bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Studies of the Reactions CFxH3−xCOOR+Cl and CF3COOCH3+OH
Authors: Bai Feng‐Yang , Zhu Xiao‐Le , Jia Zi‐Man , Wang Xu , Sun Yan‐Qiu , Wang Rong‐Shun , Pan Xiu‐Mei
Published: April 2015

The mechanism and kinetics of the reactions of CF3COOCH2CH3, CF2HCOOCH3, and CF3COOCH3 with Cl and OH radicals are studied using the B3LYP, MP2, BHandHLYP, and M06‐2X methods with the 6‐311G(d,p) basis set. The study is further refined by using the CCSD(T) and QCISD(T)/6‐311++G(d,p) methods. Seven hydrogen‐abstraction channels are found. All the rate constants, computed by a dual‐level direct method with a small‐curvature tunneling correction, are in good agreement with the experimental data. The tunneling effect is found to be important for the calculated rate constants in the low‐temperature range. For the reaction of CF3COOCH2CH3+Cl, H‐abstraction from the CH2 group is found to be the dominant reaction channel. The standard enthalpies of formation for the species are also calculated. The Arrhenius expressions are fitted within 200–1000 K as kT(1)=8.4×10−20T 2.63exp(381.28/T), kT(2)=2.95×10−21T 3.13exp(−103.21/T), kT(3)=1.25×10−23T 3.37exp(791.98/T), and kT(4)=4.53×10−22T 3.07exp(465.00/T).
Study of Electronic, Optical Absorption and Emission in Pure and Metal‐Decorated Graphene Nanoribbons (C29H14‐X; X=Ni, Fe, Ti, Co+, Al+, Cu+): First Principles Calculations
Authors: Chopra Siddheshwar
Published: April 2015

Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations were performed with the basis sets 6‐31G for DFT and 6‐31G(d), 6‐31+G(d,p) for TDDFT on pure graphene nanoribbon (GNR) C30H14 and metal‐decorated C29H14‐X (MGNRs; X=Ni, Fe, Ti, Co+, Al+, and Cu+). The metal/carbon ratio (X:C 3.45 %) and the doping site were fixed. Electronic properties, that is, the dipole moment, binding energy, and HOMO–LUMO gaps, were calculated. The absorption and emission properties in the visible range (λ=400–720 nm) were determined. Optical gaps, absorption and emission wavelengths, oscillator strengths, and dominant transitions were calculated. Pure graphene was found to be the most stable form. However, of the MGNRs, C29H14Co+ and C29H14Al+ were found to be the most and least stable, respectively. All GNRs were found to have semiconducting nature. The optical absorption of pure graphene undergoes a shift on metal doping. Emission from the pure graphene followed Kasha′s rule, unlike the metal‐doped GNRs.
Photoelectrochemical Reaction for the Efficient Production of Hydrogen and High‐Value‐Added Oxidation Reagents
Authors: Fuku Kojiro , Wang Nini , Miseki Yugo , Funaki Takashi , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: April 2015

A porous and thick photoelectrode of WO3 in the monoclinic phase was prepared to realize the recovery of H2 and high‐value‐added oxidation reagents with efficient solar energy conversion. The WO3 photoelectrode enabled the efficient production and accumulation of O2, S2O82−, Ce4+, and IO4− as oxidation products. Most notably, S2O82−, which possesses the highest oxidizability among all the peroxides, was generated with high applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (2.2 %) and faraday efficiency (≈100 %) upon irradiation from the back side of the photoelectrode. The design of a tandem photoelectrode system combining a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was also challenged for the realization of this photoelectrode system without external bias. A high solar energy conversion efficiency (5.2 %) was achieved in the tandem system comprising the WO3 photoelectrode connected to two DSSCs with a near‐IR‐utilizing dye in series for the production of H2 and S2O82−.
A Critical View on Catalytic Pyrolysis of Biomass
Authors: Venderbosch R. H.
Published: April 2015

The rapid heating of biomass in an oxygen‐free environment optimizes the yield of fast‐pyrolysis liquids. This liquid comprises a mix of acids, (dehydrated) carbohydrates, aldehydes, ketones, lignin fragments, aromatics, and alcohols, limiting its use. Deoxygenation of these liquids to replace hydrocarbons represents significant challenges. Catalytic pyrolysis is seen as a promising route to yield liquids with a higher quality. In this paper, literature data on catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass are reviewed and deoxygenation results correlated with the overall carbon yield. Evidence is given that in an initial stage of the catalytic process reactive components are converted to coke, gas, and water, and only to a limited extent to a liquid product. Catalysts are not yet good enough, and an appropriate combination of pyrolysis conditions, reactive products formed, and different reactions to take place to yield improved quality liquids may be practically impossible.
Recyclable Bifunctional Polystyrene and Silica Gel‐Supported Organocatalyst for the Coupling of CO2 with Epoxides
Authors: Kohrt Christina , Werner Thomas
Published: April 2015

A bifunctional ammonium salt covalently bound to a polystyrene or silica support proved to be an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the solvent‐free synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. The catalyst can be easily recovered by simple filtration after the reaction and reused in up to 13 consecutive runs with retention of high activity and selectivity even at 90 °C. The scope and limitations of the reaction has been evaluated in terms of reaction conditions and substrate scope.
Improved Synthesis of a Zirconium(IV) Muconate Metal–Organic Framework: Characterization, Stability and Gas Sorption Properties
Authors: Buragohain Amlan , Biswas Shyam
Published: April 2015

The formerly reported ZrIV trans,trans‐muconate framework material (1) was synthesized by using an improved synthetic protocol. Instead of using the noncommercial Zr6‐methacrylate oxido cluster as the metal source, the same MOF was successfully synthesized by using commercially available ZrCl4 as the Zr source. Small amounts of H2O (1‐H2O‐AS; AS = as‐synthesized) or concd. aqueous HCl (1‐HCl‐AS) were used as additives in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) in order to enhance the crystallinity of the compounds. The guest molecules were removed from the pores by heating the as‐synthesized compounds under vacuum, resulting in the empty‐pore forms of the compounds. The as‐synthesized and thermally activated compounds were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TG) and elemental analyses. Thermogravimetric analyses suggest that the two compounds are stable up to ca. 250 °C in an air atmosphere. As verified by the XRPD experiments, the 1‐HCl compounds gradually lose their crystallinity when exposed to water and moisture. As confirmed by the N2 sorption analyses, the optimally activated 1‐HCl compound displayed a BET surface area of 557 m2 g–1, which is lower than the isostructural UiO‐66 (950 m2 g–1) but it is close to the literature value (705 m2 g–1). The moderate physiochemical stability paired with considerable porosity renders the material a promising candidate for gas storage and separation.
Aqueous enzymatic extraction and demulsification of camellia seed oil (Camellia oleifera Abel.) and the oil's physicochemical properties
Authors: Fang Xuezhi , Fei Xueqian , Sun Hong , Jin Yongfeng
Published: April 2015

An aqueous enzymatic extraction method was developed to extract oil from camellia seed (Camellia oleifera Abel.). Individual enzymes and combinations of enzymes, pH, the ratio of material to water, reaction time and methods of demulsification were studied. The effects of hexane and aqueous enzymatic extraction on the oil's physicochemical properties (acid value, peroxide value, fatty acid profile, phenolics, and phospholipids content) were compared. The combination of protease/cellulase yielded significantly more oil than did other combinations. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a free oil yield of 82.37% was obtained. Four types of demulsification methods were compared. After demulsification with 20% ethanol (v/v), the highest total free oil yield of 91.38% was achieved. Compared with hexane‐extracted oil, aqueous enzymatic‐extracted oil was more acidic; had a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acid and contents of vitamin E and squalene; and had lower peroxide values, percentage of total saturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated acid, and content of both total phenolics and total phospholipids.

Practical applications: The current work will contribute to an efficient enzymatic extraction method for camellia seed oil and help with the develop a method to demulsify the emulsion.

An aqueous enzymatic extraction method was developed to extract oil from camellia seed (Camellia oleifera Abel.). Individual enzymes and combinations of enzymes, pH, the ratio of material to water, reaction time and methods of demulsification were studied. The effects of hexane and aqueous enzymatic extraction on the oil's physicochemical properties (acid value, peroxide value, fatty acid profile, phenolics, and phospholipids content) were compared. The combination of protease/cellulase yielded significantly more oil than did other combinations. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a free oil yield of 82.37% was obtained. Four types of demulsification methods were compared. After demulsification with 20% ethanol (v/v), the highest total free oil yield of 91.38% was achieved. Compared with hexane‐extracted oil, aqueous enzymatic‐extracted oil was more acidic; had a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acid and contents of vitamin E and squalene; and had lower peroxide values, percentage of total saturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated acid, and content of both total phenolics and total phospholipids.
Plasma triacylglycerol‐lowering activity of citrus polymethoxylated flavones is mediated by modulating the genes involved in lipid metabolism in hamsters
Authors: Lei Lin , Li Yuk Man , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Yuwei , Ma Ka Ying , Wang Lijun , Man Sun Wa , Zhang Chengnan , Huang Yu , Chen Zhen‐Yu
Published: April 2015

The present study investigated the underlying mechanism by which citrus polymethoxylated flavones (PMF) reduced plasma triacylglycerols (TG) in hamsters. Four groups of male hamsters were given a non‐cholesterol diet (NCD), a high cholesterol diet (HCD), a high cholesterol diet with supplementation of 0.5% PMF (L‐PMF), and a high cholesterol diet with supplementation of 1.0% PMF (H‐PMF), respectively, for 8 weeks. Results showed PMF could lower plasma TG by 32–46%, but it had no effect on plasma cholesterol. This was accompanied by down‐regulation of mRNA of liver sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) while up‐regulation of liver lipoprotein lipase (LPL). In addition, dietary PMF increased cholesterol by 5–15% and total lipids by 34–43% in the liver. PMF supplementation also reduced the body weight gain and the relative weights of white adipose tissue pads by 23–39%, possibly by decreasing the gene expression of FAS and LPL in the epididymal fat pad. It was concluded that plasma TG‐lowering activity of dietary PMF was mediated by modulating genes involved in lipid metabolism in hamsters.

Practical applications: Hyperlipidemia is one of the risk factors for coronary heart diseases. The present study found that polymethoxylated flavones (PMF) were effective in reducing plasma triacylglycerols and adipose tissue weight. PMF may be developed as a nutraceutical to prevent hyperlipidemia and obesity.

Citrus polymethoxylated flavones are able to reduce plasma triacylglycerols via two mechanisms of inhibition of lipogenesis and enhancement of lipid uptake by the liver, most likely mediated by down‐regulation of SREBP1c and FAS along with up‐regulation of LPL in the liver.
The International Effects of US Uncertainty
Authors: Jones Paul M. , Olson Eric
Published: April 2015

We propose domestic uncertainty shocks may serve as a channel through which business cycles are transmitted internationally. To quantify uncertainty, we use two measures from the current literature and estimate vector autoregressions to evaluate the effects US uncertainty shocks have on the Japanese and British economies. Our results suggest that US uncertainty shocks have international effects consistent with a demand shock in the context of an open‐economy aggregate demand and aggregate supply model with sticky prices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delay‐specific stimuli and genotype interact to determine temporal discounting in a rapid‐acquisition procedure
Authors: Pope Derek A. , Newland M. Christopher , Hutsell Blake A.
Published: April 2015

The importance of delay discounting to many socially important behavior problems has stimulated investigations of biological and environmental mechanisms responsible for variations in the form of the discount function. The extant experimental research, however, has yielded disparate results, raising important questions regarding Gene X Environment interactions. The present study determined the influence of stimuli that uniquely signal delays to reinforcement on delay discounting in two inbred mouse strains using a rapid‐acquisition procedure. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice responded under a six‐component, concurrent‐chained schedule in which the terminal‐link delays preceding the larger‐reinforcer were presented randomly across components of an individual session. Across conditions, components were presented either with or without delay‐specific auditory stimuli, i.e., as multiple or mixed schedules. A generalized matching‐based model was used to incorporate the impact of current and previous component reinforcer‐delay ratios on current component response allocation. Sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude and delay were higher for BALB/c mice, but within‐component preference reached final levels faster for C57Bl/6 mice. For BALB/c mice, acquisition of preference across blocks of a component was faster under the multiple than the mixed schedule, but final levels of sensitivity to reinforcement were unaffected by schedule. The speed of acquisition of preference was not different across schedules for C57Bl/6 mice, but sensitivity to reinforcement was higher under the multiple than the mixed schedule. Overall, differences in the acquisition and final form of the discount function were determined by a Gene X Environment interaction, but the presence of delay‐specific stimuli attenuated genotype‐dependent differences in magnitude and delay sensitivity.
Graphs of Large Linear Size Are Antimagic
Authors: Eccles Tom
Published: April 2015

Given a graph and a colouring , the induced colour of a vertex v is the sum of the colours at the edges incident with v. If all the induced colours of vertices of G are distinct, the colouring is called antimagic. If G has a bijective antimagic colouring , the graph G is called antimagic. A conjecture of Hartsfield and Ringel states that all connected graphs other than K2 are antimagic. Alon, Kaplan, Lev, Roddity and Yuster proved this conjecture for graphs with minimum degree at least for some constant c; we improve on this result, proving the conjecture for graphs with average degree at least some constant d0.
Emergence of clusters of CRF02_AG and B human immunodeficiency viral strains among men having sex with men exhibiting HIV primary infection in southeastern France
Authors: Tamalet Catherine , Ravaux Isabelle , Moreau Jacques , Brégigeon Sylvie , Tourres Christian , Richet Hervé , Abat Cedric , Colson Philippe
Published: April 2015

The number of new HIV diagnoses is increasing in the western world and transmission clusters have been recently identified among men having sex with men despite Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy efficacy. The objective of this study was to assess temporal trends, epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of primary HIV infections. A retrospective analysis of 79 patients presenting primary HIV infections from 2005 to 2012 was performed in Marseille University Hospitals, southeastern France. Clinical, epidemiological and immunovirological data including phylogeny based on the polymerase gene were collected. 65 males and 14 females were enrolled. The main transmission route was homosexual contact (60.8%). Patients were mostly infected with subtype B (73.4%) and CRF02_AG (21.5%) HIV‐1 strains. An increase in the annual number of HIV seroconversions among new HIV diagnoses from 5% in 2005 to 11.2% in 2012 (P = 0.06) and of the proportion of CRF02_AG HIV strains among primary HIV infections in 2011–2012 as compared to 2005–2010 (P = 0.055) was observed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four transmission clusters including three transmission clusters among men having sex with men: two large clusters of nine CRF02_AG, six B HIV strains; and one small cluster of three B HIV strains. Clusters involved more frequently men (P = 0.01) belonging to caucasian ethicity (P = 0.05), with a higher HIV RNA load at inclusion (P = 0.03). These data highlight the importance of improving epidemiological surveillance and of implementing suitable prevention strategies to control the spread of HIV transmission among men having sex with men. J. Med. Virol. 87:1327–1333, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrodeposition and corrosion behavior of nanocrystalline aluminum from a chloroaluminate ionic liquid
Authors: Sheng P.‐F. , Chen B. , Shao H.‐B. , Wang J.‐M. , Zhang J.‐Q. , Cao C.‐N.
Published: April 2015

The effect of 2‐chloronicotinyl chloride on the electrodeposition of Al in the ionic liquid [Emim]Cl/AlCl3 was first investigated. The results of cyclic voltammograms indicated that 2‐chloronicotinyl chloride produced the inhibiting effect on the Al deposition, which could be ascribed to its adsorption on the electrode surface. The nanocrystalline and microcrystalline Al films on low carbon steel substrate were prepared by square‐pulse current electrodeposition in the ionic liquid [Emim]Cl/AlCl3 with and without 2‐chloronicotinyl chloride, respectively. A highly uniform and smooth Al film with average crystalline size of 15 nm and a goldish shining surface was obtained in the ionic liquid with 0.5 g L−1 2‐chloronicotinyl chloride. The electrodeposited Al films in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution presented much more negative corrosion potentials (Ecorr) than the bare carbon steel, indicating the cathodic protective action of the Al films with respect to the carbon steel substrate. The corrosion density of the nanocrystalline Al film was much lower than that of the microcrystalline Al film, suggesting the superior corrosion resistance of the nanocrystalline Al film. The excellent anticorrosion performance of the nanocrystalline Al film could be attributed to its unique nanocrystalline structure and highly smooth surface characteristics.
Asymptotic density and the Ershov hierarchy
Authors: Downey Rod , Jockusch Carl , McNicholl Timothy H. , Schupp Paul
Published: April 2015

We classify the asymptotic densities of the sets according to their level in the Ershov hierarchy. In particular, it is shown that for , a real is the density of an n‐c.e. set if and only if it is a difference of left‐ reals. Further, we show that the densities of the ω‐c.e. sets coincide with the densities of the sets, and there are ω‐c.e. sets whose density is not the density of an n‐c.e. set for any .
On some structural sets and a quaternionic ‐hyperholomorphic function theory
Authors: Abreu Blaya Ricardo , Bory Reyes Juan , Guzmán Adán Alí , Kaehler Uwe
Published: April 2015

Quaternionic analysis is regarded as a broadly accepted branch of classical analysis referring to many different types of extensions of the Cauchy‐Riemann equations to the quaternion skew field . It relies heavily on results on functions defined on domains in or with values in . This theory is centred around the concept of ψ‐hyperholomorphic functions related to a so‐called structural set ψ of or respectively. The main goal of this paper is to develop the nucleus of the ‐hyperholomorphic function theory, i.e., simultaneous null solutions of two Cauchy‐Riemann operators associated to a pair of structural sets of . Following a matrix approach, a generalized Borel‐Pompeiu formula and the corresponding Plemelj‐Sokhotzki formulae are established.
Exponential decay in nonsimple thermoelasticity of type III
Authors: Magaña Antonio , Quintanilla Ramón
Published: April 2015

This paper deals with the model proposed for nonsimple materials with heat conduction of type III. We analyze first the general system of equations, determine the behavior of its solutions with respect to the time, and show that the semigroup associated with the system is not analytic. Two limiting cases of the model are studied later. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplicity results of positive solutions for fourth‐order nonlinear differential equation with singularity
Authors: Cheng Zhibo , Ren Jingli
Published: April 2015

By application of Green's function and some fixed‐point theorems, that is, Leray–Schauder alternative principle and Schauder's fixed‐point theorem, we establish two new existence results of positive periodic solutions for nonlinear fourth‐order singular differential equation, which extend and improve significantly existing results in the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting laser weld reliability with stochastic reduced‐order models
Authors: Emery John M. , Field Richard V. , Foulk James W. , Karlson Kyle N. , Grigoriu Mircea D.
Published: April 2015

Laser welds are prevalent in complex engineering systems and they frequently govern failure. The weld process often results in partial penetration of the base metals, leaving sharp crack‐like features with a high degree of variability in the geometry and material properties of the welded structure. Accurate finite element predictions of the structural reliability of components containing laser welds requires the analysis of a large number of finite element meshes with very fine spatial resolution, where each mesh has different geometry and/or material properties in the welded region to address variability. Traditional modeling approaches cannot be efficiently employed. To this end, a method is presented for constructing a surrogate model, based on stochastic reduced‐order models, and is proposed to represent the laser welds within the component. Here, the uncertainty in weld microstructure and geometry is captured by calibrating plasticity parameters to experimental observations of necking as, because of the ductility of the welds, necking – and thus peak load – plays the pivotal role in structural failure. The proposed method is exercised for a simplified verification problem and compared with the traditional Monte Carlo simulation with rather remarkable results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐benefit analysis: its usage and critiques
Authors: Hwang Kwangseon
Published: April 2015

The goal of this paper is to deliver a concise form of discussion on the use of cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) in environmental policy formulation in the scholarships. There have been several critiques from environmental/legal economists and even from economists who are in favor of the use of CBA. The critiques of CBA can be reduced to one statement: ‘numbers don't tell us everything’. The implication from the critiques of CBA is that these evoke cautiousness or wariness against an economized calculation of CBA in the environment policy. CBA can be a valuable tool when it is carefully restricted from being used in policies such as environment, health, and natural resource policy in which inherent incommensurability exists. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organisational reputation and impact on employee attitude: A case study of MTN Ghana limited and Vodafon Ghana Limited
Authors: Otchere‐Ankrah Benjamin , Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior , Tenakwah Emmanuel Junior
Published: April 2015

The impact organisational reputation has on employee attitude is very crucial to the fortunes of any organisation, and employees are the fuel that runs the engine of the organisation, and it is believed that their attitude towards the organisation creates a positive performance for the organisation. This study, therefore, sought to determine organisational reputation and the impact on employee attitude by determining the contribution of employee in achieving the reputation of the organisation. The type of research design was a survey, and it relied on secondary information such as reviewing available literature and primary data through the dissemination of questionnaires. The findings suggests that employees contribute earnestly and effectively to organisations reputation, and this creates an enabling environment for creativity and growth, as employees see themselves as stakeholders who play part in the achievement of organisations reputation to the market. It was also revealed that when employees are taken for granted, they become dissatisfied and apathetic, which is likely to adversely affect organisational performance and goes a long way to drag the image of the organisation into the mud. It is recommended that employees' feelings are sought on matters that affect their lives and work, and they should work under conducive and healthy environments as this would give employees the feeling that their employers are concerned about their wellbeing, and this builds a positive attitude to work within employees who in turn work to achieve the goals of their organisation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleep disturbances and related factors among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Lee Kwo‐Chen , Yiin Jia‐Jean , Lin Pi‐Chu , Lu Shu‐Hua
Published: April 2015

Objective

Sleep disturbances among family caregivers (FCs) are common in advanced cancer. The comprehensive factors for sleep disturbances among the FCs of patients with cancer have not been investigated in Taiwan. The purposes of this study were to investigate the sleep disturbances among the FCs of patients with advanced cancer and to determine predictors of sleep disturbance.

Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted among 172 FCs. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and wrist actigraphy. A linear regression model was used to identify the predictive factors for sleep quality.

Results

Seventy‐six percent of the FCs experienced some sleep disturbances. Female gender, more fatigue, greater depression, more caregiving burden, and spending over 16 h per day on caregiving tasks were risk factors for sleep disturbances in caregivers.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbances were common among the Taiwanese FCs of patients with advanced cancer. FCs with risk factors for sleep disturbances should be identified and provided assistance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐Equilibrium Dielectric Barrier Discharge Treatment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Charges and Reactive Oxygen Species Play the Major Role in Cell Death
Authors: Lin Abraham , Chernets Natalie , Han Justine , Alicea Yordano , Dobrynin Danil , Fridman Gregory , Freeman Theresa A. , Fridman Alexander , Miller Vandana
Published: April 2015

Atmospheric pressure non‐equilibrium plasmas are efficacious in killing both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. While the mechanism of plasma induced cell death has been thoroughly studied in prokaryotes, detailed investigation of plasma mediated eukaryotic cell death is still pending. When plasma is generated, four major components that interact with cells are produced: electric fields, radiation, charged particles, and neutral gas species. The goal of this study was to determine which of the plasma components are responsible for plasma‐induced cell death by isolating and removing each from treatment. The C3H10T1/2 murine mesenchyme stem cell line was treated in six well plates, stained with Propidium Iodide to determine viability, and analyzed by image cytometry. Our results show that plasma‐generated charges and reactive oxygen species are the primary contributors to cell death.
Synthesis of SrGa2S4:Eu green emitting phosphor using liquid phase process
Authors: Kominami Hiroko , Nakanishi Yoichiro , Hara Kazuhiko
Published: April 2015

The synthesis process of sulfide phosphors using liquid phase reaction was investigated to aim at fine particle. SrGa2S4:Eu green emitting phosphor was prepared using chlorides and sodium sulfide as source materials. After chemical reaction of acid and alkali, obtained sediments were fired in sulfur atmosphere. The powders were determined at SrGa2S4 single phase by X‐ray diffraction measurement, and the obtained phosphor showed green emission of SrGa2S4:Eu excited by 325 nm of He‐Cd laser and EB excitation. It indicates that it is possibility of new synthesis method for fine‐particle sulfide phosphors. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Zn‐dopant on structural properties and electrochromic performance of sol‐gel derived NiO thin films
Authors: Noonuruk Russameeruk , Mekprasart1 Wanichaya , Pecharapa Wisanu
Published: April 2015

Zn‐doped NiO thin films were prepared by sol‐gel spin‐coating method onto transparent conducting substrates using nickel acetate tetrahydrate and zinc acetate dehydrate as starting precursors. Effects of zinc doping content on the structural, optical and electrochromic properties of NiO films were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission‐scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy, UV‐VIS spectrophotometer and cyclic voltammetry. The results reveal that Zn doping has significant influence on crystallinity deterioration, surface topography alternation and electrochromic performance of the films. The expansion of active surface area due to reduced crystallinity of the films resulting to the increase of charge transfer in the electrochemical reaction. It is indicated that electrochromic performance of sol‐gel derived NiO films can be ameliorated by the incorporation of Zn additive at specific content. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic structure of YbNiX3 (X =Si, Ge) studied by hard X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Sato Hitoshi , Utsumi Yuki , Kodama Junichi , Nagata Heisuke , Avila Marcos A. , Ribeiro Raquel A. , Umeo Kazunori , Takabatake Toshiro , Mimura Kojiro , Motonami Satoru , Anzai Hiroaki , Ueda Shigenori , Shimada Kenya , Namatame Hirofumi , Taniguchi Masaki
Published: April 2015

lectronic structure of the Kondo lattices YbNiX3 (X =Si, Ge) has been investigated by means of hard x‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES) with hν = 5.95 keV. From the Yb 3d HAXPES spectra, the Yb valence in YbNiSi3 is estimated to be ∼ 2.92, which is almost temperature‐independent. On the other hand, the valence in YbNiGe3 is estimated to be 2.48 at 300 K, showing significant valence fluctuation, and gradually decreases to 2.41 at 20 K on cooling. The Ni 2p3/2 and Yb3+ 4f peaks exhibit opposite energy shifts amounting to ∼ 0.6 eV between YbNiSi3 and YbNiGe3. We propose a simple model for the electronic structure of YbNiX3 based on the HAXPES results. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phonon‐phonon interaction in CdGa2Se2 single crystals
Authors: Kerimova T. G. , Abdullayev N. A. , Kengerlinski L. Y. , Mamedova I. A. , Ibragimov N. I.
Published: April 2015

Raman scattering spectra of CdGa2Se4 single crystals were measured in temperature range 8‐300 K. From the temperature dependence of optical phonons of B (196 cm‐1) and E (246 cm‐1) symmetry type, the lattice deformation and phonon‐phonon interaction contributions to the temperature coefficient of phonon shift were calculated. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film deposited by pulse laser deposition
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Miura Hiroki , Shim Yong‐Gu , Wakita Kazuki
Published: April 2015

In this work, bulk Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) poly‐crystals which were used as a target of the pulse laser deposition (PLD) method were grown using the solid‐phase method. The CZTS poly‐crystals were then investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and compositional analyses. It was observed that impure crystal phases were reduced with increasing heat growth duration, and they almost completely disappeared in the crystals grown for 96 h at 980 °C. The lattice constants of the a and c axes were estimated from the XRD data and found to be 5.4307 Å and 10.8680 Å, respectively, which are in good agreement with the standard values of 5.4340 Å and 10.8560 Å, as according to JCPDS Card 01‐075‐4122. Our results indicate that the CZTS poly‐crystals have either a kesterite or a stannite structure. Raman spectra confirmed the existence of CZTS without any secondary phases in the form of binary or ternary sulfides. CZTS poly‐crystals were found to be nearly stoichiometric, and they possessed a uniform composition. CZTS thin films were deposited using the PLD method, and were evaluated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), composition analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Very few additional impurity phases were detected in CZTS thin films deposited at a pulse energy density of 5 mJ/mm2. Finally, the composition of the CZTS thin films was not consistent with that of the CZTS poly‐crystals as a target of PLD method. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In vitro and in vivo Bone‐Forming Activity of Saururus chinensis Extract
Authors: Moon Seong‐Hee , Choi Sik‐Won , Park Sang‐Joon , Ryu Shi‐Yong , Hwang Kyu‐Seok , Kim Cheol‐Hee , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: April 2015

Bone is maintained by osteoclast‐mediated resorption and osteoblast‐mediated formation. Recently, anti‐osteoporotic activity of Saururus chinensis extract (SCE) and anti‐osteoclastogenic activity of its components have been reported, but the effect of SCE on bone formation has not been studied well. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether Saururus chinensis SCE exhibits in vitro osteogenic and in vivo bone‐forming activity. extract strongly enhanced the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2‐stimulated induction of alkaline phosphatase, an early phase biomarker of osteoblast differentiation, in bi‐potential mesenchymal progenitor C2C12 cells. In vitro osteogenic activity of SCE was accompanied by enhanced expression of BMP‐2, BMP‐4, BMP‐7 and BMP‐9 mRNA. In addition, a pharmacological inhibition study suggested the involvement of p38 activation in the osteogenic action of SCE. Moreover, the BMP dependency and the involvement of p38 activation in the osteogenic action of SCE were confirmed by the treatment of noggin, an antagonist of BMP. Saururus chinensis extract also exhibited to induce runt‐related transcription factor 2 activation at the high concentration. Furthermore, the in vivo osteogenic activity of SCE was confirmed in zebrafish and mouse calvarial bone formation models, suggesting the possibility of its use for bone formation. In conclusion, we suggested that in vivo anti‐osteoporotic activity of SCE could be because of its dual action in bone, anti‐osteoclastogenic and anabolic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed consensus tracking for multi‐agent systems under two types of attacks
Authors: Feng Zhi , Hu Guoqiang , Wen Guanghui
Published: April 2015

This paper studies a distributed coordinated control problem for a class of linear multi‐agent systems subject to two types of attacks. The problem boils down to how to achieve secure consensus tracking for multi‐agent systems with connected and disconnected (paralyzed) directed switching topologies caused by two types of attacks. The attacks on the edges instead of nodes lead to the loss of security performance. Two cases are studied in this paper. First, under only a class of connectivity‐maintained attacks, sufficient conditions are derived to achieve secure consensus tracking in mean‐square. Second, when the multi‐agent systems are further subject to a class of connectivity‐broken attacks, novel sufficient conditions are further obtained to ensure secure consensus tracking with a specified convergence rate by virtue of the idea of average dwell time switching between some stable and unstable subsystems. Three numerical simulations are finally given to illustrate the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Species richness and density of wintering ducks on wetlands reserve program easements in Mississippi
Authors: Fleming K. Sarah , Kaminski Richard M. , Schummer Michael L. , Nelms Kevin D. , Ervin Gary N. , Tietjen Todd E.
Published: April 2015

The Mississippi Alluvial Valley provides important habitats for migrating and wintering waterfowl and is a priority area for restoration of wetlands through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Management of WRP wetlands varies from no management to active annual management of vegetation and water levels, which may influence wintering waterfowl use. We modeled variation in species richness and density of dabbling and diving ducks (Anatini, Aythyini) relative to a published Vegetative Forage Quality Assessment Index (VFQI; Fleming et al. 2012) of duck foods, other floristic metrics, and management type of WRP wetlands in Mississippi, USA, during autumns–winters 2007–2009. Duck species richness was correlated positively with wetland area when precipitation was below normal (winter 2007–2008), but not in 2008–2009 when landscape‐level flooding occurred. Duck densities varied positively with VFQI on wetlands with active management and late‐summer drawdown, but not on passive or active managed areas with early drawdown. Duck densities decreased with increasing woody vegetation. Models including VFQI explain ≤27% of the variation in duck densities, suggesting that ducks may also be selecting wetlands based on metrics that are not related to VFQI or wetland management. Active managed wetlands may produce the greatest VFQI, but our results suggest this technique need not always result in increased use by ducks. Nevertheless, we recommend active management of WRP wetlands to sustain food at the landscape level for migrating and wintering ducks. We also recommend continued study of metrics other than VFQI that may potentially influence use of wetlands by waterfowl. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Synthesis, Structure, and Nonlinear Optical Activity of K, Rb, and Cs Tris(crotonato)uranylates(VI)
Authors: Savchenkov Anton V. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Serezhkina Larisa B. , Pushkin Denis V. , Stefanovich Sergey Yu. , Serezhkin Viktor N.
Published: April 2015

Three uranyl crotonate complexes with composition RUO2(C3H5COO)3 [R = K (I), Rb (II), Cs (III)] were studied using FT‐IR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses. The structures of I–III are constructed of typical anionic tris(carboxylato)uranylate complexes [UO2(C3H5COO)3]–. Cubic crystals of I and II have 3D framework structure, whereas triclinic crystals of III have layered structure. In the structure of III uranyl ions are nonlinear and non equal‐arm due to uranyl‐cation UO22+–Cs+ interactions. Nonlinear optical activity of noncentrosymmetric uranyl carboxylates was estimated by second harmonic generation measurements. Uranyl crotonate complexes show about twice higher SHG ability than uranyl butyrate and valerate complexes.
AuNi3Si6 and Au2Ni4Si7: Two New Structure Types Related to the CaF2‐Type Structure
Authors: Stacher Matthias , Effenberger Herta S. , Ipser Herbert , Richter Klaus W.
Published: April 2015

The two compounds AuNi3Si6 and Au2Ni4Si7 were prepared from the elements by arc melting and subsequent annealing at 500 °C. They were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (powder and single‐crystal methods) and by scanning‐electron microscopy which was used for the independent determination of the phase compositions. Both compounds show only minor homogeneity ranges. Single‐crystal XRD was used for structure determination. Both title compounds crystallize in new structure types; AuNi3Si6 (Pearson symbol hR30, space group R$\bar{3}$m) and Au2Ni4Si7 (Pearson symbol mC26, space group C2/m). The new crystal structures are related to that of NiSi2 (CaF2‐type); AuNi3Si6 may be derived from this structure by a shear operation, while Au2Ni4Si7 may be regarded as intergrowth structure of the CaF2 and Hg2Pt‐type.
The phenotypic spectrum of organic acidurias and urea cycle disorders. Part 2: the evolving clinical phenotype
Authors: Kölker Stefan , Valayannopoulos Vassili , Burlina Alberto B. , Sykut‐Cegielska Jolanta , Wijburg Frits A. , Teles Elisa Leão , Zeman Jiri , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Barić Ivo , Karall Daniela , Arnoux Jean‐Baptiste , Avram Paula , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Blasco‐Alonso Javier , Boy S. P. Nikolas , Rasmussen Marlene Bøgehus , Burgard Peter , Chabrol Brigitte , Chakrapani Anupam , Chapman Kimberly , Cortès i Saladelafont Elisenda , Couce Maria L. , de Meirleir Linda , Dobbelaere Dries , Furlan Francesca , Gleich Florian , González Maria Julieta , Gradowska Wanda , Grünewald Stephanie , Honzik Tomas , Hörster Friederike , Ioannou Hariklea , Jalan Anil , Häberle Johannes , Haege Gisela , Langereis Eveline , de Lonlay Pascale , Martinelli Diego , Matsumoto Shirou , Mühlhausen Chris , Murphy Elaine , de Baulny Hélène Ogier , Ortez Carlos , Pedrón Consuelo C. , Pintos‐Morell Guillem , Pena‐Quintana Luis , Ramadža Danijela Petković , Rodrigues Esmeralda , Scholl‐Bürgi Sabine , Sokal Etienne , Summar Marshall L. , Thompson Nicholas , Vara Roshni , Pinera Inmaculada Vives , Walter John H. , Williams Monique , Lund Allan M. , Garcia Cazorla Angeles
Published: April 2015

Background

The disease course and long‐term outcome of patients with organic acidurias (OAD) and urea cycle disorders (UCD) are incompletely understood.

Aims

To evaluate the complex clinical phenotype of OAD and UCD patients at different ages.

Results

Acquired microcephaly and movement disorders were common in OAD and UCD highlighting that the brain is the major organ involved in these diseases. Cardiomyopathy [methylmalonic (MMA) and propionic aciduria (PA)], prolonged QTc interval (PA), optic nerve atrophy [MMA, isovaleric aciduria (IVA)], pancytopenia (PA), and macrocephaly [glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)] were exclusively found in OAD patients, whereas hepatic involvement was more frequent in UCD patients, in particular in argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) deficiency. Chronic renal failure was often found in MMA, with highest frequency in mut0 patients. Unexpectedly, chronic renal failure was also observed in adolescent and adult patients with GA1 and ASL deficiency. It had a similar frequency in patients with or without a movement disorder suggesting different pathophysiology. Thirteen patients (classic OAD: 3, UCD: 10) died during the study interval, ten of them during the initial metabolic crisis in the newborn period. Male patients with late‐onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency were presumably overrepresented in the study population.

Conclusions

Neurologic impairment is common in OAD and UCD, whereas the involvement of other organs (heart, liver, kidneys, eyes) follows a disease‐specific pattern. The identification of unexpected chronic renal failure in GA1 and ASL deficiency emphasizes the importance of a systematic follow‐up in patients with rare diseases.
Untargeted metabolomic analysis for the clinical screening of inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Miller Marcus J. , Kennedy Adam D. , Eckhart Andrea D. , Burrage Lindsay C. , Wulff Jacob E. , Miller Luke A.D. , Milburn Michael V. , Ryals John A. , Beaudet Arthur L. , Sun Qin , Sutton V. Reid , Elsea Sarah H.
Published: April 2015

Global metabolic profiling currently achievable by untargeted mass spectrometry‐based metabolomic platforms has great potential to advance our understanding of human disease states, including potential utility in the detection of novel and known inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). There are few studies of the technical reproducibility, data analysis methods, and overall diagnostic capabilities when this technology is applied to clinical specimens for the diagnosis of IEMs. We explored the clinical utility of a metabolomic workflow capable of routinely generating semi‐quantitative z‐score values for ~900 unique compounds, including ~500 named human analytes, in a single analysis of human plasma. We tested the technical reproducibility of this platform and applied it to the retrospective diagnosis of 190 individual plasma samples, 120 of which were collected from patients with a confirmed IEM. Our results demonstrate high intra‐assay precision and linear detection for the majority compounds tested. Individual metabolomic profiles provided excellent sensitivity and specificity for the detection of a wide range of metabolic disorders and identified novel biomarkers for some diseases. With this platform, it is possible to use one test to screen for dozens of IEMs that might otherwise require ordering multiple unique biochemical tests. However, this test may yield false negative results for certain disorders that would be detected by a more well‐established quantitative test and in its current state should be considered a supplementary test. Our findings describe a novel approach to metabolomic analysis of clinical specimens and demonstrate the clinical utility of this technology for prospective screening of IEMs.
Consumer Fear of Online Identity Theft: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Hille Patrick , Walsh Gianfranco , Cleveland Mark
Published: April 2015

One unwelcome side effect accompanying the rise of e-commerce concerns the increase in cyber-crime, which in turn contributes to consumer fear of online identity theft (FOIT). This research details the development and validation of a FOIT scale that measures individual differences in consumers’ proneness to feel negative emotions in relation to shopping online, specifically, the fear that others may illicitly use their identifying details. Based on literature insights, findings from qualitative interviews (n = 43), and three quantitative studies in Germany (n = 345, n = 539, n = 1,150) conducted in various online contexts, the authors propose a two-dimensional FOIT scale. Comprehensive validation procedures which involve relating FOIT to antecedents and consequences suggest the usefulness of the FOIT scale. Suggestions for future research and managerial implications are discussed.
Market‐timing the business cycle
Authors: Peláez Rolando F.
Published: April 2015

As a group, professional portfolio managers have been largely unable to outperform the market buy‐and‐hold benchmark. Likewise, professional forecasters have been unable to predict recessions reliably. The paper contributes to the literature in two significant respects. First, the Recession Probability Model herein correctly forecasts out‐of‐sample the probability of a downturn and the binary state over a 45‐year validation sample. This is important as it is around cyclical turning points that forecast errors are largest, and dependable forecasts are most useful. Reliable recession forecasts are essential for risk‐management, planning capital outlays, and for portfolio management. Moreover, accurate forecasts of the turn allow policy‐makers to mitigate the social cost of recessions. Second, the paper shows that it is extremely profitable to switch from equities to T‐bills when the one‐quarter‐ahead probability of recession reaches a certain threshold. Several market‐timing rules dominate the buy‐and‐hold in terms of the risk‐adjusted measures of Treynor, Sharpe, and Jensen. One trading rule achieves triple the terminal wealth of the buy‐and‐hold.
Meet Our International Editorial Consultants
Authors: Lehmann Jennifer
Published: April 2015

Children Australia has had the support and advice of many academic and professional practitioners over its many years of publication, with a number of people serving as Editorial Consultants. More recently, a number of international academics have joined our ranks, following in the footsteps of Nicola Taylor, Director of the Children's Issues Centre at the University of Otago, in Auckland, New Zealand, who was the first of our overseas academics. Nicola was the Guest Editor of a Special Issue some time ago, heralding what is now a more regular feature of the journal – encouraging collections of papers addressing specific topics.