bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous HZγ couplings in photon-induced collisions at the LHC
Authors: Senol A. , Tasci A. T. , Cakir I. T. , Cakir O.
Published: November 2014

We examined HZγ vertex and obtained the limits on anomalous aγ, bγ and [Formula: see text] couplings in a model-independent way through the γp collisions via the process pp→p γp→pHqX. The sensitivities to the anomalous couplings can be obtained as |bγ|, [Formula: see text] for the integrated luminosity of L int = 100 fb -1 at the LHC with [Formula: see text].
Universality of spectra of black holes
Authors: Zeng Xiao-Xiong , Li Qiang , Han Yi-Wen
Published: November 2014

Using exclusively an action variable, we quantize a static, spherically symmetric black hole. The spacings of the quantized entropy spectrum and area spectrum are found to be equal to the values given by Bekenstein. Interestingly, we find the spectra are independent of the hairs of the black holes and the mode of motion of a particle outside the spacetime, which depends only on the intrinsic properties of the gravity. Our result shows that the spectra are universal provided the spacetime owns a horizon.
CFD-BASED SELF-PROPULSION SIMULATION FOR FROG SWIMMING
Authors: FAN JIZHUANG , ZHANG WEI , ZHU YANHE , ZHAO JIE
Published: November 2014

Mechanism analysis of frog swimming is an interesting subject in the field of biofluid mechanics and bionics. Computing the hydrodynamic forces acting on a frog is difficult due to its characteristics of explosive propulsion and large range of joint motion. To analyze the flow around the body and vortices in the wake, in this paper, the method based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was utilized to solve the velocity and pressure distributions in the flow field and on the frog. The hydrodynamic problem during the propulsive phase of a frog, Xenopus laevis, was calculated using the CFD software FLUENT. A self-propulsion simulation was performed which computed the body velocity from the joint trajectory input and CFD solved the hydrodynamic forces, and visual CFD results of the hydrodynamic forces and flow field structures were obtained.
AKSmooth: Enhancing low-coverage bisulfite sequencing data via kernel-based smoothing
Authors: Chen Junfang , Lutsik Pavlo , Akulenko Ruslan , Walter Jörn , Helms Volkhard
Published: November 2014

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is an approach of growing importance. It is the only approach that provides a comprehensive picture of the genome-wide DNA methylation profile. However, obtaining a sufficient amount of genome and read coverage typically requires high sequencing costs. Bioinformatics tools can reduce this cost burden by improving the quality of sequencing data. We have developed a statistical method Ajusted Local Kernel Smoother (AKSmooth) that can accurately and efficiently reconstruct the single CpG methylation estimate across the entire methylome using low-coverage bisulfite sequencing (Bi-Seq) data. We demonstrate the AKSmooth performance on the low-coverage (~ 4×) DNA methylation profiles of three human colon cancer samples and matched controls. Under the best set of parameters, AKSmooth-curated data showed high concordance with the gold standard high-coverage sample (Pearson 0.90), outperforming the popular analogous method. In addition, AKSmooth showed computational efficiency with runtime benchmark over 4.5 times better than the reference tool. To summarize, AKSmooth is a simple and efficient tool that can provide an accurate human colon methylome estimation profile from low-coverage WGBS data. The proposed method is implemented in R and is available at https://github.com/Junfang/AKSmooth .
Human SLC4A11-C functions as a DIDS-stimulatable H+(OH−) permeation pathway: partial correction of R109H mutant transport
Authors: Kao Liyo , Azimov Rustam , Abuladze Natalia , Newman Debra , Kurtz Ira
Published: November 2014

The SLC4A11 gene mutations cause a variety of genetic corneal diseases, including congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy 2 (CHED2), Harboyan syndrome, some cases of Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FECD), and possibly familial keratoconus. Three NH2-terminal variants of the human SLC4A11 gene, named SLC4A11-A, -B, and -C are known. The SLC4A11-B variant has been the focus of previous studies. Both the expression of the SLC4A11-C variant in the cornea and its functional properties have not been characterized, and therefore its potential pathophysiological role in corneal diseases remains to be explored. In the present study, we demonstrate that SLC4A11-C is the predominant SLC4A11 variant expressed in human corneal endothelial mRNA and that the transporter functions as an electrogenic H+(OH−) permeation pathway. Disulfonic stilbenes, including 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate (DIDS), 4,4′-diisothiocyanatodihydrostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate (H2DIDS), and 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonate (SITS), which are known to bind covalently, increased SLC4A11-C-mediated H+(OH−) flux by 150–200% without having a significant effect in mock-transfected cells. Noncovalently interacting 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate (DADS) was without effect. We tested the efficacy of DIDS on the functionally impaired R109H mutant (SLC4A11-C numbering) that causes CHED2. DIDS (1 mM) increased H+(OH−) flux through the mutant transporter by ∼40–90%. These studies provide a basis for future testing of more specific chemically modified dilsulfonic stilbenes as potential therapeutic agents to improve the functional impairment of specific SLC4A11 mutant transporters.
Semiautomatic segmentation of longitudinal computed tomography images in a rat model of lung injury by surfactant depletion
Authors: Xin Yi , Song Gang , Cereda Maurizio , Kadlecek Stephen , Hamedani Hooman , Jiang Yunqing , Rajaei Jennia , Clapp Justin , Profka Harrilla , Meeder Natalie , Wu Jue , Tustison Nicholas J. , Gee James C. , Rizi Rahim R.
Published: November 2014

Quantitative analysis of computed tomography (CT) is essential to the study of acute lung injury. However, quantitative CT is made difficult by poor lung aeration, which complicates the critical step of image segmentation. To overcome this obstacle, this study sought to develop and validate a semiautomated, multilandmark, registration-based scheme for lung segmentation that is effective in conditions of poor aeration. Expiratory and inspiratory CT images were obtained in rats ( n = 8) with surfactant depletion of incremental severity to mimic worsening aeration. Trained operators manually delineated the images to provide a comparative landmark. Semiautomatic segmentation originated from a single, previously segmented reference image obtained at healthy baseline. Deformable registration of the target images (after surfactant depletion) was performed using the symmetric diffeomorphic transformation model with B-spline regularization. Registration used multiple landmarks (i.e., rib cage, spine, and lung parenchyma) to minimize the effect of poor aeration. Then target images were automatically segmented by applying the calculated transformation function to the reference image contour. Semiautomatically and manually segmented contours proved to be highly similar in all aeration conditions, including those characterized by more severe surfactant depletion and expiration. The Dice similarity coefficient was over 0.9 in most conditions, confirming high agreement, irrespective of poor aeration. Furthermore, CT density-based measurements of gas volume, tissue mass, and lung aeration distribution were minimally affected by the method of segmentation. Moving forward, multilandmark registration has the potential to streamline quantitative CT analysis by enabling semiautomatic image segmentation of lungs with a broad range of injury severity.
Endostatin Level is Associated with Kidney Injury in the Elderly: Findings from Two Community-Based Cohorts
Authors: Ruge Toralph , Carlsson Axel C. , Larsson Tobias E. , Carrero Juan-JesPs , Larsson Anders , Lind Lars , ÄrnlFv Johan
Published: November 2014

Background: We aimed to investigate the associations between circulating endostatin and the different aspects of renal dysfunction, namely, estimated (cystatin C) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). Methods: Two independent longitudinal community-based cohorts of elderly. ULSAM, n = 786 men; age 78 years; median GFR 74 ml/min/1.73 m2; median ACR 0.80 mg/mmol); and PIVUS, n = 815; age 75 years; 51% women; median GFR; 67 ml/min/1.73 m2; median ACR 1.39 mg/mmol. Cross-sectional associations between the endostatin levels and GFR as well as ACR, and longitudinal association between endostatin at baseline and incident CKD (defined as GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) were assessed. Results: In cross-sectional regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors, serum endostatin was negatively associated with GFR (ULSAM: B-coefficient per SD increase -0.51, 95% CI (-0.57, -0.45), p < 0.001; PIVUS -0.47, 95% CI (-0.54, -0.41), p < 0.001) and positively associated with ACR (ULSAM: B-coefficient per SD increase 0.24, 95% CI (0.15, 0.32), p < 0.001; PIVUS 0.13, 95% CI (0.06-0.20), p < 0.001) in both cohorts. Moreover, in longitudinal multivariable analyses, higher endostatin levels were associated with increased risk for incident CKD defined as GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at re-investigations in both ULSAM (odds ratio per SD increase of endostatin 1.39 (95% CI 1.01-1.90) and PIVUS 1.68 (95% CI 1.36-2.07)). Conclusions: Higher circulating endostatin is associated with lower GFR and higher albuminuria and independently predicts incident CKD in elderly subjects. Further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms linking endostatin to kidney pathology, and to evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Temporal variation in the weight-size relationship of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus L. (Decapoda: Ucididae) in relation to its life cycle phases
Authors: de Miranda Leão Leite Marcos , Yuri Ogawa Cynthia , Rezende Carla Ferreira , Silva José Roberto Feitosa
Published: November 2014

The relationship between weight and size of individuals can be used to evaluate the status of a population, which is particularly useful for natural populations that are being exploited. Ucides cordatus occurs on the Atlantic coast of the American continent, from Florida (USA) to Santa Catarina (Brazil). This species is economically very important, most of all in the Northeastern area of Brazil, as well as in the Dominican Republic and Suriname. The objective of this study was to analyze life phases (‘fattening’, ‘matumba’, ‘milk-crab’, ‘maturation’ and ‘walking’) by use of the weight-length relationships, as well as temporal variations in this condition factor for each sex of U. cordatus. For this purpose, individuals were sampled monthly for twenty-four months at the Jaguaribe River estuary, Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil. The relationship between total weight and cephalothorax width was established using regression analysis, adjusted by a power equation. The dynamics of the condition factor were analyzed for each sex using the variation of its averages related to annual life cycle; this was done for each of the previously-mentioned phases. The relationship between total weight and cephalothorax width showed an isometric growth in males and negative allometric growth in females suggesting that, for the same reference size, males are heavier than females. When considering the average of the female condition factors, these were greater than those for males during the annual life cycle, except during the ‘maturation’ phase, which is the phase with a higher demand of energetic reserves for males. Annual variation of the condition factor in females presented no significant difference.
Biology, early stages and description of a new species of Adelognathus Holmgren (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Adelognathinae)
Authors: SHAW MARK R. , WAHL DAVID B.
Published: November 2014

Adelognathus leucotrochi Shaw & Wahl sp. nov. is described from Britain where it is a univoltine slightly gregarious koinobiont ectoparasitoid of late stage larvae of the tenthredinid sawfly Nematus leucotrochus Hartig feeding on Ribes uva-crispa. Defensive reactions by the host to prospecting females are described. The developmental biology of A. leucotrochi is described in detail: the host is only temporarily paralysed by the injection of a venom that has no other effect on the host, and eggs are laid on the host’s dorsum without involvement of the ovipositor—that is, the egg issues direct from the genital opening. Prior to oviposition the adult female parasitoid prepares the site by spreading an adhesive substance from her ovipositor. Host-feeding by adult females occurs on haemolymph and sometimes also other tissues obtained at the site of a wound made always by the mandibles, but appears not to be obligatory. It may be concurrent or non-concurrent with oviposition; in the latter case, it may be either destructive or non-destructive. Larval development is very rapid, taking about 70 hr at 18–22ºC, and the host continues to feed for approximately the first half of this period. Five larval instars were detected, and their cephalic sclerites are described and illustrated, as are those of the final instars of a further three species of Adelognathus for comparison. The rather featureless final instar larva is also figured, as is the tough cocoon in which the winter is passed as a prepupa. The biology of some idiobiont Adelognathus species is discussed in comparison with that of A. leucotrochi, and several other instances of eggs not issuing from the ovipositor in non-aculeate ectoparasitoid Hymenoptera, whether koinobionts or idiobionts, are briefly reviewed. It is concluded that this habit seems to arise rather easily when there is direct bodily contact between the adult and the host/prey, as indeed is the case in all carnivorous aculeates that do not practice continuous provisioning.
Review of the Eisenia muganiensis (Michaelsen, 1910) species group with description of two new species (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae)
Authors: SZEDERJESI TÍMEA , PAVLÍČEK TOMÁS , LATIF ROBABEH , CSUZDI CSABA
Published: November 2014

The Eisenia muganiensis species group is established, consisting of a set of Asian earthworm species characterized by elongate, backward placed clitellum and tubercles: Eisenia malevici Perel, 1962; Eisenia muganiensis (Michaelsen, 1910); Eisenia patriciae Szederjesi, Pavlíček, Coşkun & Csuzdi, 2014 and Eisenia transcaucasica (Perel, 1967). The species are shortly reviewed and furthermore, two new species of the E. muganiensis group are described, E. kontschani sp. nov. from Turkey and E. malekae sp. nov. from Iran.
New species and new record of the rare genera Xynotingis Drake, 1948 and Zeiratingis Drake & Ruhoff, 1961 (Hemiptera: Tingidae) from China
Authors: DANG KAI , LI CHUANREN , BU WENJUN
Published: November 2014

Xynotingis hoytana Drake, 1948 and Zeiratingis hainanensis sp. nov. are recorded from China (Hainan Island). Species of both genera are very rarely collected. This represents the first record of both genera in this country. The new species is described. Illustrations of the involved species are provided as well as a key to the species of the genus Zeiratingis.
A new species of Hoplognathoca Suárez, 1962 from Central America and description of male of Hoplognathoca costarricensis Suárez, 1962 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)
Authors: ROBERTO CAMBRA T. A. , DIOMEDES QUINTERO A , BROTHERS DENIS J.
Published: November 2014

Hoplognathoca jinotega Cambra, Quintero & Brothers, sp. nov., female, from Nicaragua and Guatemala and the male of H. costarricensis Suárez, 1962 are described and illustrated. The genus Hoplognathoca is reported for the first time from Nicaragua.
Ibritumomab consolidation after 3 cycles of CHOP plus radiotherapy in high-risk limited-stage aggressive B-cell lymphoma: SWOG S0313
Authors: Persky Daniel O. , Miller Thomas P. , Unger Joseph M. , Spier Catherine M. , Puvvada Soham , Stea B. Dino , Press Oliver W. , Constine Louis S. , Barton Kevin P. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , LeBlanc Michael , Fisher Richard I.
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Limited-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has good outcomes with CHOP followed by radiotherapy but has a pattern of continuous relapses. Adding radioimmunotherapy consolidation results in outcomes that are at least as good as with rituximab added to CHOP and radiotherapy.
von Willebrand factor is a cofactor in complement regulation
Authors: Feng Shuju , Liang Xiaowen , Kroll Michael H. , Chung Dominic W. , Afshar-Kharghan Vahid
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Normal plasma VWF multimers act as a cofactor in the factor I–mediated cleavage of C3b to iC3b and inhibit complement activation. Large VWF multimers, including ultra-large VWF multimers, do not have factor I cofactor activity and permit complement activation.
Fungal transformation of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione by Aspergillus brasiliensis
Authors: Hosseinabadi Tahereh , Vahidi Hossein , Nickavar Bahman , Kobarfard Farzad
Published: November 2014

Background

The biotransformation of steroids by fungal biocatalysts has been recognized for many years. There are numerous fungi of the genus Aspergillu s which have been shown to transform different steroid substances. The possibility of using filamentous fungi Aspergillus brasiliensis cells in the biotransformation of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, was evaluated.

Methods

The fungal strain was inoculated into the transformation medium which supplemented with androstadienedione as a substrate and fermentation continued for 5 days. The metabolites were extracted and isolated by thin layer chromatography. The structures of these metabolites were elucidated using 1H-NMR, broadband decoupled 13C-NMR, EI Mass and IR spectroscopies.

Results

The fermentation yielded one reduced product: 17β-hydroxyandrost-1,4-dien-3-one and two hydroxylated metabolites: 11α-hydroxyandrost-1,4-diene-3,17-dione and 12β-hydroxyandrost-1,4-diene-3,17-dione.

Conclusions

The results obtained in this study show that A. brasiliendsis could be considered as a biocatalyst for producing important derivatives from androstadienedione.
Human neutrophil formyl peptide receptor phosphorylation and the mucosal inflammatory response
Authors: Leoni Giovanna , Gripentrog Jeannie , Lord Connie , Riesselman Marcia , Sumagin Ronen , Parkos Charles A , Nusrat Asma , Jesaitis Algirdas J
Published: November 2014

Bacterial/mitochondrial fMLF analogs bind FPR1, driving accumulation/activation of PMN at sites of infection/injury, while promoting wound healing in epithelia. We quantified levels of UFPR1 and TFPR1 in isolated PMN by use of phosphosensitive NFPRb and phosphorylation-independent NFPRa antibodies. UFPR1 and total TFPR were assessed inflamed mucosa, observed in human IBD. In isolated PMN after fMLF stimulation, UFPR1 declined 70% (fMLFEC50 = 11 ± 1 nM; t1/2 = 15 s) and was stable for up to 4 h, whereas TFPR1 changed only slightly. Antagonists (tBoc-FLFLF, CsH) and metabolic inhibitor NaF prevented the fMLF-dependent UFPR1 decrease. Annexin A1 fragment Ac2-26 also induced decreases in UFPR1 (Ac2-26EC50 ∼ 3 µM). Proinflammatory agents (TNF-α, LPS), phosphatase inhibitor (okadaic acid), and G-protein activator (MST) modestly increased fMLFEC50, 2- to 4-fold, whereas PTX, Ca2+ chelators (EGTA/BAPTA), H2O2, GM-CSF, ENA-78, IL-1RA, and LXA4 had no effect. Aggregation-inducing PAF, however, strongly inhibited fMLF-stimulated UFPR1 decreases. fMLF-driven PMN also demonstrated decreased UFPR1 after traversing monolayers of cultured intestinal epithelial cells, as did PMN in intestinal mucosal samples, demonstrating active inflammation from UC patients. Total TFPR remained high in PMN within inflamed crypts, migrating through crypt epithelium, and in the lamina propria-adjoining crypts, but UFPR1 was only observed at some peripheral sites on crypt aggregates. Loss of UFPR1 in PMN results from C-terminal S/T phosphorylation. Our results suggest G protein–insensitive, fMLF-dependent FPR1 phosphorylation in isolated suspension PMN, which may manifest in fMLF-driven transmigration and potentially, in actively inflamed tissues, except at minor discrete surface locations of PMN-containing crypt aggregates.
Transgenic analysis of a SoxB gene reveals neural progenitor cells in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Richards Gemma Sian , Rentzsch Fabian
Published: November 2014

Bilaterian neurogenesis is characterized by the generation of diverse neural cell types from dedicated neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs). However, the evolutionary origin of NPCs is unclear, as neurogenesis in representatives of the bilaterian sister group, the Cnidaria, occurs via interstitial stem cells that also possess broader, non-neural, developmental potential. We address this question by analysing neurogenesis in an anthozoan cnidarian, Nematostella vectensis. Using a transgenic reporter line, we show that NvSoxB(2) – an orthologue of bilaterian SoxB genes that have conserved roles in neurogenesis – is expressed in a cell population that gives rise to sensory neurons, ganglion neurons and nematocytes: the three primary neural cell types of cnidarians. EdU labelling together with in situ hybridization, and within the NvSoxB(2)::mOrange transgenic line, demonstrates that cells express NvSoxB(2) before mitosis and identifies asymmetric behaviours of sibling cells within NvSoxB(2)+ lineages. Morpholino-mediated gene knockdown of NvSoxB(2) blocks the formation of all three neural cell types, thereby identifying NvSoxB(2) as an essential positive regulator of nervous system development. Our results demonstrate that diverse neural cell types derive from an NvSoxB(2)-expressing population of mitotic cells in Nematostella and that SoxB genes are ancient components of a neurogenic program. To our knowledge this is the first description of a lineage-restricted, multipotent cell population outside the Bilateria and we propose that neurogenesis via dedicated, SoxB-expressing NPCs predates the split between cnidarians and bilaterians.
Epithelial β1 integrin is required for lung branching morphogenesis and alveolarization
Authors: Plosa Erin J. , Young Lisa R. , Gulleman Peter M. , Polosukhin Vasiliy V. , Zaynagetdinov Rinat , Benjamin John T. , Im Amanda M. , van der Meer Riet , Gleaves Linda A. , Bulus Nada , Han Wei , Prince Lawrence S. , Blackwell Timothy S. , Zent Roy
Published: November 2014

Integrin-dependent interactions between cells and extracellular matrix regulate lung development; however, specific roles for β1-containing integrins in individual cell types, including epithelial cells, remain incompletely understood. In this study, the functional importance of β1 integrin in lung epithelium during mouse lung development was investigated by deleting the integrin from E10.5 onwards using surfactant protein C promoter-driven Cre. These mutant mice appeared normal at birth but failed to gain weight appropriately and died by 4 months of age with severe hypoxemia. Defects in airway branching morphogenesis in association with impaired epithelial cell adhesion and migration, as well as alveolarization defects and persistent macrophage-mediated inflammation were identified. Using an inducible system to delete β1 integrin after completion of airway branching, we showed that alveolarization defects, characterized by disrupted secondary septation, abnormal alveolar epithelial cell differentiation, excessive collagen I and elastin deposition, and hypercellularity of the mesenchyme occurred independently of airway branching defects. By depleting macrophages using liposomal clodronate, we found that alveolarization defects were secondary to persistent alveolar inflammation. β1 integrin-deficient alveolar epithelial cells produced excessive monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and reactive oxygen species, suggesting a direct role for β1 integrin in regulating alveolar homeostasis. Taken together, these studies define distinct functions of epithelial β1 integrin during both early and late lung development that affect airway branching morphogenesis, epithelial cell differentiation, alveolar septation and regulation of alveolar homeostasis.
Antioxidant defense and stress protein induction following heat stress in the Mediterranean snailXeropicta derbentina[Pulmonata, Hygromiidae]
Authors: Troschinski Sandra , Dieterich Andreas , Krais Stefanie , Triebskorn Rita , Koehler Heinz-R.
Published: November 2014

The Mediterranean snail Xeropicta derbentina, being highly abundant in Southern France, has the need for efficient physiological adaptations to desiccation and over-heating posed by dry and hot environmental conditions. In consequence of heat, oxidative stress manifests in these organisms, which, in turn, leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we focused on adaptations on the biochemical level by investigation of antioxidant defenses and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) induction, both essential mechanisms of the heat stress response. We exposed snails to elevated temperature (25, 38, 40, 43, and 45°C) in the laboratory and measured the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), determined the Hsp70 level, and quantified lipid peroxidation. In general, we found a high constitutive level of CAT activity in all treatments, which may be interpreted as a permanent protection against ROS, i.e. hydrogen peroxide. CAT and GPx showed temperature-dependent activities: CAT activity was significantly increased in response to high temperatures (43 and 45°C), whereas GPx exhibited a significantly increased activity at 40°C, likely in response to high levels of lipid peroxides which already occurred in the 38°C treatment. Hsp70 showed a maximum induction at 40°C, followed by a decrease at higher temperatures. Our results reveal that X. derbentina possesses a set of efficient mechanisms to cope with damaging effects by heat. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that, beside the well documented Hsp70 stress response, the antioxidant defense plays a crucial role in these snails competence to survive extreme temperatures.
A Rapid and Highly Specific Method to Evaluate the Presence of 2-(2-Phenylethyl) Chromones in Agarwood by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xia Bing , Li Jinrong , Yang Delan , Mei Wenli , Ding Lisheng , Zhou Yan
Published: November 2014

The detection and structural characterization of the major constituents of agarwood, 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, are important to quality control and the establishment of the authenticity of agarwood samples. However, a highly specific and rapid method for the evaluation of 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones in agarwood has not been reported to date. In this study, we developed a method using supercritical fluid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry (SFC-MS). Tropylium ions, the characteristic product ions of 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones in tandem mass spectrometric experiments, were selected for the targeted detection of 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones. This method used precursor ion scans for tropylium ions with different possible substitutions on a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. To evaluate the usefulness of the developed method, a diethyl ether extract from a Chinese agarwood “Qi-Nan” sample was first separated using SFC, and the elutes were later subjected to precursor ion scans, which searched for 15 common substituted tropylium ions to evaluate the 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones. In the precursor ion scans, a total of 29 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones were detected and investigated further using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to obtain more detailed structural information. By comparing the retention times and m/z values of the precursor ions with reference standards, nine of the detected compounds were unequivocally identified. The remaining compounds were tentatively identified by analyzing the MS/MS spectra. This method provides a rapid and efficient method for evaluating the 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones present in a sample, which aids in quality control and the establishment of the authenticity of the agarwood sample.
Ion channels in somatosensory transmission: an introduction to the collection
Authors: Gamper Nikita
Published: November 2014

Excitation of peripheral endings of sensory nerves is a primary event in most types of somatosensation, including pain. This excitation and transmission of action potentials within somatosensory pathways is brought about by the concerted action of the wide array of plasmalemmal ion channels, some of which are specific to somatosensory nerves. Accordingly, ion channel deficiencies or ‘channelopathies’ often underlie sensory disorders and pathological pain states and many current and prospective analgesics target ion channels. This F1000Research article collection is focused on the current advances in understanding function and regulation of ion channels controlling excitability and synaptic transmission within somatosensory pathways. The focus is on the peripheral neurons but studies of central mechanisms that integrate peripheral inputs are also welcome. We also welcome discussions of emerging approaches, methods and techniques in somatosensory physiology.
CPD article: Cervical cancer care
Authors: Peate Ian , Jones Noleen
Published: November 2014

This article provides the healthcare assistant (HCA) and assistant practitioner (AP) with an overview of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer. Cervical cancer is the twelfth most common cancer in women in the UK and the third most common gynaecological cancer after uterus (womb) and ovary (Cancer Research UK).

The anatomy and physiology of the female genitourinary tract are outlined. The incidence and prevalence of the condition are presented. There are a number of risk factors related to this condition and these are discussed, along with the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and the diagnosis through a smear test.

The various treatment options are reviewed, emphasising the need to ensure that the woman's unique needs are being met and respected.

The role and function of the HCA and AP are key to ensuring care is safe, kind and compassionate, with the patient at the centre of all that is done.
Disability discrimination 4: experiences of disabled healthcare professionals
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: November 2014

The first three articles in this series focused on the more ‘abstract’ issues of meanings, legislation and reports. This article will highlight the lived experience of nurses, nursing students and healthcare assistants (HCAs) who, themselves, have disabilities. It will also offer a number of strategies suggested by these nurses and HCAs.
People living with dementia: components of communication
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: November 2014

Communication skills are vitally important for the healthcare assistant (HCA). The HCA works in a team and cares for vulnerable people who may, because of illness or distress, have difficulty in communicating.

Communicating effectively enables the HCA to work well in a team and to ensure that the voice of the patient is heard. Communication is a skill that we all take for granted, yet misunderstandings are common. This article aims to analyse different components of communication and to enable the reader to understand the components of communication and how to improve communication skills.
Looking to the future of HCA education in the UK
Authors: Hayes Catherine
Published: November 2014

This article is written for both HCAs and their educators and outlines some of the major approaches to developing education and training for the HCA workforce.

Referring to major policy recommendations and how this might be translated into working curricula for HCAs, there is discussion of the presuppositions around vocational and academic training for the HCA workforce and how parallel issues in industry have been addressed in practice.

E-learning is debated as a mechanism of integrating emergent technology into HCA curricula via the facilitation of learning in both simulation and delivery of academic content. The impact of this on HCA learning in practice is considered.

Finally, a set of key objectives for HCAs is identified and the article concludes with an outline of potential innovation for HCA education when regulation of this sector of the healthcare workforce is formalised in the near future
HCA/APs must be masters of their own destiny
Authors: Hughes Rhidian
Published: November 2014

Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)
Case report: granulosa cell tumour in a Holstein cow
Authors: Jackson Rose , Parker Chris , Roma Llorenç Grau
Published: November 2014

This case discusses the presumptive diagnosis of granulosa cell tumour (GCT) in a multiparous dairy cow, the surgical management of the case and definitive diagnosis on histopathology.
CattleReview
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: November 2014

Introduction:

This Cattle Review looks at the use of hypertonic saline fluid therapy, parasite control in Irish dairy herds, the effect of biofilms on antimicrobial sensitivity and the aetiology of ovarian cysts.
Parasites in the goat
Authors: Harwood David
Published: November 2014

This article considers the common endoparasites and ectoparasites of the goat, and some of the problems the clinician may have in treating and preventing them. In simple terms goats are susceptible to nematodes, liver fluke and protozoa, and also to lice and mange mites. Many of the species involved are shared parasites with other ruminants — thus any control programme particularly for endoparasites must take this into account if goats are kept in paddocks grazed at some stage by for example sheep and cattle.
A simple introduction to pharmacokinetics: Part 2
Authors: Hughes Gwen
Published: November 2014

Pharmacokinetics describes the movement and fate of drugs through the body as determined by the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination (ADME). The second part of this two-part series aims to provide a basic, ‘no-frills’ overview of the main factors and considerations influencing the metabolism—the chemical alteration of drugs—and elimination—removal from the body—of drugs.
Adherence to medications: Towards a shared understanding
Authors: Mitchell Gary
Published: November 2014

Patient adherence to medication is a complex issue that is important to patients, health professionals, policy makers and health researchers. This article will provide some background to the phenomenon in relation to adherence, its cost to the health service, how adherence is measured in health research and how concordance and health psychology can aid practitioners in assisting patients in staying adherent to their medication regimens.
Taking a political stance in social work
Authors: McKendrick David , Webb Stephen A
Published: November 2014

Taking a political stance in social work necessarily involves a close historical examination of the influence of social and economic structure as well as the constituting context of relations of domination. It also involves articulating an ontology of the political subject. We maintain that the proper conceptual space for understanding the possibility of taking a political stance is that of political ontology. In defining this space we draw on issues raised in The New Politics of Social Work (Gray and Webb, 2013) bringing together aspects of social structure and agency for radical social work. We ask against which principles a radical social work stance might be judged and question the extent to which it can be positioned as a counter-strategy to both neoliberal capitalism and mainstream social work. The article plots the implications and meaning of the ‘new politics of social work’ – conceived of as a ‘New Social Work Left’.
Moments of hospitality: Rethinking hospital meals through a non-representational approach
Authors: Justesen Lise , Gyimóthy Szilvia , Mikkelsen Bent E.
Published: November 2014

Hospital meals have increasingly become part of the political and scientific agenda of the welfare discussions in Denmark and other European countries. This article employs non-representational theory to analyse hospitalityscapes in order to explore opportunities for adding value to the hospital meal experience. By drawing on research carried out in two Danish hospital wards, this article explores how hospitalityscapes are socio-materially constructed. The research strategy was based on performative participant observations, visual ethnography and semi-structured interviews. The empirical data reveal how the daily atmosphere could be changed by social activities such as a dancing nurse, or through artefacts such as meatballs or napkins in disruptive micro-events, creating a possibility for different hospitalityscapes manifested in cultural, humorous or social performances. The article suggests that a focus on disruptive micro-events might create opportunities for hospitalityscapes and add value to future hospital meal experiences.
Work for food and accommodation: Negotiating socio-economic relationships in non-commercial work-exchange encounters
Authors: Kosnik Elisabeth
Published: November 2014

The concept of ‘work for food and accommodation’ is part of a significant social trend in contemporary societies, of the slow food, sustainability and back-to-the-land movement. It is an alternative form of travelling and hospitality as much as it is part of an alternative economy that deliberately avoids encounters governed by the logics of the market, where people seek alternative ways of engaging with, and relating to, others. Taking the international World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) movement as my empirical context, I investigate the nature of hospitality in the work-exchange relationship by analysing how participants negotiate their social and economic relationships through food and reciprocity. Based on ethnographic research, this article discusses power and boundaries, social control, inclusion and exclusion, and exchange and reciprocity between hosts and helpers, demonstrating how the host–guest dichotomy dissolves when the boundaries between production and consumption become blurred. I argue that food and beverage, hospitality and mutual help play a significant role in establishing, negotiating and nurturing these exchange relationships between barter and gift exchange. There is a dearth of research on work-exchange that this article addresses. Drawing on insights from ethnographic and other social science research alongside theoretical discussions of hospitality ‘as a way of relating’, the article aims to contribute new ways of understanding and theorizing the work-exchange encounter.
Reviews
Authors: Berno Tracy , Murray Elizabeth , Pavoni Andrea , O’Halloran Robert M.
Published: November 2014

Food and Drink: The Cultural Context, Donald Sloan (ed.) (2013) Woodeaten, Oxford: Goodfellow Publishers Ltd, 245 pp., ISBN: 9781908999047, p/bk, £29.99

Semiotics of Drinks and Drinking, Paul Manning (2012) London: Continuum, 245 pp., ISBN: 9781441137746, p/bk, £24.99

Educated Tastes: Food, Drink and Connoisseur Culture, Jeremy Strong (ed.) (2011) Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, xxii+292 pp., ISBN: 9780803219359, p/bk, £23.99

Eating Asian America: A Food Studies Reader, Robert Ji-Song Ku, Martin F. Manalansan IV and Anita Mannur (eds) (2013) New York and London: New York University Press, 444 pp., ISBN1: 9781479810239 (cl), ISBN2: 9781479869251 (pb), p/bk, $20.35, Kindle, $11.99
Winds from the North: Tewa Origins and Historical Anthropology
Authors: Dombrosky Jonathan
Published: November 2014

Review of Winds from the North: Tewa Origins and Historical Anthropology. Scott G. Ortman. 2012. The University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City. Pp. 520, 51 illustrations, 25 maps, 54 tables. $70.00 (hardcover). ISBN  978-1-60781-172-5.
Deconstruction and Reconstruction of the “Comply or Explain” Principle in EU Capital Markets
Authors: Sergakis Konstantinos
Published: November 2014

The “comply or explain” principle has already acquired significant importance in corporate law and regulations and is considered to be the preferred regulatory tool in the EU for increasing transparency and disclosure of market participants’ strategies and activities. The flexibility of the principle is perceived as the most suitable way to create indirect coordination of practices amongst market actors, as well as better mutual understanding of their different priorities. Having initially shown its considerable appeal in the area of corporate governance statements issued by corporate entities, it has now expanded its influence into other areas serving similar transparency imperatives, such as the exercise of stewardship responsibilities by institutional investors and proxy advisors. In this paper, we will focus on the merits and shortfalls of the “comply or explain” principle in all the above-mentioned areas, both at national and at EU levels, and will critically challenge its effectiveness in the current regulatory framework. Moreover, we will seek to justify its continued use by demonstrating its future potential role as a veritable dialogue spectrum between different market participants. Lastly, we will emphasise the need for a soft monitoring process from national regulators which will enable both the “comply or explain” principle and its users to participate in a holistic effort for the adoption of sound investment strategies via the fruitful exchange of views and ideas and better communication with regard to their respective role in capital markets.
Refining Tungsten Purification by Electron Beam Melting Based on the Thermal Equilibrium Calculation and Tungsten Loss Control
Authors: Long Luping , Liu Wensheng , Ma Yunzhu , Liu Ye , Liu Shuhua
Published: November 2014

Electron beam melting (EBM) technology has been considered as one of the key steps for preparing high purity tungsten, and reasonable setting of process parameters is the premise. In this paper, the optimum process parameters obtained from thermal equilibrium calculation and evaporation loss control of tungsten are presented. Effective power is closely related to melting temperature, and the required power for maintaining the superheating melt linearly increases with the increase of melt superheat temperature. The evaporation loss behavior of tungsten is significantly influenced by melting rate and melting temperature. Analysis of experiments show that the best results are realized at melting rate of 1.82 g/s, melting temperature of 4200 K, and the corresponding melting power of 130 kW, in which the main impurity elements in tungsten, such as As, Cd, Mg and Sn, present high removal ratio of 90%, 95%, 85.7% and 90%, respectively.
A Novel Role for the Zinc-Finger Transcription Factor EGL-46 in the Differentiation of Gas-Sensing Neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Romanos Teresa Rojo , Petersen Jakob Gramstrup , Riveiro Alba Redo , Pocock Roger
Published: November 2014

Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) provoke distinct olfactory behaviors via specialized sensory neurons across metazoa. In the nematode C. elegans, the BAG sensory neurons are specialized to sense changes in both O2 and CO2 levels in the environment. The precise functionality of these neurons is specified by the coexpression of a membrane-bound receptor-type guanylyl cyclase GCY-9 that is required for responses to CO2 upshifts and the soluble guanylyl cyclases GCY-31 and GCY-33 that mediate responses to downshifts in O2. Expression of these gas-sensing molecules in the BAG neurons is partially, although not completely, controlled by ETS-5, an ETS-domain-containing transcription factor, and EGL-13, a Sox transcription factor. We report here the identification of EGL-46, a zinc-finger transcription factor, which regulates BAG gas-sensing fate in partially parallel pathways to ETS-5 and EGL-13. Thereby, three conserved transcription factors collaborate to ensure neuron type-specific identity features of the BAG gas-sensing neurons.
Effects of electronic word-of-mouth on consumers’ purchase decision in catering industry
Authors: Wu Monica
Published: November 2014

The emergence of Internet technology-based network economy has diversified information channels so that the selectable space for consumers is enlarged. In comparison with traditional promotion and advertisement, electronic word-of-mouth marketing, as a new style marketing presenting high transparency, broad influential regions, and obvious time effectiveness, is more easily accepted by consumers.By distributing and collecting questionnaires on site, 400 copies of questionnaires were distributed to the catering consumers in CHATEAU de CHINE, and 283 valid ones were retrieved, with the retrieval rate of 71%; each retrieved copy was regarded as a valid sample. The research results show significant positive effects of Electronic Word-of-Mouth on 1. Production Selection, 2. Brand Selection, 3. Location Selection, and 4. Number of Opportunity in Purchase Decision and 5. partial effects of demographic variables on the correlations between Electronic Word-of-Mouth and Purchase Decision.
The influence of national leader change on corruption and sovereign rating
Authors: Wang Kuei-Yuan , Tu Sheng-Min
Published: November 2014

Corruption is a critical social and ethical problem that can impede the economic growth of a country or even ruin a country. In addition, the importance of the sovereign rating of a country cannot be underestimated. A change in the sovereign rating of a country can affect its borrowing capacity. Using members of the United Nations from 1995 to 2012 as the research sample, this study investigated the influence of national leader change on corruption and sovereign rating by analyzing one year after the change in national leadership. The results showed that national leader change exerted a significant, positive effect on the degree of corruption and the sovereign rating one year after the change in national leadership. By including national characteristics, this study found that for countries that have adopted the semipresidential system, national leader change had a significant, negative effect on the degree of corruption and the sovereign rating. For extreme human development countries, national leader change had a significant, negative effect on the degree of corruption but did not significantly affect the sovereign rating. The results of this study can serve as a reference for investors engaged in international investment decision-making.
Exploring green service quality elements for international tourist hotels in Taiwan from the aspect of two-dimensional quality model
Authors: Li Yi-Min , Yang Chih-Yun , Kuo Ya-Hui , Hung Ruei-Yi
Published: November 2014

The enhancement of leisure atmosphere in the past years has resulted in environmental pollution and changes, thus tourism industry is no longer a non-smokestack green industry. Although the governmental organizations have promoted Green Hotel for the improvement, the remodeling of appearance and equipment and the alternation of spares sources have increased the costs, therefore a lot of hotels are still waiting and seeing the successive development. This study tends to find out customer emphases on the green service quality of international tourist hotels through the classification with Two-Dimensional Quality Model. The research findings show that 20 out of 28 green service quality items are Indifferent Quality, 4 Attractive Quality, and 4 One-Dimensional Quality. The businesses therefore should enhance Attractive Quality and One-Dimensional Quality. For instance, the green service quality items of Hotel providing balanced and diversified foods, Hotel offering traditional food with local characteristics, Fresh fruit and vegetable juice offered in a hotel, and Hotel providing 24-hour free wireless network services could enhance consumer satisfaction. The government, on the other hand, should promote the value of Green Hotel and green service quality. Furthermore, making improvements with internationally effective green service quality evaluation standards could promote Taiwan to be the first choice of green tourism.