bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphometric analysis of astrocytes in brainstem respiratory regions
Authors: SheikhBahaei Shahriar , Morris Brian , Collina Jared , Anjum Sommer , Znati Sami , Gamarra Julio , Zhang Ruli , Gourine Alexander V. , Smith Jeffrey C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAstrocytes, the most abundant and structurally complex glial cells of the central nervous system, are proposed to play an important role in modulating the activities of neuronal networks, including respiratory rhythm‐generating circuits of the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) located in the ventrolateral medulla of the brainstem. However, structural properties of astrocytes residing within different brainstem regions are unknown. In this study astrocytes in the preBötC, an intermediate reticular formation (IRF) region with respiratory‐related function, and a region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in adult rats were reconstructed and their morphological features were compared. Detailed morphological analysis revealed that preBötC astrocytes are structurally more complex than those residing within the functionally distinct neighboring IRF region, or the NTS, located at the dorsal aspect of the medulla oblongata. Structural analyses of the brainstem microvasculature indicated no significant regional differences in vascular properties. We hypothesize that high morphological complexity of preBötC astrocytes reflects their functional role in providing structural/metabolic support and modulation of the key neuronal circuits essential for breathing, as well as constraints imposed by arrangements of associated neurons and/or other local structural features of the brainstem parenchyma.
Hierarchical Nickel–Cobalt‐Based Transition Metal Oxide Catalysts for the Electrochemical Conversion of Biomass into Valuable Chemicals
Authors: Gao Lifang , Bao Yu , Gan Shiyu , Sun Zhonghui , Song Zhongqian , Han Dongxue , Li Fenghua , Niu Li 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe upgrading of biomass into sustainable and valuable fine chemicals is an alternative to the use of state‐of‐the‐art petrochemicals. The conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) biomass derivative into 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has been recognized as an economical and green approach to replace the current polyethylene terephthalate based plastic industry. However, this reaction mostly relies on noble‐metal‐based catalysts for the sluggish aerobic oxidation of alcohol groups. In this work, we report a series of hierarchical Ni−Co‐based transition metal oxide catalysts for HMF oxidation by electrocatalysis. Comprehensive material characterization and electrochemical evaluation have been performed. A 90 % FDCA yield, nearly 100 % Faradaic efficiency, and robust stability were achieved for NiCo2O4 nanowires. As non‐precious‐metal catalysts, Ni−Co‐based transition metal oxides may open up new potential materials for highly efficient electrochemical biomass upgrading.
Design and circuit implementation of a five‐dimensional hyperchaotic system with linear parameter
Authors: Sui Yongbo , He Yigang , Yu Wenxin , Li Yan 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBased on an existing 4‐dimensional Lorenz hyperchaotic system, a novel 5‐dimensional hyperchaotic system is proposed by an extra linear control coefficient in this paper. Some related characters are analysed comprehensively, including the stability of equilibrium, dissipativity, rotation symmetry, bifurcations, Lyapunov exponent, and Poincare surface of a section of the hyperchaotic system. The 5‐dimensional hyperchaotic system is then implemented and simulated in the circuit simulation software NI Multisim. The results indicate that the proposed hyperchaotic system exhibits hyperchaos, chaos, and quasi‐periodic and periodic dynamic behaviours, which can facilitate and enhance the security of chaos‐based communication.
The positive carbon stocks–biodiversity relationship in forests: co‐occurrence and drivers across five subclimates
Authors: Lecina‐Diaz Judit , Alvarez Albert , Regos Adrián , Drapeau Pierre , Paquette Alain , Messier Christian , Retana Javier 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCarbon storage in forests and its ability to offset global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as biodiversity and its capacity to support ecosystem functions and services, are often considered separately in landscape planning. However, the potential synergies between them are currently poorly understood. Identifying the spatial patterns and factors driving their co‐occurrence across different climatic zones is critical to more effectively conserve forest ecosystems at the regional level. Here, we integrated information of National Forest Inventories and Breeding Bird Atlases across Europe and North America (Spain and Quebec, respectively), covering five subclimates (steppe, dry Mediterranean, humid Mediterranean, boreal, and temperate). In particular, this study aimed to (1) determine the spatial patterns of both forest carbon stocks and biodiversity (bird richness, tree richness, and overall biodiversity) and the factors that influence them; (2) establish the relationships between forest carbon stocks and biodiversity; and (3) define and characterize the areas of high (hotspots) and low (coldspots) values of carbon and biodiversity, and ultimately quantify their spatial overlap. Our results show that the factors affecting carbon and biodiversity vary between regions and subclimates. The highest values of carbon and biodiversity were found in northern Spain (humid Mediterranean subclimate) and southern Quebec (temperate subclimate) where there was more carbon as climate conditions were less limiting. High density and structural diversity simultaneously favored carbon stocks, tree, and overall biodiversity, especially in isolated and mountainous areas, often associated with steeper slopes and low accessibility. In addition, the relationship between carbon stocks and biodiversity was positive in both regions and all subclimates, being stronger where climate is a limiting factor for forest growth. The spatial overlap between hotspots of carbon and biodiversity provides an excellent opportunity for landscape planning to maintain carbon stocks and conserve biodiversity. The variables positively affecting carbon and biodiversity were also driving the hotspots of both carbon and biodiversity, emphasizing the viability of “win‐win” solutions. Our results highlight the need to jointly determine the spatial patterns of ecosystem services and biodiversity for an effective and sustainable planning of forest landscapes that simultaneously support conservation and mitigate climate change.
Aging infrastructure creates opportunities for cost‐efficient restoration of aquatic ecosystem connectivity
Authors: Neeson Thomas M. , Moody Allison T. , O'Hanley Jesse R. , Diebel Matthew , Doran Patrick J. , Ferris Michael C. , Colling Timothy , McIntyre Peter B. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA hallmark of industrialization is the construction of dams for water management and roads for transportation, leading to fragmentation of aquatic ecosystems. Many nations are striving to address both maintenance backlogs and mitigation of environmental impacts as their infrastructure ages. Here, we test whether accounting for road repair needs could offer opportunities to boost conservation efficiency by piggybacking connectivity restoration projects on infrastructure maintenance. Using optimization models to align fish passage restoration sites with likely road repair priorities, we find potential increases in conservation return‐on‐investment ranging from 17% to 25%. Importantly, these gains occur without compromising infrastructure or conservation priorities; simply communicating openly about objectives and candidate sites enables greater accomplishment at current funding levels. Society embraces both reliable roads and thriving fisheries, so overcoming this coordination challenge should be feasible. Given deferred maintenance crises for many types of infrastructure, there could be widespread opportunities to enhance the cost effectiveness of conservation investments by coordinating with infrastructure renewal efforts.
Can meta‐analysis be used as a decision‐making tool for developing scenarios and causal chains in eco‐hydrological systems? Case study in Florida
Authors: Anandhi Aavudai , Sharma Anjali , Sylvester Siera 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo date, there are a high volume of studies concerning climate change impact assessments in ecosystems. Meta‐analysis, scenario development, and causal chains/loops have been used as tools in these assessments as well as in decision making either individually or combined in pairs. There exists a need to develop decision support tools that improve the linkage between climate‐impacts research and planning, management, adaptation, and mitigation decisions by providing quantitative and timely information to stakeholders and managers. The overall goal is to address this need. A specific objective was to develop a decision support tool in eco‐hydrological applications that combine three components: meta‐analysis, scenario development, and causal chains/loop. The developed tool is novel, warranted, and timely. The use of the tool is demonstrated for Florida. The meta‐analysis of 32 studies revealed precipitation changes ranged between +30% and −40%, and temperature changes ranged from +6°C to −3°C for Florida. Seven incremental scenarios were developed at 10% increments in the precipitation change range and nine scenarios with 1°C increments in the temperature change range (driving forces). The causal chains/loops were developed using Driver‐Pressure‐State‐Impact‐Response framework for selected ecosystems and environment (e.g., agroecosystem, mangroves, water resources, and sea turtles) in Florida. The driving force puts pressure on the ecosystem or environment impacting their state, which in turn had a response (e.g., mitigation and adaptation strategies). The framework used indicators selected from studies on climate impact assessments (meta‐analysis and others) for the selected ecosystems as well as author expertise on the topic to develop the chains/loops. The decision tool is applicable to stakeholders and any ecosystem within and outside of Florida.
Bottom‐up linkages between primary production, zooplankton, and fish in a shallow, hypereutrophic lake
Authors: Matsuzaki Shin‐ichiro S. , Suzuki Kenta , Kadoya Taku , Nakagawa Megumi , Takamura Noriko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNutrient supply is a key bottom‐up control of phytoplankton primary production in lake ecosystems. Top‐down control via grazing pressure by zooplankton also constrains primary production and primary production may simultaneously affect zooplankton. Few studies have addressed these bidirectional interactions. We used convergent cross‐mapping (CCM), a numerical test of causal associations, to quantify the presence and direction of the causal relationships among environmental variables (light availability, surface water temperature, NO3‐N, and PO4‐P), phytoplankton community composition, primary production, and the abundances of five functional zooplankton groups (large cladocerans, small cladocerans, rotifers, calanoids, and cyclopoids) in Lake Kasumigaura, a shallow, hypereutrophic lake in Japan. CCM suggested that primary production was causally influenced by NO3‐N and phytoplankton community composition; there was no detectable evidence of a causal effect of zooplankton on primary production. Our results also suggest that rotifers and cyclopoids were forced by primary production, and cyclopoids were further influenced by rotifers. However, our CCM suggested that primary production was weakly influenced by rotifers (i.e., bidirectional interaction). These findings may suggest complex linkages between nutrients, primary production, and rotifers and cyclopoids, a pattern that has not been previously detected or has been neglected. We used linear regression analysis to examine the relationships between the zooplankton community and pond smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis), the most abundant planktivore and the most important commercial fish species in Lake Kasumigaura. The relative abundance of pond smelt was significantly and positively correlated with the abundances of rotifers and cyclopoids, which were causally influenced by primary production. This finding suggests that bottom‐up linkages between nutrient, primary production, and zooplankton abundance might be a key mechanism supporting high planktivore abundance in eutrophic lakes. Because increases in primary production and cyanobacteria blooms are likely to occur simultaneously in hypereutrophic lakes, our study highlights the need for ecosystem management to resolve the conflict between good water quality and high fishery production.
Design of energy‐efficient train speed profiles considering fixed‐block signaling system
Authors: Oba Naoki , Miyatake Masafumi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn dense traffic railway networks, trains may often slow down or stop between stations owing to previous train delays. If preceding train trajectory can be predicted, energy‐efficient driving can be achieved by suppressing unnecessary speed changes. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to find energy‐efficient driving considering fixed‐block signaling (FBS) system by using dynamic programming (DP). DP is suitable for use because it can optimize the control inputs with discrete and state constraints. In this paper, we discuss energy‐efficient driving by considering a FBS system using some case studies of simulation. In the simulation, we examine a technique to drive an express train in an energy‐efficient way when the preceding local train is running toward the station with passing loops. The results show that the proposed method can derive complex speed profiles for energy‐efficient driving and the train can be operated with a maximum reduced energy consumption of 8.3%.
Effect of seasons on household food insecurity in Bangladesh
Authors: Raihan Mohammad J. , Farzana Fahmida D. , Sultana Sabiha , Saha Kuntal K. , Haque Md Ahshanul , Rahman Ahmed S. , Mahmud Zeba , Black Robert E. , Choudhury Nuzhat , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAgriculture is the mainstay of livelihoods of the rural Bangladeshi population with the majority involved in the staple rice production which is subjected to seasonal variation. Rice production is invariably related to food insecurity which translates to the food shortage or lean periods. In order to have a comprehensive view on food insecurity in Bangladesh, it is necessary to assess the seasonality of food insecurity status and the factors associated with it. The objective of this paper is to compare the effect of two major rice harvest seasons and the post‐aus rice harvest period on household food insecurity along with the contribution of relevant household characteristics. Data was collected during Bangladeshi aman harvest (November–January) and boro harvest (April–June) seasons and post‐aus harvest (September–October) period. Information of 47,239 households from February 2011 to November 2013 was subjected to bivariate and multivariate analyses and statistical significance was declared when p < 0.05. Around 27%, 47%, and 26% of households were food insecure during aman harvest, boro harvest, and post‐aus harvest period respectively. The aman harvest [adjusted OR (aOR): 0.54 [95% CI: 0.40–0.74; p < 0.001] and post‐aus [aOR: 0.59 [95% CI: 0.44–0.80; p < 0.001] period had a lower odds of being food insecure when compared to boro harvest season except for the northern Rangpur region. Contrary to expectation, the prevalence of household food insecurity in the defined seasons is less during post‐aus harvest period (the perceived lean period) and aman harvest season in comparison to the boro harvest season when food and work is more readily available in rural Bangladesh. There are several statistically significant household characteristics, namely household head being a farmer, educational status of household head, and household monthly income to have higher impact on food insecurity.
Diurnal changes in glutamate + glutamine levels of healthy young adults assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Volk Carina , Jaramillo Valeria , Merki Renato , O'Gorman Tuura Ruth , Huber Reto 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe glutamatergic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor is involved in synaptic plasticity processes, and animal studies have demonstrated altered expression across the sleep wake cycle. Accordingly, glutamate levels are reduced during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and the rate of this decrease is positively correlated with sleep EEG slow wave activity (SWA). Here, we combined proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and high‐density sleep EEG to assess if 1H‐MRS is sensitive to diurnal changes of glutamate + glutamine (GLX) in healthy young adults and if potential overnight changes of GLX are correlated to SWA. 1H‐MRS was measured in the parietal lobe in the evening and in the subsequent morning. High‐density sleep EEG was recorded overnight between the evening and morning scans. Our results revealed a significant overnight reduction in GLX, but no significant changes in other metabolites. The decrease in GLX positively correlated with the decrease of SWA. Our study demonstrates that quantification of diurnal changes in GLX is possible by means of 1H‐MRS and indicates that overnight changes in GLX are related to SWA, a marker that is closely linked to the restorative function of sleep. This relationship might be of particular interest in clinical populations in which sleep is disturbed.
Spatiotemporal dynamics in human visual cortex rapidly encode the emotional content of faces
Authors: Dima Diana C. , Perry Gavin , Messaritaki Eirini , Zhang Jiaxiang , Singh Krish D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRecognizing emotion in faces is important in human interaction and survival, yet existing studies do not paint a consistent picture of the neural representation supporting this task. To address this, we collected magnetoencephalography (MEG) data while participants passively viewed happy, angry and neutral faces. Using time‐resolved decoding of sensor‐level data, we show that responses to angry faces can be discriminated from happy and neutral faces as early as 90 ms after stimulus onset and only 10 ms later than faces can be discriminated from scrambled stimuli, even in the absence of differences in evoked responses. Time‐resolved relevance patterns in source space track expression‐related information from the visual cortex (100 ms) to higher‐level temporal and frontal areas (200–500 ms). Together, our results point to a system optimised for rapid processing of emotional faces and preferentially tuned to threat, consistent with the important evolutionary role that such a system must have played in the development of human social interactions.
(2E,6E)‐2,6‐Bis(organylchalogenylmethylidene) substituted 1,4‐dithiane 1,1,4,4‐tetraoxides and N‐organyl thiomorpholine 1‐oxides as new S‐oxide derivatives of bis(2‐organylchalcogenylvinyl) sulfides
Authors: Martynov Alexander V. , Makhaeva Nataliya A. , Amosova Svetlana V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIt is shown that (2E,6E)‐2,6‐bis(chloromethylidene)‐N‐organyl thiomorpholine 1‐oxides and (2E,6E)‐2,6‐bis(chloromethylidene)‐1,4‐dithiane 1,1,4,4‐tetraoxides, unlike unoxidized analogs, (2E,6E)‐2,6‐bis(chloromethylidene)‐N‐organyl thiomorpholines, and (2E,6E)‐2,6‐bis(chloromethylidene)‐1,4‐dithiane, easily undergo stereoselective nucleophilic vinylic substitution reactions with such chalcogen‐containing nucleophiles as sodium 1‐butanethiolate, arenethiolates, and benzeneselenolate to afford previously unknown (2E,6E)‐2,6‐bis(organylchalogenylmethylidene)‐N‐organyl thiomorpholine 1‐oxides and (2E,6E)‐2,6‐bis(organylchalogenylmethylidene)‐1,4‐dithiane 1,1,4,4‐tetraoxides in high yields. The structures of the heterocycles formed have been confirmed by 1H, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry data.
Long‐term outcomes of the Stop Traumatic OASI Morbidity Project (STOMP)
Authors: Basu Maya , Smith Dot 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate long‐term sustainability of the Stop Traumatic OASI Morbidity Project (STOMP) in reducing the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI).MethodsA prospective observational study of women undergoing vaginal delivery at a UK district general hospital between September 1, 2014, and February 28, 2017. The principles of STOMP involve encouraging upright positioning, verbal coaching to avoid expulsive pushing and to slow down delivery, and tactile support to the vertex to judge speed and slow down delivery. After a training period, STOMP was implemented for all vaginal deliveries. Clinical and demographic data on women affected by OASI were collected across a 30‐month period. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of OASI.ResultsThere were 8782 vaginal deliveries during the 30‐month period after implementation of STOMP. There was a significant decrease in the mean incidence of OASI relative to the 9 months before implementation (P<0.001). There was a significant decrease in the incidence of OASI for both spontaneous vaginal and instrumental deliveries (both P<0.05). There was no change in the frequency of episiotomy.ConclusionsImplementation of STOMP led to a significant decrease in OASI, confirming the sustainability of this approach to improve outcomes.
Are there general laws for digit evolution in squamates? The loss and re‐evolution of digits in a clade of fossorial lizards (Brachymeles, Scincinae)
Authors: Wagner Günter P. , Griffith Oliver W. , Bergmann Philip J. , Bello‐Hellegouarch Gaelle , Kohlsdorf Tiana , Bhullar Anjan , Siler Cameron D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEvolutionary simplification of autopodial structures is a major theme in studies of body‐form evolution. Previous studies on amniotes have supported Morse's law, that is, that the first digit reduced is Digit I, followed by Digit V. Furthermore, the question of reversibility for evolutionary digit loss and its implications for “Dollo's law” remains controversial. Here, we provide an analysis of limb and digit evolution for the skink genus Brachymeles. Employing phylogenetic, morphological, osteological, and myological data, we (a) test the hypothesis that digits have re‐evolved, (b) describe patterns of morphological evolution, and (c) investigate whether patterns of digit loss are generalizable across taxa. We found strong statistical support for digit, but not limb re‐evolution. The feet of pentadactyl species of Brachymeles are very similar to those of outgroup species, while the hands of these lineages are modified (2‐3‐3‐3‐2) and a have a reduced set of intrinsic hand muscles. Digit number variation suggests a more labile Digit V than Digit I, contrary to Morse's law. The observed pattern of digit variation is different from that of other scincid lizards (Lerista, Hemiergis, Carlia). Our results present the first evidence of clade‐specific modes of digit reduction.