bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic deals in the construction industry
Authors: Havenvid Malena Ingemansson , Håkansson Håkan , Linné Åse
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between social-material interaction and the monetary aspects of business relationships in the construction industry. The authors term the formal financial agreements necessary for such activities “deals”, and this paper seeks to open a research avenue to further investigate the multifaceted interaction processes among business actors. The construction industry is a suitable empirical setting for this purpose; its project-based character and societal position of linking business with the construction of essential community infrastructure imply that different types of money-handling activities need to be managed continuously with both short-term and long-term effects taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the deals, i.e., the interface between socio-material interaction and the money-handling processes in the construction industry, as well as studying the potential interrelatedness of deals, the authors performed a case study involving three interrelated housing projects in Uppsala, Sweden.

Findings

The study shows that deals do not only have an intricate relationship to the social-material interaction processes among construction actors, but they also become interrelated in specific ways to form “deal structures” as actors engage in different business relationships over time. This means, for instance, that a single deal can enable several other deals, and involved actors have different abilities in performing deals. Hence, most deals are part of a “broader” interaction pattern of social and material resources spanning the organizational borders of individual companies.

Originality/value

Within the industrial marketing and purchasing, the socio-material interaction among actors has been well studied, but less attention has been paid to the monetary dimension and its relationship to the socio-material interaction processes. In particular, this study provides an understanding of monetary agreements in the construction industry.
Market investments in resource interfaces: understanding market assets in networks
Authors: Prenkert Frans
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of who forms what market assets by making what market investments in a business network.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate what market investments were made by certain actors into resource interfaces as market assets, the author draws on a case network based on an investigation of the Chilean salmon production network. To this end, the author chose the fish – being the focal object resource in that network – as a point of departure. The author systematically investigates the resource interfaces that this resource has with three other specific resources: feed, fishmeal, and vaccines in a thick case study.

Findings

This study shows that market investments entail committing resources to resource interfaces which turns them into market assets. Resource interfaces as market assets have implications on how we characterize and value resource interfaces. Multilateral resource interfaces become valuable to firms as a result of continuous market investments made into them. This produces different types of resource interfaces, some of which are of mediatory character bridging between distant resources in a network.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the market investments being made to create and sustain market assets. Of course such assets are linked to a firm’s internal assets which this study do not investigate. In addition, this study emphasizes the commitment of resources into existing resource interfaces, the ensuing creation of market assets, and its use and value for firms and downplays a firm’s need to account for market investments and the market investments required to create a new resource interface.

Practical implications

As resource interfaces are valuable market assets, it is important to understand the functioning of different types of resource interfaces so as to exploit their potential as efficient as possible. This paper shows that some resources act as bridging resources connecting the borders of two indirectly related resources. Controlling bridging resources becomes an essential task for managers in business networks.

Social implications

Understanding the market investments into resource interfaces enables firms to become more skilled in organizing and controlling networks. These networks can play important roles in the economic development of society and create improved societal conditions for people, organizations, and economies.

Originality/value

By combining a market investment and market asset conceptualization of investments in networks with a resource interaction approach, this paper provides an enhanced understanding of resource interfaces as market assets. Theoretical implications for our understanding of resource interfaces – its value and character – are discussed.
Robust mobile robot localization based on a security laser: an industry case study
Authors: Sobreira Heber , Moreira A. Paulo , Costa Paulo , Lima José
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to address a mobile robot localization system that avoids using a dedicated laser scanner, making it possible to reduce implementation costs and the robot’s size. The system has enough precision and robustness to meet the requirements of industrial environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an algorithm for artificial beacon detection combined with a Kalman Filter and an outlier rejection method, it was possible to enhance the precision and robustness of the overall localization system.

Findings

Usually, industrial automatic guide vehicles feature two kinds of lasers: one for navigation placed on top of the robot and another for obstacle detection (security lasers). Recently, security lasers extended their output data with obstacle distance (contours) and reflectivity. These new features made it possible to develop a novel localization system based on a security laser.

Research limitations/implications

Once the proposed methodology is completely validated, in the future, a scheme for global localization and failure detection should be addressed.

Practical implications

This paper presents a comparison between the presented approach and a commercial localization system for industry. The proposed algorithms were tested in an industrial application under realistic working conditions.

Social implications

The presented methodology represents a gain in the effective cost of the mobile robot platform, as it discards the need for a dedicated laser for localization purposes.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel approach that benefits from the presence of a security laser on mobile robots (mandatory sensor when considering industrial applications), using it simultaneously with other sensors, not only to guarantee safety conditions during operation but also to locate the robot in the environment. This paper is also valuable because of the comparison made with a commercialized system, as well as the tests conducted in real industrial environments, which prove that the approach presented is suitable for working under these demanding conditions.
Working with suicide risk in offenders: a review of training at HMP Grendon
Authors: Hatton Victoria , Akerman Geraldine
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Rates of suicide in custodial settings continued to rise in the year 2013/2014. Consequently, the Division of Forensic Psychology funded training on “working with risk of suicide” which was delivered by Dr Slade at HMP Grendon. Due to the increasing prevalence of suicide in custodial settings, a review of this training was considered important to enhance professionals’ awareness of self-harm and suicide. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The review begins with an introduction to the concepts of self-harm and suicide, and an introduction to where the training was held; HMP Grendon, a therapeutic community prison. The four key topics delivered by Dr Slade are then explored with regards to their aims and content. These topics include; the link between self-harm and suicide, why offenders harm themselves, assessment of suicide and finally, care planning. Residents of HMP Grendon also discussed their views of self-harm and suicide during the training day, these are thus explored within this review. Strength and weaknesses of the training were also explored, in addition to future practice considerations.

Findings

This review highlights the comprehensiveness of the training and its ability to engage the audience through discussions and activities. The collaboration between professionals and HMP Grendon residents to understand self-harm and suicide was also particularly noted.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into the staff-resident collaboration at HMP Grendon and how training on self-harm and suicide can be delivered.
To make us truly human: humanities education and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Roach Caitlin Paige , Slater Daniel Joseph
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to determine whether CEOs with a humanities education (e.g. English/literature, philosophy, history, languages, religion, visual arts, or performing arts) exhibit higher levels of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within their firms than those who have studied other disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an empirical examination of S&P 500 CEOs’ undergraduate education and their firms’ level of CSR as measured by Kinder, Lydenberg & Domini (KLD).

Findings

CEO undergraduate humanities education is associated with higher levels of CSR even after accounting for several firm- and individual level controls. In addition, the CSR dimensions of community and diversity were found to be key drivers of the association.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited in understanding the micro-processes of the CEOs affected by a humanities education, as it relates to CSR. However, the results imply a values-based connection that is supported by the upper echelons theory.

Practical implications

CSR-minded firms may seek out humanities-educated executives. In addition, the results would suggest a need for humanities education despite the recent waning interest.

Originality/value

First, the findings of Manner (2010) will be confirmed using a different sample. Second, the humanities education and CSR relationship will be explored using a composite measure of CSR as opposed to analyzing its strengths and weaknesses separately (Manner, 2010), thus representing a holistic evaluation of the relationship. Third, previous research will be extended by examining the specific CSR dimensions (e.g. customers, employees) that are affected by a humanities education.
Work–life balance: how can we help women IT professionals in Morocco?
Authors: Semlali Salma , Hassi Abderrahman
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The present study aims to understand how Moroccan women working in information technology (IT) perceive the roles they fulfill in both their private and professional lives and assess their Work–life balance (WLB).

Design/methodology/approach

Existing research about WLB in Morocco focuses mainly on the public sector. As the present study is the first of its kind to deal with the private sector and more specifically IT, it is exploratory in nature while adopting a qualitative methodology. Twenty Moroccan women working in IT companies in the city of Casablanca were interviewed. Collected data were analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Findings

It emerged from the data analysis that adhering to the cultural assumption of being the pillar of the household and to the culture of respondents’ organizations seems to be a key factor in employee WLB. Three main recommendations stemmed from the current research, namely, increased maternity leave duration, workplace nurseries and telework, may help IT female employees improve their WLB and well-being.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study participants were selected by one individual, which may create a “sampling bias”, where one specific profile of IT specialist could be selected. Second, only IT workers took part in the study and no IT employers were interviewed, which may yield having only “one side of the story”.

Practical implications

The results that emerged from the current study, particularly the three main recommendations made by the 20 interviewees (increase of maternity leave duration, workplace nurseries and telework) may be used by different IT companies in the hopes of improving female employees’ WLB and well-being. Overall, employers ought to put in place measures and accommodate employees to help them reconcile their work and personal life commitments.

Social implications

It has been documented that lack of WLB can result in increased stress, deleterious effects on psychological and physical well-being and increased family and marital tensions (Burchell et al., 2001; Lewis and Cooper, 1999; Scase and Scales, 1998). Therefore, various stakeholders, in addition to employers, such as the government and IT employees’ families should work collaboratively to implement meaningful WLB arrangements and, in turn, prevent the negative effects of work–life imbalance through, among others, government policy interventions.

Originality/value

The present study is the first of its kind that looked into the perception of WLB among Moroccan women operating in the IT industry. It offers valuable insights about how to assist female Moroccan IT workers to reconcile their work and personal life commitments.
Impairments in Component Processes of Executive Function and Episodic Memory in Alcoholism, HIV Infection, and HIV Infection with Alcoholism Comorbidity
Authors: Fama Rosemary , Sullivan Edith V. , Sassoon Stephanie A. , Pfefferbaum Adolf , Zahr Natalie M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Executive functioning and episodic memory impairment occur in HIV infection (HIV) and chronic alcoholism (ALC). Comorbidity of these conditions (HIV + ALC) is prevalent and heightens risk of vulnerability to separate and compounded deficits. Age and disease‐related variables can also serve as mediators of cognitive impairment and should be considered, given the extended longevity of HIV‐infected individuals in this era of improved pharmacological therapy.

Methods

HIV, ALC, HIV + ALC, and normal controls (NC) were administered traditional and computerized tests of executive function and episodic memory. Test scores were expressed as age‐ and education‐corrected Z‐scores; selective tests were averaged to compute Executive Function and Episodic Memory Composite scores. Efficiency scores were calculated for tests with accuracy and response times.

Results

HIV, ALC, and HIV + ALC had lower scores than NC on Executive Function and Episodic Memory Composites, with HIV + ALC even lower than ALC and HIV on the Episodic Memory Composite. Impairments in planning and free recall of visuospatial material were observed in ALC, whereas impairments in psychomotor speed, sequencing, narrative free recall, and pattern recognition were observed in HIV. Lower decision‐making efficiency scores than NC occurred in all 3 clinical groups. In ALC, age and lifetime alcohol consumption were each unique predictors of Executive Function and Episodic Memory Composite scores. In HIV + ALC, age was a unique predictor of Episodic Memory Composite score.

Conclusions

Disease‐specific and disease‐overlapping patterns of impairment in HIV, ALC, and HIV + ALC have implications regarding brain systems disrupted by each disease and clinical ramifications regarding the complexities and compounded damping of cognitive functioning associated with dual diagnosis that may be exacerbated with aging.
Human leucocyte antigens B*08, DRB1*03 and DRB1*13 are significantly associated with autoimmune liver and biliary diseases in Finnish children
Authors: Ylinen E , Salmela L , Peräsaari J , Jaatinen T , Tenca A , Vapalahti O , Färkkilä M , Jalanko H , Kolho K‐L
Published: October 2016

Aim

The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) allele and haplotype frequencies of the Finnish population are unique because of the restricted and homogenous gene population. There are no published data on HLA genotype associations in paediatric autoimmune liver diseases in Scandinavia. This study characterised the HLA genotypes of children with autoimmune liver or biliary disease in Finland.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 19 paediatric patients (13 female) aged three years to 15 years treated for autoimmune liver or biliary disease at the Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, between 2000 and 2011, and followed up for four years and three months to 14.6 years. We genotyped HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 in the children, and the HLA antigen frequencies were compared with 19 807 records from the Finnish Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

Results

All paediatric patients with autoimmune liver or biliary disease had either autoimmune HLA haplotype B*08;DRB1*03 or DRB1*13. These were significantly more common among patients with autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome than the Finnish control population. HLA RB1*04 was not found in the study cohort.

Conclusion

Our study found that B*08, DRB1*03 and DRB1*13 were significantly associated with autoimmune liver and biliary diseases in Finnish paediatric patients.
Effect of ginseng polysaccharides on the immunity and growth of piglets by dietary supplementation during late pregnancy and lactating sows
Authors: Xi Qian‐yun , Jiang Yong , Zhao Shuai , Zeng Bin , Wang Fei , Wang Li‐Na , Jiang Qing‐Yan , Zhang Yong‐Liang
Published: October 2016

There are many reports that dietary supplementation with plant polysaccharides in pigs might promote their growth, but little is known about the maternal effect of ginseng polysaccharides (GPS) on piglets’ growth by dietary supplementation to pregnant and lactating sows. In the current study, the effects of dietary supplementation with GPS on the immunity of sows and growth of their piglets were investigated. Results showed no significant difference among the four groups in the total number of piglets, live piglets, weak piglets and birth weight of piglets, indicating the GPS‐treatment has no adverse effect on reproduction. Furthermore, the weaning weight of the GPS‐treated groups was higher than that of control group (P < 0.05); among them, the addition of 200 mg/kg dose has the best effect. Interestingly, GPS increased the total immunoglobulin G concentration in milk and serum of sows (P < 0.05). The concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and interferon‐γ in milk and serum of sows were also increased in the experimental groups relative to the control (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, maternal supplementation of GPS significantly increased IL‐2 and TNF‐α concentration in the piglets’ serum of the experimental groups relative to control (P < 0.05). GPS (200 mg/kg) significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase activity in milk and serum (P < 0.05), while the concentrations of malondialdehyde were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The present results indicated that GPS supplementation during late pregnancy and lactation improved immunity‐related bio‐molecular levels in sow serum and milk, which may be further beneficial to piglet health and growth through biological transmission effects.
Future treatment for Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Kuwabara Satoshi , Misawa Sonoko
Published: October 2016

Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were established to be effective treatments for Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. However, even when treated with the currently best therapy available, the mortality rate is still approximately 5%, and approximately 20% of patients cannot walk unaided 6 months after onset. Therefore, many GBS patients still develop severe weakness and have a long disease course, often with pain and fatigue as a result of persistent axonal loss. A better treatment is required. A clinical trial of a second immunoglobulin is ongoing. Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against complement C5, is a promising novel agent, and phase 1/2 trials are ongoing in Japan (Japanese Eculizumab Trial for GBS) and Scotland (Inhibition of Compliment Activation for GBS). Immunoglobulin G‐degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes is another promising agent, and a phase 2 trial is planned. Prevention of severe axonal injury with new treatments early in the course of this disease remains a major focus, because axonal degeneration is an important limiting factor in achieving a good outcome.
Feasibility and safety of bowel cleansing using low‐volume polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid before pediatric colonoscopy: A pilot study
Authors: Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Iwasawa Kentaro , Umetsu Shuichiro , Oikawa‐Kawamoto Manari , Inui Ayano , Fujisawa Tomoo
Published: October 2016

Background and Aim

To assess the feasibility and safety of same‐day regimen of low‐volume polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy in children.

Methods

Data on children who received polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid for bowel cleansing in our department were retrospectively analyzed. On the day before the procedure, patients ate a low‐residue diet and received sodium picosulfate in the evening. The following day, patients took polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid in the morning; the procedure was carried out in the afternoon. Dosages of sodium picosulfate and polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid were adjusted based on bodyweight. Bowel cleansing efficacy was rated on a scale of 1–5 by the colonoscopist.

Results

Between July 2013 and November 2014, polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid was used in 112 cases (96 patients; male : female 73:39; median age 10.9 years, range 4–19 years). Ninety‐one cases (81%) were able to orally ingest the prescribed amount of polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid. Satisfactory bowel cleansing (cleansing grade ≥3) was attained in 87% on intention‐to‐treat analysis and 85% on per‐protocol analysis. Cleansing grade was significantly better in children who ingested polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid within 60 min (P < 0.05). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Same‐day regimen of polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid is effective and safe for bowel cleansing in children.
The rise and demise of European budget support: political economy of collective European Union donor action
Authors: Koch Svea , Leiderer Stefan , Faust Jörg , Molenaers Nadia
Published: October 2016

This article uses the example of European budget support to show the differences in applying principal–agent and collective action analysis to the donor–recipient relationship and the incentives of European donors. Our results show that the Paris Declaration, while formulating the ‘right’ principles, carries a number of assumptions regarding the (cap)ability of donors to act collectively. This assumption, however, fails to include the political economy of European donors and their own political, institutional and individual incentives that undermined this capability substantially. In other words, the domestic political costs and incentives for European donors to implement the Paris agenda, and in particular aid modalities such as budget support, were not given enough consideration when the aid effectiveness agenda was formulated.
China in Africa: What challenges for a reforming European Union development policy? Illustrations from country cases
Authors: Grimm Sven , Hackenesch Christine
Published: October 2016

During the past decade, the EU has introduced several reforms to make collective development policy more coherent and effective. At the same time, development exists alongside (and sometimes competes with) other policy fields, particularly in settings where the EU has strong economic interests. Reforms to EU external relations take place against a backdrop of rapidly intensifying economic and political relations between China and African countries, a debate often framed as increasing competition with the EU. This article argues that Chinese engagement in Africa poses challenges for the EU's development policy, but these differ considerably across African countries. We look at three country cases to show that China's increasing engagement with individual African countries does not cause EU collective action failures.
Estimated combined cardiac output and laser therapy for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Maskatia Shiraz A. , Ruano Rodrigo , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Javadian Pouya , Kailin Joshua A. , Belfort Michael A. , Altman Carolyn A. , Ayres Nancy A.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is the major cause for fetal demise in monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies. Estimated combined cardiac output (CCO) has not been studied in this setting. The primary aims of this study were to compare CCO in twin donor and recipient fetuses and assess differences in CCO before and after laser coagulation therapy. A secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship of CCO with perinatal mortality, defined as intrauterine or neonatal mortality (≤30 days of age) in fetuses that underwent laser coagulation therapy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of fetuses with TTTS who received echocardiograms prior to laser therapy. Prelaser echocardiograms were performed in 66 fetuses, of which 45 (21 donor and 24 recipient) survived to the postlaser echocardiogram.

Results

Donor CCO increased from a mean of 487±137 mL/min/kg prelaser to 592±128 mL/min/kg postlaser (P=.025). There was no significant change in mean recipient CCO from prelaser 551±165 mL/min/kg to postlaser 575±112 mL/min/kg (P=.564). In recipient fetuses, higher prelaser CCO correlated with increasing Quintero stage (P=.010) and perinatal mortality (P=.003). Thirty‐day postnatal outcome data were available for 38 fetuses, of whom 34 (89%) survived. Amongst survivors, 25 (74%) experienced an increase in CCO, while 9 (26%) experienced a decrease in CCO (P=.010). Donor fetuses had higher CCO after laser therapy.

Conclusions

Higher prelaser CCO in recipient fetuses may indicate more advanced disease. Fetuses who exhibit a decrease in CCO after therapy laser may be at higher risk for perinatal mortality.
WHY ZERO TOLERANCE OF MISCONDUCT IS UNDESIRABLE IN CONTESTS
Authors: Gilpatric Scott M. , Reiser Cristina M.
Published: October 2016

Competition can foster misconduct in any circumstance where the organizer of a contest cannot perfectly monitor contestants' actions or when doing so is prohibitively costly. Although misconduct comprises all actions that are contrary to the interest of the organizer, it is not necessarily the case that it is optimal to prohibit all such behavior. In this paper, we determine the equilibrium level of misconduct chosen by players in a symmetric rank‐order tournament between two competitors in which the organizer tolerates some level of misconduct. In addition to showing that zero tolerance may not minimize the level of misconduct in equilibrium, we show that there exists a range of tolerated misconduct where a symmetric mixed strategy equilibrium exists with players cheating (i.e., misconduct above the tolerated level) with some probability. When the gain from misconduct is uncertain and unknown the contest organizer faces a tradeoff: tolerating more misconduct will reduce such behavior when the state of temptation is high, but increase it when temptation is low. (JEL J33, K42)
Quantitative and functional analysis of CD69+ T regulatory lymphocytes in patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Vitales‐Noyola Marlen , Martínez‐Martínez Rita , Loyola‐Rodríguez Juan P. , Baranda Lourdes , Niño‐Moreno Perla , González‐Amaro Roberto
Published: October 2016

Background

Periodontal disease is chronic inflammatory process that affects the attachment structures of the teeth and constitutes a significant cause of tooth loss in adults. Although different bacteria play an important role in the triggering of this condition, the progression and severity of the disease are strongly affected by the host immune response, which is under the control of different immune regulatory mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) cells. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and function of CD69+ Treg lymphocytes in patients with chronic periodontal disease.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples (n = 33) and gingival tissue (n = 9) were obtained from patients with chronic periodontal disease. Blood samples from 25 healthy individuals were also studied. Levels of CD69+ Treg lymphocytes in peripheral blood and gingival tissue were determined by six‐color multiparametric flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. The immune regulatory function of CD69+ Treg cells was tested by an in vitro assay of inhibition of lymphocyte activation.

Results

Percentages of CD69+ Treg cells were significantly higher in the peripheral blood from patients with active periodontal disease compared to healthy controls, and these percentages inversely correlated with the periodontal attachment loss. Increased numbers of these Treg cells were detected in the gingival tissue from active PD patients compared to their peripheral blood. However, the suppressive function of CD69+ Treg cells was significantly diminished in patients with periodontal disease compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that CD69+ Treg cells seem to be another important piece in the complex immunopathogenesis of periodontal disease.
Exploring Spatiotemporal Patterns of Phoma Black Stem in Sunflower
Authors: Schwanck André Aguiar , Savary Serge , Willocquet Laetitia
Published: October 2016

Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons with three sunflower cultivars to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of phoma black stem epidemics and to test hypotheses pertaining to (i) disease spread from a known inoculum source; (ii) spatial patterns of the disease; (iii) disease spatiotemporal association; and (iv) association between disease intensity and sunflower defoliation. The spatial patterns of disease were random in most of epidemics, and disease gradients were not detected. Our results suggest absence of secondary infections, that is, that the studied phoma black stem epidemics were monocyclic under the experimental conditions reported here. Significant associations between the number of dead leaves per plant and the number of phoma black stem lesions per plant were detected towards the end of epidemics.
Induction of Resistance in Rice Against Magnaporthe Oryzae by Culture Filtrates of Biscogniauxia sp. O821
Authors: Nguyen Quyet Thi , Ueda Kana , Kihara Junichi , Ueno Makoto
Published: October 2016

The fungal strain O821 of Biscogniauxia sp. was isolated from wild mushrooms collected in Japan. Here, we demonstrate that a 24‐h pretreatment of rice leaves with an ethyl acetate extract of a culture filtrate from strain O821 (O821‐ECF) reduced the severity of rice blast disease caused by infection with Magnaporthe oryzae. To investigate possible mechanisms of this effect, we examined defence responses in the leaves. O821‐ECF treatment elicited the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and increased transcription of the PBZ1 gene. A time course analysis of H2O2 production indicated an increase with time after O821‐ECF treatment. Expression of the PBZ1 gene similarly peaked at 24 h after O821‐ECF treatment. However, no accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) was observed at 24 h after O821‐ECF treatment. These results suggest that SA‐independent resistance to rice blast is induced by O821‐ECF. Studies of O821‐ECF may contribute to the development of new plant activators for plant diseases such as rice blast disease.
Spatio‐temporal analysis of Nova virus, a divergent hantavirus circulating in the European mole in Belgium
Authors: Laenen Lies , Dellicour Simon , Vergote Valentijn , Nauwelaers Inne , De Coster Sarah , Verbeeck Ina , Vanmechelen Bert , Lemey Philippe , Maes Piet
Published: October 2016

Over the last decade, the recognized host range of hantaviruses has expanded considerably with the discovery of distinct hantaviruses in shrews, moles and bats. Unfortunately, in‐depth studies of these viruses have been limited. Here we describe a comprehensive analysis of the spatial distribution, genetic diversity and evolution of Nova virus, a hantavirus that has the European mole as its natural host. Our analysis demonstrated that Nova virus has a high prevalence and widespread distribution in Belgium. While Nova virus displayed relatively high nucleotide diversity in Belgium, amino acid changes were limited. The nucleocapsid protein was subjected to strong purifying selection, reflecting the strict evolutionary constraints placed upon Nova virus by its host. Spatio‐temporal analysis using Bayesian evolutionary inference techniques demonstrated that Nova virus had efficiently spread in the European mole population in Belgium, forming two distinct clades, representing east and west of Belgium. The influence of landscape barriers, in the form of the main waterways, on the dispersal velocity of Nova virus was assessed using an analytical framework for comparing Bayesian viral phylogenies with environmental landscape data. We demonstrated that waterways did not act as an environmental resistance factor slowing down Nova virus diffusion in the mole population. With this study, we provide information about the spatial diffusion of Nova virus and contribute sequence information that can be applied in further functional studies.
Genomic epidemiology of Cryptococcus yeasts identifies adaptation to environmental niches underpinning infection across an African HIV/AIDS cohort
Authors: Vanhove Mathieu , Beale Mathew A. , Rhodes Johanna , Chanda Duncan , Lakhi Shabir , Kwenda Geoffrey , Molloy Sile , Karunaharan Natasha , Stone Neil , Harrison Thomas S. , Bicanic Tihana , Fisher Matthew C.
Published: October 2016

Emerging infections caused by fungi have become a widely recognized global phenomenon and are causing an increasing burden of disease. Genomic techniques are providing new insights into the structure of fungal populations, revealing hitherto undescribed fine‐scale adaptations to environments and hosts that govern their emergence as infections. Cryptococcal meningitis is a neglected tropical disease that is responsible for a large proportion of AIDS‐related deaths across Africa; however, the ecological determinants that underlie a patient's risk of infection remain largely unexplored. Here, we use genome sequencing and ecological genomics to decipher the evolutionary ecology of the aetiological agents of cryptococcal meningitis, Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, across the central African country of Zambia. We show that the occurrence of these two pathogens is differentially associated with biotic (macroecological) and abiotic (physical) factors across two key African ecoregions, Central Miombo woodlands and Zambezi Mopane woodlands. We show that speciation of Cryptococcus has resulted in adaptation to occupy different ecological niches, with C. neoformans found to occupy Zambezi Mopane woodlands and C. gattii primarily recovered from Central Miombo woodlands. Genome sequencing shows that C. neoformans causes 95% of human infections in this region, of which over three‐quarters belonged to the globalized lineage VNI. We show that VNI infections are largely associated with urbanized populations in Zambia. Conversely, the majority of C. neoformans isolates recovered in the environment belong to the genetically diverse African‐endemic lineage VNB, and we show hitherto unmapped levels of genomic diversity within this lineage. Our results reveal the complex evolutionary ecology that underpins the reservoirs of infection for this, and likely other, deadly pathogenic fungi.
Acaricidal activity of Metarhizium anisopliae isolated from paddocks in the Mexican tropics against two populations of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ ‐SALAS A. , ALONSO‐DÍAZ M. A. , ALONSO‐MORALES R. A. , LEZAMA‐GUTIÉRREZ R. , RODRÍGUEZ‐RODRÍGUEZ J. C. , CERVANTES‐CHÁVEZ J. A.
Published: October 2016

The acaricidal effects of 55 strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin, 1883 (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolated from paddocks of cattle farms were evaluated in two Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini 1887) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) populations, of which one was multi‐resistant and one was susceptible to chemical acaricides. Percentage mortality and reproductive efficiency indices in R. microplus were evaluated by adult immersion tests at a dose of 1 × 108 conidia/mL for each fungal strain. Some strains were selected to calculate lethal concentrations to kill 50% (LC50) and 99% (LC99) of engorged ticks. Strains MaV22, MaV26 and MaV55 induced 100% mortality in R. microplus on day 14. Strains MaV05, MaV09 and MaV22 caused mortality of >90% from day 12 onward in both tick populations. The most effective acaricidal fungal strain, MaV55, inhibited egg laying by 54.86 and 55.86% in acaricide‐resistant and ‐susceptible R. microplus populations, respectively. None of the fungal strains had statistically significant effects on larval hatching. In conclusion, nine strains of M. anisopliae demonstrated high acaricidal effects against R. microplus and reduced its egg laying. No differences in acaricidal effects were observed between the two populations of ticks tested.
Histopathologic features in actinic cheilitis by the comparison of grading dysplasia systems
Authors: Pilati SFM , Bianco BC , Vieira DSC , Modolo F
Published: October 2016

Objective

This study aimed to determine the histopathologic findings in actinic cheilitis (AC) and lip squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC) diagnosed at Federal University of Santa Catarina in order to attempt to predict the evolution from AC to LSCC based on the comparison of two dysplasia classification systems.

Methods

Histopathologic features were evaluated according to the World Health Organization classification of dysplasia and binary system of classification. Also, in LSCC, pattern, stage of invasion, and degree of keratinization were evaluated. A total of 58 cases of AC and 70 cases of LSCC were studied, and data correlation was performed using statistical analysis.

Results

The presence of dyskeratosis and keratin pearls was found to be strongly associated with severe dysplasia and could represent higher proximity between the severe dysplasia in AC and LSCC. Also, changes related to the nuclei, such as hyperchromasia, nuclear pleomorphism, anisonucleosis, increase in the number and size of nucleoli, increased number of mitoses, and atypical mitoses, indicate progression in dysplasia spectrum.

Conclusion

Knowledge of clinical and histological features of AC and LSCC leads to better understanding of factors possibly associated with malignant transformation of epithelial dysplasia.
Prompting Teacher Geometric Reasoning through Coaching in a Dynamic Geometry Software Context
Authors: Knapp Andrea K. , Barrett Jeffrey E. , Moore Cynthia J.
Published: October 2016

This study investigated the ways in which four middle grades teachers developed mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) geometry as they implemented dynamic geometry software in their classrooms with the assistance of a coach. Teachers developed various components of MKT by observing coaches teach, by dynamic discourse with students, which is discourse with respect to dynamic geometry software images, and by discussions with coaches. The dynamic geometry software environment proved productive as coaches guided teachers’ growth in explanations, examples, and definitions. The environment also helped teachers discover unnoticed abilities among their low achievers. Moreover, teachers developed confidence to teach with more expert uses of dynamic geometry software.
Erythrocytapheresis for chronic transfusion therapy in sickle cell disease: survey of current practices and review of the literature
Authors: Kelly Shannon , Quirolo Keith , Marsh Anne , Neumayr Lynne , Garcia Alicia , Custer Brian
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion therapy (CTT) is an integral component of the management of severe sickle cell disease (SCD) and can prevent complications, such as stroke. RBC units can be administered via simple transfusion or exchange transfusion, and erythrocytapheresis (automated RBC exchange transfusion [aRBX]), is increasingly used for CTT. Comparisons of simple and aRBX transfusions are limited, and the current scope of aRBX use is not known.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We administered a survey to define current transfusion practices for CTT and performed a review of the erythrocytapheresis literature. The survey was disseminated to 62 SCD centers, and 31 institutions responded.

RESULTS

Collectively, 1274 of 12,644 patients (10.1%) received CCT, including 929 of 9324 children (10.0%) and 345 of 3320 adults (10.4%). The most common indication for CTT in children was a risk of stroke (86.8%), defined by abnormal transcranial Doppler, previous stroke, or abnormal brain imaging; whereas the most common indications in adults were previous stroke (37.5%) and recurrent/severe pain (29.0%). Simple transfusion was the most common method for children (480 of 919 children; 52.2%) followed by aRBX (344 of 919 children; 37.4%); whereas, in adults, aRBX was more common (180 of 345 adults; 52.2%) than simple transfusion (102 of 345 adults; 29.6%). A smaller percentage of patients received transfusion via manual exchange (7.2% of children and 16.5% of adults) or a combination of methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature review was conducted to summarize reported methods, outcomes, and adverse effects with aRBX. Comparisons between chronic simple and aRBX transfusions were included when possible, and areas warranting further study are highlighted.
A Multiscale Materials Modeling Method With Seamless Zooming Capability Based on Surfacelets1
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Yan , Rosen David W.
Published: October 2016

In multiscale materials modeling, it is desirable that different levels of details can be specified in different regions of interest without the separation of scales so that the geometric and physical properties of materials can be designed and characterized. Existing materials modeling approaches focus more on the representation of the distributions of material compositions captured from images. In this paper, a multiscale materials modeling method is proposed to support interactive specification and visualization of material microstructures at multiple levels of details, where designer's intent at multiple scales is captured. This method provides a feature-based modeling approach based on a recently developed surfacelet basis. It has the capability to support seamless zoom-in and zoom-out. The modeling, operation, and elucidation of materials are realized in both the surfacelet space and the image space.
Design and Mobility Analysis of Large Deployable Mechanisms Based on Plane-Symmetric Bricard Linkage
Authors: Qi Xiaozhi , Huang Hailin , Miao Zhihuai , Li Bing , Deng Zongquan
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a class of large deployable mechanisms constructed by plane-symmetric Bricard linkages is presented. The plane-symmetric Bricard linkage is a closed-loop overconstrained spatial mechanism composed of six hinge-jointed bars, which has one plane of symmetry during its deployment process. The kinematic analysis of the linkage is presented from the perspectives of geometric conditions, closure equations, and degree-of-freedom. The results illustrate that the linkage has one degree-of-freedom and can be deployed from the folded configuration to one rectangle plane. Therefore, the plane-symmetric Bricard linkage can be used as a basic deployable unit to construct larger deployable mechanisms. Four plane-symmetric Bricard linkages can be assembled into a quadrangular module by sharing the vertical bars of the adjacent units. The module is a multiloop deployable mechanism and has one degree-of-freedom. The singularity analysis of the module is developed, and two methods to avoid singularity are presented. A large deployable mast, deployable plane truss, and deployable ring are built with several plane-symmetric Bricard linkages. The deployment properties of the large deployable mechanisms are analyzed, and computer-aided design models for typical examples are built to illustrate their feasibility and validate the analysis and design methods.
Automated Composite Fabric Layup for Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Zhu Siqi , Magnussen Corey J. , Judd Emily L. , Frank Matthew C. , Peters Frank E.
Published: October 2016

This work presents an automated fabric layup solution based on a new method to deform fiberglass fabric, referred to as shifting, for the layup of noncrimp fabric (NCF) plies. The shifting method is intended for fabric with tows only in 0 deg (warp) and 90 deg (weft) directions, where the fabric is sequentially constrained and then rotated through a deformation angle to approximate curvature. Shifting is conducted in a two-dimensional (2D) plane, making the process easy to control and automate, but can be applied for fabric placement in three-dimensional (3D) models, either directly or after a ply kitting process and then manually placed. Preliminary tests have been conducted to evaluate the physical plausibility of the shifting method. Layup tests show that shifting can deposit fabric accurately and repeatedly while avoiding out-of-plane deformation.
Plasma and photon interactions with organosilicon polymers for directed self-assembly patterning applications
Authors: Azarnouche Laurent , Sirard Stephen M. , Durand William J. , Blachut Gregory , Gurer Emir , Hymes Diane J. , Ellison Christopher J. , Willson Carlton G. , Graves David B.
Published: October 2016

Silicon (Si)-containing block copolymers (BCPs) are promising candidates for directed self-assembly patterning applications and are able to access structures with critical dimensions less than 10 nm. Significant etch contrast between the blocks is required to integrate BCPs for patterning applications and form an initial topographical mask. For Si-containing BCPs, O2 plasma exposure can give high etch contrast between the blocks by forming a thin etch resistant silicon oxide (SiOx) surface layer from the Si-containing block. The authors have also found that H2 and N2/H2 plasmas can form etch resistant barrier layers from organosilicon polymers (OSPs). Photodegradation of the OSPs induced by H2 plasma-generated vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons initiates the formation of this etch barrier layer. Fourier transform infrared transmission spectroscopy measurements show enhanced VUV-induced degradation in polymers with higher Si content due to cleavage of the methylsilyl bonds (Si-CH3) and subsequent carbon depletion, leading to formation of an etch resistant Si-enriched surface layer. Furthermore, a dynamic photolysis model based on the dissociation of Si–Si and Si–CH3 bonds shows that higher Si content in the polymer implies deeper photon penetration. The authors conclude that higher VUV fluxes and higher Si content promote the formation of etch resistant surface barriers on the Si-containing block when dry developing Si-containing BCPs with H2-rich plasmas. Finally, plasma dry development of an aligned, Si-containing BCP with sub-10 nm domains is demonstrated using a N2/H2 plasma.