bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NMR study of phthalide‐type poly(phenylene)s. Symmetry and additivity
Authors: Fatykhov Akhnef A. , Sedova Elvira A. , Egorov Aleksander Е. , Salazkin Sergey N. , Kraikin Vladimir A.
Published: May 2017

All 1H and 13C NMR signals of the four poly(phenylenephthalides): polydiphenylenephthalide (P(DPh)‐1), polyterphenylenephthalide (P(TPh)‐2) and two sequentially ordered polymers with different ratios of alternating diphenylenephthalide and terphenylenephthalide units (P(DTPh)‐3, P(DDTPh)‐4) were assigned unequivocally with two‐dimensional NMR techniques (1H–1H COSY and NOESY; 1H–13C HSQC and HMBC). There are four types of polyphenylene fragments: not symmetrical end, symmetrical inner, symmetrical pre‐end and formally symmetric pre‐end. The equivalent carbon atoms in these fragments have different chemical shifts. A full additivity of the chemical shifts for the side phthalide and polyphenylene carbon atoms was revealed. A new structure of diads with a mirror symmetry plane, passing through the middle of aromatic moieties, is proposed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ preparation and characterization of biocompatible acrylate‐terminated polyurethane containing chemically modified multiwalled carbon nanotube
Authors: Alishiri M. , Shojaei A.
Published: May 2017

Biodegradable acrylate‐terminated polyurethane/acrylate (APUA) filled with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT‐HEMA) was prepared by in situ free radical crosslinking. CNT‐HEMA enhanced crystallinity of soft domain and caused more phase separation between hard and soft domains of APUA. Tensile testing showed a considerable improvement in elastic modulus (∼160%) and tensile strength (∼30%) at 1 wt% loading. Morphological features of APUA induced by nanotubes were found to be dominant on mechanical properties of APUA/CNT‐HEMA. CNT‐HEMA increased water contact angle of APUA; however, wettability of APUA/CNT‐HEMA maintained in acceptable range for biomedical applications. APUA/CNT‐HEMA exhibited lower hydrophobic nature compared to many CNT filled polyurethanes reported in literature due to HEMA functional group, making APUA/CNT‐HEMA nanocomposites adequate for biomedical applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E297–E307, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
One Plant, Many Uses: A Review of the Pharmacological Applications of Morinda citrifolia
Authors: Torres Mylena Andréa Oliveira , de Fátima Braga Magalhães Isadora , Mondêgo‐Oliveira Renata , de Sá Joicy Cortez , Rocha Alessandra Lima , Abreu‐Silva Ana Lucia
Published: May 2017

Morinda citrifolia, also known as noni, is commonly used in popular medicine in Brazil. Many parts of the noni tree are utilized in such practices, including the roots, leaves and seeds. Through a search of online databases, the present article reviews 92 research studies on the biological actions of M. citrifolia. The paper will discuss the therapeutic effects of noni and its compounds in a variety of forms of presentation, focusing on studies that support its traditional use. A large and diverse number of properties were identified, which were divided into immunostimulatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti‐obesity, antibacterial and anti‐septic, antifungal, antiviral, leishmanicidal, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and analgesic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, wound healing, antiallergic, antiangiogenic, antiemetic and anti‐nausea, anti‐gastric ulcer and oesophagitis, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, photoprotective, anti‐wrinkle and periodontal tissue regeneration activities. While it was concluded that although M. citrifolia is widely and successfully used for the treatment or prevention of various diseases, it should be consumed carefully, and only after exhaustive studies into its chemical constituents and mechanisms of action, both in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as clinical trials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical analysis of the atmospheric ion concentrations and mobility distributions at a tropical station, Pune
Authors: Gautam Alok S. , Siingh Devendraa , Kamra A. K.
Published: May 2017

Measurements of ion mobility spectra in the range of 0.00133–3.16 cm2 s−1 volt−1 were made at a tropical station, Pune, India from March 2010 to December 2012. A total of 12 004 hourly averaged ion mobility spectra were obtained over the entire period. The average mobility spectrum shows three distinct peaks for the traditional categories of small, intermediate and large ions. However, to understand the seasonal variability and statistical characteristics of ions that justify their further division into five different categories, we have divided our data into five mobility ranges of small cluster, big cluster, intermediate, light large and heavy large ions. Our results show that small ions in atmospheric conditions at Pune can be further divided into two classes with the boundary at a mobility of 1.78 cm2 s−1 volt−1 (diameter 0.66 nm) where relative standard deviation of ion concentrations starts increasing instead of decreasing with mobility. Some but not all small cluster ions of negative polarity are likely to grow to the intermediate ion size. Further, the growth from small to big cluster ions is faster for negative than positive ions. In contrast to the observations of higher mean values of ion concentration in warm season than in winter at a midlatitude station, our observations show higher mean values of ion concentration in winter than in the warm season at this tropical station. This contrast in observations at the two sites is explained by trapping of radioactive emanations by snow at the ground during winter at the midlatitude site.

Our observations indicate that intermediate ions are generated by two independent processes, probably by growth of big cluster ions and by direct nucleation from trace gases. Further, the results indicate that the sources for light and heavy large ions are different.
Fertility preservation of patients with testicular cancer
Authors: Hamano Itsuto , Hatakeyama Shingo , Ohyama Chikara
Published: May 2017

Background

Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most common malignancies in young men of reproductive age. Although TC is a curable malignancy with a high survival rate, its treatment requires various cytotoxic modalities and negatively impacts spermatogenesis; therefore, the fertility preservation of patients with TC has been studied.

Methods

In order to give an overview of fertility preservation in patients with TC, the literature was reviewed. Original and review articles were identified and examined on the basis of PubMed database searches.

Results

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy damage spermatogenesis and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection negatively impacts ejaculatory function. Testicular sperm extraction facilitates successful sperm retrieval in patients with TC with postchemotherapy azoospermia. Although preserved sperm is used with a very low frequency (8%), the conception rates in those who have used sperm are not inferior.

Conclusion

The number of studies is limited, and because numerous treatment factors affect fertility, outstanding questions remain about preserving the fertility of patients with TC. Further studies are necessary in order to determine the best means of preventing and treating infertility in patients with TC.
The reliability and validity of three‐item screening measures for burnout: Evidence from group‐employed health care practitioners in upstate New York
Authors: Riley Moira R. , Mohr David C. , Waddimba Anthony C.
Published: May 2017

We investigate the psychometric validity and reliability of three‐item screening measures for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement comprising an abbreviated version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory®. Despite its utilization in multiple studies, the shortened instrument has not been sufficiently validated in diverse settings, populations, and organizational contexts. We examine its ability to assess burnout accruing from patient care practice in a rural, underserved area. Utilizing data from a cross‐sectional survey of 308 rural‐based medical professionals, we investigate how the three short‐form subscales of the nine‐item abbreviated inventory compare with their gold‐standard parent subscales from the original 22‐item human services scale in measuring corresponding dimensions of burnout. The findings provide significant evidence that the three‐item measures are valid and reliable proxies for the long‐form subscales. The short‐form measures are highly correlated with the original subscales and display high convergent and discriminant validity. Each of the abbreviated subscales manifests the kind of high sensitivity with adequate specificity that one would expect to see in a good screening instrument. We conclude that the short‐form measures can be utilized to rapidly screen human service professionals such as rural health care practitioners for symptoms of each of the three dimensions of burnout.
Evaluation model for multi‐microgrid with autonomous DC energy exchange
Authors: Werth Annette , Kitamura Nobuyuki , Tokoro Mario , Tanaka Kenji
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes an evaluation model to analyze the impact of microgrid topologies on self‐sufficiency for a given size of batteries and photovoltaic (PV) panels (resources). Three topologies are evaluated for a community of 19 houses: centralized resources (ideal case), stand‐alone resources, and a multi‐microgrid topology with autonomous exchange. Depending on the ratio of PV and battery size, the topology with stand‐alone resources has a clear disadvantage in terms of self‐sufficiency compared to the centralized, ideal topology. To counteract this, we propose a hybrid topology: households are interconnected so that they can exchange energy between each other based on an autonomous energy exchange algorithm we developed. We show that for a well‐chosen ratio of batteries and PV, the interconnected system can improve the stand‐alone design by up to 10% without requiring any additional resources. This topology can approach performance similar to that of a centralized microgrid but its design is more flexible and resilient to failures or accidents. The evaluation model computes the self‐sufficiency ratio (SSR) for the three topologies for 0–20 kWh batteries and 1–14 kWp PV sizes. Furthermore, seasonal differences in SSR per topology are analyzed for an actual community with real resources. We also calculate the savings in PV and battery due to the interconnected topology. Finally, the third topology's feasibility is demonstrated on a full‐scale platform in Okinawa on which the autonomous energy exchange software was tested for over a year in a community of 19 houses. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Trans* Leadership
Authors: Jourian T.J. , Simmons Symone L.
Published: May 2017

Focusing on emerging literature on trans* and gender‐nonconforming students and their leadership, this chapter outlines the ways trans* students are engaged in leadership in educational institutions and outside of them and discusses implications for staff and faculty regarding how to support and engage these students and their leadership.
Self‐Work on Gender for Leadership Educators: Reflections from Our Experiences
Authors: Lovette‐Colyer Erin , Lovette‐Colyer Michael
Published: May 2017

This chapter explores the need for leadership educators to engage in self‐work around their understanding of gender, particularly drawing upon the self‐learning from the authors’ personal experiences of facilitating retreats on gender.
Synthesis and Morphology of AgReO4 Plates, Rods, and Stars
Authors: Brütsch Lennart , Feldmann Claus
Published: May 2017

AgReO4 nanoplates and micron‐sized AgReO4 rods and stars are obtained for the first time from controlled particle growth in THF. [NBu4][ReO4] or [NMe4][ReO4] and Ag(OTf) (OTf: triflate) are used as the starting materials. The crystal growth is directed by the presence (i.e., plates) or absence (i.e., rods, stars) of trioctylphosphine (TOP) as a coordinating agent as well as by the temperature of the reaction (i.e., plates, rods in refluxing THF; stars at room temperature). Altogether, the growth of the respective morphology can be attributed to the availability and diffusion rate of dissolved Ag+ that is influenced by the reaction temperature and the presence of TOP. The differently shaped AgReO4 particles are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Fluorescence Chemosensor Properties of a cis‐Dioxomolybdenum(VI) Complex Containing Multidentate Hydrazone Ligands
Authors: Kurbah Sunshine Dominic , Kumar Arvind , Shangpung Sankey , Syiemlieh Ibanphylla , Khongjoh Iohboklang , Lal Ram Ashray
Published: May 2017

The homobimetallic molybdenum(VI) complex, [(MoO2)2(slsch)(DMF)2], derived from multidentate hydrazone ligand (H4slsch = disalicylaldehyde succinoyldihydrazone) was synthesized. The complex was obtained by reaction of the ligand with Mo2(acac)2 in 1:2 molar ratio in methanol. It was characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques. The structure of the complex was established by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The complex shows fluorescence emission, responds toward AlIII ions, and hence it can be used as fluorescence chemosensor for sensing AlIII ions. The sensing properties show that the complex is more efficient and sensitive towards AlIII ions than the rest of the ions used in the presented study.
Cognitive ability in young adulthood and risk of dementia in a cohort of Danish men, brothers, and twins
Authors: Osler Merete , Christensen Gunhild T. , Garde Ellen , Mortensen Erik L. , Christensen Kaare
Published: May 2017

Introduction

We examined the association between cognitive ability in young adulthood and dementia in Danish men, brothers, and male twins.

Methods

In total, 666,986 men born between 1939 and 1959 were identified for dementia diagnosis in national registries from 1969 to 2016. The association between cognitive ability from draft board examination and dementia was examined using Cox regression.

Results

During a 44‐year follow‐up, 6416 (0.96%) men developed dementia, 1760 (0.26%) and 970 (0.15%) of which were classified as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, respectively. Low cognitive ability was associated with increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR]per SD decrease 1.33 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.30–1.35]) with the strongest associations for vascular dementia (HRper SD decrease 1.47 [95% CI = 1.31–1.56]) and a weaker for Alzheimer's disease (HRper SD decrease 1.07 [95% CI = 1.03–1.13]). The intrabrother and twin analyses (taking shared family factors into account) showed attenuated risk estimates but with wide CIs.

Discussion

Low early‐life cognitive ability increases the risk of dementia before the age of 78 years. The association is partly explained by shared family factors.
Brexit
Authors: Clarke Harold D. , Goodwin Matthew , Whiteley Paul
Published: May 2017

In June 2016, the United Kingdom shocked the world by voting to leave the European Union. As this book reveals, the historic vote for Brexit marked the culmination of trends in domestic politics and in the UK's relationship with the EU that have been building over many years. Drawing on a wealth of survey evidence collected over more than ten years, this book explains why most people decided to ignore much of the national and international community and vote for Brexit. Drawing on past research on voting in major referendums in Europe and elsewhere, a team of leading academic experts analyse changes in the UK's party system that were catalysts for the referendum vote, including the rise of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), the dynamics of public opinion during an unforgettable and divisive referendum campaign, the factors that influenced how people voted and the likely economic and political impact of this historic decision.
Editorial
Authors: Zuidhoff Frieda S. , Bos Johanna A.A. , Rensink Eelco , Isarin René F.B.
Published: May 2017

This special issue contains papers presented at the conference ‘The Meuse Valley: 15,000 years of (A)biotic Landscape Development and Human Impact’. The conference was part of the annual meeting (Palynologendagen) of the Palynologische Kring (Dutch Palynological Society) held on 9 and 10 October 2014 at the Castle De Berckt in Baarlo (province of Limburg).
Constructing Norms for Global Cybersecurity
Authors: Finnemore Martha , Hollis Duncan B.
Published: May 2017

On February 16, 2016, a U.S. court ordered Apple to circumvent the security features of an iPhone 5C used by one of the terrorists who committed the San Bernardino shootings. Apple refused. It argued that breaking encryption for one phone could not be done without undermining the security of encryption more generally. It made a public appeal for “everyone to step back and consider the implications” of having a “back door” key to unlock any phone—which governments (and others) could deploy to track users or access their data. The U.S. government eventually withdrew its suit after the F.B.I. hired an outside party to access the phone. But the incident sparked a wide-ranging debate over the appropriate standards of behavior for companies like Apple and for their customers in constructing and using information and communication technologies (ICTs). That debate, in turn, is part of a much larger conversation. Essential as the Internet is, “rules of the road” for cyberspace are often unclear and have become the focus of serious conflicts.
Citrus consumption and incident dementia in elderly Japanese: the Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study
Authors: Zhang Shu , Tomata Yasutake , Sugiyama Kemmyo , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: May 2017

Although some experimental biological studies have indicated that citrus may have preventive effects against cognitive impairment, no cohort study has yet examined the relationship between citrus consumption and incident dementia. In a baseline survey, we collected data on daily citrus intake (categorised as ≤2, 3–4 times/week or almost every day) and consumption of other foods using a FFQ, and used a self-reported questionnaire to collect data on other covariates. Data on incident dementia were retrieved from the Japanese Long-term Care Insurance database. A multivariate-adjusted Cox model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for incident dementia according to citrus consumption. Among 13 373 participants, the 5·7-year incidence of dementia was 8·6 %. In comparison with participants who consumed citrus ≤2 times/week, the multivariate-adjusted HR for incident dementia among those did so 3–4 times/week and almost every day was 0·92 (95 % CI 0·80, 1·07) and 0·86 (95 % CI 0·73, 1·01), respectively (Ptrend=0·065). The inverse association persisted after excluding participants whose dementia events had occurred in the first 2 years of follow-up. The multivariate HR was 1·00 (reference) for ≤2 times/week, 0·82 (95 % CI 0·69, 0·98) for 3–4 times/week and 0·77 (95 % CI 0·64, 0·93) for almost every day (Ptrend=0·006). The present findings suggest that frequent citrus consumption was associated with a lower risk of incident dementia, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors.
“Triuwe” in Gottfried’s Tristan
Authors: King Robert D.
Published: May 2017

Words do not seem to matter equally in different cultures. Nor do they matter equally to all people. It is therefore altogether appropriate that an essay honoring Martin Joos should deal with the meaning of a word in a Middle High German courtly epic; for there have been few cultures in which words counted for so much as in medieval German courtly society, and there are few people to whom words matter so much as Martin Joos. I mean this of course not in the trivializing sense that mere words matter to the detriment of substance, but in the ancient, honorable sense that concern for words and their relations reflects profound involvement in and understanding of language and culture. To Martin Joos, then, I dedicate this exploratory study of triuwe in Gottfried’s Tristan.
Syllable Structure: The Speech Error Evidence
Authors: Laubstein Ann Stuart
Published: May 2017

A competence grammar of English must account for the English speaker’s ability to predict the shape of the regular past tense morpheme on the basis of the stem-final segment, faced, for example, with a neologistic verb like*rolkor*glag. But whether efficient processing of known words routinely utilizes this creative ability is another matter. Efficient on-line processing may favour selection from a store over computation. To what extent selection and computation are balanced in on-line production may even be different from the balance required in efficient comprehension.

It would appear therefore that not only is behaviour not a criterion for possession of knowledge — it is in fact only one kind of evidence for it — but also that the constructs required in characterizing competence cannot serve as the only criteria for determining the forms of processing. The evidence from both domains can support but not disconfirm the hypotheses of the other. Nevertheless, the grammars being produced within the generative paradigm are beginning to have the requisite richness of detail that must underly the capacity for language use. As such they provide independently motivated and sufficiently elaborate hypotheses regarding the structures and processes underlying production, allowing the production theorist a preliminary distinction between crucial facts and those best considered irrelevant.
Activities of rumen micro-organisms in water buffalo (Bos bubalusL.) and in Zebu cattle
Authors: Naga M. A. , el-Shazly K.
Published: May 2017

Two fistulated adult bulls of the Zebu breed and 2 fistulated adult buffalo steers were given a diet consisting of concentrate mixture (rice bran and cotton-seed cake in equal portions +2% calcium hydroxide + 1% common salt) and straw. This was later changed to an all-roughage diet of first cut berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) Samples of the rumen contents were taken for determination of protozoal differential counts, concentration and relative proportions of volatile fatty acids (VFA), rate of cellulose digestion, fermentation rate, and net growth of rumen micro-organisms. Further data were obtained for the 2 buffalo steers fed sweet Sudan grass. When the feed consisted of concentrate and straw there were significant differences in the numbers of protozoa and in volatile fatty acid concentration in the 2 species of animals. Higher protozoal counts were observed in the rumen of bulls (7·2−8·1 × 105organisms/ml) than in the rumen of buffaloes (2·6−3·6 × 105organisms/ml). Greater concentration of VFA was found in the rumen of buffaloes (5·3−11·2 mequiv/100 ml rumen liquor) than in bulls (4·8−10·4 m-equiv/100 ml rumen liquor). With berseem, the concentration of VFA in the rumen was generally higher (6·73−11·0 m-equiv/100 ml rumen liquor) and the protozoal counts were lower (2·8−5·2 × 105organisms/ml) but there were no significant differences between bulls and buffaloes.

The rates of cellulose digestion and the maximum fermentation rates were similar in the 2 species indicating a microbial population of the same order. Higher rates of cellulose digestion and of maximum fermentation when the ration consisted of berseem than when it consisted of concentrate + straw indicated a higher concentration of micro-organisms, mostly bacteria.
Hydrolysis of fat and protein in small cheeses made under aseptic conditions
Authors: Reiter B. , Sorokin Y. , Pickering A. , Hall A. J.
Published: May 2017

Aseptically drawn milk was made into small cheeses (100 g) under aseptic conditions. The influence of the cow's feeding régime on the composition of the cheese fat, and the hydrolysis of the cheese fat and protein by bacterial and native milk enzymes, was studied.

In the absence of a strongly lipolytic bacterial cheese flora, the free fatty acid (FFA) content of cheese appeared to depend on several variables:

1. The initial FFA content of the milk varied according to the mode of milking (the lowest was obtained by cannulation of the udder) and the feeding régime of the cow. When one of a pair of monozygotic twin cows was maintained on pasture and the other on winter feed (hay and concentrates), the cheese made from the milk of the latter contained less FFA than did that from the former.

2. The major changes in the composition of the milk fat of the cows on winter regime were an increase of myristic and palmitic acids from 8 to 11% and 21 to 28%, respectively, and a decrease in stearic and oleic acid from 11 to 7·5% and 38 to 28%; minor changes in the other fatty acids were also observed.

3. The milk lipase in raw milk cheese liberated substantially more FFA than did the weakly lipolytic lactic acid streptococci. Milk lipase was active at the low pH value of cheese, but was inactivated when the milk was pasteurized at 63°C for 30 min.

4. Although rennet did not produce any amino acids in the mature cheeses it hydrolysed some of the cheese protein to nitrogen soluble in water (WS), trichloroacetic acid (TCA-S) or phosphotungstic acid (PTA-S). Some of the WS-N appeared to be utilized by the lactic acid streptococci. The native milk protease resisted the heat treatment used and liberated amino acids at the low pH value of cheese, but its contribution to the proteolysis was relatively less important than the contribution of the milk lipase to the fat breakdown in cheese.

5. The free amino acids of the milk, which appeared in the whey, were not recovered in the cheese. The cheese made from unheated milk with δ-gluconic acid lactone contained low amounts of free amino acids apparently due to the action of milk protease. The proteolytic activity of the lactic acid bacteria increased the amino acid content appreciably.
Sulphydryl and disulphide groups in casein
Authors: Wallace G. M. , Aiyar K. R.
Published: May 2017

The method of Gaitonde (1967) was adapted for the measurement of cysteine and cystine in acid hydrolysates. Analysis of 3 different casein preparations indicated the presence of both cysteine and cystine in whole casein in the proportions of 1:1 by weight and in the molecular ratio of 2:1. If all the cysteine and cystine is associated with κ-casein then it appears that one mole of the latter contains 2 moles of cysteine and 1 mole of cystine. The sulphydryl group in whole casein appears not to be highly labile.
A pilot plant for the removal of cationic fission products from milk. III. Nutritional evaluation of the product
Authors: Braude R. , Glascock R. F. , Newport M. J. , Porter J. W. G.
Published: May 2017

As previously described, the process consists essentially of the passage of milk at pH 5·2–5·3 through an ion exchange resin charged with a suitable mixture of the ions of Ca, K, Na and Mg.

The nutritive quality of plant-treated milk was assessed in feeding experiments with weanling rats and 1- to 2-day-old piglets.

No deleterious effect was found with rats, but tests with piglets indicated that the nutritive quality of the milk was impaired as evidenced by a higher mortality.

Post mortem examinations revealed no specific cause of death.

The use of hydrochloric acid instead of citric acid resulted in a lower mortality, though not as low as that found in piglets receiving untreated milk.

The difference in mortality between animals receiving treated and untreated milk was not consistent and was not found in some experiments.

It is concluded that the milk is unsuitable for piglets and that its suitability for human infants remains in question.
Probiotic supplementation effects on milk fatty acid profile in ewes
Authors: Payandeh Shahab , Kafilzadeh Farokh , Juárez Manuela , de la Fuente Miguel Angel , Ghadimi Darab , Martínez Marín Andrés L
Published: May 2017

We hypothesised that probiotic feeding would alter the fatty acid (FA) profile of sheep's milk. Sixteen lactating ewes, kept under the same feeding and management practices, were randomly allocated to receive either a control diet or the same diet supplemented with a commercial multi-strain bacterial probiotic. Milk fat FA contents were monitored fortnightly for eight consecutive weeks from 14 d after lambing. Probiotic supplementation increased the contents of butyric and caproic acids in milk fat and had no negative effects on other relevant FA from the human's health point of view (i.e., no differences in branched chain, vaccenic, rumenic and n-3 FA were observed). Under the conditions assayed in the present work, the contents of milk FA originated from rumen microbial metabolism were scantly altered, which suggests that the rumen conversion pathways of FA were not substantially modified by the probiotics.
Effect of g.9476869G>A myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene polymorphism on the antioxidant activity of milk from Polish Holstein-Friesian cows of the Black-and-White variety (HO)
Authors: Pokorska Joanna , Poskart Karolina , Kułaj Dominika , Ochrem Andrzej , Dusza Magdalena , Gil Zygmunt , Świętek Ewa , Makulska Joanna
Published: May 2017

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an important enzyme, which is one of the components of the antibacterial system in neutrophils and monocytes. MPO participates in the inflammatory response in multiple locations in the body, including the mammary glands. As a result of the activity of MPO, many oxidising compounds as well as reactive oxygen species are generated. It seems that myeloperoxidase may be a marker linking inflammation processes and oxidative stress. So far, there are no literature data on the association between the MPO gene polymorphism and the antioxidant properties of milk. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of g.9476869G > A polymorphism of myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene and age of cows on the antioxidant activity of milk and other milk traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Polymorphism of MPO gene was identified by the PCR-RFLP method using the HphI endonuclease. The total antioxidant capacity of milk samples was measured by the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) method. It was found that the GG genotype was the most frequent (0·606). The genotype at the tested MPO locus and the age of the animals affected the antioxidant activity of milk. Milk from cows with the GA genotype was characterised by a significantly higher antioxidant activity than milk from cows with the GG genotype (P< 0·0001). The analysis of interaction showed that cows with the GA genotype and older than 6·5 years produced milk with a significantly higher antioxidant activity compared with younger cows with the same genotype (P< 0·0001), as well as cows with the GG genotype of all ages (P< 0·0001).
Effects of heating and calcium and phosphate mineral supplementation on the physical properties of rennet-induced coagulation of camel and cow milk gels
Authors: Kamal Mohammad , Foukani Mohammed , Karoui Romdhane
Published: May 2017

The physical properties of rennet-induced coagulation of preheated camel and cow milk gels (50 and 70 °C for 10 min) enriched with calcium chloride (CaCl2) and hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (Na2HPO42H2O) were evaluated using the dynamic low amplitude oscillatory shear analysis. The storage modulus (Gʹ) and loss modulus (Gʺ) of camel milk gels showed significant (P < 0·05) lower values than those of cow milk gels. The preheating of camel milk at 50 °C affected negatively the gelation properties, while the preheating at 70 °C prevented the formation of rennet-induced milk gels. No effect was observed on the gelation properties of cow milk gels. The CaCl2 added at 10 and 20 mM to preheated camel and cow milk reduced significantly (P < 0·05) the gelation time and increased the gel firmness. In contrast, Na2HPO42H2O added at 10 and 20 mM induced the formation of weak gels for preheated camel and cow milk at 50 °C, and even no gelation for preheated camel milk at 70 °C.
Presence of Mycobacterium avium subs. paratuberculosis DNA in milk used to feed calves in Portugal
Authors: Leão Célia , Botelho Ana , Martins Elisabete , Aguiar Carla , Rebelo Inês , Nunes Telmo , Bexiga Ricardo
Published: May 2017

This Technical Research communication describes results of a study aimed at detecting the presence of Map in milk fed to calves, and identifying possible risk factors for that presence. A questionnaire was performed on 37 dairy farms and waste milk samples were collected on 3 occasions separated by a minimum of 1 week. For farms not feeding waste milk, bulk tank milk samples were collected instead. A real time PCR for the detection of the IS900 sequence was performed for the detection of Map. A majority of farms (89·2%) fed waste milk, with only one pasteurising the milk before feeding it to calves. Results of the PCR showed that 51·5% of the farms that were feeding waste milk had a positive result for Map on that milk. None of the studied risk factors were significantly associated with the presence of Map in milk samples, possibly due to the small number of farms entering the study. However, the prevalence of positive samples for Map on PCR was 3·5 times higher for farms that bought in animals from a single origin and 1·9 times higher for farms that bought from multiple farms, when compared with closed farms. Having a calving area for multiple cows also increased the risk of a positive Map result by 1·5 when compared with single pens. The risk of having a positive Map result on waste milk was 1·6 times higher for farms feeding that milk to male calves and 1·4 for farms feeding to both male and female calves, when compared with farms not feeding waste milk. This study highlights paratuberculosis as one of the potential risks of feeding waste milk to calves, and the need for mitigation strategies to be in place to avoid unnecessary disease transmission.
Effect of homogenisation in formation of thermally induced aggregates in a non- and low- fat milk model system with microparticulated whey proteins
Authors: Torres Isabel Celigueta , Nieto Gema , Nylander Tommy , Simonsen Adam Cohen , Tolkach Alexander , Ipsen Richard
Published: May 2017

The objective of the research presented in this paper was to investigate how different characteristics of whey protein microparticles (MWP) added to milk as fat replacers influence intermolecular interactions occurring with other milk proteins during homogenisation and heating. These interactions are responsible for the formation of heat-induced aggregates that influence the texture and sensory characteristics of the final product. The formation of heat-induced complexes was studied in non- and low-fat milk model systems, where microparticulated whey protein (MWP) was used as fat replacer. Five MWP types with different particle characteristics were utilised and three heat treatments used: 85 °C for 15 min, 90 °C for 5 min and 95 °C for 2 min. Surface characteristics of the protein aggregates were expressed as the number of available thiol groups and the surface net charge. Intermolecular interactions involved in the formation of protein aggregates were studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the final complexes visualised by darkfield microscopy. Homogenisation of non-fat milk systems led to partial adsorption of caseins onto microparticles, independently of the type of microparticle. On the contrary, homogenisation of low-fat milk resulted in preferential adsorption of caseins onto fat globules, rather than onto microparticles. Further heating of the milk, led to the formation of heat induced complexes with different sizes and characteristics depending on the type of MWP and the presence or not of fat. The results highlight the importance of controlling homogenisation and heat processing in yoghurt manufacture in order to induce desired changes in the surface reactivity of the microparticles and thereby promote effective protein interactions.
Comparison of the immune responses associated with experimental bovine mastitis caused by different strains ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Blum Shlomo E. , Heller Elimelech D. , Jacoby Shamay , Krifucks Oleg , Leitner Gabriel
Published: May 2017

We studied the mammary immune response to different mammary pathogenicEscherichia coli(MPEC) strains in cows, hypothesising that the dynamics of response would differ.E. coliis a major aetiologic agent of acute clinical bovine mastitis of various degrees of severity with specific strains being associated with persistent infections. We compared challenge with three distinct pathogenic MPEC strains (VL2874, VL2732 and P4), isolated from different forms of mastitis (per-acute, persistent and acute, respectively). A secondary objective was to verify the lack of mammary pathogenicity of an environmental isolate (K71) that is used for comparison against MPEC in genomic and phenotypic studies. Twelve cows were challenged by intra-mammary infusion with one of the strains. Cellular and chemokine responses and bacterial culture follow-up were performed for 35 d. All cows challenged by any of the MPEC strains developed clinical mastitis. Differences were found in the intensity and duration of response, in somatic cell count, secreted cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17) and levels of milk leucocyte membrane Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). A sharp decrease of TLR4 on leucocytes was observed concomitantly to peak bacterial counts in milk. Intra-mammary infusion of strain K71 did not elicit inflammation and bacteria were not recovered from milk. Results suggest some differences in the mammary immune response to distinct MPEC strains that could be correlated to their previously observed pathogenic traits. This is also the first report of anE. colistrain that is non-pathogenic to the bovine mammary gland.
In vitro ability of mastitis causing pathogens to form biofilms
Authors: Schönborn Sarah , Wente Nicole , Paduch Jan-Hendrik , Krömker Volker
Published: May 2017

This Research Communication describes the study of in vitro biofilm formation of mastitis causing pathogens. Biofilms are communities of bacteria that are attached to a surface and to each other and are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor that may result in recurrent or persistent udder infections and treatment failure through increased resistance to antibiotics and protection against host defences. In the present study 252 bacterial isolates from milk samples from bovine udder quarters with intramammary infections were examined with Congo Red agar (CRA) method and tube method (TM) for their ability to form biofilms. Both tests revealed a high number of biofilm-positive strains. Literature reports that the cure rates for Staphylococcus aureus infected udders are lower (27%) in comparison to cure rates of Streptococcus uberis (64–81%) or coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) mastitis (80–90%). The findings of the present study suggest that biofilm formation is not the main factor for the differences in cure rates of the various bacteria genera, because all tested pathogen groups showed a similarly high proportion of biofilm formation. Further research is needed to detect microbial biofilms on bovine udder epithelia.
The Lichen Genus Endocarpon Hedwig in Australia
Authors: McCarthy P.M.
Published: May 2017

The status of the lichen genus Endocarpon Hedwig (Verrucariaceae) in Australia is reviewed. Ten taxa are recognized including the following newlydescribed entities: E. aridum McCarthy, E. crassisporum McCarthy & R. Filson, E. macrosporum McCarthy, E. robustum McCarthy, E. rogersii McCarthy and E.simplicatum var. bisporum McCarthy. Endocarpon victoriae Müll. Arg. is a synonym of E. simplicatum (Nyl.) Nyl. Endocarpon pallidum Ach. is reported for the first time from Australia. A problematical corticolous specimen from Victoria is discussed.
Institutions, Nationalism, and the Transition Process in Eastern Europe
Authors: Pejovich Svetozar
Published: May 2017

In the late 1980s, the actual accomplishments of capitalism finally made a convincing case against socialism. After several decades of experimentation with human beings, socialism in the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries (hereafter, Eastern Europe) died an inglorious death. To an economist, the present value of the expected future benefits from socialism fell relative to their current production costs. And Marx was finally dead and, hopefully, buried.
The relationship between the mitotic activity and moisture content of recalcitrant seeds ofAcer saccharinum(L.) during maturation, post-maturation drying and germination
Authors: Kozeko L.E. , Troyan V.M.
Published: May 2017

The decline of embryo moisture content from approx. 82 to 53% in 1997 and 56% in 1998 in recalcitrant seeds ofAcer saccharinumduring maturation was accompanied by decreased mitotic activity in the meristems and an increase in the percentage of cells in the G1phase of the cell cycle. DNA synthesis and mitosis in the root apex ceased at approx. 53% embryo moisture content, and 67% of the cells were arrested in the G1phase. During post-maturation drying, cell division in the shoot apex and embryonic leaves continued as long as the embryo moisture content was higher than 50 and 45%, respectively. Mitotic activity in the drying embryo may be controlled by its moisture level. Increased proliferation of the root, shoot and leaf meristems of the mature seeds was already recorded at 24 h of germination, before the root protruded through the seed coat. However, the increase in the embryo moisture content was small – from 56 to 59%. In the 3 d seedlings (10–15 mm long) the mitotic index reached 8% in the root apex and 12% in the shoot apex with leaves. Placing mature seeds in moist conditions might be necessary for the switch from proliferation decline towards its activation. Thus, in contrast with orthodox seeds, the preservation of cell division capacity and increased mitotic activity may be essential for rapid germination immediately after shedding in matureAcerseeds.
Effects of dehydration conditions on desiccation tolerance of developing pea seeds as related to oligosaccharide content and cell membrane properties
Authors: Corbineau Françoise , Picard Mari Ange , Fougereux Jean-Albert , Ladonne Fabienne , Côme Daniel
Published: May 2017

Germination and carbohydrate metabolism were studied in fresh developing pea (Pisum sativum L., cv Baccara) seeds and after artificial drying at 25°C and various relative humidities (20, 75 and 99% RH) to investigate whether the occurrence of desiccation tolerance was related to sucrose, raffinose and stachyose contents. Seeds became completely tolerant to fast drying at 25°C and 20% RH a few days after the end of reserve accumulation, i.e. when their moisture content dropped to approx. 50% (fresh weight basis). This acquisition of desiccation tolerance was associated with an accumulation of raffinose and stachyose, the latter being more abundant in the embryonic axis than in the cotyledons. The (raffinose+stachyose)/sucrose ratio increased during seed development and reached 1.1 in the axis and 0.2 in the cotyledons just before the onset of desiccation tolerance. When the natural acquisition of desiccation tolerance occurred on the mother plant, artificial drying of isolated seeds induced an increase in oligosaccharide content in the cotyledons. Immature seeds, the moisture content of which was higher than about 60% (fresh weight basis), did not tolerate fast drying (25°C and 20 or 75% RH). Such drying did not result in the synthesis of stachyose and induced an increase in electrolyte leakage, a decrease in the ability of seeds to convert 1-aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylic acid (ACC) to ethylene and an increase in ethane synthesis, thus indicating a deterioration of cell membrane properties and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, immature seeds tolerated drying either in the pods or at 25°C and 99% RH, and such drying induced a decrease in sucrose content, an increase in oligosaccharide content and a (raffinose+stachyose)/sucrose ratio higher than around 1. Soluble sugar contents of dried immature seeds depended on the conditions of dehydration. In cotyledons, the (raffinose+stachyose)/sucrose ratio reached 0.61 when seeds were dried at 25°C and 99% RH, whereas it was as low as 0.15 when drying was performed at 25°C and 20% RH. All the results obtained are consistent with the concept that oligosaccharides may well be involved in the protection of membranes during dehydration.
Survival of Red Maasai, Dorper and crossbred lambs in the sub-humid tropics
Authors: Nguti R. , Janssen P. , Rowlands G.J. , Audho J.O. , Baker R.L.
Published: May 2017

The survival rates of Dorper, Red Maasai and crossbred lambs born over a period of 6 years at Diani Estate, Coast Province, Kenya were compared using the Cox mixed proportional hazards model with a random (frailty) term for sire. Of the 1785 lambs born, proportionately 0·44 died before they were 1 year old. Almost half of these deaths occurred before weaning; a third were associated with mis-mothering and a fifth with gastro-intestinal nematode parasite (endoparasite) infections. Half of the deaths post weaning were associated with endoparasite infections, predominantly Haemonchus contortus. The Red Maasai lambs had a lower risk of death than the Dorper lambs with a relative hazard of 0·27 pre-weaning and 0·25 post weaning. Other crosses and back crosses had relative hazards in between these values and 1; there was no evidence of heterosis. Survival rates were different among years and appeared to be associated to some degree with variations in rainfall. There were highly significant effects of both birth weight and weaning weight on survival. Body weight, together with packed red cell volume and faecal egg count, were also introduced into the proportional hazard model as time-varying covariates. All three variables had major influences on survival. The risk of death over the following month in animals individually treated with an anthelmintic drug pre weaning was reduced by 0·61 compared with those not treated. The sire frailty variance estimate was similar to its standard error pre-weaning but larger post weaning. When adjusted for lamb body weight the sire variance post weaning increased to three times its standard error.
The influence of temperature on the activity and water use of farmed mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Hansen C.P.B. , Jeppesen L.L.
Published: May 2017

Submerging in water is used by many species as a behavioral mechanism to reduce body temperature, and farmed mink have been shown to increase their swimming activity during summer months. Therefore we investigated whether a maintained, seasonally independent, high ambient temperature would lead to more swimming in farmed mink. Twelve mink were housed in a temperature controlled room and subjected to two periods of four different temperatures (8, 16, 24 and 32 °C) with each temperature lasting 4 days. Although some types of activities changed with changes in temperature, the total level of activity was not affected. At high temperatures, the mink did not show any increase in either swimming or stereotyped behavior. It is concluded that within the limits of the experiment, mink will not use submerging in water as a thermoregulatory mechanism.