Neoadjuvant treatment with docetaxel plus lapatinib, trastuzumab, or both followed by an anthracycline-based chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer: results of the randomised phase II EORTC 10054 study.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant trials conducted using a double HER2 blockade with lapatinib and trastuzumab, combined with different paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy regimens, have shown high pathological complete response (pCR) rates, but at the cost of important toxicity. We hypothesised that this toxicity might be due to a specific interaction between paclitaxel and lapatinib. This trial assesses the toxicity and activity of the combination of docetaxel with lapatinib and trastuzumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage IIA to IIIC HER2-positive breast cancer received six cycles of chemotherapy (three cycles of docetaxel followed by three cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide). They were randomised 1 : 1 : 1 to receive during the first three cycles either lapatinib (1000 mg orally daily), trastuzumab (4 mg/kg loading dose followed by 2 mg/kg weekly), or trastuzumab + lapatinib at the same dose. The primary end point was pCR rate defined as ypT0/is. Secondary end points included safety and toxicity. pCR rate defined as ypT0/is ypN0 was assessed as an exploratory analysis. In June 2012, arm A was closed for futility based on the results from other studies. RESULTS: From October 2010 to January 2013, 128 patients were included in 14 centres. The percentage of the 122 assessable patients with pCR in the breast, and pCR in the breast and nodes, was numerically highest in the lapatinib + trastuzumab group (60% and 56%, respectively), intermediate in the trastuzumab group (52% and 52%), and lowest in the lapatinib group (46% and 36%). Frequency (%) of the most common grade 3-4 toxicities in the lapatinib /trastuzumab/lapatinib + trastuzumab arms were: febrile neutropenia 23/15/10, diarrhoea 9/2/18, infection (other) 9/4/8, and hepatic toxicity 0/2/8. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a numerically modest pCR rate increase with double anti-HER2 blockade plus chemotherapy, but suggests that the use of docetaxel rather than paclitaxel may not reduce toxicity. CLINICALTRIALSGOV: NCT00450892.

Optimal priming of poxvirus vector (NYVAC)-based HIV vaccine regimens requires 3 DNA injections. Results of the EV03/ANRS Vac20 Phase I/II Trial

Background: Two or three DNA primes have been used in previous smaller clinical trials, but the number required for optimal priming of viral vectors has never been assessed in adequately powered clinical trials. The EV03/ANRS Vac20 phase I/II trial investigated this issue using the DNA prime/poxvirus NYVAC boost combination, both expressing a common HIV-1 clade C immunogen consisting of Env and Gag-Pol-Nef polypeptide. Methods: 147 healthy volunteers were randomly allocated through 8 European centres to either 3xDNA plus 1xNYVAC (weeks 0, 4, 8 plus 24; n¼74) or to 2xDNA plus 2xNYVAC (weeks 0, 4 plus 20, 24; n¼73), stratified by geographical region and sex. T cell responses were quantified using the interferon g Elispot assay and 8 peptide pools; samples from weeks 0, 26 and 28 (time points for primary immunogenicity endpoint), 48 and 72 were considered for this analysis. Results: 140 of 147 participants were evaluable at weeks 26 and/ or 28. 64/70 (91%) in the 3xDNA arm compared to 56/70 (80%) in the 2xDNA arm developed a T cell response (P¼0.053). 26 (37%) participants of the 3xDNA arm developed a broader T cell response (Env plus at least to one of the Gag, Pol, Nef peptide pools) versus 15 (22%) in the 2xDNA arm (P¼0.047). At week 26, the overall magnitude of responses was also higher in the 3xDNA than in the 2xDNA arm (similar at week 28), with a median of 545 versus 328 SFUs/106 cells at week 26 (P<0.001). Preliminary overall evaluation showed that participants still developed T-cell response at weeks 48 (78%, n¼67) and 72 (70%, n¼66). Conclusion: This large clinical trial demonstrates that optimal priming of poxvirus-based vaccine regimens requires 3 DNA regimens and further confirms that the DNA/NYVAC prime boost vaccine combination is highly immunogenic and induced durable T-cell responses.

Development of Non-Petroleum-Based Binders for Use in Flexible Pavements – Phase II, TR-650, 2015

Bio-binders can be utilized as asphalt modifiers, extenders, and replacements for conventional asphalt in bituminous binders. From the rheology results of Phase I of this project, it was found that the bio-binders tested had good performance, similar to conventional asphalt, except at low temperatures. Phase II of this project addresses this shortcoming and evaluates the Superpave performance of laboratory mixes produced with the enhanced bio-binders. The main objective of this research was to develop a bio-binder capable of replacing conventional asphalt in flexible pavements by incorporating ground tire rubber (GTR) into bio-oil derived from fast pyrolysis of agriculture and forestry residues. The chemical compatibility of the new bio-binder with GTR was assessed, and the low-temperature performance of the bio-binders was enhanced by the use of GTR. The newly developed binder, which consisted of 80 percent conventional binder and 20 percent rubber-modified bio-oil (85 percent bio-oil with 15 percent GTR), was used to produce mixes at two different air void contents, 4 and 7 percent. The laboratory performance test results showed that the performance of the newly developed bio-binder mixes is as good as or better than conventional asphalt mixes for fatigue cracking, rutting resistance, moisture sensitivity, and low-temperature cracking. These results need to be validated in field projects in order to demonstrate adequate performance for this innovative and sustainable technology for flexible pavements.

Classical line shapes based on analytical solutions of bimolecular trajectories in collision induced emission. II. Reactive collisions

The classical theory of collision induced emission (CIE) from pairs of dissimilar rare gas atoms was developed in Paper I [D. Reguera and G. Birnbaum, J. Chem. Phys. 125, 184304 (2006)] from a knowledge of the straight line collision trajectory and the assumption that the magnitude of the dipole could be represented by an exponential function of the inter-nuclear distance. This theory is extended here to deal with other functional forms of the induced dipole as revealed by ab initio calculations. Accurate analytical expression for the CIE can be obtained by least square fitting of the ab initio values of the dipole as a function of inter-atomic separation using a sum of exponentials and then proceeding as in Paper I. However, we also show how the multi-exponential fit can be replaced by a simpler fit using only two analytic functions. Our analysis is applied to the polar molecules HF and HBr. Unlike the rare gas atoms considered previously, these atomic pairs form stable bound diatomic molecules. We show that, interestingly, the spectra of these reactive molecules are characterized by the presence of multiple peaks. We also discuss the CIE arising from half collisions in excited electronic states, which in principle could be probed in photo-dissociation experiments.

Magnetic and transport properties of II-V diluted magnetic semiconductors doped with manganese and nickel

This thesis is devoted to investigations of three typical representatives of the II-V diluted magnetic semiconductors, Zn1-xMnxAs2, (Zn1-xMnx)3As2 and p-CdSb:Ni. When this work started the family of the II-V semiconductors was presented by only the compounds belonging to the subgroup II3-V2, as (Zn1-xMnx)3As2, whereas the rest of the materials mentioned above were not investigated at all. Pronounced low-field magnetic irreversibility, accompanied with a ferromagnetic transition, are observed in Zn1-xMnxAs2 and (Zn1-xMnx)3As2 near 300 K. These features give evidence for presence of MnAs nanosize magnetic clusters, responsible for frustrated ground magnetic state. In addition, (Zn1-xMnx)3As2 demonstrates large paramagnetic response due to considerable amount of single Mn ions and small antiferromagnetic clusters. Similar paramagnetic system existing in Zn1-xMnxAs2 is much weaker. Distinct low-field magnetic irreversibility, accompanied with a rapid saturation of the magnetization with increasing magnetic field, is observed near the room temperature in p- CdSb:Ni, as well. Such behavior is connected to the frustrated magnetic state, determined by Ni-rich magnetic Ni1-xSbx nanoclusters. Their large non-sphericity and preferable orientations are responsible for strong anisotropy of the coercivity and saturation magnetization of p- CdSb:Ni. Parameters of the Ni1-xSbx nanoclusters are estimated. Low-temperature resistivity of p-CdSb:Ni is governed by a hopping mechanism of charge transfer. The variable-range hopping conductivity, observed in zero magnetic field, demonstrates a tendency of transformation into the nearest-neighbor hopping conductivity in non-zero magnetic filed. The Hall effect in p-CdSb:Ni exhibits presence of a positive normal and a negative anomalous contributions to the Hall resistivity. The normal Hall coefficient is governed mainly by holes activated into the valence band, whereas the anomalous Hall effect, attributable to the Ni1-xSbx nanoclusters with ferromagnetically ordered internal spins, exhibits a low-temperature power-law resistivity scaling.

Uso de amêndoas de baru (Dypterix alata) para remoção de Ni(ii) em etanol combustível

The present work describes the sorption potential of Dypterix alata (baru) for removal of Ni(II) in hydrous ethanol. Infrared spectroscopy was used for elucidating possible functional groups responsible for uptaking Ni(II). Sorption studies using Ni(II) standard solutions were carried out in batch experiments as functions of extraction time and pH solution. The Ni(II) was quantified before and after the removal experiments using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Furthermore, based on adsorption studies and adsorption isotherms applied to the Langmuir and Freundlich models, it was possible to verify that D. alata presents a high adsorption capacity. The results show that D. alata can be used for removing Ni(II) in ethanol solutions.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop for simultaneous separation/preconcentration of nickel, cobalt and copper prior to determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop for simultaneous extraction of trace amounts of nickel, cobalt and copper followed by their determination with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was developed. 300 µL of acetone and 1-undecanol was injected into an aqueous sample containing diethyldithiocarbamate complexes of metal ions. For a sample volume of 10 mL, enrichment factors of 277, 270 and 300 and detection limits of 1.2, 1.1 and 1 ng L-1 for nickel, cobalt and copper were obtained, respectively. The method was applied to the extraction and determination of these metals in different water samples.

Isomerization-cracking of n-octane on catalysts based on heteropolyacid H3Pw12O40 and heteropolyacid supported on zirconia and promoted with Pt and Cs

Isomerization - cracking of n-octane was studied using H3PW12O40 (HPA) and HPA supported on zirconia and promoted with Pt and Cs. The addition of Pt and Cs to the supported HPA did not modify the Keggin structure. The Pt addition to the supported HPA did not substantially modify the total acidity; however, the Brönsted acidity increased significantly. Cs increased the total acidity and Brönsted acidity. A linear relation was observed between the n-C8 total conversion and Brönsted acidity. The most adequate catalysts for performing isomerization and cracking to yield high research octane number (RON) are those with higher values of Brönsted acidity.

Complexes pinceurs de cobalt et de nickel : synthèse, caratérisation, réactivité

Plusieurs nouveaux complexes pinceurs de cobalt et de nickel ont été préparés avec le ligand pinceur de type POCOP : 2,6-(i-Pr2PO)2C6H4. Dans le cas du cobalt, une nouvelle voie de synthèse a été développée. Contrairement au cas du nickel, il s’agit ici de cobalt au degré d’oxydation +III. Les composés obtenus sont paramagnétiques. En outre, le dérivé bromé est instable à la lumière et se décompose en perdant un brome pour former le complexe pinceur de Co(II). La réactivité de ces complexes a été étudiée. Pour ce qui est du nickel, la catalyse de l’hydroamination a été élargie aux dérivés de l’acrylonitrile et aux amines aromatiques. En outre, la réaction d’hydroaryloxylation a été étudiée dans les mêmes conditions. Enfin, avec le 4-cyanostyrène et le cinnamonitrile, la formation d’amidines a été observée. Un complexe pinceur portant cette amidine a été isolé. Enfin, le cation réagit avec des anions fortement coordonnants tels le cyanure ou l’isocyanate. En outre, l’anion triflate peut être déplacé par l’eau, l’acrylonitrile et ses dérivés. Enfin, une réactivité particulière a été observée avec la morpholine, l’acétone et un mélange 1:1 aniline/triéthylamine.

Zeolite-encapsulated Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes as catalysts for partial oxidation of benzyl alcohol and ethylbenzene

Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of dimethylglyoxime and N,N-ethylenebis(7-methylsalicylideneamine) have been synthesized in situ in Y zeolite by the reaction of ion-exchanged metal ions with the flexible ligand molecules that had diffused into the cavities. The hybrid materials obtained have been characterized by elemental analysis, SEM, XRD, surface area, pore volume, magnetic moment, FTIR, UV-Vis and EPR techniques. Analysis of data indicates the formation of complexes in the pores without affecting the zeolite framework structure, the absence of any extraneous species and the geometry of encapsulated complexes. The catalytic activities for hydrogen peroxide decomposition and oxidation of benzyl alcohol and ethylbenzene of zeolite complexes are reported. Zeolite Cu(II) complexes were found to be more active than the corresponding Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes for oxidation reactions. The catalytic properties of the complexes are influenced by their geometry and by the steric environment of the active sites. Zeolite complexes are stable enough to be reused and are suitable to be utilized as partial oxidation catalysts.

Copper(II) complexes of embelin and 2-aminobenzimidazole encapsulated in zeolite Y-potential as catalysts

Copper(II) complexes of two biologically important ligands, viz., embelin (2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-2,5-cyclohexadien 1,4-dione) and 2-aminobenzimidazole were entrapped in the cages of zeolite Y by the flexible ligand method. The capability of these compounds in catalyzing the reduction of oxygen (industrially known as deoxo reaction) was explored and the results indicate an enhancement of the catalytic properties from that of the simple copper ion exchanged zeolite. These point to the ability of the ligands in enhancing the oxygen binding capability of the metal ion. Elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), diffuse reflectance and EPR spectral studies, magnetic susceptibility measurements, TG, surface area analyses and powder X-ray diffraction studies were used in understanding the presence, composition and structure of the complexes inside the cages. The study also reveals the increased thermal and mechanical stability of the complexes as a result of encapsulation.

Synthesis of High Coercivity Core–Shell Nanorods Based on Nickel and Cobalt and Their Magnetic Properties

Hybrid magnetic nanostructures with high coercivity have immense application potential in various fields. Nickel (Ni) electrodeposited inside Cobalt (Co) nanotubes (a new system named Ni @ Co nanorods) were fabricated using a two-step potentiostatic electrodeposition method. Ni @ Co nanorods were crystalline, and they have an average diameter of 150 nm and length of *15 lm. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed the existence of two separate phases corresponding to Ni and Co. Ni @ Co nanorods exhibited a very high longitudinal coercivity. The general mobility-assisted growth mechanism proposed for the growth of one-dimensional nanostructures inside nano porous alumina during potentiostatic electrodeposition is found to be valid in this case too

Effect of nickel nanofillers on the dielectric and magnetic properties of composites based on rubber in the X-band

Nickel–rubber nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating ferromagnetic nickel nanoparticles in a natural rubber as well as neoprene rubber matrix. Complex dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of these composites were evaluated in the X-band microwave frequencies at room temperature using cavity perturbation technique. The dielectric loss in natural rubber is smaller compared to neoprene rubber. A steady increase in the dielectric permittivity is observed with increase in the content of nickel in both the composites. The magnetic permeability exhibits a steady decrease with increase in frequency and magnetic loss shows a relaxation at 8 GHz. The suitability of these composites as microwave absorbers is modeled based on the reflection loss which is dependant on the real and imaginary components of the complex dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability.

Cure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Rubber Ferrite Composites Based on Nano-Nickel Ferrites

Ultra fine nickel ferrite have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. By heat treating different portions of the prepared powder separately at different temperatures, nano-sized particles of nickel ferrite with varying particle sizes were obtained. These powders were characterised by the X-ray diffraction and then incorporated in the nitrile rubber matrix according to a specific recipe for various loadings. The cure characteristics and the mechanical properties of these rubber ferrite composites (RFCs) were evaluated. The effect of loading and the grain size of the filler on the cure characteristics and tensile properties were also evaluated. It is found that the grain size and porosity of the filler plays a vital role in determining the mechanical properties of the RFCs

A prediction model for establishing the disability degree in adults with spinal cord injury: results based on WHO-DAS II perspective

Objective: To establish a prediction model of the degree of disability in adults with Spinal CordInjury (SCI ) based on the use of the WHO-DAS II . Methods: The disability degree was correlatedwith three variable groups: clinical, sociodemographic and those related with rehabilitation services.A model of multiple linear regression was built to predict disability. 45 people with sci exhibitingdiverse etiology, neurological level and completeness participated. Patients were older than 18 andthey had more than a six-month post-injury. The WHO-DAS II and the ASIA impairment scale(AIS ) were used. Results: Variables that evidenced a significant relationship with disability were thefollowing: occupational situation, type of affiliation to the public health care system, injury evolutiontime, neurological level, partial preservation zone, ais motor and sensory scores and number ofclinical complications during the last year. Complications significantly associated to disability werejoint pain, urinary infections, intestinal problems and autonomic disreflexia. None of the variablesrelated to rehabilitation services showed significant association with disability. The disability degreeexhibited significant differences in favor of the groups that received the following services: assistivedevices supply and vocational, job or educational counseling. Conclusions: The best predictiondisability model in adults with sci with more than six months post-injury was built with variablesof injury evolution time, AIS sensory score and injury-related unemployment.