bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CoS NWs/Au Hybridized Networks as Efficient Counter Electrodes for Flexible Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Wenxi , Zhang Xiaojia , Yu Ruomeng , Que Miaoling , Zhang Zengming , Wang Zhiwei , Hua Qilin , Wang Chunfeng , Wang Zhong Lin , Pan Caofeng
Published: April 2015

A newly designed counter electrode (CE) composed of a hybridized structure of Au networks and cobalt sulfide (CoS) nanowire (NW) arrays is presented for flexible dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and quantum dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). The sheet resistance of the Au networks electrode is ≈10 Ω sq−1 with a transmittance up to 90%. The CoS NWs/Au hybridized networks show excellent electrocatalytic activity and lower charge transfer resistance toward the reduction of both Sx2− ions and I3− ions. The hybridized electrode exhibits remarkable mechanical strength and no obvious changes in morphology and sheet resistance even after 500 bending cycles; 3.13% and 4.73% efficiency are obtained by utilizing CoS/Au hybridized networks as CEs in TiO2 nanotube array (TNAR) based DSSCs and QDSSCs. This work provides a novel approach to fabricate flexible, transparent, conductive, and catalytically active electrodes for QDSSCs and DSSCs and pomotes the development of transparent percolation conductive films for photovoltaics.
Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Nanoribbons with Surface Enriched Active Sites and Enhanced Performance for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Meng Xiangtong , Yu Chang , Song Xuedan , Liu Yang , Liang Suxia , Liu Zhiqiang , Hao Ce , Qiu Jieshan
Published: April 2015

Superior electrocatalytic activities and excellent electrochemical stabilities of inexpensive counter electrodes (CEs) are crucial to the large‐scale practical application of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, an efficient strategy for fabricating nitrogen‐doped graphene nanoribbons (N‐GNRs) via chemical unzipping of carbon nanotubes coupled with nitrogen doping process is reported, where abundant edge sites are produced and fully exposed basal planes of GNRs are activated by the N atoms within GNRs backbone. Benefiting from such unique characteristics, when first applied as CEs for DSSCs with triiodide/iodide electrolyte, a power conversion efficiency of 8.57% is delivered, outperforming GNRs (8.01%) and being superb to that of Pt (7.84%), and outstanding electrochemical stabilities of N‐GNRs are also demonstrated. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the N species within GNRs matrix, especially the predominant quaternary ones, could remarkably decrease the ionization energy of GNRs, which is instrumental to transfer electrons rapidly from external circuit to triiodide, and reduce charge‐transfer resistance, thus contributing to the enhanced photovoltaic performance. The present work has an insight into the unique role of N species on GNRs to the triiodide reduction, and provides an efficient strategy for design of high‐efficiency carbon electrodes with fully exposed active sites in energy conversion/storage devices.
Synthesis, structure, and properties of segmented carborane‐containing polyurethanes
Authors: Luo Yumeng , Lu Yafei , Li Ning , Li Yun , Zhang Xiaoa , Qi Shicheng
Published: April 2015

Novel segmented carborane‐containing polyurethane (PUR 2–5) is synthesized from hydroxyl‐terminated carborane‐containing prepolymer (P3) as soft segment and isocyanate‐terminated carborane‐containing prepolymer (P5) as hard segment by different ratio of P3 and P5. The prepared carborane‐containing polyarylesters and polyurethanes (PURs) are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Their mechanical properties and thermal stability are measured, while the dosage of carborane biphenol is 5–10 wt %, the tensile strength is up to 20 MPa, and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) curves indicate that the carborane group effectively reduces the degradation rate of carborane‐containing polyurethane, which is fairly stable above 300°C and with char yield exceeding 40%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42227.
Pyrolysis oil substituted epoxy resin: Improved ratio optimization and crosslinking efficiency
Authors: Celikbag Yusuf , Robinson Thomas J. , Via Brian K. , Adhikari Sushil , Auad Maria L.
Published: April 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the compatibility of whole pyrolysis oil (PO) of pine as a substitute for the phenolic component of epoxy resins (ER). Pyrolysis oil‐based epoxy resin (POBER) was synthesized by modification of EPON828 ER with PO at various mixing ratios (1 : 3–1 : 8, PO:EPON828, w/w). Acetone extraction determined that a ratio of 1 : 7–1 : 8 resulted in a fully reacted thermoset, leaving neither PO nor EPON828 in a significantly unreacted state. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that a ratio of 1 : 8 produced the highest storage modulus (E’); in addition, it was determined that this ratio provided a superior glass transition temperature (Tg) of 120°C and crosslinking density of 1891 mol/m3. FTIR spectra concluded that the reaction between the EPON828 and PO was complete at the 1 : 8 ratio, citing the removal of hydroxyl and epoxide peaks within the cured product. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42239.
Influence of hygrothermal aging on dimensional stability of thin injection‐molded short glass fiber reinforced PA6 materials
Authors: Illing Thomas , Schoßig Marcus , Bierögel Christian , Grellmann Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

The hygrothermal aging of short glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 materials (PA6/GF) is a major problem for thin‐walled components used in the automotive sector. In this work, the thickness and glass fiber content of PA6/GF materials were varied and exposed to hygrothermal aging. The temperature and relative humidity were chosen to range from −40 to 85°C and 10% RH to 85% RH respectively, according to automotive requirements for components in the passenger compartment. For the absorption of moisture, the diffusion behavior could not be generally described by Fick's law. However, the results indicate that the diffusion behavior is dependent on the relative humidity and thickness of the PA6/GF material. The morphology of the test specimen, which is influenced by injection molding, was also found to affect the diffusion behavior. The states of equilibrium for moisture absorption are strongly dependent on the relative humidity during hygrothermal aging and less dependent on the temperature. The maximum absorbed humidity was found at a temperature of 65°C and 85% RH, which was higher than at 85°C and 85% RH because of reduced contrary aging processes, such as postcrystallization. In certain climatic conditions and test specimen thicknesses, there was a characteristic overshoot in the mass change. This behavior could be attributed to a different degree of crystallization and lower glass fiber content. Both moisture absorption and an overshoot of the mass affected the dimensional stability of the test specimens. This effect on dimensional stability could be correlated with the glass fiber orientation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42245.
Solvent‐free acetylation of lignocellulosic fibers at room temperature: Effect on fiber structure and surface properties
Authors: El Boustani Meriem , Brouillette François , Lebrun Gilbert , Belfkira Ahmed
Published: April 2015

Acetylation is one of the most interesting chemical treatments to improve the affinity of lignocellulosic fibers with polymeric matrices for the elaboration of several types of composites. In this paper, the acetylation of flax and wood pulp (bleached softwood Kraft pulp and thermomechanical pulp) fibers was carried out at room temperature in a solvent‐free system with acetic anhydride in the presence of sulfuric acid as catalyst. The effect of acetylation on the fine structure of fibers was investigated by spectroscopic methods, while the extent of acetylation was quantified by weight percent gain. The effect of reaction time on fiber morphology was studied at macro‐ and microscale using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and fiber quality analysis. The evolution of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of fibers was determined by contact angle measurements. The wettability of fibers by liquid epoxy resin was also evaluated to confirm the improvement of the affinity of acetylated fibers with the epoxy matrix. It was found that the hydrophilic character of fibers decrease with increasing reaction time, whereas the trend was less pronounced beyond specific reaction times. Acetylated fibers can therefore be potential candidates for replacing nonbiodegradable reinforcing materials in composite applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42247.
Hybrid carrageenan‐based formulations for edible film preparation: Benchmarking with kappa carrageenan
Authors: Larotonda Fabio D. S. , Torres María D. , Gonçalves Maria P. , Sereno Alberto M. , Hilliou Loic
Published: April 2015

An intense search for new renewable sources to produce natural polymers for edible and biodegradable packaging is observed as they offer lower environmental costs. The objective of this work is to investigate the use of hybrid carrageenan, extracted from Mastocarpus stellatus seaweeds, as an alternative to commercial kappa carrageenan in new edible film formulations. To this end, the production and characterization of biodegradable films obtained with mixtures of rice starch and hybrid carrageenan or commercial kappa carrageenan were carried out. Thin, flexible, and transparent films with attractive functional properties were obtained from rice starch–carrageenan mixtures. Films forming solutions produced with hybrid carrageenan showed rheological properties comparable to commercial kappa carrageenan‐based solutions. Films formulated with hybrid carrageenan show significantly enhanced UV barrier, oxygen barrier, and hydrophobic properties. Thus, hybrid carrageenan proved to be a promising material for the production of edible coatings and biodegradable films and a good alternative to kappa carrageenan for such application. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42263.
The unique morphology role of thorn surface in determining electrochemical performance of polyaniline nano‐fibers via one‐step method
Authors: Wang Hai‐yan , Li Lan , Zhang Long , Ran Fen
Published: April 2015

Polyaniline nano‐fibers with thorn surface morphology (T‐PANI) were synthesized by one‐step polymerization with adding additional aniline at later stage of chemical oxidation synthesis. In order to investigate the morphology role in determining electrochemical performance, the nano‐fibers PANI without thorn (PANI) was synthesized by the same polymerization process but at different time to add additional aniline. Material structures were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method, and electrochemical performance was tested through cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge‐discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The data showed that the specific capacitance of T‐PANI was 443 F g−1 at 5 mA cm−2, which was much more than that of PANI (338 F g−1 at 5 mA cm−2). The solution resistance, charge transfer resistance, and diffuse resistance of T‐PANI were also lower than these of PANI. The results indicate that the thorn surface structure plays an important role in determining the electrochemical performance of polyaniline, which attribute to the improvements in pore size, pore distribution, special surface area, and conductivity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42266.
Interaction of dendronized polymeric nanocomposites with isomeric cyclohexanediols
Authors: Alvarado Nancy , Fuentes Irma , Alegría Luz , Leiva Angel , Kortaberría Galder , Eceiza María Arantxa , Gargallo Ligia , Radić Deodato
Published: April 2015

Dendronized poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylamide) (PEAM) was studied in blends containing isomeric cyclic dialcohols. Monomers and polymers were characterized by spectroscopic measurements. The phase behaviors of blends of PEAM with 1,2‐, 1,3‐ and 1,4‐cyclohexanediols (1,2‐CHD, 1,3‐CHD and 1,4‐CHD, respectively) were established. Transparent films of the blends exhibited a single glass‐transition temperature (Tg). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed the temperature at which the polymer releases the small molecules. UV‐vis spectra of 1,3‐CHD and 1,4‐CHD derivatives showed an isosbestic point that indicated the association of the alcohols. FT‐IR measurements showed shifts in several absorption bands. The results were analyzed in terms of the side‐chain structure and the interactions involved. AFM measurements revealed differences between the polymer and the blends. Compatibilization of blends of PEAM/CHDs occurred via the formation of hydrogen bonds, although hydrophobic interactions could not be disregarded. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42267.
Study of the Function of G‐Rich Aptamers Selected for Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Jun , Zhao Zilong , Liu Qiaoling , Ye Mao , Hu Bingqiang , Wang Jing , Tan Weihong
Published: April 2015

Guanine (G)‐rich oligonucleotides have attracted considerable interest as therapeutic agents. Two G‐rich aptamers were selected against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐transfected A549 cells, and their G‐rich domains (S13 and S50) were identified to account for the binding of parental aptamers. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed that S13 and S50 bound to their targets by forming parallel quadruplexes. Their binding, internalization, and antiproliferation activity in cancer and noncancer cells were investigated by flow cytometry and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium

(MTS) assay, and compared with those of nucleolin‐binding AS1411 and thrombin‐binding aptamer. The two truncated aptamers (S13 and S50) have good binding and internalization in cancer cells and noncancer cells; however, only S50, similar to AS1411, shows potent antiproliferation against cancer cells. Our data suggest that tumor‐selective antiproliferation of G‐rich oligonucleotides does not directly depend on the binding of the G‐rich aptamer to cells.
Improving protein production of indigenous microalga Chlorella vulgaris FSP‐E by photobioreactor design and cultivation strategies
Authors: Chen Chun‐Yen , Lee Po‐Jen , Tan Chung Hong , Lo Yung‐Chung , Huang Chieh‐Chen , Show Pau Loke , Lin Chih‐Hung , Chang Jo‐Shu
Published: April 2015

Fish meal is currently the major protein source for commercial aquaculture feed. Due to its unstable supply and increasing price, fish meal is becoming more expensive and its availability is expected to face significant challenges in the near future. Therefore, feasible alternatives to fish meal are urgently required. Microalgae have been recognized as the most promising candidates to replace fish meal because the protein composition of microalgae is similar to fish meal and the supply of microalgae‐based proteins is sustainable. In this study, an indigenous microalga (Chlorella vulgaris FSP‐E) with high protein content was selected, and its feasibility as an aquaculture protein source was explored. An innovative photobioreactor (PBR) utilizing cold cathode fluorescent lamps as an internal light source was designed to cultivate the FSP‐E strain for protein production. This PBR could achieve a maximum biomass and protein productivity of 699 and 365 mg/L/day, respectively, under an optimum urea and iron concentration of 12.4 mM and 90 μM, respectively. In addition, amino acid analysis of the microalgal protein showed that up to 70% of the proteins in this microalgal strain consist of indispensable amino acids. Thus, C. vulgaris FSP‐E appears to be a viable alternative protein source for the aquaculture industry.
Relationship between levator ani and bony pelvis morphology and clinical grade of prolapse in women
Authors: LI Ran , Song Yanfeng , Ma Ming
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the morphological features of the levator ani and bony pelvis in women with different grades of prolapse. Ninety Chinese women with different grades of uterine prolapse were studied, 18 in each stage of prolapse from I to IV, and 18 asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers as normal controls. Three‐dimensional (3D) models that included the pelvic bones, levator ani, pubic symphysis, sacrum, and coccyx were generated from magnetic resonance (MR) images. The width and length of the levator hiatus and levator symphysis gap, the width of the iliococcygeus, and the iliococcygeal angle were measured to quantify levator ani morphology; the intertuberous diameter, interspinous diameter, subpubic angle, and pubococcygeal line were measured to characterize the morphology of the bony pelvis. Four patterns of levator ani morphology among women with and without prolapse were distinguished. Among the bony pelvis parameters, no measurement differed significantly between the subjects with prolapse and normal controls, or among subjects with different grades of prolapse. There were significant differences in the width and length of the levator hiatus and levator symphysis gap between women with prolapse and normal controls. Our pilot data help to elucidate bony pelvis and levator ani morphology in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse. In contrast to the iliococcygeus muscle, changes in the morphological features of the pubovisceral muscle are more likely to accompany prolapse. Clin. Anat. 28:813–819, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conserved lamin A protein expression in differentiated cells in the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae
Authors: Kalidas Ramamoorthy M. , Raja Subramanian Elaiya , Mydeen Sheik Abdul Kader Nagoor Meeran , Samuel Selvan Christyraj Johnson Retnaraj , Durairaj Selvan Christyraj Jackson , Nino Gopi D. , Palanichelvam Karuppaiah , Vaithi Arumugaswami , Sudhakar Sivasubramaniam
Published: April 2015

Lamin A is an intermediate filament protein found in most of the differentiated vertebrate cells but absent in stem cells. It shapes the skeletal frame structure beneath the inner nuclear membrane of the cell nucleus. As there are few studies of the expression of lamin A in invertebrates, in the present work, we have analyzed the sequence, immunochemical conservation and expression pattern of lamin A protein in the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae, a model organism for tissue regeneration. The expression of lamin A has been confirmed in E. eugeniae by immunoblot. Its localization in the nuclear membrane has been observed by immunohistochemistry using two different rabbit anti‐sera raised against human lamin A peptides, which are located at the C‐terminus of the lamin A protein. These two antibodies detected 70 kDa lamin A protein in mice and a single 65 kDa protein in the earthworm. The Oct‐4 positive undifferentiated blastemal tissues of regenerating earthworm do not express lamin A, while the Oct‐4 negative differentiated cells express lamin A. This pattern was also confirmed in the earthworm prostate gland. The present study is the first evidence for the immunochemical identification of lamin A and Oct‐4 in the earthworm. Along with the partial sequence obtained from the earthworm genome, the present results suggest that lamin A protein and its expression pattern is conserved from the earthworm to humans.
Ligninver“wert”ung
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar
Published: April 2015

Über ein Viertel des organisch gebundenen Kohlenstoffs auf Erden besteht aus dem äußerst inerten, aber zugleich biotechnisch attraktiven Biopolymer Lignin. Es ist der ökonomisch fast unverwertbare Anteil der Lignobiozellulose‐Biomasse (Zellulose, Hemizellulosen, Lignin), aus der die verholzte Stützsubstanz der Bäume und der dauerhafteren Kräuter besteht. Obwohl Lignin die wichtigste Quelle aromatischer chemischer Stoffe sein könnte, wird es wegen seiner innewohnenden chemisch‐technischen und biologischen Unangreifbarkeit kaum zu brauchbaren Grund‐ und Wertstoffen rezyklisiert, sondern in der Holz‐ und Papierindustrie einfach als Abfall und Energiequelle verfeuert. Es wäre vernünftiger, gezielten Gebrauch von diesem komplexen und innerlich werthaltigen Naturstoff mit seinen aromatischen Bausteinen zu machen. Erfindungsreiche sind also aufgerufen, Zukunftsträchtigeres damit anzufangen und mühen sich.
Expert Insight into the Assessment of Competence in Cognitive–Behavioural Therapy: A Qualitative Exploration of Experts' Experiences, Opinions and Recommendations
Authors: Muse Kate , McManus Freda
Published: April 2015

To offer insight into how cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) competence is defined, measured and evaluated and to highlight ways in which the assessment of CBT competence could be further improved, the current study utilizes a qualitative methodology to examine CBT experts' (N = 19) experiences of conceptualizing and assessing the competence of CBT therapists. Semi‐structured interviews were used to explore participants' experiences of assessing the competence of CBT therapists. Interview transcripts were then analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis in order to identify commonalities and differences in the way CBT competence is evaluated. Four superordinate themes were identified: (i) what to assess, the complex and fuzzy concept of CBT competence; (ii) how to assess CBT competence, selecting from the toolbox of assessment methods; (iii) who is best placed to assess CBT competence, expertise and independence; and (iv) pitfalls, identifying and overcoming assessment biases. Priorities for future research and ways in which the assessment of CBT competence could be further improved are discussed in light of these findings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

A qualitative exploration of experts' experiences, opinions and recommendations for assessing the competence of CBT therapists.

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Themes identified shed light on (i) what to assess; (ii) how to assess; (iii) who is best placed to assess; and (iv) common pitfalls.

Priorities for future research and ways in which the assessment of CBT competence could be further improved are discussed in light of these findings.
An eigen‐select denoising threshold for channel estimation in OFDM systems
Authors: Sure Pallaviram , Bhuma Chandra Mohan
Published: April 2015

In reliable orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems, channel estimator (CE) plays a crucial role. A pilot‐aided orthogonal frequency division multiplexing CE often employs denoising thresholds to identify significant and noisy channel impulse response taps. When the knowledge of channel statistics (KCS) is completely unavailable, the existing suboptimal thresholds require consistent estimation of one or more KCS parameters. In this paper, the effect of noise variance parameter estimation on CE's mean square error (MSE) performance is characterized analytically by computing threshold's tap‐detection probability. To mitigate MSE degradation due to KCS estimation, an eigen‐select threshold, which does not require any KCS estimation, is proposed. It utilizes eigen values of the auto‐covariance matrix formed by estimated channel impulse response. The proposed threshold is compared with existing state‐of‐art alternatives, for CE's MSE performance and system's BER performance, in correlated Rayleigh fading channel environments. Results reveal that, with the proposed threshold, performance plots converge to optimal solution more closely than the others. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary mRNA levels of ELR‐negative CXC chemokine ligand and extracellular matrix in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Wang Gang , Lai Fernand Mac‐Moune , Chow Kai‐Ming , Kwan Bonnie Ching‐Ha , Pang Wing‐Fai , Luk Cathy Choi‐Wan , Leung Chi‐Bon , Li Philip Kam‐Tao , Szeto Cheuk‐Chun
Published: April 2015

Background

Inflammation and fibrosis play important roles in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. We determine the urinary mRNA levels of ELR‐CXC chemokine ligand and extracellular matrix in diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

We studied 26 patients with biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy, 15 with hypertensive nephrosclerosis and 10 healthy controls. Urinary mRNA levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, collagen I A1 chain, collagen IV A3 chain and fibronectin were measured. Patients were followed for 36.9 ± 7.4 months to determine the rate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline.

Results

Urinary mRNA levels of CXCL10 and CXCL11 are decreased, and those of collagen I A1 chain and fibronectin are increased in diabetic nephropathy. Baseline estimated GFR correlates with urinary mRNA level of CXCL9 (r = 0.583, p = 0.002) and CXCL11 (r = 0.703, p < 0.0001), respectively. The rate of GFR decline significantly correlates with urinary CXCL9 (r = −0.618, p = 0.0008) and CXCL11 mRNA levels (r = −0.726, p < 0.0001). Multivariate linear regression analysis confirms that urinary CXCL9 mRNA level is independently associated with the rate of GFR decline, while the correlation with urinary CXCL11 mRNA level has borderline significance.

Conclusion

Urinary CXCL9 and CXCL11 mRNA levels correlate with baseline renal function. The rate of renal function decline correlates with urinary CXCL9 mRNA level. Our results suggest that urinary CXCL9 mRNA levels may be used for risk stratification of diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining associations between negative urgency and key components of objective binge episodes
Authors: Racine Sarah E. , Burt S. Alexandra , Keel Pamela K. , Sisk Cheryl L. , Neale Michael C. , Boker Steven , Klump Kelly L.
Published: April 2015

Objective

Negative urgency (NU; tendency to act impulsively when experiencing negative emotions) is a risk factor for binge eating, although few studies have examined interviewer‐assessed objective binge episodes (OBEs). Moreover, research has not investigated how NU relates to the core components of OBEs: loss of control (LOC) eating and objective overeating (OO). Understanding the relationship between NU and these core components will enhance etiologic models of eating disorder development. Thus, the current study examined the associations between NU, OBEs, and the components of OBEs by comparing levels of NU in women with OBEs, LOC eating only, and OO only to women with no pathological eating.

Method

Participants were 612 women who endorsed lifetime OBEs (5.4%), LOC eating outside of OBEs (5.7%), OO only (2.8%), or none of these eating episodes (85.9%).

Results

Women with OBEs, LOC only, and OO only had significantly higher levels of NU than women without these episodes, suggesting that NU is associated with both the LOC and OO components of OBEs.

Discussion

NU relates to the spectrum of pathology present in women with OBEs. Future research should examine the mechanisms underlying these associations, including impaired behavioral/psychological control and/or increased reward sensitivity in response to negative affect. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:527–531).
The Synthesis of Chiral Benzothiazine and Thiazinoquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Wang Long , Priebbenow Daniel L. , Chen Xiao Yun , Pan Fang‐Fang , Bolm Carsten
Published: April 2015

The syntheses of a series of enantiopure conformationally restricted benzothiazine and thiazinoquinoline derivatives are presented. Key starting materials are 3‐aminoacetophenone and (S)‐S‐methyl‐S‐phenylsulfoximine. By using a short reaction sequence, the 8‐amino‐2,1‐benzothiazine derivative was readily prepared, which served as a valuable intermediate for the synthesis of additional derivatives. Initial experiments show that employing such compounds in copper‐catalyzed asymmetric Mukaiyama‐type aldol reactions provided products with moderate enantioselectivity.
The use of municipal solid waste compost in contaminated soil to reduce the availability ofNi andCd: A study fromIstanbul
Authors: Elmaslar Özbaş Emine
Published: April 2015

This study investigated the short‐term effect of adding Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) compost to artificially Ni and Cd polluted soil for a 3‐month period. Before this study, the adsorption capacity of MSW compost to adsorb Ni and Cd was also investigated. At the end of the adsorption studies, it was found that Ni adsorption on MSW compost can be explained with the Freundlich model, and Cd adsorption with the Langmuir model. It was noted that in the short‐term effect studies, the addition of compost to soil decreased the concentrations of the immediately available forms of Ni and Cd. The addition of compost to soil increased the potentially available form of Ni and Cd. The leachability of Ni assessed by the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test increased with the compost amounts. However, the addition of compost did not affect the leachability of Cd. At the end of the sequential extraction procedure, it could be said that a 1% addition of compost increased the concentrations of Ni and Cd in organic matter bounded and residual fractions. The addition of more (>1%) compost, decreased the concentrations of Ni in these fractions. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1372–1378, 2015
Porous Carbon as Anode Catalyst Support to Improve Borohydride Utilization in a Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell
Authors: Li G. R. , Wang Q. Q. , Liu B. H. , Li Z. P.
Published: April 2015

Our study explores the use of porous carbon as anode catalyst support to improve borohydride utilization in a direct borohydride fuel cell. Pt catalysts supported by carbon aerogel (CA) and macroporous carbon (MPC) are synthesized by template method. The pores in porous carbon materials catch hydrogen bubbles to regulate the contact of anolyte with catalytic sites, and this leads to the depression of hydrogen evolution during BH4− electrooxidation. However, the hydrogen bubbles in the pores simultaneously deteriorate charge carrier transport and thus increase anode polarization. The CA‐supported Pt catalyst improves the coulombic efficiency of BH4− electrooxidation. However, the MPC‐supported Pt catalyst performed better than the CA‐supported Pt catalyst. MPC also has a good pore distribution, which improves the coulombic efficiency of BH4− electrooxidation without decreasing anode performance.
Challenges Associated with Measuring the Intrinsic Electrical Conductivity of Carbon Paper Diffusion Media
Authors: Aydin Ö. , Zedda M. , Zamel N.
Published: April 2015

In this work, an overview of three different through‐plane resistivity measurement methods accompanied with the in‐plane resistivity measurement method is given and the methods thoroughly evaluated. It is found that the accuracy of the results is highly dependent on the measurement method. The gold coated electrodes reduce the electrical contact resistance (ECR) emerging between the electrodes and the GDL samples; however, it does not completely eliminate it. Measurement of the voltage drop across the GDLs directly on the GDL surfaces excludes contact resistances to the electrode. On the other hand, we find that the difference in the isolation area around the direct voltage‐sense‐probes in combination with the in‐plane resistivity of the GDLs impacts the accuracy of the experimental results. Consequently, implementation of the direct voltage‐sense‐probes is recommended for accurate measurements with an isolation area as small as possible.
Accounting for the Political Uncertainty Factor
Authors: Scheffel Eric M.
Published: April 2015

We build our analysis upon previous work by Bloom et al. (Measuring the Effect of Political Uncertainty. Working Paper, Stanford University, 2012) and Baker et al. (Political Uncertainty: A New Indicator. CentrePiece 2012; 16(3): 21–23), who estimate the dynamic effects of a shock to a newly constructed surrogate measure of political uncertainty (PU) on the US economy. Comparable to their results we demonstrate that a shock to PU has pervasive effects on the dynamic evolution of the US economy. Using an estimated structural dynamic factor model we find that more globally integrated markets exhibit significantly more pronounced responses than other measures of real economic activity. Impulse responses reveal a small but statistically significant ‘flight‐to‐safety’ effect, depressing government bond yields across the entire term structure following a shock to PU. Forecast error variance decompositions are predominantly composed of supply, demand, and PU shocks over all horizons, with PU shocks contributing less and supply shocks contributing more to forecast errors at longer horizons. Technology shocks, by contrast, are found to affect forecast accuracy closer to impact with quickly decaying contributions over extended forecast horizons. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Choosability with Separation of Planar Graphs with Forbidden Cycles
Authors: Choi Ilkyoo , Lidický Bernard , Stolee Derrick
Published: April 2015

We study choosability with separation which is a constrained version of list coloring of graphs. A ‐list assignment L of a graph G is a function that assigns to each vertex v a list of at least k colors and for any adjacent pair , the lists and share at most d colors. A graph G is ‐choosable if there exists an L‐coloring of G for every ‐list assignment L. This concept is also known as choosability with separation. We prove that planar graphs without 4‐cycles are (3, 1)‐choosable and that planar graphs without 5‐ and 6‐cycles are (3, 1)‐choosable. In addition, we give an alternative and slightly stronger proof that triangle‐free planar graphs are (3, 1)‐choosable.
Deregulation and Access to Medicines: the Peruvian Experience
Authors: Costa Font Joan
Published: April 2015

How does the deregulation of medicine influence access to drugs? This paper provides an economic policy assessment of the effects of medicine deregulation drawing on the Peruvian experience between 1991 and 2006. As in other low‐income countries, health insurance development is inadequate, drug expenditure is mostly paid out‐of‐pocket and approximately one third of the Peruvian population has limited access to ‘essential medicines’. Market deregulation in this context could have exerted an impact on prices and hence reduce access to medicines. Based on this evidence, we find that product and price deregulation of the medicines market appears to have reduced consumer trust of locally produced medicines and incentivised a switch to branded and more expensive drugs. The latter resulted in a drug price spike, which in turn further decreased access to medicines. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Long‐term Fertiliser Applications on Soil Organic Carbon and Hydraulic Properties of a Loess Soil in China
Authors: Shi Yinguang , Zhao Xining , Gao Xiaodong , Zhang Shulan , Wu Pute
Published: April 2015

Based on a 28‐yearin situexperiment, this paper investigated the impacts of organic and inorganic fertiliser applications on soil organic carbon (SOC) content and soil hydraulic properties of the silt loam (Eumorthic Anthrosols) soils derived from loess soil in the Guanzhong Plain of China. There were two crop (winter wheat and summer maize) rotations with conventional tillage. The treatments included control without fertiliser application, organic manure application (M), chemical fertiliser application (NP), and the application of organic manure with chemical fertiliser (MNP). The results showed that the 28‐year organic manure applications (M and MNP) significantly (p < 0·05) increased SOC content at surface layer (0–10 cm), but the effect of chemical fertilisers alone on SOC was not significant. Organic manure treatments (M and MNP) apparently improved soil hydraulic properties. Compared with control, field capacity and total porosity significantly (p < 0·05) increased while soil bulk density significantly (p < 0·05) decreased for organic manure applications. The M and MNP treatments increased soil water retentions by 3·2–10·8%, which was dependent of suction tensions. However, the NP treatment had no significantly impact on soil water retention compared with control. Neither organic nor inorganic fertiliser applications significantly changed saturated hydraulic conductivity. However, a clear difference was observed for unsaturated hydraulic conductivity between the M and the control at 0–5 cm. Overall, long‐term applications of organic manuring increased SOC content and amended soil hydraulic properties. However, the effects of chemical fertilisers on these soil properties were limited. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion properties of a complex multi‐phase martensitic stainless steel depending on the tempering temperature
Authors: Seifert M. , Wieskämper D. , Tonfeld T. , Huth S.
Published: April 2015

In this work, the corrosion resistance of X190CrVMo20‐4‐1 martensitic stainless steel and the hardness are correlated with the tempering temperature. The steel was hardened from a typical austenitisation temperature, quenched in oil and tempered up to 600 °C. The corrosion resistance was investigated by means of electrochemical tests, in both 5% sulphuric acid and in 3% sodium chloride. Static immersion tests were performed in H2SO4 only. The best compromise for a high hardness and corrosion resistance is found for tempering between 100 and 200 °C. The data obtained can be used for designing and application of this steel.
Beware of a diagnosis of TIA in a young patient
Authors: Omar Sarim Kamal , Rizeq Mazen
Published: April 2015

Cavernomas are abnormal vascular lesions consisting of many small lobules, like a bunch of small berries. They may be asymptomatic or they may present with seizures, in around 60% of cases, or symptoms similar to a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke. Here, the authors describe a case of a 30‐year‐old woman who presented with TIA‐like symptoms for which treatment was started. Imaging revealed a spinal cord cavernoma, after which the course of management was changed and the patient referred to the neurosurgeons.
Reaction ofOHradical and ozone with methyl salicylate – aDFTstudy
Authors: Priya A. Mano , Senthilkumar Lakshmipathi
Published: April 2015

A theoretical study on the reaction mechanism of methyl salicylate (MeSA), a green leaf volatile organic compound with OH radical and ozone, has been carried out using density functional theory methods using B3LYP, M06‐2X and MPW1K functionals with 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set. The atmospheric degradation pathways of MeSA with OH radical are studied under two different pathways, viz. H‐atom abstraction and electrophilic addition of OH radical. The hydrogen abstraction from –OH group is found to be the dominant reaction channel with small barrier height. Likewise, the electrophilic addition of OH radicals at the para position of MeSA is found to be favourable rather than the ortho and meta positions because of the small barrier height. However, the reaction of MeSA with respect to the addition of O3is initiated only through the cycloaddition to the CC bond, resulting in primary ozonide. The Arrhenius plot for most of the addition reaction shows positive temperature dependence, while for the abstraction reaction, it exhibits negative temperature dependence over the temperature range of 278–350 K. The calculated theoretical rate constants are in good agreement with available experimental data. Overall, the addition of both OH radical and ozone possesses ability to degrade MeSA, but slower when compared with the Cl radical. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced protein formulations
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: April 2015

It is well recognized that protein product development is far more challenging than that for small‐molecule drugs. The major challenges include inherent sensitivity to different types of stresses during the drug product manufacturing process, high rate of physical and chemical degradation during long‐term storage, and enhanced aggregation and/or viscosity at high protein concentrations. In the past decade, many novel formulation concepts and technologies have been or are being developed to address these product development challenges for proteins. These concepts and technologies include use of uncommon/combination of formulation stabilizers, conjugation or fusion with potential stabilizers, site‐specific mutagenesis, and preparation of nontraditional types of dosage forms—semiaqueous solutions, nonfreeze‐dried solid formulations, suspensions, and other emerging concepts. No one technology appears to be mature, ideal, and/or adequate to address all the challenges. These gaps will likely remain in the foreseeable future and need significant efforts for ultimate resolution.
Placebo non‐response measure in sequential parallel comparison design studies
Authors: Rybin Denis , Doros Gheorghe , Pencina Michael J. , Fava Maurizio
Published: April 2015

The Sequential Parallel Comparison Design (SPCD) is one of the novel approaches addressing placebo response. The analysis of SPCD data typically classifies subjects as ‘placebo responders’ or ‘placebo non‐responders’. Most current methods employed for analysis of SPCD data utilize only a part of the data collected during the trial. A repeated measures model was proposed for analysis of continuous outcomes that permitted the inclusion of information from all subjects into the treatment effect estimation. We describe here a new approach using a weighted repeated measures model that further improves the utilization of data collected during the trial, allowing the incorporation of information that is relevant to the placebo response, and dealing with the problem of possible misclassification of subjects. Our simulations show that when compared to the unweighted repeated measures model method, our approach performs as well or, under certain conditions, better, in preserving the type I error, achieving adequate power and minimizing the mean squared error. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of covariate measurement error on risk prediction
Authors: Khudyakov Polyna , Gorfine Malka , Zucker David , Spiegelman Donna
Published: April 2015

In the development of risk prediction models, predictors are often measured with error. In this paper, we investigate the impact of covariate measurement error on risk prediction. We compare the prediction performance using a costly variable measured without error, along with error‐free covariates, to that of a model based on an inexpensive surrogate along with the error‐free covariates. We consider continuous error‐prone covariates with homoscedastic and heteroscedastic errors, and also a discrete misclassified covariate. Prediction performance is evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the Brier score (BS), and the ratio of the observed to the expected number of events (calibration). In an extensive numerical study, we show that (i) the prediction model with the error‐prone covariate is very well calibrated, even when it is mis‐specified; (ii) using the error‐prone covariate instead of the true covariate can reduce the AUC and increase the BS dramatically; (iii) adding an auxiliary variable, which is correlated with the error‐prone covariate but conditionally independent of the outcome given all covariates in the true model, can improve the AUC and BS substantially. We conclude that reducing measurement error in covariates will improve the ensuing risk prediction, unless the association between the error‐free and error‐prone covariates is very high. Finally, we demonstrate how a validation study can be used to assess the effect of mismeasured covariates on risk prediction. These concepts are illustrated in a breast cancer risk prediction model developed in the Nurses' Health Study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Weibull multi‐state model for the dependence of progression‐free survival and overall survival
Authors: Li Yimei , Zhang Qiang
Published: April 2015

In oncology clinical trials, overall survival, time to progression, and progression‐free survival are three commonly used endpoints. Empirical correlations among them have been published for different cancers, but statistical models describing the dependence structures are limited. Recently, Fleischer et al. proposed a statistical model that is mathematically tractable and shows some flexibility to describe the dependencies in a realistic way, based on the assumption of exponential distributions. This paper aims to extend their model to the more flexible Weibull distribution. We derived theoretical correlations among different survival outcomes, as well as the distribution of overall survival induced by the model. Model parameters were estimated by the maximum likelihood method and the goodness of fit was assessed by plotting estimated versus observed survival curves for overall survival. We applied the method to three cancer clinical trials. In the non‐small‐cell lung cancer trial, both the exponential and the Weibull models provided an adequate fit to the data, and the estimated correlations were very similar under both models. In the prostate cancer trial and the laryngeal cancer trial, the Weibull model exhibited advantages over the exponential model and yielded larger estimated correlations. Simulations suggested that the proposed Weibull model is robust for data generated from a range of distributions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What about a dimension of engagement, equity, and diversity practices? A critique of the next generation science standards
Authors: Rodriguez Alberto J.
Published: April 2015

In this paper, I offer a critique of A Framework for K‐12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (NRC, 2012) and of the Next Generation Science Standards (Achieve, 2013). While the new version of the science education standards and the arguments put forward to support them are an improvement from the previous version of the NRC Science Education Standards, we must pause and reflect on the implications on jumping on another education reform, fast moving train. Using sociotransformative constructivism as a guiding theoretical lens, I argued that the Conceptual Framework and NGSS documents fall short due to the lack of retrospection, the on‐going contradictory discourses, and the lack of voice and representation in the development of these important policy documents. Suggestions for improvement and discussion are offered in hope that we might prevent the NGSS from having as little impact on teachers' practice and on students' learning as the previous version of the national science education standards had. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 1031–1051, 2015.
“How Do You Draw Freedom?”
Authors: Leland Christine H. , Ociepka Anne , Wackerly Amy
Published: April 2015

Children and their teacher participated in a project that explored the question of how engaging in transmediation after hearing a story might affect children's meaning construction. In this article we share our work with a teacher and her third graders as they were challenged to move from the traditional activity of drawing a picture about a story to drawing a picture that symbolized the underlying meaning of a story.