bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Fabrication of a Biomimetic Nanochannel for Highly Sensitive Arginine Response in Serum Samples
Authors: Song Miaomiao , Sun Zhongyue , Han Cuiping , Tian Demei , Li Haibing , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2014

Inspired from their biological counterparts, chemical modification of the interior surface of nanochannels with functional molecules may provide a highly efficient means to control ionic or molecular transport through nanochannels. Herein, we have designed and prepared a aldehyde calix[4]arene (C4AH), which was attached to the interior surface of a single nanochannel by using a click reaction, and that showed a high response for arginine (Arg). Furthermore, the nanofluidic sensing system has been challenged with complex matrices containing a high concentration of interfering sequences and serum. Based on this finding, we believe that the artificial nanochannel can be used for practical Arg‐sensing devices, and be applied in a biological environment.
Doing Stakeholder Engagement Their own Way: Experience from the Malawian Mining Industry
Authors: Mzembe Andrew Ngawenja
Published: May 2014

In recent years, stakeholder engagement has increasingly become a catchphrase in response to calls for corporate accountability to their stakeholders in the developing countries. However, the processes and practices companies pursue to engage stakeholders tend to conspicuously be variable depending on whether one draws on the instrumental and descriptive perspectives of the stakeholder theory. The purpose of this paper is therefore to test these perspectives, which we do through considering the case of a subsidiary of a multinational firm fictitiously known as Ashford (Africa) Limited, which operates in Malawi, as a member of the global mining industry. Using qualitative data obtained from interviews with Ashford (Malawi)'s managers and stakeholders, this study highlights the significance of paying more attention to firm specific factors, community dynamics and the civil society (NGO) related factors, as they are fundamental to the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement agenda pursued by mining companies in the developing countries. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Corporate Motivations of Product Recall Strategy: Exploring the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Chang Shao‐Chi , Chang Heng‐Yu
Published: May 2014

Prior evidence shows voluntary recalls do not lead to better abnormal stock returns when compared with involuntary ones, although they intend to convey positive signals. This puzzling evidence can be attributed to the ignorance of information uncertainty associated with different product recall strategies. Because of the mixed managerial motives inherent in business strategy, voluntary recalls may involve greater information uncertainty than involuntary ones that prevent investors from receiving the intended positive messages. This paper argues that corporate social responsibility (CSR) establishes a firm's presence in stakeholder engagement and plays a crucial role in certifying information conveyed by voluntary product recalls. The findings suggest that firms with better CSR performance receive significantly greater firm value change than those with poor CSR performance upon the announcements of voluntary recalls. Besides, the CSR effect is mainly driven by the firm's engagement in technical CSR activities because of the direct dialogues with stakeholders caring about products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Stakeholder Prioritization, Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility and Company Performance: Further Evidence
Authors: Boesso Giacomo , Favotto Francesco , Michelon Giovanna
Published: May 2014

Using KLD data on more than 900 company's performance over a nine‐year period in seven areas of corporate social responsibility (environment, community, corporate governance, diversity, employee relations, human rights, and product quality), this research note re‐tests Michelon et al. proxies for prioritization and strategic approaches to CSR. The results show that, when a company pursues CSR initiatives that are linked to stakeholder preferences and allocates resources to these initiatives in a strategic way, the positive effect of its CSR initiatives on financial corporate performance (CP) strengthen. The analysis of KLD's variance and top tiers is thus proposed as a parsimonious way to measure when companies link their CSR initiatives to salient stakeholder preferences and undertake the corporate social actions that are ultimately relevant to the company's strategy and financials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Emission Indices for Hazardous Substances: An Alternative Measure of Corporate Environmental Performance
Authors: Muhammad Noor , Scrimgeour Frank , Reddy Krishna , Abdin Sazali
Published: May 2014

Accurate measurement and interpretation of pollution emissions and reduction in these emissions is a crucial part of reporting to enhance environmental management and improve the sustainability of both business and the environment. This study uses industrial chemical release, as listed in Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) as a proxy for environmental performance and presents toxicity weightings for over 90 chemicals in the Australian PRTR. It incorporates three different dimensions: human health, the environment, and exposure. The use of toxicity weighted emission indicators has far‐reaching advantages for corporate managers and policy‐makers, and external analysts. In contrast to mass‐based emission indicators, it provides robust guidance for risk amelioration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Resource allocation in MIMO‐OFDM‐based cooperative cognitive radio networks: optimal and suboptimal low complexity approaches
Authors: Adian M. G. , Aghaeinia H.
Published: May 2014

The problem of resources allocation in multiple‐input multiple‐output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing based cooperative cognitive radio networks is considered, in this paper. The cooperation strategy between the secondary users is decode‐and‐forward (DF) strategy. In order to obtain an optimal subcarrier pairing, relay selection and power allocation in the system, the dual decomposition technique is recruited. The optimal resource allocation is realized under the individual power constraints in source and relays so that the sum rate is maximized while the interference induced to the primary system is kept below a pre‐specified interference temperature limit. Moreover, because of the high computational complexity of the optimal approach, a suboptimal algorithm is further proposed. The jointly allocation of the resources in suboptimal algorithm is carried out taking into account the channel qualities, the DF cooperation strategy, the interference induced to the primary system and the individual power budgets. The performance of the different approaches and the impact of the constraint values and deploying multiple antennas at users are discussed through the numerical simulation results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on photodegradation of methadone, EDDP, and other drugs of abuse in hair exposed to controlled UVB radiation
Authors: Favretto Donata , Tucci Marianna , Monaldi Alice , Ferrara Santo Davide , Miolo Giorgia
Published: May 2014

The drug content of hair may be affected by washing, chemical or thermal treatments, the use of cosmetics, or exposure to the environment. Knowledge concerning the effect of natural or artificial light on drug content in hair can be helpful to the forensic toxicologist, in particular when investigating drug concentrations above or below pre‐determined cut‐offs.

The photodegradation of methadone and its metabolite, 2‐ethyl‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) was studied in authentic positive hair samples by comparing drug concentrations determined by liquid chromatrography‐high resolution mass spectrometry before and after exposure to UVB light (in vivo study). The same approach was applied in order to investigate the light sensitivity of opiates (6‐monoacetylmorphine and morphine) and cocainics (cocaine and benzoylecgonine) in true positive hair. The yields of photodegradation were calculated for each drug class in eight different positive hair samples irradiated by UVB at 300 J/cm2 obtaining averages, ranges and standard deviations. In parallel, the photostability of all the compounds as 10‐5–10‐4 M standard solutions in methanol were examined by means of UVB light irradiation in the range 0–100 J/cm2 followed by UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis and direct infusion electrospray ionization‐high resolution mass spectrometry (in vitro study). In hair, methadone was shown to be significantly affected by light (photodegradation of 55% on average), while its metabolite EDDP proved to be more photostable (17%). 6‐monoacetylmorphine, morphine, benzoylecgonine, and cocaine were more photostable than methadone in vivo (on average, 21%, 17%, 20%, and 11% of degradation, respectively). When irradiated in standard solutions, the target molecules exhibited a larger photodegradation than in vivo with the exception of cocaine (photodegradation for methadone up to 70%, 6‐monoacetylmorphine and morphine up to 90%, benzoylecgonine up to 67%, cocaine up to 15%). Some factors possibly affecting the yields of photodegradation in hair and partially explaining the differences observed between the in vivo and the in vitro studies were also investigated, such as the colour of hair (the role of melanin) and the integrity of the keratin matrix. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Buprenorphine and nor‐buprenorphine levels in head hair samples from former heroin users under Suboxone® treatment
Authors: Belivanis Stamatis , Tzatzarakis Manolis N. , Vakonaki Elena , Kovatsi Leda , Mantsi Mary , Alegakis Athanasios , Kavvalakis Matthaios P. , Vynias Dionisios , Tsatsakis Aristidis M.
Published: May 2014

In the current study, buprenorphine (BUP) and its major metabolite, nor‐buprenorphine (NBUP), were determined in hair samples from former heroin users following Suboxone® treatment. Hair samples from 36 subjects were analyzed. The drugs of interest were isolated from hair by solid‐liquid extraction with methanol and were determined by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, using an electrospray ionization interface. The analytical parameters of the method (such as linearity, limits of quantification, recovery, accuracy, and precision) were determined. The inter‐quartile range of BUP levels was from 11.4 to 37.4 pg/mg (mean value 56.6 pg/mg) for the proximal hair segment, from 5.8 to 43.3 pg/mg for the middle hair segment (mean value 25.3 pg/mg), while a range from 4.3 to 33.9 pg/mg (mean value 105.2 pg/mg) for the distant to the root hair segment was determined. For NBUP the corresponding inter‐quartile range was from 27.0 to 147.6 for the proximal segment (mean value 95.4 pg/mg), from 21.5 to 164.7 pg/mg for the middle segment (mean value 102.0 pg/mg) and from 20.4 to 103.6 pg/mg for the distant segment (mean value 156.8 pg/mg). The mean BUP/NBUP concentration ratio was 0.5. The daily dose of Suboxone® correlated significantly with BUP and NBUP levels in hair (p = 0.001 and p = 0.023) as well as with the BUP/NBUP ratio (p = 0.010). No significant correlation was found between the levels of BUP and NBUP and the duration of Suboxone® administration. The developed and validated method was successfully used for the determination of BUP and NBUP in hair samples collected from former heroin users under Suboxone® treatment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation between consumption and external contamination when testing for cocaine and cannabis in hair samples
Authors: Tsanaclis Lolita , Nutt James , Bagley Kim , Bevan Sian , Wicks John
Published: May 2014

It is possible for hair to be externally contaminated by drugs like cannabis or cocaine, which are smoked or snorted. Three steps are commonly employed to minimize the chance of external contamination causing misinterpretation of the results of a hair test. The first consists of decontamination of hair samples by washing the hair before analysis, the second is the use of cut‐off levels, and the third is the detection of both the parent drugs and appropriate levels of their metabolite(s) in the hair sample. We propose an additional step for the assessment of drug use using hair samples combined with decontamination data. Hair samples from 186 drug users were analyzed along with their wash residues by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The results of the hair analysis of the 140 samples for cocaine showed that 85.5% (N=89) of the samples passed ‘cocaine use’ criteria for metabolites ratios and 12.5% (N=13) for wash residue criteria (<10% of cocaine in the wash residue) leading to conclusive interpretation. Only two cases (1.9%) had an uncertain conclusion of drug consumption because cocaine levels in the wash residue were >10% of the levels in the hair. The results of the cannabis set of samples (N=46) were not as clear‐cut, as a comparatively large number of samples (15.2%) had relatively high levels of THC in the wash residues. To use this approach, it is important that laboratories testing drugs in hair samples can demonstrate that the method utilized does not generate significant levels of the cocaine metabolites. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is one hair lock really representative?
Authors: Dussy Franz , Carson Nicholas , Hangartner Sarah , Briellmann Thomas
Published: May 2014

When investigating someone's hair a single lock is cut, washed, extracted and analysed. The forensic institutes in Switzerland agreed to retain a second lock for a possible reassessment. We were interested in the reproducibility of the concentrations of analytes in hair locks taken from different areas of the head of the same person covering the same time period. Therefore we analysed ethyl glucuronide and caffeine as model substances in 10 hair locks from three individuals categorised as social drinkers. The individual coefficients of variation varied between 14% and 28% for ethyl glucuronide and between 13% and 62% for caffeine corresponding to factors of 1.6 to 4.2 for the highest to the lowest concentrations between the hair locks. This finding has a significant importance both when the second hair lock has to be analysed in a forensic case and if the interpretation of the result is depending on a cut‐off value. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Segmental analysis of amphetamines in hair using a sensitive UHPLC‐MS/MS method
Authors: Jakobsson Gerd , Kronstrand Robert
Published: May 2014

A sensitive and robust ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for quantification of amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine and 3,4‐methylenedioxy methamphetamine in hair samples. Segmented hair (10 mg) was incubated in 2M sodium hydroxide (80°C, 10 min) before liquid‐liquid extraction with isooctane followed by centrifugation and evaporation of the organic phase to dryness. The residue was reconstituted in methanol:formate buffer pH 3 (20:80). The total run time was 4 min and after optimization of UHPLC‐MS/MS‐parameters validation included selectivity, matrix effects, recovery, process efficiency, calibration model and range, lower limit of quantification, precision and bias. The calibration curve ranged from 0.02 to 12.5 ng/mg, and the recovery was between 62 and 83%. During validation the bias was less than ±7% and the imprecision was less than 5% for all analytes. In routine analysis, fortified control samples demonstrated an imprecision <13% and control samples made from authentic hair demonstrated an imprecision <26%. The method was applied to samples from a controlled study of amphetamine intake as well as forensic hair samples previously analyzed with an ultra high performance liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐TOF‐MS) screening method. The proposed method was suitable for quantification of these drugs in forensic cases including violent crimes, autopsy cases, drug testing and re‐granting of driving licences. This study also demonstrated that if hair samples are divided into several short segments, the time point for intake of a small dose of amphetamine can be estimated, which might be useful when drug facilitated crimes are investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic phosphodiesterase‐5‐inhibitors use/abuse and interest of hair testing: reporting of a rape case
Authors: Duez Mathieu , Etter Matthieu , Klinger Nadine , Cirimele Vincent
Published: May 2014

If classic phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors are well known, new synthetic PDE‐5 analogues are of more recent introduction. Some of them have already been tested in dietary supplements. We describe here a rape case following the consumption of pills bought on the Internet and containing new synthetic PDE‐5 inhibitors. The assailant declared that he lost control after ingesting these pills for the first time. Analyses of conventional matrices (blood, urine) don't allow us to highlight the intake of any substances in relation to this offence due to late sampling (5 days after the offence). Therefore, we have developed an analytical approach to test for PDE‐5 inhibitors in hair including the two new synthetic PDE‐5 inhibitors analogues ‐ thiosildenafil and hydroxythiohomosildenafil ‐ previously identified in the pills. This new method was validated and applied to the hair samples of the victim and the suspect. Analyses were conducted using a liquid/liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode detection. The 2‐centimetre proximal hair section of the suspect revealed the presence of thiosildenafil (48 pg/mg), hydroxythiohomosildenafil (24 pg/mg), and sildenafil (7.5 pg/mg). To our knowledge, it is the first time that these two new synthetic PDE‐5 inhibitors were detected in biological samples and especially in hair. Complementary investigations showed that a single pill taken by a volunteer provided similar levels in thiosildenafil (35 pg/mg), hydroxythiohomosildenafil (17 pg/mg), and sildenafil (8 pg/mg) to those found in the previous case described here. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of ELISA screening for the monitoring of abstinence from illegal and legal drugs in hair and urine
Authors: Agius Ronald , Nadulski Thomas
Published: May 2014

Amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, methadone, and benzodiazepines in authentic hair samples with drug concentrations around the medical and psychological assessment (MPA) guidelines cut‐offs were screened by LUCIO‐direct ELISA kits. Following confirmation of all positive and a significant number of negatively screened samples with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) or liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods accredited for forensic purposes. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) and overall misclassification rate (OMR) were calculated and compared to those obtained for the same drug classes in urine. While fulfilling the validation criteria of the German forensic guidelines, for almost all screening tests in hair and urine the AUC were greater than 0.8, indicating good to excellent performance. Moreover the AUC calculated for the detection of drugs in hair did not differ significantly to the AUC calculated for the detection of the same drug classes in urine, thus showing a comparable screening performance to the well accepted, previously published application of the same ELISAs for the detection of drugs at unconventionally low cut‐offs in urine. For the first time, the validation of the immunoassay tests for the complete 6‐drug panel MPA profile in hair and urine using a large population of authentic hair and urine samples with drug concentrations around MPA cut‐offs, lower than conventional clinical or workplace drug testing guidelines cut‐offs as well as those suggested by the Society of hair testing (SoHT) is presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of thermal hair straightening on ethyl glucuronide content in hair
Authors: Ettlinger Jana , Kirchen Luc , Yegles Michel
Published: May 2014

Hair analysis of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) has become a valuable marker for the detection of moderate and chronic alcohol consumption. It has been shown that bleaching and perming may decrease EtG content in hair. So far, no studies exist about the influence of thermal hair straightening on EtG content in hair.

Forty‐one positive EtG hair samples were treated in vitro with a hair straightener at 200°C. Duration of treatment of 1 min was chosen for this study. After washing, pulverization, incubation in ultrasonic bath, solid‐phase extraction, and derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride, EtG was determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry – negative ion chemical ionization (GC‐MS‐NICI). The EtG contents in straightened hair strands were then compared with those in the corresponding untreated strands. In 20 of 41 hair samples, a decrease of EtG content was found ranging from 0.7% to 79.3% (average 20%) whereas in 21 cases an increase was shown ranging from 2.0% to 50.9% (average 15%). The variation of the results seems to depend on hair colour. The decrease may be explained by thermic in vitro destruction of EtG. The increase may be explained by denaturation of the hair matrix by thermal treatment possibly causing a better extraction of EtG during incubation in ultrasonic bath. This in vitro study indicates that thermal hair straightening has an impact on the EtG content in hair. This has to be considered for a correct interpretation of EtG results in hair. However, these results should be confirmed by in vivo studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of sex differences in fatty acid ethyl ester and ethyl glucuronide hair analysis
Authors: Gareri Joey , Rao Chitra , Koren Gideon
Published: May 2014

Clinical studies examining performance of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in identifying excessive alcohol consumption have been primarily conducted in male populations. An impact of hair cosmetics in producing both false‐negative EtG results and false‐positive FAEE results has been demonstrated, suggesting a possible bias in female populations. This study evaluates FAEE‐positive hair samples (>0.50 ng/mg) from n = 199 female and n = 73 male subjects for EtG. Higher FAEE/EtG concordance was observed amongst male over female subjects. Performance of multiple proposed EtG cut‐off levels were assessed; amongst female samples, FAEE/EtG concordance was 36.2% (30 pg/mg), 36.7% (27 pg/mg), and 43.7% (20 pg/mg). Non‐coloured hair demonstrated a two‐fold increase in concordance (41.8 v. 20.8%) over coloured hair in the female cohort. FAEE levels did not differ between male and female subjects; however they were lower in coloured samples (p = 0.046). EtG was lower in female subjects (p = 0.019) and coloured samples (p = 0.026). A total of n = 111 female samples were discordant. Amongst discordant samples (EtG‐negative), 26% had evidence of recent alcohol use including consultation histories (n = 20) and detectable cocaethylene (n = 9); 29% of discordant samples were coloured. False‐negative risk with ethyl glucuronide analysis in females was mediated by cosmetic colouring. These findings suggest that combined analysis of FAEE and EtG is optimal when assessing a female population and an EtG cut‐off of 20 pg/mg is warranted when using combined analysis. While concordant FAEE/EtG‐positive findings constitute clear evidence, discordant FAEE/EtG findings should still be considered suggestive evidence of chronic excessive alcohol consumption. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rescaling Environmental Governance – the Influence of European Transnational Cooperation Initiatives
Authors: Stead Dominic
Published: May 2014

The increasing transboundary nature of many environmental problems has not only elevated the importance of international environmental governance it has also contributed to shifts in the scales at which these problems are addressed and at which environmental programmes are implemented. The result is that environmental governance is experiencing rescaling which often involves a combination of changes including shifts in powers to other layers of decision‐making, the emergence of new scales of policy intervention and alternative forms of intervention, and the appearance of new actor constellations. The emergence of ‘soft’ policy and programming spaces – multi‐area sub‐regions in which strategy is being made between or alongside formal institutions and decision‐making processes – is another phenomena associated with rescaling. This paper charts the rescaling of environmental governance in part of Europe – the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) – and examines the influence of European macro‐regional cooperation initiatives on the changing nature of environmental governance in the region. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed [2+2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Diynes To Form Cyclooctatetraenes
Authors: Nasrallah Daniel J. , Croatt Mitchell P.
Published: May 2014

Unique reactivity of a rhodium catalyst in the presence of many different Lewis basic additives was observed and studied. In the absence of additives, it was observed that a selective [2+2+2] reaction to form benzene products occurred; however, in the presence of an additive, optimally DMSO, the first rhodium(I)‐catalyzed [2+2+2+2] reaction of alkynes occurred. A screen of different additives and catalysts was performed. Finally, a brief mechanistic study performed by using a ReactIR determined that DMSO coordinates to the catalyst, which affects the energetics of the reaction pathway. This appears primarily to raise the transition‐state energy for the reductive elimination to form the benzene products.
The Information Content of Equity Block Trades on the Warsaw Stock Exchange: An Estimation of Shares' Returns with the Usage of Simple Linear Regression and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines
Authors: Kurek Bartosz
Published: May 2014

Equity block trade transactions per se directly relate to the valuation of a company's equity capital. These transactions are executed outside the continuous trading system and single price system, and involve trading of large volumes of shares at an agreed price. This paper investigates the information content of equity block trade transactions for companies constituting the WIG20 index from the Warsaw Stock Exchange in Poland. Two research methods are used: literature review and event study analysis. In the empirical part of the paper two approaches are used to model shares' returns: simple linear regression and multivariate adaptive regression splines. From the conducted research it is concluded that equity block trade transactions carry an important signal for investors acting on a stock exchange: significant abnormal positive (negative) returns follow the execution of the equity block trade, the price of which is higher (lower) than the closing price 2 days before the execution of the transaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Skeletal Inversion of Dithienodiphosphorines
Authors: Uchiyama Yosuke , Kawaguchi Toshifumi , Kuroda Koichi
Published: May 2014

trans‐ and cis_endo‐Diphenyl[c]dithienodiphosphorines 1a and 1b were successfully synthesized as phosphorus atoms are trivalent. Two stereoisomers, trans form 1a and cis_endo form 1b, were isolated by preparative gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and their butterfly structures were shown by X‐ray crystallographic analyses of the single crystals from hexane/CHCl3 and CH3CN/CHCl3, respectively. The VT‐31P{1H} NMR spectra in CD2Cl2 showed that the signal due to cis_endo form 1b appeared at δP −45.0 with 9.5 Hz of half‐width at −90°C, which is almost same as that at room temperature, while broadening of the signal due to trans form 1a was observed and finally the signal appeared at δP −33.7 with 55.5 Hz of half‐width at −90°C. The results indicated that the skeletal inversion of a tricyclic system in solution is a fast process on the NMR timescale. On the other hand, X‐ray crystallographic analysis showed that trans‐dimesityl[c]dithienodiphosphorine 2a has a planar structure, which is considered as the corresponding transition state of the skeletal inversion of trans form 1a. The 31P signal due to 2a in CD2Cl2 did not change at all even at −90°C, which was in a different manner from 1a at the same temperature, showing that its planar structure is also kept in solution because of the release of the steric repulsion between bulky mesityl groups and fused thiophene rings in the butterfly structure. The density functional theory calculations suggested the low‐energy barriers of the skeletal inversion of trans–trans and cis_endo–cis_exo forms, which were estimated to be 3.79 and 3.31 kcal/mol by searching for transition state using the synchronous transit‐guided quasi‐Newton (STQN) methods.
Theoretical morphology and development of flight feather vane asymmetry with experimental tests in parrots
Authors: Feo Teresa J. , Prum Richard O.
Published: May 2014

Asymmetry in flight feather vane width is a major functional innovation associated with the evolution of flight in the ancestors of birds. However, the developmental and morphological basis of feather shape is not simple, and the developmental processes involved in vane width asymmetry are poorly understood. We present a theoretical model of feather morphology and development that describes the possible ways to modify feather development and produce vane asymmetry. Our model finds that the theoretical morphospace of feather shape is redundant, and that many different combinations of parameters could be responsible for vane asymmetry in a given feather. Next, we empirically measured morphological and developmental model parameters in asymmetric and symmetric feathers from two species of parrots to identify which combinations of parameters create vane asymmetry in real feathers. We found that both longer barbs, and larger barb angles in the relatively wider trailing vane drove asymmetry in tail feathers. Developmentally, longer barbs were the result of an offset of the radial position of the new barb locus, whereas larger barb angles were produced by differential expansion of barbs as the feather unfurls from the tubular feather germ. In contrast, the helical angle of barb ridge development did not contribute to vane asymmetry and could be indicative of a constraint. This research provides the first comprehensive description of both the morphological and developmental modifications responsible for vane asymmetry within real feathers, and identifies key steps that must have occurred during the evolution of vane asymmetry. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 240–255, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An early clear sky record from Eastern Spain: 1837–1879
Authors: Laken Benjamin A. , Vaquero José M.
Published: May 2014

We present and analyse a rare, long‐term time series of clear sky observations recorded by Priest Bodí y Congrós, from the town of Carcaxient, in Eastern Spain. These data cover the period of 1837–1879: a time when meteorological observations over the Iberian Peninsula were notoriously scarce. The records were recovered from a surviving partial copy of an original manuscript, as part of the Salvá‐Sinobas project, in order to improve the availability of early meteorological data records over Spain. We have contrasted these data with satellite‐observations of cloud cover over from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project, using the satellite data to investigate the diurnal, seasonal, and long‐term properties of cloud cover and clear sky conditions over the Carcaxient area. In particular, we find the seasonal variability of clear sky conditions compares well, indicating the records of Bodí y Congrós were reliable. However, a direct long‐term comparison of the records was not possible as the datasets were too dissimilar.
Alfacalcidol enhances collagen quality in ovariectomized rat bones
Authors: Nagaoka Hideaki , Terajima Masahiko , Yamada Shizuka , Azuma Yoshiaki , Chida Takayuki , Yamauchi Mitsuo
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alfacalcidol (1α(OH)D3: ALF) on bone collagen employing an ovariectomized rat model. Thirty‐five 16‐week‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into five groups: SHAM (sham‐operated + vehicle), OVX (ovariectomy + vehicle), and three ALF‐treated groups, that is, ovariectomy + 0.022 µg/kg/day ALF, ovariectomy + 0.067 µg/kg/day ALF, and ovariectomy + 0.2 µg/kg/day ALF. After 12 weeks of treatment, tibiae were subjected to histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Collagen matrices in OVX bone appeared as immature and poorly organized; however, with the ALF treatment, it was improved in a dose‐dependent manner. Contents of collagen and pyridinoline cross‐link were decreased in OVX compared with SHAM, but they increased to the level comparable to SHAM in ALF‐treated groups. The total aldehyde, that is, a sum of free and those involved cross‐links, in the highest dose of ALF was significantly higher than the rest of the groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression of lysyl oxidase was increased in the all ALF‐treated groups compared with OVX (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ALF increases not only the amount of collagen but also enhances the maturation of collagen in ovariectomy‐induced osteoporotic bones, which likely contributes to the improvement of bone quality. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1030–1036, 2014.
Microbes versus microbes: control of pathogens in the food chain
Authors: Jordan Kieran , Dalmasso Marion , Zentek Juergen , Mader Anneluise , Bruggeman Geert , Wallace John , De Medici Dario , Fiore Alfonsina , Prukner‐Radovcic Estella , Lukac Maja , Axelsson Lars , Holck Askild , Ingmer Hanne , Malakauskas Mindaugas
Published: May 2014

Foodborne illness continues as a considerable threat to public health. Despite improved hygiene management systems and increased regulation, pathogenic bacteria still contaminate food, causing sporadic cases of illness and disease outbreaks worldwide. For many centuries, microbial antagonism has been used in food processing to improve food safety. An understanding of the mode of action of this microbial antagonism has been gained in recent years and potential applications in food and feed safety are now being explored. This review focuses on the potential opportunities presented, and the limitations, of using microbial antagonism as a biocontrol mechanism to reduce contamination along the food chain; including animal feed as its first link. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Cognitive impairment and electroencephalographic alterations before and after liver transplantation: What is reversible?
Authors: Campagna Francesca , Montagnese Sara , Schiff Sami , Biancardi Anna , Mapelli Daniela , Angeli Paolo , Poci Carlo , Cillo Umberto , Merkel Carlo , Gatta Angelo , Amodio Piero
Published: May 2014

The influence of liver transplantation (LT) on mental performance is debated, as is the role of pretransplant overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of the neuropsychological and electroencephalogram (EEG) features of patients with cirrhosis before and after LT with respect to prior OHE. The study population included 65 patients with cirrhosis on the transplant waiting list; 23 had a history of OHE. Each patient underwent an extensive psychometric assessment (10 tests, including paper and pencil tests and a computerized test) and an EEG before and 9 to 12 months after LT. For a subgroup of 11 patients, the assessment was also performed 3 and 6 months after LT. EEGs were analyzed spectrally, and the mean dominant frequencies were obtained. Both psychometric tests and EEGs improved 9 to 12 months after LT. Patients with a history of OHE before LT had worse cognitive performances (P < 0.001) and EEG performances in comparison with their counterparts with a negative history. They also showed greater cognitive improvement after LT (P < 0.01); however, their global cognitive performance remained slightly impaired (P < 0.01). After LT, EEGs normalized for 98% of the patients (P < 0.01), regardless of any history of OHE. In the subgroup of patients evaluated every 3 months, psychometric and EEG findings showed deterioration at 3 months and subsequently steady improvements from 6 months onward. In conclusion, both neuropsychological and EEG performances had significantly improved 1 year after LT. Patients with a history of OHE showed greater improvements after LT than patients with a negative history, but their global cognitive function remained slightly worse; in contrast, EEGs normalized in both groups. Liver Transpl 20:977–986, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Risk factors and surgical management of anastomotic biliary complications after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Darius Tom , Rivera Jairo , Fusaro Fabio , Lai Quirino , de Magnée Catherine , Bourdeaux Christophe , Janssen Magdalena , Clapuyt Philippe , Reding Raymond
Published: May 2014

Biliary complications (BCs) still remain the Achilles heel of liver transplantation (LT) with an overall incidence of 10% to 35% in pediatric series. We hypothesized that (1) the use of alternative techniques (reduced size, split, and living donor grafts) in pediatric LT may contribute to an increased incidence of BCs, and (2) surgery as a first treatment option for anastomotic BCs could allow a definitive cure for the majority of these patients. Four hundred twenty-nine primary pediatric LT procedures, including 88, 91, 47, and 203 whole, reduced size, split, and living donor grafts, respectively, that were performed between July 1993 and November 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and surgical variables were analyzed, and their respective impact on BCs was studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. The modalities of BC management were also reviewed. The 1- and 5-year patient survival rates were 94% and 90%, 89% and 85%, 94% and 89%, and 98% and 94% for whole, reduced size, split, and living donor liver grafts, respectively. The overall incidence of BCs was 23% (n = 98). Sixty were anastomotic complications [47 strictures (78%) and 13 fistulas (22%)]. The graft type was not found to be an independent risk factor for the development of BCs. According to a multivariate analysis, only hepatic artery thrombosis and acute rejection increased the risk of anastomotic BCs (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Anastomotic BCs were managed primarily with surgical repair in 59 of 60 cases with a primary patency rate of 80% (n = 47). These results suggest that (1) most of the BCs were anastomotic complications not influenced by the type of graft, and (2) the surgical management of anastomotic BCs may constitute the first and best therapeutic option. Liver Transpl 20:893–903, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Sorafenib use in the transplant setting
Authors: Castelli Giulia , Burra Patrizia , Giacomin Anna , Vitale Alessandro , Senzolo Marco , Cillo Umberto , Farinati Fabio
Published: May 2014

Liver transplantation (LT) is an established treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and sorafenib (SFN) is a validated treatment for patients harboring advanced tumors. It is still not clear whether the combination of the 2 treatments, with SFN used in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or recurrence setting, is useful and cost-effective. This article summarizes the present evidence in favor of and against the use of SFN in the setting of LT for HCC, and it also includes the problem of toxicity, particularly when mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, which play a central role in regulating cellular growth and proliferation, are used as immunosuppressants. Overall, the data do not support the use of SFN in the pre- or post-LT setting as adjuvant therapy, and additional studies are needed to reach sound conclusions on the topic. Liver Transpl 20:1021–1028, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Comparison between the effects of 4 different electrical stimulation current waveforms on isometric knee extension torque and perceived discomfort in healthy women
Authors: Dantas Lucas Ogura , Vieira Amilton , Siqueira Aristides Leite , Salvini Tania Fatima , Durigan João Luiz Quagliotti
Published: May 2014

Introduction: We studied the effects of different neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) currents, 2 kHz‐frequency alternating currents (KACs, Russian and Aussie) and 2 pulsed currents (PCs), on isometric knee extension torque and discomfort level, both in isolation and combined, with maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Methods: Twenty‐one women (age 21.6 ± 2.5 years) were studied. We evaluated torque evoked by NMES or NMES combined with maximum voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle of healthy women. Discomfort level was measured using a visual analog pain scale. Results: Despite comparable levels of discomfort, evoked torque was lower for Russian current compared with the other modalities (Russian 50.8%, Aussie 71.7%, PC500 76.9%, and PC200 70.1%; P < 0.001). There was no advantage in combining NMES with MVC compared with isolated NMES. Conclusions: The Aussie and PC approaches proved superior to Russian current for inducing isometric knee extension torque. This information is important in guiding decision making with regard to NMES protocols for muscle strengthening. Muscle Nerve 51: 76–82, 2015
An effective way to simultaneous realization of excellent optical and electrical performance in large‐scale Si nano/microstructures
Authors: Huang Zengguang , Zhong Sihua , Hua Xia , Lin Xingxing , Kong Xiangyang , Dai Ning , Shen Wenzhong
Published: May 2014

Despite the optical advantage of near‐zero reflection, the silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWs)‐based solar cells cannot yet achieve satisfactory high efficiency because of the serious surface recombination arising from the greatly enlarged surface area. The trade‐off between reflection and recombination fundamentally prevents the conventional SiNWs structure from having both minimal optical and electrical losses. Here, we report the simultaneous realization of the best optical anti‐reflection (the solar averaged reflectance of 1.38%) and electrical passivation (the surface recombination velocity of 44.72 cm/s) by effectively combining the Si nano/microstructures (N/M‐Strus) with atomic‐layer‐deposition (ALD)‐Al2O3 passivation. The composite structures are prepared on the pyramid‐textured Si wafers with large‐scale 125 × 125 mm2 by the two‐step metal‐assisted chemical etching method and the thermal ALD‐Al2O3 treatment. Although the excellent optical anti‐reflection is observed because of the complementary contribution of Si N/M‐Strus at short wavelength and ALD‐Al2O3 at long wavelength, the low recombination has also been realized because the field effect passivation is enhanced for the longer and thinner SiNWs through the more effective suppression of the minority carrier movement and the reduction of the pure‐pyramid‐textured surface recombination. We have further numerically modeled the Al2O3‐passivated Si N/M‐Strus‐based solar cell and obtain the high conversion efficiency of 21.04%. The present work opens a new way to realize high‐efficiency SiNWs‐based solar cells. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second international spectroradiometer intercomparison: results and impact on PV device calibration
Authors: Galleano Roberto , Zaaiman Willem , Strati Cecilia , Bartocci Simona , Pravettoni Mauro , Marzoli Matteo , Fucci Raffaele , Leanza Gianni , Timò Gianluca , Minuto Alessandro , Catena Mario , Aleo Francesco , Takagi Shin , Akiyama Akihito , Nuñez Rubén , Belluardo Giorgio
Published: May 2014

This paper describes the results of an intercomparison of spectroradiometers for measuring global normal incidence and direct normal incidence spectral irradiance in the visible and in the near infrared, together with an assessment of the impact these results may have on the calibration of the short circuit current (Isc) of triple‐junction photovoltaic devices and on the relevant spectral mismatch calculation. The intercomparison was conducted by six European scientific laboratories and a Japanese industrial partner. Seven spectroradiometer systems, for a total of 13 different instruments/channels using two different technologies and made by four different manufacturers were involved. This group of systems represents a good cross section of the instrumentation for solar spectrum measurements available to date. The instruments were calibrated by each partner prior to the intercomparison following their usual procedure and traceability route in order to verify the entire measurement and traceability chain. The difference in measured spectral irradiance showed to have an impact on the calibration of a set of Iso‐Type cells varying from ±2% to ±14% for middle and bottom cell, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The high‐molecular‐weight kininogen Domain 5 is an intrinsically unstructured protein and its interaction with ferritin is metal mediated
Authors: Huhn Annissa J. , Parsonage Derek , Horita David A. , Torti Frank M. , Torti Suzy V. , Hollis Thomas
Published: May 2014

High‐molecular‐weight kininogen domain 5 (HK5) is an angiogenic modulator that is capable of inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and tube formation. Ferritin can bind to a histidine–glycine–lysine‐rich region within HK5 and block its antiangiogenic effects. However, the molecular intricacies of this interaction are not well understood. Analysis of the structure of HK5 using circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance [1H, 15N]‐heteronuclear single quantum coherence determined that HK5 is an intrinsically unstructured protein, consistent with secondary structure predictions. Equilibrium binding studies using fluorescence anisotropy were used to study the interaction between ferritin and HK5. The interaction between the two proteins is mediated by metal ions such as Co2+, Cd2+, and Fe2+. This metal‐mediated interaction works independently of the loaded ferrihydrite core of ferritin and is demonstrated to be a surface interaction. Ferritin H and L bind to HK5 with similar affinity in the presence of metals. The ferritin interaction with HK5 is the first biological function shown to occur on the surface of ferritin using its surface‐bound metals.