bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Data Are Used and Misused in Schools: Perceptions from Teachers and Principals
Authors: Militello Matthew , Bass Lisa , Jackson Karen , Wang Yuling
Published: April 2013

Education reform efforts have mandated the use of student achievement data in schools. This Q-methodology study investigates the perceptions of principals and teachers about how data are used or misused. Principals in the sample were found to use data mostly to evaluate the school, make improvements, and model best practices of data use. Teachers used data to improve instruction and outcomes for students. Results indicate a need to create an assessment savvy environment where data are used to improve practices.
Higher Mosquito Production in Low-Income Neighborhoods of Baltimore and Washington, DC: Understanding Ecological Drivers and Mosquito-Borne Disease Risk in Temperate Cities
Authors: LaDeau Shannon , Leisnham Paul , Biehler Dawn , Bodner Danielle
Published: April 2013

Mosquito-vectored pathogens are responsible for devastating human diseases and are (re)emerging in many urban environments. Effective mosquito control in urban landscapes relies on improved understanding of the complex interactions between the ecological and social factors that define where mosquito populations can grow. We compared the density of mosquito habitat and pupae production across economically varying neighborhoods in two temperate U.S. cities (Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC). Seven species of mosquito larvae were recorded. The invasive Aedes albopictus was the only species found in all neighborhoods. Culex pipiens, a primary vector of West Nile virus (WNV), was most abundant in Baltimore, which also had more tire habitats. Both Culex and Aedes pupae were more likely to be sampled in neighborhoods categorized as being below median income level in each city and Aedes pupae density was also greater in container habitats found in these lower income neighborhoods. We infer that lower income residents may experience greater exposure to potential disease vectors and Baltimore residents specifically, were at greater risk of exposure to the predominant WNV vector. However, we also found that resident-reported mosquito nuisance was not correlated with our measured risk index, indicating a potentially important mismatch between motivation needed to engage participation in control efforts and the relative importance of control among neighborhoods.
Homology Models of Melatonin Receptors: Challenges and Recent Advances
Authors: Pala Daniele , Lodola Alessio , Bedini Annalida , Spadoni Gilberto , Rivara Silvia
Published: April 2013

Melatonin exerts many of its actions through the activation of two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), named MT1 and MT2. So far, a number of different MT1 and MT2 receptor homology models, built either from the prototypic structure of rhodopsin or from recently solved X-ray structures of druggable GPCRs, have been proposed. These receptor models differ in the binding modes hypothesized for melatonin and melatonergic ligands, with distinct patterns of ligand-receptor interactions and putative bioactive conformations of ligands. The receptor models will be described, and they will be discussed in light of the available information from mutagenesis experiments and ligand-based pharmacophore models. The ability of these ligand-receptor complexes to rationalize structure-activity relationships of known series of melatonergic compounds will be commented upon.
Phospholipid Membrane Protection by Sugar Molecules during Dehydration—Insights into Molecular Mechanisms Using Scattering Techniques
Authors: Garvey Christopher , Lenné Thomas , Koster Karen , Kent Ben , Bryant Gary
Published: April 2013

Scattering techniques have played a key role in our understanding of the structure and function of phospholipid membranes. These techniques have been applied widely to study how different molecules (e.g., cholesterol) can affect phospholipid membrane structure. However, there has been much less attention paid to the effects of molecules that remain in the aqueous phase. One important example is the role played by small solutes, particularly sugars, in protecting phospholipid membranes during drying or slow freezing. In this paper, we present new results and a general methodology, which illustrate how contrast variation small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and synchrotron-based X-ray scattering (small angle (SAXS) and wide angle (WAXS)) can be used to quantitatively understand the interactions between solutes and phospholipids. Specifically, we show the assignment of lipid phases with synchrotron SAXS and explain how SANS reveals the exclusion of sugars from the aqueous region in the particular example of hexagonal II phases formed by phospholipids.
Evaluation of the Interaction between Long Telomeric DNA and Macrocyclic Hexaoxazole (6OTD) Dimer of a G-quadruplex Ligand
Authors: Iida Keisuke , Majima Satoki , Nakamura Takahiro , Seimiya Hiroyuki , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: April 2013

Macrocyclic hexaoxazole dimer of L2H2-6OTD-dimer (3) was newly synthesized as a telomeric G-quadruplex (G4) ligand, and interaction with long telomeric DNAs telo48, 72, and 96 was evaluated by means of electrophoresis mobility shift assay, CD spectra analysis, and CD melting experiments. The L2H2-6OTD-dimer (3) interacted with the long telomeric DNAs by inducing anti-parallel type G4 structure of each unit of 24 bases, i.e., (TTAGGG)4 sequences. Dimer 3 stabilizes long telomeric DNAs more efficiently than the corresponding monomer of L2H2-6OTD (2). It showed potent inhibitory activity against telomerase, with an IC50 value of 7.5 nm.
In-Situ Waviness Characterization of Metal Plates by a Lateral Shearing Interferometric Profilometer
Authors: Frade María , Enguita José , Álvarez Ignacio
Published: April 2013

Characterizing waviness in sheet metal is a key process for quality control in many industries, such as automotive and home appliance manufacturing. However, there is still no known technique able to work in an automated in-floor inspection system. The literature describes many techniques developed in the last three decades, but most of them are either slow, only able to work in laboratory conditions, need very short (unsafe) working distances, or are only able to estimate certain waviness parameters. In this article we propose the use of a lateral shearing interferometric profilometer, which is able to obtain a 19 mm profile in a single acquisition, with sub-micron precision, in an uncontrolled environment, and from a working distance greater than 90 mm. This system allows direct measurement of all needed waviness parameters even with objects in movement. We describe a series of experiments over several samples of steel plates to validate the sensor and the processing method, and the results are in close agreement with those obtained with a contact stylus device. The sensor is an ideal candidate for on-line or in-machine fast automatic waviness assessment, reducing delays and costs in many metalworking processes.
La question des «écritures chinoises» à l'époque des Royaumes combattants
Authors: Venture Olivier
Published: April 2013

In recently published works on Chu manuscripts dating from the Warring States period 481-221 BC expressions like «Chu script» hâve become increasingly common What does this expression signify What sorts of relationships exist between between the scripts from the différent kingdoms The materials we hâve only reflect an incomplète and distorted image of the phenomenon This may be why we are still waiting for some satisfying global studies on the subject The author would like hère simply to sketch the outlines of such a study and détermine détermine its main aspects by using concrète examples It is a com- plex problem that touches on political and social history as well as on relationships between writing and language Far from being closed and fixed entities the différent scripts appear to be living and open régional traditions Through those traditions tensions can also be observed between affirmation affirmation of régional identity and attachment to ancient Zhou culture which was the cément of the sinicized kingdom com- munity
Bioclimatic, ecological, and phenotypic intermediacy and high genetic admixture in a natural hybrid of octoploid strawberries
Authors: Salamone Isabella , Govindarajulu Rajanikanth , Falk Stacey , Parks Matthew , Liston Aaron , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the Study: Hybrid zones provide “natural laboratories” for understanding the processes of selection, reinforcement, and speciation. We sought to gain insight into the degree of introgression and the extent of ecological–phenotypic intermediacy in the natural hybrid strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa subsp. cuneifolia.

• Methods: We used whole‐plastome sequencing to identify parental species‐specific (Fragaria chiloensis and F. virginiana) chloroplast single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and combined the use of these with nuclear microsatellite markers to genetically characterize the hybrid zone. We assessed the potential role of selection in the observed geographic patterns by bioclimatically characterizing the niche of the hybrid populations and phenotypically characterizing hybrid individuals of known genomic constitution.

• Key Results: Significant admixture and little overall maternal bias in chloroplast or nuclear genomes suggest a high degree of interfertility among the parental and hybrid species and point to a long history of backcrossing and genetic mixing in the hybrid zone. Even though hybrids were phenotypically intermediate to the parental species, there was a discernible fingerprint of the parental genotype within hybrid individuals. Thus, although the pattern of introgression observed suggests geographic limitations to gene flow, it may be reinforced by selection for specific parental traits in the bioclimatically intermediate habitat occupied by the hybrid.

• Conclusions: This work uncovered the genetic complexity underlying the hybrid zone of the wild relatives of the cultivated strawberry. It lays the foundation for experimental dissection of the causes of genomic introgression and nuclear–cytoplasmic disassociation, and for understanding other parts of Fragaria evolutionary history.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS TO ESTIMATE THE MASS OF LEAF AND SKETCH THE SHAPE OF TREE
Authors: Wu Jun , Liu Yicheng
Published: April 2013

The mass of leaf is a key factor to estimate the magnitude of biogenic hydrocarbon emission. In this paper, following the minimum material consumption assumption and the conservation law of energy, we build a mathematical model to calculate the mass of leaf, crown and the whole tree, respectively. Also, we translate the shape of crown to match the solution of a second order differential equations with boundary value conditions. Meanwhile, we try to explore what does the climatic zone affect the shape and thickness of leaf. In the simulation section, by using the measured data for 14 trees in 3 different species, we present various simulation results through our models and formulas. Finally, following our models and formulas, we find out some hidden relationships: 1. There is an intrinsic link between the single leaf area and the hardness of the stem; 2. There is an interconnected relationship between the shape of leaf and the shape of tree; 3. There are lots of trees with large and thick leaves living in the torrid zone and few in the cold zone.
Aircraft based four-channel thermal dissociation laser induced fluorescence instrument for simultaneous measurements of NO2, total peroxy nitrate, total alkyl nitrate, and HNO3
Authors: Di Carlo P. , Aruffo E. , Busilacchio M. , Giammaria F. , Dari-Salisburgo C. , Biancofiore F. , Visconti G. , Lee J. , Moller S. , Reeves C. E. , Bauguitte S. , Forster G. , Jones R. L. , Ouyang B.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A four-channel thermal dissociation laser induced fluorescence (TD-LIF) instrument has been developed for simultaneous measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total peroxy nitrate (∑PNs), total alkyl nitrate (∑ANs) and nitric acid (HNO3). NO2 is measured directly by LIF at 532 nm, whereas organic nitrates and nitric acid are thermally dissociated at distinct temperatures in the inlet to form NO2, which is then measured by LIF. The concentrations of each dissociated species are derived by the differences in measured NO2 relative to the reference colder inlet channel. The TD-LIF was adapted to fly on board the UK Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) BAe 146-301 atmospheric research aircraft in summer 2010, and to date has successfully flown in five field campaigns. This paper reports novel improvements in the TD-LIF instrumentations, including (1) the use of a single wavelength laser, which makes the system compact and relatively cheap; (2) the use of a single beam laser that allows easy alignment and optical stability against the vibrational aircraft environment; and (3) the optical assembly of four detection cells that allow simultaneous and fast (time resolution up to 0.1 s) measurements of NO2, ∑PNs, ∑ANs and HNO3. Laboratory-generated mixtures of PNs, ANs and HNO3 in zero air are converted into NO2 and used to fix the dissociation temperatures of each heated inlet to test the selectivity of the instrument and potential interferences due to recombination reactions of the dissociated products. The effectiveness of the TD-LIF was demonstrated during the RONOCO aircraft campaign (summer 2010). A chemiluminescence system that was measuring NO2 and a broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectrometer (BBCEAS) that was measuring one of the PNs (N2O5) were installed on the same aircraft during the campaign. The in-flight intercomparison of the new TD-LIF with the chemiluminescence system for NO2 measurements and the intercomparison between ∑PNs measured by the TD-LIF and N2O5 by the BBCEAS are used to assess the performance of the TD-LIF.
Flood-initiating catchment conditions: a spatio-temporal analysis of large-scale soil moisture patterns in the Elbe River basin
Authors: Nied M. , Hundecha Y. , Merz B.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Floods are the result of a complex interaction between meteorological event characteristics and pre-event catchment conditions. While the large-scale meteorological conditions have been classified and successfully linked to floods, this is lacking for the large-scale pre-event catchment conditions. Therefore, we propose classifying soil moisture as a key variable of pre-event catchment conditions and investigating the link between soil moisture patterns and flood occurrence in the Elbe River basin. Soil moisture is simulated using a semi-distributed conceptual rainfall-runoff model over the period 1951–2003. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis are applied successively to identify days of similar soil moisture patterns. The results show that PCA considerably reduced the dimensionality of the soil moisture data. The first principal component (PC) explains 75.71% of the soil moisture variability and represents the large-scale seasonal wetting and drying. The successive PCs express spatially heterogeneous catchment processes. By clustering the leading PCs, we identify large-scale soil moisture patterns which frequently occur before the onset of floods. In winter, floods are initiated by overall high soil moisture content, whereas in summer the flood-initiating soil moisture patterns are diverse and less stable in time.
Approximate Bayesian Computation in hydrologic modeling: equifinality of formal and informal approaches
Authors: Sadegh M. , Vrugt J. A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In recent years, a strong debate has emerged in the hydrologic literature how to properly treat non-traditional error residual distributions and quantify parameter and predictive uncertainty. Particularly, there is strong disagreement whether such uncertainty framework should have its roots within a proper statistical (Bayesian) context using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation techniques, or whether such a framework should be based on a quite different philosophy and implement informal likelihood functions and simplistic search methods to summarize parameter and predictive distributions. In this paper we introduce an alternative framework, called Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) that summarizes the differing viewpoints of formal and informal Bayesian approaches. This methodology has recently emerged in the fields of biology and population genetics and relaxes the need for an explicit likelihood function in favor of one or multiple different summary statistics that measure the distance of each model simulation to the data. This paper is a follow up of the recent publication of Nott et al. (2012) and further studies the theoretical and numerical equivalence of formal (DREAM) and informal (GLUE) Bayesian approaches using data from different watersheds in the United States. We demonstrate that the limits of acceptability approach of GLUE is a special variant of ABC in which each discharge observation of the calibration data set is used as a summary diagnostic.
Estuarine circulation reversals and related rapid changes in winter near-bottom oxygen conditions in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea
Authors: Liblik T. , Laanemets J. , Raudsepp U. , Elken J. , Suhhova I.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The reversal of estuarine circulation caused by southwesterly wind forcing may lead to vanishing of stratification and oxygenation of deep layers during the cold season in the Gulf of Finland. Six CTD + oxygen transects (130 km long, 10 stations) were conducted along the thalweg from the western border to the central gulf (21 December 2011–8 May 2012). Two bottom-mounted ADCP, near the western border and in the central gulf were installed. A CTD with dissolved oxygen sensor was deployed close to the western ADCP. Periods with typical estuarine circulation were characterized by strong stratification; high salinity, hypoxic conditions and inflow to the gulf in the near bottom layer. Two circulation reversals were observed, in December–January and February–March. The first well-developed reversal event caused the vanishing of stratification and oxygen concentrations that were almost over 270 μmol L−1 (6 mL L−1) in the entire water column along the transect; and lasted for about 1.5 months. Shifts from estuarine circulation to reversed circulation and vice versa were both associated with strong currents (up to 40 cm s−1) in the deep layer. In the western area of study, near-bottom oxygen conditions strongly depended on salt wedge intrusions (hypoxic water) from the NE Baltic Proper, while in the eastern part good oxygen conditions caused by reversals remained for a few months. Change from oxygenated to hypoxic conditions in the entrance area to the Gulf might occur very rapidly, within less than a day.
The microstructural record of porphyroclasts and matrix of serpentinite mylonites – from brittle and crystal-plastic deformation to dissolution-precipitation creep
Authors: Bial J. , Trepmann C. A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We examine the microfabric development in high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic serpentinite mylonites exposed in the Erro-Tobbio Unit (Voltri Massif, Italy) using polarization microscopy and electron microscopy (SEM/EBSD, EMP). The mylonites are derived from mantle peridotites, were serpentinized at the ocean floor and underwent high pressure metamorphism during Alpine subduction. They contain diopside and olivine porphyroclasts embedded in a fine-grained matrix essentially consisting of antigorite. The porphyroclasts record brittle and crystal-plastic deformation of the original peridotites in the upper mantle at stresses of a few hundred MPa. After the peridotites became serpentinized, deformation occurred mainly by dissolution-precipitation creep resulting in a foliation with flattened olivine grains at phase boundaries with antigorite, crenulation cleavages and olivine and antigorite aggregates in strain shadows next to porphyroclasts. It is suggested that the fluid was provided by dehydration reactions of antigorite forming olivine and enstatite during subduction and prograde metamorphism. At sites of stress concentration around porphyroclasts antigorite reveals an associated SPO and CPO, characteristically varying grain sizes and sutured grain boundaries, indicating deformation by dislocation creep. Stresses were probably below a few tens of MPa in the serpentinites, which was not sufficiently high to allow for crystal-plastic deformation of olivine at conditions at which antigorite is stable. Accordingly, any intragranular deformation features of the newly precipitated olivine in strain shadows are absent. The porphyroclast microstructures are not associated with the microstructures of the mylonitic matrix, but are inherited from an independent earlier deformation. The porphyroclasts record a high-stress deformation in the upper mantle of the oceanic lithosphere probably related to rifting processes, whereas the antigorite matrix records deformation at low stresses during subduction and exhumation.
Effects of Tourism, Economic Growth, Real Exchange Rate, Structural Changes and Hurricanes in Jamaica
Authors: Ghartey Edward E.
Published: April 2013

The study examines the causal relationships among changes in tourism, economic growth, the real exchange rate, structural changes and hurricanes in Jamaica from 1963 to 2008. The Johansen cointegration test and autoregressive distributed lag estimates are used to determine the long-run equilibrium relationships among the variables. In both the short term and the long run, an increase in tourism (both arrivals and real expenditures) causes expansion in economic growth, with tourist arrivals yielding more robust results. In the long run, economic growth causes appreciation (a fall in the real exchange rate), whereas tourism growth causes depreciation, although their overall combined effects are appreciation. Depreciation increases tourist arrivals and real expenditures, but has conflicting effects on economic growth. Hurricanes result in appreciation, whereas the effects of structural changes are mixed. Additionally, hurricanes result in a decline in tourist real expenditure, and cause tourist arrivals to fall briefly before reversing into a modest increase. The tourism-led economic growth findings for both the short term and long run, albeit modest, imply that it can be worthwhile to extend incentives to promote Jamaica as a tourist destination.
Research Note: Does Crime Deter UK Tourists from Visiting Trinidad and Tobago?
Authors: Saridakis George , Sookram Sandra , Mohammed Anne-Marie
Published: April 2013

In this paper the deterrent effect of crime on tourism in Trinidad and Tobago is investigated using annual data for the period 1978– 2007 and focusing on the UK source market. The findings indicate that both property crime and violent crime have devastating long-run effects on the tourism sector. The authors also find that income, the price of tourism and transportation costs have significant impacts.
Factors Influencing Length of Stay of Cultural Tourists
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Meleddu Marta , Pulina Manuela
Published: April 2013

This paper examines the length of stay of cultural tourists in a mountain destination in the northeast of Italy. A microeconomic perspective of cultural tourism is provided, in which the main point of interest is to analyse the attitudes of visitors regarding culture and their overall vacation. To this end, visitors' behaviour is examined through survey data obtained at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy. A zero-truncated negative binomial model is empirically estimated, unlike in other studies, as a generalization of a Poisson distribution. The analysis identifies the main determinants that influence the length of stay of cultural tourists: nationality, age, employment, income, costs associated with the journey – all have an impact on the length of stay. Specifically, variations in these factors correspond to variations in the duration of the vacation. The duration is also positively affected by the presence of the icemen Ötzi in the museum and of other cultural attractions. The findings provide an essential tool for managing heritage resources and planning future tourism developments around the Ötzi museum.
Research Note: Measuring Tourism Sustainability: An Empirical Comparison of Different Weighting Procedures Used in Modelling Composite Indicators
Authors: Kožić Ivan , Mikulić Josip
Published: April 2013

This paper compares three different procedures for weighting sustainability indicators in the construction of composite indicators of tourism sustainability (TS). The case of Croatian coastal destinations is used. The particular weighting procedures are: (a) factor analysis (FA); (b) expert panel survey; and (c) the equal weights technique. As the results of this study reveal, the weights attached to different sustainability indicators can differ significantly depending on the weighting procedure used. Accordingly, inappropriate choice of weighting procedure could distort the relative importance of different sustainability indicators and thus could result in imperfect decisions by policymakers. The authors argue that the suitability of factor analysis as a weighting procedure in the construction of composite indicators of TS is rather questionable.
Destination and Seasonality Valuations: A Quantile Approach
Authors: Vilchez Josep Raya
Published: April 2013

The aim of this paper is to provide information for tourist destinations through an analysis of the valuation of the location and the seasonality implicit in the price of accommodation. The study data are from European municipalities on the Mediterranean coast. Using quantile regression (that is, taking into account that demand valuation can vary along the hotel price distribution), the author finds that the effect of seasonality, although very important, is mainly constant along the price distribution, with the exception of the greater seasonality effect in Argelès-sur-Mer at higher percentiles. With regard to the valuation of location, the fact of the hotel or the apartment being in a French location is valued more highly at higher percentiles.
The Elements of Taste: How Many Are There?
Authors: Wertz S.K.
Published: April 2013

What is the number of tastes or flavors we have? Is it five, as most Chinese believe? None, as the ancient Taoists asserted? Four, as Western science traditionally claims? Recently, umami has been added to the traditional four: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter (the Chinese added another: spicy or pungent). Aristotle and Raghavan Iyer (of India) thought there were seven components of taste: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, pungent, and harsh. In 2001 Gary Kunz and Peter Kaminsky argued for fourteen in their book. Not to be outdone, Jean Anthelme Brillat- Savarin thought the number of tastes is infinite, because each one is unique. Some recent studies by Richard Mattes on rats show that fats do have taste and can be chemically detected in their blood, so we may be adding a sixth component to the scientific perspective: fat. The number of elements continues to expand with the development of analysis and experimentation of the gustatory experience. Many of these elements are shared by the world cuisines that tell us something about human nature or constitution.
Structure and dynamics of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) population in forest communities of the Świętokrzyski National Park. II. Population dynamics
Authors: Mazur Maria
Published: April 2013

The paper presents the dynamics of silver fir population, and forecasts the changes in its size. The studies were conducted within the area of fir decline, in a fir forest and Carpathian beechwood. Changes in the size of following groups were illustrated in diagrammatic life-tables: i.e. seedlings, new growth, up-growth, and trees. The direction and rate of expected changes in the population was inferred from the matrix model. The studies showed that the population was in a regression phase. Population growth rate λ amounted to 0.83.
Further studies on the adsorption of plant phenols by synthetic polymers
Authors: Fukushima Akiyoshi , Hase Hiroaki , Saito Koshi
Published: April 2013

Pyrocatechol, catechol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, safflor yellow A, safflor yellow B, precarthamin and carthamin were effectively adsorbed by insoluble polyvinyl-N-pyr­rolidone (PVP) in a neutral buffer solution. These eight phenols also bound with Amberlite XAD resins, however, the rate was found to be far less efficient than that of PVP. The average rate of the phenol binding was calculated as following order (%): PVP (42.7), Amberlite XAD-2 (16.6), Amberlite XAD-4 (10.1), Amberlite XAD-7 (13.0), Amberlite XAD-8 (17.7). No 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine was adsorbed by PVP, while the O-dihydroxylic acid could be removed by Amberlite XAD-4, XAD-7 and XAD-8. Data from using different weights of the test polymers showed that the rate of the phenol adsorption rose in proportion to each increasing amount of the adsorbents. PVP also admittedly maintained its predominent capacity for phenol binding over that of each member of the Amberlite resins.
Disability Rates for Cardiovascular and Psychological Disorders Among Autoworkers by Job Category, Facility Type, and Facility Overtime Hours
Authors: Landsbergis Paul A. , Janevic Teresa , Rothenberg Laura , Adamu Mohammed T. , Johnson Sylvia , Mirer Franklin E.
Published: April 2013

Background

We examined the association between long work hours, assembly line work and stress‐related diseases utilizing objective health and employment data from an employer's administrative databases.

Methods

A North American automobile manufacturing company provided data for claims for sickness, accident and disability insurance (work absence of at least 4 days) for cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension and psychological disorders, employee demographics, and facility hours worked per year for 1996–2001. Age‐adjusted claim rates and age‐adjusted rate ratios were calculated using Poisson regression, except for comparisons between production and skilled trades workers owing to lack of age denominator data by job category. Associations between overtime hours and claim rates by facility were examined by Poisson regression and multi‐level Poisson regression.

Results

Claims for hypertension, coronary heart disease, CVD, and psychological disorders were associated with facility overtime hours. We estimate that a facility with 10 more overtime hours per week than another facility would have 4.36 more claims for psychological disorders, 2.33 more claims for CVD, and 3.29 more claims for hypertension per 1,000 employees per year. Assembly plants had the highest rates of claims for most conditions. Production workers tended to have higher rates of claims than skilled trades workers.

Conclusions

Data from an auto manufacturer's administrative databases suggest that autoworkers working long hours, and assembly‐line workers relative to skilled trades workers or workers in non‐assembly facilities, have a higher risk of hypertension, CVD, and psychological disorders. Occupational disease surveillance and disease prevention programs need to fully utilize such administrative data. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:755–764, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic compartmental analysis of sulpiride double‐peak absorption profile after oral administration to human volunteers
Authors: Helmy Sally A.
Published: April 2013

Background

The pharmacokinetics of oral drugs that exhibit double peaks cannot be described adequately by using conventional compartmental models.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the double‐peak plasma pharmacokinetic profile of sulpiride after oral administration to healthy volunteers based on physiological and biopharmaceutical considerations.

Methods

A single 100 mg dose of sulpiride was given to 16 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were drawn at different times and analysed by a validated HPLC assay method. Plasma profiles were evaluated by non‐compartmental and compartmental approaches.

Results

The non‐compartmental parameters determined were k (0.079 ± 0.008 h‐1), t1/2 (9.0 ± 2.9 h), Vd/F (330.5 ± 87.3 L), Cl/F (38.2 ± 9.8 L/h) and AUC0→∞ (1402.5 ± 404.7 ng.h/mL). The compartmental analysis was described appropriately using a two‐compartment body model, with first order absorption from two different sites in the gut. The parameters determined were k21 (0.68 ± 0.2 h‐1), ka1 (0.7 ± 0.27 h‐1), ka2 (2.7 ± 1.8 h‐1), Vc/F (45.1 ± 15.7 L), α (33.3 ± 1.5 h‐1), β (0.11 ± 0.03 h‐1) and time for the beginning of the absorption from the second site (4.4 ± 2.1 h).

Conclusion

The developed analytical method was suitable for use in pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring implementation. Sulpiride was well tolerated by the patients without any serious adverse events being observed. The double peaks in the serum concentration–time profiles could be due to differential rates of absorption along the gastrointestinal tract. The discontinuous absorption model with two sites of absorption was adequate to describe the double‐peak of the sulpiride plasma profile. ClinicalTrials. gov identifiers: NCT01777685. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptomatic reduction in free testosterone levels secondary to crizotinib use in male cancer patients
Authors: Weickhardt Andrew J. , Doebele Robert C. , Purcell W. Thomas , Bunn Paul A. , Oton Ana B. , Rothman Micol S. , Wierman Margaret E. , Mok Tony , Popat Sanjay , Bauman Julie , Nieva Jorge , Novello Silvia , Ou Sai‐Hong Ignatius , Camidge D. Ross
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor active against ALK, MET, and ROS1. We previously reported that crizotinib decreases testosterone in male patients. The detailed etiology of the effect, its symptomatic significance, and the effectiveness of subsequent testosterone replacement have not been previously reported.

METHODS

Male cancer patients treated with crizotinib had total testosterone levels measured and results compared with non‐crizotinib‐treated patients. Albumin, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and/or luteinizing hormone (LH) were tracked longitudinally. A subset of patients had free testosterone levels measured and a hypogonadal screening questionnaire administered. Patients receiving subsequent testosterone supplementation were assessed for symptomatic improvement.

RESULTS

Mean total testosterone levels were −25% below the lower limit of normal (LLN) in 32 crizotinib‐treated patients (27 of 32 patients below LLN, 84%) compared with +29% above LLN in 19 non‐crizotinib‐treated patients (6 of 19 below LLN, 32%), P = .0012. Levels of albumin and SHBG (which both bind testosterone) declined rapidly with crizotinib, but so did FSH, LH, and free testosterone, suggesting a centrally mediated, true hypogonadal effect. Mean free testosterone levels were −17% below LLN (19 of 25 patients below LLN, 76%). Eighty‐four percent (16 of 19) with low free levels, and 79% (19/24) with low total levels had symptoms of androgen deficiency. Five of 9 patients (55%) with low testosterone given testosterone supplementation had improvement in symptoms, coincident with increases in testosterone above LLN.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of androgen deficiency and free or total/free testosterone levels should be tracked in male patients on crizotinib with consideration of testosterone replacement as appropriate. Cancer 2013;119:2383‐2390. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Targeting cells in motion: Migrating toward improved therapies
Authors: Griffith Jason W. , Luster Andrew D.
Published: April 2013

The development of clinical therapeutics that interfere with the migration of leukocytes has revolutionized the treatment of multiple sclerosis and holds great promise for the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory diseases. As the molecules essential for the multi‐step adhesion cascade that mediates cellular migration have been elucidated, the number of potential targets available to modulate leukocyte trafficking has increased exponentially. In this Viewpoint, we briefly review our current understanding of these mole‐cular targets and how these targets vary by tissue and leukocyte subset with emphasis on T cells. We then describe the two currently approved therapeutics that target cell migration, natalizumab and fingolimod, and discuss how an improved understanding of their function could pave the way for the development of safer and more efficacious therapies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Enrichment process for α‐linolenic acid from silkworm pupae oil
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Jin‐Liang , Wu Fu‐An
Published: April 2013

The desilked silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) pupae oil is a good source of α‐linolenic acid (ALA), but selectively enriching ALA is a great technical challenge due to the presence of multiple analogues such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. To set up a simple, highly selective and low‐cost combinative inclusion process for obtaining ALA concentrate from silkworm pupae oil, the effects of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) inclusion parameters on the purity and recovery of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were investigated; then, four types of combinative processes using β‐CD and/or urea were compared. The results indicated that a two‐stage combinative inclusion process was established. In the first stage, when the volume ratio of β‐CD‐saturated solution to free fatty acids ethanol solution was 9 v/v, the dispersion temperature and time were 60°C and 1.5 h, the freezing temperature and time were −10°C and 15 h, and the purity of ALA was raised from 15.0 to 47.6% with a recovery of 39.4%. Then, the purity of ALA was further increased to 67.4% in the second‐stage operation with a corresponding recovery of 34.8% using urea complexation.
Metabolomic characterization of rhubarb species by capillary electrophoresis and ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography
Authors: Tseng Yufeng Jane , Kuo Chun‐Ting , Wang San‐Yuan , Liao Hsiao‐Wei , Chen Guan‐Yuan , Ku Yuan‐Ling , Shao Wei‐Cheng , Kuo Ching‐Hua
Published: April 2013

This study developed CE and ultra‐high‐pressure LC (UHPLC) methods coupled with UV detectors to characterize the metabolomic profiles of different rhubarb species. The optimal CE conditions used a BGE with 15 mM sodium tetraborate, 15 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, 30 mM sodium deoxycholate, and 30% ACN v/v at pH 8.3. The optimal UHPLC conditions used a mobile phase composed of 0.05% phosphate buffer and ACN with gradient elution. The gradient profile increased linearly from 10 to 21% ACN within the first 25 min, then increased to 33% ACN for the next 10 min. It took another 5 min to reach the 65% ACN, then for the next 5 min, it stayed unchanged. Sixteen samples of Rheum officinale and Rheum tanguticum collected from various locations were analyzed by CE and UHPLC methods. The metabolite profiles of CE were aligned and baseline corrected before chemometric analysis. Metabolomic signatures of rhubarb species from CE and UHPLC were clustered using principle component analysis and distance‐based redundancy analysis; the clusters were not only able to discriminate different species but also different cultivation regions. Similarity measurements were performed by calculating the correlation coefficient of each sample with the authentic samples. Hybrid rhizome was clearly identified through similarity measurement of UHPLC metabolite profile and later confirmed by gene sequencing. The present study demonstrated that CE and UHPLC are efficient and effective tools to identify and authenticate herbs even coupled with simple detectors.
Analysis of the glycosylation pattern of plant copper amine oxidases by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS coupled to a manual chromatographic separation of glycans and glycopeptides
Authors: Franc Vojtěch , Řehulka Pavel , Medda Rosaria , Padiglia Alessandra , Floris Giovanni , Šebela Marek
Published: April 2013

The N‐glycosylation in pea seedling amine oxidase and lentil seedling amine oxidase was analyzed in the present work. For that purpose, the enzymes were purified as native proteins from their natural sources. An enzymatic deglycosylation of pea seedling amine oxidase by endoglycosidase H under denaturing conditions combined with its proteolytic digestion by trypsin was carried out in order to analyze both N‐glycans and “trimmed” N‐glycopeptides with a residual N‐acetylglucosamine attached at the originally occupied N‐glycosylation sites. The released N‐glycans were subjected to a manual chromatographic purification followed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS. MS and MS/MS analyses were also performed directly on peptides and N‐glycopeptides generated by proteolytic digestion of the studied enzymes. Sequencing of glycopeptides by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS/MS after their separation on a RP using a microgradient chromatographic device clearly demonstrated binding of paucimannose and hybrid N‐glycan structures at Asn558. Such carbohydrates have been reported to exist in many plant N‐glycoproteins, e.g. in peroxidases. Although high‐mannose glycan structures were identified after the enzymatic deglycosylation, they could not be assigned to a particular N‐glycosylation site. The presence of unoccupied glycosylation sites in several peptides was also confirmed from MS/MS results.
Data sources for rescuing the rich heritage of Mediterranean historical surface climate data
Authors: Brunet M. , Jones P. D. , Jourdain S. , Efthymiadis D. , Kerrouche M. , Boroneant C.
Published: April 2013

Availability of long‐term and high‐quality instrumental climate records is still insufficient and the rich heritage of meteorological surface observations is largely underexploited in many parts of the world. This is particularly striking over the Greater Mediterranean region (GMR), where meteorological observations have been taken since the 18th century at some locations. The lack of high quality and long series here is despite this region being regarded as a climate change hot spot. This article mainly assesses relevant sources containing Mediterranean historical climate data and metadata either from online repositories worldwide or physical archives, with the emphasis here on the rich holdings kept at French archives. A particular case study is the data rescue (DARE) program undertaken by the Algerian National Meteorological Service, as well as some of the past and ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing climate data availability and accessibility over the GMR. Our findings point to the high potential for undertaking DARE activities over the GMR and the need for bringing longer and higher quality climate time series to support a diverse number of scientific and technical assessments and policies.
Spatiotemporal distribution patterns of dissolved methane in lakes: How accurate are the current estimations of the diffusive flux path?
Authors: Hofmann Hilmar
Published: April 2013

Lakes have been identified as an important source of atmospheric methane. Here the spatiotemporal distribution of dissolved methane was measured in a medium‐sized freshwater lake. The data reveal that littoral zones (nearshore, shallow) are the predominant source of methane. Offshore‐directed gradients of dissolved methane suggest the transport of methane from the nearshore zone to the pelagic epilimnion. The distribution patterns of epilimnetic methane were highly heterogeneous, independent of the mean lake‐wide methane concentration. Consequently, the diffusive flux of methane to the atmosphere strongly varies with location in the lake. A comparison of the diffusive methane flux from different offshore sampling stations indicates that single‐point measurements are not necessarily sufficient to estimate lake‐wide emissions to the atmosphere accurately. Thus, spatially resolved measurements of methane emissions are needed to improve the reliability of estimates of the methane that lakes contribute to the global methane budget.
Testing a virtual reality intervention for pain control
Authors: Loreto‐Quijada D. , Gutiérrez‐Maldonado J. , Gutiérrez‐Martínez O. , Nieto R.
Published: April 2013

Background

This study aimed (1) to assess the validity of a virtual reality (VR) intervention designed specifically to gain control over pain, (2) to test whether the association between the virtual environment and pain can be potentiated using a differential conditioning procedure, and (3) to examine the effects of this VR intervention in a cold pressor experiment.

Methods

The VR intervention was based on a figure representing pain. This figure could be manipulated until reaching a no‐pain state. Participants were 64 undergraduate students, who were asked to evaluate this environment in terms of arousal and valence. A differential conditioning procedure was then applied, in which the pain figure was paired with electric shock and the no‐pain figure was presented without shock. Afterwards, participants performed a cold pressor task.

Results

In the initial testing, the pain figure was evaluated as more arousing and more unpleasant than the no‐pain figure. After the conditioning procedure, these ratings significantly increased; with the pain figure being rated as more anxiety eliciting and a better predictor of shocks than the no‐pain figure. During cold pressor, the interaction with the conditioned VR figure led to significant increases in pain threshold and tolerance, as well as a significantly greater underestimation of time, but it did not affect pain intensity.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary support for the use of our VR intervention to gain control over pain.
Anti‐asthmatic Effects of Baicalin in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma
Authors: Ma Chunhua , Ma Zhangqiang , Fu Qiang , Ma Shiping
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate the anti‐asthmatic effects of baicalin (BA) and the possible mechanisms. Asthma model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneal injection. A total of 60 mice were randomly assigned to six experimental groups: control, model, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), and BA (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg). Airway resistance (RI) and lung compliance (Cdyn) were measured, histological studies were evaluated by the hematoxylin and eosin staining, Th1/Th2, OVA‐specific serum, and BALF IgE levels and Th17 cytokines were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Th17 cells was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). Our study demonstrated that BA inhibited OVA‐induced increases in RI and eosinophil count; interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐17A levels, and Cdyn were recovered and increased IFN‐γ level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histological studies demonstrated that BA substantially inhibited OVA‐induced eosinophilia in lung tissue and airway tissue. FCM studies demonstrated that BA substantially inhibited Th17 cells. These findings suggest that BA may effectively ameliorate the progression of asthma and could be used as a therapy for patients with allergic asthma. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PLCs in Action: Innovative Teaching for Struggling Grade 3–5 Readers
Authors: D'Ardenne Charna , Barnes Debra G. , Hightower Elaine S. , Lamason Pamela R. , Mason Mary , Patterson Paula C. , Stephens Nancy , Wilson Carolyn E. , Smith Vickie H. , Erickson Karen A.
Published: April 2013

A group of elementary school reading teachers used their time in a Professional Learning Community to develop a systematic intervention to address the needs of struggling readers in grades 3 to 5. Working as a team, they identified a collection of books that was culturally diverse, high interest, appealing to boys and girls, aligned with curriculum across the grades, and equally representative of fiction and non‐fiction. Using the collection of books as a starting place, the group wrote lessons that addressed decoding, vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, and responding to standardized test question stems. The resulting intervention led to growth in reading level as well as accelerated progress on the state mandated end of grade test in reading. The PLC offered this group of experienced reading teachers a district‐supported framework for working together to create a locally relevant solution for the students they teach.