bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Munjal Sandeep , Tiwari Shweta , Teare Richard
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes’ theme issue “How can the skilling India initiative become a solution to the critical need for skilled labour in the Indian hospitality industry?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editors and writing team.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

This paper reviews progress relating to the implementation of the “Skill India” initiative and its impact on the skilled-labour shortage as it relates to hospitality and tourism. Arising from the analysis are suggestions and recommendations to enhance the initiative’s effectiveness.

Practical implications

This paper observes that the Skill India initiative is an ambitious effort to facilitate skills-based training, but there are numerous concerns about its design and implementation.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights from both practitioner’s and academic’s perspectives as to how to overcome the gap in the availability of skilled and trained labour in the Indian hospitality industry.
Molecular characterization and expression of sensory neuron membrane proteins in the parasitoid Microplitis mediator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Shan Shuang , Wang Shan‐Ning , Song Xuan , Khashaveh Adel , Lu Zi‐Yun , Dhiloo Khalid Hussain , Li Rui‐Jun , Gao Xi‐Wu , Zhang Yong‐Jun
Published: February 2019

Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), homologs of the human fatty acid transport protein CD36 family, are observed to play a significant role in chemoreception, especially in detecting sex pheromone in Drosophila and some lepidopteran species. In the current study, two full‐length SNMP transcripts, MmedSNMP1 and MmedSNMP2, were identified in the parasitoid Microplitis mediator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the expression of MmedSNMP1 was significantly higher in antennae than in other tissues of both sexes. In addition, the MmedSNMP1 transcript was increased dramatically in newly emerged adults and there were no significant differences between adults with or without mating and parasitic experiences. However, compared with MmedSNMP1, the expression of MmedSNMP2 was widely found in various tissues, significantly increased at half‐pigmented pupae stage and remained at a relatively constant level during the following developmental stages. It was found that MmedSNMP1 contained eight exons and seven introns, which was highly conserved compared with other insect species. In situ hybridization assay demonstrated that MmedSNMP1 transcript was distributed widely in antennal flagella. Among selected chemosensory genes (odorant binding protein, odorant receptor, and ionotropic receptor genes), MmedSNMP1 only partially overlapped with MmedORco in olfactory sensory neurons of antennae. Subsequent immunolocalization results further indicated that MmedSNMP1 was mainly expressed in sensilla placodea of antennae and possibly involved in perceiving plant volatiles and sex pheromones. These findings lay a foundation for further investigating the roles of SNMPs in the chemosensation of parasitoids.
Dose–Response Relationship of Alcohol and Injury Cause: Effects of Country‐Level Drinking Pattern and Alcohol Policy
Authors: Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Witbrodt Jane , Korcha Rachael A. , Ye Yu , Monteiro Maristela G. , Chou Patricia
Published: February 2019

Background

The dose–response relationship of alcohol and injury and the effects of country‐level detrimental drinking pattern (DDP) and alcohol control policy on this relationship are examined for specific causes of injury.

Methods

The dose–response risk of injury is analyzed on 18,627 injured patients in 22 countries included in the International Collaborative Alcohol and Injury Study, using case‐crossover analysis by cause of injury (traffic, violence, falls, other), DDP, and the International Alcohol Policy and Injury Index.

Results

Risk of all injury was higher at all volume levels in higher DDP countries compared to lower DDP countries and for each cause of injury. Risk of injury from traffic was significantly greater in higher DDP than lower DDP countries at 3.1 to 6 drinks (odds ratio (OR) = 2.64, confidence interval (CI) = 1.17 to 5.97) and at ≤3 drinks for falls (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.52 to 4.16) and injuries from other causes (OR = 1.72, CI = 1.10 to 2.69). Countries with higher restrictive alcohol policy were at a lower risk of injury at lower levels of consumption (≤3 drinks) for all injuries (OR = 0.72, CI = 0.56 to 0.92) and for injuries from other causes (OR = 0.46, CI = 0.29 to 0.73) and at a lower risk of traffic injuries at higher levels of consumption (≥10 drinks). At higher levels of consumption (≥10 drinks), countries with higher alcohol policy restrictiveness were at greater risk of all injuries (OR = 2.03, CI = 1.29 to 3.20) and those from violence (OR = 9.02, CI = 3.00 to 27.13) and falls (OR = 4.29, CI = 1.86 to 9.91).

Conclusions

Countries with high DDP are at higher risk of injury from most causes at a given level of consumption, while countries with low restrictiveness of alcohol policy are at higher risk of injury at lower levels of consumption and at higher risk of traffic injuries at high levels of consumption. These findings underscore the importance of aggregate‐level factors which need to be considered in developing effective intervention and prevention strategies for reducing alcohol‐related injury.
Robotic‐assisted ventral hernia repair with surgical mesh: how I do it and case series of early experience
Authors: Kozman Mathew A. , Tonkin Darren , Eteuati Jimmy , Karatassas Alex , McDonald Christopher R.
Published: February 2019

Background

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair provides several benefits over the open approach. Intraperitoneal surgical mesh placement without fascial defect closure is associated with increased seroma formation and other adverse hernia‐site outcomes. Transfascial sutures and tacs for fascial closure and surgical mesh fixation are associated with greater post‐operative pain. Robotic‐assisted ventral hernia repair (rVHR) may afford benefits of the laparoscopic approach while facilitating a more robust and less painful repair.

Methods

Consecutive patients managed by rVHR from May 2015 to August 2018 were identified from a prospectively maintained robotic database. Retrospective review of this data was performed.

Results

Fifty patients underwent rVHR during the study period. Median body mass index was 31 (interquartile range (IQR) 29–34). Forty‐eight had previous abdominal surgery. Forty‐seven hernias were midline and three were lateral. Regarding hernia width, 15 were <4 cm wide, 32 were 4–10 cm and three were >10 cm. Median total anaesthetic time, docking time and surgical console time were 214 min (IQR 182–252), 5 min (IQR 4–8) and 144 min (IQR 104–174), respectively. No major intra‐operative complications occurred. No documented cases of adhesional complications or chronic post‐operative pain have occurred. To date, two recurrences have occurred in our series. Median length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR 2–4).

Conclusion

We describe our rVHR technique and report on our series and early experience, showing that rVHR can be performed safely with good patient outcomes. We demonstrate a team approach to achieving a safe transition to new technology.
Effect of plasma‐nitrided titanium surfaces on the differentiation of pre‐osteoblastic cells
Authors: Moura Carlos Eduardo B. , Queiroz Neto Moacir F. , Braz Janine Karla F. S. , de Medeiros Aires Michelle , Silva Farias Naisandra B. , Barboza Carlos Augusto G. , Cavalcanti Júnior Geraldo B. , Rocha Hugo Alexandre O. , Alves Junior Clodomiro
Published: February 2019

A titanium surface nitrided by plasma contains nitrogen ions that guarantee resistance to corrosion and biocompatibility. Despite this, no descriptions concerning the influence of the expression of cell adhesion proteins and their influence on osteogenic cell differentiation are available. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the response of murine pre‐osteoblastic cells (MC3T3‐E1) cultured on nitrided titanium surfaces. Pre‐osteoblastic cells were grown on polished titanium discs, used as controls, and on previously characterized plasma‐nitrided titanium discs. Cells from both groups were submitted to the MTT cell viability test. The expressions of α5, α2, and β1 integrin were assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, while osteocalcin expression was assessed by flow cytometry. The nitrided surface presented higher α2 and β1 integrin expressions, as well as osteocalcin expression, when compared to the polished surface, with no alterations in cell viability. These findings seem to suggest that the plasma nitriding treatment produces a titanium surface with the potential for effective in vitro osseointegration.
Progressive Transient Photon Beams
Authors: Marco Julio , Guillén Ibón , Jarosz Wojciech , Gutierrez Diego , Jarabo Adrian
Published: February 2019

In this work, we introduce a novel algorithm for transient rendering in participating media. Our method is consistent, robust and is able to generate animations of time‐resolved light transport featuring complex caustic light paths in media. We base our method on the observation that the spatial continuity provides an increased coverage of the temporal domain, and generalize photon beams to transient‐state. We extend stead‐state photon beam radiance estimates to include the temporal domain. Then, we develop a progressive variant of our approach which provably converges to the correct solution using finite memory by averaging independent realizations of the estimates with progressively reduced kernel bandwidths. We derive the optimal convergence rates accounting for space and time kernels, and demonstrate our method against previous consistent transient rendering methods for participating media.
Nasal delivery of Fasudil‐modified immune cells exhibits therapeutic potential in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Guo Shang‐De , Liu Chun‐Yun , Yu Jing‐Wen , Chai Zhi , Wang Qing , Mi Xi‐Ting , Song Guo‐Bin , Li Yan‐Hua , Yang Peng‐Wei , Feng Ling , Xiao Bao‐Guo , Ma Cun‐Gen
Published: February 2019

Aim

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a relapsing‐remitting inflammatory demyelinating disease that requires long‐term treatment. Although Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil shows good therapeutic effect in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, certain side effects may limit its clinical use. This study aimed at observing the therapeutic potential of Fasudil‐modified encephalitogenic mononuclear cells (MNCs) via nasal delivery in EAE and exploring possible mechanisms of action.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35‐55 in C57BL/6 mice, and encephalitogenic MNCs were treated with Fasudil in vitro. Mice received 3 × 106 cells/10 μL per nasal cavity on day 3 and 11 postimmunization, respectively.

Results

Fasudil‐modified MNCs reduced clinical severity of EAE, improved demyelination, and decreased inflammatory cells in spinal cords. Immunohistochemical results indicated that CD4+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages were barely detected in Fasudil‐MNCs group. Fasudil‐modified MNCs decreased CD4+IFN‐γ+ and CD4+IL‐17+ T cells, increased CD4+IL‐10+ T cells, restrained M1 markers CD16/32, CCR7, IL‐12, CD8a, enhanced M2 markers CD206, CD200, CD14 in spleen. Fasudil‐modified MNCs inhibited the activation of inflammatory signaling p‐NF‐kB/P38, accompanied by the decrease of COX‐2 and the increase of Arg‐1 in spinal cord, as well as the reduction of IL‐17, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and the elevation of IL‐10 in cultured supernatant of splenocytes. Fasudil‐modified MNCs enhanced the levels of neurotrophic factors BDNF and NT‐3 in spinal cord.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that intranasal delivery of Fasudil‐modified MNCs have therapeutic potential in EAE, providing a safe and effective cell therapeutic strategy to MS and/or other related disorders.
CD30 expression in a case of intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma, cutaneous variant
Authors: Provasi Matteo , Bagnoli Filippo , Fanoni Daniele , Alberti‐Violetti Silvia , Tomasini Dario , Berti Emilio
Published: February 2019

Intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is one of the rarest B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), with an aggressive clinical behavior and a poor prognosis; in fact, its treatment is still an unmet clinical need, with a 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate of 60% to 81%, and a central nervous system relapse rate of 25%. It usually presents as a widespread disease at diagnosis, with multi‐organ involvement. Previously considered as a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma variant, it now represents a different extranodal large B‐cell lymphoma entity in the last WHO Classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. We hereby describe the case of an 84‐year‐old Italian woman with an IVLBCL, cutaneous variant, who suffered from early relapse after R‐COMP chemotherapy regimen, and was therefore treated with a palliative metronomic chemotherapy. Interestingly, neoplastic cells showed CD30 expression at relapse. CD30 positivity has never been reported in this disease so far, and its expression is known to be involved in NF‐kB activation. CD30 expression may be further studied as for prognostic and therapeutic significance; in fact, new therapeutic strategies, such as antibody‐drug conjugate targeting CD30, are now available.
Different microbial responses in top‐ and sub‐soils to elevated temperature and substrate addition in a semiarid grassland on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Bai Tongshuo , Tao Jinjin , Li Zhen , Shu Meng , Yan Xuebin , Wang Peng , Ye Chenglong , Guo Hui , Wang Yi , Hu Shuijin
Published: February 2019

The Loess Plateau soil in northwest China originated from wind sediments and is characterized by deep soil profiles and large organic carbon (C) content. Severe soil erosion constantly exposes deep soils to the surface, making the organic C vulnerable to microbial decomposition. Few, however, have so far examined how soil microbial activity and community composition in the deep loess soil respond to perturbations. We examined microbial responses in three layers of a clay‐loam loess (topsoil, 0–20 cm; midsoil, 40–60 cm; subsoil, 80–100 cm) to substrate additions (0.8 g glucose‐C kg−1 soil) under two temperature regimes (25 and 35°C). Soil C:N ratio was significantly larger in the subsoil (20.3) than topsoil (7.4). Glucose addition significantly increased CO2 efflux during a 30‐day incubation period and the relative magnitude of the increase was four times larger in the subsoil than topsoil. The temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil CO2 efflux increased significantly with soil depth in the absence of glucose addition (i.e., ambient soil), but it decreased under glucose addition. Also, glucose addition significantly increased phenol oxidase and peroxidase activities in the subsoil, which might contribute to the stimulation of microbial CO2 efflux. Composition of the microbial community was more affected by temperature increase in the topsoil, but more responsive to labile C addition in the subsoil. Together, these results indicated that the composition of soil communities and microbial activities in the topsoil and deep soil responded differently to warming and labile C input. Our findings suggest that organic C in deep loess soils can be highly sensitive to environmental changes, emphasizing the need for more long‐term monitoring and quantitative assessment of organic C release from this important C pool.

Highlights

Microbial responses to labile C and warming were examined along a Loess Plateau soil profile.

Microbial respiration was more responsive to C addition and warming in deep soil than topsoil.

Microbial composition and activity were sensitive to temperature in the topsoil but to labile C in the subsoil.

Climate change may facilitate CO2 efflux from deep Loess Plateau soils.
Biomass yield in a genetically diverse Miscanthus sinensis germplasm panel evaluated at five locations revealed individuals with exceptional potential
Authors: Clark Lindsay V. , Dwiyanti Maria S. , Anzoua Kossonou G. , Brummer Joe E. , Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Głowacka Katarzyna , Hall Megan , Heo Kweon , Jin Xiaoli , Lipka Alexander E. , Peng Junhua , Yamada Toshihiko , Yoo Ji Hye , Yu Chang Yeon , Zhao Hua , Long Stephen P. , Sacks Erik J.
Published: February 2019

To breed improved biomass cultivars of Miscanthus ×giganteus, it will be necessary to select the highest‐yielding and best‐adapted genotypes of its parental species, Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus. We phenotyped a diverse clonally propagated panel of 569 M. sinensis and nine natural diploid M. ×giganteus at one subtropical (Zhuji, China) and five temperate locations (Sapporo, Japan; Leamington, Ontario, Canada; Fort Collins, CO; Urbana, IL; and Chuncheon, Korea) for dry biomass yield and 14 yield‐component traits, in trials grown for 3 years. Notably, dry biomass yield of four Miscanthus accessions exceeded 80 Mg/ha in Zhuji, China, approaching the highest observed for any land plant. Additionally, six M. sinensis in Sapporo, Japan and one in Leamington, Canada also yielded more than the triploid M. ×giganteus ‘1993‐1780’ control, with values exceeding 20 Mg/ha. Diploid M. ×giganteus was the best‐yielding group at the northern sites. Genotype‐by‐environment interactions were modest among the five northern trial sites but large between Zhuji, and the northern sites. M. sinensis accessions typically yielded best at trial sites with latitudes similar to collection sites, although broad adaptation was observed for accessions from southern Japan. Genotypic heritabilities for third year yields ranged from 0.71 to 0.88 within locations. Compressed circumference was the best predictor of yield. These results establish a baseline of data for initiating selection to improve biomass yield of M. sinensis and M. ×giganteus in a diverse set of relevant geographies.
Coming from two different worlds—A qualitative, exploratory study of the collaboration between patient representatives and researchers
Authors: Stuhlfauth Susanne , Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Foss Christina
Published: February 2019

Background

Interest in user involvement in research has increased and user involvement is increasingly seen as a prerequisite. Still, challenges in the collaboration process have been documented from both researchers' and users' perspective.

Objective

By bringing together researchers and patient representatives, this study explores and describes both parties' experiences with user involvement in research as they appear through interactions in a focus group.

Design

We apply a qualitative design using positioning theory as a theoretical framework.

Setting and participants

Researchers and patient representatives were mixed within 2 focus groups. Positioning theory was used to guide the analysis.

Findings

The discussion evolved around knowledge, equity and partnership, all related to power through constant negotiations of positions. Researchers and users ascribed various positions while discussing these topics. Various positions are seen as the result of different rights and duties in the research process. Power differences in the form of different rights and duties stand out as barriers. Being positioned as a partner was an important aspect for users in our study. Researchers assumed passive positions within the focus group, whereas users assumed active positions by expressing their wishes and needs.

Discussion and conclusion

Our study indicates that positions relating to status and knowledge in the involvement process are important. The findings suggest that the positions that users and researchers assume and ascribe throughout the process are constantly changing; however, the researchers tend to have more power. More studies are needed to understand how equity is perceived in user involvement in health research.
Impact of access to novel therapies on the initial management of castrate‐resistant prostate cancer: an Australian multicentre study
Authors: Kwan Edmond M. , Semira Marie C. , Bergin Alice R. T. , Muttiah Christine , Beck Sophie , Anton Angelyn , Campbell David , Wong Shirley , Rosenthal Mark , Gibbs Peter , Tran Ben
Published: February 2019

Background

The impact of regulatory approvals of new therapies for castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in Australia is unclear.

Aims

To determine if changes in novel therapy access in Australia affected how clinicians initially managed men with newly diagnosed CRPC.

Methods

Data from patients diagnosed with CRPC from 2013 to 2016 across three Australian hospitals were retrospectively collected. Baseline clinicopathological factors and initial management decision at the time of CRPC development (early treatment (ET) vs deferred treatment (DT)) were recorded. Categorical variables between cohorts were compared by Chi‐squared analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of CRPC diagnosis year on time to commencing life‐prolonging systemic treatment (TTT).

Results

Our study identified 137 CRPC patients, with 126 (92%) patients receiving life‐prolonging systemic treatment. The median age was 73 years. The initial management decision was DT in 71 (52%) patients and ET in 66 (48%) patients. There was a significant shift from DT to ET during the study period (2013–2014: DT 61% vs ET 33%; 2015–2016: DT 39% vs ET 67%; P = 0.004), with a rise in novel androgen receptor signalling inhibitor use and simultaneous reduction in first‐generation antiandrogen use at CRPC development. Each successive CRPC diagnosis year was associated with shorter TTT on univariate analysis (HR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3–1.7, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Over time, clinicians are favouring earlier introduction of life‐prolonging systemic treatment at the development of CRPC. This trend is largely driven by substantial uptake of novel androgen receptor signalling inhibitors as the preferred initial treatment for CRPC patients.
The lived experiences of elderly dementia patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Miao‐Chuan , Lin Hung‐Ru
Published: February 2019

The lived experiences of elderly dementia patients are affected by their cultural beliefs. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of elderly dementia patients in Taiwan in order to understand how they view their lives given the cognitive impairments that they suffer from. A descriptive phenomenological approach was undertaken in 12 elderly dementia patients who were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's analysis method. Five main themes emerged from the narratives: (i) distress caused by inability to remember; (ii) counteracting memory loss; (iii) worry about being a burden to family; (iv) cherishing the current situation and gaining respect; and (v) adopting a dispassionate view about life and death. The traditions of filial piety in Chinese culture were reflected in the experiences of these elderly dementia patients. Elderly dementia patients experienced inconveniences in their daily lives due to marked impairments in memory functions, and they even doubted their own independent capabilities. To counteract their disease, many elderly dementia patients developed self‐contained approaches to handle their loss of memories. While they were worried about being a burden to their families, they also valued their current situation. They were comforted by being taken care of by their children, and they adopted a dispassionate view about life and death issues. For the care of elderly dementia patients, besides reducing the inconveniences brought about by cognitive impairments, there is also a need to pay attention to the deterioration of their physical bodily functions in order to intervene in their lives holistically.
Brownmillerite hydration in the presence of gypsum: The effect of Al/Fe ratio and sulfate ions
Authors: Huang Xiao , Wang Fazhou , Hu Shuguang , Lu Yang , Rao Meijuan , Mu Yuandong
Published: February 2019

The brownmillerite, also known as tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF), represents a solid solution series of Ca2(AlyFe(2–y))O5 (0 ≥ y ≤ 1.33), which is one of the most important components in ordinary Portland cement. The hydration of brownmillerite in the presence of gypsum attracts massive attentions, but the hydration mechanism remains controversial nowadays. In particular, the influence of Al/Fe ratio on brownmillerite hydration with gypsum is obscure and out of favor. This paper studies the hydration characteristics of a binary system containing brownmillerite and gypsum with variables including two Al/Fe ratios and gypsum contents in an attempt to interpret the retarding mechanism of sulfate ions. When the molar ratio of brownmillerite to gypsum is 1.0, the hydration process of Ca2(Al1.3Fe0.7)O5 shows five distinct stages in the conductivity test, while only two stages are observed in the case of Ca2(Al1.0Fe1.0)O5. A decrease of Al/Fe ratio in brownmillerite leads to severe stagnation of the hydration process. When the molar ratio of Ca2(Al1.0Fe1.0)O5 to gypsum is increased to 2.7, the hydration is able to proceed and also displays five stages similar to Ca2(Al1.3Fe0.7)O5. An adsorption layer of sulfate ions on the surface of brownmillerite contributes to the postponement of brownmillerite hydration. In addition, the concentration of aluminum in the solution is the key to break this adsorption layer and dominate the hydration proceeding of brownmillerite.
3D microstructure and crack pathways of toughened CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass by precipitation of hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 crystal
Authors: Maeda Kei , Iwasaki Kenichiro , Urata Shingo , Akatsuka Kosho , Yasumori Atsuo
Published: February 2019

We investigated CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass partially crystallized with molybdenum particles as nucleating agents. Microstructure of the material was characterized as a house‐of‐cards structure composed of plate‐like crystals. Microcracks propagated along the crystal plane parallel to the double layer of SiO4/AlO4 tetrahedrons separated by layers of calcium atoms. To investigate the fracture behavior of the hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 crystals, molecular dynamics simulations were performed, which demonstrated that a crack can be easily triggered by shear deformation along the calcium layer. Additionally, once a crack was generated in the calcium layer, it propagated rapidly, whereas the crack perpendicular to the calcium layer hardly propagated. This simulated behavior is consistent with the experimentally observed cleavage behavior of the hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 crystal. The experimental and simulation results effectively explained the non‐elastic fracture behavior of the material.
Parent‐of‐origin effects on carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Okamoto Kan , Oishi Kazato , Nakamura Ryoichi , Abe Atsuko , Inoue Keiichi , Kumagai Hajime , Hirooka Hiroyuki
Published: February 2019

Variances caused by the differential expression of paternally and maternally imprinted genes controlling carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle were estimated in this study. Data on marbling score (BMS), carcass weight, rib thickness, rib‐eye area (REA) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) were collected from a total of 13,115 feedlot steers and heifers in a commercial population. A sire–maternal grandsire model was used to analyse the data, and then, imprinting parameters were derived by replacing the genetic effect of the dam with the effect of the maternal grandsire in the imprinting model to calculate the genetic parameter estimates. The proportions of the total genetic variance attributable to imprinted genes ranged from 8.7% (SFT) to 35.2% (BMS). The remarkably large imprinting variance of BMS was mainly contributed by maternally expressed inheritance because the maternal contribution of the trait was much larger than that of the paternal trait. The parent‐of‐origin effect originating from maternal gene expression was also observed for REA. The results suggested the existence of genomic imprinting effects on the traits of the Japanese Black cattle. Hence, the parent‐of‐origin effect should be considered for the genetic evaluation of Japanese Black cattle in breeding programmes.
Decanal as a major component of larval aggregation pheromone of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella
Authors: Kwadha Charles A. , Mutunga Jacqueline M. , Irungu Janet , Ongamo George , Ndegwa Paul , Raina Suresh , Fombong Ayuka T.
Published: February 2019

Larvae of the greater wax moth (GWM), Galleria mellonella, a destructive pest of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), have been observed to display aggregation behaviours. However, the underlying mechanism by which these larvae come together remains unknown. We hypothesized that the GWM larvae detect, orient towards and utilize conspecific larval chemical cues to aggregate in groups. We used dual‐choice olfactometer assays to investigate the involvement of conspecific larval odours in their aggregation amongst 3–5th instar and 8th instar larvae. The assays revealed that only 8th instar larvae were significantly attracted to their odours and those emanating from newly spun cocoons. Coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) of larval head space odours analysis revealed the presence of four compounds: nonanal, decanal, tridecane and tetradecane in pupal and mature larval odour extracts. However, using synthetic compounds, behavioural assays showed that only decanal induced significant attraction, therefore, suggesting its role as a major component of the larval aggregation pheromone of GWM. Our findings reveal the involvement of volatile organic compounds in the aggregation behaviour of mature wax moth larvae and thereby offer prospects for the development of an odour‐baited in‐hive trapping management tool for wax moth larva.
Can we consider the stocks of alfonsinos Beryx splendens and Beryx decadactylus from the Azores a discrete fishery management unit?
Authors: Santos Régis V. S. , Novoa‐Pabon Ana M. , Silva Hélder M. , Pinho Mário R.
Published: February 2019

This paper summarises the detailed information on catch, fork length, weight, sex and maturity of alfonsinos Beryx splendens and Beryx decadactylus collected from targeted surveys in Azores waters, complemented by fishery data, over the past c. 20 years. To date, it was not possible to define if the Azorean component of the population can be considered as a discrete local management unit. The reason for this is the lack of available information for these resources covering the entire spatial distribution of the species in the North Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, there are some conflicts between the different genetic results available, poor understanding about the species movements and data from the Azores show some discrepancies in aspects of reproduction. Consequently, there is no analytical assessment for this resource and the stock of Beryx spp. is currently managed based on the precautionary approach. Outputs of recent analyses are presented in this study and possible assumptions and strategies for the assessment are discussed.
Improvement of a diagnostic procedure in surveillance of the listed fish diseases IHN and VHS
Authors: Hoferer Marc , Akimkin Valerij , Skrypski Julia , Schütze Heike , Sting Reinhard
Published: February 2019

Infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) are OIE‐listed and notifiable viral fish diseases which are controlled by eradication and surveillance programmes globally. The present study provides improved RT‐qPCR procedures based on recently described OIE protocols. Improvements comprise the design of a new TaqMan® probe, replacing a TaqMan® MGB probe that turned out to show impaired binding. Reason for this is SNPs detected in the nucleoprotein N gene sequences of IHNV strains targeted by the RT‐qPCR. Furthermore, the IHNV and VHSV RT‐qPCR assays were realized as one‐step and one‐run procedures supplemented by an endogenous control system. The IHNV and VHSV RT‐qPCR assays are characterized by a technical sensitivity of 19 and 190 gene equivalents (cRNA) and an analytical sensitivity of 2–7 and 13 TCID50/ml, respectively. For verification purposes, 105 IHNV and 165 VHSV isolates and several non‐targeted viral and bacterial pathogens were included and returned adequate results. However, in field samples divergent results left 14 samples of 154 undetected for IHNV and one sample of 127 for VHSV using cell culture. The study shows that RT‐qPCR assays ensure facilitated and reliable testing on IHNV and VHSV in eradication and surveillance programmes.
Modeling, simulation, and analysis of a soybean meal desolventizing equipment
Authors: Cauneto Heitor , Zanin Gisella M. , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves , Moraes Flávio F.
Published: February 2019

This study presents a mathematical modeling for the simulation of the desolventizing process occurring in a Desolventizer‐Toaster (DT) equipment. This equipment is used for the separation and recovery of hexane from soybean meal exiting the extractor. The model allows testing and determining the most adequate operational process conditions. It also allows establishing relations among these conditions and the DT output variables. The DT has been modeled as a column of several stages, satisfying the mass and energy balances and the vapor–liquid equilibrium relation at each stage. The mathematical model, implemented with the Matlab™ software and validated with actual plant data, gives satisfactory results. Therefore, the model proposed can be used with confidence by industry for improvements of the DT operational conditions.

Practical applications

The developed model can be used to optimize the desolventization process, with respect to the recovery of Hexane and the use of energy.
The Merits of Eudaimonism
Authors: Hare John E.
Published: February 2019

This paper starts with Immanuel Kant’s definition of “eudaimonism” (a term he created) as a single‐source account of motivation, and explains why he thinks the eudaimonist is unacceptably self‐regarding. In order to modify and improve Kant’s account, the paper then revisits the Christian scholastics. Scotus is distinguished from Aquinas on the grounds that Scotus has a more robust conception of the will that encompasses the ranking of the affection for advantage (for the agent’s happiness and perfection) and the affection for justice (for what is good in itself, independent of this relation to the agent). This is a double‐source account of motivation. With these conceptual resources in hand, the paper goes on to examine Jean Porter’s defense of eudaimonism, urging that she begs the question against the Scotist view. Finally, the paper makes a conciliating suggestion that preserves most, but not all, of what the eudaimonist wants.
Putting Religion Back Into Religious Ethics
Authors: Gregory Eric
Published: February 2019

This essay on Richard Miller’s Friends and Other Strangers (2016) locates its arguments in the context of how the practice of religious ethics bears upon debates about normativity in the study of religion and the cultural turn in the humanities. After reviewing its main claims about identity and otherness, I focus on three areas. First, while commending Miller’s effort to analogize virtuous empathy with Augustine’s ethics of rightly ordered love, I raise questions about his use of Augustine and his distinctive formulation of Augustinian “iconic realism.” Second, I suggest his discussion of public reason is at odds with the dialogical spirit of the book and may distract from the democratic solidarity required by our political moment. Third, more briefly, I highlight the practical implications of Miller’s vision for higher education at both the graduate and undergraduate level.
Eudaimonism and Christian Ethics
Authors: Porter Jean
Published: February 2019

Contrary to common assumptions, appeals to rewards and punishments play a central role in Scripture. We find these appeals in both the Old and New Testaments, and in every major biblical genre. Moreover, these appeals almost always presuppose that the one addressed by a promise, threat, or inducement will respond out of some self‐referential desire to enjoy something good or to avoid an evil. Similarly, they take for granted that such desires provide legitimate motives for obedience or fidelity. In short, appeals to rewards and punishments, with their implied endorsement of a kind of self‐referential desire, play a central part in scriptural depictions of the divine‐human relationship. They strongly suggest that men and women naturally and properly expect good things from their Creator, and fear the consequences of divine displeasure. These observations do not necessarily commit us to some version of eudaimonism. Nonetheless, eudaimonism, considered broadly as a positive normative perspective on happiness, will always be relevant to Christian ethics, insofar as it offers starting points and theoretical tools for addressing unavoidable theological questions.
Management and outcomes of patients presenting to the emergency department with croup: Can we identify which patients can safely be discharged from the emergency department?
Authors: Elder Anna E , Rao Arjun
Published: February 2019

Aim

Croup is a major cause of emergency department (ED) presentations, but there remains a paucity of evidence to guide clinical decision‐making around which patients require admission. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, management and outcomes of patients presenting to the ED with croup and to identify characteristics associated with a need for further intervention.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary paediatric hospital with croup between 2011 and 2016. Patients were included if they received two doses of nebulised adrenaline in the ED and were aged between 6 months and 6 years. Baseline characteristics, vital signs 2 h post‐second dose of nebulised adrenaline, management and outcomes were recorded.

Results

A total of 5045 patients presented to ED with croup during the study period, 112 of whom received two doses of nebulised adrenaline within the ED. Of these patients, half were discharged home and half admitted to hospital. None of the discharged patients went on to require further intervention, and 19% of admitted patients received further interventions. Age and history of a chronic medical condition were associated with a need for further intervention. Of the vital signs, abnormal heart rate, fever and stridor were associated with a need for further intervention.

Conclusions

Only 19% of patients admitted following two doses of nebulised adrenaline in the ED required further interventions. Older patients without a chronic medical condition who have a normal heart rate, temperature and no stridor may be suitable for outpatient management.
Nitrogen uptake and biomass resprouting show contrasting relationships with resource acquisitive and conservative plant traits
Authors: Ficken Cari D. , Wright Justin P.
Published: February 2019

Questions

Disturbances can cause fluctuations in resource availability that influence plant performance. In systems with such dynamics, inter‐specific differences in resource capture may promote co‐existence by partitioning competition between periods of high or low resource availability. Such differences in resource use strategy have been described with the Plant Economics Spectrum, which hypothesizes that functions related to resource use and processing should co‐vary and can be predicted from plant traits. In pyrogenic systems, fires are associated with short‐term increases in soil nitrogen availability (“pulses”), and thus contribute to a fluctuating resource supply. In this study, we sought to understand whether plants differed in their capacity to capture a nitrogen pulse, and to what extent that ability influenced biomass recovery.

Methods

In two consecutive greenhouse experiments, we tested whether two functions — nitrogen assimilation (Experiment 1) and biomass regrowth after disturbance (Experiment 2) — co‐varied, and how each function corresponded to leaf and root functional traits.

Results

In Experiment 1, four co‐occurring shrubs differed in their temporal patterns of nitrogen uptake, and nitrogen uptake was positively correlated with resource‐acquisitive leaf traits (leaf percent nitrogen). In Experiment 2, the biomass regrowth of a resource acquisitive and a resource conservative species was the same regardless of competitive environment (i.e., when grown in pots of mixed‐species or same‐species pairs). Rather than being associated with the capture of new nitrogen, biomass resprouting of both species was associated with the size of below‐ground resource stores and specific root length.

Conclusions

Our work suggests that resource acquisition and processing may be decoupled from each other after disturbance, and also highlights the need for explicit tests of the relationships between root traits and above‐ground plant function.
Growth‐driven displacement of protein aggregates along the cell length ensures partitioning to both daughter cells in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Schramm Frederic D. , Schroeder Kristen , Alvelid Jonatan , Testa Ilaria , Jonas Kristina
Published: February 2019

All living cells must cope with protein aggregation, which occurs as a result of experiencing stress. In previously studied bacteria, aggregated protein is collected at the cell poles and is retained throughout consecutive cell divisions only in old pole‐inheriting daughter cells, resulting in aggregation‐free progeny within a few generations. In this study, we describe the in vivo kinetics of aggregate formation and elimination following heat and antibiotic stress in the asymmetrically dividing bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Unexpectedly, in this bacterium, protein aggregates form as multiple distributed foci located throughout the cell volume. Time‐lapse microscopy revealed that under moderate stress, the majority of these protein aggregates are short‐lived and rapidly dissolved by the major chaperone DnaK and the disaggregase ClpB. Severe stress or genetic perturbation of the protein quality control machinery induces the formation of long‐lived aggregates. Importantly, the majority of persistent aggregates neither collect at the cell poles nor are they partitioned to only one daughter cell type. Instead, we show that aggregates are distributed to both daughter cells in the same ratio at each division, which is driven by the continuous elongation of the growing mother cell. Therefore, our study has revealed a new pattern of protein aggregate inheritance in bacteria.
Insomnia and its associated factors in incarcerated adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Mu‐Rung , Lai Hui‐Ling
Published: February 2019

No evidence exists in the literature concerning the prevalence of insomnia and its associated risk factors among prison inmates in Taiwan. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with insomnia among inmates in a large prison in Taiwan. A cross‐sectional anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted at a prison. The participants were 1490 male inmates. Participants completed the self‐reported Insomnia Severity Index–Chinese version questionnaire, and the sociodemographic and psychological distress questionnaires for the study. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze and compare the differences between inmates with and without insomnia. The prevalence of insomnia was 26.9%. The study determined that anxiety, self‐rated health status, and religious beliefs were independent predictors of insomnia in male inmates. Given the adverse effect of insomnia and its social consequences, it is crucial to develop prevention programs to mitigate insomnia in inmates.
Validity of a disposable catheter to drain urine overnight in neurogenic bladder
Authors: Furukawa Hiromi , Ishikawa Ken , Tsuchiya Shigekuni , Nishimi Saeko , Sasaki Makoto , Onodera Chinatsu , Takada Akira , Oyama Kotaro , Chida Shoichi
Published: February 2019

Background

Overnight catheter drainage (OCD) is introduced to avoid overdistention of the bladder at night‐time when clean intermittent catheterization proves ineffective for daytime management of neurogenic bladder. We adopted OCD using disposable silicone no‐balloon (DSnB) catheters, with the distal end outside the body opening into diapers. OCD using DSnB catheter, however, had risks of retrograde bacterial contamination. Therefore, in this study, the validity of equipping DSnB catheters with check valves to prevent retrograde bacterial contamination was examined.

Methods

For the in vitro study, excised saline‐filled swine bladders were drained using DSnB catheters with or without check valves, and the time required for intravesical pressure to reach 5 cmH2O was measured. For the in vivo study, in cross‐over experiments comparing DSnB catheters with and without check valves, OCD using DSnB catheters for 10 h was performed in rabbits under analgesia. Bacterial growth from urine samples before and after OCD and residual urine volume were examined.

Results

For the in vitro experiment, the median drainage time was 368.2 s (range, 88–1,085 s) and 344.7 s (range, 28–840 s) with and without check valves, respectively (n = 6), which was not significantly different. For the in vivo experiment, in cross‐over experiments (n = 8) new bacterial growth rates after OCD did not differ, and median residual urine volume was 17.1 mL (range, 0–75 mL) and 1.2 mL (range, 0–5 mL) with and without check valves, respectively (P = 0.055).

Conclusions

Installing a check valve in the DSnB catheter did not decrease new bacterial growth, while tending to increase residual urine volume. DSnB catheters without check valves appear to be better for continuous drainage of urine from bladder.
Sequential transplantation and implications for clinical management: OLT followed by HCT and consequent RT in a pediatric patient
Authors: Hoogenboom Lindsay , Margolis David , Anderson Lynnette , Phelan Rachel
Published: February 2019

We report a case of a pediatric patient who required three separate transplants: OLT at the age 5, HCT at age 13 (8 years post‐OLT), and cadaveric RT at age 15 (10 years post‐OLT). The child initially presented with fulminant liver failure without known cause, ultimately undergoing OLT from his mother. He then developed SAA, for which he required HCT. Unfortunately, he developed ESRD secondary to prolonged CNI exposure, for which he underwent cadaveric RT. These processes then resulted in 7 years largely free from complications, during which a multi‐disciplinary team monitored the patient for complications. Regrettably, at the age of 21 he developed poorly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon which ultimately led to his demise. While there are case reports of patients requiring two sequential transplants, there is a paucity of reports of successfully completing three separate organ transplants in the same patient. Our case demonstrates progression of a pediatric patient through OLT, HCT, and RT with discussion of notable clinical implications. Secondarily, this case highlights the importance of coordination of care amongst various subspecialties to facilitate tandem transplantations and manage the complications of these processes. As pediatric patients have improved survival rates and may require multiple transplants, it remains important to highlight the feasibility as well as the complications of the tandem transplant process.