bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond packing of hard spheres: The effects of core softness, non-additivity, intermediate-range repulsion, and many-body interactions on the glass-forming ability of bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Zhang Kai , Fan Meng , Liu Yanhui , Schroers Jan , Shattuck Mark D. , O’Hern Corey S.
Published: November 2015

When a liquid is cooled well below its melting temperature at a rate that exceeds the critical cooling rate Rc, the crystalline state is bypassed and a metastable, amorphous glassy state forms instead. Rc (or the corresponding critical casting thickness dc) characterizes the glass-forming ability (GFA) of each material. While silica is an excellent glass-former with small Rc < 10−2 K/s, pure metals and most alloys are typically poor glass-formers with large Rc > 1010 K/s. Only in the past thirty years have bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) been identified with Rc approaching that for silica. Recent simulations have shown that simple, hard-sphere models are able to identify the atomic size ratio and number fraction regime where BMGs exist with critical cooling rates more than 13 orders of magnitude smaller than those for pure metals. However, there are a number of other features of interatomic potentials beyond hard-core interactions. How do these other features affect the glass-forming ability of BMGs? In this manuscript, we perform molecular dynamics simulations to determine how variations in the softness and non-additivity of the repulsive core and form of the interatomic pair potential at intermediate distances affect the GFA of binary alloys. These variations in the interatomic pair potential allow us to introduce geometric frustration and change the crystal phases that compete with glass formation. We also investigate the effect of tuning the strength of the many-body interactions from zero to the full embedded atom model on the GFA for pure metals. We then employ the full embedded atom model for binary BMGs and show that hard-core interactions play the dominant role in setting the GFA of alloys, while other features of the interatomic potential only change the GFA by one to two orders of magnitude. Despite their perturbative effect, understanding the detailed form of the intermetallic potential is important for designing BMGs with cm or greater casting thickness.
Driven microswimmers on a 2D substrate: A stochastic towed sled model
Authors: Marchegiani Giampiero , Marchesoni Fabio
Published: November 2015

We investigate, both numerically and analytically, the diffusion properties of a stochastic sled sliding on a substrate, subject to a constant towing force. The problem is motivated by the growing interest in controlling transport of artificial microswimmers in 2D geometries at low Reynolds numbers. We simulated both symmetric and asymmetric towed sleds. Remarkable properties of their mobilities and diffusion constants include sidewise drifts and excess diffusion peaks. We interpret our numerical findings by making use of stochastic approximation techniques.
Tuning strain in flexible graphene nanoelectromechanical resonators
Authors: Guan Fen , Kumaravadivel Piranavan , Averin Dmitri V. , Du Xu
Published: November 2015

The structural flexibility of low dimensional nanomaterials offers unique opportunities for studying the impact of strain on their physical properties and for developing innovative devices utilizing strain engineering. A key towards such goals is a device platform which allows the independent tuning and reliable calibration of the strain. Here, we report the fabrication and characterization of graphene nanoelectromechanical resonators (GNEMRs) on flexible substrates. Combining substrate bending and electrostatic gating, we achieve the independent tuning of the strain and sagging in graphene and explore the nonlinear dynamics over a wide parameter space. Analytical and numerical studies of a continuum mechanics model, including the competing higher order nonlinear terms, reveal a comprehensive nonlinear dynamics phase diagram, which quantitatively explains the complex behaviors of GNEMRs.
An anisotropic model for the minimum thermal conductivity
Authors: Chen Zhen , Dames Chris
Published: November 2015

The Cahill-Pohl/Einstein model of minimum phonon thermal conductivity (κmin), which assumes isotropic material properties, is widely successful as the lower limit for fully dense amorphous and disordered materials. However, measurements of disordered highly anisotropic layered WSe2 [Chiritescu et al., Science 315, 351 (2007)] fall below the isotropic κmin limit by at least a factor of four. Here, we generalize the isotropic κmin to be anisotropic, suitable for both layered and chain-like materials with any anisotropy ratio. We obtain compact algebraic expressions in limiting temperature regimes for heat transfer along both c-axis (κmin−c) and ab-plane (κmin−ab). Applying this framework to the disordered layered WSe2 with no free parameters brings the theoretical κmin−c back in line with the experimental results. The anisotropic corrections result from both a phonon focusing effect and a first Brillouin zone truncation effect.
Motivation, values, and work design as drivers of participation in the R open source project for statistical computing
Authors: Mair Patrick , Hofmann Eva , Gruber Kathrin , Hatzinger Reinhold , Zeileis Achim , Hornik Kurt
Published: November 2015

Significance

Over the last years, the open-source environment R has become the most popular environment for statistical computing and data analysis across many fields of research. The developer community is highly active: Thousands of packages are available in the official Comprehensive R Archive Network repository and more on developer platforms like GitHub or R-Forge. One question that has not been studied yet is as follows: why do people contribute to the R environment? What are the key motives that drive package authors? Do these developers have specific personal value structures? Are some work environments more conducive to productivity than others? This study is the first empirical study, to our knowledge, performed within the R package author community that finds answers to these questions.
Asymptomatic humans transmit dengue virus to mosquitoes
Authors: Duong Veasna , Lambrechts Louis , Paul Richard E. , Ly Sowath , Lay Rath Srey , Long Kanya C. , Huy Rekol , Tarantola Arnaud , Scott Thomas W. , Sakuntabhai Anavaj , Buchy Philippe
Published: November 2015

Significance

Our work provides evidence that people who are infected with dengue virus without developing detectable clinical symptoms or prior to the onset of symptoms are infectious to mosquitoes. At a given level of viremia, symptom-free people were markedly more infectious to mosquitoes than clinically symptomatic patients. Our results fundamentally change the current paradigm for dengue epidemiology and control, based on detection of dengue virus-infected cases with apparent illness.
Wetting and phase separation in soft adhesion
Authors: Jensen Katharine E. , Sarfati Raphael , Style Robert W. , Boltyanskiy Rostislav , Chakrabarti Aditi , Chaudhury Manoj K. , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Modern contact mechanics was originally developed to describe adhesion to relatively stiff materials like rubber, but much softer sticky materials are ubiquitous in biology, medicine, engineering, and everyday consumer products. By studying adhesive contact between compliant gels and rigid objects, we demonstrate that soft materials adhere very differently than their stiffer counterparts. We find that the structure in the region of contact is governed by the same physics that sets the geometry of liquid droplets, even though the material is solid. Furthermore, adhesion can cause the local composition of a soft material to change, thus coupling to its thermodynamic properties. These findings may substantially change our understanding of the mechanics of soft contact.
Polymorphisms of large effect explain the majority of the host genetic contribution to variation of HIV-1 virus load
Authors: McLaren Paul J. , Coulonges Cedric , Bartha István , Lenz Tobias L. , Deutsch Aaron J. , Bashirova Arman , Buchbinder Susan , Carrington Mary N. , Cossarizza Andrea , Dalmau Judith , De Luca Andrea , Goedert James J. , Gurdasani Deepti , Haas David W. , Herbeck Joshua T. , Johnson Eric O. , Kirk Gregory D. , Lambotte Olivier , Luo Ma , Mallal Simon , van Manen Daniëlle , Martinez-Picado Javier , Meyer Laurence , Miro José M. , Mullins James I. , Obel Niels , Poli Guido , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Shea Patrick R. , Theodorou Ioannis , Walker Bruce D. , Weintrob Amy C. , Winkler Cheryl A. , Wolinsky Steven M. , Raychaudhuri Soumya , Goldstein David B. , Telenti Amalio , de Bakker Paul I. W. , Zagury Jean-François , Fellay Jacques
Published: November 2015

Significance

A proportion of the variation in HIV-1 viral load in the infected population is influenced by host genetics. Using a large sample of infected individuals (
n
= 6,315) with genome-wide genotype data, we sought to map genomic regions that influence HIV viral load and quantify their impact. We identified amino acid positions located in the binding groove of class I HLA proteins (HLA-A and -B) and SNPs in the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 gene region that together explain 14.5% of the observed variation in HIV viral load. Controlling for these signals, we estimated that an additional 5.5% can be explained by common, additive genetic variation. Thus, we demonstrate that common variants of large effect explain the majority of the host genetic component of HIV viral load.
Evaluating Short Openings as a Management Tool to Maximize Catch-Related Utility in Catch-and-Release Fisheries
Authors: Camp Edward V. , Poorten Brett T. , Walters Carl J.
Published: November 2015

Catch and release (CR) is an increasingly common strategy for recreational fisheries in which sustaining high catch rates is important. The success of this strategy is reduced if the released fish are temporarily invulnerable to capture due to behavioral changes, as recent research suggests. Here, we explore how temporary fishing closures with short openings might be used in CR fisheries to increase the catch-related utility associated with angler satisfaction from catches. We simulated generic fisheries in single-lake and multiple-lake systems and found that regular, temporary closures could increase catch-related utility—but predominately under the key assumption that angler satisfaction increases disproportionately with increasing catch rates. In the multiple-lake case, a strategy of rotating temporary closures could provide greater catch-related utility than continuously open fisheries, but this would depend upon anglers' willingness to redistribute effort from closed waters to open waters. A key implication of these results is that even in CR fisheries, effort limitation may be necessary to provide quality angling opportunities. Our results also emphasize the importance of understanding how vulnerable pool dynamics can differ across fisheries and potentially interact with other processes and mechanisms that drive the observed changes in catchability and catch rates.
Identification of the differential expression of serum microRNA in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ding Linchao , Ai Dongdong , Wu Ruihao , Zhang Tao , Jing Li , Lu Jianxin , Zhong Lianjin
Published: November 2015

The identification of disease-specific alterations in miRNA expression and the ability to detect miRNAs in serum furnish the basis for identified potential research value. This study was aimed to characterize the expression of miRNAs in the serum samples from people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthy individuals in order to detect the differential expression of miRNAs in T2DM. In total, 582 participants were recruited. Microarray-based miRNA expression profiles were screened in pooled serum samples from two groups (T2DM and healthy control). The candidates’ miRNAs were validated by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Five significantly different serum miRNAs were identified in T2DM patients (hsa-miR-320d, hsa-miR-4534, hsa-miR-3960, hsa-miR-451a, and hsa-miR-572) compared to those in the serum of healthy controls. This study provided evidence that serum miRNAs had differential expressions between healthy controls and T2DM patients. These five differential expression miRNAs might be of help for subsequent study in T2DM.
Walking through doorways causes forgetting: Event structure or updating disruption?
Authors: Pettijohn Kyle A. , Radvansky Gabriel A.
Published: November 2015

According to event cognition theory, people segment experience into separate event models. One consequence of this segmentation is that when people transport objects from one location to another, memory is worse than if people move across a large location. In two experiments participants navigated through a virtual environment, and recognition memory was tested in either the presence or the absence of a location shift for objects that were recently interacted with (i.e., just picked up or set down). Of particular concern here is whether this location updating effect is due to (a) differences in retention intervals as a result of the navigation process, (b) a temporary disruption in cognitive processing that may occur as a result of the updating processes, or (c) a need to manage multiple event models, as has been suggested in prior research. Experiment 1 explored whether retention interval is driving this effect by recording travel times from the acquisition of an object and the probe time. The results revealed that travel times were similar, thereby rejecting a retention interval explanation. Experiment 2 explored whether a temporary disruption in processing is producing the effect by introducing a 3-second delay prior to the presentation of a memory probe. The pattern of results was not affected by adding a delay, thereby rejecting a temporary disruption account. These results are interpreted in the context of the event horizon model, which suggests that when there are multiple event models that contain common elements there is interference at retrieval, which compromises performance.
Resourcing de facto jurisdictions: A theoretical perspective on cases in the South Caucasus
Authors: Broers Laurence
Published: November 2015

Political economy is a consistently under-researched aspect of unrecognized statehood. Countering homogenizing accounts centred on illegality, this article argues for a comparative analysis in order to arrive at a more differentiated and case-sensitive understanding of how the political economies of de facto jurisdictions in the post-Soviet space function. Drawing on theoretical insights from the literatures analysing late, peripheral and post-colonial political economies, this article argues that de facto elites in such entities strategize differently according to the resources and external relationships available to them. Three contrasting ideal-type models of resource extraction are proposed for contemporary de facto jurisdictions: subsistent, rentier and monopoly mediator. Each model has follow-on implications for the nature of political regime, pluralism and development, and examples of each model drawing on cases in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorny Karabakh are briefly surveyed.
Local uniqueness for an inverse boundary value problem with partial data
Authors: Harrach Bastian , Ullrich Marcel
Published: November 2015

In dimension

n
≥
3

n\geq 3

, we prove a local uniqueness result for the potentials

q
q

of the Schrödinger equation

−
Δ
u
+
q
u
=
0

-\Delta u+qu=0

from partial boundary data. More precisely, we show that potentials

q
1

,

q
2

∈

L
∞

q_1,q_2\in L^\infty

with positive essential infima can be distinguished by local boundary data if there is a neighborhood of a boundary part where

q
1

≥

q
2

q_1\geq q_2

and

q
1

≢

q
2

q_1\not \equiv q_2

.
An 𝑎𝑏-family of equations with peakon traveling waves
Authors: Himonas A. , Mantzavinos Dionyssios
Published: November 2015

Peakon traveling wave solutions, both on the line and on the circle, are derived for a novel

a
b

ab

-family of nonlocal evolution equations with cubic nonlinearities. At least two members of this

a
b

ab

-family, namely the Fokas-Olver-Rosenau-Qiao equation and the Novikov equation, are known to be integrable. Furthermore, a generalization of the

a
b

ab

-family with nonlinearities of order

k
∈

N

k\in \mathbb N

,

k
⩾
2

k\geqslant 2

, is considered and its multi-peakon on the line is obtained.
On the Breiman conjecture
Authors: Kevei Péter , Mason David
Published: November 2015

Let

Y

1

,

Y

2

,
…

Y_{1},Y_{2},\ldots

be positive, nondegenerate, i.i.d. 

G
G

random variables, and independently let

X

1

,

X

2

,
…

X_{1},X_{2},\ldots

be i.i.d. 

F
F

random variables. In this note we show that for

F
∈

F

F\in \mathcal {F}

in a specified class of distributions

F

\mathcal {F}

, whenever

∑

X

i

Y

i

/

∑

Y

i

\sum X_{i}Y_{i}/\sum Y_{i}

converges in distribution to a nondegenerate limit then G necessarily belongs to the domain of attraction of a stable law with index less than 1. The class

F

\mathcal {F}

contains those nondegenerate

X
X

with a finite second moment and those

X
X

in the domain of attraction of a stable law with index

1
>
α
>
2

1>\alpha >2

.
Trends in biomedical informatics: automated topic analysis of
JAMIA
articles
Authors: Han Dong , Wang Shuang , Jiang Chao , Jiang Xiaoqian , Kim Hyeon-Eui , Sun Jimeng , Ohno-Machado Lucila
Published: November 2015

Biomedical Informatics is a growing interdisciplinary field in which research topics and citation trends have been evolving rapidly in recent years. To analyze these data in a fast, reproducible manner, automation of certain processes is needed. JAMIA is a “generalist” journal for biomedical informatics. Its articles reflect the wide range of topics in informatics. In this study, we retrieved Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and citations of JAMIA articles published between 2009 and 2014. We use tensors (i.e., multidimensional arrays) to represent the interaction among topics, time and citations, and applied tensor decomposition to automate the analysis. The trends represented by tensors were then carefully interpreted and the results were compared with previous findings based on manual topic analysis. A list of most cited JAMIA articles, their topics, and publication trends over recent years is presented. The analyses confirmed previous studies and showed that, from 2012 to 2014, the number of articles related to MeSH terms Methods , Organization & Administration , and Algorithms increased significantly both in number of publications and citations. Citation trends varied widely by topic, with Natural Language Processing having a large number of citations in particular years, and Medical Record Systems, Computerized remaining a very popular topic in all years.
Iron emission line from the spiral galaxy M 101
Authors: Yamauchi Shigeo
Published: November 2015

Archival Suzaku data of the face-on spiral galaxy M 101 were analyzed. An intense emission line at 6.72$^{+0.10}_{-0.12}\:$keV was detected in the central region. This line is identified with a K-line from He-like iron, which indicates the existence of a thin thermal plasma with a temperature of several keV. The iron line luminosity within the central 5′-radius region is estimated to be (2–12) × 1037 erg s−1. The origin of the iron emission line is discussed.
Increasing Resident Diversity in an Emergency Medicine Residency Program: A Pilot Intervention With Three Principal Strategies
Authors: Tunson Java , Boatright Dowin , Oberfoell Stephanie , Bakes Katherine , Angerhofer Christy , Lowenstein Steven , Zane Richard , King Renee , Druck Jeffrey
Published: November 2015

Problem

Much work remains to be done to align the diversity of the health care workforce with the changing racial and ethnic backgrounds of patients, especially in the field of emergency medicine.

Approach

In academic year (AY) 2012–2013, to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) candidates who were interviewed and matched, the Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine program (DHREM) initiated a focused pilot intervention with three principal strategies: (1) a scholarship-based externship program, (2) a funded second-look event, and (3) increased involvement and visibility of URM faculty in the interview and recruitment process.

Outcomes

One year after implementation of the pilot intervention, the percentage of URMs among all applicants invited to interview at the DHREM doubled (7.1% [20/282] in AY 2011–2012, 7.0% [24/344] in AY 2012–2013, and 14.8% [58/393] in AY 2013–2014) (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5–10, 4–11, and 11–19, respectively). Of all DHREM interviewees in AY 2013–2014, 17.6% (49/279) (95% CI = 12–23) were URMs, nearly a threefold increase from AY 2012–2013 (6.2% [14/226], 95% CI = 3–10). In AY 2013–2014, 23.5% (4/17) (95% CI = 7–50) of all new DHREM residents were URMs, compared with 5.9% (1/17) in AY 2011–2012 and 5.6% (1/18) in AY 2012–2013 (95% CI = 0–29 and 0–27, respectively).

Next Steps

Additional studies are needed to determine whether these results are sustainable and generalizable to other residency programs in emergency medicine and other specialties.
Pediatric Erythema Multiforme in the Emergency Department
Authors: Read Jazlyn , Keijzers Gerben B.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Erythema multiforme (EM) is characterized by symmetrical acrally distributed target lesions; however, other conditions can mimic the clinical features of EM. Although it is typically self-limiting, alternative diagnoses may be life-threatening and require immediate identification and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the clinical spectrum and accuracy of diagnosis of pediatric EM in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive study of all pediatric patients with an ED information system diagnosis of EM at 2 EDs in Southeast Queensland between January 2010 and July 2013. Cases were evaluated using previously established EM classification criteria.

Results

Seventy patients (34 males and 36 females) with a diagnosis of EM were identified. From 57 cases where a diagnosis could be established, 9 cases fulfilled the classification criteria for EM. No patients had mucosal involvement, and therefore, all 9 cases were classified as EM minor, with the majority (89%) attributed to viral infection. Of the 48 cases that did not fit the criteria, the most common condition misdiagnosed as EM was urticaria multiforme (n = 20).

Conclusions

In the ED setting, EM in children is frequently misdiagnosed. Greater awareness of diagnostic factors for EM may improve diagnostic accuracy. Teledermatology and incentives to include clinical pictures in the (electronic) medical record may be useful adjuncts for patients with suspected EM and other dermatological conditions.
A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Community Participation in Community Health Needs Assessments
Authors: Pennel Cara L. , McLeroy Kenneth R. , Burdine James N. , Matarrita-Cascante David , Wang Jia
Published: November 2015

Context:

Nonprofit hospitals are exempt from paying taxes. To maintain this status, they must provide benefit to the community they serve. In an attempt to improve accountability to these communities and the federal government, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 includes a provision that requires all nonprofit hospitals to conduct a community health needs assessment (CHNA) and implement strategies to address identified health priorities every 3 years. This Act's provision, operationalized by a regulation developed and enforced by the Internal Revenue Service, mandates the involvement of public health agencies and other community stakeholders in the completion of the CHNA.

Objective:

To better understand community participation in nonprofit hospital–directed community health assessment and health improvement planning activities.

Design:

Using a 2-phased, mixed-methods study design, we (1) conducted content analysis of 95 CHNA/implementation plan reports and (2) interviewed hospital and health system key informants, consultants, and community stakeholders involved in CHNA and planning processes. Community participation was assessed in terms of types of stakeholders involved and the depth of their involvement.

Results:

Our findings suggest that many hospitals engaged and involved community stakeholders in certain aspects of the assessment process, but very few engaged a broad array of community stakeholder and community members in meaningful participation throughout the CHNA and health improvement planning process. Vast improvements in community participation and collaborative assessment and planning can be made in future CHNAs.

Conclusions:

On the basis of the findings, recommendations are made for further research. Practice implications include expanding community engagement and participation by stakeholder and activity type and using a common community health improvement model that better aligns hospital CHNA processes and implementation strategies with other organizations and agencies.
Molecular clocks and the early evolution of metazoan nervous systems
Authors: Wray Gregory A.
Published: November 2015

The timing of early animal evolution remains poorly resolved, yet remains critical for understanding nervous system evolution. Methods for estimating divergence times from sequence data have improved considerably, providing a more refined understanding of key divergences. The best molecular estimates point to the origin of metazoans and bilaterians tens to hundreds of millions of years earlier than their first appearances in the fossil record. Both the molecular and fossil records are compatible, however, with the possibility of tiny, unskeletonized, low energy budget animals during the Proterozoic that had planktonic, benthic, or meiofaunal lifestyles. Such animals would likely have had relatively simple nervous systems equipped primarily to detect food, avoid inhospitable environments and locate mates. The appearance of the first macropredators during the Cambrian would have changed the selective landscape dramatically, likely driving the evolution of complex sense organs, sophisticated sensory processing systems, and diverse effector systems involved in capturing prey and avoiding predation.
The origin and evolution of chordate nervous systems
Authors: Holland Linda Z.
Published: November 2015

In the past 40 years, comparisons of developmental gene expression and mechanisms of development (evodevo) joined comparative morphology as tools for reconstructing long-extinct ancestral forms. Unfortunately, both approaches typically give congruent answers only with closely related organisms. Chordate nervous systems are good examples. Classical studies alone left open whether the vertebrate brain was a new structure or evolved from the anterior end of an ancestral nerve cord like that of modern amphioxus. Evodevo plus electron microscopy showed that the amphioxus brain has a diencephalic forebrain, small midbrain, hindbrain and spinal cord with parts of the genetic mechanisms for the midbrain/hindbrain boundary, zona limitans intrathalamica and neural crest. Evodevo also showed how extra genes resulting from whole-genome duplications in vertebrates facilitated evolution of new structures like neural crest. Understanding how the chordate central nervous system (CNS) evolved from that of the ancestral deuterostome has been truly challenging. The majority view is that this ancestor had a CNS with a brain that gave rise to the chordate CNS and, with loss of a discrete brain, to one of the two hemichordate nerve cords. The minority view is that this ancestor had no nerve cord; those in chordates and hemichordates evolved independently. New techniques such as phylostratigraphy may help resolve this conundrum.
Convergent evolution of complex brains and high intelligence
Authors: Roth Gerhard
Published: November 2015

Within the animal kingdom, complex brains and high intelligence have evolved several to many times independently, e.g. among ecdysozoans in some groups of insects (e.g. blattoid, dipteran, hymenopteran taxa), among lophotrochozoans in octopodid molluscs, among vertebrates in teleosts (e.g. cichlids), corvid and psittacid birds, and cetaceans, elephants and primates. High levels of intelligence are invariantly bound to multimodal centres such as the mushroom bodies in insects, the vertical lobe in octopodids, the pallium in birds and the cerebral cortex in primates, all of which contain highly ordered associative neuronal networks. The driving forces for high intelligence may vary among the mentioned taxa, e.g. needs for spatial learning and foraging strategies in insects and cephalopods, for social learning in cichlids, instrumental learning and spatial orientation in birds and social as well as instrumental learning in primates.
Evolutionarily conserved mechanisms for the selection and maintenance of behavioural activity
Authors: Fiore Vincenzo G. , Dolan Raymond J. , Strausfeld Nicholas J. , Hirth Frank
Published: November 2015

Survival and reproduction entail the selection of adaptive behavioural repertoires. This selection manifests as phylogenetically acquired activities that depend on evolved nervous system circuitries. Lorenz and Tinbergen already postulated that heritable behaviours and their reliable performance are specified by genetically determined programs. Here we compare the functional anatomy of the insect central complex and vertebrate basal ganglia to illustrate their role in mediating selection and maintenance of adaptive behaviours. Comparative analyses reveal that central complex and basal ganglia circuitries share comparable lineage relationships within clusters of functionally integrated neurons. These clusters are specified by genetic mechanisms that link birth time and order to their neuronal identities and functions. Their subsequent connections and associated functions are characterized by similar mechanisms that implement dimensionality reduction and transition through attractor states, whereby spatially organized parallel-projecting loops integrate and convey sensorimotor representations that select and maintain behavioural activity. In both taxa, these neural systems are modulated by dopamine signalling that also mediates memory-like processes. The multiplicity of similarities between central complex and basal ganglia suggests evolutionarily conserved computational mechanisms for action selection. We speculate that these may have originated from ancestral ground pattern circuitries present in the brain of the last common ancestor of insects and vertebrates.
A multi-trait meta-analysis with imputed sequence variants reveals twelve QTL for mammary gland morphology in Fleckvieh cattle
Authors: Pausch Hubert , Emmerling Reiner , Schwarzenbacher Hermann , Fries Ruedi
Published: November 2015

Background

The availability of whole-genome sequence data from key ancestors provides an exhaustive catalogue of polymorphic sites segregating within and across cattle breeds. Sequence variants from key ancestors can be imputed in animals that have been genotyped using medium- and high-density genotyping arrays. Association analysis with imputed sequences, particularly if applied to multiple traits simultaneously, is a very powerful approach to revealing candidate causal variants underlying complex phenotypes.

Results

We used whole-genome sequence data from 157 key ancestors of the German Fleckvieh population to impute 20 561 798 sequence variants in 10 363 animals that had (partly imputed) array-derived genotypes at 634 109 SNP. The imputed sequence data were enriched for rare variants. Association studies with imputed sequence variants were performed using seven correlated udder conformation traits as response variables. The calculation of an approximate multi-trait test statistic enabled us to detect twelve major QTL (P<2.97 × 10−9) controlling different aspects of mammary gland morphology. Imputed sequence variants were the most significantly associated at eleven QTL, whereas the top association signal at a QTL on BTA14 resulted from an array-derived variant. Seven QTL were associated with multiple phenotypes. Most QTL were located in non-coding regions of the genome in close neighborhood, however, to plausible candidate genes for mammary gland morphology (SP5, GC, NPFFR2, CRIM1, RXFP2, TBX5, RBM19, ADAM12).

Conclusions

Association analysis with imputed sequence variants allows QTL characterization at maximum resolution. Multi-trait approaches can reveal QTL that are not detected in single-trait association studies. Most QTL for udder conformation traits were located in non-coding elements of the genome suggesting regulatory mutations to be the major determinants of variation in mammary gland morphology in cattle.
Identification of protein secretion systems in bacterial genomes
Authors: Abby Sophie S , Cury Jean , Guglielmini Julien , Néron Bertrand , Touchon Marie , Rocha Eduardo PC
Published: November 2015

Bacteria with two cell membranes (diderms) have evolved complex systems for protein secretion. These systems were extensively studied in some model bacteria, but the characterisation of their diversity has lagged behind due to lack of standard annotation tools. We built models for accurate identification of protein secretion systems and related appendages in bacteria with LPS-containing outer membranes. They can be used with MacSyFinder (standalone program) or online (http://mobyle.pasteur.fr/cgi-bin/portal.py#forms::txsscan). They include protein profiles and information on the system's composition and genetic organisation. They can be used to search for T1SS-T6SS, T9SS, and accessorily for flagella, Type IV and Tad pili. We identified ~10,000 systems in bacterial genomes, where T1SS and T5SS were by far the most abundant and widespread. The recently described T6SSiii and T9SS were restricted to Bacteroidetes, and T6SSii to Francisella. T2SS, T3SS, and T4SS were frequently encoded in single-copy in one locus, whereas most T1SS were encoded in two loci. The secretion systems of diderm Firmicutes were similar to those found in other diderms. Novel systems may remain to be discovered, since some clades of environmental bacteria lacked all known protein secretion systems. Our models can be fully customized, which should facilitate the identification of novel systems.
On the importance of being structured: instantaneous coalescence rates and a re-evaluation of human evolution
Authors: Olivier Mazet , Willy Rodríguez , Simona Grusea , Simon Boitard , Lounès Chikhi
Published: November 2015

Most species are structured and influenced by processes that either increased or reduced gene flow between populations. However, most population genetic inference methods ignore population structure and reconstruct a history characterized by population size changes under the assumption that species behave as panmictic units. This is potentially problematic since population structure can generate spurious signals of population size change. Moreover, when the model assumed for demographic inference is misspecified, genomic data will likely increase the precision of misleading if not meaningless parameters. In a context of model uncertainty (panmixiaversusstructure) genomic data may thus not necessarily lead to improved statistical inference.

We consider two haploid genomes and develop a theory which explains why any demographic model (with or without population size changes) will necessarily be interpreted as a series of changes in population size by inference methods ignoring structure. We introduce a new parameter, the IICR (inverse instantaneous coalescence rate), and show that it is equivalent to a population size only in panmictic models, and mostly misleading for structured models. We argue that this general issue affects all population genetics methods ignoring population structure. We take the PSMC method as an example and show that it infers population size changes that never took place. We apply our approach to human genomic data and find a reduction in gene flow at the start of the Pleistocene, a major increase throughout the Middle-Pleistocene, and an abrupt disconnection preceding the emergence of modern humans.
An English perspective on policy for adults with autism
Authors: McCarthy Jane , Chaplin Eddie , Underwood Lisa
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of English policy and legislation which impacts on the health outcomes and social inclusion for adults with autism.

Design/methodology/approach

– A descriptive review of national policy for England was undertaken using key internet search engines such as Google.

Findings

– In spite of innovative legislation and policy relating to autism across England, there are still wide discrepancies in both service models and provision relating to autism. More work is required to communicate what autism services should look like along with greater awareness training for professionals working with adults with autism to ensure reasonable adjustments are occurring across public services.

Originality/value

– This paper outlines current key policy and legislation in England relating to autism.
Efficiency of heterogeneity measures: an asset pricing perspective
Authors: Qin Lu , Zhu Hongquan
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the effective measures for heterogeneity and to uncover the relationship between investor heterogeneity and stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper employs dispersion in analysts’ earnings forecasts and unexpected trading volume as proxies of heterogeneity. Portfolio strategies and Fama-Macbeth regression are used to uncover the relationship between the two proxies and stock returns in the Chinese A-share market.

Findings

– The result indicates that stock returns are significantly related to unexpected trading volume, i.e., higher unexpected trading volume implies higher stock returns now but lower future stock returns. In contrast, there is no statistically significant relationship between analysts’ forecast dispersion and stock returns.

Originality/value

– The findings suggest that unexplained trading volume is an effective measure for investor heterogeneity in the Chinese A-share market.
Fitting and forecasting of nonlinear Taylor rule in China
Authors: Wu Guobing , Zhang Hao , Chen Ping
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– In this paper, six forms of non-linear Taylor rule have been applied to compare the fitting and prediction of response function of monetary policy of China, in an attempt to figure out a form of non-linear Taylor rule that accords with Chinese practices. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the authors will conduct in-sample fitting and out-of-sample prediction on the response function of monetary policy of China by introducing the factor of exchange rate and by applying forward-looking, backward-looking and within-quarters non-linear Taylor rule with data from the first quarter of 1994 to the second quarter of 2011, with a view to provide reference for formulation and implementation of monetary policies of China.

Findings

– By analyzing the experimental data, the authors find that first, after introducing the factor of exchange rate, both the implementation effect and prediction ability of the monetary policies improve. Exchange rate has a relatively greater influence on the effect of the monetary policies during low inflation period. Introduction of exchange rate can improve the prediction accuracy of our monetary policies significantly. Second, as the implementation effect of monetary policy under different macro-background varies greatly, the situation should be correctly appraised when formulating and implementing monetary policies. According to the empirical results, the monetary policies have obvious non-linear characteristics, and transit smoothly with the change of inflation rate. On the two sides of inflation rate of 2.174 percent, there is an asymmetry response.

Research limitations/implications

– Surely, the conclusions are reached on the basis of quarterly data and one-step prediction method. It is no doubt that use of frequency mixing data including quarterly and monthly data will provide more sample information for studying relevant issues. And the use of multiple-step prediction method may cause a dynamic change of prediction indicators of models, which will help choose more appropriate prediction models. That is what the authors will study next.

Originality/value

– First, by introducing exchange rate, this paper will extend non-linear Taylor rules and test its applicability and fitting effect in China. Second, figure out a non-linear Taylor rule that conforms to Chinese practices with data. In this paper, multiple forms of non-linear Taylor rules and actual macro date will be adopted for fitting and finding out a non-linear Taylor rule that fits Chinese practices. Third, empirical basis will be provided for further perfecting monetary policies prediction models. As there are few studies in connection with the prediction accuracy of non-linear Taylor rules so far, this paper will compare and study the prediction accuracy of non-linear Taylor rules by utilizing multiple advanced prediction techniques, so as to offer a beneficial thinking for predicting and formulating monetary policies by the central bank.
Testing the revisited Uppsala model: does insidership improve international performance?
Authors: Almodóvar Paloma , Rugman Alan M
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse insidership vs outsidership, enriching the revisited Uppsala model with the resource-based view, transaction cost economics and internalisation theory. The authors also address empirical gaps affecting the role of dyadic business relationships (BRs) (customers/suppliers/research institutions/competitors) and business networks and their effect on international performance. Finally, the authors research whether insiders’ firm-specific advantages have a stronger effect on international performance than outsiders’.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors work with an unbalanced panel data set of 14,231 firm-observations (period: 2000-2010). First, the author use ANOVA models (with pooled and panel data) in order to test the Uppsala basics. Second, the authors refine the research through dynamic Tobit models.

Findings

– The authors find that insiders perform significantly better than outsiders. When analysing the impact on international performance, the authors confirm that not only do dyadic BRs with customers or suppliers have a positive effect, but so do BRs with research institutions; however, business networks with customers and suppliers have a negative impact. Finally, when testing interactions, the results point at technological skills as an alternative means to overcome the liability of outsidership.

Originality/value

– Prior studies on this topic have been broadly focused on testing the original Uppsala (1977) model. However, the authors advance it by reconciling the revisited Uppsala (2009) model with the main international business theories as well as testing and refining its content in line with Johanson and Vahlne’s guidelines.
Enhancing market exchanges at the base of the pyramid
Authors: Nakata Cheryl , Antalis Erin
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The base of the pyramid (BOP) is characterized by deep and wide poverty, which dampens market exchanges, or making/selling and buying/consuming activities. The purpose of this paper is to address the specific issue of how national culture distinguishes BOP markets in terms of exchange activities, and the broad issue of how market exchanges can grow and flourish by accounting for comparative differences across BOP markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study design is a conceptual framework drawn from the extant BOP literature and several theories such as Amartya Sen’s theory on poverty, and Anthony Bebbington’s concepts of human capital. The framework specifies research propositions for future empirical examination.

Findings

– The conceptual framework proposes that BOP poverty lowers or inhibits market exchanges but is countered by several factors: national culture (performance orientation), non-traditional assets (creative and social capitals), and transformative technologies (mobile telephony). Assuming these factors vary by BOP setting, greater performance orientation alongside higher social capital, creative capital, and mobile telephony directly and/or interactively increase market exchange activities.

Research limitations/implications

– Among research implications are the application of other culture theories to the BOP market exchange issue, and the need to examine the role of government and other non-traditional capitals in exchanges.

Practical implications

– Managerial implications include the targeting and selection of BOP markets and development of marketing tactics that leverage cultural, nontraditional, and technological assets.

Originality/value

– This paper explores how to counter the negative effects of BOP poverty on market exchanges by leveraging the distinctives and variations among BOP markets.
Informality and macroeconomic volatility: do credit constraints matter?
Authors: Granda Carvajal Catalina
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the implications of borrowing constraints characterizing the informal sector for macroeconomic volatility.

Design/methodology/approach

– To this end, the author develops a simple dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model wherein registered activity not only is the basis to determine tax liabilities, but also serves as collateral for securing debts. Such a framework allows for computational experiments to analyze the effect of informality on aggregate fluctuations.

Findings

– The experiments show that the credit-constrained informal sector does exert a significant influence on the cyclical volatility of consumption and investment.

Originality/value

– There are not many studies addressing the implications of informal economic activities for macroeconomic fluctuations. This paper contributes to the literature by developing a theoretical model showing that credit constraints characterizing these activities might play a non-negligible role in explaining the cyclical volatility of some important aggregates.
Wage differentials between foreign invested and domestic enterprises in the manufacturing
Authors: Nguyen Kien Trung
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of trade and investment liberalization on the wage skill premium between skilled and unskilled workers in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

– An analysis is undertaken by means of descriptive statistics and econometric investigation using a firm-level data set from the Enterprise Survey of Vietnam.

Findings

– It is shown that there has been a positive wage differential between foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and domestic enterprises over the period 2000-2009. More importantly, the FIE-domestic wage differentials are found to be significantly positive after accounting for differences in capital intensity, size, firm location, and industry features. Furthermore, statistical evidence shows that these wage differentials narrowed over the period 2006-2009.

Originality/value

– One of the first study examines the FIE-domestic wage differentials given the outward-oriented economic reforms since 2000 in Vietnam.