bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do health care reforms in Turkey have a significant effect in equal access to maternal and child health services in Turkey: An evidence from 20 years
Authors: Santas Fatih , Celik Yusuf , Eryurt Mehmet Ali
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to investigate whether there was an improvement in the equitable access to maternal and child health care services by examining the effects of socioeconomic and individual factors in Turkey from 1993 to 2013 and determine the effectiveness of health care reforms implemented mainly under the Health Transformation Program since 2003 on equitable access t;o maternal and child health care services in terms of years. The study used nationally representative 5 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys (1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013). Prenatal care utilization rate increased from 67.0% in 1993 to 96.2% in 2013 while the rate of women giving birth at health care facilities increased from 63.8% to 98.1% in 2013. Prenatal care utilization and giving birth at health care facilities were higher among women who were under health insurance coverage, first time mothers, those staying in the western region and urban areas, and those with the highest level of wealth. The findings suggest that the issue of equity in the utilization of maternal and child health care services exists in Turkey, and the latest health care reforms under HTP are not effective in diminishing the effect of wealth.
Spatial dependence of the hydraulic conductivity in a well‐type configuration at the mesoscale
Authors: Fallico Carmine , Ianchello Mario , De Bartolo Samuele , Severino Gerardo
Published: December 2017

The spatial distribution of the hydraulic conductivity κ is modelled by a power law, and we present a methodological approach to quantify the exponent (crowding index) of such a law as detected within a well‐type flow configuration. Based upon the outcome of several pumping tests conducted into a caisson (mesoscale), we identify the crowding index as function of the volumetric flow rate. Hence, we develop a simple (although approximated) procedure to assess whether the spatial distribution of κ can be characterized by a power law. We demonstrate that, even at the mesoscale, the conductivity κ can not be regarded as a formation's property (nonlocality), in agreement with the recent developments on the theory of flows into radial configurations.
Evaluating the reliability of time series analysis to estimate variable riparian travel times by numerical groundwater modelling
Authors: Nixdorf Erik , Trauth Nico
Published: December 2017

The transition zones between rivers and adjacent riparian aquifers are locations of high biogeochemical activities that contribute to a removal of potentially hazardous substances in the aquatic system. The potential of the removal processes depends highly on subsurface water travel times, which can be determined by using the propagation of electrical conductivity (EC) signal from the river into the riparian aquifer. Although this method has been applied and verified in many studies, we observe possible limitations for the usage of EC fluctuation analysis. Our findings are based on EC time series analyses during storm events and artificial hydropeaks induced by watermill operations. Travel times derived by cross‐correlation analysis were compared with travel times calculated based on backward particle tracking of a calibrated transient numerical groundwater flow model. The cross‐correlation method produced only reasonable travel times for the artificial hydropeaks. In contrast, cross‐correlation analysis of the EC data during natural storm events resulted in implausibly negative or unrealistically low travel times for the bulk of the data sets. We conclude that the reason for this behaviour is, first, the low EC contrast between river and groundwater in connection with a strong damping of the infiltrating river EC signal into the subsurface during storm events. Second, the existence of old and less‐mineralized riparian water between the river and the monitoring well resulted in bank‐storage‐driven EC breakthrough curves with earlier arrival times and the subsequent estimation of implausible riparian travel times.
Progress on Solar Photovoltaic Pumping Irrigation Technology
Authors: Gao Zhanyi , Zhang Yunxin , Gao Lihui , Li Ruoxi
Published: December 2017

Solar energy is considered a clean and renewable and safe energy source. With the development of photovoltaic (PV) technology and reduction in costs of PV cells and modules, solar PV pumping irrigation has been widely applied throughout the world. Applying together with micro irrigation technology, PV pumping irrigation has demonstrated a robust fusion in rural development, ecological conservation, and a viable technology for increasing farmers’ incomes and living standards by reducing poverty, and improving the living conditions of women by reducing labour intensity. This paper presents innovations in solar PV pumping technology, and a new business model and policy for enhancing the extension of solar PV pumping irrigation technology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming Literacy Education in Urban Schools
Authors: Skerrett Allison , Williamson Thea , LeeKeenan Kira , Rubin Jessica C. , Land Charlotte L. , Hendrix Aimee , White Holland , Stump Nicole Harbert , Pryor Kim Nelson
Published: December 2017

Often coauthored by university‐ and school‐based educators, preservice teachers, and youths, this department column considers how literacies are best developed through context‐crossing partnerships among university, school, and community constituents.
Transcultural Cosmopolitanism: A Review of Literacy Lives in Transcultural Times
Authors: Kerr Kristine Rodriguez , Vasudevan Lalitha
Published: December 2017

This forum reviews a mix of resources (written texts, graphic novels, documentaries, and mixed‐media pieces) to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youths and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor‐based bioassays for dioxin detection: Thinking outside the box
Authors: Otarola Gaston , Castillo Hector , Marcellini Sylvain
Published: December 2017

Despite intensive media coverage and international regulations, man‐made persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins represent a serious environmental and health threat. Their detection by sophisticated chromatography technologies is highly complex, impeding the constant monitoring of food or environmental samples. This limitation has fostered the development of generations of bioassays exploiting the molecular function of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which binds toxic compounds and directly activates the transcription of target genes. Here, we review the rich panel of available AhR‐dependent bioassays and propose a novel classification based on the source of AhR, which can either be endogenously produced by cell types or tissues naturally responsive to dioxins, or exogenously introduced into a wide range of cellular contexts. In both cases, in vitro and in vivo strategies have been engineered to monitor the formation of molecular complexes, and the activation of direct downstream targets or reporter genes. We evaluate and compare bioassays based on exogenous and endogenous AhR proteins and discuss their specific challenges, strengths and opportunities for futures applications. Undoubtedly, the dynamic field of AhR‐dependent bioassays will keep providing new and original strategies to help protect human health and ecosystems from persistent organic pollutants.
Co‐exposure to fluoride and sulfur dioxide on histological alteration and DNA damage in rat brain
Authors: Wang Chong , Liang Chen , Ma Junjie , Manthari Ram Kumar , Niu Ruiyan , Wang Jinming , Wang Jundong , Zhang Jianhai
Published: December 2017

Fluoride (F) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are the two common environmental contaminants that are associated with neurotoxicity. The present study was conducted to explore individual and combined exposure effects of F and SO2 on histological alteration and DNA damage in rat brain. For this, male Wistar albino rats were exposed to sodium fluoride (100 mg/L NaF) and sulfur dioxide (39.3 mg/m3) individually and in combination for 8 weeks. Histological alteration in brain is evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin staining, showed shrunken neurons, darkly stained small nucleus and decreased cell numbers in F and SO2 exposed groups. The effect of F and SO2 on DNA damage was assessed by comet assay. The results showed an increase in ratio of tailing and tail length in F or/and SO2 administered rats. In addition, the proportion of grade II and III were also increased in individual and combined exposed groups. Compared with the individual exposure, the proportion the grade III was significantly high in combined exposure, suggesting a synergistic effect of F and SO2. These results indicate that the brain was more susceptible to the toxic effects of F and SO2. And combined exposure to these pollutants can lead more pronounced toxic effects on brain.
Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 induces cardiac fibrosis by mediating mammalian target of rapamycin activity
Authors: Sun Shuya , Hu Yuehuai , Zheng Qiyao , Guo Zhen , Sun Duanping , Chen Shaorui , Zhang Yiqiang , Liu Peiqing , Lu Jing , Jiang Jianmin
Published: December 2017

Cardiac fibrosis is involved in nearly all forms of heart diseases and is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins by cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). We and others have reported the possibility of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), the founding subtype of the PARPs enzyme family, as a novel therapeutic target of heart diseases. The cardiac fibrotic induction of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is mainly due to collagen expression, Smad3‐ and p53/JNK‐mediated apoptosis. However, the possible link between PARP1 and mTOR in the progression of cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, PARP1 protein expression, and the activity of mTOR and its three target substrates (p70 ribosomal S6 Kinase 1, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E­‐binding protein 1, and UNC­51­like kinase 1) were augmented; meanwhile, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) content was significantly reduced in the process of cardiac fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Sprague‐Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with 3‐aminobenzamide (3AB) (20 mg/kg/d; a well‐established PARP1 inhibitor) or rapamycin (Rapa; 1 mg/kg/d; used for mTOR inhibition) 7 days after abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) surgery for 6 weeks. Pretreatment of 3AB or Rapa both relieved AAC‐caused cardiac fibrosis and heart dysfunction. Overexpression of PARP1 with adenovirus carrying PARP1 gene specifically transduced into the hearts via intramyocardial multipoint injection caused similar myocardial damage. In CFs, preincubation with PARP1 or mTOR inhibitors all blocked TGF‐β1 induced cardiac fibrosis. PARP1 overexpression evoked cardiac fibrosis, which could be antagonized by mTOR inhibitors or NAD supplementation in CFs. These results provide novel and compelling evidence that PARP1 exacerbated cardiac fibrosis, which was partially attributed to NAD‐dependent activation of mTOR.
Decreased levels of serum exosomal miR‐638 predict poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Min , Jiang Ye , Yang Lu , Yan Shushan , Wang Yu‐Gang , Lu Xiao‐Jie
Published: December 2017

Currently available studies have implicated that exosome‐delivered microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in human cancer. However, the association of serum exosomal miR‐638 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. We aim to investigate the expression of exosomal miR‐638 in serum of HCC patients and its prognostic role in this deadly disease. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the survival of patients histologically diagnosed with HCC. Reduced levels of exosomal miR‐638 in serum samples from patients with HCC were identified by real‐time PCR. Negative association of serum exosomal miR‐638 with tumor size, vascular infiltration, and TNM stage was observed in HCC patients. Besides, the proliferation of Huh7 and SMCC7721 HCC cells were significantly inhibited when miR‐638 was over‐expressed in these cells. In addition, HCC patients with lower levels of serum exosomal miR‐638 had poor overall survival than those with higher levels of exosomal miR‐638 in serum. Our study strongly suggests that serum exosome‐delivered miR‐638 may serve as a novel circulating biomarker for HCC. Downregulation of miR‐638 predicts poor prognosis for patients with HCC.
Clock represses preadipocytes adipogenesis via GILZ
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Xu Lirong , Cai Tingting , Yuan Gongsheng , Sun Ning , Lu Chao , Qian Ruizhe
Published: December 2017

Adiposity is a worldwide health threat that needs to be prevented. Circadian gene Clock (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput) is closely correlated to adiposity; for example, weight gain, adipocytes size expansion, and serum lipid level rise in ClockΔ19 mice compared to C57BL/6J mice. However, the precise role of Clock during adipogenic differentiation is unknown. Herein, the circadian gene Clock is shown to regulate adipogenesis mediated by GILZ. Clock‐mediated attenuation and upregulation influenced lipid synthesis and affected the levels of adipogenic transcriptional factors, C/EBP‐β, C/EBP‐α, PPAR‐γ, and FABP4, both in vivo and in vitro (primary adipose‐derived stromal cells and 3T3‐L1 cells). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, reporter gene assay, and serum shock assay found that Clock transcriptionally regulated the glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ). Furthermore, GILZ attenuation could relieve the inhibitory effect of Clock on lipid synthesis and GILZ overexpression also reduced the promotion role of Clock attenuation in adipogenesis suggesting that Clock inhibits adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes via GILZ. The current results demonstrate how circadian genes are likely to regulate adiposity, affecting the adipogenic differentiation process, as well as, increasing the fat cells number. Therefore, this study may provide novel insights into the underlying mechanism explaining the correlation between Clock mutation and adiposity.
Cancer terminator viruses (CTV): A better solution for viral‐based therapy of cancer
Authors: Emdad Luni , Das Swadesh K. , Wang Xiang‐Yang , Sarkar Devanand , Fisher Paul B.
Published: December 2017

In principle, viral gene therapy holds significant potential for the therapy of solid cancers. However, this promise has not been fully realized and systemic administration of viruses has not proven as successful as envisioned in the clinical arena. Our research is focused on developing the next generation of efficacious viruses to specifically treat both primary cancers and a major cause of cancer lethality, metastatic tumors (that have spread from a primary site of origin to other areas in the body and are responsible for an estimated 90% of cancer deaths). We have generated a chimeric tropism‐modified type 5 and 3 adenovirus that selectively replicates in cancer cells and simultaneously produces a secreted anti‐cancer toxic cytokine, melanoma differentiation associated gene‐7/Interleukin‐24 (mda‐7/IL‐24), referred to as a Cancer Terminator Virus (CTV) (Ad.5/3‐CTV). In preclinical animal models, injection into a primary tumor causes selective cell death and therapeutic activity is also observed in non‐injected distant tumors, that is, “bystander anti‐tumor activity.” To enhance the impact and therapeutic utility of the CTV, we have pioneered an elegant approach in which viruses are encapsulated in microbubbles allowing “stealth delivery” to tumor cells that when treated with focused ultrasound causes viral release killing tumor cells through viral replication, and producing and secreting MDA‐7/IL‐24, which stimulates the immune system to attack distant cancers, inhibits tumor angiogenesis and directly promotes apoptosis in distant cancer cells. This strategy is called UTMD (ultrasound‐targeted microbubble‐destruction). This novel CTV and UTMD approach hold significant promise for the effective therapy of primary and disseminated tumors.
Orientations of graphs with uncountable chromatic number
Authors: Soukup Dániel T.
Published: December 2017

Motivated by an old conjecture of P. Erdős and V. Neumann‐Lara, our aim is to investigate digraphs with uncountable dichromatic number and orientations of undirected graphs with uncountable chromatic number. A graph has uncountablechromatic numberif its vertices cannot be covered by countably many independent sets, and a digraph has uncountabledichromatic numberif its vertices cannot be covered by countably many acyclic sets. We prove that, consistently, there are digraphs with uncountable dichromatic number and arbitrarily large digirth; this is in surprising contrast with the undirected case: any graph with uncountable chromatic number contains a 4‐cycle. Next, we prove that several well‐known graphs (uncountable complete graphs, certain comparability graphs, and shift graphs) admit orientations with uncountable dichromatic number in ZFC. However, we show that the statement “every graphGof size and chromatic number ω1has an orientationDwith uncountable dichromatic number” is independent of ZFC. We end the article with several open problems.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of Energetic Complex Magnesium 5,5′‐Dinitramino‐3,3′‐bi[1,2,4‐triazolate] Hexahydrate
Authors: Su Qiang , Wang Xiao Jun , Shu Qing Hai , Jin Shao Hua , Chen Shu Shen , Jie‐Li Li
Published: December 2017

Alkaline Earth metal (Mg) energetic complex with 5,5′‐dinitramino‐3,3′‐bi[1,2,4‐triazolate] dihydrate (DNABT) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single X‐ray diffraction. The thermal decomposition processes of the complex and DNABT were studied by means of the TDA‐TG technologies. Sensitivity tests reveal that the complex is more insensitive to mechanical stimuli than DNABT. Combustion behavior shows that 1 has good color performances.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Evaluation of Quinoxalino[2′,3′:5,6][1,3,4]thiadiazino[2,3‐b]quinazolin‐15‐ones: Derivatives of a Novel Ring System
Authors: Mousavi Mahsa , Bakavoli Mehdi , Shiri Ali , Eshghi Hossein
Published: December 2017

Quinoxalino[2′,3′:5,6][1,3,4]thiadiazino[2,3‐b]quinazolin‐15‐one, a novel fused heterocyclic system, was synthesized from a one‐pot condensation reaction of 2,3‐dichloroquinoxaline and 3‐amino‐2‐thioxo‐2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one under mild condition. Derivatization was performed on treatment of the titled compound with several alkyl bromides. In vitro antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated.
Synthesis of [15N]‐cholamine bromide hydrobromide
Authors: Szeto Judy , Lemoine Remy , Nguyen Rosary , Olson Lori L. , Tanga Mary J.
Published: December 2017

[15N]‐Cholamine is an isotope tag for metabolomics research, because it possesses 2 important properties: an NMR active isotope and a permanent charge for MS sensitivity. Here, we present a scalable synthesis of [15N]‐cholamine.
Trends of precipitation characteristics in the Czech Republic over 1961–2012, their spatial patterns and links to temperature and the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Beranová Romana , Kyselý Jan
Published: December 2017

Daily precipitation data from 162 stations in the Czech Republic over 1961–2012 are used to examine changes in seasonal precipitation indices, their spatial patterns and links to temperature and atmospheric circulation. The results show a divide between the western and eastern parts of the country as to trends in most precipitation characteristics in both winter and summer. Increases were more pronounced in the west, where Atlantic influences are stronger. In the eastern region, where continental and Mediterranean influences become more important, the trends are often inconclusive. Aggregated over the country as a whole, positive trends of mean precipitation as well as indices of precipitation intensity and extremes dominate in both winter and summer, and the mean precipitation trends are significant at a much larger percentage of stations than previously reported for 1961–2005. Spring is the only season with prevailing negative trends in mean precipitation and the number of wet days. The trends are least conclusive and close to zero in autumn. The trends differ for cold days (below the seasonal 25th percentile of daily maximum temperature) and warm days (above the seasonal 75th percentile). In contrast to overall winter trends, negative trends of mean precipitation, seasonal maxima and number of wet days prevail on cold days in winter. In summer, by far the most pronounced positive trends occur during warm days, when most precipitation comes from convective storms. Longitudinal dependency was found for most indices in winter and for mean precipitation and the number of wet days in summer. The different influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on precipitation in the western and eastern parts of the Czech Republic together with positive (negative) trend of the North Atlantic Oscillation index in winter (summer) may contribute to the longitudinal dependency of the precipitation trends.
Impact of food processing and simulated gastrointestinal digestion on gliadin immunoreactivity in rolls
Authors: Brzozowski Bartosz
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The enzymatic modification of wheat proteins during dough fermentation and its digestion as supported by peptidases of microbiological origin can result in the degradation of important peptides in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease. However, baking bread and the high temperature associated with this could change the physicochemical and immunological properties of proteins. Thermal changes in the spatial structure of proteins and their hydrolysis can lead to a masking or degrading of immunoreactive peptides.

RESULTS

The addition of prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), comprising peptidases isolated from Lactobacillus acidophilus 5e2 (LA) or transglutaminase (TG) in the course of fermentation, decreases its immunoreactivity by 83.9%, 51.9% and 18.5%, respectively. An analysis of the fractional composition of gliadins revealed that γ‐ and ω‐gliadins are the proteins most susceptible to enzymatic modification. Hydrolysis of wheat storage proteins with PEP and LA reduces the content of αβ‐, γ‐ and ω‐gliadins by 13.7%, 60.2% and 41.9% for PEP and by 22.1%, 43.5% and 36.9% for LA, respectively. Cross‐linking of proteins with TG or their hydrolysis by PEP and LA peptidases during the process of forming wheat dough, followed by digesting bread samples with PEP and LA peptidases, decreases the immunoreactivity of bread hydrolysates from 2.4% to 0.02%. The content of peptide detected in polypeptide sequences is 263.4 ± 3.3, 30.9 ± 1.5 and 7.9 ± 0.4 mg kg–1 in samples of hydrolysates of bread digested with PEP, as produced from dough modified by TG, PEP and LA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Enzymatic pre‐modification of proteins during the process of dough fermentation decreases their immunoreactive potential, such that fewer peptides recognised by R5 antibodies are released during the digestion process from the bread matrix. Immunoreactive peptides are degraded more effectively when digestive enzymes are supported by the addition of PEP. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Extra virgin olive oil aroma release after interaction with human saliva from individuals with different body mass index
Authors: Genovese Alessandro , Rispoli Tiziana , Sacchi Raffaele
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The interindividual variability observed in saliva characteristics raises the question of its relationship with variability in fat sensory perception, particularly in aroma compounds. In the present study, which aimed to measure aroma release from different individuals, eleven key aroma compounds of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) were monitored and quantified in dynamic headspace after an in vitro interaction between EVOO and human saliva. Therefore, 60 individuals were studied from those who were normal weight (NW), overweight (OW) and obese (O).

RESULTS

OW and O demonstrate a higher release of C6 compounds compared to NW. By contrast, NW have a higher release of C5 compounds. Pentanal and hexanal also increased after saliva interaction in a refined olive oil that is free from volatiles. Among the saliva samples with a higher release in NW individuals, only pentanal was different. However, the low levels of these lipid oxidation end‐products do not appear to be very important with respect to increasing odorous fat sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study demonstrate the important role of saliva in the aroma release of EVOO, indicating that humans can perceive it differently in relation to their body mass index. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of micro‐solid‐phase extraction for the on‐site extraction of heterocyclic aromatic amines in seawater
Authors: Basheer Chanbasha
Published: December 2017

An efficient on‐site extraction technique to determine carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines in seawater has been reported. A micro‐solid‐phase extraction device placed inside a portable battery‐operated pump was used for the on‐site extraction of seawater samples. Before on‐site applications, parameters that influence the extraction efficiency (extraction time, type of sorbent materials, suitable desorption solvent, desorption time, and sample volume) were investigated and optimized in the laboratory. The developed method was then used for the on‐site sampling of heterocyclic aromatic amines determination in seawater samples close to distillation plant. Once the on‐site extraction completed, the small extraction device with the analytes was brought back to the laboratory for analysis using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Based on the optimized conditions, the calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 0.05–20 μg/L with correlation coefficients up to 0.996. The limits of detection were 0.004–0.026 μg/L, and the reproducibility values were between 1.3 and 7.5%. To evaluate the extraction efficiency, a comparison was made with conventional solid‐phase extraction and it was applied to various fortified real seawater samples. The average relative recoveries obtained from the spiked seawater samples varied in the range 79.9–95.2%.
Tree roosts of northern long‐eared bats following white‐nose syndrome
Authors: Thalken Marissa M. , Lacki Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Spring emergence and summer maternity seasons are critical to long‐term survival of cave‐hibernating bats inhabiting geographic regions affected by white‐nose syndrome (WNS). White‐nose syndrome reached cave‐hibernating populations of bats in Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP), Kentucky, USA, in 2013, with significant declines in several species of bats that hibernate in MCNP during winter 2014–2015, including the northern long‐eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). To assess behavior and roost selection of individuals surviving to spring emergence and the summer maternity season, we radio‐tracked 26 northern long‐eared bats captured at various locations with differing habitat conditions in MCNP during 2015 and 2016. We tracked bats daily to identify roosting sites and patterns in use of roosts, describe habitat conditions associated with roosting sites, and quantify variation in size of colonies occupying roost trees. The average number of bats emerging from roost trees (3.58 ± 0.57 [SE]) was low compared with estimates for the species in studies completed pre‐WNS. Adult female bats selected trees within 6 roost areas with no overlap in use of roost areas between non‐reproductive females in spring and pregnant and lactating females in summer. Variation in roost tree and surrounding forest characteristics occurred across sex and reproductive condition classes, with males and pregnant and lactating females roosting at higher landscape positions than non‐reproductive females. Comparisons of roosting habitat models demonstrated the torpor model (decay class, stem diameter, canopy cover) to be parsimonious, regardless of sex and reproductive condition class, suggesting importance for choosing roost trees that facilitate use of daytime torpor. Such a strategy would promote energy savings and be consistent with behaviors anticipated for bats vulnerable to WNS effects during winter hibernation because these bats are potentially compromised in health and physiologic condition upon emergence from hibernation in spring. We encourage land managers responsible for roost trees of northern long‐eared bats to consider seasonal and landscape‐level variation in roosting habitat needs of these bats. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Acetylation of Glycerol over Highly Stable and Active Sulfated Alumina Catalyst: Reaction Mechanism, Kinetic Modeling and Estimation of Kinetic Parameters
Authors: Pankajakshan Arun , Pudi Satyanarayana Murty , Biswas Prakash
Published: December 2017

The Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) kinetic model was developed for acetylation of glycerol over highly stable and active 2 M SO42−/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst. The apparent reaction rate constants were determined by numerically solving the differential rate equations using ode23 tool in MATLAB coupled with the genetic algorithm optimization technique. The estimated rate constants were used to obtain the activation energy and pre‐exponential factor by using the Arrhenius equation. The estimated activation energy for direct acetylation of glycerol to monoacetylglycerol and diacetylglycerol was 7.2 kJ mol−1, for acetylation of monoacetylglycerol to diacetylglycerol was 37.1 kJ mol−1, and for acetylation of diacetylglycerol to triacetylglycerol was 26.6 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Gullies, a critical link in landscape soil loss: A case study in the subhumid highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Zegeye Assefa D. , Langendoen Eddy J. , Guzman Christian D. , Dagnew Dessalegn C. , Amare Selamawit D. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: December 2017

Land use changes in many landscapes result in gully formation, carving up agricultural land and playing a large role in filling up downstream reservoirs by connecting uplands with rivers. This includes the Ethiopian highlands. Our objective is to begin investigating the interaction of upland and gully erosion and to quantify the portion of eroded sediment originating from a gully to prioritize erosion control practices. For this purpose, a 5‐m deep valley bottom gully of the 13‐ha catchment in the Debre Mawi watershed in the subhumid Ethiopian highland near Lake Tana was selected. The upstream and downstream gully discharge and sediment concentrations were measured over a 2‐year period. The results show that the sediment concentration at the outlet was about 10 times greater than at the inlet. The sediment budget calculation showed that about over 90% of the sediment at the outlet originated from within the gully. Hysteresis analysis of the sediment concentration discharge relationship showed that sediment supply from the upland was limited, but sediment was always available to be eroded and transported in the gully because of bank failures and headcut retreat. Thus, to reduce sediment loads in rivers and consequent adverse downstream impacts, designing cost‐effective measures to treat gullies should be a priority in the subhumid Ethiopian highlands.
Elements of Effective Employee Relations
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: December 2017

This continues the article began in last month's “From the Editor” column.
Potential characterization of yeasts isolated from Kazak artisanal cheese to produce flavoring compounds
Authors: Zheng Xiaoji , Li Kaixiong , Shi Xuewei , Ni Yongqing , Li Baokun , Zhuge Bin
Published: December 2017

Cheese is a typical handcrafted fermented food in Kazak minority from the Uighur Autonomy Region in China and Central Asia. Among the microbial community that is responsible for Kazak cheese fermentation, yeasts play important role in flavor formation during ripening. To develop ripening cultures, we isolated 123 yeasts from 25 cheese products in Kazak, and identified 87 isolates by the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene sequence. Pichia kudriavzevii was the dominant yeast in Kazak cheese, followed by Kluyveromyces marxianus and Kluyveromyces lactis. Of these, the ability to exhibit enzyme of dominant isolates and contribution to the typical flavor of cheeses was assessed. Enzyme producing yeast strains were inoculated in Hazak cheese‐like medium and volatile compounds were identified by head space solid phase micro extraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Pichia kudriavzevii N‐X displayed the strongest extracellular proteolytic and activity on skim milk agar and produced a range of aroma compounds (ethanol, ethyl acetate, 3‐methylbutanol, and acetic acid) for Kazak cheese flavor, could be explored as ripening cultures in commercial production of Kazak cheeses.
Rating scales for cognition in Huntington's disease: Critique and recommendations
Authors: Mestre Tiago A. , Bachoud‐Lévi Anne‐Catherine , Marinus Johan , Stout Julie C. , Paulsen Jane S. , Como Peter , Duff Kevin , Sampaio Cristina , Goetz Christopher G. , Cubo Esther , Stebbins Glenn T. , Martinez‐Martin Pablo ,   the Members of the MDS Committee on Rating Scales Development
Published: December 2017

Cognitive impairment is one of the main features of Huntington's disease and is present across the disease spectrum. As part of the International Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored project to review all clinical rating scales used in Huntington's disease, a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify cognitive scales used in Huntington's disease and make recommendations for their use. A total of 17 cognitive scales were identified and evaluated. None of the scales met criteria for a “recommended” status. For assessing severity of cognitive dysfunction, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was “recommended with caveats.” The UHDRS Cognitive Assessment, the UHDRS‐For Advanced Patients cognitive section, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale, the Frontal Assessment Battery, the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status were “suggested” for evaluating severity of cognitive impairment. The MoCA was “suggested” as a screening tool for cognitive impairment. The major challenge in the assessment of cognition in Huntington's disease is the lack of a formal definition of dementia and/or mild cognitive impairment in this disease. The committee concluded that there is a need to further validate currently available cognitive scales in Huntington's disease, but that it is premature to recommend the development of new scales. Recently developed Huntington's disease‐specific scales, such as the Huntington's Disease‐Cognitive Assessment Battery, hold promise but require the completion of more comprehensive clinimetric development. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence of and indications for antipsychotic use in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bower James H. , Grossardt Brandon R. , Rocca Walter A. , Savica Rodolfo
Published: December 2017

Background: The prevalence of patients with PD taking antipsychotics is unknown.

Objective: To measure the prevalence of patients with PD taking antipsychotics.

Methods: We used the medical records‐linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project to study the use of antipsychotic medication in all persons with Parkinson disease in Olmsted County, Minnesota on 1 January 2006.

Results: There were 296 patients with PD in Olmsted County on 1 January 2006. The overall prevalence of antipsychotic use was 9.8% (29 of 296); 95.5% (28 of 29) of the patients had dementia when initiating antipsychotics. The most frequent indication (71.4%; 20 of 28) was psychosis or behavior threatening to the patient or others.

Conclusions: The prevalence of antipsychotic use in patients with PD is lower than expected from previously reported cumulative incidences. Dementia is highly prevalent in those starting antipsychotics. Most of the patients on antipsychotics had a reasonable risk‐benefit ratio for taking them. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of camicinal in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Marrinan Sarah L. , Otiker Tal , Vasist Lakshmi S. , Gibson Rachel A. , Sarai Bhopinder K. , Barton Matthew E. , Richards Duncan B. , Hellström Per M. , Nyholm Dag , Dukes George E. , Burn David J.
Published: December 2017

Background: Delayed gastric emptying may impair l‐dopa absorption, contributing to motor fluctuations. We evaluated the effect of camicinal (GSK962040), a gastroprokinetic, on the absorption of l‐dopa and symptoms of PD.

Methods: Phase II, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Participants were randomized to receive camicinal 50 mg once‐daily (n = 38) or placebo (n = 20) for 7 to 9 days.

Results: l‐dopa exposure was similar with coadministration of camicinal compared to placebo. Median time to maximum l‐dopa concentration was reduced, indicating more rapid absorption of l‐dopa. Camicinal resulted in significant reduction in OFF time (–2.31 hours; 95% confidence interval: –3.71, –0.90), significant increase in ON time (+1.88 hours; 95% confidence interval: 0.28, 3.48) per day, and significant decrease in mean total MDS‐UPDRS score (–12.5; 95% confidence interval: –19.67, ‐5.29). Camicinal treatment was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions: PD symptom improvement with camicinal occurred in parallel with more rapid absorption of l‐dopa. This study provides evidence of an improvement of the motor response to l‐dopa in people with PD treated with camicinal 50 mg once‐daily compared with placebo, which will require further evaluation. © 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Egg White Ovotransferrin‐Derived ACE Inhibitory Peptide Ameliorates Angiotensin II‐Stimulated Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Son Myoungjin , Chan Catherine B. , Wu Jianping
Published: December 2017

Scope

The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is a major contributor to the development of insulin resistance and its related complications. Egg white ovotransferrin‐derived tripeptides, IRW (Ile‐Arg‐Trp), IQW (Ile‐Gln‐Trp), or LKP (Leu‐Lys‐Pro) are previously identified as the inhibitors of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme in the RAS. This study aims at determining whether these peptides are effective in improving insulin resistance, and their mechanisms of action, in a rat derived skeletal muscle cell line (L6 cells).

Methods and results

Insulin resistance is induced by treating L6 cells with 1 μm angiotensin II (Ang II) for 24 h. Effects of peptides on glucose uptake are determined using glucose uptake assay, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation by immunofluorescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining, while insulin signaling pathway, Ang II receptor (AT1R or AT2R) levels, and NADPH oxidase activation are measured using Western Blot. Only IRW treatment significantly improves insulin resistance in L6 cells via stimulation of insulin signaling. IRW decreases Ang II‐stimulated AT1R expression, ROS formation, and NADPH oxidase activation.

Conclusions

Of three ACE inhibitory peptides studied, only IRW improves insulin resistance in L6 cells, at least partially via reduced AT1R expression and its anti‐oxidative activity.
Intake of Fish Oil Specifically Modulates Colonic Muc2 Expression in Middle‐Aged Rats by Suppressing the Glycosylation Process
Authors: Ma Yafang , Zhou Guanghong , Li Yingqiu , Zhu Yingying , Yu Xiaobo , Zhao Fan , Li He , Xu Xinglian , Li Chunbao
Published: December 2017

Scope

Dietary fats have been shown to affect gut microbiota composition and aging gene expression of middle‐aged rats at a normal dose, but little is known about such an effect on gut barrier. In this study, the changes in colonic Muc2 expression are investigated and the underlying mechanism is also proposed.

Methods and results

36 middle‐aged Sprague–Dawley rats are assigned to one of the diets containing soybean oil, lard, or fish oil (4%). The rats are fed for 5 weeks and then goblet cells, Muc2 expression, and inflammatory cytokines in the colon are measured. Proteome analysis is performed. Compared with the lard and soybean oil diet groups, intake of fish oil decreases the number of goblet cells, and inhibits Muc2 and TLRs expression in the colon of middle‐aged rats, which would impair mucus barrier. Several key enzymes involved in glycosylation process, including Agr2, Gale, Gne, Pmm2, Pdxdc1, Plch1, Pfkp, Cmpk1, and Rexo2, show the lowest abundance in the fish oil diet group.

Conclusion

Intake of fish oil at a normal dose downregulates colonic Muc2 expression. This negative effect of fish oil may involve the suppression of mucin glycosylation process.
Thymoquinone Can Improve Neuronal Survival and Promote Neurogenesis in Rat Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Beker Merve , Dallı Tuğçe , Elibol Birsen
Published: December 2017

Scope

Thymoquinone (TQ) has been used as a potential therapeutic for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Herein, we aim to investigate the effect of TQ on behavioral and molecular parameters in healthy rat hippocampus.

Methods

TQ (20 mg kg−1 d−1) is administered intragastrically for 15 days to adult rats. After behavioral tests, the hippocampal tissues are investigated at the histological and molecular levels.

Results

In both dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis 1, TQ significantly increases the number of hippocampal neurons. This increase is supported by a significant increase in the doublecortin expression on both gene and protein levels. In addition, TQ significantly decreases the amount of Caspase‐3 expression and the cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase, indicating a decrease in apoptosis. Further, ERK, GSK‐3, JNK, CREB, and iNOS proteins are found to be positively regulated by TQ. However, the gene expression of synapsin, synaptophysin, NGF, AKT, Bax, NFkB, and p53 and the protein expression of BDNF and nNOS are not affected by TQ.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that TQ has an enhancing effect on cell survival and neurogenesis in healthy hippocampus, rather inducing apoptosis in damaged neurons. This may proceed via ERK/JNK and CREB signaling pathways as a candidate acting mechanism for TQ.
Compressed NMR: Combining compressive sampling and pure shift NMR techniques
Authors: Aguilar Juan A. , Kenwright Alan M.
Published: December 2017

Historically, the resolution of multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been orders of magnitude lower than the intrinsic resolution that NMR spectrometers are capable of producing. The slowness of Nyquist sampling as well as the existence of signals as multiplets instead of singlets have been two of the main reasons for this underperformance. Fortunately, two compressive techniques have appeared that can overcome these limitations. Compressive sensing, also known as compressed sampling (CS), avoids the first limitation by exploiting the compressibility of typical NMR spectra, thus allowing sampling at sub‐Nyquist rates, and pure shift techniques eliminate the second issue “compressing” multiplets into singlets. This paper explores the possibilities and challenges presented by this combination (compressed NMR). First, a description of the CS framework is given, followed by a description of the importance of combining it with the right pure shift experiment. Second, examples of compressed NMR spectra and how they can be combined with covariance methods will be shown.
Expression of programmed death ligand‐1 on bladder tissues is detected in a clinically and histologically well‐defined interstitial cystitis cohort
Authors: Chen Yuke , Yu Wei , Yang Yang , Xiao Yunxiang , Cui Yun , Duan Jihong , He Qun , Jin Jie , Wu Shiliang
Published: December 2017

Objective

To investigate the expression of programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) in interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods

We reviewed the data of IC patients underwent hydrodistension plus bladder biopsy. Follow‐ups were performed. We assessed the degree of inflammation of the bladder wall on slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). We performed immunohistochemistry for PD‐L1 expression detection and for counting T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.

Results

The present study included eight men and 32 women. With H&E staining, we detected 13, 15, and 12 patients with mild, moderate, and severe inflammation. The degree of inflammation was negatively correlated with disease course (P = 0.018) and positively correlated with bladder pain (P < 0.001). Hydrodistension was found effective at postoperative 3‐month for 19 patients. Overall, 17, 15, 7, and 1 subject had no, mild, moderate, and high PD‐L1 expression, that correlated positively with the degree of inflammation. Compared with patients with no and mild PD‐L1 expression, patients with moderate and high PD‐L1 expression tended to have more effective hydrodistension outcomes (12 of 32 vs 7 of 8; P = 0.017). In the subset of 12 patients with severe inflammation, there were five of six patients (83.3%) with moderate or high PD‐L1 expression and one of six patients (16.7%) with no and mild PD‐L1 expression with an effective hydrodistension outcome.

Conclusions

Expression of PD‐L1 on bladder is detected in a cohort of IC patients presented with diffuse global glomerulation or Hunner ulcer. PD‐L1 expression is more common in IC patients with severe bladder inflammation.
The palaeopathology of the Ohalo 2 Upper Paleolithic human remains: A reassessment of its appendicular robusticity, humeral asymmetry, shoulder degenerations, and costal lesion
Authors: Trinkaus E.
Published: December 2017

The 23,000 BP Ohalo 2 human remains, from the Upper Paleolithic of south‐west Asia, have been described by Hershkovitz and colleagues as very robust but especially as pathological with respect to its level of humeral asymmetry and its large anteroinferior costal bony growth. Reassessment of its appendicular robusticity, in the context of western Eurasian and North African Upper Paleolithic human remains, indicates that the Ohalo 2 limb remains are unexceptional in terms of muscular enthesis development, diaphyseal cross‐sectional shape, and major long bone diaphyseal hypertrophy. If anything, the muscular insertions and the humeral diaphyseal robusticity are modest for an Upper Paleolithic human. Similarly, the level of humeral asymmetry, as well as humeral versus radial diaphyseal asymmetry, is well within Upper Paleolithic ranges of variation. None of these aspects require palaeopathological explanations. The minor osteoarthritic changes of the right clavicle and scapula are common and of little importance. However, the massive lower thoracic ossification of the caudal sternum, ribs 6 and 7 and the intervening costal cartilages, has implications beyond the differential diagnosis of Hershkovitz and colleagues. It indicates constraints on thoracic expansion and hence on elevated respiration; as such, it would have placed limitations on the activity levels of this Upper Paleolithic forager. Ohalo 2 therefore joins a growing sample of Upper Paleolithic humans with serious developmental or degenerative abnormalities.