bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase Reinstates Hippocampus-Dependent Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity and Associative Memory in Sleep-Deprived Mice
Authors: Wong Lik-Wei , Chong Yee Song , Wong Win Lee Edwin , Sajikumar Sreedharan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Sleep plays an important role in the establishment of long-term memory; as such, lack of sleep severely impacts domains of our health including cognitive function. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis, playing a critical role in the modulation of long-term synaptic plasticity and memory. Recent evidences indicate that transcriptional dysregulation as a result of sleep deprivation (SD) may contribute to deficits in plasticity and memory function. The histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), also known as Vorinostat, a clinically approved drug for human use, has been shown to ameliorate cognitive deficits in several neurological disease models. To further explore the therapeutic effect of SAHA, we have examined its potential role in improving the SD-mediated impairments in long-term plasticity, associative plasticity, and associative memory. Here we show that SAHA preserves long-term plasticity, associative plasticity, and associative memory in SD hippocampus. Furthermore, we find that SAHA prevents SD-mediated epigenetic changes by upregulating histone acetylation, hence preserving the ERK–cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB)/CREB-binding protein–brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway in the hippocampus. These data demonstrate that modifying epigenetic mechanisms via SAHA can prevent or reverse impairments in long-term plasticity and memory that result from sleep loss. Thus, SAHA could be a potential therapeutic agent in improving SD-related memory deficits.
Normalized difference vegetation index, temperature and age affect faecal thyroid hormone concentrations in free-ranging African elephants
Authors: Szott Isabelle D , Pretorius Yolanda , Ganswindt Andre , Koyama Nicola F 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Conservation biologists can use hormone measurements to assess animals’ welfare, reproductive state, susceptibility to stressors, as well as energy expenditure. Quantifying hormone concentrations from faecal samples is particularly advantageous as samples can be collected without disturbing animals’ behaviour. In order for an endocrine marker to be useful for wildlife managers, we need to understand how extrinsic and intrinsic factors affect hormone concentrations in free-ranging animal populations. Thyroid hormones are linked to basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure. Previous research demonstrated that triiodothyronine (T3) can be measured successfully in faecal matter of African elephants, Loxodonta africana. However, to our knowledge, research into factors affecting changes in elephant T3 levels has only been carried out in captive elephants so far. Thus, we present the first study of faecal T3 metabolite (mT3) concentrations of a large population of free-ranging African elephants. Over 15 months, we collected faecal samples from identified (n = 43 samples) and unidentified (n = 145 samples) individuals in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. We investigated whether vegetative productivity [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] in interaction with mean monthly temperature, age and sex affected mT3 concentrations. We found a significant negative interaction effect of NDVI and temperature. Increasing NDVI was related to higher concentrations of mT3, but increasing temperature was related to a decrease in mT3 concentrations in individually identified and unidentified elephants. In unidentified individuals, juvenile elephants had significantly higher mT3 concentrations compared to adult elephants. Faecal T3 can successfully be quantified in samples from free-ranging elephant populations and thus provides insight into energy expenditure in large herbivores.
Double/debiased machine learning for difference-in-differences models
Authors: Chang Neng-Chieh 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThis paper provides an orthogonal extension of the semiparametric difference-in-differences estimator proposed in earlier literature. The proposed estimator enjoys the so-called Neyman orthogonality (Chernozhukov et al., 2018), and thus it allows researchers to flexibly use a rich set of machine learning methods in the first-step estimation. It is particularly useful when researchers confront a high-dimensional data set in which the number of potential control variables is larger than the sample size and the conventional nonparametric estimation methods, such as kernel and sieve estimators, do not apply. I apply this orthogonal difference-in-differences estimator to evaluate the effect of tariff reduction on corruption. The empirical results show that tariff reduction decreases corruption in large magnitude.
Diagnosing arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy by 2010 Task Force Criteria: clinical performance and simplified practical implementation
Authors: Bosman Laurens P , Cadrin-Tourigny Julia , Bourfiss Mimount , Aliyari Ghasabeh Mounes , Sharma Apurva , Tichnell Crystal , Roudijk Rob W , Murray Brittney , Tandri Harikrishna , Khairy Paul , Kamel Ihab R , Zimmerman Stefan L , Reitsma Johannes B , Asselbergs Folkert W , van Tintelen J Peter , van der Heijden Jeroen F , Hauer Richard N W , Calkins Hugh , James Cynthia A , te Riele Anneline S J M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Aims
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is diagnosed by a complex set of clinical tests as per 2010 Task Force Criteria (TFC). Avoiding misdiagnosis is crucial to prevent sudden cardiac death as well as unnecessary implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantations. This study aims to validate the overall performance of the TFC in a real-world cohort of patients referred for ARVC evaluation.

Methods and results
We included patients consecutively referred to our centres for ARVC evaluation. Patients were diagnosed by consensus of three independent clinical experts. Using this as a reference standard, diagnostic performance was measured for each individual criterion as well as the overall TFC classification. Of 407 evaluated patients (age 38 ± 17 years, 51% male), the expert panel diagnosed 66 (16%) with ARVC. The clinically observed TFC was false negative in 7/66 (11%) patients and false positive in 10/69 (14%) patients. Idiopathic outflow tract ventricular tachycardia was the most common alternative diagnosis. While the TFC performed well overall (sensitivity and specificity 92%), signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG, P = 0.43), and several family history criteria (P ≥ 0.17) failed to discriminate. Eliminating these criteria reduced false positives without increasing false negatives (net reclassification improvement 4.3%, P = 0.019). Furthermore, all ARVC patients met at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) or arrhythmia criterion (sensitivity 100%).

Conclusion
The TFC perform well but are complex and can lead to misdiagnosis. Simplification by eliminating SAECG and several family history criteria improves diagnostic accuracy. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy can be ruled out using ECG and arrhythmia criteria alone, hence these tests may serve as a first-line screening strategy among at-risk individuals.
Mortality convergence in the enlarged European Union: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hrzic Rok , Vogt Tobias , Janssen Fanny , Brand Helmut 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
The high mortality rates in the European Union (EU) Member States that acceded in 2004 sparked political interest in mortality convergence. Whether mortality is converging in the EU remains unclear. We reviewed the literature on mortality convergence in the post-2004 EU territory as a whole. We also explored whether the study designs influenced the results and whether any determinants of mortality convergence had been empirically examined.

Methods
A systematic literature review was performed. Our search included scientific databases and the websites of international governmental institutions and European demographic research institutes.

Results
We uncovered 94 unique records and included seven studies that reported on 36 analyses. There was marked methodological heterogeneity, including in the convergence measures (beta and sigma convergence). All of the beta convergence analyses found narrowing mortality differentials, whereas most of the sigma convergence analyses found widening mortality differentials. The results are robust to the units of analysis and mortality and dispersion measures. Our results also suggest that there is a lack of evidence on the determinants of mortality convergence in the EU.

Conclusions
There is general agreement that the EU regions and the Member States with high initial mortality rates improved the fastest, but this trend did not lead to overall mortality convergence in the EU. The harmonization of mortality convergence measures and research into determinants of mortality convergence are needed to support future EU cohesion policy. Policy-makers should consider supporting areas that have moderate but stagnant mortality rates, in addition to those with high mortality rates.
‘As solid as and more precious than gold’: Gabriel-Julien Ouvrard, John Law and the legacy of the assignats in nineteenth-century France
Authors: Greenfield Jerome 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
It is a truism that the experience of the assignats in the 1790s deterred the French from paper-based wealth during the nineteenth century, a notion that dovetails with a long-standing narrative of French economic backwardness in this period, particularly relative to Britain. This article revisits this interpretation through the study of proposals for public borrowing during the late Empire and early Restoration, most notably those promoted by the financier Gabriel-Julien Ouvrard to finance the payment of reparations after the Napoleonic Wars. Ouvrard’s schemes for the mass issuing of bonds embodied ideas that were remarkably similar to those underlying the assignats and John Law’s system of 1716–20, which suggests that the French were much less wary of paper assets than historians have assumed.
Caring for Chronically Ill Older Adults: A View Over the Last 75 Years
Authors: Pillemer Karl , Czaja Sara J , Reid M Cary 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We explore major trends over the last 75 years that affect care provision to chronically ill older adults. We examine shifting demographics that have altered the nature and dynamics of family and formal care systems. Next, we identify changes in clinical health care approaches, including the rising population of chronically ill older persons and concerns about continuity of care. We conclude with an assessment of the growing impact of the technological revolution on both family and professional care.
Hydrogeophysical data integration through Bayesian Sequential Simulation with log-linear pooling
Authors: Nussbaumer Raphaël , Mariethoz Grégoire , Gloaguen Erwan , Holliger Klaus 
Published: February 2020

SUMMARY
Bayesian sequential simulation (BSS) is a geostastistical technique, which uses a secondary variable to guide the stochastic simulation of a primary variable. As such, BSS has proven significant promise for the integration of disparate hydrogeophysical data sets characterized by vastly differing spatial coverage and resolution of the primary and secondary variables. An inherent limitation of BSS is its tendency to underestimate the variance of the simulated fields due to the smooth nature of the secondary variable. Indeed, in its classical form, the method is unable to account for this smoothness because it assumes independence of the secondary variable with regard to neighbouring values of the primary variable. To overcome this limitation, we have modified the Bayesian updating with a log-linear pooling approach, which allows us to account for the inherent interdependence between the primary and the secondary variables by adding exponential weights to the corresponding probabilities. The proposed method is tested on a pertinent synthetic hydrogeophysical data set consisting of surface-based electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data and local borehole measurements of the hydraulic conductivity. Our results show that, compared to classical BSS, the proposed log-linear pooling method using equal constant weights for the primary and secondary variables enhances the reproduction of the spatial statistics of the stochastic realizations, while maintaining a faithful correspondence with the geophysical data. Significant additional improvements can be achieved by optimizing the choice of these constant weights. We also explore a dynamic adaptation of the weights during the course of the simulation process, which provides valuable insights into the optimal parametrization of the proposed log-linear pooling approach. The results corroborate the strategy of selectively emphasizing the probabilities of the secondary and primary variables at the very beginning and for the remainder of the simulation process, respectively.
A mutation map for human glycoside hydrolase genes
Authors: Hansen Lars , Husein Diab M , Gericke Birthe , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Tambe Mitali A , Freeze Hudson H , Naim Hassan Y , Henrissat Bernard , Wandall Hans H , Clausen Henrik , Bennett Eric P 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are found in all domains of life, and at least 87 distinct genes encoding proteins related to GHs are found in the human genome. GHs serve diverse functions from digestion of dietary polysaccharides to breakdown of intracellular oligosaccharides, glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycolipids. Congenital disorders of GHs (CDGHs) represent more than 30 rare diseases caused by mutations in one of the GH genes. We previously used whole-exome sequencing of a homogenous Danish population of almost 2000 individuals to probe the incidence of deleterious mutations in the human glycosyltransferases (GTs) and developed a mutation map of human GT genes (GlyMAP-I). While deleterious disease-causing mutations in the GT genes were very rare, and in many cases lethal, we predicted deleterious mutations in GH genes to be less rare and less severe given the higher incidence of CDGHs reported worldwide. To probe the incidence of GH mutations, we constructed a mutation map of human GH-related genes (GlyMAP-II) using the Danish WES data, and correlating this with reported disease-causing mutations confirmed the higher prevalence of disease-causing mutations in several GH genes compared to GT genes. We identified 76 novel nonsynonymous single-nucleotide variations (nsSNVs) in 32 GH genes that have not been associated with a CDGH phenotype, and we experimentally validated two novel potentially damaging nsSNVs in the congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency gene, SI. Our study provides a global view of human GH genes and disease-causing mutations and serves as a discovery tool for novel damaging nsSNVs in CDGHs.
The development of hospital accreditation in low- and middle-income countries: a literature review
Authors: Mansour Wesam , Boyd Alan , Walshe Kieran 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Hospital accreditation has been transferred from high-income countries (HICs) to many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), supported by a variety of advocates and donor agencies. This review uses a policy transfer theoretical framework to present a structured analysis of the development of hospital accreditation in LMICs. The framework is used to identify how governments in LMICs adopted accreditation from other settings and what mechanisms facilitated and hindered the transfer of accreditation. The review examines the interaction between national and international actors, and how international organizations influenced accreditation policy transfer. Relevant literature was found by searching databases and selected websites; 78 articles were included in the analysis process. The review concludes that accreditation is increasingly used as a tool to improve the quality of healthcare in LMICs. Many countries have established national hospital accreditation programmes and adapted them to fit their national contexts. However, the implementation and sustainability of these programmes are major challenges if resources are scarce. International actors have a substantial influence on the development of accreditation in LMICs, as sources of expertise and pump-priming funding. There is a need to provide a roadmap for the successful development and implementation of accreditation programmes in low-resource settings. Analysing accreditation policy processes could provide contextually sensitive lessons for LMICs seeking to develop and sustain their national accreditation programmes and for international organizations to exploit their role in supporting the development of accreditation in LMICs.
Physical activity promotion in German vocational education: does capacity building work?
Authors: Popp Johanna , Carl Johannes , Grüne Eva , Semrau Jana , Gelius Peter , Pfeifer Klaus 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Apprentices in many sectors are exposed to increased health risks and show low levels of physical activity (PA). Environmental and policy approaches seem to be promising tools for PA promotion as they can positively influence the context in which PA occurs. This article reports results from a German research project (2015–2018) that developed and implemented measures for PA promotion in the field of vocational education (VE). A participatory approach—cooperative planning (COP)—involving researchers as well as stakeholders from policy and practice was used in two VE settings—nursing care and automotive mechatronics. We assessed the extent to which new capacities for PA promotion were created by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from both sectors (n = 12) and one group interview with nursing students (n = 4). Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings show that new capacities were created mainly in the form of resources and opportunities and that several measures for PA promotion (e.g. a regular lesson on the issue of PA and health and a tutoring system) were successfully integrated into VE routines. However, establishing new organizational goals and obligations appeared to be challenging. Moreover, the article presents influencing factors, such as the participation of the main actors that strongly supported the process of capacity building within their organization. We conclude that COP seems promising in creating new capacities for PA promotion in the field of VE, and therefore has the potential to promote a physically active lifestyle among apprentices.
The impact of embryo quality on singleton birthweight in vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles
Authors: Zhang Jie , Huang Jiaan , Liu Hongfang , Wang Bian , Yang Xiaoyan , Shen Xi , Mao Xiaoyan , Wang Yun , Kuang Yanping 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Does the quality of a single transferred blastocyst affect singleton birthweight in frozen-embryo transfer (FET) cycles?

SUMMARY ANSWER
The transfer of a poor-quality blastocyst was associated with lower mean birthweight and gestation-adjusted birthweight (Z-scores) when compared with the transfer of an excellent-quality blastocyst during FET cycles.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Embryo quality is a strong predictor of IVF success rates. However, very few studies have examined the effect of embryo quality on singleton birthweight.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This retrospective study involved singleton live births born to women undergoing frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers during the period from January 2010 to December 2017 at a tertiary care centre.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
A total of 1207 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included and were grouped into four groups depending on the blastocyst quality: excellent, good, average and poor. The primary outcome measure was singleton birthweight. The Z-score was employed to calculate the birthweight adjusted for gestational age and newborn gender. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between embryo quality and neonatal birthweight after adjustment for some potential confounders.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
In the primary multivariable model, singletons from the poor-quality blastocyst group weighed 183.5 g less than those from the excellent-quality blastocyst group (95% CI: −295.1 to −71.9 g, P = 0.001) in terms of mean birthweight after accounting for patient characteristics, IVF treatment parameters, the year of treatment and newborn gender. Likewise, poor-quality blastocyst transfer was associated with lower gestation-adjusted Z-scores than the transfer of excellent-quality blastocysts (β = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.59 to −0.12, P = 0.003).

LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION
The current study was limited by its retrospective design and the fact that our analysis was restricted to women with singleton births from single blastocyst transfers. Future prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Our findings provide new insight into the relationship between embryo quality and neonatal outcomes by showing that poor-quality blastocyst transfer was associated with a decrease in singleton birthweight.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (grant no. 2018YFC1003000), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 81771533, 81571397 and 31770989), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant no. 2018M630456). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
Not applicable.
Immature leadership: Donald Trump and the American presidency
Authors: Drezner Daniel W 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
There has been a renaissance in the study of how the backgrounds of individual leaders affect foreign policy outcomes. Donald Trump's presidency highlights the limits of this approach. Trump's psychology is so unique, and so akin to that of a small child, that studying his background alone is insufficient to explain his decision-making. The evidence for this characterization of Trump's leadership comes not from his political opponents, but his allies, staffers and subordinates. Trump's lack of impulse control, short attention span and frequent temper tantrums have all undercut his effectiveness as president as compared to his predecessors. Nonetheless, the 45th president helps to clarify ongoing debates in American politics about the relative strength of the presidency as an institution. In particular, the powers of the presidency have become so enhanced that even comparatively weak and inexperienced leaders can execute dramatic policy shifts. The formal checks on presidential power, from the legislative, judicial and executive branches have all eroded. Similarly, the informal checks on the presidency had also degraded before Trump's inauguration. This article uses Trump's presidency—and his severe limitations as a decision-maker—to highlight the ways in which even a weak leader can affect change by holding a powerful office.
P-Partitions and Quasisymmetric Power Sums
Authors: Liu Ricky Ini , Weselcouch Michael 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The $(P, \omega )$-partition generating function of a labeled poset $(P, \omega )$ is a quasisymmetric function enumerating certain order-preserving maps from $P$ to ${\mathbb{Z}}^+$. We study the expansion of this generating function in the recently introduced type 1 quasisymmetric power sum basis $\{\psi _{\alpha }\}$. Using this expansion, we show that connected, naturally labeled posets have irreducible $P$-partition generating functions. We also show that series-parallel posets are uniquely determined by their partition generating functions. We conclude by giving a combinatorial interpretation for the coefficients of the $\psi _{\alpha }$-expansion of the $(P, \omega )$-partition generating function akin to the Murnaghan–Nakayama rule.