bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast dynamic ventilation MRI of hyperpolarized 129Xe using spiral imaging
Authors: Doganay Ozkan , Matin Tahreema N. , Mcintyre Anthony , Burns Brian , Schulte Rolf F. , Gleeson Fergus V. , Bulte Daniel
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To develop and optimize a rapid dynamic hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation (DXeV) MRI protocol and investigate the feasibility of capturing pulmonary signal‐time curves in human lungs.

Theory and Methods

Spiral k‐space trajectories were designed with the number of interleaves Nint = 1, 2, 4, and 8 corresponding to voxel sizes of 8 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, and 2.5 mm, respectively, for field of view = 15 cm. DXeV images were acquired from a gas‐flow phantom to investigate the ability of Nint = 1, 2, 4, and 8 to capture signal‐time curves. A finite element model was constructed to investigate gas‐flow dynamics corroborating the experimental signal‐time curves. DXeV images were also carried out in six subjects (three healthy and three chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects).

Results

DXeV images and numerical modelling of signal‐time curves permitted the quantification of temporal and spatial resolutions for different numbers of spiral interleaves. The two‐interleaved spiral (Nint = 2) was found to be the most time‐efficient to obtain DXeV images and signal‐time curves of whole lungs with a temporal resolution of 624 ms for 13 slices. Signal‐time curves were well matched in three healthy volunteers. The Spearman's correlations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects were statistically different from three healthy subjects (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Nint = 2 spiral demonstrates the successful acquisition of DXeV images and signal‐time curves in healthy subjects and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Magn Reson Med 79:2597–2606, 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.
Respiratory variation in left ventricular cardiac function with 3D double golden‐angle whole‐heart cine imaging
Authors: Holst Karen , Ugander Martin , Sigfridsson Andreas
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To develop a 3‐dimensional free‐breathing cardiovascular MR technique for quantifying the variation in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) during the respiratory cycle.

Methods

A 3‐dimensional radial trajectory with double golden‐angle ordering was used for free‐running data acquisition during free breathing in healthy volunteers (N = 8). A respiratory self‐gating signal was extracted from the center of k‐space, and data were retrospectively binned into eight respiratory phases in end‐diastole. Three‐dimensional image volumes with 2‐mm isotropic spatial resolution were reconstructed with conjugate‐gradient sensitivity encoding for acquisition durations of 4.5, 9, and 25 min. The LVEDV was manually segmented for each respiratory phase and acquisition duration.

Results

Respiratory‐induced variation expressed as minimum LVEDV (during mid‐inspiration) relative to maximum LVEDV (during mid‐expiration) was 5.9 ± 0.3% for 4.5 min, 5.3 ± 0.4% for 9 min (P = 0.64 versus 4.5 min), and 5.0 ± 0.4% for 25 min (P = 0.25 versus 4.5 min, and P = 1.00 versus 9 min).

Conclusions

The proposed technique enables high spatial‐resolution quantification of the respiratory variation in LVEDV during free breathing in under 5 min, and was found to be 5 to 6% for healthy volunteers. Magn Reson Med 79:2693–2701, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Vaginal mesh repair SYSTEMS for pelvic organ prolapse: Anatomical study comparing transobturator/trangluteal versus single incision techniques
Authors: Campagna Giuseppe , Panico Giovanni , Morciano Andrea , Gadonneix Pierre , Delmas Vincent , Cervigni Mauro , Ercoli Alfredo , Scambia Giovanni
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The present study aim to compare the anatomic landmarks of two pelvic floor repair systems, in order to identify the potential neurovascular lesions related to different mesh fixation techniques.

Methods

Abdominal and perineal dissections of 10 fresh cadavers after prolapse surgery using transobturator/transgluteal versus single incision techniques. Neuro‐vascular structures of obturator region and perineum were isolated. Distances between needles and anatomical structures were measured.

Results

During transobturator anterior repair, the superficial cannula passed 2.5 ± 0.6 cm medially to the obturator canal. The distance of superficial arm to the anterior obturator vessels was 2.2 ± 0.4 cm. The distance of deep cannula to the posterior obturator vessels branches was 1.3 ± 0.5 cm. In two of these cases we observed a lesion of posterior obturator vessels. During single incision repair the distance between the obturator canal and the superficial arms was 2.3 ± 0.7. The mean distances of superficial arms to the anterior and posterior obturator vessels were, respectively, 2.3 ± 0.5 cm and 3.2 ± 0.7 cm. During transgluteal posterior repair the distance between the cannula guide and the ischial spine was 1.7 ± 0.5 cm while it measured 2.3 ± 0.4 cm when single incision posterior device was placed.

Conclusions

Anterior transobturator system presents an increased risk of posterior obturator vessels branches injury. During posterior transgluteal repair the distance of the ischio‐anal fossa to sacrospinous ligament represents a way that could rule against the correct needle positioning with increased risk of pudendal lesions. Single incision approach offers an easier access to the sacrospinous ligament with lower risk of pudendal lesions.
Diastolic Blood Pressure Rises with the Exacerbation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Males
Authors: Hu Wei , Jin Xian , Chen Chengjun , Zhang Peng , Li Dandan , Su Qian , Yin Guizhi , Hang Yanwen
Published: September 2017

Objective

To characterize the association pattern between blood pressure (BP), metabolism changes, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity within male OSA patients.

Methods

The association between systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), glucose, lipids, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and arousal index (ArI) was evaluated after adjustment for BMI and waist circumference/hip circumference ratio (WHR) in 1,370 male OSA patients.

Results

In the multiple linear regression models using SBP as an independent variable, SBP did not associate with the increase of any OSA indexes. BMI and glucose positively associated with AHI, ODI, and ArI elevation. WHR was also positively associated with increasing AHI and ODI. Total cholesterol levels increased with ODI and ArI increases. Triglyceride was associated with ArI. In the multiple linear regression models using DBP as an independent variable, DBP associated universally with AHI, ODI, and ArI with stable coefficients ranging from 0.19 to 0.20. The remaining independent variables were associated with AHI, ODI, and ArI with a similar trend to the models including SBP as an independent variable.

Conclusions

Apnea‐hypopnea, hypoxemia, and arousal changed glycometabolism, fat metabolism, and BP profoundly in a particular pattern.
Preliminary evidence supports circulating microRNAs as prognostic biomarkers for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Flowers E. , Kanaya A. M. , Fukuoka Y. , Allen I. E. , Cooper B. , Aouizerat B. E.
Published: September 2017

Background

Circulating microRNAs are emerging as potential prognostic biomarkers for the development of type 2 diabetes. However, microRNAs are also associated with complications from impaired glucose metabolism (e.g. endothelial cell function). Prior studies have not evaluated for associations between trajectories of circulating microRNAs with trajectories of fasting blood glucose over time and the responses to behavioral interventions to reduce risk. This study performed longitudinal assessment of microRNAs and fasting blood glucose and identified relationships between microRNAs and behavioral risk reduction interventions.

Methods

MicroRNAs (n = 353) were measured in subsets (n = 10, n = 8) of participants from previously completed clinical trials that studied behavioral risk reduction interventions. Fasting blood glucose trajectories were associated with changes in 45 microRNAs over 12 months.

Results

Following a 3‐month physical activity and dietary intervention compared with baseline, 13 microRNAs were differentially expressed. Seven microRNAs (i.e. miR‐106b, miR‐20b, miR‐363, miR‐486, miR‐532, miR‐92a and miR‐93) were commonly identified between the two analyses.

Conclusions

Further studies are needed to determine which microRNAs are prognostic biomarkers of risk for type 2 diabetes versus consequences of impaired glucose metabolism. Additional future directions of this research are to differentiate whether microRNAs are prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarkers for risk for type 2 diabetes and predictive biomarkers of responses to risk reduction interventions.
Utility of the immature platelet fraction in pediatric immune thrombocytopenia: Differentiating from bone marrow failure and predicting bleeding risk
Authors: McDonnell Alicia , Bride Karen L. , Lim Derick , Paessler Michele , Witmer Char M. , Lambert Michele P.
Published: September 2017

Background

Differentiating childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from other cause of thrombocytopenia remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Additionally factors that predict bleeding risk for those patients with ITP are currently not well understood. Previous small studies have suggested that immature platelet fraction (IPF) may differentiate ITP from other causes of thrombocytopenia and in combination with other factors may predict bleeding risk.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of thrombocytopenic patients with an IPF measured between November 1, 2013 and July 1, 2015. Patients were between 2 months and 21 years of age with a platelet count <50 × 109/l. Each patient chart was reviewed for final diagnosis and bleeding symptoms. A bleeding severity score was retrospectively assigned.

Results

Two hundred seventy two patients met inclusion criteria, 97 with ITP, 11 with bone marrow failure (BMF), 126 with malignancy, and 38 with other causes of thrombocytopenia. An IPF > 5.2% differentiated ITP from BMF with 93% sensitivity and 91% specificity. Absolute immature platelet number (AIPN) was significantly lower in ITP patients with severe to life‐threatening hemorrhage than those without, despite similar platelet counts. On multivariate analysis, an IPF < 10.4% was confirmed as an independent predictor of bleeding risk at platelet counts <10 × 109/l in patients with ITP.

Conclusions

IPF measurement alone has utility in both the diagnosis of ITP and identifying patients at increased risk of hemorrhage. Further study is required to understand the pathophysiological differences of ITP patients with lower IPF/AIPN.
Initial testing (stage 1) of M6620 (formerly VX‐970), a novel ATR inhibitor, alone and combined with cisplatin and melphalan, by the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program
Authors: Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Kurmashev Dias , Reynolds C. Patrick , Kang Min , Wu Jianwrong , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: September 2017

Background

M6620 is a novel inhibitor of the DNA damage repair enzyme ATR, and has potentiated the activity of cisplatin and irinotecan in non‐small cell lung cancer and colon cancer xenografts, respectively.

Procedures

M6620 was tested in vitro at concentrations ranging from 1.0 nM to 10.0 μM and at 75 nM in combination with cisplatin or melphalan. M6620 was tested against 24 solid tumor xenografts alone and in combination with cisplatin. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally on days 1 and 8 at a dose of 5 mg/kg. M6620 was administered intravenously on days 2 and 9 at 20 mg/m2 approximately 16 hr after cisplatin.

Results

The median relative IC50 (rIC50) value for M6620 was 0.19 μM (range 0.03–1.38 μM). M6620 reduced the mean IC50 of cisplatin and melphalan by 1.48‐ and 1.95‐fold, respectively. M6620 as a single agent in vivo induced significant differences in event‐free survival (EFS) distribution in 5 of 24 (21%) solid tumor xenografts, but induced no objective responses. Cisplatin as a single agent induced significant differences in EFS distribution compared to control in 18 of 24 (75%) solid tumor xenografts. Three objective responses to cisplatin were observed. The M6620 and cisplatin combination induced significant differences in EFS distribution compared to control in 21 of 24 (88%), with four objective responses.

Conclusions

M6620 showed modest potentiation of cisplatin and melphalan activity for some cell lines. M6620 showed little single‐agent activity and the addition of M6620 to cisplatin significantly prolonged time to event for a minority of tested xenografts across several histologies.
A novel approach using long‐read sequencing and ddPCR to investigate gonadal mosaicism and estimate recurrence risk in two families with developmental disorders
Authors: Wilbe Maria , Gudmundsson Sanna , Johansson Josefin , Ameur Adam , Stattin Eva‐Lena , Annerén Göran , Malmgren Helena , Frykholm Carina , Bondeson Marie‐Louise
Published: September 2017

Objective

De novo mutations contribute significantly to severe early‐onset genetic disorders. Even if the mutation is apparently de novo, there is a recurrence risk due to parental germ line mosaicism, depending on in which gonadal generation the mutation occurred.

Methods

We demonstrate the power of using SMRT sequencing and ddPCR to determine parental origin and allele frequencies of de novo mutations in germ cells in two families whom had undergone assisted reproduction.

Results

In the first family, a TCOF1 variant c.3156C>T was identified in the proband with Treacher Collins syndrome. The variant affects splicing and was determined to be of paternal origin. It was present in <1% of the paternal germ cells, suggesting a very low recurrence risk. In the second family, the couple had undergone several unsuccessful pregnancies where a de novo mutation PTPN11 c.923A>C causing Noonan syndrome was identified. The variant was present in 40% of the paternal germ cells suggesting a high recurrence risk.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight a successful strategy to identify the parental origin of mutations and to investigate the recurrence risk in couples that have undergone assisted reproduction with an unknown donor or in couples with gonadal mosaicism that will undergo preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Advanced genomic testing may aid in counseling of isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum on prenatal ultrasound
Authors: de Wit M.C. , Boekhorst F. , Mancini G.M. , Smit L.S. , Groenenberg I.A.L. , Dudink J. , de Vries F.A.T. , Go A.T.J.I. , Galjaard R.J.H.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum on fetal ultrasound has a varied prognosis. Microarray and exome sequencing (ES) might aid in prenatal counseling.

Method

This study includes 25 fetuses with apparently isolated complete corpus callosum (cACC) on ultrasound. All cases were offered single nucleotide polymorphism array. Complementary ES was offered postnatally in selected cases. Clinical physical and neurodevelopmental follow‐up was collected.

Results

Eighteen cases opted for single nucleotide polymorphism array testing, which detected a causal anomaly in 2/18 (11.1%; 95% CI 2.0%‐31%). Among ongoing pregnancies without a causal anomaly on microarray, 30% (95% CI 8.5%‐60%) showed intellectual disability. Postnatal magnetic resonance imaging and physical examination often (64%; 95% CI 38%‐85%, and 64%; 95% CI 38%‐85%, respectively) revealed additional physical anomalies in cases without a causal anomaly on microarray. Two cases appeared truly isolated after birth. Postnatal sequencing in 4 of 16 cases without a causal anomaly on microarray but with intellectual disability and/or additional postnatal physical anomalies revealed 2 single‐gene disorders. Therefore, the estimated diagnostic yield of ES in chromosomally normal cACC fetuses is between 2/4 (50%; 95% CI 11%‐89%) and 2/16 (13.3%; 95% CI 2.4%‐36%).

Conclusion

In accordance with current guidelines, we conclude that microarray should be offered in case of isolated cACC on ultrasound. ES is likely to be informative for prenatal counseling and should be offered if microarray is normal.
Effects of atmospheric plasma treatment on adhesion and tribology of aromatic thermoplastic polymers
Authors: Al‐Maliki Hayder , Zsidai László , Samyn Pieter , Szakál Zoltán , Keresztes Róbert , Kalácska Gábor
Published: September 2017

After cold plasma treatment of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ether‐ether ketone) surfaces by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) under atmospheric (air) conditions, variations in surface chemistry, and morphology were investigated in relation with adhesion and tribological properties. According to XPS measurements, surface oxidation caused the formation of low molecular weight moieties of carboxylic acids. The latter resulted in more hydrophilic surfaces according to water contact angle measurements, with mainly a higher polar surface energy component. In parallel, the surface roughness of originally polished surfaces reduced due to flattening of local surface asperities after DBD. The DBD significantly improved the adhesive shear strength for different glue types in polymer/polymer and polymer/steel joints, while the best adhesion was observed for a two‐component epoxy type adhesive. Under dry sliding conditions, the coefficients of friction were lower after DBD compared to pristine samples only under mild sliding conditions (v = 0.05 m/s; p < 1 MPa.m/s), while the higher normal loads caused an increase in coefficients of friction likely due to the higher contributions of surface deformation. Most interestingly, the lower coefficients of friction after DBD were observed under oil lubrication and after cleaning the sliding track (“run‐out” condition), due to the better retention of oil at the sliding surface for plasma‐treated polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E93–E103, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plasticized PVC graphene nanocomposites: Morphology, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Akhina H. , Gopinathan Nair M.R. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Pramoda K.P. , Hui Ru Tan , Kailas Lekshmi , Thomas Sabu
Published: September 2017

Improving the properties of polyvinyl chloride matrix by the incorporation of carbonaceous filler by melt mixing is an unusual thought in the polymer research. Here we incorporated reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as a filler into plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PPVC) matrix by melt mixing, an eco‐friendly method. The effect of addition of filler in the morphology of the PPVC nanocomposites was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical response of the nanocomposites to an applied stress was studied. A 50% improvement in mechanical properties was obtained at a low filler loading. A decrease in elongation was observed at higher RGO loading. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the nanocomposites indicated an increase in glass transition temperature of the PVC up on the addition of RGO. This has confirmed the confinement of PVC chains at the graphene surface. As a result, the storage modulus of the nanocomposites showed an increase up on the addition of the nanofiller. Theoretical values of the storage modulus were calculated using various theoretical equations. The effectiveness of filler on the storage modulus is estimated and is found to be consistent with the results obtained experimentally. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E104–E113, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
A platform to synthesize a soluble poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) analogue
Authors: Ertan Salih , Kaynak Cevdet , Cihaner Atilla
Published: September 2017

Alkyl‐substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cage is combined with 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene under the same roof. The corresponding monomer called EDOT‐POSS is used to get soluble poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT‐POSS) analogue. Both chemically and electrochemically obtained polymers are soluble in common organic solvents like dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and so forth. The PEDOT‐POSS has somewhat higher band gap (1.71 eV at 618 nm) than its parent PEDOT (1.60 eV at 627 nm) and as expected the PEDOT‐POSS exhibits higher optical contrast (74% at 618 nm) and coloration efficiency (582 cm2/C for 100% switching), lower switching time (0.9 s), higher electrochemical stability (93% of its electroactivity retains after 5000 cycles under ambient conditions) when compared to the PEDOT. A number of advantages of the PEDOT‐POSS over the PEDOT can make it a promising material in the areas of electro‐optical applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3935–3941
Effect of thiophene spacers in benzodithiophene‐based polymers for organic electronics
Authors: Pathiranage Taniya M. S. K. , Magurudeniya Harsha D. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: September 2017

Poly{2,6‐bis(thiophene‐2‐yl)‐4,8‐bis(5‐dodecylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene} [poly(Th‐bDTBDT‐Th)] was successfully synthesized through Stille coupling polymerization. The addition of the thiophene spacer groups between the benzodithiophene units resulted in improved performance in optoelectronic devices. This was attributed to the reduced lamellae stacking distance in thin film with prominent π–π stacking peak indicating close assembly of poly(Th‐bDTBDT‐Th). Spacing between the benzodithiophene units in poly(Th‐bDTBDT‐Th) helped the close packing of dodecyl chains and generated improved π stacking interaction. For poly(Th‐bDTBDT‐Th), the measured average field effect mobility was 2.32 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and average hole mobility in vertical direction was 2.92 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1. Charge transport in both directions was improved by one order of magnitude with the presence of the thiophene spacer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3942–3948
Formation and Characterization of Heavy Alkali and Silver Salts of the 4‐Nitro‐pyrazolo‐(3,4‐c)‐furazan‐5‐N‐oxide Anion
Authors: Hermann Tobias S. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard
Published: September 2017

The nitration of 3‐amino‐4‐chloro‐oximidofurazan resulted in the formation of the unexpected anionic heterocycle 4‐nitro‐pyrazolo‐(3,4,c)‐furazan‐5‐N‐oxide. Various experiments such as changing the reactants, oxidation or methylation were attempted to elucidate the reaction conditions and mechanism. The heavier alkali and silver salts of the above‐mentioned heterocycle were isolated. The salts were characterized and investigated by means of NMR, vibrational spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and energetic properties.
Beyond the androgen receptor II: New approaches to understanding and treating metastatic prostate cancer; Report from the 2017 Coffey‐Holden Prostate Cancer Academy Meeting
Authors: Miyahira Andrea K. , Cheng Heather H. , Abida Wassim , Ellis Leigh , Harshman Lauren C. , Spratt Daniel E. , Simons Jonathan W. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Soule Howard R.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The 2017 Coffey‐Holden Prostate Cancer Academy (CHPCA) Meeting, “Beyond the Androgen Receptor II: New Approaches to Understanding and Treating Metastatic Prostate Cancer,” was held in Carlsbad, California from June 14‐17, 2017.

Methods

The CHPCA is an annual scientific conference hosted by the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) that is uniquely designed to produce extensive and constructive discussions on the most urgent and impactful topics concerning research into the biology and treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. The 2017 CHPCA Meeting was the 5th meeting in this annual series and was attended by 71 investigators focused on prostate cancer and a variety of other fields including breast and ovarian cancer.

Results

The discussions at the meeting were concentrated on topics areas including: mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for molecular subclasses of castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the epigenetic landscape of prostate cancer, the role of DNA repair gene mutations, advancing the use of germline genetics in clinical practice, radionuclides for imaging and therapy, advances in molecular imaging, and therapeutic strategies for successful use of immunotherapy in advanced prostate cancer.

Discussion

This article reviews the presentations and discussions from the 2017 CHPCA Meeting in order to disseminate this knowledge and accelerate new biological understandings and advances in the treatment of patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Lewis Acid Protection: A Method Toward Synthesizing Phase Transferable Luminescent Silicon Nanocrystals
Authors: Thiessen Alyxandra N. , Purkait Tapas K. , Faramus Angelique , Veinot Jonathan G. C.
Published: September 2017

Silicon nanocrystals exhibit optoelectronic properties that are favorable for applications such as sensing and biological imaging. Synthesizing a stimuli responsive material with controlled hydrophilicity can benefit these applications. One of the most promising surface species for inducing reversible control of hydrophilicity contains amidine functional groups; unfortunately, this functionality will also bind to the nanocrystal surface and influence the photoluminescence of the material. To combat these limitations, a Lewis acid protection method has been developed to prevent the nitrogen atoms from attaching to the silicon surface for the functionalization of amidine terminated silicon nanocrystals.
Thermal and Optical Properties of Polyimide Films with Dispersed SWCNTs for Laser Applications
Authors: Liaw Der‐Jang , Arutyunyan Natalia R. , Chiang Wei‐Hung , Eremina Valentina A. , Kharitonova Elena P. , Obraztsova Elena D.
Published: September 2017

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) demonstrate a high efficiency as optical elements for mode‐locking in fiber lasers. A thin polymer film with dispersed nanotubes is a suitable approach to insert the element into the laser resonator. The main problem is that the polymer oxidative destruction temperature is much lower than that for SWCNTs. To form polymer–nanotube composites with a high threshold of thermal degradation, surviving under the relatively intense laser beams, a set of polyimides has been used. It has been shown that for the synthesized polyimides the temperature of degradation was in the range 500–530 °C, depending on the polymer. In the near‐infrared range the polyimides were transparent, and the main absorption bands were detected at wavelengths less than 400 nm. A procedure of the fabrication of composite SWCNT/polyimide films was developed. The films were formed on transparent substrates, as quartz and glass slides.
Cooperative robust output regulation problem for discrete‐time linear time‐delay multi‐agent systems
Authors: Yan Yamin , Huang Jie
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we study the cooperative robust output regulation problem for discrete‐time linear multi‐agent systems with both communication and input delays by a distributed internal model approach. We first introduce the distributed internal model for discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with both communication and input delays. Then, we define the so‐called auxiliary system and auxiliary augmented system. Finally, we solve our problem by showing, under some standard assumptions, that if a distributed state feedback control or a distributed output feedback control solves the robust output regulation problem of the auxiliary system, then the same control law solves the cooperative robust output regulation problem of the original multi‐agent systems.
Iron Catalyzed Oxidative C(sp3)–N Cross Coupling of Amides with C(sp3)–H via a Radical Process
Authors: Li Ze‐lin , Cai Chun
Published: September 2017

An efficient iron‐catalyzed oxidative N–H alkylation of amides with C(sp3)–H in cycloalkanes, methylarenes and tert‐Butyl peroxybenzoate was developed. This protocol proceeded smoothly without any ligand; and tolerated a broad range of substrates, not only various amides but also the inactive C(sp3)−H bond containing compounds. Mechanistic details involving a Fe(II)/Fe(III) catalytic cycle and a single electron transfer (SET)‐type process were also described.
Advanced Nanostructured Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Qidi , Zhao Chenglong , Lu Yaxiang , Li Yunming , Zheng Yuheng , Qi Yuruo , Rong Xiaohui , Jiang Liwei , Qi Xinguo , Shao Yuanjun , Pan Du , Li Baohua , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Chen Liquan
Published: September 2017

Sodium–ion batteries (NIBs), due to the advantages of low cost and relatively high safety, have attracted widespread attention all over the world, making them a promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage systems. However, the inherent lower energy density to lithium–ion batteries is the issue that should be further investigated and optimized. Toward the grid‐level energy storage applications, designing and discovering appropriate anode materials for NIBs are of great concern. Although many efforts on the improvements and innovations are achieved, several challenges still limit the current requirements of the large‐scale application, including low energy/power densities, moderate cycle performance, and the low initial Coulombic efficiency. Advanced nanostructured strategies for anode materials can significantly improve ion or electron transport kinetic performance enhancing the electrochemical properties of battery systems. Herein, this Review intends to provide a comprehensive summary on the progress of nanostructured anode materials for NIBs, where representative examples and corresponding storage mechanisms are discussed. Meanwhile, the potential directions to obtain high‐performance anode materials of NIBs are also proposed, which provide references for the further development of advanced anode materials for NIBs.
Cellulose‐Nanofiber‐Enabled 3D Printing of a Carbon‐Nanotube Microfiber Network
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhu Hongli , Wang Yibo , Ray Upamanyu , Zhu Shuze , Dai Jiaqi , Chen Chaoji , Fu Kun , Jang Soo‐Hwan , Henderson Doug , Li Teng , Hu Liangbing
Published: September 2017

Highly conductive and mechanically strong microfibers are attractive in energy storage, thermal management, and wearable electronics. Here, a highly conductive and strong carbon nanotube/nanofibrillated cellulose (CNT–NFC) composite microfiber is developed via a fast and scalable 3D‐printing method. CNTs are successfully dispersed in an aqueous solution using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) oxidated NFCs, resulting in a mixture solution with an obvious shear‐thinning property. Both NFC and CNT fibers inside the all‐fiber‐based microfibers are well aligned, which helps to improve the interaction and percolation between these two building blocks, leading to a combination of high mechanical strength (247 ± 5 MPa) and electrical conductivity (216.7 ± 10 S cm−1). Molecular modeling is applied to offer further insights into the role of CNT–NFC fiber alignment for the excellent mechanical strength. The combination of high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and the fast yet scalable 3D‐printing technology positions the CNT–NFC composite microfiber as a promising candidate for wearable electronic devices.
Effect and Mechanisms of Diabetes Resolution According to the Range of Gastric Resection and the Length of Anastomosis in Animal Models: Implication for Gastric Cancer Surgery in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Huh Yeon‐Ju , Son Young‐Gil , Kim Tae‐Han , Park Ji‐Ho , Oh Tae‐Jung , Choi Boram , Min Jimin , Cho Young Min , Yang Han‐Kwang , Lee Hyuk‐Joon
Published: September 2017

Background

To examine the effect and mechanism of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on the improvement of diabetes according to the length of anastomosis and the gastric pouch volume in an animal model.

Methods

Glucose intolerance was induced with a high‐fat diet for 3 months in Sprague–Dawley rats. The animals were subjected to conventional RYGB (cRYGB; 5% gastric pouch with 15‐cm Roux limb, 40‐cm biliopancreatic limb; n = 9), short‐limb RYGB (sRYGB; 5%, 8, 4 cm; n = 9), fundus‐sparing RYGB (fRYGB; 30%, 8, 4 cm; n = 9), or sham operation (n = 9). After 6 weeks, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed, and gut hormones including insulin, total GLP‐1, GIP, and ghrelin were analyzed.

Results

The cRYGB group showed significantly decreased food intake, body weight, and random glucose (p < 0.05). sRYGB resulted in a similar change of body weight loss to that of cRYGB, but with no improvement of hyperglycemia. The fRYGB group showed similar changes of body weight and random glucose to those of the sham group. In cRYGB and sRYGB, the level of insulin steeply increased until 30 min during OGTT. GLP‐1 was higher at 30 min in cRYGB than in other groups, without significance. The fRYGB group showed a slowly increasing pattern in OGTT and GLP‐1, and the lowest peak point in insulin and GIP.

Conclusion

cRYGB with 95% gastric resection was needed to achieve not only weight loss but also diabetes improvement, which could be related to the increase in GLP‐1.
Site-saturation mutagenesis of mutant l-asparaginase II signal peptide hydrophobic region for improved excretion of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase
Authors: Ismail Abbas , Illias Rosli Md
Published: September 2017

The excretion of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) into the culture medium offers significant advantages over cytoplasmic expression. However, the limitation of Escherichia coli is its inability to excrete high amount of CGTase outside the cells. In this study, modification of the hydrophobic region of the N1R3 signal peptide using site-saturation mutagenesis improved the excretion of CGTase. Signal peptide mutants designated M9F, V10L and A15Y enhanced the excretion of CGTase three-fold and demonstrated two-fold higher secretion rate than the wild type. However, high secretion rate of these mutants was non-productive for recombinant protein production because it caused up to a seven-fold increase in cell death compared to the wild type. Our results indicated that the excretion of CGTase is highly dependent on hydrophobicity, secondary conformation and the type and position of amino acids at the region boundary and core segment of the h-region.
Zircon LA-ICP-MS Dating and Geochemical Characteristics of I-type Granitoids from the Yanhu Area, West Segment of the Bangongco-Nujiang Suture (Western Tibet): Petrogenesis and Implications for the Southward Subduction of the Tethyan Ocean
Authors: Mi Wentian , Kong Xu , Zhang Dan , Hu Jun , Wan Yongwen
Published: September 2017

The Yanhu granitoids are located in the west segment of the Bangongco-Nujiang suture in the western Tibetan Plateau. The main rock types of the granitoids are diorite porphyry, quartz diorite, granodiorite, granite and granite porphyry. Here, their zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages and petrogeochemical data are reported. Three groups of magmatic events can be distinguished from the Yanhu area: group 1 includes samples AK01 and ZK01 of diorite porphyry, and sample D3658 of quartz diorite that yield mean zircon U-Pb ages of 121.0 ± 2.7 Ma, 116.6 ± 2.0 Ma and 116.0 ± 3.9 Ma, respectively; group 2 includes sample D0050 of diorite porphyry, samples D1393 and D3660 of granodiorite and sample D3065 of granite porphyry that yield mean zircon U-Pb ages of 104.9 ± 2.0 Ma, 105.4 ± 3.8 Ma, 104.2 ± 1.9 Ma and 104.2 ± 1.9 Ma, respectively; group 3 includes sample D3093 of granite that yields mean zircon U-Pb ages of 93.6 ± 1.5 Ma. The zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages suggest that the Yanhu granitoids were emplaced at 121.0 – 93.6 Ma, representing Cretaceous magmatism in the west segment of the Bangongco-Nujiang suture. The granitoids are composed of SiO2 (56.57 to 76.98 wt.%), Al2O3 (12.20 to 17.90 wt.%), Na2O (3.61 to 4.98 wt.%), K2O (2.06 to 4.71 wt.%) and CaO (0.27 to 5.74 wt.%). The Yanhu granitoids exhibit enrichment in LREE (light REE) and LILE (large ion lithophile elements) such as Rb, Th, U, Pb and K and depletion of HREE (heavy REE), P, Ti, Nb, Ta and Zr. Their A/CNK ratios of 0.85-1.06 are <1.1, implying that they are high-K, metaluminous-weakly peraluminous I-type granites. The Yanhu granitoids were generated mainly by partial melts of the meta-igneous lower crust and some arc-related materials. The Yanhu granitoids probably formed in VAG and syn-COLG tectonic settings related to the southward subduction of the Tethyan Ocean. Diorite porphyry and quartz diorite magmatism from 121.0 Ma to 116.0 Ma may be associated with the southward Bangongco–Nujiang Tethys oceanic crust subduction. Diorite porphyry, granodiorite, and granite porphyry magmatism from 105.4 Ma to 104.2 Ma may be associated with the rising asthenosphere induced by the slab breakoff. Granite magmatism from 93.6 Ma may be related to the crustal thickening induced by the final amalgamation of the Lhasa Terrane and the Qiangtang Terrane.
Byzantophilia in the letters of Grigor Magistros?
Authors: Weller AnnaLinden
Published: September 2017

The letters of Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni demonstrate the multivalent methods by which Grigor negotiated being an Armenian aristocrat in service to the foreign power of Byzantium. While they display a Hellenic aesthetic and make use of the norms of Byzantine letter-writing culture, they nonetheless show that Grigor Magistros maintained a strong Armenian cultural identity even when holding a Byzantine title.
Letters from E. M. Edmonds to Nikolaos G. Politis
Authors: Gotsi Georgia
Published: September 2017

This article presents the letters sent by the late nineteenth-century English writer Elizabeth Mayhew Edmonds to the Greek folklorist Nikolaos G. Politis. While a preoccupation with folklore and ethnology predisposed the Victorian public to take a narrow view of Greek society, Edmonds's interest in both vernacular culture and the literary, social and political life of modern Greece enriched the complex cultural exchange that developed between European (Neo)Hellenists and Greek scholars. This European-wide discourse promoted modern Greece as an autonomous subject of study, worthy of intellectual pursuit.
Craniodental morphology and diet ofLeptarctus oregonensis(Mammalia, Carnivora, Mustelidae) from the Mascall Formation (Miocene) of central Oregon
Authors: Calede Jonathan J. , Kehl Winifred A. , Davis Edward B.
Published: September 2017

The Leptarctinae are an enigmatic subfamily of mustelids present in North America and Eurasia during the Miocene (Arikareean to Hemphillian North American Land Mammal Ages). Their diet and ecology have been particularly controversial. Some workers have suggested they were similar to koalas, whereas others suggested they were crushing omnivores analogous to raccoons.Leptarctus oregonensisStock, 1930, a poorly known leptarctine from the early Barstovian, is represented by fragmented cranial elements and isolated teeth from the Mascall Formation of Oregon, and some fairly complete but undescribed material from the Olcott Formation of western Nebraska. Herein, we describe the first well-preserved skull ofL.oregonensisfrom the type formation. Based on this new specimen, we confirm thatL.oregonensisis a distinct species fromL.primusLeidy, 1856 andL.ancipidensWhite, 1941 that is characterized by a distinct morphology of its tympanic projections and first upper molars. We are also able to describe intraspecific variation withinL.oregonensiscoinciding with the geographic distribution of the specimens (Oregon and Nebraska). The most variable characters are concentrated in the morphology of the frontals and the upper fourth premolar. Additional specimens will be needed to settle the debate over sexual dimorphism in this species, but this new specimen suggests thatLeptarctus oregonensis, despite being one of the smallest members of the Leptarctinae, was an animal-dominated omnivore with considerable crushing ability.
Revisiting late Holocene sea-level change from the Gilbert Islands, Kiribati, west-central Pacific Ocean
Authors: Yamano Hiroya , Kayanne Hajime , Yamaguchi Toru , Inoue Tomomi , Mochida Yukira , Baba Shigeyuki
Published: September 2017

New coral microatoll data allow presenting an updated late Holocene sea-level curve for the Gilbert Islands of Kiribati. Examination of build-up elevation and spatial distribution of microatolls, along with radiocarbon age data from coral samples, suggest an approximately 1 m sea-level high stand, possibly lasting from ~3500 to 1900 cal yr BP. Our sea-level curve, which is similar to the one reported from the Marshall Islands, is a baseline to reconstruct the evolution of reef flats and reef islands. In addition, it provides important contextual data to infer human settlement on islands in the west-central Pacific.
The Strategic Origins of Electoral Authoritarianism
Authors: Miller Michael K.
Published: September 2017

Why do autocrats hold multiparty elections? This article argues that transitions to electoral authoritarianism (EA) follow a strategic calculus in which autocrats balance international incentives to adopt elections against the costs and risks of controlling them. It tests this hypothesis with a multinomial logit model that simultaneously predicts transitions to EA and democracy, using a sample of non-electoral autocracies from 1946–2010. It finds that pro-democratic international leverage – captured by dependence on democracies through trade ties, military alliances, international governmental organizations and aid – predicts EA adoption. Socio-economic factors that make voters easier to control, such as low average income and high inequality, also predict EA transition. In contrast, since democratization entails a loss of power for autocrats, it is mainly predicted by regime weakness rather than international engagement or socio-economic factors. The results demonstrate that different forms of liberalization follow distinct logics, providing insight into autocratic regime dynamics and democracy promotion’s unintended effects.
Letter to the Editors
Authors: Sundar Nandini
Published: September 2017

This is with reference to the article ‘British Rule and Tribal Revolts in India: The curious case of Bastar’ published in Modern Asian Studies 50 (5) 2016. I would be grateful if MAS could publish this letter.
LOWER TAIL INDEPENDENCE OF HITTING TIMES OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL DIFFUSIONS
Authors: Saunders David , Tsui Lung Kwan , Iyengar Satish
Published: September 2017

The coefficient of tail dependence is a quantity that measures how extreme events in one component of a bivariate distribution depend on extreme events in the other component. It is well known that the Gaussian copula has zero tail dependence, a shortcoming for its application in credit risk modeling and quantitative risk management in general. We show that this property is shared by the joint distributions of hitting times of bivariate (uniformly elliptic) diffusion processes.
Refractive Index Imaging of Cells with Variable-Angle Near-Total Internal Reflection (TIR) Microscopy
Authors: Bohannon Kevin P. , Holz Ronald W. , Axelrod Daniel
Published: September 2017

The refractive index in the interior of single cells affects the evanescent field depth in quantitative studies using total internal reflection (TIR) fluorescence, but often that index is not well known. We here present method to measure and spatially map the absolute index of refraction in a microscopic sample, by imaging a collimated light beam reflected from the substrate/buffer/cell interference at variable angles of incidence. Above the TIR critical angle (which is a strong function of refractive index), the reflection is 100%, but in the immediate sub-critical angle zone, the reflection intensity is a very strong ascending function of incidence angle. By analyzing the angular position of that edge at each location in the field of view, the local refractive index can be estimated. In addition, by analyzing the steepness of the edge, the distance-to-substrate can be determined. We apply the technique to liquid calibration samples, silica beads, cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells, and primary culture chromaffin cells. The optical technique suffers from decremented lateral resolution, scattering, and interference artifacts. However, it still provides reasonable results for both refractive index (~1.38) and for distance-to-substrate (~150 nm) for the cells, as well as a lateral resolution to about 1µm.
Has the Top Two Primary Elected More Moderates?
Authors: McGhee Eric , Shor Boris
Published: September 2017

Party polarization is perhaps the most significant political trend of the past several decades of American politics. Many observers have pinned hopes on institutional reforms to reinvigorate the political center. The Top Two primary is one of the most interesting and closely-watched of these reforms: a radically open primary system that removes much of the formal role for parties in the primary election and even allows for two candidates of the same party to face each other in the fall. Here we leverage the adoption of the Top Two in California and Washington to explore the reform’s effects on legislator behavior. We find an inconsistent effect since the reform was adopted in these two states. The evidence for post-reform moderation is stronger in California than in Washington, but some of this stronger effect appears to stem from a contemporaneous policy change—district lines drawn by an independent redistricting commission—while still more might have emerged from a change in term limits that was also adopted at the same time. The results validate some claims made by reformers, but question others, and their magnitude casts some doubt on the potential for institutions to reverse the polarization trend.
When Is It Rational to Learn the Wrong Lessons? Technocratic Authority, Social Learning, and Euro Fragility
Authors: Matthijs Matthias , Blyth Mark
Published: September 2017

Why do bad policy ideas persist over time? We trace the development of the euro’s governing ideas over fiscal and monetary policy in the face of mounting evidence that continued adherence to those ideas was economically deleterious. We argue that a specific form of social learning, framed by a retrospective recoding in 2010–2012 of Europe’s experience with fiscal rules in 2003–2005, drove European elites to pursue policies that were economically irrational but politically rational. As a result, the Eurozone’s medium-term resilience has been made possible by the European Central Bank’s unconventional and loose monetary policies, which operate in direct opposition to the tight fiscal policies of its member states’ governments. We maintain that this self-defeating macroeconomic policy mix will continue as long as the lessons learned by policymakers are driven by the need to win what we term an authority contest, rather than provide better macroeconomic outcomes.
Pariah moonshine
Authors: Duncan John F. R. , Mertens Michael H. , Ono Ken
Published: September 2017

Finite simple groups are the building blocks of finite symmetry. The effort to classify them precipitated the discovery of new examples, including the monster, and six pariah groups which do not belong to any of the natural families, and are not involved in the monster. It also precipitated monstrous moonshine, which is an appearance of monster symmetry in number theory that catalysed developments in mathematics and physics. Forty years ago the pioneers of moonshine asked if there is anything similar for pariahs. Here we report on a solution to this problem that reveals the O’Nan pariah group as a source of hidden symmetry in quadratic forms and elliptic curves. Using this we prove congruences for class numbers, and Selmer groups and Tate–Shafarevich groups of elliptic curves. This demonstrates that pariah groups play a role in some of the deepest problems in mathematics, and represents an appearance of pariah groups in nature.