bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive interference as a possible therapeutic strategy to prevent expression of benzodiazepine withdrawal
Authors: Artur de la Villarmois Emilce , Pérez Mariela Fernanda 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBenzodiazepines are usually prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders in long‐term schedules that may cause drug dependence. Discontinuation after prolonged administration may lead to withdrawal expression, being anxiety the most predominant sign. The context‐dependent associative learning process that underlies diazepam dependence can be interfered by pre‐exposure to the drug administration context, an effect known as latent inhibition. Considering this background, the primary aim of the present investigation is to develop a therapeutic strategy to prevent diazepam withdrawal in male Wistar rats by interfering with this learning process. Nitric oxide is a crucial player in learning and memory, hippocampal synaptic transmission and in diazepam withdrawal. Then, a secondary goal is to determine how latent inhibition could alter functional plasticity and neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzyme (NOS‐1) expression within the hippocampus, by using multi‐unitary cell recordings and Western blot, respectively. Our results indicate that chronic diazepam treated animals under latent inhibition did not show anxiety, or changes in hippocampal synaptic transmission, but a significant reduction in NOS‐1 expression was observed. Accordingly, pharmacological NOS‐1 inhibition resembles behavioral and electrophysiological changes induced by latent inhibition. Contrary, diazepam treated animals under Control protocol expressed anxiety and evidenced an increased hippocampal‐plasticity, without alterations in NOS‐1 expression. In conclusion, manipulation of the contextual cues presented during diazepam administration may be considered as an effective non‐pharmacological tool to prevent the withdrawal syndrome. This behavioral strategy may influence hippocampal synaptic transmission, probably by alterations in nitric oxide signaling pathways in this structure.
Rainfall variability maintains grass‐forb species coexistence
Authors: Hallett Lauren M. , Shoemaker Lauren G. , White Caitlin T. , Suding Katharine N. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEnvironmental variability can structure species coexistence by enhancing niche partitioning. Modern coexistence theory highlights two fluctuation‐dependent temporal coexistence mechanisms —the storage effect and relative nonlinearity – but empirical tests are rare. Here, we experimentally test if environmental fluctuations enhance coexistence in a California annual grassland. We manipulate rainfall timing and relative densities of the grass Avena barbata and forb Erodium botrys, parameterise a demographic model, and partition coexistence mechanisms. Rainfall variability was integral to grass–forb coexistence. Variability enhanced growth rates of both species, and early‐season drought was essential for Erodium persistence. While theoretical developments have focused on the storage effect, it was not critical for coexistence. In comparison, relative nonlinearity strongly stabilised coexistence, where Erodium experienced disproportionately high growth under early‐season drought due to competitive release from Avena. Our results underscore the importance of environmental variability and suggest that relative nonlinearity is a critical if underappreciated coexistence mechanism.
Increased electroencephalography connectivity precedes epileptic spasm onset in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Davis Peter E. , Kapur Kush , Filip‐Dhima Rajna , Trowbridge Sara K. , Little Elaina , Wilson Andrew , Leuchter Andrew , Bebin Elizabeth M. , Krueger Darcy , Northrup Hope , Wu Joyce Y. , Sahin Mustafa , Peters Jurriaan M. ,   on behalf of the Tuberous Sclerosis Autism Centers of Excellence Research Network
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo identify whether abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) connectivity is present before the onset of epileptic spasms (ES) in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).MethodsScalp EEG recordings were collected prospectively in infants diagnosed with TSC in the first year of life. This study compared the earliest recorded EEG from infants prior to ES onset (n = 16) and from infants who did not develop ES (n = 28). Five minutes of stage II or quiet sleep was clipped and filtered into canonical EEG frequency bands. Mutual information values between each pair of EEG channels were compared directly and used as a weighted graph to calculate graph measures of global efficiency, characteristic path length, average clustering coefficient, and modularity.ResultsAt the group level, infants who later developed ES had increased EEG connectivity in sleep. They had higher mutual information values between most EEG channels in all frequency bands adjusted for age. Infants who later developed ES had higher global efficiency and average clustering coefficients, shorter characteristic path lengths, and lower modularity across most frequency bands adjusted for age. This suggests that infants who went on to develop ES had increased local and long‐range EEG connectivity with less segregation of graph regions into distinct modules.SignificanceThis study suggests that increased neural connectivity precedes clinical ES onset in a cohort of infants with TSC. Overconnectivity may reflect progressive pathologic network synchronization culminating in generalized ES. Further research is needed before scalp EEG connectivity measures can be used as a potential biomarker of ES risk and treatment response in pre‐symptomatic infants with TSC.
Structural basis for the recognition of MucA by MucB and AlgU in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Li Shanshan , Lou Xiaorui , Xu Yueyang , Teng Xiaozhen , Liu Ruihua , Zhang Qionglin , Wu Weihui , Wang Yingying , Bartlam Mark 
Published: July 2019

Alginate production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is regulated by the alternate σ factor AlgU, which in turn is regulated by the MucABCD system. The anti‐σ factor MucA binds AlgU in the cytoplasm and prevents AlgU from binding to the RNA polymerase for transcription. MucB binds MucA in the periplasm and inhibits proteolysis of MucA and subsequent release of AlgU. In this work, we report crystal structures of MucA in complex with AlgU and MucB. A structure of MucB alone reveals the structural changes required for MucA recognition. A unique disulfide bond is identified in MucB, and mutation of this disulfide bond results in a shift from monomer to MucB dimers or tetramers. As MucB tetramers have previously been shown to be unable to bind MucA, this suggests a redox‐sensitive stress response mechanism in MucB. The AlgU–MucA structure reveals a conserved σ factor/anti‐σ factor complex, but AlgU lacks a disulfide bond conserved in many other σ factors. Our structures reveal the molecular basis for MucA recognition by MucB in the periplasm and AlgU in the cytoplasm, thus providing an important step in understanding the mechanisms that regulate a key signal transduction pathway involved in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors for MucAcyto–AlgU, MucB, and MucAperi–MucB have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) with the accession code 6IN7, 6IN8, and 6IN9, respectively.
Urbanization‐driven homogenization is more pronounced and happens at wider spatial scales in nocturnal and mobile flying insects
Authors: Merckx Thomas , Van Dyck Hans 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimWe test whether urbanization drives biotic homogenization. We hypothesize that declines in abundance and species diversity of aerial insects are exacerbated by the urbanization‐driven loss of species with low habitat generalism, mobility and warm‐adaptedness. We predict this homogenization to be more pronounced for nocturnal taxa, and at wider scales for mobile taxa.LocationBelgium.Time periodSummers 2014–2015.Major taxa studiedLepidoptera.MethodsWe compare communities along urbanization gradients using a shared, replicated and nested sampling design, in which butterflies were counted within 81 grassland and macro‐moths light‐trapped in 12 woodland sites. We quantify taxonomic and functional community composition, the latter via community‐weighted means and variation of species‐specific traits related to specialization, mobility and thermophily. Using linear regression models, variables are analysed in relation to site‐specific urbanization values quantified at seven scales (50–3,200 m radii). At best‐fitting scales, we test for taxonomic homogenization.ResultsWith increasing urbanization, abundance, species richness and Shannon diversity severely declined, with butterfly and macro‐moth declines due to local‐ versus landscape‐scale urbanization (200 vs. 800–3,200 m radii, respectively). While taxonomic homogenization was absent for butterflies, urban macro‐moth communities displayed higher nestedness than non‐urban communities. Overall, communities showed mean shifts towards generalist, mobile and thermophilous species, displaying trait convergence too. These functional trait models consistently fit best with urbanization quantified at local scales (100–200 m radii) for butterfly communities, and at local to wider landscape scales (200–800 m radii) for macro‐moth communities.Main conclusionsUrban communities display functional homogenization that follows urbanization at scales linked to taxon‐specific mobility. Light pollution may explain why homogenization was more pronounced for the nocturnal taxon. We discuss that urbanization is likely to impact flying insect communities across the globe, but also that impacts on their ecosystem functions and services could be mitigated via multi‐scale implementation of urban green infrastructure.
Comparing Methods of Barometric Efficiency Characterization for Specific Storage Estimation
Authors: Turnadge Chris , Crosbie Russell S. , Barron Olga , Rau Gabriel C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGroundwater responses to barometric pressure fluctuations are characterized using the concept of barometric efficiency (BE). For semiconfined and confined aquifers, BE values can be used to provide efficient, low‐cost estimates of specific storage. This study compares, for the first time, eight existing methods of BE estimation. Comparisons were undertaken using data from the Peel region of Western Australia. Fourier analysis and regression deconvolution methods were used to estimate aquifer confinement status. The former approach was found to be robust and provided a quantitative basis for spatial comparisons of the degree of confinement. The latter approach was confounded by the presence of diurnal and/or semidiurnal signals. For wells at which semiconfined or confined responses were identified, frequency and time domain methods were used to estimate BE values. Most BE estimation methods were similarly confounded by diurnal and/or semidiurnal signals, with the exception of the Acworth et al. (2016) method. Specific storage values calculated from BE values were order‐of‐magnitude consistent with the results of four historical pumping tests. The methods implemented in this research provide efficient, low‐cost alternatives to hydraulic testing for estimating aquifer confinement, as well as the BE and specific storage of semiconfined and confined aquifers. The frequency and duration of observations required by these methods are minimal; for example, typically requiring a minimum of four observations per day over a four month period. In some locations they may allow additional insights to be derived from existing groundwater hydrograph data.
Martin Trow’s elite‐mass‐universal triptych: Conceptualising Higher Education development
Authors: Scott Peter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMartin Trow was among the most influential scholar in Higher Education studies in the second half of the 20th century. He is best known for his conceptualisation of the development of Higher Education into three stages—elite, mass and universal systems. This article considers, first, his intellectual method and the underpinning theory (or lack of it); secondly, the extent to which his ideas, generated in the exceptional environment of post‐war America were, and are, relevant to different national contexts and in the very different environment of the 21st century; thirdly, the strengths—and weaknesses—of Trow’s conceptualisation of three stages of Higher Education development; and, finally the new lines of research suggested by an overall assessment of his work.
Conventional chondrosarcoma with focal clear cell change: a clinicopathological and molecular analysis
Authors: Lam Suk Wai , van Langevelde Kirsten , Suurmeijer Albert J H , Cleven Arjen H G , Bovée Judith V M G 
Published: July 2019

AimsClear cell chondrosarcomas are known to occasionally contain areas of low‐grade conventional chondrosarcoma; however, the opposite phenomenon has not yet been described. We identified five cases of conventional chondrosarcoma alongside clear cell chondrosarcoma. Here, we report on their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics, and investigate whether these hybrid lesions should be considered to be a collision tumour, conventional chondrosarcoma with clear cell change, or clear cell chondrosarcoma with extensive areas of conventional chondrosarcoma, as this has clinical implications.Methods and resultsClinicohistopathological features were characterised, immunohistochemistry was performed for H3 histone family member 3B (H3F3B), histone H3 trimethylated on lysine 27 (H3K27me3), and p53, and genetic alterations of IDH1 (encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase 1), IDH2 (encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase 2), TP53 and H3F3B were evaluated. All five chondrosarcomas consisted predominantly of areas with conventional chondrosarcoma. Different grades were found [grade I (n = 1), grade II (n = 2), and grade III (n = 2)]. Up to 20% of the tumour consisted of classic features of clear cell chondrosarcoma. Gradual merging between both components was observed. Molecular analysis of conventional chondrosarcoma components revealed an IDH1 c.395G>T, p.(Arg132Leu) mutation in two cases, and an IDH1 c.394C>T, p.(Arg132Cys) mutation in one case, with identical IDH mutations in the clear cell chondrosarcoma counterpart (100%). Two cases were IDH wild‐type. In all cases, none of the components harboured H3F3B mutations. High‐grade tumours had an aggressive course, as three patients died of the disease.ConclusionOn the basis of clinicopathological characterisation and genetic alterations, it is suggested that these lesions should be considered to be conventional chondrosarcoma, with clear cell change. Pathologists should be aware of their existence to avoid confusion with clear cell chondrosarcoma, dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, or chondroblastic osteosarcoma.
Interface evaluation on the brazed system of AlN‐Ticusil‐Graphite
Authors: Chou Tsung‐Te , Tuan Wei‐Hsing , Lin Kun‐Lin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe graphite‐Ticusil‐AlN system was joined under vacuum or flowing atmospheres, such as 5% H2‐95% N2 and argon atmosphere, to investigate the morphology and forming mechanism of the reaction phases at the interfaces of AlN‐Ticusil‐graphite layers. Scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the composition and structure of the interface products. The AlN‐Ticusil interface could be divided into two layers, the TiN layer and titanium‐copper–rich compound layer. The thickness of the TiN layer was only affected by the joining temperature and could be regarded as mainly dependent on the reaction. The titanium‐copper compound layer was composed of (Ti,Cu,Al)6N column when joined under vacuum and was composed of TiN particles when joined in a flowing atmosphere. The products on the graphite‐Ticusil interface were also examined as TiC, which was strictly bonded with graphite and Ticusil filler.
Whither the evolution of the contemporary social fabric? New technologies and old socio‐economic trends
Authors: DOSI Giovanni , VIRGILLITO Maria Enrica 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article considers whether societies are witnessing another industrial revolution in the light of an assessment of the impact of technological change on today's socio‐economic fabric, especially with respect to employment, income distribution, working conditions and labour relations. The authors argue that the processes of innovation and the spread of what they term “intelligent automation” are likely to exacerbate incumbent patterns of uneven income distribution and power, some of which existed well before the arrival of the technologies concerned, while others have emerged over the past 30 to 40 years. They venture to consider policy implications on the basis of such developments.
Urbanisation, local food crop production and tourism output of Pakistan
Authors: Naidu Suwastika , Pandaram Atishwar , Chand Anand 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe high rate of urban population growth is one of the major problems constraining the growth of urban centres. The main aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between urbanisation, local food crop production and the tourism output of Pakistan. The findings show that a 1 per cent increase in local food crop production will increase tourism output by 1.77 per cent, at the 1 per cent level of significance, holding all other variables constant. There is a unidirectional causality running from local food crop production to urbanisation. This study has implications for policy‐makers and practitioners.
An observational study of the maintenance of the 30° side‐lying lateral tilt position among aged care residents at risk of developing pressure injuries when using the standard care pillow and a purpose‐designed positioning device
Authors: Kapp Suzanne , Gerdtz Marie , Gefen Amit , Prematunga Roshani , Santamaria Nick 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the maintenance of the 30° side‐lying lateral tilt position among aged care residents at the risk of developing pressure injuries when using the standard care pillow and a purpose‐designed positioning device. An observational study was conducted. Participants were monitored during positioning under two conditions, with pillows and with a fluidised positioner. Body angle measurements were taken at three time points (baseline, 1 hour, and 2 hours) on 10 occasions. Repeated‐measures analysis assessed the difference in the degree of the angle of the body. The sample (n = 12) had an average age of 83 years, and the participants were immobile when in bed. The average angle with the pillow condition was 26.7° at baseline, 21.5° at 1 hour, and 16.6° at 2 hours. The average angle with the fluidised positioner condition was 30.7° at baseline, 29.3° at 1 hour, and 26.8° at 2 hours. The main effects of Condition and Time were significant: Condition: F(1,11) = 14.378, P < .001, Time: F(2,22) = 45.858, P < .001. There was a statistically significant interaction between the effects of Condition and Time on the average lateral tilt position, F(2,22) = 15.574, P < .001. The lateral tilt body position was better maintained with the positioning device than the pillow. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of the fluidised positioner for pressure injury prevention.
Spraying exogenous synthetic cytokinin 6‐benzyladenine following the waterlogging improves grain growth of waterlogged maize in the field
Authors: Ren Baizhao , Hu Juan , Zhang Jiwang , Dong Shuting , Liu Peng , Zhao Bin 
Published: July 2019

Abstract6‐Benzyladenine (6‐BA, a synthetic cytokinin) could improve the ability to resist adversity. However, very little attention has been given to its role in alleviating waterlogging damages on grain growth. A field experiment was performed to investigate effects of exogenous 6‐BA after waterlogging for 6 days at the third leaf stage (V3‐WL + 6‐BA) or the sixth leaf stage (V6‐WL + 6‐BA) on grain filling, and endogenous hormone of summer maize hybrids DengHai605 (DH605) and ZhengDan958 (ZD958), which were planted popularly in China. Exogenous 6‐BA alleviated waterlogging damages on grain filling by improving grain weight and volume, which was beneficial to yield increase. Grain yield of DH605 under V3‐WL + 6‐BA and V6‐WL + 6‐BA increased by 16% and 12%, respectively, compared with that of V3‐WL (waterlogging at the third leaf stage) and V6‐WL (waterlogging at the sixth leaf stage), while the corresponding values for ZD958 increased by 20% and 15%, respectively. Moreover, exogenous 6‐BA alleviated waterlogging damages on grain endogenous hormone content by increasing levels of endogenous indole‐3‐acetic acid, zeatin riboside, and gibberellic acid, and decreasing level of abscisic acid in grain of waterlogged summer maize during grain‐filling periods. Clearly, exogenous 6‐BA improved grain‐filling characteristics, and endogenous hormone, resulting in a significant yield increase of waterlogged summer maize.
Residual stress effect on the fracture toughness of lithium disilicate glass‐ceramics
Authors: Villas‐Boas Mariana O. C. , Serbena Francisco C. , Soares Viviane O. , Mathias Ivan , Zanotto Edgar D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn glass‐ceramics (GCs), on cooling from the crystallization temperature, internal residual stresses are generated due to the difference between the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of the crystal phase(s) and the residual glass. These stresses could degrade or promote their mechanical properties. In this work, we varied the magnitude of the residual stresses in lithium silicate GCs by designing their microstructures. The level of internal stresses was measured using (Synchrotron) X‐ray diffraction. The effects of anisotropy of thermal expansion, crystal shape, and intensity of the residual stresses were analyzed and compared using theoretical models. We extended the Hsueh‐Becher model to include the thermal expansion anisotropy of the orthorhombic lithium disilicate (LS2) crystals. We found that the average residual stresses within the LS2 crystals are compressive or null (−100 to ~0) and highly anisotropic. Most importantly, within the limits of this study, we found no evidence for the influence of (compressive or null) residual stresses on the fracture toughness of the studied GCs. Within the crystal size range from 1 to 5 μm, a highly crystallized volume fraction coupled to relatively large crystals (5 μm) of high elastic modulus improved the glass‐ceramic fracture toughness. This result can guide the microstructural design of novel tough GCs.
Elastic properties and fracture toughness of SiOC‐based glass‐ceramic nanocomposites
Authors: To Theany , Stabler Christina , Ionescu Emanuel , Riedel Ralf , Célarié Fabrice , Rouxel Tanguy 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFour different SiOC glass ceramics were synthesized and their fracture toughness (KIc) and fracture surface energy (γ) were assessed by means of the single‐edge precracked beam (SEPB) method. In addition, the elastic moduli were measured and the Vickers indentation behavior (hardness and microcracking) was characterized. In particular, the dependence ofKIcon the free carbon content and on the fraction of crystallized nanoparticles (SiC, ZrO2, HfO2) was investigated. An increase inKIc, from about 0.73 to 0.99 MPa √m is observed as the free carbon content is increased from less than 1 to 12 vol%. The addition of Hf and Zr (resulting in 4.5 to 7.8 vol% HfO2and ZrO2nanoparticles) was found to increaseKIcto an extent similar to the free carbon content. Moreover, predictedKIcvalues, assuming that the crack travels through all phases accounting for their respective volume fractions, disrupting the weakest links within the structural units, are in agreement with the experimental values.