bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression biomarkers used for the selective breeding of complex polygenic traits
Authors: Guarna M. Marta , Hoover Shelley E. , Huxter Elizabeth , Higo Heather , Moon Kyung-Mee , Domanski Dominik , Bixby Miriam E.F. , Melathopoulos Andony P. , Ibrahim Abdullah , Peirson Michael , Desai Suresh , Micholson Derek , White Rick , Borchers Christoph H. , Currie Robert W. , Pernal Stephen F. , Foster Leonard J.
Published: September 2016

We present a novel way to select for highly polygenic traits. For millennia, humans have used observable phenotypes to selectively breed stronger or more productive livestock and crops. Selection on genotype, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), is also now applied broadly in livestock breeding programs; however, selection on protein or mRNA expression markers have not been proved useful yet. Here we demonstrate the utility of protein markers to select for disease-resistant behaviour in the European honey bees (Apis melliferaL.). Robust, mechanistically-linked protein expression markers, by integrating cis and trans effects from many genomic loci, may overcome limitations of genomic markers to allow for selection. After three generations of selection, the resulting stock performed as well or better than bees selected using phenotype–based assessment of this trait, when challenged with disease. This is the first demonstration of the efficacy of protein markers for selective breeding in any agricultural species, plant or animal.

Significance statement

The honey bee has been in the news a lot recently, largely because of world-wide die-offs due to the parasitic Varroa mite, which is becoming resistant to the chemical controls the bee industry uses. In this study, we show that robust expression biomarkers of a disease-resistance trait can be used, in an out-bred population, to select for that trait. After three generations of selection, the resulting stock performed as well or better than bees selected using the phenotypic best method for assessing this trait when challenged with disease. This is the first demonstration of an expression marker for selective breeding in any agricultural species, plant or animal. This also represents a completely novel way to select for highly polygenic traits.
Direct chromosome-length haplotyping by single-cell sequencing
Authors: Porubský David , Sanders Ashley D. , van Wietmarschen Niek , Falconer Ester , Hills Mark , Spierings Diana C.J. , Bevova Marianna R. , Guryev Victor , Lansdorp Peter M.
Published: September 2016

Haplotypes are fundamental to fully characterize the diploid genome of an individual, yet methods to directly chart the unique genetic makeup of each parental chromosome are lacking. Here we introduce single-cell DNA template strand sequencing (Strand-seq) as a novel approach to phasing diploid genomes along the entire length of all chromosomes. We demonstrate this by building a complete haplotype for a HapMap individual (NA12878) at high accuracy (concordance 99.3%), without using generational information or statistical inference. By use of this approach, we mapped all meiotic recombination events in a family trio with high resolution (median range ∼14 kb) and phased larger structural variants like deletions, indels, and balanced rearrangements like inversions. Lastly, the single-cell resolution of Strand-seq allowed us to observe loss of heterozygosity regions in a small number of cells, a significant advantage for studies of heterogeneous cell populations, such as cancer cells. We conclude that Strand-seq is a unique and powerful approach to completely phase individual genomes and map inheritance patterns in families, while preserving haplotype differences between single cells.
Manipulation of an existing crystal form unexpectedly results in interwoven packing networks with pseudo-translational symmetry
Authors: Reimer Janice M. , Aloise Martin N. , Powell Harold R. , Schmeing T. Martin
Published: September 2016

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are multimodular enzymes that synthesize a myriad of diverse molecules. Tailoring domains have been co-opted into NRPSs to introduce further variety into nonribosomal peptide products. Linear gramicidin synthetase contains a unique formylation-tailoring domain in its initiation module (F-A-PCP). The structure of the F-A di-domain has previously been determined in a crystal form which had large solvent channels and no density for the minor Asub subdomain. An attempt was made to take advantage of this packing by removing the Asub subdomain from the construct (F-AΔsub) in order to produce a crystal that could accommodate the PCP domain. In the resulting crystal the original packing network was still present, but a second network with the same packing and almost no contact with the original network took the place of the solvent channels and changed the space group of the crystal.
Managing multiple logics in partnerships for scaling social innovation
Authors: Voltan Annika , De Fuentes Claudia
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the field of social innovation by examining institutional logics at the level of inter- and intra-organizational partnerships for scaling impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a set of case studies from the Stanford Social Innovation Review to analyze success in scaling social innovations applying the logic compatibility-centrality matrix proposed by Besharov and Smith (2014), which aims to reveal the potential for conflict in organizations based on the diversity of logics present and the degree to which they are compatible with each other.

Findings

The findings shed insight on how individuals and organizations are able to manage logic multiplicity in the context of partnerships for scaling social innovation.

Originality/value

The authors build on recent work that recognizes logic multiplicity in social enterprises resulting from their hybrid nature, and the authors add to the existing debate by introducing to the discussion contributions from cognitive theory that help explain why organizational cultures evolve and scale out the way they do.
Feature fit
Authors: Gattol Valentin , Sääksjärvi Maria , Gill Tripat , Schoormans Jan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Previous research in the context of feature fit has examined the effects of congruence (i.e. more specifically, the extent to which a new feature and the product are similar in the hedonic-utilitarian benefits they provide to consumers). The purpose of this paper is to examine a second dimension of feature fit: complementarity (i.e. the extent to which a new feature is related and contributing to the main functionality of the product).

Design/methodology/approach

The role of feature fit is examined in two experimental studies (n=593) in the context of feature additions, and also for feature deletions.

Findings

The results showed that complementarity adds value to a product as an additional dimension of feature fit beyond congruence, complementarity matters more for a hedonic than for a utilitarian product, and complementarity can compensate for lack of congruence.

Originality/value

For a product developer, adding new features to a product offers an array of choices in terms of what feature(s) to include. Although having a large pool of potential features to choose from is attractive it can also prove problematic, as products may become overly complex and features do not fit well together. The results demonstrate the importance of both congruence and complementarity as predictors of feature fit when features are added to or deleted from products.
Through the gender looking-glass: Brazilian tourism entrepreneurs
Authors: Costa Carlos , Breda Zelia , Bakas Fiona Eva , Durão Marilia , Pinho Isabel
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the ways in which gender influences entrepreneurial motivations and barriers in the Brazilian tourism sector. As an economic process, tourism entrepreneurship is widely spread in Brazil, with tourism development programs promoting it as a strategy to empower women, however limited research exists on how gender roles influence entrepreneurial ideals. This nationwide study aims to provide a contemporary insight into how tourism entrepreneurs in Brazil are situated within current entrepreneurship theorizing by questioning the complexity caused as gender roles influence entrepreneurial conceptualizations of what constitute motivations and barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses online questionnaires aimed, for the first time, at a large variety of tourism sub-sectors in Brazil. Having nation-wide scope, the questionnaires produce knowledge on what motivates and what constrains Brazilian tourism entrepreneurs through a gender lens. Quantitative analysis using SPSS statistical software tests the statistical significance of results and is complemented by the integration of feminist economic theories into the analytical framework.

Findings

The current study’s findings highlight the invisibility of gender’s workings, as the majority of participants did not conceive gender as playing a role in their entrepreneurial experience. Entrepreneurial motivations and barriers show a departure from past literature, such as the fact that similar numbers of male and female tourism entrepreneurs perceive networking as a significant entrepreneurial barrier. This and other interesting findings prompt for alternative conceptualizations of discourses surrounding women’s involvement in tourism entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This study consists of an original contribution to knowledge on tourism entrepreneurship in Brazil as this is the first time an empirical study has been made on a nation-wide scale regarding the role of gender in Brazilian tourism entrepreneurs’ motivations and constraints.
Diaspora economics: new perspectives
Authors: Constant Amelie F. , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new field and suggest a new research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Combine ethnicity, migration and international relations into a new thinking. Provide a typology of diaspora and a thorough evaluation of its role and the roles of the home and host countries.

Findings

Diaspora economics is more than a new word for migration economics. It opens a new strand to political economy. Diaspora is perceived to be a well-defined group of migrants and their offspring with a joined cultural identity and ongoing identification with the country or culture of origin. This implies the potential to undermine the nation-state. Diasporas can shape policies in the host countries.

Originality/value

Provide a new understanding of global human relations.
Migration and globalization: what’s in it for developing countries?
Authors: Rapoport Hillel
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the role of diaspora networks in enhancing cross-border flows of goods, capital, and knowledge, eventually contributing to efficient specialization, investment, and productivity growth in the migrants’ home-countries. Particular attention is paid to the role of skilled migrants, and to information imperfections reduction as the main channel for the documented effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews a growing literature on migration and globalization, focussing on its relevance for developing and emerging economies.

Findings

In reviewing the literature on the effects of migration on other dimensions of international economic interactions, this paper shows that migrants contribute to the integration of their country into the world market, which can be particularly important for economic growth in developing countries.

Originality/value

It documents the role of diaspora networks in enhancing cross-border flows of goods, capital, and knowledge, eventually contributing to efficient specialization, investment, and productivity growth in the migrants’ home-countries. Particular attention is paid to the role of skilled migrants, and to information imperfections reduction as the main channel for the documented effects.
Methodology for uncertainty characterization of performance measures
Authors: Lopes Isabel Silva , Sousa Sérgio Dinis , Nunes Eusébio
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to represent the uncertainty generated in performance measures (PMs) during the operational step or “use step” of the performance measurement process (PMP). The different steps of the methodology are described and exemplified through an application example.

Design/methodology/approach

An index that reflects the level of uncertainty originated by the factors and the strength of their inter-relationships is developed through the use of graph theory. A graph is developed considering all sources or factors of uncertainty that may be present in this process. Based on the graph, the methodology includes the use of a matrix and the determination of the associated permanent function which is used for determining the uncertainty index.

Findings

During the development of the methodology, it was found that the use of a scale that includes zero for assigning values of the elements of the matrix is not appropriate when using graph theory and permanent function calculation, since in this case the permanent function is insensible to changes in some matrix elements.

Originality/value

This paper identifies all the sources that can affect the quality of performance measurement values during the operational step of the PMP and proposes a method to characterize the strength of this uncertainty. Beyond alerting decision makers to the level of uncertainty associated with a PM, it also allows defining appropriate actions to improve PMs’ quality.
Measurement and evaluation of product descriptors with a high relevance from a customers’ point of view
Authors: Brusch Michael , Baumert Katrin , Illner Luisa
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to measure and to evaluate product descriptors which have a high relevance from customers’ point of view. When developing new goods, i.e. products and services, decision makers have to include consumer evaluations within their decision-making process. These evaluations should analyze the product descriptors, which are really relevant from the customers’ point of view and which can be totally different from simple physical or technical attributes in the case of material goods. Besides these several types of product characteristics, the evaluations should consider external influencing factors like the involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

In this investigation, an empirical data set resulting from a complex technical product-related survey is used. The products analyzed are smartphones and can be seen as representative examples with both objective physical features and subjective design-related attributes. The data collection and analysis will focus on subjective attributes, identifying factors and separating customer segments, e.g. using cluster analysis. Additionally, the existence of influence factors such as the involvement of the customers will be tested.

Findings

The results show relevant differences from the customers’ point of view with regard to product descriptors which are different for every customer and hard to describe. The investigation leads to five different respondent groups. Additionally, other external (customer behavior-related) influence factors – especially the involvement – can be identified as relevant. The analyses point out that there is a need to analyze the customers on an individual level and to consider influencing factors.

Originality/value

The investigation illustrates consequences of the usage of customer individual subjective elements as product descriptors which are relevant from the customers’ viewpoint. The resulting insights are new for researchers from a theoretical and from a practical point of view. The results verify, among others, the needs to analyze the customers on an individual level and to consider external (customer behavior-related) influence factors.
Maturity model of procurement and supply management in small and medium-size enterprises
Authors: Tontini Gérson , de Carvalho Luciano Castro , Schlindwein Nair Fernandes da Costa , Tomarevski Victor
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a practical instrument for self-evaluation of maturity in the processes of procurement and supply management, applicable to small and medium-size companies, as well as to show how the use of this evaluation tool may help companies to decide what to improve in these processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an empirical and theoretical framework, the instrument developed measures the maturity of procurement and supply management activities in four macro-processes: materials management, purchase process, supplier evaluation process and process of procurement planning. For testing the self-evaluation instrument, the authors evaluated the maturity of 48 hospitals and 37 metal-mechanic manufacturing companies located in the southern region of Brazil. To show how to use this tool to decide what to improve in procurement and supply processes, the authors conducted a comparative analysis of a hospital and a metal-mechanic company, in relation to the sample of the same segment.

Findings

The results show that the instrument is reliable for practical application. Metal-mechanic industries have a greater maturity in the purchase process than in the other three macro-processes. The management of materials is the most mature macro-process in hospitals. Comparing hospitals to metal-mechanic companies, the present research shows that, between 20 and 99 employees, hospitals tend to have a higher level of maturity in the purchase process than metal-mechanic companies. With 100 employees or more, metal-mechanic companies are more mature than hospitals in procurement planning and in selection/evaluation of suppliers.

Originality/value

Presenting a useful self-evaluation instrument, this work demonstrates that the measurement of the maturity level, and benchmarking it with other companies, may help a firm to decide what to improve in its processes of procurement and materials management, showing how an economic sector can understand itself better. Few scientific studies have practical application to the assessment of the degree of maturity of procurement and supply management processes. Besides that the authors did not find other papers presenting a comparison of different segments.
Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of ward rounds
Authors: Enslev Jensen Birgitte , Anne Found Pauline , Williams Sharon J. , Walley Paul
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Ward rounds in hospitals are crucial for decision-making in the context of patient treatment processes. However, these tasks are not systematically managed and are often extended due to missing information or equipment or staff unavailability. This research aims to assess whether ward rounds can be structured more efficiently and effectively from the perspective of patients and staff.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-method approach examines the ward rounds conducted in three units within a haematology department of a major Danish hospital. Baseline measures were collected to capture the value of the ward round described by patients and staff. The information on patient and equipment flows associated with a typical ward round was mapped with recommendations for improvement.

Findings

Staff aspired to deliver a good-quality ward round, but what this meant was never articulated and there were no established standards. The duration of the ward round was unpredictable and could take 6 hours to complete. Improvements identified by the team allow the ward rounds to be completed by mid-day with much more certainty.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides an insight as to how ward rounds are conducted within a Danish haematology department.

Practical implications

The research has implications for those involved in ward rounds to reduce the time taken whilst maintaining quality and safety of patient care.

Social implications

This research has implications for patients and their families who wish to spend time with consultants.

Originality/value

Previous research has focused on the interactions between doctors and nurses. This research focuses on the operational process of the ward round and presents a structured approach to support multi-disciplinary teams with a focus on value from the patient’s perspective.
In search of a world-class university in Iran
Authors: Nazarzadeh Zare Mohsen , Pourkarimi Javad , Zaker Salehi Gholamreza , Rezaeian Sahba
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine faculty members’ views about the assessment of world-class university components in Iran’s comprehensive universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a descriptive methodology by using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 8,548 faculty members of comprehensive universities all over Iran. Considering the large size of the population, the comprehensive universities were categorized into five clusters (North, South, East, West and Center). The authors selected the faculty members from different clusters using Cochran’s formula. A total of 367 faculty members were selected from five clusters. For data gathering, a researcher-designed questionnaire was used. In data analysis, statistical procedures including the Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Kolmogrov-Smirnov test, one-sample t-test, and Friedman test were performed.

Findings

The findings of the research showed that except for academic freedom, other components of world-class university in Iran’s comprehensive universities were lower than the mean.

Practical implications

The case study showed how Iran’s comprehensive universities can become world-class universities. The methods of this case study can also be used in other fields.

Originality/value

This study adds to the knowledge of a world-class universities. Therefore to reach a desired level in comprehensive universities’ preparation for converting to a world-class university, it is essential that the policy makers and organizers of Iran’s higher education system pay greater attention to items such as research motivation, research innovation, research budget increase, authority reduction on various university departments, internet bandwidth increase and laboratory facilities increase.
Ubiquitous interaction for ESP distance and blended learners
Authors: García-Sánchez Soraya
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse some effective e-tools and interactive tasks to enhance language acquisition and competence building in today’s English for specific purposes (ESP) students in higher education programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

There are countless learning methods, often supported by the access of ubiquitous learning materials, which improve students’ engagement, group interaction and independent learning skills in foreign language learners. More frequently, students become successful, independent and cooperative creative learners by means of participating in multimodal virtual learning platforms that would help them to improve a variety of competences. This study is based on English applied to social work, a compulsory subject offered either in a blended (b-learning) or a distance (d-learning) learning environment as part of the degree in social work. It combines its correspondent course book with digital content and multimedia tasks.

Findings

Results suggest that a ubiquitous practice for ESP b/d learners can be innovative and successfully competence-addressed when implementing interactive learning tasks that can combine individual and group work inside and outside the classroom hours.

Originality/value

The challenge of this research is to integrate a ubiquitous learning approach so that students would interact more and, consequently, enhance their communicative language skills, both in b-learning and d-learning environments.
Organising undergraduate research projects: student-led and academic-led models
Authors: Knight Rachael-Anne , Botting Nicola
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the management of undergraduate final year research dissertations. It intends to explain and clarify the experience of two models of delivery (student-led/academic-led) with reference to interest development theory (Hidi and Renninger, 2006).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on the advantages and drawbacks of each model within the context of the research literature, and describe a case study of the experiences of lecturers and students in one division of a metropolitan UK university, running a leading programme in speech and language therapy (pathology). Recommendations are made which are intended to be of use to colleagues across disciplines and organisations.

Findings

The authors argue that a delivery where students can choose their research topic from a limited set suggested by supervisors (academic-led model) is best placed to meet motivational challenges in Hidi and Renninger’s framework, and also increase feasibility for staff. The authors discuss how such a model might best be implemented.

Originality/value

Describing case study experiences within a conceptual framework is important for the development of improved supervision methods. It is hoped that this case study paper will inform other institutions by providing clear theoretical underpinnings and practical recommendations; and that it will lead to further empirical research into models of organising final year dissertations.
Motivation of teachers in higher education
Authors: Rao Madasu Bhaskara
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Motivation is the process that accounts for an individual’s intensity, direction and persistence of effort toward attaining a goal (Robbins and Judge, 2008). Teacher motivation is vital to the growing and evolving field of higher education, yet it is not investigated enough. Need for rapid growth of higher education, issues in compensation, developments in information technology and dearth for teaching and technical skills brought teacher motivation to the center stage. The purpose of this paper is to apply McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y to study teacher motivation in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted through survey method. A questionnaire was designed to elicit responses from randomly selected respondents.

Findings

Teachers in higher education were classified under Theory X and Theory Y styles. The relationship between teaching style and specific motivators in the class and on the job, preferred teaching methods and classroom management techniques were investigated.

Research limitations/implications

Application of McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y to understand teacher motivation in higher education provided interesting and new insights.

Social implications

This study would have implications for teacher-student fit and institution-teacher fit in learning environments.

Originality/value

The nature of a teacher’s way-of-being matters to his/her motivation and performance in classroom. Implications exist for teacher recruitment and teacher training programs in relation to the profile of students and identifying and implementing right methodologies for classroom performance. This study has andragogical implications for classroom teaching, relationship with students and parents and interpersonal relationships among peers and education administrators.
An unexplored pathway for degradation of cholate requires a 7α‐hydroxysteroid dehydratase and contributes to a broad metabolic repertoire for the utilization of bile salts in Novosphingobium sp. strain Chol11
Authors: Yücel Onur , Drees Steffen , Jagmann Nina , Patschkowski Thomas , Philipp Bodo
Published: September 2016

Bile salts such as cholate are surface‐active steroid compounds with functions for digestion and signaling in vertebrates. Upon excretion into soil and water bile salts are an electron‐ and carbon‐rich growth substrate for environmental bacteria. Degradation of bile salts proceeds via intermediates with a 3‐keto‐Δ1,4‐diene structure of the steroid skeleton as shown for e.g. Pseudomonas spp. Recently, we isolated bacteria degrading cholate via intermediates with a 3‐keto‐7‐deoxy‐Δ4,6‐structure of the steroid skeleton suggesting the existence of a second pathway for cholate degradation. This potential new pathway was investigated with Novosphingobium sp. strain Chol11. A 7α‐hydroxysteroid dehydratase encoded by hsh2 was identified, which was required for the formation of 3‐keto‐7‐deoxy‐Δ4,6‐metabolites. A hsh2 deletion mutant could still grow with cholate but showed impaired growth. Cholate degradation of this mutant proceeded via 3‐keto‐Δ1,4‐diene metabolites. Heterologous expression of Hsh2 in the bile salt‐degrading Pseudomonas sp. strain Chol1 led to the formation of a dead‐end steroid with a 3‐keto‐7‐deoxy‐Δ4,6‐diene structure. Hsh2 is the first steroid dehydratase with an important function in a metabolic pathway of bacteria that use bile salts as growth substrates. This pathway contributes to a broad metabolic repertoire of Novosphingobium strain Chol11 that may be advantageous in competition with other bile salt‐degrading bacteria.
Statistical Quantification of Individual Differences (SQuID): an educational and statistical tool for understanding multilevel phenotypic data in linear mixed models
Authors: Allegue Hassen , Araya‐Ajoy Yimen G. , Dingemanse Niels J. , Dochtermann Ned A. , Garamszegi László Z. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Réale Denis , Schielzeth Holger , Westneat David F.
Published: September 2016

Phenotypic variation exists in and at all levels of biological organization: variation exists among species, among‐individuals within‐populations, and in the case of l within‐populations abile traits, within‐individuals. Mixed‐effects models represent ideal tools to quantify multilevel measurements of traits and are being increasingly used in evolutionary ecology.

Mixed‐effects models are relatively complex, and two main issues may be hampering their proper usage: (i) the relatively few educational resources available to teach new users how to implement and interpret them and (ii) the lack of tools to ensure that the statistical parameters of interest are correctly estimated.

In this paper, we introduce Statistical Quantification of Individual Differences (SQuID), a simulation‐based tool that can be used for research and educational purposes. SQuID creates a virtual world inhabited by subjects whose phenotypes are generated by a user‐defined phenotypic equation, which allows easy translation of biological hypotheses into quantifiable parameters.

Statistical Quantification of Individual Differences currently models normally distributed traits with linear predictors, but SQuID is subject to further development and will adapt to handle more complex scenarios in the future. The current framework is suitable for performing simulation studies, determining optimal sampling designs for user‐specific biological problems and making simulation‐based inferences to aid in the interpretation of empirical studies.

Statistical Quantification of Individual Differences is also a teaching tool for biologists interested in learning, or teaching others, how to implement and interpret linear mixed‐effects models when studying the processes causing phenotypic variation. Interface‐based modules allow users to learn about these issues. As research on effects of sampling designs continues, new issues will be implemented in new modules, including nonlinear and non‐Gaussian data.
Genome‐wide proteomics analysis on longissimus muscles in Qinchuan beef cattle
Authors: He Hua , Chen Si , Liang Wei , Liu Xiaolin
Published: September 2016

To gain further insight into the molecular mechanism of bovine muscle development, we combined mass spectrometry characterization of proteins with Illumina deep sequencing of RNAs obtained from bovine longissimus muscle (LD) at prenatal and postnatal stages. For the proteomic study, each group of LD proteins was extracted and labeled using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method. Among the 1321 proteins identified from six samples, 390 proteins were differentially expressed in embryos at day 135 post‐fertilization (Emb135d) vs. 30‐month‐old adult cattle (Emb135d vs. 30M) samples. Gene Ontology, Cluster of Orthologous Groups and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were further conducted to better understand the different functions. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between transcript and protein regulation between samples by direct comparison of expression levels from transcriptomic and iTRAQ‐based proteomics. Association results indicated that 1295 of 1321 proteins could be mapped to transcriptome sequencing data. This study provides the most comprehensive, targeted survey of bovine LD proteins to date and has shown the power of combining transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to provide molecular insights for understanding the developmental characteristics in bovine muscle, and even in other mammals.
A New Kind of Mission: The Volunteer Graduate Scheme and the Cultural History of International Development
Authors: Sobocinska Agnieszka
Published: September 2016

This article contributes to the cultural history of humanitarianism and international development by tracing the origins of development volunteering programs, which are a key point of public interaction with foreign aid and international development. Australia's Voluntary Graduate Scheme was established in 1951. This article traces the program's first decade, tracing its interactions with postcolonial politics, international development policy, and colonial discourses and missionary Christianity, and situating it within the geopolitical contexts of Australian‐Indonesian relations, Asian decolonisation and the Cold War. It concludes by tracing VGS's influence on subsequent programs including Britain's VSO and the United States Peace Corps, revealing the significance of the Volunteer Graduate Scheme to the history of humanitarianism and international development.
Trends in pathology and long‐term outcomes after resection of colorectal cancer: 1971–2013
Authors: Dent Owen F. , Newland Ronald C. , Chan Charles , Bokey Les , Chapuis Pierre H.
Published: September 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to describe temporal trends in tumour pathology and long‐term outcomes in 5217 patients recorded in a registry of colorectal cancer resections initiated at Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia, in 1971.

Methods

This report is based on consecutive resections up to December 2013, with no exclusions. Categories in variables examined were expressed as percentages over annual totals of relevant patients or annual mean values. The statistical significance of temporal trends was examined by least squares regression.

Results

The percentages of patients with local spread beyond the muscularis propria, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis and tumour in a line of resection all declined significantly. In consequence, the percentage of stage D patients fell, whereas the percentage in stage A rose. Other tumour variables that increased significantly were polypoid morphology, contiguous adenoma and invasion of a free serosal surface. Tumours in which an adherent adjacent structure was partly or completely removed also increased. There were significant declines in high‐grade malignancy, venous invasion and tumour size. The recurrence rate for rectal cancers declined significantly, whereas for rectal and colonic cancers combined, both the overall 5‐year survival rate and the 5‐year cancer‐specific survival rate increased markedly.

Conclusion

These results show a reduction in adverse pathology findings and favourable trends in recurrence and survival after colorectal cancer resections in a high‐incidence country over a period of 43 years.
Human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a New Zealand cohort study
Authors: Ou Peter , Gear Kim , Rahnama Fahimeh , Thomas Stephen , Nagappan Radhika , Kee Dennis , Waldvogel‐Thurlow Sharon , Jain Ravi , McIvor Nick , Izzard Mark , Douglas Richard
Published: September 2016

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) are clinically, epidemiologically and prognostically distinct from other OPSCCs. The incidence of HPV‐related OPSCCs has increased significantly worldwide over the past few decades. However, no studies of OPSCC with direct molecular HPV testing has been conducted in New Zealand.

Aims

To estimate the proportion of OPSCCs attributable to HPV infections in a New Zealand population with a validated HPV testing algorithm.

Methods

HPV‐status was determined by p16 immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of both L1 and E6/7 genes on 55 OPSCCs diagnosed in 2010 and 2011 in Central and South Auckland. Baseline and survival analyses were performed according to HPV status.

Results

Forty‐one (75%) of OPSCC tumours had HPV infections. There was 98% concordance between p16 immunohistochemistry and real‐time E6/E7 PCR. After a median follow‐up period of 2.6 years, patients with OPSCC of HPV aetiology had more favourable outcomes compared to patients with HPV‐negative OPSCC (hazard ratio 0.14, P = 0.02) after adjustment for other variables.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant role that HPV plays in the aetiology of OPSCC in New Zealand, and confirms the high rate of accuracy of p16 immunostaining.
Surgical capacity building in Timor‐Leste: a review of the first 15 years of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons‐led Australian Aid programme
Authors: Guest Glenn D. , Scott David F. , Xavier Joao P. , Martins Nelson , Vreede Eric , Chennal Antony , Moss Daliah , Watters David A.
Published: September 2016

Background

Timor‐Leste suffered a destructive withdrawal by the Indonesian military in 1999, leaving only 20 Timorese‐based doctors and no practising specialists for a population of 700 000 that has now grown to 1.2 million.

Methods

This article assesses the outcomes and impact of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) specialist medical support from 2001 to 2015. Three programmes were designed collaboratively with the Timor‐Leste Ministry of Health and Australian Aid. The RACS team began to provide 24/7 resident surgical and anaesthesia services in the capital, Dili, from July 2001. The arrival of the Chinese and Cuban Medical Teams provided a medical workforce, and the Cubans initiated undergraduate medical training for about 1000 nationals both in Cuba and in Timor‐Leste, whilst RACS focused on specialist medical training.

Results

Australian Aid provided AUD$20 million through three continuous programmes over 15 years. In the first 10 years over 10 000 operations were performed. Initially only 10% of operations were done by trainees but this reached 77% by 2010. Twenty‐one nurse anaesthetists were trained in‐country, sufficient to cover the needs of each hospital. Seven Timorese doctors gained specialist qualifications (five surgery, one ophthalmology and one anaesthesia) from regional medical schools in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Indonesia and Malaysia. They introduced local specialist and family medicine diploma programmes for the Cuban graduates.

Conclusions

Timor‐Leste has developed increasing levels of surgical and anaesthetic self‐sufficiency through multi‐level collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Universidade Nacional de Timor Lorosa'e, and sustained, consistent support from external donors including Australian Aid, Cuba and RACS.
Trends in short‐term outcomes after resection of colorectal cancer: 1971–2013
Authors: Dent Owen F. , Bokey Les , Chapuis Pierre H. , Chan Charles , Newland Ronald C.
Published: September 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to describe temporal trends in presentation, surgical management and immediate postoperative outcomes in patients recorded in a registry of colorectal cancer resections that was initiated at Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia, in 1971. A companion paper describes tumour pathology and long‐term recurrence and survival.

Methods

This report is based on 5217 consecutive resections up to 2013, with no exclusions. Categories in variables examined were expressed as percentages over annual totals of relevant patients or annual mean values. The statistical significance of trends was examined by least squares regression.

Results

The percentage of asymptomatic patients increased over time, whereas urgent presentations declined. Tumour size declined. The percentage of rectal cancers fell but the percentage of low rectal tumours rose. Initially, restorative rectal resections increased rapidly but later remained stable. There was no trend in medical complications, whereas surgical complications declined. Anastomotic leakage after restorative rectal resections declined but it was low and stable for colonic tumours. The rate of early reoperation remained stable, whereas 30‐day mortality declined. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer and adjuvant chemotherapy for stages B and C were introduced in 1992 and applied increasingly thereafter.

Conclusion

Our findings, based on a 43‐year prospective study, indicate sustained trends towards the earlier diagnosis of colorectal cancer and favourable short‐term outcomes following bowel resection.
Plasma Skimming in a Spiral Groove Bearing of a Centrifugal Blood Pump
Authors: Murashige Tomotaka , Sakota Daisuke , Kosaka Ryo , Nishida Masahiro , Kawaguchi Yasuo , Yamane Takashi , Maruyama Osamu
Published: September 2016

Plasma skimming is a phenomenon in which discharge hematocrit is lower than feed hematocrit in microvessels. Plasma skimming has been investigated at a bearing gap in a spiral groove bearing (SGB), as this has the potential to prevent hemolysis in the SGB of a blood pump. However, it is not clear whether plasma skimming occurs in a blood pump with the SGB, because the hematocrit has not been obtained. The purpose of this study is to verify plasma skimming in an SGB of a centrifugal blood pump by developing a hematocrit measurement method in an SGB. Erythrocyte observation using a high‐speed microscope and a bearing gap measurement using a laser confocal displacement meter was performed five times. In these tests, bovine blood as a working fluid was diluted with autologous plasma to adjust the hematocrit to 1.0%. A resistor was adjusted to achieve a pressure head of 100 mm Hg and a flow rate of 5.0 L/min at a rotational speed of 2800 rpm. Hematocrit on the ridge region in the SGB was measured using an image analysis based on motion image of erythrocytes, mean corpuscular volume, the measured bearing gap, and a cross‐sectional area of erythrocyte. Mean hematocrit on the ridge region in the SGB was linearly reduced from 0.97 to 0.07% with the decreasing mean bearing gap from 38 to 21 μm when the rotational speed was changed from 2250 to 3000 rpm. A maximum plasma skimming efficiency of 93% was obtained with a gap of 21 μm. In conclusion, we succeeded in measuring the hematocrit on the ridge region in the SGB of the blood pump. Hematocrit decreased on the ridge region in the SGB and plasma skimming occurred with a bearing gap of less than 30 μm in the hydrodynamically levitated centrifugal blood pump.
Impella 5.0 as a Second‐Line Mechanical Circulatory Support Strategy After Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Schibilsky David , Kruger Tobias , Lausberg Henning F. , Eisenlohr Christoph , Haller Christoph , Nemeth Attila , Schibilsky Barbara , Haeberle Helene , Rosenberger Peter , Walker Tobias , Schlensak Christian
Published: September 2016

The catheter‐based Impella 5.0 left ventricular assist device is a powerful and less invasive alternative for patients in cardiogenic shock. The use as second‐line therapy in patients with precedent extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has not been described before now. We analyzed our experience of consecutive patients treated with this alternative strategy. From April 2014 to December 2014, eight patients had been implanted as a second‐line option after ECLS support. The reason for the change from ECLS to Impella 5.0 was absence of cardiac recovery for primary weaning and complications of ECLS therapy. The mean time of ECLS support prior to Impella implantation was 12 ± 7 days. The implantation of the Impella 5.0/CP was technically successful in all patients, and the ECLS could be explanted in all eight patients who received Impella implantation as a second‐line treatment. The second‐line Impella 5.0 therapy resulted in two patients who turned into left ventricular assist device (LVAD) candidates, two primary weaning candidates, and four patients who died in the setting of sepsis or absent cardiac recovery and contraindications for durable LVAD therapy. Thereby, the overall hospital discharge survival as well as the 180‐day survival was 50% for Impella 5.0 implantations as second‐line procedure after ECLS. The latest follow‐up survival of this second‐line strategy after ECLS was three out of eight, as one patient died after 299 days of LVAD support due to sepsis. The use of Impella 5.0 constitutes a possible second‐line therapeutic option for those patients who do not show cardiac recovery during prolonged ECLS support or suffer from complications of ECLS therapy. This treatment allows additional time for decisions regarding cardiac recovery or indication for durable LVAD therapy.
Surgical outcomes of lamellar macular holes with and without lamellar hole‐associated epiretinal proliferation
Authors: Ko Jaesang , Kim Gyu Ah , Lee Sung Chul , Lee Jihwan , Koh Hyoung Jun , Kim Sung Soo , Byeon Suk Ho , Lee Christopher Seungkyu
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To report the clinical findings and surgical outcomes of lamellar macular holes (LMHs) with and without lamellar hole‐associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP).

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 73 eyes of 73 patients who underwent vitrectomy for LMH. Patients were grouped according to the presence of LHEP on preoperative spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). Postoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT features were compared between LMH patients with and without LHEP.

Results

Lamellar hole‐associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP) was found in 15 of 73 eyes with LMHs (20.5%). The mean age was 65.0 years. The mean follow‐up duration was 21.5 months. Preoperatively, eyes with LHEP were characterized by a greater hole diameter (p = 0.007), thinner fovea (p = 0.002) and greater incidence of outer retinal disruption (p < 0.001). Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved after surgery in eyes without LHEP (p < 0.001), but showed no change in eyes with LHEP (p = 0.185). Initial BCVA was not different between the two groups; however, final BCVA was better in eyes without LHEP (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA, 0.10 ± 0.10 versus 0.33 ± 0.40, p = 0.003). OCT evaluations of postoperative foveal configurations showed no difference between the two groups (p = 0.171). No case developed a full‐thickness macular hole after surgery.

Conclusion

There was no visual benefit after surgery in LMH patients with LHEP. Different surgical indications for LMHs may be warranted based on the presence of LHEP‐associated pathology.