bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced light‐vapor interactions and all optical switching in a chip scale micro‐ring resonator coupled with atomic vapor
Authors: Stern Liron , Zektzer Roy , Mazurski Noa , Levy Uriel 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe coupling of atomic and photonic resonances serves as an important tool for enhancing light‐matter interactions and enables the observation of multitude of fascinating and fundamental phenomena. Here, by exploiting the platform of atomic‐cladding wave guides, the resonant coupling of rubidium vapor and an atomic cladding micro ring resonator is experimentally demonstrated. Specifically, cavity‐atom coupling in the form of Fano resonances having a distinct dependency on the relative frequency detuning between the photonic and the atomic resonances is observed. Moreover, significant enhancement of the efficiency of all optical switching in the V‐type pump‐probe scheme is demonstrated. The coupled system of micro‐ring resonator and atomic vapor is a promising building block for a variety of light vapor experiments, as it offers a very small footprint, high degree of integration and extremely strong confinement of light and vapor. As such it may be used for important applications, such as all optical switching, dispersion engineering (e.g. slow and fast light) and metrology, as well as for the observation of important effects such as strong coupling, and Purcell enhancement.
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A Trifunctional, Modular Biomaterial Coating: Nonadhesive to Bacteria, Chlorhexidine‐Releasing and Tissue‐Integrating
Authors: Sjollema Jelmer , Keul Heidrun , van der Mei Henny , Dijkstra René , Rustema‐Abbing Minie , de Vries Joop , Loontjens Ton , Dirks Ton , Busscher Henk 
Published: October 2016

Various potential anti‐infection strategies can be thought of for biomaterial implants and devices. Permanent, tissue‐integrated implants such as artificial joint prostheses require a different anti‐infection strategy than, for instance, removable urinary catheters. The different requirements set to biomaterials implants and devices in different clinical applications call for tailor‐made strategies. Here, a modular coating‐concept for biomaterials is reported, which in its full, trifunctional form comprises nonadhesiveness to bacteria and antimicrobial release, combined with enhanced tissue integration characteristics. Nonadhesiveness to proteins and bacteria is accomplished by a hydrophilic brush coating (Vitrostealth). The antimicrobial release module is constituted by a chlorhexidine releasing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylamide based‐coating that continues to release its antimicrobial content also when underneath the nonadhesive top‐coating. The third module, enhancing tissue integration, is realized by the incorporation of the penta‐peptide Glycine‐Arginine‐Glycine‐Aspartic acid‐Serine (GRGDS) within the nonadhesive top‐coating. Modules function in concert or independently of each other. Specifically, tissue integration by the GRGDS‐module does not affect the nonadhesiveness of the Vitrostealth‐module toward bovine serum albumin and Staphylococcus aureus, while the antimicrobial release module does not affect tissue‐integration by the GRGDS‐module. Uniquely, using this modular system, tailor‐made anti‐infection strategies can thus readily be made for biomaterials in different clinical applications.
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Polyvinyl Butyral Modified Polyvinylidene Fluoride Breathable–Waterproof Nanofibrous Membranes with Enhanced Mechanical Performance
Authors: Zhang Min , Sheng Junlu , Yin Xia , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin 
Published: October 2016

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes with outstanding mechanical property, breathability, and waterproofness are critical in protective fields; however, great challenges still remain in creating such functional materials. A novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) breathable–waterproof membrane with robust mechanical performance is fabricated by introducing thermal post‐treatment into electrospun membranes. Embedding of PVB enriches the pristine PVdF nanofibrous membranes with bonded network, optimized pore size, and porosity. The composite membranes are endowed with robust tensile stress of 10.5 MPa and good breaking elongation of 64.5%, which are about four times that of the pure non‐bonded PVdF membranes. Apart from this, the bonded PVdF/PVB membranes express integrated properties of high water vapor transmittance rate (10.6 kg m−2d−1), modest air permeability (9.8 mm s−1), and good waterproofness (58 kPa). Furthermore, the convenience and efficient of this fabrication process will allow for large‐scale production of PVdF/PVB breathable–waterproof nanofibrous membranes with robust mechanical performance and board applications.image
Reasons for the Discoloration of Postconsumer Poly(ethylene terephthalate) during Reprocessing
Authors: Berg Dennis , Schaefer Karola , Koerner Andrea , Kaufmann Robert , Tillmann Walter , Moeller Martin 
Published: October 2016

Gray and/or yellow discoloration may occur during repeated heating of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Both phenomena can cause problems in further application. In this work, the reasons for the discoloration of PET during reprocessing are investigated by physical and chemical analysis such as colorimetry, size exclusion chromatography, viscosimetry (ηinh.), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and MALDI‐ToF‐MS analysis. It is found that the antimony content which originates from catalyst residues used in PET synthesis has high influence on the gray discoloration obtained during reprocessing of PET. Antimony ions are reduced to elementary antimony during heating to temperatures above 230 °C as proven by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The yellow discoloration is partially generated by polyamide contaminants which are used as barrier layers in PET packaging materials such as soft drink bottles. In conclusion, to prevent discoloration of postconsumer PET during reprocessing different methods such as oxidation of gray metallic antimony or sorting out of polyamide contaminants are needed.
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Sarcopenia, age, atrophy, and myopathy: Mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities
Authors: Pestronk Alan , Keeling Richard , Choksi Rati 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe studied mitochondrial impairment as a factor in the pathologic equivalent of sarcopenia, muscle fiber atrophy associated with increased age.MethodsMitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities and coenzyme Q10 levels were measured in frozen human proximal limb muscles with combined age and atrophy, age alone, atrophy alone, denervation, immune myopathies, and mitochondrial disorders with ophthalmoplegia.ResultsSarcopenia (age and atrophy) had reduced mean activities of mitochondrial Complexes I, II, and II+III, with severe reduction of Complex I activity in 54% of patients. Atrophy, and specific denervation atrophy, had similar patterns of changes. Age alone had moderately reduced Complex I activity. Mitochondrial myopathies had mildly lower Complex IV activity. Immune myopathies had unchanged enzyme activities.ConclusionsMitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities, especially Complex I, but also Complexes II and II+III, are reduced in muscles with the pathologic equivalent of sarcopenia. Individually, atrophy and age have different patterns of oxidative enzyme changes. Muscle Nerve 56: 122–128, 2017.
γ‐sarcoglycan and dystrophin mutation spectrum in an Algerian cohort
Authors: Dalichaouche Imene , Sifi Yamina , Roudaut Carinne , Sifi Karima , Hamri Abdelmadjid , Rouabah Leila , Abadi Noureddine , Richard Isabelle 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe report the genetic analysis of a large series of 76 Algerian patients from 65 unrelated families who presented with early onset severe muscular dystrophy and a clinical phenotype resembling limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C.MethodsTo define the genetic basis of the diseases in these families, we undertook a series of analyses of the γ‐sarcoglycan (SGCG) and DMD genes.ResultsFifteen families were shown to carry SGCG variants. Only 2 kinds of causative mutations were identified in the population, mostly in the homozygous state: the well‐known c.525delT and the previously described c.87dupT. In the DMD gene, 12 distinctive patterns of deletion were identified, mostly affecting the dystrophin central region.ConclusionsOur data suggest that a simple molecular screen consisting of 2 allele‐specific polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and a set of 3 multiplex PCRs can diagnose half of the patients who present with progressive muscular dystrophy in the developing nation of Algeria. Muscle Nerve 56: 129–135, 2017.
Fibroblast growth factors and pulmonary fibrosis: it's more complex than it sounds
Authors: Kim Kevin K , Sisson Thomas H , Horowitz Jeffrey C 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLung fibrosis results from the cumulative effect of dysfunctional wound repair involving multiple cell types, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and macrophages responding to an array of soluble and matrix‐mediated stimuli. Recent studies have shown that a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets FGF, VEGF, and PDGF receptors can slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, each of these growth factor families is comprised of multiple ligands and receptors with pleiotropic activities on different cell types such that their broad inhibition might have both pro‐fibrotic and anti‐fibrotic effects, limiting the potential therapeutic efficacy. Continued investigation and delineation of specific roles of individual proteins and receptors on different cell types hold promise for targeting specific pathways with precision and optimizing the potential efficacy of future approaches to lung fibrosis therapy. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drift tube ion mobility and four‐dimensional molecular feature extraction enable data‐independent tandem mass spectrometric ‘omics’ analysis without quadrupole selection
Authors: Ma Xin , Liu Jing , Zhang Zhengxiang , Bo Tao , Bai Yu , Liu Huwei 
Published: October 2016

RationaleQuadrupole‐based tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) plays a critical role in ‘omics’ studies. However, when a particular m/z precursor is selected by the quadrupole, ions other than the precursor are not transmitted through, and the sensitivity and dynamic range thus diminish. Therefore, separation techniques such as ion mobility (IM) are coupled with MS/MS to improve it.MethodsIn this workflow, every IM‐mass spectrometry (MS) scan was followed by one high‐voltage collision energy (CE) scan. The precursors were separated in IM drift time and dissociated after IM; the four‐dimensional molecular feature extraction (4D MFE) algorithm was used to align the precursors and their MS/MS spectra based on retention time and drift time distribution. A complicated peptide mixture was selected to exemplify the workflow in a proteomics study.ResultsThe new IM‐MS‐based workflow achieved similar performance in finding proteins compared to the traditional quadrupole‐based MS/MS method. However, a significant difference was found between the proteins found by these two methods. For the four concentration levels analyzed, at least 23% more proteins were found by combining the new methods than only using the traditional quadrupole‐based MS/MS method.ConclusionsThe established workflow used the 4D MFE algorithm to analyze a complicated 4D dataset and was demonstrated to find more proteins not found by the traditional quadrupole‐based MS/MS method in proteomics application. It is thus an important complementary MS/MS mode for ‘omics’ studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic‐assisted minimally invasive surgery of the spine (RAMISS): a proof‐of‐concept study using carbon dioxide insufflation for multilevel posterior vertebral exposure via a sub‐paraspinal muscle working space
Authors: Howard Jason J. , Abinahed Julien , Navkar Nikhil , Peyrat Jean‐Marc , Al‐Ansari Abdulla , Sigalet David L. , Zarroug Abdalla E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundOpen posterior spinal procedures involve extensive soft tissue disruption, increased hospital length of stay, and disfiguring scars. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using robotic‐assistance for minimally invasive exposure of the posterolateral spine with and without carbon dioxide (CO2 ) insufflation.MethodsSheep specimens underwent minimally invasive subperiosteal dissection of the spine during three trials. The da Vinci S Surgical system was used for access with and without working space support via CO2 insufflation.ResultsWithout insufflation, a sub‐paraspinal muscle tunnel measuring 16 cm was developed between two 5 cm incisions. With insufflation, the one‐sided tunnel length was 12.5 cm but without the soft tissue trauma and obstructed visualization experienced without CO2.ConclusionsThe use of robot‐assistance for minimally invasive access to the posterior spine appears to be feasible. The use of CO2 insufflation greatly improved our ability to visualize and access the posterior vertebral elements.
Monocarboxylate transporter 4 as a prognostic biomarker in patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases
Authors: Petrides Christos , Neofytou Kyriakos , Agrogiannis Georgios , Petrou Athanasios , Angelou Anastasios , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Papalambros Alexandros , Felekouras Evangelos , Liakakos Theodoros , Pikoulis Emmanouel 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to validate the prognostic significance of the expression of Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 (MCT4) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study investigated the correlation between MCT4 expression in stromal and tumor cells of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in liver-only colorectal metastases treated with liver resection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods
This is a retrospective study of 107 patients with colorectal liver metastases. MCT4 expression in both stromal and tumor cells was studied by immunohistochemistry. The staining was scored semiquantitatively as weak or strong. DFS and OS were calculated using both Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox-regression methods

Results
Specimens from 57 patients (53.27%) showed weak levels of stromal MCT4 staining, whereas 50 patients (46.73%) showed strong levels of MCT4 staining. From the statistical analysis, strong stromal MCT4 expression was associated with decreased DFS (HR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12–2.85; P = 0.014) and OS (HR 3.81 95% CI, 1.88–7.72; P < 0.001) in univariate analysis. This finding remained significant in multivariate analysis for both DFS and OS (HR 1.95; 95% CI, 1.19–3.17; P = 0.007, and HR 4.38; 95% CI, 2.15–8.92; P < 0.001 respectively). Tumeur MCT4 expression was not associated with DFS and OS. Five-years DFS and OS rates were 43% and 78% respectively in patients with weak and 15% and 37% respectively in patients with strong stromal MCT4 expression.

Conclusion
Our results indicated that strong expression of stromal MCT4 in CRLM was associated with poor prognosis in patients who undergo liver resection for liver-only colorectal metastases. This finding could be furthermore validated in independent studies and MCT4 could be used as a new biomarker in CRLM and creates the possibility of new studies in targeted therapies.

Highlights
Unusual gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the gastric fundus
Authors: Komatsubara Toshihide , Zuiki Toru , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Hirota Norio , Oki Jun 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Introduction
Intussusception is uncommon in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. Although there are a few case reports of gastroduodenal intussusception, it is extremely rare that a tumor located in the gastric fundus causes gastroduodenal intussusception. We report a patient with gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the gastric fundus.

Presentation of case
A 90-year-old woman was admitted with appetite loss and recurrent vomiting. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed cord-like mucosa of the gastric fundus pulled into the duodenal bulb. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a well demarcated round tumor in the duodenum. The patient underwent a laparotomy, since endoscopic reduction of the tumor was not successful. The tumor was reduced by gently reducing the mass. A small incision was made in the anterior wall of the stomach, and the tumor was resected. The pathological findings of the tumor showed GIST. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Discussion
There were only eight patients in the world literature, including the present case, reported with gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a GIST in the gastric fundus. All patients presented with ball valve syndrome, known as a cause of acute abdomen. Three tumors were reducible preoperatively. Five of the eight tumors were resected with an intra-gastric open surgical approach.

Conclusion
We report a patient with gastroduodenal intussusception caused by a rare GIST in the gastric fundus, which needed resection.

Highlights
Hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: van der Velpen Isabelle F. , Feleus Stephanie , Bertens Anne Suzanne , Sabayan Behnam 
Published: October 2016

IntroductionCardiac function is a key player in maintaining energy homeostasis in the brain. Heart failure is closely related to higher risk of neurocognitive disorders. Recent evidence shows that this relationship might not be limited to patients with advanced heart failure, and even suboptimal cardiac functioning is associated with accelerated brain aging. Hence, hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers may provide valuable information about the risk of dementia.MethodsWe provide an overview on the link between cardiac markers and cognitive function by a systematic search in five databases. Furthermore, we discuss the pathophysiological aspects of this link and highlight the pertinent clinical and public health implications.ResultsIncreasing evidence supports the associations of hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers with accelerated cognitive decline.DiscussionHemodynamic and serum cardiac markers are closely linked with risk of cognitive impairment. This highlights the significance of the heart–brain connection in reducing the burden of dementia.
The Politics of Territorial Claims: A Geospatial Approach Applied to Africa
Authors: Goemans Hein E. , Schultz Kenneth A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhy do states make claims to some border areas and not others? We articulate three models of territorial claims and test them using a novel geospatial data set that precisely maps disputed and undisputed border segments in post-independence Africa. The geospatial approach helps eliminate problems of aggregation by permitting an analysis of variation both within and between dyadic borders. We find that ethnic political considerations are the most important driver of territorial claims in Africa, while institutional features of the border play a secondary role. Border segments that partition ethnic groups are at greatest risk of being challenged when the partitioned groups are politically powerful in ethnically homogeneous societies. Border segments that follow well-established and clear focal principles such as rivers and watersheds are significantly less likely to be disputed, while changes to the border in the colonial period created opportunities for later disputes to arise. Power considerations or resources play only a minor role in explaining the location of territorial claims.
First formal estimate of the world population of the Critically Endangered spoon-billed sandpiper Calidris pygmaea
Authors: Clark Nigel A. , Anderson Guy Q. A. , Li Jing , Syroechkovskiy Evgeny E. , Tomkovich Pavel S. , Zöckler Christoph , Lee Rebecca , Green Rhys E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe spoon-billed sandpiper Calidris pygmaea is a Critically Endangered shorebird that breeds in the Russian arctic and winters in coastal and estuarine habitats in South-east Asia. We report the first formal estimate of its global population size, combining a mark–resighting estimate of the number of leg-flagged individuals alive in autumn 2014 with an estimate of the proportion of birds with flags from scan surveys conducted during the same period at a migration stop-over site on the Jiangsu coast of China. We estimate that the world breeding population of spoon-billed sandpipers in 2014 was 210–228 pairs and the post-breeding population of all age classes combined was 661–718 individuals. This and related methods have considerable potential for surveillance of the population size of other globally threatened species, especially widely dispersed long-distance migrants.
The association between maternal postnatal depressive symptoms and offspring sleep problems in adolescence
Authors: Taylor A. K. , Netsi E. , O'Mahen H. , Stein A. , Evans J. , Pearson R. M. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundSleep problems are associated with increased risk of physical and mental illness. Identifying risk factors is an important method of reducing public health impact. We examined the association between maternal postnatal depression (PND) and offspring adolescent sleep problems.MethodThe sample was derived from Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) participants. A sample with complete data across all variables was used, with four outcome variables. A sensitivity analysis imputing for missing data was conducted (n = 9633).ResultsPND was associated with increased risk of sleep problems in offspring at ages 16 and 18 years. The most robust effects were sleep problems at 18 years [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a 1 s.d. increase in PND, 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.39, p < 0.001] and waking more often (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05–1.25, p = 0.003). This remained after controlling for confounding variables including antenatal depression and early sleep problems in infancy.ConclusionsPND is associated with adolescent offspring sleep problems. Maternal interventions should consider the child's increased risk. Early sleep screening and interventions could be introduced within this group.