bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proportionality in EU Law: A Balancing Act?
Authors: Sauter Wolf
Published: January 2014

The proportionality principle plays a key role in constitutional review of public acts. Its use legitimises the constitutional claims of EU law in the context of a multi-level polity system. The application of proportionality in the EU differs based on whether legal acts of the EU or of its Member States are concerned. In the former case, a manifestly disproportionate test is usually applied, while in the latter case, a least restrictive means test (LRM) is normally used. Both are conditioned by the degree of integration achieved. In future, the use of the principle may involve increasing attention being paid to individual rights.
A nonlinear simultaneous equation analysis of managerial ownership and debt policy : Evidence from Tunisian Stock Exchange
Authors: Ben Moussa Fatma , Chichti Jameleddine
Published: January 2014

The agency relationship between managers and shareholders has the potential to influence decision-making in the firm which in turn potentially impacts on firm characteristics such as leverage. Prior evidence has demonstrated an association between ownership structure and firm value. This paper extends the literature by examining a further link between ownership structure and capital structure. Based on a system of simultaneous equations on the basis of a panel of Tunisian companies listed on the Tunisian stock exchange during the period 2000-2009, our results show that the ownership structure affects the capital structure and vice versa. In addition, the relationship between debt and managerial ownership is nonlinear.Keywords: Corporate governance, debt policy, ownership structure, free cash flow.
Modelling, Design and Robust Control of a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle
Authors: García-Valdovinos Luis Govinda , Salgado-Jiménez Tomás , Bandala-Sánchez Manuel , Nava-Balanzar Luciano , Hernández-Alvarado Rodrigo , Cruz-Ledesma José Antonio
Published: January 2014

Underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) play an important role in a number of shallow and deep-water missions for marine science, oil and gas extraction, exploration and salvage. In these applications, the motions of the ROV are guided either by a human pilot on a surface support vessel through an umbilical cord providing power and telemetry, or by an automatic pilot. In the case of automatic control, ROV state feedback is provided by acoustic and inertial sensors and this state information, along with a controller strategy, is used to perform several tasks such as station-keeping and auto-immersion/heading, among others. In this paper, the modelling, design and control of the Kaxan ROV is presented: i) The complete six degrees of freedom, non linear hydrodynamic model with its parameters, ii) the Kaxan hardware/software architecture, iii) numerical simulations in Matlab/Simulink platform of a model-free second order sliding mode control along with ocean currents as disturbances and thruster dynamics, iv) a virtual environment to visualize the motion of the Kaxan ROV and v) experimental results of a one degree of freedom underwater system.
An investigation of terahertz response in monocrystalline 6H-SiC for electro-optic sampling
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Chen Zhizhan , Shi Wangzhou
Published: January 2014

We theoretically investigate the feasibility of terahertz detection via electro-optic (EO) sampling using 6H-SiC single crystal. The frequency response is simulated based on the principle of phase-matching condition. The optical dispersion of 6H-SiC was calculated by Sellmeier equation. In collinear incidence approach, the THz detectable bandwidths are simulated by a frequency response function at different excitation wavelengths. The cut-off frequency as a function of crystal thickness is revealed. In non-collinear incidence approach, the phase-matching condition can be achieved by using a silicon prism to couple the THz radiation into 6H-SiC single crystal. The crossing angle between THz radiation and incident optical beam is subject to the THz dispersion of Si prism and group index of 6H-SiC. The relation between THz coherence length and crossing angle is discussed. Both approaches display that 6H-SiC performs a broadband THz response for EO sampling at 515 nm. The sensitivity of EO sampling of 6H-SiC is triple times higher than GaP. In combination of the high critical breakdown field, 6H-SiC is consider to be a promising candidate for detecting high field THz radiation.
Atlantic Bumper (Pisces, Family Carangidae) in North Carolina
Authors: Schwartz Frank J.
Published: January 2014

Atlantic Bumper (Linnaeus, 1766) once common is rarely caught In North Carolina today. Most were caught between 1886–2012, 1,170 were captured primarily before 1990, now rare.
Avalanche Diodes
Authors: Hollenhorst James N.
Published: January 2014

At high reverse bias, semiconductor diodes break down by the avalanche effect. This can be used to advantage, for example, in avalanche photodiodes in which avalanche multiplication can improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio. This article reviews the fundamental physics of avalanche multiplication, including its effects on signal‐to‐noise ratio and frequency response.
Accumulation Layers
Authors: Kuo Yue
Published: January 2014

An accumulation layer is a region in a semiconductor where a free carrier concentration exceeds that provided by dopants. The carriers can be electrons or holes. Accumulation layers exist in many solid state devices, such as microelectronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and solar cells. They are critical to the performance of these devices. The accumulation layer is usually located on the surface, in the bulk, or at the interface of a semiconductor and another film. Examples of applications of accumulation layers on transistors and capacitors were included.
Eddy Currents
Authors: Pratap S. B.
Published: January 2014

This article introduces theoretical as well as practical aspects of eddy currents, including governing equations, skin and proximity effects. The theory of eddy currents in anisotropic conductors, eddy current losses, and eddy currents in high temperature superconductors (HTSC) are also presented.
Seebeck Effect
Authors: Emin David
Published: January 2014

The Seebeck Effect refers to the observation that imposing a temperature difference across a material generates an electromotive force. The ratio of that electromotive force to the imposed temperature difference is the material's Seebeck coefficient. In physical terms the Seebeck coefficient is the entropy transported by a charge carrier during isothermal current flow divided by the carrier's charge. The transported entropy can be expressed as the sum of two contributions. The first contribution is the change of an equilibrated material's entropy arising from the addition of a carrier. This term depends on how carriers are distributed among their thermally accessible states and on how an added carrier affects a material's atomic vibrations and magnetism. The second contribution to the transported entropy is the net energy transported with a carrier as it moves divided by the temperature. The first contribution often dominates. However, the large Seebeck coefficients arising from phonon‐drag that predominate in high‐quality crystals at low temperature are associated with the second contribution. The second contribution is also sometimes important to the Seebeck coefficients for hopping‐type carriers. The Seebeck Effect enables direct solid‐state conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy. Its efficiency depends on the electrical and thermal conductivities of the involved materials in addition to their Seebeck coefficients.
New insights into sea ice nitrogen biogeochemical dynamics from the nitrogen isotopes
Authors: Fripiat F. , Sigman D. M. , Fawcett S. E. , Rafter P. A. , Weigand M. A. , Tison J.‐L.
Published: January 2014

We report nitrogen (N) isotopic measurements of nitrate, total dissolved nitrogen, and particulate nitrogen from Antarctic pack ice in early and late spring. Salinity‐normalized concentrations of total fixed N are approximately twofold higher than in seawater, indicating that sea ice exchanges fixed N with seawater after its formation. The production of low‐δ15N immobile organic matter by partial nitrate assimilation and the subsequent loss of high‐δ15N nitrate during brine convection lowers the δ15N of total fixed N relative to the winter‐supplied nitrate. The effect of incomplete nitrate consumption in sea ice is thus similar to that in the summertime surface ocean, but the degree of nitrate consumption is greater in ice, leading to a higher δ15N for organic N (~3.9‰) than in the open Antarctic Zone (~0.6‰). Relative to previous findings of very high‐δ15N organic matter in sea ice (up to 41‰), this study indicates that it would be difficult for sea ice to explain the high δ15N of ice age Antarctic sediments. The partitioning of N isotopes between particulate and dissolved forms of reduced N suggests that primary production evolved from new to regenerated production from early to late spring. Even though nitrate assimilation raises the δ15N of nitrate, the δ15N of sea ice nitrate is frequently lower than that of seawater, providing direct evidence that the regeneration of reduced N in the ice includes nitrification, with mass and isotopic balances suggesting that nitrification supplies a substantial fraction (up to ~70%) of nitrate assimilated within Antarctic spring sea ice.
TIME‐GCM study of the ionospheric equatorial vertical drift changes during the 2006 stratospheric sudden warming
Authors: Maute A. , Hagan M. E. , Richmond A. D. , Roble R. G.
Published: January 2014

This modeling study quantifies the daytime low‐latitude vertical E×B drift changes in the longitudinal wave number 1 (wn1) to wn4 during the major extended January 2006 stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) period as simulated by the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere electrodynamics general circulation model (TIME‐GCM), and attributes the drift changes to specific tides and planetary waves (PWs). The largest drift amplitude change (approximately 5 m/s) is seen in wn1 with a strong temporal correlation to the SSW. The wn1 drift is primarily caused by the semidiurnal westward propagating tide with zonal wave number 1 (SW1), and secondarily by a stationary planetary wave with zonal wave number 1 (PW1). SW1 is generated by the nonlinear interaction of PW1 and the migrating semidiurnal tide (SW2) at high latitude around 90–100 km. The simulations suggest that the E region PW1 around 100–130 km at the different latitudes has different origins: at high latitudes, the PW1 is related to the original stratospheric PW1; at midlatitudes, the model indicates PW1 is due to the nonlinear interaction of SW1 and SW2 around 95–105 km; and at low latitudes, the PW1 might be caused by the nonlinear interaction between DE2 and DE3. The time evolution of the simulated wn4 in the vertical E×B drift amplitude shows no temporal correlation with the SSW. The wn4 in the low‐latitude vertical drift is attributed to the diurnal eastward propagating tide with zonal wave number 3 (DE3), and the contributions from SE2, TE1, and PW4 are negligible.
Aggression and aspects of impulsivity in wild‐type rats
Authors: Coppens Caroline M. , de Boer Sietse F. , Buwalda Bauke , Koolhaas Jaap M.
Published: January 2014

Aggression is closely related to impulsive behavior both in humans and in animals. To avoid potential negative consequences, aggressive behavior is kept in control by strong inhibitory mechanisms. Failure of these inhibitory mechanisms results in violent behavior. In the present experiments, we investigated whether aggressive behavior is related to impulsive behavior. Furthermore, we investigated if violent behavior can be distinguished from “normal” aggressive behavior in terms of impulsivity levels. We used rats of the wild‐type Groningen strain, rats of this strain differ widely in their level of offensive aggression expressed toward an unfamiliar intruder male, ranging from no aggression at all to very high levels of intense and sometimes violent behavior. Violent behavior was displayed by some of the animals that were given repeated winning experience. We used behavioral performance in an unpredictable operant conditioning paradigm for food reinforcement (variable interval 15) and performance in a differential‐reinforcement of low rate (DRL‐60s) responding as determinants for impulsivity. We predicted that offensive aggression is correlated with behavioral flexibility measured by the VI‐15 procedure and that aggressive behavior is characterized by low behavioral inhibition on the DRL task. In addition we expected that violent animals would be characterized by extremely low levels of behavioral inhibition on the DRL task. We showed that the level of offensive aggression indeed positively correlated with VI‐15 performance. In addition, we showed that behavioral performance on the DRL procedure is similar in low and high aggressive rats. However, violent animals can be dissociated by a lower efficiency of lever pressing on a DRL‐60s schedule of reinforcement. Aggr. Behav. 40:300–308, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hazardous alcohol use and intimate partner aggression among dating couples: The role of impulse control difficulties
Authors: Watkins Laura E. , Maldonado Rosalita C. , DiLillo David
Published: January 2014

To date, research identifying moderators of the alcohol–intimate partner aggression (IPA) relationship has focused almost exclusively on male‐perpetrated aggression, without accounting for the dyadic processes of IPA. The current study examined hazardous alcohol use and impulse control difficulties as predictors of IPA among a sample of 73 heterosexual dating couples. Both actor and partner effects of these risk factors on physical and psychological aggression were examined. Results indicated that impulse control difficulties were an important actor and partner predictor of both physical and psychological aggression. Findings supported the multiple threshold model such that the interaction between impulse control difficulties and hazardous alcohol use significantly predicted physical aggression severity. These results suggest the importance of targeting impulse control difficulties and hazardous alcohol use in IPA treatment, as well as the advantages of examining risk factors of IPA within a dyadic rather than individual framework. Aggr. Behav. 40:369–381, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Birth weight and overweight or obesity risk in children under 3 years in China
Authors: Li Nan , Liu Enquing , Sun Shurong , Guo Jia , Pan Lei , Wang Ping , Liu Jin , Tan Linglin , Liu Gongshu , Hu Gang
Published: January 2014

Objective

To investigate the association between different levels of birth weight and the risk of overweight and obesity in children aged 3 years and under.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2011, health care records of 55,925 children had been collected, and body weight and length had been measured from birth to 3 years old.

Results

Prevalence of overweight/obesity (BMI ≥85th percentiles and BMI ≥95th percentiles, referring to WHO BMI standards) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 years of age are 34.7%/16.8%, 36.4%/17.7%, 26.6%/11.0%, 22.3%/9.3%, respectively. There was a positive association between birth weight and childhood overweight or obesity from 6 months to 3 years of age. After adjustment for gestational age, maternal age, weight gain during pregnancy, maternal history of diabetes, mother's and father's education, occupation, and health status, family income, feeding modalities, and sex, the odds ratios (ORs) of overweight or obesity were significantly higher among children whose birth weights were 3,000–3,499 g (1.35–1.53 folds), 3,500–3,999 g (2.09–2.37 folds), 4,000–4,499 g (2.80–3.32 folds), and more than 4,500 g (3.54–4.90 folds), compared with the reference group (2,500–2,999 g).

Conclusions

Higher levels of birth weight were associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity among Chinese children from 6 months to 3 years of age. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:331–336, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risks of musculoskeletal disorders among betel quid preparers in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Jer‐Hao , Wu Jyun‐De , Chen Chih‐Yong , SuMD Shih‐Bin , Yin Hsin‐I , Hsu Der‐Jen
Published: January 2014

Background

Betel quid chewing is common in Taiwan. The work of betel quid preparers is characterized by long hours of static work, awkward working posture and highly repetitive hand/wrist motion. However, the musculoskeletal health of betel quid preparers receives very little attention.

Methods

The Chinese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered, and electrogoniometers and electromyography were used in this cross‐sectional study to characterize the hand/wrist motion of the subjects. Physical examinations on the thumbs and wrists of the subjects were conducted by means of Phalen's test and Finkelstein's test, respectively.

Results

Among the 225 participants, more than 95% attributed their musculoskeletal complaints to their work, and shoulder, neck, hand/wrist, and lower back discomfort were most frequently reported. More than 70% of the preparers did not seek medical treatment for their musculoskeletal problems. Based on the physical examination, 24% of the participants had suspected symptom of either carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. The instrumental measurements indicated that betel quid preparation is characterized by extreme angle ranges and moderate repetition of wrist motion as well as low forceful exertion.

Conclusions

This study concludes that betel quid preparers are a high risk group of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Future studies by electrogoniometers and detailed physical examination on betel quid preparers are needed to determine the predisposing factors for CTS. Some intervention measures to prevent MSDs and to lessen psychological stress for this group of workers are strongly suggested. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:476–485, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arguments for the sake of endophenotypes: Examining common misconceptions about the use of endophenotypes in psychiatric genetics
Authors: Glahn David C. , Knowles Emma E.M. , McKay D. Reese , Sprooten Emma , Raventós Henriette , Blangero John , Gottesman Irving I , Almasy Laura
Published: January 2014

Endophenotypes are measurable biomarkers that are correlated with an illness, at least in part, because of shared underlying genetic influences. Endophenotypes may improve our power to detect genes influencing risk of illness by being genetically simpler, closer to the level of gene action, and with larger genetic effect sizes or by providing added statistical power through their ability to quantitatively rank people within diagnostic categories. Furthermore, they also provide insight into the mechanisms underlying illness and will be valuable in developing biologically‐based nosologies, through efforts such as RDoC, that seek to explain both the heterogeneity within current diagnostic categories and the overlapping clinical features between them. While neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and cognitive measures are currently most used in psychiatric genetic studies, researchers currently are attempting to identify candidate endophenotypes that are less genetically complex and potentially closer to the level of gene action, such as transcriptomic and proteomic phenotypes. Sifting through tens of thousands of such measures requires automated, high‐throughput ways of assessing, and ranking potential endophenotypes, such as the Endophenotype Ranking Value. However, despite the potential utility of endophenotypes for gene characterization and discovery, there is considerable resistance to endophenotypic approaches in psychiatry. In this review, we address and clarify some of the common issues associated with the usage of endophenotypes in the psychiatric genetics community. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bis[4‐(4‐maleimidephen‐oxy)phenyl]propane/N,N‐4,4′‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethyene blend modified with diallyl bisphenol A
Authors: Qu Chunyan , Zhao Liwei , Wang Dezhi , Li Hongfeng , Xiao Wanbao , Yue Cheng'e
Published: January 2014

In this article, 2,2′‐bis[4‐(4‐maleimidephen‐oxy)phenyl)]propane (BMPP) resin and N,N‐4,4′‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethyene (BDM) resin blends were modified by diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA). The effects of the mole concentration of BMPP on mechanical properties, fracture toughness, and heat resistance of the modified resins were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the microstructure of the fractured modified resins. The introduction of BMPP resin improves the fracture toughness and impact strength of the cured resins, whose thermal stabilities are hardly affected. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that the modified resins can maintain good mechanical properties at 270.0°C, and their glass transition temperatures (Tg) are above 280.0°C. When the mole ratio of BDM : BMPP is 2 : 1(Code 3), the cured resin performs excellent thermal stability and mechanical property. Its Tg is 298°C, and the Charpy impact strength is 20.46 KJ/m2. The plane strain critical stress intensity factor (KIC) is 1.21 MPa·m0.5 and the plane strain critical strain energy release rate (GIC) is 295.64 J/m2. Compared with that of BDM/DABPA system, the KIC and GIC values of Code 3 are improved by 34.07% and 68.10%, respectively, which show that the modified resin presented good fracture toughness. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40395.
A rapid, simple and reliable HPLC‐triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer method for a simultaneous quantification of irinotecan and its active metabolite 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) in mouse plasma
Authors: Ahn Gang , Park Dong Min , Park Jun Won , Kim Hyo‐Young , Cho Joo‐Youn , Rhee Su‐jin , Jang In‐Jin , Kim Hark Kyun
Published: January 2014

A simple, fast and reliable high‐performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method (HPLC‐MS/MS method) was developed, validated and used for the simultaneous quantification of irinotecan and 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) in heparinized mouse plasma. Camptothecin was used as the internal standard. A single‐step protein precipitation without evaporation and reconstitution steps was adopted as sample processing method. Our bioanalytical method was validated in compliance with the guidelines from the European Medicines Agency. The lower limit of quantification for both irinotecan and SN38 was 5 ng/mL. The calibration curves for both analytes fitted to a 1/x2 weighted linear regression model and ranged from 5 to 1000 ng/mL. The intra‐run and inter‐run precisions were within 8.6%, and the intra‐run and inter‐run accuracies were within 96.4−103.9%. Our validated bioanalytical method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study in mice, in which 4 mg/kg irinotecan was intraperitoneally injected. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving Firm Environmental Performance and Reputation: The Role of Employee Green Teams
Authors: Dangelico Rosa Maria
Published: January 2014

This paper examines the link between a firm's organization environmental management capability, represented by the development of green teams made up of employees, and its performance. In particular, two categories of firm performance will be analysed: environmental performance and environmental reputation.

This link has been investigated in a sample made of the largest publicly traded US companies. Data about green teams have been collected through the content analysis of firm environmental/sustainability/corporate social responsibility reports and/or their websites, whereas data about environmental performance and reputation are those reported in the US 500 Newsweek's 2010 Green Ranking.

Regression analysis results show that the creation of employee green teams positively affects both environmental performance and environmental reputation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Celtic marketing: Assessing the authenticity of a never ending story
Authors: McAuley Andrew , Pervan Simon
Published: January 2014

Many consumers around the world are familiar with Celtic‐related themes having been exposed to them in their consumption practices. Identifying who the Celts were is relatively straightforward as, despite having no language, they have left their impression on the landscape and in artefacts. In this paper, we ask whether there is such a thing as a Celtic Feeling that consumers identify with and marketers can utilize. The authenticity of Celtic Marketing Practice is assessed using indexical and iconic cues, and the pursuit of personal goals as a framework applied to three case studies—Guinness, the Irish Pub Company and the Orkadian jewellery industry. Findings suggest an authenticity to Celtic Marketing in terms of brand positioning and, to a lesser extent, marketing management philosophy. Links are made to place marketing, storytelling and experiential marketing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indium‐Bridged [1]Ferrocenophanes
Authors: Bagh Bidraha , Sadeh Saeid , Green Jennifer C. , Müller Jens
Published: January 2014

Indium‐bridged [1]ferrocenophanes ([1]FCPs) and [1.1]ferrocenophanes ([1.1]FCPs) were synthesized from dilithioferrocene species and indium dichlorides. The reaction of Li2fc⋅tmeda (fc=(H4C5)2Fe) and (Mamx)InCl2 (Mamx=6‐(Me2NCH2)‐2,4‐tBu2C6H2) gave a mixture of the [1]FCP (Mamx)Infc (41), the [1.1]FCP [(Mamx)Infc]2 (42), and oligomers [(Mamx)Infc]n (4n). In a similar reaction, employing the enantiomerically pure, planar‐chiral (Sp,Sp)‐1,1′‐dibromo‐2,2′‐diisopropylferrocene (1) as a precursor for the dilithioferrocene derivative Li2fciPr2, equipped with two iPr groups in the α position, gave the inda[1]ferrocenophane 51 [(Mamx)InfciPr2] selectively. Species 51 underwent ring‐opening polymerization to give the polymer 5n. The reaction between Li2fciPr2 and Ar′InCl2 (Ar′=2‐(Me2NCH2)C6H4) gave an inseparable mixture of the [1]FCP Ar′InfciPr2 (61) and the [1.1]FCP [Ar′InfciPr2]2 (62). Hydrogenolysis reactions (BP86/TZ2P) of the four inda[1]ferrocenophanes revealed that the structurally most distorted species (51) is also the most strained [1]FCP.
Functionalized Graphene‐Based Cathode for Highly Reversible Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kim Jin Won , Ocon Joey D. , Park Dong‐Won , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: January 2014

In this article, we highlight the salient issues in the development of lithium–sulfur battery (LSB) cathodes, present different points of view in solving them, and argue, why in the future, functionalized graphene or graphene oxide might be the ultimate solution towards LSB commercialization. As shown by previous studies and also in our recent work, functionalized graphene and graphene oxide enhance the reversibility of the charge–discharge process by trapping polysulfides in the oxygen functional groups on the graphene surface, thus minimizing polysulfide dissolution. This will be helpful for the rational design of new cathode structures based on graphene for LSBs with minimal capacity fading, low extra cost, and without the unnecessary weight increase caused by metal/metal oxide additives.
Energetic Aqueous Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Battery Based on Na2CuFe(CN)6–NaTi2(PO4)3 Intercalation Chemistry
Authors: Wu Xian‐yong , Sun Meng‐ying , Shen Yi‐fei , Qian Jiang‐feng , Cao Yu‐liang , Ai Xin‐ping , Yang Han‐xi
Published: January 2014

Aqueous rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries have the potential to meet growing demand for grid‐scale electric energy storage because of the widespread availability and low cost of sodium resources. In this study, we synthesized a Na‐rich copper hexacyanoferrate(II) Na2CuFe(CN)6 as a high potential cathode and used NaTi2(PO4)3 as a Na‐deficient anode to assemble an aqueous sodium ion battery. This battery works very well with a high average discharge voltage of 1.4 V, a specific energy of 48 Wh kg−1, and an excellent high‐rate cycle stability with approximately 90 % capacity retention over 1000 cycles, achieving a new record in the electrochemical performance of aqueous Na‐ion batteries. Moreover, all the anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials are low cost and naturally abundant and are affordable for widespread applications.
Alkylamine‐Tethered Stable Metal–Organic Framework for CO2 Capture from Flue Gas
Authors: Hu Yingli , Verdegaal Wolfgang M. , Yu Shu‐Hong , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: January 2014

Different alkylamine molecules were post‐synthetically tethered to the unsaturated CrIII centers in the metal–organic framework MIL‐101. The resultant metal–organic frameworks show almost no N2 adsorption with significantly enhanced CO2 capture under ambient conditions as a result of the interaction between amine groups and CO2 molecules. Given the extraordinary stability, high CO2 uptake, ultrahigh CO2/N2 selectivity, and mild regeneration energy, MIL‐101‐diethylenetriamine holds exceptional promise for post‐combustion CO2 capture and CO2/N2 separation.
Flow cytometry applications for the analysis of chemokine receptor expression and function
Authors: Anselmo Achille , Mazzon Cristina , Borroni Elena Monica , Bonecchi Raffaella , Graham Gerard J. , Locati Massimo
Published: January 2014

Chemokine receptors play an important role in leukocyte migration, both in physiological and pathological conditions, and the interest in new methodologies for their detection is increasing. In this review, we focused on chemokine receptors detection through flow cytometric approaches, including the use of specific antibodies and fluorescent chemokines, and on approaches aimed at the analysis of their functions, from intracellular trafficking to signaling activities. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Neuroendocrine responses to social isolation and paternal deprivation at different postnatal ages in mandarin voles
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Wei , Wu Ruiyong , Kong Lingzhe , Feng Weige , Cao Yan , Tai Fadao , Zhang Xia
Published: January 2014

Neonatal isolation and paternal deprivation have long lasting effects on the behavior and neuroendocrine system at adulthood. Whether these effects at adulthood are induced by neonatal changes in relevant neuroendocrine parameters lead by these early‐life social experiences is not well understood. Whether monogamous rodents exhibit a stress hypo‐responsive period (SHRP) also remains unclear. Using the monogamous mandarin vole, we found that 30 min of isolation did not affect levels of corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) at postnatal days 8, 10, and 12 displaying a SHRP, but increased these at postnatal days 4, 14, 16, and 18. Isolation increased vasopressin (AVP)‐ir neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) from postnatal days 4 to 12, and up‐regulated oxytocin (OT)‐ir neurons in the PVN at postnatal days 4 and 8 and SON at postnatal day 4. Paternally deprived pups showed increase in ACTH and CORT after 30 min of social isolation from postnatal days 8 to 14, increase in AVP‐ir neurons in the PVN from postnatal days 10 to 14, reduction in OT‐ir neurons in the PVN from postnatal days 10 to 14 and in the SON at postnatal days 12 and 14. These results indicate that monogamous mandarin voles display a short SHRP which can be disrupted by paternal deprivation. Central AVP and OT levels may also be altered by paternal deprivation and social isolation. We propose that changes in these neuroendocrine parameters induced by early‐life social experiences such as those tested here persist and result in altered behavior at adulthood. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1214–1228, 2014.
Effect of linagliptin compared with glimepiride on postprandial glucose metabolism, islet cell function and vascular function parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving ongoing metformin treatment
Authors: Forst Thomas , Anastassiadis Ernestos , Diessel Stephan , Löffler Andrea , Pfützner Andreas
Published: January 2014

Background

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of linagliptin compared with glimepiride on alpha and beta cell function and several vascular biomarkers after a standardized test meal.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients on metformin alone (age, 64 ± 7 years; duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 7.8 ± 4.5years, 27 male, 12 female; HbA1c, 57.2 ± 6.9 mmol/mol; mean ± SD) were randomized to receive linagliptin 5 mg (n = 19) or glimepiride (n = 20) for a study duration of 12 weeks. Glucagon‐like peptide 1, blood glucose, insulin, intact proinsulin, glucagon, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), cyclic guanosinmonophosphat and asymetric dimethylarginin levels were measured in the fasting state and postprandial at 30‐min intervals for a duration of 5 h. The areas under the curve (AUC0−300 min) were calculated for group comparisons.

Results

HbA1c, fasting and postprandial glucose levels improved in both groups. An increase in postprandial insulin (22595 ± 5984 pmol/L*min), postprandial intact proinsulin (1359 ± 658 pmol/L*min), postprandial glucagon (317 ± 1136 pg/mL*min) and postprandial PAI‐1 levels (863 ± 467 ng/mL*min) could be observed during treatment with glimepiride, whereas treatment with linagliptin was associated with a decrease in postprandial insulin (−8007 ± 4204 pmol/L*min), intact proinsulin (−1771 ± 426 pmol/L*min), postprandial glucagon (−1597 ± 1831 pg/mL*min) and PAI‐1 levels (−410 ± 276 ng/mL*min).

Conclusions

Despite an improvement in blood glucose control in both groups, linagliptin reduced postprandial insulin, proinsulin, glucagon and PAI‐levels. These results indicate an improvement in postprandial alpha and beta cell function, as well as a reduced postprandial vascular risk profile during treatment with linagliptin. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of hyperglycaemia in newly diagnosed diabetic patients is associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and improvement in β‐cell function
Authors: Acharya Jhankar D. , Pande Amol J. , Joshi Suyog M. , Yajnik Chittaranjan S. , Ghaskadbi Saroj S.
Published: January 2014

Background

There exist several reports demonstrating enhancement in oxidative stress in diabetic patients; however, serial and comprehensive measurement of oxidative stress parameters in newly diagnosed diabetic patients is not yet reported. We measured the oxidative stress parameters in diabetic patients serially from the time of diagnosis and after starting treatment to study their association with glycaemia, insulin resistance and β‐cell function.

Methods

Fifty‐four newly diagnosed diabetic patients were studied at diagnosis and 4 and 8 weeks after initiating anti‐hyperglycaemic treatment. Oxidative stress parameters included activity of antioxidant enzymes, concentration of antioxidant molecules and damage markers. Oxidative stress score was computed as a collective measure of oxidative stress to interpret total oxidative stress state. Association of changing glucose levels with changing oxidative stress parameters over 8 weeks and association of oxidative stress score with insulin resistance and β‐cell function was analysed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β, respectively).

Results

Eight weeks of treatment improved HbA1C from 9.8 ± 2.1 to 7.7 ± 1.0%. There was a significant increase in oxidative stress in diabetic patients [23.8 (95% CI 20.0, 27.6)] compared with non‐diabetic subjects [−1.2 (−3.4, 0.9)] (p < 0.001). Non‐diabetic subjects showed a stable status over 8 weeks. Improvement in hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients was associated with an improvement in oxidative stress parameters irrespective of the anti‐diabetic treatment received. Oxidative stress score fell after 8 weeks and was significantly associated with an improvement in HOMA‐β (standardized β = −0.38, p < 0.01) but not with HOMA‐IR.

Conclusions

Controlling hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients alleviates oxidative stress within 8 weeks of treatment, and improvement in oxidative stress parameters was related to an improved β‐cell function. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autocrine C‐peptide mechanism underlying INS1 beta cell adaptation to oxidative stress
Authors: Luppi Patrizia , Drain Peter
Published: January 2014

Background

Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes by inducing beta cell secretory dysfunction and apoptosis. Recent evidence has shown that C‐peptide, produced by beta cells and co‐secreted with insulin in the circulation of healthy individuals, decreases ROS and prevents apoptosis in dysfunctional vascular endothelial cells. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that an autocrine activity of C‐peptide similarly decreases ROS when INS1 beta cells are exposed to stressful conditions of diabetes.

Methods

Reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were induced in INS1 beta cells pretreated with C‐peptide by either 22 mM glucose or 100 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). To test C‐peptide's autocrine activity, endogenous C‐peptide secretion was inhibited by the KATP channel opener diazoxide and H2O2‐induced ROS assayed after addition of either exogenous C‐peptide or the secretagogue glibenclamide. In similar experiments, extracellular potassium, which depolarizes the membrane otherwise hyperpolarized by diazoxide, was used to induce endogenous C‐peptide secretion. ROS was measured using the cell‐permeant dye chloromethyl‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM‐H2‐DCFDA). Insulin secretion and apoptosis were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

C‐peptide significantly decreased high glucose‐induced and H2O2‐induced ROS and prevented apoptosis of INS1 beta cells. Diazoxide significantly increased H2O2‐induced ROS, which was reversed by exogenous C‐peptide or glibenclamide or potassium chloride.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate an autocrine C‐peptide mechanism in which C‐peptide is bioactive on INS1 beta cells exposed to stressful conditions and might function as a natural antioxidant to limit beta cell dysfunction and loss contributing to diabetes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methodological aspects of an off‐line combination of preparative isotachophoresis and high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry in the analysis of biological matrices
Authors: Kondeková Monika , Staňová Andrea , Marák Jozef
Published: January 2014

This work reports on some methodological aspects of an off‐line combination of preparative ITP and HPLC with mass spectrometric detection (pITP‐HPLC‐MS) and its potential applications to the analysis of high molecular mass compounds present in complex biological matrices from the analytical chemistry perspective. Lysozyme served as the model analyte and human saliva as the complex biological matrix in this study. A mixture of five low‐molecular mass compounds was found and successfully used in the pITP experiments as discrete spacers to isolate the analyte from the interferents present in the complex biological matrix and to minimize their disturbance effect on the final MS analysis. The experiments at the pITP stage were performed in the cationic mode. On‐column conductivity detectors were used for the detection of ITP zones. Lysozyme was found in the human saliva samples using just deconvolution of the MS data after background correction. The MS data obtained from HPLC‐MS analysis of pITP fractions exhibited the great analytical potential of the combination of pITP‐HPLC‐MS resulting from the ITP clean‐up effect as well as the ITP preconcentration of the analyte present at low concentration levels in complex biological matrices.
Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate and bisphenol A exposure impairs mouse primordial follicle assembly in vitro
Authors: Zhang Teng , Li Lan , Qin Xun‐Si , Zhou Yang , Zhang Xi‐Feng , Wang Lin‐Qing , De Felici Massimo , Chen Hong , Qin Guo‐Qing , Shen Wei
Published: January 2014

Bisphenol‐A (BPA) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) are estrogenic compounds widely used in commercial plastic products. Previous studies have shown that exposure to such compounds have adverse effects on various aspects of mammalian reproduction including folliculogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of BPA and DEHP exposure on primordial follicle formation. We found that germ cell nest breakdown and primordial follicle assembly were significantly reduced when newborn mouse ovaries were exposed to 10 or 100 μM BPA and DEHP in vitro. Moreover, BPA and DEHP exposure increased the number of TUNEL positive oocytes and the mRNA level of the pro‐apoptotic gene Bax in oocytes. These effects were associated with decreased expression of oocyte specific genes such as LIM homeobox 8 (Lhx8), factor in the germline alpha (Figla), spermatogenesis and oogenesis helix‐loop‐helix (Sohlh2), and newborn ovary homeobox (Nobox). Interestingly, BPA and DEHP exposure also prevented DNA demethylation of CpG sites of the Lhx8 gene in oocytes, a process normally associated with folliculogenesis. Finally, folliculogenesis was severely impaired in BPA and DEHP exposed ovaries after transplantation into the kidney capsules of immunodeficient mice. In conclusion, BPA and DEHP exposures impair mouse primordial follicle assembly in vitro. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:343–353, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Covariate‐based cepstral parameterizations for time‐varying spatial error covariances
Authors: Gladish D.W. , Wikle C.K. , Holan S.H.
Published: January 2014

The difference between a mechanistic model of a spatio‐temporal process and associated observations can reasonably be represented by a random process with possible dependence structure in space and time. Often, such error processes are assumed to be stationary in time, so that a unique spatial error covariance structure is applicable for all time. However, model performance can be related to large‐scale time‐varying features, causing the error process to be nonstationary, leading to a time‐varying spatial covariance. Because of dimensionality constraints, one cannot estimate such time‐varying covariances reliably, and therefore they must be modeled. Such models for covariances should be able to accommodate influences from exogenous covariates. However, the inclusion of covariates in a standard covariance model is challenging due to the fact that the covariance must be positive definite. We mitigate this issue by modeling the time‐varying spatial dependence through the Fourier coefficients of the log spectrum, as originally developed for time series representations. The convenient feature of these so‐called “cepstral” models (or “exponential models”) is that the associated parameters are unrestricted yet still are guaranteed to produce a positive definite covariance. Thus, it is fairly straightforward to model these parameters as time‐varying random processes that depend on other covariates within the Bayesian hierarchical modeling paradigm. We illustrate the effectiveness of this model through various simulated examples and by applying it to differences from a long‐lead sea surface temperature forecast model. In this case, we consider the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Southern Oscillation Index as possible factors that influence the error covariance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of effects-assessment of greenside darter (Etheostoma blennioides) exposed to tertiary treated municipal wastewater based on seasonal changes of reproductive endpoints
Authors: Tetreault Gerald R. , Bennett Charles J. , Servos Mark Roy , McMaster Mark E.
Published: January 2014

The present study describes the seasonal changes in reproductive endpoints of the greenside darter (Etheostoma blennioides) and its implications for environmental monitoring. Fish collections conducted at the appropriate time for the site-specific sentinel fish species can provide a wide variety of population-level information including recruitment, reproduction, and energy storage. The objectives of the present study were to: 1) characterize seasonal changes in reproductive endpoints of the greenside darter (both sexes) to determine the appropriate period for monitoring of this sentinel species; and 2) evaluate the effect of exposure of this sentinel species to tertiary treated municipal effluent at the selected monitoring period. Based on the selected parameters (gonadosomatic index [GSI], liver somatic index [LSI], condition factor, and in vitro gonadal steroid production [testosterone (T) in both sexes; estradiol (E2) in females; and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) in males]), the present study provides evidence for the value of collecting darters during recrudescence (late fall/early winter) to ensure temporal stability, minimum variability, and stable steroid production capacity. Darters exposed to tertiary treated municipal effluent tended to be larger and heavier relative to reference fish but did not demonstrate any consistent responses in terms of condition or relative liver size. No effect on gonadal development was observed, even though these tertiary-effluent–exposed fish demonstrated a significant reduction in the ability to produce hormones. The present study suggests that although fish exposed to tertiary treated effluent demonstrate no population-level effects, they are still responding at a physiological level. Documentation of the reproductive cycle of sentinel species allows for selection of the most appropriate sampling period to reduce variability and greatly enhances the reliability and interpretation of biological responses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1077–1089. © 2014 SETAC
Outlook—Industry Standards: NAESB at the Forefront of Standards Development in 2014
Authors: Booe Jonathan , Trum Caroline
Published: January 2014

As we enter our 20th year, you might ask, “How am I impacted by NAESB?” To understand our impact, we will provide a quick profile of our organization and describe the activities under way and those on the horizon.
Environment: Changing Role of Biomass Power in New England's REC Markets
Authors: Hofer Christian , Tinley Chris , Kierstead Michael
Published: January 2014

Five New England states currently have in place a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) using tradable Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to increase the share of renewables in the electricity mix. Regional RPS demand now totals more than 18,000 gigawatt‐hours and is set to grow to more than 28,000 gigawatt‐hours by 2020. As such, RPS‐supported renewable energy is a sizable and growing portion of New England's electricity market.