bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host species exploitation and discrimination by animal parasites
Authors: Forbes Mark R. , Morrill André , Schellinck Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Parasite species often show differential fitness on different host species. We developed an equation-based model to explore conditions favouring host species exploitation and discrimination. In our model, diploid infective stages randomly encountered hosts of two species; the parasite's relative fitness in exploiting each host species, and its ability to discriminate between them, was determined by the parasite's genotype at two independent diallelic loci. Relative host species frequency determined allele frequencies at the exploitation locus, whereas differential fitness and combined host density determined frequency of discrimination alleles. The model predicts instances where populations contain mixes of discriminatory and non-discriminatory infective stages. Also, non-discriminatory parasites should evolve when differential fitness is low to moderate and when combined host densities are low, but not so low as to cause parasite extinction. A corollary is that parasite discrimination (and host-specificity) increases with higher combined host densities. Instances in nature where parasites fail to discriminate when differential fitness is extreme could be explained by one host species evolving resistance, following from earlier selection for parasite non-discrimination. Similar results overall were obtained for haploid extensions of the model. Our model emulates multi-host associations and has implications for understanding broadening of host species ranges by parasites.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Opening the black box: re-examining the ecology and evolution of parasite transmission’.
Fast-killing parasites can be favoured in spatially structured populations
Authors: Leggett Helen C. , Wild Geoff , West Stuart A. , Buckling Angus
Published: March 2017

It is becoming increasingly clear that the evolution of infectious disease is influenced by host population structure. Theory predicts that parasites should be more ‘prudent’—less transmissible—in spatially structured host populations. However, here we (i) highlight how low transmission, the phenotype being selected for in this in context, may also be achieved by rapacious host exploitation, if fast host exploitation confers a local, within-host competitive advantage and (ii) test this novel concept in a bacteria–virus system. We found that limited host availability and, to a lesser extent, low relatedness favour faster-killing parasites with reduced transmission. By contrast, high host availability and high relatedness favour slower-killing, more transmissible parasites. Our results suggest high, rather than low, virulence may be selected in spatially structured host–parasite communities where local competition and hence selection for a within-host fitness advantage is high.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Opening the black box: re-examining the ecology and evolution of parasite transmission’.
De novomutations in regulatory elements cause neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Short Patrick J. , McRae Jeremy F. , Gallone Giuseppe , Sifrim Alejandro , Won Hyejung , Geschwind Daniel H. , Wright Caroline F. , Firth Helen V. , FitzPatrick David R. , Barrett Jeffrey C. , Hurles Matthew E. ,   on behalf of the DDD study
Published: March 2017

De novomutations in hundreds of different genes collectively cause 25-42% of severe developmental disorders (DD). The cause in the remaining cases is largely unknown. The role ofde novomutations in regulatory elements affecting known DD associated genes or other genes is essentially unexplored. We identifiedde novomutations in three classes of putative regulatory elements in almost 8,000 DD patients. Here we show thatde novomutations in highly conserved fetal-brain active elements are significantly and specifically enriched in neurodevelopmental disorders. We identified a significant two-fold enrichment of recurrently mutated elements. We estimate that, genome-wide,de novomutations in fetaLbrain active elements are likely to be causal for 1-3% of patients without a diagnostic coding variant and that only a small fraction (<2%) ofde novomutations in these elements are pathogenic. Our findings represent a robust estimate of the contribution ofde novomutations in regulatory elements to this genetically heterogeneous set of disorders, and emphasise the importance of combining functional and evolutionary evidence to delineate regulatory causes of genetic disorders.
Inferring Within-Host Bottleneck Size: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Dybowski R. , Restif O. , Price D.J. , Mastroeni P.
Published: March 2017

A number of approaches exist for bottleneck-size estimation with respect to within-host bacterial infections; however, some are more appropriate than others under certain circumstances. A Bayesian comparison of several approaches is made in terms of the availability of isogenic multitype bacteria (e.g., WITS), knowledge of post-bottleneck dynamics, and the suitability of dilution with monotype bacteria. The results are summarised by a guiding flowchart.

A sampling approach to bottleneck-size estimation is also introduced.
Heterosubtypic cross-reactivity of HA1 antibodies to influenza A, with emphasis on nonhuman subtypes (H5N1, H7N7, H9N2)
Authors: te Beest Dennis E. , Bruin Erwin de , Imholz Sandra , Koopmans Marion , Boven Michiel van
Published: March 2017

Epidemics of influenza A vary greatly in size and age distribution of cases, and this variation i attributed to varying levels of pre-existing immunity. Recent studies have shown that antibody mediated immune responses are more cross-reactive than previously believed, and shape patterns of humoral immunity to influenza A viruses over long periods. Here we quantify antibody responses to the hemagglutinin subunit 1 (HA1) across a range of subtypes using protein microarray analysis of cross-sectional serological surveys carried out in the Netherlanc before and after the A/2009 (H1N1) pandemic. We find significant associations of responses, both within and between subtypes. Interestingly, substantial overall reactivity is observed to HA1 of avian H7N7 and H9N2 viruses. Seroprevalence of H7N7 correlates with antibody titer to A/1968 (H3N2), and is highest in persons born between 1954 and 1969. Seroprevalence of H9N2 is high across all ages, and correlates strongly with A/1957 (H2N2). This correlation is most pronounced in A/2009 (H1N1) infected persons born after 1968 who have never encountered A/1957 (H2N2)-like viruses. We conclude that heterosubtypic antibody crossreactivity, both between human subtypes and between human and nonhuman subtypes, is common in the human population.
Deep brain fluorescence imaging with minimally invasive ultra-thin optical fibers
Authors: Ohayon Shay , Caravaca-Aguirre Antonio M. , Piestun Rafael , DiCarlo James J.
Published: March 2017

A major open challenge in neuroscience is the ability to measure and perturb neural activity in vivo from well-defined neural sub-populations at cellular resolution anywhere in the brain. However, limitations posed by scattering and absorption prohibit non-invasive (surface) multiphoton approaches1,2for deep (>2mm) structures, while Gradient Refreactive Index (GRIN) endoscopes2–4are thick and cause significant damage upon insertion. Here, we demonstrate a novel microendoscope to image neural activity at arbitrary depths via an ultrathin multimode optical fiber (MMF) probe that is 5-10X thinner than commercially available microendoscopes. We demonstrate micron-scale resolution, multispectral and volumetric imaging. In contrast to previous approaches1,5–8we show that this method has an improved acquisition speed that is sufficient to capture rapid neuronal dynamics in-vivo in rodents expressing a genetically encoded calcium indicator. Our results emphasize the potential of this technology in neuroscience applications and open up possibilities for cellular resolution imaging in previously unreachable brain regions.
Neural Correlates of Multisensory Reliability and Perceptual Weights Emerge at Early Latencies during Audio-visual Integration
Authors: Boyle Stephanie C , Kayser Stephanie J , Kayser Christoph
Published: March 2017

To make accurate perceptual estimates observers must take the reliability of sensory information into account. Despite many behavioural studies showing that subjects weight individual sensory cues in proportion to their reliabilities, it is still unclear when during a trial neuronal responses are modulated by the reliability of sensory information, or when they reflect the perceptual weights attributed to each sensory input during decision making. We investigated these questions using a combination of psychophysics, EEG based neuroimaging and single-trial decoding. Our results show that the weighted integration of sensory information in the brain is a dynamic process; effects of sensory reliability on task-relevant EEG components were evident around 84ms after stimulus onset, while neural correlates of perceptual weights emerged around 120ms after stimulus onset. These neural processes also had different underlying topographies, arising from areas consistent with sensory and parietal regions. Together these results reveal the temporal dynamics of perceptual and neural audio-visual integration and support the notion of temporally early and functionally specific multisensory processes in the brain.
MRCZ – A proposed fast compressed MRC file format and direct detector normalization strategies
Authors: McLeod Robert A. , Diogo Righetto Ricardo , Stewart Andy , Stahlberg Henning
Published: March 2017

The introduction of high-speed CMOS detectors is fast marching the field of transmission electron microscopy into an intersection with the computer science field of big data. Automated data pipelines to control the instrument and the initial processing steps are imposing more and more onerous requirements on data transfer and archiving. We present a proposal for expansion of the venerable MRC file format to combine integer decimation and lossless compression to reduce storage requirements and improve file read/write times by >1000 % compared to uncompressed floating-point data. The integer decimation of data necessitates application of the gain normalization and outlier pixel removal at the data destination, rather than the source. With direct electron detectors, the normalization step is typically provided by the vendor and is not open-source. We provide robustly tested normalization algorithms that perform at-least as well as vendor software. We show that the generation of hot pixels is a highly dynamic process in direct electron detectors, and that outlier pixels must be detected on a stack-by-stack basis. In comparison, the low-frequency bias features of the detectors induced by the electronics on-top of the active layer, are extremely stable with time. Therefore we introduce a stochastic-based approach to identify outlier pixels and smoothly filter them, such that the degree of correlated noise in micrograph stacks is reduced. Botha priorianda posteriorigain normalization approaches that are compatible with pipeline image processing are discussed. Thea prioriapproach adds a gamma-correction to the gain reference, and thea posterioriapproach normalized by a moving average of time-adjacent stacks, with the current stack being knocked-out, known as the KOMA (knock-out moving average) filter. The combination of outlier filter and KOMA normalization over ~25 frames can reduce the correlated noise in movies to nearly zero. Sample libraries and a command-line utility are hosted atgithub.com/em-MRCZand released under the BSD license.
Cross—reactivity of antibodies against microbial proteins to human tissues as basis of Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune diseases
Authors: Zhang Peilin , Minardi Lawrence M. , Todd Kuenstner J. , Zekan Stephen M. , Zhu Feng , Hu Yinling , Kruzelock Rusty
Published: March 2017

Background

Autoimmune disease is generally a systemic inflammatory response with production of autoantibodies. In this study, we investigated the anti-microbial antibodies in circulation in cases of Crohn’s disease (CD), Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and other autoimmune disease and their roles in the pathogenesis of these autoimmune diseases.

Material and methods

Western blot was used to determine the reactivity of human plasmas from patients with CD and SS as the primary antibodies against the whole microbial extracts. The microbial proteins reactive to patients’ plasma were further identified and the modified sandwich ELISA assays were used to determine the blood levels of antibodies against these microbial proteins in patients with CD and SS. Antibodies against the microbial proteins are used for immunohistochemical staining of normal human tissue.

Results

A group of 7 microbial proteins was identified reactive to the plasmas of patients with CD and SS including DNA-directed RNA polymerase B (RPOB), and elongation factor G (EF-G) fromStaphylococcus aureusandStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(S. aureusandS. pseudintermedius), ATP synthase alpha (ATP5a) and heat shock protein 65 (Hsp65) fromMycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP), elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and outer membrane porin C (ompC) fromEscherichia Coli(E. coli). Anti-microbial antibodies can cross-react to normal human tissues. The levels of antibodies against the microbial proteins are significantly elevated in the patients with CD and SS.

Conclusion

The levels of antibodies against the microbial proteins are significantly elevated in CD and SS. The cross-reactivity of the anti-microbial antibodies to human tissue provides a new mechanism of pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as CD and SS.
Private haplotype barcoding facilitates inexpensive high-resolution genotyping of multiparent crosses
Authors: Skelly Daniel A. , McCusker John H. , Stone Eric A. , Magwene Paul M.
Published: March 2017

Inexpensive, high-throughput sequencing has led to the generation of large numbers of sequenced genomes representing diverse lineages in both model and non-model organisms. Such resources are well suited for the creation of new multiparent populations to identify quantitative trait loci that contribute to variation in phenotypes of interest. However, despite significant drops in per-base sequencing costs, the costs of sample handling and library preparation remain high, particularly when many samples are sequenced. We describe a novel method for pooled genotyping of offspring from multiple genetic crosses, such as those that that make up multiparent populations. Our approach, which we call "private haplotype barcoding” (PHB), utilizes private haplotypes to deconvolve patterns of inheritance in individual offspring from mixed pools composed of multiple offspring. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach by applying the PHB method to whole genome sequencing of 96 segregants from 12 yeast crosses, achieving over a 90% reduction in sample preparation costs relative to non-pooled sequencing. In addition, we implement a hidden Markov model to calculate genotype probabilities for a generic PHB run and a specialized hidden Markov model for the yeast crosses that improves genotyping accuracy by making use of tetrad information. Private haplotype barcoding holds particular promise for facilitating inexpensive genotyping of large pools of offspring in diverse non-model systems.
Rod-like particles growing in sol–gel processing of 1:1 molar mixtures of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane
Authors: Vollet Dimas Roberto , Barreiro Luiz Antonio , Awano Carlos Miranda , de Vicente Fabio Simões , Yoshida Makoto , Donatti Dario Antonio
Published: March 2017

The growth kinetics and the structure of organic/silica hybrids prepared from acid hydrolysis of 1:1 molar mixtures of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at 315, 325 and 335 K. The evolution of the SAXS intensity is compatible with the growth of silica-rich domains by aggregation from a fixed number of primary particles. Two distinct growth regimes could be identified by analyzing the relation I(0) ∝ R
g

D
between the intensity extrapolated to zero I(0), the radius of gyration R
g of the aggregates and the exponent D, which gives information on the geometry and the mechanism of growth of the aggregates. An initial period was attributed to the growth of rod-like particles with approximately the same radius and variable length. At more advanced degrees of aggregation the process was controlled by the growth of larger aggregates with higher-order dimensionality. A narrow distribution of cylinder lengths given by the Schulz function fitted the experimental SAXS data well during the most part of the initial regime of cylindrical particle growth. These particles were later found as rod-like subunits of the larger aggregates grown at more advanced degrees of aggregation. Some condensation possibilities yielding the formation of structures compatible with those inferred from the present study are discussed.
Observation of sagittal X-ray diffraction by surface acoustic waves in Bragg geometry
Authors: Vadilonga Simone , Zizak Ivo , Roshchupkin Dmitry , Evgenii Emelin , Petsiuk Andrei , Leitenberger Wolfram , Erko Alexei
Published: March 2017

X-ray Bragg diffraction in sagittal geometry on a Y-cut langasite crystal (La3Ga5SiO14) modulated by Λ = 3 µm Rayleigh surface acoustic waves was studied at the BESSY II synchrotron radiation facility. Owing to the crystal lattice modulation by the surface acoustic wave diffraction, satellites appear. Their intensity and angular separation depend on the amplitude and wavelength of the ultrasonic superlattice. Experimental results are compared with the corresponding theoretical model that exploits the kinematical diffraction theory. This experiment shows that the propagation of the surface acoustic waves creates a dynamical diffraction grating on the crystal surface, and this can be used for space–time modulation of an X-ray beam.
Substitution of indium for chromium in TlIn5−xCrxSe8: crystal structure of TlIn4.811(5)Cr0.189(5)Se8
Authors: Lefèvre Robin , Berthebaud David , Gascoin Franck
Published: March 2017

The new thallium penta(indium/chromium) octaselenide, TlIn4.811(5)Cr0.189(5)Se8, has been synthesized by solid-state reaction. It crystallizes isotypically with TlIn5Se8in the space groupC2/m. Although the two Tl positions are disordered and only partially occupied, no Tl deficiency was observed. The insertion of chromium in the structure has been confirmed by EDS analysis. Chromium substitutes indium exclusively at one of three In sites,viz.at one of the positions with site symmetry 2/m(Wyckoff position 2a). In the crystal structure, edge-sharing InSe6octahedra, and (In,Cr)Se6octahedra and InSe4tetrahedra make up two types of columns that are linked into a framework in which two different types of channels parallel to [010] are present. The Tl atoms are located in the larger of the channels, whereas the other, smaller channel remains unoccupied.
3-Benzoyl-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one
Authors: Li Weijie , Xiao Yongmei , Yuan Jinwei , Yang Liangru , Mao Pu
Published: March 2017

In the title compound, C17H12O4, the dihedral angle between the coumarin ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.018 Å) and the phenyl ring is 55.96 (8)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...O interactions connect the molecules into a three-dimensional network and aromatic π–π stacking interactions are also observed [shortest centroid–centroid separation = 3.6692 (9) Å].
7-Methyl-1H-indole-2,3-dione
Authors: Lyncee Myrria-Tahisha A. , Desikan Vasumathi , Golen James A. , Manke David R.
Published: March 2017

The title compound, C9H7NO2, has a single molecule in the asymmetric unit, with the non-H atoms possessing a mean deviation from planarity of 0.034 Å. In the crystal, the molecules dimerize through pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The nine-membered rings of the isatins stack along the b axis, through parallel slipped π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.8832 (4) Å, interplanar distance = 3.4038 (7) Å and slippage = 1.8690 (12) Å].
(E)-1-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Rajendraprasad S. , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Quah Ching Kheng , Chandraju S. , Lokanath N. K. , Naveen S. , Warad Ismail
Published: March 2017

In the title compound, C15H10BrFO, the olefinic double bond adopts an E conformation. The molecule is non-planar as seen by the dihedral angle of 48.92 (11)° between the bromophenyl and fluorophenyl rings. The carbonyl group is twisted from the plane of the bromophenyl ring and the olefinic double bond. The trans conformation of the C=C double bond in the central enone group is confirmed by the C—C=C—C torsion angle of −165.7 (2)°.
Potassium tetracyanidoaurate(III) monohydrate: a redetermination
Authors: Matsushita Nobuyuki , Noguchi Wataru , Tanaka Rikako
Published: March 2017

The structure of the title metal complex salt, K[Au(CN)4]·H2O, has been redetermined using X-ray diffraction data at 173 K in order to improve the precision. The previous determination was based on neutron diffraction data [Bertinotti & Bertinotti (1970). Acta Cryst. B26, 422–428]. The title compound crystallizes in the space group P212121 with one potassium cation, one [Au(CN)4]− anion and one water molecule in the asymmetric unit. The AuIII atom lies on a general position and has an almost square-planar coordination sphere defined by four cyanide ligands. Interactions between the potassium cation and N atoms of the complex anion, as well as O—H...N hydrogen bonds, lead to the formation of a three-dimensional framework structure.
Striation effect in induction heating: myths and reality
Authors: Nemkov Valentin , Goldstein Robert
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Effect of unstable “wavy” temperature distribution on the part surface during the process of induction heating of ferromagnetic materials was observed and reported by two Russian scientists in 1940 (Babat and Lozinskii, 1940). They reported that under certain conditions, one can observe periodical or quasi-periodical bright stripes on the part surface when its temperature passes through the Curie point. In time, these stripes expand and merge, forming a normal temperature pattern. They called this phenomenon “polosatiy nagrev” (striation heating). Let us call it the “zebra effect” for simplicity. It can exist for a relatively long time, from several seconds to several tens of seconds. Several explanations of the zebra effect were proposed with not very convincing arguments. The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Wider spreading of induction technology and use of computer simulation of induction processes create a demand and open new possibilities for study of the zebra effect. This study provides an overview of the available information about the zebra effect and gives new explanation of this phenomenon based on existing experimental data and new results of simulation. Conditions for zebra occurrence and its technological importance or limitations are discussed.

Findings

Computer simulation using the Flux 2D program allows to demonstrate the striation (zebra) effect that can appear in the process of heating magnetic materials and reproduce main experimental findings related to this effect. Simulation provides a great opportunity to investigate the zebra phenomenon in virtual reality, providing qualitatively correct results. Results of simulation show that the zebra effect can appear in a relatively narrow range of material properties and operating conditions. The main factor is a big enough gradient of permeability near the Curie point. At present, it is difficult to expect high quantitative accuracy of simulation due to multiple assumptions in simulation algorithms and insufficient or inaccurate information about the material properties near the Curie point.

Originality/value

Several explanations of the zebra effect were proposed with not very convincing arguments. There were concerns that the zebra effect could set significant limits on the use of induction heating for surface hardening due to non-uniform temperature distribution along the part (Babat and Lozinskii, 1940; Babat, 1965; Lozinskii, 1949, 1969). However, it did not happen. There were no complaints from scientists or practitioners regarding any negative effect of the zebra phenomenon. Moreover, the authors of this paper did not find any original publications on this issue for more than half a century. Only few old induction experts confirm that they observed the zebra effect or something similar, whereas a great majority of induction community members never heard about it.
Mapping of magnetic properties for simulations of high-temperature electromagnetic applications
Authors: Akujärvi Ville , Cedell Tord , Frogner Kenneth , Andersson Mats
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the added value of using temperature-dependent electric and magnetic properties in high-temperature electromagnetic simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the electromagnetic properties of Domex 420, SSAB, have been characterized as a function of the temperature, from room temperature to 900°C. The measurement of the electric and magnetic properties was performed inside a vacuum furnace at a number of discrete temperature steps, with particularly small intervals around the Curie temperature. A simple transient multi-physics model was used to investigate the impact of the measured properties in three different representations.

Findings

In certain intervals, a simplified approximation of the properties produces accurate results, while fully parametric representation is beneficial when heating above the Curie temperature.

Originality/value

Temperature-dependent electromagnetic properties are rarely found, especially in an easy-to-use form. Using parameterized temperature-dependent approximation of key properties shows noteworthy differences in the outcome of high-temperature electromagnetic modeling.
Design and simulation of the electromagnetic heating of a biological tissue
Authors: Ostroushko Mykola , Buchau André , Rucker Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and the numerical calculation of the electromagnetic heating system for the ablation therapy. Hence, the heating of the tumor cells must be processed very carefully to achieve a localized coagulative necrosis and to avoid too high temperatures inside the tissue.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-invasive method of the ablation therapy is implemented due to the inductive power transmission between the generator and implant. The ferromagnetic implant has a small size and can be placed intravenously into tumor cells. High-frequency driving currents are necessary to obtain high induced eddy currents within the ferromagnetic implant.

Findings

Finite element analysis has been used for the design and numerical calculation of the electromagnetic heating system. The electromagnetic analysis is done in the time domain due to the nonlinearity of the ferromagnetic implant. Magnetic fields are computed based on a magnetic vector potential formulation. The thermal analysis is done in the time domain as well. The temperature computation in biological tissue is based on a heat balance equation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is focused on the design and simulation of the inductive system for the ablation therapy.

Practical implications

The designed system can be practically implemented. It can be used for the clinical study of the immune response by the thermal ablation therapy.

Originality/value

The common method of thermal ablation is combined with an inductive power transmission. It enables a repetitive application of this method to study the immune response.
Influence of SEN depth and port angle on vertical electromagnetic brake effects in continuous casting mould
Authors: Li Zhuang , Wang Engang , Xu Yu , Xu Lin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To effectively control the molten steel flow and the stability of free surface in continuous casting mould, this paper aims to propose a new type electromagnetic brake technique, namely, vertical electromagnetic brake (V-EMBr). Its brake effect under special processing parameters such as submerged entry nozzle (SEN) depth and port angle is evaluated by the numerical simulation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A couple three-dimensional mathematical model of fluid flow and static magnetic field was developed to investigate the behaviour of molten steel flow and steel/slag interface in the continuous casting mould, and a volume of fluid model is used to track the interfacial behaviour of molten steel and liquid slag by solving the continuity equation of the phase volume fraction.

Findings

The simulation results showed that the application of V-EMBr can significantly reduce the flow intensity in upper recirculation zone and decrease the meniscus height and the flow velocity of molten steel in the vicinity of narrow side of mould, which is beneficial to reduce the possibility of mould flux entrapment. Especially, the brake effect of V-EMBr has a little affected by the SEN depth and port angle, which is helpful for V-EMBr to better adapt the actual continuous casting process.

Originality/value

Compared to the conventional-level EMBr, the new proposed V-EMBr has the advantage to effectively control the molten steel flow and steel/slag interfacial fluctuation in the vicinity of narrow side of mould with a pair of magnetic fields, and its brake effect is less affected by the changes in continuous casting processing parameters.
Integrating multiculturalism in education for the 2020 classroom
Authors: Childs Kamshia
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to take a brief glance at the past of multicultural education in classrooms and discusses the ever-changing “melting pot” of cultures expected to continue to grow even more diverse in the USA in the next few years. It seeks to identify ideas and approaches that will help integrate multiculturalism into the curriculum and classroom practices in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores and challenges the importance of understanding multiculturalism’s role in the classroom by sharing the relevance of moving beyond surface approaches to teach about different cultures. It delves into the need to dig deeper to make multicultural perspectives and contributions a part of curriculum and classroom environments on a daily basis.

Findings

The author concludes that due to the rapidly changing demographics of the population of students, it is a necessity to address concepts such as inclusion of underrepresented cultures and ethnic backgrounds in curriculum materials, educator preparation and diversifying teacher educators.

Originality/value

This paper shares a unique perspective as goes beyond sharing multiculturalism with students as recognition or a celebration or a festival. It details how curriculum practices and classroom environments should strive to make differences a part of the general curriculum and become a shared culture – not a separate culture.
Climate adaptation strategies: cohesion policy 2014-2020 and prospects for Greek regions
Authors: Thoidou Elisavet
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the framework of the EU cohesion policy 2014-2020 with respect to its potential to secure not only the resources necessary for climate action in EU regions but also an integrated climate adaptation approach. It also examines the prospects for Greek regions with respect to climate adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the regional policy approach as it is generally formulated and applied in the context of the EU cohesion policy, this paper seeks to identify the policy objectives, the funding opportunities and the conditionalities for climate adaptation action. It also examines the above-mentioned elements for Greek regions.

Findings

The context of the EU cohesion policy constitutes a necessary but not sufficient condition for developing and implementing successful regional adaptation strategies. The process and content of regional policies are of significant importance in order for this context to be fully exploited.

Research limitations/implications

Since this is the first time that climate adaptation at the regional level is directly addressed by cohesion policy, there is not much evidence on this issue, at least for Greek regions.

Practical implications

The approach followed in this paper may constitute a useful contribution to the formulation of regional adaptation strategies. This is of particular importance as climate adaptation, together with risk prevention, is one of the key thematic objectives of the EU cohesion policy 2014-2020.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution by introducing and explaining a new challenging issue for the regional policies agenda, namely, the climate adaptation strategy, and stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to it, especially for Greek regions.
Polluting till death and beyond
Authors: Daramola Oluwole
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine residents’ perception on the polluting effects of the disposal of the dead in Ile-Ife, a traditional African city. This came about based on the recognition of the disposal of corpses and carcasses as sources of environmental pollution in the built environment. The perception study becomes imperative since introduction of perception is adjudged a tool for proffering solution to different problems in the different human endeavours and a method of getting policy information from the people that will be eventual subjects of the policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used household survey through questionnaire administration. The city of Ile-Ife was stratified into residential zones comprising the traditional zone, the transition zone and the peripheral zone. Across the zones, a total of 306 residents were systematically sampled on which the designed questionnaires were administered.

Findings

Dumping was the commonest method of the disposal of carcasses and burial was the commonest for corpses. The practices of the disposal of dead in the city were without consideration for its polluting effect and public health concern.

Research limitations/implications

The study is capable of generating hypotheses for future research in the area of environmental studies, especially in the global south.

Practical implications

The findings and recommendations of this study can provide information on future policy making, review and implementation on the disposal of the dead and other related issues in environmental studies both in the city and others with similar setting.

Originality/value

This paper is based on primary data from a survey of residents of Ile-Ife, Nigeria in March 2015. Its value lies in its capacity to suggest policy response for enhanced liveable environment through a study on residents’ perception, a bottom-up approach to policy making.
Aquifer vulnerability to pollution of Oum El-Bouaghi region in North East of Algeria
Authors: Zair Nadjet , Chaab Salah , Bertrand Catherine
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer using two models of analysis (DRASTIC and GOD) that were applied in practice in the regions of Bir Chouhada, Souk Naamane and Ouled Zouai in the district of Oum El-Bouaghi.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to determine the most adequate methods to ensure the protection of the Bir Chouhada, Souk Naamane and Ouled Zouai aquifer from pollution using vulnerability assessment. The application of the DRASTIC and GOD models made this evaluation possible.

Findings

The analysis of the both maps of vulnerability, resulting from the application of the two methods (DRASTIC and GOD), has revealed several classes of vulnerability that are no-, low-, medium- and high-vulnerable area. High DRASTIC vulnerability values vary between 145 and 178, and those of GOD vary between 0.07 and 0.57. It is observed that vulnerability increases from the center toward the eastern part of the plain; this is confirmed by the repartition of nitrate contents. The impact of the hydraulic conductivity on vulnerability to pollution is more significant than those of the vadose zone and the aquifer media. This is well observed when considering the single-parameter sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

The text deepens the understanding of the vulnerability assessment and quality of the aquifer and the groundwater. The present study can be used for the assessment and the management of groundwater.
The balanced scorecard as a tool for environmental management
Authors: Monteiro Sónia , Ribeiro Verónica
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the different possibilities set out in the literature for the integration of environmental issues into the balanced scorecard (BSC), not only in the private sector but also in the public sector, emphasizing the need to adapt the original model of the BSC to public entities.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review, both theoretical and empirical.

Findings

As in the private sector, the literature is not unanimous regarding the integration of environmental indicators into an independent perspective. The implementation of Kaplan and Norton’s model in the public sector, taking into consideration the environmental variable, requires double attention: on the one hand, because it is necessary to adapt it to the specificities of public entities, and on the other hand, because its environmental aim is different from and wider than that of the private sector

Originality/value

This study adds to the international research on environmental management by providing the state of the art of the integration of environmental issues into the BSC, particularly in the public sector, where literature review and empirical evidence is still relatively limited.
Organizational cynicism in policing
Authors: Enciso Georgina , Maskaly Jon , Donner Christopher M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine organizational cynicism (OC) among new police officers. Specifically, this paper investigates what factors are predictive of baseline levels of OC among police recruits and the growth of cynicism over time in these young officers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study are drawn from Phase I of the National Police Research Platform. Latent growth curve modeling is used to analyze data on 760 police recruits across five geographically diverse training academies within three distinct time periods (first day of academy, just before graduation, and six months post-graduation) to assess the development of OC in new police officers.

Findings

Several variables, including gender, race, and relations in policing exerted significant effects on a baseline level of OC and on growth in cynicism over time.

Practical implications

OC is an important topic for police administrators. Cynicism among employees can lead to undesirable organizational outcomes such as low job morale and satisfaction. Thus, it is important for police administrators to better understand the development and growth of OC in its personnel, particularly in new police officers.

Originality/value

This study builds on previous research and investigates an understudied topic in the literature by assessing the development and growth of OC among new police officers.
Embedding a records manager as a strategy for helping to positively influence an organization’s records management culture
Authors: Bowker Lynne , Villamizar César
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the benefits of embedding a records manager into a team of university administrators to help them address their information management needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes an experience that was inspired by reports of successful experiences with embedded librarianship. The literature on records management culture and embedded librarianship is reviewed to identify best practices and criteria for success. These criteria are used to design and implement a pilot project where, rather than hiring a consultant, a records manager is embedded into a quality assurance team working at a large university in Canada.

Findings

The project is a success in conventional terms (e.g. active files reduced; duplicates deleted; inactive files archived; naming conventions, version control and access rights applied); however, similar results could have been achieved using a consultant. More interesting are the added benefits achieved through embedding. Added benefits included identifying workflow inefficiencies, identifying terminological inconsistencies, iterative training opportunities and useful knowledge sharing outside the project’s scope. The argument is made that an embedded information professional is better able to appreciate the organizational culture, which in turn facilitates the establishment of trusted relationships and produces an overall added value for the entire team.

Originality/value

There is very little, if any, current literature that explores the value of embedding a records manager into a team, rather than simply hiring a consultant to address information management needs. The outcome of this pilot project will benefit those who are seeking to develop a model for embedding an information professional into their organization to gain an added value.
Stop eulogizing, complicating or straitjacketing the concept of organizational unlearning, please
Authors: Tsang Eric W.K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide some comments on the four papers, other than the author’s own, that were included in a recent special issue on organizational unlearning.

Design/methodology/approach

The author carefully reads these papers and identify problems that may hinder unlearning research.

Findings

While each paper has its own merits, a common problem shared by the papers is that the concept of organizational unlearning is unnecessarily eulogized, complicated or straitjacketed.

Research limitations/implications

The author’s discussion focuses only on a problem related directly to the concept of unlearning, and does not cover other, though less serious, issues.

Originality/value

The author’s comments help readers better understand the concept of unlearning and so facilitate the further development of unlearning research.
Potential excitatory role of nitric oxide on 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose‐induced gastric motility in rats
Authors: Sevgili Ayse M. , Balkanci Dicle Z. , Erdem Aysen
Published: March 2017

Previous studies have shown that 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (2‐DG) increases gastric motility via the vagus nerve, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Since nitric oxide (NO) is involved in gastric motility, a possible interplay between 2‐DG and NO can be suggested. In the present study, Wistar rats (250‐350 g) of both sexes were intravenously injected with 2‐DG (200 mg/kg), and the effects of the intravenous injection of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors; nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME, 10 mg/kg) and Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NNA, 10 mg/kg) were investigated. Animals were anaesthetized and cannulated for intravenous drug injections while the left vagal nerve was electrically stimulated (0.1‐10 Hz, 0.5 ms duration, 12 V, for 60 seconds), and intragastric pressure and gastric motility changes were monitored using a latex gastric balloon. 2‐DG increased the mean intragastric pressure (baseline, 5.0±0.4 cmH2O; after 2‐DG, 14.4±1.5 cmH2O; P=.0156) and significantly increased the gastric motility index, while NOS inhibitors significantly attenuated both parameters. However, pretreatment with NOS inhibitors significantly augmented the gastric responses to peripheral electrical vagal stimulation. These results suggest that NO plays an excitatory role in gastric responsiveness to 2‐DG and that this function may be effected in the central nervous system.
Functional characterization of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in the cereal head blight fungus Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Shin Ji Young , Bui Duc‐Cuong , Lee Yoonji , Nam Hyejin , Jung Soyun , Fang Miao , Kim Jin‐Cheol , Lee Theresa , Kim Hun , Choi Gyung Ja , Son Hokyoung , Lee Yin‐Won
Published: March 2017

Fusarium graminearum is a prominent plant pathogenic fungus causing Fusarium head blight in major cereal crops worldwide. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal development and virulence, large collections of F. graminearum mutants have been constructed. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are widely distributed in organisms and are involved in a diverse array of molecular/metabolic processes; however, no systematic functional analysis of P450s has been attempted in filamentous fungi. In this study, we constructed a genome‐wide deletion mutant set covering 102 P450s and analyzed these mutants for changes in 38 phenotypic categories, including fungal development, stress responses and responses to several xenobiotics, to build a comprehensive phenotypic dataset. Most P450 mutants showing defective phenotypes were impaired in a single phenotypic trait, demonstrating that our mutant library is a good genetic resource for further fungal genetic studies. In particular, we identified novel P450s specifically involved in virulence (5) and both asexual (1) and sexual development (2). Most P450s seem to play redundant roles in the degradation of xenobiotics in F. graminearum. This study is the first phenome‐based functional analysis of P450s, and it provides a valuable genetic resource for further basic and applied biological research in filamentous fungi and other plant pathogens.
Improving the Numerical Knowledge of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Benefits of Linear Board Games
Authors: Satsangi Rajiv , Bofferding Laura
Published: March 2017

A lack of numerical knowledge early on can impede a child's academic development. In past research, playing linear board games improved children's understanding of numerical relations, which the authors theorised could extend to children with autism spectrum disorder. For this pilot study, 10 children played a board game where they moved tokens across coloured tiles displaying the numbers 1–10. During gameplay, students in the experimental group focused on the numbers on the tiles, while the control group focused on the colours. The assessment consisted of a number line estimation task, where students placed numbers ranging from 1 to 9 on a blank number line. Results showed children in the experimental group experienced statistically significant improvement in their understanding of numerical relationships of numbers on the number line estimation task. Findings indicate extended experiences with linear board games can support the numerical development of children with autism spectrum disorder.