bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk‐stratification management of febrile neutropenia in pediatric hematology‐oncology patients: Results of a French nationwide survey
Authors: Delebarre Mathilde , Tiphaine Aude , Martinot Alain , Dubos François
Published: August 2016

Background

In 2012, new international guidelines for children with chemotherapy‐induced febrile neutropenia (FN) were issued, recommending reduced‐intensity management strategy based on stratification of infectious risks. Some studies have highlighted practice disparities in different countries and within the same country. Our aim was to assess the current management strategies for the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced FN in children in France.

Procedure

This survey of all French pediatric oncology‐hematology reference centers (n = 30) in late 2012 and early 2013 sent a standardized questionnaire to each center inquiring about their definition of an FN episode, its initial empiric treatment and ongoing management, use of management stratified by risk, and any criteria used for the risk assessment. Each center's management protocol was also analyzed.

Results

All French reference centers participated in this survey, completing 88% of the questionnaire items. Definitions of both fever and neutropenia varied between centers. Ten centers used a risk‐stratification strategy for initial management. In all, 42 probabilistic first‐line antibiotic treatments were identified. After 48 hr of apyrexia, 17 units applied different forms of step‐down therapy.

Conclusions

Most French centers already offered some form of reduced‐intensity or step‐down therapy, although they differed substantially in their management of FN episodes. Risk stratification with validated tools is essential to facilitate the implementation of the international recommendations, which would ultimately help to standardize practices in France.
The role of placental histopathological lesions in predicting recurrence of preeclampsia
Authors: Weiner Eran , Mizrachi Yossi , Grinstein Ehud , Feldstein Ohad , Rymer‐Haskel Noa , Juravel Elchanan , Schreiber Letizia , Bar Jacob , Kovo Michal
Published: August 2016

Objective

We aimed to study the role of placental pathology in the prediction of preeclampsia (PE) recurrence.

Methods

The medical records and pathological placental reports of all women diagnosed with PE, during 2008–2015, were reviewed. The study population was divided according to the outcome of their subsequent pregnancy: those who did (recurrence group) or did not (no‐recurrence group) develop recurrent PE. Data regarding maternal characteristics and placental maternal/fetal vascular malperfusion lesions, of the initial pregnancies, were compared. Two prediction models were generated for PE recurrence.

Results

Compared to the no‐recurrence group (n = 130), the recurrence group (n = 96) was characterized by lower gestational age (p < 0.001), longer inter‐pregnancy interval (p = 0.012), and higher rate of severe features (p < 0.001). By logistic regression analysis composite maternal (aOR = 3.05, 95%CI 1.39–6.71, p = 0.005), fetal (aOR = 9.31, 95%CI 3.9–22.1, p < 0.001), and concurrent maternal + fetal (aOR = 13.94, 95%CI 5.08–38.21, p < 0.001), vascular malperfusion lesions were found to be independently associated with recurrence. A clinical prediction model accounted for 20.8% of PE recurrence (R2 = 0.208, AUC = 0.732), while a clinical–pathological model accounted for 34.2% of recurrence (R2 = 0.342, AUC = 0.80).

Conclusion

Placental maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion lesions are independently associated with increased risk for PE recurrence. A clinical–pathological prediction model for recurrence of PE is superior to a prediction model based merely on clinical factors. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observations of fetal brain activity via non‐invasive magnetoencephalography following administration of magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection in preterm labor
Authors: Escalona‐Vargas Diana I. , Thagard Andrew S. , McGrail Kaitlin , Napolitano Peter G. , Magann Everett F. , Lowery Curtis L. , Eswaran Hari
Published: August 2016

What's Already Known About This Topic?

Magnesium sulfate is administered to women at risk for delivering preterm to reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy in their offspring.

The mechanism by which magnesium sulfate provides ‘neuroprotection’ is unclear, although it may work in part by preventing excitatory injury to neurons.

What Does This Study Add?

This study demonstrates that most human fetuses exposed to magnesium sulfate demonstrated a decrease in overall brain activity. Additional research is needed to correlate this reduction with excitatory neurotransmission.
Mass spectrometry‐based secretome analysis of non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Bosse Konstanze , Haneder Silvia , Arlt Christian , Ihling Christian H. , Seufferlein Thomas , Sinz Andrea
Published: August 2016

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as erlotinib, display reliable responses and survival benefits for the treatment of human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, primary or acquired resistance limits their therapeutic success. In this study, we conducted in‐depth mass spectrometric analyses of NSCLC cell secretomes. To identify secreted proteins that are differentially regulated in erlotinib‐sensitive (PC‐9) and ‐resistant (PC‐9ER) NSCLC cell lines, SILAC experiments were performed. On average, 900 proteins were identified in each sample with low variations in the numbers of identified proteins. Fourteen proteins were found to be differently regulated among erlotinib‐sensitive and ‐resistant NSCLC cell lines, with five proteins (tissue‐type plasminogen activator, epidermal growth factor receptor, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator, platelet‐derived growth factor D, and myeloid‐derived growth factor) showing the most prominent regulation. Tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) was up to 10‐times upregulated in erlotinib‐resistant NSCLC cells compared with erlotinib‐sensitive cells. T‐PA is an established tumor marker for various cancer types and seems to be a promising prognostic marker to differentiate erlotinib‐sensitive from erlotinib‐resistant NSCLC cells. To gain further insights into t‐PA‐regulated pathways, a t‐PA variant was expressed in E. coli cells and its interactions with proteins secreted from erlotinib‐sensitive and ‐resistant NCSLC cells were studied by a combined affinity enrichment chemical cross‐linking/mass spectrometry (MS) approach. Fourteen proteins were identified as potential t‐PA interaction partners, deserving a closer inspection to unravel the mechanisms underlying erlotinib resistance in NSCLC cells.
Etiologies of hemoptysis in children: A systematic review of 171 patients
Authors: Simon Debra R. , Aronoff Stephen C. , Del Vecchio Michael T.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To provide prevalence rates for the most common causes of hemoptysis in children.

Data Sources

A systematic review of articles from PubMed, the OVID Cochrane Reviews (1960–2015), and EMBASE (1991–2015) was undertaken. Additional articles were identified by reviewing the bibliographies of selected studies. Search terms included hemoptysis, children, and humans.

Study Selection

Only case studies and cohorts that examined the causes of hemoptysis in children (birth to 21 years) were included; at least 10 patients were required of each study.

Data Extraction

Inclusion criteria, patient number, age range, patient source, and categorical and specific etiologies of hemoptysis were recorded.

Data Synthesis

From the 1,858 studies identified, seven were selected for inclusion. Eighty‐nine percent of participants were found to have a specific etiology for hemoptysis. Of the categorical etiologies identified, infection (37.57%), “other causes” (31.79%), heart disease (6.36%), and neoplasia (4.05%) were the most common. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis were the most common specific etiologies identified.

Limitations

By its nature, this study was subject to selection bias and under representation of specific etiologies.

Conclusions

Most pediatric patients presenting with hemoptysis have a specific etiology; pneumonia is the most common. A thorough history, physical exam, and focused laboratory evaluation is recommended for such patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:255–259. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment effect of idebenone on inspiratory function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Buyse Gunnar M. , Voit Thomas , Schara Ulrike , Straathof Chiara S.M. , D'Angelo Maria Grazia , Bernert Günther , Cuisset Jean‐Marie , Finkel Richard S. , Goemans Nathalie , Rummey Christian , Leinonen Mika , Mayer Oscar H. , Spagnolo Paolo , Meier Thomas , McDonald Craig M. ,   for the DELOS Study Group
Published: August 2016

Assessment of dynamic inspiratory function may provide valuable information about the degree and progression of pulmonary involvement in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aims of this study were to characterize inspiratory function and to assess the efficacy of idebenone on this pulmonary function outcome in a large and well‐characterized cohort of 10–18 year‐old DMD patients not taking glucocorticoid steroids (GCs) enrolled in the phase 3 randomized controlled DELOS trial. We evaluated the effect of idebenone on the highest flow generated during an inspiratory FVC maneuver (maximum inspiratory flow; V'I,max(FVC)) and the ratio between the largest inspiratory flow during tidal breathing (tidal inspiratory flow; V'I,max(t)) and the V'I,max(FVC). The fraction of the maximum flow that is not used during tidal breathing has been termed inspiratory flow reserve (IFR). DMD patients in both treatment groups of DELOS (idebenone, n = 31; placebo: n = 33) had comparable and abnormally low V'I,max(FVC) at baseline. During the study period, V'I,max(FVC) further declined by −0.29 L/sec in patients on placebo (95%CI: −0.51, −0.08; P = 0.008 at week 52), whereas it remained stable in patients on idebenone (change from baseline to week 52: 0.01 L/sec; 95%CI: −0.22, 0.24; P = 0.950). The between‐group difference favoring idebenone was 0.27 L/sec (P = 0.043) at week 26 and 0.30 L/sec (P = 0.061) at week 52. In addition, during the study period, IFR improved by 2.8% in patients receiving idebenone and worsened by −3.0% among patients on placebo (between‐group difference 5.8% at week 52; P = 0.040). Although the clinical interpretation of these data is currently limited due to the scarcity of routine clinical practice experience with dynamic inspiratory function outcomes in DMD, these findings from a randomized controlled study nevertheless suggest that idebenone preserved inspiratory muscle function as assessed by V'I,max(FVC) and IFR in patients with DMD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:508–515. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure of an acetylating aldehyde dehydrogenase from the thermophilic ethanologen Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius
Authors: Extance Jonathan , Danson Michael J. , Crennell Susan J.
Published: August 2016

Acetylating aldehyde dehydrogenases (AcAldDH) catalyse the acetylation of Coenzyme‐A (CoA), or in reverse generate acetaldehyde from Acetyl‐CoA using NADH as a co‐factor. This article reports the expression, purification, enzyme assay, and X‐ray crystal structures of an AcAldDH from Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius (GtAcAldDH) to 2.1Å and in complex with CoA and NAD+ to 4.0Å. In the structure, the AcAldDH forms a close‐knit dimer, similar to that seen in other Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH) structures. In GtAcAldDH, these dimers associate via their N‐termini to form weakly interacting tetramers. This mode of tetrameric association is also seen in an unpublished AcAldDH deposited in the PDB, but is in contrast to all other ADH structures, (including the one other published AcAldDH found in a bacterial microcompartment), in which the dimers bury a large surface area including the C‐termini. This novel mode of association sequesters the active sites and potentially reactive acyl‐enzyme intermediates in the center of the tetramer. In other respects, the structure is very similar to the other AcAldDH, binding the cofactors in a corresponding fashion. This similarity enabled the identification of a shortened substrate cavity in G. thermoglucosidasius AcAldDH, explaining the limitations on the length of substrate accepted by the enzyme.
Charge ordering and magnetic properties in nanosized Sr2FeMoO6–δ powders
Authors: Yarmolich Marta , Kalanda Nikolai , Demyanov Sergey , Fedotova Julia , Bayev Vadim , Sobolev Nikolai A.
Published: August 2016

Nanosized single‐phase powders of the ferrimagnetic double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6–δ (SFMO) with various degrees of the superstructural ordering of the Fe3+ and Mo5+ cations have been synthesized by the citrate–gel method at pH = 4, 6, 9 (samples SFMO 4, 6, and 9). According to the results of the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a mixed valence state of the iron and molybdenum cations is realized in the obtained SFMO powders, whereby the concentration of Fe2+ increases and that of Fe3+ decreases with increasing pH. The charge state of iron and the redistribution of the electron density in SFMO has been studied by means of the Mössbauer spectroscopy. The charge disproportionation for the powders obtained at pH = 6 and 9 facilitates the segregation of α‐Fe. The temperature dependences of the magnetization measured in the field cooling and zero‐field cooling regimes indicate the existence of superparamagnetism in the nanosized grains of SFMO 4, 6, and 9 at T < 19 K. The superparamagnetism is metastable up to a temperature ТS. The applied magnetic field stimulates the transition in nanosized grains from the metastable superparamagnetic state into the stable one, above some value of the magnetic field induction exceeding the minimal anisotropy field.

57Fe Mössbauer spectra taken at 20 K of Sr2FeMoO6–δ prepared at pH = 6.
An efficient modular volume‐scanning radar forward operator for NWP models: description and coupling to the COSMO model
Authors: Zeng Yuefei , Blahak Ulrich , Jerger Dorit
Published: August 2016

Since radar observations are highly dense in spatial and temporal resolutions, they have been often used to improve short‐term numerical weather prediction (NWP) by means of detailed model verification and 3D radar data assimilation. However, the observed quantities are not directly comparable to the prognostic variables of NWP models (e.g. hydrometeor densities, wind vector, temperature, pressure, etc.), so a common approach to facilitate this comparison is to derive synthetic radar observations from model variables; this is the so‐called ‘radar forward operator’. In the present article, a new Efficient Modular VOlume scanning RADar Operator (EMVORADO) for Doppler velocity and reflectivity is introduced. Although it has been developed in the COSMO model framework, it can be also coupled online to any other NWP model. Comprehensive physical aspects of radar measurements (e.g. beam bending/broadening/shielding, Doppler velocity with fall speed and reflectivity weighting, attenuated reflectivity, detectable signal, etc.) have been implemented in a modular way, using state‐of‐the‐art methods with different levels of approximation and numerical costs that can be optionally chosen. The reflectivity derivation from the prognostic model variables is as ‘model consistent’ as possible and carefully honours the uncertainties associated with partially melted particles. Efficiency and applicability on supercomputers (MPI‐parallelism) is a major design criterion, which allows us to simulate entire networks of 3D volume‐scanning meteorological radars within one model run and makes EMVORADO well suited for operational applications. This article aims to give a thorough description of the EMVORADO and to provide a first insight to the performance of different modules by some selected case‐studies.
Calculating Feshbach resonances in HCO using an extension of Qim‐path theory
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Bowman Joel M.
Published: August 2016

We present a theoretical study of Feshbach resonances in HCO, using an extension of a previous projection theory [Y. Wang and J. M. Bowman, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 154303 (2013)] that makes use of projections of the normal modes of HCO onto a one‐dimensional rectilinear path along the imaginary‐frequency normal mode of the dissociation saddle point. HCO dissociation is strongly mode specific, because the CH‐stretch is nearly coincident with this path. The projection theory predicts that HCO dissociates with a subpicosecond lifetime for the CH‐stretch excited to the second overtone (
), in agreement with rigorous calculations done 20 years ago. However, the CO‐stretch and HCO bend have small projections on the path and so no dissociation is predicted from the simple theory, even for highly excited states. By making an extension of the projection theory to describe coupling of these modes to the CH‐stretch, dissociation rates can be obtained for these modes. Semi‐quantitative results are obtained using vibrational self‐consistent field/virtual‐state configuration interaction calculations with the code MULTIMODE. The dissociation lifetimes for many states involving excitation of these modes are compared with previous rigorous calculations and experiment and encouraging agreement is found.
FeIII‐Doped Two‐Dimensional C3N4 Nanofusiform: A New O2‐Evolving and Mitochondria‐Targeting Photodynamic Agent for MRI and Enhanced Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Ma Zhifang , Zhang Mengchao , Jia Xiaodan , Bai Jing , Ruan Yudi , Wang Chao , Sun Xuping , Jiang Xiue
Published: August 2016

Local hypoxia in tumors, as well as the short lifetime and limited action region of 1O2, are undesirable impediments for photodynamic therapy (PDT), leading to a greatly reduced effectiveness. To overcome these adversities, a mitochondria‐targeting, H2O2‐activatable, and O2‐evolving PDT nanoplatform is developed based on FeIII‐doped two‐dimensional C3N4 nanofusiform for highly selective and efficient cancer treatment. The ultrahigh surface area of 2D nanosheets enhances the photosensitizer (PS) loading capacity and the doping of FeIII leads to peroxidase mimetics with excellent catalytic performance towards H2O2 in cancer cells to generate O2. As such tumor hypoxia can be overcome and the PDT efficacy is improved, whilst at the same time endowing the PDT theranostic agent with an effective T
1‐weighted in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ability. Conjugation with a mitochondria‐targeting agent could further increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to 1O2 by enhanced mitochondria dysfunction. In vitro and in vivo anticancer studies demonstrate an outstanding therapeutic effectiveness of the developed PDT agent, leading to almost complete destruction of mouse cervical tumor. This development offers an attractive theranostic agent for in vivo MRI and synergistic photodynamic therapy toward clinical applications.
Imaging Upconverting Polymersomes in Cancer Cells: Biocompatible Antioxidants Brighten Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Upconversion
Authors: Askes Sven H. C. , Pomp Wim , Hopkins Samantha L. , Kros Alexander , Wu Si , Schmidt Thomas , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: August 2016

Light upconversion is a very powerful tool in bioimaging as it can eliminate autofluorescence, increase imaging contrast, reduce irradiation damage, and increase excitation penetration depth in vivo. In particular, triplet–triplet annihilation upconverting (TTA‐UC) nanoparticles and liposomes offer high upconversion efficiency at low excitation power. However, TTA‐UC is quenched in air by oxygen, which also leads to the formation of toxic singlet oxygen. In this work, polyisobutylene‐monomethyl polyethylene glycol block copolymers are synthesized and used for preparing polymersomes that upconvert red light into blue light in absence of oxygen. In addition, it is demonstrated that biocompatible antioxidants such as l‐ascorbate, glutathionate, l‐histidine, sulfite, trolox, or even opti‐MEM medium, can be used to protect the TTA‐UC process in these polymersomes resulting in red‐to‐blue upconversion under aerobic conditions. Most importantly, this approach is also functional in living cells. When A549 lung carcinoma cells are treated with TTA‐UC polymersomes in the presence of 5 × 10−3
m ascorbate and glutathionate, upconversion in the living cells is one order of magnitude brighter than that observed without antioxidants. These results propose a simple chemical solution to the issue of oxygen sensitivity of TTA‐UC, which is of paramount importance for the technological advancement of this technique in biology.
Multiplexed Molecular Imaging of Fresh Tissue Surfaces Enabled by Convection‐Enhanced Topical Staining with SERS‐Coded Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yu W. , Doerksen Josh D. , Kang Soyoung , Walsh Daniel , Yang Qian , Hong Daniel , Liu Jonathan T. C.
Published: August 2016

There is a need for intraoperative imaging technologies to guide breast‐conserving surgeries and to reduce the high rates of re‐excision for patients in which residual tumor is found at the surgical margins during postoperative pathology analyses. Feasibility studies have shown that utilizing topically applied surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles (NPs), in conjunction with the ratiometric imaging of targeted versus untargeted NPs, enables the rapid visualization of multiple cell‐surface biomarkers of cancer that are overexpressed at the surfaces of freshly excised breast tissues. In order to reliably and rapidly perform multiplexed Raman‐encoded molecular imaging of large numbers of biomarkers (with five or more NP flavors), an enhanced staining method has been developed in which tissue surfaces are cyclically dipped into an NP‐staining solution and subjected to high‐frequency mechanical vibration. This dipping and mechanical vibration (DMV) method promotes the convection of the SERS NPs at fresh tissue surfaces, which accelerates their binding to their respective biomarker targets. By utilizing a custom‐developed device for automated DMV staining, this study demonstrates the ability to simultaneously image four cell‐surface biomarkers of cancer at the surfaces of fresh human breast tissues with a mixture of five flavors of SERS NPs (four targeted and one untargeted control) topically applied for 5 min and imaged at a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm and a raster‐scanned imaging rate of >5 cm2 min−1.
TLR3 or TLR4 Activation Enhances Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Mediated Treg Induction via Notch Signaling
Authors: Rashedi Iran , Gómez-Aristizábal Alejandro , Wang Xing-Hua , Viswanathan Sowmya , Keating Armand
Published: August 2016

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are the subject of numerous clinical trials, largely due to their immunomodulatory and tissue regenerative properties. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), especially TLR3 and TLR4, are highly expressed on MSCs and their activation can significantly modulate the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory functions of MSCs. While MSCs can recruit and promote the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), the effect of TLR activation on MSC-mediated Treg induction is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of ligand-mediated activation of TLR3 and TLR4 on Treg induction by human MSCs. We found that generation of Tregs in human CD4(+) lymphocyte and MSC cocultures was enhanced by either TLR3 or TLR4 activation of MSCs and that the increase was abolished by TLR3 and TLR4 gene-silencing. Augmented Treg induction by TLR-activated MSCs was cell contact-dependent and associated with increased gene expression of the Notch ligand, Delta-like 1. Moreover, inhibition of Notch signaling abrogated the augmented Treg levels in the MSC cocultures. Our data show that TLR3 or TLR4 activation of MSCs increases Treg induction via the Notch pathway and suggest new means to enhance the potency of MSCs for treating disorders with an underlying immune dysfunction, including steroid resistant acute graft-versus-host disease.
Process Modeling in the Operating Room: A Socio‐Technical Systems Perspective
Authors: Bonzo Sarah M. , McLain David , Avnet Mark S.
Published: August 2016

Given the importance of communication in healthcare, a need exists for modeling approaches that facilitate analysis of complex interactions among providers. While attempts have been made to translate best practices from engineering, manufacturing, and other fields, their value has been limited because they are applied with minimal modification for contextual differences in healthcare. This paper develops a methodology for modeling processes and analyzing communication in a particular healthcare setting, the hospital operating room (OR). The analysis is based on the construction of a large multidomain matrix (MDM), a representation of interactions across “domains” in a socio‐technical system. In the OR, these domains are people (the surgical team) and process (the steps that they take in a surgical procedure). Based on these domains, the MDM consists of four quadrants: a process architecture design structure matrix (DSM) representing task dependencies, an organization architecture DSM representing interactions among staff, a domain mapping matrix (DMM) of activities performed by team members, and a DMM of activities that “trigger” team members to complete their own tasks. Integrated analysis of these matrices leads to a process map of surgical procedures and construction of a congruence matrix specifying the relationship between expected and actual interactions in the OR. Analysis of process metrics demonstrate that merely engaging the surgical staff in building the MDM can itself lead to performance improvement. The paper lays the foundation for future studies focused on understanding the relationship of team communication to patient outcomes in a single OR and across healthcare systems.
Application of Multidisciplinary Systems‐of‐Systems Optimization to an Aircraft Design Problem
Authors: Subramanian Shreyas Vathul , DeLaurentis Daniel A.
Published: August 2016

A generic mathematical formulation for Systems‐of‐Systems (SoS) optimization problems is presented. SoS optimization problems resemble the structure of a tree of Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) problems with additional unique features. The framework for solving such problems involves features from evolutionary computing, platform‐based design, and evolving design spaces. One important aspect of SoS Engineering, often overlooked, is the role it plays in improving the design of individual systems. In this vein, this work has sought to exemplify such a synergistic approach for aircraft design. A large‐scale SoS optimization problem for designing noise‐optimal aircraft and improved procedures for the approach phase is studied. Modules involving Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), noise modeling, multifidelity analysis, topology optimization, and autotuned control systems are used to obtain optimal solutions.
Compositional Analysis of Wax Esters in Human Meibomian Gland Secretions by Direct Infusion Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Jianzhong , Green Kari B. , Nichols Kelly K.
Published: August 2016

Wax esters (WE) are one of the predominant lipid types in human meibomian gland secretions (meibum) and account for 40–50 % of total meibum lipids. Recently, we managed to quantify 51 isomeric groups of intact WE in normal human meibum samples by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), with each WE peak in the MS spectrum corresponding to one isomeric group (Chen et al, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 54(8):5730–53, 2013). However, the information of the isomeric composition in each group was not obtained. In this study, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was applied to quantify relative amounts of these isomers using the intensities of the corresponding diagnostic ions after appropriate correction and normalization. This data was combined with the previous obtained mole fraction of each isomeric group to total WE in human meibum to determine the corresponding percentage of each isomer. A total of 23 of the most abundant WE peaks of different molecular weights (corresponding to 85.3 % of the total amount of WE) in human meibum were studied and resulted in quantification of 92 WE species. The quantitative information of composition of WE in human meibum will help better understand their role in the tear film.
Gesund durch Schreiben
Authors: Heimes Silke
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Obwohl die wissenschaftliche Untersuchung des Schreibens eine junge Disziplin ist und bis zur endgültigen Klärung der Fragen, wie und auf welche Weise Schreiben wirkt noch einige Forschung betrieben werden muss, existieren im englischen Sprachraum bereits quantitative und qualitative Untersuchungen, zur Wirksamkeit des Schreibens ( Sloan, Marx & Greenberg, 2011 ; Chen & Contrada, 2009 ; Frattaroli, 2006 ; Sampson & Visser, 2005 ; Frisina, Borod & Lepore, 2004 ; Pennebaker, 1997 ). Für den deutschen Sprachraum stehen diese Untersuchungen noch aus. Da hochwertige quantitative Untersuchungen kostenintensiv sind und sich das kreative und therapeutische Schreiben in Deutschland noch nicht so weit etabliert hat, dass solche Studien durchführbar wären, könnte eine erste Annäherung an den Untersuchungsgegenstand durch qualitative Studien erfolgen. In diesem Sinn untersucht der Beitrag, in wieweit sich die für das Schreiben postulierten und teilweise verifizierten Wirkungen und Wirkfaktoren ( Heimes, 2012 ) in den (Selbst–) Aussagen renommierter deutschsprachiger Schriftsteller des 18. – 21. Jh. finden lassen. Die Untersuchung erfolgte in zahlreichen Datenbanken und durch Handrecherche in einschlägiger Primär- und Sekundärliteratur. Da sich aufgrund des Gegenstandes keine Objektivität erreichen lässt, wurde eine intersubjektive Methode gewählt.
Stimulation als Komponente sensitiver Responsivität in der ErzieherInnen-Kind-Interaktion
Authors: Remsperger-Kehm Regina
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Studie zur Untersuchung einer feinfühligen Interaktionsgestaltung zwischen pädagogischen Fachkräften und Kindern hat gezeigt, dass sich die sensitive Responsivität aus einem Zusammenspiel der Komponenten Zugänglichkeit, Aufmerksamkeit, Promptheit der Reaktion, Richtigkeit der Interpretation, Haltung, Involvement, emotionales Klima und Stimulation ergibt ( Remsperger, 2011a ). Bei der Betrachtung von Alltagsinteraktionen zwischen ErzieherInnen und Kindergartenkindern wurde deutlich, dass Interaktionen, die stark durch das Eingreifen der Fachkräfte geprägt sind, mit einer mangelnden Stimulation der kindlichen Handlungs- und Denkprozesse einhergehen. Demgegenüber erweisen sich Interaktionsverläufe, die von den Kindern bestimmt werden, hinsichtlich der Stimulation des kindlichen Denkens und Handelns als wirksam. In diesem Beitrag werden der theoretische Hintergrund der Komponente Stimulation sowie die beobachtbaren Operationalisierungen eines stimulierenden pädagogischen Verhaltens beleuchtet. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf der Darstellung eines nonverbalen anregenden Verhaltens frühpädagogischer Fachkräfte.
Plädoyer für das Singen im Kita-Alltag
Authors: Busch Barbara , Müller Silvia
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Ausgehend von der Überzeugung, dass das Musizieren bzw. Singen einen unverzichtbaren Bestandteil des Kita-Alltags bilden sollte, sind in den letzten Jahren zahlreiche entsprechende Initiativen ins Leben gerufen worden. Leider scheint hier die Verbindung von praktischer Arbeit vor Ort mit systematischer Reflexion und wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen nicht immer hinreichend zu gelingen. Mit dem Ziel, theoretische Erkenntnisse mit praktischen Gegebenheiten zu verzahnen, wird in dem Aufsatz illustrativ dargestellt, warum, was und wie mit Kindern im Kita-Alltag gesungen werden sollte. Zur Analyse und Auswahl von Liedern werden wissenschaftlich fundierte Kriterien entwickelt, die musikalische, sprachliche sowie didaktische Aspekte berücksichtigen. Aus den Überlegungen zur Entwicklung eines Liedrepertoires werden abschließend Konsequenzen für die musikspezifische Qualifizierung pädagogischer Fachkräfte abgeleitet.
Long-term treatment with metformin in obese, insulin-resistant adolescents: results of a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial
Authors: van der Aa M P , Elst M A J , van de Garde E M W , van Mil E G A H , Knibbe C A J , van der Vorst M M J
Published: August 2016

Background:

As adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance may be refractory to lifestyle intervention therapy alone, additional off-label metformin therapy is often used. In this study, the long-term efficacy and safety of metformin versus placebo in adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance is studied.

Methods:

In a randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded trial, 62 adolescents with obesity aged 10–16 years old with insulin resistance received 2000 mg of metformin or placebo daily and physical training twice weekly over 18 months. Primary end points were change in body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance measured by the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Secondary end points were safety and tolerability of metformin. Other end points were body fat percentage and HbA1c.

Results:

Forty-two participants completed the 18-month study (66% girls, median age 13 (12–15) years, BMI 30.0 (28.3 to 35.0) kg m−2 and HOMA-IR 4.08 (2.40 to 5.88)). Median ΔBMI was +0.2 (−2.9 to 1.3) kg m−2 (metformin) versus +1.2 (−0.3 to 2.4) kg m−2 (placebo) (P=0.015). No significant difference was observed for HOMA-IR. No serious adverse events were reported. Median change in fat percentage was −3.1 (−4.8 to 0.3) versus −0.8 (−3.2 to 1.6)% (P=0.150), in fat mass −0.2 (−5.2 to 2.1) versus +2.0 (1.2–6.4) kg (P=0.007), in fat-free mass +2.0 (−0.1 to 4.0) versus +4.5 (1.3 to 11.6) kg (P=0.047) and in ΔHbA1c +1.0 (−1.0 to 2.3) versus +3.0 (0.0 to 5.0) mmol mol−1 (P=0.020) (metformin versus placebo).

Conclusions:

Long-term treatment with metformin in adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance results in stabilization of BMI and improved body composition compared with placebo. Therefore, metformin may be useful as an additional therapy in combination with lifestyle intervention in adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance.
Phase-dependent enhancement for CO2photocatalytic reduction over CeO2/TiO2catalysts
Authors: Zhao Jie , Wang Yun , Li Yingxuan , Yue Xiu , Wang Chuanyi
Published: August 2016

The addition of CeO2can increase the activity of rutile for CO2photoreduction under simulated sunlight irradiation because of the presence of Ti defects at the CeO2–rutile interfaces, and this is beneficial to the interfacial separation of photogenerated charge carriers.
Potassium uranyl borate 3D framework compound resulted from temperature directed hydroborate condensation: structure, spectroscopy, and dissolution studies
Authors: Xu Xiaomei , Liu Zhiyong , Yang Shitong , Chen Lanhua , Diwu Juan , Alekseev Evgeny V. , Chai Zhifang , Albrecht-Schmitt Thomas E. , Wang Shuao
Published: August 2016

A potassium uranyl borate K[(UO2)B6O10(OH)] (KUBO-4) framework structure was synthesized and characterized with a variety of measurements.
Effects of enzyme activities during steeping and sprouting on the solubility and composition of proteins, their bioactivity and relationship with the bread making quality of wheat flour
Authors: Žilić Slađana , Janković Marijana , Barać Miroljub , Pešić Mirjana , Konić-Ristić Aleksandra , Hadži-Tašković Šukalović Vesna
Published: August 2016

The aim was to determine the effect of steeping and sprouting on wheat grain proteins and the functional consequences in this regard.
A metal–organic gel based on silver salt and 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole with high antibacterial activity and excellent dye adsorption performance
Authors: Cheng Yong , Feng Qichun , Yin Ming , Ren Xiaoyan , Wang Jianzhong , Zhou Ying-Hua
Published: August 2016

A novel Ag(i)–AMTD metal–organic gel may serve as a difunctional water treatment agent.
Bimetallic aluminum complexes with cyclic β-ketiminato ligands: the cooperative effect improves their capability in polymerization of lactide and ε-caprolactone
Authors: Huang Hai-Chao , Wang Bin , Zhang Yan-Ping , Li Yue-Sheng
Published: August 2016

Novel binuclear aluminum complexes bearing β-ketiminato ligands were synthesized and characterized. The cooperative effect around the metal centers played a key role in improving catalytic activity.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of regioregular low bandgap copolymers with controlled 5-fluorobenzotriazole orientation for photovoltaic application
Authors: Keshtov M. L. , Khokhlov A. R. , Kuklin S. A. , Ostapov I. E. , Nikolaev A. Yu. , Konstantinov I. O. , Sharma Abhishek , Koukaras E. N. , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: August 2016

Two regioregular P1 and random P2 copolymers were synthesized and examined as electron donors in BHJ solar cells. The high PCE achieved of 7.66% for P1 is attributed to increased hole mobility.
Temperature-responsive properties of poly(4-vinylpyridine) coatings: influence of temperature on the wettability, morphology, and protein adsorption
Authors: Raczkowska Joanna , Stetsyshyn Yurij , Awsiuk Kamil , Zemła Joanna , Kostruba Andrij , Harhay Khrystyna , Marzec Mateusz , Bernasik Andrzej , Lishchynskyi Ostap , Ohar Halyna , Budkowski Andrzej
Published: August 2016

Poly(4-vinylpyridine)-grafted brushes demonstrate a thermal response of their wettability (stronger than that for spin-coated films), surface morphology, and protein adsorption.
Recent progress of silicon composites as anode materials for secondary batteries
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Xu Tingting , Huang Xiao , Li Huan , Ma Tingli
Published: August 2016

This review mainly focuses on the latest research achievements of Si composites and their nanostructures as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The most recent applications of Si to sodium-ion and magnesium-ion batteries are also included.
Enzyme mimicking inorganic hybrid Ni@MnO2for colorimetric detection of uric acid in serum samples
Authors: Pal Jaya , Pal Tarasankar
Published: August 2016

Reliable and inexpensive detection of uric acid in the absence of any peroxide or enzyme is very challenging for the development of a new cost effective clinical method.
A highly sensitive chlorine gas sensor and enhanced thermal DC electrical conductivity from polypyrrole/silicon carbide nanocomposites
Authors: Sultan Adil , Ahmad Sharique , Mohammad Faiz
Published: August 2016

We report the synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole/silicon carbide nanocomposites (PPy/SiC) and PPy/SiC/dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) byin situchemical polymerization and their application as sensors for the detection of highly toxic chlorine gas.
Electrospinning applications from diagnosis to treatment of diabetes
Authors: Vellayappan M. V. , Venugopal J. R. , Ramakrishna S. , Ray S. , Ismail A. F. , Mandal M. , Manikandan A. , Seal S. , Jaganathan S. K.
Published: August 2016

Modern applications of electrospinning.
Tribromide ion immobilized on magnetic nanoparticle as a new, efficient and reusable nanocatalyst in multicomponent reactions
Authors: Hajjami Maryam , Gholamian Fatemeh
Published: August 2016

Tetraethyldiethylenetriamine tribromide magnetic nanoparticles are synthesised as an efficient, new, metal free and magnetically reusable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one and polyhydroquinoline derivatives.
Spherical LiCoBO3 particles prepared via a molten salt method for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Tang Anping , Zhong Qianwen , Xu Guorong , Song Haishen
Published: August 2016

LiCoBO3/ketjen black composites were prepared at a moderate temperature of 450 °C by a molten salt method using eutectic mixtures of LiCl and KCl as the reaction medium and ketjen black as a carbon source.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate based on cysteamine-modified gold nanoparticle aggregation for highly sensitive pentachlorophenol detection
Authors: Ma Qian , Zhang Hongyan , Liu Weimin , Ge Jiechao , Wu Jiasheng , Wang Shujun , Wang Pengfei
Published: August 2016

A new surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on cysteamine-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the glass surface has been developed for the monitoring of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in water samples.
Microstructure, mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of SiCf/SiC composites incorporated with boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Guangxiang , Dong Shaoming , Ni Dewei , Xu Chengying , Wang Dengke
Published: August 2016

SiCf/BNNTs–SiC hierarchical composites were fabricated via firstly in situ growth of BNNTs on SiC fibers using boron powder as a raw material and then matrix densification by chemical vapor infiltration and polymer impregnation/pyrolysis methods.
Temperature effects on the kinetics of a PbO2 electrosynthesis process in an alkaline bath
Authors: He Shiwei , Xu Ruidong , Wang Jiong , Han Sha , Chen Buming
Published: August 2016

An electrochemical investigation of temperature on the electrosynthesis of lead dioxide in alkaline solutions was performed using a rotating disk electrode (RDE).
The inhibitory influence of 3-β-hydroxybutyrate on calf thymus DNA glycation by glucose
Authors: Bohlooli M. , Miri M. , Khajeh M. , Ghamari F. , Khatibi A. , Ghaffari-Moghaddam M. , Poormolaie N. , Sheibani N.
Published: August 2016

Glycation can change DNA structure and cause strand breaks, mutations, and changes in gene expression.
A porous ternary PtPdCu alloy with a spherical network structure for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation
Authors: Fan Yang , Zhang Yan , Cui Ying , Wang Jiaoli , Wei Mengmeng , Zhang Xinkang , Li Wei
Published: August 2016

A porous ternary alloy Pt5PdCu5 was prepared, which exhibits a unique spherical network structure with a high specific surface area of 86.9 m2 g−1 and enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation.
Novel water-soluble phosphatriazenes: versatile ligands for Suzuki–Miyaura, Sonogashira and Heck reactions of nucleosides
Authors: Bhilare Shatrughn , Gayakhe Vijay , Ardhapure Ajaykumar V. , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Schulzke Carola , Borozdina Yulia , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: August 2016

Two new water-soluble phosphatriazene as versatile ligands for catalyzing Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of purines and pyrimidines in neat water with the possibility of recycling. Copper-free Sonogashira and Heck reaction were also made possible.
Smart metallopoly(l-glutamic acid) polymers: reversible helix-to-coil transition at neutral pH
Authors: Bonduelle Colin , Makni Fatma , Severac Laura , Piedra-Arroni Estefania , Serpentini Charles-Louis , Lecommandoux Sébastien , Pratviel Geneviève
Published: August 2016

Coordination to Zn species can be reversibly used to control the helix-to-coil transition of synthetic poly(l-glutamic acid) polymers at a neutral pH of 7.
Scaly bionic structures constructed on a polyester fabric with anti-fouling and anti-bacterial properties for highly efficient oil–water separation
Authors: Liu Y. W. , Zhang C. H. , Wang Z. Q. , Fu X. , Wei R.
Published: August 2016

Scaly structure bionic structured on the fabric with superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity. The modified fabric showed excellent separation efficiency for various oil–water mixtures which could solve oil–water separation issue.
Efficient epoxide isomerization within a self-assembled hexameric organic capsule
Authors: Caneva Thomas , Sperni Laura , Strukul Giorgio , Scarso Alessandro
Published: August 2016

The supramolecular organic nano-capsule formed by the self-assembly of six resorcin[4]arene units efficiently promotes the isomerization of epoxides (Meinwald isomerization) to the corresponding carbonyl compounds.
A paradigm shift in oxygen sensing with a twist in the tale!
Authors: O'Halloran Ken D.
Published: August 2016

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is pivotal to metabolic homoeostasis in eukaryotes, serving as a critical energy sensor. Increased AMPK activity during oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) protects against potentially catastrophic deficits in ATP supply. Although the nervous system circuitry for elaboration of the complex cardiorespiratory response to hypoxia has been understood in some detail for many decades, there is continued and considerable interest in the molecular machinery underpinning the mechanism(s) of oxygen sensing. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Evans et al. [(2016) Biochem. J.] review their recent work, which points to a pivotal role for AMPK in the transduction of cellular hypoxic stress to integrated ventilatory behaviour, critical in the defence of whole-body oxygen homoeostasis. Of great surprise, there is profound blunting of the hyperventilatory response to hypoxic stress in AMPK deficient mice, with resultant dysregulated breathing arising in spite of normal peripheral oxygen sensing and appropriate sensory input to the brain! Their pointedly provocative review challenges current dogma, and in doing so raises intriguing questions that probe fundamental aspects of our understanding of the mammalian ventilatory response to hypoxic stress. The engaging review by Evans et al. [(2016) Biochem. J.] is an interesting read that is sure to encourage colourful debate.
Capacity of the non‐coherent DCSK system over Rayleigh fading channel
Authors: Cai Guofa , Wang Lin , Chen Guanrong
Published: August 2016

Capacity bounds are calculated for the differential chaos shift keying (DCSK) system with non‐coherent detectors, including differentially coherent detector and energy detector, over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, it is found that the capacity characteristics of the non‐coherent DCSK system are significantly different from those of the coherent case. It is shown that there are different capacity bounds corresponding to different spreading factor values. Optimal code rates are found, which minimise the required bit signal‐to‐noise ratio for a reliable communication system, and they are increasing with the increase of the spreading factor value over an AWGN channel while decreasing over a Rayleigh fading channel. As compared with the AWGN channel, the performance over a Rayleigh fading channel is much more sensitive to the code rate. The new results are useful as benchmark for designing capacity‐approaching codes for the non‐coherent DCSK system.
Vacuum‐free photolithographic patterning of conducting polymer film
Authors: Kim Woo Young , Lee Hee Chul
Published: August 2016

Understanding the relationship between a certain organic material and the corresponding orthogonal solvent improves the realistic possibility of photolithographic patterning during the fabrication of organic devices. However, an all‐solution‐based patterning process has not been established because the dry‐etching process used for micropatterning must be performed in a vacuum chamber, which is not appropriate for a printing process and results in a low throughput of products at the industrial level. Here, we demonstrate a vacuum‐free patterning method using conventional photolithography. It is a main breakthrough in that it washes away the etchant by blowing with air in a very short time. This short‐term air‐blowing process dramatically reduces the undercut below the photoresist. As a result, mask patterns of nearly the same size could be transferred onto an organic object. Compared with ordinary wet etching process, the undercut is reduced to the 1‐micrometer scale, allowing the realisation of a fine pattern size. The process developed here will enhance the throughput of manufacturing systems using an all‐solution‐based process.