bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using terrestrial laser scanning data to estimate large tropical trees biomass and calibrate allometric models: A comparison with traditional destructive approach
Authors: Momo Takoudjou Stéphane , Ploton Pierre , Sonké Bonaventure , Hackenberg Jan , Griffon Sébastien , de Coligny Francois , Kamdem Narcisse Guy , Libalah Moses , Mofack Gislain II , Le Moguédec Gilles , Pélissier Raphaël , Barbier Nicolas 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Calibration of local, regional or global allometric equations to estimate biomass at the tree level constitutes a significant burden on projects aiming at reducing Carbon emissions from forest degradation and deforestation. The objective of this contribution is to assess the precision and accuracy of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) for estimating volumes and above‐ground biomass (AGB) of the woody parts of tropical trees, and for the calibration of allometric models.

We used a destructive dataset of 61 trees, with diameters and AGB of up to 186.6 cm and 60 Mg respectively, which were scanned, felled and weighed in the semi‐deciduous forests of eastern Cameroon. We present an operational approach based on available software allowing the retrieving of TLS volume with low bias and high accuracy for large tropical trees. Edition of the obtained models proved necessary, mainly to account for the complexity of buttressed parts of tree trunks, which were separately modelled through a meshing approach, and to bring a few corrections in the topology and geometry of branches, thanks to the amapstudio‐scan software.

Over the entire dataset, TLS‐derived volumes proved highly reliable for branches larger than 5 cm in diameter. The volumes of the remaining woody parts estimated for stumps, stems and crowns as well as for the whole tree proved very accurate (RMSE below 2.81% and R² above of .98) and unbiased. Once converted into AGB using mean local‐specific wood density values, TLS estimates allowed calibrating a biomass allometric model with coefficients statistically undistinguishable from those of a model based on destructive data. The Unedited Quantitative Structure Model (QSM) however leads to systematic overestimations of woody volumes and subsequently to significantly different allometric parameters.

We can therefore conclude that a non‐destructive TLS approach can now be used as an operational alternative to traditional destructive sampling to build the allometric equations, although attention must be paid to the quality of QSM model adjustments to avoid systematic bias.
Bruchid pest management in pulses: past practices, present status and use of modern breeding tools for development of resistant varieties
Authors: Mishra S.K. , Macedo M.L.R. , Panda S.K. , Panigrahi J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) are recognised as the most detrimental storage pest of pulses, especially in the tropics and subtropics. They invade matured pods as well as seeds during storage and, to some extent, farming fields, in turn reducing the net yield of the crops. Several approaches including cultural, biological, physical and chemical control measures have been implemented with the aim of managing these pests, but none of these have been successful across time and space. Recently, transgenic‐ and marker‐assisted breeding approaches have appeared as promising tools for the successful management of these pests. Although some efforts have been made on the development of bruchid‐resistant transgenic crops, the cultivars developed are yet to be commercialised worldwide because of various limitations. In contrast, marker‐assisted breeding involving the identification of DNA‐based markers linked to host resistance against bruchids, have shown some success in the quest for the development of bruchid‐resistant cultivar(s). DNA markers linked to bruchid resistance have been identified in various grain legumes, particularly in the genus Vigna, and include mung bean (Vigna radiata), azuki bean (Vigna angularis), rice bean (Vigna umbellata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and black gram (Vigna mungo). After their validation in different genetic backgrounds, these markers could be utilised for marker‐assisted selection and breeding ventures to protect pulse crops. The present study discusses the pros and cons of different approaches for the successful management of the bruchid pests in pulses. The review also highlights about the integrative approach aided with molecular interventions to improve productivity by avoiding losses incurred due to bruchids, and to attain sustainable yields for major pulse crops.
Neuroactive Steroid (3α,5α)3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP) and Pro‐inflammatory Cytokine MCP‐1 Levels in Hippocampus CA1 are Correlated with Voluntary Ethanol Consumption in Cynomolgus Monkey
Authors: Beattie Matthew C. , Reguyal Christopher S. , Porcu Patrizia , Daunais James B. , Grant Kathleen A. , Morrow A. Leslie 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundNeuroactive steroids such as (3α,5α)3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP, allopregnanolone) are potent neuromodulators that enhance GABAergic neurotransmission and produce inhibitory neurobehavioral and anti‐inflammatory effects. Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption reduces 3α,5α‐THP levels in human plasma, but has brain region‐ and species‐specific effects on central nervous system levels of 3α,5α‐THP. We explored the relationship between 3α,5α‐THP levels in the hippocampus and voluntary EtOH consumption in the cynomolgus monkey following daily self‐administration of EtOH for 12 months and further examined the relationship with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function prior to EtOH exposure. We simultaneously explored hippocampus levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the neuroimmune response to EtOH, following chronic self‐administration.MethodsMonkeys were subjected to scheduled induction of water and EtOH consumption (0 to 1.5 g/kg) over 4 months, followed by free access to EtOH or water for 22 h/d over 12 months. Immunohistochemistry was performed using an anti‐3α,5α‐THP or anti‐MCP‐1 antibody. Prolonged voluntary drinking resulted in individual differences in EtOH consumption that ranged from 1.2 to 4.2 g/kg/d over 12 months.ResultsProlonged EtOH consumption increased cellular 3α,5α‐THP immunoreactivity by 12 ± 2% (p < 0.05) and reduced MCP‐1 immunoreactivity by 23 ± 9% (p < 0.05) in the hippocampus CA1. In both cases, the effect of EtOH was most pronounced in heavy drinkers that consumed ≥3 g/kg for ≥20% of days. 3α,5α‐THP immunoreactivity was positively correlated with average daily EtOH intake (Spearman r = 0.76, p < 0.05) and dexamethasone inhibition of HPA axis function (Spearman r = 0.9, p < 0.05). In contrast, MCP‐1 immunoreactivity was negatively correlated with average daily EtOH intake (Spearman r = −0.78, p < 0.05) and dexamethasone suppression of HPA axis function (Spearman r = −0.76, p < 0.05). Finally, 3α,5α‐THP and MCP‐1 immunoreactivity were inversely correlated with each other (Spearman r = −0.68, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese data indicate that voluntary, long‐term EtOH consumption results in higher levels of 3α,5α‐THP, while decreasing levels of MCP‐1 in the CA1 hippocampus, and that both changes may be linked to HPA axis function and the magnitude of voluntary EtOH consumption.
The function and mechanism of vocal accommodation in humans and other primates
Authors: Ruch Hanna , Zürcher Yvonne , Burkart Judith M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe study of non‐human animals, in particular primates, can provide essential insights into language evolution. A critical element of language is vocal production learning, i.e. learning how to produce calls. In contrast to other lineages such as songbirds, vocal production learning of completely new signals is strikingly rare in non‐human primates. An increasing body of research, however, suggests that various species of non‐human primates engage in vocal accommodation and adjust the structure of their calls in response to environmental noise or conspecific vocalizations. To date it is unclear what role vocal accommodation may have played in language evolution, in particular because it summarizes a variety of heterogeneous phenomena which are potentially achieved by different mechanisms. In contrast to non‐human primates, accommodation research in humans has a long tradition in psychology and linguistics. Based on theoretical models from these research traditions, we provide a new framework which allows comparing instances of accommodation across species, and studying them according to their underlying mechanism and ultimate biological function. We found that at the mechanistic level, many cases of accommodation can be explained with an automatic perception–production link, but some instances arguably require higher levels of vocal control. Functionally, both human and non‐human primates use social accommodation to signal social closeness or social distance to a partner or social group. Together, this indicates that not only some vocal control, but also the communicative function of vocal accommodation to signal social closeness and distance must have evolved prior to the emergence of language, rather than being the result of it. Vocal accommodation as found in other primates has thus endowed our ancestors with pre‐adaptations that may have paved the way for language evolution.
Th2 axis‐related cytokines in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yao Xiao‐Ying , Gao Mei‐Chun , Ding Jie , Hong Rong‐Hua , Huang Hua , Zhuang Lei , Wang Yong‐Gang , Hao Yong , Guan Yang‐Tai 
Published: November 2017

SummaryAimsNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Increasing evidence indicates that NMOSD is a Th2‐ and Th17‐dominant disease. IL‐25, IL‐31, and IL‐33 are three newly found Th2‐related cytokines, and their roles in the pathogenesis of NMOSD have not been studied. This study aimed to measure the serum levels of IL‐25, IL‐31, and IL‐33 in patients with NMOSD and evaluate their clinical implications.MethodsSerum was collected from patients with NMOSD (n = 48) and healthy controls (HC, n = 28). Serum level measurements of IL‐25, IL‐31, IL‐33, IL‐17A, and IL‐6 were performed using enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) method.ResultsThe serum levels of IL‐25, IL‐31, and IL‐33 were significantly higher in patients with NMOSD as compared to HC. The serum level of IL‐31 was significantly correlated with IL‐17A (r = 0.382,P = 0.009) in patients with NMOSD; the latter is a critical cytokine in the pathogenesis of NMOSD. The serum level of IL‐33 was higher in patients with characteristic brain lesions than patients without (307 pg/mL vs 166 pg/mL, P = 0.028). Furthermore, the serum level of IL‐33 in the acute phase of the disease was positively correlated with annualized relapse rate (r = 0.364, P = 0.04).ConclusionWe found higher serum levels of IL‐25, IL‐31, and IL‐33 in patient with NMOSD as compared to healthy controls. The serum level of IL‐33 during acute phase was associated with more past attacks in patients with NMOSD.
Incidence of new‐onset benign anal disorders after bariatric surgery
Authors: Cano‐Valderrama O. , Sánchez‐Pernaute A. , Rubio M. A. , Talavera P. , Martín‐Antona E. , Torres A. J. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryNew‐onset benign anal disorders (NBADs) represent a potential complication following bariatric surgery, although their incidence in this population is not well studied. The preoperative characteristics, weight loss, bowel habits and NBADs data of 196 patients with bariatric surgery were collected by telephone interviews and medical records review and evaluated retrospectively. Ninety‐nine patients had undergone gastric bypass (GBP) and 97 had a modified biliopancreatic diversion (MBPD). Fifty‐nine patients were excluded. The mean follow‐up of the remaining 137 patients was 87.8 months, and 51 of them (37.2%) developed NBADs. Haemorrhoids were the most common diagnosis and 27.5% of the patients that developed NBADs were treated surgically. Patients who developed NBADs had a longer follow‐up time (92.5 vs. 85.1 months, P = 0.003), and those with an abnormal bowel habit (diarrhoea or constipation) had a higher percentage of NBADs (54.5 vs. 28.3%, P = 0.003). NBADs were more frequent after MBPD (52.9%) than after GBP (21.7%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis found that only an abnormal bowel habit was associated with NBADs, with an odds ratio of 3.2 (95% CI: 1.5–6.9, P = 0.003). As NBADs are a common complication after bariatric surgery, further studies should be performed to find the reasons for these complications.
How to deal with neglected tropical diseases in the light of an African ethic
Authors: Metz Thaddeus 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTMany countries in Africa, and more generally those in the Global South with tropical areas, are plagued by illnesses that the wealthier parts of the world (mainly ‘the West’) neither suffer from nor put systematic effort into preventing, treating or curing. What does an ethic with a recognizably African pedigree entail for the ways various agents ought to respond to such neglected diseases? As many readers will know, a characteristically African ethic prescribes weighty duties to aid on the part of those in a position to do so, and it therefore entails that there should have been much more contribution from the Western, ‘developed’ world. However, what else does it prescribe, say, on the part of sub‐Saharan governments and the African Union, and are they in fact doing it? I particularly seek to answer these questions here, by using the 2013‐16 Ebola crisis in West Africa to illustrate what should have happened but what by and large did not.
Magnetoencephalographic imaging of ictal high‐frequency oscillations (80‐200 Hz) in pharmacologically resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Velmurugan Jayabal , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Mariyappa Narayanan , Ravi Shankar G. , Thennarasu Kandavel , Mundlamuri Ravindranadh C. , Raghavendra Kenchaiah , Bharath Rose Dawn , Saini Jitender , Arivazhagan Arimappamagan , Rajan Jamuna , Mahadevan Anita , Rao Malla B. , Satishchandra Parthasarathy , Sinha Sanjib 
Published: November 2017

SummaryObjectiveSpecificity of ictal high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) in identifying epileptogenic abnormality is significant, compared to the spikes and interictal HFOs. The objectives of the study were to detect and to localize ictal HFOs by magnetoencephalography (MEG) for identifying the seizure onset zone (SOZ), evaluate the cortical excitability from preictal to ictal transition, and establish HFO concordance rates with other modalities and postsurgical resection.MethodsSixty‐seven patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy had at least 1 spontaneous seizure each during MEG acquisition, and analysis was carried out on 20 seizures from 20 patients. Ictal MEG data were bandpass filtered (80‐200 Hz) to visualize, review, and analyze the HFOs co‐occurring with ictal spikes. Source montages were generated on both hemispheres, mean fast Fourier transform was computed on virtual time series for determining the preictal to ictal spectral power transition, and source reconstruction was performed with sLORETA and beamformers. The concordance rates of ictal MEG HFOs (SOZ) was estimated with 4 reference epileptogenic regions.ResultsIn each subject, transient bursts of high‐frequency oscillatory cycles, distinct from the background activity, were observed in the periictal continuum. Time‐frequency analysis showed significant spectral power surge (85‐160 Hz) during ictal state (P < .05) compared to preictal state, but there was no variation in the peak HFO frequencies (P > .05) for each subgroup and at each source montage. HFO source localization was consistent between algorithms (k = 0.857 ± 0.138), with presumed epileptogenic zone (EZ) comparable to other modalities. In patients who underwent surgery (n = 6), MEG HFO SOZ was concordant with the presumed EZ and the surgical resection site (100%), and all were seizure‐free during follow‐up.SignificanceHFOs could be detected in the MEG periictal state, and its sources were accurately localized. During preictal to ictal transition, HFOs exhibited dynamic augmentation in intrinsic epileptogenicity. Spatial overlap of ictal HFO sources was consistent with EZ determinants and the surgical resection area.
Genomic analyses identify multiple Asian origins and deeply diverged mitochondrial clades in inbred brown rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Puckett Emily E. , Micci‐Smith Olivia , Munshi‐South Jason 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOver 500 strains of inbred brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) have been developed for use as a biomedical model organism. Most of these inbred lines were derived from the colony established at the Wistar Institute in 1906 or its descendants following worldwide distribution to research and breeding centers. The geographic source of the animals that founded the Wistar colony has been lost to history; thus, we compared 25 inbred rat strains to 326 wild rats from a global diversity dataset at 32 k SNPs, and 47 mitochondrial genomes to identify the source populations. We analyzed nuclear genomic data using principal component analyses and co‐ancestry heat maps, and mitogenomes using phylogenetic trees and networks. In the nuclear genome, inbred rats clustered together indicating a single geographic origin for the strains studied and showed admixed ancestral variation with wild rats in eastern Asia and western North America. The Sprague Dawley derived, Wistar derived, and Brown Norway strains each had mitogenomes from different clades which diverged between 13 and 139 kya. Thus, we posit that rats originally collected for captive breeding had high mitochondrial diversity that became fixed through genetic drift and/or artificial selection. Our results show that these important medical models share common genomic ancestry from a few source populations, and opportunities exist to create new strains with diverse genomic backgrounds to provide novel insight into the genomic basis of disease phenotypes.
Combining the high‐dose/refuge strategy and self‐limiting transgenic insects in resistance management—A test in experimental mesocosms
Authors: Zhou Liqin , Alphey Nina , Walker Adam S. , Travers Laura M. , Hasan Fevziye , Morrison Neil I. , Bonsall Michael B. , Raymond Ben 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe high‐dose/refuge strategy has been the primary approach for resistance management in transgenic crops engineered with Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. However, there are continuing pressures from growers to reduce the size of Bt toxin‐free refugia, which typically suffer higher damage from pests. One complementary approach is to release male transgenic insects with a female‐specific self‐limiting gene. This technology can reduce population sizes and slow the evolution of resistance by introgressing susceptible genes through males. Theory predicts that it could be used to facilitate smaller refugia or reverse the evolution of resistance. In this study, we used experimental evolution with caged insect populations to investigate the compatibility of the self‐limiting system and the high‐dose/refuge strategy in mitigating the evolution of resistance in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. The benefits of the self‐limiting system were clearer at smaller refuge size, particularly when refugia were inadequate to prevent the evolution of resistance. We found that transgenic males in caged mesocosms could suppress population size and delay resistance development with 10% refugia and 4%–15% initial resistance allele frequency. Fitness costs in hemizygous transgenic insects are particularly important for introgressing susceptible alleles into target populations. Fitness costs of the self‐limiting gene in this study (P. xylostella OX4139 line L) were incompletely dominant, and reduced fecundity and male mating competitiveness. The experimental evolution approach used here illustrates some of the benefits and pitfalls of combining mass release of self‐limiting insects and the high‐dose/refuge strategy, but does indicate that they can be complementary.
Clinical application of hysteroscopic hydrotubation for unexplained infertility in the mare
Authors: Inoue Y. , Sekiguchi M. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundTherapeutic techniques for oviductal obstruction in the mare are limited. Nonsurgical and retrograde flushing may be an attractive alternative to current treatment methods for oviductal blockage.ObjectivesTo evaluate hysteroscopic selective hydrotubation as a treatment option for presumptive equine oviductal blockage.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsA quantity of 10 mL of saline was flushed through the oviducts in 28 standing sedated mares, which had reproductive histories of unexplained subfertility, by inserting a catheter into the uterotubal junction under endoscopic guidance. All mares in the study had been mated through several cycles (2–20 oestrous cycles) by known fertile stallions prior to treatment, with no evidence of conception. The average number of cycles for each mare prior to treatment was 6.5 ± 4.5.ResultsSaline was successfully infused into a total of 50 oviducts. Of 28 mares, 26 conceived after the treatment. The average number of cycles for each mare to become pregnant after treatment was 1.8 ± 0.8.Main limitationsDiagnosis of blocked oviducts was presumptive, and pretreatment infertility was used as the control.ConclusionsThis study revealed that hysteroscopic hydrotubation using saline improved pregnancy rates in mares in which oviductal blockage was suspected as a cause of unexplained subfertility.
Outcomes from 10 years of biodiversity offsetting
Authors: Gibbons Philip , Macintosh Andrew , Constable Amy Louise , Hayashi Kiichiro 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe quantified net changes to the area and quality of native vegetation after the introduction of biodiversity offsetting in New South Wales, Australia—a policy intended to “prevent broad‐scale clearing of native vegetation unless it improves or maintains environmental values.” Over 10 years, a total of 21,928 ha of native vegetation was approved for clearing under this policy and 83,459 ha was established as biodiversity offsets. We estimated that no net loss in the area of native vegetation under this policy will not occur for 146 years. This is because 82% of the total area offset was obtained by averting losses to existing native vegetation and the rate that these averted losses accrue was over‐estimated in the policy. There were predicted net gains in 10 of the 14 attributes used to assess the quality of habitat. An overall net gain in the quality of habitat was assessed under this policy by substituting habitat attributes that are difficult to restore (e.g. mature trees) with habitat attributes for which restoration is relatively easy (e.g. tree seedlings). Long‐term rates of annual deforestation did not significantly change across the study area after biodiversity offsetting was introduced. Overall, the policy examined here provides no net loss of biodiversity: (i) many generations into the future, which is not consistent with intergenerational equity; and (ii) by substituting different habitat attributes, so gains are not equivalent to losses. We recommend a number of changes to biodiversity offsetting policy to overcome these issues.