time‐, and activity‐based PM.