bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the structure of the CAST (Cannabis Abuse Screening Test) in 13 European countries using multigroup analyses
Authors: Legleye Stéphane , Eslami Aida , Bougeard Stéphanie
Published: December 2016

Our aims are to describe and explain the structure of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) across countries. Standard statistical analyses fail to describe and explain several variables simultaneously while taking account of the group structure of individuals. The 2011 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD): 5204 last‐year cannabis users aged 15–16 from 13 European countries. Multigroup principal component analysis (mgPCA) and multigroup partial least squares (mgPLS). MgPCA shows that the CAST has a two‐dimensional structure (frequency of use/problems and non‐recreational use/dependency symptoms). All the countries present a good concordance with the common structure, except Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania. MgPLS shows that three explanative variables (in a total of eight) are mainly related with the CAST (the frequencies of cannabis use in the last 12 months and in the last 30 days and the age at first cannabis use) while Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania also present specificities. The CAST structure appears stable in the 13 countries except for Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania that also show specific relationships between the CAST variables and their determinants.
Territorial origin of olive oil: representing georeferenced maps of olive oils by NMR profiling
Authors: Lamanna Raffaele , Imparato Giovanna , Tano Paola , Braca Angela , D'Ercole Mario , Ghianni Giovanni
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT Proton NMR profiling is nowadays a consolidated technique for the identification of geographical origin of food samples. The common approach consists in correlating NMR spectra of food samples to their territorial origin by multivariate classification statistical algorithms. In the present work, we illustrate an alternative perspective to exploit territorial information, contained in the NMR spectra, which is based on the implementation of a geographic information system (GIS). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra are used to build a GIS map permitting the identification of territorial regions having strong similarities in the chemical content of the produced food (terroir units). These terroir units can, in turn, be used as input for labeling samples to be analyzed by traditional classification methods. In this work, we describe the methods and the algorithms that permit to produce GIS maps from NMR profiles and apply the described method to the analysis of the geographical distribution of olive oils in an Italian region. In particular, we analyzed by 1H NMR up to 98 georeferenced olive oil samples produced in the Abruzzo Italian region. By using the first principal component of the NMR variables selected according to the Moran test, we produced a GIS map, in which we identified two regions incidentally corresponding to the provinces of Teramo and Pescara. We then labeled the samples according to the province of provenience and built an LDA model that provides a classification ability up to 99% . A comparison between the variables selected in the geostatistics and classification steps is finally performed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) impairs myogenesis in C2C12 cells
Authors: Auh Q‐SChick , Park Kyung‐ran , Lee Myeong‐ok , Hwang Mi‐jin , Kang Soo‐Kyung , Hong Jung‐pyo , Yun Hyung‐mun , Kim Eun‐Cheol
Published: December 2016

Introduction

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) is expressed in sensory neurons and plays important roles in peripheral pain mechanisms. The aim of this study was to examine the effects and molecular mechanisms of NMDA on C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation.

Methods

Cytotoxicity and differentiation were examined by the MTT assay, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence.

Results

NMDA had no cytotoxicity (10–500 μM) and inhibited myoblastic differentiation of C2C12 cells, as assessed by F‐actin immunofluorescence and levels of mRNAs encoding myogenic markers such as myogenin and myosin heavy‐chain 2. It inhibited phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) by inactivating mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, and p38. It induced reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, NMDA‐suppressed expression of F‐actin was reversed by adding the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results indicate that NMDA impairs myogenesis or myogenic differentiation in C2C12 cells through the mTOR/MAPK signaling pathways and may lead to skeletal muscle degeneration. Muscle Nerve 56: 510–518, 2017
Reliability of a novel ultrasound system for gray‐scale analysis of muscle
Authors: O'brien Travis G. , Cazares Gonzalez Meaghan L. , Ghosh Partha S. , Mandrekar Jay , Boon Andrea J.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Ultrasound is increasingly used as an adjunct in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease by measuring muscle thickness and echointensity (EI). Reproducibility is limited because of variations in scanning technique and proprietary algorithms that alter EI values.

Methods

We developed a standardized scanning protocol and a portable machine without any postimaging processing. Ten subjects underwent scanning of 6 muscles by 3 sonographers on 2 separate days. One of the sonographers repeated the protocol with 4 different machine/transducer combinations. Gray‐scale values were measured from each image with the use of a region of interest (ROI) box.

Results

Combined intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.92 (intra‐rater), 0.88 (inter‐rater), and 0.96 (inter‐system). The biceps had the highest variability (coefficient of variance [COV] 12.7%), and the medial gastrocnemius had the lowest variability (COV 7.4%).

Conclusions

We demonstrate excellent reliability of a reproducible ultrasound system for gray‐scale analysis of muscle that has potential applicability as a screening tool for neuromuscular disease. Muscle Nerve 56: 408–412, 2017
Effects of high‐intensity physical training on muscle fiber characteristics in poststroke patients
Authors: Andersen Jesper L. , Jørgensen Jørgen R. , Zeeman Peter , Bech‐Pedersen Daniel T. , Sørensen Jane , Ara Ignacio , Andersen Lars L.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. High‐intensity physical training can improve muscle strength and gait speed, but adaptive mechanisms at the muscle cellular level are largely unknown.

Methods

Outpatients with poststroke hemiparesis participated in a 3‐month rehabilitation program combining high‐intensity strength and body‐weight supported treadmill‐training. Biopsies sampled bilaterally from vastus lateralis muscles, before, after, and at 1‐year follow‐up after intervention, were analyzed for fiber size, type, and capillarization.

Results

At baseline, paretic lower limbs had smaller muscle fiber size and lower type I and IIA and higher type IIX percentages than nonparetic lower limbs. Paretic lower limbs had increased type IIA fibers after training. At follow‐up, no difference between the lower limbs remained.

Conclusions

Although high‐intensity training appeared not to induce changes in fiber size or capillarization, increased type IIA fiber percentages may contribute to muscle power and endurance, which is crucial for functional capacity. Muscle Nerve 56: 954–962, 2017
A finite strain solution for the elastoplastic ground response curve in tunnelling: rocks with non‐linear failure envelopes
Authors: Vrakas Apostolos
Published: December 2016

This paper generalizes the finite strain Coulomb solution of Vrakas and Anagnostou (Int J Numer Anal Meth Geomech 2014; 38(11): 1131–1148) for the classic tunnel mechanics problem of the ground response curve to elastoplastic grounds satisfying a non‐linear Mohr's failure criterion. A linear (Coulomb‐type) plastic potential function is used, leading to a non‐associated flow law, and edge plastic flow is considered in the plastic zone. The solution for a general non‐linear Mohr's failure criterion is semi‐analytical in that it requires the evaluation of definite integrals. In the special case of the Hoek–Brown criterion, however, these integrals are calculated analytically, resulting in a rigorous closed‐form series solution. The applicability of the derived solution is illustrated through the example of the Yacambú‐Quibor tunnel, where very large deformations were observed when crossing of weak graphitic phyllites. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single Molecule Spectroscopy Using C‐WAVE
Authors: Utikal Tobias , Hens Korbinian , Waasem Niklas
Published: December 2016

The fluorescence excitation spectra of single organic molecules in a solid‐state crystal are measured at cryogenic temperatures. As a tunable laser light source, the optical parametric oscillator C‐WAVE is employed, since it exhibits promising features as a laser light source for spectroscopy applications, like a broad tuning range from 450 to 650 nm, a narrow line‐width < 1 MHz, and mode‐hopfree tuning over > 25 GHz. This report presents the experimental setup and measured spectra, and it discusses the applicability of C‐WAVE for high‐resolution spectroscopy.
Proteomic signatures reveal a dualistic and clinically relevant classification of anal canal carcinoma
Authors: Herfs Michael , Longuespée Rémi , Quick Charles M , Roncarati Patrick , Suarez‐Carmona Meggy , Hubert Pascale , Lebeau Alizée , Bruyere Diane , Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Smargiasso Nicolas , Baiwir Dominique , Lai Keith , Dunn Andrew , Obregon Fabiola , Yang Eric J , Pauw Edwin De , Crum Christopher P , Delvenne Philippe
Published: December 2016

Aetiologically linked to HPV infection, malignancies of the anal canal have substantially increased in incidence over the last 20 years. Although most anal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) respond well to chemoradiotherapy, about 30% of patients experience a poor outcome, for undetermined reasons. Despite cumulative efforts for discovering independent predictors of overall survival, both nodal status and tumour size are still the only reliable factors predicting patient outcome. Recent efforts have revealed that the biology of HPV‐related lesions in the cervix is strongly linked to the originally infected cell population. To address the hypothesis that topography also influences both gene expression profile and behaviour of anal (pre)neoplastic lesions, we correlated both proteomic signatures and clinicopathological features of tumours arising from two distinct portions of the anal canal: the lower part (squamous zone) and the more proximal anal transitional zone. Although microdissected cancer cells appeared indistinguishable by morphology (squamous phenotype), unsupervised clustering analysis of the whole proteome significantly highlighted the heterogeneity that exists within anal canal tumours. More importantly, two region‐specific subtypes of SCC were revealed. The expression profile (sensitivity/specificity) of several selected biomarkers (keratin filaments) further confirmed the subclassification of anal (pre)cancers based on their cellular origin. Less commonly detected compared to their counterparts located in the squamous mucosa, SCCs originating in the transitional zone more frequently displayed a poor or basaloid differentiation, and were significantly correlated with reduced disease‐free and overall survivals. Taken together, we present direct evidence that anal canal SCC comprises two distinct entities with different cells of origin, proteomic signatures, and survival rates. This study forms the basis for a dualistic classification of anal carcinoma, with implications for management, outcome expectations, and possibly therapy. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumour‐associated macrophage‐mediated survival of myeloma cells through STAT3 activation
Authors: De Beule Nathan , De Veirman Kim , Maes Ken , De Bruyne Elke , Menu Eline , Breckpot Karine , De Raeve Hendrik , Van Rampelbergh Rian , Van Ginderachter Jo A , Schots Rik , Van Valckenborgh Els , Vanderkerken Karin
Published: December 2016

Overcoming drug resistance is one of the greatest challenges in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). The interaction of myeloma cells with the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is a major factor contributing to drug resistance. Tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) with different polarization states constitute an important component of this microenvironment. Previous studies have revealed a role of TAMs in MM cell survival and drug resistance; however, the impact of macrophage polarization (anti‐tumoural ‘M1’ versus pro‐tumoural ‘M2’‐like phenotype) in this process has not yet been described. Here, the presence of TAMs was confirmed in BM sections from MM patients, both at diagnosis and relapse, with two M2 markers, CD163 and CD206. By following different TAM subpopulations during disease progression in the syngeneic murine 5T33MM model, we demonstrated a decrease in the number of inflammatory monocytes and an increase in the number of M2‐oriented TAMs in BM. Co‐culture experiments demonstrated that macrophages provide a survival benefit to myeloma cells that is maintained after treatment with several classes of anti‐myeloma agent (melphalan and bortezomib); the greatest effect was observed with M2‐polarized macrophages. The pro‐survival effect was associated with activation of the STAT3 pathway in 5T33MM cells, less cleavage of caspase‐3, and thus less apoptosis. AZD1480, an ATP‐competitive JAK2 inhibitor, abrogated the observed TAM‐mediated MM cell survival, and partially inhibited resistance to bortezomib. Despite having only a small quantitative impact on myeloid cells in vivo, AZD1480 treatment alone and in combination with bortezomib significantly reduced tumour load. In conclusion, M2 TAMs are present in the MM microenvironment, and contribute to MM cell survival and protection from drug‐induced apoptosis. As a result of TAM‐induced activation of the STAT3 pathway, 5T33MM cells are sensitized to AZD1480 treatment. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haematopoietic prolyl hydroxylase‐1 deficiency promotes M2 macrophage polarization and is both necessary and sufficient to protect against experimental colitis
Authors: Van Welden Sophie , De Vos Martine , Wielockx Ben , Tavernier Simon J , Dullaers Melissa , Neyt Sara , Descamps Benedicte , Devisscher Lindsey , Devriese Sarah , Van den Bossche Lien , Holvoet Tom , Baeyens Ann , Correale Carmen , D'Alessio Silvia , Vanhove Christian , De Vos Filip , Verhasselt Bruno , Breier Georg , Lambrecht Bart N , Janssens Sophie , Carmeliet Peter , Danese Silvio , Elewaut Dirk , Laukens Debby , Hindryckx Pieter
Published: December 2016

Prolyl hydroxylase domain‐containing proteins (PHDs) regulate the adaptation of cells to hypoxia. Pan‐hydroxylase inhibition is protective in experimental colitis, in which PHD1 plays a prominent role. However, it is currently unknown how PHD1 targeting regulates this protection and which cell type(s) are involved. Here, we demonstrated that Phd1 deletion in endothelial and haematopoietic cells (Phd1f/fTie2:cre) protected mice from dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis, with reduced epithelial erosions, immune cell infiltration, and colonic microvascular dysfunction, whereas the response of Phd2f/+Tie2:cre and Phd3f/fTie2:cre mice to DSS was similar to that of their littermate controls. Using bone marrow chimeras and cell‐specific cre mice, we demonstrated that ablation of Phd1 in haematopoietic cells but not in endothelial cells was both necessary and sufficient to inhibit experimental colitis. This effect relied, at least in part, on skewing of Phd1‐deficient bone marrow‐derived macrophages towards an anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype. These cells showed an attenuated nuclear factor‐κB‐dependent response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which in turn diminished endothelial chemokine expression. In addition, Phd1 deficiency in dendritic cells significantly reduced interleukin‐1β production in response to LPS. Taken together, our results further support the development of selective PHD1 inhibitors for ulcerative colitis, and identify haematopoietic cells as their primary target. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of Polyphenolic Phytochemicals using Highly Deshielded –OH 1H‐NMR Signals
Authors: Charisiadis Pantelis , Kontogianni Vassiliki G. , Tsiafoulis Constantinos G. , Tzakos Andreas G. , Gerothanassis Ioannis P.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Quantitative analysis of plant extracts is a tedious and time consuming process requiring chromatographic techniques and/or the use of specilised hyphenated spectroscopic methods. Thus, investigation of a rapid method capable for the determination of bioactive constituents is of major importance.

Objective

To employ high resolution 1H‐NMR spectroscopy of the –OH spectral region, as a rapid method for the simultaneous determination and quantification of polyphenolic phytochemicals in crude oregano and olive leaf extracts without any prior isolation step.

Methodology

A critical overview of experimental parameters that influence the resolution of the –OH groups is provided with emphasis on the nature of the extraction solvent, effects of dilution, pH, temperature and nature of the NMR solvent. The compounds were assigned with the use of 1H‐NMR, 2D 1H‐13C HMBC NMR and spiking experiments with model compounds.

Results

The method was applied for the NMR analysis of natural product extracts and the results were found to be in good agreement with those obtained with the use of the time consuming HPLC‐DAD, preparative LC and LC‐SPE‐NMR.

Conclusion

The method is rapid, selective, with very good analytical performance characteristics, which support the efficiency of the suggested methodology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laboratory and Clinical Monitoring of Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulants: What Clinicians Need to Know
Authors: Conway Susan E. , Hwang Andrew Y. , Ponte Charles D. , Gums John G.
Published: December 2016

The direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, have favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and equal or superior efficacy and an improved safety profile compared with warfarin. Noted shortcomings with DOACs are shorter half‐lives requiring stricter adherence, lack of standardized laboratory monitoring, lack of anticoagulation reversal agents, and loss of routine coagulation monitoring leading to fewer patient–clinician interactions. This review addresses many of these limitations including monitoring of DOACs for efficacy and toxicity, an assessment of selected qualitative and quantitative tests, and development of monitoring strategies for special populations. Coagulation monitoring is generally recommended only in overdose situations, but once standardized assays are readily available, they could be helpful to ensure efficacy, assess bleeding, and aid in drug selection in a number of other patient scenarios. Coagulation tests that may provide qualitative assessment include activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time. Methods with potential utility for quantitative assessment of DOACs include plasma drug concentrations, ecarin clotting time, dilute thrombin time, and anti–factor Xa concentrations. Noncoagulation laboratory monitoring should include serum creatinine, liver function tests, and complete blood counts. Clinical monitoring of the DOAC‐treated patient should include routine assessment of adherence, bleeding risks, and drug interactions. Frequency of monitoring should be 1–3 months after initiation and then at least every 6 months, with more frequent follow‐up (i.e., 3 months) based on patient specific characteristics such as age, renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and concomitant drug therapy. The authors provide a practical tool to assist in DOAC monitoring and recommend that pharmacists collaborate with physicians in selecting appropriate patients and tailoring patient‐specific monitoring plans.
How Successful Has TANF Been? Taking Seriously a Thoughtful Analysis From the Right, With a Tip of the Hat to Peter the Citizen
Authors: Skidmore Max J.
Published: December 2016

Editor Max J. Skidmore discusses a welcome exchange with the co‐author of a 1983 article on Social Security that he has severely criticized numerous times. Peter Germanis, now writing as “Peter the Citizen,” reached out to indicate that he now directs his attention to TANF, and has not considered Social Security for many years. The resulting communication clearly demonstrates that thoughtful conservatives can set aside ideological considerations and collaborate with those of differing views without sacrificing their basic principles. Despite claims of success, TANF has failed to achieve its goals, and has had disastrous results. His analyses are insightful, and should serve as the basis for reform of “welfare reform.” What should be rejected soundly is any use of TANF as a model for revision of policy.
Tuning BRCA1 and BARD1 activity to investigate RING ubiquitin ligase mechanisms
Authors: Stewart Mikaela D. , Duncan Emily D. , Coronado Ernesto , DaRosa Paul A. , Pruneda Jonathan N. , Brzovic Peter S. , Klevit Rachel E.
Published: December 2016

The tumor‐suppressor protein BRCA1 works with BARD1 to catalyze the transfer of ubiquitin onto protein substrates. The N‐terminal regions of BRCA1 and BARD1 that contain their RING domains are responsible for dimerization and ubiquitin ligase activity. This activity is a common feature among hundreds of human RING domain‐containing proteins. RING domains bind and activate E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzymes to promote ubiquitin transfer to substrates. We show that the identity of residues at specific positions in the RING domain can tune activity levels up or down. We report substitutions that create a structurally intact BRCA1/BARD1 heterodimer that is inactive in vitro with all E2 enzymes. Other substitutions in BRCA1 or BARD1 RING domains result in hyperactivity, revealing that both proteins have evolved attenuated activity. Loss of attenuation results in decreased product specificity, providing a rationale for why nature has tuned BRCA1 activity. The ability to tune BRCA1 provides powerful tools for understanding its biological functions and provides a basis to assess mechanisms for rescuing the activity of cancer‐associated variations. Beyond the applicability to BRCA1, we show the identity of residues at tuning positions that can be used to predict and modulate the activity of an unrelated RING E3 ligase. These findings provide valuable insights into understanding the mechanism and function of RING E3 ligases like BRCA1.
A misfolded dimer of Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase leading to pathological oligomerization in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Anzai Itsuki , Tokuda Eiichi , Mukaiyama Atsushi , Akiyama Shuji , Endo Fumito , Yamanaka Koji , Misawa Hidemi , Furukawa Yoshiaki
Published: December 2016

Misfolding of mutant Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a pathological hallmark in a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Pathogenic mutations have been proposed to monomerize SOD1 normally adopting a homodimeric configuration and then trigger abnormal oligomerization of SOD1 proteins. Despite this, a misfolded conformation of SOD1 leading to the oligomerization at physiological conditions still remains ambiguous. Here, we show that, around the body temperature (∼37°C), mutant SOD1 maintains a dimeric configuration but lacks most of its secondary structures. Also, such an abnormal SOD1 dimer with significant structural disorder was prone to irreversibly forming the oligomers crosslinked via disulfide bonds. The disulfide‐crosslinked oligomers of SOD1 were detected in the spinal cords of the diseased mice expressing mutant SOD1. We hence propose an alternative pathway of mutant SOD1 misfolding that is responsible for oligomerization in the pathologies of the disease.
The membrane localization domains of two distinct bacterial toxins form a 4‐helix‐bundle in solution
Authors: Hisao Grant S. , Brothers Michael C. , Ho Mengfei , Wilson Brenda A. , Rienstra Chad M.
Published: December 2016

Membrane localization domain (MLD) was first proposed for a 4‐helix‐bundle motif in the crystal structure of the C1 domain of Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT). This structure motif is also found in the crystal structures of several clostridial glycosylating toxins (TcdA, TcdB, TcsL, and TcnA). The Ras/Rap1‐specific endopeptidase (RRSP) module of the multifunctional autoprocessing repeats‐in‐toxins (MARTX) toxin produced by Vibrio vulnificus has sequence homology to the C1‐C2 domains of PMT, including a putative MLD. We have determined the solution structure for the MLDs in PMT and in RRSP using solution state NMR. We conclude that the MLDs in these two toxins assume a 4‐helix‐bundle structure in solution.
Advances in the prevention and treatment of dementia
Authors: Robinson Ann
Published: December 2016

There are currently no disease‐modifying therapies for dementia; existing licensed drugs offer symptomatic treatment only. This article explores recent developments in the search for more effective interventions for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
The global numerical weather prediction impact of mean‐sea‐level pressure observations from drifting buoys
Authors: Horányi András , Cardinali Carla , Centurioni Luca
Published: December 2016

Observing System Experiments have been used to evaluate the forecast impact of sea‐level pressure observations from drifting buoys. Two seasons have been selected with different synoptic weather characteristics, but similar amount of buoy observations. Control and denial experiments were performed with and without assimilating drifting buoys' sea‐level pressure observations. The denial experiments withdraw around 95% of the total surface pressure measurements from buoys; the remaining 5% are provided by moored buoys. Changes in the forecast performance are evaluated in terms of root mean‐squared error and anomaly correlation scores. Adjoint diagnostic tools are also used to estimate the observations' contribution to the analysis and forecast. The lack of drifter surface pressure observations has a large and significant detrimental impact on the mean‐sea‐level pressure, temperature and wind fields. The signal is detectable not only near to the surface but throughout the troposphere up to 250 hPa. Drifter surface pressure observations contribute to decrease the total global forecast error by approximately 3%. In particular, case‐studies reveal that drifting buoy observations can be especially important to reduce the forecast error on complex or rapidly evolving cyclogenesis. All the diagnostics performed indicate that drifting buoys are essential ingredients of WMO's Global Observing System.
Simplifying and generalising Murphy's Brier score decomposition
Authors: Siegert Stefan
Published: December 2016

The decomposition of the Brier score into Reliability, Resolution and Uncertainty has become a standard method in forecast verification. In this note a very simple derivation of the familiar Brier score decomposition is presented. The Reliability and Resolution terms can be calculated as average Brier score differences between the issued forecast, the recalibrated forecast and the climatological reference forecast. The result suggests a simple way to calculate similar decompositions for arbitrary verification scores, and that recalibration methods and reference forecasts can be chosen more flexibly than is generally appreciated. A new decomposition of the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) is proposed.
Optimization of on‐line hydrogen stable isotope ratio measurements of halogen‐ and sulfur‐bearing organic compounds using elemental analyzer–chromium/high‐temperature conversion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA‐Cr/HTC‐IRMS)
Authors: Gehre Matthias , Renpenning Julian , Geilmann Heike , Qi Haiping , Coplen Tyler B. , Kümmel Steffen , Ivdra Natalija , Brand Willi A. , Schimmelmann Arndt
Published: December 2016

Rationale

Accurate hydrogen isotopic analysis of halogen‐ and sulfur‐bearing organics has not been possible with traditional high‐temperature conversion (HTC) because the formation of hydrogen‐bearing reaction products other than molecular hydrogen (H2) is responsible for non‐quantitative H2 yields and possible hydrogen isotopic fractionation. Our previously introduced, new chromium‐based EA‐Cr/HTC‐IRMS (Elemental Analyzer–Chromium/High‐Temperature Conversion Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) technique focused primarily on nitrogen‐bearing compounds. Several technical and analytical issues concerning halogen‐ and sulfur‐bearing samples, however, remained unresolved and required further refinement of the reactor systems.

Methods

The EA‐Cr/HTC reactor was substantially modified for the conversion of halogen‐ and sulfur‐bearing samples. The performance of the novel conversion setup for solid and liquid samples was monitored and optimized using a simultaneously operating dual‐detection system of IRMS and ion trap MS. The method with several variants in the reactor, including the addition of manganese metal chips, was evaluated in three laboratories using EA‐Cr/HTC‐IRMS (on‐line method) and compared with traditional uranium‐reduction‐based conversion combined with manual dual‐inlet IRMS analysis (off‐line method) in one laboratory.

Results

The modified EA‐Cr/HTC reactor setup showed an overall H2‐recovery of more than 96% for all halogen‐ and sulfur‐bearing organic compounds. All results were successfully normalized via two‐point calibration with VSMOW‐SLAP reference waters. Precise and accurate hydrogen isotopic analysis was achieved for a variety of organics containing F‐, Cl‐, Br‐, I‐, and S‐bearing heteroelements. The robust nature of the on‐line EA‐Cr/HTC technique was demonstrated by a series of 196 consecutive measurements with a single reactor filling.

Conclusions

The optimized EA‐Cr/HTC reactor design can be implemented in existing analytical equipment using commercially available material and is universally applicable for both heteroelement‐bearing and heteroelement‐free organic‐compound classes. The sensitivity and simplicity of the on‐line EA‐Cr/HTC‐IRMS technique provide a much needed tool for routine hydrogen‐isotope source tracing of organic contaminants in the environment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selected ion flow tube study of the reactions of H3O+ and NO+ with a series of primary alcohols in the presence of water vapour in support of selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry
Authors: Španěl Patrik , Žabka Jan , Zymak Illia , Smith David
Published: December 2016

Rationale

Alcohols are often present in foods and other biological media, including exhaled breath, urine and cell culture headspace. For their analysis by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS), the ion chemistry initiated by the reactions of the reagent ions H3O+ and NO+ with alcohol molecules in the presence of water molecules needs to be understood and quantitatively described.

Methods

The reactions of H3O+ and NO+ ions have been studied with the primary alcohols, methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol, 1‐butanol, 1‐pentanol and 1‐hexanol, under the conditions used for SIFT‐MS analyses (1 Torr He; 0.1 Torr air sample; 300 K) and over a range of sample gas humidity from 1% to 5.5%.

Results

The H3O+ reactions led to the formation of protonated alcohol molecules MH+ and their hydrates MH+(H2O)1,2,3 and (MH+‐H2O) fragment ions. The NO+ reactions were observed to proceed mainly via hydride ion transfer, resulting in the formation of [M–H]+ product ions. Formation of the NO+M adduct ions was also observed due to ligand switching between the NO+(H2O)1,2 hydrated reagent ions and M, and via direct NO+/M association in the case of ethanol. The variation in the percentages of the hydrated product ions with the air sample humidity is reported.

Conclusions

This detailed study has provided the kinetics data, including the secondary hydrated ion product distributions, for the reactions of a number of volatile primary alcohols with the SIFT‐MS reagent ions H3O+ and NO+, which allows their analyses by SIFT‐MS in humid air and also helps in the interpretation of proton transfer reaction (PTR)‐MS data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic Coral Reef Health Assessment Using Automated Image Analysis
Authors: Manderson Travis , Li Jimmy , Dudek Natasha , Meger David , Dudek Gregory
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a system capable of autonomous surveillance and analysis of coral reef ecosystems using natural lighting. We describe our strategy to safely and effectively deploy a small marine robot to inspect a reef using its digital cameras. Image analysis using a (RBF‐SVM) radial basis function‐support vector machines in combination with (LBP) local binary pattern, Gabor and Hue descriptors developed in this work are able to analyze the resulting image data automatically and reliably by learning from the annotations of expert marine biologists. Our primary evaluation is performed on a novel coral data set that we collected during a series of robotic ocean deployments, the MRL Coral Identification Challenge. We have also applied our algorithms to a data set of coral imagery previously published by other researchers. Our algorithms recognize coral images in our own challenging data with 88.9% accuracy, while being sufficiently efficient to run online on our vehicle. This demonstrates the feasibility of such a system for practical use for the preservation of this crucial ecological resource.
Modeling the Relationships Among Reading Instruction, Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement for Adolescents
Authors: Guthrie John T. , Klauda Susan Lutz , Ho Amy N.
Published: December 2016

This study modeled the interrelationships of reading instruction, motivation, engagement, and achievement in two contexts, employing data from 1,159 seventh graders. In the traditional reading/language arts (R/LA) context, all students participated in traditional R/LA instruction. In the intervention R/LA context, 854 students from the full sample received Concept‐Oriented Reading Instruction (CORI) while the remainder continued to receive traditional R/LA. CORI emphasizes support for reading motivation, reading engagement, and cognitive strategies for reading informational text. Seven motivation constructs were included: four motivations that are usually positively associated with achievement (intrinsic motivation, self‐efficacy, valuing, and prosocial goals) and three motivations that are usually negatively associated with achievement (perceived difficulty, devaluing, and antisocial goals). Reading engagement was also represented by positive and negative constructs, namely dedication to and avoidance of reading. Gender, ethnicity, and income were statistically controlled in all analyses. In the traditional R/LA context, a total network model prevailed, in which motivation was associated with achievement both directly and indirectly through engagement. In contrast, in the intervention R/LA context, a dual‐effects model prevailed, in which engagement and achievement were separate outcomes of instruction and motivation. The intervention R/LA context analyses revealed that CORI was associated with positive changes in motivation, engagement, and achievement relative to traditional R/LA instruction. The discussion explains why there were different relations in the two instructional contexts and demonstrates the importance of simultaneously examining both positive (affirming) and negative (undermining) forms of motivation and engagement.
Morphological Contributions to Adolescent Word Reading: An Item Response Approach
Authors: Goodwin Amanda P. , Gilbert Jennifer K. , Cho Sun‐Joo
Published: December 2016

The current study uses a crossed random‐effects item response model to simultaneously examine both reader and word characteristics and interactions between them that predict the reading of 39 morphologically complex words for 221 middle school students. Results suggest that a reader's ability to read a root word (e.g., isolate) predicts that reader's ability to read a related derived word (e.g., isolation). After controlling for root‐word reading, results also suggest that the remaining variability in derived‐word reading can be explained by word and reader characteristics. The significant word characteristics include derived‐word frequency and root‐word frequency but not morpheme neighborhood size, average family frequency, number of morphemes, or semantic opaqueness. The significant reader characteristics include morphological awareness and vocabulary knowledge but not reading comprehension. Only phonological and orthographic‐phonological opaqueness interacted with the effect of root‐word reading, suggesting that students were less able to apply root‐word knowledge when the root word changed phonologically (with or without an orthographic change) in the larger derived word. Discussion is included regarding how findings from this study inform the development of models of word reading for adolescents.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Two Theoretically Motivated Computer‐Assisted Reading Interventions in the United Kingdom: GG Rime and GG Phoneme
Authors: Kyle Fiona , Kujala Janne , Richardson Ulla , Lyytinen Heikki , Goswami Usha
Published: December 2016

We report an empirical comparison of the effectiveness of two theoretically motivated computer‐assisted reading interventions (CARI) based on the Finnish GraphoGame CARI: English GraphoGame Rime (GG Rime) and English GraphoGame Phoneme (GG Phoneme). Participants were 6–7‐year‐old students who had been identified by their teachers as being relatively poor at reading. The students were divided into three groups. Two of the groups played one of the games as a supplement to normal classroom literacy instruction for five sessions per week for a period of 12 weeks. The third group formed an untreated control. Both games led to gains in reading, spelling, and phonological skills in comparison with the untreated control group. The two interventions also had some differential effects. The intervention gains were maintained at a four‐month follow‐up.
Improving Reading Comprehension and Social Studies Knowledge in Middle School
Authors: Vaughn Sharon , Swanson Elizabeth A. , Roberts Greg , Wanzek Jeanne , Stillman‐Spisak Stephanie J. , Solis Michael , Simmons Deborah
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a content acquisition and reading comprehension treatment implemented by eighth‐grade social studies teachers. Using a within‐teacher design, the eighth‐grade teachers’ social studies classes were randomly assigned to treatment or comparison conditions. Teachers (n = 5) taught the same instructional content to both treatment and comparison classes, but the treatment classes used instructional practices focused on teaching essential words, text as a source for reading and discussion, and team‐based learning approaches. Students in the treatment conditions (n = 261) scored statistically higher than students in the comparison conditions (n = 158) on all three outcomes: content acquisition (ES = 0.17), content reading comprehension (ES = 0.29), and standardized reading comprehension (ES = 0.20). Findings are interpreted as demonstrating support for the treatment in improving both knowledge acquisition and reading comprehension within content area instruction.
Stress system dysregulation in pediatric generalized anxiety disorder associated with comorbid depression
Authors: Funke R. , Eichler A. , Distler J. , Golub Y. , Kratz O. , Moll G.H.
Published: December 2016

Because chronic stress is an important risk factor for anxiety states and depressive disorders, we studied hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic system activity via changes in cortisol and alpha amylase activity levels in pediatric generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients (n = 26) with comorbid depression and a healthy comparison group (n = 26). Morning plasma cortisol and diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) activity were assessed, also reactivity of HPA‐axis, sAA activity, and heart rate following a psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test for children). GAD patients with comorbid depression showed increased morning plasma and salivary cortisol levels, ameliorating throughout in‐patient treatment, and higher sAA activity in their diurnal profile. Both HPA and sympathetic activity positively correlated with the severity of anxiety and depression. We also demonstrated a blunted HPA and sympathetic response to acute stress in patients. This pattern of neuroendocrine and sympathetic changes seems to be distinct from the one previously reported in pediatric patients with only social anxiety or depressive disorders. We propose morning plasma and saliva cortisol levels as potential physiological indicators for supporting the evaluation of symptoms' severity and treatment progress in children with GAD and comorbid depressive disorder.
Top management team incentive heterogeneity, strategic investment behavior, and performance: A contingency theory of incentive alignment
Authors: Steinbach Adam L. , Holcomb Tim R. , Holmes R. Michael , Devers Cynthia E. , Cannella Albert A.
Published: December 2016

Research summary: We develop and test a contingency theory of the influence of top management team (TMT) performance‐contingent incentives on manager–shareholder interest alignment. Our results support our theory by showing that although TMTs engage in significantly higher levels of acquisition investment when their average incentive levels increase, investors' responses to those large investments are generally negative. More importantly, however, we further find that within‐TMT incentive heterogeneity conditions that effect, such that investors evaluate TMTs' large acquisition investments more positively as the variance in those top managers' incentive values increases. Thus, within‐TMT incentive heterogeneity appears to increase manager–shareholder interest alignment, in the context of large acquisition investments.

Managerial summary: We find that as the average value of TMTs' incentives increase, relative to their total pay, they invest more in acquisitions and investors' respond negatively to the announcement of those deals. However, we further show that investors respond more positively to acquisitions announced by TMTs whose members' incentive values vary (some TMT members hold higher incentives and others hold lower). Results imply that when TMT members hold differing incentives levels, they approach investments from divergent perspectives, scrutinize those investments more heavily, and make better decisions, relative to TMTs with similar incentives. They also suggest that boards seeking tighter manager–shareholder interest alignment may benefit from introducing variance into TMT members' incentive structures, as doing so appears to create divergent preferences that can improve team decision making. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emerging ≈800 nm Excited Lanthanide‐Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Xie Xiaoji , Li Zhanjun , Zhang Yuanwei , Guo Shaohong , Pendharkar Aarushi Iris , Lu Min , Huang Ling , Huang Wei , Han Gang
Published: December 2016

Lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles can tune near‐infrared light to visible or even ultra‐violet light in emissions. Due to their unique photophysical and photochemical properties, as well as their promising bioapplications, there has been a great deal of enthusiastic research performed to study the properties of lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles in the past few years. Despite the considerable progress in this area, numerous challenges associated with the nanoparticles, such as a low upconversion efficiency, limited host materials, and a confined excitation wavelength, still remain, thus hindering further development with respect to their applications and in fundamental science. Recently, innovative strategies that utilize alternative sensitizers have been designed in order to engineer the excitation wavelengths of upconversion nanoparticles. Here, focusing on the excitation wavelength at ≈800 nm, recent advances in the design, property tuning, and applications of ≈800 nm excited upconversion nanoparticles are summarized. Benefiting from the unique features of ≈800 nm light, including deep tissue penetration depth and low photothermal effect, the ≈800 nm excited upconversion nanoparticles exhibit superior potential for biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, therapy, and three dimensional displays. The critical aspects of such emerging nanoparticles with regards to meeting the ever‐changing needs of future development are also discussed.
All‐Carbon Electrode Molecular Electronic Devices Based on Langmuir–Blodgett Monolayers
Authors: Sangiao Soraya , Martín Santiago , González‐Orive Alejandro , Magén César , Low Paul J. , De Teresa José M. , Cea Pilar
Published: December 2016

Nascent molecular electronic devices, based on monolayer Langmuir–Blodgett films sandwiched between two carbonaceous electrodes, have been prepared. Tightly packed monolayers of 4‐((4‐((4‐ethynylphenyl)ethynyl)phenyl)ethynyl)benzoic acid are deposited onto a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite electrode. An amorphous carbon top contact electrode is formed on top of the monolayer from a naphthalene precursor using the focused electron beam induced deposition technique. This allows the deposition of a carbon top‐contact electrode with well‐defined shape, thickness, and precise positioning on the film with nm resolution. These results represent a substantial step toward the realization of integrated molecular electronic devices based on monolayers and carbon electrodes.
Musculoskeletal pain and injury in sonographers, causes and solutions
Authors: Pallotta O. J. , Roberts A.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Scanning a patient involves pushing a heavy transducer and a heavy cord while simultaneously leaning over a patient, using the keyboard and viewing the screen. Even with good patient and machine position, a sonographer's upper limbs can be abducted up to 90º from the body that can place the body under stress. International statistics indicate that 80–95% of sonographers experience work‐related pain, 90% experience this pain for more than half their career and one in five sonographers sustain a career ending work‐related injury.

Methods

The sonographer safety initiative is a collaborative effort between sonographers, biomedical engineers in SA Health, Flinders Biomedical Enterprises and GE Healthcare; with the goal to investigate sonographer work‐place injuries. A 6‐month study was conducted that reviewed literature, compensation claims, injury reports, and surveyed sonographers and relevant stakeholders.

Results

Information regarding the social/cultural, physiological/environmental and technological issues in current practices was collected along with the causes and rates of sonographer injuries.

Discussion

Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant concern for sonographers with detrimental effects on the individual and the employer. Sonographers are reluctant to report or claim these injuries, which mask the problem and prevent it from getting the traction it requires.