bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfirm conflicts in tourism value chains
Authors: Mwesiumo Deodat , Halpern Nigel
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework on interfirm conflicts in tourism value chains. The framework includes types of conflict, triggers of conflict and their preconditions, consequences of conflict and measures for preventing conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is developed from a review of literature that is focused largely on tourism value chains, interfirm conflicts and interorganizational relations. It draws on the ideas, concepts and empirical evidence offered in the literature.

Findings

Conflicts can be distinguished by their level of explicitness and by the motives on which they are grounded. They may be triggered by opportunistic behaviours, coercive demands, perceptions of unfairness or dissatisfaction with partner’s performance. Preconditions include exogenous events, asymmetrical power distribution, antagonism of goals and differences in perceptions of reality and serve as a breeding ground for the triggers. Consequences are typically destructive but may also offer opportunities for constructive outcomes. Joint implementation of formal contracting and relational governance may be used to prevent conflicts.

Originality/value

This paper provides a conceptual framework that can be used by scholars wishing to conduct more detailed empirical research on the subject. It can also be used by practitioners to assess interorganizational relations within their tourism value chains and to develop appropriate measures for preventing interfirm conflicts.
Cruise destination brand awareness as a moderator in motivation-satisfaction relation
Authors: Lemmetyinen Arja , Dimitrovski Darko , Nieminen Lenita , Pohjola Tuomas
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine cruise destination branding as a new resource for a region to promote an area as a differentiated cruise destination. The authors specifically study how the perceived brand awareness of a destination moderates the relation between cruisers’ motivation and destination satisfaction and word-of-mouth (WoM).

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical model was adapted from relevant literature and applied in the context of cruise destination branding. The model was tested by measuring Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and the fit of the model through confirmative factor analysis. Hierarchical regression analysis and moderated regression analysis were also conducted. The sample consisted of British cruisers (n = 182) visiting the city of Pori in Finland.

Findings

The findings suggest that factors that impel people to take cruises (social recognition, self-esteem, discovery, socialization, convenience and value) have a significant impact on satisfaction with the destination, whereas brand awareness is recognized as a moderator in the relation between social recognition and destination satisfaction and WoM. Research findings provide a framework to discuss and analyze the cruise tourism business in a holistic way. Whereas the earlier studies have focused on onboard experiences, in this study, the focus of attention is on the onshore experiences of the cruisers.

Research limitations/implications

The study is focused on one Baltic Sea cruise destination, the British Cruise Company and a limited segment of senior British passengers.

Practical implications

By measuring cruisers’ internal travel motives and their perceptions of the brand awareness of the port-of-call during the cruise, or the destination, the results offer destination marketing organizations valuable information to develop their offerings to meet the needs of future travelers and visitors.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the cruise destination literature by linking the perceived brand awareness of a destination to motivational factors of the tourist and further to destination satisfaction and WoM behavior specifically in the context of onshore experiences.
Azores tourism: a development and marketing strategy
Authors: Fraga Vitor
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse the recently launched strategic and marketing tourism plan for the Azores and how this is being used to foster tourism development in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on information drawn from official national and regional sources.

Findings

In recent years, the Azores Archipelago has been enjoying a wave of popularity that witnessed a boost with the change in the new air accessibilities policy, culminating with the arrival of the low-cost airlines to the region. The positive isolation that the Azores faced for many years, because of few and expensive air connections, presently allows the offering of an unspoiled region of nine islands to the world tourism markets. To maintain and further expand the benefits of tourism, a tourism strategy, deeply rooted in sustainable principles, was developed and is being implemented.

Originality/value

This paper presents the perspective of the Azorean government and the responses given to the challenges and opportunities derived from a new wave of tourists to the region as a result of changes in the new air accessibilities policy, culminating with the arrival of the low-cost airlines to the Archipelago.
Redefining travel commerce: the Travelport perspective
Authors: Loureiro António
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explain how Travelport has responded to the trends and challenges of the travel industry by building a travel commerce platform. The platform facilitates travel commerce by connecting the world’s leading travel providers with online and offline travel buyers in a proprietary business-to-business travel marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on information drawn from official information sources and relevant data from Travelport.

Findings

Travelport’s investments in unique airline merchandising capabilities, diverse hotel and car portfolio, innovative mobile and corporate travel technology and a pioneering payments solution positions it to service the world’s rapidly growing demand. Innovative technology enables access to branded fares and ancillary products from hundreds of different airlines, hotel properties, car rental products and much more.

Originality/value

This paper presents the perspective of a global distribution system (GDS) operator regarding trends and challenges affecting the travel industry and the transformation of traditional GDS to travel commerce platforms.
Global trends challenging tourism organisations and destinations today
Authors: Costa Jorge , Montenegro Mónica , Gomes João
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to critically review the contributions made by this theme issue to the literature by examining key trends in worldwide tourism and approaches for scanning its business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical content analysis of the articles selected for the theme issue was undertaken.

Findings

From the various contributions made to the theme issue, it is possible to identify some major challenges that the tourism industry will face, these resulting from new tourist profiles, a growing middle-class, political tensions and terrorism, technological evolution and the decline in customers’ loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Collectively, the articles in this theme issue provide rich insights on key trends impacting the worldwide tourism industry, as well as suggestions on how to explore the opportunities arising from the highly competitive tourism markets. The complexity of the information generated today call for innovative approaches on scanning the tourism business environment, to overcome the financial and operational constraints that those processes normally imply.

Originality/value

The articles selected for this theme issue present state-of-the-art research and experts’ viewpoints on tourism trends. These allow a deeper understanding of the challenges tourism organisations and destinations face today and the best-suited answers to explore the opportunities they provide.
Correlates of parental mediation of pre-schooler’s advertising exposure
Authors: Robertson Kirsten Jane , Aitken Robert , Thyne Maree , Watkins Leah
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the correlates of parental mediation of pre-schoolers’ television advertising exposure, focusing on the influence of other siblings in the home.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included 486 parents of pre-schoolers. A cross-sectional design involving a quantitative online survey measured the number and age of children in the home, parents’ mediation styles and advertising attitudes, parents’ levels of education and pre-schoolers’ television exposure.

Findings

Co-viewing was the most frequent viewing experience followed by instructive and restrictive mediation. A univariate analysis revealed that parental education and negative attitudes towards advertising were associated with less viewing time for pre-schoolers, although the presence of other siblings mediated this relationship. Logistic regression revealed mediation styles were associated with parental education, attitudes towards advertising, viewing time and the presence of other siblings. Pre-schoolers with an older sibling were less likely to experience co-viewing and more likely to experience instructive mediation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings revealed that parents of pre-schoolers are concerned about advertising to children and actively mediate their child’s exposure. Parental attitudes and education, and sibling composition influence pre-schoolers’ television consumption, and pre-schoolers with an older sibling might be most vulnerable to negative media effects. The sample was limited to primarily higher educated parents and might not generalize.

Originality/value

The study extends the field by focusing on pre-schoolers and provides novel insights into the influence of sibling composition on television consumption.
Does Government Size Affect Per‐Capita Income Growth? A Hierarchical Meta‐Regression Analysis
Authors: Awaworyi Churchill Sefa , Ugur Mehmet , Yew Siew Ling
Published: December 2016

Since the late 1970s, the received wisdom has been that government size (measured as the ratio of total government expenditure to gross domestic product (GDP) or government consumption toGDP) is detrimental to economic growth. We conduct a hierarchical meta‐regression analysis of 799 effect‐size estimates reported in 87 primary studies to verify if this assertion is supported by existing evidence. Our findings indicate that the conventional prior belief is supported by evidence mainly from developed countries but not from less developed countries. We argue that the negative relationship between government size and economic growth in developed countries may reflect endogeneity bias.
Novel Umami Ingredients: Umami Peptides and Their Taste
Authors: Zhang Yin , Venkitasamy Chandrasekar , Pan Zhongli , Liu Wenlong , Zhao Liming
Published: December 2016

Umami substances are very important for food seasoning and healthy eating. In addition to monosodium glutamate and some nucleotides, recent investigations have revealed that several peptides also exhibit umami taste. In recent years, 52 peptides have been reported to show umami taste, including 24 dipeptides, 16 tripeptides, 5 octapeptides, 2 pentapeptides, 2 hexapeptides, 1 tetrapeptide, 1 heptapeptide, and 1 undecapeptide. Twenty of these peptides have been examined for the present of umami taste. In this review, we have listed these umami peptides based on their category, source, taste, and threshold concentration. The evidence for peptides showing umami taste, the umami taste receptors on the human tongue, and the peptides whose umami taste is controversial are also discussed.
Genetic variation and gene conversions within the bovine NK‐lysin gene family
Authors: Chen J. , Lee M. O. , Womack J. E.
Published: December 2016

In contrast to a single copy of the NK‐lysin gene in humans and many other mammals, we previously identified a family of four expressed NK‐lysin genes arising by tandem duplications on cattle chromosome 11. Here, we report two genetic variants in the bovine NK‐lysin complex with potential importance in the bovine innate immune system. The first one is a 9‐bp deletion causing a three‐amino‐acid deletion in the pro‐region of the NK1 gene product. The second is a deletion of NK2B in some Holstein cattle, resulting in copy number variation that is in disequilibrium with a SNP from the bovine 770K HD SNP array. We also show evidence for gene conversions within the three new NK2 genes, which at least partially accounts for their high degree of sequence identity.
Three intronic lncRNAs with monoallelic expression derived from the MEG8 gene in cattle
Authors: Yang W. , Li D. , Wang G. , Zhang C. , Zhang M. , Zhang W. , Li S.
Published: December 2016

The field of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) research has been rapidly advancing in recent years. Antisense lncRNAs, intergenetic lncRNAs and enhancer lncRNAs can regulate genomic imprinting, which leads to parent‐origin‐specific monoalletic expression of genes. However, the function of intronic ncRNAs in genomic imprinting remains unclear. Previously, we obtained the cDNA sequence of cattle MEG8 gene, which is located in the DLK1–DIO3 imprinted clusters of cattle chromosome 21. In this study, we undertook a systematic search for transcripts mapping to the MEG8 intronic region and identified three novel lncRNAs, named MEG8 intronic RNA 1 (MEG8‐IT1), MEG8 intronic RNA 2 (MEG8‐IT2) and MEG8 intronic RNA 3 (MEG8‐IT3) according to the GENCODE annotated bibliography. We characterized the expression pattern of these lncRNAs using RT‐PCR in adult cattle tissues, and they were expressed in all tested eight tissues, similar to the expression pattern of MEG8. The allele‐specific expression of three novel lncRNAs was assessed using a polymorphism‐based sequencing approach. Three single nucleotide polymorphism sites were identified in these three lncRNAs. We found that the three lncRNAs showed monoallelic expression in the analyzed tissues, suggesting that they may be imprinted in cattle. These results expand the number of known monoallelically expressed lncRNAs from the DLK1–DIO3 domain and contribute to further investigation of lncRNA regulatory mechanisms and function.
Efficacy of allergen immunotherapy in reducing the likelihood of developing new allergen sensitizations: a systematic review
Authors: Di Bona D. , Plaia A. , Leto‐Barone M. S. , La Piana S. , Macchia L. , Di Lorenzo G.
Published: December 2016

Background

Guidelines and position papers indicate that allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease‐modifying treatment, including prevention of the onset of new allergen sensitizations. However, this preventive effect was shown by only a few observational studies. Our aim was to systematically review the efficacy of AIT in preventing the onset of new allergen sensitizations.

Methods

Computerized bibliographic searches of Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (through June 2015) were supplemented with manual searches of reference lists. Observational studies or randomized controlled trials with a long‐term observation period were included. Paired reviewers extracted data about study characteristics and assessed biases. The end point was the risk difference in the onset of new allergen sensitizations between patients treated with AIT and pharmacotherapy. The strength of the evidence was graded based on the risk of bias, consistency, and magnitude of effect, according to the GRADE Working Group's guide.

Results

Eighteen studies (1049 children, 10 057 adults) met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was high in all but one study. Low evidence supports the position that AIT prevents the onset of new allergen sensitizations, with 10 of 18 studies reporting a reduction in the onset of new sensitizations in patients treated with AIT vs placebo. Small studies and studies with a shorter follow‐up showed the highest benefit of AIT.

Conclusions

The overall evidence provides a low‐grade level of the evidence supporting the efficacy of AIT in preventing the onset of new allergen sensitizations, but high‐quality studies could change this estimate.
PLGA–PTMC–Cultured Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell Scaffold Enhances Cartilage Regeneration in Tissue‐Engineered Tracheal Transplantation
Authors: Yan Bingyang , Zhang Zhipei , Wang Xiaoping , Ni Yunfeng , Liu Yongshi , Liu Tao , Wang Wuping , Xing Hao , Sun Ying , Wang Jian , Li Xiao‐Fei
Published: December 2016

The treatment of long‐segment tracheal defect requires the transplantation of effective tracheal substitute, and the tissue‐engineered trachea (TET) has been proposed as an ideal tracheal substitute. The major cause of the failure of segmental tracheal defect reconstruction by TET is airway collapse caused by the chondromalacia of TET cartilage. The key to maintain the TET structure is the regeneration of chondrocytes in cartilage, which can secrete plenty of cartilage matrices. To address the problem of the chondromalacia of TET cartilage, this study proposed an improved strategy. We designed a new cell sheet scaffold using the poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) to make a porous membrane for seeding cells, and used the PLGA–PTMC cell‐scaffold to pack the decellularized allogeneic trachea to construct a new type of TET. The TET was then implanted in the subcutaneous tissue for vascularization for 2 weeks. Orthotopic transplantation was then performed after implantation. The efficiency of the TET we designed was analyzed by histological examination and biomechanical analyses 4 weeks after surgery. Four weeks after surgery, both the number of chondrocytes and the amount of cartilage matrix were significantly higher than those contained in the traditional stem‐cell–based TET. Besides, the coefficient of stiffness of TET was significantly larger than the traditional TET. This study provided a promising approach for the long‐term functional reconstruction of long‐segment tracheal defect, and the TET we designed had potential application prospects in the field of TET reconstruction.
Experimental Approach to Visualize Flow in a Stacked Hollow Fiber Bundle of an Artificial Lung With Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Kaesler Andreas , Schlanstein Peter C. , Hesselmann Felix , Büsen Martin , Klaas Michael , Roggenkamp Dorothee , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Arens Jutta
Published: December 2016

Flow distribution is key in artificial lungs, as it directly influences gas exchange performance as well as clot forming and blood damaging potential. The current state of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in artificial lungs can only give insight on a macroscopic level due to model simplification applied to the fiber bundle. Based on our recent work on wound fiber bundles, we applied particle image velocimetry (PIV) to the model of an artificial lung prototype intended for neonatal use to visualize flow distribution in a stacked fiber bundle configuration to (i) evaluate the feasibility of PIV for artificial lungs, (ii) validate CFD in the fiber bundle of artificial lungs, and (iii) give a suggestion how to incorporate microscopic aspects into mainly macroscopic CFD studies. To this end, we built a fully transparent model of an artificial lung prototype. To increase spatial resolution, we scaled up the model by a factor of 5.8 compared with the original size. Similitude theory was applied to ensure comparability of the flow distribution between the device of original size and the scaled‐up model. We focused our flow investigation on an area (20 × 70 × 43 mm) in a corner of the model with a Stereo‐PIV setup. PIV data was compared to CFD data of the original sized artificial lung. From experimental PIV data, we were able to show local flow acceleration and declaration in the fiber bundle and meandering flow around individual fibers, which is not possible using state‐of‐the‐art macroscopic CFD simulations. Our findings are applicable to clinically used artificial lungs with a similar stacked fiber arrangement (e.g., Novalung iLa and Maquet QUADROX‐I). With respect to some limitations, we found PIV to be a feasible experimental flow visualization technique to investigate blood‐sided flow in the stacked fiber arrangement of artificial lungs.
Stresses and Strains Analysis Using Different Palatal Expander Appliances in Upper Jaw and Midpalatal Suture
Authors: Carvalho Trojan Larissa , Andrés González‐Torres Libardo , Claudia Moreira Melo Ana , Barbosa de Las Casas Estevam
Published: December 2016

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is the technique of increasing the transverse dimension of the upper jaw using lateral forces applied by palatal expander. Usually, this palatal appliance is anchored on posterior teeth. The purposes of this computer simulation study were to analyze the stress and strain distribution generated in the maxilla, mainly in midpalatal suture (MPS), during RME by tooth‐borne and bone‐borne expanders and to study the correlation between mechanical strain and Wolff's Law. The analysis was performed with finite element models developed based on Cone Beam computed tomography (CT). To simulate the expansion load, displacements were applied concerning one (0.125 mm) and three (0.375 mm) activations in the medial sides of the tooth‐borne expander, and one activation (0.125 mm) for miniscrews (MSIs) in transverse and lateral direction. It was observed that to obtain approximately the same spacing in the MPS activating once the expander with bone support, three activations for the tooth‐borne were necessary. However, the strain level caused by bone‐borne expansion, when applying a single activation, reached 900 and 5000 μɛ, with peaks up to 20 000 μɛ, in a region very close to the MSIs. Comparing the results, bone‐borne appliance anchorage in the palatine bone is more effective than tooth‐borne expander. Nevertheless, the stresses and strains increased significantly in the entire jaw when the bone‐borne expander is used.
Hemodiafiltration—A Technique for Physiological Correction of Priming Solution in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Bishnoi Arvind Kumar , Patel Kartik , Wadhawa Vivek , Surti Jigar , Solanki Atul , Shah Komal , Patel Sanjay
Published: December 2016

Pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit invariably requires priming with packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Metabolic composition of stored PRBCs is unphysiological and becomes worse with increasing duration of storage. It is recommended to correct these abnormalities before initiation of CPB. We tested the hypothesis that hemodiafiltration of the prime with 0.45% saline is sufficient for reducing the metabolic load and reaching a physiologic state. In an in vitro study, 100 mL of blood each from 45 units of PRBCs stored for 3–20 days were used for priming the 45 neonatal CPB circuits. Based upon the method used for removal of excess crystalloid from the prime, circuits were divided into three groups. Group 1: Direct removal through manifold line. Group 2: Ultrafiltration of prime. Group 3: Hemodiafiltration of the prime. Blood gas analyses were obtained from the PRBCs and from the prime before and after removal of crystalloid. Both direct removal of crystalloid and ultrafiltration resulted in significant reduction in biochemical and metabolic load of blood (P < 0.001). However, the final composition of the prime was far from being physiological. Hemodiafiltration resulted in improvement of metabolic parameters to near physiological range (lactate: 33.8 ± 4.44 vs. 14 ± 2.53 mg/dL, pH: 7.05 ± 0.15 vs. 7.34 ± 0.06, bicarbonates: 4.83 ± 0.59 vs. 27.6 ± 2.94 meq/L; P < 0.001). Similarly, sodium (147.76 ± 12.73 vs. 144.6 ± 5.96 meq/L) and potassium (9.6 ± 2.83 vs. 4.23 ± 0.37 meq/L) also changed significantly (P < 0.001) to near physiologic range. Hemodiafiltraion of final prime is a simple, efficients and rapid method of correcting the biochemical parameters and reducing the metabolic load of stored PRBCs towards the physiological range before initiating the CPB.
Castration‐induced changes in the expression profiles and promoter methylation of the GHR gene in Huainan male pigs
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Junfeng , Zhang Jiaqing , Gao Binwen , Bai Xianxiao , Lan Yali , Lin Ping , Guo Hongxia , Gao Yuan , Xing Baosong
Published: December 2016

Castration plays a regulatory role in growth and carcass traits, particularly in fat deposition, but its molecular mechanisms are still not clear. The present study showed that castration significantly reduced the serum growth hormone and the responses of the growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐I), IGF‐IR and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) to castration were similar in different adipose tissues. However, the GHR expression trends were opposite between the liver and the adipose tissues; bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) showed that its methylation in these two tissues was different. In particular, the GHR methylation rate in the liver of castrated and intact pigs were 93.33% and 0, respectively, which was consistent with its higher expression level in the intact group. It was predicted that there were potential binding sites for 11 transcription factors in the ninth CpG site (which was methylated and demethylated in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the intact and castrated groups, respectively), including androgen receptor (AR), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein‐α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPβ, all of which are important factors in lipid metabolism. These results indicate that DNA methylation may participate in castration‐induced fat deposition.
Forage intake and weight gain of ewes is affected by roughage mixes during winter in northeastern China
Authors: Yang Zhiming , Wang Yunbo , Yuan Xia , Wang Ling , Wang Deli
Published: December 2016

We studied the effect of dietary roughage species and their combinations on forage intake and growth rate of ewes during winter in a pastoral‐farming area of northeast China. Twenty‐five Northeast crossbred ewes (fine‐wool sheep × Small‐tailed Han sheep) were randomly selected and divided into five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5). During a 30 day feeding trial, each group of ewes were offered the same basal diet (composed of 0.36 kg chopped maize stalk (10 mm), 0.14 kg corn meal, 0.05 kg soybean meal and 1.2 g NaCl) and one of the five supplementary roughage mixes, namely 100% Leymus chinensis hay (G1), 100% Vigna radiata stalk (G2), L. chinensis hay plus Suaeda glauca (G3), V. radiata stalk plus S. glauca (G4) and L. chinensis hay plus V. radiata stalk and S. glauca (G5). The results showed that roughage mixes had significant influences on daily roughage intake and daily weight gain of ewes. Ewes had greater daily roughage intake when supplemented with three species of roughage compared to the roughage with one species; however, there was no significant difference between G1 and G2, G3 and G4, or between G4 and G5. The average daily gain of ewes was also greater when they were supplemented with the roughage combination of L. chinensis, V. radiata stalk and S. glauca. No difference in average daily weight gain was observed between the G4 and G5 treatments (P > 0.05). The lowest average daily weight gain was observed when the ewes were supplemented with V. radiata stalk alone (G2) (P < 0.05). The results indicated that supplying ewes with various roughages simultaneously in winter could improve their forage intake and average daily weight gain compared to offering the ewes only one type of dietary roughage. Further, feeding roughage supplements containing a diverse mix of roughage species represents one method for increasing roughage utilization in livestock production during winter in the pastoral‐farming areas of northeastern China.
Genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the genes associated with body composition and locomotion traits in Myanmar native horses
Authors: Okuda Yu , Moe Hla Hla , Moe Kyaw Kyaw , Shimizu Yuki , Nishioka Kenji , Shimogiri Takeshi , Mannen Hideyuki , Kanemaki Misao , Kunieda Tetsuo
Published: December 2016

Myanmar native horses are small horses used mainly for drafting carts or carriages in rural areas and packing loads in mountainy areas. In the present study, we investigated genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the LCORL/NCAPG, MSTN and DMRT3 genes, which are associated with body composition and locomotion traits of horses, in seven local populations of Myanmar native horses. The genotyping result of LCORL/NCAPG showed that allele frequencies of C allele associated with higher withers height ranged from 0.08 to 0.27, and 0.13 in average. For MSTN, allele frequencies of C allele associated with higher proportion of Type 2B muscular fiber ranged from 0.05 to 0.23, and 0.09 in average. For DMRT3, allele frequencies of A allele associated with ambling gait ranged from 0 to 0.04, and 0.01 in average. The presences of the minor alleles of these genes at low frequencies suggest a possibility that these horse populations have not been under strong selection pressure for particular locomotion traits and body composition. Our findings of the presence of these minor alleles in Southeast Asian native horses are also informative for considering the origins of these minor alleles associated with body composition and locomotion traits in horse populations.
Application of single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction with a multiple‐lactation random regression test‐day model for Japanese Holsteins
Authors: Baba Toshimi , Gotoh Yusaku , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Nakagawa Satoshi , Abe Hayato , Masuda Yutaka , Kawahara Takayoshi
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to evaluate a validation reliability of single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) with a multiple‐lactation random regression test‐day model and investigate an effect of adding genotyped cows on the reliability. Two data sets for test‐day records from the first three lactations were used: full data from February 1975 to December 2015 (60 850 534 records from 2 853 810 cows) and reduced data cut off in 2011 (53 091 066 records from 2 502 307 cows). We used marker genotypes of 4480 bulls and 608 cows. Genomic enhanced breeding values (GEBV) of 305‐day milk yield in all the lactations were estimated for at least 535 young bulls using two marker data sets: bull genotypes only and both bulls and cows genotypes. The realized reliability (R2) from linear regression analysis was used as an indicator of validation reliability. Using only genotyped bulls, R2 was ranged from 0.41 to 0.46 and it was always higher than parent averages. The very similar R2 were observed when genotyped cows were added. An application of ssGBLUP to a multiple‐lactation random regression model is feasible and adding a limited number of genotyped cows has no significant effect on reliability of GEBV for genotyped bulls.
Toddlers Help a Peer
Authors: Hepach Robert , Kante Nadine , Tomasello Michael
Published: December 2016

Toddlers are remarkably prosocial toward adults, yet little is known about their helping behavior toward peers. In the present study with 18‐ and 30‐month‐old toddlers (n = 192, 48 dyads per age group), one child needed help reaching an object to continue a task that was engaging for both children. The object was within reach of the second child who helped significantly more often compared to a no‐need control condition. The helper also fulfilled the peer's need when the task was engaging only for the child needing help. These findings suggest that toddlers’ skills and motivations of helping do not depend on having a competent and helpful recipient, such as an adult, but rather they are much more flexible and general.
Lectin complement pathway proteins in healthy individuals
Authors: Troldborg A , Hansen A , Hansen S W K , Jensenius J C , Stengaard-Pedersen K , Thiel S
Published: December 2016

Since the discovery of the lectin pathway of complement activation, numerous clinical cohorts have been examined for one or more proteins, with the intention of uncovering the functions of the proteins or with the aim of discovering new biomarkers or diagnostic tools. To unveil the abnormal, it is pivotal to know the normal. Our aim was to describe the concentrations of the 11 known proteins of the lectin pathway in serum and plasma and to uncover possible gender differences, age and diurnal variations, which must be taken into account for investigation in different cohorts. We examined the concentrations of all lectin pathway proteins mannan-binding lectin (MBL), H-ficolin, L-ficolin, M-ficolin, collectin-K1, collectin-L1, MBL-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2), MASP-3, MBL-associated protein of 44 kDa (MAp44) and MAp19 in 300 Danish blood donors in serum and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma in established assays, and we further developed a new assay to measure MASP-1 in the same samples. We found significant differences in concentrations between serum and plasma for all proteins except for MBL and MASP-3. H-ficolin, M-ficolin and MAp19 displayed convincing diurnal variation. H-ficolin, in particular, halved from morning to the middle of the night. There were gender differences for most proteins, whereas age did not seem to influence concentration. The present study underlines the necessity of considering which material to use, correct matching and a trial design that takes the nature of the protein into account in order for the outcome of cohort studies to have significant relevance.
PUGS: A novel scale to assess perceptions of uncertainties in genome sequencing
Authors: Biesecker B.B. , Woolford S.W. , Klein W.M.P. , Brothers K.B. , Umstead K.L. , Lewis K.L. , Biesecker L.G. , Han P.K.J.
Published: December 2016

Expectations of results from genome sequencing by end users are influenced by perceptions of uncertainty. This study aimed to assess uncertainties about sequencing by developing, evaluating, and implementing a novel scale. The Perceptions of Uncertainties in Genome Sequencing (PUGS) scale comprised ten items to assess uncertainties within three domains: clinical, affective, and evaluative. Participants (n=535) from the ClinSeq® NIH sequencing study completed a baseline survey that included the PUGS; responses (mean = 3.4/5, SD=0.58) suggested modest perceptions of certainty. A confirmatory factor analysis identified factor loadings that led to elimination of two items. A revised eight‐item PUGS scale was used to test correlations with perceived ambiguity (r = −0.303, p < 0.001), attitudinal ambivalence (r = −0.111, p = 0.011), and ambiguity aversion (r = −0.093, p = 0.033). Results support nomological validity. A correlation with the MICRA uncertainty subscale was found among 175 cohort participants who had received results (r = −0.335, p < 0.001). Convergent and discriminant validity were also satisfied in a second sample of 208 parents from the HudsonAlpha CSER Project who completed the PUGS (mean = 3.4/5, SD = 0.72), and configural invariance was supported across the two datasets. As such, the PUGS is a promising scale for evaluating perceived uncertainties in genome sequencing, which can inform interventions to help patients form realistic expectations of these uncertainties.
Social preferences for the design of biodiversity offsets for shorebirds in Australia
Authors: Rogers Abbie A. , Burton Michael P.
Published: December 2016

Understanding the social acceptability of biodiversity offsets is important to the design of offset policy. We used a discrete choice experiment to quantify preferences of Australians for a migratory shorebird offset in the context of an oil and gas development project. We surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1371 respondents on their preferences for current and prospective offset‐policy characteristics via an online questionnaire to inform policy design of the social dimensions related to offset acceptability. The majority of respondents accepted offsetting as a means to allow economic development; the option to reject development (and an offset) was selected in 13% of possible offset scenarios. Substituting protection of a species affected by the development with protection of a more endangered species was a desirable policy characteristic, as was having the offset implemented by a third party or the government rather than the company responsible for the development. Direct offset activities (e.g., improving degraded habitat) were preferred over indirect activities (e.g., a research program), and respondents were strongly against locating the offset at a site other than where the impact occurred. Positive and negative characteristics of offsets could be traded off by changing the number of birds protected by the offset. Our results show that Australians are likely to support increased flexibility in biodiversity‐offset policies, particularly when undesirable policy characteristics are compensated for.
Vitamin D deficiency: What does it mean for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? a compherensive review for pulmonologists
Authors: Kokturk Nurdan , Baha Ayse , Oh Yeon‐Mok , Young Ju Jung , Jones Paul W.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Vitamin D deficiency and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are both under‐recognized health problems, world‐wide. Although Vitamin D has long been known for calcemic effects it also has less known noncalcemic effects. Recent data have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with COPD and correlates with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1 decline. The objective of this work was to review the current literature on vitamin D deficiency in relation with COPD.

Data source

A literature search, using the words “vitamin D” and “COPD”, was undertaken in Pubmed database.

Results

The noncalcemic effects of vitamin D relating with COPD may be summarised as increasing antimicrobial peptide production, regulation of inflammatory response and airway remodelling. Vitamin D inhibits the production of several proinflammatory cytokines and leads to suppression Th1 and Th17 responses which may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. Vitamin D insufficiency may also contribute to chronic respiratory infections and airway colonization so returning vitamin D concentrations to an optimal range in patients with COPD might reduce bacterial load and concomitant exacerbations.Vitamin D is also important for COPD‐related comorbodities such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness and cardiovascular diseases. Data about the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on those comorbidities in relation with COPD are been scarce.

Conclusion

Improving the blood level of Vitamin D into the desired range may have a beneficial effect bones and muscles, but more studies are needed to test to test that hypothesis.
Measuring sedentary behaviors in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using wrist‐worn accelerometers
Authors: Atkins Christopher , Baxter Mark , Jones Andrew , Wilson Andrew
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients suffer increasing functional limitation with disease worsening disease. Increasing time in sedentary behavior has been associated with poorer quality of life. Determining thresholds for activity in patients with respiratory disease is difficult due to variable cardiorespiratory limitations between individuals. Measuring sedentary behavior is not confounded by this limitation and may be a better measurement of activity in patients with respiratory disease.

Objectives

To measure sedentary time in patients with IPF using wrist‐worn accelerometers.

Methods

Thirty‐nine IPF patients wore a GENEActiv actiwatch continually for 7 days. Participants underwent measurement of forced vital capacity, diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide and 6‐min walk distance (6MWD).

Results

Valid data was captured from 35 of 39 participants (89.7%). Mean acceleration intensity recorded in the most active 5 h of each day (in milli‐g) were 43.8 milli‐g and sedentary time was 551.7 min per day. Daily sedentary time correlated moderately with M5 values (Pearson correlation −0.366, P = .030). Only M5 values predicted sedentary time. No variability in sedentary time was seen by day of the week. There was a trend toward higher 1 and 2‐year mortality with increasing sedentary time.

Conclusions

Wrist‐worn accelerometers reliably collected data and were well tolerated. IPF patients spent long periods of time in sedentary behaviors. Of the standard clinical measures used, 6MWD predicted daily activity but not sedentary time; no clinical measures predicted sedentary time. Increased sedentary time may be associated with poorer outcomes in IPF patients.
Chest computed tomography scores in patients with cystic fibrosis colonized with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gur Michal , Spinelli Elena , Tridello Gloria , Baltieri Susanna , Pinali Lucia , Montemezzi Stefania , Bentur Lea , Assael Baroukh Maurice
Published: December 2016

Background

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF), with increasing incidence in recent years. We examined the association between bacterial colonization in the sputum (MRSA with or without pseudomonas (PA)) and computed tomography (CT) scores in CF patients.

Methods

MRSA patients were divided according to PA status based on at least three consecutive sputum cultures; controls were patients without MRSA (with or without PA), matched for gender and age at CT. Clinical data and CT scores were compared between groups.

Results

Of 33 patients with MRSA, 14 had no PA (MRSA + PA−) and 19 had also PA (MRSA + PA+). MRSA + PA− and MRSA + PA+ patients had CT scores similar to their controls PA+ (38.25 ± 20.18 vs. 32.22 ± 18.74, P = .4, and 41.88 ± 18.18 vs. 45.33 ± 11.5, P = .4, respectively). Although MRSA + PA− had worse CT scores than their matched PA− controls, their mean FEV1 values were similar.

Conclusions

Colonization with MRSA in CF is associated with structural CT changes at least similar to those in PA. A cause and effect relationship cannot be established. The current findings call for a larger study assessing longitudinally the impact of MRSA acquisition and eradication protocols.
Prognosis of teeth in the line of jaw fractures
Authors: Aulakh Kamaldeep K. , Gumber Tejinder Kaur , Sandhu Sumeet
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim

The decision as to whether teeth in the line of jaw fractures should be extracted or retained remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to assess the prognosis of teeth directly in the line of, and adjacent to, jaw fracture sites.

Materials and methods

The study consisted of 50 patients with facial fractures in the dentate region, the diagnosis of which was made on the basis of clinical and radiographic examinations. A total of 124 teeth were present in 69 fracture sites (50 patients), of which 89 teeth were evaluated both, clinically (tooth mobility, pocket depth, pulp sensibility) and with periapical radiographs (degree of fracture displacement, marginal bone loss, root resorption).

Results

The results revealed that 61.9% of teeth in directly in the line of fractures showed no response to electric pulp testing compared with 48.9% teeth adjacent to fractures. The maximum frequency of non‐responsive teeth was observed in Type I fractures followed by Type II fractures. Response to pulp tests was highly significant at postoperative 3‐ and 6‐month periods (Wilcoxon's test). There was continuous reduction in the measurement for mean pocket depth at both test and control sites of teeth. The measurement of marginal bone levels of teeth in the line of fractures revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) from preoperative to postoperative 7‐day period only. In teeth adjacent to fracture sites, the mean marginal bone levels of control site and test sites were not significant at any time interval. There was no difference in postoperative complications pertaining to whether the tooth at the fracture site was extracted or retained.

Conclusions

Teeth in line of jaw fractures should not be removed on a prophylactic basis and should be followed up clinically and radiographically to determine any treatment needs.
Inherited diseases caused by mutations in cathepsin protease genes
Authors: Ketterer Stephanie , Gomez‐Auli Alejandro , Hillebrand Larissa E. , Petrera Agnese , Ketscher Anett , Reinheckel Thomas
Published: December 2016

Lysosomal cathepsins are proteolytic enzymes increasingly recognized as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in a variety of diseases. In those conditions, the cathepsins are mostly overexpressed, thereby driving the respective pathogenic processes. Although less known, there are also diseases with a genetic deficiency of cathepsins. In fact, nowadays 6 of the 15 human proteases called ‘cathepsins’ have been linked to inherited syndromes. However, only three of these syndromes are typical lysosomal storage diseases, while the others are apparently caused by defective cleavage of specific protein substrates. Here, we will provide an introduction on lysosomal cathepsins, followed by a brief description of the clinical symptoms of the various genetic diseases. For each disease, we focus on the known mutations of which many have been only recently identified by modern genome sequencing approaches. We further discuss the effect of the respective mutation on protease structure and activity, the resulting pathogenesis, and possible therapeutic strategies.
High prevalence of MiTF staining in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: caution in the use of melanocytic markers in sarcoma
Authors: Choy Bonnie , Hyjek Elizabeth , Montag Anthony G , Pytel Peter , Haydon Rex , Luu Hue H , Zhen Chao J , Long Bradley C , Kadri Sabah , Segal Jeremy P , Furtado Larissa V , Cipriani Nicole A
Published: December 2016

Aims

The diagnosis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) may be challenging, as other lesions with undifferentiated spindle cell morphology must be excluded, including melanoma. Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MiTF) stains naevi and epithelioid melanomas, as well as some mesenchymal neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MiTF and melanocytic markers in UPS and a subset of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX).

Methods and results

MiTF, SOX10, Melan‐A, HMB45 and S100 immunostaining was performed on resection specimens from 19 UPSs and five AFXs. Next‐generation sequencing of 50 genes was performed in UPSs to exclude dedifferentiated melanoma. In 17 of 19 UPSs (89%), tumour cells showed nuclear positivity for MiTF that was not eliminated by casein block. Three showed focal nuclear staining for HMB45, which was eliminated by casein block. One showed focal nuclear vacuole staining for S100 with red but not brown chromogen. None expressed SOX10 or Melan‐A. Mutational analysis of 15 UPSs with adequate DNA showed no mutations within hotspot regions of BRAF, KIT, or NRAS. Four of five AFXs (80%) stained with MiTF; other markers were negative.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of nuclear MiTF expression in UPSs (89%) and AFXs (80%). Rare UPSs showed non‐specific nuclear HMB45 or S100 staining. These findings argue against using MiTF in isolation to differentiate between UPS or AFX and melanoma, and caution in interpreting focal staining for a single additional melanocytic marker. Casein block may eliminate non‐specific staining. MiTF should be used to support a diagnosis of melanoma only if multiple melanocytic markers are positive.