bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing C- and L-band SAR images for sea ice motion estimation
Authors: Lehtiranta J. , Siiriä S. , Karvonen J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Pairs of consecutive C-band SAR images are routinely used for sea ice motion estimation. In addition to the surface roughness L-band SAR imagery provides information of the seasonal sea ice inner structure, which is especially useful in the Baltic Sea lacking multiyear ice and icebergs. In this work, L-band SAR images are investigated for sea ice motion estimation using the well-established maximal cross-correlation approach. This work provides the first comparison of L-band and C-band SAR images for the purpose of motion estimation. The cross-correlation calculations are hardware accelerated using new OpenCL-based source code, which is made available through the author's web site. It is found that L-band images are preferable for motion estimation over C-band images. It is also shown that motion estimation is possible between a C-band and an L-band image using the maximal cross-correlation technique.
Inference of hidden population substructure of the Iberian pig breed using multilocus microsatellite data
Authors: Alves E. , Fernández A. , Barragán C. , Ovilo C. , Rodríguez C. , Silió L.
Published: May 2014

The census and structure of Iberian pig breed have experienced important changes along the last decades. Bayesian methods based on multilocus genotypes have been applied for ascertaining the actual breed structure and for identifying genetically distinctive populations. DNA samples from 170 Iberian pigs previously assigned to the strains or varieties Torbiscal, Guadyerbas, Retinto, Entrepelado and Lampiño and 64 Duroc pigs were genotyped for 36 microsatellites. A best partition of only five clusters was estimated in the clustering analysis at group level, when the previous assignation to populations was taken into account. But the individual-based assessment of population structure, ignoring the previous assignation of animals to populations, showed a more complex partition of ten clusters. Results of admixture analyses for artitioning individuals into the inferred clusters showed an important proportion of admixed individuals pre-assigned to the Retinto, Entrepelado and Lampiño varieties. The frequencies of private alleles of the MC1R gene also evidenced an important genetic flow between these varieties. The future definition of conservation units in the Iberian breed should consider these results.
Review. Biology and systematics of the form genus Rhizoctonia
Authors: Gonzalez Garcia V. , Portal Onco M.A. , Rubio Susan V.
Published: May 2014

Members of the form genus Rhizoctonia D.C. are considered as a complex mixture of filamentous fungi, having in common the possession of a non-spored imperfect state, usually referred to as the Rhizoctonia anamorph. The group includes several of the most devastating crop pathogens like Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk (anamorph=Rhizoctonia solani Kühn), the majority of orchid mycorrhizal symbionts (mainly belonging to genus Ceratobasidium D.P. Rogers) and a collection of saprotrophic organisms of different systematic placement. The Rhizoctonia anamorph is characterized by several common features present among members of the entire Rhizoctonia species complex. Taxa from the group have been rearranged into several groups of higher fungi, including both Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, and split into several genera, employing criteria such as the analysis and ultrastructural comparison of septal apparatus. Until very recently, classification for some of the groups within the complex has been exclusively based on criteria such as hyphal anastomosis, since other types of diagnostic features are usually scarce in these fungi. Phytopathological studies in the complex have represented the major contingent of contributions in the group, especially in the case of R. solani. Some members of the complex have been reported to be protective isolates against pathogenic members of Rhizoctonia and some other fungal pathogens. This review focuses on the knowledge of several aspects of the species of Rhizcotonia s. lato, such as its current taxonomic placement, the biology and systematics of some groups of the complex, and a revision of the methodologies employed in studying it.
Short communication. Performance of pneumatic spraying with an over-the-row sprayer in high density apple tree orchards
Authors: Gil Sierra J. , Ortiz-Cañavate J. , Riquelme Sanhueza J.
Published: May 2014

In order to optimise an over-the-row pneumatic sprayer working in high-density apple tree orchards, tests have been conducted to study the deposition and distribution of its droplets. Field tests were conducted in an "artificial orchard" made with wooden posts and in an orchard of high density apple trees. To evaluate the quality of distribution, colored water droplets were collected on white plastic cards, which were then photographed. The effect of the angle between nozzle orientation and travel path on droplet deposition around wooden posts was studied. It was also studied the influence of air speed on the deposition on the apple trees and the drift and slide down of droplets. Tests show that the best nozzle position to get a uniform coverage around wooden posts which simulate tree trunks is face to face. This position also creates a tunnel of turbulence made by the wind without any physical wall. An air speed of 55 m sE1 at the exit of the nozzles is the best to get uniform deposition of droplets in all areas of the trees. An smaller air speed of 41 m sE1 gives a worse deposition on the back of the leaves, while a larger air speed of 63 m sE1 gives a poor deposition on the outside leaves and can detach fruits when they are present on the trees.
Sustainable management for woody crops in Mediterranean dry-lands
Authors: Fernández-Zamudio M.A. , De Miguel M.D.
Published: May 2014

In the large inland extensions of the Spanish Mediterranean, dry-farming is predominant and the main crops are olive, vine and almond. These species represent an agricultural activity that is fundamental to the continued inhabitation of these regions. The aim of this work is to determine the chances this agriculture has of continuing by following criteria of sustainability. Having chosen goals of an economic, social and environmental nature, almost-ideal cropping plans are obtained using the Compromise Programming. Moreover, given the important role played by water availability in this type of agriculture, the study is completed by determining the impact that an irrigation-water pricing policy would have, as outlined in the EuropeanWater Framework Directive. The study leads to the conclusion that, increasing mechanization may be the most straightforward strategy to ensure the sustainability of farms in Spanish dry-lands, and specially if the current trend of increasing irrigation-water prices is consolidated.
Productivity and efficiency analysis of horticultural co-operatives
Authors: Galdeano Gomez E.
Published: May 2014

Development of the horticultural sector in the Mediterranean agricultural areas of Spain is closely linked to the activity of co-operative organisations for the production and marketing of produce. These entities are especially important in finding answers to current demand requirements in the food market, bearing in mind the small family-scale nature of many of the farm enterprises in this sector. The present paper explores the ability of horticultural co-operatives in adapting to the new challenges in this sector from a productivity analysis viewpoint. Total factor productivity and efficiency are considered indicative measurements of the response of these organisations to the current market environment. In this study, Malmquist productivity indices are estimated using non-parametric techniques and taking as reference panel data of Andalusian horticultural co-operatives for the period 1995-2004. For a more in-depth analysis, productivity indices are broken down into technological change and efficiency change indicators, also considering the impact of other variables of co-operatives. The indicators obtained showed a relevant increase in efficiency for the period under study and a positive relationship between the results and quality investment. On the whole this research work adds to studies in the adaptation process of co-operatives in the current competitive scenario, offering insight into the improvement in total productivity and its correlation with several management variables in the fruit and vegetables sector.
Effect of ageing time on beef quality of rustic type and rustic x Charolais crossbreed cattle slaughtered at the same finishing grade
Authors: Vieira C. , García-Cachán M.D. , Recio M.D. , Domínguez M. , Sañudo Astiz C.
Published: May 2014

The objective was to determine the effect of ageing period on beef meat from young bulls of a rustic genotype (Morucha) and an improved crossbreed (Charolais x Morucha). The ageing periods were 3, 7, 10, and 14 days. Carcass quality, pH, meat chemical composition, myoglobin content, colour, water-holding capacity, textural parameters (20%, 80% compression, and Warner-Bratzler test) and sensory characteristics were determined. Regarding carcass quality, better results were observed in crossbreed genotype than in Morucha pure breed. Myoglobin concentrations and a* values were higher in the rustic pure breed than in the crossbreed. Although no differences were observed between genotypes in cooking losses, crossbreed animals provided higher values in thawing losses. Textural parameters did not differ significantly between genotypes. For both genotypes 20% compression and Warner-Bratzler tests showed that longer ageing periods promoted more tender meat. However, sensory analysis indicated that meat from the rustic breed may require a longer ageing period than meat from the crossbreed.
Short communication. Detection by multiplex PCR and characterization of nontoxigenic strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola from different places in Spain
Authors: Rico A. , Erdozáin M. , Ortiz Barredo A. , Ruiz de Galarreta J.I. , Murillo J.
Published: May 2014

The efficient control of halo blight, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, is primarily based on the use of pathogen-free seed. Detection of the pathogen in seeds is currently carried out with high-sensitive methods based on the detection by PCR of genes involved in the biosynthesis of phaseolotoxin, which was believed to be produced by all strains of the pathogen with epidemiological importance. However, field epidemics of halo blight in the county of Castilla y León, Spain, are often associated to nontoxigenic isolates of P. syringae pv. phaseolicola, which cannot be detected using current molecular and serological methods. The results presented in this work show the existence of nontoxigenic isolates of P. syringae pv. phaseolicola in areas other than Castilla y León, indicating the need to establish a reliable methodology for seed certification. A simple two-step methodology is presented with the aim to identify both types of isolates that is based on a multiplex enrichment PCR of seed soakates and on pathogenicity assays.
A Deployment Method Based on Spring Force in Wireless Robot Sensor Networks
Authors: Yu Xiangyu , Liu Ninghao , Qian Xin , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2014

Robotic sensor deployment is fundamental for the effectiveness of wireless robot sensor networks-a good deployment algorithm leads to good coverage and connectivity with low energy consumption for the whole network. Virtual force-based algorithms (VFAs) is one of the most popular approaches to this problem. In VFA, sensors are treated as points subject to repulsive and attractive forces exerted among them-sensors can move according to imaginary force generated in algorithms. In this paper, a virtual spring force-based algorithm with proper damping is proposed for the deployment of sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN). A new metric called Pair Correlation Diversion (PCD) is introduced to evaluate the uniformity of the sensor distribution. Numerical simulations showed that damping can affect the network coverage, energy consumption, convergence time and general topology in the deployment. Moreover, it was found that damping effect (imaginary friction force) has significant influence on algorithm outcomes. In addition, when working under approximate critical-damping condition, the proposed approach has the advantage of a higher coverage rate, better configurational uniformity and less energy consumption.
Prediction of the mechanical response of hydrate‐bearing sands
Authors: Pinkert S. , Grozic J. L. H.
Published: May 2014

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in production of methane gas from hydrate‐bearing sediments, located below the permafrost in arctic regions and offshore within the continental margins. In order to simulate the geomechanical response of the hydrate accumulation during gas production, comprehensive evaluation of the sediments' properties is imperative. This paper presents an analysis of the mechanical properties of methane‐hydrate‐bearing sediments determined through numerical simulation of drained triaxial compression tests on three different sand types. The adjustment of the numerical to the experimental results was performed for the entire stress‐strain curves and therefore enables a good understanding of the material constitutive relations. New constitutive relations are suggested for the hydrate‐related properties. An optimization process was used, finding separately the soil skeleton‐related coefficients and the hydrate‐related coefficients. The values of the obtained coefficients associated with the hydrate were found to have minor deviations from each other, for the three examined sand types. By separating the soil skeleton and the hydrate‐related response, this paper suggests a prediction method for the mechanical response of hydrate‐bearing sands.
From the subtropics to the equator in the Southwest Pacific: Continental material fluxes quantified using neodymium data along modeled thermocline water pathways
Authors: Grenier Mélanie , Jeandel Catherine , Cravatte Sophie
Published: May 2014

The southwestern tropical Pacific, part of a major pathway for waters feeding the Equatorial Undercurrent, is a region of important geochemical enrichment through land‐ocean boundary exchange. Here we develop an original method based on the coupling between dynamical modeling and geochemical tracer data to identify regions of enrichment along the water pathways from the subtropics to the equator, and to allow a refined quantification of continental material fluxes. Neodymium data are interpreted with the help of modeled Lagrangian trajectories of an Ocean General Circulation Model. We reveal that upper and lower thermocline waters have different pathways together with different geochemical evolutions. The upper thermocline waters entering the Solomon Sea mainly originate from the central subtropical gyre, enter the Coral Sea in the North Vanuatu Jet and likely receive radiogenic neodymium from the basaltic island margins encountered along their route. The lower thermocline waters entering the Solomon Sea mainly originate from northeast of New Zealand and enter the Coral Sea in the North Caledonian Jet. Depletion of their neodymium content likely occurs when flowing along the Australian and Papua coasts. Downstream from the Solomon Sea, waters flowing along the Papua New Guinea margins near the Sepik river mouth become surprisingly depleted in their neodymium content in the upper thermocline while enriched in the lower thermocline. This coupled approach is proposed as strong support to interpret the origin of the equatorial Pacific natural fertilization through a better understanding of the circulation, important objectives of the international GEOTRACES and SPICE programs, respectively.
Highly conductive iron‐rich (Mg,Fe)O magnesiowüstite and its stability in the Earth's lower mantle
Authors: Ohta K. , Fujino K. , Kuwayama Y. , Kondo T. , Shimizu K. , Ohishi Y.
Published: May 2014

It has been repeatedly suggested that an iron‐rich oxide might accumulate on the Earth's core‐mantle boundary by various processes. Recent studies showed that FeO with a rock salt (B1)‐type structure undergoes pressure‐ and temperature‐induced metallization at the Earth's lower mantle conditions. This implies similar metallization or decomposition of the lower mantle phase, (Mg,Fe)O, under high pressure‐temperature conditions. We performed simultaneous X‐ray diffraction and electrical conductivity measurements on (Mg0.20Fe0.80)O and (Mg0.05Fe0.95)O magnesiowüstites up to 140 GPa and 2100 K, and we examined recovered samples by means of an analytical transmission electron microscope. The experiments revealed very high electrical conductivity of the magnesiowüstite samples and their minimal temperature dependence above 85 GPa and 1300 K, yet the samples remained insulators. We also found decomposition of (Mg0.05Fe0.95)O into almost pure FeO and iron‐rich (Mg,Fe)O due to metallization of the FeO component, while such a reaction was not observed in (Mg0.20Fe0.80)O. The observed high electrical conductivity and decomposition of iron‐rich (Mg,Fe)O magnesiowüstite could enhance the heterogeneities in the electrical and thermal conductivity at the Earth's core‐mantle boundary region.
Interview Protocols to Facilitate Human Intelligence Sources' Recollections of Meetings
Authors: Leins Drew A. , Fisher Ronald P. , Pludwinski Leonie , Rivard Jillian , Robertson Belinda
Published: May 2014

Two experiments tested mnemonics for enhancing memory for family meeting occurrences and details. Experiment 1 tested a set of seven mnemonics to facilitate recollections of family meeting occurrences. Mnemonics helped respondents report 70% more event occurrences than were reported during unaided free recall. Experiment 2 tested (i) a revised set of mnemonics to facilitate recollections of family meeting occurrences and (ii) a version of the cognitive interview to facilitate recollections of event details. Similar to Experiment 1, the revised set of mnemonics helped respondents recall double the number of events recalled during unaided free recall. For event details, when compared with a control interview, the cognitive interview elicited more than twice as many person, conversation, action, and setting details. The mnemonics used in these experiments are relatively easy to modify and implement in intelligence‐gathering interviews with human intelligence sources. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fracture Morphologies of Zr‐Based Bulk Metallic Glasses Under Different Stress States
Authors: Chen Shun Hua , Chan Kang Cheung , Xia Lei
Published: May 2014

In the current study, the fracture morphologies of both Zr57Cu20Al10Ni8Ti5 and Zr65Cu17.5Ni10Al7.5 bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) under stress gradients are investigated using three‐point bending tests, and are compared with conventional compressive and tensile tests. The findings show that, under compressive stress gradients, the fracture patterns consisting of cell‐like vein patterns and radiating ridges are formed due to the inhibition of the instantaneous fracture process, during which a large amount of localized shearing occurs on the fracture plane. On the other hand, under tensile stress gradients, enlarged smooth regions and some transition zones have been observed on the fracture surfaces, indicating the achievement of more stable shearing processes before fracture. Correlations between the fracture surface features and the plastic deformation behavior of BMGs under different stress states are proposed and discussed. The findings are of significance in understanding the deformation and fracture mechanisms of BMGs under complex stress states.
Solution Processing Route to Multifunctional Titania Thin Films: Highly Conductive and Photcatalytically Active Nb:TiO2
Authors: Bhachu Davinder S. , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Sankar Gopinathan , Scanlon David O. , Cibin Giannantonio , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P. , Watson Graeme W. , Bawaked Salem M. , Obaid Abdullah Y. , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel , Basahel Sulaiman N.
Published: May 2014

This paper reports the synthesis of highly conductive niobium doped titanium dioxide (Nb:TiO2) films from the decomposition of Ti(OEt)4 with dopant quantities of Nb(OEt)5 by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). Doping Nb into the Ti sites results in n‐type conductivity, as determined by Hall effect measurements. The doped films display significantly improved electrical properties compared to pristine TiO2 films. For 5 at.% Nb in the films, the charge carrier concentration was 2 × 1021 cm−3 with a mobility of 2 cm2 V–1 s–1 . The corresponding sheet resistance is as low as 6.5 Ω sq–1 making the films suitable candidates for transparent conducting oxide (TCO) materials. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the lowest reported sheet resistance for Nb:TiO2 films synthesized by vapour deposition. The doped films are also blue in colour, with the intensity dependent on the Nb concentration in the films. A combination of synchrotron, laboratory and theoretical techniques confirmed niobium doping into the anatase TiO2 lattice. Computational methods also confirmed experimental results of both delocalized (Ti4+) and localized polaronic states (Ti3+) states. Additionally, the doped films also functioned as photocatalysts. Thus, Nb:TiO2 combines four functional properties (photocatalysis, electrical conductivity, optical transparency and blue colouration) within the same layer, making it a promising alternative to conventional TCO materials.
Defect‐Minimized PEDOT:PSS/Planar‐Si Solar Cell with Very High Efficiency
Authors: Thomas Joseph Palathinkal , Leung Kam Tong
Published: May 2014

Hybrid solar cells made of a p‐type conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethyl thiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), on Si have gained considerable interest in the fabrication of cost‐effective high‐efficiency devices. However, most of the high power conversion efficiency (PCE) performances have been obtained from solar cells fabricated on surface‐structured Si substrates. High‐performance planar single‐junction solar cells have considerable advantages in terms of processing and cost, because they do not require the complex surface texturing processes. The interface of single‐junction solar cells can critically influence the performance. Here, we demonstrate the effect of adding different surfactants in a co‐solvent‐optimized PEDOT:PSS polymer, which, in addition to acting as a p‐layer and as an anti‐reflective coating, also enhances the device performance of a hybrid planar‐Si solar cell. Using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, we conduct three‐dimensional chemical imaging of the interface, which enables us to characterize the micropore defects found to limit the PCE. Upon minimizing these micropore defects with the addition of optimized amounts of fluorosurfactant and co‐solvent, we achieve a PEDOT:PSS/planar‐Si cell with a record high PCE of 13.3% for the first time. Our present approach of micropore defect reduction can also be used to improve the performance of other organic electronic devices based on PEDOT:PSS.
Tuning the Morphology and Performance of Low Bandgap Polymer:Fullerene Heterojunctions via Solvent Annealing in Selective Solvents
Authors: Chen Huipeng , Hsiao Yu‐Che , Hu Bin , Dadmun Mark
Published: May 2014

Low bandgap polymer (LBG):fullerene mixtures are some of the most promising organic photovoltaic active layers. Unfortunately, there are no post‐deposition treatments available to rationally improve the morphology and performance of as‐cast LBG:fullerene OPV active layers, where thermal annealing usually fails. Therefore, there is a glaring need to develop post‐deposition methods to guide the morphology of LBG:fullerene bulk heterojunctions towards targeted structures and performance. In this paper, the structural evolution of PCPDTBT:PCBM mixtures with solvent annealing (SA) is examined, focusing on the effect of solvent quality of the fullerene and polymer in the annealing vapor on morphological evolution and device performance. The results indicate that exposure of this active layer to the solvent vapor controls the ordering of PCPDTBT and PCBM phase separation very effectively, presumably by inducing component mobility as the solvent plasticizes the mixture. These results also unexpectedly indicate that solvent annealing in a selective solvent provides a method to invert the morphology of the LBG:fullerene mixture from a polymer aggregate dispersed in a polymer:fullerene matrix to fullerene aggregates dispersed in a polymer:fullerene matrix. The judicious choice of solvent vapor, therefore, provides a unique method to exquisitely control and optimize the morphology of LBG conjugated polymer/fullerene mixtures.
Nitryl Cyanide, NCNO2
Authors: Rahm Martin , Bélanger‐Chabot Guillaume , Haiges Ralf , Christe Karl O.
Published: May 2014

The elusive nitryl cyanide, NCNO2, has been synthesized and characterized. It was prepared in good yield, isolated by fractional condensation, characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, and studied by theoretical calculations. Nitryl cyanide holds promise as a high energy density material (HEDM) and might also prove useful as a HEDM building block. The simplicity and inherent stability of nitryl cyanide, together with the known multitude of nitriles in interstellar space, suggest that the compound might also be a potential candidate for observations in atmospheric and interstellar chemistry.
Analysis and pharmacokinetic study of curdione in Rhizoma Curcumae by UPLC/QTOF/MS
Authors: Lv Diya , Cao Yan , Dong Xin , Chen Xiaofei , Lou Ziyang , Chai Yifeng
Published: May 2014

An ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC/QTOF/MS) method was established to determine the chemical components of curcuma rhizomes (Ezhu) and their pharmacokinetics. Chromatographic separation was performed by UPLC using a 1.8 µm column in order to obtain good resolution and increase the sensitivity of analysis. Accurate mass measurement within 5 ppm error for each ion produced in positive mode electrospray ionization and the subsequent QTOF product ions enabled 12 compounds to be identified. Several of the identified components, including β‐elemene, curcumol, germacrone and curdione, are thought to be the biologically active ingredients. Quantitative pharmacokinetic analysis was also carried out by UPLC/QTOF/MS. Using 20(S)‐protopanoxadiol as an internal standard, samples were prepared by protein precipitation with methanol. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Extend‐C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 µm) with acetonitrile (0.1% formic acid)–water (0.1% formic acid) for gradient elution. Curdione calibration plots were linear over the range of 0.1–12.2 µg/mL for curdione in plasma with the lower quantification limit being 6.5 ng/mL, and the recovery from plasma was about 105.2%. The RSD for both intra‐ and inter‐day precision was <9.9%. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry study of nilutamide and its stress degradation products: in silico toxicity prediction of degradation products
Authors: Ramesh Babu A. , Borkar Roshan M. , Raju G. , Raju B. , Srinivas R.
Published: May 2014

Nilutamide, a nonsteroidal anti‐androgen drug, widely used in the treatment of prostate cancer, was subjected to hydrolytic, photolytic, thermal and oxidative stress conditions as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines Q1A (R2). Nilutamide showed significant degradation under basic hydrolysis and photolytic stress conditions, while it was stable to neutral, acidic and thermal stress conditions. Five degradation products were formed and the chromatographic separation of nilutamide and its degradation products was achieved on a Waters C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% of formic acid in an isocratic elution method. All these degradation products were characterized by LC/MS/MS in negative ion mode, combined with accurate mass measurements. To assign likely structures for the observed degradation products, the fragmentation patterns of the deprotonated drug and its degradation products were compared. The in silico toxicity of the drug and its degradation products was also assessed using TOPKAT software. The carcinogenicity probability of the degradation products, DP‐I–IV, was greater than that of nilutamide. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of HPLC‐UV method for rapid and sensitive analysis of topically applied tetracaine: its comparison with a CZE method
Authors: Al‐Otaibi Faisal , Ghazaly Essam , Johnston Atholl , Perrett David
Published: May 2014

Topically applied tetracaine is a local anaesthetic. A novel HPLC method for the rapid and sensitive analysis of tetracaine was developed and compared with a short end direction capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method. The method was developed and validated for the separation and quantification of tetracaine in skin samples removed by ‘tape‐stripping’. Tetracaine was extracted from tape with 100% methanol, which was then diluted to 50% with water for injection. Tetracaine and the internal standard, procaine, were separated on a reversed‐phase Luna PFP(2), 3 µm, 150 × 4.6 mm column at ambient temperature using isocratic elution with KH2PO4 buffer (pH 2.5) and methanol (35:65, v/v). The flow rate was 1 mL/min, with detection at 312 nm. The limit of quantification for tetracaine was 0.03 µg/mL. Calibration lines were linear with r2 values >0.99. The within‐ and between‐assay imprecision and the percentage of inaccuracy for the QC samples including lower and upper limits of quantitation were <6 and <10%. The absolute mean recovery of tetracaine was >92%. Compared with CZE, the mean percentage error and the absolute mean percentage error were 0.62 and 6.29, respectively. The two methods were compared in a number of pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UPLC/ESI‐MS/MS‐based determination of metabolism of several new illicit drugs, ADB‐FUBINACA, AB‐FUBINACA, AB‐PINACA, QUPIC, 5F‐QUPIC and α‐PVT, by human liver microsome
Authors: Takayama Takahiro , Suzuki Mayu , Todoroki Kenichiro , Inoue Koichi , Min Jun Zhe , Kikura‐Hanajiri Ruri , Goda Yukihiro , Toyo'oka Toshimasa
Published: May 2014

The metabolism by human liver microsomes of several new illicit drugs, that is, N‐(1‐amino‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)‐1H‐indazole‐3‐ carboxamide (ADB‐FUBINACA), N‐(1‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐ (4‐fluorobenzyl)‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide (AB‐FUBINACA), N‐(1‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐pentyl‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide (AB‐PINACA), quinolin‐8‐yl 1‐pentyl‐(1H‐indole)‐3‐carboxylate (QUPIC), quinolin‐8‐yl 1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐(1H‐indole)‐3‐carboxylate (5 F‐QUPIC) and α‐pyrrolidinovalerothiophenone (α‐PVT), which have indole, indazole, quinolinol ester and thiophene structures, was investigated using reversed‐phase chromatography and mass spectrometry. The present method is based upon the oxidation by cytochrome p450 superfamily enzymes in the microsomes. The oxidation of ADB‐FUBINACA and AB‐FUBINACA mainly occurred on the N‐(1‐amino‐alkyl‐1‐oxobutan) moiety. However, the oxidation of AB‐PINACA seemed to occur on the 1‐pentyl moiety. On the other hand, QUPIC and 5 F‐QUPIC, which have a quinolinol ester structure, predominantly underwent a cleavage reaction to produce indoleacetic acid type metabolites. In contrast, the metabolism reaction of α‐PVT was different from that of the other tested drugs, and various oxidation products were observed on the chromatograms. The obtained metabolites are not in conflict with the results predicted by MetaboLynx software. However, the exact structures of the metabolites, except for 1‐pentyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxylic acid (QUPIC metabolite) and 1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxylic acid (5 F‐QUPIC metabolite), are currently not proven, because we have no authentic compounds for comparison. The proposed approach using human liver microsome seems to provide a new technology for the prediction of possible metabolites occuring in humans. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retracted: Determination of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal in serum by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after pre‐column derivatization using 4‐(N,N‐dimethylaminosulfonyl)‐7‐hydrazino‐2, 1,3‐benzoxadiazole
Authors: Imazato Takahiro , Shiokawa Akina , Kurose Yuri , Katou Yasuha , Kishikawa Naoya , Ohyama Kaname , Ali Marwa Fathy Bakr , Ueki Yukitaka , Maehata Eisuke , Kuroda Naotaka
Published: May 2014

4‐Hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4HNE) is a major aldehyde generated during lipid peroxidation. The clinical monitoring of 4HNE in biological fluids should be useful for the early diagnosis of several diseases involving lipid peroxidation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease and cancer. In this study, an HPLC with fluorescence detection method was developed for the determination of 4HNE in human serum. The proposed method involves the extraction of 4HNE from human serum by sub‐zero temperature extraction and fluorescent labeling of 4HNE with 4‐(N,N‐dimethylaminosulfonyl)‐7‐hydrazino‐2, 1,3‐benzoxadiazole. The lower detection limit (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3) of the method was 0.06 μm in serum. The proposed method was successfully applied to the measurement of 4HNE in sera obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intestinal transport of sophocarpine across the Caco‐2 cell monolayer model and quantification by LC/MS
Authors: Sun Sen , Zhang Hai , Sun Fengfeng , Zhao Liang , Zhong Yanqiang , Chai Yifeng , Zhang Guoqing
Published: May 2014

Sophocarpine is a biologically active component obtained from the foxtail‐like sophora herb and seed that is often orally administered for the treatment of cancer and chronic bronchial asthma. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and specific LC/MS method for the determination of sophocarpine and to explore its transcellular transport mechanism across the Caco‐2 (the human colon adenocarcia cell lines) monolayer cell transwell model. Caco‐2 cells were seeded on permeable polycarbonate membranes and incubated for 21 days. Before the experiment, the trans‐epithelial electric resistance, integrity and alkaline phosphatase activity of the Caco‐2 monolayers were verified and used in subsequent experiments. In the Caco‐2 model constructed, many influencing factors were investigated, including time, concentration, pH and different protein inhibitors. The results suggested that sophocarpine was transported mainly by passive diffusion. The flux of sophocarpine was time‐ and concentration‐dependent, and the pH also had an effect on its transportation. The PappBA was higher than PappAB, indicating that a polarized transport might exist for sophocarpine. MK‐571 and reserpine, inhibitors of the multidrug resistance associated protein 2 and the breast cancer resistance protein, decreased the efflux of sophocarpine, while verapamil had no effect on its transport. These results revealed that sophocarpine is absorbed mainly by passive diffusion, and that a carrier‐mediated mechanism is also involved in the transport of sophocarpine. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arterial supply of the upper cranial nerves: A comprehensive review
Authors: Hendrix Philipp , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Foreman Paul , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: May 2014

The arterial supply to the upper cranial nerves is derived from a complex network of branches derived from the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations. We performed a comprehensive literature review of the arterial supply of the upper cranial nerves with an emphasis on clinical considerations. Arteries coursing in close proximity to the cranial nerves regularly give rise to small vessels that supply the nerve. Knowledge of the arteries supplying the cranial nerves is of particular importance during surgical approaches to the skull base. Clin. Anat. 27:1159–1166, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An adaptive e‐learning system for Java programming course, based on Dokeos LE
Authors: Jovanovic Dusan , Jovanovic Slobodan
Published: May 2014

This article describes an adaptive e‐learning system based on Dokeos open‐source e‐learning environment (Dokeos LE), developed to enable personalized e‐learning. The proposed adaptive e‐learning system offers creating personalized learning materials and scenarios, adapted individually by students, in accordance with their targeted knowledge level, background knowledge, learning styles, and interests for various topics. The proposed adaptive e‐learning system was implemented for Java programming course, however, in the same fashion this software can be used for many other engineering courses. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:337–343, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21603
Intracellular Light‐Activation of Riboswitch Activity
Authors: Walsh Steven , Gardner Laura , Deiters Alexander , Williams Gavin J.
Published: May 2014

By combining a riboswitch with a cell‐permeable photocaged small‐molecule ligand, an optochemical gene control element was constructed that enabled spatial and temporal control of gene expression in bacterial cells. The simplicity of this strategy, coupled with the ability to create synthetic riboswitches with tailored ligand specificities and output in a variety of microorganisms, plants, and fungi might afford a general strategy to photocontrol gene expression in vivo. The ability to activate riboswitches by using light enables the interrogation and manipulation of a wide range of biological processes with high precision, and will have broad utility in the regulation of artificial genetic circuits.
Slow Reactant–Water Exchange and High Catalytic Performance of Water‐Tolerant Lewis Acids
Authors: Koito Yusuke , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Hasegawa Ryota , Kitano Masaaki , Hara Michikazu
Published: May 2014

31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic measurement with trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO) was applied to evaluate the Lewis acid catalysis of various metal triflates in water. The original 31P NMR chemical shift and line width of TMPO is changed by the direct interaction of TMPO molecules with the Lewis acid sites of metal triflates. [Sc(OTf)3] and [In(OTf)3] had larger changes in 31P chemical shift and line width by formation of the Lewis acid–TMPO complex than other metal triflates. It originates from the strong interaction between the Lewis acid and TMPO, which results in higher stability of [Sc(OTf)3TMPO] and [In(OTf)3TMPO] complexes than other metal triflate–TMPO complexes. The catalytic activities of [Sc(OTf)3] and [In(OTf)3] for Lewis acid‐catalyzed reactions with carbonyl compounds in water were far superior to the other metal triflates, which indicates that the high stability of metal triflate–carbonyl compound complexes cause high catalytic performance for these reactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation suggests that low LUMO levels of [Sc(OTf)3] and [In(OTf)3] would be responsible for the formation of stable coordination intermediate with nucleophilic reactant in water.
Direct X‐ray Observation of Trapped CO2in a Predesigned Porphyrinic Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Johnson Jacob A. , Chen Shuang , Reeson Tyler C. , Chen Yu‐Sheng , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2014

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging microporous materials that are promising for capture and sequestration of CO2due to their tailorable binding properties. However, it remains a grand challenge to pre‐design a MOF with a precise, multivalent binding environment at the molecular level to enhance CO2capture. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and direct X‐ray crystallographic observation of a porphyrinic MOF, UNLPF‐2, that contains CO2‐specific single molecular traps. Assembled from an octatopic porphyrin ligand with [Co2(COO)4] paddlewheel clusters, UNLPF‐2 provides an appropriate distance between the coordinatively unsaturated metal centers, which serve as the ideal binding sites for in situ generated CO2. The coordination of CoIIin the porphyrin macrocycle is crucial and responsible for the formation of the required topology to trap CO2. By repeatedly releasing and recapturing CO2, UNLPL‐2 also exhibits recyclability.
Taming Living Carbocations in Catalytic Direct Conjugate Addition of Simple Alkenes to α,β‐Enones
Authors: Lv Jian , Zhong Xingren , Luo Sanzhong
Published: May 2014

A Lewis acid in the presence of an anionic phosphate ligand enables the addition of alkenes to α,β‐enones. The ligand facilitates selective β‐proton elimination by suppressing competing pathways, thus leading to vinylation adducts in high yields (up to 99 %) for a broad range of substrates.
The Origin of the Room‐Temperature Stability of [TTF].+⋅⋅⋅[TTF].+Long, Multicenter Bonds Found in Functionalized π‐[R‐TTF]22+Dimers Included in the Cucurbit[8]uril Cavity
Authors: Capdevila‐Cortada Marçal , Miller Joel S. , Novoa Juan J.
Published: May 2014

A computational study is performed to identify the origin of the room‐temperature stability, in aqueous solution, of functionalized π‐[R‐TTF]22+dimers (TTF=tetrathiafulvalene; R=(CH2OCH2)5CH2OH) included in the cavity of a cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) molecule. π‐[R‐TTF]22+dimers in pure water are weakly stable, and are mostly dissociated at room temperature. Upon addition of CB[8] to an aqueous π‐[R‐TTF]22+solution, a (π‐[R‐TTF]2⊂CB[8])2+inclusion complex is formed. The same complex is obtained after the sequential inclusion of two [R‐TTF].+monomers in the CB[8] molecule. Both processes are thermodynamically and kinetically allowed. π‐[R‐TTF]22+dimers dissolved in pure water present a [TTF].+⋅⋅⋅[TTF].+long, multicenter bond, similar to that already identified in π‐[TTF]22+dimers dissolved in organic solvents. Upon their inclusion in CB[8], the strength and other features of the [TTF].+⋅⋅⋅[TTF].+long, multicenter bond are preserved. The room temperature stability of the π‐[R‐TTF]22+dimers included in CB[8] is shown to originate in the π‐[R‐TTF]22+⋅⋅⋅CB[8] interaction, the strength of which comes from a strongly attractive electrostatic component and a dispersion component. Such a dominant electrostatic term is caused by the strongly polarized charge distribution in CB[8], the geometrical complementarity of the π‐[R‐TTF]22+and CB[8] geometries, and the amplifying effect of the 2+ charge in π‐[R‐TTF]22+.
Straightforward Access to Water‐Soluble Unsymmetrical Sulfoxanthene Dyes: Application to the Preparation of Far‐Red Fluorescent Dyes with Large Stokes’ Shifts
Authors: Chevalier Arnaud , Renard Pierre‐Yves , Romieu Anthony
Published: May 2014

An efficient synthesis of water‐soluble unsymmetrical sulforhodamine/sulforhodol fluorophores containing a single julolidine fragment is presented. Owing to their valuable spectral properties in aqueous buffers, these dyes, especially those bearing a free aniline or phenol moiety, are valuable components of fluorogenic probes for a variety of biosensing applications. A further extension of this synthetic methodology to unusual phenols, namely 7‐N,N‐dialkylamino‐4‐hydroxy coumarins has enabled us to provide a new family water‐soluble dyes of large Stokes’ shift with far‐red spectral features.
Research on the multi‐crystalline structure in sapphire grown by Kyropoulos technique
Authors: Chen Weichao , Tang Huili , Wang Jingya , Yuan Qingxi , Jiang Dapeng , Qian Xiaobo , Xu Jun
Published: May 2014

The macroscopic distribution of multi‐crystalline structure (MCS) in a sapphire boule grown by Kyropoulos technique was characterized using polariscope. The morphology and texture of subgrains from , and orientations were investigated using Synchrotron radiation white‐beam topography technique. The morphology of subgrains was found to be diverse from crystallographic orientation. The relative angles between subgrains are smaller than 1°. The defect structure on a basal‐plane specimen from the lower part of the “shoulder” was examined by X‐ray rocking curve and chemical etching technique. It was found that the defect concentration changes drastically near MCS center. The nature of spatial distribution of MCS and the defect distribution near MCS in a grown boule was discussed in detail.
Hydrogenation of Biofuels with Formic Acid over a Palladium‐Based Ternary Catalyst with Two Types of Active Sites
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Bingsen , Meng Xiangju , Su Dang Sheng , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: May 2014

A composite catalyst including palladium nanoparticles on titania (TiO2) and on nitrogen‐modified porous carbon (Pd/TiO2@NC) is synthesized from palladium salts, tetrabutyl titanate, and chitosan. N2 sorption isotherms show that the catalyst has a high BET surface area (229 m2 g−1) and large porosity. XPS and TEM characterization of the catalyst shows that palladium species with different chemical states are well dispersed across the TiO2 and nitrogen‐modified porous carbon, respectively. The Pd/TiO2@NC catalyst is very active and shows excellent stability towards hydrogenation of vanillin to 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol using formic acid as hydrogen source. This activity can be attributed to a synergistic effect between the Pd/TiO2 (a catalyst for dehydrogenation of formic acid) and Pd/NC (a catalyst for hydrogenation of vanillin) sites.
Observer aging and long‐term avian survey data quality
Authors: Farmer Robert G. , Leonard Marty L. , Mills Flemming Joanna E. , Anderson Sean C.
Published: May 2014

Long‐term wildlife monitoring involves collecting time series data, often using the same observers over multiple years. Aging‐related changes to these observers may be an important, under‐recognized source of error that can bias management decisions. In this study, we used data from two large, independent bird surveys, the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario (“OBBA”) and the North American Breeding Bird Survey (“BBS”), to test for age‐related observer effects in long‐term time series of avian presence and abundance. We then considered the effect of such aging phenomena on current population trend estimates. We found significantly fewer detections among older versus younger observers for 13 of 43 OBBA species, and declines in detection as an observer ages for 4 of 6 vocalization groups comprising 59 of 64 BBS species. Consistent with hearing loss influencing this pattern, we also found evidence for increasingly severe detection declines with increasing call frequency among nine high‐pitched bird species (OBBA); however, there were also detection declines at other frequencies, suggesting important additional effects of aging, independent of hearing loss. We lastly found subtle, significant relationships between some species' published population trend estimates and (1) their corresponding vocalization frequency (n ≥ 22 species) and (2) their estimated declines in detectability among older observers (n = 9 high‐frequency, monotone species), suggesting that observer aging can negatively bias long‐term monitoring data for some species in part through hearing loss effects. We recommend that survey designers and modelers account for observer age where possible.