bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2D and 3D simulations of the permanent magnet undulator for generation of MIR-FEL
Authors: Kongmali K , Kitisri P , Rimjaem S
Published: December 2018

This research focuses on computer modelling and magnetic field simulations of the permanent magnet undulator at the PBP-CMU Electron Linac Laboratory, Chiang Mai University. This undulator magnet will be used for generation of the mid infrared free electron laser (MIR-FEL). It has 40 periods with a period length of 40 mm. The magnetic field simulations were conducted by using computer programs PANDIRA and RADIA for 2D and 3D models, respectively. The simulation results obtained from both models are presented and discussed in this paper. The magnetic field can be varied by adjusting a gap of the undulator. A maximum magnetic field of 0.23 Tesla can be achieved for the undulator gap of 26 mm. The simulated magnetic field distributions along the undulator magnetic axis obtained from the 3D model were used to calculate the deflecting angle and trajectory of electron. The achievement of this study will be used as a significant information for further installation and operation of the undulator magnet at our facility.
Optimal gradient estimates of heat kernels of stable-like operators
Authors: Du Kai , Zhang Xicheng
Published: December 2018

In this note we show the optimal gradient estimate for heat kernels of stable-like operators by providing a counterexample.
On the Atkin 𝑈_{𝑡}-operator for Γ₀(𝑡)-invariant Drinfeld cusp forms
Authors: Bandini Andrea , Valentino Maria
Published: December 2018

We study the Atkin

U
t

U_t

operator for Drinfeld cusp forms. In particular, we define newforms and oldforms of level

Γ
0

(
t
)

\Gamma _0(t)

and we study basic properties of their slopes. Moreover, we find an explicit formula for the matrix associated to the action of

U
t

U_t

on

Γ
1

(
t
)

\Gamma _1(t)

-invariant cusp forms using Teitelbaum’s interpretation as harmonic cocycles.
Quasi-isometries on subsets of 𝐶₀(𝐾) and 𝐶₀⁽¹⁾(𝐾) spaces which determine 𝐾
Authors: Galego Elói , da Silva André
Published: December 2018

We introduce the concept of Banach-Stone subsets of

C

0

(
K
)

C_{0}(K)

spaces. This allows us to unify and improve several extensions of the classical theorem due to Banach (1933) and Stone (1937). More precisely, we prove that if

K
K

and

S
S

are locally compact Hausdorff spaces,

A
A

and

B
B

are Banach-Stone subsets of

C

0

(
K
)

C_{0}(K)

and

C

0

(
S
)

C_{0}(S)

, respectively, and there exists a map

T
T

from

A
A

to

B
B

(not necessarily injective) with image

θ
\theta

-dense in

B
B

for some

θ
>
0

\theta >0

such that
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartFraction 1 Over upper M EndFraction double-vertical-bar f minus g double-vertical-bar minus upper L less-than-or-equal-to double-vertical-bar upper T left-parenthesis f right-parenthesis minus upper T left-parenthesis g right-parenthesis double-vertical-bar less-than-or-equal-to upper M double-vertical-bar f minus g double-vertical-bar plus upper L comma">

1
M

‖
f
−
g
‖
−
L
≤
‖
T
(
f
)
−
T
(
g
)
‖
≤
M
‖
f
−
g
‖
+
L
,

\begin{equation*} \frac {1}{M} \|f-g\|-L \leq \|T(f)-T(g)\|\leq M \|f-g\|+L, \end{equation*}

for every

f
,
g
∈
A

f, g \in A

, then

K
K

and

S
S

are homeomorphic whenever

L
≥
0

L \geq 0

and

M
>

2

M> \sqrt {2}

. As an application of this more general theorem concerning the quasi-isometries

T
T

on subsets of

C

0

(
K
)

C_{0}(K)

spaces, we show that certain quasi-isometries on

C
0

(
1
)

(
K
)

C_0^{(1)}(K)

spaces also determine the locally compact subspaces

K
K

of the real line

R

\mathbb R

with no isolated points. In turn, this result enables us to prove a unification and improvement of some theorems of Cambern, Pathak, and Vasavada for the first time to the nonlinear case.
The free splitting complex of a free group, II: Loxodromic outer automorphisms
Authors: Handel Michael , Mosher Lee
Published: December 2018

We study the loxodromic elements for the action of

O
u
t

(

F
n

)

\mathsf {Out}(F_n)

on the free splitting complex of the rank

n
n

free group

F
n

F_n

. Each outer automorphism is either loxodromic or has bounded orbits without any periodic point, or has a periodic point; all three possibilities can occur. Two loxodromic elements are either coaxial or independent, meaning that their attracting-repelling fixed point pairs on the Gromov boundary of the free splitting complex are either equal or disjoint as sets. Each alternative is characterized in terms of attracting laminations; in particular, an outer automorphism is loxodromic if and only if it has a filling attracting lamination. As an application, each attracting lamination determines its corresponding repelling lamination independent of the outer automorphism. As part of this study, we describe the structure of the subgroup of

O
u
t

(

F
n

)

\mathsf {Out}(F_n)

that stabilizes the fixed point pair of a given loxodromic outer automorphism, and we give examples which show that this subgroup need not be virtually cyclic. As an application, the action of

O
u
t

(

F
n

)

\mathsf {Out}(F_n)

on the free splitting complex is not acylindrical, and its loxodromic elements do not all satisfy the weak proper discontinuity (WPD) property of Bestvina and Fujiwara.
An explicit Gross–Zagier formula related to the Sylvester conjecture
Authors: Hu Yueke , Shu Jie , Yin Hongbo
Published: December 2018

Let

p
≡
4
,
7
 

m
o
d

 
9

p\equiv 4,7\ \mathrm {mod}\ 9

be a rational prime number such that

3
 

m
o
d

 
p

3\ \mathrm {mod}\ p

is not a cube. In this paper, we prove the

3
3

-part of

|

III

(

E
p

)

|

⋅

|

III

(

E

3

p
2

)

|

|\textrm {III}(E_p)|\cdot |\textrm {III}(E_{3p^2})|

is as predicted by the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture, where

E
p

:

x
3

+

y
3

=
p

E_p: x^3+y^3=p

and

E

3

p
2

:

x
3

+

y
3

=
3

p
2

E_{3p^2}: x^3+y^3=3p^2

are the elliptic curves related to the Sylvester conjecture and cube sum problems.
Neural Coding of Contact Events in Somatosensory Cortex
Authors: Callier Thierri , Suresh Aneesha K , Bensmaia Sliman J
Published: December 2018

Manual interactions with objects require precise and rapid feedback about contact events. These tactile signals are integrated with motor plans throughout the neuraxis to achieve dexterous object manipulation. To better understand the role of somatosensory cortex in interactions with objects, we measured, using chronically implanted arrays of electrodes, the responses of populations of somatosensory neurons to skin indentations designed to simulate the initiation, maintenance, and termination of contact with an object. First, we find that the responses of somatosensory neurons to contact onset and offset dwarf their responses to maintenance of contact. Second, we show that these responses rapidly and reliably encode features of the simulated contact events—their timing, location, and strength—and can account for the animals’ performance in an amplitude discrimination task. Third, we demonstrate that the spatiotemporal dynamics of the population response in cortex mirror those of the population response in the nerves. We conclude that the responses of populations of somatosensory neurons are well suited to encode contact transients and are consistent with a role of somatosensory cortex in signaling transitions between task subgoals.
Toxoplasmosis: The Heart of the Diagnosis
Authors: England James H , Bailin Samuel S , Gehlhausen Jeffrey R , Rubin Donald H
Published: December 2018

Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite that infects warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is a foodborne pathogen. We report a case of acute toxoplasmosis in a 76-year-old man after ingestion of the undercooked heart of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Tennessee. The patient’s adult grandson, who also consumed part of the heart, became ill with nearly identical symptoms, though he did not seek medical care. This case highlights important public health concerns about deer-to-human transmission of Toxoplasma.
A two-injection prostaglandin F2α presynchronization treatment decreases pregnancy rates of cycling replacement beef heifers
Authors: Monn Ruby E , Poole Rebecca K , Mackey J Christopher , Mayberry Kyle J , Dudley Harrison B , Alley Mark , Poole Daniel H
Published: December 2018

Improving artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rates in replacement heifers improves the genetic advancement within a herd. Heifers that have completed at least three estrous cycles prior to breeding have greater pregnancy rates compared to acyclic females. Therefore, it was hypothesized that a presynchronization treatment program consisting of two injections of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) prior to the start of the CO-Synch + 5 d CIDR protocol would initiate earlier attainment of puberty and more estrous cycles prior to AI, thus increasing AI pregnancy rates. All heifers were managed the same at two locations over the course of 2 yr. Heifers were randomly assigned to receive either the two-injection PGF2α presynchronization treatment (PreSynch; n = 105) or no presynchronization (Control; n = 106) prior to the start of estrous synchronization. On the first day of the trial, reproductive tract scores (RTSs), pelvic areas, body condition scores, and weights were collected on all heifers. All heifers were synchronized with the CO-Synch + 5 d CIDR protocol and fixed-time artificially inseminated with semen from a bull of known fertility. Blood samples were collected three consecutive times at 7 d intervals starting 45 d prior to estrous synchronization to determine the onset of puberty via analyzing progesterone concentrations. Pregnancy status to AI was assessed using ultrasonography diagnosis at approximately 30 and 60 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS and reported as least square mean. The PreSynch treatment decreased AI pregnancy rates (52.2% vs. 38.1 ± 6.3% for Control vs. PreSynch, respectively; P = 0.06) and did not result in earlier attainment of puberty in beef heifers (P > 0.05). The PreSynch treatment did not impact pregnancy rates in heifers with an RTS of 3 or 4 (P > 0.05). However, PreSynch heifers with an RTS of 5 had decreased pregnancy rates (68.3% vs. 46.9 ± 10.1% for Control vs. PreSynch, respectively; P < 0.05). Finally, PreSynch heifers with increased body condition of 6 had decreased pregnancy rates when compared to Control heifers (37.5% vs. 62.5 ± 11.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). On the basis of these data, implementation of heifer breeding soundness examination at least 3 wk prior to the start of the breeding season may be beneficial for selecting replacement females; however, presynchronization with prostaglandins immediately prior to estrous synchronization will negatively affect AI pregnancy rates in cycling pubertal heifers.
Managing Onion Thrips can Limit Bacterial Stalk and Leaf Necrosis in Michigan Onion Fields
Authors: Grode A. S. , Brisco-McCann E. , Wiriyajitsonboom P. , Hausbeck M. K. , Szendrei Z.
Published: December 2018

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a major insect pest of onion and it has been identified as a likely vector of Pantoea agglomerans (bacterial stalk and leaf necrosis), a relatively new pathogen to Michigan’s onion industry. Our objective was to develop an integrated insect and disease management program by examining the efficacy of bactericides and insecticides alone and in combination to limit bacterial stalk and leaf necrosis caused by P. agglomerans. We also examined the association of onion thrips and disease incidence in the field, because thrips are known to transmit this pathogen. In the pesticide trial, insecticides reduced both thrips abundance and bacterial stalk and leaf necrosis incidence whereas bactericides alone did not reduce disease severity. Positive correlations among thrips population density, numbers of thrips positive for P. agglomerans, and bacterial stalk and leaf necrosis incidence in onion fields were determined. This study suggests that onion thrips feeding can facilitate the development of bacterial stalk and leaf necrosis in Michigan’s commercial onion fields, and results from the pesticide trials indicate that thrips feeding damage is positively correlated with disease incidence. Therefore, in order to reduce bacterial stalk and leaf necrosis incidence in onion, management efforts should include reducing onion thrips populations through the use of insecticides and other cultural practices.
Learning Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy and Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy (LEAP)
Authors: Lee Hans J. , Lerner Andrew D. , Coleman Briana , Semaan Roy , Mallow Christopher , Arias Sixto , Salwen Ben , Feller-Kopman David , Yarmus Lonny
Published: December 2018

Background:

Prior studies in pulmonology have examined the validity of procedural training tools, however, translation of simulation skill acquisition into real world competency remains understudied. We examine an assessment process with a simulation training course for electromagnetic navigational (EMN) bronchoscopy and percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration (PTTNA).

Methods:

A cohort study was conducted by subjects using EMN bronchoscopy and PTTNA. A procedural assessment tool was developed to measure basic competency for EMN bronchoscopy and PTTNA at 3 different time points: first simulation case, final simulation case upon reaching a competent score, and at their first live case. The assessment tool was divided into 4 domains (total score, 4 to 16; competency ≥12) with each domain requiring a passing score (1 to 4; competency ≥3.0). Complication and procedural time were collected during their first live case.

Results:

Twenty-two serial procedures (12 EMN bronchoscopies, 10 EMN PTTNA) were observed by 14 subjects. The mean first simulation score for EMN bronchoscopy (4.66±0.89) improved after cadaver simulation (12.67±0.89, median 3 simulations attempts). The subjects’ mean score for their first live case was 13.0±0.85 (self-reported score 12.5±1.07). For EMN PTTNA, the mean first simulation score (4.3±2.40) improved after cadaver simulation (12.6±1.51, median 3 simulation attempts). The subjects’ mean score for their first live PTTNA case was 12.5±2.87 (self-reported score 12.1±1.05). There was only 1 minor complication.

Conclusion:

Learning EMN bronchoscopy/PTTNA is feasible using a structured simulation course with an assessment tool.
Standing Tall: Feasibility of a Modified Ride-On Car That Encourages Standing
Authors: Logan Samuel W. , Catena Michele Ann , Sabet Andrina , Hospodar Christina M. , Yohn Haley , Govindan Aparna , Galloway James C.
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of infants with Down syndrome to use a modified ride-on car with seated and standing modes.

Methods:

Participants included 4 infants with Down syndrome. Families were asked to provide at least 8 minutes of modified ride-on car driving per day, at least 5 times per week throughout the 9-month intervention.

Results and Conclusions:

Families demonstrated a variety of adherence rates to the intervention. Infants demonstrated independent activation of the modified ride-on car in seated and standing modes and enjoyed driving. The modified ride-on car intervention was feasible and warrants further testing to address barriers that influence adherence to the intervention.
Valid publication of the names Caecibacterium and Caecibacterium sporoformans
Authors: Oren Aharon , Garrity George M. , Spring Stefan , Onrust Lonneke , Petzoldt Diana , Eeckhaut Venessa , De Maesschalck Celine , Haesebrouck Freddy , Rautenschlein Silke , Ducatelle Richard , Van Immerseel Filip , Taras David
Published: December 2018

Descriptions of the genus

Caecibacterium

and its proposed type species

Caecibacterium sporoformans

were published in the IJSEM by Onrust et al. (Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2017;67:4589–4594). The type strain was deposited as LMG 27730 and DSM 26959. DSM 26959 is a patent strain, and therefore the names were effectively, but not validly, published based on Rule 30(4) of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. The type strain of

C. sporoformans

is now available from the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen as DSM 103070 and no restrictions have been placed on its distribution. We here present new descriptions of the genus and its type species so that the names can be validly published.
Population genetic structuring of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone EMRSA-15 within UK reflects patient referral patterns
Authors: Donker Tjibbe , Reuter Sandra , Scriberras James , Reynolds Rosy , Brown Nicholas M. , Török M. Estée , James Richard , Network East of England Microbiology Research , Aanensen David M. , Bentley Stephen D. , Holden Matthew T. G. , Parkhill Julian , Spratt Brian G. , Peacock Sharon J. , Feil Edward J. , Grundmann Hajo
Published: December 2018

Antibiotic resistance forms a serious threat to the health of hospitalised patients, rendering otherwise treatable bacterial infections potentially life-threatening. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which resistance spreads between patients in different hospitals is required in order to design effective control strategies. We measured the differences between bacterial populations of 52 hospitals in the United Kingdom and Ireland, using whole-genome sequences from 1085 MRSA clonal complex 22 isolates collected between 1998 and 2012. The genetic differences between bacterial populations were compared with the number of patients transferred between hospitals and their regional structure. The MRSA populations within single hospitals, regions and countries were genetically distinct from the rest of the bacterial population at each of these levels. Hospitals from the same patient referral regions showed more similar MRSA populations, as did hospitals sharing many patients. Furthermore, the bacterial populations from different time-periods within the same hospital were generally more similar to each other than contemporaneous bacterial populations from different hospitals. We conclude that, while a large part of the dispersal and expansion of MRSA takes place among patients seeking care in single hospitals, inter-hospital spread of resistant bacteria is by no means a rare occurrence. Hospitals are exposed to constant introductions of MRSA on a number of levels: (1) most MRSA is received from hospitals that directly transfer large numbers of patients, while (2) fewer introductions happen between regions or (3) across national borders, reflecting lower numbers of transferred patients. A joint coordinated control effort between hospitals, is therefore paramount for the national control of MRSA, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other hospital-associated pathogens.
The Cost of Appearing Suspicious? Information Gathering in Trust Decisions
Authors: Ma I. , Sanfey A. G. , Ma W.J.
Published: December 2018

Trust decisions are inherently uncertain, as people have incomplete information about the trustworthiness of the other prior to their decision. Therefore, it is beneficial to gather information about a trustee’s past behaviour before deciding whether or not to trust them. However, elaborate inquiries about a trustee’s behavior may change the trustee’s willingness to reciprocate, causing either a decrease due to the investor appearing suspicious, or an increase because the investor appears to be highly betrayal-averse. Such a change could cause the investor to gather less or more information, respectively. We examine how information acquisition is modulated by social context, monetary cost, and the trustee’s trustworthiness. Participants had the opportunity to sequentially sample information about a trustee’s reciprocation history before they decided whether or not to invest. On some trials, we induced a social context by telling the participant that the trustee would later learn how much the participant sampled (“overt sampling”). Participants sampled less when there was a monetary cost and when the reciprocation history was more conclusive. Crucially, when sampling was free and overt, participants sampled less, suggesting negative consequences of appearing suspicious. In post-experiment questionnaires, participants indeed reported a belief that the reciprocation probability would decrease when information was overtly sampled. The findings replicated in a second experiment and were well accounted for by a utility-maximizing model in which overt sampling induces a decrease in reciprocation probability. This study opens the door to broader applications of the tools and models of information sampling to social decision-making.

Significance Statement

Trust and reciprocity are essential for establishing and maintaining beneficial cooperative interactions. However, not everyone can be trusted. Here, we focus on a fundamental question in the study of social interaction: how people gather and use information to make a decision to trust or not trust. While more information seems better, participants gathered less information about trustworthiness when the trustee would learn about the inquiries, as if they avoided appearing suspicious. Indeed, participants reported that they believed that sampling elaborately would make the trustee less willing to reciprocate trust. Using a mathematical model of information gathering, we show that this belief indeed reduces the value of information. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of information gathering in social contexts.
Phylogenetic reconstruction and divergence time estimation of Blumea DC. (Asteraceae: Inuleae) in China based on nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F sequences
Authors: Zhang Yingbo , Yuan Yuan , Pang Yu-xin , Yu Fu-lai , Wang Dan , Hu Xuan , Chen Xiao-lu , Guan Ling-liang , Yuan Chao
Published: December 2018

The genus Blumea DC. is one of the economically most important genera of Inuleae (Asteraceae) in China. It is particularly diverse in south China, where 30 species occur, more than half of which are used as herbal medicine or in the chemical industry. However, little is known about the phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution of this genus in China. We used nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F sequences to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship and estimate the divergence time of Blumea DC. in China. Results indicated the genus of Blumea DC. was monophyletic and could be divided into two clades, the two clades were resolved that differ with respect to habitat, morphology, chromosome type and chemical composition, of their members. Furthermore, based on the two root time of Asteraceae, the divergence time of Blumea DC. were compare estimated. Results indicated the most recent common ancestor of Asteraceae maybe originated from 76-66 Ma, and Blumea DC. maybe originated from 72.71-52.42 Ma, and had an explosive expansion during Oligocene and Miocene (30.09-11.44 Ma), two major clades were differentiated during the Palaeocene and Oligocene (66.29-46.72 Ma), also the evidence from paleogeography and paleoclimate also supported Blumea DC. had an differentiation and explosive expansion during Oligocene and Miocene.
DRD2andFOXP2are implicated in the associations between computerized device use and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Wendt Frank R , Carvalho Carolina Muniz , Gelernter Joel , Polimanti Renato
Published: December 2018

1.

The societal health effects of ubiquitous computerized device use (CDU) is mostly unknown. Epidemiological evidence supports associations between CDU and psychiatric traits, but the underlying biological mechanisms are unclear. We investigated genetic overlaps, causal relationships, and molecular pathways shared between these traits using genome-wide data regarding CDU (UK Biobank; up to N=361,194 individuals) and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium phenotypes (14,477<N<150,064). The strongest genetic correlations were between “weekly usage of mobile phone in last 3 months” (PhoneUse)vs. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (rg=0.425, p=4.59x10-11) and “plays computer games” (CompGaming)vs. schizophrenia (SCZ) (rg=-0.271, p=7.16x10-26). Latent causal variable analysis did not support causal relationships between these traits, but the observed genetic overlap was related to shared molecular pathways, including: dopamine transport (Gene Ontology:0015872, pSCZvsCompGaming=2.74x10-10) andDRD2association (pSCZ=7.94x10-8; pCompGaming=3.98x10-25), andFOXP2association (pADHD=9.32x10-7; pPhoneUse=9.00x10-11). Our results support epidemiological observations with genetic data, and uncover biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders contribution to CDUs.
Stimulation of the posterior cingulate impairs episodic memory encoding
Authors: Natu Vaidehi S. , Lin Jui-Jui , Burks Alexis , Arora Akshay , Rugg Michael D. , Lega Bradley
Published: December 2018

Neuroimaging experiments implicate the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in episodic memory processing, making it a potential target for responsive neuromodulation strategies outside of the hippocampal network. However, causal evidence for the role PCC plays in memory encoding is lacking. In patients undergoing seizure mapping, we investigated functional properties of the PCC using deep brain stimulation (DBS) and stereotactic electroencephalography (stereo EEG). These techniques allow precise targeting of deep cortical structures including the PCC, and simultaneous acquisition of oscillatory recordings from neighboring regions such as the hippocampus. We used a free recall experiment in which PCC was stimulated during item encoding period of half of the study lists, while no stimulation was applied during encoding period of the remaining lists. We evaluated if stimulation affected memory and/or modulated hippocampal activity. Results revealed four main findings. (i) Stimulation during encoding impaired memory for early items on the study lists. (ii) Stimulation increased hippocampal gamma band power. (iii) Stimulation-induced gamma power predicted memory impairment. (iv) Functional connectivity between the hippocampus and PCC predicted the degree of stimulation effect on memory. Our findings offer the first causal evidence implicating the PCC in episodic memory encoding. Importantly, results highlight that stimulation targeted outside of the temporal lobe can modulate hippocampal activity with implications on behavior. Furthermore, a-priori measures of connectivity between brain regions within a functional network can be informative in predicting behavioral effects of stimulation. Our findings have significant implications for developing therapies to treat diseases of memory loss and cognitive impairment using DBS.
Rapid ocular responses are a robust marker for bottom-up driven auditory salience
Authors: Zhao Sijia , Yum Nga Wai , Benjamin Lucas , Benhamou Elia , Furukawa Shigeto , Dick Fred , Slaney Malcolm , Chait Maria
Published: December 2018

Despite the prevalent use of alerting sounds in alarms and human-machine interface systems, we have only a rudimentary understanding of what determines auditory salience - the automatic attraction of attention by sound - and the brain mechanisms which underlie this process. A major roadblock to understanding has been the lack of a robust, objective means of quantifying sound - driven attentional capture. Here we demonstrate that microsaccade inhibition - an oculomotor response arising within 300ms of sound onset - is a robust marker for the salience of brief sounds. Specifically, we show that a 'crowd sourced' (N=911) subjective salience ranking correlated robustly with the superior colliculus (SC) mediated ocular freezing response measured in naive, passively listening participants (replicated in two groups of N=15 each). More salient sounds evoked earlier microsaccadic inhibition, consistent with a faster orienting response. These results establish that microsaccade-indexed activity within the SC is a practical objective measure for auditory salience.
PLANT-Dx: A Molecular Diagnostic for Point of Use Detection of Plant Pathogens
Authors: Verosloff M. , Chappell J. , Perry K. L. , Thompson J. R. , Lucks J. B.
Published: December 2018

Synthetic biology based diagnostic technologies have improved upon gold standard diagnostic methodologies by decreasing cost, increasing accuracy, and enhancing portability. However there has been little effort in adapting these technologies towards applications related to point-of-use monitoring of plant and crop health. Here, we take a step towards this vision by developing an approach that couples isothermal amplification of specific plant pathogen genomic sequences with customizable synthetic RNA regulators that are designed to trigger the production of a colorimetric output in cell-free gene expression reactions. We demonstrate our system can sense viral derived sequences with high-sensitivity and specificity, and can be utilized to directly detect viruses from infected plant material. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the entire system can operate using only body heat and naked-eye visual analysis of outputs. We anticipate these strategies to be important components of user-friendly and deployable diagnostic systems that can be configured to detect a range of important plant pathogens.
Diagnosing rare diseases after the exome
Authors: Frésard Laure , Montgomery Stephen B.
Published: December 2018

High-throughput sequencing has ushered in a diversity of approaches for identifying genetic variants and understanding genome structure and function. When applied to individuals with rare genetic diseases, these approaches have greatly accelerated gene discovery and patient diagnosis. Over the past decade, exome sequencing has emerged as a comprehensive and cost-effective approach to identify pathogenic variants in the protein-coding regions of the genome. However, for individuals in whom exome-sequencing fails to identify a pathogenic variant, we discuss recent advances that are helping to reduce the diagnostic gap.
Inverse-phase composite zone plate providing deeper focus than the normal diffraction-limited depth of X-ray microbeams
Authors: Kagoshima Yasushi , Takayama Yuki
Published: December 2018

A novel type of zone plate (ZP), termed an inverse-phase composite ZP, is proposed to gain a deeper focus than the standard diffraction-limited depth of focus, with little reduction in spatial resolution. The structure is a combination of an inner ZP functioning as a conventional phase ZP and an outer ZP functioning with third-order diffraction with opposite phase to the inner ZP. Two-dimensional complex amplitude distributions neighboring the focal point were calculated using a wave-optical approach of diffraction integration with a monochromatic plane-wave illumination, where one dimension is the radial direction and the other dimension is the optical-axis direction. The depth of focus and the spatial resolution were examined as the main focusing properties. Two characteristic promising cases regarding the depth of focus were found: a pit-intensity focus with the deepest depth of focus, and a flat-intensity focus with deeper depth of focus than usual ZPs. It was found that twice the depth of focus could be expected with little reduction in the spatial resolution for 10 keV X-ray energy, tantalum zone material, 84 nm minimum fabrication zone width, and zone thickness of 2.645 µm. It was also found that the depth of focus and the spatial resolution were almost unchanged in the photon energy range from 8 to 12 keV. The inverse-phase composite ZP has high potential for use in analysis of practical thick samples in X-ray microbeam applications.
Beyond the accounting profession
Authors: Ahn Paul D. , Jacobs Kerry
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how an accounting association and its key members define, control, and claim their knowledge; adopt a closure and/or openness policy to enhance their status/influence; and respond to structural/institutional forces from international organisations and/or the state in a particular historical context, such as a globalised/neo-liberalised setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical tools (field, capital, habitus, and doxa) to understand how public sector accrual accounting was defined, and how the Korean Association for Government Accounting was formed and represented as a group with public sector accounting expertise. The research context was the implementation of accrual accounting in South Korea between 1997/1998, when the Asian financial crisis broke out, and 2006/2007, when accrual accounting was enforced by legislation. The authors interviewed social actors recognised as public sector accounting experts, in addition to examining related documents such as articles in academic journals, newsletters, invitations, membership forms, newspaper articles, and curricula vitae.

Findings

The authors found that the key founders of KAGA included some public administration professors, who advocated public sector accrual accounting via civil society groups immediately after Korea applied to the International Monetary Fund for bailout loans and a new government was formed in 1997/1998. In conjunction with public servants, they defined and designed public sector accrual accounting as a measure of public sector reform and as a part of the broader government budget process, rather than as an accounting initiative. They also co-opted accounting professors and CPA-qualified accountants through their personal connections, based on shared educational backgrounds, to represent the association as a public sector accounting experts’ group.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that the study of the accounting profession cannot be restricted to a focus on professional accounting associations and that accounting knowledge can be acquired by non-accountants. Therefore, the authors argue that the relationship between accounting knowledge, institutional forms, and key actors’ strategies is rich and multifaceted.
Study on the interference between parallel pipelines and optimized operation for the cathodic protection systems
Authors: Yang Ziqing , Cui Gan , Li Zili , Liu JianGuo
Published: December 2018

Purpose

In recent years, the demand for oil and gas pipelines has increased rapidly. Due to the restrictions of the pipeline routing, pipelines are generally laid in parallel or in the same trench, which results in stray-current interference between the independent cathodic protection (CP) systems. The purpose of this paper is to study the interference between the long-distance parallel pipelines and to obtain the optimized operation for the CP systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, first, the numerical model of parallel pipelines was established using the boundary element analysis software (BEASY). Second, the effects of horizontal distance between parallel pipelines, coating damage rate, soil conductivity and anode output current on the interference of parallel pipelines were studied. Finally, by varying the layout or the output currents of CP stations, an optimized operation scheme osf long-distance parallel pipelines was put forward.

Findings

Simulation results showed that with a decrease in soil conductivity or coating damage rate, the interference increased. Moreover, the interference decreased with an increase in horizontal distance between two parallel pipelines or a decrease in anode output current. It was found that there are three methods to reduce the interference between long-distance parallel pipelines: to reduce the output currents of CP stations, combined protection and to close part of the CP stations. Among them, to close part of CP stations was the optimized scheme because of the lowest operating and maintenance cost.

Originality/value

The optimized operation scheme proposed in this study can not only solve the interference between parallel pipelines but also provide guidance for the parallel pipelines to be built in the future. Reasonably arranging the cathodic protection stations using numerical simulation can avoid the interference in the cathodic protection systems, and reduce the construction cost.
Attracting millennial talent: a signal theory perspective
Authors: Madan Anishya Obhrai , Madan Srishti
Published: December 2018

Purpose

On the basis of an exploratory research, the purpose of this paper is to identify the criteria used by new entrants to the workforce (specifically premium millennial talent) while making job choices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using signal theory, the study attempts to explore what drives prospective millennial candidates to apply to a particular job role by identifying the components that form the initial anticipatory psychological contract (iAPC) of millennial talent from a tier-1 technological school in India and the factors that drive their job application intent. It is an exploratory study which uses survey data from 335 respondents.

Findings

The study identifies the critical components of the iAPC of this set of talent. It highlights the transactional approach of this cohort to evaluate prospective job roles.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on an exploratory study which was carried out in a single school in India and may be used as a concept for designing and implementing more generalized studies using standardized tools of measurement in the future. The study highlights the fact that this cohort attends to the transactional components of the signals sent out by recruiters to a larger extent than to other kinds of signals which may be communicated by employers. HR communication strategies for connecting with this set may emphasize the unique employment proposition to potential recruits using the findings from this study to better engage with this cohort.

Practical implications

The current research gives indications on the components of the iAPC for this cohort and would help HR form appropriate strategies to attract this set of talent.

Originality/value

This research takes a fresh line of reasoning to explain what parameters would drive fresher millennial talent to apply for a job at an organization. It views the group through a generational theory paradigm and signaling theory forms the backdrop for this study. Further, since the study is based on an Indian sample, it contributes to literature from a non-western context.
Changes in Chinese work values
Authors: Takeda Sachiko , Disegna Marta , Yang Yumei
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in Chinese workers’ values by comparing the work-related values of the One-Child Generation (OCG), the Social Reform Generation and the Cultural Revolution Generation.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with 918 Chinese employees, the vast majority of them working for Chinese domestic firms in Guangzhou, Shaoguan and Harbin. The collected data were analysed mainly using ANOVA, Tukey’s pairwise comparison and Kruskall–Wallis tests.

Findings

The OCG was found to place less importance on income and job security, while possessing higher tolerance towards the practice of nepotism, than the older two generations. The authors found no significant differences in the levels of intrinsic values and altruism among the three generations. Additionally, the results indicate overall low altruistic values and high extrinsic values across all three generations of Chinese workers.

Originality/value

China’s unprecedented generation of only-children as workers is an unknown factor. It is only now, over a decade after the OCG first entered the job market, that a comparative study between their work values and those of previous generations has become possible. This study exploits the momentum and is one of the first studies to include the OCG in the investigation of work value changes in Chinese society.
Poster child and guinea pig – insights from a structured literature review on Airbnb
Authors: Dann David , Teubner Timm , Weinhardt Christof
Published: December 2018

Purpose

A growing body of research from various domains has investigated Airbnb, a two-sided market platform for peer-based accommodation sharing. The authors suggest that it is due time to take a step back and assess the current state of affairs. This paper aims to conflate and synthesize research on Airbnb.

Design/methodology/approach

To facilitate research on Airbnb and its underlying principles in electronic commerce, the authors present a structured literature review on Airbnb.

Findings

The findings are based on 118 articles from the fields of tourism, information and management, law and economics between 2013 and 2018. Based on this broad basis, the authors find that: research on Airbnb is highly diverse in terms of domains, methods and scope; motives for using Airbnb are manifold (e.g. financial, social and environmental); trust and reputation are considered crucial by almost all scholars; the platform’s variety is reflected in prices; and the majority of work is based on surveys and empirical data while experiments are scarce.

Practical implications

Based on the present assessment of studied topics, domains, methods and combinations thereof, the authors suggest that research should move toward building atop of a common ground of data structures and vocabulary, and that attention should focus on the identified gaps and hitherto scarcely used combinations. The set of under-represented areas includes cross-cultural investigations, field experiments and audit studies, the consideration of dynamic processes (e.g. based on panel data), Airbnb’s “experiences” and automated pricing algorithms and the rating distribution’s skewness.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive overview of work on the accommodation sharing platform Airbnb, to the best of the auhtors’ knowledge, representing the first systematic literature review. The authors hope that researchers and practitioners alike will find this review useful as a reference for future research on Airbnb and as a guide for the development of innovative applications based on the platform’s peculiarities and paradigms in electronic commerce practice. From a practical perspective, the general tenor suggests that hotel and tourism operators may benefit from: focusing on their core advantages over Airbnb and differentiating features and aligning their marketing communication with their users’ aspirations.
Ethno-racial similarity, relationship conflict and trust in supervisor-subordinate dyads
Authors: Miller Carliss D. , Richard Orlando C. , Ford, Jr David L.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

In management research, little is known about how ethno-racial minority leaders interact with similar employees in supervisor–subordinate relationships. This study aims to examine and provide a deeper understanding of individuals’ negative reactions to similar others, thus highlighting the double-edged nature of demographic similarity which has historically predicted positive affective reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey design, the authors collected data from supervisor-subordinate dyads from multiple companies from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas, USA. They used ordinary least squares regression and conditional process analysis to test the hypotheses, including a two-stage moderation and moderated mediation.

Findings

Incorporating social context, i.e. minority status, as a moderator, the results show that ethno-racial minority leaders supervising ethno-racially similar subordinates were more vulnerable to relationship conflict than non-minority dyads. This, in turn, is linked to a reduction in the leaders’ feelings of trust toward their ethno-racially similar subordinate.

Originality/value

This study draws on social identity theory and status characteristics theory to explain the contradictory processes and outcomes associated with dyadic ethno-racial similarity and suggests the conditions under which dyad racial similarity is connected with unfavorable outcomes. This framework helps to broaden the boundary conditions of relational demography to provide a more nuanced explanation of when and why minority leaders in demographically similar hierarchical dyads experience more relationship conflict, which ultimately diminishes trust.
Energy consumption and agricultural economic growth in Pakistan: is there a nexus?
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Jiang Yuansheng , Rehman Abdul
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the relationship between energy consumption and agricultural economic growth in Pakistan over the period from 1984 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration to investigate the long-run and short-run determinants of agricultural economic growth in Pakistan.

Findings

The results of the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration revealed that long-run linkage exists among the study variables. The findings of this paper showed that agricultural economic growth is positively affected by gas consumption and electricity consumption both in the long-run and short run. The long-run and short-run coefficients of gas consumption and electricity consumption were estimated to be 0.906, 0.421, 0.595 and 0.276, respectively. The estimated equation remains stable during the period from 1984 to 2016 as analyzed by the stability tests.

Originality/value

This study considers the relationship between energy consumption and agricultural economic growth in Pakistan by using an ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration. The study has three contributions to economic literature:this study used different unit root tests to test stationarity of the variables such as ADF unit root test by Dicky and Fuller and P-P unit root test by Philip and Perron; the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration is applied to test the existence of long-run analysis between energy consumption and agricultural economic growth; and to check the robustness, the authors used the Johansen cointegration test to examine the long-run relationship between dependent and independent variables.
The value and meaning of a community drop-in service for asylum seekers and refugees
Authors: Spring Hannah Catherine , Howlett Fiona Katherine , Connor Claire , Alderson Ashton , Antcliff Joe , Dutton Kimberley , Gray Oliva , Hirst Emily , Jabeen Zeba , Jamil Myra , Mattimoe Sally , Waister Siobhan
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Asylum seekers and refugees experience substantial barriers to successful transition to a new society. The purpose of this paper is to explore the value and meaning of a community drop-in service offering social support for refugees and asylum seekers in the northeast of England and to identify the occupational preferences of the service users.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was conducted with refugees and asylum seekers using a community drop-in service. In total, 18 people participated from ten countries. Data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Findings

The value and meaning of the service was expressed through four key areas: the need to experience a sense of community; being able to make an altruistic contribution within the community; the need for societal integration; and having the opportunity to engage in meaningful and productive occupations.

Practical implications

Community and altruism have profound cultural meaning for asylum seekers and refugees and the need to integrate, belong and contribute is paramount to successful resettlement. Community-based drop-in services can aid this at deep, culturally relevant levels. This study may inform policy and practice development, future service development and highlight potential opportunities for health and social care services provision amongst this growing population.

Originality/value

To date there are no studies that provide empirical evidence on how community-based drop-in services for refugees and asylum seekers are received. This study provides a cultural insight into the deeper value and meaning of such services, and is particularly relevant for professionals in all sectors who are working with asylum seekers and refugees.