bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breech‐strike on mulesed, clipped and unmulesed Merino ewes and hoggets in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Tyrell LD , Larsen JWA , Anderson N 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveCompare breech‐strike on Merino ewes and hoggets that were mulesed, had breech and tail clips applied (‘clipped’) or left unmulesed and treated strategically with long‐acting insecticide.DesignA cohort study on two farms in southern Victoria.MethodsThree treatment groups were established at lamb marking in 2008 and 2009 on each farm. The unmulesed group was treated with a long‐acting insecticide in early spring. The prevalence of breech‐strike and key risk factors, including presence of dag, urine stain and breech wrinkle, were compared between groups.ResultsBreech‐strike was detected from October to December on 1.9% and 7.2% of mulesed, and on 14.8% and 12.5% of clipped ewes, respectively, on each farm. Thus, clipped ewes had a relative risk of breech‐strike 7.8‐ and 1.7‐fold that of mulesed ewes. Unmulesed ewes treated with insecticide had similar or less breech‐strike compared with mulesed ewes (3.4% and 1.4%), but significantly more dag, stain and breech wrinkle. From January, breech‐strike on unprotected unmulesed ewes was 8.5% and 2.8%, compared with 3.5% and 0% on mulesed ewes.ConclusionEarly‐season treatment of unmulesed sheep prevented most breech‐strikes during spring and early summer on both hoggets and breeding ewes, confirming it as a short‐ to medium‐term option for the control of breech‐strike. Some benefits were associated with the use of clips but, to control breech‐strike, clipped sheep should be treated the same as unmulesed sheep. Genetic selection to reduce the prevalence of dag will be required for future strategies to control breech‐strike on Merino sheep in south‐eastern Australia.
A serial risk score approach to disease classification that accounts for accuracy and cost
Authors: Huynh Dat , Laeyendecker Oliver , Brookmeyer Ron 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe performance of diagnostic tests for disease classification is often measured by accuracy (e.g., sensitivity or specificity); however, costs of the diagnostic test are a concern as well. Combinations of multiple diagnostic tests may improve accuracy, but incur additional costs. Here, we consider serial testing approaches that maintain accuracy while controlling costs of the diagnostic tests. We present a serial risk score classification approach. The basic idea is to sequentially test with additional diagnostic tests just until persons are classified. In this way, it is not necessary to test all persons with all tests. The methods are studied in simulations and compared with logistic regression. We applied the methods to data from HIV cohort studies to identify HIV infected individuals who are recently infected (1 year) by testing with assays for multiple biomarkers. We find that the serial risk score classification approach can maintain accuracy while achieving a reduction in cost compared to testing all individuals with all assays.
Exploring factors that influence adoption of e‐learning within higher education
Authors: King Emma , Boyatt Russell 
Published: August 2014

AbstractE‐learning is increasingly adopted in the workplace for supporting professional development and continuing education; however, in higher education, the use of e‐learning is predominantly used as a tool support teaching. As a relatively new priority for universities, this paper explores what influences its adoption. Challenges identified in the literature include organisational features of universities like faculty autonomy and dispersed academic perspectives. This study, carried out at the University of Warwick, adopted a phenomenological approach and explored participants' perceptions through a series of faculty‐based focus groups and individual interviews. Factors identified as influential to adoption of e‐learning included the institutional infrastructure, staff attitudes and skills, and perceived student expectations. Participants suggested the importance of an institutional strategy targeted at providing sufficient resources and guidance for effective implementation. This strategy needs to be supported by a varied programme of staff development and opportunities for sharing practice among colleagues. In further developing understanding in this area, it would be beneficial to replicate the study with other stakeholder groups (including the leadership team and students) to develop an institutional strategy responsive at all levels of implementation. It would also be valuable to investigate the extent to which these findings are replicated within other workplaces looking to adopt innovation.
How and why academics do and do not use iPads for academic teaching?
Authors: Aiyegbayo Olaojo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper evaluated how academics, at a mid‐sized UK university, used their iPads for teaching. The data were gathered using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Eighty‐four academics completed a survey while 22 semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Eleven interviewees reported that they used their iPads for teaching purposes and the SAMR model was employed to analyse these teaching uses. The other 11 interviewees stated that they did not use their iPads for teaching purposes and the reasons why these academics were not using their iPads are also explored in this paper. Formal pedagogical support and students' access to iPads were considered important by academics in order to use their iPads effectively for teaching.
Combination of SAHA and bortezomib up‐regulates CDKN2A and CDKN1A and induces apoptosis of Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive Wp‐restricted Burkitt lymphoma and lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: Hui Kwai Fung , Leung Yvonne Y. , Yeung Po L. , Middeldorp Jaap M. , Chiang Alan K.S. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryEpstein‐Barr virus (EBV) latent proteins exert anti‐apoptotic effects on EBV‐transformed lymphoid cells by down‐regulating BCL2L11 (BIM), CDKN2A (p16INK4A) and CDKN1A (p21WAF1). However, the potential therapeutic effects of targeting these anti‐apoptotic mechanisms remain unexplored. Here, we tested both in vitro and in vivo effects of the combination of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and proteasome inhibitors on the apoptosis of six endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) lines of different latency patterns (types I and III and Wp‐restricted) and three lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). We found that the combination of HDAC and proteasome inhibitors (e.g. SAHA/bortezomib) synergistically induced the killing of Wp‐restricted and latency III BL and LCLs but not latency I BL cells. The synergistic killing was due to apoptosis, as evidenced by the high percentage of annexin V positivity and strong cleavage of PARP1 (PARP) and CASP3 (caspase‐3). Concomitantly, SAHA/bortezomib up‐regulated the expression of CDKN2A and CDKN1A but did not affect the level of BCL2L11 or BHRF1 (viral homologue of BCL2). The apoptotic effects were dependent on reactive oxygen species generation. Furthermore, SAHA/bortezomib suppressed the growth of Wp‐restricted BL xenografts in nude mice. This study provides the rationale to test the novel application of SAHA/bortezomib on the treatment of EBV‐associated Wp‐restricted BL and post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Local Resources and Procurement Practices in Humanitarian Supply Chains: An Empirical Examination of Large‐Scale House Reconstruction Projects
Authors: Matopoulos Aristides , Kovács Gyöngyi , Hayes Odran 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTDifferent procurement decisions taken by relief organizations can result in considerably different implications in regards to transport, storage, and distribution of humanitarian aid and ultimately can influence the performance of the humanitarian supply chain and the delivery of the humanitarian aid. In this article, we look into what resources are needed and how these resources evolve in the delivery of humanitarian aid. Drawing on the resource‐based view of the firm, we develop a framework to categorize the impact of local resources on the configuration of humanitarian supply chains. In contrast to other papers, the importance of localizing the configuration of the humanitarian supply chain is not only conceptually recognized, but empirical investigations are also provided. In terms of methodology, this article is based on the analysis of secondary data from two housing reconstruction projects. Findings indicate that the use of local resources in humanitarian aid has positive effects on programs’ overall supply chain performance and these effects are not only related to the macroeconomic perspective, but benefits expand to improvements related to the use of knowledge. At the same time, it was found that local sourcing often comes with a number of problems. For example, in one of the cases, significant problems existed, which were related to the scarcity of local supplies. Both housing reconstruction projects have indicated the continuous need for changes throughout the programs as a dynamic supply chain configuration is important for the long‐term sustainability of reconstruction aid.
Governance Choice, Sourcing Relationship Characteristics, and Relationship Performance
Authors: Narayanan Sriram , Narasimhan Ram 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTPast work on exchange relationships has debated the efficacy of partnership versus arm's‐length governance on performance of a buyer–supplier relationship. However, how these governance approaches leverage key supplier specific relationship characteristics has not been examined. In this study, we examine the moderating role of governance choice (arm's‐length versus partnership governance) in leveraging key supplier specific characteristics to achieve superior performance for the buyer in a relationship. Specifically, drawing from residual rights theory, we argue that the governance choice buyers make moderates the impact of supplier flexibility, supplier human capital and relationship dependency on performance. Our findings suggest that, for a buyer, the benefits of supplier flexibility and relationship dependency are better realized in partnership governance as opposed to arm's‐length governance. Further, our findings suggest that although buyers choose a specific governance approach consistent with their outsourcing motivation, the choice of governance is critical to leveraging the impact of supplier characteristics due to the moderation effects studied. We elaborate on these effects and discuss the implications of our findings.
Pricing of Full‐Service Repair Contracts with Learning, Optimized Maintenance, and Information Asymmetry
Authors: Huber Sebastian , Spinler Stefan 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThis article considers the optimal pricing of full‐service (FS) repair contracts by taking into account learning and maintenance efficiency effects, competition from service , and asymmetric information. We analyze on‐call service (OS) and FS contracts in a market where customers exhibit heterogeneous risk aversion. While the customers minimize their disutility over the equipment lifetime, the service provider maximizes expected profits arising from the portfolio of OS and FS contracts. We show that the optimal FS price depends inter alia on the customer's prior cost experience and on OS repair and maintenance costs. The optimal FS price is shown to increase as fewer OS customers are lost to competition, whereas improved repair learning enabled by FS reduces the optimal price. A numerical study based on data from a manufacturer of forklifts highlights the importance of learning in maintenance operations, which constitutes the key benefit of FS contracts; 81% of the customers select the FS option and are willing to pay an insurance premium of around 1.5% of total OS cost against volatility of repair costs.
Supply Network Structure, Visibility, and Risk Diffusion: A Computational Approach
Authors: Basole Rahul C. , Bellamy Marcus A. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTUnderstanding and managing supply chain risks is a critical functional competency for today's global enterprises. A lack of this competency can have significant negative outcomes, including costly production and delivery delays, loss of future sales, and a tarnished corporate image. The ability to identify and mitigate risks, however, is complicated as supply chains are becoming increasingly global, complex, and interconnected. Drawing on the complex systems and epidemiology literature, and using a computational modeling and network analysis approach, we examine the impact of global supply network structure on risk diffusion and supply network health and demonstrate the importance of supply network visibility. Our results show a significant association between network structure and both risk diffusion and supply network health. In particular, our results indicate that small‐world supply network topologies consistently outperform supply networks with scale‐free characteristics. Theoretically, our study contributes to our understanding of risk management and supply networks as complex networked systems using a computational approach. Managerially, our study illustrates how decision makers can benefit from a network analytic approach to develop a more holistic understanding of system‐wide risk diffusion and to guide network governance policies for more favorable health level outcomes. The article concludes by highlighting the main findings and discussing possibilities of future research directions.
Extensive dispersal of Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) inferred from genetic marker data
Authors: Roberts James H. , Angermeier Paul L. , Hallerman Eric M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe dispersal ecology of most stream fishes is poorly characterised, complicating conservation efforts for these species. We used microsatellite DNA marker data to characterise dispersal patterns and effective population size (Ne) for a population of Roanoke logperch Percina rex, an endangered darter (Percidae). Juveniles and candidate parents were sampled for 2 years at sites throughout the Roanoke River watershed. Dispersal was inferred via genetic assignment tests (ATs), pedigree reconstruction (PR) and estimation of lifetime dispersal distance under a genetic isolation‐by‐distance model. Estimates of Ne varied from 105 to 1218 individuals, depending on the estimation method. Based on PR, polygamy was frequent in parents of both sexes, with individuals spawning with an average of 2.4 mates. The sample contained 61 half‐sibling pairs, but only one parent–offspring pair and no full‐sib pairs, which limited our ability to discriminate natal dispersal of juveniles from breeding dispersal of their parents between spawning events. Nonetheless, all methods indicated extensive dispersal. The AT indicated unrestricted dispersal among sites ≤15 km apart, while siblings inferred by the PR were captured an average of 14 km and up to 55 km apart. Model‐based estimates of median lifetime dispersal distance (6–24 km, depending on assumptions) bracketed AT and PR estimates, indicating that widely dispersed individuals do, on average, contribute to gene flow. Extensive dispersal of P. rex suggests that darters and other small benthic stream fishes may be unexpectedly mobile. Monitoring and management activities for such populations should encompass entire watersheds to fully capture population dynamics.
Hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor mediates recovery from chronic stress‐induced spatial reference memory deficits
Authors: Ortiz J. Bryce , Mathewson Coy M. , Hoffman Ann N. , Hanavan Paul D. , Terwilliger Ernest F. , Conrad Cheryl D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractChronic restraint stress impairs hippocampal‐mediated spatial learning and memory, which improves following a post‐stress recovery period. Here, we investigated whether brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein important for hippocampal function, would alter the recovery from chronic stress‐induced spatial memory deficits. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were infused into the dorsal hippocampal cornu ammonis (CA)3 region with an adeno‐associated viral vector containing the sequence for a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) directed against BDNF or a scrambled sequence (Scr). Rats were then chronically restrained (wire mesh, 6 h/day for 21 days) and assessed for spatial learning and memory using a radial arm water maze (RAWM) either immediately after stressor cessation (Str‐Imm) or following a 21‐day post‐stress recovery period (Str‐Rec). All groups learned the RAWM task similarly, but differed on the memory retention trials. Rats in the Str‐Imm group, regardless of adeno‐associated viral contents, committed more errors in the spatial reference memory domain on the single retention trial during day 3 than did the non‐stressed controls. Importantly, the typical improvement in spatial memory following the recovery from chronic stress was blocked with the shRNA against BDNF, as Str‐Rec‐shRNA performed worse on the RAWM compared with the non‐stressed controls or Str‐Rec‐Scr. The stress effects were specific for the reference memory domain, but knockdown of hippocampal BDNF in unstressed controls briefly disrupted spatial working memory as measured by repeated entry errors on day 2 of training. These results demonstrated that hippocampal BDNF was necessary for the recovery from stress‐induced hippocampal‐dependent spatial memory deficits in the reference memory domain.
Migraine improvement during short lasting ketogenesis: a proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Di Lorenzo C. , Coppola G. , Sirianni G. , Di Lorenzo G. , Bracaglia M. , Di Lenola D. , Siracusano A. , Rossi P. , Pierelli F. 
Published: August 2014

Background and purposeKetogenesis is a physiological phenomenon due to starvation or a ketogenic diet (KD), a drastic restricted carbohydrate dietary regimen that induces lipid metabolism and ketone body synthesis. Two patients whose migraines disappeared only during, and not outside, cycles of very‐low‐calorie KD performed to reduce their weight were recently observed. To confirm our observation, in a dietitian clinical setting two parallel groups of migraineurs, one receiving a 1‐month very‐low‐calorie KD prescription followed by a 5‐month standard low‐calorie diet (SD) and the other a 6‐month SD, were followed.MethodsNinety‐six overweight female migraineurs were enrolled in a diet clinic and blindly received a KD (n = 45) or an SD (n = 51) prescription. Mean monthly attack frequency, number of days with headaches and tablet intake were assessed before and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after diet initiation.ResultsIn the KD group, the baseline attack frequency (2.9 attacks per month), number of days with headaches (5.11 days per month) and tablet intake (4.91 doses per month) were significantly reduced after the first month of diet (respectively 0.71, 0.91, 0.51; overall, KD versus baseline, P < 0.0001). During the transition period (first versus second month), the KD group showed a transient worsening of each clinical headache variable (respectively 2.60, 3.60, 3.07), despite being improved compared with baseline, with continuous improvement up to month 6 (respectively 2.16, 2.78, 3.71). In the SD group, significant decreases in the number of days with headaches and tablet intake were observed only from month 3 (P < 0.0001), and in attack frequency at month 6 (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe underlying mechanisms of KD efficacy could be related to its ability to enhance mitochondrial energy metabolism and counteract neural inflammation.
Dosing feasibility and tolerability of intranasal diazepam in adults with epilepsy
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Haas Kevin F. , Krauss Gregory , Seif Eddeine Hussam , Henney Herbert R. , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Bream Gary , Squillacote David , Carrazana Enrique J. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of administering a diazepam nasal spray formulation (diazepam‐NS) to adults with epilepsy during a generalized tonic–clonic seizure or in the postictal period following a tonic–clonic or other seizure type, to assess pharmacokinetics and to assess tolerability.MethodsAn open‐label study was conducted in patients admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit. Eligible patients received a single dose of diazepam‐NS approximating 0.2 mg/kg. Plasma diazepam concentrations were measured serially up to 12 h postdose, and maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax); time to maximum concentration (Tmax); and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve for time zero to last sampling time (AUC0–12) were estimated and dose‐normalized. Pharmacodynamic assessments included Kaplan‐Meier analysis to determine the time‐to‐next seizure. Safety and tolerability were assessed.ResultsOf the 78 patients who consented, 30 had treatment and pharmacokinetic data. Ten patients were treated during a convulsive tonic–clonic seizure, seven within 5 min following the last clonic jerk, and 13 in the postictal period ≥5 min after a tonic–clonic or following other seizure‐types. Diazepam median Tmax was 45 min. Dose‐normalized mean Cmax and AUC0–12 values of diazepam were comparable among patients regardless of the timing of diazepam‐NS administration in relation to seizure. Of those treated, 65% were seizure‐free during the 12‐h observation period and 35% had post‐dose seizures. Treatment was well tolerated, with no unexpected safety findings: 74% had mild and 25% had moderate adverse events. Nasopharyngeal signs were resolved by 12 h postdose.SignificanceDiazepam can be delivered in effective therapeutic concentrations by a nasal spray device during the convulsive phase of tonic–clonic seizures or in the postictal periods following tonic–clonic or other seizure types.
Native plasma‐derived FVIII/VWF complex has lower sensitivity to FVIII inhibitors than the combination of isolated FVIII and VWF proteins. Impact on Bethesda assay titration of FVIII inhibitors
Authors: Bravo M. I. , Da Rocha‐Souto B. , Grancha S. , Jorquera J. I. 
Published: August 2014

SummarySensitivity to FVIII inhibitors of the native plasma‐derived (pd) FVIII/VWF complex vs. the complexes formed after exogenous FVIII infusion in the haemophilic patient has not been thoroughly studied. The role of VWF in the interaction of FVIII with inhibitors was studied in vitro using different combinations of VWF and FVIII concentrates. Normal plasma, pdFVIII/VWF and isolated FVIII (recombinant FVIII, B‐domain deleted and pdFVIII) were used. Titre (BU) was kinetically determined (up to 2 h) in serial dilutions of inhibitor IgG (purified from a pool of plasmas with inhibitors) mixed with VWF and then incubated with the different FVIII. Inhibitor was also added to previously mixed VWF+FVIII. Residual FVIII:C was determined. TGA assays were performed with FVIII‐deficient plasma spiked with the FVIII‐VWF mixtures with/without an ESH‐8 antibody. Inhibitor titres for plasma and pdFVIII/VWF were comparable at all time points. Titres for all concentrates of isolated FVIII were significantly higher than those for plasma or pdFVIII/VWF (1.4–1.9 fold) even after preincubation with VWF. At t = 0 h, titres for plasma or pdFVIII/VWF were unquantifiable, but were detectable for isolated FVIII (0.6–1.6 BU). In contrast to pdFVIII/VWF, the decrease in thrombin generation parameters by isolated FVIII in the presence of ESH‐8 was significant (P < 0.01) even when previously combined with VWF. In conclusion, VWF protection against FVIII inhibitor activity might be higher with native pdFVIII/VWF complex than with the corresponding compound formed from the isolated proteins. Bethesda assay titration using different FVIII concentrates would be advisable to guide the treatment of inhibitor patients.