bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in the beta‐2 adrenergic receptor is associated with chronic musculoskeletal complaints in adolescents
Authors: Skouen J.S. , Smith A.J. , Warrington N.M. , O’ Sullivan P.B , McKenzie L. , Pennell C.E. , Straker L.M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is significant evidence to suggest that psychological and stress‐related factors are important predictors of the onset of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FM). The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, together with the efferent sympathetic/adrenomedullary system, influence all body organs (including muscles) during short‐ and long‐term threatening stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between genetic variants in adrenergic candidate genes and chronic musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in adolescents.MethodsAdolescents from the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Cohort attending the 17‐year cohort review completed a questionnaire containing a broad range of psychosocial factors and pain assessment (n = 1004). Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and genotyping. Genotype data was obtained for 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two candidate genes – beta‐2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and catecholamine‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT). Haplotypes were reconstructed for all individuals with genotype data.Results and ConclusionBoth female gender and poor mental health were associated with (1) an increased risk for chronic, disabling comorbid neck and low back pain (CDCP); and (2) an increase in the number of areas of pain. Of the 14 SNPs evaluated, only SNP rs2053044 (ADRB2, recessive model) displayed an association with CDCP [odds ratio (OR) = 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25, 4.98; p = 0.01] and pain in three to four pain areas in the last month (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.13, 3.06; p = 0.02). These data suggest that genetic variants in ADRB2 may be involved in chronic MSCs.
Structural evolution and functional diversification analyses of argonaute protein
Authors: Wei Kai‐Fa , Wu Ling‐Juan , Chen Juan , Chen Yan‐feng , Xie Dao‐xin 
Published: March 2012

AbstractArgonaute (AGO) proteins are highly specialized small‐RNA‐binding modules and small RNAs are anchored to their specific binding pockets guiding AGO proteins to target mRNA molecules for silencing or destruction. The 135 full‐length AGO protein sequences derived from 36 species covering prokaryote, archaea, and eukaryote are chosen for structural and functional analyses. The results show that bacteria and archaeal AGO proteins are clustered in the same clade and there exist multiple AGO proteins in most eukaryotic species, demonstrating that the increase of AGO gene copy number and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) have been the main evolutionary driving forces for adaptability and biodiversity. And the emergence of PAZ domain in AGO proteins is the unique evolutionary event. The analysis of middle domain (MID)‐nucleotide contaction shows that either the position of sulfate I bond in Nc_QDE2 or the site of phosphate I bond in Hs_AGO2 represents the 5′‐nucleotide binding site of miRNA. Also, H334, T335, and Y336 of Hs_AGO1 can form hydrogen bonds with 3′‐overhanging ends of miRNAs and the same situation exists in Hs_AGO2, Hs_AGO3, Hs_AGO4, Dm_AGO1, and Ce_Alg1. Some PIWI domains containing conserved DDH motif have no slicer activity, and post‐translational modifications may be associated with the endonucleolytic activities of AGOs. With the numbers of AGO genes increasing and fewer crystal structures available, the evolutionary and functional analyses of AGO proteins can help clarify the molecular mechanism of function diversification in response to environmental changes, and solve major issues including host defense mechanism against virus infection and molecular basis of disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2576–2585, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sp1, acetylated histone‐3 and p300 regulate TRAIL transcription: Mechanisms of PDGF‐BB‐mediated VSMC proliferation and migration
Authors: Azahri Nor Saadah M. , Di Bartolo Belinda A. , Khachigian Levon M. , Kavurma Mary M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe recently reported that TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is important in atherogenesis, since it can induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and arterial thickening following injury. Here we show the first demonstrate that TRAIL siRNA reduces platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB)‐stimulated VSMC proliferation and migration. PDGF‐BB‐inducible VSMC proliferation was completely inhibited in VSMCs isolated from aortas of TRAIL−/− mice; whereas inducible migration was blocked compared to control VSMCs. TRAIL transcriptional control mediating this response is not established. TRAIL mRNA, protein and promoter activity was increased by PDGF‐BB and subsequently inhibited by dominant‐negative Sp1, suggesting that the transcription factor Sp1 plays a role. Sp1 bound multiple Sp1 sites on the TRAIL promoter, including two established (Sp1‐1 and ‐2) and two novel Sp1‐5/6 and ‐7 sites. PDGF‐BB‐inducible TRAIL promoter activity by Sp1 was mediated through these sites, since transverse mutations to each abolished inducible activity. PDGF‐BB stimulation increased acetylation of histone‐3 (ac‐H3) and expression of the transcriptional co‐activator p300, implicating chromatin remodelling. p300 overexpression increased TRAIL promoter activity, which was blocked by dominant‐negative Sp1. Furthermore, PDGF‐BB treatment increased the physical interaction of Sp1, p300 and ac‐H3, while chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed Sp1, p300 and ac‐H3 enrichment on the TRAIL promoter. Taken together, our studies demonstrate for the first time that PDGF‐BB‐induced TRAIL transcriptional activity requires the cooperation of Sp1, ac‐H3 and p300, mediating increased expression of TRAIL which is important for VSMC proliferation and migration. Our findings have the promising potential for targeting TRAIL as a new therapeutic for vascular proliferative disorders. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2597–2606, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bayesian Regularized Artificial Neural Network Modeling of the Anti‐protozoal Activities of 1‐Methylbenzimidazole Derivatives Against T. Vaginalis Infection
Authors: Chamjangali Mansour Arab , Mohammadrezaei Mahdi , Kalantar Zahra , Amin Amir Hossein 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this work, we propose a quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) approach in order to model the anti‐protozoal activities of 24 derivatives of 1‐methylbenzimidazole against trichomoniasis vaginalis. A QSAR model was built using the Bayesian regularized artificial neural network (BR‐ANN). A total of 7 molecular descriptors, as the most feasible ones, were selected to build the QSAR model. Some of the selected descriptors seem to relate to the presence of ester group and chlorine atoms at the inner atmosphere of the compounds to increase the anti‐protozoal activity. The robustness and predictability of the proposed model were verified by the test data set and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation methods. The mean square errors (MSEs) and mean relative errors (MREs) for the test data set are 0.0049 and 0.82%, respectively, and for the leave‐one‐out method, they are 0.0031 and 0.75%, respectively. Finally, it was proved that the QSAR model is a useful tool in prediction of the anti‐protozoal activities of 1‐methylbenzimidazole compounds, and that it could be used to guide the synthesis of new 1‐methylbenzimidazole derivatives with better activities.
Synthesis of Chiral Pyridylphenols for the Enantioselective Addition of Diethylzinc to Aldehydes
Authors: Wu Pei‐Shan , Chen Chinpiao 
Published: March 2012

AbstractChiral 8‐substituted 2‐(8,10,10‐trimethyl‐6‐aza‐tricyclo[7.1.1.02,7]undeca‐2(7),3,5‐trien‐5‐yl)‐phenols were prepared from a high enantiopurity (>97% ee) of (1R)‐(+)‐α‐pinene, and assessed in the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to substituted benzaldehydes, giving the (S)‐alcohols with enantiomeric excess ranging from 33% to 89%. Interestingly, in all cases, except for those of ortho‐chlorobenzaldehyde, ortho‐ and para‐methoxybenzaldehydes, the ee was >71%. The plot of the Hammett substitution constants vs. enantiomeric excess of the diethylzinc addition to either the ortho‐ or para‐substituted benzaldehydes shows a linear correlation.
Markedly Enhanced Purge‐and‐Trap Performance and Efficiency for the Determination of Ammonium Ion in High‐Salinity Water Samples
Authors: Lin Tzung‐Yi , Pan Yi‐Ta , Lee Hsin‐Ying , Wang Po‐Yen , Wu Chien‐Hou 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe have previously developed a purge‐and‐trap (P&T) preconcentrator, useful for the determination of trace amounts of ammonium ion in high‐salinity water samples by ion chromatography (IC). In this study, we succeeded in improving the P&T system to markedly enhance performance and efficiency for the determination of ammonium in high‐salinity water samples. Compared to the previous work, the background signal was reduced by a factor of 9. The maximum overall collection efficiency increased greatly from 64% to 97%. With the modified P&T system, this method can be applied to a wide ammonium concentration range of 5 orders of magnitude. These were attributed to the substitution of polypropylene vessels for glass ones, the improvement of the gastight of the P&T system, the increase of the liquid depth in the purge vessel, and the use of 10 mM sulfuric acid as the trapping solution for high ammonium concentration samples. Interferences of 20 native amino acids to the ammonium determination are slightly positive, but also negligible except asparagine and glutamine. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the accurate determination of wide levels of ammonium in seawater and sweat samples.
Long‐term occurrence, variability and tracks of deep cyclones over Krakow (Central Europe) during the period 1900–2010
Authors: Bielec‐Bąkowska Zuzanna , Piotrowicz Katarzyna 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article discusses patterns in the long‐term and seasonal occurrence of deep cyclones over Krakow. This study analysed the frequency of occurrence of air pressure values equal to or lower than the 1st percentile (equivalent to ≤995.3 hPa) of all air pressure values recorded at 12:00 UTC over a period of 110 years (1900/1901–2009/2010). Special attention was devoted to the tracks of deep cyclones. No distinct changes were found in the frequency of occurrence of deep cyclones during the study period. Overall the frequency peaked in December, but in recent years there has been an increase in frequency towards the end of winter and beginning of spring. A similar general lack of noticeable change in the number of days with deep cyclones can also be found in specific tracks. There were minor increases in the frequency of occurrence of cyclones from the Norwegian Sea (T1), the Atlantic (T3), Bay of Biscay (T6) and the Mediterranean (T7) after 1950. The study also found confirmation of the theory that cyclone tracks had shortened at their northeastern extremities. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
New natural antioxidants for protecting omega‐3 rich products
Authors: Sabeena Farvin K. H. , Jacobsen Charlotte 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe long‐chain (LC) highly unsaturated omega‐3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6) are vital for a wide range of biological functions and are implicated in the prevention of numerous diseases. However, these fatty acids are highly susceptible to oxidation because of their unsaturated nature. Addition of antioxidants is one method to prevent lipid oxidation. As synthetic antioxidants may have carcinogenic effects at higher levels, the replacement of synthetic antioxidants with natural antioxidants is now in demand. We have isolated natural antioxidants from yoghurt, potato peel, fish protein hydrolysates and seaweed, which were able to protect highly unsaturated fish oil from oxidation. These antioxidant extracts may have potential for commercial exploitation.
Narrow band imaging of squamous cell carcinoma tumors using topically delivered anti‐EGFR antibody conjugated gold nanorods
Authors: Puvanakrishnan Priyaveena , Diagaradjane Parmeswaran , Kazmi S.M. Shams , Dunn Andrew K. , Krishnan Sunil , Tunnell James W. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundNanoparticles have recently gained interest as exogenous contrast agents in a variety of biomedical applications related to cancer detection and treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of topically administered antibody conjugated gold nanorods (GNRs) for imaging squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the skin using near‐infrared narrowband imaging (NBI). Near‐infrared (NIR) NBI images narrow wavelength bands to enhance contrast from plasmonic particles in a wide field portable and noncontact device that is clinically compatible for real‐time tumor imaging and tumor margin demarcation.Study designWe conjugated GNRs to Cetuximab, a clinically approved humanized antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed on the surface of many tumor cells, especially SCCs. We excised subcutaneous xenografts of SCCs (A431) from Swiss nu/nu mice and divided the tumors into two groups: (1) the targeted group (Cetuximab conjugated GNRs) and (2) the control group (polyethylene glycol‐conjugated GNRs). After topical application of particles and incubation for 30 minutes, the tumors were washed and imaged using NBI. In addition, we performed two‐photon imaging to quantify the binding of EGFR targeted GNRs in tumors and their depth profile.ResultsThe NBI images showed a visual increase in contrast from tumors after topical administration of targeted GNR. Targeted GNR tumors showed increased contrast compared to tumors administered with the control GNR. There was a statistically significant increase in mean pixel intensity (∼2.5×) from targeted GNR tumors (n = 6). Two‐photon microscopy images of targeted GNRs confirmed their binding affinity to the EGF receptors over expressed in the A431 tumors.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that a topical application of gold nanorods targeted specifically to tumor growth factor receptors results in a significantly higher image contrast compared to nontargeted gold nanorods. These results demonstrate the feasibility of near‐infrared NBI to image and demarcate tumor margins during surgical resection using topical administration of targeted GNR. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:310–317, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards Rationally Designed Graphene‐Based Materials and Devices
Authors: Liang Yu Teng , Hersam Mark C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWith its exceptional charge transport properties, graphene has emerged as a potential replacement material in the electronics industry. For these applications, much effort has been devoted towards the synthesis of large defect‐free graphene sheets. However, recent developments have enabled the efficient production of micrometer‐ and nanometer‐sized graphene sheets in the solution phase. These suspensions have stimulated the development of novel materials and devices that more fully exploit the tunability and large specific surface area of pristine graphene. This review highlights advances in the understanding of the defect structure and properties of as‐produced graphene as well as strategies for its chemical selection and modification that facilitates its use in functional materials and devices.
In Situ Modification of Unmodified Montmorillonite in Polypropylene by Electron‐Induced Reactive Processing
Authors: Thakur Varun , Gohs Uwe , Wagenknecht Udo , Heinrich Gert 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe potential of electron‐induced reactive processing for the in situ modification of unmodified montmorillonite (MMT) is described. During melt mixing process, energy and negative electron charges are absorbed in the polypropylene‐unmodified MMT composite in the presence of a chemical coupling agent. The total amount of absorbed electron charges, the absorbed dose, and the pH‐dependent charges developed on the MMT edges play a significant role in the in situ modification of MMT. The proposed chemical mechanism behind the in situ modification of MMT in the presence of vinyl silane as coupling additive is described in detail. Finally, a speculative sketch is described to explain the influence of pH‐dependent charges on the modification of MMT.
Functionalization of Poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) via Lithiation of the Cyclopentadienyl Rings
Authors: Presa Soto Alejandro , Chabanne Laurent , Zhou Jiawen , Gilroy Joe B. , Manners Ian 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe metallation of the cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligands of poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFDMS) can be performed by reaction with the Schlosser's base pair t‐BuLi/KOt‐Bu in THF. Subsequent treatment with a series of electrophiles affords a range of Cp‐substituted polymers with up to an average of 1.8 new substituents per repeating unit. NMR studies on polymers containing trimethylsilyl groups and deuterium on the Cp rings are indicative of high regioselectivity with selective metallation at the β‐carbon.
Miniature bandpass filter with a wide stopband up to 40F0
Authors: Belyaev B. A. , Serzhantov A. M. , Tyurnev V. V. , Leksikov A.A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA 243‐MHz narrowband filter with high selectivity performance has been designed. The filter comprises two electromagnetically coupled quasi‐lumped resonators placed into a metal case. Each resonator consists of a tubular capacitor connected in series between two tubular conductors. The measured frequency response of the fabricated filter is presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1117–1118, 2012
Design methodology for wireless sensor network working with radio over fiber
Authors: Assumpção Raphael M. , Branquinho Omar C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe propose a design methodology for predicting the coverage of a wireless sensor network (WSN) when operating on a radio over fiber (RoF) backhaul.We analyze the RoF consequences in the WSN radio coverage even for multiple cells and the impact of new cells insertion. An analytical approach identifies the main parameters permitting to determine the range where it is possible to install sensors. Laboratory experiments validate the analytical expression for different scenarios. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1277–1281, 2012
Demonstration of a 5 Gb/s × 24 interchip optical interconnect system
Authors: Feng Quanyou , Sang Xinzhu , Dou Wenhua 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAn 850 nm 12‐channel vertical cavity surface emitting laser array, a photodiode array, microprocessor chips, embedded fiber‐optic waveguides, and microlens optical coupling elements are integrated onto the printed circuit board. The bidirectional 5 Gb/s × 24 optical interconnect system is successfully demonstrated for interprocessor communication through optical I/O pins. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1176–1179, 2012
Dielectric thickness and ground width effect on multilayer coplanar components and circuits for ceramic multichip modules
Authors: Samanta K. K. , Robertson I. D. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article investigates the effect of dielectric thickness and ground width on the performance of multilayer conductor backed coplanar waveguide lumped elements and circuits fabricated on advanced multilayer photoimageable thick‐film ceramic multichip module (MCM) technology. From the S‐parameters, the effective dielectric constant is extracted to investigate the effect of dielectric thickness and ground‐width on transmission line dispersion. The equivalent circuit parameters for multilayer ceramic‐based capacitors and inductors are investigated for various dielectric thicknesses and ground‐plane widths. Finally, the practical effect of dielectric thickness and ground width are investigated for a highly compact and high performance lumped element low pass filter at 3 GHz, developed for cost‐effective MCM applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1127–1132, 2012
Efficient miniaturization technique for wire patch antennas
Authors: Addaci Rafik , Diallo Aliou , Thuc Philippe Le , Staraj Robert 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this article, a new miniaturization technique for a circular wire patch antenna is presented. This technique consists in adding cylindrical skirts to the two metallic circular plates. A parametric study carried out for this new design shows that this new shape gives one more degree of freedom to control the resonance frequency and allows us to optimize the matching of this smaller radiating element in the desired operation band. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1325–1327, 2012
A fingerprinting‐based indoor localization system using intensity modulation of light emitting diodes
Authors: Vongkulbhisal Jayakorn , Chantaramolee Bhume , Zhao Yan , Mohammed Waleed S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this article, we propose a two‐dimensional indoor localization system using fingerprinting of received optical signals emitted from light emitting diodes (LEDs).The transmitters and receiver are designed and constructed to use visible light as the signal for localization. At the transmitter side, the input voltage/current is modulated with continuous waves before being sent to the LEDs, where each transmitter is assigned with a different frequency. At the receiver side, the power spectral density of the received signal is calculated and the location is estimated as one of the fingerprint locations using a novel but yet simple algorithm. Both the simulation and experiment have been conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the system in a controlled environment. We demonstrate that the system has the potential to estimate locations in the level of centimeters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1218–1227, 2012
Band‐notched low profile monopole antenna with enhanced bandwidth by using an inverted T‐shaped parasitic structure and a pair of G‐shaped slots
Authors: Ojaroudi M. , Ojaroudi Y. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this letter, a novel printed monopole antenna for ultra wideband applications with variable frequency band‐notch characteristic is presented.The proposed antenna consists of a forked‐shaped radiating patch with an inverted T‐shaped parasitic structure and a ground plane with a pair of G‐shaped slots, which provides a wide usable fractional bandwidth of more than 130% (2.9–14.1 GHz). To generate frequency band‐stop performance, the forked‐shaped strips are folded back and result in a pair of coupled lines on the radiating patch that we can control band‐stop performance characteristics such as band‐notch frequency. By inserting an inverted T‐shaped parasitic structure on the radiating patch and also by cutting a pair of G‐shaped slots with variable dimensions on the ground plane, additional resonances are excited and hence much wider impedance bandwidth can be produced, especially at the higher band. The designed antenna has a small size of 10 × 16 mm2 while showing the band rejection performance in the frequency band of 5–6 GHz. Simulated and experimental results obtained for this antenna show that it exhibits good radiation behavior within the UWB frequency range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1123–1127, 2012
Millimeter‐wave photonic active integrated antennas using hybrid mode‐locked lasers
Authors: Khawaja Bilal A. , Cryan Martin J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article introduces a novel low‐cost scheme for implementing in‐building/campus wide remote antenna units for next generation radio‐over‐fiber systems using the photonic active integrated antenna concept, whereby photonic devices can be integrated directly with planar antennas. De‐embedded input impedance of a state‐of‐the‐art 40‐GHz mode‐locked laser is measured, and the device is matched directly to the nonradiating edge of a rectangular‐microstrip‐patch antenna. Wireless hybrid mode locking is then demonstrated for a maximum wireless range of 15 cm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1200–1203, 2012