bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rebsamen investment fund integration in finance education
Authors: Ashour Samar , Rennie Craig G. , Santamaria Sergio
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe lessons learned from integrating student-managed investment funds (SMIFs) in finance education systems based on the case of the Raymond Rebsamen Investment Fund at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has three main parts. First, it describes how the Rebsamen Fund operates as an integral part of undergraduate and graduate finance education at the Walton College. Second, it explains how the Fund spawned creation of sister funds, an institute, a 62-seat trading center, and coordinates with other agencies and stakeholders. Third, it lists strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing future SMIF integration into finance education.

Findings

The use of innovative experiential learning solutions like SMIFs bridging theory and practice can be enhanced by integrating them into effective systems of finance education.

Practical implications

Lessons learned include benefits of SMIF management by class, licensing and professional certification, trading centers, use of SMIF finances to support other components of education, proliferation of SMIFs, SMIF stimulation of academic units like centers/institutes, SMIF facilitation of collaboration, importance of tying SMIFs to student finance clubs, coordination of industry speaker visits between SMIF classes and clubs, and use of SMIFs in addressing cutting-edge challenges.

Originality/value

This paper discusses how SMIFs can be integrated in finance education.
An empirical study of the impact of goal orientation on individual ambidexterity – moderating roles of goal interdependence and constructive controversy
Authors: Xiang Shuting , Chen Guoquan , Liu Wei , Zhou Qiwei , Xing Shuo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Ambidexterity is the source of organizational sustainable development and long-term success. However, understanding the role of individual ambidexterity in organizations remains underdeveloped. Recently, scholars have increasingly emphasized the importance of individual ambidexterity, calling for more research on the topic. This study aims to explore the factors influencing individual ambidexterity. It proposed that goal orientation would be related to individual ambidexterity, and perceived cooperative goal interdependence and constructive controversy would play moderating roles in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a survey study. Questionnaires were distributed to enterprise managers from a part-time MBA program at a university located in Beijing, China. They were also asked to bring copies to their colleagues, so they could fill them out. The authors obtained 229 valid questionnaires and used hierarchical regression analysis to test the relationships.

Findings

The results revealed that both learning goal orientation and performance goal orientation were significantly and positively related to individual ambidexterity. Perceived cooperative goal interdependence and constructive controversy positively moderated the relationship between learning goal orientation/ performance goal orientation and individual ambidexterity.

Practical implications

The paper provides beneficial suggestions for both managers and employees. It offers a reference for managers regarding how to promote employee ambidexterity. It also provides suggestions for employee career development.

Originality/value

The paper explored the factors influencing ambidextrous activities at the individual level, a very scare approach in extant studies. It also constructed a systematic process mechanism of individual ambidexterity, integrating both internal and external factors.
The experiences of research fellows seeking independence in multiple communities of practice
Authors: Petichakis Christos , Saetnan Eli , Clark Lynn
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the lived experiences of current or recent research fellows holding a prestigious research fellowship, and are based in a research-intensive university in the UK. The authors of this study explored the challenges and opportunities that come with the transition of these individuals from a postdoctoral position to a fellowship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative research method and through semi-structured interviews with a purposively selected sample, this research attempts to interpret the lived experiences of four research fellows by making sense of their narratives and reflections on their roles through their career development and the pursuit of research independence in their field.

Findings

Three themes were identified following the analysis of the data collected, namely, the freedom to explore, managing relationships and serendipity. The emphasis on achieving research independence, with the first signs of independence appearing from their postdoctoral years, was stated as an important factor in the career development of the research fellow. Gaining legitimacy and membership to multiple communities of practice simultaneously appeared to be a productive yet challenging developmental experience.

Originality/value

While attention in recently published output has been given to the professional development of research students and postdoctoral staff, exploring the views of research fellows remains an under-researched area in the field of researcher development. This qualitative study aims to start a discussion by exploring the lived experiences of this select group as they explain their identity-trajectory in research and pursue their aspirations towards achieving an academic post.
Optimising the safety of road transport workers on IBS building construction projects: a review
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a new information and communication technology (ICT)-based approach for optimising safety transportation according to the needs of the current industrialised building system (IBS) building construction schemes. The improper handling and information management of road transport workers appears to be a major problem in the safety of the IBS building construction industry. Transportation activity is particularly problematic for IBS building construction projects in which traffic incident and safety management level are not in good condition to match with construction specification.

Design/methodology/approach

A new ICT-based approach is suggested for optimising safety transportation in accordance with the needs of the current IBS building construction schemes. As a precursor to this work, the concept of road transport workers practices is reviewed and the main features of ICT tools and techniques currently being used on such projects are presented.

Findings

The sophisticated road transport workers system solutions is described as an essential component of this optimisation to promote long-term safety and quality improvements of IBS building construction projects.

Originality/value

Finally, the potential for a research framework for developing such a system in the future is presented.
Estimates for energy expenditure in free‐living animals using acceleration proxies: A reappraisal
Authors: Wilson Rory P. , Börger Luca , Holton Mark D. , Scantlebury D. Michael , Gómez‐Laich Agustina , Quintana Flavio , Rosell Frank , Graf Patricia M. , Williams Hannah , Gunner Richard , Hopkins Lloyd , Marks Nikki , Geraldi Nathan R. , Duarte Carlos M. , Scott Rebecca , Strano Michael S. , Robotka Hermina , Eizaguirre Christophe , Fahlman Andreas , Shepard Emily L. C.
Published: June 2019

It is fundamentally important for many animal ecologists to quantify the costs of animal activities, although it is not straightforward to do so. The recording of triaxial acceleration by animal‐attached devices has been proposed as a way forward for this, with the specific suggestion that dynamic body acceleration (DBA) be used as a proxy for movement‐based power.

Dynamic body acceleration has now been validated frequently, both in the laboratory and in the field, although the literature still shows that some aspects of DBA theory and practice are misunderstood. Here, we examine the theory behind DBA and employ modelling approaches to assess factors that affect the link between DBA and energy expenditure, from the deployment of the tag, through to the calibration of DBA with energy use in laboratory and field settings.

Using data from a range of species and movement modes, we illustrate that vectorial and additive DBA metrics are proportional to each other. Either can be used as a proxy for energy and summed to estimate total energy expended over a given period, or divided by time to give a proxy for movement‐related metabolic power. Nonetheless, we highlight how the ability of DBA to predict metabolic rate declines as the contribution of non‐movement‐related factors, such as heat production, increases.

Overall, DBA seems to be a substantive proxy for movement‐based power but consideration of other movement‐related metrics, such as the static body acceleration and the rate of change of body pitch and roll, may enable researchers to refine movement‐based metabolic costs, particularly in animals where movement is not characterized by marked changes in body acceleration.
Development of a contouring guide for three different types of optic chiasm: A practical approach
Authors: Chen Wenhao , Zhang Hui , Zhang Wenyi , Su Meng , Xie Raoying , Li Kejie , Xia Xiaofang , Zou Changlin
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Sparing of the organs at risk (OARs) is a crucial task in daily radiotherapy practice. Irradiation of the optic chiasm (OC) results in radiation‐induced optic neuropathy (RION). The structure of the OC is complex, and OC morphology can vary in axial images. Therefore, a standard atlas can result in inaccurate descriptions of OC morphology in different patients. The aim of our study was to provide a guide based on computed tomography (CT) for the delineation of different types of OC.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients were selected to participate in our study. These patients underwent CT analysis of the brain, head and neck regions in a supine position. Axial images 3 mm in thickness were obtained at 3‐mm intervals. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was also performed using the same set‐up. The OC was then delineated. The contours were revised by three neuroradiologists and nine radiation oncologists with > 5 years of expertise.

Results

Three types of OC were distinguished by magnetic resonance (MR). The location and boundaries of normal, prefixed and postfixed chiasms were developed with a CT‐based atlas. Discrepancies were observed in the delineation of the prefixed and postfixed OC.

Conclusions

Our guide allows improved definitions of the anatomical boundaries for different types of OC. Our experience could provide useful information for radiation oncologists in daily practice.
Blunt renal vascular trauma resulting in arterial avulsion injury with a nephron‐sparing outcome
Authors: Clements Warren , Moriarty Heather K
Published: June 2019

Blunt renal vascular traumatic injury is uncommon, and most injuries can be managed conservatively in a patient who is clinically stable. Pseudoaneurysm or active bleeding at presentation is rare and in an unstable patient, endovascular techniques offer a low morbidity option for rapid treatment. We present an unusual case of avulsion of a second order renal artery from the main renal artery, with active bleeding at presentation treated by excluding the bleed with a stent graft. This was complicated by delayed pseudoaneurysm formation, treated with a larger stent graft. This resulted in preservation of renal parenchyma and renal function in a young patient.
Evaluation of genotyping concordance for commercial bovine SNP arrays using quality‐assurance samples
Authors: Wu X.‐L. , Xu J. , Li H. , Ferretti R. , He J. , Qiu J. , Xiao Q. , Simpson B. , Michell T. , Kachman S. D. , Tait R. G. , Bauck S.
Published: June 2019

SNP arrays are widely used in genetic research and agricultural genomics applications, and the quality of SNP genotyping data is of paramount importance. In the present study, SNP genotyping concordance and discordance were evaluated for commercial bovine SNP arrays based on two types of quality assurance (QA) samples provided by Neogen GeneSeek. The genotyping discordance rates (GDRs) between chips were on average between 0.06% and 0.37% based on the QA type I data and between 0.05% and 0.15% based on the QA type II data. The average genotyping error rate (GER) pertaining to single SNP chips, based on the QA type II data, varied between 0.02% and 0.08% per SNP and between 0.01% and 0.06% per sample. These results indicate that genotyping concordance rate was high (i.e. from 99.63% to 99.99%). Nevertheless, mitochondrial and Y chromosome SNPs had considerably elevated GDRs and GERs compared to the SNPs on the 29 autosomes and X chromosome. The majority of genotyping errors resulted from single allotyping errors, which also included the opposite instances for allele ‘dropout’ (i.e. from AB to AA or BB). Simultaneous allotyping errors on both alleles (e.g. mistaking AA for BB or vice versa) were relatively rare. Finally, a list of SNPs with a GER greater than 1% is provided. Interpretation of association effects of these SNPs, for example in genome‐wide association studies, needs to be taken with caution. The genotyping concordance information needs to be considered in the optimal design of future bovine SNP arrays.
Deferasirox reduces oxidative DNA damage in bone marrow cells from myelodysplastic patients and improves their differentiation capacity
Authors: Jiménez‐Solas Tamara , López‐Cadenas Félix , Aires‐Mejía Irene , Caballero‐Berrocal Juan Carlos , Ortega Rebeca , Redondo Alba María , Sánchez‐Guijo Fermín , Muntión Sandra , García‐Martín Luís , Albarrán Beatriz , Alonso José María , Del Cañizo Consuelo , Hernández‐Hernández Ángel , Díez‐Campelo María
Published: June 2019

Patients with low‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) usually develop iron overload. This leads to a high level of oxidative stress in the bone marrow (BM) and increases haematopoietic cell dysfunction. Our objective was to analyse whether chelation with deferasirox (DFX) alleviates the consequences of oxidative stress and improves BM cell functionality. We analysed 13 iron‐overloaded MDS patients' samples before and 4–10 months after treatment with DFX. Using multiparametric flow cytometry analysis, we measured intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA oxidation and double strand breaks. Haematopoietic differentiation capacity was analysed by colony‐forming unit (CFU) assays. Compared to healthy donors, MDS showed a higher level of intracellular ROS and DNA oxidative damage in BM cells. DNA oxidative damage decreased following DFX treatment. Furthermore, the clonogenic assays carried out before treatment suggest an impaired haematopoietic differentiation. DFX seems to improve this capacity, as illustrated by a decreased cluster/CFU ratio, which reached values similar to controls. We conclude that BM cells from MDS are subject to higher oxidative stress conditions and show an impaired haematopoietic differentiation. These adverse features seem to be partially rectified after DFX treatment.
String‐Based Synthesis of Structured Shapes
Authors: Kalojanov Javor , Lim Isaak , Mitra Niloy , Kobbelt Leif
Published: June 2019

We propose a novel method to synthesize geometric models from a given class of context‐aware structured shapes such as buildings and other man‐made objects. The central idea is to leverage powerful machine learning methods from the area of natural language processing for this task. To this end, we propose a technique that maps shapes to strings and vice versa, through an intermediate shape graph representation. We then convert procedurally generated shape repositories into text databases that, in turn, can be used to train a variational autoencoder. The autoencoder enables higher level shape manipulation and synthesis like, for example, interpolation and sampling via its continuous latent space. We provide project code and pre‐trained models.
Gradient Outlier Removal for Gradient‐Domain Path Tracing
Authors: Ha Saerom , Oh Sojin , Back Jonghee , Yoon Sung‐Eui , Moon Bochang
Published: June 2019

We present a new outlier removal technique for a gradient‐domain path tracing (G‐PT) that computes image gradients as well as colors. Our approach rejects gradient outliers whose estimated errors are much higher than those of the other gradients for improving reconstruction quality for the G‐PT. We formulate our outlier removal problem as a least trimmed squares optimization, which employs only a subset of gradients so that a final image can be reconstructed without including the gradient outliers. In addition, we design this outlier removal process so that the chosen subset of gradients maintains connectivity through gradients between pixels, preventing pixels from being isolated. Lastly, the optimal number of inlier gradients is estimated to minimize our reconstruction error. We have demonstrated that our reconstruction with robustly rejecting gradient outliers produces visually and numerically improved results, compared to the previous screened Poisson reconstruction that uses all the gradients.
Generating Stochastic Wall Patterns On‐the‐fly with Wang Tiles
Authors: Derouet‐Jourdan Alexandre , Salvati Marc , Jonchier Théo
Published: June 2019

The game and movie industries always face the challenge of reproducing materials. This problem is tackled by combining illumination models and various textures (painted or procedural patterns). Generating stochastic wall patterns is crucial in the creation of a wide range of backgrounds (castles, temples, ruins…). A specific Wang tile set was introduced previously to tackle this problem, in an iterative fashion. However, long lines may appear as visual artifacts. We use this tile set in a new on‐the‐fly procedure to generate stochastic wall patterns. For this purpose, we introduce specific hash functions implementing a constrained Wang tiling. This technique makes possible the generation of boundless textures while giving control over the maximum line length. The algorithm is simple and easy to implement, and the wall structure we get from the tiles allows to achieve visuals that reproduce all the small details of artist painted walls.
Computational Design of Steady 3D Dissection Puzzles
Authors: Tang Keke , Song Peng , Wang Xiaofei , Deng Bailin , Fu Chi‐Wing , Liu Ligang
Published: June 2019

Dissection puzzles require assembling a common set of pieces into multiple distinct forms. Existing works focus on creating 2D dissection puzzles that form primitive or naturalistic shapes. Unlike 2D dissection puzzles that could be supported on a tabletop surface, 3D dissection puzzles are preferable to be steady by themselves for each assembly form. In this work, we aim at computationally designing steady 3D dissection puzzles. We address this challenging problem with three key contributions. First, we take two voxelized shapes as inputs and dissect them into a common set of puzzle pieces, during which we allow slightly modifying the input shapes, preferably on their internal volume, to preserve the external appearance. Second, we formulate a formal model of generalized interlocking for connecting pieces into a steady assembly using both their geometric arrangements and friction. Third, we modify the geometry of each dissected puzzle piece based on the formal model such that each assembly form is steady accordingly. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on a wide variety of shapes, compare it with the state‐of‐the‐art on 2D and 3D examples, and fabricate some of our designed puzzles to validate their steadiness.
Dynamic Visibility‐Driven Molecular Surfaces
Authors: Bruckner Stefan
Published: June 2019

Molecular surface representations are an important tool for the visual analysis of molecular structure and function. In this paper, we present a novel method for the visualization of dynamic molecular surfaces based on the Gaussian model. In contrast to previous approaches, our technique does not rely on the construction of intermediate representations such as grids or triangulated surfaces. Instead, it operates entirely in image space, which enables us to exploit visibility information to efficiently skip unnecessary computations. With this visibility‐driven approach, we can visualize dynamic high‐quality surfaces for molecules consisting of millions of atoms. Our approach requires no preprocessing, allows for the interactive adjustment of all properties and parameters, and is significantly faster than previous approaches, while providing superior quality.
Geometry Aware Tori Decomposition
Authors: Chen Jia , Gopi M.
Published: June 2019

This work presents a shape decomposition algorithm to partition a complex high genus surface into simple primitives, each of which is a torus. First, using a novel iterative algorithm, handle and tunnel fundamental cycles on the surface are progressively localized. Then, the problem of computing the splitting cycles that produce such a tori decomposition is posed as a min‐cut problem on the mesh's dual graph with earlier computed tunnels as source and target. The edge weights for the min‐cut problem are designed for the cut to be geometry‐aware. We present an implementation and demonstrate the results of our algorithm on numerous examples.
Learning a Generative Model for Multi‐Step Human‐Object Interactions from Videos
Authors: Wang He , Pirk Sören , Yumer Ersin , Kim Vladimir G. , Sener Ozan , Sridhar Srinath , Guibas Leonidas J.
Published: June 2019

Creating dynamic virtual environments consisting of humans interacting with objects is a fundamental problem in computer graphics. While it is well‐accepted that agent interactions play an essential role in synthesizing such scenes, most extant techniques exclusively focus on static scenes, leaving the dynamic component out. In this paper, we present a generative model to synthesize plausible multi‐step dynamic human‐object interactions. Generating multi‐step interactions is challenging since the space of such interactions is exponential in the number of objects, activities, and time steps. We propose to handle this combinatorial complexity by learning a lower dimensional space of plausible human‐object interactions. We use action plots to represent interactions as a sequence of discrete actions along with the participating objects and their states. To build action plots, we present an automatic method that uses state‐of‐the‐art computer vision techniques on RGB videos in order to detect individual objects and their states, extract the involved hands, and recognize the actions performed. The action plots are built from observing videos of everyday activities and are used to train a generative model based on a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). The network learns the causal dependencies and constraints between individual actions and can be used to generate novel and diverse multi‐step human‐object interactions. Our representation and generative model allows new capabilities in a variety of applications such as interaction prediction, animation synthesis, and motion planning for a real robotic agent.
Computer‐assisted Relief Modelling: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Wei , Wu Jing , Ji Zhongping , Wei Mingqiang , Zhang Caiming
Published: June 2019

As an art form between drawing and sculpture, relief has been widely used in a variety of media for signs, narratives, decorations and other purposes. Traditional relief creation relies on both professional skills and artistic expertise, which is extremely time‐consuming. Recently, automatic or semi‐automatic relief modelling from a 3D object or a 2D image has been a subject of interest in computer graphics. Various methods have been proposed to generate reliefs with few user interactions or minor human efforts, while preserving or enhancing the appearance of the input. This survey provides a comprehensive review of the advances in computer‐assisted relief modelling during the past decade. First, we provide an overview of relief types and their art characteristics. Then, we introduce the key techniques of object‐space methods and image‐space methods respectively. Advantages and limitations of each category are discussed in details. We conclude the report by discussing directions for possible future research.
Rethinking Texture Mapping
Authors: Yuksel Cem , Lefebvre Sylvain , Tarini Marco
Published: June 2019

The intrinsic problems of texture mapping, regarding its difficulties in content creation and the visual artifacts it causes in rendering, are well‐known, but often considered unavoidable. In this state of the art report, we discuss various radically different ways to rethink texture mapping that have been proposed over the decades, each offering different advantages and trade‐offs. We provide a brief description of each alternative texturing method along with an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses in terms of applicability, usability, filtering quality, performance, and potential implementation related challenges.
Long‐term outcomes of the octogenarian donor liver recipient: The era of the new centurion
Authors: Schneider Sarah , Díaz Jaime Francia , Mara Kristin , Dierkhising Ross , Heimbach Julie , Watt Kymberly D. , Berenguer Marina
Published: June 2019

Background

Studies have suggested transplantation using older donor livers results in similar short‐term outcomes as younger donor livers; however, little data exist on long‐term patient/graft outcomes of the octogenarian liver recipient.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 2 centers, (Valencia, Spain and Rochester, MN, USA) of all recipients of octogenarian donor liver allografts from 2000 to 2011 with follow‐up to 2016. The aim was to compare long‐term patient/graft survival as well as metabolic outcomes of the recipient with the octogenarian liver vs younger than 60 years donor.

Results

78 recipients of older liver allografts were compared to 78 matched controls. No difference in 10‐year patient mortality was demonstrated (P = 0.074). Octogenarian livers were associated with 3‐fold higher likelihood of graft failure (P = 0.002) but no increase in the risk of post‐LT cardiovascular disease (P = 0.60), hypertension (P = 0.33), vascular complications (P = 0.53), or malignancy (P = 0.14). In multivariate analysis, elder livers remained a significant factor associated with rejection (P = 0.034) with a trend not reaching statistical significance for graft failure (P = 0.052).

Conclusions

For appropriately selected recipients, receiving an octogenarian liver does not clearly influence patient survival but does impact early graft survival with a notable increase in early posttransplant rejection rates and re‐transplantation. Over 1.5 decades, older allografts have not adversely affected metabolic outcomes.
Supply chain and logistics competencies in humanitarian aid
Authors: Heaslip Graham , Vaillancourt Alain , Tatham Peter , Kovács Gyöngyi , Blackman Deborah , Henry Marian Crowley
Published: June 2019

The continuing incidence of disasters and their associated challenges has increased the demand for humanitarian logisticians. However, there is a dearth of research on their essential competencies. This paper proposes, therefore, a humanitarian logistics competency framework (HlCF) to assist with the professional development of humanitarian logisticians. In creating the HlCF, nine competency domains containing 29 specific competencies across four levels (entry to senior management) were identified. This study makes two key contributions to the literature: (i) it extends the discussion of competency frameworks in humanitarian logistics; and (ii) it presents a framework designed to support the human resource plans and practices of aid agencies. The HlCF allows not only individual humanitarian logisticians to develop the competencies necessary for career success, but also humanitarian organisations to map their own competency frameworks to a common standard. This will, in turn, facilitate workforce mobility and support the overall concept of a certified humanitarian logistics professional.
Efficacy of two telemonitoring systems to improve glycaemic control during basal insulin initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes: The TeleDiab‐2 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Franc Sylvia , Joubert Michael , Daoudi Ahmed , Fagour Cédric , Benhamou Pierre‐Yves , Rodier Michel , Boucherie Beatrix , Benamo Eric , Schaepelynck Pauline , Guerci Bruno , Dardari Dured , Borot Sophie , Penfornis Alfred , D'Orsay Geneviève , Mari Karine , Reznik Yves , Randazzo Caroline , Charpentier Guillaume ,   on behalf of the TeleDiab study group
Published: June 2019

TeleDiab‐2 was a 13‐month randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of two telemonitoring systems to optimize basal insulin (BI) initiation in subjects with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c, 7.5%‐10%). A total of 191 participants (mean age 58.7 years, mean HbA1c 8.9%) were randomized into three groups: group 1(G1, standard care, n = 63), group 2 (G2, interactive voice response system, n = 64) and group 3 (G3, Diabeo‐BI app software, n = 64). The two telemonitoring systems proposed daily adjustments of BI doses, in order to facilitate the achievement of fasting blood glucose (FBG) values targeted at ~100 mg/dL. At 4 months follow‐up, HbA1c reduction was significantly higher in the telemonitoring groups (G2: −1.44% and G3: −1.48% vs. G1: −0.92%; P < 0.002). Moreover, target FBG was reached by twice as many patients in the telemonitoring groups as in the control group, and insulin doses were also titrated to higher levels. No severe hypoglycaemia was observed in the telemonitoring groups and mild hypoglycaemia frequency was similar in all groups. In conclusion, both telemonitoring systems improved glycaemic control to a similar extent, without increasing hypoglycaemic episodes.
Estimation of heritability of feeding behaviour traits and their correlation with production traits in Finnish Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Kavlak Alper T. , Uimari Pekka
Published: June 2019

A major proportion of the costs of pork production is related to feed. The feed conversion rate (FCR) or residual feed intake (RFI) is thus commonly included in breeding programmes. Feeding behaviour traits do not directly have economic value but, if correlated with production traits, can be used as auxiliary traits. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of feeding behaviour traits and their genetic correlations with production traits in the Finnish Yorkshire pig population. The data were available from 3,235 pigs. Feeding behaviour was measured as the number of visits per day (NVD), time spent in feeding per day (TPD), daily feed intake (DFI), time spent feeding per visit (TPV), feed intake per visit (FPV) and feed intake rate (FR). The test station phase was divided into five periods. Estimates of heritabilities of feeding behaviour traits varied from 0.17 to 0.47. Strong genetic correlations were obtained between behaviour traits in all periods. However, only DFI was strongly correlated with the production traits. Interestingly, a moderate positive genetic correlation was obtained between FR and backfat thickness (0.1–0.5) and between FR and average daily gain (0.3–0.4), depending on the period. Based on the results, there is no additional benefit from including feeding‐related traits other than those commonly used (FCR and RFI) in the breeding programme. However, if correlated with animal welfare, the feeding behaviour traits could be valuable in the breeding programme.
The never‐ending story of CIED infection prevention: Shall we WRAP‐IT and go?
Authors: Biffi Mauro
Published: June 2019

CIED infection is perceived as substantial, ranging from 1% to 4% in literature depending on different studies and on the population profile, and can appear either as surgical site or endovascular infection or both. Several factors have been found to be associated to CIED infection, that can be summarized as patient‐related (clinical profile, associated comorbidities, ongoing treatment as anticoagulants and immunosuppressants), Procedure‐related (complexity of CIED surgery, type of surgery, previous pocket exploration), and center‐/operator‐related (center/operator volume). Thus, it is difficult to disentangle the extent of benefit that any intervention may offer to decrease this threatened complication, owing to its multifaceted complexity. The recently completed PADIT and WRAP‐IT trials have significantly improved our knowledge in this field (nearly 20 000 patients enrolled), reporting an infection rate of 1% to 1.2% in control‐arm patients and a 20% to 67% infection decrease when incremental antibiotic prophylaxis is added on top of optimized preventative strategies. Observational registries highlighted that participation in a prospective survey of CIED infection dramatically decrease infection rate by optimization of antisepsis protocols and operator awareness, that explains the low event rate observed in PADIT and WRAP‐IT. While this consideration prompts each center to engage into a proactive infection prevention program, it makes a point in favor of antibiotic prophylaxis delivered locally in 7 days or more, as enabled by TYRX in the WRAP‐IT trial. However, care sustainability (the number needed to treat in the most favorable WRAP‐IT scenario is 100) suggests further analysis to understand the settings (patient‐ or procedure‐related) most likely to benefit by such an enhanced prevention strategy.
Endo‐epicardial vs endocardial‐only catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cardoso Rhanderson , Assis Fabrizio R. , D’Avila Andre
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The efficacy of endocardial catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be limited by intramural or epicardial substrates. Adding epicardial mapping and ablation may improve arrhythmia outcomes compared with an endocardial‐only approach.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies comparing a strategy of endo‐epicardial catheter ablation to an endocardial‐only approach for VT. Subanalyses were performed for ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies.

Results

A total of 22 studies including 1138 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Of those, 44% underwent an endo‐epicardial approach. During intermediate to long‐term follow‐up (average 7 to 70 months), recurrent VT or appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies were significantly lower with the endo‐epicardial strategy (OR, 0.52; P < .01). All‐cause mortality was also lower in this group (OR, 0.50; P = .03). No difference between endo‐epicardial and endocardial‐only ablation was noted in nonischemic cardiomyopathies. Among 323 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, recurrent VT or appropriate ICD therapies was less frequent in the endo‐epicardial group (OR, 0.39; P = .01), as was all‐cause mortality (OR, 0.38; P = .05). In patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, recurrent VT or appropriate ICD therapy was also lower in the endo‐epicardial group (OR, 0.42; P = .04).

Conclusion

These results suggest that a strategy of combined endo‐ and epicardial access for mapping and ablation of VT may provide superior efficacy to an endocardial‐only approach in selected patients. Randomized trials are warranted to further investigate this question.
Diagnostic value of symptoms in chronic polyneuropathy: The Erasmus Polyneuropathy Symptom Score
Authors: Hanewinckel Rens , van Oijen Marieke , Taams Noor E. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Notermans Nicolette C. , Vrancken Alexander F. J. E. , Ikram M. Arfan , van Doorn Pieter A.
Published: June 2019

In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of symptoms of chronic polyneuropathy and to construct and validate a simple questionnaire that can help diagnose chronic polyneuropathy. In a multi‐step procedure, we initially compiled a 12‐item questionnaire concerning polyneuropathy symptoms. The questionnaire was completed by 117 polyneuropathy patients and 188 controls (headache, transient ischemic attack, multiple sclerosis). First, we calculated sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of each symptom. Next, we used multi‐variable logistic regression to create a model that could discriminate patients from controls, using only the most informative symptoms and their frequency of occurrence. Based on the regression coefficients, we developed a simple scoring system (Erasmus Polyneuropathy Symptom Score, E‐PSS), which was externally validated in 140 cases with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy and 96 controls without polyneuropathy. We assessed performance with discrimination (area under the curve, AUC) and calibration analyses. Numb and tingling feet were most frequently reported by polyneuropathy patients and had the highest sensitivity. Walking on cotton wool and allodynia had the highest specificity. Logistic regression yielded a model that contained these four symptoms, complemented with balance problems and tingling hands. Based on this analysis, the E‐PSS was created, ranging from 0 to 14. The E‐PSS had a good performance (AUC = 0.92) in the derivation set and proved to be valid in the external population (AUC = 0.95). In conclusion, the Erasmus Polyneuropathy Symptom Score (E‐PSS) is a simple, validated six‐item score that takes the presence and frequency of six different symptoms into account and it may be a helpful tool to screen individuals for the presence of chronic polyneuropathy.
The neuroanatomy of Eml1 knockout mice, a model of subcortical heterotopia
Authors: Collins Stephan C. , Uzquiano Ana , Selloum Mohammed , Wendling Olivia , Gaborit Marion , Osipenko Maria , Birling Marie‐Christine , Yalcin Binnaz , Francis Fiona
Published: June 2019

The cerebral cortex is a highly organized structure responsible for advanced cognitive functions. Its development relies on a series of steps including neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal migration, axonal outgrowth and brain wiring. Disruption of these steps leads to cortical malformations, often associated with intellectual disability and epilepsy. We have generated a new resource to shed further light on subcortical heterotopia, a malformation characterized by abnormal neuronal position. We describe here the generation and characterization of a knockout (KO) mouse model for Eml1, a microtubule‐associated protein showing mutations in human ribbon‐like subcortical heterotopia. As previously reported for a spontaneous mouse mutant showing a mutation in Eml1, we observe severe cortical heterotopia in the KO. We also observe abnormal progenitor cells in early corticogenesis, likely to be the origin of the defects. EML1 KO mice on the C57BL/6N genetic background also appear to present a wider phenotype than the original mouse mutant, showing additional brain anomalies, such as corpus callosum abnormalities. We compare the anatomy of male and female mice and also study heterozygote animals. This new resource will help unravel roles for Eml1 in brain development and tissue architecture, as well as the mechanisms leading to severe subcortical heterotopia.
Investigation of the association between C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene and plasma homocysteine level in recurrent fetal miscarriage
Authors: Zarfeshan Fard Yalda , Kooshkaki Omid , Kordi Tammandani Dormohammad , Anani Sarab Gholamreza
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the association between C677T polymorphism in MTHFR gene and plasma homocysteine concentration in recurrent fetal miscarriages.

Methods

Overall, 100 women were included in the research, the case group comprised of 50 women who had a history of spontaneously recurrent miscarriage with unspecified cause, and 50 of whom had experienced at least two successful pregnancy, as controls. Methods used in the study included PCR‐RFLP with limited effective HinfI enzyme in order to investigate MTHFR polymorphism and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis to investigate plasma homocysteine concentration.

Results

There was a significant increase in the prevalence of mutant TT genotype among women with miscarriage history. Also, the mean homocysteine level in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.002) and higher level of homocysteine was found in the carriers of T allele.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that C677TT genotype may be a risk factor for miscarriage and CC wild type genotype supposed to have protective effect on hyperhomocysteinemia.
Third Party Complements and Market Entry
Authors: Okumura Akihiro
Published: June 2019

This paper considers two types of components, main and peripheral, both indispensable for consumption. There are two first‐party incumbent firms, each producing the two components, and one potential third‐party entrant that would supply only the peripheral one. By using a two‐dimensional Hotelling model, I show that entry takes place if the peripheral component is sufficiently differentiated. Furthermore, entry of the potential entrant does not harm the incumbents. It can even be beneficial when the entrant captures consumers that were not participating in the market, as it generates additional demand for the incumbents. Finally, entry is efficient for society due to a significant increase in the consumer surplus, while the expected profit of the third party does not cover its entry cost for some parameter values. In this case, government intervention to encourage the third party to enter the market may be desirable.
Method for Measurements of Terrestrial Ultraviolet Radiation on Inclined Surfaces in Personal Dosimetry Field Studies
Authors: Corradi Elena , Baczynska Katarzyna A , Morelii Marco , Giulietti Danilo , Khazova Marina
Published: June 2019

Understanding personal ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is essential for the evaluation of the health risks and benefits; however, personal dosimetry could be challenging in large‐scale or/and long‐term population studies. Alternatively, personal exposure could be simulated using three‐dimensional models and lifestyle surveys together with data on a body position with respect to the sun. These models require a real‐time input on local environmental UVR. The main challenge in using this method is retrieval of the diffuse irradiance as it requires an often‐expensive tracking of solar position. In this study, a hypothesis that UVR measured on a vertical plane in the north direction can be used in the UK as a proxy for diffuse radiation was tested against direct measurements and compared with models based on solar tracker data in Chilton, UK, (51.57°N) in June–July 2018. The statistical analysis over 17 days under all weather conditions showed that for 45° and 90° tilted surfaces the proposed method performed as well as the best of the models based on solar tracker data. A proposed system could offer a portable and low‐cost alternative to measurements of diffuse radiation by solar tracking radiometers for spatial distribution of terrestrial erythema effective UVR in population field studies.
Offshoring and skill overlap: An empirical investigation
Authors: Choi Jaerim
Published: June 2019

Conventional international trade theory predicts that bilateral offshoring flows will be highest when two countries have very different relative factor endowments. In contrast, the new trade theory contends that offshoring is more likely to exist when countries’ relative factor endowments are similar. This paper empirically tests the relationship between offshoring and relative factor endowments, measured by the skill overlap index between two countries and finds evidence that there is an inverted U‐shape relationship. Our empirical results predict that the rise in educational attainment in China will motivate U.S. multinationals to send their tasks to China in the short run; over the long run, however, U.S. multinationals will have fewer incentives to send their tasks to China. This finding sheds new light on the current trade tensions between the United States and China and has implications for trade policy.
MitoBKCa channel is functionally associated with its regulatory β1 subunit in cardiac mitochondria
Authors: Balderas Enrique , Torres Natalia S. , Rosa‐Garrido Manuel , Chaudhuri Dipayan , Toro Ligia , Stefani Enrico , Olcese Riccardo
Published: June 2019

Key points

Association of plasma membrane BKCa channels with BK‐β subunits shapes their biophysical properties and physiological roles; however, functional modulation of the mitochondrial BKCa channel (mitoBKCa) by BK‐β subunits is not established.

MitoBKCa‐α and the regulatory BK‐β1 subunit associate in mouse cardiac mitochondria.

A large fraction of mitoBKCa display properties similar to that of plasma membrane BKCa when associated with BK‐β1 (left‐shifted voltage dependence of activation, V1/2 = −55 mV, 12 µm matrix Ca2+).

In BK‐β1 knockout mice, cardiac mitoBKCa displayed a low Po and a depolarized V1/2 of activation (+47 mV at 12 µm matrix Ca2+)

Co‐expression of BKCa with the BK‐β1 subunit in HeLa cells doubled the density of BKCa in mitochondria.

The present study supports the view that the cardiac mitoBKCa channel is functionally modulated by the BK‐β1 subunit; proper targeting and activation of mitoBKCa shapes mitochondrial Ca2+ handling.

Association of the plasma membrane BKCa channel with auxiliary BK‐β1–4 subunits profoundly affects the regulatory mechanisms and physiological processes in which this channel participates. However, functional association of mitochondrial BK (mitoBKCa) with regulatory subunits is unknown. We report that mitoBKCa functionally associates with its regulatory subunit BK‐β1 in adult rodent cardiomyocytes. Cardiac mitoBKCa is a calcium‐ and voltage‐activated channel that is sensitive to paxilline with a large conductance for K+ of 300 pS. Additionally, mitoBKCa displays a high open probability (Po) and voltage half‐activation (V1/2 = −55 mV, n = 7) resembling that of plasma membrane BKCa when associated with its regulatory BK‐β1 subunit. Immunochemistry assays demonstrated an interaction between mitochondrial BKCa‐α and its BK‐β1 subunit. Mitochondria from the BK‐β1 knockout (KO) mice showed sparse mitoBKCa currents (five patches with mitoBKCa activity out of 28 total patches from n = 5 different hearts), displaying a depolarized V1/2 of activation (+47 mV in 12 µm matrix Ca2+). The reduced activity of mitoBKCa was accompanied by a high expression of BKCa transcript in the BK‐β1 KO, suggesting a lower abundance of mitoBKCa channels in this genotype. Accordingly, BK‐β1subunit increased the localization of BKDEC (i.e. the splice variant of BKCa that specifically targets mitochondria) into mitochondria by two‐fold. Importantly, both paxilline‐treated and BK‐β1 KO mitochondria displayed a more rapid Ca2+ overload, featuring an early opening of the mitochondrial transition pore. We provide strong evidence that mitoBKCa associates with its regulatory BK‐β1 subunit in cardiac mitochondria, ensuring proper targeting and activation of the mitoBKCa channel that helps to maintain mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis.