bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gully and soil and water conservation structure densities in semi‐arid northern Ethiopia over the last 80 years
Authors: Guyassa Etefa , Frankl Amaury , Zenebe Amanuel , Poesen Jean , Nyssen Jan
Published: February 2018

Gullies have been a common phenomenon in semi‐arid northern Ethiopia for the last centuries. However, soil and water conservation (SWC) structures have been implemented for a long time to curb soil erosion. Though, like most of the affected areas worldwide, density and distribution of gullies and SWC structures, their causes and interrelations are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to develop a technique for mapping these densities of gullies and SWC structures, to explain their spatial distribution and to analyze changes over the period 1935–2014. Aerial photographs from 1935 to 1936 and Google Earth images from 2014 of the 5142 km2 Geba catchment were used. Transect lines were established to count gullies and SWC structures in order to calculate densities. On average, a gully density of 1.14 km km−2 was measured in 1935–1936 of which the larger portion (75%) were vegetated, indicating they were not very active. Over 80 years, gully density has significantly increased to 1.59 km km−2 with less vegetation growing in their channel, but 66% of these gullies were treated with check dams. There was c. 3 km km−2 of indigenous SWC structures (daget or lynchets) in 1935–1936 whereas a high density (20 km km−2) of introduced SWC structures (mainly stone bunds and terraces) were observed in 2014. The density of gullies is positively correlated with slope gradient and shrubland cover and negatively with cropland cover, whereas the density of SWC structures significantly increased with increasing cropland cover. Density maps of gullies and SWC structures indicate sensitive areas to gully formation and priority areas for the implementation of SWC structures in Geba catchment. The obtained results illustrate the feasibility of the methods applied to map the density of gullies and SWC structures in mountainous areas. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Logic Underlying a Research‐Based College Access Program: Depicting the Theory of Change of the Princeton University Preparatory Program
Authors: Millett Catherine M. , Saunders Stephanie R. , Kevelson Marisol J. C.
Published: February 2018

The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is a high‐touch, intensive college access program aimed at providing a multiyear college preparation experience to high‐achieving, low‐income students in the Princeton, New Jersey, area. This report presents the theory of change and logic model of PUPP, detailing the theoretical basis for the expectation that PUPP inputs, resources, and activities will lead to the expected program outcomes, which include that program participants gain admittance to and graduate from selective colleges and universities providing comprehensive financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships.
A Simulation Study to Compare Nonequivalent Groups With Anchor Test Equating and Pseudo‐Equivalent Group Linking
Authors: Lu Ru , Guo Hongwen
Published: February 2018

In this paper we compare the newly developed pseudo‐equivalent groups (PEG) linking method with the linking methods based on the traditional nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design and illustrate how to use the PEG methods under imperfect equating conditions. To do this, we proposed a new method that combines the features of PEG linking and NEAT equating (referred as PEGAT) and compared it with NEAT and PEG. PEG mainly uses test takers' background variables to create PEG and then links scores on different forms whereas NEAT equating adjusts group differences in ability through the anchor test scores. The proposed method, PEGAT, uses background variables and anchor scores to adjust group ability differences. Using simulated data, these 3 linking methods were compared in 2 equating scenarios: small and large group difference in ability. The simulation design was based on real data on a test in operation. The test scores and the background variables were assumed to have a multivariate multinomial distribution. A log linear model was used to manipulate and produce simulated data. For PEG and PEGAT linking, 3 different sets of background variables were manipulated to study the impact of correlation strength of background variables to the total scores. Our results showed that NEAT linking outperformed PEG linking when the group ability difference was large, but that NEAT linking could be improved by incorporating the PEG adjustment procedure based on background variables. When the groups were similar in ability, PEG linking produced comparable results to NEAT. This finding justifies the use of PEG linking when a good anchor test is not available as well as the use of PEGAT when a good anchor is available but needs to be strengthened by background variables.
Facile separation of cinnamyl acetate and cinnamaldehyde based on host–guest complexation with β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Chai Kungang , Xu Zhijun , Zheng Lu , Zhou Liqin , Tong Zhangfa , Ji Hongbing
Published: February 2018

A selective inclusion of cinnamyl acetate (CAc) is observed during the complexation of CAc and cinnamaldehyde (CA) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) in aqueous solution. To demonstrate the potential application of β‐CD for the separation of CAc and CA, the preferential affinity of β‐CD for CAc over CA was studied from conformational and thermodynamic points of view. Determination of the complexation geometries, performed by 1H and 2D (XRD), confirmed the inclusion capacity of the β‐CD cavity for CAc and CA. From the stability constants measured by ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and thermodynamic parameters measured by isothermal titration microcalorimetry, it was found that compared to CA, hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions jointly promote CAc to form a more stable β‐CD binding complex with 1:1 stoichiometry. Furthermore, the higher binding affinity of β‐CD for CAc (over CA) was investigated theoretically in terms of binding energy and inclusion geometries. The separation of the equimolar CAc–CA mixture was achieved by inclusion complexation in β‐CD aqueous solution. The effects of the experimental conditions, such as the polarity of the solvent and guest/host molar ratio, on separation performance were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the selective inclusion procedure exhibited a CAc/CA separation factor of 3.5, which remained stable after five cycles, indicating that β‐CD is a highly reusable host material.
Enhancing the fatty acid profile of milk through forage‐based rations, with nutrition modeling of diet outcomes
Authors: Benbrook Charles M. , Davis Donald R. , Heins Bradley J. , Latif Maged A. , Leifert Carlo , Peterman Logan , Butler Gillian , Faergeman Ole , Abel‐Caines Silvia , Baranski Marcin
Published: February 2018

Consumer demand for milk and meat from grass‐fed cattle is growing, driven mostly by perceived health benefits and concerns about animal welfare. In a U. S.‐wide study of 1,163 milk samples collected over 3 years, we quantified the fatty acid profile in milk from cows fed a nearly 100% forage‐based diet (grassmilk) and compared it to profiles from a similar nationwide study of milk from cows under conventional and organic management. We also explored how much the observed differences might help reverse the large changes in fatty acid intakes that have occurred in the United States over the last century. Key features of the fatty acid profile of milk fat include its omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio (lower is desirable), and amounts of total omega‐3, conjugated linoleic acid, and long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. For each, we find that grassmilk is markedly different than both organic and conventional milk. The omega‐6/omega‐3 ratios were, respectively, 0.95, 2.28, and 5.77 in grassmilk, organic, and conventional milk; total omega‐3 levels were 0.049, 0.032, and 0.020 g/100 g milk; total conjugated linoleic acid levels were 0.043, 0.023, and 0.019 g/100 g milk; and eicosapentaenoic acid levels were 0.0036, 0.0033, and 0.0025 g/100 g milk. Because of often high per‐capita dairy consumption relative to most other sources of omega‐3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, these differences in grassmilk can help restore a historical balance of fatty acids and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases. Although oily fish have superior concentrations of long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids, most fish have low levels of α‐linolenic acid (the major omega‐3), and an omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio near 7. Moreover, fish is not consumed regularly, or at all, by ~70% of the U. S. population.
Petrogenesis of rhyolite at Kalatage in the Eastern Tianshan, Northwest China: Evidences from geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotopes
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Luan Yan , Tang Haoshu , Tan Xijuan
Published: February 2018

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt was one of the most important sites for juvenile crustal growth during the Phanerozoic worldwide, and Eastern Tianshan, Northwest China, located in southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is one of the key areas for unravelling the accretionary processes and continental growth. Zircon U–Pb geochronological, Hf isotopic, and whole‐rock geochemical analyses are reported for the Upper Carboniferous Qishan Formation rhyolites from the Kalatage area in the middle of the Harlik–Dananhu arc, Eastern Tianshan, to investigate its petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. Zircon U–Pb ages obtained by laser‐ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) indicated that zircon crystallization age of the rhyolite was 299.1 ± 2.1 Ma. The rhyolites are classified as subalkaline and high‐K calc‐alkaline series with A/CNK values mainly lower than 1.10. The REE patterns exhibit right inclined curves with negative Eu anomalies, and the trace element spider diagrams show depletions in Nb, Ta, and Eu, which is consistent with the geochemical characteristics of the island arc calc‐alkaline magma suffered fractional crystallization. In situ zircons Hf isotopic analyses yielded positive initial εHf(t) values ranging from 8.0 to 11.9 and the two‐stage Hf isotope crustal model ages (TDMC) of 554 to 807 Ma. It indicated that the rhyolite was derived from remelting of juvenile crust. The geochemical data for the rhyolites indicate that they were probably generated in a suprasubduction zone setting. It is proposed that the North Tianshan oceanic crust subducted northward beneath the Harlik–Dananhu arc during the Late Upper Carboniferous, and the rhyolites were derived from remelting of juvenile crust and generated in a suprasubduction zone setting.
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma associated with immunoglobulin G4‐positive plasma cells and elevated serum immunoglobulin G4 levels
Authors: Azeem Nabeel , Ajmera Veeral , Hameed Bilal , Mehta Neil
Published: February 2018

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease is a fibroinflammatory systemic disorder with multiorgan involvement. Proximal bile duct involvement results in IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis, which is characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with abundant IgG4‐positive plasma cells and fibrosis. Differentiating between cholangiocarcinoma and IgG4‐sclerosing cholangitis can present a diagnostic dilemma. We describe an unusual presentation of a hepatic mass meeting multiple criteria for IgG4‐sclerosing cholangitis but was ultimately found to be cholangiocarcinoma. Several published case reports describe patients with suspected cholangiocarcinoma who are later found to have IgG4‐sclerosing cholangitis, but few reports have demonstrated the reverse. Distinguishing between cholangiocarcinoma and IgG4‐sclerosing cholangitis is challenging, and a high clinical suspicion for cholangiocarcinoma must always be maintained. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:349‐353)
The contribution of smokefree outdoor areas in achieving New Zealand's Smokefree 2025 goal
Authors: Murad Manal , Marsh Louise , McGee Rob
Published: February 2018

Issues addressed

With the adoption of Smokefree 2025, further commitment from local government to extend smokefree outdoor area policies is becoming increasingly important in the presence of high public support. The aim of this study was to identify local government commitment in the Canterbury/West Coast (CWC) region to the New Zealand Smokefree 2025 goal through provision of smokefree outdoor areas.

Methods

Document analysis of the different stages of council long‐term plans (LTPs) was undertaken, including 239 draft LTP documents, 5926 public submissions on these documents and 13 final LTP documents. A comparison between the 2015 final document and the 2012 final document was undertaken. Following this, semi‐structured telephone interviews were undertaken with council staff.

Results

No council had referred to Smokefree 2025 or smokefree community spaces in any 2015 LTP draft document. Each of the CWC councils received a number of smokefree‐related submissions, with the main theme being the extension of current Smokefree Outdoor Area Policy. The final LTP documents showed that 5 councils had included a brief statement about Smokefree 2025. Smokefree issues were mentioned more often in the 2012 LTP compared to the 2015 LTP.

Conclusions

This research highlights a need for more commitment by local government to achieving the Smokefree 2025 goal.

So what? There are opportunities for health groups to work with councils to try and enhance their overall commitment to Smokefree 2025 and promote wellbeing.
Metabolic obesity phenotypes and risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women
Authors: Kabat Geoffrey C. , Kim Mimi Y. , Stefanick Marcia , Ho Gloria Y.F. , Lane Dorothy S. , Odegaard Andrew O. , Simon Michael S. , Bea Jennifer W. , Luo Juhua , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Rohan Thomas E.
Published: February 2018

Obesity has been postulated to increase the risk of colorectal cancer by mechanisms involving insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. We examined the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, the metabolic syndrome, metabolic obesity phenotypes and homeostasis model‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR—a marker of insulin resistance) with risk of colorectal cancer in over 21,000 women in the Women's Health Initiative CVD Biomarkers subcohort. Women were cross‐classified by BMI (18.5–<25.0, 25.0–<30.0 and ≥30.0 kg/m2) and presence of the metabolic syndrome into 6 phenotypes: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy overweight (MHOW), metabolically unhealthy overweight (MUOW), metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Neither BMI nor presence of the metabolic syndrome was associated with risk of colorectal cancer, whereas waist circumference showed a robust positive association. Relative to the MHNW phenotype, the MUNW phenotype was associated with increased risk, whereas no other phenotype showed an association. Furthermore, HOMA‐IR was not associated with increased risk. Overall, our results do not support a direct role of metabolic dysregulation in the development of colorectal cancer; however, they do suggest that higher waist circumference is a risk factor, possibly reflecting the effects of increased levels of cytokines and hormones in visceral abdominal fat on colorectal carcinogenesis.
Financial constraints and productivity: Evidence from euro area companies
Authors: Ferrando Annalisa , Ruggieri Alessandro
Published: February 2018

Using firm‐level data from the Bureau van Dijk‐Amadeus database, we study the relation between firms' financial structure, access to external finance, and total factor productivity in several euro area countries along the period 1995–2011. To do so, we build a synthetic indicator of financial constraints using an a priori classification based on specific firm characteristics and measures of financial pressure, and we embed it into a production equation, which controls for the endogenous relation between labour decisions and productivity innovations. We find a negative and significant estimate for the elasticity of total factor productivity with financial constraints of −18%. This effect significantly amplifies in small, young, and private companies, it is likely to persist over time, and it increased during the recent financial crisis. A counterfactual exercise shows that peripheral countries are likely to gain between 19% and 22% of their average total factor productivity from free access to finance. Results are robust to several robustness checks.
ATTACHMENT IN INFANTS WITH CLEFT LIP AND/OR PALATE: MARGINAL SECURITY AND ITS CHANGES OVER TIME
Authors: Borghini Ayala , Despars Josée , Habersaat Stéphanie , Turpin Hélène , Monnier Maryline , Ansermet François , Hohlfeld Judith , Muller‐Nix Carole
Published: February 2018

This study examines the attachment quality and how this changed over time among infants who had cleft lip and palate (CLP), by conducting a prospective longitudinal study addressing the effects of this type of perinatal event on the parent–infant relationship and the emotional development of the infants. At 12 months of age, the Strange Situation Paradigm (SSP; M. Ainsworth, M.C. Blehar, E. Waters, & T. Wall, 1978) was administered to a sample of 38 CLP infants (born between 2003 and 2010) and 17 healthy controls. At 4 years of age, the Attachment Story Completion Task (ASCT; I. Bretherton, D. Ridgeway, & J. Cassidy, 1990) was administered to 32 individuals from the CLP sample and 14 from the control group. As reported in the literature, CLP infants display secure attachment behaviors as frequently as do control infants (55%). However, a more detailed analysis of the attachment scales revealed that CLP infants show more avoidance and less proximity seeking. In addition, a closer examination of the subcategories of attachment styles revealed that most CLP infants (71%) displayed distal attachment strategies such as the B1/B2 or A1/A2 subcategories. At 4 years old, CLP infants clearly displayed more deactivation and less security than did the control sample. Moreover, when detailing the evolution of attachment individually, almost 60% of the CLP children showing distal strategies at 12 months became deactivated or disorganized when they reached 4 years. Indeed, subtle differences in attachment behaviors at 12 months old—which can be considered marginally secure at that age—may reveal attachment vulnerabilities, which seem to be more apparent over the course of development.
Checking the Regulatory Slate
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

The to‐do list at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for 2012, and into 2013, ranges from revisions to the Total Coliform Rule to electronic delivery of Consumer Confidence Reports to the third round of regulatory determinations. It also includes such issues as continued stakeholder discussions regarding the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, perchlorate, the third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, and revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule. For a preview of the overall regulatory picture, be sure to read this month's DC Beat column. Details are provided about the five major regulatory issues USEPA acted on in 2011 to set the stage for what's coming in 2012 and beyond. Guidance is also given as to how future regulations may affect water systems, along with how utilities can become better prepared to address these regulations.
Search for Quality Transcends Time
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Since ancient times, designers, builders, and operators of water systems have sought the highest‐quality source water to deliver to the public. In this issue, Lorenz notes that Roman engineers searched for groundwater springs to feed the aqueducts they built because they knew their quality was higher than that found in surface supplies.
It Is All Source Water
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In this month's column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses the complexity of where our water comes from. There was a time when the answer could be simplified to “from surface water” (e.g., rivers, lakes, reservoirs) or “from groundwater” (e.g., wells, aquifers). That time has passed, and the answer is no longer limited to one or two types of sources. As a result, water management professionals have had to increase the variety of source‐of‐supply.
Accelerated Microbiological Testing in Membrane Water Treatment Systems
Authors: Tracey David R.
Published: February 2018

The water that St. John Parish in southeast Louisiana treats and supplies originates from a groundwater well that produces water of high organic content and color. In the past, the organics were oxidized and broken down by chlorination, but utilities are moving away from this practice because of the production of disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes and haloacidic acids. The utility has therefore sought to remove the need for chlorination from the injection point near the well and treat the raw water completely via cartridge prefilters followed by a bank of membranes in the treatment plant.
E‐mail for Business Success
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

Despite our dependence on it, it is important to remember that e‐mail is a relatively young business communication tool, and with that youth comes some behavioral concerns. Included in this article are five ways on how to use e‐mail better (and avoid ticking off co‐workers and business associates).
Is Water Blue or Red?
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

On November 6, barring some oddity like hanging chads, we will know who the president of the United States will be for the next four years. But what does this moment in U.S. history mean for water? Although we often like to think of water as a pure bipartisan liquid, a beverage of choice for both parties, that thought was being called into question for the fifty‐seventh presidential inauguration. That's right, water politics were at play, and this time it was not about how to make sure water is safe to drink or how to finance water infrastructure. It was about what people would drink at the inauguration.
Very Weird Customer Service
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In this month's column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses the importance of customer service in the water business.
A Voice for Water Service
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In this month's column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses the importance of promoting the value of water service and of building awareness of a community's water system to the quality of life.
Pilot‐scale evaluation of blending desalinated seawater into a distribution system
Authors: Zhang Yan , Tseng Tai J. , Andrews‐Tate Cynthia , Cheng Robert C. , Wattier Kevin L.
Published: February 2018

A pilot‐scale pipe loop test was conducted to evaluate the effects of desalinated seawater on corrosion, lead release, disinfectant decay, and formation of disinfection by‐products in the distribution system. Results indicated that the desalinated blend water did not increase corrosion of unlined cast‐iron pipes, coated cement‐lined pipes, or copper pipes. However, aluminum release from uncoated cement‐lined pipes was increased. The blend water also increased lead release from leaded solder. These results agreed with the predictions from corrosion indexes and earlier bench‐scale testing. Orthophosphate (1 mg/L) added to mitigate lead release was ineffective. Adding phosphate increased bacterial growth in unlined cast‐iron pipes and solder. Although chloramine decay was increased by desalinated water, this effect can be managed by controlling bromide levels and either reboosting or preforming chloramine. Desalinated blend water did not increase biological activity. In addition, the blend water decreased the formation of total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as expected but increased nitrosodimethylamine for unknown reasons.
Supplies of All Types: Blue to Gray
Authors: McGuire Michael J.
Published: February 2018

Along with abstracts of the issue on the topic of sources and supply, one of McGuire's favorite highlight is the interview with the A.P. Black award recipient for the September issue. McGuire personally knows the two whom he has interviewed the last two years. But it never fails. With their answers to the interview questions, he always learns something new. Besides being a top aquatic microbiologist, researcher, and manager, 2015 award recipient Mark LeChevallier is a devoted family man with eight grandchildren!
Communicating laboratory results through a Web site: Patients' priorities and viewpoints
Authors: Sabahi Azam , Ahmadian Leila , Mirzaee Moghademeh
Published: February 2018

Background

Patients can access laboratory results using various technologies. The aim of this study was to integrate the laboratory results into the hospital Web site based on patients' viewpoints and priorities and to measure patients' satisfaction.

Methods

This descriptive‐analytical study was conducted in 2015. First, a questionnaire was distributed among 200 patients to assess patients' priorities to receive laboratory results through the Web site. Second, those who agreed (n = 95) to receive their laboratory results through the Web site were identified. Then, the required changes were made to the hospital Web site based on patients' viewpoints and priorities. Third, patients were divided into two groups. The first group received their laboratory results through the Web site on the date had been announced during their visit to the laboratory. The second group was informed by SMS once their results were shown on the Web site. After receiving laboratory results, patients' satisfaction was evaluated.

Results

More than half of the participants (n = 53, 55.8%) were highly satisfied with receiving the results electronically. The higher number of people in SMS group (n = 9, 20.9%) reported that they were satisfied with time‐saving compared to other group (n = 2, 3.8%) (P = .04). Participants after receiving the results through the Web site considered the functionalities of reprinting (P < .0001) and timeliness (P = .017) more important.

Conclusion

Integrating laboratory results into the hospital Web site based on the patients' viewpoints and priorities can improve patient satisfaction and lower the patients' concern regarding confidentiality of their results.
Effect of prenatal mindfulness training on depressive symptom severity through 18‐months postpartum: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Felder Jennifer N. , Roubinov Danielle , Bush Nicole R. , Coleman‐Phox Kimberly , Vieten Cassandra , Laraia Barbara , Adler Nancy E. , Epel Elissa
Published: February 2018

Objective

We examined whether prenatal mindfulness training was associated with lower depressive symptoms through 18‐months postpartum compared to treatment as usual (TAU).

Method

A controlled, quasi‐experimental trial compared prenatal mindfulness training (MMT) to TAU. We collected depressive symptom data at post‐intervention, 6‐, and 18‐months postpartum. Latent profile analysis identified depressive symptom profiles, and multinomial logistic regression examined whether treatment condition predicted profile.

Results

Three depressive symptom severity profiles emerged: none/minimal, mild, and moderate. Adjusting for relevant covariates, MMT participants were less likely than TAU participants to be in the moderate profile than the none/minimal profile (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03‐0.54, p = .005).

Conclusions

Prenatal mindfulness training may have benefits for depressive symptoms during the transition to parenthood.
Protic Ionic Liquid Promoted One Pot Synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐(phenyl)‐7‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐4H,5H‐pyrano[4,3‐b]pyran‐3‐carbonitrile Derivatives in Water and Their Antimycobacterial Activity
Authors: Mohire Priyanka P. , Chandam Dattatray R. , Patil Reshma B. , Kumbhar Digambar R. , Jadhav Sunetra J. , Patravale Ajinkya A. , Godase Vijaya P. , Ghosh Jai S. , Deshmukh Madhukar B.
Published: February 2018

One pot three component reaction of 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methylpyran‐2‐one, 3‐methoxy benzaldehyde, and malononitrile in water using protic ionic liquid as a catalyst at room temperature afforded pyrano[4,3‐b]pyran derivatives. Protic ionic liquid has been proved to be an efficient and mild catalyst for the synthesis of pyrano[4,3‐b]pyran scaffolds due to their highly polar nature. The notable aspects of protic ionic liquid are easy availability, improved reaction rates, high product yields, simple workup procedure, recyclability, and reusability. Molecules docking studies have been performed on enzyme enoyl‐ACP‐reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The molecular docking simulation indicated plausible π‐alkyl and alkyl‐alkyl interactions between the amino acids and scaffolds. The synthesized derivatives have been evaluated for their in vitro antituberculotic activity against M. tuberculosis H37RV strain using Microplate Alamar Blue Assay method. Together, biological activity data and docking data showed that the tested scaffolds exhibited excellent antituberculotic activity.
Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Japan during 2014‐2015: Characterization of re‐emerging G2P[4] after rotavirus vaccine introduction
Authors: Khandoker Nusrat , Thongprachum Aksara , Takanashi Sayaka , Okitsu Shoko , Nishimura Shuichi , Kikuta Hideaki , Yamamoto Atsuko , Sugita Kumiko , Baba Tsuneyoshi , Kobayashi Masaaki , Hayakawa Satoshi , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: February 2018

Rotavirus vaccines have been available in Japan since 2011. This study conducted to monitor the trend of group A rotavirus (RVA) genotypes 3 years after vaccine introduction. A total of, 539 fecal samples were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in six regions during July 2014‐June 2015. Among them, 178 samples (33.0%) were positive for RVA. The most predominant genotype was G1P[8] (35.9%) followed by G2P[4] (26.4%), G9P[8] (21.3%), G3P[8] (4.5%), and G3P[9] (4.5%). The detection rate of G2P[4] was increased soon after vaccine introduction. Sequence analyses of VP7 and VP4 genes of the representative G2P[4] strains were found to be clustered in sub‐lineage IVa of lineage IV. It is noteworthy that one amino acid substitution in the antigenic epitope (Q114P) of VP4 gene was found in representative G2P[4] strains of the current study. However, it is unclear whether the change in antigenic epitope is due to the effect of vaccination or due to natural variation, warranting further continuous monitoring of rotavirus evolution after vaccine introduction.
South American precipitation changes simulated by PMIP3/CMIP5 models during the Little Ice Age and the recent global warming period
Authors: Díaz Leandro B. , Vera Carolina S.
Published: February 2018

Large climate variations have been detected from paleoclimatic records in some regions of South America during the last 500 years. Among them, the Altiplano and the subtropical Andes regions exhibited wetter‐than‐normal conditions during the 17th century within the paleoclimatic period known as Little Ice Age (LIA). On the other hand, both regions experienced drier‐than‐normal conditions in the second part of the 20th century in association with the recent global warming period (GWP). This study provides an assessment of the ability of four models of the third phase of the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP3)/fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) experiments in reproducing those regional rainfall changes and the associated large‐scale circulation features.

Climate models can represent qualitatively the temperature changes observed in South America in both periods, LIA and GWP, as compared to the control run, but they do not properly describe the associated precipitation changes. However, they can simulate, in some extent, the large‐scale circulation changes that previous works identified as important in driving the precipitation changes in both regions. Therefore, the assessment allows to detect the following changes in LIA (GWP): (a) equatorwards (polewards) displacement of the southern branch of the Hadley cell, in turn associated with wetter (drier) conditions in subtropical south America; (b) negative (positive) upper‐level zonal wind changes related with positive (negative) December, January and February (DJF) rainfall changes in the Altiplano; and (c) positive (negative) low‐level zonal wind changes associated to positive (negative) JJA rainfall changes in the subtropical Andes, being in turn related to hemispheric wind changes resembling a negative (positive) phase of the southern annular mode.
Human Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein‐1 T94A Variant, Nonalcohol Fatty Liver Disease, and Hepatic Endocannabinoid System
Authors: Martin Gregory G. , Landrock Danilo , Dangott Lawrence J. , McIntosh Avery L. , Kier Ann B. , Schroeder Friedhelm
Published: February 2018

Hepatic endocannabinoids (EC) and their major binding/“chaperone” protein (i.e., liver fatty acid binding protein‐1 [FABP1]) are associated with development of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) in animal models and humans. Since expression of the highly prevalent human FABP1 T94A variant induces serum lipid accumulation, it is important to determine its impact on hepatic lipid accumulation and the EC system. This issue was addressed in livers from human subjects expressing only wild‐type (WT) FABP1 T94T (TT genotype) or T94A variant (TC or CC genotype). WT FABP1 males had lower total lipids (both neutral cholesteryl esters, triacylglycerols) and phospholipids than females. WT FABP1 males' lower lipids correlated with lower levels of the N‐acylethanolamide DHEA and 2‐monoacylglycerols (2‐MAG) (2‐OG, 2‐PG). T94A expression in males increased the hepatic total lipids (triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester), which is consistent with their higher level of CB1‐potentiating 2‐OG and lower antagonistic EPEA. In contrast, in females, T94A expression did not alter the total lipids, neutral lipids, or phospholipids, which is attributable to the higher cannabinoid receptor‐1 (CB1) agonist arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and its CB1‐potentiator OEA being largely offset by reduced potentiating 2‐OG and increased antagonistic EPEA. Taken together, these findings indicate that T94A‐induced alterations in the hepatic EC system contribute at least in part to the hepatic accumulation of lipids associated with NAFLD, especially in males.
Curcumin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder by Modification of m6A RNA Methylation in Piglets
Authors: Lu Na , Li Xingmei , Yu Jiayao , Li Yi , Wang Chao , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian , Zhong Xiang
Published: February 2018

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) regulates gene expression and affects cellular metabolism. In this study, we checked whether the regulation of lipid metabolism by curcumin is associated with m6A RNA methylation. We investigated the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced liver injury and lipid metabolism disorder, and on m6A RNA methylation in weaned piglets. A total of 24 Duroc × Large White × Landrace piglets were randomly assigned to control, LPS, and CurL (LPS challenge and 200 mg/kg dietary curcumin) groups (n = 8/group). The results showed that curcumin reduced the increase in relative liver weight as well as the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase induced by LPS injection in the plasma and liver of weaning piglets (p < 0.05). The amounts of total cholesterol and triacylglycerols were decreased by curcumin compared to that by the LPS injection (p < 0.05). Additionally, curcumin reduced the expression of Bcl‐2 and Bax mRNA, whereas it increased the p53 mRNA level in the liver (p < 0.05). Curcumin inhibited the enhancement of SREBP‐1c and SCD‐1 mRNA levels induced by LPS in the liver. Notably, dietary curcumin affected the expression of METTL3, METTL14, ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 mRNA, and increased the abundance of m6A in the liver of piglets. In conclusion, the protective effect of curcumin in LPS‐induced liver injury and hepatic lipid metabolism disruption might be due to the increase in m6A RNA methylation. Our study provides mechanistic insights into the effect of curcumin in protecting against hepatic injury during inflammation and metabolic diseases.
Spherical and Worm‐Like Micelles from Fructose‐Functionalized Polyether Block Copolymers
Authors: Majdanski Tobias C. , Pretzel David , Czaplewska Justyna A. , Vitz Jürgen , Sungur Pelin , Höppener Stephanie , Schubert Stephanie , Schacher Felix H. , Schubert Ulrich S. , Gottschaldt Michael
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of d‐fructose modified poly(ethylene glycol) (Fru‐PEG) and fructose modified poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ethyl hexyl glycidyl ether) (Fru‐PEG‐b‐PEHG) that are both prepared by initiation with isopropyliden protected fructose, followed by deprotection of the sugar. The block copolymers are self‐assembled into micelles, and are subsequently characterized by cryo‐TEM and dynamic light scattering. The fluorescent dye Nile red is encapsulated as a model hydrophobic compound and fluorescent marker to perform initial uptake tests with breast cancer cells. The uptake of sugar and nonsugar decorated micelles is compared.
Corrosion mechanism of low‐alloy steel used for flexible pipe in vapor‐saturated H2S/CO2 and H2S/CO2‐saturated brine conditions
Authors: Liu Zhenguang , Gao Xiuhua , Du Linxiu , Li Jianping , Zheng Chuanbo , Wang Xiaonan
Published: February 2018

Immersion experiment was used to elucidate the corrosion mechanism of low‐alloy pipeline steel exposed to vapor‐saturated H2S/CO2 and H2S/CO2‐saturated brine conditions in terms of microstructure, corrosion kinetics, corrosion products, surface/cross‐sectional morphology, and elemental distribution. The experimental results demonstrate that the microstructure of designed steel is tempered martensite, and the corrosion rate in H2S/CO2‐saturated brine condition is larger than that in vapor‐saturated H2S/CO2 condition. The main corrosion product in two corrosion conditions is FeS, which shows various crystal structures. The size of corrosion products formed in vapor‐saturated H2S/CO2 condition is smaller than that of corrosion products formed in H2S/CO2‐saturated brine condition, which contributes to the difference of water chemistry in two corrosion conditions. Cr‐rich compounds are primarily formed on the coupons surface of two corrosion conditions. The schematic models of corrosion mechanism in vapor‐saturated H2S/CO2 condition and H2S/CO2‐saturated brine condition are proposed based on experimental results.
First‐line nurse managers’ perceptions of the challenges involved in decision‐making when older patients’ wish to die
Authors: Holm Anne Lise , Berland Astrid Karin , Birkeland Arvid Karl , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore first‐line nurse managers’ perceptions of the challenges involved in decision‐making concerning older patients who wish to die.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design in three communities in Norway between January 2016 and June 2016.

Methods

Qualitative focus group interviews with eight first‐line nurse managers.

Results

One main theme and two themes were identified: Struggling to make the right decision, The challenge of social isolation and loneliness and When life becomes too painful and problematic. The sub‐themes revealed that: Arranging social meeting places where the older patients can talk to other older people is crucial. The participants explained that it was not an easy task to gain an overview of the older patients situation. The right decision could be encouraging the patients to talk about their problems by giving them more time, thereby showing that somebody cares about them.
A local radial basis function collocation method to solve the variable‐order time fractional diffusion equation in a two‐dimensional irregular domain
Authors: Wei Song , Chen Wen , Zhang Yong , Wei Hui , Garrard Rhiannon M.
Published: February 2018

The local radial basis function (RBF) method is a promising solver for variable‐order time fractional diffusion equation (TFDE), as it overcomes the computational burden of the traditional global method. Application of the local RBF method is limited to Fickian diffusion, while real‐world diffusion is usually non‐Fickian in multiple dimensions. This article is the first to extend the application of the local RBF method to two‐dimensional, variable‐order, time fractional diffusion equation in complex shaped domains. One of the main advantages of the local RBF method is that only the nodes located in the subdomain, surrounding the local point, need to be considered when calculating the numerical solution at this point. This approach can perform well with large scale problems and can also mitigate otherwise ill‐conditioned problems. The proposed numerical approach is checked against two examples with curved boundaries and known analytical solutions. Shape parameter and subdomain node number are investigated for their influence on the accuracy of the local RBF solution. Furthermore, quantitative analysis, based on root‐mean‐square error, maximum absolute error, and maximum error of the partial derivative indicates that the local RBF method is accurate and effective in approximating the variable‐order TFDE in two‐dimensional irregular domains.
Variational formulation and efficient implementation for solving the tempered fractional problems
Authors: Deng Weihua , Zhang Zhijiang
Published: February 2018

Because of the finiteness of the life span and boundedness of the physical space, the more reasonable or physical choice is the tempered power‐law instead of pure power‐law for the CTRW model in characterizing the waiting time and jump length of the motion of particles. This paper focuses on providing the variational formulation and efficient implementation for solving the corresponding deterministic/macroscopic models, including the space tempered fractional equation and time tempered fractional equation. The convergence, numerical stability, and a series of variational equalities are theoretically proved. And the theoretical results are confirmed by numerical experiments.
Phosphorylation‐induced lateral rearrangements of thylakoid protein complexes upon light acclimation
Authors: Rantala Sanna , Tikkanen Mikko
Published: February 2018

Understanding the mechanistic basis of balanced excitation energy distribution between photosystem II and photosystem I (PSII and PSI) requires detailed investigation of the thylakoid light‐harvesting system composed of energetically connected LHCII trimers. The exact mechanisms controlling the excitation energy distribution remain elusive, but reversible phosphorylation is known to be one important component. Here, we addressed the role of grana margins in regulation of excitation energy distribution, as these thylakoid domains host all the complexes of photosynthetic light reactions with dynamic response to environmental cues. First, the effect of detergents for the thylakoid membrane connectivity is explained. We show that a specific interaction between the separate LHCII trimers as well as between the LHCII trimers and the PSII and PSI–LHCI complexes is a prerequisite for energetically connected and functional thylakoid membrane. Second, we demonstrate that the optimization of light reactions under changing light conditions takes place in energetically connected LHCII lake and is attained by lateral rearrangements of the PSII–LHCII and PSI–LHCI–LHCII complexes depending especially on the phosphorylation status of the LHCII protein isoform LHCB2.
Transcriptome and phenotyping analyses support a role for chloroplast sigma factor 2 in red‐light‐dependent regulation of growth, stress, and photosynthesis
Authors: Oh Sookyung , Strand Deserah D. , Kramer David M. , Chen Jin , Montgomery Beronda L.
Published: February 2018

Sigma factor (SIG) proteins contribute to promoter specificity of the plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase during chloroplast genome transcription. All six members of the SIG family, that is, SIG1–SIG6, are nuclear‐encoded proteins targeted to chloroplasts. Sigma factor 2 (SIG2) is a phytochrome‐regulated protein important for stoichiometric control of the expression of plastid‐ and nuclear‐encoded genes that impact plastid development and plant growth and development. Among SIG factors, SIG2 is required not only for transcription of chloroplast genes (i.e., anterograde signaling), but also impacts nuclear‐encoded, photosynthesis‐related, and light signaling‐related genes (i.e., retrograde signaling) in response to plastid functional status. Although SIG2 is involved in photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis, the molecular bases for its role in light signaling that impacts photomorphogenesis and aspects of photosynthesis have only recently begun to be investigated. Previously, we reported that SIG2 is necessary for phytochrome‐mediated photomorphogenesis specifically under red (R) and far‐red light, thereby suggesting a link between phytochromes and nuclear‐encoded SIG2 in light signaling. To explore transcriptional roles of SIG2 in R‐dependent growth and development, we performed RNA sequencing analysis to compare gene expression in sig2‐2 mutant and Col‐0 wild‐type seedlings at two developmental stages (1‐ and 7‐day). We identified a subset of misregulated genes involved in growth, hormonal cross talk, stress responses, and photosynthesis. To investigate the functional relevance of these gene expression analyses, we performed several comparative phenotyping tests. In these analyses, strong sig2 mutants showed insensitivity to bioactive GA3, high intracellular levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) indicative of a stress response, and specific defects in photosynthesis, including elevated levels of cyclic electron flow (CEF) and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). We demonstrated that SIG2 regulates a broader range of physiological responses at the molecular level than previously reported, with specific roles in red‐light‐mediated photomorphogenesis.
Sensitivity of ivacaftor to drug‐drug interactions with rifampin, a cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer
Authors: Guimbellot Jennifer S. , Acosta Edward P. , Rowe Steven M.
Published: February 2018

The CFTR potentiator ivacaftor is responsible for significant clinical improvements among a subset of patients with cystic fibrosis. Because it is a substrate of the cytochrome P450 system, specifically CYP3A4/5, ivacaftor is subject to significant drug‐drug interactions, including due to commonly used antimicrobials such as rifampin. While the interaction of rifampin and ivacaftor has been examined in vitro, severe adverse events resulting from this interaction have not been reported in the literature. In this report, we describe the termination of steady, long‐term improvement in a patient taking ivacaftor, resulting from the use of rifampin and precipitating a significant pulmonary exacerbation.