bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A REFORMATION ETHICS: PROCLAMATION AND JURISDICTION AS DETERMINANTS OF MORAL AGENCY AND ACTION
Authors: O’Donovan Joan Lockwood
Published: December 2014

The position paper for this symposium provides an instructive account of the false antitheses and destructive fragmentation that have beset morality and ethics in our ‘late modern’ societies. We plenary speakers have been invited to contribute broader philosophical and historical perspectives to the tasks of diagnosing and overcoming these antitheses and this fragmentation. I would like, therefore, to bring to these diagnostic and constructive tasks the theoretical resources of the English Reformation which, although doctrinal and theological rather than philosophical (as independently conceived), are, in my view, germane to any coherent Christian ethical undertaking. While I shall concentrate on the constructive ethical contribution of English Reformation theology, I would like to offer a brief indication of its diagnostic relevance, by pointing to certain resemblances (possibly even continuities) between the present ethos and the ethos to which the 16th century reformers were responding, with its late medieval and renaissance strands.
INTUITING MORALITY
Authors: Rice, jr. Martin A.
Published: December 2014

1. Introduction: What is the Problem? There are long standing problems of how one can account for moral properties, problems that are driven by the background metaphysical milieu into which one is trying to fit the moral properties in question. David Hume faced this problem in the context of the Newtonian-mechanistic worldview. His solution was to compromise the mechanistic worldview by undermining the physicalistic notion of causal relations via his famous Critique of Induction and reduce moral properties to a sensory “sentiment.”
Species clarification of the most important and cultivated Auricularia mushroom “Heimuer”: evidence from morphological and molecular data
Authors: Wu Fang , Yuan Yuan , MALYSHEVA VERA F. , Du Ping , Dai Yu Cheng
Published: December 2014

Phylogenetic analysis of the Auricularia auricula-judae complex was carried out using ITS and nLSU ribosomal RNA gene regions, and morphology of the A. auricula-judae complex and related species is examined based on 33 wild collections and 10 cultivated samples worldwide. The phylogenetic analysis presented here showed that the wild and cultivated samples previously identified as A. auricula-judae in China are different from those from Europe (the type locality). So far no exist name for the most important Chinese Auricularia species is available, and thus a new species, Auricularia heimuer, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by effused-reflexed or substipitate basidiomata with fawn to reddish brown color when fresh and vinaceous gray to dark gray when dry, pilose upper surface usually with a few folds when dry, short abhymenial hairs without branching and measured as 50–150 × 4–6.5 µm, usually presence of medulla, long clavate basidia with oil guttules and measured as 40–67 × 3.0–6.5 µm, and allantoid spores measured as 11–13 × 4–5 µm. A. auricula-judae is not found in China, and most probably has a distribution in Europe only. In addition, A. americana and A. villosula are the first time reported in China. Both A. heimuer and A. villosula grow on angiosperm wood, while A. americana is found on gymnosperm wood exclusively.
A new species of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae), from Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Imig Daniela Cristina , CERVI ARMANDO CARLOS
Published: December 2014

In this paper we describe and illustrate Passiflora junqueirae, a new species for the Brazilian flora. The new species was collected in the Caparaó National Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil, and belongs to the genus Passiflora, subgenus Passiflora, supersection Stipulata, section Granadillastrum.
The species of Botanochara Dejean, 1836 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Argentina: an identification key, new host plant records and list of Cassidinae found in birds’ nests and other protected places
Authors: IORIO OSVALDO DI
Published: December 2014

The genus Botanochara Dejean, 1836 comprises 43 species distributed in the Neotropical Region, among which 26 (57%) are known from Argentina. Botanochara praefica (Spaeth, 1940) is synonymized with B. macularia (Boheman, 1850). Botanochara missionea (Spaeth, 1915) and B. tessellata (Burmeister, 1870) are illustrated for the first time. Botanochara duodecimnotata (Boheman, 1850) and Botanochara segnis (Boheman, 1862) are new country records. Six species are shared with Bolivia, 21 with Brazil, 15 with Paraguay, one with Peru, and 7 with Uruguay. The known geographic distributions, synonymies, hybrids, chromosome numbers, and host plants in Argentina and adjacent countries are summarized. New localities and host plants, and some corrections of misidentified species from Argentina are given. Distribution maps of all species in Argentina with known localities superimposed with biogeographic provinces are provided. The southern limits of Botanochara in western, central and eastern Argentina are established and correlates with the known distributions of Ipomoea L. species (Convolvulaceae). A total of 12,815 specimens of Cassidinae were found inside birds’ nests from Argentina, from which 11,538 (90.03%) belong to 8 species of Botanochara; 9,331 (80.87%) were found during Autumn (21th March to 20th June) and Winter (21th June to 20th September) (diapause), and 2,207 (19.13%) during Spring (21 th September to 20 th December) and Summer (21 th December to 20 th March) (aseasonal quiescence). Additional records of two other Cassidinae found in birds’ nests and other protected places, Carlobruchia tricostata (Spaeth, 1907) and Stolas lacordairei (Boheman, 1850), are also provided.
Revision of the genus Acanthaspis Amyot & Serville (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Reduviinae) from China, with new records of species to adjacent countries
Authors: CAO LIANGMING , RÉDEI DÁVID , LI HU , CAI WANZHI
Published: December 2014

The assassin bugs of the genus Acanthaspis Amyot & Serville (Reduviinae) from China are revised. Fourteen species are recognized, described or redescribed and illustrated. Three species, A. fulviconnexa, A. melanota, and A. octoguttata, are described as new to science. Acanthaspis subinermis Hsiao 1976 is synonymized with A. laoensis Distant 1919. A key for the identification of Chinese species of Acanthaspis is provided. The biology of A. cincticrus Stål is briefly noted. The following species are newly recorded from adjacent countries: A. collaris Hsiao from Laos and Thailand, A. geniculata Hsiao from Vietnam, A. picta Hsiao from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, A. quinquespinosa (Fabricius) from Nepal, A. ruficeps Hsiao from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, and A. laoensis Distant  from Thailand.
Comparing Two Pre-listening Supports with Iranian EFL Learners: Opportunity or Obstacle
Authors: Alavi Sayyed Mohammad , Janbaz Fateme
Published: December 2014

Since listening is a crucial component of language competence and fundamental for successful communication as well, its development has been gradually given much attention from language teachers and researchers. This study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of two pre-listening supports, i.e. question preview and topic preparation on the listening comprehension of foreign language learners. The participants (N=61 female), divided in two separate groups, answered ten items of listening comprehension tests under two different conditions. In the question preview condition, the teacher read questions and options loudly before the listening test began, while in the topic preparation condition, the participants read textual information related to the topics of listening tests. The results showed that pre-listening supports benefited EFL learners’ listening comprehension. However, statistical significant difference of the listening comprehension scores between the two supports could not be established. With such a positive effect on EFL listening, this study suggests that topic preparation and question preview have their own specific role in the development of EFL learners’ listening comprehension.
Assessment of Military Viewpoints Regarding Post-Secondary Education
Authors: Graf Noreen M. , Ysasi Noel A. , Marini Irmo
Published: December 2014

This study examined the educational experiences and preferences of 215 current military and veteran students regarding their viewpoints of outside support toward their education, university support, classroom experiences and preferences, views of instructor and student interactions, and perceptions of being a military student in comparison with civilian students. The presence of current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms was assessed as well as the frequency of symptoms in the classroom. Results indicated that about two thirds of military and veteran students indicated current physical and emotional difficulties. However, symptoms in the classroom were generally experienced infrequently. Military student viewpoints are presented in each of the five domains, and significant differences based on gender, combat experience, and time since discharge are discussed. Implications for rehabilitation counselors working with veterans are noted.
Adolescent–Parent Communication in a Digital World
Authors: Rudi Jessie H. , Walkner Amy , Dworkin Jodi
Published: December 2014

We examined how family communication patterns (FCPs) are associated with frequency of adolescent–parent communication in person, over the phone, via text message, and via email. Adolescents ( N = 195) aged 13 to 18 completed an online survey assessing FCPs and frequency of communication methods used with parents. The results revealed that both frequency and method of communication differed by general FCPs; adolescents in higher conformity families reported less frequent text messaging with mothers than adolescents in lower conformity families, and adolescents in higher conversation families (mothers only) and lower conformity families reported more frequent email communication with parents. Results set the stage for future research to further explore the processes and outcomes of adolescent–parent communication through communication technology.
The expansion of international society after 30 years: Views from the European periphery
Authors: Ejdus Filip
Published: December 2014

Since its publication three decades ago, Hedley Bull and Adam Watson’s The Expansion of International Society has served as the main point of departure for historically informed discussion of how today’s states system emerged and then went on to envelop the world. In a recent article, Iver Neumann criticized Bull and Watson’s conceptualization for being Euro-centric, in the sense that these scholars only ascribed agency to the European side of the relationship between an entrant and international society. For International Relations, it is particularly apposite that the new entrants to international society themselves came from suzerain systems, such as Habsburg-dominated or the Ottoman-dominated one. Neumann’s example was Russia, whose experiences with Mongol suzerainty and, before that, with being a part of a suzerain system centred on Byzantium, infused Muscovy with experiences and memories that formed the reference point for what to expect when getting in contact with international society. This forum broadens this debate by looking not only at one state, but at a set of Central and South-Eastern European states with experiences and memories from various suzerain systems. The articles discuss when and how Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Turkey began to aspire for membership in international society; experiences, memories and ideas such as translatio imperii that informed what they made of the entry; and how and in what degree the ensuing tensions remain today.
Interview with Robert Jervis
Authors: Wheeler Nicholas J
Published: December 2014

This interview with Robert Jervis explores the early influences on his career, his time working with Thomas Schelling and Erving Goffman, that led to his path-breaking 1970 book, The Logic of Images in International Relations, and his more widely known (although according to Jervis himself less original) Perception and Misperception in International Politics. The rich and wide-ranging interview goes on to explore his views on the nuclear revolution, nuclear proliferation, security communities, US foreign policy, the theory–practice divide, the security dilemma and signalling and perceptions. It concludes with Jervis’ reflections on what are the fundamentals that any student and scholar of International Relations should know.
Encouraging the Disuse of Illicit Drugs Among At-Risk Youth
Authors: Cheung Chau-kiu , Ngai Steven Sek-yum
Published: December 2014

Youth at risk of illicit drug abuse and other delinquent acts are the target of social work services. Preventing or discouraging the use of illicit drugs among at-risk youth is a long-standing practical and research concern. For this reason, the preventive function of courage is a research gap the present study seeks to fill. The study collected data from 169 at-risk youths and their social workers with two-wave panel surveys. Results show that courage in Wave 1 presented a strong negative effect on illicit drug use in Wave 2 in the youth, controlling for illicit drug use in Wave 1 and background characteristics. Moreover, the negative effect was stronger when Wave 1 drug use was more likely. These results imply the helpfulness of encouraging at-risk youth to gather courage to resist the temptation to use illicit drugs.
Evaluating interdisciplinary collaborative learning and assessment in the creative arts and humanities
Authors: Miles Melissa , Rainbird Sarah
Published: December 2014

This article responds to the rising emphasis placed on interdisciplinary collaborative learning and its implications for assessment in higher education. It presents findings from a research project that examined the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary collaborative student symposium as an assessment task in an art school/humanities environment. After addressing key ideas relating to interdisciplinarity, collaboration and assessment, the authors evaluate a practical model for facilitating interdisciplinary collaborative learning. Drawing on student surveys and assessment outcomes, the findings highlight the extent to which collaborative teaching and learning, coupled with social software tools and associated modes of communication, foster innovative, high quality interdisciplinary work, and offer an adaptable assessment framework for broader application in higher education settings.
Caring after Francis: moral failure in nursing reconsidered
Authors: Traynor Michael
Published: December 2014

This discussion paper considers recent nursing failures. Drawing on a selection of key literature and ongoing research, it argues that nursing failures are a possibly inevitable consequence of work in healthcare systems with their combination of cognitive, bureaucratic, professional and work-related pressures. It also argues that nursing has a residual tendency to be viewed as primarily character-based moral work and that this can encourage understandings of causes of failures and their solutions in similar terms, i.e. as moral failures of caring requiring recruitment of those with the appropriate characters. Drawing on ongoing research with those training for the profession at an English university, it suggests that while the profession focuses on the recruitment of those with a ‘caring’ orientation it has not developed an adequate explanation to support new recruits in understanding the causes of inadequate practice. This leaves those entering the profession without a strong model with which to understand their own work or its failures-what I refer to as ‘critical resilience’.
Looking back on the myth of the Great War: Anti-rhetoric, war culture and film in Fascist Italy
Authors: Courriol Marie-France
Published: December 2014

The First World War (WWI) constituted a fundamental event for the stabilisation of Fascism both as an ideology and as a regime. However, 1930s Italian cinema resisted the Fascist vision of the conflict to a certain extent. In this article, the author argues that Italian war films of the period avoided in part the Fascist myth of the Great War, while being fully inserted in the official film circuits of the time. Examining the films’ commercial imperatives and production history, the author demonstrates that the event constituted a paradoxical form of taboo in fiction cinema. Contrary to other film forms (newsreels and documentary), the industrial nature of fiction cinema and its link with international film production allowed for a relative space of freedom. Based on film analysis as well as archival material and textual sources, the article shows how this film production conflicts with the Fascist celebration of WWI. Concerned with understanding their initial reception context, it focuses in particular on the problematic nature of these films as put forward by certain observers at the time. Characterised by a lack of triumphalism and rhetoric, the cinematic representation of WWI was instead associated with extrinsic values that ran parallel to or even conflicted with the selective memory of the conflict imposed by Fascism. Despite this, these films contributed to the war culture of the regime, consequently testifying to the weakness of Fascist militant cinema, perceptible at the very heart of the image of WWI it created.
A crucial role for the homeodomain transcription factor Hhex in lymphopoiesis
Authors: Jackson Jacob T. , Nasa Chayanica , Shi Wei , Huntington Nicholas D. , Bogue Clifford W. , Alexander Warren S. , McCormack Matthew P.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Hhex regulates development of diverse lymphoid lineages. Hhex regulates cycling of lymphoid precursors.
Construction and evaluation of controlled-release delivery system of Abamectin using porous silica nanoparticles as carriers
Authors: Wang Yan , Cui Haixin , Sun Changjiao , Zhao Xiang , Cui Bo
Published: December 2014

Photolysis and poor solubility in water of Abamectin are key issues to be addressed, which causes low bioavailability and residual pollution. In this study, a novel hydrophilic delivery system through loading Abamectin with porous silica nanoparticles (Abam-PSNs) was developed in order to improve the chemical stability, dispersity, and the controlled release of Abamectin. These results suggest that Abam-PSNs can significantly improve the performance of controllable release, photostability, and water solubility of Abamectin by changing the porous structure of silica nanoparticles, which is favorable to improve the bioavailability and reduce the residues of pesticides.
Incentives in cooperative networks: a contract-theoretic perspective
Authors: Liu Yinshan , Zhong Xiaofeng , Yan Yang , Wang Jing , Saad Walid
Published: December 2014

Multiuser cooperative communication significantly improves the performance of wireless communication networks. One key challenge of multiuser cooperative communication is how to design a cooperative mechanism to incentivize potential relay nodes to help a source node in its data transmission. In this paper, to address this problem, a contract-based principal-agent framework is proposed in the context of a cognitive-radio-based wireless relaying networks in which the sources’ wireless characteristics constitute hidden information which is not known by the relay. The problem is modeled as a monopolist’s problem, in which a mobile relay node acts as the principal who designs incentive-compatible (IC) and individually rational (IR) contract items, consisting of a set of rate-price pairs. Subsequently, contract items can be broadcast by the relay to nearby mobile users that want to send data. Once these sources optimally select an item and notify the relay that they are willing to accept it, the relay then chooses one source based on the highest revenue for which to provide service. The cooperative gain, relay’s revenue, and expected data rate are characterized for the optimal contract under complete information and incomplete information. Theoretical analysis and numerical results show that this pricing mechanism can lead to a win-win situation in which source nodes get good communication service and relay nodes maximize their own profit that can, in turn, be used to purchase the relay service of other nodes when needed in the future. Moreover, the proposed mechanism is shown to also exhibit other important features such as low complexity and low signaling overhead.
The impact of hydroxyethyl starches in cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jacob Matthias , Fellahi Jean-Luc , Chappell Daniel , Kurz Andrea
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Recent studies in septic patients showed that adverse effects of hydroxyethyl starches (HESs) possibly outweigh their benefits in severely impaired physiological haemostasis. It remains unclear whether this also applies to patient populations that are less vulnerable. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the impact of various HES generations on safety and efficacy endpoints in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the English or German language comparing the use of HES to any other colloid or crystalloid during open heart surgery.

Results

Blood loss and transfusion requirements were higher for older starches with mean molecular weights more than 200 kDa compared to other volume substitutes. In contrast, this effect was not observed with latest-generation tetrastarches (130/0.4), which performed even better when compared to albumin (blood loss of tetrastarch versus albumin: standardised mean difference (SMD), −0.34; 95% CI, −0.63, −0.05; P = 0.02; versus gelatin: SMD, −0.06; 95% CI, −0.20, 0.08; P = 0.39; versus crystalloids: SMD, −0.05; 95% CI, −0.20, 0.10; P = 0.54). Similar results were found for transfusion needs. Lengths of stay in the intensive care unit or hospital were significantly shorter with tetrastarches compared to gelatin (intensive care unit: SMD, −0.10; 95% CI, −0.15, −0.05; P = 0.0002) and crystalloids (hospital: SMD, −0.52; 95% CI, −0.90, −0.14; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of RCTs, we could not identify safety issues with tetrastarches compared with other colloid or crystalloid solutions in terms of blood loss, transfusion requirements or hospital length of stay in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The safety data on coagulation with older starches raise some issues that need to be addressed in future trials.
Early high protein intake is associated with low mortality and energy overfeeding with high mortality in non-septic mechanically ventilated critically ill patients
Authors: Weijs Peter JM , Looijaard Wilhelmus GPM , Beishuizen Albertus , Girbes Armand RJ , Oudemans-van Straaten Heleen M
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Early protein and energy feeding in critically ill patients is heavily debated and early protein feeding hardly studied.

Methods

A prospective database with mixed medical-surgical critically ill patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (>72 hours) and measured energy expenditure was used in this study. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the relation between admission day-4 protein intake group (with cutoffs 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 g/kg), energy overfeeding (ratio energy intake/measured energy expenditure > 1.1), and admission diagnosis of sepsis with hospital mortality after adjustment for APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) score.

Results

A total of 843 patients were included. Of these, 117 had sepsis. Of the 736 non-septic patients 307 were overfed. Mean day-4 protein intake was 1.0 g/kg pre-admission weight per day and hospital mortality was 36%. In the total cohort, day-4 protein intake group (odds ratio (OR) 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 0.99; P = 0.047), energy overfeeding (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.07 to 2.44; P = 0.022), and sepsis (OR 1.77; 95%CI 1.18 to 2.65; P = 0.005) were independent risk factors for mortality besides APACHE II score. In patients with sepsis or energy overfeeding, day-4 protein intake was not associated with mortality. For non-septic, non-overfed patients (n = 419), mortality decreased with higher protein intake group: 37% for <0.8 g/kg, 35% for 0.8 to 1.0 g/kg, 27% for 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg, and 19% for ≥1.2 g/kg (P = 0.033). For these, a protein intake level of ≥1.2 g/kg was significantly associated with lower mortality (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.21 to 0.83, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

In non-septic critically ill patients, early high protein intake was associated with lower mortality and early energy overfeeding with higher mortality. In septic patients early high protein intake had no beneficial effect on mortality.
Sex differences in the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern and impact on gene expression, microRNA levels and insulin secretion in human pancreatic islets
Authors: Hall Elin , Volkov Petr , Dayeh Tasnim , Esguerra Jonathan Lou S , Salö Sofia , Eliasson Lena , Rönn Tina , Bacos Karl , Ling Charlotte
Published: December 2014

Background

Epigenetic factors regulate tissue-specific expression and X-chromosome inactivation. Previous studies have identified epigenetic differences between sexes in some human tissues. However, it is unclear whether epigenetic modifications contribute to sex-specific differences in insulin secretion and metabolism. Here, we investigate the impact of sex on the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern in human pancreatic islets from 53 males and 34 females, and relate the methylome to changes in expression and insulin secretion.

Results

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is higher in female versus male islets. Genome-wide DNA methylation data in human islets clusters based on sex. While the chromosome-wide DNA methylation level on the X-chromosome is higher in female versus male islets, the autosomes do not display a global methylation difference between sexes. Methylation of 8,140 individual X-chromosome sites and 470 autosomal sites shows sex-specific differences in human islets. These include sites in/near AR, DUSP9, HNF4A, BCL11A and CDKN2B. 61 X-chromosome genes and 18 autosomal genes display sex-specific differences in both DNA methylation and expression. These include NKAP, SPESP1 and APLN, which exhibited lower expression in females. Functional analyses demonstrate that methylation of NKAP and SPESP1 promoters in vitro suppresses their transcriptional activity. Silencing of Nkap or Apln in clonal beta-cells results in increased insulin secretion. Differential methylation between sexes is associated with altered levels of microRNAs miR-660 and miR-532 and related target genes.

Conclusions

Chromosome-wide and gene-specific sex differences in DNA methylation associate with altered expression and insulin secretion in human islets. Our data demonstrate that epigenetics contribute to sex-specific metabolic phenotypes.
Complex host genetics influence the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Knights Dan , Silverberg Mark S , Weersma Rinse K , Gevers Dirk , Dijkstra Gerard , Huang Hailiang , Tyler Andrea D , van Sommeren Suzanne , Imhann Floris , Stempak Joanne M , Huang Hu , Vangay Pajau , Al-Ghalith Gabriel A , Russell Caitlin , Sauk Jenny , Knight Jo , Daly Mark J , Huttenhower Curtis , Xavier Ramnik J
Published: December 2014

Background

Human genetics and host-associated microbial communities have been associated independently with a wide range of chronic diseases. One of the strongest associations in each case is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but disease risk cannot be explained fully by either factor individually. Recent findings point to interactions between host genetics and microbial exposures as important contributors to disease risk in IBD. These include evidence of the partial heritability of the gut microbiota and the conferral of gut mucosal inflammation by microbiome transplant even when the dysbiosis was initially genetically derived. Although there have been several tests for association of individual genetic loci with bacterial taxa, there has been no direct comparison of complex genome-microbiome associations in large cohorts of patients with an immunity-related disease.

Methods

We obtained 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences from intestinal biopsies as well as host genotype via Immunochip in three independent cohorts totaling 474 individuals. We tested for correlation between relative abundance of bacterial taxa and number of minor alleles at known IBD risk loci, including fine mapping of multiple risk alleles in the Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) gene exon. We identified host polymorphisms whose associations with bacterial taxa were conserved across two or more cohorts, and we tested related genes for enrichment of host functional pathways.

Results

We identified and confirmed in two cohorts a significant association between NOD2 risk allele count and increased relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, with directionality of the effect conserved in the third cohort. Forty-eight additional IBD-related SNPs have directionality of their associations with bacterial taxa significantly conserved across two or three cohorts, implicating genes enriched for regulation of innate immune response, the JAK-STAT cascade, and other immunity-related pathways.

Conclusions

These results suggest complex interactions between genetically altered host functional pathways and the structure of the microbiome. Our findings demonstrate the ability to uncover novel associations from paired genome-microbiome data, and they suggest a complex link between host genetics and microbial dysbiosis in subjects with IBD across independent cohorts.
Demonstration of extracellular peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) activity in synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a novel assay for citrullination of fibrinogen
Authors: Damgaard Dres , Senolt Ladislav , Nielsen Michael Friberg , Pruijn Ger J , Nielsen Claus H
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Members of the peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) family catalyse the posttranslational conversion of peptidylarginine to peptidylcitrulline. Citrullination of proteins is well described in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and hypercitrullination of proteins may be related to inflammation in general. PAD activity has been demonstrated in various cell lysates, but so far not in synovial fluid. We aimed to develop an assay for detection of PAD activity, if any, in synovial fluid from RA patients.

Methods

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using human fibrinogen as the immobilized substrate for citrullination and anti-citrullinated fibrinogen antibody as the detecting agent were used for measurement of PAD activity in synovial fluid samples from five RA patients. The concentrations of PAD2 and calcium were also determined.

Results

Approximately 150 times lower levels of recombinant human PAD2 (rhPAD2) than of rhPAD4 were required for citrullination of fibrinogen. PAD activity was detected in four of five synovial fluid samples from RA patients and correlated with PAD2 concentrations in the samples (r = 0.98, P = 0.003). The calcium requirement for half-maximal activities of PAD2 and PAD4 were found in a range from 0.35 to 1.85 mM, and synovial fluid was found to contain sufficient calcium levels for the citrullination process to occur.

Conclusions

We present an assay with high specificity for PAD2 activity and show that citrullination of fibrinogen can occur in cell-free synovial fluid from RA patients.
Microvesicles: ubiquitous contributors to infection and immunity
Authors: Lai Frances W , Lichty Brian D , Bowdish Dawn M E
Published: December 2014

MVs, which can be subgrouped into exosomes, SVs, and OMVs, are secreted by eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Many previously inexplicable phenomena can be explained by the existence of these vesicles, as they appear to be important in a wide range of biologic processes, such as intercellular communication and transfer of functional genetic information. In this review, we discuss the immunologic roles of MVs during sterile insult and infectious disease. MVs contribute to clotting initiation, cell recruitment, and neovascularization during wound healing. In the context of pathogen infection, both the host and the pathogen use MVs for communication and defense. MVs are exploited by various viruses to evade the host immune response and contribute to viral spread. Bacteria produce MVs that contain virulence factors that contribute to disease pathology and antibiotic resistance. This review summarizes the role of MVs in the pathology and resolution of disease.
At the Bench: Understanding group 2 innate lymphoid cells in disease
Authors: Doherty Taylor A
Published: December 2014

The conventional paradigm of type 2 inflammatory responses is characterized by activation of CD4+ Th2 cells that produce IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, resulting in tissue eosinophil infiltration, mucus metaplasia, AHR, and IgE production. However, the recent discovery of ILC2s in mice and humans has brought forth a novel pathway in type 2 immunity that may work independent of, or in concert with, adaptive Th2 responses. ILC2s were described initially as lineage-negative lymphocytes that produce high levels of Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 in response to IL-25 and IL-33 and promote protection against helminth infections. More recent investigations have identified novel upstream regulators, as well as novel ILC2 products. ILC2s are found in mucosal surfaces, including respiratory tract and skin, and studies from experimental asthma and atopic dermatitis models support a role for ILC2s in promoting type 2 inflammatory responses. There are many unanswered questions about the role of ILC2s in chronic allergic diseases, including how ILC2s or upstream pathways can be targeted for therapy. As ILC2s are not antigen specific and may be activated after exposures to a variety of infectious agents and irritants thought to contribute to respiratory and skin diseases, future strategies to target ILC2 function in human disease may be promising. Our intent is to identify priority areas for ILC2 translational research based on basic research insights.
3D Laplace-domain waveform inversion using a low-frequency time-domain modeling algorithm
Authors: Ha Wansoo , Kang Seung-Goo , Shin Changsoo
Published: December 2014

We have developed a Laplace-domain full-waveform inversion technique based on a time-domain finite-difference modeling algorithm for efficient 3D inversions. Theoretically, the Laplace-domain Green’s function multiplied by a constant can be obtained regardless of the frequency content in the time-domain source wavelet. Therefore, we can use low-frequency sources and large grids for efficient modeling in the time domain. We Laplace-transform time-domain seismograms to the Laplace domain and calculate the residuals in the Laplace domain. Then, we back-propagate the Laplace-domain residuals in the time domain using a predefined time-domain source wavelet with the amplitude of the residuals. The back-propagated wavefields are transformed to the Laplace domain again to update the velocity model. The inversion results are long-wavelength velocity models on large grids similar to those obtained by the original approach based on Laplace-domain modeling. Inversion examples with 2D Gulf of Mexico field data revealed that the method yielded long-wavelength velocity models comparable with the results of the original Laplace-domain inversion methods. A 3D SEG/EAGE salt model example revealed that the 3D Laplace-domain inversion based on time-domain modeling method can be more efficient than the inversion based on Laplace-domain modeling using an iterative linear system solver.
Five ways to avoid storing source wavefield snapshots in 2D elastic prestack reverse time migration
Authors: Nguyen Bao D. , McMechan George A.
Published: December 2014

Five alternative algorithms were evaluated to circumvent the excessive storage requirement imposed by saving source wavefield snapshots used for the crosscorrelation image condition in 2D prestack elastic reverse time migration. We compared the algorithms on the basis of their ability, either to accurately reconstruct (not save) the source wavefield or to use an alternate image condition so that neither saving nor reconstruction of full wavefields was involved. The comparisons were facilitated by using the same (velocity-stress) extrapolator in all the algorithms, and running them all on the same hardware. We assumed that there was enough memory in a node to do an extrapolation, and that all input data were stored on disk rather than residing in random-access memory. This should provide a fair and balanced comparison. Reconstruction of the source wavefield from boundary and/or initial values reduced the required storage to a very small fraction of that needed to store source wavefield snapshots for conventional crosscorrelation, at the cost of adding an additional source extrapolation. Reverse time checkpointing avoided recursive forward recomputation. Two nonreconstructive imaging conditions do not require full snapshot storage or an additional extrapolation. Time-binning the imaging criteria removed the need for image time searching or sorting. Numerical examples using elastic data from the Marmousi2 model showed that the quality of the elastic prestack PP and PS images produced by the cost-optimized alternative algorithms were (virtually) identical to the higher cost images produced by traditional crosscorrelation.
Determination of nuclear magnetic resonance T2 cutoff value based on multifractal theory — An application in sandstone with complex pore structure
Authors: Ge Xinmin , Fan Yiren , Zhu Xuejuan , Chen Yiguo , Li Runze
Published: December 2014

The cutoff value of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transversal relaxation time [Formula: see text] is vital for pore structure characterization, permeability prediction, and irreducible water saturation calculation. Conventional default values often lead to inaccurate results for rocks with complex pore structure. Based on NMR experiments and multifractal theory, we have developed an effective statistical method to predict [Formula: see text] cutoff values without other petrophysical information. The method is based on multifractal theory to analyze the NMR [Formula: see text] spectrum with the assumption that the [Formula: see text] spectrum is an indicator of pore size distribution. Multifractal parameters, such as multifractal dimension, singularity strength, and mass exponent, are calculated to investigate the multifractal behavior of [Formula: see text] spectrum via NMR experiments and a dyadic scaling-down algorithm. To obtain the optimal [Formula: see text] cutoff value, the rotation speed and time of centrifugation are enlarged increasingly to optimal centrifugal state. A predicating model for [Formula: see text] cutoff value based on multiple linear regressions of multifractal parameters was proposed after studying the influential factors. On the basis of the multifractal analysis of NMR [Formula: see text] spectrum, a reasonable predication model for [Formula: see text] cutoff value was rendered. Upon testing, the predicted results were highly consistent with the experimental results.
Getting Medieval on Graduate Education
Authors: Strouse A. W.
Published: December 2014

The norms of professionalization, viewed through a queer lens, are seen as a means to regulate affect and to banish queer forms of pleasure—much to the detriment of the academic profession. A queer, medievalist approach may help us with the project of building happier doctoral student selves. By looking at the indeterminancies and contradictions within medieval theories about “professions,” and by examining the queer valences of the first recorded use of the word professionalism (1856), we might open up spaces within our doctoral programs for productively “unprofessional” behavior.
Alp7/TACC recruits kinesin-8-PP1 to the Ndc80 kinetochore protein for timely mitotic progression and chromosome movement
Authors: Tang Ngang Heok , Toda Takashi
Published: December 2014

Upon establishment of proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) must be silenced to allow anaphase onset in which sister chromatids segregate equally to two daughter cells. However, how proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment leads to timely anaphase onset remains elusive. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of chromosome movement during anaphase A remain unclear. In this study, we show that the fission yeast Alp7/TACC protein recruits a protein complex consisting of the kinesin-8 (Klp5-Klp6) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to the kinetochore upon kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Accumulation of this complex at the kinetochore on one hand facilitates SAC inactivation through PP1, and on the other hand accelerates poleward chromosome movement by the Klp5-Klp6 motor. We identified an alp7 mutant with specific defects in binding to the Klp5-Klp6-PP1 complex, whilst retaining normal microtubule and kinetochore localising activity. Consistent with our proposition, this mutant shows delayed anaphase onset and decelerated chromosome movement during anaphase A. We propose that the recruitment of kinesin-8-PP1 to the kinetochore via Alp7/TACC interaction plays a crucial role in regulation of timely mitotic progression and chromosome movement during anaphase A.
Eastern Analytical Symposium Award for Outstanding Achievements in near Infrared Spectroscopy: My Contributions to near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Westerhaus Mark
Published: December 2014

At the recent EAS Symposium held in Somerset, NJ, USA, Mark Westerhaus was presented with the EAS Award for Outstanding Achievements in Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Mark kindly agreed to let us publish his talk so we are delighted to reproduce it below. I think you will find it to be a very clear explanation of the reasons for various elements of old and new software treatments that many of us have used in the past. Congratulations on this well-deserved award Mark!! Ed.
State of the Practice: A Review of the Application of OR/MS in Freight Transportation
Authors: Gorman Michael F. , Clarke John-Paul , Gharehgozli Amir Hossein , Hewitt Michael , de Koster René , Roy Debjit
Published: December 2014

Freight transportation is an important part of the global supply chain. As distances shipped grow and supply chains become more complex and fragile, operations research (OR) can play an important role in improving the efficiency and robustness of supply networks. This article describes the state of the practice in OR and freight transportation, highlighting recent successful and widely used analytical techniques in oceanic transportation and port operations, and barge, freight rail, intermodal, truckload, less than truckload, and air freight transportation, as well as the use of OR techniques in third-party logistics.
Home birth disasters
Authors: Robinson Jean
Published: December 2014

Home births are almost I respectable nowadays. Women L. seldom have to fight to get them, and the battles are more easily won. Meanwhile AIMS is getting a rising number of complaints about the quality of care women receive. Some of them tell us that what they got was not a home birth, but a bad hospital birth at home — routine rupture of membranes, repeated instruction to push, and cords cut immediately. We are also alarmed at stories about midwives who fail to carry essential equipment — a Sonicaid, a bag and mask, gas and air. Independent midwives' equipment is rigorously inspected; why does this not happen in the NHS?
Book Reviews
Authors: Roth Carolyn , Nganasurian Wendy
Published: December 2014

The pregnant drug addict

Personal Professional Profile
Book Reviews
Authors: Campbell Rona , Mander Rosemary , Harris Kay , Chesney Margaret
Published: December 2014

Delivered at home

The National Childbirth Trust Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth: The Complete Guide to Having a Baby

Fetal Assessment: An Overview

New Generations: 40 Years of Birth in Britain

Baby Friendly
Letters
Authors: Watson Dorothy , Gbolade Babatunde A
Published: December 2014

I write in response to the article ‘How do we know that midwives are competent to practice?’ (Vo l 5(3) 1997, p.126). The article apparently questions the competence of future midwives, bringing the recently changed training method into question.
Mammary tumours in the dog and cat (part 2): surgical management
Authors: Anderson Davina
Published: December 2014

Mammary tumours are one of the most common neoplasms in small animal practice. Early detection and correct management improves overall survival. However, in contrast to canine mammary tumours, the majority of feline mammary tumours are malignant, have metastasised by the time of diagnosis and still carry a poor prognosis. This article will review the surgical treatment options.
Novel modalities for open wounds
Authors: Bowlt Kelly
Published: December 2014

The requirement to manage complicated wounds in practice is commonplace, and treatment options are constantly evolving. This article series provides an update on some of the most recent developments in wound management. The reader should be mindful that existing techniques (e.g. wet-to-dry dressings, foam dressings etc.) are well proven, and new techniques may not always be preferable.
Deep vein thrombosis: an underestimated threat
Authors: Meetoo Danny D , Ochieng Bertha , Fatani Taghreed
Published: December 2014

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clinical term used to describe the formation of a stationary blood clot (thrombus) in a large vein in the leg or the pelvis, causing partial or complete blockage of the circulation. DVT is a significant health and social care problem, costing approximately £640 million per annum to manage. Each year over 25 000 people in England die from this condition contracted in hospital. Early recognition and the subsequent accurate diagnosis of DVT is, therefore, extremely important to prevent potentially fatal acute complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). It is therefore crucial for peri-operative practitioners to have a sound grasp of DVT and PE together with its management to prevent related complications. Furthermore, as part of the clinical team, they need to check that appropriate thrombo-prophylaxis has been prescribed for every patient.
Patient adherence to medication
Authors: Mantri Pamela
Published: December 2014

Pamela Mantri explains the concept of adherence and how practice nurses can help improve patient adherence to medication regimens
Gill Dennes: Being herself
Authors: Dennes Gill
Published: December 2014

Gill Dennes talks about her several roles and why it is a good time to be a practice nurse in Scotland
The role of inquiries in shaping child care practice: is there a role for evidence to inform policy?
Authors: Humphreys Cathy , Webster Marilyn , Pocock Julian
Published: December 2014

Public inquiries in the child welfare field are employed as a mechanism to bring attention to policy and practice issues and soothe public concerns at failures in the care and protection of children. The paper addresses the question of whether the inquiry is a worthwhile arena for researchers who wish to see their findings used to inform policy. The paper draws on the Victorian Inquiry into Vulnerable Children and the Northern Territory inquiries into child abuse to inform the discussion. Our conclusions are that the inquiry mode, whilst unpredictable is too important a public policy tool for researchers to ignore.