bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The configurational entropy of mixing of metastable random solid solution in complex multicomponent alloys
Authors: He Q. F. , Ye Y. F. , Yang Y.
Published: October 2016

Since the advent of “high-entropy” alloys, the simple ideal mixing rule has been commonly used to calculate the configurational entropy of mixing for these multicomponent alloys. However, there have been increasing experimental evidence reported recently showing that the ideal mixing rule tends to overestimate the configurational entropy of mixing in the multicomponent alloys, particularly at a low temperature. In contrast to the ideal mixing rule, here we provide a formula to assess the configurational entropy of mixing in random solid-solution multicomponent alloys by considering the possible correlations among the constituent elements due to various factors, such as atomic size misfit and chemic bond misfit, which may disturb the potential energy of the system and thus reduce the configurational entropy of mixing. With our entropy formulation, the correlation is explored between the configuration entropy of mixing of different alloys and the general character of the phases formed, such as single- or multiple-phased crystalline phase versus amorphous phase. Being in good agreement with the simulation and experimental results, our work provides an analytical framework that could be further used to explore phase stability in complex multicomponent alloys.
Oxygen vacancy-induced ferromagnetism in Bi4NdTi3FeO15 multiferroic ceramics
Authors: Zhang Dalong , Feng Lei , Huang Weichuan , Zhao Wenbo , Chen Zhiwei , Li Xiaoguang
Published: October 2016

Layered Aurivillius compounds with multiferroic properties have attracted much attention due to their rich fundamental physics and great application potential. However, the ferroelectric and magnetic properties are different for these compounds with different synthesis conditions. In this paper, we investigate the structure, ferroelectricity, and magnetism of four-layer Aurivillius-phase multiferroic Bi4NdTi3FeO15. The four-layer structure is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The ferroelectricity together with dielectric constant can be reduced by vacuum-annealing treatment due to the increase of oxygen vacancy concentration. More interestingly, the ferromagnetism is strongly enhanced by vacuum-annealing and can be obviously suppressed after re-oxidization, which may be associated with Fe3+-O-Fe2+ coupling originated from the variable valence state of Fe with different oxidization conditions. These findings indicate that oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in the ferroelectric and magnetic properties in Aurivillius compounds synthesized by different conditions.
Boost in room temperature thermoelectric performance of PbSe:Alx through band modification and low densification
Authors: Gayner Chhatrasal , Sharma Raghunandan , Das Malay K. , Kar Kamal K.
Published: October 2016

Optimization of the transport properties of PbSe to maximize its thermoelectric performance at room temperature has been achieved through a combination of elemental doping and low densification. Al doped PbSe (PbSe:Alx; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) with both lattice substitutional (Pb site) and interstitial occupation has been synthesized through solid state reaction. High Seebeck coefficient of ∼300 to 400 μV/K is noticed at 300 to 500 K. This, combined with the lower thermal conductivity of ∼1.20 W/m K, provides an improved ZT value as high as ∼0.67 at 300 K to the PbSe:Alx Also, by substituting Al in PbSe, maximum power factors of ∼20 to 26.6 μW/cm K2 at 310 K are produced. The high room temperature thermoelectric performance of PbSe:Alx has been attributed to the mix contribution of the Al impurity states and the low densification. The strategy may be utilized to cost effective development of the low working temperature thermoelectric devices.
Resonance fluorescence from a telecom-wavelength quantum dot
Authors: Al-Khuzheyri R. , Dada A. C. , Huwer J. , Santana T. S. , Skiba-Szymanska J. , Felle M. , Ward M. B. , Stevenson R. M. , Farrer I. , Tanner M. G. , Hadfield R. H. , Ritchie D. A. , Shields A. J. , Gerardot B. D.
Published: October 2016

We report on resonance fluorescence from a single quantum dot emitting at telecom wavelengths. We perform high-resolution spectroscopy and observe the Mollow triplet in the Rabi regime—a hallmark of resonance fluorescence. The measured resonance-fluorescence spectra allow us to rule out pure dephasing as a significant decoherence mechanism in these quantum dots. Combined with numerical simulations, the experimental results provide robust characterisation of charge noise in the environment of the quantum dot. Resonant control of the quantum dot opens up new possibilities for the on-demand generation of indistinguishable single photons at telecom wavelengths as well as quantum optics experiments and direct manipulation of solid-state qubits in telecom-wavelength quantum dots.
Comparison of dynamic properties of InP/InAs quantum-dot and quantum-dash lasers
Authors: Sadeev T. , Arsenijević D. , Bimberg D.
Published: October 2016

The dynamic properties of MOVPE grown InP/InAs quantum-dot and quantum-dash lasers, showing identical structural design, emitting in the C-band are investigated and compared to each other. Based on the small-signal measurements, we show the impact of the density of states function on the cut-off frequency, being larger for quantum dots at low currents, and reaching similar values for quantum dashes only at higher currents. The large-signal measurements show error-free data transmission at 22.5 and 17.5 Gbit/s for the quantum-dot and quantum-dash lasers.
A passive DC current sensing methodology
Authors: Wang Dong F. , Liu Huan , Li Xiaodong , Li Yang , Xian Weikang
Published: October 2016

This paper proposes a method for passive sensing a two-wire DC current without using any cord separator. In this method, a piezoelectric thin-film cantilever with a micro-magnet on its end is positioned near a power cord. The DC current in the power cord induces a magnetic field, which generates a magnetic force acting on the micro-magnet. Consequently, the piezoelectric cantilever is bent and induces an output voltage that is sensitive to small variations of DC currents. A prototype device has been fabricated and experimentally studied. It was found that the initial peak amplitude of the piezoelectric output voltage increases linearly with the DC current value upon “ON-OFF” switching. Compared to the Hall-effect based sensing, this method has the advantages of no need of driving voltage or cord separators even for two-wire appliance cords. Apart from the conventional consumer electronics, this method may have a wide application foreground in the new emerging fields, such as energy vehicles, lithium ion battery, or smart power grid.
Responses by hospital complaints managers to recommendations for systemic reforms by health complaints commissions
Authors: Smith-Merry Jennifer , Walton Merrilyn , Healy Judith , Hobbs Coletta
Published: October 2016

Objective This paper explores how hospital complaints managers react to recommendations for systemic quality reforms by health complaints commissions in response to complaints by patients in Queensland and New South Wales. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with complaints managers in 17 hospitals. Interview transcripts were then thematically analysed and data on responses to health complaint commissions was organised in relation to Valerie Braithwaite’s typology of motivational postures. Results Respondents supported involvement by an independent authority where patients had serious complaints about the services they received in hospital, but wanted more negotiation with commissions on service improvement recommendations. Conclusions Hospital complaints managers mostly responded as virtuous or rational actors to the symbolic power of complaints commissions. This may be context dependent because Australian health commissions operate within a pro-reform context as a result of recent publicity around health system failures. What is known about the topic? Little is known about regulatory relationships between complaints commissions and hospitals. There has been no Australian research considering how complaints managers respond to commission recommendations for quality improvements and reforms to hospital services. What does the paper add? The paper uses a novel theoretical framework based on regulatory theory to understand and describe the reactions of complaints managers to commission recommendations. What are the implications for practitioners? Commissions should seek commentary from complaints managers through open dialogue before making final recommendations. This will ease the progress of reforms and make recommendations more acceptable and ‘genuine’ in the specific context of the hospital.
The ETH field phenotyping platform FIP: a cable-suspended multi-sensor system
Authors: Kirchgessner Norbert , Liebisch Frank , Yu Kang , Pfeifer Johannes , Friedli Michael , Hund Andreas , Walter Achim
Published: October 2016

Crop phenotyping is a major bottleneck in current plant research. Field-based high-throughput phenotyping platforms are an important prerequisite to advance crop breeding. We developed a cable-suspended field phenotyping platform covering an area of ~1 ha. The system operates from 2 to 5 m above the canopy, enabling a high image resolution. It can carry payloads of up to 12 kg and can be operated under adverse weather conditions. This ensures regular measurements throughout the growing period even during cold, windy and moist conditions. Multiple sensors capture the reflectance spectrum, temperature, height or architecture of the canopy. Monitoring from early development to maturity at high temporal resolution allows the determination of dynamic traits and their correlation to environmental conditions throughout the entire season. We demonstrate the capabilities of the system with respect to monitoring canopy cover, canopy height and traits related to thermal and multi-spectral imaging by selected examples from winter wheat, maize and soybean. The system is discussed in the context of other, recently established field phenotyping approaches; such as ground-operating or aerial vehicles, which impose traffic on the field or require a higher distance to the canopy.
The seed-borne Southern bean mosaic virus hinders the early events of nodulation and growth in Rhizobium-inoculated Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: López Mariadaniela , Muñoz Nacira , Lascano Hernan Ramiro , Izaguirre-Mayoral María Luisa
Published: October 2016

To simulate seed-borne virus transmission, a noninvasive protocol was designed to infect the radicle of germinating seeds, with 100% effectiveness. Preinfection of 24-h-old black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) radicles by Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) followed by Rhizobium inoculation 48 h later caused a drastic reduction in root nodulation. Results were attributed to active virus replication within the elongating zone of the radicle at least 32 h before Rhizobium inoculation, which elicited severe anatomical malformations; an abnormal accumulation of apoplastic reactive oxygen species in the rhizodermis, cortex, inner cortical and endodermic root cells; the formation of atypical root hair tips and the collapse of 94% of the root hairs in the SBMV-preinfected radicles. Adult SBMV-preinfected plants showed exacerbated virus symptoms and 80% growth reduction ascribed to major virus-induced ultrastructural alterations in the nodules. The accumulation of ureides, α−amino acids and total reducing sugars in the leaves and nodules of SBMV-preinfected plants are indicators of the hindering effects of SBMV infection on N2 fixation and ureide catabolism, causing N starvation. The exogenous addition of 1 or 4 μM naringenin, genistein or daidzein did not counteract the deleterious effects of SBMV preinfection on nodulation.
Inositol polyphosphates intersect with signaling and metabolic networks via two distinct mechanisms
Authors: Wu Mingxuan , Chong Lucy S. , Perlman David H. , Resnick Adam C. , Fiedler Dorothea
Published: October 2016

Significance

Inositol polyphosphates and pyrophosphates are ubiquitous eukaryotic messengers and are involved in numerous cellular processes, including insulin signaling and cell migration. Nevertheless, annotation of the specific signaling events underlying these processes has been stymied by the lack of suitable tools. By applying chemically synthesized affinity reagents, we comprehensively annotated inositol polyphosphate binding proteins in the model organism
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, revealing a role for these molecules in nucleotide metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and phosphorylation-based signaling. Furthermore, the reagents enabled the magnesium-dependent isolation of targets of protein pyrophosphorylation, a posttranslational modification mediated by the inositol pyrophosphates. The protein targets are diverse in function and highlight the complex regulation of cellular signaling and metabolic networks by inositol pyrophosphates.
Corrosion-fatigue testing of Ni-based superalloy RR1000
Authors: Child D. J. , Meldrum J. , Onwuarolu P.
Published: October 2016

Operation of gas turbines at high temperatures can lead to corrosion of turbine materials. A programme was designed to understand the corrosion-fatigue behaviour of two grain size variants of RR1000 under cyclic loading at elevated.

Tests were conducted on cylindrical specimens under a range of loading conditions. Results indicated that salted specimens tested in air-SO x had shorter fatigue lives than unsalted specimens tested in air, and this deficit was dependent on stress and/or test duration. Examination of specimens showed that the extent of corrosion was dependent on exposure time and stress. Additional salt loading resulted in faster initial pit growth which led to lower fatigue lives at higher stresses.

This paper is part of a thematic issue on the 9th International Charles Parsons Turbine and Generator Conference. All papers have been revised and extended before publication in Materials Science and Technology.
Walleye Population and Fishery Responses after Elimination of Legal Harvest on Escanaba Lake, Wisconsin
Authors: Haglund Justin M. , Isermann Daniel A. , Sass Greg G.
Published: October 2016

Implementing harvest regulations to eliminate or substantially reduce (≥90%) the exploitation of Walleyes Sander vitreus in recreational fisheries may increase population size structure, but these measures also could reduce angler effort because many Walleye anglers are harvest oriented. We analyzed data collected during 1995–2015 to determine whether Walleye population and fishery metrics in Escanaba Lake, Wisconsin, changed after a minimum TL limit of 71 cm with a one-fish daily bag limit was implemented in 2003. This change eliminated the legal harvest of Walleyes after several decades during which annual exploitation averaged 34%. We detected a significant increase in the loge density of adult females after the regulation change, but the loge density of all adults and adult males did not differ between periods. Mean TL of adult males was significantly greater after the regulation change, but the mean TL of females and the proportional size distribution of preferred-length fish (≥51 cm TL) were similar between periods. Sex-specific mean TLs at age 5 did not differ between periods. Loge density of age-0 Walleyes did not change after 2003, but variation in age-0 density was lower. Total angler effort and the effort for anglers targeting Walleyes were significantly lower (35% and 60% declines, respectively) after the regulation change, whereas catch rates for both angler categories did not differ between periods. Our results suggest that implementing highly restrictive regulations that greatly reduce or eliminate legal harvest will not always increase angler catch rates and population size structure. Highly restrictive regulations may also deter anglers from using a fishery when many other fisheries are available. Our findings are useful for fishery managers who may work with anglers holding the belief that lower exploitation is a potential remedy for low Walleye size structure, even when density and growth suggest that there is limited potential for improvement.

Received December 11, 2015; accepted July 21, 2016 Published online October 20, 2016
A new sarasinoside congener, sarasinoside M2, from a marine sponge collected in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Puilingi Clyde Gorapava , Kudo Yuta , Cho Yuko , Konoki Keiichi , Yotsu-Yamashita Mari
Published: October 2016

A new sarasinoside congener (sarasinoside M2) and known sarasinoside B1 were obtained from a marine sponge. Sarasinoside M2 was suggested to have the same aglycon as sarasinoside M although the internal glucose in its sugar moiety is replaced by xylose. Sarasinosides B1 and M2 showed moderate cytotoxicity (approximate IC50 5–18 μM) toward Neuro-2a and HepG2 cell lines.
Severe to profound hearing impairment
Authors: Hjaldahl Jennie , Widén Stephen , Carlsson Per-Inge
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine whether various demographic variables are associated with hearing aid (HA) and cochlear implant (CI) use and participation in extended audiological rehabilitation among patients with severe to profound hearing loss (HL), and to compare the use of unilateral and bilateral HAs.

Study design:

Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to analyze general HA use, binaural HA use, CI use and participation in extended audiological rehabilitation. A total of 2297 adult patients from The Swedish Quality Register of Otorhinolaryngology with a PTA4 (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) ≥ 70 dB HL in the better ear were included.

Results:

The degree of HL was associated with HA and CI use and participation in extended audiological rehabilitation. The patients with at least a college degree were more likely to use bilateral HAs, have a CI and participate in audiological rehabilitation, compared with those with elementary school education. The sex distribution was evenly divided, but the men indicated a lower level of participation in extended audiological rehabilitation. No significant associations where found for sex and HA or CI use.

Conclusion:

The degree of HL was the strongest factor associated with the use of HAs, CI and extended audiological rehabilitation among the patients.
CD44: a novel synaptic cell adhesion molecule regulating structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines
Authors: Roszkowska Matylda , Skupien Anna , Wójtowicz Tomasz , Konopka Anna , Gorlewicz Adam , Kisiel Magdalena , Bekisz Marek , Ruszczycki Blazej , Dolezyczek Hubert , Rejmak Emilia , Knapska Ewelina , Mozrzymas Jerzy W. , Wlodarczyk Jakub , Wilczynski Grzegorz M. , Dzwonek Joanna
Published: October 2016

Synaptic cell adhesion molecules regulate signal transduction, synaptic function, and plasticity. However, their role in neuronal interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) is not well understood. Here we report that the CD44, a transmembrane receptor for hyaluronan, modulates synaptic plasticity. High-resolution ultrastructural analysis showed that CD44 was localized at mature synapses in the adult brain. The reduced expression of CD44 affected the synaptic excitatory transmission of primary hippocampal neurons, simultaneously modifying dendritic spine shape. The frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents decreased, accompanied by dendritic spine elongation and thinning. These structural and functional alterations went along with a decrease in the number of presynaptic Bassoon puncta, together with a reduction of PSD-95 levels at dendritic spines, suggesting a reduced number of functional synapses. Lack of CD44 also abrogated spine head enlargement upon neuronal stimulation. Moreover, our results indicate that CD44 contributes to proper dendritic spine shape and function by modulating the activity of actin cytoskeleton regulators, that is, Rho GTPases (RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42). Thus CD44 appears to be a novel molecular player regulating functional and structural plasticity of dendritic spines.
Competing controllers and agreement potential
Authors: Chumakina Marina , Bond Oliver
Published: October 2016

Archi presents a number of challenging problems for syntactic theory as a result of the (semi-)predictable non-uniformity within the agreement system. An adequate model must account for the behaviour of atypical controllers of agreement, such as coordinated noun phrases and other controllers capable of triggering semantic (rather than syntactic) agreement. Additional challenges are introduced by biabsolutive constructions in which there is more than one possible absolutive candidate as the controller for agreement. In such cases different agreement targets within an apparently monoclausal structure may be controlled by absolutive arguments with different grammatical functions. Variability is also encountered by virtue of differences in the agreement potential of items within a lexical class. This poses a particular problem for theories of syntax which assume that the agreement potential of lexical items is determined by their position in syntactic structure rather than lexically or morphologically determined properties of the word form.
Prosodic characteristics of Reference French
Authors: Astésano Corine
Published: October 2016

After a brief overview of the phonological and physical parameters of prosody and its main functions in language, this chapter presents the French prosodic system and its specificities with regard to other languages. The French accentuation system, phonetic characteristics of accentuation, and prosodic phrasing are presented in a metrical-descriptive framework, with explicit reference to the tight relationship between accentuation and constituency. This chapter also addresses the issue of the phonological status of accentuation in French. Phonostylistic prosodic variation is discussed with reference to the PFC corpus and the chapter provides the reader with a simple technique to perceptually locate independent, relevant prosodic cues in the corpus. The chapter concludes that comparing laboratory speech models with more spontaneous speech styles is a necessary step to refining those prosodic primitives and applying speech technologies, such as tools for automatic detection of prosodic events, to large corpora.
Syntactic variation in spoken French
Authors: Rossi-Gensane Nathalie
Published: October 2016

This chapter is dedicated to the syntax of spoken French. Section 1, which focuses on ‘orality’, presents some phenomena related to ‘oral’ situational parameters with reference to spoken French: speech production processes, ‘ellipsis’, the use of deictics, and discourse markers. Section 2 considers whether we speak in sentences or not, and examines the use of tenses, moods, and voices in spoken French, the frequent non-use of negative ne, as well as the use of interrogative constructions. Section 3, entitled ‘Between syntax and discourse’, evokes the so-called ‘syntax of spoken French’, and mentions some preferred constructions in spoken French, i.e. left detachment (or dislocation) and presentational structures, before closing with a brief reflection on whether spoken French can be considered as an illustration of syntactic variation.
Variation in Louisiana
Authors: Dajko Nathalie , Blainey Darcie
Published: October 2016

Louisiana French displays a good deal of regional variation. This chapter compares the speech of a Ville Platte (Evangeline Parish) native with that of a Golden Meadow (Lafourche Parish) native. The analysis highlights important differences between the two regions, as well as nonstandard features common to both areas. While both parishes attest such features as pronunciation of /h/, alternation of /s/ and /ʃ/, and an extension of liaison to contexts not found in Metropolitan French, our speakers diverge in their use of such items as third-person plural subject pronouns (ils vs eusse), and affrication of /t/ and /d/ (found only in Ville Platte). In many cases, features are variable, and our speakers differ only in the rate at which they use a trait.
Biophysical Causality and Environmental Preference Elicitation: Evaluating the Validity of Welfare Analysis over Intermediate Outcomes
Authors: Johnston Robert J. , Schultz Eric T. , Segerson Kathleen , Besedin Elena Y. , Ramachandran Mahesh
Published: October 2016

Stated preference scenarios often describe outcomes to be valued in terms of intermediate biophysical processes or ecosystem services with indirect utility effects, rather than in terms of final, directly welfare‐relevant consequences. This article evaluates whether valid welfare estimates can emerge from this practice. We begin with a theoretical model demonstrating conditions under which stated preference scenarios that include intermediate outcomes will elicit welfare estimates identical to those from parallel scenarios that include associated final outcomes (i.e., convergent validity will hold). The model demonstrates that a necessary condition for convergent validity is the ability of respondents to correctly predict biophysical production functions linking intermediate to final outcomes. Hypotheses from the theoretical model are then evaluated empirically using an application of choice experiments to migratory fish restoration in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Empirical results are mixed but generally reject convergent validity; welfare estimates are not robust to the use of an intermediate outcome in lieu of a related final outcome in stated preference scenarios, as predicted by theory. Results of the analysis suggest that greater attention should be given to the reliability of welfare estimation when final outcomes cannot be quantified.
Mortality Following Surgical Management of Vancouver B Periprosthetic Fractures
Authors: Gitajn Ida Leah , Heng Marilyn , Weaver Michael J. , Casemyr Natalie , May Collin , Vrahas Mark S. , Harris Mitchel B.
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The goals of this study are to evaluate mortality after Vancouver B periprosthetic fractures and determine predictors of mortality; compare mortality among patients with loose femoral stems treated with revision arthroplasty versus fixation alone; compare mortality among patients with radiographically “indeterminate” fractures treated with revision or fixation; and evaluate the rate of return to surgery for patients who underwent revision compared with fixation.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Three academic level 1 trauma centers.

Patients/Participants:

Two hundred three patients treated for Vancouver B periprosthetic fractures.

Intervention:

N/A.

Main Outcome Measurements:

The primary outcome measure was mortality. The secondary outcome measure was reoperation because of infection, failure of fixation, dislocation, or other mechanical failure.

Results:

Overall 1-year survival was 87% and 5-year survival was 54%. Among patients with loose femoral stems, there was no significant difference with regard to survival between patients treated with fracture fixation or revision arthroplasty (1-year survival 83% vs. 85%, 5-year survival 41% vs. 58%). Among patients whose radiographs were classified as indeterminate, there was no significant difference between patients treated with fracture fixation alone or revision arthroplasty. There was no significant difference between total reoperation rates between the two groups (11% vs. 16%).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that there is no discernible survival benefit to treating patients with periprosthetic fractures with either revision arthroplasty or fixation alone. Therefore, from a mortality perspective, when faced with Vancouver B periprosthetic fractures, the orthopaedic surgeon should feel comfortable performing the type of intervention he/she is most proficient to perform.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Exploring Spirituality Among African American Women
Authors: Conway-Phillips Regina , Janusek Linda Witek
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain understanding of the definition, meaning, and function of spirituality to African American women. Four categories emerged that add insight for nurses to develop innovative spiritual-based strategies to promote African American women's positive health behaviors. Implications for promoting breast health behaviors are described.
MULTIMODALITY IMAGING OF TORPEDO MACULOPATHY WITH SWEPT-SOURCE, EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Papastefanou Vasilios P. , Vázquez-Alfageme Clara , Keane Pearse A. , Sagoo Mandeep S.
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

Multimodality image analysis of two cases of torpedo maculopathy.

Methods:

Imaging with fundus photography, autofluorescence (AF), swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), en face OCT, and OCT angiography.

Results:

The basal diameter of the torpedo lesions was 1 mm × 2 mm. One case had a satellite lesion. Autofluorescence indicated variable loss of signal. Swept-source OCT and en face OCT demonstrated fundus excavation, attenuation of nuclear layers and disruption of the outer plexiform layer, loss of photoreceptors and a subretinal cleft. In one case, Sattler layer appeared extended at the cleft. Optical coherence tomography angiography indicated loss of flow in deep retinal vessels and increased flow in choroidal vessels surrounding the cleft.

Conclusion:

Multimodal imaging findings of torpedo maculopathy include disruption of the deep retinal capillary network, expansion of Sattler layer, and increased signal around the subretinal cleft.
PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION AFTER COSMETIC FILLER INJECTION
Authors: Sridhar Jayanth , Shahlaee Abtin , Shieh Wen-Shi , Rahimy Ehsan
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To report a single case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy in association with retinal artery occlusion in the setting of ipsilateral facial cosmetic filler injection.

Methods:

Case report.

Patient:

A 35-year-old woman presenting with sudden vision loss to finger count vision immediately after left nasal fat pad cosmetic filler injection.

Results:

Dilated funduscopic examination revealed a swollen optic disc with multiple branch arterial occlusions with visible embolic material. Fluorescein angiography confirmed multiple branch arterial occlusions in addition to a focal choroidal infarction in the macula. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed middle retinal hyperreflectivity in the superotemporal macula consistent with paracentral acute middle maculopathy. En face optical coherence tomography demonstrated a superotemporal area of whitening at the level of the deep capillary plexus corresponding to the paracentral acute middle maculopathy lesion seen on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. On twelve-month follow-up, final visual acuity was 20/100 due to optic neuropathy.

Conclusion:

Emboli from cosmetic facial filler injections may rarely result in ipsilateral arterial occlusions and now have a novel association with paracentral acute middle maculopathy likely due to deep capillary plexus feeder vessel occlusion.
Short-Term and Long-Term Changes in Corneal Power Are Not Correlated With Axial Elongation of the Eye Induced by Orthokeratology in Children
Authors: Santodomingo-Rubido Jacinto , Villa-Collar César , Gilmartin Bernard , Gutiérrez-Ortega Ramón
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To assess the relationship between short-term and long-term changes in power at different corneal locations relative to the change in central corneal power and the 2-year change in axial elongation relative to baseline in children fitted with orthokeratology contact lenses (OK).

Methods:

Thirty-one white European subjects 6 to 12 years of age and with myopia −0.75 to −4.00 DS and astigmatism ≤1.00 DC were fitted with OK. Differences in refractive power 3 and 24 months post-OK in comparison with baseline and relative to the change in central corneal power were determined from corneal topography data in eight different corneal regions (i.e., N[nasal]1, N2, T[temporal]1, T2, I[inferior]1, I2, S[superior]1, S2), and correlated with OK-induced axial length changes at two years relative to baseline.

Results:

After 2 years of OK lens wear, axial length increased by 0.48±0.18 mm (P<0.001), which corresponded to an increase of 1.94±0.74% ([2-years change in axial length/baseline axial length]×100). However, the change in axial elongation in comparison with baseline was not significantly correlated with changes in corneal power induced by OK relative to baseline for any of the corneal regions assessed (allP>0.05).

Conclusion:

The reduction in central corneal power and relative increase in paracentral and pericentral power induced by OK over 2 years were not significantly correlated with concurrent changes in axial length of white European children.
Prenatal Major Depressive Disorder, Placenta Glucocorticoid and Serotonergic Signaling, and Infant Cortisol Response
Authors: Stroud Laura R. , Papandonatos George D. , Parade Stephanie H. , Salisbury Amy L. , Phipps Maureen G. , Lester Barry M. , Padbury James F. , Marsit Carmen J.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Extending prior studies of prenatal adversity and depressive symptoms, we tested associations between maternal prenatal major depressive disorder (MDD) and infant cortisol regulation. Based on prior findings by our group, we also tested placenta glucocorticoid (HSD11B2 methylation) and serotonin (SLC6A4 gene expression) signaling as moderators of links between prenatal MDD and infant cortisol.

Methods

Participants were 153 mother-infant pairs from a low-income, diverse sample (M [SD] age = 26 [6] years). Repeated structured diagnostic interviews were used to identify mothers with (a) prenatal MDD, (b) preconception-only MDD, and (c) controls. Placenta samples were assayed for HSD11B2 methylation and SLC6A4 gene expression. Infant salivary cortisol response to a neurobehavioral examination was assessed at 1 month.

Results

Daughters of prenatal MDD mothers had 51% higher baseline (ratio = 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–2.27; p = .045) and 64% higher stress responsive cortisol (ratio = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.05–2.56; p = .03) than daughters of controls and 75% higher stress-responsive cortisol (ratio = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.04–2.94; p = .04) than daughters of preconception-only MDD mothers. HSD11B2 methylation moderated links between prenatal MDD and baseline cortisol (p = .02), with 1% methylation decreases associated with 9% increased baseline cortisol in infants of prenatal MDD mothers (ratio = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.01–1.16). SLC6A4 expression moderated links between prenatal MDD and cortisol response among boys alone (p = .007), with 10-fold increases in expression associated with threefold increases in stress-responsive cortisol (ratio = 2.87; 95% CI = 1.39–5.93) in sons of control mothers.

Conclusions

Results highlight specificity of associations between prenatal versus preconception MDD and cortisol regulation and the importance and complexity of placenta glucocorticoid and serotonergic pathways underlying the intergenerational transmission of risk from maternal adversity.
Maternal History of Childhood Abuse and Risk of Asthma and Allergy in 2-Year-Old Children
Authors: Tomfohr-Madsen Lianne M. , Bayrampour Hamideh , Tough Suzanne
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Exposure to child abuse (CA) is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma and allergies; it is unknown if that risk is present across generations. This study investigated if 2-year-old children born to mothers with a history of CA were at an increased risk of receiving a diagnosis of asthma or allergies.

Methods

Data from 1,551 participants were collected as part of the All Our Babies (AOB) study, a prospective pregnancy cohort. During pregnancy, each woman provided information about her own history of CA, and at 24 months postpartum, she provided information about her child's medical diagnoses. Symptoms of maternal depression and anxiety were assessed during pregnancy and at 24 months postpartum.

Results

Unadjusted models showed that compared to children born to mothers without a history of CA, 2-year-old children born to mothers with a history of CA were more likely to have had a diagnosis of asthma (7.4% vs 4.2%,p= .016) or allergy (15.6% vs 9.2%,p< .001). Maternal symptoms of depression assessed in late pregnancy and symptoms of depression and anxiety at 24 months postpartum were significant mediators of the relationship between maternal CA and 2-year-old asthma diagnosis. Maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety assessed in late pregnancy were also significant mediators of the relationship between maternal CA and 2-year-old allergy diagnosis.

Conclusions

The results indicate that maternal exposure to CA is associated with increased risk of asthma and allergy in their 2-year-old children; symptoms of maternal depression and anxiety were identified as pathways linking the variables.
Climate change promotes hybridisation between deeply divergent species
Authors: Canestrelli Daniele , Bisconti Roberta , Chiocchio Andrea , Maiorano Luigi , Zampiglia Mauro , Nascetti Giuseppe
Published: October 2016

Rare hybridisations between deeply divergent animal species have been reported for decades in a wide range of taxa, but have often remained unexplained, mainly considered chance events and reported as anecdotal. Here, we combine field observations with long-term data concerning natural hybridizations, climate, land-use, and field-validated species distribution models for two deeply divergent and naturally sympatric toad species in Europe(Bufo bufoandBufotes viridisspecies groups). We show that climate warming and seasonal extreme temperatures are conspiring to set the scene for these maladaptive hybridisations, by differentially affecting life-history traits of both species. Our results identify and provide evidence of an ultimate cause for such events, and reveal that the potential influence of climate change on interspecific hybridisations goes far beyond closely related species. Furthermore, climate projections suggest that the chances for these events will steadily increase in the near future.
SimTracker tool and code template to design, manage and analyze neural network model simulations in parallel NEURON
Authors: Bezaire Marianne J. , Raikov Ivan , Burk kelly , Armstrong Caren , Soltesz Ivan
Published: October 2016

Advances in technical computing enable larger and more detailed neural models that can incorporate ever more of the rapidly expanding body of quantitative neuroscience data. In principle, such complex network models that are strongly constrained by experimental data could direct experimental research and provide novel insights into experimental observations. However, as network models grow in complexity and scale, the necessary tasks of development and organization become unwieldy. Further, the models risk becoming inaccessible to experimentalists and other modelers, and their results may then be seen as less relevant to experimental work. To address these obstacles, we developed a tool for managing simulations called SimTracker. It supports users at each step of the modeling process, including execution of large scale parallel models on supercomputers. SimTracker is suitable for users with a range of modeling experience. SimTracker can be a valuable modeling resource that promotes iterative progress between experiment and model.
De-novoemergence and template switching of SINE retroposons during the early evolution of passerine birds
Authors: Suh Alexander , Bachg Sandra , Donnellan Stephen , Joseph Leo , Brosius Jürgen , Kriegs Jan Ole , Schmitz Jürgen
Published: October 2016

Passeriformes (“perching birds” or passerines) make up more than half of all extant bird species. Here, we resolve their deep phylogenetic relationships using presence/absence patterns of short interspersed elements (SINEs), a group of retroposons which is abundant in mammalian genomes but considered largely inactive in avian genomes. The resultant retroposon-based phylogeny provides a powerful and independent corroboration of previous indications derived from sequence-based analyses. Notably, SINE activity began in the common ancestor of Eupasseres (passerines excl. the New Zealand wrens Acanthisittidae) and ceased before the rapid diversification of oscine passerines (songbirds). Furthermore, we find evidence for very recent SINE activity within suboscine passerines, following the emergence of a SINE via acquisition of a different tRNA head as we suggest through template switching. We propose that the early evolution of passerines was unusual among birds in that it was accompanied by activity of SINEs. Their genomic and transcriptomic impact warrants further study in the light of the massive diversification of passerines.
Pif1-family helicases cooperate to suppress widespread replication fork arrest at tRNA genes
Authors: Osmundson Joseph S. , Kumar Jayashree , Yeung Rani , Smith Duncan J.
Published: October 2016

Saccharomyces cerevisiaeencodes two distinct Pif1-family helicases – Pif1 and Rrm3 – which have been reported to play distinct roles in numerous nuclear processes. Here, we systematically characterize the roles of Pif1 helicases in replisome progression and lagging-strand synthesis inS. cerevisiae. We demonstrate that either Pif1 or Rrm3 redundantly stimulate strand-displacement by DNA polymerase δ during lagging-strand synthesis. By analyzing replisome mobility inpif1andrrm3mutants, we show that Rrm3, with a partially redundant contribution from Pif1, suppresses widespread terminal arrest of the replisome at tRNA genes. Although both head-on and codirectional collisions induce replication fork arrest at tRNA genes, head-on collisions arrest a higher proportion of replisomes; consistent with this observation, we find that head-on collisions between tRNA transcription and replisome progression are under-represented in theS. cerevisiaegenome. Further, we demonstrate that tRNA-mediated arrest is R-loop independent, and propose that replisome arrest and DNA damage are mechanistically separable.
High-throughput allele-specific expression across 250 environmental conditions
Authors: Moyerbrailean Gregory A. , Richards Allison L. , Kurtz Daniel , Kalita Cynthia A. , Davis Gordon O. , Harvey Chris T. , Alazizi Adnan , Watza Donovan , Sorokin Yoram , Hauff Nancy , Zhou Xiang , Wen Xiaoquan , Pique-Regi Roger , Luca Francesca
Published: October 2016

Gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions determine common disease risk factors and biomedically relevant complex traits. However, quantifying how the environment modulates genetic effects on human quantitative phenotypes presents unique challenges. Environmental covariates are complex and difficult to measure and control at the organismal level, as found in GWAS and epidemiological studies. An alternative approach focuses on the cellular environment using in vitro treatments as a proxy for the organismal environment. These cellular environments simplify the organism-level environmental exposures to provide a tractable influence on subcellular phenotypes, such as gene expression. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping studies identified GxE interactions in response to drug treatment and pathogen exposure. However, eQTL mapping approaches are infeasible for large-scale analysis of multiple cellular environments. Recently, allele-specific expression (ASE) analysis emerged as a powerful tool to identify GxE interactions in gene expression patterns by exploiting naturally occurring environmental exposures. Here we characterized genetic effects on the transcriptional response to 50 treatments in five cell types. We discovered 1455 genes with ASE (FDR < 10%) and 215 genes with GxE interactions. We demonstrated a major role for GxE interactions in complex traits. Genes with a transcriptional response to environmental perturbations showed sevenfold higher odds of being found in GWAS. Additionally, 105 genes that indicated GxE interactions (49%) were identified by GWAS as associated with complex traits. Examples includeGIPR–caffeine interaction and obesity and includeLAMP3–selenium interaction and Parkinson disease. Our results demonstrate that comprehensive catalogs of GxE interactions are indispensable to thoroughly annotate genes and bridge epidemiological and genome-wide association studies.
Emerging countries’ country-specific advantages (CSAs) and competitiveness of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs)
Authors: Gugler Philippe
Published: October 2016

Purpose

A significant stream of literature focuses on host countries’ locations when explaining why firms internalize some of their activities in specific countries. At first glance, home location schemes and specificities seem to have attracted less attention in the scientific community. The purpose of this contribution is to provide a literature review linked to the specific issue of emerging countries’ country-specific advantages and the competitiveness of emerging market multinational enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to present the main theoretical developments related to the role of home countries in the internationalization process of domestic firms in general and as far as the home context of emerging countries is concerned.

Findings

A rigorous analysis of the literature shows that theoretical developments and empirical studies on international business do refer explicitly or at least implicitly to the role of home countries in the international expansion of firms.

Originality/value

The value of this review is to develop the main streams of the literature and to serve as a basis for the other contributions published in this area.
The competitiveness of emerging country multinational enterprise
Authors: Buckley Peter J.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a theoretical enquiry into the questions as to whether emerging country multinationals’ competitiveness derives from country-specific advantage (CSA) or firm-specific advantages (FSA). The case of China is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

CSAs and FSAs are examined both in theory and in the specific case of China as explicators of outward foreign direct investment from emerging countries.

Findings

FSAs and CSAs are found to be imprecise explanatory mechanisms to explain the competitiveness of emerging country multinationals. The examination of imperfections in emerging markets and in global markets and the internalisation responses of firms in different contexts is found to be a superior explanation of the financial flows classified as “outward direct investment”.

Originality/value

Internalisation theory requires a focus on mechanisms to convert home country attributes into competitive advantages and suggests that FSAs are context dependent, ephemeral and subject to negation by the competitive actions of rival firms.