bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactions of Li/Cl Phosphinidenoid Complexes with 1,3,4,5‐Tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene: A New Route to N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Adducts of Terminal Phosphin­idene Complexes and an Unprecedented Transformation of an Oxaphosphirane Complex
Authors: Klein Melina , Schnakenburg Gregor , Espinosa Ferao Arturo , Tokitoh Norihiro , Streubel Rainer
Published: November 2015

The reaction of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid tungsten(0) complex 2 [R = CH(SiMe3)2] with 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene (3) yielded the zwitterionic phosphaalkene complex 4. A comparative study on chloro‐ (5) or dichloro(organo)phosphane complexes 1 [R = CH(SiMe3)2] and NHC 3 revealed the formation of 4 at ambient temperature. First evidence for the formation of phosphinidenoid complex 7, having a C‐Cl imidazolium cation, and its reaction with benzaldehyde to give oxaphosphirane complex 9 are presented. Furthermore, the first example of a formal exchange at the phosphorus center of an oxaphosphirane complex to give zwitterion 4 is demonstrated.
Practical Synthesis of Phenanthrid­inones by Palladium‐Catalyzed One‐Pot C–C and C–N Coupling Reaction: Extending the Substrate Scope to o‐Chlorobenzamides
Authors: Liu Hailong , Han Weibiao , Li Chun , Ma Zhiyong , Li Ruixiang , Zheng Xueli , Fu Haiyan , Chen Hua
Published: November 2015

A highly efficient construction of phenanthridinone derivatives from o‐halobenzamides was developed by using a phosphine‐free palladium catalyst in N,N‐dimethylacetamide. The domino reaction proceeds through a sequential C–C and C–N bond‐formation process in one pot. This protocol exhibits broad substrate scope and affords a series of phenanthridinones in up to 93 % yield. Importantly, the protocol could also be applied for the less reactive o‐chlorobenzamides. The approach constitutes the first example of the synthesis of phenanthridinones from this kind of substrate. Moreover, the success of a gram‐scale reaction demonstrated that this operationally simple process is scalable.
Credible regions for exceedance sets of geostatistical data
Authors: French Joshua P. , Hoeting Jennifer A.
Published: November 2015

Identifying regions having large or unusual response in a spatial domain is frequently of interest in environmental and public health contexts. These regions having a large response are frequently called exceedance sets, exceedance regions, or excursion sets. We propose Bayesian methodology for constructing credible regions that either contain the exceedance sets or are contained within the exceedance sets with a specified level probability. The algorithms are simple to implement and use samples from the joint posterior predictive distribution of the process of interest. The R package ExceedanceTools implements the proposed methodology. We study the coverage properties of the methodology and also show that it has good coverage properties in practice. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed method has good performance with respect to the empirical coverage and power. We apply this methodology to identify regions of high zinc concentration using soil samples collected in southwestern Wyoming. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of Life, Body Image and Sexual Functioning in Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: Sarwer David B. , Steffen Kristine J.
Published: November 2015

This article provides an overview of the literature on quality of life, body image and sexual behaviour in individuals with extreme obesity and who undergo bariatric surgery. Quality of life is a psychosocial construct that includes multiple domains, including health‐related quality of life, weight‐related quality of life, as well as other psychological constructs such as body image and sexual functioning. A large literature has documented the impairments in quality of life and these other domains in persons with obesity and extreme obesity in particular. These impairments are believed to play an influential role in the decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery typically report significant improvements in these and other areas of psychosocial functioning, often before they reach their maximum weight loss. The durability of these changes as patients maintain or regain weight, however, is largely unknown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Inpatient Treatment for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: Clinical Significance and Predictors of Treatment Outcome
Authors: Schlegl Sandra , Diedrich Alice , Neumayr Christina , Fumi Markus , Naab Silke , Voderholzer Ulrich
Published: November 2015

This study evaluated the clinical significance as well as predictors of outcome for adolescents with severe anorexia nervosa (AN) treated in an inpatient setting. Body mass index (BMI), eating disorder (ED) symptoms [Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2)], general psychopathology and depression were assessed in 238 patients at admission and discharge. BMI increased from 14.8 + 1.2 to 17.3 + 1.4 kg/m2. Almost a fourth (23.6%) of the patients showed reliable changes, and 44.7% showed clinically significant changes (EDI‐2). BMI change did not significantly differ between those with reliable or clinically significant change or no reliable change in EDI‐2. Length of stay, depression and body dissatisfaction were negative predictors of a clinically significant change. Inpatient treatment is effective in about two thirds of adolescents with AN and should be considered when outpatient treatment fails. About one third of patients showed significant weight gain, but did not improve regarding overall ED symptomatology. Future studies should focus on treatment strategies for non‐responders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Clinical patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A multicenter prospective study
Authors: Piscaglia Fabio , Svegliati‐Baroni Gianluca , Barchetti Andrea , Pecorelli Anna , Marinelli Sara , Tiribelli Claudio , Bellentani Stefano ,   on behalf of the HCC‐NAFLD Italian Study Group
Published: November 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and may evolve into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Only scanty clinical information is available on HCC in NAFLD. The aim of this multicenter observational prospective study was to assess the clinical features of patients with NAFLD‐related HCC (NAFLD‐HCC) and to compare them to those of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related HCC. A total of 756 patients with either NAFLD (145) or HCV‐related chronic liver disease (611) were enrolled in secondary care Italian centers. Survival was modeled according to clinical parameters, lead‐time bias, and propensity analysis. Compared to HCV, HCC in NAFLD patients had a larger volume, showed more often an infiltrative pattern, and was detected outside specific surveillance. Cirrhosis was present in only about 50% of NAFLD‐HCC patients, in contrast to the near totality of HCV‐HCC. Regardless of tumor stage, survival was significantly shorter (P = 0.017) in patients with NAFLD‐HCC, 25.5 months (95% confidence interval 21.9‐29.1), than in those with HCV‐HCC, 33.7 months (95% confidence interval 31.9‐35.4). To eliminate possible confounders, a propensity score analysis was performed, which showed no more significant difference between the two groups. Additionally, analysis of patients within Milan criteria submitted to curative treatments did not show any difference in survival between NAFLD‐HCC and HCV‐HCC (respectively, 38.6 versus 41.0 months, P = nonsignificant) Conclusions: NAFLD‐HCC is more often detected at a later tumor stage and could arise also in the absence of cirrhosis, but after patient matching, it has a similar survival rate compared to HCV infection; a future challenge will be to identify patients with NAFLD who require more stringent surveillance in order to offer the most timely and effective treatment. (Hepatology 2016;63:827–838)
The rs2294918 E434K variant modulates patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 expression and liver damage
Authors: Donati Benedetta , Motta Benedetta Maria , Pingitore Piero , Meroni Marica , Pietrelli Alessandro , Alisi Anna , Petta Salvatore , Xing Chao , Dongiovanni Paola , del Menico Benedetta , Rametta Raffaela , Mancina Rosellina Margherita , Badiali Sara , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Craxì Antonio , Fargion Silvia , Nobili Valerio , Romeo Stefano , Valenti Luca
Published: November 2015

The patatin‐like phosholipase domain‐containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 polymorphism (I148M) is a major determinant of hepatic fat and predisposes to the full spectrum of liver damage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether additional PNPLA3 coding variants contribute to NAFLD susceptibility, first in individuals with contrasting phenotypes (with early‐onset NAFLD vs. very low aminotransferases) and then in a large validation cohort. Rare PNPLA3 variants were not detected by sequencing coding regions and intron‐exon boundaries either in 142 patients with early‐onset NAFLD nor in 100 healthy individuals with alanine aminotransferase <22/20 IU/mL. Besides rs738409 I148M, the rs2294918 G>A polymorphism (E434K sequence variant) was over‐represented in NAFLD (adjusted P = 0.01). In 1,447 subjects with and without NAFLD, the 148M‐434E (P < 0.0001), but not the 148M‐434K, haplotype (P > 0.9), was associated with histological NAFLD and steatohepatitis. Both the I148M (P = 0.0002) and E434K variants (P = 0.044) were associated with serum ALT levels, by interacting with each other, in that the 434K hampered the association with liver damage of the 148M allele (P = 0.006). The E434K variant did not affect PNPLA3 enzymatic activity, but carriers of the rs2294918 A allele (434K) displayed lower hepatic PNPLA3 messenger RNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Rare loss‐of‐function PNPLA3 variants were not detected in early‐onset NAFLD. However, PNPLA3 rs2294918 E434K decreased PNPLA3 expression, lessening the effect of the I148M variant on the predisposition to steatosis and liver damage. This suggests that the PNPLA3 I148M variant has a codominant negative effect on triglycerides mobilization from lipid droplets, mediated by inhibition of other lipases. (Hepatology 2016;63:787–798)
Down‐regulation of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p57 is mediated by Jab1/Csn5 in hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Guo Hui , Jing Li , Cheng Yangzi , Atsaves Vassilis , Lv Yi , Wu Tao , Su Rujuan , Zhang Yamin , Zhang Ronghua , Liu Wenbin , Rassidakis George Z. , Wei Yongchang , Nan Kejun , Claret Francois X.
Published: November 2015

Down‐regulation of p57 (KIP2) cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors accelerates the growth and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suggesting that p57 may play an important role in liver carcinogenesis. However, the mechanism or oncogenic signal leading to p57 down‐regulation in HCC remains to be determined. Herein, we demonstrated that Jab1/Csn5 expression is negatively correlated with p57 levels in HCC tissues. Kaplan‐Meier analysis of tumor samples revealed that high Jab1/Csn5 expression with concurrent low p57 expression is associated with poor overall survival. The inverse pattern of Jab1 and p57 expression was also observed during carcinogenesis in a chemically induced rat HCC model. We also found that mechanistically, Jab1‐mediated p57 proteolysis in HCC cells is dependent on 26S‐proteasome inhibitors. We further demonstrated that direct physical interaction between Jab1 and p57 triggers p57 down‐regulation, independently of Skp2 and Akt pathways, in HCC cells. These data suggest that Jab1 is an important upstream negative regulator of p57 and that aberrant expression of Jab1 in HCC could lead to a significant decrease in p57 levels and contribute to tumor cell growth. Furthermore, restoration of p57 levels induced by loss of Jab1 inhibited tumor cell growth and further increased cell apoptosis in HCC cells. Moreover, silencing Jab1 expression further enhanced the antitumor effects of cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in HCC cells. Conclusion: Jab1‐p57 pathway confers resistance to chemotherapy and may represent a potential target for investigational therapy in HCC. (Hepatology 2016;63:898–913)
Collaborations between Israel and Germany in Chemistry and the Other Sciences – a Sign of Normalization?
Authors: Deichmann Ute
Published: November 2015

The scientific collaboration between Israel and Germany was not initiated, as commonly believed, by the Max Planck Society or by German scientists who wanted to revive collaboration with their former Jewish colleagues. Rather, it was initiated in the mid‐1950s by two Israeli scientists from the Weizmann Institute and a German scientist at the time at CERN in violation of the widely accepted cultural boycott by Israel against Germany. The initiators succeeded in procuring political support; large‐scale collaboration between the Weizmann Institute, German universities, and the Max Planck Society was developed. In the aftermath of the Second World War, German science suffered from the Nazi expulsion of Jewish scientists and partial international isolation; the collaboration with Israel enabled young German scientists to overcome this isolation and benefit from stimulating Israeli research environments. In times of economic hardship, the collaboration helped Israeli science materially, provided contacts to chemical industry, and strengthened the cooperation between Israeli and European science. The collaboration was built, in part, on postwar myths created by German scientists and the Max Planck Society about their former anti‐Nazi attitudes. Despite the difficult beginnings and some hidden political agendas, the collaboration developed very successfully. Germany became Israel’s second most important partner in the scientific field, after the USA. Today, normalcy prevails in many – though not all – of the Israeli‐German collaborative projects; the past is not forgotten, but science is in the fore.
Oxidative Synthesis of Quinazolinones under Metal‐free Conditions
Authors: Feng Jian‐Bo , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: November 2015

A metal‐free procedure for the synthesis of quinazolinones under oxidative conditions has been developed. In the presence of DABCO and TBHP, the desired products can be obtained in moderate yields with 2‐fluorobenzaldehydes and 2‐aminopyridines as the substrates.
Olive pomace valorization by Aspergillus species: lipase production using solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Oliveira Felisbela , Moreira Cláudia , Salgado José Manuel , Abrunhosa Luís , Venâncio Armando , Belo Isabel
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Pollution by olive mill wastes is an important problem in the Mediterranean area and novel solutions for their proper management and valorization are needed. The aim of this work was to optimize a solid‐state fermentation (SSF) process to produce lipase using olive pomace (OP) as the main source of nutrients by several Aspergillus spp. Optimized variables in two different designs were: ratio between olive pomace and wheat bran (OP:WB), NaNO3, Czapek nutrients, fermentation time, moisture content (MC) and temperature.

RESULTS

Results showed that the mixture OP:WB and MC were the most significant factors affecting lipase production for all fungi strains tested. With MC and temperature optimization, a 4.4‐fold increase in A. ibericus lipase was achieved (90.5 ± 1.5 U g−1), using a mixture of OP and WB at 1:1 ratio, 0.02 g NaNO3 g−1 dry substrate, absence of Czapek nutrients, 60% of MC and incubation at 30 °C for 7 days. For A. niger and A. tubingensis, highest lipase activity obtained was 56.6 ± 5.4 and 7.6 ± 0.6 U g−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aspergillus ibericus was found to be the most promising microorganism for lipase production using mixtures of OP and WB. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients with various burdens of peritoneal metastases
Authors: Shiozaki Hironori , Elimova Elena , Slack Rebecca S. , Chen Hsiang‐Chun , Staerkel Gregg A. , Sneige Nour , Shimodaira Yusuke , Sagebiel Tara , Lee Jeffrey H. , Bhutani Manoop S. , Das Prajnan , Mansfield Paul F. , Estrella Jeannelyn S. , Badgwell Brian D. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: November 2015

Background

Peritoneal metastases (PM) in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) may be identified by diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) or imaging (I). Although prognosis is poor, some patients have excellent outcome. We compared the overall survival (OS) of patients in 3 groups: those with positive cytology (CY+) by DL (DL‐CY+), those with gross PM (GPM) by DL (DL‐GPM+) and with GPM obvious on I (I‐GPM+).

Methods

146 GAC patients were identified. The Kaplan–Meier analysis, univariate, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed.

Results

Patients were primarily men (67%), with good ECOG scores (0–1; 89%), had DL (84%), had poorly differentiated GAC (92%), and had received chemotherapy (89%). The median OS for all patients was 15 months (5%CI, 12.9–18.2 months). The DL‐CY+ group had median OS of 22.5 months (95%CI, 15–29.3 months). Patients with I‐GPM+ had four times the risk of death than those with DL‐CY+ (P < 0.001) and patients with DL‐GPM+ had two times the risk of death than those with DL‐CY+ (P = 0.001). At 36 months, all DL‐GPM+ and I‐GPM+ had died but 8 patients with DL‐CY+ remained alive.

Conclusions

Some GAC patients with DL‐CY+ have long OS; therefore, novel strategies to further prolong their OS are needed.J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:29–35. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The importance of surgical margins in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ethun Cecilia G. , Kooby David A.
Published: November 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive disease with a grim prognosis. Surgical resection offers the best chance for long‐term survival, yet recurrence rates are high and outcomes are poor. The influence of margin status in PDAC is controversial, as conflicting data have been plagued by a lack of standardization in margin definitions, pathologic analysis, and reporting. Despite recent efforts, international consensus is still needed for this disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:283–288. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5): Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Blevins Christy A. , Weathers Frank W. , Davis Margaret T. , Witte Tracy K. , Domino Jessica L.
Published: November 2015

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL) is a widely used DSM‐correspondent self‐report measure of PTSD symptoms. The PCL was recently revised to reflect DSM‐5 changes to the PTSD criteria. In this article, the authors describe the development and initial psychometric evaluation of the PCL for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5). Psychometric properties of the PCL‐5 were examined in 2 studies involving trauma‐exposed college students. In Study 1 (N = 278), PCL‐5 scores exhibited strong internal consistency (α = .94), test‐retest reliability (r = .82), and convergent (rs = .74 to .85) and discriminant (rs = .31 to .60) validity. In addition, confirmatory factor analyses indicated adequate fit with the DSM‐5 4‐factor model, χ2(164) = 455.83, p < .001, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .07, root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = .08, comparative fit index (CFI) = .86, and Tucker‐Lewis index (TLI) = .84, and superior fit with recently proposed 6‐factor, χ2 (164) = 318.37, p < .001, SRMR = .05, RMSEA = .06, CFI = .92, and TLI = .90, and 7‐factor, χ2 (164) = 291.32, p < .001, SRMR = .05, RMSEA = .06, CFI = .93, and TLI = .91, models. In Study 2 (N = 558), PCL‐5 scores demonstrated similarly strong reliability and validity. Overall, results indicate that the PCL‐5 is a psychometrically sound measure of PTSD symptoms. Implications for use of the PCL‐5 in a variety of assessment contexts are discussed.
Temperature‐Dependent Evolution of Poly(3‐Hexylthiophene) Type‐II Phase in a Blended Thin Film
Authors: Lee Si Woo , Keum Hee‐Sung , Kim Han Seong , Kim Hyo Jung , Ahn Kwangseok , Lee Dong Ryeol , Kim Je Han , Lee Hyun Hwi
Published: November 2015

The structure of P3HT in P3HT:PCBM films is examined on a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) substrate subjected to cryo‐cooling to low temperature (−143 °C) followed by gradual heating to 50 °C. The behavior of these systems is examined in the absence and presence of an Al electrode on top of the P3HT:PCBM film. At temperatures below −10 °C, only the type‐I phase of P3HT is observed. However, the type‐II phase of P3HT starts to form near −10 °C, in both the presence and absence of the Al layer. In the system without an Al layer, the type‐II phase disappears at 30 °C, but this phase persists to 50 °C in the presence of the Al layer. Concomitant with the formation of the type‐II phase, a 1:3 ordered P3HT type‐II (1/3,0,0) superlattice peak emerged. The type‐II domains tend to form near the Al electrode layer and show a higher degree of alignment than the type‐I crystals.

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Self Assembled Monolayer Modified SU8 Surface for Electrowetting Application
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Maheshwari Nidhi , Sharma Niti Nipun
Published: November 2015

In this work, SU8 hydrophobic surfaces were synthesized and there electrowetting properties has been studied. The SU8 thin films has been deposited as dielectric materials over patterned electrode. The surface was chemically modified using Octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS, Cl3Si (CH3)17) monolayer which resulted significant increase the water contact angle. The measurements shows that the obtained hydrophobic surface exhibited water contact angle of ≈127° ± 2° by applying the OTS self assembled monolayer on SU8 surface.
Pulling DNA: The Effect of Chain Length on the Mechanical Stability of DNA Chain
Authors: Singh Amar , Singh Navin
Published: November 2015

We have investigated the effect of chain length on the thermal denaturation as well as on mechanical unzipping of double stranded DNA (ds‐DNA) molecule. We use a simple nonlinear Peyrard Bishop and Dauxois (PBD) model and calculate the melting temperature as well as the critical force as a function of chain length for different heterogeneous chains. We found that in mechanical unzipping, when a force is applied on an end, there is a length up‐to which the effect of applied force sustains. The base pairs beyond this length can not feel the force that is applied on the end. We have studied the chain with other end to be open and with the other end to be restricted. By comparing the force required to unzip the chain in these two cases, we found a critical length above which the entropy contribution from the end is not significant to change the duplex state of the chain. For shorter chain, we found that the entropic forces due to open end have significant contribution to change the duplex state of DNA to single strand state of DNA chain.
Synthesis and Thermal Characterization of Titanium‐Dioxide Filled Polycarbonate/Polystyrene Blend Nanocomposites
Authors: Agarwal Shalini , Saraswat Y. K. , Saraswat Vibhav K.
Published: November 2015

The presented work deals with the synthesis and thermal characterization of TiO2 filled Polycarbonate/Polystyrene (PC/PS) blend nanocomposites. Nanoparticles of Titanium‐dioxide have been synthesized by simple chemical method. Average grain size of as prepared nanoparticles have been determined by both TEM and XRD. Titanium‐dioxide Filled Polycarbonate/Polystyrene blend nanocomposites have been prepared by solution casting method. The XRD pattern and FTIR spectrum confirm the formation of blend nanocomposites. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) has been used to study thermal properties. The DSC thermograms indicate that the glass transition temperature and hence thermal stability of nanocomposites enhances with addition of filler content.
Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate)‐ZnO Nanocomposites: Optical and Raman Studies
Authors: Agrawal Harshita , Awasthi Kamlendra , Saraswat Vibhav K.
Published: November 2015

The present study reveals the optical properties of PET‐ZnO nanocomposites. The ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared by chemical route. The average size of nanoparticles has been found as ∼16 nm by XRD patterns, where particle size has been calculated using Debye‐Scherrer's formula. The band gap and extinction coefficient have been calculated using absorption spectra, recorded using Perkin Elmer Lambda 750 double beam Spectrophotometer. The UV‐Vis results show that band gap decreases with the increase of wt% of nanoparticles in the nanocomposites due to less band gap of ZnO nanoparicles where as extinction coefficient decreases with the increase in wavelength due to increase of charges carries. For the analysis of molecular vibrations and composition of PET and its nanocomposites with ZnO, WITec CRM 2000 Raman spectrometer coupled with a high resolution Confocal optical microscope has been taken.
Elastic and Electronic Properties of TiC and TiN Crystals
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Srivastava S. K. , Sharma Ramesh , Singh M. , Bhamu K. C.
Published: November 2015

A theory for evaluating the temperature variation of second, third and fourth order elastic constants (SOECs, TOECs and FOECs) for face centred cubic crystal structure solids is developed on the basis of Coulomb and Born‐Mayer potential using nearest‐neighbour distance and hardness parameter. The theory thus obtained is first applied to get the higher order elastic constants for TiC and TiN crystals at different temperatures. In addition to elastic properties we have reported electronic properties of these titanium based compounds using Spin Polarised Relativistic Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker (SPR‐KKR) method based on Green Function theory. Energy bands are interpreted in term of density of states. The effect of temperature on higher order elastic constants is discussed in view of the theory proposed. A crossover in energy bands predicts that TiC and TiN are metallic in nature which is in tune with available data.
Synthesis and Characterization of Partial Sulfonated PVDF‐co‐HFP Ion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Sharma Prem P. , Gahlot Swati , Bhil Batuk M. , Gupta Hariom , Kulshrestha Vaibhav
Published: November 2015

Membranes of Poly (vinylidenedifluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐co‐HFP) are prepared successfully and investigated for thermal, mechanical and electrochemical properties. A considerable influence in ionic conductivity by varying the time of sulfonation has been achieved. Membranes with higher degree of sulfonation exhibit higher proton transport at room temperature. Herein we prepared a series of PVDF‐co‐HFP membrane by varying sulfonation time (6, 8, 10, 13 & 15 hrs). Mechanical properties have been investigated by UTM (Universal Testing Machine) and thermal study has been done by TGA (Thermogravimeteric Analysis). The electro chemical properties of the membranes are found to be increase without compromising the thermal and mechanical characterises.
Thermal Stability and Electrical Properties of Polyaniline Synthesized by Oxidative Polymerization Method
Authors: Kumar Anil , Mishra Amit , Awasthi Kamlendra , Kumar Vinod
Published: November 2015

Conducting Polyaniline (PANI) was prepared using oxidative polymerization method by using surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) with dopant hydrochloric acid (HCl). Samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrical conductivity. XRD confirms the formation of PANI‐SDS and PANI‐DBSA. It also shows its high degree of crystallinity. Raman spectroscopy results confirm emeraldine form of PANI. Electrical measurements indicate conducting nature of PANI. Thermal degradation of synthesized material starts after 100°C.
Geometrically Tuned Channel Permeability
Authors: Malgaretti Paolo , Pagonabarraga Ignacio , Rubi J. Miguel
Published: November 2015

We characterize the motion of charged as well as neutral tracers, in an electrolyte embedded in a varying section channel. We exploit a set of systematic approximations that allows us to simplify the problem, yet capturing the essential of the interplay between the geometrical confinement provided by the corrugated channel walls and the electrolyte properties. Our simplified approach allows us to characterize the transport properties of corrugated channels when a net flux of tracers is obtained by keeping the extrema of the channel at different chemical potentials. For highly diluted tracer suspensions, we have characterized tracers currents and we have estimated the net electric current which occurs when both positively and negatively charged tracers are considered.
Patterning of Liquid Crystals with Structured Monolayers
Authors: Guillamat Pau , Ignés‐Mullol Jordi , Claret Josep , Sagués Francesc
Published: November 2015

We describe recent experimental work on the possibility to pattern liquid crystals in contact with structured monolayers. The latter were transferred by means of the Langmuir–Blodgett technique, starting from domain‐structured Langmuir monolayers prepared with an amphiphilic azobenzene compound.
Structural and Morphological Study of PS‐ZnO Nanocomposite Membrane
Authors: Jangir Lokesh Kumar , Kumari Yogita , Kumar Anil , Kumar Manoj , Awasthi Kamlendra
Published: November 2015

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical precipitation method. Particle size as calculated from X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were found to be 18 ± 2 nm. Polystyrene (PS)‐ZnO nanocomposite membrane of thickness 30 μm were prepared by solution cast method with varied content of ZnO nanoparticles. (Structural behavior of nanocomposites was investigated by XRD and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Morphological behavior of the composites were examined by Optical Microscopy.
Dietary exposure to aflatoxin and micronutrient status among young children from Guinea
Authors: Watson Sinead , Chen Gaoyun , Sylla Abdoulaye , Routledge Michael N. , Gong Yun Yun
Published: November 2015

Scope

Aflatoxin exposure coincides with micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. Animal feeding studies have postulated that aflatoxin exposure may be exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies. Evidence available in human subjects is limited and inconsistent. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between aflatoxin exposure and micronutrient status among young Guinean children.

Methods and results

A total of 305 children (28.8 ± 8.4 months) were recruited at groundnut harvest (rainy season), of which 288 were followed up 6 months later postharvest (dry season). Blood samples were collected at each visit. Aflatoxin‐albumin adduct levels were measured by ELISA. Vitamin A, vitamin E and β‐carotene concentrations were measured using HPLC methods. Zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Aflatoxin exposure and micronutrient deficiencies were prevalent in this population and were influenced by season, with levels increasing between harvest and postharvest. At harvest, children in the highest aflatoxin exposure group, compared to the lowest, were 1.98 (95%CI: 1.00, 3.92) and 3.56 (95%CI: 1.13, 11.15) times more likely to be zinc and vitamin A deficient.

Conclusion

Although children with high aflatoxin exposure levels were more likely to be zinc and vitamin A deficient, further research is necessary to determine a cause and effect relationship.
Prophylactic oral bisphosphonate therapy in duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Srinivasan Ramesh , Rawlings David , Wood Claire L. , Cheetham Tim , Moreno Aura Cecilia Jimenez , Mayhew Anna , Eagle Michelle , Guglieri Michela , Straub Volker , Owen Catherine , Bushby Kate , Sarkozy Anna
Published: November 2015

Introduction

We assessed prophylactic use of bisphosphonate (BP) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients on glucocorticoid (GC) therapy.

Methods

Fifty‐two DMD patients on daily GC were offered BP (oral risedronate). Patients were reviewed for tolerability, side effects, bone pain, and fracture frequency. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by annual dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. BP‐treated patients were compared with 15 BP‐naïve patients (untreated cohort).

Results

Side effects occurred in 9 patients. Thirty‐six patients continued BP therapy for over 12 months (mean, 3.6 years). Five treated patients reported bone pain. Three treated patients suffered a vertebral fracture, significantly less than in the untreated cohort (5/15). Lumbar spine adjusted BMD Z‐scores remained unchanged in treated patients and were significantly greater than in the untreated cohort.

Conclusions

Prophylactic oral risedronate therapy was tolerated by most DMD patients. It appears to maintain BMD and may reduce fracture rate in DMD patients on GC. Muscle Nerve 54: 79–85, 2016
Safety of needle electromyography of the diaphragm: Anterior lung margins in quietly breathing healthy subjects
Authors: Podnar Simon , Doorduin Jonne
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Controversy persists as to whether the lung interposes on the needle electrode insertion path during diaphragm electromyography (EMG).

Methods

Using high‐resolution ultrasonography, we measured the distances between the medial recess of the intercostal spaces (ICSs) around the mid‐clavicular line (MCL) and the lung margin. We performed measurements bilaterally during quiet breathing in the seated and supine positions.

Results

We studied 10 young healthy men and found that, in the first ICS with the medial recess clearly (i.e., several cm) lateral to MCL (usually the eighth ICS), the distance between the recommended insertion site and the lung margin varied from 7.5 to 17 cm. The distance was slightly larger on the right side and in the supine position.

Conclusions

This study confirms that properly conducted “trans‐intercostal” needle EMG of the diaphragm is generally safe in healthy subjects. Muscle Nerve 54: 54–57, 2016
Sharing bad news of a lung cancer diagnosis: understanding through communication privacy management theory
Authors: Ngwenya Nothando , Farquhar Morag , Ewing Gail
Published: November 2015

Background

The aim of this paper is to understand the process of information disclosure and privacy as patients share their news of lung cancer with significant others.

Methods

Twenty patients with lung cancer and 17 family members/friends accompanying them at diagnosis‐giving completed either individual or dyad semi‐structured interviews. Initial thematic analysis, then Petronio's Communication Privacy Management theory was used to inform interpretation.

Results

Patients described a sense of ownership of the news of their cancer and sought control of how, when and with whom it was shared. Family members expressed a need to follow the patients' rules in sharing this news, which limited their own support systems. Patients and family members had to live within the relational communication boundaries in order to maintain their trusting relationship and avoid potential disruptions.

Conclusion

Patients as individuals are strongly interlinked with significant others, which impacts on their experience of disclosing private information. This shapes their psychological processes and outcomes impacting on their illness experience. This should be considered when developing interventions to support patients with sharing bad news. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional Differences in the Intergenerational Transmission of Family Size in Europe
Authors: Mönkediek Bastian , Rotering Paul , Bras Hilde
Published: November 2015

Many studies report positive correlations between family sizes of successive generations, but the degree of correlation varies between countries. However, the majority of these studies are limited in geographical scope and do not consider the role of regional family organisation principles, that is, family systems. In this paper, we investigate to what extent regional family systems explain geographical differences in intergenerational transmission of family size among European regions. Using the large‐scale European Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, we derive indicators of regional family systems based on average frequency of contact and geographical distance between kin. We use a multilevel random coefficients model to test for differences in the transmission between European regions, as well as between sons and daughters. We find a complex regional pattern of family influences on childbearing continuities, with considerable within‐country variation. We observe a direct effect of parental fertility on offspring fertility, although sons show more variance than daughters. This transmission of fertility can be attributed to regional family systems for sons, but not for daughters. Our results demonstrate the importance of using a regional approach –rather than the country‐level approach –to study intergenerational continuities in childbearing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameter uncertainty in forecast recalibration
Authors: Siegert Stefan , Sansom Philip G. , Williams Robin M.
Published: November 2015

Ensemble forecasts of weather and climate are subject to systematic biases in the ensemble mean and variance, leading to inaccurate estimates of the forecast mean and variance. To address these biases, ensemble forecasts are post‐processed using statistical recalibration frameworks. These frameworks often specify parametric probability distributions for the verifying observations. A common choice is the normal distribution with mean and variance specified by linear functions of the ensemble mean and variance. The parameters of the recalibration framework are estimated from historical archives of forecasts and verifying observations. Often there are relatively few forecasts and observations available for parameter estimation, and so the fitted parameters are also subject to uncertainty. This artefact is usually ignored. This study reviews analytic results that account for parameter uncertainty in the widely used Model Output Statistics recalibration framework. The predictive bootstrap is used to approximate the parameter uncertainty by resampling in more general frameworks such as non‐homogeneous Gaussian regression. Forecasts on daily, seasonal and annual time‐scales are used to demonstrate that accounting for parameter uncertainty in the recalibrated predictive distributions leads to probability forecasts that are more skilful and reliable than those in which parameter uncertainty is ignored. The improvements are attributed to more reliable tail probabilities of the recalibrated forecast distributions.
A mutual information approach to calculating nonlinearity
Authors: Smith Reginald
Published: November 2015

A new method to measure nonlinear dependence between two variables is described using mutual information to analyse the separate linear and nonlinear components of dependence. This technique, which gives an exact value for the proportion of linear dependence, is then compared with another common test for linearity, the Brock, Dechert and Scheinkman test. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jacobitism
Authors: Pittock Murray
Published: November 2015

Joining the fray of scholars addressing the controversial question of the meaning of Jacobitism, Pittock (literature, U. of Strathclyde) offers an account of the movement, both as a political and cultural phenomenon, concentrating on its Scottish, English, and Irish forms. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
A New Online Calibration Method for Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Chen Ping , Wang Chun
Published: November 2015

Multidimensional-Method A (M-Method A) has been proposed as an efficient and effective online calibration method for multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT) (Chen & Xin, Paper presented at the 78th Meeting of the Psychometric Society, Arnhem, The Netherlands, 2013). However, a key assumption of M-Method A is that it treats person parameter estimates as their true values, thus this method might yield erroneous item calibration when person parameter estimates contain non-ignorable measurement errors. To improve the performance of M-Method A, this paper proposes a new MCAT online calibration method, namely, the full functional MLE-M-Method A (FFMLE-M-Method A). This new method combines the full functional MLE (Jones & Jin in Psychometrika 59:59–75, 1994; Stefanski & Carroll in Annals of Statistics 13:1335–1351, 1985) with the original M-Method A in an effort to correct for the estimation error of ability vector that might otherwise adversely affect the precision of item calibration. Two correction schemes are also proposed when implementing the new method. A simulation study was conducted to show that the new method generated more accurate item parameter estimation than the original M-Method A in almost all conditions.
Pedro A. Feurtes-Olivera and Seven Tarp: ‘Theory and practice of specialized online dictionaries’
Authors: Zhong Jun
Published: November 2015

Pedro A. Feurtes-Olivera and Seven Tarp: ‘Theory and practice of specialized online dictionaries’ Walter De Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston, 2014, IX + 267 pp, ISBN 978-3-11-034883-5
Current topics in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Sumitomo Naokata
Published: November 2015

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is induced by emotions or exercise in patients without organic heart disease and may be polymorphic or bidirectional in nature. The prognosis of CPVT is not good, and therefore prevention of sudden death is of utmost importance. Genetic variants of CPVT include RyR2, CASQ2, CALM2, TRD, and possibly KCNJ2 and ANK2 gene mutations. Hypotheses that suggest the causes of CPVT include weakened binding of FKBP12.6 and RyR2, a store overload‐induced Ca2+ release (SOICR), unzipping of intramolecular domain interactions in RyR2, and molecular and functional abnormalities caused by mutations in the CASQ2 gene. The incidence of an RyR2 anomaly in CPVTs is about 35–79%, whereas anomalies in the CASQ2 gene account for 3–5% CPVTs. The ping‐pong theory, suggesting that reciprocating delayed after depolarization induces bigeminy of the right and left bundle branches, may explain the pathogenesis of bidirectional ventricular tachycardia. Flecainide, carvedilol, left sympathetic nerve denervation, and catheter ablation of the PVC may serve as new therapeutic strategies for CPVT while gene‐therapy may be applied to some types of CPVT in the future. Although, not all sudden cardiac deaths in CPVT patients are currently preventable, new medical and interventional therapies may improve CPVT prognosis.
Neither Agamemnon nor Thersites, Achilles nor Margites: The Heraclid Kings of Ancient Macedon
Authors: Moloney E.P.
Published: November 2015

In modern scholarship a distinctly ‘Homeric’ presentation of the ancient Macedonian kings and their court still endures, in spite of recent notes on the use of ‘artifice’ in key ancient accounts. Although the adventures and achievements of Alexander the Great are certainly imbued with epic colour, to extend those literary tropes and topoi to the rule of earlier kings (and to wider Macedonian society) is often to misunderstand and misrepresent the ancient evidence.

This paper offers a fresh review of the presentation of the early-Macedonian monarchy in the ancient sources, and considers the depiction of the Argead dynasty in both hostile and more-sympathetic accounts. It highlights the importance of another mythological model for these ancient kings: one that was supremely heroic, but not Homeric. The Argead appropriation of Heracles, Pindar’s ‘hero god’ (ἥρως θεός:Nem.3.22), was a key part of the self-representation of successive kings. Undoubtedly the crucial paradigm for Macedonian rulers, Heracles provided them with an identity and authority that appealed to diverse audiences, and it is time to consider the subtlety of the Argead presentation of their dynasty as Heraclid.
Parental modelling and prompting effects on acceptance of a novel fruit in 2–4-year-old children are dependent on children’s food responsiveness
Authors: Blissett Jackie , Bennett Carmel , Fogel Anna , Harris Gillian , Higgs Suzanne
Published: November 2015

Few children consume the recommended portions of fruit or vegetables. This study examined the effects of parental physical prompting and parental modelling in children’s acceptance of a novel fruit (NF) and examined the role of children’s food-approach and food-avoidance traits on NF engagement and consumption. A total of 120 caregiver–child dyads (fifty-four girls, sixty-six boys) participated in this study. Dyads were allocated to one of the following three conditions: physical prompting but no modelling, physical prompting and modelling or a modelling only control condition. Dyads ate a standardised meal containing a portion of a fruit new to the child. Parents completed measures of children’s food approach and avoidance. Willingness to try the NF was observed, and the amount of the NF consumed was measured. Physical prompting but no modelling resulted in greater physical refusal of the NF. There were main effects of enjoyment of food and food fussiness on acceptance. Food responsiveness interacted with condition such that children who were more food responsive had greater NF acceptance in the prompting and modelling conditions in comparison with the modelling only condition. In contrast, children with low food responsiveness had greater acceptance in the modelling control condition than in the prompting but no modelling condition. Physical prompting in the absence of modelling is likely to be detrimental to NF acceptance. Parental use of physical prompting strategies, in combination with modelling of NF intake, may facilitate acceptance of NF, but only in food-responsive children. Modelling consumption best promotes acceptance in children with low food responsiveness.
The politics of numbers: the normative agendas of global benchmarking
Authors: BROOME ANDRÉ , QUIRK JOEL
Published: November 2015

Global benchmarks have grown exponentially over the last two decades, having been both applied to and developed by states, international organisations, corporations, and non-governmental organisations. As a consequence, global benchmarking is now firmly established as a distinct mode of transnational governance. Benchmarking chiefly involves the development of comparative metrics of performance, which typically take the form of highly stylised comparisons which are generated by translating complex phenomena into numerical values via simplification and extrapolation, commensuration, reification, and symbolic judgements. This process of translation takes what might otherwise be highly contentious normative agendas and converts them into formats that gain credibility through rhetorical claims to neutral and technocratic assessment. This politics of numbers has far-reaching ramifications for transnational governance, including the dimensions and effects of indirect power, expertise and agenda-setting, coordination, regulation and certification, and norm contestation and activism. This Special Issue draws upon an emerging literature to explore how and why benchmarks both align with and expand upon established models of International Relations theory and scholarship. It does so by critically examining the role of global benchmarks in key areas such as state ‘failure’, global supply chains, disaster management, economic governance, corporate social responsibility, and human development.