bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5. Sexual Offences
Authors: Allen Mischa
Published: October 2016

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, diagram answer plans, suggested answers, and author commentary. This chapter presents sample exam questions on sexual offences and suggested answers. Students should be aware of the key provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the presumptions as to consent contained in ss. 75 and 76 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The concept of reasonable belief is central to this topic. The Act sought to remedy problems in the old law relating to consent and created a new definition of rape as well as shifting the responsibility for obtaining consent to the defendant in some circumstances.
9. Freedom of Expression
Authors: Clements Richard
Published: October 2016

The Q&A series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each chapter includes typical questions; diagram problem and essay answer plans, suggested answers, notes of caution, tips on obtaining extra marks, the key debates on each topic and suggestions on further reading. This chapter moves on from the previous one to examine the freedom of expression. Under common law, freedom of speech is guaranteed unless the speaker breaks the law, but this is now reinforced by the right of free expression under the European Convention on Human Rights. The questions here deal with issues such as obscenity law and contempt of court; the Official Secrets Act; freedom of information; breach of confidence and whether there is a right of privacy in English law.
Discovery of a new subparsec counterjet in NGC 1275: the inclination angle and the environment
Authors: Fujita Yutaka , Nagai Hiroshi
Published: October 2016

We report on the detection of a new feature at the centre of NGC 1275 in the Perseus cluster, hosting the radio source 3C 84. This feature emerges ∼2 mas (∼0.8 pc) north of the central core in recent 15- and 43-GHz Very Long Baseline Array images, and it seems to be the counterjet to a known radio jet expanding to the south of the core. Apparently, the two jets were born through an outburst around 2005. From the ratio of the apparent lengths of the two jets from the core, we have found that the jet angle to the line of sight is θ = 65° ± 16°, which is not much different from the angle of the outer jets generated by an activity around 1959 and constrains theories on gamma-ray emission from jets. The new northern jet has a strongly inverted spectrum in contrast to the southern jet. This suggests that the central black hole is surrounded by a subparsec-scale accretion disc with the density of ≳ 105 cm−3. The brightness of the counterjet suggests that the disc is highly inhomogeneous. The ambient gas density in the direction of the jet is ∼8 cm−3 if the current jet activity is similar to the past average.
Analysis of Patient-reported Outcomes of Quality of Life and Functioning Before and After Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Comorbid With Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Danovitch Itai , Steiner Alexander Joseph , Kazdan Anna , Goldenberg Matthew , Haglund Margaret , Mirocha James , Collison Katherine , Vanle Brigitte , Dang Jonathan , IsHak Waguih William
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common among persons with major depressive disorder (MDD) and have an adverse impact on course of illness and patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine whether AUD adversely impacted patient-centered outcomes in a sample of research subjects evaluated as part of a large clinical trial for depression. The outcomes of interest to this post hoc analysis are quality of life (QOL), functioning, and depressive symptom severity.

Methods:

We analyzed 2280 adult MDD outpatient research subjects using data from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression trial. We compared entry and post-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) treatment QOL, functioning, and depressive symptom severity scores between 121comorbid MDD with AUD (MDD + AUD) subjects and 2159 MDD-no-AUD subjects, and also differences between subjects categorized as remitters versus nonremitters within each group at exit.

Results:

At entry, MDD + AUD subjects reported similar QOL, functioning, and depressive symptom severity compared with the MDD-no-AUD subjects. After treatment with citalopram, both groups showed significant improvements throughout treatment; however, 36% to 55% of subjects still suffered from severely impaired QOL and functioning at exit.

Conclusions:

The overall study population demonstrated a significant response to treatment with large effect sizes in depressive symptom reduction, but to a lesser extent in QOL and functioning. Findings suggest that subjects with MDD + AUD benefited equally as MDD-no-AUD from treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) medication, yet both groups continue to experience reduced QOL and functioning after treatment. Monitoring QOL and functioning is critical to determine whether interventions that improve clinical outcomes also impact patient-centered outcomes, and our analysis suggests that there is a pressing need for innovative interventions that effectively improve these outcomes.
The Role of Radiographs and Office Visits in the Follow-Up of Healed Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Kempegowda Harish , Richard Raveesh , Borade Amrut , Tawari Akhil , Howenstein Abby M. , Kubiak Erik N. , Suk Michael , Horwitz Daniel S.
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role and the necessity of radiographs and office visits obtained during follow-up of intertrochanteric hip injuries.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Two level I trauma centers.

Patients:

Four hundred sixty-five elderly patients who were surgically treated for an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur at 2 level I trauma centers between January 2009 and August 2014 were retrospectively identified from orthopaedic trauma databases.

Intervention:

Analysis of all healed intertrochanteric hip fractures, including demographic characteristics, quality of reduction, time of healing, number of office visits, number of radiographs obtained, and each radiograph for fracture alignment, implant position or any pathological changes.

Results:

The surgical fixation of 465 fractures included 155 short nails (33%), 232 long nails (50%), 69 sliding hip screw devices (15%), 7 trochanteric stabilizing plates (1.5%), and 2 proximal femur locking plates (0.5%). The average fracture healing time was 12.8 weeks and the average follow-up was 81.2 weeks. Radiographs of any patient obtained after the fracture had healed did not reveal any changes, including fracture alignment or implant position and hardware failure. In 9 patients, pathological changes, including arthritis (3), avascular necrosis (3), and ectopic ossification (3) were noted. The average number of elective office visits and radiographs obtained after the fracture had healed were 2.8 (range: 1–8) and 2.6 (range: 1–8), respectively. According to Medicare payments to the institution, these radiographs and office visits account for a direct cost of $360.81 and $192, respectively, per patient.

Conclusion:

The current study strongly suggests that there is a negligible role for radiographs and office visits during the follow-up of a well-healed hip fracture when there is documented evidence of radiographic and clinical healing with acceptable fracture alignment and implant position. Implementation of this simple measure will help in reducing the cost of care and inconvenience to elderly patients.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Suitability of the DRI Hydrocodone/Hydromorphone Immunoassay in the Clinical Environment at a Lower Cutoff: Validation With LC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Dixon Robert B. , Dasgupta Amitava
Published: October 2016

Background:

We evaluated the analytical performance of the DRI hydrocodone/hydromorphone assay by comparing semiquantitative values obtained by this assay with values obtained by a liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. We also evaluated the possibility of lowering the cutoff of the DRI assay from 300 to 100 ng/mL.

Methods:

We compared semiquantitative values obtained by the DRI assay in 97 specimens with values obtained by the LC-MS/MS method including 10 specimens containing hydrocodone and/or hydromorphone concentrations between 105.0 and 145.0 ng/mL (determined by LC-MS/MS) to determine the sensitivity at 100 ng/mL. In addition, several opioids at a concentration of 5000 ng/mL were also analyzed by the DRI assay to determine its specificity.

Results:

We observed no false-negative result using the DRI immunoassay in 96 specimens that showed semiquantitative values at 100 ng/mL or higher. However, one specimen containing 110 ng/mL of hydrocodone was false negative with the DRI assay (semiquantitative value 88 ng/mL, below 100 ng/mL cutoff). The semiquantitative values produced by DRI showed poor correlation with values determined by the LC-MS/MS method. The sensitivity of the DRI assay at 100 ng/mL was 90%, and the assay was very specific showing minimal cross-reactivity only with oxycodone and oxymorphone.

Conclusions:

DRI immunoassay for hydrocodone/hydromorphone is a cost-effective method of screening urine specimens in the clinical environment at a lower cutoff of 100 ng/mL.
Workplace chemical and toxin exposures reported to a Poisons Information Centre: a diverse range causing variable morbidity
Authors: Ling Sophia L.-Y. , McD. Taylor David , Robinson Jeffery
Published: October 2016

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the period prevalence, nature and causes of workplace chemical and toxin exposures reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC).

Patients and methods

All cases classified as ‘workplace: acute’ when entered into the VPIC database (June 2005–December 2013) were analysed. Data were collected on patient sex, the nature of the chemical or toxin, route of exposure and season.

Results

Overall, 4928 cases were extracted. Exposures to men (71.5% of calls) differed from women (P<0.001), with most exposures relating to industry/trade substances (23.7%) and cleaners/bleaches/detergents (36.9%), respectively. Ocular (33.2%), inhalational (27.7%) and dermal (22.1%) exposures were most common. Exposures were most common in Spring and most seasonal variation was found for veterinary/animal, agricultural/plant and household categories (P<0.05). In all, 3445 (69.9%) cases had symptoms related to their exposure at the time of the call. However, the proportion of symptomatic cases within the major substance categories differed significantly (P<0.001). Chemicals associated with the most symptoms were cleaners/bleaches/detergents, industrial/trade substances and acids.

Conclusion

Mild-moderately important workplace exposures are common. Significant variations exist between the sexes and seasons. Poisons Information Centres may play a role in ongoing surveillance of chemical and toxin exposures and a minimum exposure dataset is recommended.
Intravaginal Practices and Prevalence of Sexual and Reproductive Tract Infections Among Women in Rural Malawi
Authors: Esber Allahna , Rao Nisha , Norris Alison , Carr Reese Patricia , Kandodo Jonathan , Nampandeni Patrick , Jumbe Enock , Norris Turner Abigail
Published: October 2016

Background

Many women engage in intravaginal practices (IVP) with a goal of improving genital hygiene and increasing sexual pleasure. Intravaginal practices can disrupt the genital mucosa, and some studies have found that IVP increases risk of acquisition of HIV and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Limited prior research also suggests significant associations between IVP, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Methods

We examined associations between IVP and HPV, BV, and HSV-2 among 200 women in rural Malawi participating in a clinic-based study on sexual and reproductive tract infections. We calculated prevalence ratios for the associations between frequency and type of IVP and outcomes of HPV, BV, and HSV-2.

Results

Intravaginal practices were commonly performed, with 95% of women reporting current use of at least 1 practice. Infections were also frequently detected: Twenty-two percent of the sample had at least 1 high-risk HPV type, 51% had BV, and 50% were HSV-2 seropositive. We observed no significant associations between type of IVP, frequency of IVP, or a combined measure capturing type and frequency of IVP—and any of the infection outcomes.

Conclusions

Although both IVP and our outcomes of interest (BV, HPV, and HSV-2) were common in the study population, we did not detect associations between IVP type or frequency and any of the 3 infections. However, the high prevalence and frequency of IVP may have limited our ability to detect significant associations.
Quality of Life and Functioning in Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder After Treatment With Citalopram Monotherapy
Authors: Steiner Alexander J. , Boulos Nathalie , Mirocha James , Wright Stephanie M. , Collison Katherine L. , IsHak Waguih W.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) often have high comorbidity, consequently influencing patient-reported outcomes of depressive symptom severity, quality of life (QOL), and functioning. We hypothesized that the combined effects of concurrent PTSD and MDD would result in worse treatment outcomes, whereas individuals who achieved MDD remission would have better treatment outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed 2280 adult participants who received level 1 treatment (citalopram monotherapy) in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression study, including 2158 participants with MDD without comorbid PTSD and 122 participants with MDD with comorbid PTSD (MDD + PTSD). Post hoc analysis examined the proportion of participants whose scores were within normal or severely impaired for functioning and QOL. Remission status at exit from MDD was also determined.

Results

At entry, participants with MDD + PTSD experienced significantly worse QOL, functioning, and depressive symptom severity compared with participants with MDD without comorbid PTSD. Although both groups had significant improvements in functioning and QOL posttreatment, the participants with MDD + PTSD were less likely to achieve remission from MDD.

Conclusions

Findings suggested that participants with MDD + PTSD are at a greater risk for severe impairment across all domains and less likely to achieve remission from MDD after treatment with citalopram monotherapy. As such, the use of patient-reported measures of QOL and functioning may inform practicing clinicians' and clinical trial researchers' abilities to develop appropriate interventions and monitor treatment efficacy. More importantly, we encourage clinicians and health care providers to routinely screen for PTSD in patients with MDD because this at-risk group requires tailored and specific pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy interventions beyond traditionally standard treatments for depression.
Decreased Axon Flare Reaction to Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Demyelinating Inflammatory Polyneuropathy
Authors: Kokotis Panagiotis , Schmelz Martin , Papagianni Aikaterini E. , Zambelis Thomas , Karandreas Nikos
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

In chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP), the impairment of unmyelinated nerve fibers appears unexpected. The measurement of the electrically induced axon flare reflex is a clinical test to assess the peripheral C-nociceptor function. In this study, we compared the flare area in patients suffering from CIDP with healthy subjects.

Methods:

We examined 18 patients fulfilling the criteria for CIDP (11 men, mean age 51.8 years, SD 15.1) and 18 age-matched adult healthy volunteers (control group) (11 men, mean age 51.9 years, SD 15.8). The flare responses were elicited by transcutaneous electrical stimulation and recorded by laser Doppler imaging.

Results:

There was a significant reduction of electrically induced maximum flare area in the foot dorsum of patients with CIDP (t-value 2.08, P = 0.04) which proved to be length-dependent measured by a numerical index comparing the results with the forearm and thigh. The repeatedmeasures ANOVA revealed statistically significant smaller flare areas in all body regions for the CIDP group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The axon flare reaction to electrical stimulation was decreased in patients with chronic demyelinating inflammatory polyneuropathy. The evaluation of the axon flare response can be proposed as a noninvasive objective functional test to detect an impaired C-fiber function in CIDP patients with the advantages of simplicity of the procedure, time economy, and objectivity.
Can EEG Differentiate Among Syndromes in Genetic Generalized Epilepsy?
Authors: Seneviratne Udaya , Hepworth Graham , Cook Mark , D'Souza Wendyl
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate EEG differences among syndromes in genetic generalized epilepsy based on quantified data.

Methods:

Twenty-four-hour ambulatory EEGs were recorded in consecutive patients diagnosed with genetic generalized epilepsy. All epileptiform EEG abnormalities were quantified into density scores (total duration of epileptiform discharges per hour). One-way analysis of variance was conducted to find out differences in EEG density scores among the syndromes. Generalized linear mixed models were also fitted to explore the association between the proportion of “pure” generalized spike–wave paroxysms and fragments (without intervening polyspikes/polyspike–waves) and the syndromes.

Results:

In total, 6,923 epileptiform discharges were analyzed from 105 abnormal EEGs. In the analysis of variance, six EEG variables were significantly different among syndromes: total spike density (P = 0.001), total polyspike and polyspike–wave density (P = 0.049), generalized spike–wave–only density (P < 0.001), generalized paroxysm density (P < 0.001), generalized paroxysm duration mean (P = 0.018), and generalized paroxysm duration maximum (P = 0.009). The density of epileptiform discharges and the paroxysm durations were the highest in juvenile absence epilepsy followed by juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy, and generalized epilepsy with tonic–clonic seizures only. Generalized linear mixed models revealed that “pure” generalized spike–wave discharges (without intervening polyspikes/polyspike waves) tended to be more frequent in absence epilepsies, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.21).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that the density and duration of epileptiform discharges can help differentiate among genetic generalized epilepsy syndromes.
Adding fossil occupancy trajectories to the assessment of modern extinction risk
Authors: Kiessling Wolfgang , Kocsis Ádám T.
Published: October 2016

Besides helping to identify species traits that are commonly linked to extinction risk, the fossil record may also be directly relevant for assessing the extinction risk of extant species. Standing geographical distribution or occupancy is a strong predictor of both recent and past extinction risk, but the role of changes in occupancy is less widely assessed. Here we demonstrate, based on the Cenozoic fossil record of marine species, that both occupancy and its temporal trajectory are significant determinants of risk. Based on extinct species we develop a model on the additive and interacting effects of occupancy and its temporal changes on extinction risk. We use this model to predict extinction risk of extant species. The predictions suggest a moderate risk for marine species on average. However, some species seem to be on a long-term decline and potentially at a latent extinction risk, which is not considered in current risk assessments.
Demonstration of immune responses against devil facial tumour disease in wild Tasmanian devils
Authors: Pye Ruth , Hamede Rodrigo , Siddle Hannah V. , Caldwell Alison , Knowles Graeme W. , Swift Kate , Kreiss Alexandre , Jones Menna E. , Lyons A. Bruce , Woods Gregory M.
Published: October 2016

Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a recently emerged fatal transmissible cancer decimating the wild population of Tasmanian devils (
Sarcophilus harrisii
). Biting transmits the cancer cells and the tumour develops in the new host as an allograft. The literature reports that immune escape mechanisms employed by DFTD inevitably result in host death. Here we present the first evidence that DFTD regression can occur and that wild devils can mount an immune response against the disease. Of the 52 devils tested, six had serum antibodies against DFTD cells and, in one case, prominent T lymphocyte infiltration in its tumour. Notably, four of the six devils with serum antibody had histories of DFTD regression. The novel demonstration of an immune response against DFTD in wild Tasmanian devils suggests that a proportion of wild devils can produce a protective immune response against naturally acquired DFTD. This has implications for tumour–host coevolution and vaccine development.
Differential effects of food availability on minimum and maximum rates of metabolism
Authors: Auer Sonya K. , Salin Karine , Rudolf Agata M. , Anderson Graeme J. , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: October 2016

Metabolic rates reflect the energetic cost of living but exhibit remarkable variation among conspecifics, partly as a result of the constraints imposed by environmental conditions. Metabolic rates are sensitive to changes in temperature and oxygen availability, but effects of food availability, particularly on maximum metabolic rates, are not well understood. Here, we show in brown trout (Salmo trutta) that maximum metabolic rates are immutable but minimum metabolic rates increase as a positive function of food availability. As a result, aerobic scope (i.e. the capacity to elevate metabolism above baseline requirements) declines as food availability increases. These differential changes in metabolic rates likely have important consequences for how organisms partition available metabolic power to different functions under the constraints imposed by food availability.
Proactive prosociality in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the azure-winged magpie (
Cyanopica cyana
)
Authors: Horn Lisa , Scheer Clara , Bugnyar Thomas , Massen Jorg J. M.
Published: October 2016

One of the contemporary hypotheses concerning the evolution of human altruism is the cooperative breeding hypothesis (CBH) which has recently been tested in non-human primates. Using a similar paradigm, we investigated prosociality in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the azure-winged magpie. We found that the magpies delivered food to their group members at high rates, and unlike other corvids, they did so without any cues provided by others. In two control conditions, the magpies stopped participating over time, indicating that they learned to discriminate prosocial tests from controls. Azure-winged magpies are thus the first birds that experimentally show proactive prosociality. Our findings are in line with the CBH; however, additional corvid species need to be tested in this promising paradigm.
A case for a joint strategy of diversified bet hedging and plasticity in the pea aphid wing polyphenism
Authors: Grantham Mary E. , Antonio Chris J. , O'Neil Brian R. , Zhan Yi Xiang , Brisson Jennifer A.
Published: October 2016

Phenotypic plasticity and diversified bet hedging are strategies for coping with variable environments. Plasticity is favoured when an organism can predict future conditions using environmental cues, while bet hedging is favoured when predictive cues are not available. Theoretical analyses suggest that many organisms should use a mixture of both strategies, because environments often present both scenarios. Here, we examine if the pea aphid wing polyphenism, a well-known case of plasticity, is potentially a mixture of plasticity and bet hedging. In this polyphenism, asexual females produce more winged offspring in crowded conditions, and wingless offspring in uncrowded conditions. We find that pea aphids use plasticity to respond to crowding and we find considerable genetic variation for this response. We further show that individual aphids produce both winged and wingless offspring, consistent with the variability expected in a bet hedging trait. We conclude that the pea aphid wing polyphenism system is probably a mixture of plasticity and bet hedging. Our study adds to a limited list of empirical studies examining mixed strategy usage, and suggests that mixed strategies may be common in dispersal traits.
Vocal matching: the what, the why and the how
Authors: King Stephanie L. , McGregor Peter K.
Published: October 2016

Over the years, vocal matching has progressed beyond being an interesting behavioural phenomenon to one that now has relevance to a wide range of fields. In this review, we use birds and cetaceans to explain what vocal matching is, why animals vocally match and how vocal matching can be identified. We show that while the functional aspects of vocal matching are similar, the contexts in which matching is used can differ between taxa. Whereas vocal matching in songbirds facilitates mate attraction and the immediate defence of resources, in parrots and cetaceans it plays a role in the maintenance of social bonds and the promotion of behavioural synchrony. We propose criteria for defining vocal matching with the aim of stimulating more matching studies across a wider range of taxa, including those using other, non-vocal, communication modalities. Finally, we encourage future studies to explore the importance of vocal learning in the development of vocal matching, and the information it may provide to third parties in the communication network.
Waiting time to infectious disease emergence
Authors: Dibble Christopher J. , O'Dea Eamon B. , Park Andrew W. , Drake John M.
Published: October 2016

Emerging diseases must make a transition from stuttering chains of transmission to sustained chains of transmission, but this critical transition need not coincide with the system becoming supercritical. That is, the introduction of infection to a supercritical system results in a significant fraction of the population becoming infected only with a certain probability. Understanding the waiting time to the first major outbreak of an emerging disease is then more complicated than determining when the system becomes supercritical. We treat emergence as a dynamic bifurcation, and use the concept of bifurcation delay to understand the time to emergence after a system becomes supercritical. Specifically, we consider an SIR model with a time-varying transmission term and random infections originating from outside the population. We derive an analytic density function for the delay times and find it to be, in general, in agreement with stochastic simulations. We find the key parameters to be the rate of introduction of infection and the rate of change of the basic reproductive ratio. These findings aid our understanding of real emergence events, and can be incorporated into early-warning systems aimed at forecasting disease risk.
The large terminase DNA packaging motor grips DNA with its ATPase domain for cleavage by the flexible nuclease domain
Authors: Hilbert Brendan J. , Hayes Janelle A. , Stone Nicholas P. , Xu Rui-Gang , Kelch Brian A.
Published: October 2016

Many viruses use a powerful terminase motor to pump their genome inside an empty procapsid shell during virus maturation. The large terminase (TerL) protein contains both enzymatic activities necessary for packaging in such viruses: the ATPase that powers DNA translocation and an endonuclease that cleaves the concatemeric genome both at initiation and completion of genome packaging. However, how TerL binds DNA during translocation and cleavage is still mysterious. Here we investigate DNA binding and cleavage using TerL from the thermophilic phage P74-26. We report the structure of the P74-26 TerL nuclease domain, which allows us to model DNA binding in the nuclease active site. We screened a large panel of TerL variants for defects in binding and DNA cleavage, revealing that the ATPase domain is the primary site for DNA binding, and is required for nucleolysis. The nuclease domain is dispensable for DNA binding but residues lining the active site guide DNA for cleavage. Kinetic analysis of nucleolysis suggests flexible tethering of the nuclease domains during DNA cleavage. We propose that interactions with the procapsid shell during DNA translocation conformationally restrict the nuclease domain, inhibiting cleavage; TerL release from the procapsid upon completion of packaging unlocks the nuclease domains to cleave DNA.
Hypercomplex properties ofDrosophilaobject detecting neurons
Authors: Keleş Mehmet F. , Frye Mark A.
Published: October 2016

Many animals rely on vision to detect objects such as conspecifics, predators, and prey. Hypercomplex cells of the feline cortex and small target motion detectors of the dragonfly and hoverfly optic lobe demonstrate robust tuning for small objects with weak or no response to elongated edges or movement of the visual panorama [1–4]. However, the relationship between anatomical, molecular, and functional properties of object detection circuitry is not understood. Here, we characterize a previously identified lobula columnar neuron (LC11) inDrosophila[5]. By imaging calcium dynamics with two-photon excitation microscopy we show that LC11 responds to the non-directional motion of a small object darker than the background, with little or no responses to static flicker, elongated bars, or panoramic gratings. LC11 dendrites reside at the boundary between GABA-ergic and cholinergic layers of the lobula, each dendrite spans enough columns to sample 75-degrees of visual space, yet the functional receptive field is only 20-degrees wide, and shows robust responses to an object spanning less than one 5-degree facet of the compound eye. The dendrites of neighboring LC11s encode object motion retinotopically, but the axon terminals fuse into a glomerular structure in the central brain where retinotopy is lost. Blocking inhibitory ionic currents abolishes small object sensitivity and facilitates responses to elongated bars and gratings. Our results reveal high acuity small object motion detection in theDrosophilaoptic lobe.
Invariance of initiation mass and predictability of cell size inEscherichia coli
Authors: Si Fangwei , Li Dongyang , Cox Sarah E. , Sauls John T. , Azizi Omid , Sou Cindy , Schwartz Amy B. , Erickstad Michael J. , Jun Yonggun , Li Xintian , Jun Suckjoon
Published: October 2016

It is generally assumed that the allocation and synthesis of total cellular resources in microorganisms are uniquely determined by the growth conditions. Adaptation to a new physiological state leads to a change in cell size via reallocation of cellular resources. However, it has not been understood how cell size is coordinated with biosynthesis and robustly adapts to physiological states. We show that cell size inEscherichia colican be predicted for any steady-state condition by projecting all biosynthesis into three measurable variables representing replication initiation, replication-division cycle, and the global biosynthesis rate. These variables can be decoupled by selectively controlling their respective core biosynthesis using CRISPR interference and antibiotics, verifying our predictions that different physiological states can result in the same cell size. We performed extensive growth inhibition experiments, and discovered that cell size at replication initiation per origin, namely the initiation mass or “unit cell,” is remarkably invariant under perturbations targeting transcription, translation, ribosome content, replication kinetics, fatty acid and cell-wall synthesis, cell division, and cell shape. Based on this invariance and balanced resource allocation, we explain why the total cell size is the sum of all unit cells. These results provide an overarching framework with quantitative predictive power over cell size in bacteria.
Oscillatory integration windows in neurons
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Singh Swikriti Saran , Stopfer Mark
Published: October 2016

Oscillatory synchrony among neurons occurs in many species and brain areas, and has been proposed to help neural circuits process information. One hypothesis states that oscillatory input creates cyclic integration windows: specific times in each oscillatory cycle when postsynaptic neurons become especially responsive to inputs. With paired local field potential (LFP) and intracellular recordings and controlled stimulus manipulations we directly tested this idea in the locust olfactory system. We found that inputs arriving in Kenyon cells (KCs) sum most effectively in a preferred window of the oscillation cycle. With a computational model, we found that the non-uniform structure of noise in the membrane potential helps mediate this process. Further experiments performedin vivodemonstrated that integration windows can form in the absence of inhibition and at a broad range of oscillation frequencies. Our results reveal how a fundamental coincidence-detection mechanism in a neural circuit functions to decode temporally organized spiking.
SweGen: A whole-genome map of genetic variability in a cross-section of the Swedish population
Authors: Ameur Adam , Dahlberg Johan , Olason Pall , Vezzi Francesco , Karlsson Robert , Lundin Pär , Che Huiwen , Thutkawkorapin Jessada , Kähäri Andreas Kusalananda , Dahlberg Mats , Viklund Johan , Hagberg Jonas , Jareborg Niclas , Jonasson Inger , Johansson Åsa , Lundin Sverker , Nilsson Daniel , Nystedt Björn , Magnusson Patrik , Gyllensten Ulf
Published: October 2016

Here we describe the SweGen dataset, a high-quality map of genetic variation in the Swedish population. This data represents a basic resource for clinical genetics laboratories as well as for sequencing-based association studies, by providing information on the frequencies of genetic variants in a cohort that is well matched to national patient cohorts. To select samples for this study, we first examined the genetic structure of the Swedish population using high-density SNP-array data from a nation-wide population based cohort of over 10,000 individuals. From this sample collection, 1,000 individuals, reflecting a cross-section of the population and capturing the main genetic structure, were selected for whole genome sequencing (WGS). Analysis pipelines were developed for automated alignment, variant calling and quality control of the sequencing data. This resulted in a whole-genome map of aggregated variant frequencies in the Swedish population that we hereby release to the scientific community.
Network Dynamics Theory of Human Intelligence
Authors: Nikolaidis Aki , Barbey Aron K.
Published: October 2016

Scientific discovery and insight into the biological foundations of human intelligence have advanced considerably with progress in neuroimaging. Neuroimaging methods allow for not only an exploration of what biological characteristics underlie intelligence and creativity, but also a detailed assessment of how these biological characteristics emerge through child and adolescent development. In the past 10 years, functional connectivity, a metric of coherence in activation across brain regions, has been used extensively to probe cognitive function; however more recently neuroscientists have begun to investigate the dynamics of these functional connectivity patterns, revealing important insight into these networks as a result. In the present article, we expand current theories on the neural basis of human intelligence by developing a framework that integrates both how short-term dynamic fluctuations in brain networks and long-term development of brain networks over time contribute to intelligence and creativity. Applying this framework, we propose testable hypotheses regarding the neural and developmental correlates of intelligence. We review important topics in both network neuroscience and developmental neuroscience, and we consolidate these insights into a Network Dynamics Theory of human intelligence.
Tomographic docking suggests the mechanism of auxin receptor TIR1 selectivity
Authors: Uzunova Veselina V. , Quareshy Mussa , del Genio Charo I. , Napier Richard M.
Published: October 2016

We study the binding of plant hormone IAA on its receptor TIR1 introducing a novel computa-tional method that we calltomographic dockingand that accounts for interactions occurring along the depth of the binding pocket. Our results suggest that selectivity is related to constraints that potential ligands encounter on their way from the surface of the protein to their final position at the pocket bottom. Tomographic docking helps develop specific hypotheses about ligand binding, distinguishing binders from non-binders, and suggests that binding is a three-step mechanism, consisting of engagement with a niche in the back wall of the pocket, interaction with a molecular filter which allows or precludes further descent of ligands, and binding on the pocket base. Only molecules that are able to descend the pocket and bind at its base allow the co-receptor IAA7 to bind on the complex, thus behaving as active auxins. Analyzing the interactions at different depths, our new method helps in identifying critical residues that constitute preferred future study targets and in the quest for safe and effective herbicides. Also, it has the potential to extend the utility of docking from ligand searches to the study of processes contributing to selectivity.
Determinants of loan demand in agriculture: empirical evidence from Germany
Authors: Fecke Wilm , Feil Jan-Henning , Musshoff Oliver
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the influencing factors of loan demand in agriculture. With the structural changes that agriculture is undergoing and the accordingly higher financing requirements and volumes, the analysis of loan demand in agriculture is of particular interest.

Design/methodology/approach

Detailed actual loan data at farm level, which is provided by a major German development bank for the agricultural sector, is used for the analysis. The data set covers the period from 2010 to 2014 and consists of 68,430 observations. Due to the data structure, an ordinary least square regression is conducted with the loan amount as the dependent variable. Many explanatory variables are included, such as the interest rate, the intended use of the loan, grace periods, the gross value added (GVA) and the business climate index for agriculture.

Findings

Amongst others, the authors find that interest rate, GVA, grace periods and farmers’ business expectations have significant effects on the loan demand in agriculture. According to the results, the interest rate has a significant negative effect, whereas the granted grace periods, the GVA in agriculture and farmers’ business expectations have significant positive effects on the loan demand.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the determinants of loan demand in agriculture in a developed country by using unique and comprehensive data at loan and farm level. Amongst others, elasticities of loan demand in agriculture are determined.
Measuring Business Process Management using business process orientation and process improvement initiatives
Authors: Nadarajah Devika , Syed A. Kadir Sharifah Latifah
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Past research examining Business Process Management (BPM) mainly focussed on either process alignment, business process orientation (BPO) or process improvement initiative (PII) constructs. However, based on the definition of BPM by Zairi (1997) and Lee and Dale (1998), BPM comprises all the elements of process alignment, BPO and PII. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to present a total view of measuring BPM through combining BPO and PIIs.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research technique was applied for this study. The study was carried out in Malaysia. Close-ended survey instrument was administered to a large number of organisations.

Findings

The findings revealed that the elements of BPM cover both process management as well as process improvements.

Originality/value

The findings from this study is important for practitioners to regard continuous improvement as a component of BPM practice.
Operations strategy: a firm boundary-based perspective
Authors: Fiorentino Raffaele
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a firm boundary perspective of operations strategy linking strategic management and business process management.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant operations strategy, business process management and boundary perspective literature is reviewed and critically assessed in order to advance a firm boundary-based approach to operations strategy. Within this perspective, a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional framework is provided with the objective of supporting the process of operations strategy formulation and implementation.

Findings

The boundary perspective has the potential to inform a wide range of operations strategies. Strategic management of operations should be increasingly based on boundary operations. The proposed framework clarifies that the adoption of a spanning boundary perspective should improve the operations strategy process and content.

Practical implications

This paper offers implications of interest to managers, noting that the adoption of a new perspective in operations strategy should contribute to innovation in operations strategy development and implementation. Specifically, the framework suggests models and tools useful to support the spanning boundary perspective.

Originality/value

This paper allows operations and process management scholars to focus on key phenomena, such as boundary management. At the same time, the framework responds to the needs of managers who are engaged in operations management for a new perspective that can assist in the strategic management of operations.
Analysis of preferred customer enablers from supplier’s perspective
Authors: C.V. Sunil Kumar , Routroy Srikanta
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, rank, classify and establish the structural relationships between the preferred customer enablers (PCEs). This analysis would assist a manufacturer in selectively exercising the PCEs and effectively run-through the concept of reverse marketing in the buyer-supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, the interpretive structure modelling and Fuzzy Matriced’ Impacts Croisés Appliquée á un Classement methods are used to analyze and structurally relate the PCEs for Indian automotive component manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the structural relationships among the PCEs were confirmed by applying a Student’st-test.

Findings

The classification of PCEs through driver dependence diagrams, structural digraphs of PCEs and statistical significance of the relationships between the PCEs are the main outcomes of this study. Further, certain PCEs (under supplier interest and common interest domains) were recommended in the Indian manufacturing environment to broadly control and monitor for achieving the preferred customer status (PCS).

Research limitations/implications

The current study provides certain basis for a manufacturer to selectively emphasize and monitor the right PCEs and in turn effectively achieve the PCS from its key suppliers. The findings from the current analysis are more applicable in the context of Indian automotive component manufacturing industry.

Practical implications

The outcomes from the methodology would provide a basis for a manufacturer to develop the right strategies to become a preferred supply chain partner.

Originality/value

Even though the concept of PCS or reverse marketing can make remarkable impact on the business practices, it has been an ignored topic of research and its practice has been passively prophesied. In this regard, the current study could be a worthy addition toward the practice of preferred customer concept.
Competitive intelligence, knowledge management and coopetition
Authors: Chevallier Christine , Laarraf Zouhair , Lacam Jean Sébastien , Miloudi Anthony , Salvetat David
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Competitive intelligence (CI) includes all the information and knowledge in a business. It enables the creation, perpetuation and transmission of knowledge coming from markets and corporate stakeholders. Therefore, it seems appropriate to consider the following question: what are the levers of a CI process on knowledge management in a coopetitive context? The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this question, the authors conducted an empirical study with a sample of 153 high-tech firms in Europe.

Findings

The results identify four business groups according to levels of monitoring and cooperation between firms, and three types of supervision in business networks.

Originality/value

This paper brings together the concepts of knowledge management and CI within firms that have adopted a coopetitive behaviour.
Impact of the methods of groundwater access on irrigation and crop yield in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wang Jinxia , Zhang Guangsheng , Huang Qiuqiong
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is: to track the methods by which farmers access groundwater for irrigation in the North China Plain (NCP); to explore whether climate factors influence farmers’ decisions on the methods of groundwater access for irrigation; and to examine whether the amount of groundwater use for irrigation and crop yield systematically differ across groups of farmers using various methods of groundwater access, and how climate factors affect them.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive statistical analysis and econometric models are used on household survey data collected over several years and county-level climate data.

Findings

Over the past few decades, a significant share of farmers have switched the methods of groundwater access from collective tubewells to own tubewells or groundwater markets. Farmers who bought water from groundwater markets applied less water to wheat plots than those who had their own tubewells. However, wheat yield was not negatively affected. Both average climate conditions and long-term variations were found to be related to farmers’ choice of methods of groundwater access for irrigation. More frequent droughts and increasingly volatile temperatures both increased the likelihood of farmers gaining groundwater irrigation from markets.

Originality/value

The analysis results suggest farmers are using groundwater markets to help them adapt to climate change. Applying empirical analysis to identify the impact of the methods by which farmers access groundwater for irrigation on the amount of groundwater use and crop yield will help policy makers design reasonable adaptation policies for the NCP.