bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulating Head Recovery and Intermittent Discharge in Free Flowing Wells
Authors: Székely Ferenc 
Published: June 2017

AbstractModeling of the head recovery (buildup) in and intermittent operation of flowing wells lacks rigorous analytical tools. Presently different methods are applied in discharging and recovery phases. The presented reliable approximate solution considers a continuous free flow process and time variant screen loss parameters. The latter are temporarily set to large value to prevent inflow into the well bore during the single recovery or in repeated shut down periods. This method is called as screen loss control or SLC technique and is verified by means of comparative analysis with the constant rate pumping‐recovery test simulated in leaky aquifer. The evaluation of the free flow and recovery test in the free flowing well 28 (Artesia Heights) concluded with calibrated parameters close to those obtained in the earlier analyses based on split well flow process. The simulation of intermittent flowing well operation also underwent successful validation resulting in reasonable values of the Qw and s response functions.
Genetic relationships of Plagioscion squamosissimus (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) from five Neotropical river basins evaluated using mitochondrial atpase6/8 gene sequences
Authors: Diamante N. A. , Prioli S. M. A. P. , Oliveira A. V. , Fabrin T. M. C. , Prioli L. M. , Prioli A. J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe genetic relationships of native or introduced Plagioscion squamosissimus in five Brazilian Neotropical basins were evaluated using the mitochondrial atpase6/8 genes. Results revealed that the population of the Tocantins River basin is more basal than the native populations of the Amazon and Parnaíba River basins. Moreover, the populations of P. squamosissimus that were introduced in the São Francisco and upper Paraná River basins originated from the population of the Parnaíba River.
The role of the microbiome and the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in adults in the Asia‐Pacific region ‐ background and recommendations of a regional consensus meeting
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C , Gwee Kok‐Ann , Holtmann Gerald , Li Yanmei , Park Soo Jung , Simadibrata Marcellus , Sugano Kentaro , Wu Kaichun , Quigley Eamonn M M , Cohen Henry 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Asia‐Pacific region is diverse, with regard to ethnicity, culture, and economic development incorporating some of the world's least and most developed nations. Gastrointestinal diseases are common in the Asia‐Pacific region, and their prevalence, presentation, and management vary considerably within the region. There is growing evidence for an important role for the human gut microbiota in gastrointestinal health. As a consequence, geographic variations in the composition of the gut microbiota may contribute to variations in both the prevalence and response to therapy of specific diseases. Probiotics have been proposed as a valuable option in the prevention and treatment of a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, but the quality of available evidence to support their efficacy is variable. A meeting of international experts in adult and pediatric gastroenterology was held at the Sorbonne University, Paris, France, on April 11 and 12, 2016, to discuss current evidence supporting the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in the Asia‐Pacific region. This article provides an overview of the discussions held at this meeting and recommends the formation of an Asia‐Pacific Consortium on Gut Microbiota similar to those established in Europe and North America.
Enhanced dissolution and bioavailability of Nateglinide by microenvironmental pH-regulated ternary solid dispersion: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Authors: Wairkar Sarika , Gaud Ram , Jadhav Namdeo 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Nateglinide, an Antidiabetic drug (BCS II), shows pH-dependent solubility and variable bioavailability. The purpose of study was to increase dissolution and bioavailability of Nateglinide by development of its microenvironmental pH-regulated ternary solid dispersion (MeSD).

Methods
MeSD formulation of Nateglinide, poloxamer-188 and Na2CO3 was prepared by melt dispersion in 1 : 2 : 0.2 w/w ratio and further characterised for solubility, In-vitro dissolution, microenvironmental pH, crystallinity/amorphism, physicochemical interactions, bioavailability in Wistar rats.

Key findings
Solubility of Nateglinide was increased notably in MeSD, and its in-vitro dissolution study showed fourfold increase in the dissolution, particularly in 1.2 pH buffer. Prominent reduction in the peak intensity of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and absence of endotherm in DSC thermogram confirmed the amorphism of Nateglinide in MeSD. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed the hydrogen bond interactions between Nateglinide and poloxamer-188. In-vivo study indicated that MeSD exhibited fourfold increase in area under curve over Nateglinide. Tmax of MeSD was observed at 0.25 h, which is beneficial for efficient management of postprandial sugar. Instead of mere transformation of the Nateglinide to its amorphous form as evidenced by DSC and XRPD, formation of a soluble carboxylate compound of Nateglinide in MeSD was predominantly responsible for dissolution and bioavailability enhancement.

Conclusions
The study demonstrates the utility of MeSD in achieving pH-independent dissolution, reduced Tmax and enhanced bioavailability of Nateglinide.
Sex differences in telomeres and lifespan in Soay sheep: From the beginning to the end
Authors: Dantzer Ben , Garratt Michael 
Published: June 2017

There is tremendous diversity in ageing rates and lifespan not only among taxa but within species, and particularly between the sexes. Women often live longer than men, and considerable research on this topic has revealed some of the potential biological, psychological and cultural causes of sex differences in human ageing and lifespan. However, sex differences in lifespan are widespread in nonhuman animals suggesting biology plays a prominent role in variation in ageing and lifespan. Recently, evolutionary biologists have borrowed techniques from biomedicine to identify whether similar mechanisms causing or contributing to variation in ageing and lifespan in humans and laboratory animals also operate in wild animals. Telomeres are repetitive noncoding DNA sequences capping the ends of chromosomes that are important for chromosomal stability but that can shorten during normal cell division and exposure to stress. Telomere shortening is hypothesized to directly contribute to the ageing process as once telomeres shorten to some length, the cells stop dividing and die. Men tend to have shorter telomeres and faster rates of telomere attrition with age than women, suggesting one possible biological cause of sex differences in lifespan. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Watson et al. () show that telomere lengths in wild Soay sheep are similar between females and males near the beginning of life but quickly diverge with age because males but not females showed reduced telomere lengths at older ages. The authors further show that some of the observed sex difference in telomere lengths in old age may be due to male investment in horn growth earlier in life, suggesting that sexually dimorphic allocation to traits involved in sexual selection might underlie sex differences in telomere attrition. This study provides a rare example of how biological mechanisms potentially contributing to sex differences in lifespan in humans may also operate in free‐living animals. However, future studies using a longitudinal approach are necessary to confirm these observations and identify the ultimate and proximate causes of any sex differences in telomere lengths. Collaborations between evolutionary biologists and gerontologists are especially needed to identify whether telomere lengths have a causal role in ageing, particularly in natural conditions, and whether this directly contributes to sex differences in lifespan.
Genetic analysis of mechanisms associated with inheritance of resistance to sheath rot of rice
Authors: Mvuyekure Simon Martin , Sibiya Julia , Derera John , Nzungize John , Nkima Germain 
Published: June 2017

AbstractUnderstanding genetic mechanisms controlling inheritance of disease resistance traits is essential in breeding investigations targeting development of resistant genotypes. Using North Carolina design II, 32 F1 hybrids were generated by crossing eight susceptible to four resistant parents and submitted for field evaluation. The analysis of general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) indicated involvement of additive and non‐additive gene action controlling inheritance of horizontal resistance to sheath rot of rice. High GCA/SCA ratio and high heritability estimates revealed additive effects and were more predominant than none additive ones. The level of dominance indicated dominant genes was more important than recessive genes. Estimates of GCA and SCA analysis suggested that crop improvement programmes should be directed towards selection of superior parents or good combiners, emphasizing on GCA. As far as source of resistance is concerned, most promising genotypes were Cyicaro, Yunertian and Yunkeng. The predominance of additive genetic effects together with the relevance of dominant genes suggested possibilities of improving the resistance by introgression of resistance genes through recurrent selection coupled with phenotypic selection.
Association between Breast Feeding and Paediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing: a Systematic Review
Authors: Ponce‐Garcia Cecilia , Hernandez Ivonne Angelica , Major Paul , Flores‐Mir Carlos 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundBreast feeding has been suggested as a potential protective factor against childhood snoring and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). SDB can have major health consequences. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesise the available literature concerning any potential association between infant feeding methods and SDB in young children.MethodsFive electronic databases were searched. All searches were inclusive until August 5, 2016. Two authors independently reviewed potentially relevant articles for eligibility. Any prospective or retrospective study, case‐control study, cohort study, clinical trial, and cross‐sectional study that evaluated the association between infant feeding methods and SDB were included. Data on study design, aim of study, sample size, study population, assessment tool, infant feeding methods, and outcome measures were extracted.ResultsNine studies fulfilled the criteria to be finally included in this review, only cohorts and cross‐sectional studies were identified. While seven of the selected studies reported a statistically significant association between breast feeding and reduced risk of SDB, the remaining two studies did not report any association. The main methodological limitation was high heterogeneity in the diagnostic criteria and assessment tools to identify SDB and limited data collection on infant feeding methods.ConclusionsThe current evidence may point to a protective association, however, as uncertainty is moderate, any suggestion that breast feeding may or may not decrease the risk of SDB is currently unwarranted. More research on the topic is required to resolve some of the contradictions between included studies.
Detailed analysis of the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test, revised version
Authors: Moriyama Yasushi , Yoshino Aihide , Muramatsu Taro , Mimura Masaru 
Published: June 2017

AimThe number‐transcoding task on the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test (RDST‐J) requires mutual conversion between Arabic and Chinese numerals (209 to 二百九, 4054 to 四千五十四, 六百八十一 to 681, 二千二十七 to 2027). In this task, question and answer styles of Chinese numerals are written horizontally. We investigated the impact of changing the task so that Chinese numerals are written vertically.MethodsSubjects were 211 patients with very mild to severe Alzheimer's disease and 42 normal controls. Mini‐Mental State Examination scores ranged from 26 to 12, and Clinical Dementia Rating scores ranged from 0.5 to 3.ResultsScores of all four subtasks of the transcoding task significantly improved in the revised version compared with the original version. The sensitivity and specificity of total scores ≥9 on the RDST‐J original and revised versions for discriminating between controls and subjects with Clinical Dementia Rating scores of 0.5 were 63.8% and 76.6% on the original and 60.1% and 85.8% on revised version.ConclusionsThe revised RDST‐J total score had low sensitivity and high specificity compared with the original RDST‐J for discriminating subjects with Clinical Dementia Rating scores of 0.5 from controls.
Millipede assassins and allies (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae, Tribelocephalinae): total evidence phylogeny, revised classification and evolution of sexual dimorphism
Authors: FORTHMAN MICHAEL , WEIRAUCH CHRISTIANE 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEvolution of sexual dimorphism in animals has long been of interest to scientists, but relatively few studies have reconstructed evolutionary patterns of extreme sexual dimorphism at a phylogenetic scale, especially in insects. Millipede assassin bugs (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae; 736 spp.) and their sister taxon, Tribelocephalinae (150 spp.), exhibit sexual dimorphism that ranges from limited to extreme, a phenomenon apparently modulated by female morphology. Here, we reconstruct the first phylogeny for the subfamilies Ectrichodiinae and Tribelocephalinae with comprehensive generic representation (152 taxa in 72 genera) using morphological and molecular data (six gene regions). The combined phylogenetic results indicate that Tribelocephalinae are paraphyletic with respect to Ectrichodiinae, and that Ectrichodiinae themselves are polyphyletic. Based on these results, we synonymize Tribelocephalinae with Ectrichodiinae syn.n., describe three new tribes (Ectrichodiini trib.n., Tribelocodiini trib.n., and Abelocephalini trib.n.) and two new subtribes (Opistoplatyina subtrib.n. and Tribelocephalina subtrib.n.), and revise Tribelocephalini sensu n. Ancestral state reconstruction of sexual dimorphism reconstructed limited sexual dimorphism in the ancestor of Ectrichodiinae sensu n. with at least seven evolutionary transitions to extreme sexual dimorphism within the clade.This published work has been registered in ZooBank,
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C810E20F‐D66A‐461F‐A0E6‐AB1073EA3E3C.
Climate change impacts on streamflow and non‐point source pollutant loads in the 3S Rivers of the Mekong Basin
Authors: Khoi Dao Nguyen , Thang Le Viet 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChanges in non‐point source (NPS) pollutants are of particular concern in developing countries. This study investigated the responses of streamflow and NPS pollutant loads to climate change in the 3S River Basin, a trans‐boundary basin of the Mekong River, using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Firstly, the SWAT model in simulations of streamflow and NPS pollutant loads was calibrated and validated against observed data to prove the reliability of the simulation results. Then, the calibrated SWAT model was used to simulate changes in streamflow and NPS pollutants under the impact of climate change. The simulation results indicated that the streamflow and NPS pollutant loads are predicted to increase in the future. Moreover, water shortage in the dry season and soil degradation in the wet season are emphasized to occur in the future.
Removal of selected risk elements from wastewater in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland
Authors: Šíma Jan , Svoboda Lubomír , Šeda Martin , Krejsa Jiří , Jahodová Jana 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRemoval of Pb, Cd, Cr, Mo, V, Be and Ba from municipal wastewater using a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland was studied. The removal efficiencies attained for these elements were 50, 86, 71, 59, −53, 37 and 40%, respectively. The average inflow and outflow Pb concentrations were 1.5 and 0.7 µg/L. Similarly, the inflow and outflow concentrations of 0.14 and 0.02 µg/L were obtained for Cd. Cr inflow and outflow concentrations were 3.7 and 1.1 µg/L, respectively. Concentrations of 0.78 and 0.32 µg/L were measured for Mo. V was washed out from the system. Its average inflow and outflow concentrations were 4.8 and 7.4 µg/L, respectively. Be inflow and outflow concentrations were rather low (1.03 and 0.65 µg/L), however, the concentrations of Ba were significantly higher (189 and 113 µg/L). The main perspective of the constructed wetland is the removal of toxic elements forming insoluble compounds (e.g. CdS) depositing in the wetland bed.
Effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the cardiac noradrenaline pathway of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Liu Yao , Zhang Jing , Liu Shuya , Wang Wenjuan , Chen Xing , Jiang Hai , Li Junlei , Wang Ke , Bai Wenpei , Zhang Haicheng , Qin Lihua 
Published: June 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We investigated the effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the stellate ganglion, cardiac noradrenaline pathway and Ca2+–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II in ovariectomized rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?
The right stellate ganglion, but not the left, may be associated with decreased left ventricular noradrenaline content in ovariectomized rats. Oestrogen can reverse all changes caused by ovariectomy. Cimicifuga racemosa did not affect left ventricular noradrenaline, but decreased protein expression of β1‐adrenergic receptor and Ca2+–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II. The results might explain potential effects of C. racemosa on the cardiovascular system and provide new insights into cardiovascular protection.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the stellate ganglion, cardiac noradrenaline (NA) pathway and Ca2+–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II). Forty adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: sham operated (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX); ovariectomized with oestrogen treatment (E2); and ovariectomized with C. racemosa treatment (iCR). After 4 weeks of treatment, the NA content was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH) and noradrenaline transporter (NET) expression were detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to determine NET, β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AR) and CaMK II expression. Compared with the SHAM group, body weights, DBH and NET expression in the right stellate ganglia, and NET, β1‐AR and CaMK II expression in the left ventricles of the OVX group were increased, whereas left ventricular NA content was decreased; DBH and NET expression in the left stellate ganglion was not significantly different. The indexes of the E2 group were similar to those of the SHAM group. Moreover, in the iCR group, DBH, NET, β1‐AR and CaMK II expression was decreased; NET expression and NA content of the left ventricle remained unchanged. Our conclusions are as follows. First, the right stellate ganglion, but not the left, may be associated with decreased left ventricular NA content in OVX rats. Second, oestrogen increases the left ventricular NA content and adjusts the expression of DBH and NET in the right stellate ganglion and restores β1‐AR and CaMK II protein expression to normal levels. Third, C. racemosa does not affect left ventricular NA, but decreases the protein expression of β1‐AR and CaMK II.
Novel Chromosome Organization Pattern in
Actinomycetales
—Overlapping Replication Cycles Combined with Diploidy
Authors: Böhm Kati , Meyer Fabian , Rhomberg Agata , Kalinowski Jörn , Donovan Catriona , Bramkamp Marc 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Bacteria regulate chromosome replication and segregation tightly with cell division to ensure faithful segregation of DNA to daughter generations. The underlying mechanisms have been addressed in several model species. It became apparent that bacteria have evolved quite different strategies to regulate DNA segregation and chromosomal organization. We have investigated here how the actinobacterium
Corynebacterium glutamicum
organizes chromosome segregation and DNA replication. Unexpectedly, we found that
C. glutamicum
cells are at least diploid under all of the conditions tested and that these organisms have overlapping C periods during replication, with both origins initiating replication simultaneously. On the basis of experimental data, we propose growth rate-dependent cell cycle models for
C. glutamicum
.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial cell cycles are known for few model organisms and can vary significantly between species. Here, we studied the cell cycle of
Corynebacterium glutamicum
, an emerging cell biological model organism for mycolic acid-containing bacteria, including mycobacteria. Our data suggest that
C. glutamicum
carries two pole-attached chromosomes that replicate with overlapping C periods, thus initiating a new round of DNA replication before the previous one is terminated. The newly replicated origins segregate to midcell positions, where cell division occurs between the two new origins. Even after long starvation or under extremely slow-growth conditions,
C. glutamicum
cells are at least diploid, likely as an adaptation to environmental stress that may cause DNA damage. The cell cycle of
C. glutamicum
combines features of slow-growing organisms, such as polar origin localization, and fast-growing organisms, such as overlapping C periods.
The Rcs-Regulated Colanic Acid Capsule Maintains Membrane Potential in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Pando Jasmine M. , Karlinsey Joyce E. , Lara Jimmie C. , Libby Stephen J. , Fang Ferric C. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

The Rcs phosphorelay and Psp (phage shock protein) systems are envelope stress responses that are highly conserved in gammaproteobacteria. The Rcs regulon was found to be strongly induced during metal deprivation of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium lacking the Psp response. Nineteen genes activated by the RcsA-RcsB response regulator make up an operon responsible for the production of colanic acid capsular polysaccharide, which promotes biofilm development. Despite more than half a century of research, the physiological function of colanic acid has remained elusive. Here we show that Rcs-dependent colanic acid production maintains the transmembrane electrical potential and proton motive force in cooperation with the Psp response. Production of negatively charged exopolysaccharide covalently bound to the outer membrane may enhance the surface potential by increasing the local proton concentration. This provides a unifying mechanism to account for diverse Rcs/colanic acid-related phenotypes, including susceptibility to membrane-damaging agents and biofilm formation.

IMPORTANCE
Colanic acid is a negatively charged polysaccharide capsule produced by
Escherichia coli
,
Salmonella
, and other gammaproteobacteria. Research conducted over the 50 years since the discovery of colanic acid suggests that this exopolysaccharide plays an important role for bacteria living in biofilms. However, a precise physiological role for colanic acid has not been defined. In this study, we provide evidence that colanic acid maintains the transmembrane potential and proton motive force during envelope stress. This work provides a new and fundamental insight into bacterial physiology.