bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primal‐dual and forward gradient implementation for quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Kee Youngwook , Deh Kofi , Dimov Alexey , Spincemaille Pascal , Wang Yi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To investigate the computational aspects of the prior term in quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) by (i) comparing the Gauss‐Newton conjugate gradient (GNCG) algorithm that uses numerical conditioning (ie, modifies the prior term) with a primal‐dual (PD) formulation that avoids this, and (ii) carrying out a comparison between a central and forward difference scheme for the discretization of the prior term.

Theory and Methods

A spatially continuous formulation of the regularized QSM inversion problem and its PD formulation were derived. The Chambolle‐Pock algorithm for PD was implemented and its convergence behavior was compared with that of GNCG for the original QSM. Forward and central difference schemes were compared in terms of the presence of checkerboard artifacts. All methods were tested and validated on a gadolinium phantom, ex vivo brain blocks, and in vivo brain MRI data with respect to COSMOS.

Results

The PD approach provided a faster convergence rate than GNCG. The GNCG convergence rate slowed considerably with smaller (more accurate) values of the conditioning parameter. Using a forward difference suppressed the checkerboard artifacts in QSM, as compared with the central difference. The accuracy of PD and GNCG were validated based on excellent correlation with COSMOS.

Conclusions

The PD approach with forward difference for the gradient showed improved convergence and accuracy over the GNCG method using central difference. Magn Reson Med 78:2416–2427, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Quantification of small GTPase glucosylation by clostridial glucosylating toxins using multiplexed MRM analysis
Authors: Junemann Johannes , Lämmerhirt Chantal M. , Polten Felix , Just Ingo , Gerhard Ralf , Genth Harald , Pich Andreas
Published: March 2017

Large clostridial toxins mono‐O‐glucosylate small GTPases of the Rho and Ras subfamily. As a result of glucosylation, the GTPases are inhibited and thereby corresponding downstream signaling pathways are disturbed. Current methods for quantifying the extent of glucosylation include sequential [14C]glucosylation, sequential [32P]ADP‐ribosylation, and Western Blot detection of nonglucosylated GTPases, with neither method allowing the quantification of the extent of glucosylation of an individual GTPase. Here, we describe a novel MS‐based multiplexed MRM assay to specifically quantify the glucosylation degree of small GTPases. This targeted proteomics approach achieves a high selectivity and reproducibility, which allows determination of the in vivo substrate pattern of glucosylating toxins. As proof of principle, GTPase glucosylation was analyzed in CaCo‐2 cells treated with TcdA, and glucosylation kinetics were determined for RhoA/B, RhoC, RhoG, Ral, Rap1, Rap2, (H/K/N)Ras, and R‐Ras2.
Impact of urban canopy models and external parameters on the modelled urban energy balance in a tropical city
Authors: Demuzere M. , Harshan S. , Järvi L. , Roth M. , Grimmond C. S. B. , Masson V. , Oleson K. W. , Velasco E. , Wouters H.
Published: March 2017

To date, existing urban land surface models (ULSMs) have been mostly evaluated and optimized for mid‐ and high‐latitude cities. For the first time, we provide a comparative evaluation of four ULSMs for a tropical residential neighbourhood in Singapore using directly measured energy balance components. The simulations are performed offline, for an 11 month period, using the bulk scheme TERRA_URB and three models of intermediate complexity (CLM, SURFEX and SUEWS). In addition, information from three different parameter lists are used to quantify the impact (interaction) of (between) external parameter settings and model formulations on the modelled urban energy balance components. Encouragingly, overall results indicate good model performance for most energy balance components and align well with previous findings for midlatitude regions, suggesting the transferability of these models to (sub)tropical regions. Similar to results from midlatitude regions, the outgoing long‐wave radiation and latent heat flux remain the most problematic fluxes. In addition, the various combinations of models and different parameter values suggest that error statistics tend to be dominated more by the choice of the latter than the choice of model. Finally, our intercomparison framework enabled the attribution of common deficiencies in the different model approaches found previously in midlatitude regions: the simple representation of water intercepted by impervious surfaces leading to a positive bias in the latent heat flux directly after a precipitation event; and the positive bias in modelled outgoing long‐wave radiation that is partly due to neglecting the radiative interactions of water vapour between the surface and the tower sensor. These findings suggest that future developments in urban climate research should continue the integration of more physically based processes in urban canopy models, ensure the consistency between the observed and modelled atmospheric properties and focus on the correct representation of urban morphology, water storage and thermal and radiative characteristics.
Like Driving From “the Back Seat”: Teaching English as a Second Language in Commodified Curricular Terrains
Authors: Plaisance Michelle , Salas Spencer , D'Amico Mark M.
Published: March 2017

Contemporary K–12 standards‐based educational reform has emerged as a central focus of scholarship inTESOL, with robust discussions (practical and theoretical) addressing the shift fromESLas a subject matter unto itself to teaching standards‐based content in English (and the standardized assessment of students' achievement across those content areas, including literacy and reading). However, relatively few studies have examined how veteranESLprofessionals understand themselves and what their work accomplishes in instructional contexts where literacy and literacy test scores have emerged as the gold standard of adequate yearly progress. In this qualitative narrative, the researchers draw from a 7‐month study of anESLteacher and her first‐grade colleagues' negotiation of a balanced literacy program. Analysis reveals that for this teacher the schoolwide adoption of “balanced literacy” created tensions between what she was expected to do and who she wanted to be or even was capable of being. It was only with great reluctance and even sadness that she realized that if she were to stay at her school and enact her professional functions with any degree of credibility, she would have to reconsider what teachingESLcould encompass. The authors conclude with implications forTESOLpreservice and in‐service teacher education.
Up and down with climate politics 2013–2016: the repeal of carbon pricing in Australia
Authors: Crowley Kate
Published: March 2017

The 2013 election of Australia's conservative Abbott Coalition (Liberal and National parties) government saw the repeal of carbon pricing, (which had previously been implemented by the Labor government in 2012), assume the first order of business. This Focus article reviews expert and political commentary and analysis of the repeal, and provides an overview of the Abbott government's dismantling and attempted dismantling of other climate initiatives. It reviews commentary and critiques of the government's substitute Direct Action (DA) policy and its capacity to reduce emissions. The views of the international community on the Abbott government's repositioning of Australia's climate policy are considered, as are the prospects of achieving effective emissions reduction policy under Abbott's successor, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The paper notes the role of the Senate in both assisting and frustrating government reforms, as well as aspects of policy continuity that could see a form of carbon pricing revived in future. It explores the correlation between the political ascension of Tony Abbott and his rejection of carbon pricing, whether his substitute DA mechanism will effectively reduce emissions, and the adequacy of Australia's current global climate policy aspirations. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e458. doi: 10.1002/wcc.458

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy
Prediction of summer rainfall in Pakistan from global sea‐surface temperature and sea‐level pressure
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Rehman Nadia , Ali Shaukat , Mehmood Shahbaz , Mir Kaleem Anwar , Khan Aftab Ahmad , Khalid Bushra
Published: March 2017

Agriculture contributes around a quarter to Pakistan's economy and is closely linked with the variability of monsoon rainfall. The prediction of monsoon rains with sufficient lead time has immense importance for the planning and management of water resources and agriculture. In this study, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Principal Component Regression (PCR) methods are employed to predict monsoon rainfall, and their performances are compared for June–September (JJAS) for the period 1961–2014 over the monsoon region of Pakistan. Rainfall data of Meteorological stations are used as the predictand. In the MLR method, predictors are carried out from sea level pressure (SLP) and sea surface temperature (SST) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis datasets. The PCR method first calculates principal components (PCs) from SLP and SST data, and these PCs are then combined with the regression technique and used as predictors. The performance of both models is tested using statistical measures such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), bias and the correlation coefficient to evaluate the skill of the forecast. The agreement between actual and predicted rainfall data provides evidence for reasonably accurate predictions from both methods. The MLR and PCR models explained 84.6 and 92.2% of the variation of data, and the multiple correlation coefficients are 0.92 and 0.96 respectively. The correlation coefficient for the verification period (2005–2014) is 0.73 for MLR and 0.89 for PCR. The values of mean bias, MAE and RMSE are −5.5, 20.0 and 25.1mm for MLR, and −0.42, 16.2 and 16.6mm for PCR, respectively. The results indicate that the PCR model forecast is slightly better than that of the MLR model.
What is a sting jet?
Authors: Schultz David M. , Browning Keith A.
Published: March 2017

Some extratropical cyclones possess a maximum of surface wind speed equatorward of their low centres at the end of the feature known as the back‐bent front, and close to the tip of a characteristic cloud feature known as a cloud head. In the twentieth century, Norwegian meteorologists referred to this feature as ‘the poisonous tail’ of the back‐bent front. In 2004, Browning coined the term sting jet to describe an airstream that descends from the mid‐troposphere to end within this surface wind maximum. Later research has confirmed that, in some cyclones, this wind maximum can be composed of air from both the descending sting jet and the cold conveyor belt that encircles the low centre near the surface. Despite the publication of this research, the media, and even some researchers and forecasters, misuse the term ‘sting jet’ to describe the overall wind maximum rather than just its descending part. Thus, this article argues for clarity in the definition of what a sting jet is. Specifically, the term sting jet ought to be reserved specifically for the descending airstream alone, not for the wind maximum equatorward of the low centre more generally.
Evolution of Consciousness I
Authors: Mould Richard A.
Published: March 2017

The existence of a psycho-physical parallelism in humans and other conscious creatures requires an “interaction” between subjectivity and physiology, where consciousness is as much a casual agent as the molecules and atoms of the system. This interaction is illustrated in the fanciful case of an ancient fish that has a “painful” experience and a corresponding physiological response. The model gives consciousness properties of both cause and effect that are deterministic; and yet, it reflects our experience of having choice. Experiments are discussed involving PET scans with humans and autoradio-graphies with rats. They are designed to demonstrate the influence of consciousness on concentrations of narcotics in the brain.
Evolution of Consciousness II
Authors: Mould Richard A.
Published: March 2017

A mechanism that allows the conscious experience of ‘pain’ to be a modifier of behavior and hence a factor in evolutionary development, is proposed in a previous paper. There are a number of other experiences called ‘anchor’ experiences that perform the same function. Several of these are identified and distinguished from non-anchor experiences.
Mitochondrial acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase deficiency: basal ganglia impairment may occur independently of ketoacidosis
Authors: Paquay Stéphanie , Bourillon Agnès , Pichard Samia , Benoist Jean‐François , de Lonlay Pascale , Dobbelaere Dries , Fouilhoux Alain , Guffon Nathalie , Rouvet Isabelle , Labarthe François , Mention Karine , Touati Guy , Valayannopoulos Vassili , Ogier de Baulny Hélène , Elmaleh‐Bergès Monique , Acquaviva‐Bourdain Cécile , Vianey‐Saban Christine , Schiff Manuel
Published: March 2017

Background

Mitochondrial acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase (T2) deficiency affects ketone body and isoleucine catabolism. Neurological impairment may occur secondary to ketoacidotic episodes. However, we observed neuromotor abnormalities without ketoacidotic events in two T2‐deficient families. We hypothesized that the neurological signs were related to the genetic defect and may occur independently of ketoacidotic episodes. We therefore conducted a retrospective review on a French T2‐deficient patient series searching for neuromotor impairment.

Methods

In total, 26 cases were retrospectively analysed for clinical, biological and neuroimaging data.

Results

Neurological findings were observed for 6/26 (23%) patients. Among these, two had never experienced ketoacidotic episodes, though they developed extrapyramidal signs with putamen involvement. Two of the other four patients developed neurological abnormalities before the first ketoacidotic crisis, with putamen involvement in one case. The third patient developed extrapyramidal symptoms more than 10 years after the initial decompensation with globus pallidus involvement. The last patient developed extrapyramidal signs immediately after a severe ketoacidotic crisis with putaminal lesions.

Conclusions

Most T2‐deficient patients achieved normal neurodevelopment. However, on account of the role of T2 in isoleucine catabolism, these patients are potentially exposed to accumulation of toxic isoleucine‐derived metabolites, which may contribute to neurological impairment. Our findings confirm previous observations that neurological symptoms in T2 deficiency may occur unrelated to ketoacidosis. The role of protein restriction as a preventive measure against neurological symptoms could not be established in this study and deserves further evaluation. Long‐term follow‐up data on children diagnosed by newborn screening may clarify the pathogenesis of this neurometabolic association.
Lipase‐Mediated Synthesis of Fatty Acid Esters Using a Blending Alcohol Consisting of Methanol and 1‐Butanol
Authors: Zhao TingTing , Choi Nakyung , Kim Heejin , Kim Yangha , Kim Hak‐Ryul , Kim In‐Hwan
Published: March 2017

Lipase‐mediated transesterification of soybean oil with a blending alcohol consisting of methanol and 1‐butanol for synthesis of fatty acid esters was carried out. Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosa (Lipozyme TL IM) was used as a biocatalyst. The lipase was purchased from Novozymes (Seoul, Republic of Korea). The effects of the molar proportions of methanol and 1‐butanol in the blending alcohol, reaction temperature, enzyme loading and water content were investigated, for reaction optimization. The relative consuming rates of methanol and 1‐butanol during the reaction were also explored. Among seven different ratios of alcohol blends employed in this study, that containing 80 mol% methanol gave the highest yield of fatty acid esters. Optimum reaction temperature, enzyme loading, and water content were 30 °C, 15% (based on the substrate weight), and 0.3% (based on the substrate weight), respectively. Water influenced significantly the reaction rate and yield. On the transesterification, the degree of reaction of methanol was higher than that of 1‐butanol and the presence of 1‐butanol contributed to increase of the reaction rate as well as yield. The maximum yield of ca. 98 wt% was achieved under the optimized condition.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarker examination as a tool to discriminate behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia from primary psychiatric disorders
Authors: Vijverberg Everard G.B. , Dols Annemiek , Krudop Welmoed A. , Del Campo Milan Marta , Kerssens Cora J. , Gossink Flora , Prins Niels D. , Stek Max L. , Scheltens Philip , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

To prospectively determine the diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels total‐tau (tau) to amyloid‐β1–42 ratio (Aβ1–42) ratio (tau/Aβ1–42 ratio), phosphorylated‐tau (p‐tau) to tau ratio (p‐tau/tau ratio), neurofilament light chain (NfL) and YKL40 in the late‐onset frontal lobe syndrome, in particular for the differential diagnosis of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) versus primary psychiatric disorders (PSY).

Method

We included patients with a multidisciplinary 2‐year‐follow‐up diagnosis of probable/definite bvFTD (n = 22) or PSY (n = 25), who underwent a detailed neuropsychiatric clinical examination, neuropsychological test battery, and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline. In all cases, CSF was collected through lumbar puncture at baseline. We compared CSF biomarker levels between the two groups and measured the diagnostic accuracy for probable/definite bvFTD, using the follow‐up diagnosis as the reference standard.

Results

The best discriminators between probable/definite bvFTD and PSY were the levels of CSF NfL (area under the curve [AUC] 0.93, P < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–1.00), p‐tau/tau ratio (AUC 0.87, P < .001, 95% CI 0.77–0.97), and YKL40 (AUC 0.82, P = .001, 95% CI 0.68–0.97). The combination of these three biomarkers had a sensitivity of 91% (95% CI 66%–100%) at a specificity of 83% (95% CI 65%–95%) with an AUC of 0.94 (P < .001, 95% CI 0.87–1.00) for bvFTD. CSF tau/Aβ1–42 ratio was less accurate in differentiating between bvFTD and PSY.

Discussion

We found a good diagnostic accuracy for higher levels of CSF NfL and YKL40 and reduced p‐tau/tau ratio in distinguishing bvFTD from PSY. We advocate the use of these CSF biomarkers as potential additional tools to neuroimaging in the diagnosis of bvFTD versus PSY.
δ scores predict mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease conversions from nondemented states
Authors: Royall Donald R. , Palmer Raymond F.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

We tested the latent variable “δ” (for “dementia”)'s ability to predict conversion to “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

An ethnicity equivalent d homolog (“dEQ”) was constructed in n = 1113 Mexican‐ American (MA) and n = 1958 non‐Hispanic white (NHW) participants in the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium. “Normal Controls” (NC) (n = 1276) and MCI cases (n = 611) were followed annually for up to 6 years [m = 4.7(0.6)].

Results

22.0% (n = 281) of NC converted to “MCI” or “AD”. 17.3% (n = 106) of MCI converted to “AD.” Independently of covariates, each quintile increase in the dEQ scores of NC increased the odds of conversion by 52%. Each quintile increase in the dEQ scores of MCI cases increased the odds of conversion to AD almost three‐fold.

Discussion

Baseline δ scores predict MCI and AD conversions from nondemented states in MA and NHW.
Critical points of embeddings of \( H_{0}^{1 , n} \) into Orlicz spaces
Authors: Struwe Michael
Published: March 2017

For a domain

Ω ⊂ ℝ^n

embeddings

u → \mathrm{exp}(α(|u|/{∥u∥_{1, n}})^{n/{n − 1}})

of

\mathrm{H}_{0}^{1,n}(\mathrm{\Omega })

into Orlicz spaces are considered. At the critical exponent

α = α_n

a loss of compactness reminiscent of the Yamabe problem is encountered; however by a result of Carlesson and Chang, if

Ω

is a ball the best constant for the above embedding is attained.

In dimension

n = 2

we identify the “limiting problem” responsible for the lack of compactness at the critical exponent

α_2 = 4π

in the radially symmetric case and establish the existence of extremal functions also for nonsymmetric domains

Ω

. Moreover, we establish the existence of two “branches” of critical points of this embedding beyond the critical exponent

α_2 = 4π

.

Étant donné un domaine

Ω ⊂ ℝ^n

, on considère des immersions de

\mathrm{H}_{0}^{1,n}(\mathrm{\Omega })

dans des espaces d’Orlicz, du type

u → \mathrm{exp}(α(|u|/{∥u∥_{1, n}})^{n/{n − 1}})

. Pour l’exposant critique

α = α_n

, se produit une perte de compacité. Toutefois, grâce à un résultat de Carleson et Chang, si

Ω

est une boule, la meilleure constante pour l’immersion est atteinte.

Dans le cas

n= 2

, le problème limite responsable de la perte de compacité à l’exposant critique

α_2 = 4π

est identifié dans le cas radialement symétrique. Dans le cas non symétrique, on démontre encore l’existence de fonctions extrêmales. En outre, on montre l’existence de deux branches de points critiques d’immersion au-delà de l’exposant critique

α_2 = 4π

.
Effect of a Clinical and Translational Science Award institute on grant funding in a major research university
Authors: Kabo Felichism W. , Mashour George A.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Previous studies have examined the impact of Clinical and Translational Science Awards programs on other outcomes, but not on grant seeking. The authors examined the effects on grant seeking of the Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR), a Clinical and Translational Science Awards institute at the University of Michigan.

Methods

We assessed over 63,000 grant proposals submitted at the University of Michigan in the years 2002–2012 using data from the university and MICHR’s Tracking Metrics and Reporting System. We used a retrospective, observational study of the dynamics of grant-seeking success and award funding. Heckman selection models were run to assess MICHR’s relationship with a proposal’s success (selection), and subsequently the award’s size (outcome). Models were run for all proposals and for clinical and translational research (CTR) proposals alone. Other covariates included proposal classification, type of grant award, academic unit, and year.

Results

MICHR had a positive and statistically significant relationship with success for both proposal types. For all grants, MICHR was associated with a 29.6% increase in award size. For CTR grants, MICHR had a statistically nonsignificant relationship with award size.

Conclusions

MICHR’s infrastructure, created to enable and enhance CTR, has also created positive spillovers for a broader spectrum of research and grant seeking.
EXPONENTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN PRECISION FOR SIMULATING SPARSE HAMILTONIANS
Authors: BERRY DOMINIC W. , CHILDS ANDREW M. , CLEVE RICHARD , KOTHARI ROBIN , SOMMA ROLANDO D.
Published: March 2017

We provide a quantum algorithm for simulating the dynamics of sparse Hamiltonians with complexity sublogarithmic in the inverse error, an exponential improvement over previous methods. Specifically, we show that a $d$-sparse Hamiltonian $H$ acting on $n$ qubits can be simulated for time $t$ with precision $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}$ using $O(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}(\log (\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D716})/\log \log (\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D716})))$ queries and $O(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}(\log ^{2}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D716})/\log \log (\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}))n)$ additional 2-qubit gates, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}=d^{2}\Vert H\Vert _{\max }t$. Unlike previous approaches based on product formulas, the query complexity is independent of the number of qubits acted on, and for time-varying Hamiltonians, the gate complexity is logarithmic in the norm of the derivative of the Hamiltonian. Our algorithm is based on a significantly improved simulation of the continuous- and fractional-query models using discrete quantum queries, showing that the former models are not much more powerful than the discrete model even for very small error. We also simplify the analysis of this conversion, avoiding the need for a complex fault-correction procedure. Our simplification relies on a new form of ‘oblivious amplitude amplification’ that can be applied even though the reflection about the input state is unavailable. Finally, we prove new lower bounds showing that our algorithms are optimal as a function of the error.
Enzymatic-fluorometric analyses for glutamine, glutamate and free amino groups in protein-free plasma and milk
Authors: Larsen Torben , Fernández Carlos
Published: March 2017

This Technical Research Communication describes new analytical methods for free, unbound glutamic acid and glutamine in protein-free blood plasma and milk and introduces the use of quantitation of free amino groups in the same matrices for descriptive and analytical purposes. The present enzymatic-fluorometric methods are easily performed within one working day, allowing for ‘high throughput’ assays of animal trials. These assays could support and enable further studies in lactation physiology with the objective of improved metabolic health.
Touching the Holy: The Rise of Contact Relics in Medieval England
Authors: BROWETT REBECCA
Published: March 2017

This article explores the use and promotion of contact relics in medieval England. It argues that by the late eleventh and early twelfth century, large English monastic houses were uncomfortable with unauthorised individuals touching high status corporeal relics and so re-introduced and promoted contact relics as alternative objects of veneration. It argues that contact relics were an important aspect of English saints' cults until the Reformation, in a similar manner to Celtic and Brittonic cults.
The role of cryptic dispersal in shaping connectivity patterns of marine populations in a changing world
Authors: David Andrew A. , Loveday Benjamin R.
Published: March 2017

Genetic connectivity directly shapes the demographic profile of marine species, and has become one of the most intensely researched areas in marine ecology. More importantly, it has changed the way we design and describe Marine Protected Areas across the world. Population genetics is the preferred tool when measuring connectivity patterns, however, these methods often assume that dispersal patterns are (1) natural and (2) follow traditional metapopulation models. In this short review, we formally introduce the phenomenon of cryptic dispersal, where multiple introductory events can undermine these assumptions, resulting in grossly inaccurate connectivity estimates. We also discuss the evolutionary consequences of cryptic dispersal and advocate for a cross-disciplinary approach that incorporates larval transport models into population genetic studies to provide a level of oceanographic realism that will result in more accurate estimates of dispersal. As globalized trade continues to expand, the rate of anthropogenic movement of marine organisms is also expected to increase and as such, integrated methods will be required to meet the inevitable conservation challenges that will arise from it.
Morphological awareness: Construct and predictive validity in Arabic
Authors: TIBI SANA , KIRBY JOHN R.
Published: March 2017

The purposes of this study were to examine the dimensions underlying morphological awareness (MA) in Arabic (construct validity) and to determine how well MA predicted reading (predictive validity). Ten MA tasks varying in key dimensions (oral vs. written, single word vs. sentence contexts, and standard vs. local dialect) and two reading tasks (real word and pseudoword reading) were administered to 102 Arabic-speaking Grade 3 children in Abu-Dhabi. Factor analysis of the MA tasks yielded one predominant factor, supporting the construct validity of MA in Arabic. Closer inspection revealed that this factor had two subcomponents, oral and written. Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for age and gender, indicated that both the one- and the two-factor solutions accounted for 48% of the variance in word reading, and 40% of the variance in pseudoword reading, supporting the predictive validity of MA. Implications for future research, assessment, and instruction are discussed.
Determination of minor quantities of linezolid polymorphs in a drug substance and tablet formulation by powder X-ray diffraction technique
Authors: Sun Mengying , Hu Xiurong , Zhou Xinbo , Gu Jianming
Published: March 2017

Linezolid (LZD) is one of the first commercially available synthetic oxazolidinone antibiotics and is widely used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infection. LZD was found to have five polymorphic forms. The most stable and commercialized polymorphs are known as forms II and IV. Trace content of form II in LZD form IV will cause to transition LZD form IV to II rapidly. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) methods were evaluated for the determination of the polymorphic content of the drug substance and drug product. The estimated limit of detection values of the single peak method for LZD polymorph form II in drug substance and tablet formulation were 0.4 and 0.6%, respectively, while the limit of detection value of Rietveld Refinement (full-profile fitting) evaluated LZD polymorph form II in drug substance was 0.2%. The results clearly show that levels <1 wt.% (in active pharmaceutical ingredients) and 2 wt.% (in tablets) LZD form II in form IV can be detected and quantified by PXRD. Validation of the analytical method proved that the method is repeatable, sensitive, and accurate.
Estimating conservation metrics from atlas data: the case of southern African endemic birds
Authors: LEE ALAN T. K. , ALTWEGG RES , BARNARD PHOEBE
Published: March 2017

The robust assessment of conservation status increasingly requires population metrics for species that may be little-researched, with no prospect of immediate improvement, but for which citizen science atlas data may exist. We explore the potential for bird atlas data to generate population metrics of use in red data assessment, using the endemic and near-endemic birds of southern Africa. This region, defined here as South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, is home to a large number of endemic bird species and an active atlas project. The Southern African Bird Atlas Projects (SABAP) 1 and 2 are large-scale citizen science data sets, consisting of hundreds of thousands of bird checklists and > 10 million bird occurrence records on a grid across the subcontinent. These data contain detailed information on species’ distributions and population change. For conservationists, metrics that guide decisions on the conservation status of a species for red listing can be obtained from SABAP, including range size, range change, population change, and range connectivity (fragmentation). We present a range of conservation metrics for these bird species, focusing on population change metrics together with an associated statistical confidence metric. Population change metrics correlate with change metrics calculated from dynamic occupancy modelling for a set of 191 common species. We identify four species with neither international nor local threatened status, yet for which bird atlas data suggest alarming declines, and two species with threatened status for which our metrics suggest could be reconsidered. A standardised approach to deciding the conservation status of a species is useful so that charismatic or flagship species do not receive disproportionate attention, although ultimately conservation status of any species must always be a consultative process.
The potential breeding range of Slender-billed CurlewNumenius tenuirostrisidentified from stable-isotope analysis
Authors: BUCHANAN GRAEME M. , BOND ALEXANDER L. , CROCKFORD NICOLA J. , KAMP JOHANNES , PEARCE-HIGGINS JAMES W. , HILTON GEOFF M.
Published: March 2017

The breeding areas of the Critically Endangered Slender-billed CurlewNumenius tenuirostrisare all but unknown, with the only well-substantiated breeding records being from the Omsk province, western Siberia. The identification of any remaining breeding population is of the highest priority for the conservation of any remnant population. If it is extinct, the reliable identification of former breeding sites may help determine the causes of the species’ decline, in order to learn wider conservation lessons. We used stable isotope values in feather samples from juvenile Slender-billed Curlews to identify potential breeding areas. Modelled precipitationδ2H data were compared to feather samples of surrogate species from within the potential breeding range, to produce a calibration equation. Application of this calibration to samples from 35 Slender-billed Curlew museum skins suggested they could have originated from the steppes of northern Kazakhstan and part of southern Russia between 48°N and 56°N. The core of this area was around 50°N, some way to the south of the confirmed nesting sites in the forest steppes. Surveys for the species might be better targeted at the Kazakh steppes, rather than around the historically recognised nest sites of southern Russia which might have been atypical for the species. We consider whether agricultural expansion in this area may have contributed to declines of the Slender-billed Curlew population.
Population trends of the Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor: analysis of data from international synchronised censuses
Authors: SUNG YIK-HEI , TSE IVAN WAI-LUN , YU YAT-TUNG
Published: March 2017

Long-term population monitoring is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Systematic surveys of the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor, the rarest spoonbill species globally, are not possible during the breeding season as the largest breeding grounds are inaccessible to surveyors. Instead, we have examined population trend in this species during the winter by utilising a dataset of synchronised surveys conducted annually across 42 sites between 1997 and 2014. We found that the global population has increased from 535 individuals in 1997 to 2,726 in 2014, an annual increase of 8.0%. Population increases were more pronounced in protected sites and sites with low levels of human disturbance, indicating that control of human disturbance is crucial for conservation in this species. It is of concern that the wintering populations are highly clumped and the two largest populations have ceased to increase since 2012; research to investigate the underlying causes is urgently needed. Synchronised surveys in all known wintering sites should be continued to provide up-to-date data on the global population of this endangered species.
Nest site selection of South Georgia Diving-petrels Pelecanoides georgicus on Codfish Island, New Zealand: implications for conservation management
Authors: FISCHER JOHANNES H. , DEBSKI IGOR , TAYLOR GRAEME A. , WITTMER HEIKO U.
Published: March 2017

Small seabird species are often threatened by predation from invasive species at their breeding colonies and considerable efforts are invested into mitigating this threat. However, invasive predators may not be the only onshore threat affecting small seabird species. The South Georgia Diving-petrel Pelecanoides georgicus (SGDP) is a small seabird species, considered ‘Nationally Critical’ in New Zealand. Our objective was to identify terrestrial threats to the species at their sole remaining breeding colony in New Zealand, Codfish Island (Whenua Hou), following the successful eradication of invasive predators. To achieve our objective, we assessed the influence of five physical, three competition/attraction and three plant variables on SGDP nest site selection with generalised linear models (GLMs) and compared models using an information theoretic approach. Models including the distance to sea, slope, aspect, and sand flux outperformed other models and showed selection for steep seaward-facing foredunes with mobile soils. No invasive plant and competition/attraction variables were included in the best performing models. These results suggest that, due to the proximity of their preferred nesting habitat to the springtide line and the overall fragility of the foredunes, SGDPs on Codfish Island are extremely vulnerable to stochastic events and catastrophes, such as storms and storm surges. Eradication efforts directed at invasive predators on Codfish Island appear thus insufficient to safeguard this SGDP colony, necessitating further conservation strategies to secure the continued survival of this population.
Transcreative Integration (TCI)
Authors: Mastnak Wolfgang , Jensen Yves
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. TCI entstand aus künstlerisch-pädagogischer und psychologisch reflektierter Forschung und Praxis im hochschulischen Bereich in Nantes und Rennes. Sie schlägt eine Brücke zwischen Künsten, Erziehung und Medizin und ist als ästhetisch-kreativ orientierte Psychotherapie beziehungsweise psychosomatische Prävention konzipiert. Damit ist sie auch für den Einsatz im Musikunterricht gedacht. Methodologisch umfasst TCI vier Phasen, (a) ästhetische Empathie und Inspiration, (b) kreative Transformation, (c) künstlerischer Gestaltungsprozess und (d) Präsentation & Aufführung. Verbale sowie nonverbale Reflexion spielen dabei als komplementäre Prozesse eine wichtige Rolle. Hinsichtlich ihrer Wirkmechanismen geht TCI vom therapeutischen Potential künstlerischer Interpretation von Umwelt, kreativer Transformationen und expressiver Darstellungen aus.
Musik in Träumen
Authors: Schredl Michael
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie analysierte die Häufigkeit von Musikträumen in einer langen Traumserie (N = 10.398 Träume) einer Person. Insgesamt beinhalteten 5.41 % der Träume Bezüge zu Musik wie Hören von Musik, Spielen eines Instruments, Singen, Gespräche über Musik oder Musikinstrumente. Die Analyse einzelner Aspekte wie Setting des Traumes, Aktivität, Musiktitel, Art der Instrumente zeigte klar die Kontinuität zwischen dem Wachleben des Träumers und den Inhalten der Musikträume. Emotional intensivere Musikerlebnisse (live gehörte Musik) scheinen häufiger in die Träume aufgenommen zu werden. Frühere Befunde, die zeigten, dass Musikträume überwiegend von positiven Gefühlen begleitet werden, wurden von dieser Studie gestützt. Forschungsarbeiten mit nicht selektierten Stichproben als auch Musikern und Musikstudierenden mittels Traumtagebüchern und Fragebogen zur Erfassung der Wachmusikaktivitäten sind vielversprechend, mehr über Musik in Träumen zu erfahren.
Elternarbeit im Kontext der Angstbehandlung von Kindern
Authors: Laakmann Mirjam , Petermann Ulrike , Petermann Franz
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Angststörungen sind im Kindes- und Jugendalter weit verbreitet. Die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (CBT) hat sich als Intervention der Wahl erwiesen. Neben Psychoedukation, kognitiven Techniken und Expositionsübungen ist auch die therapeutische Arbeit mit den Eltern eine häufig eingesetzte Methode. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit wird der Frage nachgegangen, ob der Einsatz von Elternarbeit in der Therapie mit ängstlichen Kindern die Effektivität der Intervention steigert. Im Rahmen eines systematischen Reviews wurden 25 Studien identifiziert, die von wenigen Elternsitzungen bis hin zu reinen Elterntrainings ein großes Spektrum der Elternarbeit bei Kindern mit einer Angststörung abdecken. Es zeigt sich, dass die CBT Wartekontrollgruppen hinsichtlich der Remissionsrate der Angststörungen generell überlegen ist. Behandlungsansätze, die neben der kindbezogenen Intervention ein Elterntraining enthalten, erweisen sich nicht wirksamer im Vergleich zu ausschließlich kindbezogenen Interventionen. Mögliche Erklärungen für das Ausbleiben der Wirksamkeitssteigerung und daraus resultierende Konsequenzen werden diskutiert.
Hat die Angstausprägung bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland von 1974 bis 2016 zugenommen?
Authors: Nitkowski Dennis , Lohbeck Annette , Petermann Ulrike , Petermann Franz
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Säkulare Trends bezeichnen Zu- oder Abnahmen von psychischer Symptomatik über die Zeit. Für den deutschsprachigen Raum liegen kaum Befunde darüber vor, ob sich Verhaltensauffälligkeiten bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in der Schwere über Geburtskohorten hinweg verändern. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden Selbsteinschätzungen von Kindern und Jugendlichen im Angstfragebogen für Schüler (AFS; Wieczerkowski et al., 1974 , 2016 ) aus den Jahren 1974 und 2016 analysiert, um herauszustellen, ob sich die Ausprägungen auf den Skalen „Prüfungsangst“, „Manifeste Angst“, „Schulunlust“ und „Soziale Erwünschtheit“ unterscheiden. Als Datengrundlage dienten die Normstichprobe von 1974 (N = 2374, 9 – 17 Jahre) und von 2016 (N = 2267, 9 – 17 Jahre). Die Analyse der Skalenmittelwerte wies eine leichte Abnahme der Werte auf der Skala „Prüfungsangst“ und eine geringe bis mittelstarke Zunahme auf den Skalen „Schulunlust“ und „Soziale Erwünschtheit“ nach. Über den Zeitraum von 42 Jahren lassen sich keine oder nur leichte Veränderungen in den Angstwerten finden.
Bindungsauffälligkeiten und psychische Belastung bei Kindern aus der Pflegekinderhilfe und Heimerziehung
Authors: Schröder Martin , Pérez Tania , Buderer Corinna , Schmid Marc
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Symptome von Bindungsstörungen, auch in Verbindung zu anderen psychischen Symptomen, sind von hoher Relevanz für die Hilfeplanung in der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe. Dennoch wurde diesen im Bereich der epidemiologischen Forschung in der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe bisher kaum die notwendige Beachtung geschenkt. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden 116 Heimkinder, 276 Pflegekinder und 339 Kinder aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung mit der Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) und dem Relationship Problems Questionnaire (RPQ) untersucht. Heimkinder erreichten in der CBCL signifikant höhere Werte als Pflegekinder. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit für einen auffälligen Wert in der CBCL war bei Heimkindern 20.96-mal und bei Pflegekindern 8.02-mal so hoch wie in der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Im RPQ zeigten sich keine Unterscheide zwischen Heim- und Pflegekindern. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit für einen auffälligen Wert im RPQ war bei Heimkindern 25.29-mal und bei Pflegekindern 19.37-mal so hoch wie in der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Eine Abklärung der psychischen Belastung und Bindungsproblematik des Kindes sowie eine darauf abgestimmte Hilfeplanung sind wesentlich, um einer Überforderung des Kindes und der Fürsorgeperson vorzubeugen und dem Kind korrigierende Bindungserfahrungen zu ermöglichen.
Amino-acid transporters in T-cell activation and differentiation
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Liu Gang , Yin Jie , Tan Bie , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W , Peng Yuanyi , Yin Yulong
Published: March 2017

T-cell-mediated immune responses aim to protect mammals against cancers and infections, and are also involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Cellular uptake and the utilization of nutrients is closely related to the T-cell fate decision and function. Research in this area has yielded surprising findings in the importance of amino-acid transporters for T-cell development, homeostasis, activation, differentiation and memory. In this review, we present current information on amino-acid transporters, such as LAT1 (l-leucine transporter), ASCT2 (l-glutamine transporter) and GAT-1 (γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1), which are critically important for mediating peripheral naive T-cell homeostasis, activation and differentiation, especially for Th1 and Th17 cells, and even memory T cells. Mechanically, the influence of amino-acid transporters on T-cell fate decision may largely depend on the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. These discoveries remarkably demonstrate the role of amino-acid transporters in T-cell fate determination, and strongly indicate that manipulation of the amino-acid transporter-mTORC1 axis could ameliorate many inflammatory or autoimmune diseases associated with T-cell-based immune responses.
Neuronal survival in the brain: neuron type-specific mechanisms
Authors: Pfisterer Ulrich , Khodosevich Konstantin
Published: March 2017

Neurogenic regions of mammalian brain produce many more neurons that will eventually survive and reach a mature stage. Developmental cell death affects both embryonically produced immature neurons and those immature neurons that are generated in regions of adult neurogenesis. Removal of substantial numbers of neurons that are not yet completely integrated into the local circuits helps to ensure that maturation and homeostatic function of neuronal networks in the brain proceed correctly. External signals from brain microenvironment together with intrinsic signaling pathways determine whether a particular neuron will die. To accommodate this signaling, immature neurons in the brain express a number of transmembrane factors as well as intracellular signaling molecules that will regulate the cell survival/death decision, and many of these factors cease being expressed upon neuronal maturation. Furthermore, pro-survival factors and intracellular responses depend on the type of neuron and region of the brain. Thus, in addition to some common neuronal pro-survival signaling, different types of neurons possess a variety of 'neuron type-specific' pro-survival constituents that might help them to adapt for survival in a certain brain region. This review focuses on how immature neurons survive during normal and impaired brain development, both in the embryonic/neonatal brain and in brain regions associated with adult neurogenesis, and emphasizes neuron type-specific mechanisms that help to survive for various types of immature neurons. Importantly, we mainly focus on in vivo data to describe neuronal survival specifically in the brain, without extrapolating data obtained in the PNS or spinal cord, and thus emphasize the influence of the complex brain environment on neuronal survival during development.
Administration of nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding broadly neutralizing antibody protects humanized mice from HIV-1 challenge
Authors: Pardi Norbert , Secreto Anthony J. , Shan Xiaochuan , Debonera Fotini , Glover Joshua , Yi Yanjie , Muramatsu Hiromi , Ni Houping , Mui Barbara L. , Tam Ying K. , Shaheen Farida , Collman Ronald G. , Karikó Katalin , Danet-Desnoyers Gwenn A. , Madden Thomas D. , Hope Michael J. , Weissman Drew
Published: March 2017

Monoclonal antibodies are one of the fastest growing classes of pharmaceutical products, however, their potential is limited by the high cost of development and manufacturing. Here we present a safe and cost-effective platform for in vivo expression of therapeutic antibodies using nucleoside-modified mRNA. To demonstrate feasibility and protective efficacy, nucleoside-modified mRNAs encoding the light and heavy chains of the broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibody VRC01 are generated and encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles. Systemic administration of 1.4 mg kg−1 of mRNA into mice results in ∼170 μg ml−1 VRC01 antibody concentrations in the plasma 24 h post injection. Weekly injections of 1 mg kg−1 of mRNA into immunodeficient mice maintain trough VRC01 levels above 40 μg ml−1. Most importantly, the translated antibody from a single injection of VRC01 mRNA protects humanized mice from intravenous HIV-1 challenge, demonstrating that nucleoside-modified mRNA represents a viable delivery platform for passive immunotherapy against HIV-1 with expansion to a variety of diseases.