bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of conflict between parental genomes in a hybrid species
Authors: Eroukhmanoff Fabrice , Bailey Richard I. , Elgvin Tore O. , Hermansen Jo S. , Runemark Anna R. , Trier Cassandra N. , Sætre Glenn-Peter
Published: January 2017

The development of reproductive barriers against parent species is crucial during hybrid speciation, and post-zygotic isolation can be important in this process. Genetic incompatibilities that normally isolate the parent species can become sorted in hybrids to form reproductive barriers towards either parent. However, the extent to which this sorting process is systematically biased and therefore predictable in which loci are involved and which alleles are favored is largely unknown. Theoretically, reduced fitness in hybrids due to the mixing of differentiated genomes can be resolved through rapid evolution towards allelic combinations ancestral to lineage-splitting of the parent species, as these alleles have successfully coexisted in the past. However, for each locus, this effect may be influenced by its chromosomal location, function, and interactions with other loci. We use the Italian sparrow, a homoploid hybrid species that has developed post-zygotic barriers against its parent species, to investigate this prediction. We show significant bias towards fixation of the ancestral allele among 57 nuclear intragenic SNPs, particularly those with a mitochondrial function whose ancestral allele came from the same parent species as the mitochondria. Consistent with increased pleiotropy leading to stronger fitness effects, genes with more protein-protein interactions were more biased in favor of the ancestral allele. Furthermore, the number of protein-protein interactions was especially low among candidate incompatibilities still segregating within Italian sparrows, suggesting that low pleiotropy allows steep intraspecific clines in allele frequencies to form. Finally, we report evidence for pervasive epistatic interactions within one Italian sparrow population, particularly involving loci isolating the two parent species but not hybrid and parent. However there was a lack of classic incompatibilities and no admixture linkage disequilibrium. This suggests that parental genome admixture can continue to constrain evolution and prevent genome stabilization long after incompatibilities have been purged.
Mitochondrial RNA processing in absence of tRNA punctuations in octocorals
Authors: Shimpi Gaurav G. , Vargas Sergio , Poliseno Angelo , Gert Wörheide
Published: January 2017

Background

Mitogenome diversity is staggering among early branching animals with respect to size, gene density and content, gene orders, and number of tRNA genes, especially in cnidarians. This last point is of special interest as tRNA cleavage drives the maturation of mitochondrial mRNAs and is a primary mechanism for mt-RNA processing in animals. Mitochondrial RNA processing in non-bilaterian metazoans, some of which possess a single tRNA gene in their mitogenomes, is essentially unstudied despite its importance in understanding the evolution of mitochondrial transcription in animals.

Results

We characterized the mature mitochondrial mRNA transcripts in a species of the octocoral genusSinularia(Alcyoniidae: Octocorallia), and defined precise boundaries of transcription units using different molecular methods. Most mt-mRNAs were polycistronic units containing two or three genes and 5’ and/or 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs) of varied length. The octocoral specific, mtDNA-encoded mismatch repair gene,mtMutS, was found to undergo alternative polyadenylation (APA), and exhibited differential expression of alternate transcripts suggesting a unique regulatory mechanism for this gene. In addition, a long noncoding RNA complementary to the ATP6 gene (lncATP6) potentially involved in antisense regulation was detected.

Conclusions

Mt-mRNA processing in octocorals bearing a single mt-tRNA is complex. Considering the variety of mitogenome arrangements known in cnidarians, and in general among non-bilaterian metazoans, our findings provide a first glimpse into the complex mtDNA transcription, mt-mRNA processing, and regulation among early branching animals and represents a first step towards understanding its functional and evolutionary implications.
Inferring the Joint Demographic History of Multiple Populations: Beyond the Diffusion Approximation
Authors: Jouganous Julien , Long Will , Gravel Simon
Published: January 2017

Understanding variation in allele frequencies across populations is a central goal of population genetics. Classical models for the distribution of allele frequencies, using forward simulation, coalescent theory, or the diffusion approximation, have been applied extensively for demographic inference, medical study design, and evolutionary studies. Here we propose a tractable model of ordinary differential equations for the evolution of allele frequencies that is closely related to the diffusion approximation but avoids many of its limitations and approximations. We show that the approach is typically faster, more numerically stable, and more easily generalizable than the state-of-the-art software implementation of the diffusion approximation. We present a number of applications to human sequence data, including demographic inference with a five-population joint frequency spectrum and a discussion of the transferability of demographic histories across populations.
Benchmarking and improving mass transit systems in the United States based on best-in class practices
Authors: Min Hokey , Ahn Young-Hyo , Lambert Thomas
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find ways to develop more efficient mass transit systems across the USA and, thus, make the best use of state/federal/municipal government funds and taxpayers’ monies. This paper conducts benchmarking studies. In doing so, this paper identifies the best-in class mass transit practices that every regional mass transit system can emulate.

Design/methodology/approach

The continuous underutilization of a mass transit system can increase public scrutiny concerning the increased investment in mass transit services. To defuse such scrutiny, this paper analyzes the past (in year 2011) performances of 515 mass transit agencies in the USA using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Also, to identify which factors influences those performances, the authors paired DEA scores for transit efficiency at the state level against a set of independent variables using a special form of regression analysis called Tobit regression.

Findings

The authors found that the greater population density of the service area, the greater number of riders can be served in a short amount of distance and time. Also, the authors discovered that the transportation mode of mass transit services could affect mass transit efficiency. On the other hand, the authors found no evidence indicating that the public ownership or private operation of transit systems could make any differences in the transit efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few that assessed the performance of mass transit systems in comparison to their peers using a large-scale data and identify the leading causes of mass transit inefficiency. Thus, this paper helps transit authorities in handling juggling acts of protecting the conflicting interests of government policy makers against the general public and, then, make sensible future investment decisions.
Urban transportation: innovations in infrastructure planning and development
Authors: Narayanaswami Sundaravalli
Published: January 2017

Purpose

New services design and development are difficult to plan, execute, measure and evaluate. Particularly, new services that are capital-intensive and involve a long gestation and development time are considered extremely risky. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a list of innovative practices in various managerial aspects in designing, planning and development of a large scale infrastructure intensive public transportation service. A contemporary new public transportation service development is discussed as evidence of proven and benchmarked criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a technical paper, where theoretical foundations of best practices in new service development project are discussed and supported by practice-based evidences from a real-life urban transportation project. A case study approach is adopted with secondary data.

Findings

Worldwide during and after economic recession of 2008, several projects were stalled or abandoned. The inference through this work is that through efficient management practices, a large capital-intensive new service development project can be made successful even during a turbulent economy in a region marred by more challenges than elsewhere.

Practical implications

Several issues in large scale services development, such as urban transportation are domain specific. Some of the issues faced in urban transportation are common to several Gulf countries; therefore the policy guidelines, managerial practices and development strategies reported in this paper can be replicated in many of them. The commercial impact of the service project is a significant drive towards fuel conservation and to save huge amounts of productive time.

Social implications

Public transportation with a high quality of networked service improves the quality of life to a large extent. Unless certain measurable demands are not met, an affluent society is less likely to endorse public transportation. In addition, endorsement of public transportation is been promoted in several parts of the world as a drive towards a green, energy efficient, low-carbon emission and sustainable environment.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, new services planning and development is a key operations management topic, on which very little is written about. Particularly no other paper has presented a real-world large scale infrastructure intensive project development to this detail, and along with a theoretical background to benchmark performance and development practices.
Multi-period reverse logistics network design with emission cost
Authors: John Sajan T. , Sridharan Rajagopalan , Kumar P.N. Ram
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for the network design of a reverse supply chain in a multi-product, multi-period environment. The emission cost due to transportation activities is incorporated into the model to reduce the total cost of emission and study the significance of inclusion of emission cost on the network design decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed integer linear programming formulation is used to model the network. The developed model is solved and analysed using the commercial solver LINGO.

Findings

The mathematical model provides a unified design of the network for the entire planning horizon comprising of different periods. A reduction in the total cost of emission is achieved. The analysis of the problem environment shows that the network design decisions significantly vary with the consideration of emission cost.

Research limitations/implications

A single mode of transportation is considered in this study. Also, a single type of vehicle is considered for the transportation purpose.

Practical implications

The developed model can aid the decision makers in making better decisions while reducing the total emission cost. The quantification of the emission cost due to transportation activities is presented in an Indian context and can be used for future studies.

Originality/value

An all-encompassing approach for the design of reverse logistics networks with explicit consideration of product structure and emission cost.
Appraisements of material handling system in context of fiscal and environment extent
Authors: Sahu Anoop Kumar , Sahu Atul Kumar , Sahu Nitin Kumar
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In present research, the authors conducted the massive literature review and collected the information, in regards to material handling system (MHS) to build a multi criteria MHS hierarchical module consists of ecological cum fiscal criteria. Moreover, similar literature review assisted the authors to resolve and eventually construct the effectual and robust approach. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the managers for benchmarking the MHS alternatives operating under similar module via robust decision support system (DSS).

Design/methodology/approach

In present research, the proposed module dealt with ecological (subjective) and fiscal (objective) criteria, where subjective criteria associated with incompleteness, vagueness, imprecision, as well as inconsistency, solicited the discrete information in terms of Grey set via linguistic scale from experts panel. The objective information (capital) has been assigned by expert’s panel in terms of Grey set. To robustly evaluate and select the admirable MHS, three approaches named: degree of possibility, technique for order preference similar to ideal solution as well as Grey relational analysis fruitfully applied to connect and unite discrete information.

Findings

The performance evaluation of MHSs has been carried out under concert of individual fiscal criteria excluding ecological criteria in past researches. Moreover the previous developed DSS tackled sole approach under individual fiscal criteria. The authors found the broad applications of fuzzy sets except Grey set theory in the same context for measuring the performance of MHS alternatives. Aforesaid research gaps have been transformed into research objectives by incorporating the module for both fiscal cum ecological criteria. This research embraces a robust DSS, which has been explored to select the admirable MHS alternative.

Originality/value

An empirical case study has been carried out in order to demonstrate the legitimacy of holistic Grey-MCDM method, implemented over multi criteria MHS hierarchical module. Proposed DSS seems to be the best for organisations, which believe to appraise and select the MHS including fiscal as well as ecological criteria excluding individual fiscal criteria. Moreover, subjective cum objective or individual subjective or objective criteria can be extended with respect to varieties of MHSs.
Improved parameter optimization method for complex assembly process in robotic manufacturing
Authors: Chen Heping , Xu Jing , Zhang Biao , Fuhlbrigge Thomas
Published: January 2017

Purpose

High precision assembly processes using industrial robots require the process parameters to be tuned to achieve desired performance such as cycle time and first time through rate. Some researchers proposed methods such as design-of-experiments (DOE) to obtain optimal parameters. However, these methods only discuss how to find the optimal parameters if the part and/or workpiece location errors are in a certain range. In real assembly processes, the part and/or workpiece location errors could be different from batch to batch. Therefore, the existing methods have some limitations. This paper aims to improve the process parameter optimization method for complex robotic assembly process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the parameter optimization process based on DOE with different part and/or workpiece location errors is investigated. An online parameter optimization method is also proposed.

Findings

Experimental results demonstrate that the optimal parameters for different initial conditions are different and larger initial part and/or workpiece location errors will cause longer cycle time. Therefore, to improve the assembly process performance, the initial part and/or workpiece location errors should be compensated first, and the optimal parameters in production should be changed once the initial tool position is compensated. Experimental results show that the proposed method is very promising in reducing the cycle time in assembly processes.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method is practical without any limitation.

Practical implications

The proposed technique is implemented and tested using a real industrial application, a valve body assembly process. Hence, the developed method can be directly implemented in production.

Originality/value

This paper provides a technique to improve the assembly efficiency by compensating the initial part location errors. An online parameter optimization method is also proposed to automatically perform the parameter optimization process without human intervention. Compared with the results using other methods, the proposed technology can greatly reduce the assembly cycle time.
Development of an environment characterization methodology for optimal design of an agricultural robot
Authors: Bloch Victor , Bechar Avital , Degani Amir
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology for characterization of the robot environment to help solve such problem as designing an optimal agricultural robot for a specific agricultural task.

Design/methodology/approach

Defining and characterizing a task is a crucial step in the optimization of a task-specific robot. It is especially difficult in the agricultural domain because of the complexity and unstructured nature of the environment. In this research, trees are modeled from orchards and are used as the robot working environment, the geometrical features of an agricultural task are investigated and a method for designing an optimal agricultural robot is developed. Using this method, a simplified characteristic environment, representing the actual environment, is developed and used.

Findings

Case studies showing that the optimal robot, which is designed based on the characteristic environment, is similar to the optimal robot, which is designed based on the actual environment (less than 4 per cent error), is presented, while the optimization run time is significantly shorter (up to 22 times) when using the characteristic environment.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new concept for solving the robot task-based optimization by the analysis of the task environment and characterizing it by a simpler artificial task environment. The methodology decreases the time of the optimal robot design, allowing to take into account more details in an acceptable time.
Design and experiment of a modular multisensory hand for prosthetic applications
Authors: Zeng Bo , Fan Shaowei , Jiang Li , Liu Hong
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design and experiment of a modular multisensory prosthetic hand for applications. Design and experiment of a modular multisensory hand for prosthetic applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reveals more details focusing on the appearance, mechanism design, electrical design and control of the prosthetic hand considering anthropomorphism, dexterity, sensing and controllability. The finger is internally integrated with the actuator, the transmission mechanism, the sensors and the controller as a modular unit. Integrated with multiple sensors, the prosthetic hand can not only perceive the position, the contact force and the temperature of the environment like a human hand but also provide the foundation for the practical control.

Findings

The experiments show that the prosthetic hand can accurately control the contact force to achieve stable grasps based on the sensors feedback and a simple and effective force-tracking impedance control algorithm. In addition, the experiments based on the cosmesis validate not only the cosmesis functionality but also the control performance for a prosthesis–cosmesis system.

Practical implications

Because of the small size, low weight, high integration, modularity and controllability, the prosthetic hand is easily applied to upper-limb amputees. Meanwhile, the finger as a modular unit is easy to be fixed, maintained and applied to a partial upper-limb amputee.

Originality/value

Each modular finger of the prosthetic hand integrated with the actuator, the transmission mechanism, the sensors and the controller as a whole can independently control the position and the force. The cosmetic glove design can provide pretty appearance without compromising the control performance.
Pick-place of dynamic objects by robot manipulator based on deep learning and easy user interface teaching systems
Authors: Hossain Delowar , Capi Genci , Jindai Mitsuru , Kaneko Shin-ichiro
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Development of autonomous robot manipulator for human-robot assembly tasks is a key component to reach high effectiveness. In such tasks, the robot real-time object recognition is crucial. In addition, the need for simple and safe teaching techniques need to be considered, because: small size robot manipulators’ presence in everyday life environments is increasing requiring non-expert operators to teach the robot; and in small size applications, the operator has to teach several different motions in a short time.

Design/methodology/approach

For object recognition, the authors propose a deep belief neural network (DBNN)-based approach. The captured camera image is used as the input of the DBNN. The DBNN extracts the object features in the intermediate layers. In addition, the authors developed three teaching systems which utilize iPhone; haptic; and Kinect devices.

Findings

The object recognition by DBNN is robust for real-time applications. The robot picks up the object required by the user and places it in the target location. Three developed teaching systems are easy to use by non-experienced subjects, and they show different performance in terms of time to complete the task and accuracy.

Practical implications

The proposed method can ease the use of robot manipulators helping non-experienced users completing different assembly tasks.

Originality/value

This work applies DBNN for object recognition and three intuitive systems for teaching robot manipulators.
Bio-inspired control strategy study for the quadruped robot with a segmented spine
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Zhang Ting , Wei Xiaohui , Long Yongjun , Wang Shigang
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to establish a bio-inspired controller for realizing the bounding gait of a quadruped robot system presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The bio-inspired controller is divided into three levels to mimic the biological patterns of animals. First, the high-level sub-controller is equivalent to the cerebellum, which could plan and control the motion of animals. Second, the effect of the middle-level sub-controller corresponds to the central nervous system. The central pattern generators in the spine generate the stable and cyclic signals as the fundamental rhythm for periodic motion of the leg and spine joints. Third, the low-level sub-controller is equal to the end effector, which adopts the simple proportional-derivative (PD) control to realize the specific motion trajectory of the legs and spine.

Findings

Combined with the stability criterion presented previously and the delayed feedback control method, the bounding gait of the cheetah virtual prototype could be actuated and stabilized by the bio-inspired controller. Moreover, the bio-inspired controller is applied to realize the bounding gait of an SQBot, which is a quadruped robot with a spine joint. Meanwhile, the validity and practicability of the bio-inspired controller for the control of quadruped robot have been verified against different forward velocities.

Originality/value

The bio-inspired controller and bionic quadruped robot system are instructive for the designing and actuating of the real quadruped robot.
The career paths of social marketing doctoral graduates
Authors: Truong V. Dao
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Although the social marketing field has developed relatively quickly, little is known about the careers of students who chose social marketing as their main subject of study. Such research is important not only because it reveals employment trends and mobility but also because it informs policy making with respect to curriculum development as well as raises governmental and societal interest in the social marketing field. This paper aims to analyse the career pathways of doctoral graduates who examined social marketing as the subject of their theses. Doctoral graduates represent a special group in a knowledge economy, who are considered the best qualified for the creation and dissemination of knowledge and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A search strategy identified 209 doctoral-level social marketing theses completed between 1971 and 2015. A survey was then delivered to dissertation authors, which received 117 valid responses.

Findings

Results indicate that upon graduation, most graduates secured full-time jobs, where about 66 per cent worked in higher education, whereas the others worked in the government, not-for-profit and private sectors. Currently, there is a slight decline in the number of graduates employed in the higher education, government and not-for-profit sectors but an increase in self-employed graduates. A majority of graduates are working in the USA, the UK, Australia and Canada. Overall, levels of international mobility and research collaboration are relatively low.

Originality/value

This is arguably the first study to examine the career paths of social marketing doctoral graduates.
Exploring the wicked problem of athlete and consumer vulnerability in sport
Authors: Westberg Kate , Stavros Constantino , Smith Aaron C.T. , Newton Joshua , Lindsay Sophie , Kelly Sarah , Beus Shenae , Adair Daryl
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the literature on wicked problems in consumer research by exploring athlete and consumer vulnerability in sport and the potential role that social marketing can play in addressing this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conceptualises the wicked problem of athlete and consumer vulnerability in sport, proposing a multi-theoretical approach to social marketing, incorporating insights from stakeholder theory, systems theory and cocreation to tackle this complex problem.

Findings

Sport provides a rich context for exploring a social marketing approach to a wicked problem, as it operates in a complex ecosystem with multiple stakeholders with differing, and sometimes conflicting, objectives. It is proposed that consumers, particularly those that are highly identified fans, are key stakeholders that have both facilitated the problematic nature of the sport system and been rendered vulnerable as a result. Further, a form of consumer vulnerability also extends to athletes as the evolution of the sport system has led them to engage in harmful consumption behaviours. Social marketing, with its strategic and multi-faceted focus on facilitating social good, is an apt approach to tackle behavioural change at multiple levels within the sport system.

Practical implications

Sport managers, public health practitioners and policymakers are given insight into the key drivers of a growing wicked problem as well as the potential for social marketing to mitigate harm.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to identify and explicate a wicked problem in sport. More generally it extends insight into wicked problems in consumer research by examining a case whereby the consumer is both complicit in, and made vulnerable by, the creation of a wicked problem. This paper is the first to explore the use of social marketing in managing wicked problems in sport.
eLancing motivations
Authors: Abubakar Abubakar Mohammed , Shneikat Belal Hamed Taher
Published: January 2017

Purpose

eLancing is a networked online platform used for distributive problem-solving, economic production and service delivery. The platform includes websites/marketplaces where individuals interested in being hired, and clients looking for individuals to perform some type of work meet. eLancing boasts millions of users and billions of dollars in transactions, and it involves fundamental changes in the nature of work. The motivations of this research stems from the credo and notion in which the advances in technology are transforming firm and market structures, employee-employer relationship and the increased intimacy with decentralized system. In order to explore new applications for the eLancing model, there must be a better understanding of why individuals participate in eLancing activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 48 semi-structured interviews were conducted online with workers at elance.com.

Findings

Ten primary motivators for participation emerged that include following: work-family balance, flexibility and autonomy; economic incentives; skills development; trust and transparency; geographical location; unemployment, equality and disability; higher returns; reputation; passion and enjoyment in problem-solving; and revenge.

Originality/value

The current study has added rich qualitative data to the scanty eLancing literature and managerial implications are discussed.
Corrosion-induced tin whisker growth in electronic devices: a review
Authors: Illés Balázs , Horváth Barbara , Géczy Attila , Krammer Olivér , Dušek Karel
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a review of the tin whisker growth phenomena. The study focuses mainly on whisker growth in a corrosive climate when the main inducing factor of the whisker growth is oxidation. The tin whisker phenomenon is still a big challenge in lead-free reflow soldering technology. Modern lead-free alloys and surface finishes with high tin content are considered to be possible sources of whisker development, also the evolution of electronic devices towards further complexity and miniaturization points to an escalation of the reliability risks.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work was based on a worldwide literature review of the substantial previous works in the past decade, as well as on the results and experience of the authors in this field.

Findings

The effect of corrosion on tin whisker growth has been under-represented in reports of mainstream research; however, in the past five years, significant results were obtained in the field which raised the corrosion phenomena from being a side effect category into one of the main inducing factors. This paper summarizes the most important findings of this field.

Practical implications

This literature review provides engineers and researchers with a better understanding of the role of corrosion in tin whisker growth and the current challenges in tin whisker mitigation.

Originality/value

The unique challenges and future research directions about the tin whisker phenomenon were shown to highlight rarely discussed risks and problems in lead-free soldering reliability.
Optimization of solder paste quantity considering the properties of solder joints
Authors: Hirman Martin , Steiner Frantisek
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find an optimum between the quantity of solder paste and the desired properties of the soldered joint. A reduction of solder paste quantity is recognized as an opportunity to save money. On the other hand, the quantity of solder paste significantly influences the final properties of the soldered joint. The purpose is also to design recommendations for manufacturers of electronic assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach

The processing of the paper was initiated by a literature review. The expert analysis was the next step. The result of analysis was a fishbone diagram. Subsequently, the experiment was designed. Seven types and three volume of solder pastes and two aperture shapes of the stencil were used. The measured parameters were mechanical strength, electrical resistance, voids area and intermetallic compound (IMC) thicknesses. The results of the experiment were evaluated and recommendations for practice were defined.

Findings

The carried out research has confirmed the influence of solder paste quantity on the shear strength, electrical resistance, voids area and IMC thickness of solder joint. The article presents the results achieved for solders Sn42Bi58, Sn42Bi57.6Ag0.4, SnAg3.0Cu0.5, SnCu0.7Ag1.0NiGe, SnAg3.5Bi0.5In8.0 and Sn62.5Pb36.5Ag1.0. Reduction of solder paste quantity down to 74 per cent (i.e. one quarter of quantity) decreases mechanical shear strength less than 10 per cent. Recommendations relating to the optimal reduction of solder paste quantity have been designed for each solder paste.

Originality/value

Contribution of the paper is impact assessment of solder paste quantity on the properties of the soldered joint. It was carried out a large number of experiments and measurements which verify this effect. Such a comprehensive overview of the results is not yet available in the literature. Recommendations for manufacturers of electronic assemblies are also the benefit of article.
Degrees of Antioxidant Protection: A 2‐Year Study of the Bioactive Properties of Organic Milk in Poland
Authors: Puppel Kamila , Sakowski Tomasz , Kuczyńska Beata , Grodkowski Grzegorz , Gołębiewski Marcin , Barszczewski Jerzy , Wróbel Barbara , Budziński Arkadiusz , Kapusta Aleksandra , Balcerak Marek
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of organic milk in Poland, investigate the influence of diet on antioxidant capacity and degree of antioxidant protection (DAP), and to examine the effect of season on the bioactive properties of milk from organic farms. From 2014 to 2015, 820 milk samples were collected from 6 organic farms during indoor feeding season (IDS) and pasture feeding season (PS). Pasture feeding season + corn grain (PSCG) cows’ daily ration during pasture feeding season was enriched with 4 kg a day of corn to improve dietary energy balance. Milk obtained during PS was found to have a higher fat content, slight but significantly lower protein content compared with milk from IDS. The study showed that the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in milk fat was strongly linked to the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and, to a lesser extent, on the supply of MUFA. The IDS data (concentration of vitamin E, A, and β‐carotene) showed the lowest values compared with the PS and PSCG groups. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and DAP showed an increasing trend in organic milk. PSCG was associated with highest level of DAP (9% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS) and TAS (37% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS). The results obtained show that supplementation of the basic ration with corn grain improved both TAS and DAP. The higher DAP and TAS value is responsible for product stability, considering the risk factor related to levels of cholesterol‐oxide intake in humans.
Fine mapping of a distal chromosome 4 QTL affecting growth and muscle mass in a chicken advanced intercross line
Authors: Lyu S. , Arends D. , Nassar M. K. , Brockmann G. A.
Published: January 2017

In our previous research, QTL analysis in an F2 cross between the inbred New Hampshire (NHI) and White Leghorn (WL77) lines revealed a growth QTL in the distal part of chromosome 4. To physically reduce the chromosomal interval and the number of potential candidate genes, we performed fine mapping using individuals of generations F10, F11 and F12 in an advanced intercross line that had been established from the initial F2 mapping population. Using nine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within the QTL region for an association analysis with several growth traits from hatch to 20 weeks and body composition traits at 20 weeks, we could reduce the confidence interval from 26.9 to 3.4 Mb. Within the fine mapped region, markers rs14490774, rs314961352 and rs318175270 were in full linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 1.0) and showed the strongest effect on growth and muscle mass (LOD ≥ 4.00). This reduced region contains 30 genes, compared to 292 genes in the original region. Chicken 60 K and 600 K SNP chips combined with DNA sequencing of the parental lines were used to call mutations in the reduced region. In the narrowed‐down region, 489 sequence variants were detected between NHI and WL77. The most deleterious variants are a missense variant in ADGRA3 (SIFT = 0.02) and a frameshift deletion in the functional unknown gene ENSGALG00000014401 in NHI chicken. In addition, five synonymous variants were discovered in genes PPARGC1A, ADGRA3, PACRGL, SLIT2 and FAM184B. In our study, the confidence interval and the number of potential genes could be reduced 8‐ and 10‐ fold respectively. Further research will focus on functional effects of mutant genes.
Similar change in platelets and leucocytes 24 h after injury is associated with septic shock a week later
Authors: Jol Saskia , Hietbrink Falco , Leenen Luke P. H. , Koenderman Leo , van Wessem Karlijn J. P.
Published: January 2017

Background

Septic shock is a severe complication in polytrauma patients. Early identification of patients at risk can guide future prevention strategies. Platelets (PLTs) and leucocytes presumably play an important role in the post‐injury inflammatory response. The role of early changes in PLT and leucocyte counts was investigated in search for the aetiology of the development of septic complications.

Methods

Polytrauma patients (aged 16–80 years) admitted to the intensive care unit with an expected stay of at least 3 days were included. PLT and leucocyte counts were measured on a daily basis for 14 days.

Results

A total of 41 patients were included, of whom nine (22%) developed septic shock. There was no difference in (New) Injury Severity Score or Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores between patients who developed septic shock and patients who did not. Three patients died, one of them in septic shock. Patients who developed septic shock during hospital stay had lower PLTs and a slower recovery to normal PLT counts than patients without septic shock. Patients who developed either a decrease in both PLTs and leucocytes or an increase in PLTs and leucocytes in the first 24 h after trauma were more likely to develop septic shock. This correlation was not found in patients who did not develop septic shock.

Conclusion

A similar change in PLT and leucocyte counts in the first 24 h after trauma is associated with the development of septic shock after a week. This indicates an early interaction between PLTs and leucocytes, which needs further investigation to gain more insight in the aetiology of post‐injury septic complications.
Fissure‐last video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for ‘non‐upper’ lobes
Authors: Stamenovic Davor , Bostanci Korkut , Messerschmidt Antje , Tillmann Jahn , Kostic Marko , Schneider Thomas
Published: January 2017

Background

Surgical approach into the fissural parenchyma may be an important and modifiable factor for the prevention of air leak after anatomical lung resections. Fissureless fissure‐last technique has been described as useful technique to reduce air leak, yet in video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) data are limited and mostly on the upper lobes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of fissureless fissure‐last VATS ‘non‐upper’ lobectomies and the impact of it on the immediate outcome, especially relating to air leak.

Methods

This study is a monocentric single‐surgeon retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data. During 24 months, 46 patients underwent VATS ‘non‐upper’ lobectomy or lower bilobectomy, with conventional (VATS‐c) technique in 20 and fissureless fissure‐last (VATS‐f) technique in 26 patients. Results were evaluated according to preoperative, perioperative and postoperative parameters.

Results

There were no differences between VATS‐c and VATS‐f groups in any characteristics or peri‐ and postoperative variables, except the number of staplers, where it was significantly higher in VATS‐c group (MVATS‐c = 5.7; MVATS‐f = 7.7; P = 0.001). Operation time did not differ between the groups, but showed gender‐related difference, being longer in males (MVATS‐c = 188; MVATS‐f = 157; P = 0.04). Prevalence of air leak was 20%; prolonged air leak (PAL) (>5 days) being 11% and PAL (>7 days) 0%. Patients with air leak were older by tendency (MVATS‐c = 74.9; MVATS‐f = 66.5; P = 0.08), had more complications (P = 0.025; relative risk = 2.65) and stayed longer at hospital (MVATS‐c = 10.8; MVATS‐f = 7.7; P = 0.02). Postoperative complications were present in 24% of patients.

Conclusion

VATS‐f lobectomy is safe and feasible not only for ‘upper’ but also for ‘non‐upper’ lobes. When applied to properly selected patients, it may reduce air leak and PAL and thus may potentially reduce the rate of complications.
Evaluating the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in an experienced center based on propensity score matching
Authors: Asai Koji , Watanabe Manabu , Kusachi Shinya , Matsukiyo Hiroshi , Saito Tomoaki , Ishii Tomotaka , Kujiraoka Manabu , Katagiri Miwa , Katada Natsuya , Saida Yoshihisa
Published: January 2017

Introduction

This study evaluates the therapeutic outcomes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis based on the time from symptom onset to surgery.

Methods

This study enrolled 224 patients. Patients' characteristics and operative outcomes were compared between patient groups based on the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy from symptom onset: ≤72 h versus >72 h, and ≤7 days versus ≥8 days. Then, we performed propensity score matching of 13 relevant variables, including patient demographics, examination findings, and therapeutic factors.

Results

The early surgery groups (≤72 h and ≤7 days) had significantly younger patients with fewer comorbidities and a shorter duration from symptom onset to presentation before performed propensity score matching. These groups also had shorter surgery, postoperative hospital stay, and total length of stay. Other operative outcomes, including blood loss, conversion to open surgery, bile duct injury, and postoperative complications, did not significantly differ among the groups. After propensity score matching, all therapeutic outcomes, including duration of surgery, showed no significant differences in either analysis.

Conclusions

In a center with sufficient experience, performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the earliest possible time after presentation was a safe therapeutic strategy for each patient with acute cholecystitis, regardless of the time from symptom onset.
Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic multivisceral resection for surgical T4b colon cancers: Retrospective analyses
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Hasegawa Suguru , Hirai Kenjiro , Hisamori Shigeo , Hida Koya , Kawada Kenji , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Laparoscopic (Lap) surgery has not been established as a standard procedure for locally advanced colon cancers. Here, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of Lap multivisceral resection (MVR) for tumors that had invaded adjacent organs (T4b).

Methods

We performed retrospective analyses using a single institutional database. Eighty‐four patients who underwent Lap or open MVR for surgical T4b primary colon cancers satisfied the inclusion criteria.

Results

Among the 84 patients, 48 underwent Lap MVR and 36 underwent open MVR. More patients in the open group were clinical T4b and were receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients in the open group had worse performance status (P = 0.037) and tumors of greater diameter. Lap completion was achieved in 42 cases (87.5%); the conversion rate was highest in cases involving the urinary tract (40.0%). Lap reconstruction of the bladder or ureter was extremely challenging, and therefore, adjacent organ reconstruction influenced Lap completion. Regarding perioperative outcomes, Lap was superior to open surgery in terms of intraoperative blood loss, morbidity, and postoperative hospital stay. Conversion was required in six cases; five were strategic conversions, and conversion was not associated with severe morbidity. The microscopic positive surgical margin rate was not higher in the Lap group than in the open group. Kaplan–Meier analyses of overall and disease‐free survival were comparable between the groups. Cox regression analyses revealed that the operative approach did not have a significant adverse effect on long‐term outcomes.

Conclusion

The Lap approach could be considered for surgical T4b cancers, except for urinary tract invasion cases that require complicated reconstruction.
Hampered cumulus expansion of porcine cumulus‐oocyte complexes by excessive presence of alpha2‐macroglobulin is likely mediated via inhibition of zinc‐dependent metalloproteases
Authors: Appeltant Ruth , Beek Josine , Maes Dominiek , Bijttebier Jo , Van Steendam Katleen , Nauwynck Hans , Van Soom Ann
Published: January 2017

In vitro maturation (IVM) in serum causes hampered expansion of porcine cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) due to excessive alpha2‐macroglobulin (A2M). This study investigated two hypotheses that could explain the effect of A2M: (i) binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to A2M, followed by its decreased availability; and (ii) inhibition of zinc‐dependent metalloproteases. Cumulus expansion was evaluated based on the diameter of the COCs, the proportion of COCs participating in a floating cloud and the proportion of COCs with loss of cumulus cells. The first hypothesis of decreased EGF availability was tested by increasing the EGF concentration (20 and 50 ng/mL vs. 10 ng/mL), but was not confirmed because cumulus expansion did not improve. To verify the second hypothesis of inhibited zinc‐dependent metalloproteases, the effect of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases‐3 (TIMP‐3) on cumulus expansion during IVM with and without A2M was investigated. To immuno‐neutralize A2M, serum was pre‐incubated with A2M antibodies. Impaired cumulus expansion because of TIMP‐3 could only be observed during IVM in 10% of serum with A2M antibodies. No effect of TIMP‐3 was observed in medium without A2M antibodies. These results indicate that A2M and TIMP‐3 share a common target, a zinc‐dependent metalloprotease. Future research is directed toward the identification of the protease involved.
The Double‐Edged Sword of Coercion: Cross‐Strait Relations After the 2016 Taiwan Elections
Authors: Schreer Benjamin
Published: January 2017

Whereas “optimists” argue that military conflict in the Taiwan Strait has become increasingly unlikely, “pessimists” warn that conflict remains a real option. The landslide victory for the pro‐independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of President Tsai Ing‐wen in the January 2016 presidential and legislative elections adds fire to the debate. The DPP win makes a peaceful unification on China's terms an ever‐distant prospect. Since the election, Beijing's strategy has rested on pressuring Taipei into accepting the “1992 consensus” as the precondition for constructive relations. However, this article argues that strategies of “coercion” are a double‐edged sword for China: its very success in deterring Taiwan from declaring formal independence has backfired as far as compelling the island from accepting unification on its terms. While pessimism about a new period of cross‐Strait tensions is premature, the Taiwan Strait remains a volatile regional flash point in East Asia.
The Political Struggle for Evenkia's “Special Status” Within Krasnoyarsk Krai (Central Siberia)
Authors: Koptseva Natalia P. , Reznikova Kseniya V. , Kirko Vladimir I.
Published: January 2017

The article discusses the postcolonial (i.e. post‐Soviet) transformations that have occurred among Central Siberia's indigenous groups. Ethnic identification processes among the Central Siberian Evenks, in particular, were on the rise during the Soviet period. The ethnic communities of Evenkia are now undergoing active stratification, with the emergence of a political elite known as “professional aborigines.” This political elite is more likely to include people with mixed backgrounds residing in urbanized settlements rather than pure Evenks living a nomadic lifestyle. “Professional aborigines” have clearly identifiable economic interests characteristic of the post‐Soviet market economy, including high corruption rates identified with so‐called “state capture.”