bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict on EEG omega complexity in Panum’s limiting case
Authors: Li Huayun , Jia Huibin , Yu Dongchuan 
Published: December 2017

Using behavioral measures and ERP technique, researchers discovered at least two factors could influence the final perception of depth in Panum’s limiting case, which are the vertical disparity gradient and the degree of cue conflict between two- and three-dimensional shapes. Although certain event-related potential components have been proved to be sensitive to the different levels of these two factors, some methodological limitations existed in this technique. In this study, we proposed that the omega complexity of EEG signal may serve as an important supplement of the traditional event-related potential technique. We found that the trials with lower vertical gradient disparity have lower omega complexity (i.e., higher global functional connectivity) of the occipital region, especially that of the right-occipital hemisphere. Moreover, for occipital omega complexity, the trials with low-cue conflict have significantly larger omega complexity than those with medium- and high-cue conflict. It is also found that the electrodes located in the middle line of the occipital region (i.e., POz and Oz) are more crucial to the impact of different levels of cue conflict on omega complexity than the other electrodes located in the left- and right-occipital hemispheres. These evidences demonstrated that the EEG omega complexity could reflect distinct neural activities evoked by Panum’s limiting case configurations, with different levels of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict. Besides, the influence of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict on omega complexity may be regional dependent.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The EEG omega complexity could reflect distinct neural activities evoked by Panum’s limiting case configurations with different levels of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict. The influence of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict on omega complexity is regional dependent. The omega complexity of EEG signal can serve as an important supplement of the traditional ERP technique.
Phasic and tonic cell types in the zebra finch auditory caudal mesopallium
Authors: Chen Andrew N. , Meliza C. Daniel 
Published: December 2017

The caudal mesopallium (CM) is a cortical-level area in the songbird auditory pathway where selective, invariant responses to familiar songs emerge. To characterize the cell types that perform this computation, we made whole cell recordings from brain slices in juvenile zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata) of both sexes. We found three groups of putatively excitatory neurons with distinct firing patterns. Tonic cells produced sustained responses to depolarizing step currents, phasic cells produced only a few spikes at the onset, and an intermediate group was also phasic but responded for up to a few hundred milliseconds. Phasic cells had smaller dendritic fields, higher resting potentials, and strong low-threshold outward rectification. Pharmacological treatment with voltage-gated potassium channel antagonists 4-aminopyridine and α-dendrotoxin converted phasic to tonic firing. When stimulated with broadband currents, phasic cells fired coherently with frequencies up to 20–30 Hz, whereas tonic neurons were more responsive to frequencies around 0–10 Hz. The distribution of peak coherence frequencies was similar to the distribution of temporal modulation rates in zebra finch song. We reproduced these observations in a single-compartment biophysical model by varying cell size and the magnitude of a slowly inactivating, low-threshold potassium current ( ILT). These data suggest that intrinsic dynamics in CM are matched to the temporal statistics of conspecific song.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In songbirds, the caudal mesopallium is a key brain area involved in recognizing the songs of other individuals. This study identifies three cell types in this area with distinct firing patterns (tonic, phasic, and intermediate) that reflect differences in cell size and a low-threshold potassium current. The phasic-firing neurons, which do not have a counterpart in mammalian auditory cortex, are better able to follow rapid modulations at the frequencies found in song.
BOLD temporal variability differentiates wakefulness from anesthesia-induced unconsciousness
Authors: Baria Alexis T. , Centeno Maria V. , Ghantous Mariam E. , Chang Pei C. , Procissi Daniele , Apkarian A. Vania 
Published: December 2017

Even though a number of findings, based on information content or information integration, are shown to define neural underpinnings characteristic of a conscious experience, the neurophysiological mechanism of consciousness is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the brain activity and functional connectivity changes that occur in the isoflurane-anesthetized unconscious state in contrast to the awake state in rats (awake and/or anesthetized, n = 68 rats). We examined nine information measures previously shown to distinguish between conscious states: blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) variability, functional connectivity strength, modularity, weighted modularity, efficiency, clustering coefficient, small-worldness, and spatial and temporal Lempel-Ziv complexity measure. We also identified modular membership, seed-based network connectivity, and absolute and normalized power spectrums to assess the integrity of the BOLD functional networks between awake and anesthesia. fMRI BOLD variability and related absolute power were the only information measures significantly higher during the awake state compared with isoflurane anesthesia across animals, and with varying levels of anesthesia, after correcting for motion and respiration confounds. Thus, we conclude that, at least under the specific conditions examined here, global measures of information integration/sharing do not properly distinguish the anesthetized state from wakefulness, and heightened overall, global and local, BOLD variability is the most reliable determinant of conscious brain activity relative to isoflurane anesthesia. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Multiple metrics previously suggested to be able to distinguish between states of consciousness were compared, within and across rats in awake and isoflurane anesthesia-induced unconsciousness. All measures tested showed sensitivity to confounds, correcting for motion and for respiration changes due to anesthesia. Resting state local BOLD variability and the related absolute power were the only information measures that robustly differentiated wakefulness states. These results caution against the general applicability of global information measures in identifying levels of consciousness, thus challenging the popular concept that these measures reflect states of consciousness, and also pointing to local signal variability as a more reliable indicator of states of wakefulness.
Robust mixture modeling reveals category-free selectivity in reward region neuronal ensembles
Authors: Blanchard Tommy C. , Piantadosi Steven T. , Hayden Benjamin Y. 
Published: December 2017

Classification of neurons into clusters based on their response properties is an important tool for gaining insight into neural computations. However, it remains unclear to what extent neurons fall naturally into discrete functional categories. We developed a Bayesian method that models the tuning properties of neural populations as a mixture of multiple types of task-relevant response patterns. We applied this method to data from several cortical and striatal regions in economic choice tasks. In all cases, neurons fell into only two clusters: one multiple-selectivity cluster containing all cells driven by task variables of interest and another of no selectivity for those variables. The single cluster of task-sensitive cells argues against robust categorical tuning in these areas. The no-selectivity cluster was unanticipated and raises important questions about what distinguishes these neurons and what role they play. Moreover, the ability to formally identify these nonselective cells allows for more accurate measurement of ensemble effects by excluding or appropriately down-weighting them in analysis. Our findings provide a valuable tool for analysis of neural data, challenge simple categorization schemes previously proposed for these regions, and place useful constraints on neurocomputational models of economic choice and control. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present a Bayesian method for formally detecting whether a population of neurons can be naturally classified into clusters based on their response tuning properties. We then examine several data sets of reward system neurons for variables and find in all cases that neurons can be classified into only two categories: a functional class and a non-task-driven class. These results provide important constraints for neural models of the reward system.
Factors Associated With Focal Computed Tomographic Perfusion Abnormalities in Supratentorial Transient Ischemic Attacks
Authors: Meyer Ivo A. , Cereda Carlo W. , Correia Pamela N. , Zerlauth Jean-Baptiste , Puccinelli Francesco , Rotzinger David C. , Amiguet Michael , Maeder Philippe , Meuli Reto A. , Michel Patrik 
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—
Computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) is useful in diagnosis of patients with transient focal neurological symptoms. In acute imaging of patients with a suspected transient ischemic attack (TIA), it remains unclear which patients develop focal perfusion abnormalities (FPA), that is, hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion. We aimed at determining independent factors associated with FPA in patients with supratentorial TIAs.

Methods—
We prospectively collected consecutive patients with supratentorial TIAs defined by the traditional time-based definition who underwent CTP within 24 hours of symptom onset. We recorded demographics, risk factors, clinical features, severity, and timing from onset. We documented the Age, Blood Pressure, Clinical Features, Duration, and Diabetes (ABCD2) scores, vascular territories, and presence of relevant arterial pathology. Variables were tested for an association with FPA with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results—
A hundred and ten of 265 patients (42%) with supratentorial TIAs had FPA on CTP. Acute noncontrast computed tomography showed early ischemic lesions in 6%, and acute/subacute magnetic resonance imaging was pathological in 52 of the 109 cases (47.7%) where it was performed. Clinical factors associated with FPA were high-admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (odds ratio [OR], 1.22), right hemispheric TIA (OR, 3.09), and cardioembolic mechanism (OR, 2.19). Persistence of symptoms during CTP (OR, 2.59), shorter duration of TIA (OR, 0.93), major intracranial arterial pathology (OR, 12.5), and extracranial arterial occlusion (OR, 7.44) were also associated with FPA.

Conclusions—
Supratentorial TIAs are often associated with FPA in CTP, even after symptom resolution. FPAs are frequent in severe TIAs and those associated with cardioembolism or specific arterial pathologies. These findings can help clinicians in accurate diagnosis of TIA and its underlying mechanisms.
Stroke Incidence by Major Pathological Type and Ischemic Subtypes in the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Studies
Authors: Krishnamurthi Rita V. , Barker-Collo Suzanne , Parag Varsha , Parmar Priyakumari , Witt Emma , Jones Amy , Mahon Susan , Anderson Craig S. , Barber P. Alan , Feigin Valery L. 
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—
Major pathological stroke types (ischemic stroke [IS], primary intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], and subarachnoid hemorrhage) and IS subtypes, have differing risk factors, management, and prognosis. We report changes in major stroke types and IS subtypes incidence during 10 years using data from the ARCOS (Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study) III performed during 12 months in 2002 to 2003 and the fourth ARCOS study (ARCOS-IV) performed in 2011 to 2012.

Methods—
ARCOS-III and ARCOS-IV were population-based registers of all new strokes in the greater Auckland region (population aged >15 years, 1 119 192). Strokes were classified into major pathological types (IS, ICH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and undetermined type). Crude annual age-, sex-, and ethnic-specific stroke incidence with 95% confidence intervals was calculated. ISs were subclassified using TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria into 5 etiologic groups. Rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for differences in age-standardized rates between the 2 studies.

Results—
In ARCOS-IV, there were 1329 (81%) ISs, 211 (13%) ICHs, 79 (5%) subarachnoid hemorrhages, and 24 (1%) undetermined type strokes. The proportional distribution of IS subtypes was 29% cardioembolism, 21% small-vessel occlusion, 15% large-artery atherosclerosis, 5% other determined etiology, and 31% undetermined type. Between 2002 and 2011, age-standardized incidence decreased for subarachnoid hemorrhage (rate ratios, 0.73; 95% confidence intervals, 0.54–0.99) and undetermined type (rate ratios, 0.14; 95% confidence intervals, 0.09–0.22). Rates were stable for IS and ICH. Among IS subtypes, large-artery atherosclerosis and small-vessel occlusion rates increased significantly. The frequency of all risk factors increased in IS. Ethnic differences were observed for both stroke subtype rates and their risk factor frequencies.

Conclusions—
A lack of change in IS and ICH incidence may reflect a trend toward increased incidence of younger strokes. Increased rates of large-artery atherosclerosis and small-vessel occlusion are associated with increased smoking and high blood pressure. Ethnic differences in the proportional distribution of pathological stroke subtypes suggest differential exposure and susceptibility to risk factors.
Bursaphelenchus decraemerae n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from the USA
Authors: Wang Xuan , Gu Jianfeng , Maria Munawar , Fang Yiwu , Li Hongmei 
Published: December 2017

Bursaphelenchus decraemeraen. sp., isolated in Ningbo, China, from packaging wood made ofPinussp. imported from the USA, is described. It is characterised by the lateral field with three lines, a stylet 10-12 μm long with small basal swellings, excretory pore located 4-12 μm posterior to median bulb, spicule small, ventrally arcuate with lamina gradually tapering to distal tip, rostrum triangular pointed to conical, condylus elongated with bluntly rounded tip, and cucullus minute, barely visible. There are seven caudal papillae arranged as a single ventral precloacal papilla, one adcloacal pair and two postcloacal pairs. The bursal flap is narrow and oval. A small vulval flap is present in lateral view of the female and the tail is conical, strongly ventrally curved with the terminus finely pointed and sometimes appearing like a mucron. The new species is characterised by morphological and molecular analysis and is close toB. gerberaeandB. sakishimanus.
Regime Change Behavior during Asian Monsoon Onset
Authors: Geen Ruth , Lambert F. H. , Vallis G. K. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
As the ITCZ moves off the equator on an aquaplanet, the Hadley circulation transitions from an equinoctial regime with two near-symmetric, significantly eddy-driven cells to a monsoon-like regime with a strong, thermally direct cross-equatorial cell, intense low-latitude precipitation, and a weak summer hemisphere cell. Dynamical feedbacks appear to accelerate the transition. This study investigates the relevance of this behavior to monsoon onset by using primitive equation model simulations ranging from aquaplanets to more realistic configurations with Earth’s continents and topography. A change in the relationship between ITCZ latitude and overturning strength is identified once the ITCZ moves poleward of approximately 7°. Monsoon onset is associated with off-equatorial ascent in regions of nonnegligible planetary vorticity, and this is found to generate a vortex stretching tendency that reduces upper-level absolute vorticity. In an aquaplanet, this causes a transition to the cross-equatorial, thermally direct regime, intensifying the overturning circulation. Analysis of the zonal momentum budget suggests that a stationary wave, driven by topography and land–sea contrast, can trigger a similar transition in the more realistic model configuration, with the wave extending the ascent region of the Southern Hemisphere Hadley cell northward, and enhanced overturning then developing to the south. These two elements of the circulation resemble the East and South Asian monsoons.
In Situ and Radar Observations of the Low Reflectivity Ribbon in Supercells during VORTEX2
Authors: Griffin Casey B. , Weiss Christopher C. , Reinhart Anthony E. , Snyder Jeffrey C. , Bluestein Howard B. , Wurman Joshua , Kosiba Karen A. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
During the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) field campaign, mobile radars observed a previously undocumented feature: the low-reflectivity ribbon (LRR). The LRR was characterized by reduced reflectivity ZH and differential reflectivity ZDR through a narrow region extending from the intersection of the hook and forward-flank regions of supercells. This study synthesizes kinematic and polarimetric radar observations with in situ measurements taken by the “StickNet” observing network. StickNet data have been used to establish that the LRR is associated with a localized minimum in pseudoequivalent potential temperature Pronounced drops in are observed by nine separate probes in three different supercell thunderstorms. Both single- and dual-Doppler analyses are used to examine the two- and three-dimensional structures of the winds within the LRR, revealing that the LRR is associated with cyclonic vertical vorticity aloft. Polarimetric radar observations are used to study the hydrometeor characteristics and the processes that cause those hydrometers to be present. Special consideration is given to the analysis of the vertical distribution of traditional and polarimetric variables, as well as the evolution of the kinematic fields retrieved by dual-Doppler analysis. The combination of thermodynamic, kinematic, and inferred microphysical observations supports a hypothesis that the LRR comprises sparse, large hail.
Facilitating In Vivo Articular Cartilage Repair by Tissue-Engineered Cartilage Grafts Produced From Auricular Chondrocytes
Authors: Wong Chin-Chean , Chen Chih-Hwa , Chiu Li-Hsuan , Tsuang Yang-Hwei , Bai Meng-Yi , Chung Ren-Jei , Lin Yun-Ho , Hsieh Fon-Jou , Chen You-Tzung , Yang Tsung-Lin 
Published: December 2017

Background: Insufficient cell numbers still present a challenge for articular cartilage repair. Converting heterotopic auricular chondrocytes by extracellular matrix may be the solution. Hypothesis: Specific extracellular matrix may convert the phenotype of auricular chondrocytes toward articular cartilage for repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: For in vitro study, rabbit auricular chondrocytes were cultured in monolayer for several passages until reaching status of dedifferentiation. Later, they were transferred to chondrogenic type II collagen (Col II)–coated plates for further cell conversion. Articular chondrogenic profiles, such as glycosaminoglycan deposition, articular chondrogenic gene, and protein expression, were evaluated after 14-day cultivation. Furthermore, 3-dimensional constructs were fabricated using Col II hydrogel-associated auricular chondrocytes, and their histological and biomechanical properties were analyzed. For in vivo study, focal osteochondral defects were created in the rabbit knee joints, and auricular Col II constructs were implanted for repair. Results: The auricular chondrocytes converted by a 2-step protocol expressed specific profiles of chondrogenic molecules associated with articular chondrocytes. The histological and biomechanical features of converted auricular chondrocytes became similar to those of articular chondrocytes when cultivated with Col II 3-dimensional scaffolds. In an in vivo animal model of osteochondral defects, the treated group (auricular Col II) showed better cartilage repair than did the control groups (sham, auricular cells, and Col II). Histological analyses revealed that cartilage repair was achieved in the treated groups with abundant type II collagen and glycosaminoglycans syntheses rather than elastin expression. Conclusion: The study confirmed the feasibility of applying heterotopic chondrocytes for cartilage repair via extracellular matrix–induced cell conversion. Clinical Relevance: This study proposes a feasible methodology to convert heterotopic auricular chondrocytes for articular cartilage repair, which may serve as potential alternative sources for cartilage repair.
Nonlinearity between Infrastructure Inequality and Growth
Authors: Simon Nisha S. , Natarajan P. 
Published: December 2017

Infrastructure, through its direct and indirect effects, has a bearing on growth, equity and overall development of a country. Widening inequality has significant implications for growth and macroeconomic stability leading to suboptimal use of human resources and concentration of decision-making in the hands of a few. This article discusses the relationship between growth and infrastructure inequality in India since the 1990s. Tracing three dimensions of infrastructure inequality over time, this study tests the existence of its nonlinear relationship with growth. Empirical estimates reject the inverted U-shaped and U-shaped patterns between disparity in infrastructure and economic growth. Accelerated decline in infrastructure inequality is depicted with growth in India across infrastructure sectors of transport, energy and communication. Policymakers need to sustain efforts to eradicate infrastructure disparity by following a growth-oriented approach. JEL: C38, H54, I3, O18, O47, R11