bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low power‐delay‐product dynamic CMOS circuit design techniques
Authors: Xue H. , Ren S. 
Published: January 2017

Two low power‐delay‐product (PDP) dynamic CMOS circuit design techniques are proposed. The techniques can simply modify existing dynamic CMOS designs to improve dynamic circuit delay and PDP. Conventional benchmark circuits and the modified circuits using the proposed techniques are implemented in 90 nm CMOS technology with a 1.2 V power supply. Simulation results indicate that the proposed techniques can improve circuit PDP by 19.2 and 61.9% in two non‐inverted dynamic benchmarks, respectively, and 6.2 and 33.72% in two inverted dynamic benchmarks, respectively.
SNX-1 and RME-8 oppose the assembly of HGRS-1/ESCRT-0 degradative microdomains on endosomes
Authors: Norris Anne , Tammineni Prasad , Wang Simon , Gerdes Julianne , Murr Alexandra , Kwan Kelvin Y. , Cai Qian , Grant Barth D. 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Endosomes are membrane-bound organelles that are important for nutrient uptake, protein and lipid sorting, and signal transduction. When integral membrane proteins have reached the endosomal system, they can be sent to the lysosome for degradation or recycled for reuse. Here we provide insight into how the machinery important for reuse controls the machinery that mediates degradation. We show that these opposing functions occupy physically distinct regions of the endosomes, termed microdomains, and that this separation is likely to provide a physical framework for a variety of sorting decisions.
Cryo-EM study of slow bee paralysis virus at low pH reveals iflavirus genome release mechanism
Authors: Kalynych Sergei , Füzik Tibor , Přidal Antonín , de Miranda Joachim , Plevka Pavel 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Here, we present a structural analysis of the genome delivery of slow bee paralysis virus (SBPV) that can cause lethal infections of honeybees and bumblebees. The possibility of blocking virus genome delivery would provide a tool to prevent the spread of this viral pathogen. We describe the three-dimensional structures of SBPV particles in a low-pH buffer, which imitates the conditions that the virus is likely to encounter after cell entry. The low pH induces a reduction in the contacts between capsid proteins and a formation of pores within the capsid that may serve as channels for the genome release. Our work provides a structural characterization of iflavirus genome release.
Neural precursors of deliberate and arbitrary decisions in the study of voluntary action
Authors: Maoz U. , Yaffe G. , Koch C. , Mudrik L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe readiness potential (RP)—a key ERP correlate of upcoming action—is known to precede subjects’ reports of their decision to move. Some view this as evidence against a causal role for consciousness in human decision-making and thus against free-will. Yet those studies focused on arbitrary decisions—purposeless, unreasoned, and without consequences. It remains unknown to what degree the RP generalizes to deliberate, more ecological decisions. We directly compared deliberate and arbitrary decision-making during a $1000-donation task to non-profit organizations. While we found the expected RPs for arbitrary decisions, they were strikingly absent for deliberate ones. Our results and drift-diffusion model are congruent with the RP representing accumulation of noisy, random fluctuations that drive arbitrary—but not deliberate—decisions. They further point to different neural mechanisms underlying deliberate and arbitrary decisions, challenging the generalizability of studies that argue for no causal role for consciousness in decision-making to real-life decisions.Significance StatementThe extent of human free will has been debated for millennia. Previous studies demonstrated that neural precursors of action—especially the readiness potential—precede subjects’ reports of deciding to move. Some viewed this as evidence against free-will. However, these experiments focused on arbitrary decisions—e.g., randomly raising the left or right hand. We directly compared deliberate (actual $1000 donations to NPOs) and arbitrary decisions, and found readiness potentials before arbitrary decisions, but—critically—not before deliberate decisions. This supports the interpretation of readiness potentials as byproducts of accumulation of random fluctuations in arbitrary but not deliberate decisions and points to different neural mechanisms underlying deliberate and arbitrary choice. Hence, it challenges the generalizability of previous results from arbitrary to deliberate decisions.
Adaptive Cortical Parcellations for Source Reconstructed EEG/MEG Connectomes
Authors: Farahibozorg Seyedeh-Rezvan , Henson Richard N , Hauk Olaf 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThere is growing interest in the rich temporal and spectral properties of the brain's functional connectome that are provided by Electro- and Magnetoencephalography (EEG/MEG). However, the problem of leakage between brain sources that arises when reconstructing brain activity from EEG/MEG recordings outside the head makes it difficult to distinguish true connections from spurious connections, even when connections are based on measures that ignore zero-lag dependencies. In particular, standard anatomical parcellations for potential cortical sources tend to over- or under-sample the real spatial resolution of EEG/MEG. By using information from cross-talk functions (CTFs) that objectively describe leakage for a given sensor configuration and distributed source reconstruction method, we introduce methods for optimising the number of parcels while simultaneously minimising the leakage between them. More specifically, we compare two image segmentation algorithms: 1) a split-and-merge (SaM) algorithm based on standard anatomical parcellations and 2) a region growing (RG) algorithm based on all the brain vertices with no prior parcellation. Interestingly, when applied to minimum-norm reconstructions for EEG/MEG configurations from real data, both algorithms yielded approximately 70 parcels despite their different starting points, suggesting that this reflects the resolution limit of this particular sensor configuration and reconstruction method. Importantly, when compared against standard anatomical parcellations, resolution matrices of adaptive parcellations showed notably higher sensitivity and distinguishability of parcels. Furthermore, extensive simulations of realistic networks under various circumstances revealed significant improvements in network reconstruction accuracies, particularly in reducing false leakage-induced connections. Adaptive parcellations therefore allow a more accurate reconstruction of functional EEG/MEG connectomes.HighlightsWe introduce adaptive cortical parcellation algorithms for E/MEG source estimation.Algorithms are based on cross-talk functions and image segmentation methods.The resulting parcellations yielded ~70 parcels regardless of starting point.Sensitivity and distinguishability improved compared to anatomical parcellations.Accuracy of realistic whole-brain network reconstruction improved significantly.
Multiple zebrafishatoh1genes specify a diversity of neuronal types in the zebrafish cerebellum
Authors: Kidwell Chelsea U. , Su Chen-Ying , Hibi Masahiko , Moens Cecilia B. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe basic Helix-Loop-Helix transcription factor Atoh1 is required for the specification of multiple neuron types in the mammalian hindbrain including tegmental, precerebellar output neurons and cerebellar granule neurons. How a single proneural gene specifies so many neuron types from a single progenitor zone, the upper rhombic lip (URL), is not known. Here we use the zebrafish to explore the role ofatoh1in cerebellar neurogenesis. Using transgenic reporters we show that zebrafishatoh1c-expressing cells give rise to tegmental and granule cell populations that, together with previously describedatoh1a-derived neuron populations, resemble the diversity ofatoh1derivatives observed in mammals. Using genetic mutants we find that of the three zebrafishatoh1paralogs,atoh1candatoh1aare required for the full complement of granule neurons in the zebrafish cerebellum. Interestingly,atoh1aandatoh1cspecify non-overlapping granule populations, indicating that fish use multipleatoh1genes to generate granule neuron diversity that is not detected in mammals. By live imaging of neurogenesis at the URL we show thatatoh1cis not required for the specification of granule neuron progenitors but promotes their delamination from the URL epithelium and this process is critical for neuronal maturation. This study thus provides a better understanding of how proneural transcription factors regulate neurogenesis in the vertebrate cerebellum.Summary statementatoh1genes specify distinct populations of tegmental and granule neurons in the zebrafish hindbrain and promote their delamination from the neuroepithelium, a process critical for neuronal maturation.
A complex multi-locus, multi-allelic genetic architecture underlying the long-term selection-response in the Virginia body weight line of chickens
Authors: Zan Yanjun , Sheng Zheya , Rönnegård Lars , Honaker Christa F. , Siegel Paul B. , Carlborg Örjan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe ability of a population to adapt to changes in their living conditions, whether in nature or captivity, often depends on polymorphisms in multiple genes across the genome. In-depth studies of such polygenic adaptations are difficult in natural populations, but can be approached using the resources provided by artificial selection experiments. Here, we dissect the genetic mechanisms involved in long-term selection responses of the Virginia chicken lines, populations that after 40 generations of divergent selection for 56-day body weight display a nine-fold difference in the selected trait. In the F15 generation of an intercross between the divergent lines, 20 loci explained more than 60% of the additive genetic variance for the selected trait. We focused particularly on seven major QTL and found that only two fine-mapped to single, bi-allelic loci; the other five contained linked loci, multiple alleles or were epistatic. This detailed dissection of the polygenic adaptations in the Virginia lines provides a deeper understanding of genome-wide mechanisms involved in the long-term selection responses. The results illustrate that long-term selection responses, even from populations with a limited genetic diversity, can be polygenic and influenced by a range of genetic mechanisms.
Refractoriness accounts for variable spike burst responses in somatosensory cortex
Authors: Teleńczuk Bartosz , Kempter Richard , Curio Gabriel , Destexhe Alain 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNeurons in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) respond to peripheral stimulation with synchronised bursts of spikes, which lock to the macroscopic 600 Hz EEG waves. The mechanism of burst generation and synchronisation in S1 is not yet understood. Using models of single-neuron responses fitted to unit recordings from macaque monkeys, we show that these synchronised bursts are the consequence of correlated synaptic inputs combined with a refractory mechanism. In the presence of noise these models reproduce also the observed trial-to-trial response variability, where individual bursts represent one of many stereotypical temporal spike patterns. When additional slower and global excitability fluctuations are introduced the single-neuron spike patterns are correlated with the population activity, as demonstrated in experimental data. The underlying biophysical mechanism of S1 responses involves thalamic inputs arriving through depressing synapses to cortical neurons in a high-conductance state. Our findings show that a simple feedforward processing of peripheral inputs could give rise to neuronal responses with non-trivial temporal and population statistics. We conclude that neural systems could use refractoriness to encode variable cortical states into stereotypical short-term spike patterns amenable to processing at neuronal time scales (tens of milliseconds).Significance statementNeurons in the hand area of the primary somatosensory cortex respond to repeated presentation of the same stimulus with variable sequences of spikes, which can be grouped into distinct temporal spike patterns. In a simplified model, we show that such spike patterns are product of synaptic inputs and intrinsic neural properties. This model can reproduce both single-neuron and population responses only when a private variability in each neuron is combined with a multiplicative gain shared over whole population, which fluctuates over trials and might represent the dynamical state of the early stages of sensory processing. This phenomenon exemplifies a general mechanism of transforming the ensemble cortical states into precise temporal spike patterns at the level of single neurons.
The need of strategic – based measures for improving academic law libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: a viewpoint
Authors: Khan Ghalib , Bhatti Rubina , Khan Amjid , Jan Rahim 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to suggest strategic-based measures for improving the current situation of academic law libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a survey method, this study attempted to explore a strategic-based measure for improving academic law libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected from 43 respondents through semi-structured interviews, including library and information science professionals, academicians and administrative officers of the affiliation awarding institutions and principals of the law colleges.

Findings
Based on the interview findings, the study found that most of the law colleges do not pay attention towards the development of their institutional libraries. Outdated collections, scarcity of information and communication technologies and budgetary issues, inactive roles of regulating bodies and professional associations, limited roles of professional library staff, limited access to the Higher Education Commission digital library, absence of proper library setup and moral obligations and responsibilities of institutional administrations towards the development of academic law libraries were the main challenges.

Research limitations/implications
The scope of this paper covers Constituent Law College of the University of Peshawar and its 18 affiliated law colleges (Total 19), and the geographical area is restricted to the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The scope of this paper can be extended to additional private and public sector universities in Pakistan, as well as abroad.

Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind in Pakistan which will help the stockholders of affiliated and affiliation granting institutions to improve the current situation of academic law libraries in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study presents a number of suggestions for the improvement of academic law libraries, which may be of value to the local institutions and developing countries with similar situations.
Economic effects of reorganising an agro-food supply chain: some evidence from Poland
Authors: Falkowski Jan 
Published: January 2017

Purpose– Much has been said about the nature of the agro-food supply chain. Yet, the consequences of reforming supply chain institutions have less often been studied, especially from an empirical perspective. The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic consequences of a radical reorganisation of the system of exchange in the agro-food sector in Central and Eastern Europe, during the process of transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. By considering a historical example from the dairy sector in Poland, the author provides evidence that the disorganisation of vertical linkages between upstream and downstream producers can be very costly. The most conservative estimates suggest that the dislocation of inter-firm relationships accounted for approximately 20 per cent of the drop in milk production observed in the early-transition phase in question.Design/methodology/approach– The empirical approach is based on econometric analyses. The empirical strategy the author adopts is similar in spirit to a standard difference-in-differences method. More specifically, to study the outcomes of the disruptions in supply chain the author adopts an event-study approach. Thus, the author compares the relative changes in milk production in the post-treatment period relative to pre-treatment period between regions more or less exposed to disruptions to supply chain.Findings– The most conservative estimates suggest that the dislocation to inter-firm relationships accounted for approximately 20 per cent of the fall in milk production observed in the early-transition phase.Originality/value– Two key features distinguish the approach from the previous studies. First, through the use of a more direct measure of problems affecting vertical relationships between farmers and processors the author has access to higher quality proxies for the supply chain disruptions. To this end, the author focuses on the dislocation to milk procurement system that arose in the very early phase of transition, manifesting itself in the break up of vertical linkages between farmers and dairy industry. Second, in contrast to the existing studies which exploit variation between transition countries, the author focus on within-country evidence. To best of the author knowledge, this paper is the first to investigate agricultural output during transition using within country variation.
Opportunities and challenges for multiple-embeddedness through mergers and acquisitions in emerging economies
Authors: Munjal Surender , Pereira Vijay 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine opportunities and challenges from multiple-embeddedness of developed countries multinational enterprises (DMNEs) in emerging economies. It further investigates the effect of global financial crisis on the DMNE’s embeddedness strategies.

Design/methodology/approach
– Utilising POLS regression on secondary data bases, such as World Bank Development Indicators, over two period, first, from 2003 to 2007 (pre global financial crisis period), and second, from 2008 to 2012 (post global financial crisis), this study models the advantages and challenges faced by DMNEs into emerging markets.

Findings
– Findings suggest that challenges in terms of institutional and cultural differences have decreased over time. This may be due to the DMNE’s experience of operating in emerging economies.

Research limitations/implications
– Since the global financial crisis is on-going, further changes in terms of opportunities and challenges are yet to be uncovered. Further investigations using qualitative designs are also warranted because many qualitative phenomena, such as cultural differences, cannot be captured through purely quantitative methods.

Practical implications
– There are two practical implications. First, policy makers can appreciate the change in the economic gravity in the current scenario. Openness of economies may further bring in economic equilibrium in favour of emerging economies. Second, managers of businesses looking to internationalise should pay attention towards changing market conditions and requirements in emerging economies.

Social implications
– This paper portrays the importance emerging economies which consist of a large proportion of the world’s population.

Originality/value
– In the current economic scenario, this paper seeks to highlight the opportunities and challenges for multiple embeddedness through mergers and acquisitions in emerging economies, which is seen to be timely and topical and at the same time advances the theoretical knowledge and practical implications.
Determination of minimum biofilm eradication concentrations of orbifloxacin for canine bacterial uropathogens over different treatment periods
Authors: Shimizu Takae , Harada Kazuki 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBiofilm formation can cause refractory urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs; however, minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) of veterinary drugs against canine uropathogens remain to be investigated. In this study, the MBECs of orbifloxacin (OBFX), trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (ACV) over different time periods for treatment of canine uropathogenic Escherichia coli (n = 10) were determined. The MBECs of OBFX for other bacterial uropathogens, including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 5), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 5), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 5) and Proteus mirabilis (n = 5) were also determined. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were identified for all strains by broth microdilution, and MBECs were determined at 24, 72, and 168 hr using the Calgary biofilm method. The 24 hr MBECs of OBFX, TMS and ACV for the E. coli strains were significantly higher than the MICs (P < 0.05), and the 72 and 168 hr MBECs were significantly lower than those at 24 hr (P < 0.05). In addition, the 24 hr OBFX MBECs for the four other uropathogens were significantly higher than the corresponding MICs (P < 0.05). The 72 and/or 168 hr OBFX MBECs for S. pseudintermedius, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis were significantly lower than the 24 hr concentrations (P < 0.05), whereas for P. aeruginosa, no significant difference was found between any of the MBECs (P > 0.05). These data indicate that the administration period and uropathogenic bacterial species are important factors affecting the efficacy of OBFX treatment of biofilm‐related UTIs in dogs.
Bill size mediates behavioural thermoregulation in birds
Authors: Ryeland Julia , Weston Michael A. , Symonds Matthew R.E. 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Bird bills have been the subject of classic evolutionary studies that demonstrate how morphological adaptations are driven by foraging ecology. As significant areas of heat loss, bills are also under selection with respect to thermoregulation, yet the ecological consequences of this function have been largely ignored until recently.

Given the role of bills in thermoregulation is important, we predict that birds should behave to minimise heat loss through their bills at lower ambient temperatures by attempting to insulate their bill in their plumage.

Our second prediction is that this thermoregulatory behaviour should be utilised more by species with relatively larger bills, because they will be more prone to heat loss.

We demonstrate both these predictions to be correct using field observations and a comparative analysis of nine shorebird species. First, the placement of the bill within the back plumage while roosting (‘back rest’ behaviour), which insulates the bill, becomes more frequent at cooler temperatures. Second, species with large bills relative to their body size do indeed use back rest behaviour more frequently across a range of temperatures.

Our findings show that behavioural thermoregulation can be mediated by bill size, and that bill morphology is not only relevant to foraging ecology but also influences behavioural adaptations to climate.

A lay summary is available for this article.