Black Sheep Research Articles

Study on wool quality and traditional pattern of wool weaving from tiruchy black sheep in Tamil Nadu

Study on wool quality and traditional pattern of wool weaving from tiruchy black sheep in Tamil Nadu

(Im)moral Symbols and (Im)moral Deeds: Defensive Strategies for Coping with Historical Transgressions of Group Heroes and Villains

In two post-conflict societies (Serbia and Cyprus), the authors investigated how people cope with in-group historical transgression when heroes and villains relevant for their collective identity are made salient in it. The authors set the events in foundational periods for Serbian (Experiment 1) and Greek Cypriot (Experiment 2) ethnic identity—that is, historical representations of the Battle of Kosovo (1389) and the Liberation Struggle (1955–1959), respectively. In both experiments, a between-subjects design was used to manipulate group membership (in-group or out-group) and representation of the salient character (hero, villain, or neutral) in fictitious but historically plausible accounts of transgressions. In Experiment 1 ( N = 225), the participants showed more moral disengagement in the case of in-group historical transgressions than in the case of identical transgressions by an out-group, while the in-group hero was rejected less than all the other historical characters. Social identification based on in-group superiority moderated both observed effects in such a manner that they were more pronounced for participants perceiving their ethnic group as superior. In Experiment 2 ( N = 136), historical transgression involving the in-group hero provoked the most moral disengagement and the least rejection of the group deviant. In-group superiority and in-group importance as distinct modes of social identification moderated these effects in such a way that they were more pronounced for high-identifying individuals. Taken together, the experiments show that the in-group hero, as a highly valued ethnic symbol, is exempt from the black sheep effect and the sanctions of critically attached group members. The authors discuss the implications of in-group heroes for political and educational communication.

A COPPER COIN OF THE ARTUQID RULER NAJM AL-DIN ALPI WITH SIX COUNTERMARKS

Scope of the study. A specific series of copper coins of the Artuqid rulers Hussam al-Din Timurtash and his son Najm al-Din Alpi were extensively countermarked during the twelfth century. The scientific novelty The author discusses this system of countermarking and presents a countermark naming Najm al-Din Alpi, which was applied six times on his own coins.The Artuqids were a Turkmen dynasty that ruled in Eastern Anatolia, Northern Syria and Northern Iraq in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. On Il-Ghazi’s death in 516 (1122) his kingdom was divided among three heirs, with Timurtash retaining Mardin. He was succeeded by his only son Najm al-Din Alpi in 547 (1152), and the Artuqid kingdom of Mardin became the largest and most enduring, lasting until 812 (1409), when it was seized by Timur (Tamerlane) and later controlled by the Qara Qoyunlu (‘Black Sheep’) Turkmen.The description of the ‘copper dirhams’ of Husam al-Din Timurtash and Najm al-Din Alpi are given. One of the well-known problems in the series of the Artuqids of Mardin is the countermarking of the copper dirhams of Husam al-Din Timurtash and his son Najm al-Din Alpi. During the early part of the reign of Najm al-Din Alpi, the coins of his father continued to circulate. However, they were soon countermarked by Alpi, evidently to avoid confusion. We know of two countermarks, with ‘one line’ or with ‘two lines’ randomly applied on the obverses of Timurtash’s dirhams, sometimes both on the same coin. Alpi’s countermarks on the Timurtash coins could have been used to avoid confusion between the coins of father and son. The reasons of the appearance of the countermarks are described.Double countermarking did not necessarily occur simultaneously. Apparently, Alpi used the countermarks extensively to differentiate himself from his father and to achieve the greatest possible popularity through the medium of coin. This is also shown by the fact that the old Byzantine coins circulating in Alpi’s dominions were countermarked with his laqab ‘najm’.

Integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA interaction in ovaries of Turpan Black Sheep during follicular and luteal phases.

To investigate the regulatory mechanism of the follicular-luteal phase transition in Turpan black sheep (Ovis aries), the genome-wide expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes were investigated in ovaries of six sheep (3years and single lamb with 3 consecutive births) during follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. Bioinformatic analysis was used to screen potential miRNAs and genes related to Turpan black sheep ovarian function. RT-qPCR was used to validate the sequencing results. In total, we identified 139 known and 71 novel miRNAs in the two phases with miRNA-seq, and a total of 19 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, of which 7 were up-regulated and 12 were down-regulated in the follicular phase compared with luteal phase. A total of 150 genes were significantly differentially expressed, including 63 up-regulated and 87 down-regulated in the follicular phase compared with the luteal phase by RNA-seq data analysis. Those DEGs were significantly enriched in 103 GO terms and several KEGG pathways, including metabolic pathway, ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis and oestrogen signalling pathway. In addition, we created a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network to further elucidate the mechanism of follicular-luteal transition. Finally, we identified key miRNAs and genes including miR-143, miR-99a, miR-150, miR-27a, miR-125b, STAR, STAT1, which might play crucial roles in reproductive hormone biosynthesis and follicular development. The miRNA-mRNA interactive network clearly illustrates molecular basis involving in follicular-luteal transition.

Localized Interleukin-12 for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent, pro-inflammatory type 1 cytokine that has long been studied as a potential immunotherapy for cancer. Unfortunately, IL-12's remarkable antitumor efficacy in preclinical models has yet to be replicated in humans. Early clinical trials in the mid-1990's showed that systemic delivery of IL-12 incurred dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, IL-12's pleiotropic activity, i.e., its ability to engage multiple effector mechanisms and reverse tumor-induced immunosuppression, continues to entice cancer researchers. The development of strategies which maximize IL-12 delivery to the tumor microenvironment while minimizing systemic exposure are of increasing interest. Diverse IL-12 delivery systems, from immunocytokine fusions to polymeric nanoparticles, have demonstrated robust antitumor immunity with reduced adverse events in preclinical studies. Several localized IL-12 delivery approaches have recently reached the clinical stage with several more at the precipice of translation. Taken together, localized delivery systems are supporting an IL-12 renaissance which may finally allow this potent cytokine to fulfill its considerable clinical potential. This review begins with a brief historical account of cytokine monotherapies and describes how IL-12 went from promising new cure to ostracized black sheep following multiple on-study deaths. The bulk of this comprehensive review focuses on developments in diverse localized delivery strategies for IL-12-based cancer immunotherapies. Advantages and limitations of different delivery technologies are highlighted. Finally, perspectives on how IL-12-based immunotherapies may be utilized for widespread clinical application in the very near future are offered.

Dietary phosphorus restriction affects bone metabolism, vitamin D metabolism and rumen fermentation traits in sheep.

Homeostasis of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi ) is maintained by a concerted interplay of absorption and reabsorption via the gastrointestinal tract and the kidney and by storage and mobilization from the bone regulated mainly by parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and calcitonin. The present study aimed at characterizing the effects of dietary P restriction on bone, vitamin D metabolism and rumen fermentation traits reflecting the endogenous P cycle maintaining the ruminal P supply for microbial metabolism. The experiments were done in eleven female, non-pregnant, non-lactating four- to nine-year-old Black Headed Mutton sheep allotted to two feeding groups: "P-restricted" (0.11% P/kg DM and 0.88% Ca/kg DM) and "Control" (0.38% P/kg DM and 0.88% Ca/kg DM). Dietary P restriction did not lead to hypophosphataemia, probably due to a compensation by bone mobilization, demonstrated by increased serum concentrations of a resorption marker and altered gene expression in bone tissue. In addition, the RNA expression of fibroblast growth factor 23, a bone-derived factor involved in the regulation of vitamin D metabolism, was significantly reduced with dietary P restriction. Furthermore, several genes related to vitamin D metabolism and plasma concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2 D were associated with serum concentrations of phosphate (Pi ). In the parotid gland, the expression of the Pi transporter NaPi2b was negatively associated with serum Pi and positively with parathyroid PTH expression. Although Pi concentrations in saliva and the gastrointestinal tract were significantly reduced, we found no adverse effects of the P-restricted ration on the production of short chain fatty acids, but slight differences in the production of butyrate as well as its relationship to rumen Pi and ammonia concentrations that might indicate an impact on ruminal fermentation.

A black sheep in Eresus (Araneae: Eresidae): taxonomic notes on the ladybird spiders of Iran and Turkey, with a new species.

New taxonomic data are provided on the ladybird spider genus Eresus Walckenaer, 1805 in Turkey and Iran. Eresus adaleari Zamani Szűts, sp. n. is described as a new species, on the basis of a single male specimen collected in Semnan Province, northeastern Iran, and Eresus lavrosiae Mcheidze, 1997, previously known solely from the original description of the male holotype from Georgia, is re-described on the basis of one newly collected male specimen from Kars Province, eastern Turkey. Both of these species are generally dark-colored, which contrasts with the usual coloration of males of this genus. Finally, a few methods and suggestions that might accelerate and improve taxonomic procedures for studying this group are discussed.

'Fat black sheep': Educational penalties of childhood obesity in an emerging country.

This article explores the relationship between childhood obesity and educational outcomes in Mexico, a country where excess weight is predominant. Using complementary multivariate estimators, we empirically investigate the association between childhood excess weight, measured in 2002, and schooling attainment measured 10 years later. Non-linear specifications are tested, and heterogeneous effects according to gender, living area and economic backgrounds are investigated. To fill the literature gap, this study focuses on the understudied context of emerging countries such as Mexico. Panel data from the Mexican Family Life Survey (2002-2012) are used. We restricted the sample to adolescent individuals who had between 9 and 15 years old in 2002 (attended primary or secondary school in 2002). The survey provides an accurate follow-up information on weight, height and waist circumference for each individual. Controlling for a comprehensive set of covariates, we find that the relationship is non-linear in Mexico. While weight-based childhood obesity and abdominal adiposity are significantly associated with lower school attainment, at least in urban settings, no schooling gap is found between overweight students and their normal-weight counterparts. Along with rural-urban heterogeneity, obesity-based educational penalties appear to be stronger for girls and students from privileged economic backgrounds. These results emphasise the co-occurrence of anti-fat and pro-fat social norms in Mexican schools: while anti-fat norms may particularly concern female, richer and urban students, pro-fat norms might persist among male, poorer and rural students. These findings have important implications for public policy, namely about awareness anti-obesity programmes.

Of lame ducks, black sheep and family bonding

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Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Black Howler Monkeys (Alouatta pigra) and Domestic Animals in Fragmented Rain-Forest Areas in Tabasco, Mexico.

The appearance and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria in natural environments and wildlife are related to agricultural and livestock activities and are a global health and conservation problem. We assessed the presence of AMR genes in Escherichia coli isolated from black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra), sheep (Ovis aries), cattle (Bos taurus), and horses (Equus caballus) from a highly fragmented forest in southern Mexico. Fresh fecal samples were collected using swabs, seeded on eosin-methylene blue agar, and E. coli colonies identified by PCR; multiplex-PCR was performed on E. coli DNA for the detection of 10 AMR genes from four families (sulfonamides, tetracycline, β-lactamase, and chloramphenicol). We detected E. coli in 94% (48/51) of fecal samples, of which 33% (16/48) tested positive for at least one AMR gene. We detected AMR genes in at least one individual from each sampled animal species, with the most prevalent genes being tet(B) 18% (9/48), sul2 14% (7/48), sul1, and blaTEM 12% (6/48). Sheep samples contained AMR genes from the four families of antibiotics detected in this study and 50% (5/10) tested positive for the presence of at least one gene. A total of 12% (2/16) of fecal samples from black howler monkeys tested positive for AMR genes. The presence of AMR genes in A. pigra and domestic animals has not been reported in the Balancán area of Tabasco, Mexico. Transmission of AMR bacteria from domestic animals to monkeys is rare; however, this is a potential health risk for wildlife and species conservation.

The black sheep of the family- whole-exome sequencing in family of lithium response discordant bipolar monozygotic twins

Twin studies are among the most promising strategies for studying heritable disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD).The aim of the present study was to identify distinguishing genes between monozygotic (MZ) twins with different BD phenotype and compare them to their non-affected siblings.Whole-exome sequencing (WES) can identify rare and structural variants that could detect the polygenetic burden of complex disorders. WES was performed on a family composed of two MZ twins with BD, their unaffected brother and unaffected parents. The twins have a discordant response to lithium and distinct course of illness. Following WES, six genes of particular interest emerged: Neurofibromin type 1 (NF1), Biorientation of chromosomes in cell division 1 (BOD1), Golgi-associated gamma adaptin ear-containing ARF binding protein 3 (GGA3), Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), Neuromedin U receptor 2 (NMUR2), and Huntingtin interacting protein 1-related (HIP1R). Interestingly, many of these influence glutamatergic pathways and thus the findings may have therapeutical implications. These results may provide important insights to unveil genetic underpinnings of BD and the response to lithium

Some remarks on pragmatics in the language of mathematics: Comments to the paper “At Least One Black Sheep: Pragmatics and Mathematical Language” by Luca San Mauro, Marco Ruffino and Giorgio Venturi

I agree wholeheartedly with the authors of “At Least One Black Sheep: Pragmatics and Mathematical Language” on their main thesis that the language of mathematics is permeated by phenomena that belong to pragmatics. I also agree with what they take to be the opposite view, which is presented in Mohan Ganesalingam's monograph The Language of Mathematics (2013). I think that the conflict is to a large extent terminological and has to do with what is meant by pragmatics.

Turn and Face the Strange: A New View on Phosphatases.

Phosphorylation as a post-translational modification is critical for cellular homeostasis. Kinases and phosphatases regulate phosphorylation levels by adding or removing, respectively, a phosphate group from proteins or other biomolecules. Imbalances in phosphorylation levels are involved in a multitude of diseases. Phosphatases are often thought of as the black sheep, the strangers, of phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction, particularly when it comes to drug discovery and development. This is due to past difficulties to study them and unsuccessful attempts to target them; however, phosphatases have regained strong attention and are actively pursued now in clinical trials. By giving examples for current hot topics in phosphatase biology and for new approaches to target them, it is illustrated here how and why phosphatases made their comeback, and what is envisioned to come in the future.

Normative metaphysics for accountants

We use normative reasons in a bewildering variety of different ways. And yet, as many recent theorists have shown, one can discern systematic distinctions underlying this complexity. This paper is a contribution to this project of constructive normative metaphysics. We aim to bring a black sheep back into the flock: the balancing model of weighing reasons. This model is threatened by a variety of cases in which distinct reasons overlap, in the sense that they do not contribute separate weight for or against an option. Our response is to distinguish between derivative reasons and load-bearing reasons, only the latter of which contribute non-overlapping weight to an option. This distinction is close at hand for analyses of reasons in terms of the promotion of significant outcomes. But we also develop an account of this distinction for fundamentalist theories of normative reasons.

At least one black sheep: Pragmatics and mathematical language

In this paper we argue, against a somewhat standard view, that pragmatic phenomena occur in mathematical language. We provide concrete examples supporting this thesis.

In-group favoritism or the black sheep effect? Group bias of fairness norm enforcement during economic games

In-group favoritism or the black sheep effect? Group bias of fairness norm enforcement during economic games

Are polymers still ‘black sheep’ in materials science?

Are polymers still ‘black sheep’ in materials science?

Jordanian EFL Students Use of English Color Terms in Collocations

The present study addresses a significant but neglected aspect of vocabulary teaching in general and teaching collocations, in particular, which is color term collocations. A significant number of idioms involve use color terms such as blue blood, black death, red tape, black sheep, and yellow press that are significant to study in the context of foreign language teaching. This study dealt with teaching color term collocations that are essence of language teaching/learning and translation. A multiple-choice test was used as the main instrument of this study. The sample of the study consisted of 94 Jordanian EFL students. Results obtained from the study showed that students’ performance in the test was weak. Moreover, the statements that had the black color terms were the most successfully addressed ones while the least correctly tackled ones were those related to the yellow color term. The data also showed that neither the students' gender nor their academic degree level had significantly affected their performance in the test. The study also revealed that the teaching of this component of vocabulary teaching was much neglected, which could be due to students’ insufficient knowledge regarding this respect in learning English as a foreign language

No Herd for Black Sheep: A Meta‐Analytic Review of the Predictors and Outcomes of Workplace Ostracism

Ostracism is a ubiquitous and inevitable part of human personal and professional lives. Despite its prevalence, organizational scholars have yet to provide a comprehensive review of the empirical literature on workplace ostracism. In this study, I use belongingness theory, conservation of resources theory, and need‐threat/need fortification theory to conduct a meta‐analysis of the relationships between the predictors and outcomes of workplace ostracism. My results suggest that experiences of workplace incivility and victim personality traits have a significant influence on the perceptions of workplace ostracism. I also found that self‐esteem partially mediates the relationship between workplace ostracism and work outcomes. In addition, workplace ostracism was related negatively to numerous health and work outcomes. Furthermore, national culture (collectivistic vs. individualistic cultures) of study samples moderated some of the proposed relationships. Finally, results from relative weight analyses revealed a unique contribution of workplace ostracism in the prediction of job satisfaction, although abusive supervision and interpersonal deviance were important predictors of OCBs and deviant work behaviors. I conclude with a discussion of these findings.

GBS Data Identify Pigmentation-Specific Genes of Potential Role in Skin-Photosensitization in Two Tunisian Sheep Breeds.

Simple SummaryMaintaining the flexibility of the genetic resources of native animals to face local environment constraints is still a major challenge. In Tunisia, the Noire de Thibar breed is a local sheep, typically with black coloration, known for its ability to tolerate “hypericum perforatum”, which causes skin photosensitization in white colored sheep. The goal of this study was to perform a genome scan, by considering genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) markers that were genotyped in divergent coat colored sheep (black vs. white) to identify strong, and recent, artificial selection that is involved in skin-photosensitization. Interestingly, the genomic differentiation analysis identified FST markers within genomic regions containing key pigmentation and photosensitivity related-genes. These findings help in understanding the background of coat color genetics and its potential role in adaptation to local environment constraints.The Tunisian Noire de Thibar sheep breed is a composite breed, recently selected to create animals that are uniformly black in order to avoid skin photosensitization after the ingestion of toxic “hypericum perforatum” weeds, which causes a major economic loss to sheep farmers. We assessed genetic differentiation and estimated marker FST using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data in black (Noire de Thibar) and related white-coated (Queue fine de l’ouest) sheep breeds to identify signals of artificial selection. The results revealed the selection signatures within candidate genes related to coat color, which are assumed to be indirectly involved in the mechanism of photosensitization in sheep. The identified genes could provide important information for molecular breeding.