bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with altered gene expression in military personnel and veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: an RNA sequencing study
Authors: Pattinson Cassandra L , Guedes Vivian A , Edwards Katie , Mithani Sara , Yun Sijung , Taylor Patricia , Dunbar Kerri , Kim Hyung-Suk , Lai Chen , Roy Michael J , Gill Jessica M 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Study Objectives
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common condition for military personnel and veterans. PTSD has been shown to impact gene expression, however, to date no study has examined comorbid conditions which may also impact gene expression, for example, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). As such, this study sought to examine gene expression using RNA sequencing across three group comparisons of military personnel and veterans: (1) PTSD with EDS (PTSDwEDS) versus PTSD without EDS (PTSDw/outEDS), (2) Controls (no PTSD or EDS) versus PTSDwEDS, and (3) Controls versus PTSDw/outEDS.

Methods
We performed experimental RNA-seq using Illumina’s HiSeq 2500 Sequencing System. We also used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), a bioinformatics application, to identify gene pathways and networks which may be disrupted.

Results
There were only two genes that were significantly dysregulated between the Controls and PTSDw/outEDS, therefore IPA analysis was not conducted. However, comparisons revealed that there was significant gene dysregulation between Controls and the PTSDwEDS (251 genes), and the PTSDwEDS versus the PTSDw/outEDS (1,873 genes) groups. Four candidate networks were identified via the IPA software for analysis. Significantly dysregulated genes across the four candidate networks were associated with sleep and circadian function, metabolism, mitochondrial production and function, ubiquitination, and the glutamate system.

Conclusions
These results suggest that PTSD with concurrent EDS is associated with gene dysregulation. This dysregulation may present additional biological and health consequences for these military personnel and veterans. Further research, to track these gene changes over time and to determine the cause of the EDS reported, is vital.
On the Selection and Analysis of Clades in Comparative Evolutionary Studies
Authors: Poe Steven , Anderson Christopher , Barnett Joseph 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Researchers commonly present results of comparative studies of taxonomic groups. In this review, we criticize the focus on named clades, usually, comparably ranked groups such as families or orders, for comparative evolutionary analyses and question the general practice of using clades as units of analysis. The practice of analyzing sets of named groups persists despite widespread appreciation that the groups we have chosen to name are based on subjective human concerns rather than objective properties of nature. We demonstrate an effect of clade selection on results in one study and present some potential alternatives to selecting named clades for analysis that are relatively objective in clade choice. However, we note that these alternatives are only partial solutions for clade-based studies. The practice of analyzing named clades obviously is biased and problematic, but its issues portend broader problems with the general approach of employing clades as units of analysis. Most clade-based studies do not account for the nonindependence of clades, and the biological insight gained from demonstrating some pattern among a particular arbitrary sample of groups is arguable. [Clades; comparative biology; taxonomic groups.]
Intrinsic noise improves speech recognition in a computational model of the auditory pathway
Authors: Schilling Achim , Gerum Richard , Zankl Alexandra , Metzner Claus , Maier Andreas , Krauss Patrick 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNoise is generally considered to harm information processing performance. However, in the context of stochastic resonance, noise has been shown to improve signal detection of weak subthreshold signals, and it has been proposed that the brain might actively exploit this phenomenon. Especially within the auditory system, recent studies suggest that intrinsic noise plays a key role in signal processing and might even correspond to increased spontaneous neuronal firing rates observed in early processing stages of the auditory brain stem and cortex after hearing loss. Here we present a computational model of the auditory pathway based on a deep neural network, trained on speech recognition. We simulate different levels of hearing loss and investigate the effect of intrinsic noise. Remarkably, speech recognition after hearing loss actually improves with additional intrinsic noise. This surprising result indicates that intrinsic noise might not only play a crucial role in human auditory processing, but might even be beneficial for contemporary machine learning approaches.
Subanesthetic ketamine reactivates adult cortical plasticity to restore vision from amblyopia
Authors: Grieco Steven F. , Qiao Xin , Zheng Xiaoting , Liu Yongjun , Chen Lujia , Zhang Hai , Gavornik Jeffrey , Lai Cary , Gandhi Sunil , Holmes Todd C. , Xu Xiangmin 
Published: March 2020

SummarySubanesthetic ketamine evokes rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects in human patients. The mechanism for ketamine’s effects remains elusive, but ketamine may broadly modulate brain plasticity processes. We show that single-dose ketamine reactivates adult mouse visual cortical plasticity and promotes functional recovery of visual acuity defects from amblyopia. Ketamine specifically induces down-regulation of neuregulin-1 (NRG1) expression in parvalbumin-expressing (PV) inhibitory neurons in mouse visual cortex. NRG1 downregulation in PV neurons co-tracks both the fast onset and sustained decreases in synaptic inhibition to excitatory neurons, along with reduced synaptic excitation to PV neuronsin vitroandin vivofollowing a single ketamine treatment. These effects are blocked by exogenous NRG1 as well as PV targeted receptor knockout. Thus ketamine reactivation of adult visual cortical plasticity is mediated through rapid and sustained cortical disinhibition via downregulation of PV-specific NRG1 signaling. Our findings reveal the neural plasticity-based mechanism for ketamine-mediated functional recovery from adult amblyopia.Highlights○ Disinhibition of excitatory cells by ketamine occurs in a fast and sustained manner○ Ketamine evokes NRG1 downregulation and excitatory input loss to PV cells○ Ketamine induced plasticity is blocked by exogenous NRG1 or its receptor knockout○ PV inhibitory cells are the initial functional locus underlying ketamine’s effects
Single cell chromatin accessibility of the developmental cephalochordate
Authors: Chen Dongsheng , Huang Zhen , Ding Xiangning , Xu Zaoxu , Zhong Jixing , Liang Langchao , Xu Luohao , Cai Chaochao , Wang Haoyu , Qiu Jiaying , Zhu Jiacheng , Wang Xiaoling , Xiang Rong , Wu Weiying , Ding Peiwen , Wang Feiyue , Feng Qikai , Zhou Si , Yuan Yuting , Wu Wendi , Yan Yanan , Zhou Yitao , Chen Duo , Li Guang , Zhu Shida , Chen Fang , Zhang Qiujin , Wu Jihong , Xu Xun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe phylum chordata are composed of three groups: vertebrata, tunicate and cephalochordata. Single cell developmental atlas for typical species in vertebrata (mouse, zebrafish, western frog, worm) and tunicate (sea squirts) has been constructed recently. However, the single cell resolution atlas for lancelet, a living proxy of vertebrate ancestors, has not been achieved yet. Here, we profiled more than 57 thousand cells during the development of florida lancelet (Branchiostoma floridae), covering important processes including embryogenesis, organogenesis and metamorphosis. We identified stage and cluster specific regulatory elements. Additionally, we revealed the regulatory codes underlying functional specification and lineage commitment. Based on epigenetic features, we constructed the developmental trajectory for lancelet, elucidating how cell fates were established progressively. Overall, our study provides, by far, the first single cell regulatory landscape of amphioxus, which could help us to understand the heterogeneity and complexity of lancet development at single cell resolution and throw light upon the great transition from simple chordate ancestor to modern vertebrates with amazing diversity and endless forms.
Service quality of insurance in complex project deals in the construction industry in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Ghansah Frank Ato , Darko Amos , Asiedu Richard Ohene 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe insurance sector provides insurance protection for complex project deals in Ghana. The study assesses the service quality of insurance of complex project deals in the construction industry of developing countries, specifically Ghana. The objectives are to identify the insurance typologies in complex project deals in the construction industry, to assess the level of construction insurance quality, and to assess the challenges faced in complex project insurance.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the previously related works on insurance in the construction industry. The study then adopted quantitative research strategy where a structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information from construction industry professionals. The data analysis was organized in accordance with the specific objectives of the study with the aid of mean score analysis and independent sample t-test. The study again measured the reliability of the adopted scale using Cronbach's alpha, which indicated that all the items reliably measured what they were intended to measure, and thereby, statistical tools can be applied to give in-depth meanings.FindingsThe insurance typologies for complex projects were discovered by the study, as well as the available service qualities of insurance. The study again made it clear that the major challenges capable of affecting complex construction project are low quality of insurance companies' services and the gap in statutory and legal systems.Research limitation/implicationsThe major constraint in this study was the issue of taking only Ghana as a developing country to generalize the result. This is then to provide lessons for other developing countries.Practical implicationThe findings from this study will be useful to construction firms, insurance firms, and regulatory bodies by identifying the effectiveness of insurance as a risk mitigation measure in construction. The study will help the insurance firms to better position themselves to meet the demands of the construction industry. As the findings of this study are Ghana-specific, it is also to provide lessons for other developing countries.Originality/valueThis study delves deep into the complex construction project insurance service quality in developing countries, specifically Ghana.
Perceptual buffer zone: a potential of going beyond the definition of broader preservation areas
Authors: Darabi Hassan , Irani Behbahani Homa , Shokoohi Samin , Shokoohi Saman 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe integrity of heritage and landscape hinges on protection and restoration policies. Such policies are implemented through the determination of buffer zones that most of them are mainly based on the self-absorbed view, which isolates cultural sites from the community, instead of the more inclusive perception-based view. This study used perceptions as a base in identifying buffer zones in Anahita Temple, in comparison with previous study.Design/methodology/approachAccordingly, two parallel and qualitative methods were implemented. First, the site inventory approach was used to determine physical buffer zone, and then historical and temporal perceptions were used to determine a perception-based one. In addition, integrated buffer zone was defined based on two approaches. Finally, the participatory importance and performance analysis were proposed in order to conservation strategies formulation.FindingsThe results indicated that a physical buffer zone isolates the historical site from its landscape, thereby presenting challenges. By contrast, constructing a perception-based one not only maintains the integrity of the landscape but also creates correspondence between the landscape and people's mental map of the site.Practical implicationsMaintaining the site's integrity is expected to encourage participation from the local community and fuel more effective conservation efforts but it also introduces challenges given the need to impose new regulations.Originality/valueDespite various studies on role of perception in Historical Landscape, less attention has been paid to the role of perception in definition of heritage buffer zone. Therefore, the main goal is to develop a framework to determine the buffer zone of heritage sites by providing a sample.
Assessing working capital management efficiency of Indian manufacturing exporters
Authors: Seth Himanshu , Chadha Saurabh , Ruparel Namita , Arora Puneet Kumar , Sharma Satyendra Kumar 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationship between working capital management (WCM) efficiency and exogenous variables of the Indian manufacturing sector along with its sub-industries that are involved in export activities.Design/methodology/approachPanel regression (fixed effects) was used on a sample of 563 Indian manufacturing firms involved in export activities, covering a time period from 2008 to 2018.FindingsIndustry-wise results showed a significant relation of leverage, net fixed asset ratio, profitability, asset turnover ratio, total asset growth rate and productivity with cash conversion cycle (CCC).Research limitations/implicationsFirstly, having taken a sample from a developing economy, the results of our study may be generalizable only among developing contexts. Secondly, the time period taken in this study (2008–2018) has witnessed several economic fluctuations such as recession and demonetization which might differ for the firms or countries in normal conditions.Practical implicationsAn improved working capital model could advance the firms' performance by reducing the CCC of the firm, thereby creating efficiency in WCM. In addition, the results of this study could be helpful for many stakeholders such as working capital managers, debt holders, investors, financial consultants and others for monitoring the firms.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature in the relation between WCM efficiency and exogenous variables of the Indian manufacturing firms engaged in the export activities. Moreover, this study is one of the few research studies to investigate this relationship among Indian export firms in different industries, thus filling the gap in similar work done in other countries.
Modelling the potential efficacy of treatments for white‐nose syndrome in bats
Authors: Fletcher Quinn E. , Webber Quinn M. R. , Willis Craig K. R. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The fungal disease white‐nose syndrome (WNS) has caused mass mortality in some species of North American bats during hibernation.

We use population viability models to test if a hypothetical WNS treatment or management action could facilitate the recovery of WNS‐affected little brown myotis Myotis lucifugus populations. We modelled scenarios altering three parameters: (a) WNS severity (population growth rate of WNS‐affected populations; λWNS); (b) proportion of population treated; and (c) treatment improvement in winter survival (TIWS).

Our models predict that a treatment or management action that targets an entire population with a TIWS of 40% (the average TIWS in bat trials to date) will cause a population to stabilize or increase if WNS causes an annual decline of less than 70% (i.e. λWNS > 0.30). However, for severe WNS (λWNS = 0.10), the TIWS must be at least 54% to cause a population to stabilize or increase. Where only a proportion of a WNS‐affected population is treated, population stability is much harder to achieve unless the impact of WNS attenuates over time.

Our models suggest that a treatment or management action only facilitates the recovery of WNS-affected populations if WNS is mild, TIWS is high, and a large proportion of the population can be treated. If a small proportion of the population is treated, it is easier to facilitate recovery if WNS severity attenuates over time.

Synthesis and applications. We modelled the predicted abundance trajectory of white‐nose syndrome‐affected little brown myotis Myotis lucifugus populations in response to a hypothetical treatment or management action. Our two types of models incorporate the complete range of possible scenarios varying three parameters: (a) population growth rate of the white‐nose syndrome‐affected population, (b) the improvement in winter survival associated with the treatment or management action, and (c) the proportion of the population treated. We suggest that our models, which can be explored using online Shiny applications, should be used in the planning phase of treatment or management action programmes for white‐nose syndrome.
Global Crisis Leadership for Disease‐Induced Threats: One Health and Urbanisation
Authors: Connolly John 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe concept of ‘One Health’ (OH) has gathered momentum among the public health and animal health communities as an important global policy agenda for drawing together these disciplines to inform urban planning and health security policies. OH research, from a risk governance perspective, is generally concerned with identifying preventative programmes that can minimise the threats posed by diseases at the animal‐human interface (e.g. Corona virus, Ebola, avian influenza, the Q virus, for example). This article, by drawing on examples of disease threats, discusses the multi‐level challenges of establishing OH with a particular focus on urban change. It considers the risks posed by the increasing urbanisation of animal habitats and what this means for achieving OH. The article concludes by discussing why social scientists need to pay greater attention to the concept of OH.
Mortality and Complication Rates in Adult Trauma Patients Receiving Tranexamic Acid: A Single‐center Experience in the Post–CRASH‐2 Era
Authors: Erramouspe Pablo Joaquin , García‐Pintos María Florencia , Benipal Simranjeet , Manoukian Martin A. C. , Santamarina John‐Lloyd , Shawagga Hiwote G. , Vo Linda L. , Galante Joseph M. , Nishijima Daniel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe CRASH‐2 trial demonstrated that tranexamic acid (TXA) in adults with significant traumatic hemorrhage safely reduces mortality. Given that the CRASH‐2 trial did not include U.S. sites, our objective was to evaluate patient characteristics, TXA dosing strategies, and the incidence of mortality and adverse events in adult trauma patients receiving TXA at a U.S. Level I trauma center in the post–CRASH‐2 era.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study that included patients aged 18 years or older who received TXA after an acute injury from July 2014 to June 2017. We excluded patients who received TXA orally, patients who received TXA for elective surgical procedures or nontrauma indications, patients who received it 8 hours or longer after the time of injury, and patients with cardiac arrest at time of emergency department arrival. Trained abstractors collected data from the trauma registry and hospital electronic medical records. Our primary outcome measures were in‐hospital death and acute thromboembolic events within 28 days from injury.ResultsWe included 273 patients with a mean (±SD) age of 43.8 (±18.7) years. The mean (±SD) time of administration of TXA from time of injury was 1.55 (±1.2) hours with 229 patients (83.9%) receiving TXA within 3 hours. The overall mortality within 28 days from injury was 12.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.9% to 16.7%), which was similar compared to that in the CRASH‐2 trial (14.5%, 95% CI = 13.9% to 15.2%). The incidence of acute thromboembolic events was 6.6% (95% CI = 3.7% to 9.5%), which was higher than that in the CRASH‐2 trial (2.0%, 95% CI = 1.73% to 2.27%). Patients in our cohort also received surgery (64.8% vs. 47.9%) and blood transfusions (74.0% vs. 50.4%) more frequently than those in the CRASH‐2 cohort.ConclusionsAdult trauma patients receiving TXA had similar incidences of death but higher incidences of thromboembolic events compared to the CRASH‐2 trial. Variation in patient characteristics, injury severity, TXA dosing, and surgery and transfusion rates could explain these observed differences. Further research is necessary to provide additional insight into the incidence and risk factors of thromboembolic events in TXA use.
Do female CEOs make a difference in firm operations? Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vo Lai Van , Nguyen Hazel Thu‐Hien , Le Huong Thi Thu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of gender in corporate leadership on the performance and risk of Vietnamese listed firms. We find that firms with female CEOs generate higher profitability than those with male CEOs. In addition, firms led by female CEOs experience less systematic and idiosyncratic risks as well as lower volatility in their returns on assets. These results are robust under different regression specifications. Our results support the hypothesis that women offer unique perspectives, experiences and work styles that benefit firms and that provide evidence for continuing government efforts to improve gender equality in Vietnam.
Emerging conflict between conservation programmes: when a threatened vertebrate facilitates the dispersal of exotic species in a rare plant community
Authors: Sigaud M. , Mason T. H. E. , Barnier F. , Cherry S. G. , Fortin D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs an ever‐increasing variety of conservation programmes are applied in human‐altered environments, there is a growing risk that different conservation actions with conflicting objectives may impede one another. Preventing and resolving the negative impacts of such conflicting conservation programmes could become a key challenge for conservationists. To date, however, the issue of conflicting conservation programmes has been largely overlooked. We explored a potential conflict between the preservation of threatened free‐ranging plains bisonBison bison bisonand the conservation in a National Park of a rare plant community – native rough fescueFestuca halliigrasslands. We investigated the dispersal of exotic seeds by examining 283 samples of bison faeces and the spatial distribution of exotic plant species in relation to bison behaviour. We showed that bison facilitated the long‐distance dispersal of exotic plant species into the park by transporting seeds. Our analysis indicated there was a high probability (>75%) of occurrence of cloverTrifoliumspp. and timothyPhleum pratenseon bison trails across 38% and 27%, respectively, of fescue grassland area. There was also a high probability of occurrence of timothy on bison wallows across 20% of fescue grasslands area. Furthermore, we demonstrated that exotic plant species were most likely to occur within 3 km of potential introduction points, and identified specific grassland patches most at risk of exotic plant species introduction by bison. By revealing the ecological mechanism underlying the emergence of a potential conflict, we were able to delineate spatial variation in the relative threat that bison might pose to the integrity of native fescue plant communities, allowing managers to optimize the allocation of conservation effort. Our study highlights the value of understanding the ecological mechanisms driving conflict between conservation programmes in order to set evidence‐based priorities for guiding future conservation decision‐making.