bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposition of sources of errors in seasonal streamflow forecasting over the U.S. Sunbelt
Authors: Mazrooei Amirhossein , Sinha Tushar , Sankarasubramanian A. , Kumar Sujay , Peters‐Lidard Christa D.
Published: October 2015

Seasonal streamflow forecasts, contingent on climate information, can be utilized to ensure water supply for multiple uses including municipal demands, hydroelectric power generation, and for planning agricultural operations. However, uncertainties in the streamflow forecasts pose significant challenges in their utilization in real‐time operations. In this study, we systematically decompose various sources of errors in developing seasonal streamflow forecasts from two Land Surface Models (LSMs) (Noah3.2 and CLM2), which are forced with downscaled and disaggregated climate forecasts. In particular, the study quantifies the relative contributions of the sources of errors from LSMs, climate forecasts, and downscaling/disaggregation techniques in developing seasonal streamflow forecast. For this purpose, three month ahead seasonal precipitation forecasts from the ECHAM4.5 general circulation model (GCM) were statistically downscaled from 2.8° to 1/8° spatial resolution using principal component regression (PCR) and then temporally disaggregated from monthly to daily time step using kernel‐nearest neighbor (K‐NN) approach. For other climatic forcings, excluding precipitation, we considered the North American Land Data Assimilation System version 2 (NLDAS‐2) hourly climatology over the years 1979 to 2010. Then the selected LSMs were forced with precipitation forecasts and NLDAS‐2 hourly climatology to develop retrospective seasonal streamflow forecasts over a period of 20 years (1991–2010). Finally, the performance of LSMs in forecasting streamflow under different schemes was analyzed to quantify the relative contribution of various sources of errors in developing seasonal streamflow forecast. Our results indicate that the most dominant source of errors during winter and fall seasons is the errors due to ECHAM4.5 precipitation forecasts, while temporal disaggregation scheme contributes to maximum errors during summer season.
Ionospheric Effects on Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar and a New Capability of Imaging the Ionosphere From Space
Authors: Pi Xiaoqing
Published: October 2015

This article reviews research activities and results in a new field, where ionospheric effects on spaceborne synthetic aperture radar have been investigated and techniques of imaging the ionosphere using the same radar are also explored. The research was originally to minimize ionospheric‐induced distortions and contaminations in Earth remote sensing observations. As a product, the radar‐based high‐resolution ionospheric imaging from a low Earth orbit satellite can also benefit studies of space weather effects on the ionospheric density distribution in essentially all latitude regions, which would provide useful information to studies of coupling of the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere.
Making the most of data: An information selection and assessment framework to improve water systems operations
Authors: Giuliani M. , Pianosi F. , Castelletti A.
Published: October 2015

Advances in Environmental monitoring systems are making a wide range of data available at increasingly higher temporal and spatial resolution. This creates an opportunity to enhance real‐time understanding of water systems conditions and to improve prediction of their future evolution, ultimately increasing our ability to make better decisions. Yet, many water systems are still operated using very simple information systems, typically based on simple statistical analysis and the operator's experience. In this work, we propose a framework to automatically select the most valuable information to inform water systems operations supported by quantitative metrics to operationally and economically assess the value of this information. The Hoa Binh reservoir in Vietnam is used to demonstrate the proposed framework in a multiobjective context, accounting for hydropower production and flood control. First, we quantify the expected value of perfect information, meaning the potential space for improvement under the assumption of exact knowledge of the future system conditions. Second, we automatically select the most valuable information that could be actually used to improve the Hoa Binh operations. Finally, we assess the economic value of sample information on the basis of the resulting policy performance. Results show that our framework successfully select information to enhance the performance of the operating policies with respect to both the competing objectives, attaining a 40% improvement close to the target trade‐off selected as potentially good compromise between hydropower production and flood control.
Catalyst Design by NH4OH Treatment of USY Zeolite
Authors: Van Aelst Joost , Verboekend Danny , Philippaerts An , Nuttens Nicolas , Kurttepeli Mert , Gobechiya Elena , Haouas Mohamed , Sree Sreeprasanth P. , Denayer Joeri F. M. , Martens Johan A. , Kirschhock Christine E. A. , Taulelle Francis , Bals Sara , Baron Gino V. , Jacobs Pierre A. , Sels Bert F.
Published: October 2015

Hierarchical zeolites are a class of superior catalysts which couples the intrinsic zeolitic properties to enhanced accessibility and intracrystalline mass transport to and from the active sites. The design of hierarchical USY (Ultra‐Stable Y) catalysts is achieved using a sustainable postsynthetic room temperature treatment with mildly alkaline NH4OH (0.02 m) solutions. Starting from a commercial dealuminated USY zeolite (Si/Al = 47), a hierarchical material is obtained by selective and tuneable creation of interconnected and accessible small mesopores (2–6 nm). In addition, the treatment immediately yields the NH4+ form without the need for additional ion exchange. After NH4OH modification, the crystal morphology is retained, whereas the microporosity and relative crystallinity are decreased. The gradual formation of dense amorphous phases throughout the crystal without significant framework atom leaching rationalizes the very high material yields (>90%). The superior catalytic performance of the developed hierarchical zeolites is demonstrated in the acid‐catalyzed isomerization of α‐pinene and the metal‐catalyzed conjugation of safflower oil. Significant improvements in activity and selectivity are attained, as well as a lowered susceptibility to deactivation. The catalytic performance is intimately related to the introduced mesopores, hence enhanced mass transport capacity, and the retained intrinsic zeolitic properties.
Ensemble locally weighted partial least squares as a just‐in‐time modeling method
Authors: Kaneko Hiromasa , Funatsu Kimito
Published: October 2015

The predictive ability of soft sensors, which estimate values of an objective variable y online, decreases due to process changes in chemical plants. To reduce the decrease of predictive ability, adaptive soft sensors have been developed. We focused on just‐in‐time soft sensors, especially locally weighted partial least squares (LWPLS) regression. Since a set of hyperparameters in an LWPLS model has to be set beforehand and there is only onedataset, a traditional LWPLS model is difficult to accurately predict y‐values in multiple process states. In this study, we propose to combine LWPLS and ensemble learning, and predict y‐values with multiple LWPLS models, whose datasets and sets of hyperparameters are different. The weights of LWPLS models are determined based on Bayes’ theorem, considering their predictive ability. We confirmed that the proposed model has higher predictive accuracy than traditional models through numerical simulation data and two industrial data analyses. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 62: 717–725, 2016
Hydrodynamics and mass transfer of oscillating gas‐liquid flow in ultrasonic microreactors
Authors: Dong Zhengya , Yao Chaoqun , Zhang Yuchao , Chen Guangwen , Yuan Quan , Xu Jie
Published: October 2015

Ultrasonic microreactors were used to intensify gas‐liquid mass‐transfer process and study the intensification mechanism. Fierce surface wave oscillation with different modes was excited on the bubble. It was found that for slug bubbles confined in smaller microchannel, surface wave oscillations require more ultrasound energy to excite due to the confinement effect. Cavitation microstreaming with two toroidal vortices was observed near the oscillating bubble by a streak photography experiment. Surface wave oscillation at the gas‐liquid interface increases the specific surface area, while cavitation microstreaming accelerates the interface renewal and thus improves the individual mass‐transfer coefficient. With these two reasons, the overall mass‐transfer coefficient was enhanced by 3–20 times under ultrasonication. As for gas‐liquid flow hydrodynamics, ultrasound oscillation disturbs the bubble formation process and changes the initial bubble length and pressure drop. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1294–1307, 2016
A theoretical unsteady‐state model for kL of bubbles based on the framework of wide energy spectrum
Authors: Han Luchang , Fu Jin , Li Ming , Gong Shenggao , Gao Ningning , Zhang Chi , Luo He'an
Published: October 2015

An unsteady‐state model for predicting mass‐transfer coefficient kL of bubbles with mobile surface was developed for turbulent gas‐liquid dispersions. This model was derived from an unsteady‐state convection and diffusion equation through a characteristics method. Unlike the previous work, this model considered the contributions of the amount of fluid structures of different scales (i.e., eddies) existing in the turbulent flows, the frequency of eddies arriving at the surface, the deformation and oscillation of bubbles to mass transfer. This model was based on the framework of wide energy spectrum and can account for the role of eddies of different sizes in mass transfer. Thus the assumption adopted by the previous models that mass transfer was controlled by eddies of certain sizes is no more needed. The overall kL predicted by the proposed model showed a better agreement with the reported experimental data. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1007–1022, 2016
Modeling longitudinal changes in hypertensive and waist phenotype: The oporto growth, health, and performance study
Authors: Souza Michele , Eisenmann Joey , Santos Fernanda , Gomes Thayse , Pereira Sara , Forjaz Claudia , Maia José
Published: October 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to: (1) model changes in the hypertensive and waist phenotype (HWP) in youth, and (2) investigate the effects of sex, biological maturation, total physical activity (TPA), and physical fitness (PF) in HWP trajectories.

Methods

Data were obtained annually for 3 years from the Oporto Growth, Health, and Performance Study, and comprised 5,549 adolescents (2,732 girls) divided into four age cohorts (10, 12, 14, and 16 years). The HWP was computed as the sum of the standardized score of waist circumference and mean arterial pressure. Biological maturation was indirectly assessed by the maturity offset procedure; TPA was estimated with the Baecke questionnaire; PF measures included 1‐mile run/walk, 50‐yard dash (50YD), standing long jump (SLJ), handgrip strength (HGr), and agility shuttle run. Longitudinal changes in HWP were analyzed using multilevel modelling.

Results

HWP increased across time with a nonlinear trend in girls and boys. However, when adjusted for a set of predictors, the trend was reversed: girls and boys had a significant annual decrease on HWP of −0.202 ± 0.032 and −0.147 ± 0.032, respectively. Maturity offset was positively associated with HWP changes (β = 0.913 ± 0.023); TPA had a negative association (β = −0.027 ± 0.011); and improved PF tests were associated with a significant reduction in HWP across time (β1mile = −0.081 ± 0.009; βSLJ = −0.003 ± 0.00; β50YD=0.106 ± 0.020; and βHGr = −3.335 ± 0.196).

Conclusions

Boys showed higher HWP values compared to girls from 10 to 18 years of age. Adolescents who were more biologically mature had a more adverse HWP. Longitudinal increases in TPA and PF predicted annual decreases in HWP across the adolescence years.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:387–393, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative surface analysis of hemp fibers using XPS, conventional and low voltage in‐lens SEM
Authors: Truss Rowan W. , Wood Barry , Rasch Ron
Published: October 2015

Surfaces of hemp fibers with different treatments: (1) as received; (2) water washed; and (3) treated with NaOH, were examined using a combination of conventional Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), lignin staining and a novel low voltage in‐lens detector SEM technique which provides compositional contrast between polymeric materials on the surface. Surface composition determined using quantitative X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the surfaces of the as received fibers and the water washed fibers were predominantly lignin and extractives and only after NaOH treatments was there sufficient oxygen on the surface to allow for the presence of polysaccharides. Using the in‐lens backscattered SEM technique, spatial distribution of polymeric materials on the surface was shown to be highly non‐uniform. The findings have implications for design of natural fiber composites and the interfacial properties between fiber and matrix. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43023.
The effect of poly(ethylene glycol) as plasticizer in blends of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: Pivsa‐Art Weraporn , Fujii Kazunori , Nomura Keiichiro , Aso Yuji , Ohara Hitomi , Yamane Hideki
Published: October 2015

The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) blends was examined. Overall, it was found that PEG acted as an effective plasticizer for the PLA phase in these microphase‐separated blends, increasing the elongation at break in all blends and decreasing the Tg of the PLA phase. Significant effects on other properties were also observed. The tensile strength and Young's modulus both decreased with increasing PEG content in the blends. In contrast, the elongation at break increased with the addition of PEG, suggesting that PEG acted as a plasticizer in the polymer blends. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the fracture mode of PLA changed from brittle to ductile with the addition of PEG in the polymer blends. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43044.
The versatile low‐molecular‐weight thiols: Beyond cell protection
Authors: Wang Min , Zhao Qunfei , Liu Wen
Published: October 2015

Low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) thiols are extensively involved in the maintenance of cellular redox potentials and the protection of cells from a variety of reactive chemical and electrophilic species. However, we recently found that the metabolic coupling of two LMW thiols – mycothiol (MSH) and ergothioneine (EGT) – programs the biosynthesis of the anti‐infective agent lincomycin A. Remarkably, such a constructive role of the thiols in the biosynthesis of natural products has so far received relatively little attention. We speculate that the unusual thiol EGT might function as a chiral thiolation carrier (for modification) and a novel activator (for glycosylation) of sugar. Additionally, we examine recent evidence for LMW thiols (MSH and others) as sulfur donors of sulfur‐containing natural products. Clearly, the LMW thiols have more diverse activities beyond cell protection, and more attention should be paid to the correlation of their functions with thiol‐dependent enzymes.
Preparative purification of plasmin activity stimulating phenolic derivatives from Gastrodia elata using centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Jeon Je‐Seung , Kim Jeeyoung , Park Soyoung , Ryou Chongsuk , Kim Chul Young
Published: October 2015

Gastrodia rhizome, a dried and steamed tuber of Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae), has been traditionally used in Korea, China and Japan for the treatment of neurological and nervous disorders such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo and convulsive illnesses. The ethyl acetate and water extracts of G. elata stimulated plasmin activity. The active ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) with a two‐phase solvent system, composed of n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (3:7:4:6, v/v) followed by semi‐preparative HPLC purification to separate active compounds and the water fraction was purified by Diaion HP‐20 resin and semi‐preparative HPLC. In ethyl acetate extract, 4‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (1), 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (2), 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), 4‐ethoxymethylphenol (4), 4,4′‐oxybis(methylene)diphenol (5) and 4,4′‐methylenediphenol (6) were obtained with high purities. Parishin (7) and parishin B (8) were isolated from water extract. Among isolated compounds, 4‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (1), 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (3) and 4‐ethoxymethylphenol (4) significantly stimulated plasmin activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic Differences and Demographic Predictors of Respondents Adjudicated Civilly Incompetent Versus Competent
Authors: Demakis George J. , Reeve Charlie L.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine if diagnostic and demographic variables predict civil competency adjudications, a topic that has received scant research attention. Respondents (i.e., individuals alleged to be incompetent) were evaluated by a licensed psychologist to assist the court in civil competency and possible guardianship determination. Prior research using some of the same participants demonstrated select differences on activities of daily living between these groups (Quickel & Demakis, ), but the current set of analyses was not conducted. The current study included 107 competency evaluations in Mecklenburg County North Carolina and, at conclusion of the case, the public record of the adjudication was obtained. Based on prior legal theorizing in related criminal areas—focused on discrimination of individuals with mental illness—we predicted that cases involving respondents with psychiatric diagnoses would be likely to be overrepresented in those referred for evaluation as well as those subsequently adjudicated incompetent. A series of analyses indicated no statistical differences between competency groups (psychiatric/substance abuse, neurological, both psychiatric and neurological, and intellectually disabled). In a series of exploratory logistic regression analyses, we found that respondents who were single versus in a relationship and those not living at home versus living at home were significantly more likely to be adjudicated incompetent, even after controlling for difference in activities of daily living. There were no differences in incompetency adjudication by age, education, gender, race, or relationship status. Results are discussed in terms of implications for individuals with mental illness in incompetency hearings, as well as specific issues for psychologists evaluating a broad range of respondents. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biosynthesis of the Peptide Antibiotic Feglymycin by a Linear Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase Mechanism
Authors: Gonsior Melanie , Mühlenweg Agnes , Tietzmann Marcel , Rausch Saskia , Poch Annette , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: October 2015

Feglymycin, a peptide antibiotic produced by Streptomyces sp. DSM 11171, consists mostly of nonproteinogenic phenylglycine‐type amino acids. It possesses antibacterial activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and antiviral activity against HIV. Inhibition of the early steps of bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis indicated a mode of action different from those of other peptide antibiotics. Here we describe the identification and assignment of the feglymycin (feg) biosynthesis gene cluster, which codes for a 13‐module nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) system. Inactivation of an NRPS gene and supplementation of a hydroxymandelate oxidase mutant with the amino acid l‐Hpg proved the identity of the feg cluster. Feeding of Hpg‐related unnatural amino acids was not successful. This characterization of the feg cluster is an important step to understanding the biosynthesis of this potent antibacterial peptide.
Cilostazol inhibits interleukin‐1‐induced ADAM17 expression through cAMP independent signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Takaguri Akira , Morimoto Mayumi , Imai Shin‐ichi , Satoh Kumi
Published: October 2015

Increased A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and hypertension. Although cilostazol, type III phosphodiesterase (PDE III) inhibitor, has recently been found to inhibit VSMC proliferation, the mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we hypothesized that cilostazol regulates the ADAM17 expression in VSMC. In cultured VSMC, interleukin (IL)‐1α and IL‐1β significantly increased ADAM17 expression. MEK inhibitor U0126, NF‐κB inhibitor BAY‐11‐7085, and siRNA targeting p65/RelA significantly inhibited IL‐1α or IL‐β‐induced ADAM17 expression. Cilostazol significantly inhibited IL‐1α or IL‐1β‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and ADAM17 expression. Unexpectedly, cilostamide, dibutryl cAMP, and forskolin did not affect IL‐1‐induced ADAM17 expression. Our results clearly demonstrated that IL‐1 induces ADAM17 expression through ERK/NF‐κB activation in VSMCs. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of cilostazol on IL‐1‐induced ADAM17 expression may be independent of the cAMP signaling pathway in VSMC. These novel findings may provide important clues to understanding the expression mechanisms of ADAM17 and the inhibitory mechanisms of cilostazol in VSMC proliferation.
Luminescent Quadrupolar Borazine Oligomers: Synthesis, Photophysics, and Two‐Photon Absorption Properties
Authors: Chen Pangkuan , Marshall Ariel S. , Chi San‐Hui , Yin Xiaodong , Perry Joseph W. , Jäkle Frieder
Published: October 2015

A set of monodisperse bent donor–acceptor–donor‐type conjugated borazine oligomers, BnNn+1 (n=1–4), incorporating electron‐rich triarylamine donor and electron‐deficient triarylborane acceptor units has been prepared through an iterative synthetic approach that takes advantage of highly selective silicon–boron and tin–boron exchange reactions. The effect of chain elongation on the electrochemical, one‐ and two‐photon properties and excited‐state photodynamics has been investigated. Strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) from the arylamine donors to boryl‐centered acceptor sites results in emissions with high quantum yields (Φfl>0.5) in the range of 400–500 nm. Solvatochromic effects lead to solvent shifts as large as ∼70 nm for the shortest member (n=1) and gradually decrease with chain elongation. The oligomers exhibit strong two‐photon absorption (2PA) in the visible spectral region with 2PA cross sections as large as 1410 GM (n=4), and broadband excited‐state absorption (ESA) attributed to long‐lived singlet–singlet and radical cation/anion absorption. The excited‐state dynamics also show sensitivity to the solvent environment. Electrochemical observations and DFT calculations (B3LYP/6‐31G*) reveal spatially separated HOMO and LUMO levels resulting in highly fluorescent oligomers with strong ICT character. The BnNn+1 oligomers have been used to demonstrate the detection of cyanide anions with association constants of log K>7.
Numerical and experimental investigation of hydrodynamic characteristics of a slot‐rectangular spouted bed
Authors: Saidi Maysam , Wang Ziliang , Grace John R. , Lim C. Jim
Published: October 2015

The gas‐solid flow in a three‐dimensional slot‐rectangular spouted bed was studied experimentally and numerically. Predictions from the coupled computational fluid dynamics and Discrete Element Method, a powerful numerical approach, are compared with experimental measurements. Flow features inside the slot‐rectangular spouted bed were investigated experimentally using a pressure transducer and an optical fibre probe to obtain profiles of pressure, voidage, and particle flux. Static bed heights of 90, 120, and 150 mm of 2.85‐mm diameter particles were investigated at different spouting velocities to find the bed pressure drop, flow regime, and minimum spouting velocity. For velocities exceeding the minimum spouting velocity, measured profiles of pressure, voidage, and particle flux are in close agreement with simulation predictions.
Identification of Aminoimidazole and Aminothiazole Derivatives as Src Family Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Francini Cinzia Maria , Fallacara Anna Lucia , Artusi Roberto , Mennuni Laura , Calgani Alessia , Angelucci Adriano , Schenone Silvia , Botta Maurizio
Published: October 2015

Src family kinases (SFKs) are a family of non‐receptor tyrosine kinases (TKs) implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes. The aberrant activity of these TKs has been associated with the growth and progression of cancer. In particular, c‐Src is overexpressed or hyperactivated in a variety of solid tumors and is most likely a strong promoting factor for the development of metastasis. Herein, the synthesis of new 4‐aminoimidazole and 2‐aminothiazole derivatives and their in vitro biological evaluation are described for their potential use as SFK inhibitors. Initially, 2‐aminothiazole analogues of dasatinib and 4‐aminoimidazole derivatives were synthesized and tested against the SFKs Src, Fyn, Lyn, and Yes. Five hits were identified as the most promising compounds, with Ki values in the range of 90–480 nm. A combination of molecular docking, homology modeling, and molecular dynamics were then used to investigate the possible binding mode of such compounds within the ATP binding site of the SFKs. Finally, the antiproliferative activities of the best candidates were evaluated against SH‐SY5Y and K562 cell lines. Compound 3 b [2‐(4‐{2‐methyl‐6‐[(5‐phenylthiazol‐2‐yl)amino]pyrimidin‐4‐yl}piperazin‐1‐yl)ethanol] was found to be the most active inhibitor.
Polyallelic structural variants can provide accurate, highly informative genetic markers focused on diagnosis and therapeutic targets: Accuracy vs. Precision
Authors: Roses AD
Published: October 2015

Structural variants (SVs) include all insertions, deletions, and rearrangements in the genome, with several common types of nucleotide repeats including single sequence repeats, short tandem repeats, and insertion‐deletion length variants. Polyallelic SVs provide highly informative markers for association studies with well‐phenotyped cohorts. SVs can influence gene regulation by affecting epigenetics, transcription, splicing, and/or translation. Accurate assays of polyallelic SV loci are required to define the range and allele frequency of variable length alleles.
Application of flow cytometry for myelodysplastic syndromes: Pitfalls and technical considerations
Authors: Alhan Canan , Westers Theresia M. , Cremers Eline M. P. , Cali Claudia , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A.
Published: October 2015

The application of flow cytometry (FC) is recommended as part of the diagnostic approach for MDS. The complexity of flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow cells in MDS has been an obstacle for general application. However, in the past years several studies showed practical flow cytometric approaches for the diagnosis and prognosis of MDS. In this report we discuss technical considerations and highlight issues that require special attention when handling and analyzing bone marrow samples of patients with cytopenia and suspicion of MDS. © 2015 Clinical Cytometry Society
Vagal tone during infant contingency learning and its disruption
Authors: Sullivan Margaret Wolan
Published: October 2015

This study used contingency learning to examine changes in infants’ vagal tone during learning and its disruption. The heart rate of 160 five‐month‐old infants was recorded continuously during the first of two training sessions as they experienced an audiovisual event contingent on their pulling. Maternal reports of infant temperament were also collected. Baseline vagal tone, a measure of parasympathetic regulation of the heart, was related to vagal levels during the infants’ contingency learning session, but not to their learner status. Vagal tone levels did not vary significantly over session minutes. Instead, vagal tone levels were a function of both individual differences in learner status and infant soothability. Vagal levels of infants who learned in the initial session were similar regardless of their soothability; however, vagal levels of infants who learned in a subsequent session differed as a function of soothability. Additionally, vagal levels during contingency disruption were significantly higher among infants in this group who were more soothable as opposed to those who were less soothable. The results suggest that contingency learning and disruption is associated with stable vagal tone in the majority of infants, but that individual differences in attention processes and state associated with vagal tone may be most readily observed during the disruption phase. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 366–381, 2016.
Complementing the characterization of in vivo generated N‐glucuronic acid conjugates of stanozolol by collision cross section computation and analysis
Authors: Thevis Mario , Dib Josef , Thomas Andreas , Höppner Sebastian , Lagojda Andreas , Kuehne Dirk , Sander Mark , Opfermann Georg , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: October 2015

Detailed structural information on metabolites serving as target analytes in clinical, forensic, and sports drug testing programmes is of paramount importance to ensure unequivocal test results. In the present study, the utility of collision cross section (CCS) analysis by travelling wave ion mobility measurements to support drug metabolite characterization efforts was tested concerning recently identified glucuronic acid conjugates of the anabolic‐androgenic steroid stanozolol. Employing travelling‐wave ion mobility spectrometry/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, drift times of five synthetically derived and fully characterized steroid glucuronides were measured and subsequently correlated to respective CCSs as obtained in silico to form an analyte‐tailored calibration curve. The CCSs were calculated by equilibrium structure minimization (density functional theory) using the programmes ORCA with the data set B3LYP/6‐31G and MOBCAL utilizing the trajectory method (TM) with nitrogen as drift gas. Under identical experimental conditions, synthesized and/or urinary stanozolol‐N and O‐glucuronides were analyzed to provide complementary information on the location of glucuronidation. Finally, the obtained data were compared to CCS results generated by the system's internal algorithm based on a calibration employing a polyalanine analyte mixture. The CCSs ΩN2 calculated for the five steroid glucuronide calibrants were found between 180 and 208 Å2, thus largely covering the observed and computed CCSs for stanozolol‐N1'‐, stanozolol‐N2'‐, and stanozolol‐O‐glucuronide found at values between 195.1 and 212.4 Å2. The obtained data corroborated the earlier suggested N‐ and O‐glucuronidation of stanozolol, and demonstrate the exploit of ion mobility and CCS computation in structure characterization of phase‐II metabolic products; however, despite reproducibly measurable differences in ion mobility of stanozolol‐N1'‐, N2'‐, and O‐glucuronides, the discriminatory power of the chosen CCS computation algorithm was found to be not appropriate to allow for accurate assignments of the two N‐conjugated structures. Using polyalanine‐based calibrations, significantly different absolute values were obtained for all CCSs, but due to a constant offset of approximately 45 Å2 an excellent correlation (R2 = 0.9997) between both approaches was observed. This suggests a substantially accelerated protocol when patterns of computed and polyalanine‐based experimental data can be used for structure elucidations instead of creating individual analyte‐specific calibration curves. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurocognitive Development and Predictors of L1 and L2 Literacy Skills in Dyslexia: A Longitudinal Study of Children 5–11 Years Old
Authors: Helland Turid , Morken Frøydis
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to find valid neurocognitive precursors of literacy development in first language (L1, Norwegian) and second language (L2, English) in a group of children during their Pre‐literacy, Emergent Literacy and Literacy stages, by comparing children with dyslexia and a typical group. Children who were 5 years old at project start were followed until the age of 11, when dyslexia was identified and data could be analysed in retrospect.

The children's neurocognitive pattern changed both by literacy stage and domain. Visuo‐spatial recall and RAN appeared as early precursors of L1 literacy, while phonological awareness appeared as early precursor of L2 English. Verbal long term memory was associated with both L1 and L2 skills in the Literacy stage. Significant group differences seen in the Pre‐literacy and Emergent literacy stages decreased in the Literacy stage.

The developmental variations by stage and domain may explain some of the inconsistencies seen in dyslexia research. Early identification and training are essential to avoid academic failure, and our data show that visuo‐spatial memory and RAN could be suitable early markers in transparent orthographies like Norwegian. Phonological awareness was here seen as an early precursor of L2 English, but not of L1 Norwegian. © 2015 The Authors. Dyslexia published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
p70S6K1 in the TORC1 pathway is essential for the differentiation of Th17 Cells, but not Th1, Th2, or Treg cells in mice
Authors: Sasaki Carl Y. , Chen Gang , Munk Rachel , Eitan Erez , Martindale Jennifer , Longo Dan L. , Ghosh Paritosh
Published: October 2015

The TORC1 pathway is necessary for ribosomal biogenesis and initiation of protein translation. Furthermore, the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells requires TORC1 activity. To investigate the role of the TORC1 pathway in the differentiation of Th1 and/or Th17 cells in more detail, we compared the differentiation capacity of naïve T cells from wild type and p70S6K1 knockout mice. Expression of many of the genes associated with Th17‐cell differentiation, such as IL17a, IL17f, and IL‐23R, were reduced in p70S6K1 knockout mice. In contrast, the development of Th1, Th2, and Treg cells was unaffected in the absence of p70S6K1. Furthermore, expression of the major transcription factor in Th17‐cell differentiation, retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor gamma T, remained unchanged. However, the acetylation of histone 3 at the promoters of IL17a and IL17f was reduced in the absence of p70S6K1. In accordance with the in vitro data, the kinetics, but not the development, of EAE was affected with the loss of p70S6K1 expression. Collectively, our findings suggested that both in vitro and in vivo differentiation of Th17 cells were positively regulated by p70S6K1.
Establishing clinically meaningful severity levels for the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK‐13)
Authors: Neblett R. , Hartzell M.M. , Mayer T.G. , Bradford E.M. , Gatchel R.J.
Published: October 2015

Background

Kinesiophobia is an excessive, irrational and debilitating fear of physical movement and activity resulting from a feeling of vulnerability to painful injury or re‐injury. The Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia (TSK) is a patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measure designed to help identify kinesiophobia. The original version of the TSK had 17 items. A 13‐item version was later found to have better psychometric properties and was used in the present study. Although the TSK‐13 has been widely studied, one shortcoming is the lack of clinically meaningful score categories. The objective of the present study was to develop severity levels to help aid clinical interpretation of TSK‐13 scores.

Methods

After creating four proposed TSK‐13 severity ranges, a sample of chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder (CMPD) patients (N = 912) was grouped by TSK‐13 scores into: Subclinical (score = 13–22, n = 100; 11%), mild (23–32, n = 271; 30%), moderate (33–42, n = 385; 42%) and severe (43–52, n = 156; 17%) levels of kinesiophobia. These severity groups were then validated by their associations with objective lifting performance (presumed to be highly related to one's level of kinesiophobia) and other PRO questionnaires, assessing depressive symptoms, pain intensity, pain‐related anxiety and perceived disability, which all have been shown in previous research to be associated with TSK scores.

Results

The TSK‐13 severity level groups were significantly associated with all lifting performance and PRO variables (p < 0.001). As TSK‐13 severity levels increased, lifting performance decreased, while pain intensity, depressive symptoms, pain‐related anxiety and perceived disability increased.

Conclusions

TSK‐13 severity levels were strongly associated with objective lifting performance variables and psychosocial PRO measures, providing support for these severity levels as a guideline for healthcare providers and researchers in interpreting TSK‐13 scores.
Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain‐related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
Authors: Hammell D.C. , Zhang L.P. , Ma F. , Abshire S.M. , McIlwrath S.L. , Stinchcomb A.L. , Westlund K.N.
Published: October 2015

Background

Current arthritis treatments often have side‐effects attributable to active compounds as well as route of administration. Cannabidiol (CBD) attenuates inflammation and pain without side‐effects, but CBD is hydrophobic and has poor oral bioavailability. Topical drug application avoids gastrointestinal administration, first pass metabolism, providing more constant plasma levels.

Methods

This study examined efficacy of transdermal CBD for reduction in inflammation and pain, assessing any adverse effects in a rat complete Freund's adjuvant‐induced monoarthritic knee joint model. CBD gels (0.6, 3.1, 6.2 or 62.3 mg/day) were applied for 4 consecutive days after arthritis induction. Joint circumference and immune cell invasion in histological sections were measured to indicate level of inflammation. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) in response to noxious heat stimulation determined nociceptive sensitization, and exploratory behaviour ascertained animal's activity level.

Results

Measurement of plasma CBD concentration provided by transdermal absorption revealed linearity with 0.6–6.2 mg/day doses. Transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores as a rating of spontaneous pain, immune cell infiltration and thickening of the synovial membrane in a dose‐dependent manner. PWL recovered to near baseline level. Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal cord (CGRP, OX42) and dorsal root ganglia (TNFα) revealed dose‐dependent reductions of pro‐inflammatory biomarkers. Results showed 6.2 and 62 mg/day were effective doses. Exploratory behaviour was not altered by CBD indicating limited effect on higher brain function.

Conclusions

These data indicate that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain‐related behaviours and inflammation without evident side‐effects.
Aquatic predicted no-effect concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their ecological risks in surface seawater of Liaodong Bay, China
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Juying , Mu Jingli , Wang Zhen , Cong Yi , Yao Ziwei , Lin Zhongsheng
Published: October 2015

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of ubiquitous pollutants in marine environments, exhibit moderate to high adverse effects on aquatic organisms and humans. However, the lack of PAH toxicity data for aquatic organism has limited evaluation of their ecological risks. In the present study, aquatic predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) of 16 priority PAHs were derived based on species sensitivity distribution models, and their probabilistic ecological risks in seawater of Liaodong Bay, Bohai Sea, China, were assessed. A quantitative structure–activity relationship method was adopted to achieve the predicted chronic toxicity data for the PNEC derivation. Good agreement for aquatic PNECs of 8 PAHs based on predicted and experimental chronic toxicity data was observed (R2 = 0.746), and the calculated PNECs ranged from 0.011 µg/L to 205.3 µg/L. A significant log-linear relationship also existed between the octanol–water partition coefficient and PNECs derived from experimental toxicity data (R2 = 0.757). A similar order of ecological risks for the 16 PAH species in seawater of Liaodong Bay was found by probabilistic risk quotient and joint probability curve methods. The individual high ecological risk of benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benz[a]anthracene needs to be determined. The combined ecological risk of PAHs in seawater of Liaodong Bay calculated by the joint probability curve method was 13.9%, indicating a high risk as a result of co-exposure to PAHs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1587–1593. © 2015 SETAC
Biological responses of Vicia faba seedlings to the imidazolium-based ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride in soil
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Jinhua , Wang Jun , Zhu Lusheng , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2015

Although there are a few studies on the toxicity of ionic liquids (ILs), relatively little is known about their toxic effects on plants in soil. In the present study, the toxic effects of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Hmim]Cl) in the soil on Vicia faba seedlings and the influences of [Hmim]Cl on the physicochemical properties of the soil were studied. Organic matter content, pH, and conductivity of the tested soil were significantly altered at [Hmim]Cl concentrations greater than 1000 mg kg−1. Moreover, shoot length, root length, dry weight, and pigment content of the V. faba seedlings were greatly inhibited when the [Hmim]Cl concentration was greater than 500 mg kg−1. The roots were the most seriously affected organ and stopped growing at 3000 mg kg−1. In addition, [Hmim]Cl caused an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species at [Hmim]Cl concentrations above 250 mg kg−1 that resulted in lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress in the V. faba seedlings. The present study provides information that is useful for evaluation of the environmental safety of ILs in soil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1502–1510. © 2015 SETAC
Multiple SNP Set Analysis for Genome‐Wide Association Studies Through Bayesian Latent Variable Selection
Authors: Lu Zhao‐Hua , Zhu Hongtu , Knickmeyer Rebecca C. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Williams Stephanie N. , Zou Fei ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2015

The power of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for mapping complex traits with single‐SNP analysis (where SNP is single‐nucleotide polymorphism) may be undermined by modest SNP effect sizes, unobserved causal SNPs, correlation among adjacent SNPs, and SNP‐SNP interactions. Alternative approaches for testing the association between a single SNP set and individual phenotypes have been shown to be promising for improving the power of GWAS. We propose a Bayesian latent variable selection (BLVS) method to simultaneously model the joint association mapping between a large number of SNP sets and complex traits. Compared with single SNP set analysis, such joint association mapping not only accounts for the correlation among SNP sets but also is capable of detecting causal SNP sets that are marginally uncorrelated with traits. The spike‐and‐slab prior assigned to the effects of SNP sets can greatly reduce the dimension of effective SNP sets, while speeding up computation. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is developed. Simulations demonstrate that BLVS outperforms several competing variable selection methods in some important scenarios.
Influence of extracapsular nodal spread extent on prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wreesmann Volkert B. , Katabi Nora , Palmer Frank L. , Montero Pablo H. , Migliacci Jocelyn C. , Gönen Mithat , Carlson Diane , Ganly Ian , Shah Jatin P. , Ghossein Ronald , Patel Snehal G.
Published: October 2015

Background

An objective definition of clinically relevant extracapsular nodal spread (ECS) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unavailable.

Methods

Pathologic review of 245 pathologically positive oral cavity SCC neck dissection specimens was performed. The presence/absence of ECS, its extent (in millimeters), and multiple nodal and primary tumor risk factors were related to disease‐specific survival (DSS) at a follow‐up of 73 months.

Results

ECS was detected in 109 patients (44%). DSS was significantly better for patients without ECS than patients with ECS. Time‐dependent receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis identified a prognostic cutoff for ECS extent at 1.7 mm. In multivariate analyses, DSS was significantly lower for patients with major ECS compared with patients with minor ECS, but not significantly different between patients with minor ECS and patients without ECS.

Conclusion

ECS is clinically relevant in oral cavity SCC when it has extended more than 1.7 mm beyond the nodal capsule. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1192–E1199, 2016
Clinical parameters predicting development of pulmonary malignancies in patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Madana Jeevanandham , Morand Grégoire B. , Alrasheed Abdulaziz , Gabra Nathalie , Laliberté Frédérick , Barona–Lleó Luz , Yolmo Deeke , Black Martin J. , Sultanem Khalil , Hier Michael P.
Published: October 2015

Background

As the locoregional control rates in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have increased, these patients may suffer distant metastasis in a higher proportion of cases. Clinicopathological characteristics allowing prediction of high‐risk profile would allow adapting posttreatment surveillance to individual risk.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients with HNSCC treated at the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, between 1999 and 2008 was conducted for this study.

Results

The study included 428 patients with a mean follow‐up of 65 months (±SEM 1.7). Eighty patients (18.6%) developed pulmonary malignancy during follow‐up. In multivariate Cox‐regression analysis, locoregional failure and current smoking were associated with higher risk of pulmonary malignancy (p < .001 and p = .008, respectively).

Conclusion

Locoregional failure and smoking persistence are predictors of pulmonary malignancy in patients with HNSCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1277–E1280, 2016
Retraction: ‘Amelioration of Osteoporosis and Hypovitaminosis D by Sunlight Exposure in Hospitalized Elderly Women With Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial’
Authors: Sato Yoshihiro , Iwamoto Jun , Kanoko Tomohiro , Satoh Kei
Published: October 2015

The above article, published online on 4 April 2005 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), and in JBMR Volume 20, Issue 8, pages 1327–1333, together with a subsequent Expression of Concern published online in JBMR on 24 June 2015, has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the Journal Editor in Chief, Juliet Compston, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to duplication of text and concerns about the underlying data to which the authors have given no satisfactory response. Dr. Sato acknowledges that his co-authors are named as such for honorary reasons and are not responsible for the content of the manuscript.

References

1. Sato Y, Iwamoto J, Kanoko T, Satoh K. Amelioration of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D by sunlight exposure in hospitalized, elderly women with Alzheimer's disease: A randomized controlled trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2005; 20:1327–33. DOI: 10.1359/JBMR.050402.

2. Sato Y, Iwamoto J, Kanoko T, Satoh K. Expression of concern: Amelioration of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D by sunlight exposure in hospitalized elderly women with Alzheimer's disease: A randomized controlled trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2015; 30:1745. DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2583.