bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of transmitted motion in fetal lung: Quantitative analysis
Authors: Adler Ronald , Rubin Jonathan M. , Bland Peyton , Carson Paul
Published: January 2017

A simple two‐dimensional analytic model is evaluated for transmitted cardiac motion in fetal lung. The model treats the latter as being an incompressible viscoelastic medium. The mean radial deformation in an elastic medium is demonstrated to depend on a length parameter , where μ, ρ, and ω corespond to elastic shear modulus, mass density, and frequency of cardiac motion, respectively. Digitized M‐mode images are demonstrated as a feasible method to measure such deformations in vivo. Data for two patients are presented to illustrate the technique.
Constrained reconstruction: A superresolution, optimal signal‐to‐noise alternative to the Fourier transform in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Shirato Hiroki , Harrison Robert , Kornelsen R. O.
Published: January 2017

Many problems in physics involve imaging objects with high spatial frequency content in a limited amount of time. The limitation of available experimental data leads to the infamous problem of diffraction limited data which manifests itself by causing ringing in the image. This ringing is due to the interference phenomena in optics and is known as the Gibbs phenomenon in engineering. Present tehniques to cope with this problem include filtering and regularization schemes based on minimum norm or maximum entropy constraints. In this paper, a new technique based on object modeling and estimation is developed to achieve superresolution reconstruction from partial Fourier transform data. The nonlinear parameters of the object model are obtained using the singular value decomposition (SVD)‐based all‐pole model framework, and the linear parameters are determined using a standard least squares estimation method. This technique is capable, in principle, of unlimited resolution and is robust with respect to Gaussian white noise perturbation to the measured data and with respect to systematic modeling errors. Reconstruction results from simulated data and real magnetic resonance data are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
M2‐like macrophages induce colon cancer cell invasion via matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Vinnakota Katyayni , Zhang Yuan , Selvanesan Benson Chellakkan , Topi Geriolda , Salim Tavga , Sand‐Dejmek Janna , Jönsson Gunilla , Sjölander Anita
Published: January 2017

The inflammatory milieu plays an important role in colon cancer development and progression. Previously, we have shown that tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), an important component of the tumor microenvironment, are enriched in tumors compared with normal tissue and confer a poorer prognosis. In the present study, we found that matrix metallopeptidase‐9 (MMP‐9), which degrades extracellular matrix proteins, was increased in biopsies from colon cancer patients and in mouse xenografts with SW480 cell‐derived tumors. SW480 colon cancer cells exposed to M2‐like macrophage‐conditioned medium (M2‐medium) exhibited increased MMP‐9 mRNA, protein expression and gelatinase activity. A similar effect was obtained by the addition of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and leukotriene D4 (LTD4). MMP‐9 expression and activity were reduced by a TNFα blocking antibody adalimumab and a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1, the receptor for LTD4) antagonist montelukast. M2‐medium also induced changes in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, vimentin, and snail in SW480 cells. We also found that both M2‐medium and TNFα and LTD4 induced stabilization/nuclear translocation of β‐catenin. Furthermore, we also observed an elongated phenotype that may indicate increased invasiveness, as confirmed in a collagen I invasion assay. M2‐medium increased the invasive ability, and a similar effect was also obtained by the addition of TNFα and LTD4. The specific MMP inhibitor I or adalimumab and montelukast reduced the number of invasive cells. In conclusion, our findings show that M2‐medium enriched in TNFα and LTD4 promote colon cancer cell invasion via MMP‐9 expression and activation and the induction of EMT.
Mitigating the prescription drug abuse epidemic
Authors: Midgley Mike
Published: January 2017

Focused attention on the prescription drug abuse epidemic needs to include evidence‐based training for clinicians who manage patients with pain to facilitate accurate screening with consideration of comorbid conditions, diagnosis, selection of the appropriate treatment regimen, and focused monitoring of adherence to the established course of therapy. DEA licensure requirements need to be amended to mandate targeted training focused on pain medication upon initial application and renewal of license. A nationwide mandated real‐time dispenser database that requires verification every time a clinician prescribes opioids and other key controlled substances should be a top priority.
Deploying and measuring a risk and patient safety program
Authors: Orel Howard , McGroarty Molly , Marchegiani Heather
Published: January 2017

Health care continues to evolve at a rapid rate. Over just the past decade, the industry has seen the introduction and widespread implementation of an electronic health record, increase in presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to help manage the shortage of physicians, and the introduction of accountable care organizations. It is with these changes that new challenges and opportunities emerge. One such challenge is the increase in the severity of medical malpractice claims throughout the nation. Another emerging challenge is the introduction of outcome‐based reimbursements, with providers potentially losing a portion of their payment should the patient experience result in a preventable adverse event. These trends are resulting in providers continuously seeking innovative approaches to reducing risk and improving patient safety.
Partial purification, characterisation and thermal inactivation kinetics of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase isolated from Kalipatti sapota (Manilkara zapota)
Authors: Vishwasrao Chandrahas , Chakraborty Snehasis , Ananthanarayan Laxmi
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

The extraction, purification, and characterisation of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were studied for Kalipatti sapota fruit. The crude enzyme extract was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by BioGel P100 size exclusion and Unosphere Q anion‐exchange chromatography.

RESULTS

Molecular weights of 20 kDa (POD) and 24 kDa (PPO) were indicated by SDS‐PAGE. A single band was observed on SDS‐PAGE with a fold purity of 10.38 and 7.42 for POD and PPO, respectively. Michaelis–Menten constants for POD and PPO were 22.3 and 23.0 mmol L−1 using guaiacol and catechol as substrates. Thermal inactivation kinetics was studied in the temperature range of 60–95 °C. The crude extract of POD and PPO showed D‐values of 2.2–60.2 and 1.0–35.2 min; Z‐values of 18.7 ± 0.4 and 16.0 ± 0.3 °C; and activation energies (Ea) of 128.6 and 151.0 kJ mol−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

POD and PPO showed good stability over a wide range of pH and temperature. As reflected by Z and Ea values, the fruit matrix had no significant influence towards enzyme stability. Designing of thermal process should take into consideration D‐ and Z‐values of the enzymes along with D‐ and Z‐values of microorganisms to obtain a product with better shelf life. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A comparative study on composition and antioxidant activities of supercritical carbon dioxide, hexane and ethanol extracts from blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) growing in Poland
Authors: Wajs‐Bonikowska Anna , Stobiecka Agnieszka , Bonikowski Radosław , Krajewska Agnieszka , Sikora Magdalena , Kula Józef
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Large quantities of blackberry seeds are produced as a pomace during the processing of juice and jam production; this by‐product is a very interesting raw material both for oil manufacturing and as a source of bioactive compounds. In this work the composition, yield and antioxidant activity of three types of Rubus fructicosus pomace extracts isolated by liquid extraction using solvents of different polarity, as well with supercritical CO2 fluid extraction have been compared.

RESULTS

The highest extract yield was reported for Soxhlet extraction using ethanol as a solvent (14.2%). Supercritical carbon dioxide and hexane extracts were characterised by the highest content of phytosterols (1445 and 1583 mg 100 g−1 of extract, respectively) among which β‐sitosterol was the main one, while the concentration of tocopherols, with predominant γ‐isomer, was the highest for both hexane and ethanol extracts, being 2364 and 2334 mg 100 g−1, respectively. Using a GC‐MS method 95 volatiles, in which non‐saturated aldehydes were predominant, were identified in the essential oil of seed pomace and in the volatile oil isolated from supercritical extract. The ethanolic extract which is characterised by the highest phenolic content (9443 mg GAE 100 g−1) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (according to the ABTS•+ and DPPH• assays).

CONCLUSION

All pomace extracts examined were of high quality, rich in essential omega fatty acids and with a very high content of bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols and tocopherols. The high nutritional value of extracts from berry seed pomace could justify the commercialisation of specific extracts not only as food additives but also as cosmetic components. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Revisiting regulation of potassium homeostasis in Escherichia coli: the connection to phosphate limitation
Authors: Schramke Hannah , Laermann Vera , Tegetmeyer Halina E. , Brachmann Andreas , Jung Kirsten , Altendorf Karlheinz
Published: January 2017

Two‐component signal transduction constitutes the predominant strategy used by bacteria to adapt to fluctuating environments. The KdpD/KdpE system is one of the most widespread, and is crucial for K+ homeostasis. In Escherichia coli, the histidine kinase KdpD senses K+ availability, whereas the response regulator KdpE activates synthesis of the high‐affinity K+ uptake system KdpFABC. Here we show that, in the absence of KdpD, kdpFABC expression can be activated via phosphorylation of KdpE by the histidine kinase PhoR. PhoR and its cognate response regulator PhoB comprise a phosphate‐responsive two‐component system, which senses phosphate limitation indirectly through the phosphate transporter PstCAB and its accessory protein PhoU. In vivo two‐hybrid interaction studies based on the bacterial adenylate cyclase reveal pairwise interactions between KdpD, PhoR, and PhoU. Finally, we demonstrate that cross‐regulation between the kdpFABC and pstSCAB operons occurs in both directions under simultaneous K+ and phosphate limitation, both in vitro and in vivo. This study for the first time demonstrates direct coupling between intracellular K+ and phosphate homeostasis and provides a mechanism for fine‐tuning of the balance between positively and negatively charged ions in the bacterial cell.
Gene‐centric analysis implicates nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein gene variants in migraine susceptibility
Authors: Stuart Shani , Benton Miles C. , Eccles David A. , Sutherland Heidi G. , Haupt Larisa M. , Lea Rodney A. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: January 2017

Background

Migraine is a common neurological disorder which affects a large proportion of the population. The Norfolk Island population is a genetically isolated population and is an ideal discovery cohort for genetic variants involved in complex disease susceptibility given the reduced genetic and environmental heterogeneity. Given that the majority of proteins responsible for mitochondrial function are nuclear encoded, this study aimed to investigate the role of Nuclear Encoded Mitochondrial Protein (NEMP) genes in relation to migraine susceptibility.

Methods

A gene‐centric association analysis of NEMP genes was undertaken in the most related individuals (n = 315) within the genetically isolated Norfolk Island population. The discovery phase included genes with three or more SNP associations (P < 0.005), which were investigated further in a replication phase using an unrelated migraine case–control cohort (544 patients and 584 controls).

Results

The discovery phase of the study implicated SNPs in 5 NEMP genes to be associated with migraine susceptibility (P < 0.005). Replication analysis validated some of these implicated genes with SNPs in three NEMP genes shown to be associated with migraine in the replication cohort. These were CSNK1G3 (P = 0.00037), ELOVL6 (P = 0.00035) and SARDH (P = 0.00081), which are involved in phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and oxidative demethylation, respectively.

Conclusion

Here we provide evidence that variation in NEMP genes is associated with migraine susceptibility. This study provides evidence for a link between mitochondrial function and migraine susceptibility.
A semi‐discrete defect correction finite element method for unsteady incompressible magnetohydrodynamics equations
Authors: Si Zhiyong , Liu Cui , Wang Yunxia
Published: January 2017

In this report, we give a semi‐discrete defect correction finite element method for the unsteady incompressible magnetohydrodynamics equations. The defect correction method is an iterative improvement technique for increasing the accuracy of a numerical solution without applying a grid refinement. Firstly, the nonlinear magnetohydrodynamics equations is solved with an artificial viscosity term. Then, the numerical solutions are improved on the same grid by a linearized defect‐correction technique. Then, we give the numerical analysis including stability analysis and error analysis. The numerical analysis proves that our method is stable and has an optimal convergence rate. In order to show the effect of our method, some numerical results are shown. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized amplitude modulated multiband RF pulse design
Authors: Abo Seada Samy , Price Anthony N. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Malik Shaihan J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Multiband pulses are characterized by highly temporally modulated waveforms. Rapid phase or frequency modulation can be extremely demanding on the performance of radiofrequency (RF) pulse generation, which can lead to errors that can be avoided if pulses are restricted to amplitude modulation (AM) only. In this work, three existing multiband pulse design techniques are modified to produce AM waveforms.

Theory and Methods

Multiband refocusing pulses were designed using phase‐optimization, time‐shifting, and root‐flipping. Each technique was constrained to produce AM pulses by exploiting conjugate symmetry in their respective frequency domain representations. Pulses were designed using the AM and unconstrained techniques for a range of multiband factors (ie, number of simultaneously excited slices), time‐bandwidth products, and slice separations. Performance was compared by examining the resulting effective pulse durations. Phantom and in vivo experiments were conducted for validation.

Results

Acquired data confirmed that AM pulses can produce precise results when unconstrained designs may produce artifacts. The average duration of AM pulses is longer than the unconstrained versions. Averaged across a range of parameters, the duration cost for AM pulses was 26, 38, and 20% for phase‐optimizing, time‐shifting and root‐flipping, respectively.

Conclusions

Amplitude modulation multiband pulses can be produced for a relatively small increase in pulse duration. Magn Reson Med 78:2185–2193, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Improved recovery of admissible stress in domain decomposition methods — application to heterogeneous structures and new error bounds for FETI‐DP
Authors: Parret‐Fréaud A. , Rey V. , Gosselet P. , Rey C.
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the question of the building of admissible stress field in a substructured context. More precisely, we analyze the special role played by multiple points. This study leads to (1) an improved recovery of the stress field, (2) an opportunity to minimize the estimator in the case of heterogeneous structures (in the parallel and sequential case), and (3) a procedure to build admissible fields for dual‐primal finite element tearing and interconnecting and balancing domain decomposition by constraints methods leading to an error bound that separates the contributions of the solver and of the discretization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microcopy matters
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: January 2017

“It's the little things that count,” goes the old adage. This is also true in web content. The smallest of phrases, and even single words — coupled with how they are designed and where they are placed on a page — can make or break a user's experience on your website.
Bacterial subversion of cAMP signalling inhibits cathelicidin expression, which is required for innate resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Gupta Shashank , Winglee Kathryn , Gallo Richard , Bishai William R
Published: January 2017

Antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidins are important components of innate immune defence against inhaled microorganisms, and have shown antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in in vitro models. Despite this, little is known about the regulation and expression of cathelicidin during tuberculosis in vivo. We sought to determine whether the cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide gene (Cramp), the murine functional homologue of the human cathelicidin gene (CAMP or LL‐37), is required for regulation of protective immunity during M. tuberculosis infection in vivo. We used Cramp–/– mice in a validated model of pulmonary tuberculosis, and conducted cell‐based assays with macrophages from these mice. We evaluated the in vivo susceptibility of Cramp–/– mice to infection, and also dissected various pro‐inflammatory immune responses against M. tuberculosis. We observed increased susceptibility of Cramp–/– mice to M. tuberculosis as compared with wild‐type mice. Macrophages from Cramp–/– mice were unable to control M. tuberculosis growth in an in vitro infection model, were deficient in intracellular calcium influx, and were defective in stimulating T cells. Additionally, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from Cramp–/– mice produced less interferon‐β upon stimulation. Furthermore, bacterial‐derived cAMP modulated cathelicidin expression in macrophages. Our results demonstrate that cathelicidin is required for innate resistance to M. tuberculosis in a relevant animal model and is a key mediator in regulation of the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by calcium and cyclic nucleotides. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of NTRK fusions in pediatric mesenchymal tumors
Authors: Pavlick Dean , Schrock Alexa B. , Malicki Denise , Stephens Philip J. , Kuo Dennis J. , Ahn Hyunah , Turpin Brian , Allen Justin M. , Rosenzweig Mark , Badizadegan Kamran , Ross Jeffrey S. , Miller Vincent A. , Wong Victor , Ali Siraj M.
Published: January 2017

Background

NTRK fusions are known oncogenic drivers and have recently been effectively targeted by investigational agents in adults. We sought to assess the frequency of NTRK fusions in a large series of pediatric and adolescent patients with advanced cancers.

Procedure

Genomic profiles from 2,031 advanced cancers from patients less than 21 years old who were assayed with comprehensive genomic profiling were reviewed to identify NTRK fusions.

Results

Total of nine cases (0.44%) harbored NTRK fusions, including novel partners. Four of these cases were in children less than 2 years old for which infantile fibrosarcoma was considered as a diagnosis, and two harbored the canonical ETV6‐NTRK3. The remaining cases carried other diagnoses, at least one that carried the diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Conclusions

NTRK fusions occur in a subset of young patients with mesenchymal or sarcoma‐like tumors at a low frequency, and are eminently druggable targets via either investigational agents or approved drugs.
Molecularly imprinted polymers by phase inversion technique for the selective recognition of saccharides of biomedical interest in aqueous solutions
Authors: Barbani Niccoletta , Rosellini Elisabetta , Donati Marco , Costantino Paolo , Cristallini Caterina , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this work was the preparation and characterization of polymeric membranes for the selective recognition of saccharides using molecular imprinting technology associated with phase inversion. A system able to bind saccharides with high selectivity is particularly important in the pharmaceutical sector, since some of these compounds are constituents of molecules which can exert serious toxic effects even at very low concentrations. Two polymeric matrices were prepared using poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) copolymers, with an ethylene molar content of 32% and 44%, and were imprinted with two different saccharide molecules: maltose and 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐d‐manno‐octulosonate (KDO). Matrices imprinted against maltose and KDO showed an easy template extraction, high binding capability and satisfactory selectivity, particularly for the matrix with an ethylene molar content of 44%. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Uncertainty Estimation in Flood Inundation Mapping: An Application of Non‐parametric Bootstrapping
Authors: Faghih M. , Mirzaei M. , Adamowski J. , Lee J. , El‐Shafie A.
Published: January 2017

Disaster prevention planning is affected in a significant way by a lack of in‐depth understanding of the numerous uncertainties involved with flood delineation and related estimations. Currently, flood inundation extent is represented as a deterministic map without in‐depth consideration of the inherent uncertainties associated with variables such as precipitation, streamflow, topographic representation, modelling parameters and techniques, and geospatial operations. The motivation of this study is to estimate uncertainties in flood inundation mapping based on a non‐parametric bootstrapping method. The uncertainty is addressed through the application of non‐parametric bootstrap sampling to the hydrodynamic modelling software, HEC‐RAS, integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS). This approach was used to simulate different water levels and flow rates corresponding to different return periods from the available database. The study area was the Langat River Basin in Malaysia. The results revealed that the inundated land and infrastructure are subject to a flooding hazard of high‐frequency events and that the flood damage potential is increasing significantly for residential areas and valuable land‐use classes with higher return periods. The proposed methodology, as well as the study outcomes, of this paper could be beneficial to policymakers, water resources managers, insurance companies and other flood‐related stakeholders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian nonparametric clustering in phylogenetics: modeling antigenic evolution in influenza
Authors: Cybis Gabriela B. , Sinsheimer Janet S. , Bedford Trevor , Rambaut Andrew , Lemey Philippe , Suchard Marc A.
Published: January 2017

Influenza is responsible for up to 500,000 deaths every year, and antigenic variability represents much of its epidemiological burden. To visualize antigenic differences across many viral strains, antigenic cartography methods use multidimensional scaling on binding assay data to map influenza antigenicity onto a low‐dimensional space. Analysis of such assay data ideally leads to natural clustering of influenza strains of similar antigenicity that correlate with sequence evolution. To understand the dynamics of these antigenic groups, we present a framework that jointly models genetic and antigenic evolution by combining multidimensional scaling of binding assay data, Bayesian phylogenetic machinery and nonparametric clustering methods. We propose a phylogenetic Chinese restaurant process that extends the current process to incorporate the phylogenetic dependency structure between strains in the modeling of antigenic clusters. With this method, we are able to use the genetic information to better understand the evolution of antigenicity throughout epidemics, as shown in applications of this model to H1N1 influenza. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protonation of Pyridine Monocarboxylate‐N‐Oxides – Determination of Thermodynamic, Absorbance and Ion Interaction Parameters
Authors: Dumpala Rama Mohana Rao , Rawat Neetika , Tomar Bhupendra S.
Published: January 2017

The thermodynamic parameters (pKa, ΔH, ΔG, ΔS) for the protonation of three isomeric pyridine monocarboxylate‐N‐oxides (PCNO) namely picolinate‐N‐oxide (PANO) nicotinate‐N‐oxide (NANO) isonicotinate‐N‐oxide (IANO) were determined in the present study. The pKa determined by potentiometry follow the order: PANO > IANO > NANO at all ionic strengths. The calorimetric results revealed that the PANO protonation was endothermic and the other are exothermic, indicating the entropy driven protonation of PANO while the other two has minor contribution of enthalpy as well. The ion interaction parameters for PCNOs are obtained by determining the pKa for the same at various ionic strengths (I=0.1 −3.0 M) and the data is extrapolated to find pKa0 (pKa at I=0) by specific ion interaction theory (SIT). The pKa / pKa0 determined by absorption spectra are also in line with potentiometric results. The energetics and variations in charge densities on individual atoms on protonation were calculated theoretically. PCNOs protonation are compared with its base moieties: pyridine monocarboxylates to interpret the effect of the N‐oxide moiety on the protonation thermodynamics.
Novel Mixed‐Mode Stationary Phases for Chromatographic Separation of Complex Mixtures of Decomposed Lignin
Authors: Dier Tobias K. F. , Rauber Daniel , Jauch Johann , Hempelmann Rolf , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: January 2017

Electrochemical degradation of lignin results in a large number of unknown products, formed by both oxidative and reductive decomposition pathways, which have previously been studied by direct mass spectrometry experiments without prior liquid chromatography separation, revealing the presence of many isobaric molecules. In this study, novel phosphonium‐based ionic liquid stationary phases were synthesized and applied in conjunction with high resolution mass spectrometry, to further increase the resolving power of the analytical methodology. The new stationary phases exhibited a wide range of interaction mechanisms in comparison to reversed‐phase materials, and the preliminary results of this proof‐of‐concept study illustrated class‐specific isolation and separation of the major chemical classes of the lignin breakdown products members into very specific retention time windows. For the investigated electrochemically decomposed lignin, the separations revealed predominantly aldehydes and alcohols, and also confirmed the presence of a significant number of isobars.
A Quaternary Ammonium Salt Promoted Regioselective Iodination of Terminal Alkynes: A Convenient Access to 1‐Iodoalkynes in Aqueous Media
Authors: Srujana Kodumuri , Swamy Peraka , Naresh Mameda , Durgaiah Chevella , Rammurthy Banothu , Sai Gajula Krishna , Sony Thokali , Narender Nama
Published: January 2017

A new protocol for the synthesis of 1‐iodoalkynes from terminal alkynes under metal‐free conditions in aqueous media via quaternary ammonium iodide and oxone mediated oxidative iodination has been developed. Simple reaction conditions, low cost and commercial availability of reagents and the use of readily available, non‐toxic and universal solvent i. e., water as a reaction media makes this approach as an eco‐friendly and economically viable.
Modern impacts on an ancient landscape, the piedmont plain in southwest Turkmenistan
Authors: Berking Jonas , Beckers Brian , Reimann Tony , Pollock Susan , Bernbeck Reinhard
Published: January 2017

The piedmont plain in southwestern Turkmenistan has experienced a millennia‐long settlement history despite prevailing arid climates. One of the prerequisites for the various agricultural efforts was irrigation. Most of the water used for irrigation measures came from the adjacent Kopet Dag mountain chain. This situation changed with the introduction of the Karakum canal in the middle of the 20th century. The present study evaluates the rich irrigation history of the piedmont plain by investigating two small catchments that drain the eastern ranges of the Kopet Dag. Within their catchments, geomorphological and hydrological analyses were conducted. We present several Optically Stimulated Luminescence and 14‐C dating results that add to the understanding of the landscape history from the Pleistocene until modern ages. Moreover, modern climatological and hydrological data were analyzed that show a remarkable drop in runoff from the Kopet Dag since the 1960s. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1202. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1202

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Patient Preparation for Transitions of Surgical Care: Is Failing to Prepare Surgical Patients Preparing Them to Fail?
Authors: Martin Luke A. , Finlayson Samuel R. G. , Brooke Benjamin S.
Published: January 2017

Background

Transitions of care before and after surgery are critical for patient preparation. We sought to determine whether the degree of exposure to health information resources before and after surgery increases preparedness and decreases hospital readmission.

Methods

A national Web‐based, cross‐sectional survey was conducted of 1917 patients and caregivers who had a recent surgical encounter. Health information resources used before and after surgery were correlated with patient level of preparedness. We also evaluated the association between preparedness and hospital readmission.

Results

Compared to unprepared patients, those who felt prepared were most likely to be given multiple health information resources before surgery (92 vs. 77%, p < 0.001) and before leaving the hospital (91 vs. 69%, p = 0.02). Feeling prepared was positively correlated with the number of resources provided to patients by their surgical team and used before surgery and before leaving the hospital (p < 0.05, both). 30‐day readmission was significantly lower among patients who felt prepared either before (7% prepared vs. 22% not prepared, p = <0.001) or after surgery (9% prepared vs. 23% not prepared, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with access to more health information resources during transitions before and after surgery feel better prepared and have lower rates of 30‐day readmission.
Curbing Catastrophe
Authors: Dixon Timothy H.
Published: January 2017

What does Japan's 2011 nuclear accident have in common with the 2005 flooding of New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina? This thought-provoking book presents a compelling account of recent and historical disasters, both natural and human-caused, drawing out common themes and providing a holistic understanding of hazards, disasters and mitigation, for anyone interested in this important and topical subject. Based on his on-the-ground experience with several major recent disasters, Timothy H. Dixon explores the science, politics and economics behind a variety of disasters and environmental issues, arguing that many of the worst effects are avoidable. He describes examples of planning and safety failures, provides forecasts of future disasters and proposes solutions for hazard mitigation. The book shows how billions of dollars and countless lives could be saved by adopting longer-term thinking for infrastructure planning and building, and argues that better communication is vital in reducing global risks and preventing future catastrophes.
THE EFFECTS ON COMMODITY PRICES OF EXTRAORDINARY MONETARY POLICY
Authors: AMATOV AITBEK , DORFMAN JEFFREY H.
Published: January 2017

This article examines the relationship between Federal Reserve monetary policy and other macroeconomic indicators to both a broad commodity price index and an agricultural commodity price index by employing a vector error correction model. Excessive liquidity and the recent long period of ultralow interest rates appear to have played a statistically significant role in affecting prices in the commodities markets. The responses of commodity prices to monetary policy that we estimate generally conform to earlier findings, but the sensitivity of the responses appears different in the face of the unprecedented scope of recent Fed activism.
Reconciling Islamic Ethics, Fossil Fuel Dependence, and Climate Change in the Middle East
Authors: Ali Saleem H.
Published: January 2017

The dominance of fossil fuel economies in the Middle East with large Muslim majority populations has led to a recurring question about the role Islamic ethics might play in galvanizing action on climate change. However, the perceived clash of economic values versus environmental norms in Islam deserves more careful examination. This brief article considers the advent of the “Islamic Declaration on Climate Change” which was promulgated in 2015 and considers the tangible steps Muslim government leaders and civil society have taken on this matter. The tangible steps that are being considered with an action plan are discussed in the light of earlier environmental movements within Islam. A brief discussion of environmental norms within Islamic scriptures is also provided to give theological context to this narrative. The establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in the UAE as a treaty-based organization with United Nations affiliations is also considered. The environment can play an important peace-building role in the region as exemplified by organizations such as Eco-peace in Palestine, Israel, and Jordan. Based on the analysis of these developments, it is likely that Muslim countries will continue to play a more proactive role in addressing climate change than they are often given credit for in popular discourse.
Patricia Romero 1934–2015
Authors: Katz Kimberly , Oduntan Oluwatoyin
Published: January 2017

Patricia Romero was born on 28 July 1934 and raised in Ohio. She earned her B.S. at Central State University in Education in 1964 while raising three boys. She chose Central State, a Historically Black University, both for its proximity and also, according to her middle son Arthur, for the “energy that was manifest in the burgeoning civil rights movement.” After graduating, she pursued her Master's degree at Miami University of Ohio in 1965, while raising her sons on her own and taking on a teaching role at Central State University. Ohio would round out Dr. Romero's education as she completed her Ph.D. in African History at The Ohio State University in 1971. She worked as a research assistant at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, in Washington, D.C., to which she contributed a volume to its series, I Too Am America (1969), and as Editorial Director for United Publishing Company. She coauthored or edited four books during those years about Blacks in America, including: In Black America, 1968: The Year of the Awakening (ed.) and Negro Americans in the Civil War (coauthor). She enjoyed taking her sons around and visiting family members near sites of the nation's capital.
From Islamic Renaissance to Neo-fascism in Turkey
Authors: Demir Firat
Published: January 2017

The Neoliberal Landscape is a collection of nine essays exploring the economic, political, social, and historical dynamics behind the rise of Islamic political parties in the Middle East, particularly the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) in Turkey. For scholars studying Turkey and the wider Middle East, understanding the rise of the AKP as well as its internal and external undercurrents has been a challenge. On the one hand, its founding leaders marketed their party as a democratic Islamic party, similar to Christian Democrats in Europe, and claimed to focus their efforts on democratizing Turkey by limiting the military and Kemalist hegemony. To this end, they formed alliances with the liberals and the liberal-left as well as the outward oriented business groups, and used the support of the European Union and the United States as leverage to increase their legitimacy. The AKP's strong neoliberal stance in economic policy also allowed it to win over domestic and international capital to its side. The changing times in global politics were also in the AKP's favor, coinciding with the post-9/11 period when the United States and its allies were desperate to find a liberal and democratic Muslim country with a market economy that they could use as a showcase. The AKP project, however, proved to be short-lived as it has increasingly become authoritarian at home, bordering on neo-fascist, and confrontational abroad. In fact, many analysts have suggested that what Turkey is experiencing is nothing short of a regime change, moving the country from a secular republic, albeit a semi-democratic one, to a neo-fascist one-party state with some Islamic flavor, ruled by a strong-man with no pretense of democracy. In fact, since the 7 June 2015 elections, the country has moved to a de facto presidential system, even without constitutional change.
Digitization of the Canadian Parliamentary Debates
Authors: Beelen Kaspar , Thijm Timothy Alberdingk , Cochrane Christopher , Halvemaan Kees , Hirst Graeme , Kimmins Michael , Lijbrink Sander , Marx Maarten , Naderi Nona , Rheault Ludovic , Polyanovsky Roman , Whyte Tanya
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the digitization and enrichment of the Canadian House of Commons English Debates from 1901 to present. We start by laying out the general framework in which this project took place and then present the structure of the database and provide guidelines to prospective users. The paper concludes with the introduction ofwww.lipad.ca, an online platform designed as a hub for archiving Canadian political data, with the parliamentary proceedings at the centre of its architecture.
Small alteration – big impacts: effects of small-scale riparian forest management on host–parasite dynamics in streams
Authors: Lagrue C. , Besson A.A. , Lecerf A.
Published: January 2017

Environmental changes and ecological disturbances can have large and unpredictable effects on parasite dynamics. Increasing human impacts on freshwater ecosystems through land use may thus modify the distribution and abundance of parasites and have cascading effects on host populations. Here we tested the effects of small-scale riparian forest management on the nematodeCystidicoloides ephemeridarumand its insect intermediate hostEphemera danicain forested streams. We assessed the impacts of harvesting riparian trees on parasite prevalence and abundance concomitantly with host densities. We also looked at upstream and downstream reaches to document potential cascading effects on unaltered stream sections mediated by aerial dispersal of adult mayfly or downstream drift ofE. danicalarvae. We show that host densities and parasite levels (prevalence and abundance) increased significantly following riparian tree removal. Overall, parasite densities showed a 6- to 66-fold increase in harvested reaches compared to upstream, pristine reaches. Similar effects were also clear downstream of the disturbance. Thus, despite the small extent of riparian forest alteration along the study streams, both parasite and intermediate host were strongly affected. Small-scale riparian forest management may thus have large, unforeseen impacts on some aspects of freshwater ecosystem structure and functioning that are often ignored. Generally, understanding how human perturbations influence parasites is vital when trying to predict overall impacts on ecosystem structure and functioning, and how changes in infection dynamics may further affect host species.
A revision of the lichen genus Ochrolechia in China
Authors: REN Qiang
Published: January 2017

The lichen genus Ochrolechia found in China is revised. Twenty taxa are accepted in the genus, including four described as new to science: Ochrolechia alticola, differing from O. mexicana by the larger ascospores and the absence of lichexanthone, and from O. africana by the C+ red reaction of the apothecial margin cortex, the absence of 5-O-methylhiascic acid, and its alpine habitat; O. lijiangensis, differing from O. longispora by the larger apothecia and smaller ascospores, and by the presence of an additional undetermined fatty acid; O. longispora, differing from O. trochophora by the larger ascospores and the presence of two fatty acids; and O. rugomarginata, differing from O. pallescens in the minutely verruculose margins of the mature apothecia, the absence of variolaric acid and the C+ red thallus cortex, and from O. trochophora var. trochophora by the presence of alectoronic acid in the apothecial medulla, the coarsely pruinose disc and a preference for the bark of coniferous trees. Four new taxa are reported for China: Ochrolechia arborea, O. mahluensis, O. szatalaënsis and O. trochophora var. pruinirosella. An identification key to all taxa in the genus known from China is provided.
Testing the correlation between norstictic acid content and species evolution in theCetraria aculeatagroup in Europe
Authors: LUTSAK Tetiana , FERNÁNDEZ-MENDOZA Fernando , NADYEINA Olga , ŞENKARDEŞLER Ayhan , PRINTZEN Christian
Published: January 2017

Most lichen-forming fungi are characterized by the production of secondary metabolites. Differences in metabolite patterns have frequently served to distinguish lichen taxa with subsequent controversies about the rank of chemical variants (chemotype, variety, subspecies or species). Using a model system, we investigate whether production of norstictic acid within a group of lichenized ascomycetes is correlated with phylogenetic patterns, population differentiation or single and multi-locus haplotypes. Our study is based on DNA sequences of three gene loci (ITS, GPD, mtLSU) together with HPLC (311) and TLC (594) data from a total of 594 samples of three closely related fruticose lichens:Cetraria aculeataandC. muricatawithout norstictic acid, andC. steppaewith norstictic acid. In nature,C. aculeataandC. steppaeoften occur together and the status ofC. steppaeas a separate species has been questioned. Our results show geographical but no phylogenetic structure of norstictic acid production and few significant associations between genetic clusters and the occurrence of norstictic acid. All frequently distributed haplotypes display differences in norstictic acid content. The few associations at the population level are most likely a by-product of spatial genetic structure, because norstictic acid was expressed only in individuals from the Mediterranean-Central Asian part of the study area. We conclude that the production of norstictic acid in theC. aculeatagroup is most likely triggered by the environment (climate, edaphic factors, associated symbionts).Cetraria steppaemight be a different evolutionary lineage restricted to warm temperate regions but it is not uniquely characterized by the presence of norstictic acid.
The Breaking of Ochred Pebble Tools as Part of Funerary Ritual in the Arene Candide Epigravettian Cemetery
Authors: Gravel-Miguel Claudine , Riel-Salvatore Julien , Maggi Roberto , Martino Gabriele , Barton C. Michael
Published: January 2017

We present the analysis of 29 human-transported limestone pebbles found during recent excavations (2009–11) in the Final Epigravettian levels at the Caverna delle Arene Candide, Italy. All pebbles are oblong, most bear traces of red ochre and many appear intentionally broken. Macroscopic analyses demonstrate morphological similarity with pebbles used as grave goods in the Final Epigravettian necropolis excavated at the site in the 1940s. Mediterranean beaches are the most plausible source for the pebbles, which were carefully selected for their specific shape. Microscopic observation of the pebbles’ surfaces shows traces of ochre located on the edges and/or centres of most pebbles. A breakage experiment suggests that many pebbles were broken with intentional, direct blows to their centre. We propose that these pebbles were used to apply ochre ritually to the individuals buried at the site, and that some were subsequently ritually ‘killed’. This study emphasizes the importance of studying artefacts that are often ignored due to their similarities to simple broken rocks. It also provides a method to study pebbles as a distinct artefact category, and shows that even broken parts should be studied to understand the story told by such objects in the context of prehistoric human social systems.
Early Ceramics in Anatolia: Implications for the Production and Use of the Earliest Pottery. The Evidence from Boncuklu Höyük
Authors: Fletcher A. , Baird D. , Spataro M. , Fairbairn A.
Published: January 2017

Fragments of possible fired clay found at Boncuklu Höyük, central Turkey, appear to derive from rudimentary vessels, despite the later ninth- and early eighth-millennium cal. bc and thus ‘Aceramic’ dates for the site. This paper will examine the evidence for such fired clay vessels at Boncuklu and consider their implications as examples of some of the earliest pottery in Anatolia. The discussion will examine contextual evidence for the role of these fragments and consider their relative rarity at the site and the implications for the marked widespread adoption of pottery in southwest Asia c. 7000–6700 cal. bc.
Price theory as prophylactic against popular fallacies
Authors: BOETTKE PETER J. , CANDELA ROSOLINO A.
Published: January 2017

The articles collected inChicago Price Theoryillustrate elements of continuity and change in the development of the Chicago School of Economics. The editors stress a continuity in the Chicago tradition that runs from Frank Knight to Gary Becker. Our contribution in this essay is to emphasize the discontinuity in the evolution of the Chicago price theory tradition. We argue that a logical continuity runs not from the Knight/Viner/Simons generation to the Friedman/Stigler/Becker generation, but to a branch of the Chicago tradition best exemplified by the Alchian/Buchanan/Coase generation of Chicago price theory. The continuity we stress is understanding price theory as a study of market adjustment and adaptation under alternative institutional arrangements.