bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Short Series of Lanthanoid(III) Nitride Tellurides with the Composition Ln3NTe3 (Ln = Gd–Ho)
Authors: Foltin Markus L. , Schleid Thomas
Published: January 2015

A new short series of isostructural lanthanoid(III) nitride tellurides with the composition Ln3NTe3 (Ln = Gd–Ho) was synthesized through reactions of the metal (Gd–Ho) with sodium azide (NaN3), tellurium (Te), iodine (I2) and sodium iodide (NaI) as flux in evacuated fused silica tubes for seven days at 950 °C. Black, brick‐shaped single crystals of the Ln3NTe3 represenatives crystallize isotypically with Y3NTe3 in the monoclinic space group P21/c with lattice parameters ranging from a = 815.28(6), b = 1200.92(8), c = 866.07(6) pm and β = 109.092(3)° for Gd3NTe3 to a = 802.37(6), b = 1181.69(8), c = 857.30(6) pm and β = 108.816(3)° for Ho3NTe3 and Z = 4. Three crystallographically independent Ln3+ cations form the basic framework of their crystal structure and are coordinated by six anions each. One trigonal prism and two octahedra with different grades of distortion appear as coordination spheres. Isolated dimers [N2Ln6]12+ (d(N–Ln) = 219–232 pm) as pairs of two edge‐sharing [NLn4]9+ tetrahedra, however, serve as main structural feature. Their three‐dimensional interconnection and charge compensation is achieved by three crystallographically distinct Te2– anions (d(Te–Ln) = 299–337 pm) with contacts to four or five Ln3+ cations each. Finally, this short Ln3NTe3 series closes an information gap between the lanthanoid(III) nitride tellurides and the well‐investigated, but not isotypic nitride sulfides and selenides with the same composition (Ln3NCh3: Ln = La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Dy; Ch = S and Se).
Deep-cryogenic-treatment-induced phase transformation in the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy
Authors: Li Chun-mei , Cheng Nan-pu , Chen Zhi-qian , Guo Ning , Zeng Su-min
Published: January 2015

An aluminum alloy (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) subjected to deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) was systematically investigated. The results show that a DCT-induced phase transformation varies the microstructures and affects the mechanical properties of the Al alloy. Both Guinier-Preston (GP) zones and a metastable η′ phase were observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The phenomenon of the second precipitation of the GP zones in samples subjected to DCT after being aged was observed. The viability of this phase transformation was also demonstrated by first-principles calculations.
Enriched environment restricted to gestation accelerates the development of sensory and motor circuits in the rat pup
Authors: Cárdenas Lorena , García‐García Fabio , Santiago‐Roque Isela , Martínez Armando J. , Coria‐Ávila Genaro A. , Corona‐Morales Aleph A.
Published: January 2015

The effects of stimulating environments on the neural plasticity of the adult brain have been well explored; however, how an enriched environment (EE) affects the mother‐fetus interaction is poorly understood. We hypothesized that an enriched environment restricted to pregnancy will succeed in accelerating the development of sensory and motor circuits in the offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were maintained either under a standard condition – two animals per standard cage‐ or an enriched environment – eight subjects in larger cages with different physical configurations‐. After birth, litters from both groups (n = 16 per group) were cross‐fostered with mothers that were simultaneously maintained under standard environment during pregnancy. Sensory and motor development were studied in the pups of both groups with a battery of reflex and physical tests. Auditory and gait reflexes appeared two days earlier in the offspring of EE rats as compared to control subjects (p < 0.05). In addition, EE pups displayed a better performance in righting reflex, inclined board and geotaxis tests (p < 0.05). Differences were found even three weeks after birth. We conclude that EE limited to the phase of pregnancy stimulates the development of pups in utero so that they are born with a higher grade of development.
Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Policies in U.S. Hospitals: Findings from a National Survey
Authors: Pogorzelska-Maziarz Monika , Herzig Carolyn T. A. , Larson Elaine L. , Furuya E. Yoko , Perencevich Eli N. , Stone Patricia W.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of antimicrobial stewardship policies and to investigate factors associated with implementation in a national sample of acute care hospitals.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Infection Control Directors from acute care hospitals participating in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

METHODS

An online survey was conducted in the Fall of 2011. A subset of hospitals also provided access to their 2011 NHSN annual survey data.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 1,015 hospitals (30% response rate). The majority of hospitals (64%) reported the presence of a policy; use of antibiograms and antimicrobial restriction policies were most frequently utilized (83% and 65%, respectively). Respondents from larger, urban, teaching hospitals and those that are part of a system that shares resources were more likely to report a policy in place (P<.01). Hospitals located in California were more likely to have policy in place than in hospitals located in other states (P=.014).

CONCLUSION

This study provides a snapshot of the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship policies in place in U.S. hospitals and suggests that statewide efforts in California are achieving their intended effect. Further research is needed to identify factors that foster the adoption of these policies.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–4
Turbulent channel flow of dense suspensions of neutrally buoyant spheres
Authors: Picano Francesco , Breugem Wim-Paul , Brandt Luca
Published: January 2015

Dense particle suspensions are widely encountered in many applications and in environmental flows. While many previous studies investigate their rheological properties in laminar flows, little is known on the behaviour of these suspensions in the turbulent/inertial regime. The present study aims to fill this gap by investigating the turbulent flow of a Newtonian fluid laden with solid neutrally-buoyant spheres at relatively high volume fractions in a plane channel. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) are performed in the range of volume fractions ${\it\Phi}=0{-}0.2$ with an immersed boundary method (IBM) used to account for the dispersed phase. The results show that the mean velocity profiles are significantly altered by the presence of a solid phase with a decrease of the von Kármán constant in the log-law. The overall drag is found to increase with the volume fraction, more than one would expect if just considering the increase of the system viscosity due to the presence of the particles. At the highest volume fraction investigated here, ${\it\Phi}=0.2$, the velocity fluctuation intensities and the Reynolds shear stress are found to decrease. The analysis of the mean momentum balance shows that the particle-induced stresses govern the dynamics at high ${\it\Phi}$ and are the main responsible of the overall drag increase. In the dense limit, we therefore find a decrease of the turbulence activity and a growth of the particle induced stress, where the latter dominates for the Reynolds numbers considered here.
Electrohydrodynamic instability of miscible core–annular flows with electrical conductivity stratification
Authors: Ding Zijing , Wong Teck Neng
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the electrohydrodynamical instability of two miscible flows in a micro-pipe subject to an axial electric field. There is an electrical conductivity stratification between the two layers. A weak shear flow arises from a constant axial pressure gradient. The three-dimensional linear stability analysis is studied under the assumption of a quasi-steady state. The influences of the conductivity ratio ${\it\eta}$, the interface location $a$, the interface thickness ${\it\delta}$, the Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}$ and the Schmidt number $\mathit{Sc}$ on the linear stability of the flows are investigated. The flow becomes more unstable for a larger conductivity contrast. When the conductivity in the inner layer is larger, the critical unstable mode can be dominated by either the corkscrew mode (the azimuthal wavenumber $m=1$) or the axisymmetric mode ($m=0$), which is dependent on the interface location $a$. It is observed that, when the interface is proximal to pipe’s wall, the critical unstable mode shifts from the corkscrew mode to the axisymmetric mode. When the conductivity is larger in the outer layer, the instability is dominated by the axisymmetric mode. A detailed parametric study shows that the flow is least stable when the interface between the two liquids is located at approximately $a=0.3$ and $a=0.2$ for conductivity ratios of ${\it\eta}=0.5$ and ${\it\eta}=2$ respectively. The flow becomes more stable as the interface becomes thicker, and the shear flow and ionic diffusion are found to have a stabilizing effect due to the enhancement of dissipation mechanisms.
Two-frequency excitation of single-mode Faraday waves
Authors: Batson W. , Zoueshtiagh F. , Narayanan R.
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this work is to investigate, for the first time, excitation of Faraday waves in small containers using two commensurate frequencies. This spatial restriction, which is encountered at low frequencies, leads to a wave composed primarily of one spatial eigenmode of the container. When two frequencies are used, the mode resonates primarily with one frequency, while the role of the second is to alter the instability threshold and the resulting nonlinear dynamics. As the parameter space expands greatly as a result of the introduction of three new degrees of freedom, viz. the frequency, amplitude and phase of the new component, the linear theory is first used as a guide to highlight basic two-frequency phenomena. These predictions and nonlinear phenomena are then studied experimentally with the system of Batson, Zoueshtiagh & Narayanan (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 729, 2013, pp. 496–523), who studied single-frequency excitation of different modes in a cylindrical cell. The two-frequency experiments of this work focus on excitation of the fundamental axisymmetric mode, and are quantitatively compared to the model via a posteriori Fourier decomposition of the parametric input. In doing so, experimental dependence of the instability on the new degrees of freedom is demonstrated, in accordance with the model predictions. This is done for a variety of frequency ratios, and overall agreement between the observed and predicted onset conditions is identical to that already reported for the single-frequency experiment. For each frequency ratio, the nonlinear behaviour is experimentally characterized by bifurcation and time series data, which is shown to differ significantly from comparable single-frequency excitations. Finally, we present and discuss a wave in which both temporal frequencies are used to simultaneously excite different spatial modes.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE TO ONE'S STEADY SEXUAL PARTNER IN MALI: RESULTS FROM A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY
Authors: CISSÉ MAMADOU , DIOP SAMBA , ABADIE ALISE , HENRY EMILIE , BERNIER ADELINE , FUGON LIONEL , DEMBELE BINTOU , OTIS JOANNE , PREAU MARIE
Published: January 2015

Despite the widespread dissemination of HIV information through public awareness campaigns in Mali, disclosing seropositivity to one's steady sexual partner (SSP) remains difficult for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Disclosure is a public health concern with serious implications and is also strongly linked to the quality of life of PLHIV. This study aimed to analyse factors associated with voluntary HIV disclosure to one's SSP, using a community-based cross-sectional study on 300 adult PLHIV in contact with a Malian community-based organization working in the field of AIDS response. A 125-item questionnaire was administered by trained personnel to study participants between May and October 2011. Analysis was restricted to the 219 participants who both reported having a SSP and answered to the question on disclosure to their SSP. A weighted multivariate logistic regression was used to determine variables independently associated with disclosure. In total, 161 participants (73%) reported HIV disclosure to their SSP. Having children (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.52 [1.84–11.12]), being accompanied to the survey site (3.66 [1.00–13.33]), knowing others who had publicly declared their seropositivity (3.12 [1.59–6.12]), having higher self-esteem (1.55 [1.09–2.19]) and using means other than anti-retroviral treatment to treat HIV (0.33 [0.11–1.00]) were independently associated with disclosure. This study identified several factors that should be considered for the design of interventions aimed at facilitating disclosure if/when desired in this cultural context.
CONSANGUINITY AND INBREEDING COEFFICIENT IN TRIBAL PASHTUNS INHABITING THE TURBULENT AND WAR-AFFECTED TERRITORY OF BAJAUR AGENCY, NORTH-WEST PAKISTAN
Authors: AHMAD BASHIR , REHMAN ATTA UR , MALIK SAJID
Published: January 2015

The north-western populations of Pakistan in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) adjoining the Pakistan–Afghanistan border are an amalgamation of native and migrated Pashtun tribes. These tribal populations are in transition due to war conditions and geo-political turmoil on both sides of the border since the Soviet invasion in 1979. Bio-demographic and epidemiological data for these tribes are scarce. A prospective cross-sectional sample of 967 males was selected from a representative Pashtun population of Bajaur Agency, and information obtained on bio-demographic variables and marital union types. Analysis of these data revealed that consanguinity was 22.34% and the inbreeding coefficientFwas calculated to be 0.0134. The inbreeding coefficient was observed to be higher in subjects who were illiterate, had unskilled jobs and who belonged to younger age categories, extended families and the Tarkalani tribe. Further analyses with respect to temporal variables like subject's age, year of marriage and age at marriage revealed that after a transition in marital union types in the early 80s, there has been a declining trend in the rate of consanguineous unions. Further, consanguineous unions in the parental generation were only 5%, but parental marriage types were predictors of subjects' marital union types. The data further establish that, contrary to a general notion about a high consanguinity rate in Pakistan, consanguineous unions are not common in Bajaur Agency and first cousin marriage is not the preferred type. Furthermore, this research shows that there is a great regional variation in the pattern of consanguinity in Pakistan that needs to be documented in order to draw a more comprehensive picture of the inbreeding coefficient in the country.
Swimming with the Reformed Tide: John Forbes of Corse (1593–1648) on Double Predestination and Particular Redemption
Authors: DENLINGER AARON CLAY
Published: January 2015

The 1640 General Assembly of the Kirk, dominated by Covenanters, was keen to discover something amiss in the doctrine of the Episcopalian John Forbes of Corse. Ultimately they were forced to admit his orthodoxy, even while deposing him for his refusal to subscribe the National Covenant. Modern scholars have succeeded where Forbes's contemporary antagonists failed, representing Forbes as the champion of a party that was, to one degree or another, out of step with the Calvinist orthodoxy of the day. This article examines Forbes's theology at points where his disagreement with contemporary reformed thought has been claimed, and draws implications from its findings for our knowledge and understanding of seventeenth-century Scottish theology more broadly.
Patient with an SLC26A4 gene mutation who had low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss and endolymphatic hydrops
Authors: Yoshida T , Sone M , Naganawa S , Nakashima T
Published: January 2015

Objective:

To report magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with an SLC26A4 gene mutation who had low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.

Case report:

A 13-year-old girl had bilateral and symmetric low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Upon genetic testing, a heterozygous c.1105A > G (p.K369E) mutation of the SLC26A4 gene was detected. Mild endolymphatic hydrops in the right cochlea and marked endolymphatic hydrops in the left vestibulum were seen by magnetic resonance imaging 4 hours after an intravenous gadolinium injection.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported case of a patient with the SLC26A4 gene mutation c.1105A > G (p.K369E) who had low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Co-occurrence of cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops suggests an association with that pathology.
Contemplation as an alternative to curiosity: St Bonaventure on Ecclesiastes 1:3–11
Authors: Atkinson Tyler
Published: January 2015

This article seeks to offer a christological interpretation of the opening poem in Ecclesiastes (1:3–11) through engagement with St Bonaventure's exegesis of the passage. It begins with a brief survey of contemporary treatments of the passage, which are characterised by an emphasis on cosmic monotony as an illustration of the futility of human labour. Then, it examines the Seraphic Doctor's version of thecontemptus mundiinterpretation of the book, relating it to his metaphysics of emanation, exemplarity and consummation. It will be suggested that Bonaventure's version ofcontemptus mundiinforms an alternative interpretation to the critical status quo.

In his exegesis of the opening poem, Bonaventure begins by describing three kinds of existence: existence in the eternal and unchanging Word, material existence in the cosmos, and abstract existence in the mind. While Bonaventure does not consider existence in the Word in relation to Ecclesiastes 1:3–11, because such existence is not subject to the vanity of mutability, the conclusion of the article will propose that such existence is in view in the text. When Bonaventure considers material existence, his metaphysics will not allow him to read the cosmological motion in Ecclesiastes 1:5–7 as monotonous, but rather as creaturely movement which invites contemplation. When he considers abstract existence, he contrasts the movement of heavenly and elemental creatures with the dissatisfaction of human perception, constrained by curiosity, the vice which characterises the protagonist's pursuits in Ecclesiastes 1:12–2:26. Thus, it will be suggested from Bonaventure's exegesis that the problem in Ecclesiastes 1:3–11 is not an oppressively monotonous universe which shows humans how pointless their own movement is, but rather humanity's failing to treat the cosmos as a book which speaks of God.

In the article's final section, a relationship between the contemplative reading of Ecclesiastes 1:3–11 and Bonaventure'sItinerariumwill be outlined. The consideration of material existence in Ecclesiastes 1:4–7 will be related to contemplation through vestiges. Then a contrast between the perceptual rupture of Ecclesiastes 1:8–11 and contemplation through the divine image in humanity will be shown. Finally, a christological reading of Ecclesiastes 1:10a will be offered, suggesting that this verse gestures towards the incarnate Word, who reforms the divine image in humanity and thus places humanity back on course towards similitude. It will be suggested in closing that, in signalling this hope, Ecclesiastes 1:10a prepares one for the union with Christ which Song of Songs depicts.
Native English speakers learning Arabic: The influence of novel orthographic information on second language phonological acquisition
Authors: SHOWALTER CATHERINE E. , HAYES-HARB RACHEL
Published: January 2015

Recent research has indicated that learners exposed to second language words’ orthographic forms of words can often use this information to make inferences about the words’ phonological forms. Here we asked, do learners benefit even when the orthography is unfamiliar? We taught native English speakers minimal nonword pairs differentiated by the Arabic velar–uvular contrast (e.g., [kubu], [qubu]) and manipulated the quality of orthographic input. We found that participants were consistently unable to associate the novel phonemes with novel words. Results are discussed in terms of (a) the role of orthographic input in second language word form learning, (b) the influence of orthographic familiarity in moderating the role of orthographic input, and (c) the issue of talker variability in word learning.
Conceptualizing multilingualism under globalization: Membership claims, social categories and emblems of authenticity
Authors: Creese Angela , Blackledge Adrian
Published: January 2015

The seminar took place on 11 and 12 June 2013 at the MOSAIC Centre for Research on Multilingualism, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Pilot simulation study using meat inspection data for syndromic surveillance: use of whole carcass condemnation of adult cattle to assess the performance of several algorithms for outbreak detection
Authors: DUPUY C. , MORIGNAT E. , DOREA F. , DUCROT C. , CALAVAS D. , GAY E.
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to assess the performance of several algorithms for outbreak detection based on weekly proportions of whole carcass condemnations. Data from one French slaughterhouse over the 2005–2009 period were used (177 098 slaughtered cattle, 0.97% of whole carcass condemnations). The method involved three steps: (i) preparation of an outbreak-free historical baseline over 5 years, (ii) simulation of over 100 years of baseline time series with injection of artificial outbreak signals with several shapes, durations and magnitudes, and (iii) assessment of the performance (sensitivity, specificity, outbreak detection precocity) of several algorithms to detect these artificial outbreak signals. The algorithms tested included the Shewart p chart, confidence interval of the negative binomial model, the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA); and cumulative sum (CUSUM). The highest sensitivity was obtained using a negative binomial algorithm and the highest specificity with CUSUM or EWMA. EWMA sensitivity was too low to select this algorithm for efficient outbreak detection. CUSUM's performance was complementary to the negative binomial algorithm. The use of both algorithms on real data for a prospective investigation of the whole carcass condemnation rate as a syndromic surveillance indicator could be relevant. Shewart could also be a good option considering its high sensitivity and simplicity of implementation.
Emotion-based preventive intervention: Effectively promoting emotion knowledge and adaptive behavior among at-risk preschoolers
Authors: Finlon Kristy J. , Izard Carroll E. , Seidenfeld Adina , Johnson Stacy R. , Cavadel Elizabeth Woodburn , Ewing E. Stephanie Krauthamer , Morgan Judith K.
Published: January 2015

Effectiveness studies of preschool social–emotional programs are needed in low-income, diverse populations to help promote the well-being of at-risk children. Following an initial program efficacy study 2 years prior, 248 culturally diverse Head Start preschool children participated in the current effectiveness trial and received either the Emotion-Based Prevention Program (EBP) or the I Can Problem Solve (ICPS) intervention. Pre- and postdata collection included direct child assessment, teacher report, parent interview, and independent observations. Teachers implementing the EBP intervention demonstrated good and consistent fidelity to the program. Overall, children in EBP classrooms gained more emotion knowledge and displayed greater decreases in negative emotion expressions and internalizing behaviors across the implementation period as compared to children in ICPS classrooms. In addition, cumulative risk, parental depressive symptoms, and classroom climate significantly moderated treatment effects. For children experiencing more stress or less support, EBP produced more successful outcomes than did ICPS. These results provide evidence of EBP sustainability and program effectiveness, as did previous findings that demonstrated EBP improvements in emotion knowledge, regulation skills, and behavior problems replicated under unsupervised program conditions.
Vaccine Administration by Paramedics: A Model for Bioterrorism and
Disaster Response Preparation
Authors: Walz Bruce J. , Bissell Richard A. , Maguire Brian , Judge James A.
Published: January 2015

The events of 11 September 2001 have had a profound effect on disaster
planning efforts in the United States. This is true especially in the area
of bioter-rorism. One of the major tenets of bioterrorism response is the
vaccination of at-riskpopulations. This paper investigates the efficacy of
training emergency medical services paramedics to administer vaccines in
public health settings as preparation for and response to bioterrorism
events and other disaster events.

The concept of vaccination administration by specially trained
paramedics is not new. Various programs to provide immunizations for
emergency services personnel and at-risk civilian populations have been
reported.

Vaccination programs by paramedics should follow the guidelines of the
National Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Thispaper compares the seven standards of the CDC
guidelines to routine paramedic practice and education. It is concluded that
paramedics are adequately trained to administer vaccines. However, specific
training and protocols are needed in the areas of administrative paperwork
and patient education. A proposed outline for a paramedic-training program
is presented.
3D Virtual Histology of Polychaetes Using Micro-CT
Authors: Sykes D. , Hawkins L. , Ahmed F. , Faulwetter S. , Arvanitidis C. , Paterson G.
Published: January 2015

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Property and privatisation inRoboCop
Authors: Robertson Michael
Published: January 2015

The 1987 filmRoboCopis not just a science fiction action story; it is also a critique of the neoliberal resurgence in law and politics at the end of the twentieth century. In particular it critiques the privatisation of police services, and the expansion of private property claims to cover a cyborg policeman, notwithstanding its human components. I connect the critique in the film with the broader academic literature dealing with the privatisation of police forces and the expansion of private property claims, particularly copyright and patents. Finally, I consider whether, as a result of the neoliberal expansion of private property rights over the last few decades, the law could now justify a private property claim over a cyborg like the one in the film.
Broadband MIMO antenna for HiperLAN/2, WLAN, and WiMAX applications with high isolation
Authors: El Bakouchi Raefat Jalila , Brunet Marc , Razban Tchanguiz , Ghammaz Abdelilah
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a multiple-input and multiple-output dual-element planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) array for broadband operation covering the HIgh PERformance radio Local Area Network/2 (5.2 GHz/5.6 GHz), Wireless Local Area Network (5.2 GHz/5.8 GHz), and the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (5.5 GHz) bands for the compact wireless communication devices. The antenna dimension is reduced substantially with a miniature ground plane. The PIFA array provides a large bandwidth (670 MHz) and a high isolation between its ports less than −26 dB. The proposed antenna has been analyzed and designed with Ansoft HFSS v.11. Then a prototype was fabricated and tested for its performance in terms of bandwidth, S-parameters, and radiation pattern. A parametric study is made to analyze the effect of different PIFA parameters on the operating frequency and the S-parameters. The diversity performances are evaluated using computer simulation technology microwave studio (CSTMWS). The broadband performance and the high isolation are achieved in both simulation and measurement.
Countries Worldwide Commit to Curbing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Kumar Mohi
Published: January 2015

Although the agreement is a political breakthrough, it falls short of keeping future temperatures from rising more than 2°C compared to pre-industrial times.
Therapeutic DNA vaccination against colorectal cancer by targeting the MYB oncoprotein
Authors: Cross Ryan S , Malaterre Jordane , Davenport Alexander J , Carpinteri Sandra , Anderson Robin L , Darcy Phillip K , Ramsay Robert G
Published: January 2015

Cancers can be addicted to continued and relatively high expression of nuclear oncoproteins. This is evident in colorectal cancer (CRC) where the oncoprotein and transcription factor MYB is over expressed and essential to continued proliferation and tumour cell survival. Historically, targeting transcription factors in the context of cancer has been very challenging. Nevertheless, we formulated a DNA vaccine to generate a MYB‐specific immune response in the belief MYB peptides might be aberrantly presented on the cell surface of CRC cells. MYB, like many tumour antigens, is weakly immunogenic as it is a ‘self’ antigen and is subject to tolerance. To break tolerance, a fusion vaccine was generated comprising a full‐length MYB complementary DNA (cDNA) flanked by two potent CD4‐epitopes derived from tetanus toxoid. Vaccination was achieved against tumours initiated by two distinct highly aggressive, syngeneic cancer cell lines (CT26 and MC38) that express MYB. This was done in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains respectively. We introduced multiple inactivating mutations into the oncogene sequence for safety and sub‐cloned the cDNA into a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐compliant vector. We used low dose cyclophosphamide (CY) to overcome T‐regulatory cell immune suppression, and anti‐program cell death receptor 1 (anti‐PD‐1) antibodies to block T‐cell exhaustion. Anti‐PD‐1 administered alone slightly delayed tumour growth in MC38 and more effectively in CT26 bearing mice, while CY treatment alone did not. We found that therapeutic vaccination elicits protection when MC38 tumour burden is low, mounts tumour‐specific cell killing and affords enhanced protection when MC38 and CT26 tumour burden is higher but only in combination with anti‐PD‐1 antibody or low dose CY, respectively.
The evolution of cyclopropenium ions into functional polyelectrolytes
Authors: Jiang Yivan , Freyer Jessica L. , Cotanda Pepa , Brucks Spencer D. , Killops Kato L. , Bandar Jeffrey S. , Torsitano Christopher , Balsara Nitash P. , Lambert Tristan H. , Campos Luis M.
Published: January 2015

Versatile polyelectrolytes with tunable physical properties have the potential to be transformative in applications such as energy storage, fuel cells and various electronic devices. Among the types of materials available for these applications, nanostructured cationic block copolyelectrolytes offer mechanical integrity and well-defined conducting paths for ionic transport. To date, most cationic polyelectrolytes bear charge formally localized on heteroatoms and lack broad modularity to tune their physical properties. To overcome these challenges, we describe herein the development of a new class of functional polyelectrolytes based on the aromatic cyclopropenium ion. We demonstrate the facile synthesis of a series of polymers and nanoparticles based on monomeric cyclopropenium building blocks incorporating various functional groups that affect physical properties. The materials exhibit high ionic conductivity and thermal stability due to the nature of the cationic moieties, thus rendering this class of new materials as an attractive alternative to develop ion-conducting membranes.
The minimal clinically important difference of the control of allergic rhinitis and asthma test (CARAT): cross-cultural validation and relation with pollen counts
Authors: van der Leeuw Sander , van der Molen Thys , Dekhuijzen PN Richard , Fonseca Joao A , van Gemert Frederik A , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Kocks Janwillem WH , Oosterom Helma , Riemersma Roland A , Tsiligianni Ioanna G , de Weger Letty A , Oude Elberink Joanne NG , Flokstra-de Blok Bertine MJ
Published: January 2015

Background:

The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) monitors control of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Aims:

To determine the CARAT’s minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch CARAT.

Methods:

CARAT was applied in three measurements at 1-month intervals. Patients diagnosed with asthma and/or rhinitis were approached. MCID was evaluated using Global Rating of Change (GRC) and standard error of measurement (s.e.m.). Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate internal consistency. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated between CARAT, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on airway symptoms to determine construct and longitudinal validity. Test–retest reliability was evaluated with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Changes in pollen counts were compared with delta CARAT and ACQ5 scores.

Results:

A total of 92 patients were included. The MCID of the CARAT was 3.50 based on GRC scores; the s.e.m. was 2.83. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.82. Correlation coefficients between CARAT and ACQ5 and VAS questions ranged from 0.64 to 0.76 (P<0.01). Longitudinally, correlation coefficients between delta CARAT scores and delta ACQ5 and VAS scores ranged from 0.41 to 0.67 (P<0.01). Test–retest reliability showed an ICC of 0.81 (P<0.01) and 0.80 (P<0.01). Correlations with pollen counts were higher for CARAT than for ACQ5.

Conclusions:

This is the first investigation of the MCID of the CARAT. The CARAT uses a whole-point scale, which suggests that the MCID is 4 points. The CARAT is a valid and reliable tool that is also applicable in the Dutch population.
Combining two repurposed drugs as a promising approach for Alzheimer's disease therapy
Authors: Chumakov Ilya , Nabirotchkin Serguei , Cholet Nathalie , Milet Aude , Boucard Aurélie , Toulorge Damien , Pereira Yannick , Graudens Esther , Traoré Sory , Foucquier Julie , Guedj Mickael , Vial Emmanuel , Callizot Noëlle , Steinschneider Rémy , Maurice Tangui , Bertrand Viviane , Scart-Grès Catherine , Hajj Rodolphe , Cohen Daniel
Published: January 2015

Alzheimer disease (AD) represents a major medical problem where mono-therapeutic interventions demonstrated only a limited efficacy so far. We explored the possibility of developing a combinational therapy that might prevent the degradation of neuronal and endothelial structures in this disease. We argued that the distorted balance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA/glycine) systems constitutes a therapeutic target for such intervention. We found that a combination of two approved drugs – acamprosate and baclofen – synergistically protected neurons and endothelial structures in vitro against amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers. The neuroprotective effects of these drugs were mediated by modulation of targets in GABA/glycinergic and glutamatergic pathways. In vivo, the combination alleviated cognitive deficits in the acute Aβ25–35 peptide injection model and in the mouse mutant APP transgenic model. Several patterns altered in AD were also synergistically normalised. Our results open up the possibility for a promising therapeutic approach for AD by combining repurposed drugs.
Targeting of parallel c-myc G-quadruplex by dimeric cyanine dye supramolecular assembly: dependence on the linker length
Authors: Yu Lijia , Yang Qianfan , Xiang Junfeng , Sun Hongxia , Wang Lixia , Li Qian , Guan Aijiao , Tang Yalin
Published: January 2015

The recognizing ability of parallel c-myc G-quadruplex by dimeric cyanine dyes depends on their linker length.
Colorimetric detection of Hg2+ and Pb2+ based on peroxidase-like activity of graphene oxide–gold nanohybrids
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhai Niu , Snyder John Hugh , Chen Qiansi , Liu Pingping , Jin Lifeng , Zheng Qingxia , Lin Fucheng , Hu Jiming , Zhou Huina
Published: January 2015

In recent years, considerable efforts have been devoted to the construction of efficient enzyme mimetics, which have significant advantages of simple synthesis and good stability.
Epitope topography controls bioactivity in supramolecular nanofibers
Authors: Sur Shantanu , Tantakitti Faifan , Matson John B. , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: January 2015

Bioactivity of RGDS epitopes presented on the surface of the supramolecular nanofibers is highly dependent on their spatial presentation, which dictates the interaction with cell-surface integrin receptors.
Eumelanin-inspired core derived from vanillin: a new building block for organic semiconductors
Authors: Selvaraju Subhashini , Niradha Sachinthani K. A. , Hopson RaiAnna A. , McFarland Frederick M. , Guo Song , Rheingold Arnold L. , Nelson Toby L.
Published: January 2015

An eumelanin-inspired core derived from the natural product, vanillin (vanilla bean extract) was utilized for the synthesis of eumelanin-inspired small molecules and polymer via Sonogashira cross coupling.
Photoresponsive self-assemblies based on fatty acids
Authors: Fameau A.-L. , Arnould A. , Lehmann M. , von Klitzing R.
Published: January 2015

Photoresponsive surfactant system based on fatty acids has been developed by the introduction in aqueous solution of a photoacid generator (PAG).
Regulated protonation of polyaspartamide derivatives bearing repeated aminoethylene side chains for efficient intracellular siRNA delivery with minimal cytotoxicity
Authors: Gao Hui , Takemoto Hiroyasu , Chen Qixian , Naito Mitsuru , Uchida Hirokuni , Liu Xueying , Miyata Kanjiro , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: January 2015

The protonation behavior of aminoethylene units in polyaspartamide side-chains was modulated for improving the delivery efficiency of siRNA-loaded polyion complexes.
Synthesis, structure and properties of C3-symmetric heterosuperbenzene with three BN units
Authors: Wang Xiao-Ye , Zhuang Fang-Dong , Wang Xin-Chang , Cao Xiao-Yu , Wang Jie-Yu , Pei Jian
Published: January 2015

The first parent skeleton of BN heterocoronene with three BN units andC3symmetry was synthesized as a model compound of BN-doped graphene.
Influence of sol counter-ions on the anatase-to-rutile phase transformation and microstructure of nanocrystalline TiO2
Authors: Tobaldi D. M. , Pullar R. C. , Gualtieri A. F. , Belen Jorge A. , Binions R. , McMillan P. F. , Seabra M. P. , Labrincha J. A.
Published: January 2015

Amongst nanomaterials, metal oxides play an increasingly dominant role, with titanium dioxide (titania, TiO2) being widely used for various applications, such as light-to-energy conversion and storage, and photocatalysis.
Anisotropic gold nanoassembly: a study on polarization-dependent and polarization-selective surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Kamal , Huang Genin Gary , Tanaka Yoshita , Kaneko Tadaaki , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: January 2015

Anisotropic nanoassembly of gold nanoparticles as SERS-active substrate self-depicting a tiny gaps at interstitials responsible for giant SERS enhancement.
A soft/hard magnetic nanostructure based on multisegmented CoNi nanowires
Authors: Pereira A. , Palma J. L. , Vázquez M. , Denardin J. C. , Escrig J.
Published: January 2015

A soft/hard magnetic nanostructure is introduced based on multisegmented CoNi nanowires.
Catalytic behaviour of a novel Fe(iii) Schiff base complex in the mild oxidation of cyclohexane
Authors: Nesterov Dmytro S. , Nesterova Oksana V. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: January 2015

An iron coordination compound, possessing an unsaturated coordination environment, has been prepared by reaction of FeCl3with a polydentate Schiff base revealing a complex catalytic behaviour in the mild oxidation of cyclohexane by hydrogen peroxide.
Solar thermal catalytic reforming of natural gas: a review on chemistry, catalysis and system design
Authors: Simakov David S. A. , Wright Mark M. , Ahmed Shakeel , Mokheimer Esmail M. A. , Román-Leshkov Yuriy
Published: January 2015

Solar thermal catalytic reforming of natural gas is a promising route to increase the efficiency of fossil fuels utilization.
Layered exfoliable crystalline materials based on Sm-, Eu- and Eu/Gd-2-phenylsuccinate frameworks. Crystal structure, topology and luminescence properties
Authors: Gomez G. E. , Bernini M. C. , Brusau E. V. , Narda G. E. , Vega D. , Kaczmarek A. M. , Van Deun R. , Nazzarro M.
Published: January 2015

New layered 2D MOFs based on 2-phenylsuccinate, Sm, Eu and Eu/Gd are a suitable platform for obtaining exfoliatable frameworks with luminescence properties for potential applications as thin films.
Correction: Direct analysis of dried blood spots by femtosecond-laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Feasibility of split-flow laser ablation for simultaneous trace element and isotopic analysis
Authors: Aramendía M. , Rello L. , Bérail S. , Donard A. , Pécheyran C. , Resano M.
Published: January 2015

Correction for ‘Direct analysis of dried blood spots by femtosecond-laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Feasibility of split-flow laser ablation for simultaneous trace element and isotopic analysis’ by M. Aramendía et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4ja00313f.
Optofluidic ultrahigh-throughput detection of fluorescent drops
Authors: Kim Minkyu , Pan Ming , Gai Ya , Pang Shuo , Han Chao , Yang Changhuei , Tang Sindy K. Y.
Published: January 2015

We describe a novel optofluidic device directly integrated with a two-dimensional CMOS sensor capable of counting fluorescent drops at a rate of 254 000 drops s−1.
Activity-based probes as molecular tools for biomarker discovery
Authors: Carvalho L. A. R. , Ruivo E. F. P. , Lucas S. D. , Moreira R.
Published: January 2015

Activity-based protein profiling has emerged as an exceptional tool for biomarker discovery and validation.
Introducing “carborazine” as a novel heterocyclic aromatic species
Authors: Srivastava Ambrish Kumar , Misra Neeraj
Published: January 2015

Aromatic carborazine is a heterocyclic ring consisting of C, B and N atoms at opposite faces.
Coal fly ash industrial waste recycling for fabrication of mullite-whisker-structured porous ceramic membrane supports
Authors: Zhu Li , Dong Yingchao , Li Lingling , Liu Jing , You Sheng-Jie
Published: January 2015

SEM images of mullite membrane support (a) without addition, (b) with addition of AlF3, (c) with addition of MoO3and (d) with addition of AlF3and MoO3.
Synthesis, characterization and enhanced bactericidal action of a chitosan supported core–shell copper–silver nanoparticle composite
Authors: Mallick Sadhucharan , Sanpui Pallab , Ghosh Siddhartha Sankar , Chattopadhyay Arun , Paul Anumita
Published: January 2015

A simple two-step seed-mediated method has been developed to synthesize chitosan supported Cu@Ag core–shell nanoparticles with superior bactericidal efficacy.
High performance epoxy protective coatings incorporated with polyaniline nanowires using cardanol-based phenalkamine as the curing agent
Authors: Chu Di , Wang Jixiao , Han Yufeng , Ma Qiang , Wang Zhi
Published: January 2015

High performance epoxy protective coating with high impedance modulus after 60 days immersion.
Cu2O/CuO photocathode with improved stability for photoelectrochemical water reduction
Authors: Han Jingfeng , Zong Xu , Zhou Xin , Li Can
Published: January 2015

Cu2O/CuO composite photocathodes prepared by fast annealing copper foils via H2–O2 flame showed improved stability for photoelectrochemical water reduction.
Liquid oxygen compatible epoxy resin: modification and characterization
Authors: Wu Zhanjun , Li Shichao , Liu Minjing , Wang Zhi , Liu Xin
Published: January 2015

Liquid oxygen compatibility mechanism of bromine-modified epoxy resin.
Behaviors of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer under water starvation
Authors: Sun Shucheng , Xiao Yu , Liang Dong , Shao Zhigang , Yu Hongmei , Hou Ming , Yi Baolian
Published: January 2015

Distribution characteristics under water starvation are investigated with a segmented electrolyzer, and the critical water stoichiometry is put forward.
A novel p–n junction Ag3PO4/BiPO4-based stabilized Pickering emulsion for highly efficient photocatalysis
Authors: Mohaghegh Neda , Tasviri Mahboubeh , Rahimi Esmail , Gholami Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2015

This study demonstrates a new kind of photocatalytic system via utilization of the superior specific properties inherent in Pickering emulsions.
Synthesis and investigation of water-soluble anticoagulant warfarin/ferulic acid grafted rare earth oxide nanoparticle materials
Authors: Yang Mei-Ling , Song Yu-Min
Published: January 2015

The synthesized warfarin/ferulic acid grafted rare earth oxide nanoparticle materials have good solubility and better anticoagulant properties.
Strain-induced metal-semimetal transition of BeB2 monolayer
Authors: Mu Yuewen , Ding Feng , Lu Haigang
Published: January 2015

The Dirac point and cones make some two-dimensional materials (e.g., graphene, silicone and graphyne) exhibit ballistic charge transport and enormously high carrier mobilities.
Crystal structures, topologies and luminescent properties of three Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) coordination networks based on naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and different bis(imidazole) linkers
Authors: Yan Zhi-Hao , Wang Wen , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Lei , Wang Rongming , Sun Daofeng
Published: January 2015

Three new coordination polymers (CPs) based on H2ndc acid have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Three CPs exhibit structural diversity depending on different bis(imidazole) bridging ligands and center metal ions.
Synergistic catalytic effect of the ZnBr2–HCl system for levulinic acid production using microwave irradiation
Authors: Kumar Vijay Bhooshan , Pulidindi Indra Neel , Gedanken Aharon
Published: January 2015

Fast production of levulinic acid from carbohydrates owing to the unique synergistic effect of HCl–ZnBr2 catalytic system under microwave irradiation.
Polystyrene resin supported palladium(0) (Pd@PR) nanocomposite mediated regioselective synthesis of 4-aryl-1-alkyl/(2-haloalkyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazoles and their N-vinyl triazole derivatives from terminal alkynes
Authors: Shil Arun K. , Kumar Sandeep , Sharma Saurabh , Chaudhary Abha , Das Pralay
Published: January 2015

An efficient general methodology has been developed for sequential one-pot synthesis of 4-aryl-1-alkyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles influenced by Pd@PR nanocomposite.
Multifunctional reversibly sealable microfluidic devices for patterned material deposition approaches
Authors: Gang A. , Haustein N. , Baraban L. , Cuniberti G.
Published: January 2015

We present reversibly sealable microfluidic devices with versatile channel designs, withstanding pressures up to 600 kPa, which can be applied for direct printing of electronic interconnects on flexible surfaces as well as micropatterning the UV curable materials.
An anion-exchange strategy for 3D hierarchical (BiO)2CO3/amorphous Bi2S3 heterostructures with increased solar absorption and enhanced visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Dong Fan , Feng Xin , Zhang Yuxin , Gao Chunfeng , Wu Zhongbiao
Published: January 2015

A facile and novel anion-exchange strategy was developed for 3D hierarchical (BiO)2CO3/amorphous Bi2S3 heterostructures with highly enhanced visible light photocatalysis.
In situ growth induction of the corneal stroma cells using uniaxially aligned composite fibrous scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Cong , Wen Jihong , Yan Jing , Kao Yanbing , Ni Zhiqiang , Cui Xuejun , Wang Hongyan
Published: January 2015

An electrospun fibrous scaffold was fabricated and used in thein situremediation of rabbits’ corneal stromata.
Hierarchical porous CuO nanostructures with tunable properties for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Yang , Yan Hailong , Qiu Kangwen , Cheng Jinbing , Wang Weixiao , Liu Xianming , Tang Chengchun , Kim Jang-Kyo , Luo Yongsong
Published: January 2015

Hierarchical porous CuO nanostructures are synthesized by surfactant-assisted alkaline solution oxidation method, exhibit superior pseudocapacitive performance and long-life stability as an integrated electrode for high-performance supercapacitors.