bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recently Advanced Polymer Materials Containing Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]phosphole Oxide for Efficient Charge Transfer in High‐Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Park Kwang Hun , Kim Yu Jin , Lee Gi Back , An Tae Kyu , Park Chan Eon , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Kim Yun‐Hi
Published: May 2015

Two novel semiconducting polymers based on benzodithiophene and dithienophosphole oxide (DTP) units are designed and synthesized. A novel electron‐deficient DTP moiety is developed. Surprisingly, the introduction of DTP units brings highly polarizable characteristics, which is beneficial for the photocurrent in solar cells. Thus, the donor–acceptor type of conjugated polymers based on this novel acceptor has superior charge transfer properties and highly efficient PL quenching efficiencies. As a result, polymer solar cells (PSCs) with high power conversion efficiencies of 6.10% and 7.08% are obtained from poly(3,5‐didodecyl‐4‐phenylphospholo[3,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene–4‐oxide‐alt‐4,8‐bis(5‐decylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene) (PDTP–BDTT) and PDTP–4‐oxide‐alt‐4,8‐bis(5‐decylselenophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene) (PDTP–BDTSe), respectively, when the photoactive layer is processed with the 1,8‐octanedithiol (ODT) additive. The PDTP–BDTSe copolymer is now the best performing DTP‐based material for PSCs. Using the polarizable unit strategy determined in this study for the molecular design of conjugated polymers is expected to greatly advance the development of organic electronic devices.
Triage for action: Systematic assessment and dissemination of construction health and safety research
Authors: Baker Robin , Chang Charlotte , Bunting Jessica , Betit Eileen
Published: May 2015

Background

Research translation too often relies on passive methods that fail to reach those who can impact the workplace. The need for better research to practice (r2p) approaches is especially pressing in construction, where a disproportionate number of workers suffer serious injury illness.

Methods

A triage process was designed and used to systematically review completed research, assess r2p readiness, establish priorities, and launch dissemination follow‐up efforts. A mixed quantitative and qualitative approach was used.

Results

The process proved effective in ensuring that significant findings and evidence‐based solutions are disseminated actively. Key factors emerged in the selection of follow‐up priorities, including availability of partners able to reach end users, windows of opportunity, and cross‐cutting approaches that can benefit multiple dissemination efforts.

Conclusions

Use of a systematic triage process may have an important role to play in building r2p capacity in construction safety and health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:838–848, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occupational exposure to solvents and risk of breast cancer
Authors: Glass Deborah C. , Heyworth Jane , Thomson Allyson K. , Peters Susan , Saunders Christobel , Fritschi Lin
Published: May 2015

Background

Occupational exposure to some organic solvents may increase risk of breast cancer.

Methods

In a population‐based case‐control study, 1,205 women diagnosed with primary breast cancer between 2009 and 2011 were drawn from the Western Australian Cancer Registry and matched to 1,789 controls from the electoral roll. Exposure to solvents was determined through telephone interviews using OccIDEAS.

Results

About a third of women were occupationally exposed to solvents. Age adjusted breast cancer risks were elevated for women who had been exposed to aliphatic solvents odds ratio (OR) 1.21 (95%CI 0.99–1.48) and aromatic solvents OR 1.21 (95%CI 0.97–1.52). For most solvents the ORs were higher for those diagnosed before menopause.

Conclusions

This study suggests that there may be an association between occupational exposure to aliphatic and aromatic solvents and the risk of breast cancer at the low levels of exposure experienced by women in this study. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:915–922, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aktivierung und Elektronentransfer‐induzierte Reaktion von Kohlendioxid an einer Oxid‐Metall‐Grenzfläche
Authors: Calaza Florencia , Stiehler Christian , Fujimori Yuichi , Sterrer Martin , Beeg Sebastian , Ruiz‐Oses Miguel , Nilius Niklas , Heyde Markus , Parviainen Teemu , Honkala Karoliina , Häkkinen Hannu , Freund Hans‐Joachim
Published: May 2015

Es wurde ein Modellsystem realisiert, das mittels Elektronentransfer durch eine Metall‐Isolator‐Metall(MIM)‐Struktur die Bildung eines CO2‐Radikalanions von aus der Gasphase adsorbiertem Kohlendioxid induziert, welches anschließend zu Oxalat weiterreagiert. Dieser reversible Prozess gestattet eine Studie der involvierten Elementarschritte auf atomarer Ebene. Die Oxalatspezies an der MIM‐Grenzfläche wurden mithilfe der Rastertunnelmikroskopie untersucht, chemisch mittels Infrarotspektroskopie identifiziert und ihre Bildung durch Dichtefunktionalrechnungen verifiziert.
Halogen Bonding Molecular Capsules
Authors: Dumele Oliver , Trapp Nils , Diederich François
Published: May 2015

Molecular capsules based solely on the interaction of halogen bonding (XB) are presented along with their host–guest binding properties in solution. The first example of a well‐defined four‐point XB supramolecular system is realized by decorating resorcin[4]arene cavitands with polarized halogen atoms for dimerization with tetra(4‐pyridyl) resorcin[4]arene cavitands. NMR binding data for the F, Cl, Br, and I cavitands as the XB donor show association constants (Ka) of up to 5370 M−1 (ΔG283 K=−4.85 kcal mol−1, for I), even in XB‐competitive solvent, such as deuterated benzene/acetone/methanol (70:30:1) at 283 K, where comparable monodentate model systems show no association. The XB capsular geometry is evidenced by two‐dimensional HOESY NMR, and the thermodynamic profile shows that capsule formation is enthalpically driven. Either 1,4‐dioxane or 1,4‐dithiane are encapsulated within each of the two separate cavities within the XB capsule, with of up to Ka=9.0 108 M−2 (ΔG283 K=−11.6 kcal mol−1).
Incorporation of azo group at axial position of silatranes: synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Singh Gurjaspreet , Saroa Amandeep , Girdhar Shally , Rani Sunita , Choquesillo‐Lazarte Duane , Sahoo Subash Chandra
Published: May 2015

4‐Aminoazobenzene‐derived silatranes bearing urea and aminosuccinimide as linker groups at the axial position are reported. The urea functionality is introduced in a silane (2) by the rearrangement reaction between 3‐isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane and 4‐aminoazobenzene. N‐(3‐silatranylpropyl)‐N′‐[(p‐phenyldiazenyl)phenyl]urea and N‐[3‐(3,7,10‐trimethylsilatranyl)propyl]‐N′‐[(p‐phenyldiazene)phenyl]urea were prepared by transesterification reaction of 2 with triethanolamine and trisisopropanolamine, respectively. An efficient method for CN bond formation is described for the synthesis of 3‐(silatranylpropyl)amino‐N‐[(p‐phenyldiazene)phenyl]pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione and 3‐[(3,7,10‐trimethylsilatranyl)propyl]amino‐N‐[(p‐phenyldiazene)phenyl]pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione via aza‐Michael addition reaction of aminopropylsilatranes with 4‐(N‐maleimido)azobenzene under mild conditions. All the compounds were well characterized using elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques, thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffraction. UV–visible spectroscopy indicates that the 4‐aminoazobenzene‐derived silatranes are capable acetate receptors. The synthesized compounds were screened for possible antimicrobial properties with the results showing a modest activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Cyclic Five‐Membered trans,trans‐Configured Nitrodiols by Double Henry Reaction of 1,4‐Dialdehydes
Authors: Fröhlich Janine , Lehmkuhl Kirstin , Fröhlich Roland , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: May 2015

Conformationally constrained perhydroquinoxalines 4 show high κ receptor affinity, selectivity over related receptors and full agonistic activity. Since the κ affinity can be correlated with the dihedral angle of the ethylenediamine pharmacophore (4a: 55°/71°), the dihedral angles of the postulated cyclopentane derivative 5a (73°/84°) and indane derivative 6a (77°/81°) were calculated. The first step of the synthesis represents a double Henry reaction of 1,4‐dialdehydes 8 and 10 with nitromethane, leading predominantly to the trans,trans‐configured nitrodiols 9 and 11. X‐ray crystal structure analyses of 9 and 11 led to dihedral angles O2NCCOH of 73.4 and 88.3°, respectively, which reflect the calculated dihedral angles of the hypothesized final products 5a and 6a.
Median estimation of chemical constituents for sampling on two occasions under a log‐normal model
Authors: Kondylis Athanassios
Published: May 2015

Sampling from a finite population on multiple occasions introduces dependencies between the successive samples when overlap is designed. Such sampling designs lead to efficient statistical estimates, while they allow estimating changes over time for the targeted outcomes. This makes them very popular in real‐world statistical practice. Sampling with partial replacement can also be very efficient in biological and environmental studies where estimation of toxicants and its trends over time is the main interest. Sampling with partial replacement is designed here on two occasions in order to estimate the median concentration of chemical constituents quantified by means of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Such data represent relative peak areas resulting from the chromatographic analysis. They are therefore positive‐valued and skewed data, and are commonly fitted very well by the log‐normal model. A log‐normal model is assumed here for chemical constituents quantified in mainstream cigarette smoke in a real case study. Combining design‐based and model‐based approaches for statistical inference, we seek for the median estimation of chemical constituents by sampling with partial replacement on two time occasions. We also discuss the limitations of extending the proposed approach to other skewed population models. The latter is investigated by means of a Monte Carlo simulation study.
A water‐soluble fluorescent pH probe based on perylene dyes and its application to cell imaging
Authors: Ma Yongshan , Zhang Fengxia , Zhang Jinfeng , Jiang Tianyi , Li Xuemei , Wu Junsen , Ren Huixue
Published: May 2015

A fluorescent pH probe, N,N′‐bi( l‐phenylalanine amine)‐perylene‐3,4;9,10‐dicarboxylic diimide (PDCDA) was synthesized and used for pH sensing in living cells. A significant fluorescence intensity change was observed over a pH range from 7.0 to 4.0. Electrostatic potential maps (MEP) suggested that the electronic repulsion between PDCDAs was increased by the high negative electrostatic potential which resulted in a high water solubility of PDCDA. PDCDA was successfully applied as a high‐performance fluorochrome for living HeLa cell imaging. The results demonstrate that the probe PDCDA is a good candidate for monitoring pH fluctuations in living cells with good water solubility, low cytotoxicity, high fluorescence quantum yield and photostability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Newly designed and validated impedance spectroscopy setup in microtiter plates successfully monitors viable biomass online
Authors: Luchterhand Bettina , Nolten Jannis , Hafizovic Sadik , Schlepütz Tino , Wewetzer Sandra Janine , Pach Elke , Meier Kristina , Wandrey Georg , Büchs Jochen
Published: May 2015

In microtiter plates, conventional online monitoring of biomass concentration based on optical measurements is limited to transparent media: It also cannot differentiate between dead or viable biomass or suspended particles. To address this limitation, this study introduces and validates a new online monitoring setup based on impedance spectroscopy for detecting only viable biomass in 48‐ and 96‐well microtiter plates. The setup was first validated electronically and characterized by determining the cell constants of the measuring geometry. Defined cell suspensions of Ustilago maydis, Hansenula polymorpha, Escherichia coli and Bacillus licheniformis were characterized to find, among other parameters, the most suitable frequency range and the characteristic frequency of β‐dispersion for each organism. Finally, the setup was exemplarily applied to monitor the growth of Hansenula polymorpha online. As reference, three different parallel cultures were performed in established cultivation systems. This new online monitoring setup based on impedance spectroscopy is robust and enables precise measurements of microbial biomass concentration. It is promising for future high‐throughput applications.
Regulation of integrins in platelets
Authors: Bennett Joel S.
Published: May 2015

Blood platelets prevent bleeding after trauma by forming occlusive aggregates at sites of vascular injury. Platelet aggregation is mediated by the integrin heterodimer αIIbβ3 and occurs when platelet agonists generated at the injury site convert αIIbβ3 from its resting to its active conformation. Active αIIbβ3 is then able to bind macromolecular ligands such as fibrinogen that crosslink adjacent platelets into hemostatic aggregates. Platelets circulate in a plasma milieu containing high concentrations of the principal αIIbβ3 ligand fibrinogen. Thus, αIIbβ3 activity is tightly regulated to prevent the spontaneous formation of platelet aggregates. αIIbβ3 activity is regulated at least three levels. First, intramolecular interactions involving motifs located in the membrane‐proximal stalk regions, transmembrane domains, and the membrane‐proximal cytosolic tails of αIIb and β3 maintain αIIbβ3 in its inactive conformation. Transmembrane domain interactions appear particularly important because disrupting these interactions causes constitutive αIIbβ3 activation. Second, the agonist‐stimulated binding of the cytosolic proteins talin and kindlin‐3 to the β3 cytosolic tail rapidly causes αIIbβ3 activation by disrupting the intramolecular interactions constraining αIIbβ3 activity. Third, the strength of ligand binding to active αIIbβ3 seems to be allosterically regulated. Thus, αIIbβ3 exists in a minimum of three interconvertible states: an inactive (resting) state that does not interact with ligands and two active ligand binding states that differ in their affinity for fibrinogen and in the mechanical stability of fibrinogen complexes they form. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 323–333, 2015.
Left hippocampus–amygdala complex macro‐ and microstructural variation is associated with BDNF plasma levels in healthy elderly individuals
Authors: Manna Antonietta , Piras Fabrizio , Caltagirone Carlo , Bossù Paola , Sensi Stefano L. , Spalletta Gianfranco
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Deep brain gray matter (GM) structures are involved in several neurodegenerative disorders and are affected by aging. In this study, we investigated the potential relationship between levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a putative biomarker of age‐ and clinically relevant brain dysfunctions, and the presence of structural modifications that were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in six deep GM structures.

Methods

Volume changes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scalars were studied in the thalamus, putamen, hippocampus, caudate nucleus, amygdala and pallidum of a cohort of 120 healthy subjects. The cohort included young (18–39 years old), adult (40–59 years old) and elderly (60–76 years old) subjects.

Results

No correlations were seen in the young and adult cohorts. In the elderly group, we observed reduced BDNF levels that correlated with increased DTI‐based mean diffusivity occurring in the left hippocampus along with decreased normalized volume in the left amygdala.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that, in elderly subjects, BDNF may exert regional and lateralized effects that allow the integrity of two strategic deep GM areas such as the hippocampus and the amygdala.
Assessment of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy using the LDIFLARE technique: a novel technique to detect neural small fiber dysfunction
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev , Venkitaraman Ramachandran , Vas Prashanth R. J. , Rayman Gerry
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The diagnosis and quantification of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a challenge. Conventional methods including quantitative sensory testing (QST), nerve conduction tests, and biopsy are unable to detect subclinical changes, and do not consistently correlate with severity of patients' symptoms and functional impairment. This study aims to determine the utility of the LDI (laser Doppler imager) FLARE technique in the diagnosis of CIPN and whether it correlates with symptom severity.

Materials and Methods

We assessed 24 patients with established CIPN [12 due to platinum analogs (PA) and 12 to Taxanes (TX)] and 24 matched healthy controls (HC). All underwent neurophysiological examination including vibration perception threshold (VPT), sural nerve amplitude (SNAP) and conduction velocity (SNCV), LDIFLARE, and fasting biochemistry. The QLQ‐CIPN20 questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity.

Results

HC, combined chemotherapy (CG), PA, and TX groups were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure. The LDIFLARE was significantly reduced in CG compared to HC (P =< 0.0001), whereas SNAP (P = 0.058) and SNCV (P = 0.054) were not. The LDIFLARE correlated with the QLQ‐CIPN20 symptom scores in all three categories namely, CG (P =< 0.0001), PA (P = 0.001) and TX (P = 0.027) whilst, VPT, SNAP, and SNCV did not.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the LDIFLARE technique is more helpful in confirming the diagnosis of CIPN in patients with distal sensory symptoms than current commonly used methods. Moreover, this novel test fulfils the unmet need for a diagnostic test that relates to the severity of symptoms. This may be useful in quantifying early changes in small fibre function indicating early CIPN.
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) from Traditional Uses to Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Mnif Sami , Aifa Sami
Published: May 2015

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a small annual and herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is a multipurpose plant species cultivated in the Middle East, India, China, and several Mediterranean countries, including Tunisia. Its fruit, known as cumin seed, is most widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is generally used as a food additive, popular spice, and flavoring agent in many cuisines. Cumin has also been widely used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including hypolipidemia, cancer, and diabetes. The literature presents ample evidence for the biological and biomedical activities of cumin, which have generally been ascribed to its content and action of its active constituents, such as terpens, phenols, and flavonoids. The present paper provides an overview of phytochemical profile, biological activities, and ethnomedical and pharmacological uses of Cumin.
Regenerative therapy for the management of a large skin wound in a dog
Authors: Zubin Elena , Conti Virna , Leonardi Fabio , Zanichelli Stefano , Ramoni Roberto , Grolli Stefano
Published: May 2015

Key Clinical Message

Extensive full‐thickness skin wounds are quite common in domestic animals. In these report, following the failure of reconstructive surgery, adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, and platelet‐rich plasma were successfully used in a dog to improve speed and quality of skin tissue healing, avoiding suffering, and debilitating effects.
Size Control of Atorvastatin Calcium Particles Based on Spherical Agglomeration
Authors: Wu Songgu , Li Kangli , Zhang Tianwei , Gong Junbo
Published: May 2015

Atorvastatin calcium (AC) spherical crystals were prepared by spherical agglomeration. CH2Cl2 acting as bridging liquid was added together with the drug solution or after the antisolvent precipitation process. Polymorph transformation in antisolvent crystallization and agglomeration processes was observed by focused‐beam reflectance measurement (FBRM). The results suggested the occurrence of an immediate agglomeration when CH2Cl2 was added together with the drug solution. Size‐controllable AC spherical crystals with improved flowability and compressibility can be obtained by adjusting the amount of CH2Cl2 and the stirring speed. The improved compaction behavior of the AC particles can be applied for direct tableting. A higher stirring speed can reduce the amount of bridging liquid which is required for effective agglomeration. It was a prerequisite for fine particles to be wetted by the bridging liquid in the spherical agglomeration process.
What can we learn from a dress with ambiguous colors?
Authors: Melgosa Manuel , Gómez‐Robledo Luis , Isabel Suero María , Fairchild Mark D.
Published: May 2015

We performed objective spectroradiometric measurements on an LCD image of the recently famous Tumblr dress which is typically perceived by people as blue/black or white/gold. The average ± standard deviation of the CIELAB coordinates was as follows: For a set of 33 points in the areas considered as blue/white, L* = 46 ± 6, C*ab = 33 ± 6, and hab = 282 ± 3°, and for a set of 36 points in the areas considered as black/gold, L* = 29 ± 6; C*ab = 10 ± 4; hab = 16 ± 34°. Initially, this first set of values has low variability and corresponds to a blue color, whereas the second set of values has a very large hue‐angle range, including points which can be considered as both gold and black colors. We also performed spectrophotometric measurements on an original model of this dress, and, assuming D65 illuminant and CIE 1931 colorimetric standard observer, the average results were L* = 26, C*ab = 39, and hab = 289°, and L* = 10, C*ab = 1, and hab = 290° for the blue/white and black/gold points, respectively. We discuss the influence of different factors on the blue/black and white/gold perceptions of different people, including observers' variability in color‐matching functions, Bezold–Brücke and Abney effects, background influence, and illumination assumptions. Although more research on the effect shown in this dress is needed, we think that from this example we can learn that objects do not have specific colors; that is, color is a human perception, and many times the answer of the human visual system is not simple and relies on assumptions of unknown, and variable, origin. © 2015 The Authors Color Research & Application Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 40, 525–529, 2015
Copper‐ and Vanadium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cleavage of Lignin using Dioxygen
Authors: Mottweiler Jakob , Puche Marta , Räuber Christoph , Schmidt Thomas , Concepción Patricia , Corma Avelino , Bolm Carsten
Published: May 2015

Transition‐metal‐containing hydrotalcites (HTc) and V(acac)3/Cu(NO3)2⋅3 H2O (acac=acetylacetonate) mixtures were tested for their catalytic activity in the cleavage of the lignin model compound erythro‐1‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)‐l,3‐propanediol (1) with molecular oxygen as oxidant. Both catalytic systems displayed high activity and good selectivity and afforded veratric acid as the main product. The catalyst behavior was studied by EPR spectroscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. After the catalysts were established for the model system, lignin depolymerization studies were performed with various organsolv and kraft lignin sources. The oxidative depolymerization and lignin bond cleavage were monitored by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), MALDI MS, and 2D‐NMR (HSQC). Irrespective of the lignin pretreatment, both HTc‐Cu‐V and V(acac)3/Cu(NO3)2⋅3 H2O were able to cleave the β‐O‐4 linkages and the resinol structures to form dimeric and trimeric products.
Self‐Assembled 3D Graphene‐Based Aerogel with Co3O4 Nanoparticles as High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Xie Lijing , Su Fangyuan , Xie Longfei , Li Xiaoming , Liu Zhuo , Kong Qingqiang , Guo Xiaohui , Zhang Yaoyao , Wan Liu , Li Kaixi , Lv Chunxiang , Chen Chengmeng
Published: May 2015

Using graphene oxide and a cobalt salt as precursor, a three‐dimensional graphene aerogel with embedded Co3O4 nanoparticles (3D Co3O4–RGO aerogel) is prepared by means of a solvothermal approach and subsequent freeze‐drying and thermal reduction. The obtained 3D Co3O4–RGO aerogel has a high specific capacitance of 660 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a high rate capability of 65.1 % retention at 50 A g−1 in a three‐electrode system. Furthermore, the material is used as cathode to fabricate an asymmetric supercapacitor utilizing a hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) as anode and 6 M KOH aqueous solution as electrolyte. In a voltage range of 0.0 to 1.5 V, the device exhibits a high energy density of 40.65 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 340 W kg−1 and shows a high cycling stability (92.92 % capacitance retention after 2000 cycles). After charging for only 30 s, three CR2032 coin‐type asymmetric supercapacitors in series can drive a light‐emitting‐diode (LED) bulb brightly for 30 min, which remains effective even after 1 h.
Development, psychometric properties and preliminary clinical validation of a brief, session‐by‐session measure of eating disorder cognitions and behaviors: The ED‐15
Authors: Tatham Madeleine , Turner Hannah , Mountford Victoria A. , Tritt Ashley , Dyas Rebecca , Waller Glenn
Published: May 2015

Objective

 In the treatment research literature on other psychological disorders, there is a move towards session‐by‐session symptom measurement. The necessary measures need to be brief, focused on core features since the last session, and readily available to clinicians. There is no measure in the eating disorders that meets those criteria. This research reports the development and validation of such a self‐report questionnaire.

Method

 The authors generated and refined a brief set of attitudinal and behavioral items. The resulting questionnaire (the ED‐15) and an existing measure (Eating Disorders Examination‐Questionnaire; EDE‐Q) were completed by a large nonclinical adult sample (N = 531), a group of self‐reported eating disorder sufferers (N = 63), and a group of women (N = 33) diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or atypical bulimia nervosa and undertaking cognitive‐behavioral therapy.

Results

 Factor analysis identified two scales (Weight and Shape Concerns; Eating Concerns), with strong internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Correlations with the EDE‐Q (r = 0.889) indicates that the ED‐15 and EDE‐Q measure near‐identical constructs. The ED‐15 differentiated self‐reported eating‐disordered and nonclinical groups to the same degree as the longer EDE‐Q. Session‐by‐session analysis of the CBT treatment group demonstrated that the different ED‐15 scales changed in different patterns across therapy.

Discussion

 The ED‐15 is not proposed as an alternative to existing measures, but as a complementary tool, used to measure session‐by‐session change for clinical and research purposes. Future research will track changes in ED‐15 scores across therapy, to determine the importance of very early response to therapy and sudden changes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:1005–1015).
Understand forces at play in financial aid award decisions
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2015

BALTIMORE, MD. — Financial aid is a valuable tool for providing access to higher education and for recruiting and retaining students. But how money is allocated — and who gets it — are complex questions that must be answered with a host of considerations in mind. Those include the institution's mission and issues of ethics in how students are treated.
Exposure to the androgenic brominated flame retardant 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)-cyclohexane alters reproductive and aggressive behaviors in birds
Authors: Marteinson Sarah C. , Letcher Robert J. , Fernie Kimberly J.
Published: May 2015

Detected in environmental samples, 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl) cyclohexane (DBE-DBCH) is a bioaccumulative isomer of a current-use brominated flame retardant. All 4 structural isomers are androgen agonists; however, little toxicological information exists for this compound. The objective of the present study was to determine if β-DBE-DBCH, the isomer found most prominently in animal tissue, affects androgen-dependent behavior of breeding American kestrels (Falco sparverius). The authors hypothesized that if β-DBE-DBCH acts as an androgen agonist in kestrels, androgen-dependent behaviors (i.e., copulation, courtship, aggression) would increase and behaviors inhibited by androgens (i.e., parental care behaviors) would decrease. Sixteen captive experimental kestrel pairs were exposed to 0.239 ng β-DBE-DBCH/g kestrel/d by diet from 4 wk prior to pairing until their nestlings hatched (mean 82 d) and compared with vehicle only–exposed control pairs (n = 15). Androgen-dependent behaviors were significantly increased in β-DBE-DBCH–exposed birds, consistent with the authors' hypothesis. These behavioral changes included copulation and other sexual behaviors in males and females and aggression in males, suggesting that β-DBE-DBCH may have acted like an androgen agonist in these birds. Parental behaviors were not reduced in exposed birds as predicted, although dietary exposure had ceased before chicks hatched. Further assessment of β-DBE-DBCH is recommended given these behavioral changes and the previously reported reproductive changes in the same birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2395–2402. © 2015 SETAC
Completed suicide among nursing home residents: a systematic review
Authors: Murphy Briony J. , Bugeja Lyndal , Pilgrim Jennifer , Ibrahim Joseph E.
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of this study is to systematically review published research describing the frequency, nature, and contributing factors of completed suicides among nursing home residents.

Methods

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Statement, this review examined all original, peer‐reviewed literature published in English between 1 January 1949 and 31 December 2013 describing completed suicides among nursing home residents. Information extracted for analysis included: study and population characteristics, method of suicide, potential risk factors, and interventions.

Results

Eight studies were identified; the majority (n = 5) conducted in the United States of America. There were 113 suicides in nursing homes reported in the literature, 101 with detailed information available for aggregate analysis. The majority were male (n = 62, 61.4%), aged between 61 and 93 years. Suicide was most commonly by hanging (n = 27, 38.0%) or falling from a height (n = 27, 38.0%). Risk factors were considered in a proportion of studies. Depression was examined in 27 cases and present in 18 (67%). Duration of residence was examined in 25 cases, 13 (52%) of which had resided in the nursing home less than 12 months. Physical health was examined in 22 cases, 11 (50%) of whom were experiencing physical decline. Prior suicidal behaviour, cognitive function, and personal loss were also examined. Organizational risk factors and intervention strategies were rarely considered.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of research describing completed suicide among nursing home residents. More large‐scale research is required using standardized methods for reporting information to better understand and prevent completed suicides in this setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain activity and connectivity during poetry composition: Toward a multidimensional model of the creative process
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Erkkinen Michael G. , Healey Meghan L. , Xu Yisheng , Swett Katherine E. , Chow Ho Ming , Braun Allen R.
Published: May 2015

Creativity, a multifaceted construct, can be studied in various ways, for example, investigating phases of the creative process, quality of the creative product, or the impact of expertise. Previous neuroimaging studies have assessed these individually. Believing that each of these interacting features must be examined simultaneously to develop a comprehensive understanding of creative behavior, we examined poetry composition, assessing process, product, and expertise in a single experiment. Distinct activation patterns were associated with generation and revision, two major phases of the creative process. Medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) was active during both phases, yet responses in dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal executive systems (DLPFC/IPS) were phase‐dependent, indicating that while motivation remains unchanged, cognitive control is attenuated during generation and re‐engaged during revision. Experts showed significantly stronger deactivation of DLPFC/IPS during generation, suggesting that they may more effectively suspend cognitive control. Importantly however, similar overall patterns were observed in both groups, indicating the same cognitive resources are available to experts and novices alike. Quality of poetry, assessed by an independent panel, was associated with divergent connectivity patterns in experts and novices, centered upon MPFC (for technical facility) and DLPFC/IPS (for innovation), suggesting a mechanism by which experts produce higher quality poetry. Crucially, each of these three key features can be understood in the context of a single neurocognitive model characterized by dynamic interactions between medial prefrontal areas regulating motivation, dorsolateral prefrontal, and parietal areas regulating cognitive control and the association of these regions with language, sensorimotor, limbic, and subcortical areas distributed throughout the brain. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3351–3372, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc..
One‐Pot Synthesis of 3‐Alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones by the Reactions of 2‐(Azidomethyl)benzoates with NaH
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Chikazawa Yuuki , Ezaki Kosuke
Published: May 2015

A new and facile method for the general preparation of 3‐alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones has been developed. Thus, the reaction of 2‐(azidomethyl)benzoates with NaH affords, after workup with H2O, 3‐alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones 2. 2‐Substituted 3‐alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones 4 can be obtained by adding alkyl halides prior to workup with H2O.
Risky drug use and effects on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness
Authors: Ogeil Rowan P. , Phillips James G. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. , Broadbear Jillian H.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Sleep problems are commonly reported following alcohol and cannabis abuse, but our understanding of sleep in non‐clinical drug using populations is limited. The present study examined the sleep characteristics of alcohol and cannabis users recruited from the wider community.

Methods

Two hundred forty‐eight self‐identified alcohol and/or cannabis users (131 women and 117 men) with a mean age of 26.41 years completed an online study that was advertised via online forums, print media and flyers. As part of the study, participants completed validated sleep scales assessing sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) in addition to validated drug scales assessing alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and cannabis (Marijuana Screening Inventory) use.

Results

Problems with sleep quality were more commonly reported than were complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness. Clinically significant poor sleep quality was associated with comorbid problem alcohol and cannabis use. Women reporting problem alcohol and cannabis use had poorer sleep outcomes than men.

Conclusions

Social drug users who report risky alcohol and cannabis use also report poor sleep. Poor sleep quality likely exacerbates any drug‐associated problems in non‐clinical populations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological, sensorimotor, and expectancy effects on tobacco withdrawal: a preliminary study
Authors: Guillot Casey R. , Stone Matthew D. , Geary Bree A. , Kirkpatrick Matthew G. , Tidey Jennifer W. , Cook Jessica W. , Leventhal Adam M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Research designs for parsing the mechanisms underlying tobacco withdrawal are scant. This study introduced a novel research design that simultaneously manipulated three tobacco withdrawal mechanisms: pharmacological (nicotine dissipation), sensorimotor (elimination of the smoking ritual), and expectancy (activation of beliefs regarding the effects of nicotine deprivation), permitting examination of the effects of each mechanism while holding the other two mechanisms constant.

Methods

Following overnight abstinence, 32 regular cigarette smokers were randomized in a 2 (expectancy: told patch contains nicotine versus told placebo patch) × 2 (drug: receive 21‐mg transdermal nicotine patch versus receive placebo patch) × 2 (sensorimotor: smoke very low nicotine content cigarettes versus no smoking) full factorial between‐subjects design. Participants repeatedly completed measures of craving, affect, and anticipated pleasure from and desire for rewarding experiences, followed by a smoking lapse analog task.

Results

Receiving nicotine (versus placebo) increased positive affect and anticipated pleasure from and desire for reward. Expecting nicotine (versus placebo) reduced negative affect and increased smoking delay. Sensorimotor stimulation from smoking (versus no smoking) reduced smoking urge and behavior.

Conclusion

Results provided initial validation of this novel three‐mechanism design. This design can be used in the future to advance understanding and treatment of tobacco withdrawal. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoplasmic reticulum quality control and systemic amyloid disease: Impacting protein stability from the inside out
Authors: Chen John J. , Genereux Joseph C. , Wiseman R. Luke
Published: May 2015

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for regulating proteome integrity throughout the secretory pathway. The ER protects downstream secretory environments such as the extracellular space by partitioning proteins between ER protein folding, trafficking, and degradation pathways in a process called ER quality control. In this process, ER quality control factors identify misfolded, aggregation‐prone protein conformations and direct them toward ER protein folding or degradation, reducing their secretion to the extracellular space where they could further misfold or aggregate into proteotoxic conformations. Despite the general efficiency of ER quality control, many human diseases, such as the systemic amyloidoses, involve aggregation of destabilized, aggregation‐prone proteins in the extracellular space. A common feature for all systemic amyloid diseases is the ability for amyloidogenic proteins to evade ER quality control and be efficiently secreted. The efficient secretion of these amyloidogenic proteins increases their serum concentrations available for the distal proteotoxic aggregation characteristic of these diseases. This indicates that ER quality control, and the regulation thereof, is a critical determinant in defining the onset and pathology of systemic amyloid diseases. Here, we discuss the pathologic and potential therapeutic relationship between ER quality control, protein secretion, and distal deposition of amyloidogenic proteins involved in systemic amyloid diseases. Furthermore, we present evidence that the unfolded protein response, the stress‐responsive signaling pathway that regulates ER quality control, is involved in the pathogenesis of systemic amyloid diseases and represents a promising emerging therapeutic target to intervene in this class of human disease. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(6):404–413, 2015
The origins of the directionality of noncovalent intermolecular interactions#
Authors: Wang Changwei , Guan Liangyu , Danovich David , Shaik Sason , Mo Yirong
Published: May 2015

The recent σ‐hole concept emphasizes the contribution of electrostatic attraction to noncovalent bonds, and implies that the electrostatic force has an angular dependency. Here a set of clusters, which includes hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, chalcogen bonding, and pnicogen bonding systems, is investigated to probe the magnitude of covalency and its contribution to the directionality in noncovalent bonding. The study is based on the block‐localized wavefunction (BLW) method that decomposes the binding energy into the steric and the charge transfer (CT) (hyperconjugation) contributions. One unique feature of the BLW method is its capability to derive optimal geometries with only steric effect taken into account, while excluding the CT interaction. The results reveal that the overall steric energy exhibits angular dependency notably in halogen bonding, chalcogen bonding, and pnicogen bonding systems. Turning on the CT interactions further shortens the intermolecular distances. This bond shortening enhances the Pauli repulsion, which in turn offsets the electrostatic attraction, such that in the final sum, the contribution of the steric effect to bonding is diminished, leaving the CT to dominate the binding energy. In several other systems particularly hydrogen bonding systems, the steric effect nevertheless still plays the major role whereas the CT interaction is minor. However, in all cases, the CT exhibits strong directionality, suggesting that the linearity or near linearity of noncovalent bonds is largely governed by the charge‐transfer interaction whose magnitude determines the covalency in noncovalent bonds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hospitalized patients frequently unaware of their chronic kidney disease
Authors: Saunders Milda R. , Kim Sharon Dahei , Patel Nisha , Meltzer David O. , Chin Marshall H.
Published: May 2015

Prior studies have found that outpatients are frequently unaware of their chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little is known about CKD awareness in hospitalized patients. We conducted a retrospective study of general medicine inpatients with CKD, ascertained through International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for non–dialysis‐dependent CKD (585.0–585.9) in their first 20 admission diagnoses (n = 590). Patient awareness of their CKD, defined as correct patient self‐report of “kidney problems” was 32%. Of 161 patients with advanced CKD, 48% of patients with stage 4 (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 15–29) and 63% with stage 5 (eGFR <15) reported having CKD. In multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with patient self‐report of CKD included advanced CKD stage, other race (nonwhite, non‐African American), and increasing Mini‐Mental State Exam score (all P < 0.05). CKD awareness increased, but remained low, in patients with advanced CKD who would benefit from referral to multidisciplinary nephrology care. Hospitalization provides an opportunity to educate patients with CKD and link them to care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:619–622. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Mating in the box jellyfish Copula sivickisi—Novel function of cnidocytes
Authors: Garm Anders , Lebouvier Marion , Tolunay Duygu
Published: May 2015

Within cubozoans, a few species have developed a sexual reproduction system including mating and internal fertilization. One species, Copula sivickisi, is found in a large area of the indo pacific. They have separate sexes and when mature males and females meet they entangle their tentacles and the males transfer a sperm package, a spermatozeugmata, which is ingested by the female fertilizing her eggs internally. After 2–3 days, the females lay an embryo strand that sticks to the substrate and after another 2–3 days, the fully developed larvae leave the strand. We have examined the ultrastructure of the gonads and spermatozeugmata to look for structural adaptations to this specialized way of reproduction and understand how the fertilization takes place. Surprisingly, we discovered that the male gonads were heavily packed with cnidocytes of the isorhiza type and that they are transferred to the spermatozeugmata. The spermatozeugmata does not dissolve in the female gastrovascular cavity but is attached to the female gonad probably using the isorhizas. Here, the sperm cells are partly digested and the nuclei are released. The actual fertilization seems to happen through phagocytosis of the released nuclei by the epithelial cells. The female gonads are likewise packed with cnidocytes but of the eurytele type. They do not mature inside the female and putatively serve to protect the developing larvae once the embryo strand is laid. This specialized way of fertilization is to our knowledge novel and so is this first account of cnidocytes being directly involved in cnidarian reproduction. J. Morphol. 276:1055–1064, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The interbranchial lymphoid tissue of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salarL) extends as a diffuse mucosal lymphoid tissue throughout the trailing edge of the gill filament
Authors: Dalum Alf S. , Austbø Lars , Bjørgen Håvard , Skjødt Karsten , Hordvik Ivar , Hansen Tom , Fjelldal Per G. , Press Charles McL , Griffiths David J. , Koppang Erling O.
Published: May 2015

The teleost gill forms an extensive, semipermeable barrier that must tolerate intimate contact with the surrounding environment and be able to protect the body from external pathogens. The recent discovery of the interbranchial lymphoid tissue (ILT) has initiated an anatomical and functional investigation of the lymphoid tissue of the salmonid gill. In this article, sectioning of gill arches in all three primary planes revealed an elongation of the ILT outward along the trailing edge of the primary filament to the very distal end, a finding not previously described. This newly found lymphoid tissue was investigated using a range of morphological and transcriptional tools. Avoiding potential salinity‐related effects, the study focused on two fresh‐water life stages—smoltifying juveniles and mature adults. Aggregates of T‐cells continuous with the ILT were found within the thick epithelial lining of the trailing edge of the filament in considerably larger numbers than seen in the epithelium of the leading edge and of the interlamellar area. Only a few of these cells were identified as CD8α+‐cells, and there was a significantly (P < 0.05) higher relative expression of CD4‐ than of CD8‐ related genes in all gill segments investigated. Numerous major histocompatibility complex class II+‐cells were distributed uniformly throughout the filament epithelial tissue. Few Ig+‐cells were detected. Overall, the morphological features and comparable immune gene expression of the previously described ILT and the filament trailing edge lymphoid tissue suggest a close functional and anatomical relationship. We propose that the anatomical definition of the ILT must be broadened to include both the previously described ILT (to be renamed proximal ILT) and the trailing edge lymphoid tissue (to be named distal ILT). This extended anatomical localisation identifies the ILT as a widely distributed mucosal lymphoid tissue in the gill of Atlantic salmon. J. Morphol. 276:1075–1088, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Professional Development Barriers and Benefits in a Tourism Knowledge Economy
Authors: Lyons Kevin D. , Young Tamara , Hanley Joanne , Stolk Paul
Published: May 2015

This study investigates small to medium tourism enterprise (SMTE) owner–managers' intentions to seek professional development. SMTEs in a regional tourism destination were surveyed, and an exploratory factor analysis identified barriers to, and benefits of, professional development factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict SMTE owner–manager's intention to pursue professional development based on perceived benefits of and barriers to training factors, education level and business size. ‘Staff performance benefits’ and ‘time/cost barriers’ of owner–manager's intention to seek professional development opportunities for staff. ‘Business performance benefits’ predicted owner–manager's intentions to seek professional develop for themselves. Implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.