bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrence patterns of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma and impact of salvage surgery
Authors: Ikoma Naruhiko , Torres Keila E. , Lin Heather Y. , Ravi Vinod , Roland Christina L. , Mann Gary N. , Hunt Kelly K. , Cormier Janice N. , Feig Barry W.
Published: May 2017

Background

Optimal treatment strategies for retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma (RPLMS), particularly recurrent disease, are unknown.

Methods

We searched the tumor registry at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) to identify patients with RPLMS treated between 1994 and 2013.

Results

We identified 172 patients with a diagnosis of a RPLMS. Among the 85 patients who underwent complete resection included in the survival analysis, the median overall survival (OS) was 8.3 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7‐12.3), 5‐year local recurrence rate was 21%, and 5‐year distant metastasis rate was 47%. Among 114 patients who experienced recurrence, patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent disease had longer OS after recurrence than patients who did not undergo salvage surgery (median survival after recurrence 5.6 vs 3.3 years, 3‐year OS rates after recurrence 72.6% vs 58.1%, HR 0.402 [95%CI, 0.243‐0.666]; P = 0.0004). Whether salvage surgery was performed for local or distant recurrence was not associated with OS. Patients who had a longer disease‐free interval (≥12 months) had better progression‐free survival after salvage surgery than those who had a shorter interval (HR, 0.437 [95%CI, 0.244‐0.783]; P = 0.0055).

Conclusions

We recommend that salvage surgery be considered for selected patients with local or distant recurrence of RP LMS.
Recruitment of benthic invertebrates in high Arctic fjords: Relation to temperature, depth, and season
Authors: Meyer Kirstin S. , Sweetman Andrew K. , Kuklinski Piotr , Leopold Peter , Vogedes Daniel , Berge Jørgen , Griffiths Colin , Young Craig M. , Renaud Paul E.
Published: May 2017

In the high Arctic, recruitment of hard‐bottom benthic organisms has been studied at single locations, but little is known about how it varies spatially or temporally, or how it is influenced by abiotic factors. In this study, settlement plates were simultaneously deployed at five locations in three Svalbard (Norway) fjords at depths ranging from 7 m to 215 m. Recruitment was significantly different among fjords and among locations within a fjord. Recruits at each site co‐occurred randomly even though interspecific overgrowth was observed. This finding provides further evidence that there is not necessarily a relationship between non‐random co‐occurrence and interspecific competition, such as is traditionally assumed for other isolated, island‐like habitats. We found significantly lower recruitment in an Arctic‐influenced fjord than in more Atlantic‐influenced fjords. The abundance and richness of recruits was significantly lower in fall‐winter than in spring‐summer, but the spirorbid Circeis armoricana recruited in high abundance in fall‐winter. Both the abundance and taxonomic richness of recruits declined exponentially with depth, with the hydroid Stegopoma plicatile dominating at 215 m in an Atlantic‐influenced fjord. The most abundant recruiting taxa (C. armoricana, Semibalanus balanoides, Harmeria scutulata, Celleporella hyalina) can be described as pioneer (early‐succession) species. Crustose coralline algae, a slow‐growing superior competitor, also recruited at one location. Recruitment in Svalbard is highly variable, both spatially and temporally, and our results show the influence of local factors such as adult species composition.
Thermo‐Responsive Brush Copolymers by “Grafting Through” Strategy Implemented on the Surface of the Macromonomer Micelles and Their High Emulsifying Performance
Authors: Li Heng , Liu Pin , Yuan Jun , Si Jiaqing , Liu Yijiang , Li Huaming , Gao Yong
Published: May 2017

In the present study, the synthesis of water‐soluble thermo‐responsive brush copolymers via “graft through” strategy that is conducted on the surfaces of macromonomer micelles and their application as emulsifiers for thermo‐responsive emulsions are reported. Water‐soluble poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylmide)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylmide) (PDMA‐b‐PNIPAM) diblock copolymers carrying a hydrophobic polymerizable vinyl group at the end of the PDMA block are synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and click functionalization. Increasing the temperature to above the low critical solution temperature of the PNIPAM block, the macromonomers self‐assemble to core–shell structure micelles with the polymerizable vinyl terminals on the surface of the micelles. Instead of being directly and freely exposed in the bulk water as the hydrophilic group, the hydrophobic vinyl terminals are protected by the partially looped PDMA segments. PMA‐g‐(PDMA‐b‐PNIPAM) brush copolymers with a high molecular weight and a narrow distribution are obtained by radical polymerization of the macromonomers using the potassium peroxydisulfate as initiator. The radical polymerization only proceeds within the single micelle, and intermicellar propagation and/or termination reactions are totally excluded. These brush copolymers feature the thermo‐responsive conformation transition property and high emulsifying performances for the formation of thermo‐responsive emulsion.

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A novel dual‐band RF energy harvesting circuit with power management unit for low power applications
Authors: Jeong Junhyung , Jeong Yongchae
Published: May 2017

In this letter, a novel dual‐band RF energy harvesting circuit (EHC) with power management unit (PMU) for low power applications is proposed, that can operate BQ25504 PMU of Texas Instruments for low input power applications. The proposed RF EHC has been investigated by mathematical analysis and optimization of variable conditions, such as the number of stages and load resistance for the low input power operation. Additionally, BQ25504 is used to boost the output voltage of RF EHC and battery charging. To verify the analysis, a novel dual‐band RF EHC is designed and fabricated at 0.88 and 2.44 GHz. The measurement results show RF‐DC conversion efficiency and output voltage of only dual‐band RF EHC of 15% and 285 mV at −20 dBm/tone, respectively. Finally, the dual‐band RF EHC connected BQ25504 achieves 3.2 V output voltage and 11% efficiency at −13 dBm/tone.
A compact frequency‐reconfigurable fractal UWB antenna using reconfigurable ground plane
Authors: Tripathi Shrivishal , Mohan Akhilesh , Yadav Sandeep
Published: May 2017

In this article, a compact frequency reconfigurable ultrawideband (UWB) antenna having switchable multiple bands is presented. The reconfigurable multiple bands include UWB band, lower UWB band, middle UWB band, and one dual band having lower and upper UWB bands. Multiple p‐i‐n diodes are used in the slotted ground plane which helps to achieve frequency reconfigurability. The desired compactness and wider operational bandwidth is obtained in the antenna design with the help of Sierpinski fractal geometry. Moreover, it helps in enhancement of the radiation characteristics that assist us to get omnidirectional radiation pattern. It has a compact size of 24.5 mm × 20 mm.
Compact low‐pass stepped impedance filters with enhanced out of band response
Authors: El‐halabi Heba , Issa Hamza , Pistono Emmanuel , Kaddour Darine , Abou‐Chahine S. , Ferrari Phillipe
Published: May 2017

This article presents slow‐wave microstrip transmission lines based on a double‐layer PCB substrate for miniaturized and high‐rejection low‐pass filters design. The slow‐wave effect is obtained by inserting metallic via rows within the lower substrate layer. Realized slow‐wave microstrip transmission lines exhibit a high effective dielectric constant of 7.4 instead of 3 for classical microstrip transmission lines. Based on this concept, miniaturized high‐rejection 7th‐order low‐pass stepped‐impedance filters with a cut‐off frequency of 2.45 GHz were designed, fabricated and measured. Measurement results are in good agreement with simulations. Thanks to the slow‐wave microstrip lines, the size of the realized filters is reduced by 65% as compared to a classical filter prototype, without degrading electrical performances.
Compact series FED tapered antenna array using unequal rectangular microstrip antenna elements
Authors: Singh Bharati , Sarwade Nisha , Ray Kamla Prasan
Published: May 2017

This article presents a design of a series fed compact antenna array based on the concept of gain variation of a rectangular microstrip antenna for a desired aperture/amplitude distribution to suppress the first side lobe level (FSLL). An analysis is presented in the X band with respect to the number of elements for series fed antenna arrays. The requirement of a compact design having few numbers of elements with reduced FSLL and beam tilt of 50 degrees has been realized. Simulated results are experimentally validated with reasonable agreement.
A wideband dual‐polarized antenna with L‐shaped resonator
Authors: Wu Rui , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: May 2017

A wideband dual‐polarized antenna loaded resonator is proposed in this article. A new resonant mode is induced while loaded with L‐shaped resonator beside the dipole. This mode can be moved by adjusting the size and position of the resonator. And the main resonant mode is decided by the size of the dipole. In this way, a wide bandwidth of 33.7% from 0.67 to 0.97 GHz for |S11|<−15 dB is achieved with two resonant modes in the desired band. Moreover, stable radiation pattern gain, and low cross polarization are obtained over the entire operating band.
A compact band‐stop frequency selective surface for dual band Wi‐Fi applications
Authors: Ali Haider , Riaz Laeeq , Naeem Umair , Farhan Shafique Muhammad
Published: May 2017

This article presents a compact frequency selective surface (FSS) design which is capable of rejecting both bands of Wi‐Fi. The proposed design is evolved from a patch‐slot topology and it is investigated that the patch‐slot architecture is unstable for oblique incident waves, therefore, a number of geometrical modifications have been proposed to ensure the band stability at different incident angles. The slot geometry is modified by inductive loading and extending the slot length. The modified unit element of FSS is 0.38 λ0 at higher frequency band. Fabricated prototypes have been measured for their transmission response at incident angles upto 30° and good agreement has been observed between simulated and measured results. The proposed FSS is suitable for shielding applications and for limiting the coverage area of wireless access‐point.
Frequency‐agile ring resonator end‐loaded slot antenna
Authors: Szolc L. M. , Poydence T. A. , Ruyle J. E.
Published: May 2017

In this letter, a novel frequency‐agile Ring Resonator End‐Loaded Slot Antenna is proposed, analyzed with a transmission line model, and experimentally verified. The innovative end‐loads are annular slot ring resonators made tunable by way of shunt varactor diode loading. The antenna covers most common mobile communication bands with continuous frequency agility between 1.65 and 2.9 GHz (55% tuning range)—providing realized gains of 2 to 6.6 dB and radiation efficiency on the order of 50% to 90%, respectively. This leads to an improvement of nearly 10 dB in signal‐to‐noise‐ratio in a line‐of‐sight communication link over previously reported frequency agile antennas. The radiation patterns follow the shape of a straight slot radiator on a finite ground plane and vary only slightly when the antenna is tuned to different frequencies.
Design and analysis for dipole antennas with equal beamwidth and wideband operation
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Wei You‐Heng
Published: May 2017

A design for the antenna with equal beamwidths in two orthogonal planes is described. The antenna is mainly composed of a printed dipole fed with a microstrip balun and a rectangular metallic box used as a reflector. The simulated results obtained with HFSS demonstrate that the beamwidths of the antenna in the E‐ and H‐planes as well as the diagonal plane are almost the same within the 10 dB‐return‐loss bandwidth from 2.3 to 3.3 GHz; moreover, the cross polarization in these planes is lower than −20 dB. The spherical vector wave expansion of the radiated fields of the antenna is used to explain the radiation characteristics. An antenna prototype is also constructed, and experimental data have good agreements with the simulation results.
Passive higher order mode filter for 850 nm multimode fiber transmission
Authors: Chorchos L. , Turkiewicz J. P. , Szostkiewicz L. , Napierala M. , Ostrowski L. , Bienkowska B. , Nasilowski T.
Published: May 2017

We propose and evaluate performance of the higher order mode filter for 850 nm multimode fiber transmission. The developed passive component reduces impact of mode dispersion on the systems performance. Excellent operation in the 850 nm transmission experiments is shown.
Octagon fractal microstrip Yagi antenna with a combined DNG and DPS layer structure
Authors: Quzwain K. , Ismail A. , Sali A.
Published: May 2017

A high gain octagon fractal microstrip Yagi antenna (OFMYA) at 5.8 GHz industrial, scientific and medical band is presented in this letter. The OFMYA utilizes Cross Snow fractal concept as its director elements. A double‐negative (DNG) and double‐positive (DPS) layers are placed above the OFMYA in order to attain more gain. A prototype of the OFMYA has been etched on Arlon CuClad 217 which has dielectric permittivity of 2.2 and thickness of 0.787 mm. Meanwhile, DNG and DPS are made of Arlon AD1000 having dielectric permittivity of 10.2 and thickness of 0.787. The proposed antenna was simulated and measured. Experimental result shows that the OFMYA with a combined DNG and DPS layer yields a gain of 15.9 dB. It indicates that the proposed antenna in this article is capable to provide a higher gain with a smaller surface size compared to other microstrip Yagi antennas.
Doherty power amplifier with dynamic load modulation for wireless communications
Authors: Kim Gakyoung , Jeong Jinho
Published: May 2017

In this article, Doherty power amplifier (DPA) with dynamic load modulation (DLM) is proposed for wireless communications with high peak‐to‐average ratio (PAR) signals. The proposed DPA with DLM operates as a conventional DPA from peak to 6‐dB back‐off powers, and DLM starts to operate at lower power than 6‐dB back‐off. The DPA with DLM was designed using 6‐W GaN high mobility transistors (HEMTs) at 1.85 GHz. The fabricated DPA with DLM shows a power‐added efficiency (PAE) of 44.7% at 10‐dB back‐off power of continuous‐wave input signal, which is 5% higher than that without DLM. Dynamic measurement was also carried out using 3.84 MHz W‐CDMA signal with 7.4 dB PAR. The measurement of the DPA with DLM exhibits an average PAE of 32.1% at output power of 27.1 dBm, and adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of −45.1 dBc, which corresponds to 6.1% improvement in PAE compared with the DPA without DLM.
A compact low‐power millimeter wave voltage‐controlled oscillator by using frequency doubling technique
Authors: Hsieh Jian‐Yu , Lu Shey‐Shi
Published: May 2017

A V‐band 1‐V compact voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) is implemented in 0.18 μm CMOS technology with low power dissipation from 6.3 to 16.1 mW. A proposed frequency doubler can increase oscillation frequency and is also used for replacing varactors and buffers. A 0.1‐mm2 small chip layout area and isolation improvement can be achieved.
Improved side‐coupled three‐line wideband bandpass filter
Authors: Li Li , Lin Haodong , Tian Shu Lin
Published: May 2017

This letter presents an improved side‐coupled three‐line filter, which is loaded by two short‐ended microstrip stubs. The mechanism of improved filter is that the order of original three‐line filter is increased from third order to fifth order. As a result, the fractional reflection bandwidth below −10 dB of improved filter is raised from 75% to 98%, and its selectivity (skirt factor) is enhanced from 64% to 75%. The proposed filter has been fabricated and verified on the substrate of 0.508 mm thickness. It is effective on this thin substrate.
A single feed planar antenna with 4G tunable bands and consistent upper LTE bands between 1.29–2.05 GHz
Authors: Damman Rafid Noel , Mishra Ghanshyam , Sharma Satish K. , Babakhani Behrouz
Published: May 2017

A compact single feed dual‐band meandered planar antenna with 4G tunable bands and 1.29–2.05 GHz consistent bands is proposed here. In this antenna design, a varactor diode is implemented on the meandered arm to tune the operational frequency of the lower band between the 690 and 970 MHz frequencies. While the 4G band tuning, the rectangular‐shaped cutout portion of the antenna provides a consistent frequency bandwidth of 1.29–2.05 GHz. The measured fractional bandwidth of the entire tunable lower band range is 33.7% and a consistent 45.5% fractional bandwidth in the higher band. Both the tunable and consistent frequencies are experimentally verified to show acceptable matching based on S11 ≤ −6 dB criteria and near‐omnidirectional radiation patterns. The antenna is able to cover several wireless (LTE) communication bands including 4G.
Dual‐band balanced‐to‐unbalanced out‐of‐phase equal power divider
Authors: Yadav Amar Nath , Bhattacharjee Ratnajit
Published: May 2017

This article proposes a Gysel type dual‐band balanced‐to‐unbalanced (BTU) power divider (PD) for equal power division. The proposed PD has out‐of‐phase (phase difference between two output signal is 180°) characteristic. Standard [S] matrix for the dual‐band PD is derived from mixed mode [S] matrix. Analysis is carried out to obtain design equations of the PD. The proposed PD is designed for a frequency ratio of 1.91. The two design frequencies are 2.2 and 4.2 GHz. A prototype is fabricated to validate theory and design equations. Measurement results show the dual‐band nature and out‐of‐phase characteristic of PD. Size of the fabricated prototype is 0.52λg × 0.29λg. The proposed PD configuration can also be used for high power application.
UWB double‐ridge waveguide coupler with low loss
Authors: Manoochehri Omid , Darvazehban Amin , Erricolo Danilo
Published: May 2017

A new ultra‐wide band coupler obtained with two crossed double‐ridge waveguides coupled through one aperture is proposed. The main features of the coupler include operating frequency from 6 to 18 GHz, coupling coefficient below −50 dB, return loss of all the ports under −15 dB, minimum directivity 15 dB, small size, and low losses, which make it appropriate for high‐power applications. The whole structure is simulated with CST and HFSS software, fabricated, and measured. Excellent agreement between measured and simulated results was achieved.
Evaluating the accuracy of theoretical one‐bond 13C─13C scalar couplings and their ability to predict structure in a natural product
Authors: Powell Jacob , Valenti Domenic , Bobnar Harley , Drain Erika , Elliott Blaine , Frank Sydney , McCullough Tyler , Moore Sean , Kettring Andrew , Iuliucci Robbie , Harper James K.
Published: May 2017

This study explores the feasibility of using a combination of experimental and theoretical 1‐bond 13C─13C scalar couplings (1JCC) to establish structure in organic compounds, including unknowns. Historically, nJCC and nJCH studies have emphasized 2 and 3‐bond couplings, yet 1JCC couplings exhibit significantly larger variations. Moreover, recent improvements in experimental measurement and data processing methods have made 1JCC data more available. Herein, an approach is evaluated in which a collection of theoretical structures is created from a partial nuclear magnetic resonance structural characterization. Computed 1JCC values are compared to experimental data to identify candidates giving the best agreement. This process requires knowledge of the error in theoretical methods, thus the B3LYP, B3PW91, and PBE0 functionals are evaluated by comparing to 27 experimental values from INADEQUATE. Respective errors of ±1.2, ±3.8, and ±2.3 Hz are observed. An initial test of this methodology involves the natural product 5‐methylmellein. In this case, only a single candidate matches experimental data with high statistical confidence. This analysis establishes the intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding arrangement, ring heteroatom identity, and conformation at one position. This approach is then extended to hydroheptelidic acid, a natural product not fully characterized in prior studies. The experimental/theoretical approach proposed herein identifies a single best‐fit structure from among 26 candidates and establishes, for the first time, 1 configuration and 3 conformations to complete the characterization. These results suggest that accurate and complete structural characterizations of many moderately sized organic structures (<800 Da) may be possible using only 1JCC data.
On the long‐range relativistic effects in the 15N NMR chemical shifts of halogenated azines
Authors: Samultsev Dmitry O. , Rusakov Yury Yu. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: May 2017

Long‐range β‐ and γ‐relativistic effects of halogens in 15N NMR chemical shifts of 20 halogenated azines (pyridines, pyrimidines, pyrazines, and 1,3,5‐triazines) are shown to be unessential for fluoro‐, chloro‐, and bromo‐derivatives (1–2 ppm in average). However, for iodocontaining compounds, β‐ and γ‐relativistic effects are important contributors to the accuracy of the 15N calculation. Taking into account long‐range relativistic effects slightly improves the agreement of calculation with experiment. Thus, mean average errors (MAE) of 15N NMR chemical shifts of the title compounds calculated at the non‐relativistic and full 4‐component relativistic levels in gas phase are accordingly 7.8 and 5.5 ppm for the range of about 150 ppm. Taking into account solvent effects within the polarizable continuum model scheme marginally improves agreement of computational results with experiment decreasing MAEs from 7.8 to 7.4 ppm and from 5.5 to 5.3 ppm at the non‐relativistic and relativistic levels, respectively. The best result (MAE: 5.3 ppm) is achieved at the 4‐component relativistic level using Keal and Tozer's KT3 functional used in combination with Dyall's relativistic basis set dyall.av3z with taking into account solvent effects within the polarizable continuum solvation model. The long‐range relativistic effects play a major role (of up to dozen of parts per million) in 15N NMR chemical shifts of halogenated nitrogen‐containing heterocycles, which is especially crucial for iodine derivatives. This effect should apparently be taken into account for practical purposes.
Time‐efficient and flexible design of optimized multishell HARDI diffusion
Authors: Hutter Jana , Tournier J. Donald , Price Anthony N. , Cordero‐Grande Lucilio , Hughes Emer J. , Malik Shaihan , Steinweg Johannes , Bastiani Matteo , Sotiropoulos Stamatios N. , Jbabdi Saad , Andersson Jesper , Edwards A. David , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging benefits from collecting as much data as is feasible but is highly sensitive to subject motion and the risk of data loss increases with longer acquisition times. Our purpose was to create a maximally time‐efficient and flexible diffusion acquisition capability with built‐in robustness to partially acquired or interrupted scans. Our framework has been developed for the developing Human Connectome Project, but different application domains are equally possible.

Methods

Complete flexibility in the sampling of diffusion space combined with free choice of phase‐encode‐direction and the temporal ordering of the sampling scheme was developed taking into account motion robustness, internal consistency, and hardware limits. A split‐diffusion‐gradient preparation, multiband acceleration, and a restart capacity were added.

Results

The framework was used to explore different parameters choices for the desired high angular resolution diffusion imaging diffusion sampling. For the developing Human Connectome Project, a high‐angular resolution, maximally time‐efficient (20 min) multishell protocol with 300 diffusion‐weighted volumes was acquired in >400 neonates. An optimal design of a high‐resolution (1.2 × 1.2 mm2) two‐shell acquisition with 54 diffusion weighted volumes was obtained using a split‐gradient design.

Conclusion

The presented framework provides flexibility to generate time‐efficient and motion‐robust diffusion magnetic resonance imaging acquisitions taking into account hardware constraints that might otherwise result in sub‐optimal choices. Magn Reson Med 79:1276–1292, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
On boundary conditions for homogenization of volume elements undergoing localization
Authors: Goldmann Joseph , Brummund Jörg , Ulbricht Volker
Published: May 2017

This paper presents an adaption of periodic boundary conditions (BC), which is termed tessellation BC. While periodic BC restrict strain localization zones to obey the periodicity of the microstructure, the proposed tessellation BC adjust the periodicity frame to meet the localization zone. Thereby, arbitrary developing localization zones are permitted. Still the formulation is intrinsically unsusceptible against spurious localization. Additionally, a modification of the Hough transformation is derived, which constitutes an unbiased criterion for the detection of the localization zone. The behavior of the derived formulation is demonstrated by various examples and compared with other BC. It is thereby shown that tessellation BC lead to a reasonable dependence of the effective stress on the localization direction. Furthermore, good convergence of stiffness values with increasing size of the representative volume element is shown as well as beneficial characteristics in use with strain softening material.
Joint association of birth weight and physical activity/sedentary behavior with obesity in children ages 9‐11 years from 12 countries
Authors: Qiao Yijuan , Zhang Tao , Liu Hongyan , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Fogelholm Mikael , Johnson William D. , Kuriyan Rebecca , Kurpad Anura , Lambert Estelle V. , Maher Carol , Maia José A.R. , Matsudo Victor , Olds Timothy , Onywera Vincent , Sarmiento Olga L. , Standage Martyn , Tremblay Mark S. , Tudor‐Locke Catrine , Zhao Pei , Hu Gang ,   for the ISCOLE Research Group
Published: May 2017

Objective

To examine the joint association of birth weight and physical activity/sedentary time with childhood obesity in 12 countries.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 5,088 children aged 9 to 11 years was conducted. Birth weight was recalled by parents or guardians. Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior were objectively measured using accelerometry.

Results

The association of birth weight with the odds of obesity, central obesity, and high body fat was significant among children with either low MVPA or high sedentary time but not among children with either high MVPA or low sedentary time. In comparison with children with normal birth weight and high MVPA, children with high birth weight and low MVPA showed 4.48‐ to 5.18‐fold higher odds of obesity, central obesity, and high body fat; children with normal birth weight and low MVPA showed 3.00‐ to 3.30‐fold higher odds of obesity, central obesity, and high body fat, and children with high birth weight and high MVPA showed 1.16‐ to 1.68‐fold higher odds of obesity, central obesity, and high body fat.

Conclusions

High MVPA is more important than high birth weight as a correlate of obesity in children.
Global optimal control with the direct multiple shooting method
Authors: Diedam H. , Sager S.
Published: May 2017

We propose to solve global optimal control problems with a new algorithm that is based on Bock's direct multiple shooting method. We provide conditions and numerical evidence for a significant overall runtime reduction compared to the standard single shooting approach.
The influence of soft segments on some properties of new transparent segmented polyurethanes
Authors: Puszka Andrzej , Kultys Anna
Published: May 2017

This work describes the synthesis and structure of the new segmented polyurethanes (SPURs) formed from an aliphatic diisocyanate [1,1′‐methanediylbis(4‐isocyanatocyclohexane] (Desmodur W®) and unconventional sulfur‐containing chain extender [2,2′‐methylenebis([4,1‐phenylene]methylenesulfanediyl)diethanol]. Soft segments were poly(oxytetramethylene)diol of
 = 1000 g/mol (PTMO) or poly(hexametylene carbonate)diol of
 = 860 g/mol (PHCD). For all the polymers, the structure, physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties were determined. In addition, for selected polymers, optical properties (refractive index and transparency), adhesive properties, and antimicrobial activity were also determined. The type and amount of soft segment used for the synthesis of SPURs had a significant effect on the properties of the polymers. SPURs from PHCD are characterized by higher glass transition temperatures, molar masses, hardness (up to 91/50°Sh in scale A/D), and tensile strengths (up to 36.5 MPa) but lower elongations at break compared with the SPURs with PTMO. The tests of adhesion and optical properties showed that the PHCD‐based SPUR was characterized by higher value of refractive index, transparency, and more than three times the adhesive strength than the PTMO‐based SPUR. Antimicrobial activity studies showed that the SPUR presence in the medium inhibited proliferation of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of androgen deprivation therapy on sexual function and bother in men with prostate cancer: A controlled comparison
Authors: Donovan Kristine A. , Gonzalez Brian D. , Nelson Ashley M. , Fishman Mayer N. , Zachariah Babu , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The adverse sexual effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on men with prostate cancer have been well described. Less well known is the relative degree of sexual dysfunction and bother associated with ADT compared to other primary treatment modalities such as radical prostatectomy. We sought to describe the trajectory and relative magnitude of changes in sexual function and bother in men on ADT and to examine demographic and clinical predictors of ADT's adverse sexual effects.

Methods

Prostate cancer patients treated with ADT (n = 60) completed assessments of sexual function and sexual bother 3 times during a 1‐year period after the initiation of ADT. Prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy only and not receiving ADT (n = 85) and men with no history of cancer (n = 86) matched on age and education completed assessments at similar intervals.

Results

Androgen deprivation therapy recipients reported worsening sexual function and increasing bother over time compared to controls. Effect sizes for the differences in sexual function were large to very large, and for bother were small to very large. Age younger than 83 years predicted relatively poorer sexual function, and age younger than 78 years predicted greater sexual bother at 12 months in men on ADT compared to men not on ADT.

Conclusions

Most men on ADT for prostate cancer will never return to baseline levels of sexual function. Interventions focused on sexual bother over function and designed to help couples build and maintain satisfying relationship intimacy are likely to more positively affect men's psychological well‐being while on ADT than medical or sexual aids targeting sexual dysfunction.
Medical mishap as a cause of non‐resolving pneumonia
Authors: Toukan Yazeed , Gur Michal , Nir Vered , Bentur Lea
Published: May 2017

A 15‐year old boy was referred for evaluation of fever, productive cough, and recurrent/persistent right lower lobe (RLL) pneumonia of 1‐month duration. Chest computed tomography scan showed RLL consolidation, with minimal pleural effusion and a liver abscess with sharp borders, containing a solid calcification in the lower portion. History revealed acute appendicitis with laparoscopic appendectomy 6 months prior to presentation, during which a fecalith dropped to the peritoneal cavity. Following laparoscopically guided drainage of the abscess the patient improved. Herein we describe a rare case of non‐resolving RLL pneumonia secondary to pyogenic liver abscess caused by dropped appendicolith.
Downregulation of androgen receptors by NaAsO2 via inhibition of AKT‐NF‐κB and HSP90 in castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Kim Yunlim , Park Sang Eun , Moon Jeong‐Weon , Kim Bong‐Min , Kim Ha‐Gyeong , Jeong In Gab , Yoo Sangjun , Ahn Jae Beom , You Dalsan , Pak Jhang Ho , Kim Sujong , Hwang Jung Jin , Kim Choung‐Soo
Published: May 2017

Background

Androgen and androgen receptor (AR) play essential roles in the development and maintenance of prostate cancer. The recently identified AR splice variants (AR‐Vs) have been considered as a plausible mechanism for the primary resistance against androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Sodium meta‐arsenite (NaAsO2; KML001; Kominox), a trivalent arsenical, is an orally bioavailable and water soluble, which is currently in phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of prostate cancer. It has a potent anti‐cancer effect on prostate cancer cells and xenografts. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of NaAsO2 on AR signaling in LNCaP and 22Rv1 CRPC cells.

Methods

We used hormone‐sensitive LNCaP cells, hormone‐insensitive 22Rv1 cells, and CRPC patient‐derived primary cells. We analyzed anti‐cancer effect of NaAsO2 using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and CellTiter Glo® luminescent assay. Statistical evaluation of the results was performed by one‐way ANOVA.

Results

NaAsO2 significantly reduced the translocation of AR and AR‐Vs to the nucleus as well as their level in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. Besides, the level of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), downstream target gene of AR, was also decreased. This compound was also an effective modulator of AKT‐dependent NF‐κB activation which regulates AR. NaAsO2 significantly inhibited phosphorylation of AKT and expression and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. We then investigated the effect of NaAsO2 on AR stabilization. NaAsO2 promoted HSP90 acetylation by down‐regulating HDAC6, which reduces the stability of AR in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions

Here, we show that NaAsO2 disrupts AR signaling at multiple levels by affecting AR expression, stability, and degradation in primary tumor cell cultures from prostate cancer patients as well as CRPC cell lines. These results suggest that NaAsO2 could be a novel therapeutics for prostate cancer.
Success of capture of toads improved by manipulating acoustic characteristics of lures
Authors: Muller Benjamin J , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Management of invasive vertebrates is a crucial component of conservation. Trapping reproductive adults is often effective for control, and modification of traps may greatly increase their attractiveness to such individuals. Cane toads (Rhinella marina) are invasive, and males use advertisement vocalisations to attract reproductive females. In amphibians, including toads, specific structural parameters of calls (e.g. dominant frequency and pulse rate) may be attractive to females. Some cane toad traps use an artificial advertisement vocalisation to attract toads. We determined whether variation of the call's parameters (volume, dominant frequency and pulse rate) could increase the capture rate of gravid females.

RESULTS

Overall, traps equipped with loud calls (80 dB at 1 m) caught significantly more toads, and proportionally more gravid females, than traps with quiet calls (60 dB at 1 m), and traps with low dominant frequency calls caught more gravid females than traps with median frequency calls. Traps with high pulse rate calls attracted more females than traps with low pulse rate calls. Approximately 91% of the females trapped using a low frequency and high pulse rate combination call were gravid, whereas in traps using a call with population median parameters only approximately 75% of captured females were gravid.

CONCLUSION

Calls that indicated large‐bodied males (low frequency) with high energy reserves (high pulse rate) are often attractive to female anurans and were effective lures for female toads in our study. The design of future trapping regimes should account for behavioural preferences of the target sex. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Simulations of the Asian summer monsoon in the sub‐seasonal to seasonal prediction project (S2S) database
Authors: Jie Weihua , Vitart Frederic , Wu Tongwen , Liu Xiangwen
Published: May 2017

Several monsoon indices have been applied to multiple models from the sub‐seasonal to seasonal (S2S) prediction project database during the period May to October 1999–2010 to assess their ability to simulate the Asian monsoon. The bivariate anomaly correlation (BAC) of the Boreal Summer IntraSeasonal Oscillation (BSISO) index suggests that the operational models can predict the BSISO1 and BSISO2 events up to 6–24.5 and 6.5–14 days in advance respectively, although the models tend to underestimate the amplitude of BSISO as the lead time increases. For the strong BSISO events, BSISO1 (BSISO2) display lower skill mostly in phases 3–5 for all the models, suggesting that the BSISO1 (BSISO2) is not easy to predict when it is located over India and the Maritime Continent (South China Sea and Bay of Bengal). On the other hand, the higher skills appear in different phases for different models. For instance, the limit of predictive skill of strong BSISO1 and BSISO2 events in phases 6–7 for the ECMWF ensemble forecast could exceed 30 and 28 days, respectively. The comparisons of the BSISO life cycle among the ECMWF, NCEP and CMA models also indicate that the ECMWF model can better predict the evolution of strong BSISO events. Predictions of additional monsoon circulation indices including the Webster–Yang index (WY), Indian Summer Monsoon index (ISM), South Asian Monsoon index (SAM), and SouthEast Asian Monsoon index (SEAM) in the S2S models have statistically significant skill over the corresponding monsoon regions up to 9–31, 3–17, 7–13 and 7–14 days, respectively. However, the significant skill of summer monsoon precipitation over the SAM and SEAM regions varies significantly among the models, with the skill ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks lead time.
A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the peptide characteristics of microwave‐ and ultrasound‐assisted digestion in discovery and targeted proteomic analyses
Authors: Guo Zhengguang , Cheng Jie , Sun Haidan , Sun Wei
Published: May 2017

Rationale

Fast digestion methods can dramatically accelerate enzyme digestion and increase the throughput of proteomic analysis. However, the peptide characteristics of fast digestion methods and their performance in discovery and targeted proteomic analysis must be systematically evaluated.

Methods

Three digestion methods, including overnight digestion, microwave‐assisted protein enzymatic digestion (MAPED), and high‐intensity focused ultrasonic‐assisted enzymatic digestion (HIFUSAED), in trypsin or in trypsin/Lys‐C were comprehensively compared in both discovery and targeted proteomics analysis using the HeLa cell proteome. In discovery proteomic analysis, the highest numbers of peptides and proteins were identified when the sample was digested via the MAPED method with trypsin/Lys‐C.

Results

The fast digestion methods showed a higher mis‐cleavage rate and a lower semi‐tryptic rate than the overnight digestion method. In both label‐free quantitative analysis and targeted proteomic analysis, both fully cleaved peptides (FCPs) and mis‐cleaved peptides (MCPs) from the fast digestion methods and the overnight digestion method showed good reproducibility if they showed good abundance.

Conclusions

When both the FCPs and MCPs were included in the analysis, the MAPED with trypsin/Lys‐C method showed the best results for both discovery proteomic analysis and relative quantitative targeted proteomic analysis. These results will be beneficial for the application of fast digestion methods to proteomics.
Collision‐induced dissociation of phenethylamides: role of ion‐neutral complexes
Authors: Nikolić Dejan , Macias Carmen , Lankin David C. , van Breemen Richard B.
Published: May 2017

Rationale

Phenethylamides are a large group of naturally occurring molecules found both in the plant and animal kingdoms. In addition, they are used as intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important dihydro‐ and tetrahydroisoquinolines. To enable efficient characterization of this class of molecules, a detailed mass spectrometric fragmentation study of a broad series of analogs was carried out.

Methods

The test compounds were synthesized using standard methods for amide bond formation. Low‐energy high‐resolution tandem mass spectra were acquired on a hybrid quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer using positive ion electrospray ionization.

Results

A total of 26 analogs were investigated in the study. Fragmentation of phenethylamides was found to proceed via intermediate ion‐neutral complexes. The complexes can break down via multiple pathways including dissociation, proton transfer, Friedel‐Crafts acylation, and single electron transfer. The relative contribution of each of these pathways strongly depends on the structure of the coupling amine and acid.

Conclusions

A general scheme for the fragmentation of phenethylamides was developed. This study further extends the knowledge base of the ion‐neutral complex by discovering Friedel‐Crafts acylation as a novel reaction. The strong influence of minor structural modifications on the fragmentation patterns highlights the importance of testing many analogs in order to fully predict a fragmentation pattern of a particular class of molecules.
Missing binary outcomes under covariate‐dependent missingness in cluster randomised trials
Authors: Hossain Anower , DiazOrdaz Karla , Bartlett Jonathan W.
Published: May 2017

Missing outcomes are a commonly occurring problem for cluster randomised trials, which can lead to biased and inefficient inference if ignored or handled inappropriately. Two approaches for analysing such trials are cluster‐level analysis and individual‐level analysis. In this study, we assessed the performance of unadjusted cluster‐level analysis, baseline covariate‐adjusted cluster‐level analysis, random effects logistic regression and generalised estimating equations when binary outcomes are missing under a baseline covariate‐dependent missingness mechanism. Missing outcomes were handled using complete records analysis and multilevel multiple imputation. We analytically show that cluster‐level analyses for estimating risk ratio using complete records are valid if the true data generating model has log link and the intervention groups have the same missingness mechanism and the same covariate effect in the outcome model. We performed a simulation study considering four different scenarios, depending on whether the missingness mechanisms are the same or different between the intervention groups and whether there is an interaction between intervention group and baseline covariate in the outcome model. On the basis of the simulation study and analytical results, we give guidance on the conditions under which each approach is valid. © 2017 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Battle on the Wrong Field? Entrant Type, Dominant Designs, and Technology Exit
Authors: Chen Tianxu , Qian Lihong , Narayanan Vadake
Published: May 2017

Research summary: Startups often compete with diversifying entrants in the technology race to define dominant designs, which can be platform technology‐based or non‐platform technology‐based. However, little research has examined the relative risk of technological exits for startups vs. diversifying entrants in such “dominance battles.” We develop a contingency framework that links a firm's technology exit to its pre‐entry experience and the characteristics of the dominance battle. With a sample of 134 technologies involved in 31 dominance battles in the information technology industry from 1979 to 2007, we show that technologies of startups were more likely than those of diversifying entrants to exit from platform technology‐based dominance battles; however, this relationship did not exist in non‐platform technology‐based dominance battles, or after the emergence of dominant designs.

Managerial summary: How can a startup that tries to create a dominant design strategize to survive the fierce technology race? This study demonstrates that choosing the right battlefield is of paramount importance. Two aspects of a battlefield are shown as relevant: the type of technology and the stage of industrial evolution. Our results show that technologies sponsored by startups tend to have higher exit rates than those sponsored by diversifying entrants in dominance battles characterized by platform technologies, but this penalty is not evident in dominance battles characterized by non‐platform technologies or after the emergence of dominant designs. Furthermore, our study suggests that lack of organizational legitimacy, complementary assets, and integrative capabilities may explain why startups have a higher risk of technology exit than diversifying entrants.Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon‐MEMS‐Based Alternating Stacked MoS2@rGO‐CNT Micro‐Supercapacitor with High Capacitance and Energy Density
Authors: Yang Wei , He Liang , Tian Xiaocong , Yan Mengyu , Yuan Hui , Liao Xiaobin , Meng Jiashen , Hao Zhimeng , Mai Liqiang
Published: May 2017

A novel process to fabricate a carbon‐microelectromechanical‐system‐based alternating stacked MoS2@rGO–carbon‐nanotube (CNT) micro‐supercapacitor (MSC) is reported. The MSC is fabricated by successively repeated spin‐coating of MoS2@rGO/photoresist and CNT/photoresist composites twice, followed by photoetching, developing, and pyrolysis. MoS2@rGO and CNTs are embedded in the carbon microelectrodes, which cooperatively enhance the performance of the MSC. The fabricated MSC exhibits a high areal capacitance of 13.7 mF cm−2 and an energy density of 1.9 µWh cm−2 (5.6 mWh cm−3), which exceed many reported carbon‐ and MoS2‐based MSCs. The MSC also retains 68% of capacitance at a current density of 2 mA cm−2 (5.9 A cm−3) and an outstanding cycling performance (96.6% after 10 000 cycles, at a scan rate of 1 V s−1). Compared with other MSCs, the MSC in this study is fabricated by a low‐cost and facile process, and it achieves an excellent and stable electrochemical performance. This approach could be highly promising for applications in integration of micro/nanostructures into microdevices/systems.