Validation of a new self-report measure of parental attributions.

Attributional theory and empirical evidence suggest that a tendency to make stable, global self-causal attributions for undesirable events is associated with negative outcomes. However, existing self-report measures of parental attributions do not account for the possibility that dysfunctional parent-causal attributions for child misbehavior might be important predictors of poor family functioning. To address these concerns, the authors developed and tested a new measure of both parent-causal and child-responsible attributions for child misbehavior in a sample of 453 community couples. Structural validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and temporal stability of the new measure were examined. As expected, confirmatory factor analysis resulted in 2 factors, Child-Responsible (9 items) and Parent-Causal (7 items); the final model was cross-validated in a holdout sample. The final scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency (αs = .81–.90), test–retest reliability (rs = .55–.76), and convergent and discriminant validity. Dysfunctional parent-causal and child-responsible attributions significantly predicted parental emotional problems, ineffective discipline, parent–child physical aggression, and low parenting satisfaction. Associations with parent–child aggression and parenting satisfaction were generally larger than with partner aggression and relationship satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bridging cell multiscale modeling of fatigue crack growth in fcc crystals

The previously developed bridging cell method for modeling coupled continuum/atomistic systems at finite temperature is used to model fatigue crack growth in single crystal nickel under two crystal orientations at different temperatures. The method is expanded to implement a temperature‐dependent embedded atom method potential for finite temperature simulations avoiding time‐scale restrictions associated with small timesteps. Results for the fatigue simulation were compared with respect to deformation behavior, stress distribution, and crack length. Results showed very different crack growth mechanisms between the two crystal orientations as well as reduced resistance to crack growth with increased temperature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Issues with Combining Road Elevation Spectral Models and Vehicle Vibration Response to Estimate Vehicle Dynamic Characteristics

The research presented in this paper focuses on issues associated with the development of an experimental technique to estimate the dynamic characteristics of wheeled vehicles (namely, the frequency response function) using only in‐service response data. To validate the approach and eliminate complexities associated with multi‐wheel vehicles, a single‐wheeled prototype vehicle was designed and commissioned. The vertical vibration acceleration of the prototype vehicle's sprung mass was measured during normal operation. The power spectral density function was computed and used to estimate the frequency response function of the vehicle. A number of experiments using various configurations of the single‐wheeled prototype vehicle were undertaken, along with a series of vibration table experiments to provide a comparison with the estimated frequency response functions. The results show that the best estimate of the frequency response function using the vehicle response data provides reasonable agreement with the measured laboratory experiments when the value of the slope of the spectral function is not set to the value suggested by the International Organisation for Standardisation. Another technique was further developed to estimate the value of the pavement spectral slope using only in‐service response data; however, this technique does not yield consistent and accurate estimates. Interestingly, the main resonance of the vehicle is in agreement between the vibration table and response data around the sprung mass of all three vehicle configurations when inspected using linear scales (regardless of the variation in the spectral shape of the excitation), although the additional modes (including the unsprung mass) differs for all vehicles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Increased conversion efficiency in cadmium telluride photovoltaics by luminescent downshifting with quantum dot/poly(methyl methacrylate) films

Commercially available quantum dots have been encapsulated in a poly(methyl methacrylate) film and used as a luminescent downshifting layer on cadmium sulfide/cadmium telluride photovoltaic devices. Application of these films has resulted in a relative improvement to the short‐circuit current of over 4% by I–V measurement, with a significant increase in the contribution of short‐wavelength light resulting in 25% of the current available in this part of the spectrum being captured. The films have been shown to be highly scattering and the associated difficulties this provides to external quantum efficiency measurements have been discussed. A range of optical characterisation techniques, particularly laser beam induced current, have been used to probe the effect the films have on a cadmium sulfide/cadmium telluride device. An alternate methodology for performing external quantum efficiency measurements with the quantum dot films has been proposed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lignin Impact on Fibre Degradation: 1—Quinone Methide Intermediates Formedfrom Lignin DuringIn VitroFermentation ofCorn Stover*

Experiments were conducted to determine whether formation of quinone methide intermediates from lignin occurs during ruminal fermentation of corn stover, as indicated by nucleophilic addition reaction with sulphur-containing reducing agents. Corn stover leaf and stem fractions harvested at full maturity were incubated in buffered ruminal fluid without reducing agents or with (NH₄)₂SO₄ (S-control), Na₂S.9H₂O, cysteine-HCl (cysHCl), or cysHCl plus Na₂S.9H₂O; and in only buffer with or without cysHCl plus Na₂S.9H₂O. Mixed reducing agents (cysHCl plus Na₂S.9H₂O) enhanced ( P< 0.001) in vitro fibre degradation after 48 h, tended to increase solubilisation of fibre ( P =0.07) and dry matter ( P =0.06) in buffer alone, and elevated ( P< 0.001) S-content of residual fibre. In vitro incorporation of S into the undegraded fibre was determined for corn stover fractions of varying lignin compositions that were harvested at two maturities (early dent and full maturity) in 2 years. Extent of fibre degradation was correlated with extent of S-incorporation ( r =-0.54, P< 0.001), and with lignin methoxyl content ( r =-0.84, P< 0.001). The negative association of lignin methoxyl content with digestibility is explained by the relative likelihood of quinone methide intermediate formation from guaiacyl and syringyl units in lignin.     

Influence of a metallic filler on polyurethane formation

The addition of metallic fillers is recognized to impart improvement of acoustic properties to polyurethane-based materials used for marine applications. The system under consideration was obtained by the reaction of a triisocyanateterminated prepolymer with 1,4-butanediol, in the presence of various concentrations of lead powder. With increasing lead content, gelation time is reduced and an Einstein-type law does not apply. The kinetics of the reaction were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Deviation from the classic second order is observed for the filled systems, and the higher the lead content, the more important the deviation is, showing undoubtedly the catalytic effect of the metallic powder.     

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Early Embryogenesis: Review

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has four major isoforms: classical hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG, free β subunit, and sulphated hCG. Classical hCG is the first molecule synthesized by the embryo. Its RNA is transcribed as early as the eight-cell stage and the blastocyst produces the protein before its implantation. This review synthetizes everything currently known on this multi-effect hormone: hCG levels, angiogenetic activity, immunological actions, and effects on miscarriages and thyroid function.     

Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What Do We Currently Know in 2020?

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer that predominantly arises in chronically sun-damaged skin. Immunosuppression, genetic disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), exposure to certain drugs and environmental noxae have been identified as major risk factors. Surgical removal of cSCC is the therapy of choice and mostly curative in early stages. However, a minority of patients develop locally advanced tumors or distant metastases that are still challenging to treat. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting CTLA-4, PD-L1 and PD-1 has tremendously changed the field of oncological therapy and especially the treatment of skin cancers as tumors with a high mutational burden. In this review, we focus on the differences between cSCC and cutaneous melanoma (CM) and their implications on therapy, summarize the current evidence on ICB for the treatment of advanced cSCC and discuss the chances and pitfalls of this therapy option for this cancer entity. Furthermore, we focus on special subgroups of interest such as organ transplant recipients, patients with hematologic malignancies, XP and field cancerization.     

Mining the Wheat Grain Proteome

Bread wheat is the most widely cultivated crop worldwide, used in the production of food products and a feed source for animals. Selection tools that can be applied early in the breeding cycle are needed to accelerate genetic gain for increased wheat production while maintaining or improving grain quality if demand from human population growth is to be fulfilled. Proteomics screening assays of wheat flour can assist breeders to select the best performing breeding lines and discard the worst lines. In this study, we optimised a robust LC–MS shotgun quantitative proteomics method to screen thousands of wheat genotypes. Using 6 cultivars and 4 replicates, we tested 3 resuspension ratios (50, 25, and 17 µL/mg), 2 extraction buffers (with urea or guanidine-hydrochloride), 3 sets of proteases (chymotrypsin, Glu-C, and trypsin/Lys-C), and multiple LC settings. Protein identifications by LC–MS/MS were used to select the best parameters. A total 8738 wheat proteins were identified. The best method was validated on an independent set of 96 cultivars and peptides quantities were normalised using sample weights, an internal standard, and quality controls. Data mining tools found particularly useful to explore the flour proteome are presented (UniProt Retrieve/ID mapping tool, KEGG, AgriGO, REVIGO, and Pathway Tools).