Synthesis and controlled growth of osmium nanoparticles by electron irradiation

YesWe have synthesised osmium nanoparticles of defined size (1.5–50 nm) on a B- and S-doped turbostratic graphitic structure by electron-beam irradiation of an organometallic osmium complex encapsulated in self-spreading polymer micelles, and characterised them by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) on the same grid. Oxidation of the osmium nanoparticles after exposure to air was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).We thank the Leverhulme Trust (Early Career Fellowship No. ECF-2013-414 to NPEB), the University of Warwick (Grant No. RD14102 to NPEB), the ERC (Grant No. 247450 to PJS), and the EPSRC (EP/F034210/1 to PJS). L.M.A.P., J.L., and G.C. acknowledge financial support from the EU through the ERC Consolidator Grant “VISUAL-MS”

Anti-Inflammatory properties of Salograviolide A purified from Lebanese plant Centaurea ainetensis

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Association between maternal nutritional status in pregnancy and offspring cognitive function in childhood and adolescence; a systematic review

Background The mother is the only source of nutrition for fetal growth including brain development. Maternal nutritional status (anthropometry, macro- and micro-nutrients) before and/or during pregnancy is therefore a potential predictor of offspring cognitive function. The relationship of maternal nutrition to offspring cognitive function is unclear. This review aims to assess existing evidence linking maternal nutritional status with offspring cognitive function. Methods Exposures considered were maternal BMI, height and weight, micronutrient status (vitamins D, B12, folate and iron) and macronutrient intakes (carbohydrate, protein and fat). The outcome was any measure of cognitive function in children aged <18 years. We considered observational studies and trials with allocation groups that differed by single nutrients. We searched Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases and reference lists of retrieved literature. Two reviewers independently extracted data from relevant articles. We used methods recommended by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results Of 16,143 articles identified, 38 met inclusion criteria. Most studies were observational, and from high-income settings. There were few randomized controlled trials. There was consistent evidence linking maternal obesity with lower cognitive function in children; low maternal BMI has been inadequately studied. Among three studies of maternal vitamin D status, two showed lower cognitive function in children of deficient mothers. One trial of folic acid supplementation showed no effects on the children’s cognitive function and evidence from 13 observational studies was mixed. Among seven studies of maternal vitamin B12 status, most showed no association, though two studies in highly deficient populations suggested a possible effect. Four out of six observational studies and two trials (including one in an Iron deficient population) found no association of maternal iron status with offspring cognitive function. One trial of maternal carbohydrate/protein supplementation showed no effects on offspring cognitive function. Conclusions Current evidence that maternal nutritional status during pregnancy as defined by BMI, single micronutrient studies, or macronutrient intakes influences offspring cognitive function is inconclusive. There is a need for more trials especially in populations with high rates of maternal undernutrition. Systematic review registration Registered in PROSPERO CRD42013005702

Artifacts in Force Measurements with the Atomic Force Microscope Due to Digitalization

The atomic force microscope has become a standard tool to measuee surface forces. Force-versus-distance curvss taken with an atomic force microscope often show a hysteresis in the noncontact region between approach and retraction. The hysteresis can be caused by the discrete, stepwise motion of the sample due to digitalization. Since in the presence of liquids cantilever and sample are coupled, the cantilever oscillates after each step. Depending on when a data point is recorded during this oscillation, the amplitude of the cantilever deflection measured may deviate from the equilibrium value. This might cause a hysteresis and other misleading results in force-versus-distance measurements. Especially when attractive forces are measured, cantilever oscillations can severely change the result