bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effect of extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate treatment on the Indochinese leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri) sperm quality after cryopreservation
Authors: Thuwanut P , Tipkantha W , Siriaroonrat B , Comizzoli P , Chatdarong K
Published: November 2016

Contents

The Indochinese leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri) population, included inCITESAppendix I, has been declining for decades. Proper gamete preservation condition is critical for breeding programme management using artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). The present study aimed at investigating the impact of post‐thawing treatment of leopard semen with extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATPe) on sperm quality (including morphological traits and ability to fertilize an oocyte). Semen from six adult male leopards was collected by electroejaculation (one ejaculation per cat). After the evaluation of the fresh sample quality, the semen was cryopreserved (10 × 106cells per straw; two straws per cat). After thawing, the sperm sample from the first straw of each cat was divided into three aliquots: control (noATPe), supplemented with 1.0 or 2.5mM ATPe that were evaluated for sperm quality at 10, 30 min and 3 hr post‐thawing. The sperm sample from the second straw, supplemented with 0, 1.0 or 2.5mM ATPe for 30 min, was assessed forIVFwith domestic cat oocytes. Sperm quality (all metrics) was negatively affected by the cryopreservation process (p ≤ .05). However, the percentage of sperm motility, level of progressive motility and percentage of plasma membrane integrity did not differ (p > .05) among post‐thawing groups. The sperm mitochondrial membrane potential was enhanced (p ≤ .05) byATPe treatment (1.0 and 2.5mM; 10 min to 3 hr of incubation). Furthermore, incubation ofATPe (1.0 and 2.5mM) for 30 min could promote sperm velocity patterns (curvilinear velocity;VCLand straight line velocity;VSL) (p ≤ .05). The percentage of pronuclear formation and cleaved embryos was increased (p ≤ .05) after 1.0ATPe treatment (49.8 ± 2.8; 45.9 ± 1.5) compared to 0mM(41.4 ± 3.3; 38.9 ± 0.5) whereas the number of sperm binding/oocyte did not significantly differ among groups. In summary, we suggest thatATPe activated the velocity of Indochinese leopard sperm motility that may lead to faster sperm/oocyte binding and sperm penetration (factors of successful embryo development).
Potential effect of ezetimibe against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in type II diabetes
Authors: Tsai I‐Fang , Kuo Chiu‐Ping , Lin Andrew B. , Chien Ming‐Nan , Ho Hsin‐Tsung , Wei Tsai‐Yin , Wu Chien‐Liang , Lu Yen‐Ta
Published: November 2016

Background and objective

Tuberculosis (TB) risk might be increased in patients with diabetes by factors other than hyperglycaemia, such as dyslipidaemia. Host lipids are essential energy sources used by mycobacteria to persist in a latent TB state. A potential therapy targeting cholesterol catabolism of mycobacteria has been proposed, but the potential of cholesterol‐lowering drugs as anti‐TB therapy is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ezetimibe, a 2‐azetidinone cholesterol absorption inhibitor, on intracellular mycobacteria survival and dormancy.

Methods

Intracellular mycobacteria survival was determined by measurements of ATP activity and colony‐formation units (CFUs). Gene expression profiles of hypoxia‐induced dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) were analysed by real‐time PCR. Flow cytometry and microscopy analysis were used to measure the lipid loads of human macrophages with or without ezetimibe treatment. QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube (QFT‐G‐IT) assays were performed to diagnose latent TB infection. The levels of intracellular cholesterol/ triglyceride were measured by an enzymatic fluorometric method.

Results

Ezetimibe was capable of effectively lowering intracellular growth of Mtb and hypoxia‐induced dormant Mtb. There was a significant decrease in Mtb growth in leucocytes from ezetimibe‐treated patients with diabetes in terms of ATP levels of intracellular mycobacteria and CFU formation. Also, patients receiving ezetimibe therapy had a lower prevalence of latent TB and had lower intracellular lipid contents.

Conclusion

Ezetimibe, which is a currently marketed drug, could hold promise as an adjunctive, host‐directed therapy for TB.
Diagnostic analysis for a vector autoregressive model under Student′st‐distributions
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Sang Ruochen , Liu Shuangzhe
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we use the local influence method to study a vector autoregressive model under Student′st‐distributions. We present the maximum likelihood estimators and the information matrix. We establish the normal curvature diagnostics for the vector autoregressive model under three usual perturbation schemes for identifying possible influential observations. The effectiveness of the proposed diagnostics is examined by a simulation study, followed by our data analysis using the model to fit the weekly log returns of Chevron stock and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index as an application.
Phylotranscriptomics resolves ancient divergences in the Lepidoptera
Authors: BAZINET ADAM L. , MITTER KIM T. , DAVIS DONALD R. , VAN NIEUKERKEN ERIK J. , CUMMINGS MICHAEL P. , MITTER CHARLES
Published: November 2016

Classic morphological studies of the oldest, so‐called nonditrysian lineages of Lepidoptera yielded a well‐resolved phylogeny, supported by the stepwise origin of the traits characterizing the clade Ditrysia, which contains over 98% of extant lepidopterans. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based molecular studies have robustly supported many aspects of the morphological hypothesis and strongly contradicted others, while leaving some relationships unsettled. Here we bring the greatly expanded gene sampling of RNA‐Seq to bear on nonditrysian phylogeny, especially those aspects that were not conclusively resolved by the combination of morphology and previous PCR‐based multi‐gene studies. We analysed up to 2212 genes in each of 28 species representing all 12 superfamilies and 15 of 21 families of nonditrysians, plus trichopteran outgroups and representative Ditrysia. Our maximum likelihood phylogeny estimates used both nonsynonymous changes only (degen1 coding) and all nucleotides (nt123) partitioned by codon position, recovering a novel hypothesis for early glossatan relationships that is the most strongly supported to date. We find strong support for Micropterigidae alone as the sister group to all other Lepidoptera, in agreement with morphology and early molecular evidence, but in contrast to recent PCR‐based studies. Also very strongly supported are the previously recognized clades Angiospermivora, Heteroneura, Eulepidoptera and Euheteroneura. Finally, we find strong support for paraphyly of the southern hemisphere family Palaephatidae, with the South American genus Palaephatus Butler forming the previously undetermined sister group to Ditrysia. The remaining palaephatids, Australian and South American, form the sister group to Tischeriidae.
HLA‐A*30:99 shows a new amino acid position 156 within HLA‐A*30 subtypes
Authors: Balas A. , Sánchez‐Gordo F. , Gomez‐Zumaquero J. M. , Vicario J. L.
Published: November 2016

A novel HLA‐A*30:99 allele was characterized in a Spanish individual.
Drought‐related secondary metabolites of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves and their metabolomic quantitative trait loci
Authors: Piasecka Anna , Sawikowska Aneta , Kuczyńska Anetta , Ogrodowicz Piotr , Mikołajczak Krzysztof , Krystkowiak Karolina , Gudyś Kornelia , Guzy‐Wróbelska Justyna , Krajewski Paweł , Kachlicki Piotr
Published: November 2016

Determining the role of plant secondary metabolites in stress conditions is problematic due to the diversity of their structures and the complexity of their interdependence with different biological pathways. Correlation of metabolomic data with the genetic background provides essential information about the features of metabolites. LC‐MS analysis of leaf metabolites from 100 barley recombinant inbred lines (RILs) revealed that 98 traits among 135 detected phenolic and terpenoid compounds significantly changed their level as a result of drought stress. Metabolites with similar patterns of change were grouped in modules, revealing differences among RILs and parental varieties at early and late stages of drought. The most significant changes in stress were observed for ferulic and sinapic acid derivatives as well as acylated glycosides of flavones. The tendency to accumulate methylated compounds was a major phenomenon in this set of samples. In addition, the polyamine derivatives hordatines as well as terpenoid blumenol C derivatives were observed to be drought related. The correlation of drought‐related compounds with molecular marker polymorphisms resulted in the definition of metabolomic quantitative trait loci in the genomic regions of single‐nucleotide polymorphism 3101‐111 and simple sequence repeat Bmag0692 with multiple linkages to metabolites. The associations pointed to genes related to the defence response and response to cold, heat and oxidative stress, but not to genes related to biosynthesis of the compounds. We postulate that the significant metabolites have a role as antioxidants, regulators of gene expression and modulators of protein function in barley during drought.
Patterns of gene expression in developing embryos of Arabidopsis hybrids
Authors: Alonso‐Peral Maria M. , Trigueros Marina , Sherman Bjorg , Ying Hua , Taylor Jennifer M. , Peacock William J. , Dennis Elizabeth S.
Published: November 2016

Hybrids between the Arabidopsis ecotypes C24 and Ler have high levels of hybrid vigour, or heterosis, in both biomass and seed yield. Heterosis can be detected throughout the development of the plant and in different tissues. We examined developing embryos and seeds of C24/Ler reciprocal hybrids with the aim of detecting the earliest time at which heterotic gene activity occurs. In the transcriptomes of 4‐dap (days after pollination; dermatogen to globular) and 6‐dap (heart) embryos from both parents and hybrids, 95% of expressed genes were at the mid parent value (MPV) and 95% of the genes with single nucleotide polymorphisms between C24 and Ler retained the same relative allelic expression levels in the hybrids as existed in the parents. This included loci that had equivalent levels of transcription in the two parents, together with loci which had different levels of expression in the parents. Amongst the genes which did not have MPV expression levels in the hybrids (non‐additively expressed genes), approximately 40 in the globular embryo stage and 89 in the heart embryo stage had altered levels of transcription in both reciprocal hybrids; these genes could contribute to the heterotic phenotype of the hybrid embryo. Many of the non‐additively expressed genes had expression levels that were shifted towards maternal levels of transcription, and these differed in the reciprocal hybrids. Allelic expression analysis indicated that most genes with altered allelic contributions in the hybrids had an increase in the expression level of the hybrid's maternal allele. Consistent with the maternal pattern of gene expression, embryo and seed also show maternally influenced phenotypes.
Neutrophil alloantigens and alloantibodies in different populations
Authors: Xia Wenjie , Simtong Piyapong , Santoso Sentot
Published: November 2016

Neutrophils are dynamic, motile cells that provide the first line of defence against many pathogens. Therefore, neutrophils are equipped with a number of receptors. Some of these receptors are known polymorphic carrying immunogenic structures. Immunization against these antigenic structures, known as human neutrophil antigen (HNA), can lead to the production of antibodies. These antibodies are implicated in a number of clinical conditions including immune‐mediated neutropenia, refractoriness to granulocyte transfusions and transfusion‐related acute lung injury. Based on the development of molecular genotyping, intensive studies on the allelic distribution of HNAs have been conducted all over the world. Significant disparity on the allelic distribution was observed, indicating different clinical relevance and priority of HNAs in different ethnic groups. Currently, except in Caucasians, only limited studies on the occurrence of neutrophil alloantibodies have been reported among other populations. These studies may be hampered by the current approach of neutrophil antibody detection due to the fact that several methods still need to be used to obtain reliable results. In this short review, current state on the distribution of HNAs, occurrence of antibodies against HNA and their clinical relevance among different populations will be illustrated.
Causal relationships between neurons of the nucleus incertus and the hippocampal theta activity in the rat
Authors: Martínez‐Bellver Sergio , Cervera‐Ferri Ana , Luque‐García Aina , Martínez‐Ricós Joana , Valverde‐Navarro Alfonso , Bataller Manuel , Guerrero Juan , Teruel‐Marti Vicent
Published: November 2016

Key points

The nucleus incertus is a key node of the brainstem circuitry involved in hippocampal theta rhythmicity.

Synchronisation exists between the nucleus incertus and hippocampal activities during theta periods.

By the Granger causality analysis, we demonstrated a directional information flow between theta rhythmical neurons in the nucleus incertus and the hippocampus in theta‐on states.

The electrical stimulation of the nucleus incertus is also able to evoke a phase reset of the hippocampal theta wave.

Our data suggest that the nucleus incertus is a key node of theta generation and the modulation network.

In recent years, a body of evidence has shown that the nucleus incertus (NI), in the dorsal tegmental pons, is a key node of the brainstem circuitry involved in hippocampal theta rhythmicity. Ascending reticular brainstem system activation evokes hippocampal theta rhythm with coupled neuronal activity in the NI. In a recent paper, we showed three populations of neurons in the NI with differential firing during hippocampal theta activation. The objective of this work was to better evaluate the causal relationship between the activity of NI neurons and the hippocampus during theta activation in order to further understand the role of the NI in the theta network. A Granger causality analysis was run to determine whether hippocampal theta activity with sensory‐evoked theta depends on the neuronal activity of the NI, or vice versa. The analysis showed causal interdependence between the NI and the hippocampus during theta activity, whose directional flow depended on the different neuronal assemblies of the NI. Whereas type I and II NI neurons mainly acted as receptors of hippocampal information, type III neuronal activity was the predominant source of flow between the NI and the hippocampus in theta states. We further determined that the electrical activation of the NI was able to reset hippocampal waves with enhanced theta‐band power, depending on the septal area. Collectively, these data suggest that hippocampal theta oscillations after sensory activation show dependence on NI neuron activity, which could play a key role in establishing optimal conditions for memory encoding.
Competencia entre instituciones microfinancieras en Perú, una medición con el indicador de Boone para el periodo 2003-2009
Authors: Aguilar Andía Giovanna
Published: November 2016

Este artículo analiza la competencia entre instituciones microfinancieras
(IMF) peruanas empleando el indicador de Boone de 2003 a 2009. Los
hallazgos sugieren que las microfinanzas se han venido desarrollando
en un entorno más competitivo, lo cual favorece la inclusión financiera
y el desarrollo de instituciones eficientes. A su vez, pone en la agenda
de las autoridades la responsabilidad de vigilar y evitar prácticas poco
cuidadosas en la provisión de créditos que pueden conducir a sobreendeudamiento
de los clientes con el deterioro de la cartera crediticia de
las IMF. Se plantea para futuras investigaciones extender el periodo de
análisis y/o estudiar la relación entre competencia, resultado financiero
de las instituciones y endeudamiento de clientes.
Orientaciones estratégicas de los investigadores en el campo de la administración: un estudio comparativo entre regiones y disciplinas
Authors: Martinez Mario , Páez Gabriunas Iliana
Published: November 2016

Este artículo presenta un modelo del comportamiento de los investigadores en administración para comprobar sus preferencias en los Modos de Producción de Conocimiento. Se aplica el análisis de panel de datos a la producción de 240 investigadores en el periodo 2006-2011, y se encuentra que presentan diferencias significativas en tres orientaciones estratégicas (interdisciplinaridad, aplicación e interacción externa) dependiendo de la disciplina y la región en la cual trabajan. Los hallazgos muestran que los investigadores en Management se orientan más a la interdisciplinaridad y la interacción externa que los de Finanzas, estos últimos más a la aplicación, y los Latinoamericanos hacen investigación más orientada a la aplicación que los Anglosajones. Se dejan abiertas nuevas perspectivas para el estudio del problema.
Counselling in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: Social workers’ perspectives and practice
Authors: Staniforth Barbara
Published: November 2016

This article is the second of a two-part series which looks at the role of counselling in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article examines a quantitative piece of research which asked approximately 1,000 members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers for their beliefs around, and practice of, counselling in social work.The first article reported on the historical and socio-cultural elements that have shaped the development of counselling in social work from information collected through in-depth interviews. Both pieces of research formed part of a PhD dissertation entitled Past, Present and Future Perspectives on the Role of Counselling in Social Work in Aotearoa New Zealand completed in 2010.
Fijian social work practice
Authors: Ramacake Soro
Published: November 2016

This article considers part of a Massey Social Work Research Report from 2007, whereby a literature review on Fijian life principles, values, social standards and living was undertaken. Discussion was presented on the methodology employed for the research and key findings about Fijian values, knowledge, skills that form the basis for Fijian social work practice were highlighted. This article contributes to a growing body of literature on indigenous models.
Nga Haerenga o Le Laumei: Pathways to cultural protection through language preservation
Authors: Koro Tanya , Walden Nikki , Smith Tristan , Dewar Adrienne , Muller Kaylum , Ndeke Advent , Kenny Lena , Simmons Helen
Published: November 2016

The above group of ethnically diverse, third-year community development students from Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand connected through a shared interest in the wellbeing of Maori and Pasifika peoples in Oceania. They identified the critical importance of preserving indigenous languages as a vehicle for maintaining cultural heritage and linguistic rights. Diasporic Pacific populations experience vulnerability in maintaining cultural heri- tage. One of the fundamental elements in retaining cultural heritage is the preservation of indigenous languages. This paper was presented at the Social Policy, Social Welfare Systems and Human Security in the Pacific Conference held at the University of South Pacific, 5th- 7th October 2010. It explores a structural analysis and ‘development from below’ process which identified a unifying metaphor as a powerful tool to assist social change around the preservation of indigenous languages. Rather than employing a hegemonic view on the sta- tus of indigenous languages, this paper offers solutions from a Pasifika perspective formed within a post-modern New Zealand context. This framework and the process that the students undertook offer a valuable contribution to social and cultural protection and human security policy development as it pertains to language preservation within Oceania. Other social change groups may find this process and the tool/metaphor useful for their work. Ko toku reo, toku ohooho Ko toku reo, toku mapihi maurea. My language is my awakening My language is the window to my soul.
Welfare services in Sweden – with New Zealand comments
Authors: Gynnerstedt Kerstin , O'Brien Mike
Published: November 2016

Two countries on the opposite side of the globe – Sweden and New Zealand– similarities and differences! This article is an introduction to the following articles about aspects of social services in Sweden. These articles, written from a Swedish perspectives and context, give some pictures of the welfare sector in the areas of elderly care, psychiatric care and disability care which hopefully will be of interest especially for New Zealand readers. To build the understanding of the Swedish model this introductory article starts with a theoretical approach to welfare systems. To understand the context in which services are delivered, it is necessary to both give some basic facts about the countries and about services – regulation, conditions, or- ganisations and implementation, including how services have developed historically and influenced the current situation – and to include comments and reflections from a New Zealand perspective. These external comments and reflections are also a way to broaden the interest and value for New Zealand readers as well as for international readers in general and, not least, Swedish readers.
Social work with older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: Using research to inform practice
Authors: Maidment Jane , Egan Ronnie , Wexler Jane
Published: November 2016

This research investigated the views of older culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people, their families and paid workers about experiences of giving and receiving care services in the Barwon region of Victoria, Australia. The project was conducted in collaboration with Diversitat, Geelong. While the research process incorporated a range of qualitative techniques this article is confined to reporting selected findings from the individual interviews and a focus group discussion. These findings demonstrated that particular caregiver personal attributes strengthened the relationship between older people and caregivers; differing interpretations were offered up about the use of time; multiple barriers for older CALD people using health and social services were identified; and that experiences of ageism within the health services were reported along with infrequent use of interpreter services. The article concludes with a discussion about the implications for social work practice and education with older CALD people.
Defining moments in practice. Clinical supervision as a method of promoting critical reflection in fieldwork: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Pack Margaret
Published: November 2016

In 2008, as coordinator and lecturer of a postgraduate allied mental health programme, I asked clinical supervisors and their supervisees who were completing the programme what their ‘most difficult’ practice scenario taken to supervision had been as part of a research project approved for ethics by Victoria University. Secondly, I asked clinical supervisees and clinical supervisors about how they had re- solved or dealt with this practice issue. The aim of the research was to determine if the self reflective and reflexive process described by Napier and Fook (2001) and Gardner (2009) was experienced by the social workers and occupational therapists completing their post- graduate studies. The results indicate that for students, through discussing complex and difficult cases in clinical supervision, they came to view their practice both more positively and more self reflectively and reflexively through engagement in clinical supervision. For supervisors, the most difficult scenarios for those who were the students’ line managers involved navigating a mixed role that balanced providing performance feedback in addition to clinical supervision. The implications for clinical supervision as the method of learning in fieldwork education are discussed.
Āta as an innovative method and practice tool in supervision
Authors: Lipsham Marjorie Jane Hera
Published: November 2016

Building on the social work practice model of Pohatu (2004), who outlines a behavioural and theoretical strategy named Āta, this article discusses the method and introduces a reflective tool that supervisors are able to utilise in order to invoke reflection and self-assessment through a Māori lens at both a personal and professional level. Āta is then discussed as it relates to elements of supervision being taught at a postgraduate level which include reflection, acknowledgement of the process of supervision and learning styles.
An ‘authoritarian neoliberal’ approach to child welfare and protection?
Authors: Parton Nigel
Published: November 2016

Recent years have seen significant changes in the organisation and focus of children’s services in many advanced ‘western’ societies. While this has varied in different jurisdictions (see for example Gilbert, Parton & Skivenes, 2011), we can identify one set of developments which have become increasingly evident in certain countries and which is perhaps illustrated at its sharpest in England with the emergence of, what I call, an authoritarian neoliberal approach to child welfare and protection (Parton, 2014).
The triplets: Investment in outcomes for the vulnerable – reshaping social services for (some) New Zealand children
Authors: O'Brien Mike
Published: November 2016

Social work and social services are in a period of significant change built around three key terms; investment, vulnerable, and outcomes. Those terms are not simple neutral descriptors. Rather, they are shaped in critical ways by the neoliberal framework which informs them. The framework is critically examined here by exploring how it is reflected in the specific meanings and implications of each of the three terms. Social work practice and social services delivery will be heavily influenced by the political and ideological framing of investment, vulnerable and outcomes. The paper takes up some of these implications and raises a series of questions for children and families, for practitioners and for agencies. The responses to those questions will be critical for social work and for those with whom and for whom social workers work.
Shifting power relations in New Zealand child welfare policy: The process and implications of the 2014 amendment to s13 of the CYP&tF Act
Authors: Martin Sarah
Published: November 2016

INTRODUCTION: The Vulnerable Children (VC) Act 2014 amended section 13 (s13) of the Children, Young Persons and their Families (CYP&tF) Act 1989 to re-emphasise the principle that the welfare and interests of the child should be the paramount consideration in child protection proceedings. This study examines the policy process behind the amendment, and investigates its possible implications, in particular its impact on the power relationship between the state and family/whanau.METHOD: Data was collected from semi-structured, confidential interviews with 10 key informants. Key themes were identified using thematic analysis. This was supplemented by document analysis of published and unpublished government papers, consultation papers and local and international research.FINDINGS: The policy process that preceded the decision to amend s13 of the CYP&tF Act was controlled by a small policy elite that failed to consult broadly on either the need for the amendment, or its impact on vulnerable children and families. Government gave little consideration to the implications of the policy change, and the policy process used to develop the amendment lacked the characteristics of rational, comprehensive, policy development. No evaluation or monitoring of the policy change has been put in place, despite the known risk that it may result in an increase in unnecessary removals of children from their families/whanau.CONCLUSION: The s13 amendment, while appearing minor, has significant implications for vulnerable children and families and is part of a fundamental re-balancing of power relations in New Zealand’s child welfare policy.
The implications of neoliberalism for the care of orphans in Zimbabwe: Challenges and opportunities for social work practice
Authors: Muchacha Munyaradzi , Dziro Charles , Mtetwa Edmos
Published: November 2016

The paper explores the implications of neoliberal social policies for the care of orphans in Zimbabwe and looks at the challenges and opportunities for social work practice in such a context. It is estimated that Zimbabwe is home to over 1 million orphaned and vulnerable children most of whom are being looked after by their relatives. As from 1991, Zimbabwe switched over from a “socialist” socio-economic policy trajectory to a neoliberal dispensation. This neoliberal policy regime entails the implementation of austerity measures such as severe cuts on social expenditures, the introduction of stringent means tested social safety nets and reduction of the civil service wage bill. This paper argues that this neoliberal policy regime negatively affects the care of orphans and access to services such as health and education. The reduction of expenditure on social services has also resulted in severe cuts on social work posts within the civil service leading to high caseloads and poor social work practice. The paper concludes by identifying and arguing for developmental social work practice as a social work strategy to challenge and address the implications of neoliberalism through strengthening the capacities of the kinship system, advocacy and contribution to the social policy making process
The social work professionalisation project before the 1990s in Aotearoa New Zealand: The dream
Authors: Hunt Sonya
Published: November 2016

INTRODUCTION: The meaning and purpose of social work has always been debated within the social work profession. The profession dreams of contributing towards a better, fairer, civil society locally and internationally. This article explores the professionalisation of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand. This exploration has been undertaken as background for an ongoing research project.METHOD: A critical consideration of the different theoretical and historical dimensions and interests at work that impacted on the journey of professionalisation of social work in this country has been undertaken based on a review of literature. Part one of the article outlines a definition of social work, and different concepts and approaches to professionalisation. Part two of the article contextualises the different approaches to professionalisation within Aotearoa New Zealand, from early forms of welfare pre-colonisation up until the early 1990s.CONCLUSION: The literature and trends discussed serve to both document the history of professionalisation of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand and as background to an ongoing critical research project which aims to uncover interests at work and interrogate the legitimacy of those interests, while enabling the voices of key actors from the time to surface, be explored, and be recorded.
Attending to immigrants’ everyday activities: A new perspective on ensuring Asian immigrants’ quality of life
Authors: Kim Hagyun , Hocking Clare
Published: November 2016

INTRODUCTION: The quality of Asian immigrants’ lives is significant to the harmony of New Zealand society where, at the 2013 Census, 11.8% of its residents identified as Asian. However, settlement can be stressful for new Asian immigrants because moving to a country with a different culture can disrupt most of their familiar routines, and it is strongly associated with marginalisation and isolation from society. Recognising these challenges, social workers have positioned themselves at the forefront of efforts to improve Asian immigrants’ quality of life.METHOD: An occupational perspective is applied to underpin an examination of Asian immigrants’ participation in Aotearoa New Zealand society. Occupational science is a basic social science grounded in the notion that people engage in occupations for their existence and that the drive to be occupied has evolutionary, psychological, social, and symbolic roots.CONCLUSIONS: This article suggests an occupational perspective as a new analytic framework which has the potential to give social workers clearer insight into the realities which Asian immigrants encounter; consequently, increasing their ability to support Asian immigrants’ full participation into a new society.
A soft, wearable microfluidic device for the capture, storage, and colorimetric sensing of sweat
Authors: Koh Ahyeon , Kang Daeshik , Xue Yeguang , Lee Seungmin , Pielak Rafal M. , Kim Jeonghyun , Hwang Taehwan , Min Seunghwan , Banks Anthony , Bastien Philippe , Manco Megan C. , Wang Liang , Ammann Kaitlyn R. , Jang Kyung-In , Won Phillip , Han Seungyong , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Paik Ungyu , Slepian Marvin J. , Balooch Guive , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: November 2016

A soft, skin-mounted microfluidic device captures microliter volumes of sweat and quantitatively measures biochemical markers by colorimetric analysis.
Nanobodies that block gating of the P2X7 ion channel ameliorate inflammation
Authors: Danquah Welbeck , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Rissiek Björn , Pinto Carolina , Serracant-Prat Arnau , Amadi Miriam , Iacenda Domenica , Knop Jan-Hendrik , Hammel Anna , Bergmann Philine , Schwarz Nicole , Assunção Joana , Rotthier Wendy , Haag Friedrich , Tolosa Eva , Bannas Peter , Boué-Grabot Eric , Magnus Tim , Laeremans Toon , Stortelers Catelijne , Koch-Nolte Friedrich
Published: November 2016

Single-domain antibodies called nanobodies block P2X7, an inflammatory ion channel, reducing skin and kidney inflammation in mice.
Bugs clogging your arteries? Take an anti-B2 shot
Authors: Kashyap Purna
Published: November 2016

Commensal microbiota promote atherosclerosis by activating immune cells.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: culmination of management using immunosuppression, surgical and prosthetic therapy over quarter century
Authors: Das Shilpa , Pasari Anand S , Sangwan Virender S
Published: November 2016

A 22-year-old male patient presented in 1988 with active vernal keratoconjunctivitis. He was treated with topical mast cell stabilisers and corticosteroids. Chronic inflammation despite topical treatment necessitated oral immunosuppressants. Active disease came under control with this; however, the patient gradually developed limbal stem cell deficiency. He underwent bilateral pannus resection with amniotic membrane transplantation that resulted in improved ocular surface. In 2007, patient was found to have significant bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts and underwent bilateral cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation with good visual outcome. In 2016, he was provided with scleral lens prosthetic device, which further improved vision. At last follow-up, more than 25 years after his initial visit, his visual acuity was 20/25 in both eyes with a stable surface. With a comprehensive approach using immunosuppression, surgical therapy and scleral lens prosthetic device, chronic vernal keratoconjunctivitis can be well managed as illustrated in this case.
Can the Otago falls prevention program be delivered by video? A feasibility study
Authors: Davis Jennifer C , Hsu Chun Liang , Cheung Winnie , Brasher Penny M A , Li Linda C , Khan Karim M , Sykes Jonathan , Skelton Dawn A , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: November 2016

Objectives

We assessed the feasibility of delivering the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) via an interactive DVD (ie, OEP-DVD) in combination with monthly physical therapist phone calls to older adults.

Design

This pre-post (baseline and 6-month follow-up) study included an intervention group (n=61) based in a rural location and a control group (n=21) based in a city.

Setting

Sechelt and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Participants

82 community-dwelling adults ≥75 years.

Intervention

Individuals in the intervention group received the OEP-DVD and were instructed to do the exercises 3 times a week after their initial home physical therapist visit for 6 months.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Feasibility was ascertained by withdrawal rate and compliance to the OEP-DVD. The number of participants and the frequency (ie, number of times weekly) they performed the OEP exercises and walking were used to estimate compliance. The potential benefit of the OEP-DVD on falls risk profile (Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA)) and mobility were examined by comparing the change in the intervention group compared with the control group. Self-reported compliance to the exercise programme was assessed by monthly returned diary.

Results

Of the 82 participants, 2 withdrew from the OEP-DVD group and none withdrew from the control group. We obtained compliance data on 72% of participants in the intervention group. The mean OEP-DVD compliance was 87% and the mean walking compliance was 166%. After adjusting for baseline PPA, baseline age, sex, baseline comorbidities, baseline cognitive status and baseline falls-related self-efficacy, there was a significant between-group improvement in the overall PPA score (OEP group pre-PPA to post-PPA score: 0.79±1.2 to 0.7±0.9; p<0.05) at study completion.

Conclusions

Although the OEP-DVD resulted in significant reductions in falls risk among community-dwelling older adults, there was a notable loss to follow-up limiting the feasibility of this approach.
Genetics of inherited cardiocutaneous syndromes: a review
Authors: Bardawil Tara , Khalil Samar , Bergqvist Christina , Abbas Ossama , Kibbi Abdul Ghani , Bitar Fadi , Nemer Georges , Kurban Mazen
Published: November 2016

The life of a human being originates as a single cell which, under the influence of certain factors, divides sequentially into multiple cells that subsequently become committed to develop and differentiate into the different structures and organs. Alterations occurring early on in the development process may lead to fetal demise in utero. Conversely, abnormalities at later stages may result in structural and/or functional abnormalities of varying severities. The cardiovascular system and skin share certain developmental and structural factors; therefore, it is not surprising to find several inherited syndromes with both cardiac and skin manifestations. Here, we will review the overlapping pathways in the development of the skin and heart, as well as the resulting syndromes. We will also highlight several cutaneous clues that may help physicians screen and uncover cardiac anomalies that may be otherwise hidden and result in sudden cardiac death.
Paleolimnology of thermokarst lakes: a window into permafrost landscape evolution
Authors: Bouchard Frédéric , MacDonald Lauren A. , Turner Kevin W. , Thienpont Joshua R. , Medeiros Andrew S. , Biskaborn Boris K. , Korosi Jennifer , Hall Roland I. , Pienitz Reinhard , Wolfe Brent B.
Published: November 2016

Widespread across northern permafrost landscapes, thermokarst ponds and lakes provide vital wildlife habitat and play a key role in biogeochemical processes. Stored in the sediments of these typically shallow and dynamic waterbodies are rich sources of paleoenvironmental information whose potential has not yet been fully exploited, likely because of concerns over stratigraphic preservation and challenges to develop reliable sediment core chronologies. Here, we present an overview of recently derived informative paleolimnological reconstructions based on multiparameter analysis of sediment archives from permafrost aquatic basins. We include examples from across the Canadian North, Alaska, and Siberia that illustrate their value for providing insights into temporal patterns of lake inception, catchment erosion, aquatic productivity, hydrological evolution, and landscape disturbances. Although not captured in our survey, emerging research directions focused on carbon accumulation, storage, and balance hold much promise for contributing to global climate change science.
Investigating the Paleozoic–Mesozoic low-temperature thermal history of the southwestern Canadian Arctic: insights from (U–Th)/He thermochronology
Authors: Midwinter D. , Powell J. , Schneider D.A. , Dewing K.
Published: November 2016

The Arctic Amerasia Basin, located between the Canadian margin and Alaska, formed by purported Jurassic–Cretaceous rifting related to the rotation of the Arctic Alaska – Chukotka microcontinent from northern Laurentia. Rifting may have been accompanied by rift shoulder uplift and cooling that is recorded in low-temperature thermochronometers. Furthermore, the southwestern Canadian Arctic has a widespread Devonian–Cretaceous unconformity with a poorly understood burial-unroofing history. We evaluate new zircon (U–Th)/He thermochronology (ZHe) and organic maturity (vitrinite reflectance (VRo)) data from Neoproterozoic strata of the Amundsen Basin, Cambrian strata of the Arctic Platform, and Devonian strata of the Franklinian Basin to help resolve the sedimentary thickness deposited and eroded during the time represented by the regional unconformity. ZHe and VRo models identify the thermal maximum occurring between the late Paleozoic – Mesozoic interval. Proximal to the rifted Canadian margin, models estimate 3.7–4.5 km of deposition between the Devonian–Cretaceous, in marked contrast to <1 km towards the craton. Jurassic–Cretaceous exhumation is estimated at 2.3–3.5 km and is more uniform across the region. Although the magnitude of burial and erosion can be resolved by modelling, the timing of these events cannot be elucidated with confidence. The thermochronology models can be satisfied by either (1) late Paleozoic – early Mesozoic burial with a thermal maximum prior to Jurassic rifting, followed by cooling; or (2) Late Devonian maximum burial, with gradual unroofing until Cretaceous sedimentation. Although continued deposition into the Mesozoic towards the craton interior seems unlikely, it remains possible that there was continued deposition proximal to the rifted Canadian margin.
Remnants of Early Mesozoic basalt of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: White Chris E. , Kontak Daniel J. , DeMont Garth J. , Archibald Douglas
Published: November 2016

Amygdaloidal basaltic flows of the Ashfield Formation were encountered in two drill holes in areas of positive aeromagnetic anomalies in the Carboniferous River Denys Basin in southwestern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. One sample of medium-grained basalt yielded a plateau age of 201.8 ± 2.0 Ma, similar to the U–Pb and 40Ar/39Ar crystallization ages from basaltic flows and dykes in the Newark Supergroup. A second sample of zeolite-bearing basalt yielded a discordant age spectrum and a younger age of ca. 190 Ma, which is interpreted to date a widespread hydrothermal event related to zeolite formation. Whole-rock chemical data show that the Ashfield Formation basalt is low-Ti continental tholeiite, consistent with its within-plate tectonic setting. Chemically, it resembles basaltic flows in the Mesozoic Fundy and Grand Manan basins exposed in southern Nova Scotia and eastern New Brunswick and elsewhere in Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP). The age and geochemical data from the Ashfield Formation provide the first evidence for early Mesozoic CAMP volcanism in Cape Breton Island and demonstrate that the event was more widespread in Nova Scotia than previously thought, which has implications for its continuity and extent elsewhere within CAMP.
Phylogenetic relationships among low-ploidy species ofPoausing chloroplast sequences
Authors: Joshi Alpana , Bushman B. Shaun , Pickett Brandon , Robbins Matthew D. , Staub Jack E. , Johnson Paul G.
Published: November 2016

Species of the genus Poa are taxonomically and genetically difficult to delineate owing to high and variable polyploidy, aneuploidy, and challenging breeding systems. Approximately 5% of the proposed species in Poa are considered to include or comprise diploids, but very few of those diploids are represented in seed collections. Recent phylogenetic studies of Poa have included some diploid species to elucidate Poa genome relationships. In this study, we build upon that foundation of diploid Poa relationships with additional confirmed diploid species and accessions, and with additional chloroplast sequences. We also include samples of P. pratensis and P. arachnifera to hone in on possible ancestral genomes in these two agronomic and highly polyploidy species. Relative to most species of Poa, Poa section Dioicopoa (P. ligularis, P. iridifolia, and P. arachnifera) contained relatively large chromosomes. Phylogenies were constructed using the TLF gene region and five additional chloroplast genes, and the placement of new species and accessions fit within chloroplast lineages previously reported better than by taxonomic subgenera and sections. Low-ploidy species in the P chloroplast lineage, such as P. iberica and P. remota, grouped closest to P. pratensis.
SPATIAL PANEL ANALYSIS ON ASEAN–CHINA TRADE LINKS
Authors: YONG CHEN-CHEN , YEW SIEW-YONG , CHIN MUI-YIN
Published: November 2016

The change of trade structures from the dynamic development of production networks globally had caused processing trade to become more prominent in China. This change drives ASEAN5 to be more aggressive in developing vertical intra-industry trade (VIIT) with China. This study aims to identify the catalysts that strengthened the VIIT relationship between ASEAN5 and China for manufacturing sub-sectors. Both decomposition-type threshold method and spatial panel econometric modelling are used and the results show that foreign direct investment (FDI) and difference in gross domestic products (DGDP) are the influential determinants of VIIT although their impacts vary across manufacturing sub-sectors. The results also confirm the presence of spatial interaction effects among ASEAN5 countries in relation to China’s trade. These suggest that deeper economic integration among ASEAN5 countries is vital in strengthening bilateral VIIT with China. Moreover, to foster the value chain between the two regions, emphasis on performing similar tasks with differentiated varieties of products is essential as the two regions have similar comparative advantages.
Analytic solutions and their dynamics of atomic–molecular Bose–Einstein condensates with time- and space-modulated nonlinearities
Authors: Wu Huilan , Yao Yuqin
Published: November 2016

The time- and space-modulated nonlinearity is the important character of the Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs). Many works have been done on atomic BECs with spatially modulated nonlinearity, but there is little work on atomic–molecular BECs. In this paper, we construct one family of explicitly exact solutions of the atomic–molecular BECs with time- and space-modulated nonlinearities and trapping potential by similarity transformations. We discuss the dynamics of matter waves including breathing solitons, quasi-breathing solitons, resonant solitons and moving solitons. We analyze the linear stability of the solutions by adding various initial stochastic noise. We also provide the experimental parameters to produce these phenomena in future experiments.
A Mismatch Detection Method Based on Affine Transformation for Stereo Light Microscopy Stereo Matching
Authors: Fan Shengli , Yu Mei , Jiang Gangyi , Wang Yigang , Jiang Hao , Zhang Qingbo
Published: November 2016

For the light microscopy images that have the characteristics of shallow depth of field, serious distortion and poor resolution, mismatch is a ubiquitous phenomenon. The paper presents a mismatch detection method for the stereo light microscopy stereo matching. Affine transformation matrix and matching constraint condition are calibrated by the calibration board which has the precision solid dots and the motorized stage. Bias vector of affine transformation of each matching pair is taken as the criteria to apply mismatch detection. The experimental results show that the method can detect more mismatching pairs and preserve more matching pairs than the traditional RANSAC method and the epipolar rectification method.