Efficiency of a Liu-type estimator in semiparametric regression models

In this paper we consider the semiparametric regression model, y=Xβ+f+ε. Recently, Hu [11] proposed ridge regression estimator in a semiparametric regression model. We introduce a Liu-type (combined ridge-Stein) estimator (LTE) in a semiparametric regression model. Firstly, Liu-type estimators of both β and f are attained without a restrained design matrix. Secondly, the LTE estimator of β is compared with the two-step estimator in terms of the mean square error. We describe the almost unbiased Liu-type estimator in semiparametric regression models. The almost unbiased Liu-type estimator is compared with the Liu-type estimator in terms of the mean squared error matrix. A numerical example is provided to show the performance of the estimators.     

Tandem mass spectrometry of poly(ethylene imine)s by electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)

In this contribution, linear poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) polymers, which are of importance in gene delivery, are investigated in detail by using electrospray ionization‐quadrupole‐time of flight (ESI‐Q‐TOF) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). The analyzed PEIs with different end groups were synthesized using the polymerization of substituted 2‐oxazoline via a living cationic ring‐opening polymerization (CROP) and a subsequent hydrolysis under acidic conditions. The main goal of this study was to identify linear PEI polymers in a detailed way to gain information about their fragmentation pathways. For this purpose, a detailed characterization of three different linear PEIs was performed by using ESI‐Q‐TOF and MALDI‐TOF MS in combination with collision‐induced dissociation (CID) experiments. In ESI‐MS as well as MALDI‐MS analysis, the obtained spectra of PEIs resulted in fitting mass distributions for the investigated PEIs. In the tandem MS analysis, a 1,2‐hydride shift with a charge‐remote rearrangement via a four‐membered cyclic transition state, as well as charge‐induced fragmentation reactions, was proposed as the main fragmentation mechanisms according to the obtained fragmentation products from the protonated parent peaks. In addition, heterolytic and homolytic cleavages were proposed as alternative fragmentation pathways. Moreover, a 1,4‐hydrogen elimination was proposed to explain different fragmentation products obtained from the sodiated parent peaks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Host-sensitized phosphorescence of Mn4+, Eu3+, and Yb3+ in MgAl2Si2O8

Mn⁴⁺ doped and Eu³⁺, Yb³⁺ co-doped MgAl₂Si₂O₈-based phosphors were prepared by conventional solid state reaction at 1,300?°C. They were characterized by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, photoluminescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The luminescence mechanism of the phosphors, which showed broad red emission bands in the range of 600?C715?nm and had a different maximum intensity when activated by UV illumination, was discussed. Such a red emission can be attributed to the intrinsic ² E????⁴ A ₂ transitions of Mn⁴⁺.     

Synthesis of highly N-substituted indole library via conjugate additions of indoline and their synthetic tool potentials

A comprehensive library of N- or 1-substituted indoles was formed by conjugate additions of indoline with Michael acceptors followed by an oxidation step. Using N-substituted indoles as key Michael donors, the synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted indoles was also accomplished.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Oxide Ionic Conductivity of Binary β‐(Bi2O3)1‐x(Lu2O3)x System

In this research, the effects of doping Lu₂O₃ to α‐Bi₂O₃ in the range of 0.01 < x < 0.10 in a series of different mole fractions (1% < n < 10% mole ratios) was studied. Beside, heat treatment was performed by applying a cascade temperature rise in the range of 700‐800 °C for 72 hours and new phases were obtained in the (Bi₂O₃)_1‐x(Lu₂O₃)_x system. After heat treatment for 72 hours at 800 °C; mixtures, containing 2‐8% mole Lu₂O₃, formed a tetragonal phase. As a result of subjecting mixtures, containing 9% and 10% mole Lu₂O₃, to a quenching process at 825 °C, tetragonal phases were obtained. With the help of XRD, the crystal systems and lattice parameters of the solid solutions were obtained and their characterization was carried out. Thermal measurements were made by using a simultaneous DTA/TG system. The total conductivity (σ_T) in the β‐Bi₂O₃ doped with Lu₂O₃ was measured using the four‐probe DC method.     

Difference based ridge and Liu type estimators in semiparametric regression models

We consider a difference based ridge regression estimator and a Liu type estimator of the regression parameters in the partial linear semiparametric regression model, y=Xβ+f+ε. Both estimators are analyzed and compared in the sense of mean-squared error. We consider the case of independent errors with equal variance and give conditions under which the proposed estimators are superior to the unbiased difference based estimation technique. We extend the results to account for heteroscedasticity and autocovariance in the error terms. Finally, we illustrate the performance of these estimators with an application to the determinants of electricity consumption in Germany.     

Amperometric Biosensors for Tyramine Determination Based on Graphene Oxide and Polyvinylferrocene Modified Screen‐printed Electrodes

A comparison of the analytical characteristics of two tyramine biosensors, based on graphene oxide (GRO) and polyvinylferrocene (PVF) modified screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCE), is reported. Diamine oxidase (DAOx) or monoamine oxidase (MAOx) was immobilized onto the PVF/GRO modified SPCE to fabricate the biosensors. Surface characteristics and electrochemical behaviour of the modified SPCEs were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Electrode surface composition and experimental variables such as pH and working potential were optimized in order to ensure a high performance. Under optimum experimental conditions, both DAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE and MAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE biosensors exhibited wide linear dynamic ranges for tyramine from 9.9×10^?7 to 1.2×10^?4 M and from 9.9×10^?7 to 1.1×10^?4 M, respectively. MAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE biosensor showed higher sensitivity (11.98 μA mM^?1) for tyramine determination than the DAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE biosensor (7.99 μA mM^?1). The substrate specifity of the biosensors to other biogenic amines namely histamine, putrescine, spermine, spermidine, tryptamine, β‐phenylethylamine and cadaverine was also investigated. The developed biosensors were successfully used for tyramine determination in cheese sample.     

Degradation of substituted phenols with different oxygen sources catalyzed by Co(II) and Cu(II) phthalocyanine complexes

Research on substituted phenol degradations has received substantial attention. In this work, effective Co(II) and Cu(II) phthalocyanine complexes as catalysts were studied to degrade toxic phenols to harmless products. The effect of various process parameters, such as initial concentration of phenol, catalyst, oxygen sources, and temperature on the degradation reaction was investigated to achieve maximum degradation efficiency. The catalytic activities of Co(II) and Cu(II) phthalocyanines were evaluated for oxidation of phenolic compounds such as p-nitrophenol, o-chlorophenol, 2,3-dichlorophenol, and m-methoxyphenol. Co(II) phthalocyanine displayed good catalytic performance in degradation of 2,3-dichlorophenol to 2,3-dichlorobenzaldehyde and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone with the highest TON and TOF values within 3?h at 50?°C. The fate of catalyst during the degradation process was followed by UV–Vis spectroscopy.