bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Joint Audit on Audit Quality: Empirical Evidence from Companies Listed On the Egyptian Stock Exchange
Authors: El Assy Mahmoud Ghanem
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of joint audit on earnings conservatism, our proxy for audit quality, of companies listed on the Egyptian stock exchange, by examining whether companies audited by two independent auditors are more conservative than companies audited by a single auditor. In addition, we investigate whether this relationship is affected by the type of joint audit regimes (i.e., voluntary versus mandatory), and the mix of joint auditors appointed (i.e., two big 4 auditors, or two non-big 4 auditors, or one Big 4 auditor paired with one non-big 4 auditor). To test our hypotheses, we use a sample of 32 companies listed on the Egyptian stock exchange during the period 2009 through 2013. The results of our multiple regression analyses show that companies audited by joint auditors are more conservative than companies audited by single auditors. However, we find no significant difference in levels of earnings conservatism between companies audited by joint auditors mandatorily and companies audited by joint auditors voluntarily. We also find no significant difference in levels of earnings conservatism between companies audited by two big4 auditors and companies audited by two non-big4 auditors, or by one big4 auditor paired with one non-big4 auditor.
The Relative Ability of Earnings and Cash Flow from Operations in Predicting Future Cash Flows: Evidence from India
Authors: Mulenga Mwila Joseph
Published: February 2016

The current study examines ability of earnings and cash flow from operations in predicting future cash flow from operations of Indian companies listed in Bombay stock exchange from 2002 to 2014. The study used cash flow from operations directly reported in the cash flow statement. For the purpose of estimating regression models, Ordinary least square approach used and in measuring the predictive power of each models in forecasting future cash flow adjusted R-squared used as forecasting measure. The findings of this study reported cash flow from operations to have more power in than earnings in predicting future cash flow, which do not support the assertion given out by Financial Accounting Standards Board. The findings of this study provide additional insights to Indian capital market researchers and also benefit users of accounting information in India by providing them with empirical evidence on the beneficial ability of cash flow data in predicting future cash flow and that would assist them in making their investment decisions, lending and other decisions and also knowing the financial status of company they wish to invest.
Commercial Banks’ Attributes and Annual Voluntary Disclosure: The case of Libya
Authors: Hawashe Abdallah Al-mahdy
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study aims to investigateempirically whether there is any significant association between seven commercial bank-specific attributes (i.e. age of bank, size of bank, bank liquidity position, profitability, government ownership, foreign ownership, and listing status) and the extent of voluntary disclosure in the annual reports. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model is used to test the association between bank attributes and voluntary disclosure. The results of regression analysis indicate that banks size and listing status are significantly associated with the level of voluntary information disclosures. The findings also revealed the extent of voluntary disclosure in annual reports is notsignificantly influenced by other bank’s attributes.The current empirical study contributes to that investigation in the context of banking companies andprovides new insight into determinants of voluntary disclosure in the annual reports of listed and unlisted commercial banks.Keywords: Commercial Bank Attributes; Voluntary Disclosure;Annual reports; Libya
Socio-political issues of Fata, a historical and contemporary perspective
Authors: Latif Abid , Musarrat Razia
Published: February 2016

Tribal areas of Pakistan have become the hotbed of ensuing insurgency against the state and the breading ground of terrorism. The fault lines of this simmering crisis is the  Geography, the Tribal Genealogical lineage, the porous Durand line, the FCR, the Tribal Genealogical lineage, the porous Durand line, the FCR, Pashtunwali and the gestation of the New Great Game in the neighborhood. All the four Drivers of conflict resolutions, the Pashtunwali, the Political Agent, the Jirga and the Malik are fast becoming redundant and meaningless in the context of Taliban Phenomena. Taliban have emerged as a network with a clear ability to penetrate all the layers of Social strata, feeding upon the backwardness and primitiveness of the area in the fields of social and political sectors. This paper identifies the major chasm of tribal society and the effect there in FATA has become a breading ground of extremism with all the ingredients available .At the proximity of physical and   ideological convenience. Corrective measures in socio-political and economic plan are if delayed further, will result into uncontrolled chaos and instability with far reaching effects. . In this research paper an endeavors is made to highlight all such fault lines and grey areas with special emphasis on Waziristan agency, which is known as the breeding grounds of this menace.
Visual Social Publications in the Newspapers of Greek Primary Schools: A Semiotic Analysis
Authors: Valsamidou Lina P.
Published: February 2016

In the present study we investigate, record and discuss icons with asocial content, their type, their signifieds and ideological significations,wishing to extract useful conclusions regarding the use of icons in schoolnewspapers as vehicles of social messages. The research material comprises intotal 252 images with a social content found in the columns of schoolnewspapers, whereas the collection of the sample was based on the study of 64school newspaper issues coming from 32 titles of primary school newspapers fromall over Greece that were published in 2004-2006. All in all, it appears that social iconic publications create theeditors’ vivid interest, as they find their way mostly in the inside pages ofnewspapers. The analysis of the icons as to their signifieds places emphasis onthe dominant ideological forms: the signifieds of historic anniversaries,school life and environmental education come before the others, which in turnsuggests the dominant ideological trends, history-school-environment/ecology:a triptych that emerges through the social-iconic choices of those involved inpublishing school newspapers.Keywords: visual social publications, schoolnewspapers, semiotic analysis, students-journalists
Television Viewing and Consumer Behavior: The Effect of Personality Traits and Demographic Variables on Children’s Consumer Socialization.
Authors: Ismail Zeenat , Kaleem Jehangir
Published: February 2016

The central purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between television viewing habits of children and their consumer behavior, however this study also focuses on possible factors influencing television viewing. A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed to school going children between the ages of 10-12, personality measurements were taken through a semantic test. The aspects of children’s consumer socialization included in this study are how much television children watch, what they watch and their purchasing behavior. The children’s gender and family income are considered as influences on their television viewing and consumer socialization. Results of the study indicated that family income and personality traits had a significant effect on the Childs consumer socialization; it also identified relationship between other demographic factors and consumer socialization. Shown by a p value in the chi-square table as p<0.1.This research was originally conducted in Malaysia and it will be interesting to see its results in Pakistan, secondly with the growing influence of television viewing in our everyday lives and also the identification of children as a vital part of the consumer population this study carries importance both in the field of psychology and marketing.  
Modelling Customer Satisfaction for Business Services
Authors: Virmani Megha , Dash Manoj Kumar
Published: February 2016

Research in the area of business services, which include marketing research companies, advertising agencies and consulting firms, has concentrated on service quality, relationship quality, and overall customer satisfaction. In some of the best known models which connect these concepts, customer satisfaction is modelled as a function of customer expectations and perceived quality. Little research has been done, however, to explain the development of relationships between businesses and business services over time. Additionally, research in this area has been almost non-existent in the transition countries. Our study proposes a customer satisfaction model with an integrated time component to be tested on the transition country data. The relationship quality in our model is expected to be paramount for customer satisfaction, loyalty and the long-term success of business services.
Long Term Care Nurses’ Feelings on Communication, Teamwork and Stress in Long Term Care
Authors: Fuqua Ronald M.
Published: February 2016

The goals of this study were to identify how long term care nursing employees felt about communication, teamwork and stress in doing their work. Data from long term care nursing employees on their comparative opinions of receiving information and being asked for their input, giving help to others and receiving help in doing their jobs, and their opinions of the stress level in their jobs were collected through an online survey. Analysis provides an assessment of associations between demographic information and nursing employees’ opinions. Results include statistically significant associations, using Pearson correlations. The differences between being told what they needed to know and being asked for their input, as well as the opinions about giving as opposed to receiving help from others and the level of stress in their jobs were found meaningful. Implications from these data include value and contribution in implementing health care management curriculum delivery based upon long term care nursing employees’ perceptions.
Leadership of Sanusi Daris in the Dynamics Community of Duri Enrekang Regency
Authors: Pilang Abd. Rahman
Published: February 2016

This is a sociology study discussing the leadership of Sanusi Daris in various statuses he was entitled, his carrier was started as a teacher then involved in an independence maintenance movement as a commander of TNI (National Army of Indonesia). Yet, finally he chose to join with Kahar Muzakkar of DI-TII Movement (Darul Islam – Tentara Islam Indonesia) in Baraka, Enrekang Regency.  For the purpose, this writing describes, (1) Profile of Sanusi Daris as an educator, fighter; (2) His position as an agent of change; (3) Perception of people against his personality and leadership.  Data or information obtained through: interview, participation observation, documentation analysis, life history analysis, and folklore analysis. Methodology used is qualitative descriptive approach.  The results of the study show: (1) People of Duri is a community which give special attention to recruitment process of their leaders as for they view that a leader is identical with benefit and prosperity of the people; (2) Sanusi Daris is a charismatic leader; (3) Sanusi Daris is an agents of change, the enforcement of Islam Shari'a has motivated the change in religious system which then lead to socio-cultural changes; (4) People of Duri percept Sanusi Daris as a role model, a leader of trustworthy,  and responsible.

Keyword: Leadership, Educator, Fighter, Charismatic leader, Agent of socio-cultural change
The impact of high and low atmospheric pressure in the Jordanian environment on some physiological variable for runners .
Authors: Thnibat Baker
Published: February 2016

The study aimed at identifying the impact of difference between the areas of high atmospheric pressure in the Jordanian environment on some physiological variable ( estimating maximal oxygen consumption , estimating rate of Energy expenditure, and hemoglobin ,vital capacity), for runners .

  The study sample consisted of (16) athletes who practice ( middle and long – distance running). A number of statistical methods were used to answer the questions of the study ( arithmetic means , standard deviations , Mann.Whiteny test ,and the result of Kolmogorov – Smirnov tests ) .

  The study result concluded that there was apriority for the measurements which were conducted on the training groups of low atmospheric pressure in comparison with the other group, with regard to the  variables (maximal oxygen consumption , rate of Energy expenditure, and hemoglobin). The study result also showed that there was apriority for the measurements which were conducted on the training groups of high  atmospheric pressure in comparison with the other group, regarding  to the  variables (maximal oxygen consumption , rate of Energy expenditure, and hemoglobin).in the areas of high  atmospheric pressure.

The study result also suggested that ther were no statistically significant differences between two training groups with regard to the study variables of (maximal oxygen consumption , rate of Energy expenditure, and hemoglobin ,vital capacity), were measured in  of high atmospheric pressure areas .

The study recommended about building sports facilities that simulate the areas of low atmospheric pressure , because of the expected role that the factors would play in improving some physiological variables .
Principles for Educational Supervision and Guidance
Authors: Jahanian Ramezan , Ebrahimi Mitra
Published: February 2016

Educational supervision is based on principles, of which consideration shall guaranty purposefulness and dynamism in an educational system. In order to accomplish a certain task, either simple or specialized, it is required that doer must start his activity, continues and accomplish the same by fully observing respective principles of the said activity. Realization of views and theories of educational supervision in an educational system, and getting assistance of the same for constant improvement of quality and production of new educational qualities depends on fundamental principles of supervision. Educational guides must follow principles of educational supervision and guidance for improvement of educational and learning conditions. They must always be concerned about the said principles in their plans and activities. Thus, due to importance of observance and consideration of respective principles in significant educational supervision and guidance, in this paper, it has been tried to state principles of supervision, which may guide supervisors in design and execution of educational supervision. 
Analysis of Job Motivation for Secondary School Teachers of Private and Public Schools in (Punjab) Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Hassan Danial
Published: February 2016

The aim of this research is to explore various issues of motivation for the secondary school teachers of private and public schools. The study also discovers the implementation plans that can be used in order to have highly motivated teachers. In this research qualitative and quantitative methods have been used by the researchers where survey has been conducted in public and private schools. Likert scale is used in quantitative method. Primary data has been collected through questionnaire and interviews. Data was analysed by using t-test in SPSS software. The major findings which researchers found in conducting the research are; Salary is not given to them according to their qualification and workload they have to bear in schools and they seldom enjoy the benefits and monitory packages, Enough resources are not provided to them to work properly, There are alot of students in the class rooms due to which teachers are unable to handle the class and to produce quality work, They are not treated well due to personal biasness and attitude of management, Development programs are not satisfactory. They don’t find it beneficial for their career development
Knowledge, perception, and attitude of health care professionals towards ICH-GCP guidelines in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Nomay Nora Saleh
Published: February 2016

Background: There is a significant lack of research regarding the knowledge, perception and attitude of health care professionals towards compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) within the entire Arabic world. The present study intends to assess health care professionals’ knowledge, perception, and attitude towards compliance with the International Conference on Harmonization - Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) and King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude towards ICH-GCP in a sample of 78 health care professionals. Results: The vast majority of the respondents 55(71%) were principal or co-investigators and 23(29%) were research coordinators. Almost all, 66(85%), of the respondents had received GCP training. Of 78 health care professionals, 98% reported that the research subjects provide voluntary consent and the study protocols give a clear and adequate description of the study procedures. 97% reported that GCP principles are followed in clinical trial studies and GCP compliant activities improve the quality of clinical research. Only 57% of the health care professionals reported that clinical research is a part of routine activities done in the clinic. 72% reported that they suffer from delay in the approval by the national IRB to start their research and 59% reported negative attitude towards the IRB approval process or monitoring and audit of the clinical trials. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the level of knowledge and perception towards compliance with ICH-GCP are generally satisfactory among health care professionals who involved in clinical trials in Saudi Arabia.
Children receive less analgesia in general ERs than adults: A retrospective study
Authors: Karreman Erwin , Krause Christopher S. , Smith Sheila
Published: February 2016

Background/Introduction: Oligoanalgesia is a common phenomenon in the Emergency Department (ED) with children being especially at risk. However, the extent to which pediatric patients are being undertreated for acute pain in relation to their adult counterparts is not well understood, especially in general (i.e., mixed adult and pediatric) EDs. This study was designed to compare the pain medication received by adult and pediatric patients with appendicitis presenting to a general ED. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 165 patients, 92 adult (mean age: 35.7 ± 15.7 years) and 73 pediatric (mean age: 11.0 ± 3.0 years) with a discharge diagnosis of “appendicitis” were included in this study. Demographic information as well as data regarding type, timing, and received amount of pain medication were collected. Adult and pediatric data were then compared using independent t-test or chi-square analysis. Effect sizes were also calculated. Results: Pediatric patients were significantly more likely than adult patients to not receive any analgesia during their ED stay (58.9% vs 20.7%, p>0.001, Cramer's V = 0.39). They were also significantly less likely to receive opioid analgesics, compared to adults (27.4% vs. 71.7%, p>0.001, Cramer's V = 0.44). Finally, mean pain scores recorded at presentation were significantly lower for children vs. adults (6.5 vs 7.2 out of 10, p = 0.015, r = 0.20). Conclusion: In this sample, pediatric patients with appendicitis presenting to a general emergency department received less opioid pain medication, and less pain medication in general, than their adult counterparts.
Instructional Efficacy of Portfolio for Assessing Iranian EFL Learners’ Speaking Ability
Authors: Safari Mahshad , Koosha Mansour
Published: February 2016

Regarding the fundamental role of speaking in language skills, this study intended to investigate the effects of speaking portfolio as an alternative form of assessment for assessing Iranian EFL learners’ speaking ability at the intermediate and advanced proficiency levels and also its impact on their attitudes. Accordingly, from the population of 72 students studying at Kowsar Language Institute in Esfahan, a sample of 64 male and female intermediate and advanced students were randomly selected based on their scores on an OPT test and they were assigned to 4 groups: intermediate and advanced experimental groups and intermediate and advanced control groups. In order to collect the data, a pretest and a posttest as well as a questionnaire were employed. To analyze the data, an ANOVA and a series of Chi-square were run in the study and the findings indicated that the experimental groups using speaking portfolios performed better than the control groups in terms of speaking ability. Moreover, the result shed light on the advantages of speaking portfolios such as self-assessment, peer-feedback, and improvement of speaking skill. This study provides instructors, administrators, and test developers with alternative ways to improve and assess speaking skill through speaking portfolios.
Cultivating Students’ Critical Thinking Ability through Simplified Modal United Nations Conference
Authors: Gao Cun
Published: February 2016

Cultivating EFL learners’ critical thinking ability is an urgent task for English teachers. To integrate the training of language skills and cultivation of critical thinking ability into one language course, the author designed an activity called simplified Modal United Nations conference, which is based on the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy that classifies thinking as containing six cognitive levels of complexity. This activity would help learners to develop higher-level cognitive abilities such as abilities of analyzing, evaluating and creating, while enhancing their language competence by directing their attention to language forms.
Recent Developments in Recursive Estimation for Time Series Models
Authors: Liang You , Thavaneswaran A. , Abraham B.
Published: February 2016

Recently there has been a growing interest in joint estimation of the location and scale parameters using combined estimation functions. Combined estimating functions had been studied in Liang et al. (2011) for models with finite variance errors  and in Thavaneswaran et al. (2013) for models with infinite variance
stable errors. In this paper, first a theorem on recursive estimation based on estimating functions is extended to multi-parameter setup and it is shown that the unified approach can be used to estimate the location parameter recursively for models with finite variance/infinite variance  errors. The method is applied for the joint estimation of the location and scale parameters for regression models with ARCH errors and RCA models with GARCH errors.
Added Worker Effect Revisited: The “Aubry’s Law” in France as a Natural Experiment
Authors: Ahmed Meherun
Published: February 2016

The Added Worker Effect (AWE) refers to an increase in the labor supply of secondary earners in a household in response to a decrease in the income of the primary earner. Most empirical research on the AWE has focused on increases in the labor force participation of married women when their husbands experience unemployment spells, but recent government-mandated decreases in standard hours in several European countries provide an alternative source of exogenous decreases in the work hours of married men. Empirical research in evaluating the effectiveness of such policy, mostly investigated the impact on the workers who were directly affected by the policy. A model of household decision making suggests that work hour restrictions without full wage compensation should have spillover effects on the labor supply of other household members, but little is known about this possible spillover effect. This is the first attempt which empirically investigates the existence of AWE using mandatory reduction in standard working hours in France (Aubry’s Law 1998) as a natural experiment. The results show that the exogenous reduction in standard work hours for husbands does not lead to any unemployment to employment transition of wives but increases the number of hours worked by wives who are already in the market and are not affected by the law themselves. It is also found that in terms of hours worked, AWE is more prominent in low income families and for families with more members as family size is positively correlated with the degree of credit constraint.
Are Older Adults Well Sexually? Sexual Well-Being among a Cross-National Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Von Humboldt Sofia , Leal Isabel , Monteiro Ana
Published: February 2016

Objectives: To analyze sexual well-being (SWB) in older adults’ perspective, to investigate the latent constructs that can work as major determinants in SWB and to examine the potential explanatory mechanisms of a SWB overall model, in an older cross-national sample. Method: Measures were completed, using a variety of appropriate methods, including demographics and interviews. Complete data were available for 163 older adults aged between 65-97 years (M=74.2; SD = 4.743). Data were subjected to content analysis. Representation of the associations and latent constructs were analyzed by a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). Results: The most prevalent response of the interviewed participants for SWB was “affection and care” (11.0%). A three-dimension model formed by “intimacy and well-being”, “care, eroticism and desire”, and “sexual activity and health” was presented as a best-fit solution for German older adults. SWB for Portuguese older adults were explained by a three-factor model: “intimacy, health and desire”, “affection and well-being” and “sexual activity”. Conclusions: The outcomes presented in this paper emphasized the need to explore the indicators of SWB among older adults and the under-developed potential of a SWB overall model for the older population.
Deaths by Suicide in Ecuador: A Quantitative Data Analysis
Authors: Sarmiento Narcisa Marisol Sarmiento , Proaño Ana Maribel Paredes , Stefos Efstathios
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate the profile of Ecuadorians who died by suicide during 2011. The National Mortality Study of 2011 was used in order to investigate the variables: sex, age, marital status, area of residence, natural region, level of instruction, ethnic self-identification, pregnancy and types of suicide. A descriptive analysis, a multiple correspondence analysis and a hierarchical classification were realized. The analysis showed that the majority of the Ecuadorians who died by suicide were men, singles and married, they were living in urban areas, in the mountain range and coast region, they had attended Primary or Secondary education and died by hanging, strangulation and suffocation or by exposure to pesticides, other chemicals and noxious substances.
Opinions of Voters towards the Issue of Political Participation during the General Election of 2014: The Case of Kalasin, Thailand
Authors: Jermsittiparsert Kittisak , Namdech Puthisat , Akahat Noppon
Published: February 2016

This research aims to study voters’ opinions within the province of Kalasin, Thailand with respect to the topic of political participation during the general election of 2014 and to conduct a comparative study on the collected opinions, which will be determined by individual factor and employ a quantitative analysis research method in the form of questionaries as a research tool. This study’s database is compiled from information collected from selected number of 397 voters domiciled within Kalasin. Statistics tools include, namely, Arithmetic Mean, T-Test, and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). From the data analysis, the findings reveal that, with regard to the average means of voters’ opinions within the province of Kalasin with respect to the topic of political participation during the general election of 2014, the overall result is average ( = 3.40). Voters turnout ( = 3.88) is found to contain the highest level of opinions whilst a political related public assembly ( = 2.71) is found at the lowest ranking. Nevertheless, upon comparing between the average means of voters’ opinions within the province of Kalasin with respect to the topic of political participation during the general election of 2014 using individual factor assessment, it is discovered that Kalasin voters, as vary in sex, age, education background, occupation, and earned income, bare significant statistic differences when examining their opinions towards political participation during the general election of 2014. In contrast, Kalasin voters varying in marital status hold trivial statistic differences towards the concerned issue.
Analysis of Gender Differences in Internet Use of Children: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Alkan Ömer
Published: February 2016

In this study, factors in Internet use of female and male children in Turkey were determined with probit regression model by using micro data set in Household Information Technologies Usage Research of 2013 carried out by Turkish Statistical Institute. Dependent variable of the study is two category variable, namely Internet use and non-use of female and male children. Independent variables are socio-economic and demographic variables. According to chi-square analysis, there is a relation between Internet use of female and male children and socio-economic and demographic characteristics. According to probit regression analysis results, for female children, region, educational status, having computer or mobile phone on their own, frequency of watching TV, watching movie, series; floor show, music, game show; watching educational programs such as documentaries, culture, art, reading newspaper and journal in printed media, using mobile phone and frequency of using computer are variables effective in Internet use. Region, rural-urban difference, age, being literate, educational status, having mobile phone or game console on their own, watching entertainment, music, competition programs, reading newspaper and journal in printed media, using mobile phone and, frequency of using computer are variables effective in Internet use among male children. Frequency of using computer is the most effective variable in Internet use and it is more effective among female children compared to male children.
Persistence, period and precision of autonomous cellular oscillators from the zebrafish segmentation clock
Authors: Webb Alexis B , Lengyel Iván M , Jörg David J , Valentin Guillaume , Jülicher Frank , Morelli Luis G , Oates Andrew C
Published: February 2016

In vertebrate development, the sequential and rhythmic segmentation of the body axis is regulated by a “segmentation clock”. This clock is comprised of a population of coordinated oscillating cells that together produce rhythmic gene expression patterns in the embryo. Whether individual cells autonomously maintain oscillations, or whether oscillations depend on signals from neighboring cells is unknown. Using a transgenic zebrafish reporter line for the cyclic transcription factor Her1, we recorded single tailbud cells in vitro. We demonstrate that individual cells can behave as autonomous cellular oscillators. We described the observed variability in cell behavior using a theory of generic oscillators with correlated noise. Single cells have longer periods and lower precision than the tissue, highlighting the role of collective processes in the segmentation clock. Our work reveals a population of cells from the zebrafish segmentation clock that behave as self-sustained, autonomous oscillators with distinctive noisy dynamics.
Prediction of primary somatosensory neuron activity during active tactile exploration
Authors: Campagner Dario , Evans Mathew Hywel , Bale Michael Ross , Erskine Andrew , Petersen Rasmus Strange
Published: February 2016

Primary sensory neurons form the interface between world and brain. Their function is well-understood during passive stimulation but, under natural behaving conditions, sense organs are under active, motor control. In an attempt to predict primary neuron firing under natural conditions of sensorimotor integration, we recorded from primary mechanosensory neurons of awake, head-fixed mice as they explored a pole with their whiskers, and simultaneously measured both whisker motion and forces with high-speed videography. Using Generalised Linear Models, we found that primary neuron responses were poorly predicted by whisker angle, but well-predicted by rotational forces acting on the whisker: both during touch and free-air whisker motion. These results are in apparent contrast to previous studies of passive stimulation, but could be reconciled by differences in the kinematics-force relationship between active and passive conditions. Thus, simple statistical models can predict rich neural activity elicited by natural, exploratory behaviour involving active movement of sense organs.
Evaluating probabilistic dengue risk forecasts from a prototype early warning system for Brazil
Authors: Lowe Rachel , Coelho Caio AS , Barcellos Christovam , Carvalho Marilia Sá , Catão Rafael De Castro , Coelho Giovanini E , Ramalho Walter Massa , Bailey Trevor C , Stephenson David B , Rodó Xavier
Published: February 2016

Recently, a prototype dengue early warning system was developed to produce probabilistic forecasts of dengue risk three months ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Here, we evaluate the categorical dengue forecasts across all microregions in Brazil, using dengue cases reported in June 2014 to validate the model. We also compare the forecast model framework to a null model, based on seasonal averages of previously observed dengue incidence. When considering the ability of the two models to predict high dengue risk across Brazil, the forecast model produced more hits and fewer missed events than the null model, with a hit rate of 57% for the forecast model compared to 33% for the null model. This early warning model framework may be useful to public health services, not only ahead of mass gatherings, but also before the peak dengue season each year, to control potentially explosive dengue epidemics.
MiRNA-128 regulates the proliferation and neurogenesis of neural precursors by targeting PCM1 in the developing cortex
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kim Paul Jong , Chen Zhongcan , Lokman Hidayat , Qiu Lifeng , Zhang Ke , Rozen Steven George , Tan Eng King , Je Hyunsoo Shawn , Zeng Li
Published: February 2016

During the development, tight regulation of the expansion of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and their differentiation into neurons is crucial for normal cortical formation and function. In this study, we demonstrate that microRNA (miR)-128 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of NPCs by repressing pericentriolar material 1 (PCM1). Specifically, overexpression of miR-128 reduced NPC proliferation but promoted NPC differentiation into neurons both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, the reduction of endogenous miR-128 elicited the opposite effects. Overexpression of miR-128 suppressed the translation of PCM1, and knockdown of endogenous PCM1 phenocopied the observed effects of miR-128 overexpression. Furthermore, concomitant overexpression of PCM1 and miR-128 in NPCs rescued the phenotype associated with miR-128 overexpression, enhancing neurogenesis but inhibiting proliferation, both in vitro and in utero. Taken together, these results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which miR-128 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of NPCs in the developing neocortex.
Subpatch roughness in earthquake rupture investigations
Authors: Zielke O. , Mai P. M.
Published: February 2016

Fault geometric complexities exhibit fractal characteristics over a wide range of spatial scales (<µm to > km) and strongly affect the rupture process at corresponding scales. Numerical rupture simulations provide a framework to quantitatively investigate the relationship between a fault's roughness and its seismic characteristics. Fault discretization, however, introduces an artificial lower limit to roughness. Individual fault patches are planar and subpatch roughness—roughness at spatial scales below fault patch size—is not incorporated. Does negligence of subpatch roughness measurably affect the outcome of earthquake rupture simulations? We approach this question with a numerical parameter space investigation and demonstrate that subpatch roughness significantly modifies the slip‐strain relationship—a fundamental aspect of dislocation theory. Faults with subpatch roughness induce less strain than their planar‐fault equivalents at distances beyond the length of a slipping fault. We further provide regression functions that characterize the stochastic effect subpatch roughness.
How well will the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission observe global reservoirs?
Authors: Solander Kurt C. , Reager John T. , Famiglietti James S.
Published: February 2016

Accurate observations of global reservoir storage are critical to understand the availability of managed water resources. By enabling estimates of surface water area and height for reservoir sizes exceeding 250 m2 at a maximum repeat orbit of up to 21 days, the NASA Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission (anticipated launch date 2020) is expected to greatly improve upon existing reservoir monitoring capabilities. It is thus essential that spatial and temporal measurement uncertainty for water bodies is known a priori to maximize the utility of SWOT observations as the data are acquired. In this study, we evaluate SWOT reservoir observations using a three‐pronged approach that assesses temporal aliasing, errors due to specific reservoir spatial properties, and SWOT performance over actual reservoirs using a combination of in situ and simulated reservoir observations from the SWOTsim instrument simulator. Results indicate temporal errors to be less than 5% for the smallest reservoir sizes (< 10 km2) with errors less than 0.1% for larger sizes (>100 km2). Surface area and height errors were found to be minimal (area <5%, height <15 cm) above 1 km2 unless the reservoir exhibited a strong elliptical shape with high aspect ratio oriented parallel to orbit, was set in mountainous terrain, or swath coverage fell below 30%. Experiments from six real reservoir test cases generally support these results. By providing a comprehensive blueprint on the observability of reservoirs from SWOT, this study will be have important implications for future applications of SWOT reservoir measurements in global monitoring systems and models.
A mechanism‐denial study on the Madden‐Julian Oscillation with reduced interference from mean state changes
Authors: Ma D. , Kuang Z.
Published: February 2016

Mechanism‐denial experiments using Superparameterized Community Atmosphere Model are conducted to investigate the importance of extratropical and circumnavigating waves, wind‐evaporation feedback, and radiative‐convective feedback to the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO). A common issue with mechanism‐denial studies is the interference from mean state changes when processes are turned off in the model. Here time‐invariant forcing and nudging on effective timescales longer than the intraseasonal timescale are implemented to maintain the mean state. The MJO activity remains largely unchanged with suppressed extratropical and circumnavigating waves when the mean state is maintained to be close to that of the control run, suggesting that excitation of MJO by extratropical and circumnavigating waves is not necessary for the existence of MJO in this model. It is also shown that the wind‐evaporation feedback slows down eastward propagation of the MJO, and the radiative‐convective feedback amplifies the MJO.
Wave equation‐based reflection tomography of the 1992 Landers earthquake area
Authors: Huang Xueyuan , Yang Dinghui , Tong Ping , Badal José , Liu Qinya
Published: February 2016

In the framework of a recent wave equation‐based traveltime seismic tomography, we show that incorporating Moho‐reflected phases (PmP and SmS) in addition to the direct P and S phases can significantly increase tomography resolution in the lower crust and this may provide additional evidence to resolve important tectonic issues. To highlight the resolving power of the new strategy, we apply it in the region around the 1992 Landers earthquake (Mw = 7.3) in Southern California using seismic arrivals from local earthquakes, obtaining 3‐D high‐resolution P and S wave crustal velocity models and Poisson's ratio structures. In the upper crust, our method confirmed features that had been previously found. However, in the middle‐to‐lower crust, we found low‐velocity anomalies on the southeastern section of the San Jacinto Fault and high Vp and low Vs structures to the west of the Big Bear earthquake, which may be related to upwelling of partial melt from the mantle.
Does ocean coupling matter for the northern extratropical response to projected Arctic sea ice loss?
Authors: Deser Clara , Sun Lantao , Tomas Robert A. , Screen James
Published: February 2016

The question of whether ocean coupling matters for the extratropical Northern Hemisphere atmospheric response to projected late 21st century Arctic sea ice loss is addressed using a series of experiments with Community Climate System Model version 4 at 1° spatial resolution under different configurations of the ocean model component: no interactive ocean, thermodynamic slab ocean, and full‐depth (dynamic plus thermodynamic) ocean. Ocean‐atmosphere coupling magnifies the response to Arctic sea ice loss but does not change its overall structure; however, a slab ocean is inadequate for inferring the role of oceanic feedbacks. The westerly winds along the poleward flank of the eddy‐driven jet weaken in response to Arctic sea ice loss, accompanied by a smaller‐magnitude strengthening on the equatorward side, with largest amplitudes in winter. Dynamical and thermodynamic oceanic feedbacks amplify this response by approximately 50%. Air temperature, precipitation, and sea level pressure responses also show sensitivity to the degree of ocean coupling.
Streamflow sensitivity to water storage changes across Europe
Authors: Berghuijs Wouter R. , Hartmann Andreas , Woods Ross A.
Published: February 2016

Terrestrial water storage is the primary source of river flow. We introduce storage sensitivity of streamflow (ϵS), which for a given flow rate indicates the relative change in streamflow per change in catchment water storage. ϵS can be directly derived from streamflow observations. Analysis of 725 catchments in Europe reveals that ϵS is high in, e.g., parts of Spain, England, Germany, and Denmark, whereas flow regimes in parts of the Alps are more resilient (that is, less sensitive) to storage changes. A regional comparison of ϵS with observations indicates that ϵS is significantly correlated with variability of low (R2 = 0.41), median (R2 = 0.27), and high flow conditions (R2 = 0.35). Streamflow sensitivity provides new guidance for a changing hydrosphere where groundwater abstraction and climatic changes are altering water storage and flow regimes.
Male long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) understand the target of facial threat
Authors: Overduin‐de Vries Anne M. , Bakker Frederique A.A. , Spruijt Berry M. , Sterck Elisabeth H.M.
Published: February 2016

The cognitive demands of group living have resulted in the development of social competences in a wide range of animal species. Primates are well aware of the complex social structure within their group and infer information about social status by observing interactions of others. A capacity used to infer this information, Visual Perspective Taking (VPT), is present in apes and in monkeys. However, it is unclear whether monkeys really understand that another individual is looking at a specific target. We investigated whether monkeys understand the target of attention of conspecifics using a new paradigm, based on expectancy violation. Subjects were exposed to pictures of scenes involving group members. These pictures either represented congruent (agonistic signals consistent with the dominance hierarchy) or incongruent (signals contradict the dominance hierarchy) social situations. The only difference between scenes concerned the looking direction, that is, the target of attention, and facial expression of the central monkey in the picture. Female subjects did not differ in their looking times to incongruent and congruent scenes, but results may be confounded by their longer looking times at scenes involving kin than non‐kin. Male subjects looked significantly longer at incongruent than congruent scenes, suggesting that they understand the target of attention of other individuals. Alternative explanations involving simpler cognitive capacities were excluded. This implies that monkey species share social cognitive capacities underlying VPT with apes and humans. Am. J. Primatol. 78:720–730, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms of immune escape in central nervous system infection with neurotropic JC virus variant
Authors: Jelcic Ivan , Jelcic Ilijas , Kempf Christian , Largey Fabienne , Planas Raquel , Schippling Sven , Budka Herbert , Sospedra Mireia , Martin Roland
Published: February 2016

Objective

Symptomatic infections of the central nervous system (CNS) with JC polyomavirus (JCV) usually occur as a result of immunocompromise and manifest as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) or granule cell neuronopathy (GCN). After immune reconstitution, some of these cases may show long‐term persistence of JCV and delayed clinical improvement despite inflammation.

Methods

We followed 4 patients with multiple sclerosis, who developed natalizumab‐associated PML or GCN with regard to JC viral load and JCV‐specific T‐cell responses in the CNS. All of them experienced immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), but in 2 cases JCV persisted > 21 months after IRIS accompanied by delayed clinical improvement.

Results

Persistence of JCV was associated with a lack of JCV VP1‐specific T‐cell responses during immune reconstitution in 1 of the patients. Detailed analysis of the brain infiltrate in another patient with neuronal persistence of JCV revealed strong infiltration of CD8+ T cells and clonal expansion of activated CD8+ effector T cells with a CD4dimCD8+ phenotype, both exhibiting exquisite specificity for conserved epitopes of JCV large T antigen. However, clearance of JCV was not efficient, because mutations in the major capsid protein VP1 caused reduced CD4+ T‐cell responses against the identified JCV variant and subsequently resulted in a decline of CD8+ T‐cell responses after IRIS.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that efficient CD4+ T‐cell recognition of neurotropic JCV variants is crucial to support CD8+ T cells in combating JCV infection of the CNS. ANN NEUROL 2016;79:404–418