bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Monitoring the Sensory Taste Characteristics in Pomegranate Juice with Electronic Tongue and Chemical Measurements
Authors: Bett‐Garber Karen L. , Watson Michael A. , Lea Jeanne M. , Bai Jinhe , Baldwin Elizabeth , Raithore Smita
Published: November 2014

Taste is imperative in pomegranate juice and is influenced by many production and processing factors. Measuring sweetness, sourness, bitterness, astringency and toothetch without a sensory panel makes economic sense. This investigation compares descriptive sensory evaluation (DSE) with physical methods. Brix degree (Brix), titratable acidity (TA), pH, methyl cellulose precipitable tannin assay (MCPTA) and electronic tongue (e‐tongue) techniques were measured in six commercial juices. The MCPTA correlated with astringent (r = 0.57, Pr = 0.01) and bitter (r = 0.58, Pr = 0.01), while pH negatively correlated with sour (r = −0.53, Pr = 0.02). DSE and physical measurements sufficiently differentiated brands. DSE could differentiate between five of the six brands. TA, Brix, pH and MCPTA tests differentiated between all six juice brands. The e‐tongue resulted in large differences within four of the brand as well as between brands. Evaluation of these methods by diluting one juice brand facilitated distinguishing how the methods work on the same compounds at declining concentrations.

Practical Applications

This study compares pomegranate juice chemical measures (Brix, pH, TA, MCPTA) with actual sensory taste and mouth feeling characteristics as well as introduces the e‐tongue as an application to monitor quality in processed pomegranate juice. The MCPTA assay reasonably correlated with astringency and can be utilized for estimating pomegranate juice astringency in place of sensory evaluation. The information reported is useful for testing juices in research settings and in monitoring juice production for quality assurance purposes.
Arginine Vasotocin, Isotocin and Nonapeptide Receptor Gene Expression Link to Social Status and Aggression in Sex‐Dependent Patterns
Authors: Lema S. C. , Sanders K. E. , Walti K. A.
Published: November 2014

Nonapeptide hormones of the vasopressin/oxytocin family regulate social behaviours. In mammals and birds, variation in behaviour also is linked to expression patterns of the V1a‐type receptor and the oxytocin/mesotocin receptor in the brain. Genome duplications, however, expand the diversity of nonapeptide receptors in actinopterygian fishes, and two distinct V1a‐type receptors (v1a1 and v1a2) for vasotocin, as well as at least two V2‐type receptors (v2a and v2b), have been identified in these taxa. The present study investigates how aggression connected to social status relates to the abundance patterns of gene transcripts encoding four vasotocin receptors, an isotocin receptor (itr), pro‐vasotocin (proVT) and pro‐isotocin (proIT) in the brain of the pupfish Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae. Sexually‐mature pupfish were maintained in mixed‐sex social groups and assessed for individual variation in aggressive behaviours. Males in these groups behaved more aggressively than females, and larger fish exhibited higher aggression relative to smaller fish of the same sex. Hypothalamic proVT transcript abundance was elevated in dominant males compared to subordinate males, and correlated positively with individual variation in aggression in both social classes. Transcripts encoding vasotocin receptor v1a1 were at higher levels in the telencephalon and hypothalamus of socially subordinate males than dominant males. Dominant males exhibited elevated hypothalamic v1a2 receptor transcript abundance relative to subordinate males and females, and telencephalic v1a2 mRNA abundance in dominant males was also associated positively with individual aggressiveness. Transcripts in the telencephalon encoding itr were elevated in females relative to males, and both telencephalic proIT and hypothalamic itr transcript abundance varied with female social status. Taken together, these data link hypothalamic proVT expression to aggression and implicate forebrain expression of the V1a‐type receptor v1a2 as potentially mediating the effects of vasotocin on behaviour in male fish. These findings also illustrate how associations between social status, aggression and gene expression within the VT and IT nonapeptide systems can be contingent on behavioural context.
Hidden danger of button batteries
Authors: Taghavi Kiarash , Hobson Andrew , Borzi Peter
Published: November 2014

This case highlights a rare but important presentation of aorto‐oesophageal fistula caused by a concealed foreign body. Primary prevention strategies are needed to address the danger associated with button batteries.
Quantification of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium verrucosum in Conventional and Organic Grains by qPCR
Authors: Kulik Tomasz , Treder Kinga , Załuski Dariusz
Published: November 2014

We analysed the levels of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium verrucosum in grain samples harvested in 2011 and 2012 from conventional and organic farms using qPCR. In general, both Alternaria and Cladosporium occurred in all cereal grains in the highest quantities, followed by P. verrucosum and Fusarium. Alternaria, Cladosporium and P. verrucosum had the highest levels in crop mixtures, barley and rye and lower levels in wheat, while Fusarium levels were the highest in crop mixtures and wheat. The levels of Alternaria and P. verrucosum were higher in organic rye and wheat than conventional grains. Although the level of Fusarium was higher in conventional than organic rye, opposite results were obtained for crop mixtures. A positive correlation was found between Alternaria, Cladosporium and P. verrucosum, indicating that similar factors might affect the distribution of these fungi in grains.
Long non‐coding RNA HOTTIP is frequently up‐regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and is targeted by tumour suppressive miR‐125b
Authors: Tsang Felice H.C. , Au Sandy L.K. , Wei Lai , Fan Dorothy N.Y. , Lee Joyce M.F. , Wong Carmen C.L. , Ng Irene O.L. , Wong Chun‐Ming
Published: November 2014

Background & Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common human cancers. Recently, emerging evidence has suggested the role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human carcinogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and functional implications of lncRNAs in human HCC.

Methods

Eighty‐eight well‐annotated lncRNAs were profiled in primary HCC by quantitative RT‐PCR. Functional relevance of lncRNAs was elucidated in HCC cell lines and nude mice models. The regulatory relationship between miRNA and lncRNA was predicted in silico and further validated by luciferase reporter assay and expression analysis.

Results

In our profiling study, HOTTIP was identified as the most significantly up‐regulated lncRNA in human HCCs, even in early stage of HCC formation. Functionally, knock‐down of HOTTIP attenuated HCC cell proliferation in vitro and markedly abrogated tumourigenicity in vivo. In addition, knock‐down of HOTTIP also inhibited migratory ability of HCC cells and significantly abrogated lung metastasis in orthotopic implantation model in nude mice. HOTTIP is an antisense lncRNA mapped to the distal end of the HOXA gene cluster. Knock‐down of HOTTIP significantly suppressed the expression of a number of HOXA genes. Furthermore, we identified miR‐125b as a post‐transcriptional regulator of HOTTIP. Ectopic expression of miR‐125b reduced HOTTIP‐coupled luciferase activity and suppressed the endogenous level of HOTTIP. Moreover, in human HCCs, HOTTIP expression negatively correlated with that of miR‐125b.

Conclusions

HOTTIP is a novel oncogenic lncRNA, which negatively regulated by miR‐125b. Overexpression of HOTTIP contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis by regulating the expression of its neighbouring protein‐coding genes.
The role of the southern water vole Arvicola sapidus in the diet of predators: a review
Authors: Mate Isabel , Barrull Joan , Gosálbez Joaquim , Ruiz‐Olmo Jordi , Salicrú Miquel
Published: November 2014

For the recovery and conservation of endangered species such as the southern water vole Arvicola sapidus, it is important to understand the effects of predation on their populations.

The impact of a predator on a prey species depends on the dynamics and structure of their populations, the abundance of both species and their relationships with other species. When considering broad geographic areas, the analysis of the trophic dimension can provide an estimate of the effect of predatory pressure on the prey.

To determine the potential impact of predators on the southern water vole, we used information provided in 74 studies concerning the diet of predators in the geographical range of the prey species. The trophic spectrum was determined based on faeces, stomach contents or pellets in which the arvicoline was present.

Based on the percentage of biomass consumed in each of nine trophic categories, the potential impact posed by predators was linked with dietary profile, trophic diversity, intensity of southern water vole consumption and availability of preferred prey.

In the localities studied, southern water voles are not the preferred prey of any of the predators we considered, but represent an alternative prey for some of them, especially when their main prey species are scarce. The predators with the greatest potential impact on southern water vole populations are Lutra lutra and Ardea cinerea; those with a moderate impact are some mesocarnivores (Felis silvestris, Genetta genetta, Neovison vison, Vulpes vulpes and Martes foina), a bird frequenting aquatic environments (Ciconia ciconia), and the raptors Aquila fasciatus and Hieraaetus pennatus.

The results obtained may be useful in the planning of measures for the conservation of the southern water vole, such as translocations or reintroductions, and in the design of strategies to reduce predatory pressure with the aim of promoting the success of these programmes.
Global effort allocation in marine mammal research indicates geographical, taxonomic and extinction risk‐related biases
Authors: Jarić Ivan , Knežević‐Jarić Jelena , Gessner Jörn
Published: November 2014

Although marine mammals are considered to be disproportionately threatened compared with terrestrial mammals, and research data on marine mammals are limited, few attempts have been undertaken to analyse overall marine mammal research effort.

We applied the bibliometric approach to evaluate global trends in research on pinnipeds and cetaceans and attempted to evaluate the distribution of publication output with respect to spatial, taxonomic and conservation status‐related patterns.

Results show that global marine mammal research is disproportionately directed towards less endangered species. There is an uneven scientific focus among different cetacean and pinniped groups. A spatial asymmetry in research effort was also observed: a negative relationship exists between research allocation and regional marine mammal species richness. Cetacean species with larger ranges and pinniped species with larger population abundances tend to be better studied than others.

The observed patterns may exist because researchers have limited access to specimens of highly endangered species and to species found in less accessible habitats. Researchers from high‐income countries may also focus their research on species geographically close to them, and other economic considerations may lead to research bias. The observed unevenness of research allocation may result in a lack of information needed by policy‐makers and resource managers for the development of sound conservation and restoration measures, and thus in reduced effectiveness of policies and management practices.
Of mothballs and old yellow enzymes
Authors: Sawers R. Gary
Published: November 2014

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent and toxic environmental pollutants that accumulate in anoxic habitats. With the exception of naphthalene, nothing is known about the microbial degradation of PAH in these environments. The challenge that must be met in anaerobic PAH degradation is the destabilization of the resonance energy of the aromatic ring system, which requires electrons with very negative redox potentials. Estelmann et al. (2014) identify two enzymes from sulphate‐reducing bacteria that perform successive 2‐electron reductions of a coenzyme A thioester derivative of naphthalene. The first reduces 2‐naphthoyl‐CoA to 5,6‐dihydro‐2‐naphthoyl‐CoA and the second generates 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐2‐naphthoyl‐CoA. Surprisingly, both enzymes are members of the ‘old yellow enzyme’ (OYE) family of flavoproteins. Neither uses adenosine triphosphate to achieve reduction of the aromatic ring. Typically, OYEs have flavin mononucleotide as cofactor and use nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) as reductant. Both ring reductases have flavin adenine dinucleotide and an iron‐sulphur cluster as additional cofactors. Evidence also suggests that in the sulphate‐reducing bacteria, these enzymes form a complex, allowing substrate channeling. The findings of this superb study represent unprecedented biochemistry. This work sheds light on how microbes meet the thermodynamic challenges of life at the redox limit.
Stage‐specific global alterations in the transcriptomes of Lyme disease spirochetes during tick feeding and following mammalian host adaptation
Authors: Iyer Radha , Caimano Melissa J. , Luthra Amit , Axline David , Corona Arianna , Iacobas Dumitru A. , Radolf Justin D. , Schwartz Ira
Published: November 2014

Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, is maintained in nature within an enzootic cycle involving a mammalian reservoir and an Ixodes sp. tick vector. The transmission, survival and pathogenic potential of B. burgdorferi depend on the bacterium's ability to modulate its transcriptome as it transits between vector and reservoir host. Herein, we employed an amplification‐microarray approach to define the B. burgdorferi transcriptomes in fed larvae, fed nymphs and in mammalian host‐adapted organisms cultivated in dialysis membrane chambers. The results show clearly that spirochetes exhibit unique expression profiles during each tick stage and during cultivation within the mammal; importantly, none of these profiles resembles that exhibited by in vitro grown organisms. Profound shifts in transcript levels were observed for genes encoding known or predicted lipoproteins as well as proteins involved in nutrient uptake, carbon utilization and lipid synthesis. Stage‐specific expression patterns of chemotaxis‐associated genes also were noted, suggesting that the composition and interactivities of the chemotaxis machinery components vary considerably in the feeding tick and mammal. The results as a whole make clear that environmental sensing by B. burgdorferi directly or indirectly drives an extensive and tightly integrated modulation of cell envelope constituents, chemotaxis/motility machinery, intermediary metabolism and cellular physiology. These findings provide the necessary transcriptional framework for delineating B. burgdorferi regulatory pathways throughout the enzootic cycle as well as defining the contribution(s) of individual genes to spirochete survival in nature and virulence in humans.
Escherichia coli radD (yejH) gene: a novel function involved in radiation resistance and double‐strand break repair
Authors: Chen Stefanie H. , Byrne Rose T. , Wood Elizabeth A. , Cox Michael M.
Published: November 2014

A transposon insertion screen implicated the yejH gene in the repair of ionizing radiation‐induced damage. The yejH gene, which exhibits significant homology to the human transcription‐coupled DNA repair gene XPB, is involved in the repair of double‐strand DNA breaks. Deletion of yejH significantly sensitized cells to agents that cause double‐strand breaks (ionizing radiation, UV radiation, ciprofloxacin). In addition, deletion of both yejH and radA hypersensitized the cells to ionizing radiation, UV and ciprofloxacin damage, indicating that these two genes have complementary repair functions. The ΔyejH ΔradA double deletion also showed a substantial decline in viability following an induced double‐strand DNA break, of a magnitude comparable with the defect measured when the recA, recB, recG or priA genes are deleted. The ATPase activity and C‐terminal zinc finger motif of yejH play an important role in its repair function, as targeted mutant alleles of yejH did not rescue sensitivity. We propose that yejH be renamed radD, reflecting its role in the DNA repair of radiation damage.
Functional interactions between potassium and phosphate homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Canadell David , González Asier , Casado Carlos , Ariño Joaquín
Published: November 2014

Maintenance of ion homeostatic mechanisms is essential for living cells, including the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Whereas the impact of changes in phosphate metabolism on metal ion homeostasis has been recently examined, the inverse effect is still largely unexplored. We show here that depletion of potassium from the medium or alteration of diverse regulatory pathways controlling potassium uptake, such as the Trk potassium transporters or the Pma1 H+‐ATPase, triggers a response that mimics that of phosphate (Pi) deprivation, exemplified by accumulation of the high‐affinity Pi transporter Pho84. This response is mediated by and requires the integrity of the PHO signaling pathway. Removal of potassium from the medium does not alter the amount of total or free intracellular Pi, but is accompanied by decreased ATP and ADP levels and rapid depletion of cellular polyphosphates. Therefore, our data do not support the notion of Pi being the major signaling molecule triggering phosphate‐starvation responses. We also observe that cells with compromised potassium uptake cannot grow under limiting Pi conditions. The link between potassium and phosphate homeostasis reported here could explain the invasive phenotype, characteristic of nutrient deprivation, observed in potassium‐deficient yeast cells.
WHERE ARE THEY? MISSING, FORENSICS, AND MEMORY
Authors: Baraybar José Pablo , Blackwell Rebecca
Published: November 2014

This paper explores the roles of forensic anthropology, archeology, and forensic investigations in transitional justice processes from a Global South perspective. The aftermath of Peru's internal conflict as well as other Latin American cases are discussed to examine the possible connections between the social conditions of victims and the effectiveness of the investigative efforts. At present, global politics of memory are not as inclusive as they should to attain true guarantees of nonrepetition. In many countries of the Global South there are no national search strategies or revised public policies for the search of missing persons, and in many places the families of the victims, victims themselves, are not acknowledged stakeholders with a voice, and are simply neglected in investigations, which often focus in prosecutions and much less so in victim identification or restoration. Forensic investigators need to gather as much antemortem and postmortem data as possible to fully understand the roles of both perpetrators and victims at the time of the events, and, in certain contexts, to do so, they face the need to develop multitasking skills. More applicable scientific standards and emic categories that both investigators and victims can understand should be developed. Forensic investigators can contribute substantially to advocacy supporting human rights against impunity and exclusion, transcending the strict scientific sphere.
HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATIONS IN SPAIN
Authors: Ferllini Roxana
Published: November 2014

The crimes perpetrated against Spanish civilians during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), and under Franco's regime (1939–75), are considered within some quarters as constituting a Spanish holocaust (Preston 2012), leaving in its wake innumerable clandestine burials within the mainland and island territories. However, there existed afterward a situation in which no retribution was made available for those who survived the turmoil, and likewise for the families of the victims, leaving a section of the Spanish population without access to means of a process of transitional justice. Investigations into the extrajudicial killings, and the recovery and identification of remains via the application of forensic anthropology did not come about until 2000, when a scientific approach to finding the disappeared was applied. Within the last decade and up to 2012, forensic anthropology has aided in the recovery of thousands of skeletal remains, albeit under difficult and far from ideal circumstances; the exhumation of a common grave located in Izagre, León province, and the subsequent attempt to identify the recovered victims will be presented as an example of the difficulties encountered. The exhumation and biological profiling of the victims has created a positive outcome within many families and some areas of society; nevertheless, at present, the dire economic situation of the country has caused the cessation of field or laboratory work.
TRAUMA PATTERNS IN CASES OF EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTIONS
Authors: Kimmerle Erin H. , Obafunwa John
Published: November 2014

Police torture and extrajudicial deaths in custody often include cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment of victims, such as repeated and severe beatings with rods, sticks, and other implements, and are often associated with fatal gunshot injuries. In these cases, victims tend to disappear but when recovered, the cause and manner of death may be falsified. Consequently, multiple autopsies are often performed with highly varied results. For example, a 2005 investigation into a possible extrajudicial execution from Lagos, Nigeria, resulted in three autopsies and the disappearance of critical skeletal evidence. Multiple opinions on the cause and manner of death ranged from “suicide by jumping from a window” to a “gunshot injury to the head with staging of the body to appear as though the victim fell from a window.” The Nigerian case study is discussed in greater detail and compared to published reports of extrajudicial executions in which skeletal evidence was used (n = 45). Anthropologists testify about skeletal fracture patterns and the mechanism of injury providing insight into such cases. Part of the testimony will often include demonstrative examples for comparison. The trends and findings among these types of cases are further discussed.
APPLICATION OF STABLE ISOTOPE FORENSICS FOR PREDICTING REGION OF ORIGIN OF HUMAN REMAINS FROM PAST WARS AND CONFLICTS
Authors: Bartelink Eric J. , Berg Gregory E. , Beasley Melanie M. , Chesson Lesley A.
Published: November 2014

The application of stable isotope analysis has provided novel approaches for provenancing unidentified human remains from forensic contexts. Stable isotope ratios measured in human tissues provide a record of the foods consumed during life as well as the geographic location where drinking water or food was obtained. This study begins with an overview of the application of stable isotope analysis for provenancing human remains, followed by three cases that illustrate how chemical signatures in bone reflect a probable region of origin. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of human bone, we test whether human skeletal remains recovered by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command‐Central Identification Laboratory (JPAC‐CIL, or CIL) reflect a geographic origin within North America or Asia. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of human bone collagen and stable carbon isotopes of bone apatite reflect consumption of food resources that are expected to vary between world regions due to cultural dietary differences. Based on the isotopic differences, a testable hypothesis of geographic origin can be applied, determining if the remains are more likely of a U.S. service person or of an indigenous local. We believe that this approach can provide useful information for narrowing search parameters in unidentified persons cases; can contribute to human rights cases where an unknown individual is thought to originate from a different geographic area; and, in human remains cases of unknown geographic provenience, can determine whether a person is local or nonlocal.
GEOREFERENCING A COLD CASE VICTIM WITH LEAD, STRONTIUM, CARBON, AND OXYGEN ISOTOPES
Authors: Kamenov George D. , Kimmerle Erin H. , Curtis Jason H. , Norris Darren
Published: November 2014

Two men walking across a bridge along highway I‐75 found a young woman's body floating in the water below. This 1971 case has since become known as the “Little Miss Panasofkee” case. It is still an open homicide, for which neither the victim nor the perpetrator have been identified. Throughout the United States, thousands of similar cases remain open. The medicolegal communities work on these cases, as the years pass, applying new scientific methods and following new leads as they can be developed. As the years pass, the priorities of the investigations often shift. In any homicide investigation the goal is to solve the murder and bring the perpetrator to justice. While this is still true for long‐term open or cold cases, the needs of families to know the truth, find and bury remains, and find closure outside of criminal trials become increasingly important. In the case study presented here, we reanalyzed the biological profile of the decedent, created a new facial approximation and imaging for visualization of personal evidence, and analyzed samples of hair, bone, and enamel for Sr, Pb, C, N, and O isotopes to decipher a geographical place of origin for the decedent. Hair data show a shift from lighter to heavier C isotopic values indicating a diet change from more grain‐based (hair tip) to more corn‐based (hair root) diet. Oxygen isotopes in teeth show relatively heavy isotopic values suggesting southern geographical origin near a major water basin. Lead isotopic data for teeth and bone samples show relatively low‐radiogenic values suggesting that the victim was born and raised in Europe. There is shift to low 87Sr/86Sr from first to third molar and bone indicating possible migration and dietary change. Taken together, the radiogenic and stable isotope data indicate that the decedent was foreign born. The shift in the hair C isotopes suggests that the victim arrived in Florida/United States between 2 and 12 months before she was murdered. The Pb isotope data suggest European origin. Considering all of the chemical data, including Pb concentrations and Pb, Sr, O, and C isotope analyses on teeth, rib, and hair samples, we can suggest that the victim was most likely a foreigner from southeastern Europe, possibly Greece. The methods used here and the impact of these methods for developing new leads for investigators decades later are discussed and provide new avenues of investigation for other unsolved cases.
Fulminant bilateral cerebral infarction caused by paradoxical embolism in a patient with protein S Ala525Val substitution
Authors: Yoshikawa Yoji , Kitayama Jiro , Ishikawa Hiromi , Nakamura Asako , Taniguchi Fumina , Morishita Eriko , Ago Tetsuro , Nakane Hiroshi , Kitazono Takanari
Published: November 2014

We report a 42‐year‐old woman who developed sudden fulminant cerebral infarction in the bilateral middle cerebral artery territories, causing status epilepticus and a decreased level of consciousness. Investigation showed thrombus in the right soleus vein and a patent foramen ovale, but no obvious embolic source, such as atrial fibrillation or a carotid or cerebral artery atherosclerotic lesion. Blood coagulation tests showed decreased levels of free protein S (25%) and total protein S (52%), and decreased protein S activity (15%). The patient was diagnosed with cerebral infarction as a result of paradoxical embolism, and type I protein S deficiency. DNA sequencing identified a novel point mutation in the PROS1 gene, leading to the amino acid substitution, Ala525Val. It should be noted that this protein S mutation can cause thrombophilia and cerebral infarction.
The accuracy of patient‐reported measures for GI symptoms: a comparison of real time and retrospective reports
Authors: Lackner J. M. , Jaccard J. , Keefer L. , Firth R. , Carosella A. M. , Sitrin M. , Brenner D. ,   Representing the IBSOS Research Group
Published: November 2014

Background

Obtaining accurate information about gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is critical to achieving the goals of clinical research and practice. The accuracy of patient data is especially important for functional GI disorders (e.g., IBS) whose symptoms lack a biomarker and index illness severity and treatment response. Retrospective patient‐reported data are vulnerable to forgetting and various cognitive biases whose impact has not been systematically studied in patients with GI disorders. The aim of this study was to document the accuracy of patient‐reported GI symptoms over a reporting period (1 week) most representative of the time frame used in research and clinical care.

Methods

Subjects were 273 Rome III‐diagnosed IBS patients (mean age = 39 years, 89% F) who completed end of day GI symptom ratings for 7 days using an electronic diary. On Day 8, Subjects recalled the frequency and/or intensity of IBS symptoms over the past 7 days. Reports were then compared against a validation criterion based on aggregated end of day ratings.

Key Results

At the group level, subjects recalled most accurately abdominal pain and urgency intensity at their worst, urgency days, and stool frequency. When data were analyzed at the individual level, a subgroup of subjects had difficulty recalling accurately symptoms that showed convergence between recall and real time reports at the group level.

Conclusions & Inferences

Although many patients' recollection for specific GI symptoms (e.g., worst pain, stool frequency) is reasonably accurate, a non‐trivial number of other symptoms (e.g., typical pain) are vulnerable to distortion from recall biases that can reduce sensitivity of detecting treatment effects in clinical and research settings.
The origins of molluscs
Authors: Vinther Jakob
Published: November 2014

The interrelationships and evolutionary history of molluscs have seen great advances in the last decade. Recent phylogenetic studies have allowed alternative morphology‐based evolutionary scenarios to be tested and, most significantly, shown that the aplacophorans are sister group to polyplacophorans (chitons), corroborating palaeontological and embryological evolutionary scenarios in which aplacophorans are secondarily simplified from a chiton‐like ancestor. Aplacophoran morphology therefore does not represent the plesiomorphic condition for molluscs as a whole. The mollusc crown group radiated in the Early Cambrian, and rapidly thereafter, stem lineages to the major molluscan classes emerged: cephalopods, gastropods, bivalves (= pelecypods), monoplacophorans, rostroconchs (inferred stem scaphopods) and aculiferans. This attests to the fast, adaptive radiation of the crown group during the Cambrian explosion. Kimberella from the latest Ediacaran exhibits several molluscan traits, which justifies its position as a molluscan stem‐group member, rather than as a more basal Lophotrochozoan. The interrelationships among the conchiferan molluscs are still a matter of contention and require further palaeontological and molecular phylogenetic scrutiny.
Volatile organic compounds in the strongly fragrant fern genus Melpomene (Polypodiaceae)
Authors: Kessler M. , Connor E. , Lehnert M.
Published: November 2014

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common among plants, both as attractants for pollinators and as defence against herbivores. While much studied among flowering plants, the prevalence and function of VOCs among ferns is little known. Using headspace sorption and gas chromatography, we analysed the VOCs of dried specimens of six species of grammitid fern (Polypodiaceae), including two species of the genus Melpomene, which is characterised by a distinctive sweet smell. We identified 38 VOCs, including 22 not previously recorded among ferns. The two species of Melpomene had distinct VOC cocktails, including 12 substances not found in the other four studied genera, mainly involving fatty acid derivatives (FADs) and aromatics. We propose that these VOCs have, at least in part, a function in herbivore defence, but note that the VOC bouquet of Melpomene is distinct from that typically found in angiosperms.
Requirement or Promise? An Analysis of the First‐Mover Advantage in Quality Contracting
Authors: Yan Xinghao , Zhao Hui , Tang Kwei
Published: November 2014

Quality contracting is critical and challenging due to the many unique issues related to quality. In this study, we analyze the first‐mover right in quality contracting by considering two different strategies for the buyer: the quality requirement strategy (QR) where buyer moves first by posting quality requirement to suppliers and quality promise strategy (QP) where buyer voluntarily gives up the first‐mover right to suppliers to ask them to promise quality. We study which strategy (1) better encourages suppliers' quality improvement efforts and (2) leads to a higher expected profit for the buyer. To analyze the drivers behind the buyer's choice between QR and QP, we start with the basic model where buyer faces only one supplier who has the opportunity to make quality improvements. We then gradually add other business features such as information asymmetry and supplier competition, analyzing how each feature adds/changes the driving forces and how they interact in the buyer's decision between QR and QP. We consider both the case where the wholesale price is fixed (when the buyer has the power to dictate price or price is set by the market) and the case where the wholesale price is included as a variable (when price is part of the negotiation). We find that QP always leads to the first‐best quality efforts from the supplier(s) while QR limits their efforts. However, this does not guarantee higher expected profit for the buyer under QP. We provide insightful guidelines in buyer's choice between QP and QR. This research enriches the limited literature on quality contracting with quality improvement opportunity and asymmetric information.
Nitric oxide is involved in integration of UV‐B absorbing compounds among parts of clonal plants under a heterogeneous UV‐B environment
Authors: Liu Xiao , Li Qian , Yue Ming , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Ruichang , Zhang Bing , Wang Ming
Published: November 2014

In nature, ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation is highly heterogeneous, both spatially and temporally. Plants exposed to UV‐B radiation produce UV‐B absorbing compounds that function as a protective filter. For clonal plants under heterogeneous UV‐B radiation conditions, integration among ramets can allow irradiated ramets to benefit un‐irradiated ramets by causing them to increase their UV‐B absorbing compounds content. In this study, we evaluated integration between pairs of clonal ramets of Glechoma longituba under heterogeneous or homogeneous UV‐B conditions. We determined the levels of UV‐B absorbing compounds, nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and measured the activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) in connected ramet pairs under homogeneous or heterogeneous UV‐B conditions. Under heterogeneous UV‐B conditions, the UV‐B absorbing compounds content increased in leaves of irradiated and un‐irradiated ramets, but not in the connecting stolons. The NO content increased in irradiated and un‐irradiated leaves and stolons, but the H2O2 content did not. Application of NO synthesis inhibitors and an NO blocker to irradiated ramets blocked the increase in UV‐B absorbing compounds and PAL activity in un‐irradiated ramets. These results suggested that NO is involved in the integration process for UV‐B absorbing compounds among ramets. Our findings suggested that a UV‐B‐induced increase in NO transmits a signal to un‐irradiated ramets via the stolon, leading to an increase in PAL activity and UV‐B absorbing compounds content. The internal translocation of signal enables members of clonal networks to function as a whole unit and to mount an efficient defensive response to localized UV‐B radiation.
Migrations and swimming capabilities of endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) to guide passage designs in the fragmented Yellowstone River
Authors: Braaten Patrick J. , Elliott Caroline M. , Rhoten Jason C. , Fuller David B. , McElroy Brandon J.
Published: November 2014

Fragmentation of the Yellowstone River is hypothesized to preclude recruitment of endangered Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon) by impeding upstream spawning migrations and access to upstream spawning areas, thereby limiting the length of free‐flowing river required for survival of early life stages. Building on this hypothesis, the reach of the Yellowstone River affected by Intake Diversion Dam (IDD) is targeted for modification. Structures including a rock ramp and by‐pass channel have been proposed as restoration alternatives to facilitate passage. Limited information on migrations and swimming capabilities of pallid sturgeon is available to guide engineering design specifications for the proposed structures. Migration behavior, pathways (channel routes used during migrations), and swimming capabilities of free‐ranging wild adult pallid sturgeon were examined using radiotelemetry, and complemented with hydraulic data obtained along the migration pathways. Migrations of 12–26% of the telemetered pallid sturgeon population persisted to IDD, but upstream passage over the dam was not detected. Observed migration pathways occurred primarily through main channel habitats; however, migrations through side channels up to 3.9 km in length were documented. The majority of pallid sturgeon used depths of 2.2–3.4 m and mean water velocities of 0.89–1.83 m/s while migrating. Results provide inferences on depths, velocities, and habitat heterogeneity of reaches successfully negotiated by pallid sturgeon that may be used to guide designs for structures facilitating passage at IDD. Passage will provide connectivity to potential upstream spawning areas on the Yellowstone River, thereby increasing the likelihood of recruitment for this endangered species.
Comparative Risks of Cancer from Drywall Finishing Based on Stochastic Modeling of Cumulative Exposures to Respirable Dusts and Chrysotile Asbestos Fibers
Authors: Boelter Fred W. , Xia Yulin , Dell Linda
Published: November 2014

Sanding joint compounds is a dusty activity and exposures are not well characterized. Until the mid 1970s, asbestos‐containing joint compounds were used by some people such that sanding could emit dust and asbestos fibers. We estimated the distribution of 8‐h TWA concentrations and cumulative exposures to respirable dusts and chrysotile asbestos fibers for four worker groups: (1) drywall specialists, (2) generalists, (3) tradespersons who are bystanders to drywall finishing, and (4) do‐it‐yourselfers (DIYers). Data collected through a survey of experienced contractors, direct field observations, and literature were used to develop prototypical exposure scenarios for each worker group. To these exposure scenarios, we applied a previously developed semi‐empirical mathematical model that predicts area as well as personal breathing zone respirable dust concentrations. An empirical factor was used to estimate chrysotile fiber concentrations from respirable dust concentrations. On a task basis, we found mean 8‐h TWA concentrations of respirable dust and chrysotile fibers are numerically highest for specialists, followed by generalists, DIYers, and bystander tradespersons; these concentrations are estimated to be in excess of the respective current but not historical Threshold Limit Values. Due to differences in frequency of activities, annual cumulative exposures are highest for specialists, followed by generalists, bystander tradespersons, and DIYers. Cumulative exposure estimates for chrysotile fibers from drywall finishing are expected to result in few, if any, mesothelioma or excess lung cancer deaths according to recently published risk assessments. Given the dustiness of drywall finishing, we recommend diligence in the use of readily available source controls.
Association of salivary triglycerides and cholesterol with dental caries in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Subramaniam Priya , Sharma Akhliesh , Kaje Keerthan
Published: November 2014

Background

Metabolic disturbances in diabetes mellitus can affect oral health. Altered levels of salivary lipids have been suggested as a risk for dental caries. There has been lack of research in this regard and in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Aim

To assess the salivary triglycerides and cholesterol levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and correlate them with their dental caries status.

Materials and methods

Thirty children aged 12–16 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 30 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy children were included in the study. Unstimulated saliva was collected from each child and evaluated for salivary triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Dental caries status (DMFT) was recorded.

Results

Salivary cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (p ≤ 0.05). In comparison to controls, mean DMFT score was higher in the diabetic children. Salivary triglycerides showed a significant correlation with dental caries status in the study group (p = 0.035). In normal children, salivary cholesterol levels showed a significant association with dental caries. (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Both salivary cholesterol and triglycerides levels were significantly higher in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Salivary triglycerides showed a significant association with dental caries in these children.
Quantifying Not Only Bone Loss, but Also Soft Tissue Swelling, in a Murine Inflammatory Arthritis Model Using Micro‐Computed Tomography
Authors: Perilli E. , Cantley M. , Marino V. , Crotti T. N. , Smith M. D. , Haynes D. R. , Dharmapatni A. A. S. S. K.
Published: November 2014

In rodent models of inflammatory arthritis, bone erosion has been non‐invasively assessed by micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). However, non‐invasive assessments of paw swelling (oedema) are still based on clinical grading by visual evaluation, or measurements by callipers, not always reliable for the tiny mouse paws. The aim of this work was to demonstrate a novel straightforward 3D micro‐CT analysis protocol capable of quantifying not only joint bone erosion, but also soft tissue swelling, from the same scans, in a rodent inflammatory arthritis model. Balb/c mice were divided into two groups: collagen antibody‐induced arthritis (CAIA) and CAIA treated with prednisolone, the latter reflecting an established treatment in human rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical paw scores were recorded. On day 10, front paws were assessed by micro‐CT and histology. Micro‐CT measurements included paw volume (bone and soft tissue together) and bone volume at the radiocarpal joint, and bone volume from the radiocarpal to the metacarpophalangeal joint. Micro‐CT analysis revealed significantly lower paw volume (−36%, P < 0.01) and higher bone volume (+17%, P < 0.05) in prednisolone‐treated CAIA mice compared with untreated CAIA mice. Paw volume and bone volume assessed by micro‐CT correlated significantly with clinical and histological scores (|r| > 0.5, P < 0.01). Untreated CAIA mice showed significantly higher clinical scores, higher inflammation levels histologically, cartilage and bone degradation, and pannus formation, compared with treated mice (P < 0.01). The presented novel micro‐CT analysis protocol enables 3D‐quantification of paw swelling at the micrometre level, along with the typically assessed bone erosion, using the same images/scans, without altering the scanning procedure or using contrast agents.
Social Enterprise – A New Phenomenon in the Field of Economic and Social Welfare?
Authors: Sepulveda Leandro
Published: November 2014

Drawing upon insights from historical institutionalism, this article critically examines the origins of social enterprise and its emergence into the mainstream policy arena. It begins by relating the social enterprise idea to major non‐state/non‐private institutional traditions, including the European social economy, US non‐profits and the UK charitable sector, and places it within the specific field of economic and social welfare. In so doing, the article contests the idea that social enterprise is a new phenomenon in the social welfare field and proposes instead that the supposed ‘novelty’ of social enterprise as an organizational form and a subject of public policy lies primarily in the nature of the socio‐political and economic context of the 1980s–1990s, during which time it became ‘en vogue’. The process of institutionalization of social enterprise and its ascension into the mainstream policy arena is examined in more detail in the case of England during the time New Labour was in office and beyond, and lessons are drawn from this experience concerning both the role that social enterprise plays or is expected to play as a vehicle to address economic and social needs, and how this is intertwined with both a dominant neo‐liberal discourse, as well as alternative perspectives that emphasize more equalitarian and sustainable development paths. The article concludes with some reflections in relation to the apparent consensus that seems to exist around social enterprise as a legitimate subject of public policy and the resulting social enterprization of public services which is currently taking place in England.
Can the Euro Survive?
Authors: Haidar Jamal Ibrahim
Published: November 2014

One of the fascinating aspects of the European debt crisis has been the resilience of the euro. For much of 2011, the euro was a key reserve currency, oblivious to the chaos ravaging European economies. Now, however, the gravity of the crisis is finally dragging down the euro. As the Euro zone debt crisis enters its third uncertain year, the question about whether the euro can survive rises. This paper argues that the euro can survive given policymakers still have in hand various tools. These tools include creating exit rules, implementing new stabilisation rules and instruments, adopting new fiscal policy, introducing conditional Eurobonds, using inflation differentials and providing more independence to the European Central Bank.
Thermal Annealing Effect on the Optical, Electrical and Morphological Properties of the PBTTT-C12:PC71BM Blend Films
Authors: Qadir Karwan Wasman , Ahmad Zubair , Sulaiman Khaulah
Published: November 2014

We investigate the effect of thermal annealing on the optical, morphological and photovoltaic (PV) properties of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell based on the poly[2,5-bis(3-dodecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] (PBTTT-C12) and [6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). The ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PBTTT-C12:PC71BM/Al devices were fabricated on glass substrates from the PBTTT-C12:PC71BM (1:4) solution in dichlorobenzene. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to investigate the surface morphology of the PBTTT-C12:PC71BM thin films. The AFM results show that the thin film’s surface roughness decreases with increasing annealing temperature, making the annealed films smoother as compared to the nonannealed sample. The efficiency of the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PBTTT-C12:PC71BM/Al PV devices increased from 1.85% to 2.48% with an increase in temperature from 0 °C to 150 °C.
A Leidenfrost Thermostat
Authors: Cole Alexander , Jury Benjamin , Takashina Kei
Published: November 2014

A simple thermostat based on self-propelled Leidenfrost droplets is proposed and demonstrated. The proof-of-principle device sits on a heated hotplate, which provides the heat, but under dripping water which cools it. Using temperature dependent directionality of droplets on a substructured sawteeth surface, droplets are either discarded or fed into a region with high Leidenfrost temperature and enhanced heat-loss. The system can therefore adjust how much of the droplets’ cooling power it uses depending on its own temperature, and this feedback enables it to maintain a constant set temperature and act as a thermostat.