bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cooperative game approach to uncertain decentralized logistic systems subject to network reliability considerations
Authors: Heidari Gharehbolagh Hadi , Hafezalkotob Ashkan , Makui Ahmad , Raissi Sadigh
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Maximum-flow of an uncertain multi-owner network has become very important recently. This study aims to evaluate the maximum flow on a cooperated logistic system in the presence of uncertainties, raised by travel time, capacity, cost and failures.

Design/methodology/approach

To consider different uncertainties and to promote network efficiency, the proposed model is enriched with a cooperative game methodology and a reliability method. A scenario-based method covers optimistic, pessimistic and most likely estimates time, cost and capacity of each route as well as applies a prior failure pattern for breakdown of any resource.

Findings

A linear optimization model, which is enriched with target reliability estimation, is presented. Results on a water distribution network indicate more revenue performance for players. Carrying out sensitivity analysis shows the importance of the model parameters.

Originality/value

Modeling maximum-flow problem in the presence of many sources of uncertainty with the aim of a cooperative game is the main contribution of the present study. Also, a novel method based on the reliability theory is applied to close the chasm on evaluating the real maximum flow in a shared decentralized network which suffers from risky conditions on arcs and nodes.
Developing a new framework for evaluating e-learning systems: integrating BSC and FAHP
Authors: Jami Pour Mona , Hosseinzadeh Mahnaz , Bagherzadeh Azar Mohammad , Taheri Fatemeh
Published: July 2017

Purpose

E-learning is one area of strategic application of information technology (IT) in the educational field. In the past, massive investments in e-learning systems have neither been necessarily effective nor created value for e-learners. As a result, e-learning systems’ evaluation has become critical. Although many researchers have studied e-learning’s performance evaluation, there is little research on e-learning assessment, which uses pedagogical principles and organizational issues along with information systems (ISs) assessment measures. Thus, the purpose of this study is to consolidate multi-dimensional aspects of e-learning evaluation by applying balanced scorecard (BSC) as a strategic performance measurement method. This study further seeks a solution for designing a systematic approach, in which three equally important considerations must be balanced: organization, pedagogy and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces a framework for assessing e-learning systems by using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and BSC. Owing to the growing use of BSC in strategic management, this study applies its four perspectives as a base for performance evaluation. To identify measures of each perspective, a comprehensive literature review has been conducted. Modifying the list of measures is completed in two phases: first by using a focus group consisting of six e-learning experts, and second, by using a survey analysis conducted among 256 Iranian e-learners. FAHP is applied to weigh and determine the rank-order of the measures.

Findings

The results propose integrating pedagogical, organizational and technical measures based on the BSC framework for evaluating e-learning systems. In the proposed framework, effective BSC perspectives and their rank-orders and weights are presented as a guideline for assessing e-learning systems in Iran.

Research implications

In e-learning initiatives, organizational issues must be considered along with technological and pedagogical factors simultaneously. The proposed framework can assist educational institutions and organizations to identify weaknesses and strengths of e-learning projects and guide them to select appropriate strategies for progress.

Originality/value

A review of the e-learning literature shows that there are few substantive theoretical accounts, which adequately integrate multiple dimensions of e-learning evaluation; yet, most researchers view e-learning evaluation as the most difficult part in the e-learning implementation process. This study proposes a new conceptual framework to evaluate e-learning initiatives systematically. The main contribution of this study is to develop a new systematic approach for e-learning systems’ evaluation that integrates two well-established managerial methodologies (BSC and FAHP), and considers pedagogical, organizational and technological aspects synchronously.
Modeling socially responsible consumption and the need for uniqueness: a PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Andrei Andreia Gabriela , Gazzola Patrizia , Zbuchea Alexandra , Alexandru Vlad Andrei
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is intended to fill a research gap, by advancing a conceptual model which brings novel insights on the relationships between socially responsible consumption and consumer’s need for uniqueness.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on a questionnaire-based survey for data collection, the proposed model was tested using the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm for structural equation modeling (SEM), which allows the assessment of the models containing both formative and reflective constructs.

Findings

The research found that 73.7 per cent of the variance in the consumer’s belief in the importance of personal power to make a difference through socially responsible choices is explained by the proposed model. Moreover, four of the five factors of socially responsible consumption fully mediate the positive effect of the consumer’s need for uniqueness on the importance attached to personal socially responsible choices in driving positive change.

Research limitations/implications

The study avails a phenomenological perspective by offering novel insights from a Romanian sample. The limitation associated with a country-centric vision is compensated through the contextual analysis and integration of a new point of reference in the overall framework of socially responsible consumption.

Practical implications

The evidence is indicative of new consumption insights and should be closely considered by companies.

Originality/value

The study draws upon a conceptual model integrating the relationships between socially responsible consumption and a psychological characteristic – the consumer’s need for uniqueness – which has been never tested as such before.
Academic library for excellence today: a report from the panel discussion
Authors: Siddaiah Dinesh K.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present my panel discussion report on Academic Library for excellence today, a sub-theme of the Sixth International Library and Information Summit on Dynamics of Library for Excellence in Electronic Revolution (I-LIPS – 2017), IISER Mohali, India. In this report, two sets of academic and research support services have been highlighted, which can be developed more extensively and offer to academic library users.

Design/methodology/approach

Excerpts from the panel discussion on the academic library for excellence today.

Findings

Academic and research support can bring excellence in libraries today.

Originality/value

Today more and more focus is required on developing academic, research and digital literacy skills of our library users.
“The story of data”
Authors: Robinson Lyn , Bawden David
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new approach to education for library/information students in data literacy – the principles and practice of data collection, manipulation and management – as a part of the Masters programmes in library and information science (CityLIS) at City, University of London.

Design/methodology/approach

The course takes a socio-technical approach, integrating, and giving equal importance to, technical and social/ethical aspects. Topics covered include: the relation between data, information and documents; representation of digital data; network technologies; information architecture; metadata; data structuring; search engines, databases and specialised retrieval tools; text and data mining, web scraping; data cleaning, manipulation, analysis and visualisation; coding; data metrics and analytics; artificial intelligence; data management and data curation; data literacy and data ethics; and constructing data narratives.

Findings

The course, which was well received by students in its first iteration, gives a basic grounding in data literacy, to be extended by further study, professional practice and lifelong learning.

Originality/value

This is one of the first accounts of an introductory course to equip all new entrants to the library/information professions with the understanding and skills to take on roles in data librarianship and data management.
Application of theory of planned behaviour in purchasing intention and consumption ofHalalfood
Authors: Soon Jan Mei , Wallace Carol
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Food businesses provideHalalfood to cater to the dietary requirements of Muslims, especially in communities with a growing number of the ethnic minority and at public institutions such as higher education establishments. A large and growing body of literature has investigated the purchasing and consumption behaviour ofHalalfood, and there are also studies that revealed consumers who do not supportHalalfood products on the grounds of animal welfare where animals were slaughtered without stunning. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the predictors of purchasing intention ofHalalfood products and perceptions of animal welfare among Muslims and non-Muslim consumers of a public higher education institution.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic profiles and importance ofHalalfood. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency of distribution of all sociodemographic characteristics. Multiple regression analyses were used to describe the theory of planned behaviour relationship and purchasing intention.

Findings

The regression model for all the respondents explained about 73 per cent of the variance of the intent to purchaseHalalfoods whereR2= 0.724 (adjustedR2= 0.72). This was significantly different from zero F(3, 185) = 162.130,p< 0.001. Both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers’ attitudes were significant predictors of their purchasing intention ofHalalfoods (β= 0.87,p< 0.001). The implications of subjective norms and perceived behavioural control and the lack of influence from these predictors are discussed.

Originality/value

This study revealed that both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers agreed on the importance of animal welfare, but there exist differences in perceptions of animal welfare inHalalmeat production. This research is of value to those working in regulatory and food service settings in understanding the differences and needs of consumers, and it contributes to a better understanding of the customers within a university setting.
Ipomoea batatas as a novel binding agent for hot-set restructured binding systems and green coffee bean for improved lipid oxidative stability and storage quality
Authors: Dilnawaz H.M. , Kumar Sunil , Bhat Z.F.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to to explore the possibility of utilization of Ipomoea batatas as a novel binding agent for hot-set restructured meat products. Further, green coffee bean (GCB) extract was used as a natural ingredient to improve the lipid oxidative stability and storage quality of the developed restructured mutton blocks.

Design/methodology/approach

Restructured mutton blocks were used as a model and were prepared by incorporating different levels of I. batatas, namely, 1, 3 and 5 per cent and analyzed for various quality parameters. Restructured mutton blocks containing optimum level of I. batatas were further treated with GCB (1 per cent) extract as a natural ingredient and assessed for various lipid oxidative stability and storage quality parameters under refrigerated conditions (4 ± 1°C).

Findings

Restructured mutton blocks containing 3 per cent level of I. batatas were optimized as best on the basis of various quality parameters. Although a significant declining trend was observed in the sensory characteristics with storage; however, the products containing GCB extract showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher acceptability. The mean scores for overall acceptability for products with GCB extract on day 0 was 7.4 ± 0.1 and for control was 7.3 ± <0.1. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS, mg malonaldehyde/kg) and free fatty acid (FFA, % oleic acid) values were observed for the products containing GCB extract. The mean TBARS and FFA values for products with GCB extract on day 0 were 0.2 ± <0.1 and 0.08 ± <0.1 and for control were 0.3 ± <0.1 and 0.09 ± <0.1, respectively. The restructured mutton blocks containing GCB extract also showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values for various microbiological characteristics like total plate count (log cfu/g) and psychrophilic count (log cfu/g).

Originality/value

The results showed herein indicate a promising industrial application of I. batatas (3 per cent) as a binding agent for restructured meat products and GCB extract (1 per cent) as a novel natural ingredient for improved lipid oxidative stability and storage quality.
Effect of nutritional information and health claims related to cashew nut and soya milk beverages on consumers’ acceptance and perception
Authors: Rebouças Marina Cabral , Rodrigues Maria do Carmo Passos , Freitas Silvia Maria de , Ferreira Bruno Burnier Arcanjo , Costa Vanderson da Silva
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The number of researches that evaluate how behavioural and personality issues affect consumers’ acceptance and perception of food is increasing. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutritional information and health claims related to soya and cashew nut beverages over consumers’ acceptance and perception regarding nutritional value and healthiness and to verify whether behavioural and personality issues affect such evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples were evaluated in two phases, with (blind phase) and without information (informed phase) about their composition, nutritional characteristics and functional claims related to some of their ingredients. The sensory evaluation data were analysed by means of the analysis of variance for repeated measures, applying 2 (information) × 2 (beverage) and generalised linear model to evaluate the effect of information over the acceptance averages, as well as over the perception of healthy food and nutritional value.

Findings

Information on composition, nutritional characteristics and functional claims related to the cashew nut and soya beverages did not influence flavour acceptance (p-value = 0.250) and overall impression (p-value = 0.316), but had a positive impact on consumers’ perception regarding healthiness (p-value < 0.001) and nutritious value (p-value < 0.001) of both beverages, the cashew nut beverage being perceived as more nutritious and healthier than the soya beverage. Consumers’ different characteristics with respect to their interest in healthy eating (high and low) and food neophobia (neophiliacs and neophobics) did not have any influence on the beverages’ acceptance, as well as on the perception of healthy food and nutritious value.

Originality/value

This work compares consumers’ acceptance and perception regarding nutritional value and healthiness with relation a totally unique product in the Brazilian market, and in the world, a new functional beverage made from cashew nuts, with a soya-milk beverage. Until this moment, there are no studies comparing consumer acceptance and perception of products based on hydrosoluble extract-base added with fruit juice which evaluate the influence of behavioural and personality characteristics of consumers in their perception and acceptance towards these products.
Biologically active compounds released and extraction efficiency of cantaloupe juice treated with combination of Rapidase EX color and Accellerase
Authors: Naknaen Phisut
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of concentrations of mixed enzymes (Rapidase EX Color and Accellerase) and incubation times on the release of biologically active compounds and the extraction efficiency of cantaloupe juice.

Design/methodology/approach

Different concentrations of the mixed enzymes (0.25-1.0 per cent) and incubation times (1-5 h) were used. The yield, clarity, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities were investigated.

Findings

The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, β-carotene, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant capacities as evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power were approximately 6, 3.25, 3, 2.5, 3.5 and 3.0 times higher than the control samples after incubating with 0.5 per cent enzyme for 2 h (p < 0.05). This condition was recommended to promote the release of biologically active compounds and still provided a 32 per cent increase in the amount of the extracted juice.

Practical implications

Cantaloupe juice produced by enzymatic treatment could be claimed to be a source of health enhancing compounds. This work could be used as a guideline for the industry to develop high value-added functional drinks from cantaloupe.

Originality/value

This study evaluates for the first study on the application of Rapidase EX Color and Accellerase for improving the phytochemical compounds in cantaloupe juice. This technique could successfully extract the cantaloupe juice with biologically active nutrients containing beneficial health effects.
System leadership development in Children’s Centres in the UK
Authors: Stuart Kaz , Wilcox Megan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This study aims to establish the complex nature of leadership in children’s centres in the UK and to demonstrate the value of system leadership as a vital concept for children’s centre leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents a case study of leadership development with 24 leaders of children’s centres across Hertfordshire.

Findings

The study considers the efficacy of system leadership, including distributed leadership, within this setting. Evaluation of the programme found that the concept of system leadership was appropriate, supportive and validating for leaders of children’s centres; however, the concept needed support with further practical tools and resources.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is its specificity to one local authority, and further research will be needed to see how generalisable the findings are.

Practical implications

The implication of the study is that leaders of children’s centres could be supported to work more effectively with system leadership.

Social implications

When leaders of children’s centres feel effective, they have enhanced well-being and achieve more outcomes, which in turn enhances the well-being of the children and families that they serve.

Originality/value

Leadership in children’s centres is an under-researched and under-supported area. This study makes a new contribution to this sector of leadership.
Molecular characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae, particularly serotype19A/ST320, which emerged in Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Authors: Protasova Irina N. , Wan Tsai‐Wen , Bakhareva Natalya V. , Hung Wei‐Chun , Higuchi Wataru , Iwao Yasuhisa , Yelistratova Tatyana A. , Ilyenkova Natalya A. , Sokolovskaya Yelena S. , Martynova Galina P. , Reva Ivan V. , Reva Galina V. , Sidorenko Sergey V. , Teng Lee‐Jene , Peryanova Olga V. , Salmina Alla B. , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: July 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common human pathogen, colonizes the nasopharynx and causes diseases including acute otitis media (AOM). Herein, pneumococcal serotype distributions in children before and after PCV7 vaccination and in patients with pneumococcal disease in Siberian Russia (Krasnoyarsk) are reported. Analyses included antimicrobial susceptibility testing, sequence typing (ST), pulsed field gel electrophoresis, virulence‐related surface protein gene (VSG) typing with novel primers and structural analysis by scanning electron microscopy. In healthy children (HC) prior to administration of PCV7, drug‐susceptible serotype23F/ST1500 was a major pneumococcal genotype. In the PCV7 trial, multidrug‐resistant serotype19A/ST320 emerged in vaccinees after PCV7, exhibiting a PCV7‐induced serotype replacement. Multidrug‐resistant serotype19A/ST320 was evident in patients with AOM. Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) isolates showed genetic similarities to the AOM (ST320) genotype, constituting a common non‐invasive AOM–CAP group. In contrast, meningitis isolates were more divergent. Overall, 25 ST types were identified; five (20%) of which were Krasnoyarsk‐native. Regarding VSGs, PI‐1 (rlrA/rrgB), PI‐2 (pitA/B), psrP and cbpA were present at 54.3%, 38.6%, 48.6%, and 95.7%, respectively, with two major VSG content types, PI‐1−/PI‐2−/psrP+/cbpA+ and PI‐1+/PI‐2+/psrP‐/cbpA+, being found for HC and non‐invasive diseases, respectively. A major clone of serotype19A/ST320 (PI‐1+/PI‐2+) produced the longest pneumococcal wire (pilus) structures in colonies. ST1016 (PI‐1−/PI‐2−) in HC had HEp‐2 cell‐adherent pili. These results suggest that serotype19A/ST320 and related genotypes, with the VSG content type PI‐1+/PI‐2+/psrP−/cbpA+, emerged in vaccinees after PCV7 in Siberia, accompanying diseases in non‐vaccinated children, and that some genotypes (serotypes19A/ST320 and 18/ST1016) produced novel pneumococcal structures, predicting their roles in colony formation and adherence.
Realistic heat pulses protect frogs from disease under simulated rainforest frog thermal regimes
Authors: Greenspan Sasha E. , Bower Deborah S. , Webb Rebecca J. , Roznik Elizabeth A. , Stevenson Lisa A. , Berger Lee , Marantelli Gerry , Pike David A. , Schwarzkopf Lin , Alford Ross A.
Published: July 2017

Recent emergences of fungal diseases have caused catastrophic global losses of biodiversity. Temperature is one of the most important factors influencing host–fungus associations but the effects of temperature variability on disease development are rarely examined.

The chytrid pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has had severe effects on populations of hundreds of rainforest‐endemic amphibian species but we know little about the effects of rainforest‐specific host body temperature cycles on infection patterns.

To address this challenge, we used body temperature regimes experienced in nature by frogs in the Australian Wet Tropics to guide a controlled experiment investigating the effects of body temperature fluctuations on infection patterns in a model host (Litoria spenceri), with emphasis on exposing frogs to realistic “heat pulses” that only marginally exceed the thermal optimum of the fungus. We then exposed cultured Bd to an expanded array of heat pulse treatments and measured parameters of population growth to help resolve the role of host immunity in our in vivo results.

Infections developed more slowly in frogs exposed to daily 4‐hr heat pulses of 26°C or 29°C than in frogs in constant temperature treatments without heat pulses (control). Frogs that experienced heat pulses were also less likely to exceed infection intensities at which morbidity and mortality become likely. Ten of 11 (91%) frogs from the daily 29°C heat pulse treatment even cleared their infections after approximately 9 weeks.

Cultured Bd also grew more slowly when exposed to heat pulses than in constant‐temperature control treatments, suggesting that mild heat pulses have direct negative effects on Bd growth in nature, but precluding us from determining whether there was a concurrent benefit of heat pulses to host immunity.

Our results suggest that even in habitats where average temperatures may be suitable for fungal growth and reproduction, infection risk or the outcome of existing infections may be heavily influenced by short but frequent exposures to temperatures that only slightly exceed the optimum for the fungus.

Our findings provide support for management interventions that promote warm microenvironments for hosts, such as small‐scale removal of branches overhanging critical habitat or provision of artificial heat sources.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Impact of Cost‐Sharing Increases on Continuity of Specialty Drug Use: A Quasi‐Experimental Study
Authors: Li Pengxiang , Hu Tianyan , Yu Xinyan , Chahin Salim , Dahodwala Nabila , Blum Marissa , Pettit Amy R. , Doshi Jalpa A.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To examine the impact of cost‐sharing increases on continuity of specialty drug use in Medicare beneficiaries with multiple sclerosis (MS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Data Sources/Study Setting

Five percent Medicare claims data (2007–2010).

Study Design

Quasi‐experimental study examining changes in specialty drug use among a group of Medicare Part D beneficiaries without low‐income subsidies (non‐LIS) as they transitioned from a 5 percent cost‐sharing preperiod to a ≥25 percent cost‐sharing postperiod, as compared to changes among a disease‐matched contemporaneous control group of patients eligible for full low‐income subsidies (LIS), who faced minor cost sharing (≤$6.30 copayment) in both the pre‐ and postperiods.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Key variables were extracted from Medicare data.

Principal Findings

Relative to the LIS group, the non‐LIS group had a greater increase in incidence of 30‐day continuous gaps in any Part D treatment from the lower cost‐sharing period to the higher cost‐sharing period (MS, absolute increase = 10.1 percent, OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.19–2.17; RA, absolute increase = 21.9 percent, OR = 2.75, 95% CI 2.15–3.51). The increase in Part D treatment gaps was not offset by increased Part B specialty drug use.

Conclusions

Cost‐sharing increases due to specialty tier‐level cost sharing were associated with interruptions in MS and RA specialty drug treatments.
Evasin‐displaying lactic acid bacteria bind different chemokines and neutralize CXCL8 production in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Škrlec Katja , Pucer Janež Anja , Rogelj Boris , Štrukelj Borut , Berlec Aleš
Published: July 2017

Chemokines are key signals in the immune system and play an important role as proinflammatory mediators in the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, making them an important target for therapy. Recombinant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were engineered to bind CC and CXC chemokines by displaying chemokine‐binding proteins evasin‐1, evasin‐3 and evasin‐4 on their surface. Evasin genes were cloned into lactococcal surface display vector and overexpressed in L. lactis NZ9000 and NZ9000ΔhtrA in fusion with secretion signal and surface anchor. Evasin‐displaying bacteria removed from 15% to 90% of 11 different chemokines from the solution as determined with ELISA and Luminex multiplexing assays, whereby L. lactis NZ9000ΔhtrA proved more efficient. Lactobacillus salivarius ATCC 11741 was coated with L. . lactis‐expressed evasin fusion protein, and its ability to bind chemokines was also confirmed. Evasin‐3‐displaying L. lactis removed 76.0% of IL‐1β‐induced CXCL8 from the supernatant of Caco‐2 epithelial cells. It also prevented secretion of CXCL8 from Caco‐2 cells in a time‐dependent manner when added before induction with IL‐1β. Evasin‐displaying LAB have the ability to bind multiple chemokines simultaneously and exert synergistic activity. This innovative treatment approach therefore has the potential for mucosal therapy of inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
Hydrologic Landscape Classification to Estimate Bristol Bay, Alaska Watershed Hydrology
Authors: Todd M. Jason , Wigington Parker J. , Sproles Eric A.
Published: July 2017

Hydrologic landscapes (HLs) have proven to be a useful tool for broad scale assessment and classification of landscapes across the United States as they help organize larger geographical areas into areas of similar hydrologic characteristics. We developed a HL classification for the Bristol Bay watershed of southwest Alaska that incorporates indices of annual climate and seasonality, terrain, geology, and the influences of large lakes and glaciers. A HL classification is particularly useful in this large watershed because of its hydrologic and landscape variability, important salmon fishery, variety of environmental and potential anthropogenic stressors, and lack of widespread hydrologic data. Following creation of Bristol Bay basin‐wide HL classes, we compared the HL distributions within watersheds grouped by two calculated runoff parameters derived from available long‐term streamflow records and found HL distributions within these groups provided predictive insight on hydrologic behavior. Using these developed runoff groups, we estimated expected hydrologic behavior in watersheds across the larger Bristol Bay watershed that lacked gauged streamflow records. The HL approach provides a scientific basis for estimating the first‐order hydrologic behavior of watersheds and landscapes that lack detailed hydrologic information.
Parasitoid assemblage associated with a North American pine weevil in South Africa
Authors: Wondafrash Mesfin , Slippers Bernard , Garnas Jeff , Hurley Brett P.
Published: July 2017

The weevil Pissodes sp. was first reported as an introduced pest on exotic Pinus spp. in South Africa in 1942. It is only recently that the native wasp Pycnetron pix Prinsloo was described from South Africa as a parasitoid of this weevil.

We estimated the frequency and distribution of the association between P. pix and Pissodes sp., as well as the occurrence of possible other natural enemies. Parasitoids were reared from Pissodes‐infested Pinus radiata D. Don and Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. & Cham logs collected from major Pinus‐growing regions.

The identity of parasitoids was confirmed using morphological and molecular techniques. Parasitism was confirmed by analyzing gut content sequences of parasitoids.

Pycnetron pix was found parasitizing Pissodes sp. throughout major Pinus‐growing provinces of the country. Another native parasitoid, Cratocnema sp., is reported for the first time as a parasitoid of Pissodes sp. Rhopalicus tutela (Walker), a known parasitoid of Pissodes spp. in their native range, was also detected and confirmed to be of European origin.

Although characterized by an erratic distribution and a low parasitism rate, an accruing suite of natural enemies was documented, suggesting that there is potential for augmentative biological control of Pissodes sp. in South Africa.
A single base deletion in the SLC45A2 gene in a Bullmastiff with oculocutaneous albinism
Authors: Caduff M. , Bauer A. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T.
Published: July 2017

Oculocutaneous albinism type 4 (OCA4) in humans and similar phenotypes in many animal species are caused by variants in the SLC45A2 gene, encoding a putative sugar transporter. In dog, two independent SLC45A2 variants are known that cause oculocutaneous albinism in Doberman Pinschers and several small dog breeds respectively. For the present study, we investigated a Bullmastiff with oculocutaneous albinism. The affected dog was highly inbred and resulted from the mating of a sire to its own grandmother. We obtained whole genome sequence data from the affected dog and searched specifically for variants in candidate genes known to cause albinism. We detected a single base deletion in exon 6 of the SLC45A2 gene (NM_001037947.1:c.1287delC) that has not been reported thus far. This deletion is predicted to result in an early premature stop codon. It was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and perfectly co‐segregated with the phenotype in the available family members. We genotyped 174 unrelated dogs from diverse breeds, all of which were homozygous wildtype. We therefore suggest that SLC45A2:c.1287delC causes the observed oculocutaneous albinism in the affected Bullmastiff.
A genome‐wide association study for equine recurrent airway obstruction in European Warmblood horses reveals a suggestive new quantitative trait locus on chromosome 13
Authors: Schnider D. , Rieder S. , Leeb T. , Gerber V. , Neuditschko M.
Published: July 2017

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as heaves, is an asthma‐like respiratory disease. Its development is strongly influenced by environmental risk factors such as sensitization and exposure to moldy hay, straw bedding and stabling indoors. A hereditary component has been documented in previous studies; however, so far no causative genetic variant that influences the risk of developing RAO has been identified. In this study, we revised an existing dataset and selected 384 horses for genotyping on the Affymetrix high‐density equine SNP array. We performed an allelic case–control genome‐wide association study, which revealed a suggestively significant association on equine chromosome 13 at 32 843 309 bp. This SNP is located in the protein‐coding gene TXNDC11, which is possibly involved in the folding process of the multiprotein complexes DUOX1 and DUOX2. In humans, these proteins are known to take part in regulating the production of H2O2 in the respiratory tract epithelium as well as in MUC5AC mucin expression. Therefore, TXNDC11 may be considered a functional candidate gene, and further research is needed to explore its potential role in RAO‐affected horses.
Investigating the genetic regulation of the expression of 63 lipid metabolism genes in the pig skeletal muscle
Authors: González‐Prendes R. , Quintanilla R. , Amills M.
Published: July 2017

A comprehensive and systematic view of the genetic regulation of lipid metabolism genes is still lacking in pigs. Herewith, we have investigated the genetic regulation of 63 porcine genes with crucial roles in the uptake, transport, synthesis and catabolism of lipids. With this aim, we have performed an expression QTL (eQTL) scan in 104 pigs with available genotypes for the Illumina Porcine SNP60 chip and microarray measurements of gene expression in the gluteus medius muscle. Analysis of the data with gemma software revealed 13 cis‐ and 18 trans‐eQTL modulating the expression of 19 loci. Genes regulated by eQTL participated in a wide array of lipid metabolism pathways such as the β‐oxidation of fatty acids, lipid biosynthesis and lipolysis, fatty acid activation and desaturation, lipoprotein uptake, apolipoprotein assembly and cholesterol trafficking. These data provide a first picture of the genetic regulation of loci involved in porcine lipid metabolism.
A network meta‐analysis of the clinical properties of various types of supraglottic airway device in children
Authors: Mihara T. , Asakura A. , Owada G. , Yokoi A. , Ka K. , Goto T.
Published: July 2017

We conducted both conventional pairwise and Bayesian network meta‐analyses to compare the clinical properties of supraglottic airway devices in children. We searched six databases for randomised clinical trials. Our primary end‐points were oropharyngeal leak pressure, risk of insertion failure at first attempt, and blood staining risk. The risk of device failure, defined as the abandonment of the supraglottic airway device and replacement with a tracheal tube or another device, was also analysed. Sixty‐five randomised clinical trials with 5823 participants were identified, involving 16 types of supraglottic airway device. Network meta‐analysis showed that the i‐gel™, Cobra perilaryngeal airway™ and Proseal laryngeal mask airway (LMA®‐Proseal) showed statistically significant differences in oropharyngeal leak pressure compared with the LMA®‐Classic, with mean differences (95% credible interval, CrI) of 3.6 (1.9–5.8), 4.6 (1.7–7.6) and 3.4 (2.0–4.8) cmH2O, respectively. The i‐gel was the only device that significantly reduced the risk of blood staining of the device compared with the LMA‐Classic, with an odds ratio (95%CrI) of 0.46 (0.22–0.90). The risk (95%CI) of device failure with the LMA‐Classic, LMA®‐Unique and LMA‐Proseal was 0.36% (0.14–0.92%), 0.49% (0.13–1.8%) and 0.50% (0.23–1.1%), respectively, whereas the risk (95%CI) of the i‐gel and PRO‐Breathe was higher, at 3.4% (2.5–4.7%) and 6.0% (2.8–12.5%), respectively. The risk, expressed as odds ratio (95%CrI), of insertion failure at first attempt, was higher in patients weighing < 10 kg at 5.1 (1.6–20.1). We conclude that the LMA‐Proseal may be the best supraglottic airway device for children as it has a high oropharyngeal leak pressure and a low risk of insertion. Although the i‐gel has a high oropharyngeal leak pressure and low risk of blood staining of the device, the risk of device failure should be evaluated before its routine use can be recommended.
Unrecognized viral infections and chromosome abnormalities as a cause of fetal death – examination with fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Opsjøn Bente Ediassen , Nordbø Svein Arne , Vogt Christina
Published: July 2017

Fifteen to 50% of fetal deaths remain unexplained after post‐mortem examination depending on inclusion criteria and classification systems. Our aim was to examine a selection of unexplained fetal deaths in order to investigate whether any common chromosome aberrations or viral infections were present. Reports from 351 fetal autopsies performed at the Department of Pathology and Medical Genetics at St. Olavs University Hospital from 2001 through 2010 were reviewed. Of these, 105 fetal deaths were classified as unexplained. Tissue samples from 30 cases were further examined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect abnormalities in chromosomes 13, 18, and 21. The samples were also examined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect infections with cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, enterovirus, and parechovirus. In two cases, a possible trisomy 13 mosaicism was found. No viruses were detected. In our selection of 30 unexplained cases, possible trisomy 13 mosaicism was found in two cases, and no viruses were detected. High degree of maceration and missing placental examination often complicate the investigation of fetal death, and extensive ancillary examinations do not necessarily contribute to a more specific diagnosis.
BMP‐7 ameliorates cobalt alloy particle‐induced inflammation by suppressing Th17 responses
Authors: Chen Fengrong , Chen Ruisong , Liu Haoyuan , Sun Rupeng , Huang Jianming , Huang Zheyuan , Jian Guojian
Published: July 2017

Metal wear debris has been shown to activate an aseptic osteolytic process that causes failure in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This osteolysis is characterized by a proinflammatory, self‐propagating immune response involving primarily macrophages, dendritic cells, and activated osteoclasts, as well as T cells and B cells. The human bone morphogenic protein (BMP)‐7, on the other hand, was shown to promote osteoblast survival, and reversed the downregulation of anabolic Smad proteins and Runx2 following cobalt injury. Therefore, we investigated the effect and mechanism of BMP‐7 on the proinflammatory immune responses in osteoarthritis patients with previous TJA. Cobalt‐treated monocytes/macrophages presented significantly elevated levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), both of which were suppressed by the addition of exogenous BMP‐7. In patients with TJA, the serum BMP‐7 level was inversely associated with the level of IL‐6 and TNF secreted by monocytes/macrophages. Cobalt‐treated monocytes/macrophages effectively supported Th17 inflammation, by an IL‐6‐dependent but not TNF‐dependent mechanism. BMP‐7, however, significantly suppressed cobalt‐induced Th17 inflammation. In patients with TJA, the risk of osteolysis development was positively associated with the frequency of Th17 cells and negatively associated with the level of BMP‐7. Together, these results demonstrated that BMP‐7 could serve as a therapeutic agent in treating patients with metal wear debris‐induced inflammation.
Haploidentical transplantation compared with matched sibling and unrelated donor transplantation for adults with standard‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in first complete remission
Authors: Han Li‐Jie , Wang Yu , Fan Zhi‐Ping , Huang Fen , Zhou Jian , Fu Yue‐Wen , Qu Hong , Xuan Li , Xu Na , Ye Jie‐Yu , Bian Zhi‐Lei , Song Yong‐Ping , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Liu Qi‐Fa
Published: July 2017

We retrospectively investigated outcomes of haploidentical donor (HID) transplant for adults with standard‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in first complete remission (CR1) compared with human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched sibling donor (MSD) and HLA‐matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplants. A total of 348 adult patients were enrolled, including 127 HID, 144 MSD and 77 MUD recipients. The cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) was 39·5%, 24·0% and 40·3% for HID, MSD and MUD, respectively (P = 0·020). However, there was no difference in grade III–IV aGVHD (11·4%, 7·7%, 13·5%, respectively, P = 0·468). The 5‐year cumulative transplant‐related mortality was 16·4%, 11·6% and 19·6% (P = 0·162), the 5‐year relapse rate post‐transplantation was 14·8%, 21·1% and 16·7% (P = 0·231), the 5‐year overall survival was 70·1%, 73·7% and 69·8% (P = 0·525), and the 5‐year disease‐free survival was 68·7%, 67·3% and 63·7%, respectively (P = 0·606). Furthermore, the 3‐year GVHD‐free, relapse‐free survival was not different (50·8%, 54·9% and 52·2%, respectively, P = 0·847). Our results indicate that the outcomes of HID transplants are equivalent to those of MSD and MUD, and that HID transplantation is a valid alternative for standard‐risk adults with ALL in CR1 who lack matched donors.
Chlorinated adenosine analogue induces AMPK and autophagy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells during therapy
Authors: Stellrecht Christine M. , Chen Lisa S. , Ayres Mary L. , Dennison Jennifer B. , Shentu Shujun , Chen Yuling , Keating Michael J. , Wierda William G. , Gandhi Varsha
Published: July 2017

8‐chloro‐adenosine (8‐Cl‐Ado) is currently in phase‐I clinical trials for acute myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Previously, we demonstrated that treatment with 8‐Cl‐Ado leads to diminished ATP levels. We hypothesized that AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling would be initiated in these cells, leading to induction of autophagy. AMPK activation and induction of autophagy were demonstrated during preclinical incubations in CLL cells with the analogues. Importantly, we extended similar observations in CLL lymphocytes during an 8‐Cl‐Ado phase‐I trial. In conclusion, 8‐Cl‐Ado treatment induces autophagy in CLL lymphocytes in vitro as well as in vivo during clinical trial.
Inequitable health service use in a Canadian paediatric population: A cross‐sectional study of individual‐ and contextual‐level factors
Authors: Holtz C. , Gilliland J. , Thind A. , Wilk P. , Campbell M. K.
Published: July 2017

Background

Health service use may be influenced by multilevel predisposing, enabling, and need factors but is equitable when driven by need. The study's objectives were as follows: (a) to investigate residential context's effect on child health service use and (b) to examine inequity of child health service use by testing for effect measure modification of need factors.

Methods

The sample of 1,451 children was from a prenatal cohort recruited from London, Ontario, between 2002 and 2004, with follow‐up until children were toddler/preschooler‐aged. Individual‐level data were linked by residential address to neighbourhood contextual‐level data sourced from Statistics Canada. Multilevel logistic regression modelled factors associated with child health service use. Interaction terms were included in the model to test for effect measure modification of need factors by predisposing and enabling factors.

Results

Contextual‐level factors were not associated with child health service use. Maternal parity and nativity to Canada modified the effect of the need factor, paediatric health condition, on health service use. Health condition's effect was lowest in children of Canadian‐born mothers with one child only (OR = 1.58, p = .04) and highest in children of Canadian‐born mothers with three or more children (OR = 3.52, p < .01). Further, its effect was higher in children of Canadian‐born mothers compared to children of mothers who migrated to Canada; however, odds ratios were not statistically significant for the latter.

Conclusions

Results may inform future investigation of the potential inequity of health service use for subgroups of children whose mothers are of lower parity and not Canadian‐born. An understanding of these inequities may inform future healthcare policy and care for paediatric populations.
Does compliance with healthy lifestyle behaviours cluster within individuals in Australian primary school‐aged children?
Authors: Olds T. , Sanders I. , Maher C. , Fraysse F. , Bell L. , Leslie E.
Published: July 2017

Background

The 3 “movement behaviours” of sleep, screen time, and physical activity are associated with a wide range of health outcomes in children. This study examined whether these behaviours cluster together within individuals in Australian primary school children.

Methods

Three datasets including 4,449 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children were interrogated—(a) Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL), (b) the International Study of Children, Obesity, Lifestyle and Environment (ISCOLE), and (c) the National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NCNPAS). The surveys measured movement behaviours using different instruments (accelerometry, use of time recall, and questionnaires) and different operationalizations of compliance. Observed frequencies of compliance with various combinations of guidelines were compared with expected frequencies based on the assumption of independence, using chi‐square tests.

Results

Compliance with the sleep guidelines was relatively high (72%, 75%, and 79% in the OPAL, ISCOLE, and NCNPAS datasets, respectively), and compliance with the screen (18%, 35%, and 22%) and physical activity (33%, 57%, and 87%) guidelines was generally lower. Against expectation, there was no evidence of clustering in any of the datasets (p > .99).

Conclusions

Compliance with movement behaviour guidelines does not cluster within individuals in 9‐ to 11‐year‐old Australian children. It may be unlikely that fostering compliance with one guideline will have a flow‐on effect to the others. Temporal trade‐offs (i.e., the need to choose one movement behaviour above another) in the 24‐hr day may contribute to the lack of clustering.