bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural killer cell therapy in children with relapsed leukemia
Authors: Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Inaba Hiroto , Kang Guolian , Gan Kwan , Hartford Christine , Triplett Brandon M. , Dallas Mari , Shook David , Gruber Tanja , Pui Ching‐Hon , Leung Wing
Published: April 2015

Background

Novel therapies are needed for children with relapsed or refractory leukemia. We therefore tested the safety and feasibility of haploidentical natural killer cell therapy in this patient population.

Procedure

Twenty‐nine children who had relapsed or refractory leukemia were treated with chemotherapy followed by the infusion of haploidentical NK cells. Cohort 1 included 14 children who had not undergone prior allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), whereas Cohort 2 included 15 children with leukemia that had relapsed after HCT.

Results

Twenty‐six (90%) NK donors were KIR mismatched (14 with one KIR and 12 with 2 KIRs). The peak NK chimerism levels were >10% donor in 87% of the evaluable recipients. In Cohort 1, 10 had responsive disease and 12 proceeded to HCT thereafter. Currently, 5 (36%) are alive without leukemia. In Cohort 2, 10 had responsive disease after NK therapy and successfully proceeded to second HCT. At present, 4 (27%) are alive and leukemia‐free. The NK cell infusions and the IL‐2 injections were well‐tolerated.

Conclusions

NK cell therapy is safe, feasible, and should be further investigated in patients with chemotherapy‐resistant leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1468–1472. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes as reinforcement for natural fiber‐based composites
Authors: Nourbakhsh Amir , Ashori Alireza , Kargarfard Abolfazl
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as reinforcing agent on some properties of natural fiber/polypropylene composites. In the sample preparation, MWCNT contents and fiber types (bagasse stalk and poplar) were used as variable parameters. The composites with different MWCNT contents were fabricated by melt compounding in a twin‐screw extruder and then by injection molding. The mass ratio of the wood flour to polymer was 40/60 (w/w). The mechanical properties of composites in terms of tensile, flexural, and Izod impact strength were evaluated. The morphology of the specimens was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Based on the findings of this study, it appears that mechanical properties reached the maximum when 2.5 wt% MWCNT were used. However, addition of 3.5 wt% MWCNT could not enhance the mechanical properties considerably. TEM micrographs showed that at high level of MWCNT loading (3.5 wt%) increased population of MWCNT leads to agglomeration and stress transfer gets blocked. The mechanical properties of composites filled with poplar fibers were generally greater than bagasse stalk composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3269–3274, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
The role of silver nanoparticles on mixed matrix Ag/cellulose acetate asymmetric membranes
Authors: Sonawane Shirish H. , Terrien Antonine , Figueiredo Ana Sofia , Clara Gonçalves M. , De Pinho Maria Norberta
Published: April 2015

Mixed matrix asymmetric membranes were prepared by the addition of silver nanoparticles to cellulose acetate/acetone/formamide casting solutions with ratios acetone/formamide varying from 1.44 to 2.77 to prepare ultrafiltration/nanofiltration membranes covering a wide range of hydraulic permeabilities. Binding of the silver nanoparticles to the polymer matrix is revealed through comparison of the FTIR spectra of the cellulose acetate and the Ag/cellulose acetate membranes. In the later, there is a decrease of the ratio between the bands intensities at 2,000–2,500 cm−1. Membrane surface charge of the mixed matrix membranes varies with the pore size and pH, and when compared with cellulose acetate membranes there is a decrease of the negative surface charge densities. The silver nanoparticles in all mixed matrix membranes results in an enhancement of the hydraulic permeabilities, ranging from 10.8 kg m−2 h−1 bar−1 to 67.1 kg m−2 h−1 bar−1. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:32–39, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Medicines management: the importance of when to stop
Authors: Duerden Martin , Payne Rupert
Published: April 2015

In this fourth article in a series on polypharmacy, we consider the importance of stopping medicines and offer a practical guide on how and when to “deprescribe”.
Ultibro Breezhaler: fixed dose inhaler for COPD
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: April 2015

The addition of the Ultibro Breezhaler gives patients with COPD a broader choice of inhalers.
New Mobilities Across the Life Course: a Framework for Analysing Demographically Linked Drivers of Migration
Authors: Findlay Allan , McCollum David , Coulter Rory , Gayle Vernon
Published: April 2015

Taking the life course as the central concern, the authors set out a conceptual framework and define some key research questions for a programme of research that explores how the linked lives of mobile people are situated in time–space within the economic, social, and cultural structures of contemporary society. Drawing on methodologically innovative techniques, these perspectives can offer new insights into the changing nature and meanings of migration across the life course. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EWMA Control Chart for Poisson–Exponential Lifetime Distribution Under Type I Censoring
Authors: Raza Syed Muhammad Muslim , Riaz Muhammad , Ali Sajid
Published: April 2015

Exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts are widely used for the detection of small shifts as opposed to Shewhart charts, which are commonly used for the detection of large‐size shifts in a process. Many interesting features of EWMA charts are available in literature mainly for complete data. This study intends to investigate the EWMA control charts under Type‐I censoring for Poisson–exponential distributed lifetimes. The two commonly used sampling schemes, that is, simple random sampling and rank set sampling, are used in this study. The monitoring of mean level shifts using censored data is of a great interest in many applied problems. The idea of conditional expected values is employed in the monitoring of small mean level shifts in the current study. The performance of the EWMA charts is evaluated using the average run length extra quadratic loss and performance comparison index measures. The optimum sample‐size comparisons for the specified and unspecified parameter are also part of this study. Moreover, an illustrative example and a case study for practical considerations are also discussed. It is observed that varying censoring rates affect the performance of the chart depending upon the type of sampling scheme and the amount of shifts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decentralized state observers for range‐based position and velocity estimation in acyclic formations with fixed topologies
Authors: Viegas Daniel , Batista Pedro , Oliveira Paulo , Silvestre Carlos
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses the problem of decentralized position and velocity estimation in formations of autonomous vehicles. A limited number of vehicles in the formation have access to absolute position measurements, while the rest must rely on range measurements to neighboring agents, local sensor data, and limited communication capabilities to estimate their own position and velocity. The contribution is threefold: (i) a method for designing local state observers for each agent in the formation that rely only on locally available information is presented; (ii) the stability of the continuous‐time linear time‐varying Kalman filter subject to exponentially decaying perturbations in some variables is studied; and (iii) the stability of the error dynamics of the resulting decentralized state observer is analyzed for acyclic formations with fixed topologies, and it is shown that the error converges exponentially fast to the origin for all initial conditions. Simulation results are presented and discussed to validate the proposed solution, as well as assessing its performance under the influence of measurement noise. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of roughness and tilt on nanoindentation measurements: A quantitative model
Authors: Laurent‐Brocq Mathilde , Béjanin Estelle , Champion Yannick
Published: April 2015

A model, which takes into account the indentation size effect, was proposed to relate hardness and its standard deviation to the quality of the sample surface, i.e., the roughness and the tilt. Stainless steel samples were mechanically polished so as to obtain various roughness and tilt. Then the quality of the surface and the hardness were measured respectively by scanning probe microscopy and by nanoindentation. The model was fitted according to those experimental data. It was shown that the standard deviation only depends on the ratio of the arithmetic roughness over the contact depth of the indent while the average hardness also depends on the contact depth and on the tilt. It was deduced that hardness measurements are performed with an uncertainty lower than 10% if: (i) the ratio of the arithmetic roughness over the contact depth of the indent is lower than 0.05, (ii) the tilt of the sample is lower than 2° and (iii) the difference of roughness between samples is lower than 50%. SCANNING 37:350–360, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beta‐Sheet‐Forming, Self‐Assembled Peptide Nanomaterials towards Optical, Energy, and Healthcare Applications
Authors: Kim Sungjin , Kim Jae Hong , Lee Joon Seok , Park Chan Beum
Published: April 2015

Peptide self‐assembly is an attractive route for the synthesis of intricate organic nanostructures that possess remarkable structural variety and biocompatibility. Recent studies on peptide‐based, self‐assembled materials have expanded beyond the construction of high‐order architectures; they are now reporting new functional materials that have application in the emerging fields such as artificial photosynthesis and rechargeable batteries. Nevertheless, there have been few reviews particularly concentrating on such versatile, emerging applications. Herein, recent advances in the synthesis of self‐assembled peptide nanomaterials (e.g., cross β‐sheet‐based amyloid nanostructures, peptide amphiphiles) are selectively reviewed and their new applications in diverse, interdisciplinary fields are described, ranging from optics and energy storage/conversion to healthcare. The applications of peptide‐based self‐assembled materials in unconventional fields are also highlighted, such as photoluminescent peptide nanostructures, artificial photosynthetic peptide nanomaterials, and lithium‐ion battery components. The relation of such functional materials to the rapidly progressing biomedical applications of peptide self‐assembly, which include biosensors/chips and regenerative medicine, are discussed. The combination of strategies shown in these applications would further promote the discovery of novel, functional, small materials.
What Teachers Should Know About Common Core
Authors: Shanahan Timothy
Published: April 2015

In 2010, more than 40 states adopted the Common Core State Standards. Initially, the standards were quickly and easily embraced, but over the past year the standards have become enmeshed in various controversies, raising many questions about how the standards were written and what they include. This article attempts to provide authoritative answers to those questions. It explains the federal role in the standards writing and adoption, the sources of the standards, and the rationale for developing them. It also explores instructional issues dealing with the role of literature, phonics instruction, text complexity, and student motivation.
Phase I study of ipilimumab in phased combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in Japanese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Horinouchi Hidehito , Yamamoto Noboru , Fujiwara Yutaka , Sekine Ikuo , Nokihara Hiroshi , Kubota Kaoru , Kanda Shintaro , Yagishita Shigehiro , Wakui Hiroshi , Kitazono Satoru , Mizugaki Hidenori , Tokudome Takuto , Tamura Tomohide
Published: April 2015

Background Ipilimumab is an antibody that targets the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 to potentiate an antitumor response. Adding ipilimumab 10 mg/kg to paclitaxel (PTX) and carboplatin (CBDCA) in a phased schedule improved progression-free survival in a phase II non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) study. Methods This dose-escalating, phase I study was designed to identify the recommended dose of ipilimumab (3 or 10 mg/kg) by evaluating dose-limiting toxicity (DLT; Cycles 3 and 4) in phased combination with PTX (175 mg/m2) and CBDCA (area under the curve = 6) in Japanese patients with advanced NSCLC. Treatment was administered intravenously every 3 weeks initially, followed by some eligible patients receiving maintenance ipilimumab once every 12 weeks. Additional endpoints included safety, tumor response, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. Results Fifteen patients were enrolled and 12 received ipilimumab (n = 6, 3 mg/kg; n = 6, 10 mg/kg) in combination with PTX and CBDCA. DLTs occurred in 2 patients (ipilimumab 3 mg/kg) and 1 patient (ipilimumab 10 mg/kg). The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were decreased hemoglobin, leukopenia, and neutropenia. The most common immune-related AEs affected the skin, gastrointestinal, and nervous system. The safety profile was similar in both cohorts. Three patients in each cohort achieved a partial response. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of ipilimumab in Japanese patients was similar to that observed in previous studies in non-Japanese patients. Conclusions The recommended dose of ipilimumab in phased combination with PTX and CBDCA in Japanese patients with NSCLC was identified as 10 mg/kg. The safety profile was consistent with the previously defined AE profile.
Expectations and Limitations Due to Brachial Plexus Injury: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mancuso Carol A. , Lee Steve K. , Dy Christopher J. , Landers Zoe A. , Model Zina , Wolfe Scott W.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

This study described physical and psychosocial limitations associated with adult brachial plexus injuries (BPI) and patients' expectations of BPI surgery.

Methods

During in-person interviews, preoperative patients were asked about expectations of surgery and preoperative and postoperative patients were asked about limitations due to BPI. Postoperative patients also rated improvement in condition after surgery. Data were analyzed with qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Results

Ten preoperative and 13 postoperative patients were interviewed; mean age was 37 years, 19 were men, all were employed/students, and most injuries were due to trauma. Preoperative patients cited several main expectations, including pain-related issues, and improvement in arm movement, self-care, family interactions, and global life function. Workrelated expectations were tailored to employment type. Preoperative and postoperative patients reported that pain, altered sensation, difficulty managing self-care, becoming physically and financially dependent, and disability in work/school were major issues. All patients reported making major compensations, particularly using the uninjured arm. Most reported multiple mental health effects, were distressed with long recovery times, were self-conscious about appearance, and avoided public situations. Additional stresses were finding and paying for BPI surgery. Some reported BPI impacted overall physical health, life priorities, and decision-making processes. Four postoperative patients reported hardly any improvement, four reported some/a good deal, and five reported a great deal of improvement.

Conclusions

BPI is a life-altering event affecting physical function, mental well-being, financial situation, relationships, self-image, and plans for the future. This study contributes to clinical practice by highlighting topics to address to provide comprehensive BPI patient-centered care.
Attitudes and Self-Reported Practices of Hand Surgeons regarding Prescription Opioid Use
Authors: Menendez Mariano E. , Mellema Jos J. , Ring David
Published: April 2015

Background

Opioids are routinely prescribed after hand surgery, but there is limited research about surgeon variation in prescription patterns and attitudes toward the use of these drugs. We sought to examine hand surgeons' attitudes, beliefs, and self-reported practices regarding the use of opioids.

Methods

An invitation to an online cross-sectional survey was sent to 3225 hand surgeons across the USA via email, of whom 502 (16 %) responded. We used previously published data to compare hand surgeons' concerns about potential adverse opioid-related events with those of primary care physicians.

Results

Most hand surgeons (76 %) reported prescription opioid abuse to be a big or moderate problem in their communities, and 89 % felt that opioids are overused to treat pain. Nearly all (94 %) were very or moderately confident about their clinical skills regarding opioid prescribing, but only 40 % reported always or often asking about a history of opioid abuse or dependence before scheduling surgery. Most (75 %) were very or moderately comfortable refilling opioid prescriptions following fracture surgery, while only 13% were comfortable doing so after minor elective surgery. Nearly half (49 %) reported being less likely to prescribe opioids compared to 1 year ago, and 67 % believed that the best approach to reduce postoperative opioid use is to discuss pain management and expectations with the patient before surgery. Compared to primary care physicians, hand surgeons were less likely to be concerned about potential adverse patient (e.g., opioid-related addiction [67 vs. 84 %], death [37 vs. 70 %], sedation [57 vs. 71 %]) and prescriber (e.g., malpractice claim [22 vs. 46 %], prosecution [15 vs. 45 %], censure by state medical boards [16 vs. 44 %]) outcomes.

Conclusion

Hand surgeons have become aware of the extent and public health implications of the prescription opioid epidemic, and many are taking an active role by reducing their reliance on these drugs. Additional research using pharmacy data is needed to confirm the extent to which hand surgeons' reliance on prescription opioids is actually decreasing.
Influence of Enzymatic Remediation on Compositional and Thermal Properties of Palm Oil and Palm Oleins from Dry Fractionation
Authors: Maes Jeroen , Kodali Sitharam , Danthine Sabine , Gibon Véronique
Published: April 2015

Characteristics of crude palm oil are high FFA and DAG contents. High DAG content may affect throughput and yield during fractionation: high‐grade specialty fats such as hard palm mid fraction require premium crude palm oil to secure adequate crystallization properties. Moreover, DAGs are generally considered the main precursors for the formation of glycidyl esters during high‐temperature deodorization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of enzymatic remediation on the reduction of FFA and DAG in crude palm oil. In practice, series of process parameters (vacuum and reaction time) were investigated, and the quality of enzymatically remediated crude palm oils was examined in terms of FFA and DAG reduction, TAG composition, and SFC and DSC melting profiles. Fully refined enzymatically remediated palm oils were then dry fractionated. The quality of the oleins derived from the enzymatically remediated palm oil was compared to that of regular RBD palm oleins.
Oral direct renin inhibitor aliskiren reduces in vivo oxidative stress and serum matrix metalloproteinase‐2 levels in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Takei Yoshizumi , Ichikawa Minoru , Kijima Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2015

We aimed to determine the effects of the oral direct renin inhibitor aliskiren on in vivo oxidative stress in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. In this study, 150 mg oral direct renin inhibitor aliskiren was administered once daily to 12 permanent AF patients. Aliskiren significantly reduced urinary excretion of the oxidative stress biomarker 8‐iso‐prostglandin F2α and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐2(MMP‐2). We concluded that aliskiren reduces in vivo oxidative stress and serum MMP‐2 levels in patients with permanent AF.
Theorizing Efficient Markets: A Sociology of Financial Ideas
Authors: Polillo Simone
Published: April 2015

In this paper, I use the case of financial economics to show how an innovative idea can shape a research agenda. I focus on why the efficient-market hypothesis, crystallized in Eugene Fama’s research, acquired core theoretical status in the discipline of financial economics, whereas the Capital Asset Pricing Model, championed by, among others, Fischer Black, did not. I draw attention both to differences in the networks propagating these models, in particular differences in cohesion and coherence, and to differences in the methodologies underlying the models. I argue that Fama’s use of “data-dredging” techniques and frequentist statistics increased the coherence of the intellectual circle around him, turning the analysis of efficiency into a collective project oriented towards the discovery of objective properties. By contrast, Black’s adoption of more subjectivist methods exacerbated the individualistic tendencies of his approach and his network, increasing the incoherence of his research group.
THE INFLUENCE OF EU AND EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS LAW ON ENGLISH PRIVATE LAW
Authors: Giliker Paula
Published: April 2015

This article examines the extent to which EU and European human rights law, following the enactment of the European Communities Act 1972 and the Human Rights Act 1998, have changed the manner in which English courts use comparative law in the private law field. Despite legislative intervention rendering EU law part of the national legal system and requiring the courts ‘to take into account’ the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, there remains evidence that private law courts retain a preference for comparisons within the common law world. This article will examine, with reference to a number of recent empirical studies, the reasons for this position and what this signifies in terms of future comparative law reasoning.
Setaria digitata in advancing our knowledge of human lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Perumal A.N.I. , Gunawardene Y.I.N.S. , Dassanayake R.S.
Published: April 2015

Setaria digitata is a filarial parasite that causes fatal cerebrospinal nematodiasis in goats, sheep and horses, resulting in substantial economic losses in animal husbandry in the tropics. Due to its close resemblance to Wuchereria bancrofti, this nematode is also frequently used as a model organism to study human lymphatic filariasis. This review highlights numerous insights into the morphological, histological, biochemical, immunological and genetic aspects of S. digitata that have broadened our understanding towards the control and eradication of filarial diseases.
Generation of large pig and bovine blastocysts by culturing in human induced pluripotent stem cell medium
Authors: Gao Qing-Shan , Jin Long , Li Suo , Zhu Hai-Ying , Guo Qing , Li Xiao-Chen , Jin Qing-Guo , Kang Jin-Dan , Yan Chang-Guo , Yin Xi-Jun
Published: April 2015

We investigated the effect of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPS) medium on porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer and bovine in vitro fertilized early blastocysts, in comparison with North Carolina State University (NCSU)-37 medium and in vitro culture (IVC)-II medium. After 2 days of culture, the diameter of the portion of the blastocyst that was extruded from the zona pellucid dramatically differed between porcine blastocysts cultured in hiPS medium and those cultured in NCSU-37 medium (221.47 ± 38.94 μm versus 481.87 ± 40.61 μm, P < 0.01). Moreover, the diameter of the portion of the blastocyst significantly differed between bovine blastocysts cultured in hiPS medium and those cultured in IVC-II medium (150.30 ± 29.49 μm versus 195.58 ± 41.59 μm, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the total number of cells per porcine and bovine blastocyst was more than two-fold higher in blastocysts cultured in hiPS medium than in those cultured in NCSU-37 medium (44.33 ± 5.28 and 143.33 ± 16.05, P < 0.01) or IVC-II medium (172.12 ± 45.08 and 604.83 ± 242.64, P < 0.01), respectively. These results indicate that hiPS medium markedly improves the quality of porcine and bovine blastocysts.
Altered Resting-State Frontoparietal Control Network in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Lin Hsiang-Yuan , Tseng Wen-Yih Isaac , Lai Meng-Chuan , Matsuo Kayako , Gau Susan Shur-Fen
Published: April 2015

The frontoparietal control network, anatomically and functionally interposed between the dorsal attention network and default mode network, underpins executive control functions. Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly exhibit deficits in executive functions, which are mainly mediated by the frontoparietal control network. Involvement of the frontoparietal control network based on the anterior prefrontal cortex in neurobiological mechanisms of ADHD has yet to be tested. We used resting-state functional MRI and seed-based correlation analyses to investigate functional connectivity of the frontoparietal control network in a sample of 25 children with ADHD (7–14 years; mean 9.94±1.77 years; 20 males), and 25 age-, sex-, and performance IQ-matched typically developing (TD) children. All participants had limited in-scanner head motion. Spearman’s rank correlations were used to test the associations between altered patterns of functional connectivity with clinical symptoms and executive functions, measured by the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test and Spatial Span in the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Compared with TD children, children with ADHD demonstrated weaker connectivity between the right anterior prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the right ventrolateral PFC, and between the left anterior PFC and the right inferior parietal lobule. Furthermore, this aberrant connectivity of the frontoparietal control network in ADHD was associated with symptoms of impulsivity and opposition-defiance, as well as impaired response inhibition and attentional control. The findings support potential integration of the disconnection model and the executive dysfunction model for ADHD. Atypical frontoparietal control network may play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of ADHD. (JINS, 2015, 21, 271–284)
Brain development in male rats subjected to early weaning and treated with diet containing flour or flaxseed oil after 21 days until 60 days
Authors: Pessanha C. R. , da Camara Boueri B. Ferolla , da Costa L. Rodrigues , Ferreira M. Rocha , Melo H. Saldanha , de Abreu M. Duque Coutinho , Pessoa L. Rozeno , da Silva P. C. Alves , Pereira A. D’Avila , Ribeiro D. Cavalcante , de Meneses J. Azevedo , da Costa C. A. Soares , Boaventura G. T.
Published: April 2015

The precocious interruption of lactation is a prime factor for developmental plasticity. Here we analyzed whether flour or flaxseed oil treatment contributes to body and brain mass in male rats subjected to early weaning. Pups were weaned for separation from their mother at 14 (early weaning, EW) and 21 days (control, C). At 21 days, some of the pups were evaluated (C21 v. EW21). After 21 days, control pups (C60) were fed a control diet. EW pups were divided into those fed a control diet (EWC60), those given flaxseed flour (EWFF60), and those given flaxseed oil (EWFO60) until 60 days. EW21 showed lower body and absolute brain mass and higher relative brain mass. At 60 days, EWC60 and EWFO60 had lower body mass. With regard to relative brain mass, EWC60 was heavier; EWFO60 had lower values compared with EWC60 and higher values compared with C60 and EWFF60. These results indicated that flaxseed flour, in comparison with flaxseed oil, contributes to brain development after EW.
Triplet Pregnancy: Is the Mode of Conception Related to Perinatal Outcomes?
Authors: Fennessy Kristy M. , Doyle Lex W. , Naud Kentia , Reidy Karen , Umstad Mark P.
Published: April 2015

Many triplets are conceived as a consequence of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Concerns have been raised that triplet pregnancies conceived by ART are more complicated than those conceived spontaneously. The purpose of this study was to evaluate all triplet pregnancies managed over a 12-year period to determine if there were any differences in outcome based on the mode of conception. All triplet pregnancies between 1999 and 2011 that reached at least 20 weeks’ gestation and that were managed at the Royal Women's Hospital (RWH), Melbourne, Victoria were identified. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between ART conceived and spontaneously conceived triplets. In the study period, 53 sets of triplets managed in our institution met the eligibility criteria. Twenty-five triplet sets were conceived by ART and 28 were conceived spontaneously. More ART conceptions resulted in trichorionic triamniotic (TCTA) triplets than did spontaneous conceptions (p= .015). There were no differences between ART and spontaneously conceived triplets for any of the maternal or neonatal complications studied. Trichorionic (TC) triplets delivered at a later gestation than other triplets: 32.1 (SD2.9) versus 30.4 (SD3.9) weeks (p= .08). TC triplets were significantly less likely to die than monochorionic (MC) or dichorionic (DC) triplets: 3/93 (3%) versus 13/66 (20%) (p= .025). In conclusion, triplets conceived by ART are more likely to have TCTA placentation and TCTA triplet sets had lower mortality rates than other triplet combinations. Outcomes for triplets conceived by ART were similar to those of triplets conceived spontaneously.
Cross-correlation spin noise spectroscopy of heterogeneous interacting spin systems
Authors: Roy Dibyendu , Yang Luyi , Crooker Scott A. , Sinitsyn Nikolai A.
Published: April 2015

Interacting multi-component spin systems are ubiquitous in nature and in the laboratory. As such, investigations of inter-species spin interactions are of vital importance. Traditionally, they are studied by experimental methods that are necessarily perturbative: e.g., by intentionally polarizing or depolarizing one spin species while detecting the response of the other(s). Here, we describe and demonstrate an alternative approach based on multi-probe spin noise spectroscopy, which can reveal inter-species spin interactions - under conditions of strict thermal equilibrium - by detecting and cross-correlating the stochastic fluctuation signals exhibited by each of the constituent spin species. Specifically, we consider a two-component spin ensemble that interacts via exchange coupling and we determine cross-correlations between their intrinsic spin fluctuations. The model is experimentally confirmed using “two-color” optical spin noise spectroscopy on a mixture of interacting Rb and Cs vapors. Noise correlations directly reveal the presence of inter-species spin exchange, without ever perturbing the system away from thermal equilibrium. These non-invasive and noise-based techniques should be generally applicable to any heterogeneous spin system in which the fluctuations of the constituent components are detectable.
Diagnosis approach of chronic lymphocytic leukemia on unstained blood smears using Raman microspectroscopy and supervised classification
Authors: Happillon Teddy , Untereiner Valérie , Beljebbar Abdelilah , Gobinet Cyril , Daliphard Sylvie , Cornillet-Lefebvre Pascale , Quinquenel Anne , Delmer Alain , Troussard Xavier , Klossa Jacques , Manfait Michel
Published: April 2015

This study investigated Raman spectroscopy and supervised classification for CLL diagnosis.
How can [MoIV(CN)6]2−, an apparently octahedral (d)2complex, be diamagnetic? Insights from quantum chemical calculations and magnetic susceptibility measurements
Authors: Radoń Mariusz , Rejmak Paweł , Fitta Magdalena , Bałanda Maria , Szklarzewicz Janusz
Published: April 2015

[Mo(CN)6]2−is computationally predicted to be a trigonal prismatic complex with closely-lying singlet (S= 0) and triplet (S= 1) spin states.
Fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass using the OrganoCat process
Authors: Grande Philipp M. , Viell Jörn , Theyssen Nils , Marquardt Wolfgang , Domínguez de María Pablo , Leitner Walter
Published: April 2015

The fractionation of lignocellulose in its three main components, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose pulp can be achieved in a biphasic system comprising water and bio-based 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) as solvents and oxalic acid as catalyst at temperatures up to 140 °C.
Electrochemical route for accessing amorphous mixed-metal hydroxide nanospheres and magnetism
Authors: Li H. B. , Gao Y. Q. , Yang G. W.
Published: April 2015

Amorphous mixed-metal hydroxides nanospheres with a homogeneous distribution of metals in compositions including binary Fe–Co, Fe–Ni and Co–Ni and ternary Ni–Co–Fe hydroxides were prepared via a simple, facile and green electrochemical technique.
Single-step bioassays in serum and whole blood with a smartphone, quantum dots and paper-in-PDMS chips
Authors: Petryayeva Eleonora , Algar W. Russ
Published: April 2015

The optical properties of quantum dots permit single-step bioassays in whole blood using a custom chip and smartphone-based readout platform.
The synthesis of carbonyl 2-amino-pyrimidines via tandem regioselective heterocyclization of 1,3-diynes with guanidine and selective oxidation
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhao Mingzhu , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: April 2015

A highly efficient one-pot approach for the synthesis of carbonyl 2-amino-pyrimidines from 1,3-diynes and guanidine in the presence of Cs2CO3 and DMSO has been described. This methodology proves to be a tandem regioselective heterocyclization of 1,3-diynes with guanidine and selective oxidation.
Periodic tiling of triangular and square nanotubes in a cationic metal–organic framework for selective anion exchange
Authors: Song Bai-Qiao , Wang Xin-Long , Zhang Yu-Teng , Wu Xue-Song , Liu Hong-Sheng , Shao Kui-Zhan , Su Zhong-Min
Published: April 2015

A unique cationic metal–organic framework formed by connecting the neutral chain-like secondary building units with positively charged ligands shows charge- and size-dependent ion-exchange of anion dyes.
A novel shell-like supramolecular assembly of 4,4′-bipyridyl derivatives and a twisted cucurbit[14]uril molecule
Authors: Liu Qing , Li Qing , Cheng Xiao-Jie , Xi Yun-Yun , Xiao Bo , Xiao Xin , Tang Qing , Huang Ying , Tao Zhu , Xue Sai-Feng , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Zhang Jian-Xin
Published: April 2015

This work showed that the bipyridyl core and alkyl chains of 4,4′-bipyridyl derivatives are located in shell-like cavities of the twisted cucurbit[14]uril molecule and formed novel shell-like 1 : 1 inclusion complexes.
Tailoring of {116} faceted single crystalline anatase nanosheet arrays and their improved electrochemical performance
Authors: Li Feng , Li Xiaoning , Yang Shangfeng , Fu Zhengping , Lu Yalin
Published: April 2015

Upright diamond structured anatase nanosheet arrays with a highly preferred orientation were obtained, which exhibited improved reduction capacity and electrochemical reversibility.
Pseudomorphic transformation of amorphous calcium carbonate films follows spherulitic growth mechanisms and can give rise to crystal lattice tilting
Authors: Harris Joe , Mey I. , Hajir M. , Mondeshki M. , Wolf Stephan E.
Published: April 2015

Tuning the pseudomorphic transformation of calcium carbonate allows for the generation of crystal lattice tilting similar to that found in calcareous biominerals.
Hemilabile silver(i) complexes containing pyridyl chalcogenolate (S, Se) ligands and their utility as molecular precursors for silver chalcogenides
Authors: Kole Goutam Kumar , Vivekananda K. V. , Kumar Mukesh , Ganguly Rakesh , Dey Sandip , Jain Vimal K.
Published: April 2015

A series of silver triphenylphosphine complexes containing pyridyl chacogenolate (S, Se) ligands has been synthesized by employing [AgCl(PPh3)3] and [Ag2(μ-Cl)2(PPh3)4].
Cu(OAc)2/FOXAP complex catalyzed construction of 2,5-dihydropyrrole derivatives via asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides to ethynyl ketones
Authors: Tang Fei-Fei , Yang Wu-Lin , Yu Xingxin , Deng Wei-Ping
Published: April 2015

Cu(OAc)2/FOXAP catalyzed asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides to ethynyl ketones, affording 2,5-dihydropyrroles in good to excellent yields and excellent enantioselectivities.
Intramolecular hydrogen bonding stabilizes the nuclearity of complexes. A comparative study based on the H-carborane and Me-carborane framework
Authors: Fontanet Mònica , Rodríguez Montserrat , Fontrodona Xavier , Romero Isabel , Viñas Clara , Teixidor Francesc
Published: April 2015

The H– on the adjacent carbon of the carboranylcarboxylate ligand is responsible for intramolecular interactions that stabilize the nuclearity of Cu(ii) complexes.
Highly efficient usage of the hydrothermal technique through the one-pot method to construct four Keggin-based compounds containing pendent ligands
Authors: Tian Aixiang , Ning Yali , Ying Jun , Zhang Juwen , Hou Xue , Li Tianjiao , Wang Xiuli
Published: April 2015

By tuning pH from 1.8 to 2.3 in PMo12–Ag–bpz system, mixed compounds 1 and 2 were obtained in one-pot. Through tuning the pH range of PMo12–Ag–btz system to 1.7–2.4, 3 and 4 co-existed.
Controlled synthesis of organic ligand passivated ZnO nanostructures and their photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Harish S. , Navaneethan M. , Archana J. , Silambarasan A. , Ponnusamy S. , Muthamizhchelvan C. , Hayakawa Y.
Published: April 2015

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were synthesized and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant.
Is interaction of amyloid β-peptides with metals involved in cognitive activity?
Authors: Tamano Haruna , Takeda Atsushi
Published: April 2015

Metal ions, i.e., Zn2+ and Cu2+, are released from neuron terminals in the hippocampus, which plays important roles in spatial and declarative memory, and may serve as a signal factor. Synaptic homeostasis of metal ions is critical for cognitive activity in the hippocampus. Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a causative candidate for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Aβ-induced synapse dysfunction is easy to emerge along with normal aging and leads to the cognitive decline and memory loss in the pre-dementia stage of AD. Because Aβ interacts with Zn2+ and Cu2+, it is likely that these metal ions are involved in the Aβ-induced modification of the synaptic function. There is evidence to indicate that the inhibition of the interaction of Aβ with Zn2+ and Cu2+ may ameliorate the pathophysiology of AD. Interaction of extracellular Zn2+ with Aβ in the hippocampus is involved in transiently Aβ-induced cognition deficits, while the interaction of extracellular Cu2+ reduces bioavailability of intracellular Cu2+, followed by an increase in oxidative stress, which may lead to cognitive deficits. It is likely that Zn2+ and Cu2+ play as a key-mediating factor in pathophysiology of the synaptic dysfunction in which Aβ is involved. Based on the idea that understating Aβ-induced changes in synaptic plasticity is important to prevent AD, the present paper summarizes the interaction of Aβ with metal ions in cognition.
Metabolomics in chemical ecology
Authors: Kuhlisch Constanze , Pohnert Georg
Published: April 2015

Metabolomics has emerged as powerful tool in the elucidation of natural products as mediators of organismal interactions. This review comprehensively highlights successful applications and perspectives of metabolomics in chemical ecology.
Fabrication of mesoporous Li2S–C nanofibers for high performance Li/Li2S cell cathodes
Authors: Ye Fangmin , Hou Yuan , Liu Meinan , Li Wanfei , Yang Xiaowei , Qiu Yongcai , Zhou Lisha , Li Hongfei , Xu Yijun , Zhang Yuegang
Published: April 2015

The mesoporous Li2S–C nanofiber cathode demonstrated a low activation potential and a high initial discharge capacity of 800 mA h g−1.
Strong anionic polyelectrolyte microgels
Authors: Tiwari Rahul , Walther Andreas
Published: April 2015

We report a facile synthesis of highly uniform poly(styrene sulfonic acid) microgels, which carry a strong polyelectrolyte group at every repeating unit.
Synthesis, characterization and environmental application of silica grafted photoactive substances isolated from urban biowaste
Authors: Testa Maria Luisa , Tummino Maria Laura , Agostini Silvia , Avetta Paola , Deganello Francesca , Montoneri Enzo , Magnacca Giuliana , Prevot Alessandra Bianco
Published: April 2015

Hybrid biowaste-derived silica-based systems show good photoactive performance, stability and reusability in the degradation of water pollutants.
Nature of the Pd–CNT interaction in Pd nanoparticles dispersed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and its implications in hydrogen storage properties
Authors: Das Tapas , Banerjee Seemita , Dasgupta Kinshuk , Joshi J. B. , Sudarsan V.
Published: April 2015

Oleyl amine stabilised Pd nanoparticles have been prepared by reverse micro-emulsion method and supported on multi walled CNTs.
Formation of banded spherulites and the temperature dependence of the band space in olefin block copolymer
Authors: Zhang Qinglong , Fan Jiashu , Feng Jiachun
Published: April 2015

The banded spherulites for olefin block copolymer result from continuous lamellar twisting with an intriguing temperature tendency of the band space.
Tailoring the edges of graphene quantum dots to establish localized π–π interactions with aromatic molecules
Authors: Wang Shujun , Lemon Zachary , Cole Ivan S. , Li Qin
Published: April 2015

Partially ring-terminated graphene quantum dots enable efficient detection of aromatic molecules via the edge-localized π–π interaction.
Fast lithium-ion storage of Nb2O5 nanocrystals in situ grown on carbon nanotubes for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Li Ge , Tjandra Ricky , Fan Xingye , Xiao Xingcheng , Yu Aiping
Published: April 2015

Nanocomposites of Nb2O5 NCs in situ grown on CNTs are successfully developed with excellent rate capability, leading to the successful fabrication of asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy and power density and long-term cycling stability.
Preparation and characterization of a PVDF/EG-POSS hybrid ultrafiltration membrane for anti-fouling improvement
Authors: Sun Junfen , Wu Lishun , Hu Fang
Published: April 2015

The octa vinyl silsesquioxane (OvPOSS) was used to synthesis POSS grafted ethylene glycol (EG) (EG-POSS). The hydrophilicity and anitifouling property of pure PVDF membrane was improved by incorporating EG-POSS in PVDF membrane.
Industrial effluent as a substrate for glutaminase freel-asparaginase production from Pseudomonas plecoglossicida strain RS1; media optimization, enzyme purification and its characterization
Authors: Shakambari Ganeshan , Sumi Babu M. , Ashokkumar Balasubramaniem , Palanivelu Peramachi , Varalakshmi Perumal
Published: April 2015

Glutaminase freel-asparaginase production byPseudomonas plecoglossicidaRS1 using industrial effluent as a substrate: media optimization, enzyme purification and its characterization.
Preparation and characterization of layered LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.025Mg0.025O2 cathode material by a sol–gel method for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Daochuan , Zhao Li , Shao Yanbin , Wang Dianlong
Published: April 2015

LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.025Mg0.025O2 prepared by sol–gel method using citric acid had a well ordered hexagonal layered structure and showed excellent electrochemical performance.
Effect of plasma nitriding on structure and biocompatibility of self-organised TiO2 nanotubes on Ti–6Al–7Nb
Authors: Mohan L. , Anandan C. , Rajendran N.
Published: April 2015

TiO2 nanotubes formed by anodic oxidation of Ti–6Al–7Nb were nitrided in a nitrogen plasma.
Influence of bovine serum albumin coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) particles on differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jiang Pengfei , Yu Dahai , Zhang Wenjing , Mao Zhengwei , Gao Changyou
Published: April 2015

The presence of PLGA–BSA particles can induce osteogenesis differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, and meanwhile inhibit their adipogenic differentiation.
Metal-free domino one-pot protocols for quinoline synthesis
Authors: Bharate Jaideep B. , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Bharate Sandip B.
Published: April 2015

Metal-free domino one-pot protocols for quinoline synthesis have been reviewed.
Strong circularly polarized luminescence from the supramolecular gels of an achiral gelator: tunable intensity and handedness
Authors: Shen Zhaocun , Wang Tianyu , Shi Lin , Tang Zhiyong , Liu Minghua
Published: April 2015

Supramolecular gels formed by an achiral gelator emit strong circularly polarized luminescence with tunable intensity and handedness.
Thorium–ligand multiple bonds via reductive deprotection of a trityl group
Authors: Smiles Danil E. , Wu Guang , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas , Hayton Trevor W.
Published: April 2015

Reductive deprotection of the trityl group from [Th(ECPh3)(NR2)3] (E = O, S), by reaction with KC8, in the presence of 18-crown-6, affords the thorium oxo complex, [K(18-crown-6)][Th(O)(NR2)3], and the thorium sulphide complex, [K(18-crown-6)][Th(S)(NR2)3], respectively.
Self-organized wrinkling patterns of a liquid crystalline polymer in surface wetting confinement
Authors: Na Jun-Hee , Kim Se-Um , Sohn Youngjoo , Lee Sin-Doo
Published: April 2015

Self-organized wrinkling patterns were produced from a solution of reactive mesogens (RMs) in geometrical confinement. The symmetry of the geometrical constraints primarily governs the periodic wrinkling patterns of the RM in the wetting region through the relaxation of the curvature elasticity.
Chemical stability and electrochemical characteristics of FeS microcrystals as the cathode material of rechargeable lithium batteries
Authors: Tran Dat T. , Zhang Sheng S.
Published: April 2015

Recharging of a fully discharged Li/FeS battery does not reconstitute the original FeS structure; further cycling is co-contributed by the Li2S/Li2Sn and Fe/FeS redox couples and affected by the electrolyte solvent and charging cutoff voltage.
Carbon for the oxygen reduction reaction: a defect mechanism
Authors: Zhao Huanyu , Sun Chenghua , Jin Zhao , Wang Da-Wei , Yan Xuecheng , Chen Zhigang , Zhu Guangshan , Yao Xiangdong
Published: April 2015

A new defect mechanism for the ORR was proposed based on the theoretical calculations and our experimental results.
Solution structure of the RNA-binding cold-shock domain of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii NAB1 protein and insights into RNA recognition
Authors: Sawyer Anne L. , Landsberg Michael J. , Ross Ian L. , Kruse Olaf , Mobli Mehdi , Hankamer Ben
Published: April 2015

Light-harvesting complex (LHC) proteins are among the most abundant proteins on Earth and play critical roles in photosynthesis, both in light capture and in photoprotective mechanisms. The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii nucleic acid-binding protein 1 (NAB1) is a negative regulator of LHC protein translation. Its N-terminal cold-shock domain (CSD) binds to a 13-nt element [CSD consensus sequence (CSDCS)] found in the mRNA of specific LHC proteins associated with Photosystem II (PSII), an interaction which regulates LHC expression and, consequently, PSII-associated antenna size, structure and function. In the present study, we elucidated the solution structure of the NAB1 CSD as determined by heteronuclear NMR. The CSD adopts a characteristic five-stranded anti parallel β-barrel fold. Upon addition of CSDCS RNA, a large number of NMR chemical shift perturbations were observed, corresponding primarily to surface-exposed residues within the highly conserved β2- and β3-strands in the canonical RNA-binding region, but also to residues on β-strand 5 extending the positive surface patch and the overall RNA-binding site. Additional chemical shift perturbations that accompanied RNA binding involved buried residues, suggesting that transcript recognition is accompanied by conformational change. Our results indicate that NAB1 associates with RNA transcripts through a mechanism involving its CSD that is conserved with mechanisms of sequence-specific nucleic acid recognition employed by ancestrally related bacterial cold-shock proteins (CSPs).