bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methods for chair restraint and training of the common marmoset on oculomotor tasks
Authors: Johnston Kevin D. , Barker Kevin , Schaeffer Lauren , Schaeffer David , Everling Stefan 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe oculomotor system is the most thoroughly understood sensorimotor system in the brain, due in large part to electrophysiological studies carried out in macaque monkeys trained to perform ocuolomotor tasks. A disadvantage of the macaque model is that many cortical oculomotor areas of interest lie within sulci, making high-density array and laminar recordings impractical. Further, many techniques of molecular biology developed in rodents, such as transgenic animals and optogenetic manipulation of neuronal subtypes, are limited in this species. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) may potentially bridge the gap between systems neuroscience in macaques and molecular techniques, and additionally possesses a smooth cortex allowing easy access to frontoparietal oculomotor areas. To date, techniques for restraint and training of these animals to perform oculomotor tasks remain in an early stage of development. Here we provide details of a custom-designed chair for restraint of marmosets, a combination head restraint/recording chamber providing stability suitable for eye movement and neural recordings, and a training protocol for oculomotor tasks. As proof-of-principle, we report the results of a psychophysical study in marmosets trained to perform a saccade task using these methods, showing that, as in rhesus and humans, marmosets exhibit a “gap effect” – a decrease in reaction time when the fixation stimulus is removed prior to the onset of a visual saccade target. These results provide evidence that the common marmoset is a suitable model for neurophysiogical investigations of oculomotor control.NEW AND NOTEWORTHYThe ability to carry out neuronal recordings in behaving primates has provided a wealth of information regarding the neural circuits underlying the control of eye movements. Such studies require restraint of the animal within a primate chair, head fixation, methods of acclimating the animals to this restraint, and the use of operant conditioning methods for training on oculomotor tasks. In contrast to the macaque model, relatively few studies have reported in detail methods for use in the common marmoset. Here we detail custom-designed equipment and methods by which we have used to successfully train head-restrained marmosets to perform basic oculomotor tasks.
Controlling motion artefact levels in MR images by suspending data acquisition during periods of head motion
Authors: Castella Rémi , Arn Lionel , Dupuis Estelle , Callaghan Martina F. , Draganski Bogdan , Lutti Antoine 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHead movements are a major source of MRI artefacts that hamper radiological assessment and computer-based morphological and functional measures of the human brain. Prospective motion correction techniques continuously update the MRI scanner based on head position information provided by an external tracking system. While prospective motion correction significantly improves data quality, strong motion artefacts may remain with large head motions or when motion takes place at sensitive times of the acquisition. Here we present a framework that allows the suspension of data acquisition when head motion is predicted to have a strong negative impact on data quality. The predictor, calculated in real-time during the acquisition, accounts for the amplitude of the signal acquired at the time of the motion, thereby offering a re-acquisition strategy more efficient than relying on head speed alone. The suspension of data acquisition is governed by the trade-off between image degradation due to motion and prolonging the scan time. This trade-off can be tuned by the user according to the desired level of image quality and the participant‘s tolerability. We test the framework using two motion experiments and two head coils. Significant improvements in data quality are obtained with stringent threshold values for the suspension of acquisition. Substantial reductions in motion artefact levels are also achieved with minimal prolongation of scan time. However, high levels of motion artefacts occasionally remain despite stringent thresholds with the 64-channel head coil, an effect that might be attributed to head movement in the sharp sensitivity profile of this coil.
The predictability of a lake phytoplankton community, from hours to years
Authors: Thomas Mridul K. , Fontana Simone , Reyes Marta , Kehoe Michael , Pomati Francesco 
Published: December 2017

AbstractForecasting anthropogenic changes to ecological communities is one of the central challenges in ecology. However, nonlinear dependencies, biotic interactions and data limitations have limited our ability to assess how predictable communities are. Here we used a machine learning approach and environmental monitoring data (biological, physical and chemical) to assess the predictability of phytoplankton cell density in one lake across an unprecedented range of time scales. Communities were highly predictable over hours to months: model R2 decreased from 0. 89 at 4 hours to 0.75 at 1 month, and in a long-term dataset lacking fine spatial resolution, from 0.46 at 1 month to 0.32 at 10 years. When cyanobacterial and eukaryotic algal cell density were examined separately, model-inferred environmental growth dependencies matched laboratory studies, and suggested novel trade-offs governing their competition. High-frequency monitoring and machine learning can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying ecological dynamics and set prediction targets for process-based models.
Assessment of hydrophobicity scales for protein stability and folding using energy and RMSD criteria
Authors: Haimov Boris , Srebnik Simcha 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTDe novoprediction of protein folding is an open scientific challenge. Many folding models and force fields have been developed, yet all face difficulties converging to native conformations. Hydrophobicity scales (HSs) play a crucial role in such simulations as they define the energetic interactions between protein residues, thus determining the energetically favorable conformation. While many HSs have been developed over the years using various methods, it is surprising that the scales show very weak consensus in their assignment of hydrophobicity indexes to the various residues. In this work, several HSs are systematically assessed via atomistic Monte Carlo simulation of folding of small proteins, by converting the HSs of interest into residue-residue contact energy matrices. HSs that poorly preserve native structures of proteins were tuned by applying a linear transformation. Subsequently, folding simulations were used to examine the ability of the HSs to correctly fold the proteins from a random initial conformation. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) and energy of the proteins during folding were sampled and used to define an ER-score, as the correlation between the 2-dimensional energy-RMSD (ER) histogram with 50% lowest energy conformations and the ER histogram with 50% lowest RMSD conformations. Thus, we were able to compare the ability of the different HSs to predictde novoprotein folding quantitatively.
Diminished Cortical Thickness is Associated with Impulsive Choice in Adolescence
Authors: Pehlivanova Marieta , Wolf Daniel H. , Sotiras Aristeidis , Kaczkurkin Antonia , Moore Tyler M. , Ciric Rastko , Cook Philip A. , Garcia de La Garza Angel , Rosen Adon , Ruparel Kosha , Sharma Anup , Shinohara Russell T. , Roalf David R. , Gur Ruben C. , Davatzikos Christos , Gur Raquel E. , Kable Joseph W. , Satterthwaite Theodore D 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTAdolescence is characterized by both maturation of brain structure and increased risk of negative outcomes from behaviors associated with impulsive decision-making. One important index of impulsive choice is delay discounting (DD), which measures the tendency to prefer smaller rewards available soon over larger rewards delivered after a delay. However, it remains largely unknown how individual differences in structural brain development may be associated with impulsive choice during adolescence. Leveraging a unique large sample of 427 human youths (208 males and 219 females) imaged as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, we examined associations between delay discounting and cortical thickness within structural covariance networks. These structural networks were derived using non-negative matrix factorization, an advanced multivariate technique for dimensionality reduction, and analyzed using generalized additive models with penalized splines to capture both linear and nonlinear developmental effects. We found that impulsive choice, as measured by greater discounting, was most strongly associated with diminished cortical thickness in structural brain networks that encompassed the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, temporal pole, and temporoparietal junction. Furthermore, structural brain networks predicted DD above and beyond cognitive performance. Taken together, these results suggest that reduced cortical thickness in regions known to be involved in value-based decision-making is a marker of impulsive choice during the critical period of adolescence.SIGNIFICANCERisky behaviors during adolescence, such as initiation of substance use or reckless driving, are a major source of morbidity and mortality. In this study, we present evidence from a large sample of youths that diminished cortical thickness in specific structural brain networks is associated with impulsive choice. Notably, the strongest association between impulsive choice and brain structure was seen in regions implicated in value-based decision-making; namely, the ventromedial prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices. Moving forward, such neuroanatomical markers of impulsivity may aid in the development of personalized interventions targeted to reduce risk of negative outcomes resulting from impulsivity during adolescence.
Asymmetric and nonlinear inter-relations of US stock indices
Authors: Vortelinos Dimitrios , Gkillas (Gillas) Konstantinos , Syriopoulos Costas , Svingou Argyro 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the inter-relations among the US stock indices.Design/methodology/approachData of nine US stock indices spanning a period of sixteen years (2000-2015) are employed for this purpose. Asymmetries are examined via an error correction model. Non-linear inter-relations are researched via Breitung’s nonlinear cointegration, a M-G nonlinear causality model, shocks to the forecast error variance, a shock spillover index and an asymmetric VAR-GARCH (VAR-ABEKK) approach.FindingsThe inter-relations are signiﬁcant. The results are robust across all types of inter-relations. They are highest in the Lehman Brothers sub-period. Higher stability after the EU debt crisis, enhances independence and growth for the US stock indices.Originality/valueTo the best of the knowledge, this is the first study to examine the inter-relations of US stock indices. Most studies on inter-relations concentrate on the portfolio analysis to reveal diversification benefits among various asset markets internationally. Hence this study contributes to this literature on the inter-relations of a specific asset market (stock), and in a specific nation (USA). The evident inter-relations support the notion of diversification benefits in the US stock markets.
Workplace safety events and firm performance
Authors: Kabir Qazi S. , Watson Kevin , Somaratna Theekshana 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address a deficiency in the literature by exploring the impact of negative workplace safety announcements on firm performance. The authors analyze the issue from a corporate social responsibility perspective and explore ways supply chain managers can contribute to improve firm performance through the development of safe working environments.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a sample of 227 negative workplace safety announcements, this paper explores the implications of negative workplace safety announcements on the stock price of a firm using event study methodology.FindingsThe authors find that negative workplace announcements are associated with an abnormal decrease in shareholder value. Furthermore, the authors find evidence that negative workplace safety announcements have a more pronounced negative effect on firm value in the present environment than in any previous time period.Practical implicationsOperations managers need to play leading roles in ensuring safe working environments. The results provide the support needed to acquire the financial resources necessary to mitigate exposure to unsafe working conditions.Originality/valueThis study explores the impact of negative workplace safety announcements on a firm’s stock performance. It is the first large-scale study to look at public announcements of workplace incidents and to explore the impact of such announcements in the context of time.
Engaged scholarship on the High Street: the case of HSUK2020
Authors: Ntounis Nikos , Parker Cathy 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce engaged scholarship as a method for addressing the “wicked problem” of High Street change through successful collaboration and co-production of knowledge between academics, practitioners, citizens and other place stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe first part of this paper introduces engaged scholarship as a participatory form of research and situates it within the context of the High Street. The second part presents the case of High Street UK 2020 (HSUK2020) via Van de Ven’s diamond model of engaged scholarship as a guide.FindingsEngaged scholarship’s focus on knowledge production and on collaboration between the research team and the community enabled us to improve the understanding of factors affecting High Streets amongst a diverse group of stakeholders and focus on what works for the towns. The ongoing impact of HSUK2020 on the project towns’ action plans and on this current research is testament to how engaged scholarship research can drive the agendas for both academics and communities.Originality/valueThe paper presents engaged scholarship as an alternative collaborative method of conducting research on the High Street, one that is more in line with the current trends in retailing and works as a motivating factor for community engagement.
Improving the vitality and viability of the UK High Street by 2020
Authors: Parker Cathy , Ntounis Nikos , Millington Steve , Quin Simon , Castillo-Villar Fernando Rey 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document the results and the impact of the ESRC-funded High Street UK 2020 (HSUK2020), a project designed to take the existing academic knowledge relating to retail and high street change directly to UK High Streets, to improve local decision-making and, ultimately, their vitality and viability.Design/methodology/approachThrough a systematic literature review, and by following the tenets of engaged scholarship, the authors identified 201 factors that influence the vitality and viability of town centres. Through the consensus-building Delphi technique, a panel of 20 retail experts identified the top 25 priorities for action.FindingsTaking a place management approach led to the development of a more strategic framework for regeneration, which consisted of repositioning, reinventing, rebranding and restructuring strategies (4R’s of regeneration). Collaboration with the project towns resulted in identification of the strategy area that would add the most value, and the impact of the 4R’s and the top 25 priorities is demonstrated via numerous town examples.Originality/valueKnowledge exchange projects, such as High Street UK2020, have an important contribution to make, not by developing even more theory that is unlikely to get utilised, instead their contribution is to bring existing theory into practical use.
The impact of story: measuring the impact of story for organisational change
Authors: Rossetti Lisa , Wall Tony 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
The role of dialogue has recently been identified as being important in generating impact in organisations, but the purposeful use of narrative or story-based approaches to effect organisational change and service improvement is still relatively innovative. The purpose of this paper is to document and examine two projects in health and social care settings which aim to generate organisational development and service improvement.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper evaluates and compares two case studies of story-based organisational development and service improvement projects in the UK. This involved developing an appropriate evaluation framework and assessing the impacts in each case using semi-structured interviews and thematic content analysis.

Findings
This paper reports the diversity of impacts and outcomes that were generated by the projects. Specifically, it is argued that there is a strong indication that story-based projects best achieve their objectives when clearly linked to key organisational strategic drivers or pathways, as evidenced by robust evaluation.

Practical implications
This paper recommends that researchers and practitioners, working with story-based methods, design credible and robust evaluative practices, in order to evidence how their work supports organisations to meet current sector challenges. The paper recommends a flexible evaluation framework for evaluating story-based projects in the workplace.

Originality/value
This paper offers new evidence and insight into the impacts and outcomes of using story-based approaches, and a new evaluation framework for these sorts of projects.
Consequences of grazer‐induced vegetation transitions on ecosystem carbon storage in the tundra
Authors: Ylänne Henni , Olofsson Johan , Oksanen Lauri , Stark Sari 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Large herbivores can control plant community composition and, under certain conditions, even induce vegetation shifts to alternative ecosystem states. As different plant assemblages maintain contrasting carbon (C) cycling patterns, herbivores have the potential to alter C sequestration at regional scales. Their influence is of particular interest in the Arctic tundra, where a large share of the world's soil C reservoir is stored.

We assessed the influence of grazing mammals on tundra vegetation and C stocks by resampling two sites located along pasture rotation fences in northern Norway. These fences have separated lightly grazed areas from heavily grazed areas (in close proximity to the fences) and moderately grazed areas (further away from the fences) for the past 50 years. Fourteen years earlier, the lightly and moderately grazed areas were dominated by dwarf shrubs, whereas heavy grazing had promoted the establishment of graminoid‐dominated vegetation. Since then, both reindeer densities and temperatures have increased, and more time has passed for transient dynamics to be expressed. We expected that the vegetation and C stocks would have changed under all grazing intensities, but not necessarily in the same way.

At the site where relative reindeer numbers and trampling intensity had increased the most, graminoid‐dominated vegetation was now also found in the moderately grazed area. At the other site, the dominant vegetation types under all grazing intensities were the same as 14 years earlier.

We show that the heavily grazed, graminoid‐dominated areas stored less C above‐ground than the lightly grazed, shrub‐dominated areas. Yet, the below‐ground consequences of grazing‐induced grassification varied between the sites: Grazing did not alter organic soil C stocks at the site where both evergreen and deciduous shrubs were abundant in the lightly grazed area, whereas heavy grazing increased organic soil C stocks at the site where the deciduous shrub Betula nana was dominant.

Our results indicate that, despite the negative impacts of grazers on above‐ground C storage, their impact on below‐ground C may even be positive. We suggest that the site‐specific responses of organic soil C stocks to grazing could be explained by the differences in vegetation under light grazing. This would imply that the replacement of deciduous shrubs by graminoids, as a consequence of grazing could be beneficial for C sequestration in tundra soils.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Effectiveness of vocabulary intervention for older children with (developmental) language disorder
Authors: Wright Lisa , Pring Tim , Ebbels Susan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundChildren with developmental language disorder (DLD) frequently have difficulties with word learning and understanding vocabulary. For these children, this can significantly impact on social interactions, daily activities and academic progress. Although there is literature providing a rationale for targeting word learning in such children, there is little evidence for the effectiveness of specific interventions in this area for children with identified DLD.AimsTo establish whether direct one‐to‐one intervention for children with DLD over 9 years of age leads to improved abilities to identify, comprehend, define, and use nouns and verbs targeted in intervention as compared with non‐targeted control items and whether or not the participants’ rating of their own knowledge of the words changes with intervention.Methods & ProceduresTwenty‐five children and young people with language disorder (aged 9;4–16;1) participated in the study: 18 with DLD and seven with a language disorder associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two assessments of different levels were created: a higher ability (less frequent words) and a lower ability (more frequent words). Participants’ speech and language therapists (SLTs) decided which level would be the most appropriate for each participant. Four tasks were carried out as part of the assessment and the scores were used to identify which words each participant worked on. Participants received one 30‐min session per week one‐to‐one with their own SLT for 7 weeks, plus a 5‐min revision session in between each main session. During each of the first five sessions, participants learned two new words; the two final sessions were spent revising the 10 words which had been targeted.Outcomes & ResultsPost‐intervention assessment showed an increase in scores for both treated and control words. However, progress on treated words was significantly greater than on control words (d = 1.07), indicating effectiveness of intervention. The difference between progress on targeted and control words was found both for nouns (d = 1.29) and verbs (d = 0.64), but the effect size was larger for nouns. Whether or not the participants had an associated ASD did not affect the results. The children's self‐rating of their knowledge of the targeted words was also significantly higher than for control words post‐intervention.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe intervention delivered one‐to‐one by the participants’ usual SLT was effective in teaching new vocabulary to older children with language disorders. This shows that older children with language disorders can make progress with direct one‐to‐one intervention focused on vocabulary.