Gallus GBrowse: a unified genomic database for the chicken

Gallus GBrowse (http://birdbase.net/cgi-bin/gbrowse/gallus/) provides online access to genomic and other information about the chicken, Gallus gallus. The information provided by this resource includes predicted genes and Gene Ontology (GO) terms, links to Gallus In Situ Hybridization Analysis (GEISHA), Unigene and Reactome, the genomic positions of chicken genetic markers, SNPs and microarray probes, and mappings from turkey, condor and zebra finch DNA and EST sequences to the chicken genome. We also provide a BLAT server (http://birdbase.net/cgi-bin/webBlat) for matching user-provided sequences to the chicken genome. These tools make the Gallus GBrowse server a valuable resource for researchers seeking genomic information regarding the chicken and other avian species

Detecting Molecular Rotational Dynamics Complementing the Low-Frequency Terahertz Vibrations in a Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Framework

We show clear experimental evidence of co-operative terahertz (THz) dynamics observed below 3 THz (~100 cm-1), for a low-symmetry Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF) structure, termed MIL-140A [ZrO(O2C-C6H4-CO2)]. Utilizing a combination of high-resolution inelastic neutron scattering and synchrotron radiation far-infrared spectroscopy, we measured low-energy vibrations originating from the hindered rotations of organic linkers, whose energy barriers and detailed dynamics have been elucidated via ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For completeness, we obtained Raman spectra and characterized the alterations to the complex pore architecture caused by the THz rotations. We discovered an array of soft modes with trampoline-like motions, which could potentially be the source of anomalous mechanical phenomena, such as negative linear compressibility and negative thermal expansion. Our results also demonstrate coordinated shear dynamics (~2.5 THz), a mechanism which we have shown to destabilize MOF crystals, in the exact crystallographic direction of the minimum shear modulus (Gmin).Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure

Tracking Thermal-Induced Amorphization of a Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework via Synchrotron In Situ Far-Infrared Spectroscopy

We present the first use of in situ far-infrared spectroscopy to analyze the thermal amorphization of a zeolitic imidazolate framework material. We explain the nature of vibrational motion changes during the amorphization process and reveal new insights into the effect that temperature has on the Zn-N tetrahedra.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, 2 table

Critical animal and media studies: Expanding the understanding of oppression in communication research

Critical and communication studies have traditionally neglected the oppression conducted by humans towards other animals. However, our (mis)treatment of other animals is the result of public consent supported by a morally speciesist-anthropocentric system of values. Speciesism or anthroparchy, as much as any other mainstream ideologies, feeds the media and at the same time is perpetuated by them. The goal of this article is to remedy this neglect by introducing the subdiscipline of Critical Animal and Media Studies. Critical Animal and Media Studies takes inspiration both from critical animal studies – which is so far the most consolidated critical field of research in the social sciences addressing our exploitation of other animals – and from the normative-moral stance rooted in the cornerstones of traditional critical media studies. The authors argue that the Critical Animal and Media Studies approach is an unavoidable step forward for critical media and communication studies to engage with the expanded circle of concerns of contemporary ethical thinking

Transient elastography and video recovery narrative access to support recovery from alcohol misuse: development of a novel intervention for use in community alcohol treatment services

Background: Mortality from alcohol-related liver disease has risen significantly for three decades. Transient elastography (TE) is a non-invasive test providing a numerical marker of liver disease. Preliminary evidence suggests that receiving TE can reduce alcohol consumption. The KLIFAD (Does knowledge of liver fibrosis affect high risk drinking behaviour?) study has developed a complex intervention in which people receiving alcohol treatment are provided with access to TE, accompanied by scripted feedback tailored to disease state, and access to video narratives describing alcohol misuse recovery after receiving TE. Recovery narratives are included due to preliminary evidence from mental health studies which suggest that access to digital narratives describing recovery from mental health problems can help people affected by mental health problems, including through mechanisms with potential to be transferable to an alcohol treatment setting, for example by increasing hope for the future, enabling learning from the experience of others, or promoting help-seeking behaviours. Objectives: To develop the KLIFAD Intervention to the point that it could be delivered in a feasibility trial; to produce knowledge relevant to clinicians and researchers developing interventions making use of biomarkers of disease. Methods: In research activity one, standardised scripted feedback was developed by the study, and then iterated through focus groups with people who had experienced alcohol misuse and transient elastography, and key alcohol workers with experience of delivering transient elastography. We report critical design considerations identified through focus groups, in the form of sensitizing concepts. In research activity two, a video production guide was co-produced to enable the production of impactful videobased recovery narratives, and a PPI panel was consulted for recommendations on how best to integrated recovery narratives into an alcohol treatment setting. We report PPI recommendations and an overview of video form and content. Results: Through research activity one, we learnt that patient feedback has not been standardised in prior use of transient elastography, that receiving a numeric marker can provide an objective target that motivates and rewards recovery, and that key alcohol workers regularly tailor information to their clients. Through research activity two, we developed a video production guide asking narrators what recovery means to them, what helped their recovery, and what they have learned about recovery. We produced ten recovery narratives and collected PPI recommendations on maximising impact and safety. These led to the production of unplanned videos presenting carer and clinician perspectives, and a choice to limit narrative availability to alcohol treatment settings, where support is available around distressing content. These choices will be evaluated through a feasibility RCT [ISRCTN16922410]. Conclusions: Providing an objective target that motivates and rewards recovery is a candidate change mechanism for complex interventions integrating biomarkers of disease. Recovery narratives can contain distressing content; intervention developers should attend to safe usage