bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model for the expression of gap genes based on the Jeffreys-type equation
Authors: Gula Igor A. , Samsonov Alexander M.
Published: October 2014

Motivation: We propose the third-order model equation of the Jeffreys type for concentrations of gap gene proteins in order to take into account particle inertia. Gap genes are responsible for formation of body segments in Drosophila melanogaster embryo during its early development. Usually the expression of the genes is described by the model of protein transport based on conventional diffusion equation. However, the model is known to govern the Brownian (non-inertial) motion of particles; hence, it is hardly applicable to the description of protein transport.

Results: Analysis of the Jeffreys-type equation results in the necessary condition for the problem to be well-posed. Application of the Jeffreys-type equation with non-linear terms to description of the dynamics of gap gene network demonstrates better fitting to experimental data than the conventional model.

Availability and implementation: Implementation of solver algorithms and the software are freely available from: https://github.com/wswgG/solver-for-the-Jeffreys-type-equations-system

Contact:  gula@mail.ioffe.ru

Supplementary information:  Supplementary Data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DANN: a deep learning approach for annotating the pathogenicity of genetic variants
Authors: Quang Daniel , Chen Yifei , Xie Xiaohui
Published: October 2014

Summary: Annotating genetic variants, especially non-coding variants, for the purpose of identifying pathogenic variants remains a challenge. Combined annotation-dependent depletion (CADD) is an algorithm designed to annotate both coding and non-coding variants, and has been shown to outperform other annotation algorithms. CADD trains a linear kernel support vector machine (SVM) to differentiate evolutionarily derived, likely benign, alleles from simulated, likely deleterious, variants. However, SVMs cannot capture non-linear relationships among the features, which can limit performance. To address this issue, we have developed DANN. DANN uses the same feature set and training data as CADD to train a deep neural network (DNN). DNNs can capture non-linear relationships among features and are better suited than SVMs for problems with a large number of samples and features. We exploit Compute Unified Device Architecture-compatible graphics processing units and deep learning techniques such as dropout and momentum training to accelerate the DNN training. DANN achieves about a 19% relative reduction in the error rate and about a 14% relative increase in the area under the curve (AUC) metric over CADD’s SVM methodology.

Availability and implementation: All data and source code are available at https://cbcl.ics.uci.edu/public_data/DANN/.

Contact:  xhx@ics.uci.edu
Linear spectropolarimetry: a new diagnostic tool for the classification and characterization of asteroids
Authors: Bagnulo S. , Cellino A. , Sterzik M. F.
Published: October 2014

We explore the use of spectropolarimetry as a remote sensing tool for asteroids in addition to traditional reflectance measurements. In particular, we are interested in possible relationships between the wavelength-dependent variation of linear polarization and the properties of the surfaces, including albedo and composition. We have obtained optical spectropolarimetric measurements of a dozen asteroids of different albedo and taxonomic classes and of two small regions at the limb of the Moon. We found that objects with marginally different relative reflectance spectra (in the optical) may have totally different polarization spectra. This suggests that spectropolarimetry may be used to refine the classification of asteroids. We also found that in some cases the Umov law may be violated, that is, in contrast to what is expected from basic physical considerations, the fraction of linear polarization and the reflectance may be positively correlated. In agreement with a few previous studies based on multicolour broad-band polarimetry, we found that the variation of linear polarization with wavelength and with phase-angle is correlated with the albedo and taxonomic class of the objects. Finally, we have serendipitously discovered that spinel-rich asteroid (599) Luisa, located very close to the Watsonia family, is a member of the rare class of Barbarian asteroids. We suggest that future modelling attempts of the surface structure of asteroids should be aimed at explaining both reflectance and polarization spectra.
Deciphering the genetic and transcriptional basis of cross-stress responses inEscherichia coliunder complex evolutionary scenarios
Authors: Zorraquino-Salvo Violeta , Quinones-Soto Semarhy , Kim Minseung , Rai Navneet , Tagkopoulos Ilias
Published: October 2014

A tantalizing question in microbial physiology is the inter-dependence and evolutionary potential of cellular stress response across multiple environmental dimensions. To address this question, we comprehensively characterized the cross-stress behavior of wild-type and evolved Escherichia coli populations in five abiotic stresses (n-butanol, osmotic, alkaline, acidic, and oxidative) by performing genome-scale genetic, transcriptional and growth profiling, thus identifying 18 cases of cross-stress protection and one case of cross-stress vulnerability. We identified 18 cases of cross-stress protection and one case of cross-stress vulnerability, along with core and stress-specific networks. We tested several hypotheses regarding the effect of the stress order, stress combinations, mutation reversal and varying environments to the evolution and final cellular fitness of the respective populations. Our results argue of a common systems-level core of the stress response with several crucial implicated pathways that include metal ion binding and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis that is further complemented by a stress-specific expression program.
Hexabromo- and hexaiododisilane: small and simple molecules showing completely different crystal structures
Authors: Berger Matthias , Auner Norbert , Bolte Michael
Published: October 2014

The title compounds were prepared through dephenylation of hexaphenyldisilane with acetyl bromide or acetyl iodide in the presence of the corresponding aluminium halide. Both substances were purifiedviasublimation and, for the first time, single crystals of hexabromodisilane, Si2Br6, and a new polymorph of hexaiododisilane, Si2I6, could be isolated. Molecules of Si2Br6are located on a special position of site symmetry 2/mwith a quarter of a molecule in the asymmetric unit. Molecules of Si2I6are located on a special position of site symmetry \overline{3} with a sixth of a molecule in the asymmetric unit. The bond lengths of Si2Br6and Si2I6are in the usual ranges and both molecules adopt a staggered conformation. It is interesting to note that Si2Br6and Si2I6do not form isomorphous structures. Moreover, an orthorhombic polymorph of the present structure of Si2I6is already known [Jansen & Friede (1996).Acta Cryst.C52, 1333–1334]. Although the title compounds feature such small and simple molecules they show completely different crystal structures.
The coincidence problem for shifted lattices and crystallographic point packings
Authors: Loquias Manuel Joseph C. , Zeiner Peter
Published: October 2014

A coincidence site lattice is a sublattice formed by the intersection of a lattice Γ in {\bb R}^d with the image of Γ under a linear isometry. Such a linear isometry is referred to as a linear coincidence isometry of Γ. The more general case allowing any affine isometry is considered here. Consequently, general results on coincidence isometries of shifted copies of lattices, and of crystallographic point packings are obtained. In particular, the shifted square lattice and the diamond packing are discussed in detail.
The role of NGOs in building sustainable community resilience
Authors: Fitzpatrick Tal , Molloy Julie
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This case study aims to explore the findings and documented impacts of Volunteering Qld’s “Step Up” programme which is the largest community resilience building programme led by a non-government organisation (NGO) in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

– It will describe the programme design and systems that support this type of qualitative work using evidence-based data collected by the project coordinators over the duration of the programme and contextualising these within a broader resilience framework.

Findings

– This case study will demonstrate and advocate for the need to create stronger partnerships and more significant opportunities for the sector to engage in resilience-building activities.

Research limitations/implications

– The scope of this project was limited by organisational capacity to conduct research into its own programme, as it was being delivered and with limited resourcing. There is a significant need for further research into the work of NGOs in the emergency management and disaster resilience and the impacts of these programmes on communities.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this case study is a recognition that there are inherent challenges for disaster management agencies trying to engage communities in dialogue around planning risk-informed response and recovery plans for disasters.

Social implications

– However, NGOs are ideally placed to work in and with the communities which they service, to educate and support them at all stages of disaster management.

Originality/value

– This is a unique first-hand account of the experience of a NGO delivering community resilience programme in Australia and provides an important insight for practitioners and researchers alike.
Flooding due to torrential rainfall in Kumamoto, 2012
Authors: Lummen Natainia , Nakajo Sota , Yamada Fumihiko
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to answer the following questions: what is the time scale in which areas downstream are affected by significant rainfall upstream, which areas are first affected, which areas are most affected, how effective is the current warning system in allotting an appropriate amount of time for evacuation, what has been the response time thus far utilizing the current warning system, how can this response time be im-proved using numerical simulation were addressed. The accu-rate prediction of floods and potential inundated areas is crucial for effective flood risk management and this paper analyses the model created for the July 12, 2012 Kumamoto flood event.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using GIS, LIDAR, SIS and levelling field survey data, the inundated areas were mapped; the sequence of events and the distribution of flood waters were recreated using numerical analysis and modelling. The inundated areas generated by the model were then compared to the actual inundated areas.

Findings

– The Tatsuda Ichi Chome area was completely inundated within 40 minutes of the first pooling of flood waters, whereas the Tatsuda Jin area was completely inundated within 20 minutes of the initial pooling of flood waters.

Originality/value

– This research provides empirical evidence of flood impacts and highlights the benefits that can be derived from incorporating accurate flood modelling results into flood risk management systems, as well as extends the methodological approaches of flood risk management.
Multi-response roles in emergency response personnel
Authors: Linsdell Greg , Rogers Colin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the decision-making process of multi-role emergency response volunteers and their preferences for which agency they would choose to volunteer for in an emergency, utilizing the New South Wales Rural Fire Service as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

– Large-scale online survey data collection method, which enabled in depth analysis of responses.

Findings

– There are a large number of individuals who hold multiple volunteer roles and their decisions as to which service they would prefer to volunteer for is influenced by many complex factors.

Research limitations/implications

– Research in this topic is rare and future research should be undertaken on a wider scale involving both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Practical implications

– Findings will help policy makers and those responsible for providing emergency services with an understanding of the decision-making process of volunteers.

Social implications

– The results may help to promote understanding of a volunteers social preferences when engaged in work for emergency services.

Originality/value

– This is an area that has had little research undertaken in and is therefore quite an original piece of work that will have resonance for emergency services across the globe.
Managing multi-owned, mixed-use developments in The Netherlands
Authors: Ploeger Hendrik , Groetelaers Daniëlle
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This purpose of this paper is to analyses the management difficulties experienced in multi-owned, mixed-use developments and possible solutions, based on the opinions of professional management agencies in The Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

– We performed a survey among professional management agencies that take care of the day-to-day management of many multi-owned, mixed-use developments. The survey focused on aspects such as the influence of the developer on the deed of division and the appointment of the professional manager, and the role of legal advisors.

Findings

– The outcomes support the assumption that mixed-use developments have more problems, and problems of a different nature, than homogeneous complexes. We conclude that a custom-made deed of division, or at least one that is appropriate to the mixed-use situation, is preferable. The legal expert involved (a civil law notary) should therefore consult the owners and – if applicable – the professional management agency. They have the practical knowledge to identify management difficulties. Drawing up the deed of division should never be the final piece of the process, but it should be an analogous development to the design and development process. However, our hypothesis that developers should consult the notary during the planning phase of new projects was not confirmed by the survey.

Originality/value

– Most legal research focuses on the law and the legality of instruments, sometimes including the practical implications by performing case law research. We stress the importance of including day-to-day practice and practitioners in legal research. Professional management agencies have the requisite knowledge – both practical and legal – of how the system of “apartment ownership” works. This makes them a very useful source of information.
“One day it will be you who tells us doctors what to do!”. Exploring the “Personal” of PHR in paediatric diabetes management
Authors: Maria Piras Enrico , Zanutto Alberto
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Personal Health Record (PHR) systems make possible to integrate data from different sources and circulate them within the illness care and management network. The new arrangements prefigure a redefinition of the relations among healthcare practitioners, patients, and caregivers. The purpose of this paper is to consider the role and the meanings attributed to information when a technical artifact enables new forms of communication within the healthcare management network.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors adopted a qualitative research design, conducting a pre-post analysis on a theoretical sample of patients and of a paediatrics department. The authors selected 12 patients (six females and six males) aged between four and 20 years old.

Findings

– The patients were willing to act as “stewards of their own information” (Halamkaet al., 2008), but they interpreted this role in terms of restricting access to their information, rather than facilitating its dissemination. In fact, the PHR was symbolized as an instrument to support personal diabetes management but the patients want to preserve their own competence and independent management on the information regarding their “Personal” diseases.

Originality/value

– This work highlights two connotation of “Personal” information. The first is the dimension of the right to the privacy of information when it is believed that it may be used to pass judgement on the patient. The second connotation of “Personal” is the assertion by patients of their competence and autonomy in interpreting the information on the basis of personal knowledge about their diabetes.
Consumer participation in online product recommendation services: augmenting the technology acceptance model
Authors: Sheng Xiaojing , Zolfagharian Mohammadali
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the complex role of consumer participation by empirically testing a theoretical model within the online context of consumer using product recommendation agents (RAs) that integrates consumer participation into the technology acceptance model (TAM). Recent research starts questioning whether consumer participation is a double-edged sword, although its positive effects have been widely documented in the services marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 243 respondents comprising both genders with varied age groups, education levels, household income and ethnicities. Participants interacted with an existing RA, searching product information for a simulated purchase involving either high or low financial risk. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Structural equations modeling (SEM) were used for assessing construct validity and testing hypotheses, respectively.

Findings

– Consumer participation was found to positively affect enjoyment but negatively affect perceived ease of use of an RA, which was exacerbated when the purchase was of high financial risk. Predictions based on TAM were all supported in this study.

Research limitations/implications

– This research evidenced consumer participation’s dual-effect and identified financial risk as a moderator of consumer participation’ negative effect. Future research could employ a different design such as using controlled lab settings and conducting longitudinal studies to replicate the study.

Practical implications

– Findings from this research provide guidance to RA design regarding the amount of consumer participation, consumer perceptions of RA use (ease of use, usefulness and enjoyment) and financial risk involved in the purchase.

Originality/value

– This research sheds new light on the role of consumer participation through uncovering its dual-effect, thus complementing the services marketing and RA literature.
Corporate governance and financial characteristic effects on the extent of corporate social responsibility disclosure
Authors: Giannarakis Grigoris
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and financial characteristics and the extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in the USA. These corporate governance and financial characteristics are the board meetings, average age of board members, presence of women on the board, the board’s size, chief executive officer duality, financial leverage, profitability, company’s size, board composition and board’s commitment to CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample consists of 100 companies from the Fortune 500 list for 2011. The environmental, social and governance disclosure score calculated by Bloomberg is used as a proxy for the extent of CSR disclosure. A multiple linear regression was incorporated to investigate the association of corporate characteristics with CSR disclosure.

Findings

– Results indicate that the company’s size, the board commitment to CSR and profitability were found to be positively associated with the extent of CSR disclosure, while financial leverage is related negatively with the extent of CSR disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is based only on the presence or absence of CSR items in CSR disclosure, and it ignores the quality dimension which can lead to misinterpretation. The results should not be generalized as the sample was based on US companies for 2011.

Originality/value

– The study assists stakeholders to identify US companies through the extent of CSR disclosures which contributes to the understanding of determinants of CSR disclosure to improve the implementation of disclosure guidelines.
Board role performance in service organisations: the importance of human capital in the context of a developing country
Authors: K. Nkundabanyanga Stephen , Balunywa Waswa , Tauringana Venancio , M. Ntayi Joseph
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw from multiple theories of upper echelons, stakeholder, agency, resource-based view and stewardship to establish the extent to which human capital (other than that of the board itself) in service organisations affect board role performance in those service sector firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Analyses are conducted using SPSS and Analysis of Moment Structures software on a sample of 128 service firms in Uganda.

Findings

– Findings reveal that dimensions of employee safety, entrepreneurial skills, entrepreneurial development, employee welfare and employee relations fit the model of human capital and predict up to 69.1 per cent of the variance in board role performance. The results of this study reveal that board role performance is affected by prior decisions, for example, to invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, targeting employees that augment firm characteristics like existence of appropriate human capital. Essentially, an improvement in the quality of human capital explains positive variances in board role performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Cross-sectional data do not allow for testing of the process aspect of the models; however, they provide evidence that the models can stand empirical tests. Additional research should examine the process aspects of human capital and board role performance.

Practical implications

– Most companies in developing nations have relied on normative guidelines in prescribing what boards need to enhance performance, probably explaining why some boards have not been successful in their role performance. This research confirms that appropriate human capital, which can be leveraged through CSR ideals of employee safety, recognition, welfare and training in entrepreneurship, consistent with the stakeholder theory, can facilitate the board in the performance of its roles. In the developing country context, organisations’ boards could use these findings as a guideline, that is, what to focus on in the context of human capital development in organisations because doing so improves their own role performance.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the few that partly account for endogeneity in the study of boards, a methodological concern previously cited in literature (Bascle, 2008; Hamilton and Nickerson, 2003). Empirical associations between board role performance and organisational performance would not be useful unless we are able to grasp the causal mechanisms that lie behind those empirical associations (Hambrick, 2007). Thus, this study contributes to literature that tries to account for variances in board role performance and supports a multi-theoretical approach as a relevant framework in the study of human capital and board role performance.
Socially responsible purchasing in the automotive industry
Authors: Tiwari Ashutosh , Turner Christopher , Younis Kieron
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to present a new process for the evaluation of an automotive organisation’s suppliers by corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures.

Design/methodology/approach

– A methodology for socially responsible purchasing is detailed along with a case study outlining its use within a large automotive manufacturer.

Findings

– Socially responsible purchasing has a positive impact on the performance, trust and cooperation of the supplier base. Industry practitioner’s state that cost and implementation difficulties are reasons for purchasing and supply managers’ reluctance to participate in CSR activities. The CSR evaluation process within the case study organisation identified which suppliers should be considered for CSR audit; giving the purchasing manager, of the case study organisation, an objective basis for decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

– Future development of the approach may involve the integration of the CSR tool more closely with strategy and policy procedures of an organisation. The CSR tool may also be developed for use in sectors beyond the automotive industry. Additional commentary is given on the potential relevance of this approach to the retail sector.

Practical implications

– The methodology and case study descriptions provide an outline template for purchasing and supply managers with the automotive sector and guidance for interested practitioners in other industries.

Originality/value

– This paper expands the guidance available for purchasing professionals wishing to evaluate the CSR impact of procurement decisions.
Managerial attitude and support for social responsibility through the lens of legitimacy theory – a cross country comparison
Authors: Bhattacharyya Asit
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is threefold; first, to examine the Australian and Indian managerial attitudes towards social responsibility (SR) and assess their support for SR; second, to explore the underlying factors that shape beliefs and attitudes; and third, to explore whether respondents from these countries, characterised by differing levels of development, differ in their attitudes towards SR.

Design/methodology/approach

– It investigates attitudes and support for SR of 318 Australian and Indian managers drawn from three industries. Eighteen social issues, principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) procedures were undertaken to explore and confirm the underlying factors of SR. The paper used legitimacy theory as theoretical framework.

Findings

– An overall positive attitude towards SR is shown by the both groups. Indian respondents are concerned about a greater range of social issues than Australian respondents. Australian participants strongly supported a few issues surrounding SR, whereas Indian respondents strongly supported these and other issues. Significant (at 0.00 level) differences do exist between the two groups of managers on attitudes towards various social issues.

Research limitations/implications

– The questions used in the survey do not represent the entire framework on which attitudes towards SR are formed. Moreover, culture was not explicitly explored as a possible factor in the study.

Originality/value

– The study provides a comparative analysis of the SR from the developed and developing economy perspective. Using organisational legitimacy theory the study analyse managerial attitudes with regard to maintaining pragmatic and moral legitimacy.
Reflective team learning: linking interfering events and team adaptation
Authors: Oertel Rasmus , H. Antoni Conny
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to contribute to the team learning literature, by analyzing how reflective team learning is related to interfering events and to subsequent team adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Longitudinal data were obtained from 33 project teams consisting of 131 students. Participants answered an online questionnaire three times during the term. The data were analyzed at the team level by conducting multiple hierarchical regression and bootstrap analyses.

Findings

– Results show an indirect effect of interfering events on team adaptation through reflective team learning, supporting recent models of episodic team processes and interruptive events. Findings indicate that reflective team learning is related to situational events and subsequent team adaptation. It was concluded that events that interfere with team action in a given time period stimulate the occurrence of reflective behavior, resulting in team adaptation.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size is rather small, the context is very specific and the study focuses on reflective team learning. Therefore, future studies should try to replicate the findings with larger samples in other work contexts and also explore other facets of team learning.

Practical implications

– The findings are valuable for managers because they highlight the opportunities interferences offer for team learning and how they can be used to achieve team adaptation.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to team learning research by shedding light on emerging conditions of team learning processes. It provides empirical support for current models of team learning and team adaptation by analyzing longitudinal data.
Strategic Delegation of Multiple Tasks
Authors: Liao Pei‐Cheng
Published: October 2014

This paper studies both the owner–manager relationship and the union–firm relationship in a model of unionised duopoly to analyse whether a firm's owner delegates the task of wage bargaining to a manager along with the task of output determination. We also analyse the profit and welfare effects of multiple‐task delegation. It has been shown in the literature that, when there is only one delegation task – output determination – delegation of output decisions to managers leads to lower profits for owners than non‐delegation as pure profit‐maximisation. However, when there are two delegation tasks as in our model – output determination and wage bargaining – we show that owners are better off delegating both tasks than delegating only the output decision or not delegating at all. This result provides a rationale and managerial insight for strategically delegating multiple tasks to managers. Moreover, we show that union utility, consumer surplus and social welfare are all higher when owners do not delegate the task of wage bargaining than when they do. This result suggests that governments implement union contracts that require owners, rather than managers, to negotiate wages with unions in order to benefit unions and consumers and to improve social welfare as well.
Re‐Examining the Technical Efficiency of Australian Banks: A Bootstrap DEA Approach
Authors: Moradi‐Motlagh Amir , Saleh Ali Salman
Published: October 2014

This study re‐examines both pure technical and scale efficiency of Australian banks using bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA). The aim is to improve the choice of variables of the core profit efficiency model which is commonly used in earlier Australian banking efficiency studies. After we introduce the “interest income” over “net interest income” variable in the core profit efficiency model, the proportion of fully pure technical efficient banks decreased to 23% which is significantly lower than 81% which was reported in a recent study. This research argues that the main issue that has contributed to this difference is that improving the choice of variables significantly increases the discriminatory power of efficiency estimates. Additionally, emphasising on statistical properties of efficiency estimates, this study employs bootstrap DEA to provide confidence intervals and bias corrected estimates of pure technical efficiency scores of the sample banks. The bootstrap results show the importance of incorporating sample variation and bias in estimating efficiency scores. Earlier Australian banking efficiency studies ignored such issues. The new findings from the sample banks could have important implications for the banking industry in Australia.
Accounting for behavioural response to capture when estimating population size from hair snare studies with missing data
Authors: Augustine Ben C. , Tredick Catherine A. , Bonner Simon J.
Published: October 2014

Hair snares have become an established method for obtaining mark‐recapture data for population size estimation of Ursids and have recently been used to study other species including other carnivores, small mammals and ungulates. However, bias due to a behavioural response to capture in the presence of missing data has only recently been recognized and no statistical methodology exists to accommodate it. In a hair snare mark‐recapture experiment, data can be missing if animals encounter a hair snare without leaving a hair sample, poor‐quality samples are not genotyped, a fraction of all samples collected are genotyped due to cost considerations (subsampling) and/or not all genotyped hair samples provide an individual identification. These are all common features of hair snare mark‐recapture experiments.

Here, we present methodology that accounts for a behavioural response to capture in the presence of missing data from (i) subsampling and (ii) failure of hair samples to produce an individual identification. Four subprocesses are modelled–animal capture, hair deposition, researcher subsampling and DNA amplification with key parameters estimated from functions of the number of hair samples left by individuals at traps. We assess the properties of this methodology (bias and interval coverage) via simulation and then apply this methodology to a previously published data set.

Our methodology removes bias and provides nominal interval coverage of population size for the simulation scenarios considered. In the example data set, we find that removing 75% of the hair samples leads to a 40% lower estimate of population size. Our methodology corrects about half of this bias and we identify a second source of bias that has not previously been reported associated with differential trap visitation rates among individuals within trapping occasions.

Our methodology will allow researchers to reliably estimate the size of a closed population in the presence of a behavioural response to capture and missing data for a subset of missing data scenarios. It also provides a framework for understanding this generally unrecognized problem and for further extension to handle other missing data scenarios.
Function regression in ecology and evolution: FREE
Authors: Yen Jian D. L. , Thomson James R. , Paganin David M. , Keith Jonathan M. , Mac Nally Ralph
Published: October 2014

Many questions in ecology and evolutionary biology consider response variables that are functions (e.g. species‐abundance distributions) rather than a single scalar value (e.g. species richness). Although methods for analysing function‐valued data have been available for several decades, ecological and evolutionary applications are rare.

We outline methods for regression when the response variable is a function (‘function regression') and introduce the r package FREE, which focuses on straightforward implementation and interpretation of function regression analyses. Several computational methods are implemented, including machine learning and several Bayesian methods. We compare different methods using simulated data and real ecological data on individual‐size distributions (ISDs) of fish and trees.

No single method performed best overall, with several performing equally well for a given data set. Which method to use depends on sample sizes and the questions being considered; in many cases, a consensus approach should be used to combine or compare fitted models.

Function regression allows the direct modelling of many function‐valued data (e.g. species‐abundance distributions) rather than having to reduce those functions to a single scalar response variable (e.g. species diversity or functional diversity indices). Our ecological examples using ISD data show that larger rivers support more‐even fish‐size distributions than smaller rivers and that low initial planting densities lead to more‐even tree‐size distributions than high initial planting densities. Function regression provided more informative and intuitive interpretations of these data than conventional non‐function‐valued approaches.
A general framework for animal density estimation from acoustic detections across a fixed microphone array
Authors: Stevenson Ben C. , Borchers David L. , Altwegg Res , Swift René J. , Gillespie Douglas M. , Measey G. John
Published: October 2014

Acoustic monitoring can be an efficient, cheap, non‐invasive alternative to physical trapping of individuals. Spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) methods have been proposed to estimate calling animal abundance and density from data collected by a fixed array of microphones. However, these methods make some assumptions that are unlikely to hold in many situations, and the consequences of violating these are yet to be investigated.

We generalize existing acoustic SECR methodology, enabling these methods to be used in a much wider variety of situations. We incorporate time‐of‐arrival (TOA) data collected by the microphone array, increasing the precision of calling animal density estimates. We use our method to estimate calling male density of the Cape Peninsula Moss FrogArthroleptella lightfooti.

Our method gives rise to an estimator of calling animal density that has negligible bias, and 95% confidence intervals with appropriate coverage. We show that using TOA information can substantially improve estimate precision.

Our analysis of theA. lightfootidata provides the first statistically rigorous estimate of calling male density for an anuran population using a microphone array. This method fills a methodological gap in the monitoring of frog populations and is applicable to acoustic monitoring of other species that call or vocalize.
Evaluation and management implications of uncertainty in a multispecies size‐structured model of population and community responses to fishing
Authors: Thorpe Robert B. , Le Quesne Will J. F. , Luxford Fay , Collie Jeremy S. , Jennings Simon
Published: October 2014

Implementation of an ecosystem approach to fisheries requires advice on trade‐offs among fished species and between fisheries yields and biodiversity or food web properties. However, the lack of explicit representation, analysis and consideration of uncertainty in most multispecies models has limited their application in analyses that could support management advice.

We assessed the consequences of parameter uncertainty by developing 78 125 multispecies size‐structured fish community models, with all combinations of parameters drawn from ranges that spanned parameter values estimated from data and literature. This unfiltered ensemble was reduced to 188 plausible models, the filtered ensemble (FE), by screening outputs against fish abundance data and ecological principles such as requiring species' persistence.

Effects of parameter uncertainty on estimates of single‐species management reference points for fishing mortality (FMSY, fishing mortality rate providing MSY, the maximum sustainable yield) and biomass (BMSY, biomass at MSY) were evaluated by calculating probability distributions of estimated reference points with the FE. There was a 50% probability that multispecies FMSY could be estimated to within ±25% of its actual value, and a 50% probability that BMSY could be estimated to within ±40% of its actual value.

Signal‐to‐noise ratio was assessed for four community indicators when mortality rates were reduced from current rates to FMSY. The slope of the community size spectrum showed the greatest signal‐to‐noise ratio, indicating that it would be the most responsive indicator to the change in fishing mortality F. Further, the power of an ongoing international monitoring survey to detect predicted responses of size spectrum slope was higher than for other size‐based metrics.

Synthesis and applications: Application of the ensemble model approach allows explicit representation of parameter uncertainty and supports advice and management by (i) providing uncertainty intervals for management reference points, (ii) estimating working values of reference points that achieve a defined reduction in risk of not breaching the true reference point, (iii) estimating the responsiveness of population, community, food web and biodiversity indicators to changes in F, (iv) assessing the performance of indicators and monitoring programmes and (v) identifying priorities for data collection and changes to model structure to reduce uncertainty.
Outcomes for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy: widening inclusion criteria based on preoperative imaging results
Authors: Reilly Daniel J , Chew Grace L. , Eckhaus Jazmin , Smoll Nicolas R. , Farrell Stephen G.
Published: October 2014

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a single adenoma in at least 80% of cases. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has overtaken bilateral neck exploration as the gold standard for treatment in cases with adequate preoperative localization. There is evidence that, following careful review of preoperative imaging by the surgeon, increasing numbers of patients can successfully undergo MIP.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 225 consecutive cases performed by a single surgeon. Outcomes for patients with disease reported as localized by radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians using sestamibi and ultrasound were compared with patients with negative or indeterminate localization studies, in which the surgeon reviewed the sestamibi, performed an ultrasound study and identified likely single adenomas and planned MIP.

Results

One hundred and sixty patients with radiologist‐localized disease and an additional 29 patients with surgeon‐localized disease underwent MIP. The surgeon‐localized group had higher rates of conversion to bilateral neck exploration (21% compared with 4%, P = 0.004), but rates of failure to cure were comparable between the two groups (4.3% compared with 2.8%).

Conclusion

Careful review of preoperative sestamibi and ultrasound studies by an experienced surgeon can increase the number of patients that can successfully undergo MIP for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. Offering MIP to these patients does not result in increased rates of failure or recurrence.
Preoperative radiation and free flap outcomes for head and neck reconstruction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Herle Pradyumna , Shukla Lipi , Morrison Wayne A. , Shayan Ramin
Published: October 2014

Background

There is a general consensus among reconstructive surgeons that preoperative radiotherapy is associated with a higher risk of flap failure and complications in head and neck surgery. Opinion is also divided regarding the effects of radiation dose on free flap outcomes and timing of preoperative radiation to minimize adverse outcomes. Our meta‐analysis will attempt to address these issues.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was conducted in concordance to PRISMA protocol. Data were combined using STATA 12 and Open Meta‐Analyst software programmes.

Results

Twenty‐four studies were included comparing 2842 flaps performed in irradiated fields and 3491 flaps performed in non‐irradiated fields. Meta‐analysis yielded statistically significant risk ratios for flap failure (RR 1.48, P = 0.004), complications (RR 1.84, P < 0.001), reoperation (RR 2.06, P < 0.001) and fistula (RR 2.05, P < 0.001). Mean radiation dose demonstrated a trend towards increased risk of flap failure, but this was not statistically significant. On subgroup analysis, flaps with >60 Gy radiation had a non‐statistically significant higher risk of flap failure (RR 1.61, P = 0.145).

Conclusion

Preoperative radiation is associated with a statistically significant increased risk of flap complications, failure and fistula. Preoperative radiation in excess of 60 Gy after radiotherapy represents a potential risk factor for increased flap loss and should be avoided where possible.
Rotigotine is a potent agonist at dopamine D1 receptors as well as at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors
Authors: Wood Martyn , Dubois Vanessa , Scheller Dieter , Gillard Michel
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose

Rotigotine acts as a dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for the dopamine D2, D3, D4 and D5 receptors but with a low affinity for the dopamine D1 receptor. We have investigated this further in radioligand binding and functional studies and compared the profile of rotigotine with that of other drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Experimental Approach

The binding of rotigotine to human dopamine D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 receptors was determined in radioligand binding studies using [3H]rotigotine and compared with that of standard antagonist radioligands. Functional interactions of rotigotine with human dopamine receptors was also determined.

Key Results

[3H]rotigotine can be used as an agonist radioligand to label all dopamine receptor subtypes and this can be important to derive agonist affinity estimates. Rotigotine maintains this high affinity in functional studies at all dopamine receptors especially D1, D2 and D3 receptors and, to a lesser extent, D4 and D5 receptors. Rotigotine, like apomorphine but unlike ropinirole and pramipexole, was a potent agonist at all dopamine receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

Rotigotine is a high‐potency agonist at human dopamine D1, D2 and D3 receptors with a lower potency at D4 and D5 receptors. These studies differentiate rotigotine from conventional dopamine D2 agonists, used in the treatment of PD, such as ropinirole and pramipexole which lack activity at the D1 and D5 receptors, but resembles that of apomorphine which has greater efficacy in PD than other dopamine agonists but has suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties.
Constraints that Help or Hinder Creative Performance: A Motivational Approach
Authors: Roskes Marieke
Published: October 2014

Threatening situations, in which people fear negative outcomes or failure, evoke avoidance motivation. Avoidance motivation, in turn, evokes a focused, systematic and effortful way of information processing that has often been linked to reduced creativity. This harmful effect of avoidance motivation on creativity can be problematic in financially turbulent times when people fear for their jobs and financial security. However, particularly in such threatening times, creativity may be crucial to innovate, adapt to changing demands and stay ahead of competitors. Here, I propose a theoretical framework describing how different types of constraints in the workplace affect creative performance under approach and avoidance motivation. Specifically, under avoidance motivation, constraints that consume or occupy cognitive resources should undermine creativity, but constraints that channel cognitive resources should facilitate creativity. Understanding the impact of different types of constraints on creative performance is needed to develop strategies for maximizing creativity in the workplace.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Simulation of Chalcones and Aurones as Selective MAO‐B Inhibitors
Authors: Morales‐Camilo Nicole , Salas Cristian O. , Sanhueza Claudia , Espinosa‐Bustos Christian , Sepúlveda‐Boza Silvia , Reyes‐Parada Miguel , Gonzalez‐Nilo Fernando , Caroli‐Rezende Marcos , Fierro Angélica
Published: October 2014

A series of chalcones and aurones were synthesized and evaluated in vitro as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi). Our results show that aurones, which had not been previously reported as MAOi, are MAO‐B inhibitors. Thus, both families inhibited selectively the B isoform of MAO in the micromolar range, offering novel scaffolds for the design of new and potent MAO inhibitors. The main structural requirements for their activity were characterized with the aid of 3D‐QSAR and docking studies.