bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
10. Derivative claims
Authors: Dignam Alan , Lowry John
Published: October 2016

Titles in the Core Text series take the reader straight to the heart of the subject, providing focused, concise, and reliable guides for students at all levels. This chapter examines derivative action as a means of safeguarding minority shareholders against abuses of power and its implications for the principle of majority rule. It begins by analysing the rule in Foss v Harbottle (1843), which translates the doctrine of separate legal personality, the statutory contract, the ‘internal management principle’, and the principle of majority rule into a rule of procedure governing locus standi (that is, who has standing to sue), as well as the exceptions to that rule. It then considers various types of shareholder actions, including personal claims, representative actions (group litigation), and derivative claims. It also discusses derivative claims under the Companies Act 2006, with emphasis on the two-stage process of the application for permission to continue a derivative claim. The chapter concludes by assessing bars to a derivative action, together with liability insurance and qualifying third party indemnity provisions.
15. Corporate governance 1: corporate governance and corporate theory
Authors: Dignam Alan , Lowry John
Published: October 2016

Titles in the Core Text series take the reader straight to the heart of the subject, providing focused, concise, and reliable guides for students at all levels. This chapter looks at history and theory associated with corporate governance. It first considers Berle and Means’ concern about the separation of ownership from control, particularly managers’ lack of accountability not only to investors but also to society in general. It then traces the emergence of the Berle and Means corporation and examines major influences on corporate theory, citing concession theory, fiction theory, corporate realism, and aggregate theory. It also discusses economic theories that have influenced scholarship on corporate law.
15. Directors
Authors: French Derek , Mayson Stephen W. , Ryan Christopher L.
Published: October 2016

This chapter explores the role of directors in corporate governance, beginning with a discussion on the principles of corporate governance as set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code. Rules on appointment and removal of a company’s directors are considered next, followed by public disclosure of the names of directors and their work as a board, their remuneration, and their powers of management. The chapter also considers the legal categorisation of directors, whether as fiduciaries, agents, or trustees; the distinction between executive directors and non-executive directors; the relationship between directors and shareholders of public companies; the issue of the separation of ownership and the control of a company; transparency; and general legal principles regarding the board of directors. Relevant legislation such as the Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code, as well as particularly significant court cases, are mentioned.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Brief Limited Intermittent Psychotic Symptoms (BLIPS) in Individuals at Ultra High Risk
Authors: Fusar-Poli Paolo , Cappucciati Marco , De Micheli Andrea , Rutigliano Grazia , Bonoldi Ilaria , Tognin Stefania , Ramella-Cravaro Valentina , Castagnini Augusto , McGuire Philip
Published: October 2016

Background

Brief Limited Intermittent Psychotic Symptoms (BLIPS) are key inclusion criteria to define individuals at ultra high risk for psychosis (UHR). Their diagnostic and prognostic significance is unclear.

Objectives

To address the baseline diagnostic relationship between BLIPS and the ICD-10 categories and examine the longitudinal prognostic impact of clinical and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

Prospective long-term study in UHR individuals meeting BLIPS criteria. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including ICD-10 diagnoses, were automatically drawn from electronic health records and analyzed using Kaplan–Meier failure function (1-survival), Cox regression models, bootstrapping methods, and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve.

Results

Eighty BLIPS were included. At baseline, two-thirds (68%) of BLIPS met the diagnostic criteria for ICD-10 Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorder (ATPD), most featuring schizophrenic symptoms. The remaining individuals met ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for unspecified nonorganic psychosis (15%), mental and behavioral disorders due to use of cannabinoids (11%), and mania with psychotic symptoms (6%). The overall 5-year risk of psychosis was 0.54. Recurrent episodes of BLIPS were relatively rare (11%) but associated with a higher risk of psychosis (hazard ratio [HR] 3.98) than mono-episodic BLIPS at the univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that seriously disorganizing or dangerous features increased greatly (HR = 4.39) the risk of psychosis (0.89 at 5-year). Bootstrapping confirmed the robustness of this predictor (area under the ROC = 0.74).

Conclusions

BLIPS are most likely to fulfill the ATPD criteria, mainly acute schizophrenic subtypes. About half of BLIPS cases develops a psychotic disorder during follow-up. Recurrent BLIPS are relatively rare but tend to develop into psychosis. BLIPS with seriously disorganizing or dangerous features have an extreme high risk of psychosis.
Can Academic Medicine Lead the Way in the Refugee Crisis?
Authors: Afkhami Amir A.
Published: October 2016

The world is currently in the midst of the largest refugee crisis since World War II, with the highest interval of mass displacement in recorded history according to the United Nations. The United States has pledged to maintain its position as one of the world’s top resettlement countries in response to this crisis. These new immigrants will arrive with exceptional chronic and acute medical needs, including higher rates of behavioral health disorders. The author describes the health care challenges experienced by refugees seeking asylum in the United States and outlines the ways in which our health care system is currently deficient in helping refugee patients to overcome these challenges. He argues that the academic medical community can change this dynamic by standardizing and expanding instruction in cross-cultural competence and behavioral health screenings throughout the spectrum of medical education. Ensuring the long-term well-being of refugees in the United States, including meeting their mental health needs, will be the best inoculation against the risks of violent extremism which so many fear. With the absence of national leadership on this issue, academic medicine can and should lead the way.
An Index Case of Concomitant Tumoral and Ichthyosiform Mycosis Fungoides–Like Presentation of Chronic Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma Associated With Upregulation of TOX
Authors: Nguyen Giang Huong , Wang James Y. , Hymes Kenneth B. , Magro Cynthia M.
Published: October 2016

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare and often aggressive lymphoid malignancy known to be associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1. There are 2 broad categories: acute and chronic. In the acute category, there is a leukemic and a lymphomatous variant, whereas in the designated “chronic” form, there is mild peripheral blood lymphocytosis. The intermediate “smoldering” category is without peripheral blood lymphocytosis with only discernible skin involvement. We present a 68-year-old human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 seropositive female with a mild peripheral blood atypical lymphocytosis who had indurated nodules on her hands of 2 years duration and a new scaly ichthyosiform eruption on her lower extremities. Histopathologic examination of the hand biopsy revealed coalescing nodules of large atypical noncerebriform lymphocytes with focal areas of epidermotropism. Phenotypically, the infiltrate was positive for β-F1, CD2, CD4, CD5, CD7, Foxp3, and CD25. In both biopsies, there was striking upregulation of TOX (thymocyte selection–associated high mobility group box factor) in the nuclei of neoplastic cells. The second biopsy taken from the ichthyotic patch on the patient's left leg showed a subtle pattern of epidermal infiltration by atypical noncerebriform lymphocytes and a distinct compact scale consistent with the clinical picture of ichthyosis. The histopathologic appearance was that of a yet undescribed ichthyosiform mycosis fungoides–like presentation of chronic ATLL. In addition, the observed upregulation of nuclear TOX may play an oncogenic role in ATLL. The course to date in this patient has been relatively indolent, although the patients believe that large cell transformation could portend more aggressive disease.
Evaluation of Syringomas by In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Jiménez Marcela R. , Rocchetto Helena , Ferreira Paula S. , Sangueza Martin , Lourenço Silvia V. , Nico Marcello M. S.
Published: October 2016

Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors that are characterized histologically by the presence of small solid and cystic epithelial structures in the upper half of the reticular dermis. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic method that enables in vivo visualization of tissues with a resolution that approximates that of conventional histopathology. The use of this method in skin imaging over the past several years has improved dermatological diagnoses, creating the potential for its wide application in such diagnoses, especially for benign and malignant skin tumors. We describe its use in the diagnosis of syringoma in 2 patients and correlate the resulting clinical, histopathological, and digital reflectance confocal microscopy images.
A Rare Case of a Primary Cutaneous Desmoplastic Atypical Granular Cell Tumor
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhiro , Fujino Takashi , Nagata Koji , Imamura Taichi , Teramoto Yukiko , Asami Yuri , Arai Eiichi , Yamamoto Akifumi
Published: October 2016

Granular cell tumors are uncommon neoplasms and a small number of these neoplasms have been reported as showing malignant behavior. Here, we report a rare case of a solitary granular cell tumor that exhibited atypical histology, including an extensive desmoplastic stroma, in a 69-year-old woman. The surgical specimen revealed localized areas of spindling cells, areas of cellular pleomorphism, and p53 overexpression. Based on previously published criteria, we classified this lesion as an atypical granular cell tumor. To date, only very few case reports have documented this desmoplastic variant of granular cell tumor. However, the classifications of benign, atypical, and malignant granular cell tumors are still controversial, owing to an overlap of morphological and immunohistochemical profiles and lack of consistent histological criteria. Additionally, it is unknown whether the histology of the desmoplastic variant in the present case is significant for the classification of granular cell tumors and prediction of patient prognosis. Regardless of these issues, awareness, and close follow-up are required because of potential recurrences of this rare variant of granular cell tumor.
Quantitative Method for Simultaneous Analysis of a 5-Probe Cocktail for Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Authors: Lammers Laureen A. , Achterbergh Roos , Pistorius Marcel C. M. , Bijleveld Yuma , de Vries Emmely M. , Boelen Anita , Klümpen Heinz-Josef , Romijn Johannes A. , Mathôt Ron A. A.
Published: October 2016

Background:

The metabolic activity of P450 enzymes in vivo can be determined using selective probe drugs. The simultaneous administration of multiple CYP-specific probe drugs is commonly known as the “cocktail approach.” Disadvantages of a cocktail are large volumes of samples required for analysis and time-consuming analyses. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simplified but sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of 5 probe drugs [caffeine (CYP1A2), metoprolol (CYP2D6), midazolam (CYP3A4), omeprazole (CYP2C19), and S-warfarin (CYP2C9)] in a previously validated cocktail using a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.

Methods:

The method entailed a single method for sample preparation that enables quick processing of the samples containing all 5 probe drugs in a small volume of blood (≥10 μL) followed by a chiral and nonchiral LC-MS/MS method. The method was validated for selectivity, specificity, resolution of racemic warfarin, linearity, accuracy, imprecision, recovery, process efficiency, ionization efficiency, and carryover effect.

Results:

The method showed good selectivity without matrix interferences and differentiated S- and R-warfarin enantiomers with adequate resolution (Rs = 1.55). For all analytes, the mean process efficiency was >95%, and the mean ionization efficiency was >97%. Furthermore, the accuracy was between 94.9% and 108% for all analytes, and the within- and between-run imprecision were <11.7% for the lower limit of quantification and <12.6% for the middle level and upper limit of quantification.

Conclusions:

The method presented here enables the simultaneous quantification of the 5 probes in a very small blood volume (≥10 μL). Furthermore, it is less time consuming than previously reported methods because it requires only 1 simple method for sample preparation followed by a nonchiral and chiral LC-MS/MS method that can be performed sequentially.
Primary Laryngotracheal Amyloidosis With Bilateral Vocal Cord Involvement and Associated Bronchiectasis
Authors: Lanks Charles W. , Van Natta Timothy L. , Hsia David W.
Published: October 2016

Localized tracheobronchial amyloidosis is a rare disease that results from submucosal deposition of insoluble amyloid proteins in the large airways. Amyloidosis affecting the larynx and subglottic space typically results in unilateral, nodular vocal cord infiltration. It rarely can present with bilateral vocal cord involvement and can progress to lifethreatening respiratory failure due to upper airway obstruction. In these patients, typical treatment modalities such as CO2 laser ablation are often ineffectual. Bronchiectasis is a predisposing risk factor associated with the secondary (AA) form of disease. We present a patient with the primary (AL) form of localized laryngotracheal amyloidosis with pre-existing bronchiectasis, and also review the existing literature on this disease.
Gonorrhea Control, United States, 1972–2015, A Narrative Review
Authors: Peterman Thomas A. , O’Connor Kevin , Bradley Heather M. , Torrone Elizabeth A. , Bernstein Kyle T.
Published: October 2016

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infection. It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Rates of gonorrhea decreased after the National Gonorrhea Control Program began in 1972, but stabilized in the mid 1990s. The emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains increases the urgency for enhanced gonorrhea control efforts. To identify possible approaches for improving gonorrhea control, we reviewed historic protocols, reports, and other documents related to the activities of the National Gonorrhea Control Program using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention records and the published literature. The Program was a massive effort that annually tested up to 9.3 million women, and treated up to 85,000 infected partners and 100,000 additional exposed partners. Reported gonorrhea rates fell by 74% between 1976 and 1996, then stabilized. Testing positivity was 1.6–4.2% in different settings in 1976. In 1999–2008, the test positivity of a random sample of 14- to 25-year-olds was 0.4%. Gonorrhea testing rates remain high, however, partner notification efforts decreased in the 1990s as attention shifted to human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases. The decrease and subsequent stabilization of gonorrhea rates was likely also influenced by changes in behavior, such as increases in condom use in response to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Renewed emphasis on partner treatment might lead to further decreases in rates of gonorrhea.
The Association of Health Seeking Behaviors With Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Status Among High-Risk Urban Youth
Authors: Fontenot Holly B. , Lee-St. John Terrence , Vetters Ralph , Funk Danielle , Grasso Chris , Mayer Kenneth H.
Published: October 2016

Background

Vaccination is the primary strategy to reduce the burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) related diseases in the United States. Unvaccinated youth are at risk for HPV infection and associated diseases, and limited research has explored factors associated with HPV vaccination among those who are disadvantaged and at high risk, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and/or homeless.

Methods

A retrospective electronic medical record review was conducted at an urban, homeless, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer focused health center in northeastern US logistic regression models examined the associations between HPV vaccination and demographic/social characteristics and health behaviors.

Results

A total of 1211 men and 1326 women (gender at birth) records were reviewed from patients (ages 13–26 years) who presented for care between January 2010 and June 2013. The sample was diverse, and about half identified as heterosexual and reported stable/secure housing. Approximately 8% of men and 29% of women had obtained ≥ 1 HPV vaccine dose. The strongest predictors of vaccine initiation were health-related behaviors: having an annual examination, obtaining a non-HPV vaccine, and engaging in oral sex. Additionally, for women only, having had a Pap test or a sexually transmitted infection visit were also associated with an increase in odds, whereas identifying as transmale decreased the odds of vaccination. Having private insurance was the only predictor of 3-dose completion (women only).

Conclusions

Among a high-risk adolescent sample, primarily health-seeking behaviors increased the odds of HPV vaccination, reinforcing the importance of providers using various routine preventative visits as opportunities/cues to vaccine.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Shedding in Tears and Nasal and Oral Mucosa of Healthy Adults
Authors: Ramchandani Meena , Kong Marlene , Tronstein Elizabeth , Selke Stacy , Mikhaylova Anna , Magaret Amalia , Huang Meei-Li , Johnston Christine , Corey Lawrence , Wald Anna
Published: October 2016

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is prevalent worldwide and causes mucocutaneous infections of the oral area. We aimed to define the frequency and anatomic distribution of HSV-1 reactivation in the facial area in persons with a history of oral herpes.

Methods

Eight immunocompetent HSV-1 seropositive adults were evaluated for shedding of HSV-1 from 12 separate orofacial sites (8 from oral mucosa, 2 from nose, and 2 from conjunctiva) 5 days a week and from the oral cavity 7 days a week for approximately 5 consecutive weeks by a HSV DNA PCR assay. Symptoms and lesions were recorded by participants.

Results

Herpes simplex virus type 1 was detected at least from 1 site on 77 (26.5%) of 291 days. The most frequent site of shedding was the oral mucosa, with widespread shedding throughout the oral cavity. Lesional shedding rate was 36.4% (4 of 11 days with lesions), and the asymptomatic rate was 27.1% (65 of 240 nonlesional days). In individual participants, the median rate of HSV shedding by HSV PCR was 19.7% of days (range, 11%–63%).

Conclusions

Reactivation of HSV-1 on the oral mucosa is common and usually asymptomatic. However, HSV-1 is rarely found in tears and nasal mucosa. Frequent oral shedding of HSV-1 may increase the risk for transmitting the virus to both oral and genital mucosa of sexual partners.
Can Residents Assess Other Providers' Infant Lumbar Puncture Skills?
Authors: Braun Colleen , Kessler David O. , Auerbach Marc , Mehta Renuka , Scalzo Anthony J. , Gerard James M.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The aims of this study were to provide validity evidence for infant lumbar puncture (ILP) checklist and global rating scale (GRS) instruments when used by residents to assess simulated ILP performances and to compare these metrics to previously obtained attending rater data.

Methods

In 2009, the International Network for Simulation–based Pediatric Innovation, Research, and Education (INSPIRE) developed checklist and GRS scoring instruments, which were previously validated among attending raters when used to assess simulated ILP performances. Video recordings of 60 subjects performing an LP on an infant simulator were collected; 20 performed by subjects in 3 categories (beginner, intermediate, and expert). Six blinded pediatric residents independently scored each performance (3 via the GRS, 3 via the checklist). Four of the 5 domains of validity evidence were collected: content, response process, internal structure (reliability and discriminant validity), and relations to other variables.

Results

Evidence for content and response process validity is presented. When used by residents, the checklist performed similarly to what was found for attending raters demonstrating good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.77) and moderate interrater agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.47). Residents successfully discerned beginners (P< 0.01, effect size = 2.1) but failed to discriminate between expert and intermediate subjects (P= 0.68, effect size = 0.34). Residents, however, gave significantly higher GRS scores than attending raters across all subject groups (P< 0.001). Moderate correlation was found between GRS and total checklist scores (P= 0.49,P< 0.01).

Conclusions

This study provides validity evidence for the checklist instrument when used by pediatric residents to assess ILP performances. Compared with attending raters, residents appeared to over-score subjects on the GRS instrument.
A Case of Resistant Schizophrenia Successfully Treated With Clozapine/Long-acting Injectable Aripiprazole Combination
Authors: Sepede Gianna , Di Iorio Giuseppe , Spano Maria Chiara , Lorusso Marco , Sarchione Fabiola , Santacroce Rita , Salerno Rosa Maria , Di Giannantonio Massimo
Published: October 2016

Background

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is a condition characterized by intense symptom severity and poor response to different antipsychotic agents. The first therapeutic option in TRS is clozapine, but often high/medium doses are not tolerated. Adding an oral antipsychotic to low doses of clozapine is a promising strategy in the management of TRS. On the contrary, there are few data on combined clozapine/long-acting injectable (LAI) medications, and none on clozapine/LAI-aripiprazole.

Case

A 21-year-old male schizophrenic patient, resistant to several oral and LAI medications, partially improved after clozapine 300 mg/d treatment. Unfortunately, he also reported excessive sedation and an episode of myoclonus, so clozapine was reduced to 150 mg/d, but no additional benefits were observed. Subsequently, LAI-aripiprazole (first 200 mg/mo, then 400 mg/mo) was added, and the patient's conditions dramatically improved over time. After 1 year of observation, symptoms reduction was 50% or greater, without significant adverse events.

Conclusions

Clozapine use in TRS is often reduced or delayed due to the fear of serious adverse effects. Adding LAI-aripiprazole to low doses of clozapine may be a useful therapeutic option to obtain a good efficacy/tolerability balance.
Functional MRI Correlates of Resting-State Temporal Theta and Delta EEG Rhythms
Authors: Marawar Rohit A. , Yeh Hsiang J. , Carnabatu Christopher J. , Stern John M.
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

The EEG rhythms demonstrate changes in frequency and power with spontaneous changes in behavioral state that do not have well-understood metabolic correlates within the brain. To investigate this question and compare the temporal lobe theta and delta rhythms, resting-state functional MRI was obtained with simultaneous EEG.

Methods:

Simultaneous EEG–functional MRI was recorded from 14 healthy sleep-deprived subjects in awake and drowsy states. Scalp electrodes corresponding to bilateral temporal lobes were used to calculate delta and theta band power. The resulting time series was used as input in a general linear model, and the final power curves were convolved with the standard hemodynamic response function. Resulting images were thresholded at Z > 2.0.

Results:

Positive and negative correlations for unilateral theta and delta rhythms were present bilaterally in different structures and with differing correlation signs. Theta rhythm positive correlation was present in hindbrain, peri-opercular, and frontoparietal regions and subcortical gray structures, whereas negative correlation was present in parietooccipital cortex. Delta rhythm positive correlation was present in parietooccipital cortex, and negative correlation roughly resembled positive correlations for the theta rhythm.

Conclusions:

Temporal lobe theta and delta rhythms are correlated with functional MRI signal in an almost mutually exclusive distribution. The different distributions indicate different corresponding networks. These normal findings supplement the understanding of theta and delta rhythm significance.
The roles of contact conformity, temperature and displacement amplitude on the lubricated fretting wear of a steel-on-steel contact
Authors: Warmuth A. R. , Sun W. , Shipway P. H.
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates the effect of contact geometry, temperature and displacement amplitude on the fretting behaviour of an aero-turbo oil lubricated cylinder-on-flat contact. To be effective, the lubricant needed both to penetrate the contact and then offer protection. Lubricant penetration into the fretting contact is found to be controlled by two physical parameters, namely (i) the width of the contact that remains covered throughout the fretting test and (ii) the lubricant viscosity. The protection offered by the lubricant (assuming that it has successfully penetrated the contact) is influenced by four physical parameters, namely (i) lubricant viscosity, (ii) traverse velocity, (iii) nominal contact pressure, and (iv) chemical effects. The relationship between the three experimental parameters which were varied in the programme of work (temperature, fretting displacement and cylinder radius) and physical parameters which influence the protection offered by the lubricant film can be competing, and therefore complex wear behaviour is observed. The roles of the various parameters in controlling the wear behaviour are presented in a coherent physical framework.
The influence of weather conditions during gestation on life histories in a wild Arctic ungulate
Authors: Douhard Mathieu , Loe Leif Egil , Stien Audun , Bonenfant Christophe , Irvine R. Justin , Veiberg Vebjørn , Ropstad Erik , Albon Steve
Published: October 2016

The internal predictive adaptive response (internal PAR) hypothesis predicts that individuals born in poor conditions should start to reproduce earlier if they are likely to have reduced performance in later life. However, whether this is the case remains unexplored in wild populations. Here, we use longitudinal data from a long-term study of Svalbard reindeer to examine age-related changes in adult female life-history responses to environmental conditions experienced
in utero
as indexed by rain-on-snow (ROS

utero

). We show that females experiencing high ROS

utero

had reduced reproductive success only from 7 years of age, independent of early reproduction. These individuals were able to maintain the same annual reproductive success between 2 and 6 years as phenotypically superior conspecifics that experienced low ROS

utero

. Young females born after high ROS

utero

engage in reproductive events at lower body mass (about 2.5 kg less) than those born after low ROS

utero

. The mean fitness of females that experienced poor environmental conditions in early life was comparable with that of females exposed to good environmental conditions in early life. These results are consistent with the idea of internal PAR and suggest that the life-history responses to early-life conditions can buffer the delayed effects of weather on population dynamics.
Social complexity influences brain investment and neural operation costs in ants
Authors: Kamhi J. Frances , Gronenberg Wulfila , Robson Simon K. A. , Traniello James F. A.
Published: October 2016

The metabolic expense of producing and operating neural tissue required for adaptive behaviour is considered a significant selective force in brain evolution. In primates, brain size correlates positively with group size, presumably owing to the greater cognitive demands of complex social relationships in large societies. Social complexity in eusocial insects is also associated with large groups, as well as collective intelligence and division of labour among sterile workers. However, superorganism phenotypes may lower cognitive demands on behaviourally specialized workers resulting in selection for decreased brain size and/or energetic costs of brain metabolism. To test this hypothesis, we compared brain investment patterns and cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity, a proxy for ATP usage, in two ant species contrasting in social organization. Socially complexOecophylla smaragdinaworkers had larger brain size and relative investment in the mushroom bodies (MBs)—higher order sensory processing compartments—than the more socially basicFormica subsericeaworkers. Oecophylla smaragdinaworkers, however, had reduced COX activity in the MBs. Our results suggest that as in primates, ant group size is associated with large brain size. The elevated costs of investment in metabolically expensive brain tissue in the socially complexO. smaragdina, however, appear to be offset by decreased energetic costs.
Hierarchical Frequency Tagging reveals neural markers of predictive coding under varying uncertainty
Authors: Gordon Noam , Koenig-Robert Roger , Tsuchiya Naotsugu , van Boxtel Jeroen , Hohwy Jakob
Published: October 2016

Understanding the integration of top-down and bottom-up signals is essential for the study of perception. Current accounts of predictive coding describe this in terms of interactions between state units encoding expectations or predictions, and error units encoding prediction error. However, direct neural evidence for such interactions has not been well established. To achieve this, we combined EEG methods that preferentially tag different levels in the visual hierarchy: Steady State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP at 10Hz, tracking bottom-up signals) and Semantic Wavelet-Induced Frequency Tagging (SWIFT at 1.3Hz tracking top-down signals). Importantly, we examined intermodulation components (IM, e.g., 11.3Hz) as a measure of integration between these signals. To examine the influence of expectation and predictions on the nature of such integration, we constructed 50-second movie streams and modulated expectation levels for upcoming stimuli by varying the proportion of images presented across trials. We found SWIFT, SSVEP and IM signals to differ in important ways. SSVEP was strongest over occipital electrodes and was not modified by certainty. Conversely, SWIFT signals were evident over temporo- and parieto-occipital areas and decreased as a function of increasing certainty levels. Finally, IMs were evident over occipital electrodes and increased as a function of certainty. These results link SSVEP, SWIFT and IM signals to sensory evidence, predictions, prediction errors and hypothesis-testing - the core elements of predictive coding. These findings provide neural evidence for the integration of top-down and bottom-up information in perception, opening new avenues to studying such interactions in perception while constraining neuronal models of predictive coding.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

There is a growing understanding that both top-down and bottom-up signals underlie perception. But how do these signals interact? And how does this process depend on the signals’ probabilistic properties? ‘Predictive coding’ theories of perception describe this in terms how well top-down predictions fit with bottom-up sensory input. Identifying neural markers for such signal integration is therefore essential for the study of perception and predictive coding theories in particular. The novel Hierarchical Frequency Tagging method simultaneously tags top-down and bottom-up signals in EEG recordings, while obtaining a measure for the level of integration between these signals. Our results suggest that top-down predictions indeed integrate with bottom-up signals in a manner that is modulated by the predictability of the sensory input.
A two-state photoconversion model predicts the spectral response dynamics of optogenetic systems
Authors: Olson Evan J. , Tzouanas Constantine N. , Tabor Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2016

In optogenetics, light signals are used to control genetically engineered photoreceptors, and in turn manipulate biological pathways with unmatched precision. Recently, evolved photoreceptors with diversein vitro-measured wavelength and intensity-dependent photoswitching properties have been repurposed for synthetic control of gene expression, proteolysis, and numerous other cellular processes. However, the relationship between the input light spectrum andin vivophotoreceptor response dynamics is poorly understood, restricting the utility of these optogenetic tools. Here, we advance a classicin vitrotwo-state photoreceptor model to reflect thein vivoenvironment, and combine it with simplified mathematical descriptions of signal transduction and output gene expression through our previously engineered green/red and red/far red photoreversible bacterial two-component systems (TCSs). Additionally, we leverage our recent open-source optical instrument to develop a workflow of spectral and dynamical characterization experiments to parameterize the model for both TCSs. To validate our approach, we challenge the model to predict experimental responses to a series of complex light signals very different from those used during parameterization. We find that the model generalizes remarkably well, predicting the results of all categories of experiments with high quantitative accuracy for both systems. Finally, we exploit this predictive power to program two simultaneous and independent dynamical gene expression signals in bacteria expressing both TCSs. This multiplexed gene expression programming approach will enable entirely new studies of how metabolic, signaling, and decision-making pathways integrate multiple gene expression signals. Additionally, our approach should be compatible with a wide range of optogenetic tools and model organisms.

Significance statement

Light-switchable signaling pathways (optogenetic tools) enable precision studies of how biochemical networks underlie cellular behaviors. We have developed a versatile mathematical model based on a two-state photoconversion mechanism that we have applied to theE. coliCcaSR and Cph8-OmpR optogenetic tools. This model enables accurate prediction of the gene expression response to virtually any light source or mixture of light sources. We express both optogenetic tools in the same cell and apply our model to program two simultaneous and independent gene expression signals in the same cell. This method can be used to study how biological pathways integrate multiple inputs and should be extensible to other optogenetic tools and host organisms.
Artificial Microbiome-Selection to Engineer Microbiomes That Confer Salt-Tolerance to Plants
Authors: Mueller Ulrich G , Juenger Thomas E , Kardish Melissa R , Carlson Alexis L , Burns Kathleen , Edwards Joseph A , Smith Chad C , Fang Chi-Chun , Des Marais David L
Published: October 2016

We develop a method to artificially select for rhizosphere microbiomes that confer salt-tolerance to the model grassBrachypodium distachyon. We differentially propagate microbiomes within the background of a non-evolving, highly-inbred plant population, and therefore only microbiomes evolve in our experiment, but not the plants. To optimize methods, we conceptualize artificial microbiome-selection as a special case ofindirect selection: We do not measure microbiome properties directly, but we use host performance (e.g., biomass; seed set) as an indicator to infer association with rhizosphere microbiomes that confer salt-tolerance to a plant. We previously called this indirect-selection schemehost-mediated indirect selection on microbiomes(Mueller & Sachs 2015). Our methods aim to maximize evolutionary changes due to differential microbiome-propagation, while minimizing some (but not all) ecological processes affecting microbiome composition. Specifically, our methods aim to maximize microbiome perpetuation between selection-cycles and maximize response to artificial microbiome-selection by (a) controlling microbiome assembly when inoculating seeds at the beginning of each selection cycle; (b) using low-carbon soil to enhance host-control mediated by carbon secretions of plants during initial microbiome assembly and subsequent microbiome persistence; (c) fractionating microbiomes before transfer between plants to perpetuate and select only on bacterial and viral (but not fungal) microbiome components; and (d) ramping of salt-stress between selection-cycles to minimize the chance of over-stressing plants. Our selection protocol generates microbiomes that enhance plant fitness after only 1-3 rounds of artificial selection on rhizosphere microbiomes. Relative to fallow-soil control treatments, artificially-selected microbiomes increase plant fitness by 75% under sodium-sulfate stress, and by 38% under aluminum-sulfate stress. Relative to null control treatments, artificially-selected microbiomes increase plant fitness by 13% under sodium-sulfate stress, and by 12% under aluminum-sulfate stress. When testing microbiomes after nine rounds of differential microbiome propagation, the effect of bacterial microbiomes selected to confer tolerance to sodium-sulfate stress appears specific (these microbiomes do not confer tolerance to aluminum-sulfate stress), but the effect of microbiomes selected to confer tolerance to aluminum-sulfate stress appears non-specific (selected microbiomes ameliorate both sodium- and aluminum-sulfate stresses). Complementary metagenomic analyses of the artificially selected microbiomes will help elucidate metabolic properties of microbiomes that confer specific versus non-specific salt-tolerance to plants.
The effect of acquisition resolution on orientation decoding from V1 BOLD fMRI at 7 Tesla
Authors: Sengupta Ayan , Yakupov Renat , Speck Oliver , Pollmann Stefan , Hanke Michael
Published: October 2016

A decade after it was shown that the orientation of visual grating stimuli can be decoded from human visual cortex activity by means of multivariate pattern classification of BOLD fMRI data, numerous studies have investigated which aspects of neuronal activity are reflected in BOLD response patterns and are accessible for decoding. However, it remains inconclusive what the effect of acquisition resolution on BOLD fMRI decoding analyses is. The present study is the first to provide empirical ultra high-field fMRI data recorded at four spatial resolutions (0.8 mm, 1.4 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm isotropic voxel size) on this topic — in order to test hypotheses on the strength and spatial scale of orientation discriminating signals. We present detailed analysis, in line with predictions from previous simulation studies, about how the performance of orientation decoding varies with different acquisition resolutions. Moreover, we also examine different spatial filtering procedures and its effects on orientation decoding. Here we show that higher-resolution scans with subsequent down-sampling or low-pass filtering yield no benefit over scans natively recorded in the corresponding lower resolution regarding decoding accuracy. The orientation-related signal in the BOLD fMRI data is spatially broadband in nature, includes both high spatial frequency components, as well as large-scale biases previously proposed in the literature. Moreover, we found above chance-level contribution from large draining veins to orientation decoding. Acquired raw data were publicly released to facilitate further investigation.
Task-induced neural covariability as a signature of approximate Bayesian learning and inference
Authors: Lange Richard D. , Haefner Ralf M.
Published: October 2016

Perception can be characterized as an inference process in which beliefs are formed about the world given sensory observations. The sensory neurons implementing these computations, however, are classically characterized with firing rates, tuning curves, and correlated noise. To connect these two levels of description, we derive expressions for how inferences themselves vary across trials, and how this predicts task-dependent patterns of correlated variability in the responses of sensory neurons. Importantly, our results require minimal assumptions about the nature of the inferred variables or how their distributions are encoded in neural activity. We show that our predictions are in agreement with existing measurements across a range of tasks and brain areas. Our results reinterpret task-dependent sources of neural covariability as signatures of Bayesian inference and provide new insights into their cause and their function.

Highlights

General connection between neural covariability and approximate Bayesian inference based on variability in the encoded posterior density.

Optimal learning of a discrimination task predicts top-down components of noise correlations and choice probabilities in agreement with existing data.

Differential correlations are predicted to grow over the course of perceptual learning.

Neural covariability can be used to ‘reverse-engineer’ the subject’s internal model.
Strategy implementation efficiency on the process level
Authors: Gębczyńska Alicja
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the extent to which corporate strategy is reflected in lower managerial levels, and problem addressed by the author has been analysed with reference to a functional as well as a process-oriented system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is empirical in nature, as it refers to results of a survey conducted in 30 Polish enterprises. The author’s attention has been focussed on identification and analysis of the actions comprising implementation of a strategy on different levels of management, with particular consideration of the process level.

Findings

Based on the measurements undertaken by the author, it was established which methods were most frequently applied for the sake of strategy implementation, the existing barriers were highlighted and the correctness of the strategy deployment on the strategic, the tactical and the operating level was assessed. It was also assessed to what extent the strategy becomes reflected on the level of key processes.

Research limitations/implications

The results obtained are, in the first instance, legitimate with regard to large and medium-size organisations, and second, to businesses which have matured in the scope of strategic management and process management.

Practical implications

The practical aspects addressed by the author are linked with identification of the most problematic obstacles encountered in strategy implementation as well as the solutions proposed for their elimination.

Originality/value

The paper provides an innovative solution for studying the degree of successful strategy implementation in a functional as well as a process-oriented system. The research results presented in the paper are up-to-date and reflect the latest trends observed in the enterprises examined.
Fuzzy model on selecting processes in Business Process Reengineering
Authors: Hakim Amin , Gheitasi Majid , Soltani Farzad
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to assist enterprise decision makers (DMs) to select from a number of processes during Business Process Reengineering (BPR) according to organizational objectives. Indeed, after the identification and classification of process and illustration of the organizational objectives and criteria, the effect of each process on each objective and criterion is calculated to select the most appropriate processes for reengineering purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology uses fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) technique to convert the qualitative data (DM’s opinion) to quantitative ones and then calculates the effects of each process on the organizational objectives and criteria. Then, by using the result of fuzzy QFD, the amount of satisfaction of each process according to each criterion is calculated. By combining this data with other effective variables in BPR projects such as “cost” and “time,” a multi-objective goal programming (GP) model is formulated and solved to identify the most appropriate business processes.

Findings

In fact, a quantitative model is presented in which fuzzy QFD and GP methods are combined to help DMs to adopt an appropriate strategy for implementing BPR projects successfully by selecting proper processes for reengineering purposes. In addition, the presented model uses both qualitative and quantitative data and turns them into quantitative ones. An example is also provided to show how the model works.

Research limitations/implications

Following this investigation, other researchers could able to complete the model with more dynamic and local variables to enhance the accuracy of the model.

Practical implications

The introduced model will support organizations and managers to select appropriate processes for BPR; so in practice, the mentioned projects will be more efficient and successful.

Originality/value

The paper study is essential for organizations, because the presented decision-making model is based on fuzzy QFD and GP methods that enable the enterprises to select the business processes during the BPR projects easily. In this paper, a GP model is presented to create a balance between organizational satisfaction level and cost and time of implementing BPR projects considering organizational constraints. The proposed model was applied to a real case and the authors showed that it is an easy-to-use, valid, and powerful tool for implementing BPR projects.