bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil seed bank development of smoke‐responsive plant species in a 23‐year restoration chronosequence and implications for resilience to fire
Authors: Cowan Ebony L. , Miller Ben P. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Enright Neal J. , Standish Rachel J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimsResponses of ecological restoration projects to disturbances are rarely explored, yet their capacity to withstand and recover from disturbance (resilience) is a critical measure of restoration success. In many plant communities, the soil seed bank (SSB) provides an important source of propagules for species persistence and community resilience to disturbance. Understanding how SSBs develop with time can inform restoration of resilient ecosystems. Here, in fire‐prone Banksia woodland restoration following sand mining, we ask: (a) how does the smoke‐responsive (dormancy broken by smoke) SSB develop over time; (b) what plant‐trait and climate factors influence its development; and (c) what do the data suggest for the resilience of these restored woodlands to fire?LocationEllenbrook, Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia (latitude −31.76, longitude 115.95).MethodsWe used smoke, a key germination cue associated with fire disturbance, to trigger germination of the SSB in Banksia woodland restoration. Using a chronosequence of nine ages between 3 and 26 years since initiation of restoration, we tested how the SSB develops using counts and richness of germinating native and invasive annuals, and native perennial obligate seeding and resprouting species. To understand the contribution of above‐ground restored vegetation to SSB development, we compared Sørensen's similarity of the smoke germinable SSB (smoked SSB) and untreated germinable SSB (control SSB) with above‐ground vegetation.ResultsSmoked SSB germinant density decreased with restoration age for both native and invasive annuals, but was stable for native perennials. Similarity between smoked SSB and above‐ground vegetation was higher for perennial obligate seeders than for resprouters and peaked for perennials at 23 years.ConclusionsPost‐fire regeneration potential of the SSB was evident across the chronosequence, with restoration age influencing the density of native annuals and overall composition of the SSB. The findings for perennial species suggest an increase in resilience to fire with restoration age.
The mediating effects of needs satisfaction on the relationships between prior knowledge and self‐regulated learning through artificial intelligence chatbot
Authors: Xia Qi , Chiu Thomas K. F. , Chai Ching Sing , Xie Kui 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe anthropomorphic characteristics of artificial intelligence (AI) can provide a positive environment for self‐regulated learning (SRL). The factors affecting adolescents' SRL through AI technologies remain unclear. Limited AI and disciplinary knowledge may affect the students' motivations, as explained by self‐determination theory (SDT). In this study, we examine the mediating effects of needs satisfaction in SDT on the relationship between students' previous technical (AI) and disciplinary (English) knowledge and SRL, using an AI conversational chatbot. Data were collected from 323 9th Grade students through a questionnaire and a test. The students completed an AI basic unit and then learned English with a conversational chatbot for 5 days. Confidence intervals were calculated to investigate the mediating effects. We found that students' previous knowledge of English but not their AI knowledge directly affected their SRL with the chatbot, and that satisfying the need for autonomy and competence mediated the relationships between both knowledge (AI and English) and SRL, but relatedness did not. The self‐directed nature of SRL requires heavy cognitive learning and satisfying the need for autonomy and competence may more effectively engage young children in this type of learning. The findings also revealed that current chatbot technologies may not benefit students with relatively lower levels of English proficiency. We suggest that teachers can use conversational chatbots for knowledge consolidation purposes, but not in SRL explorations.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can potentially support students' self‐regulated learning (SRL) of disciplinary knowledge through chatbots.
Needs satisfaction in Self‐determination theory (SDT) can explain the directive process required for SRL.
Technical and disciplinary knowledge would affect SRL with technologies.

What this paper adds
This study examines the mediating effects of needs satisfaction in SDT on the relationship between students' previous AI (technical) and English (disciplinary) knowledge and SRL, using an AI conversational chatbot.
Students' previous knowledge of English but not their AI knowledge directly affected their SRL with the chatbot.
Autonomy and competence were mediators, but relatedness was not.

Implications for practice and/or policy
Teachers should use chatbots for knowledge consolidation rather than exploration.
Teachers should support students' competence and autonomy, as these were found to be the factors that directly predicted SRL.
School leaders and teacher educators should include the mediating effects of needs satisfaction in professional development programmes for digital education.
A peptide rich in glycine–serine–alanine repeats ameliorates Alzheimer‐type neurodegeneration
Authors: Yao Si‐Yuan , Wang Jia‐Fan , Xu Zheng , Meng Yue , Xue Yue , Yang Fan , Yao Wen‐Bing , Gao Xiang‐Dong , Chen Song 
Published: February 2023

Background and PurposeRepeated amino acid sequences in proteins are widely found, and the glycine–serine–alanine repeat is an element with a general propensity to form β‐sheet aggregates as found in key pathological factors, in several neurodegenerative diseases. Such properties of this repeat may guide development of disease‐modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disease. However, details of its role and underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown.Experimental ApproachActions of specific glycine–serine–alanine repeat peptides (SNPs), especially SNP‐9, on Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like abnormalities were evaluated in transgenic mice and Caenorhabditis elegans, and in rat and cell models. Entry of SNPs into the brain, SNP activity in neuronal cells and peptide entry into cells were analysed in vivo and in vitro. Cell‐free systems and the yeast two‐hybrid system were also used to explore possible targets of SNP‐9, and interactions of potential targets with SNP‐9 were confirmed in cell‐based systems.Key ResultsWe first identified SNP‐9 as a potent neuroprotective peptide with the activity to decrease oligomeric amyloid β (Aβ) via co‐assembling with the toxic Aβ oligomer to form hetero‐oligomers. Also, calcyclin‐binding protein was found to act as a SNP‐9‐binding protein, by screening of a human brain cDNA library. Such binding showed that SNP‐9 could regulate the abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau via calcyclin‐binding protein.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur study provides a foundation for development of SNPs, especially SNP‐9, as potential therapeutic interventions for AD. We propose SNP‐9 as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.
How do municipal mayors and councillors communicate with other levels of government? Evidence from a multi‐level survey of Canadian elected officials
Authors: Eidelman Gabriel , Lucas Jack 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWhile past research suggests that informal processes of dialogue play an important role in municipal intergovernmental relations in Canada, we currently know very little about their character and frequency. Who do local elected officials communicate with, and through which channels? And which municipal voices carry the most weight in these conversations? This article answers these questions from the perspective of elected politicians themselves, using a pan‐Canadian survey of municipal, provincial, and federal elected representatives. Our findings confirm that municipal intergovernmental relations depend heavily on informal institutions and personal relationships and highlight the key role of municipal mayors as spokespersons and advocates for municipalities in Canadian federalism.
Epigenetic regulation of embryonic ectoderm development in stem cell differentiation and transformation during ontogenesis
Authors: Huang Liuyan , Li Feifei , Ye Ling , Yu Fanyuan , Wang Chenglin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDynamic chromatin accessibility regulates stem cell fate determination and tissue homeostasis via controlling gene expression. As a histone‐modifying enzyme that predominantly mediates methylation of lysine 27 in histone H3 (H3K27me1/2/3), Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) plays the canonical role in targeting developmental regulators during stem cell differentiation and transformation. Embryonic ectoderm development (EED), the core scaffold subunit of PRC2 and as an H3K27me3‐recognizing protein, has been broadly implicated with PRC2 stabilization and allosterically stimulated PRC2. Accumulating evidences from experimental data indicate that EED‐associating epigenetic modifications are indispensable for stem cell maintenance and differentiation into specific cell lineages. In this review, we discuss the most updated advances to summarize the structural architecture of EED and its contributions and underlying mechanisms to mediating lineage differentiation of different stem cells during epigenetic modification to expand our understanding of PRC2.
Redoxtrons – An experimental system to study redox processes within the capillary fringe
Authors: Dorau Kristof , Uteau Daniel , Maisch Markus , Kappler Andreas , Peth Stephan , Mansfeldt Tim 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSpatiotemporal characterisation of the soil redox status within the capillary fringe (CF) is a challenging task. Air‐filled porosities (ε), oxygen concentration (O2) and soil redox potential (EH) are interrelated soil variables within active biogeochemical domains such as the CF. We investigated the impact of water table (WT) rise and drainage in an undisturbed topsoil and subsoil sample taken from a Calcaric Gleysol for a period of 46 days. We merged 1D (EH and matric potential) and 2D (O2) systems to monitor at high spatiotemporal resolution redox dynamics within self‐constructed redoxtron housings and complemented the data set by a 3D pore network characterization using X‐ray microtomography (X‐ray μCT). Depletion of O2 was faster in the organic matter‐ and clay‐rich aggregated topsoil and the CF extended >10 cm above the artificial WT. The homogeneous and less‐aggregated subsoil extended only 4 cm above the WT as indicated by ε–O2–EH data during saturation. After drainage, 2D O2 imaging revealed a fast aeration towards the lower depths of the topsoil, which agrees with the connected ε derived by X‐ray μCT (εCT_conn) of 14.9% of the total porosity. However, small‐scaled anoxic domains with O2 saturation <5% were apparent even after lowering the WT (down to 0.25 cm2 in size) for 23 days. These domains remained a nucleus for reducing soil conditions (EH < −100 mV), which made it challenging to characterise the soil redox status in the CF. In contrast, the subsoil aeration reached O2 saturation after 8 days for the complete soil volume. Values of εCT_conn around zero in the subsoil highlighted that soil aeration was independent of this parameter suggesting that other variables such as microbial activity must be considered when predicting the soil redox status from ε alone. The use of redoxtrons in combination with localised redox‐measurements and image based pore space analysis resulted in a better 2D/3D characterisation of the pore system and related O2 transport properties. This allowed us to analyse the distribution and activity of microbiological niches highly associated with the spatiotemporal variable redox dynamics in soil environments.Highlights
The time needed to turn from reducing to oxidising (period where all platinum electrodes feature EH > 300 mV) condition differ for two samples with contrasting soil structure.
The subsoil with presumably low O2 consumption rates aerated considerably faster than the topsoil and exclusively by O2 diffusion through medium‐ and fine‐sized pores.
To derive the soil redox status based upon the triplet ε–O2–EH is challenging at present in heterogeneous soil domains and larger soil volumes than 250 cm3.
Undisturbed soil sampling along with 2D/3D redox measurement systems (e.g., redoxtrons) improve our understanding of redox dynamics within the capillary fringe.
Neurostimulation in generalized epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haneef Zulfi , Skrehot Henry C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveThere are three neurostimulation devices available to treat generalized epilepsy: vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS). However, the choice between them is unclear due to lack of head‐to‐head comparisons. A systematic comparison of neurostimulation outcomes in generalized epilepsy has not been performed previously. The goal of this meta‐analysis was to determine whether one of these devices is better than the others to treat generalized epilepsy.MethodsFollowing PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed for studies reporting seizure outcomes following VNS, RNS, and DBS implantation in generalized drug‐resistant epilepsy between the first pivotal trial study for each modality through August 2022. Specific search criteria were used for VNS (“vagus”, “vagal”, or “VNS” in the title and “epilepsy” or “seizure”), DBS (“deep brain stimulation”, “DBS”, “anterior thalamic nucleus”, “centromedian nucleus”, or “thalamic stimulation” in the title and “epilepsy” or “seizure”), and RNS (“responsive neurostimulation” or “RNS” in the title and “epilepsy” or “seizure”). From 4409 articles identified, 319 underwent full‐text reviews, and 20 studies were included. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model using the meta package in R.ResultsSufficient data for meta‐analysis were available from seven studies for VNS (n = 510) and nine studies for DBS (n = 87). Data from RNS (five studies, n = 18) were insufficient for meta‐analysis. The mean (SD) follow‐up durations were as follows: VNS, 39.1 (23.4) months; DBS, 23.1 (19.6) months; and RNS, 22.3 (10.6) months. Meta‐analysis showed seizure reductions of 48.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 38.7%–57.9%) for VNS and 64.8% (95% CI = 54.4%–75.2%) for DBS (p = .02).SignificanceOur meta‐analysis indicates that the use of DBS may lead to greater seizure reduction than VNS in generalized epilepsy. Results from RNS use are promising, but further research is required.
A library of quantitative markers of seizure severity
Authors: Gascoigne Sarah J. , Waldmann Leonard , Schroeder Gabrielle M. , Panagiotopoulou Mariella , Blickwedel Jess , Chowdhury Fahmida , Cronie Alison , Diehl Beate , Duncan John S. , Falconer Jennifer , Faulder Ryan , Guan Yu , Leach Veronica , Livingstone Shona , Papasavvas Christoforos , Thomas Rhys H. , Wilson Kevin , Taylor Peter N. , Wang Yujiang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveUnderstanding fluctuations in seizure severity within individuals is important for determining treatment outcomes and responses to therapy, as well as assessing novel treatments for epilepsy. Current methods for grading seizure severity rely on qualitative interpretations from patients and clinicians. Quantitative measures of seizure severity would complement existing approaches to electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring, outcome monitoring, and seizure prediction. Therefore, we developed a library of quantitative EEG markers that assess the spread and intensity of abnormal electrical activity during and after seizures.MethodsWe analyzed intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings of 1009 seizures from 63 patients. For each seizure, we computed 16 markers of seizure severity that capture the signal magnitude, spread, duration, and postictal suppression of seizures.ResultsQuantitative EEG markers of seizure severity distinguished focal versus subclinical seizures across patients. In individual patients, 53% had a moderate to large difference (rank sum , ) between focal and subclinical seizures in three or more markers. Circadian and longer term changes in severity were found for the majority of patients.SignificanceWe demonstrate the feasibility of using quantitative iEEG markers to measure seizure severity. Our quantitative markers distinguish between seizure types and are therefore sensitive to established qualitative differences in seizure severity. Our results also suggest that seizure severity is modulated over different timescales. We envisage that our proposed seizure severity library will be expanded and updated in collaboration with the epilepsy research community to include more measures and modalities.
Quantifying trial‐by‐trial variability during cortico‐cortical evoked potential mapping of epileptogenic tissue
Authors: Cornblath Eli J. , Lucas Alfredo , Armstrong Caren , Greenblatt Adam S. , Stein Joel M. , Hadar Peter N. , Raghupathi Ramya , Marsh Eric , Litt Brian , Davis Kathryn A. , Conrad Erin C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveMeasuring cortico‐cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) is a promising tool for mapping epileptic networks, but it is not known how variability in brain state and stimulation technique might impact the use of CCEPs for epilepsy localization. We test the hypotheses that (1) CCEPs demonstrate systematic variability across trials and (2) CCEP amplitudes depend on the timing of stimulation with respect to endogenous, low‐frequency oscillations.MethodsWe studied 11 patients who underwent CCEP mapping after stereo‐electroencephalography electrode implantation for surgical evaluation of drug‐resistant epilepsy. Evoked potentials were measured from all electrodes after each pulse of a 30 s, 1 Hz bipolar stimulation train. We quantified monotonic trends, phase dependence, and standard deviation (SD) of N1 (15–50 ms post‐stimulation) and N2 (50–300 ms post‐stimulation) amplitudes across the 30 stimulation trials for each patient. We used linear regression to quantify the relationship between measures of CCEP variability and the clinical seizure‐onset zone (SOZ) or interictal spike rates.ResultsWe found that N1 and N2 waveforms exhibited both positive and negative monotonic trends in amplitude across trials. SOZ electrodes and electrodes with high interictal spike rates had lower N1 and N2 amplitudes with higher SD across trials. Monotonic trends of N1 and N2 amplitude were more positive when stimulating from an area with higher interictal spike rate. We also found intermittent synchronization of trial‐level N1 amplitude with low‐frequency phase in the hippocampus, which did not localize the SOZ.SignificanceThese findings suggest that standard approaches for CCEP mapping, which involve computing a trial‐averaged response over a .2–1 Hz stimulation train, may be masking inter‐trial variability that localizes to epileptogenic tissue. We also found that CCEP N1 amplitudes synchronize with ongoing low‐frequency oscillations in the hippocampus. Further targeted experiments are needed to determine whether phase‐locked stimulation could have a role in localizing epileptogenic tissue.
Perirectal abscess as suspected cause of bladder rupture in a foal
Authors: Abanades Kenyon Connor , Jocelyn Natasha , Kane‐Smyth Justine 
Published: February 2023

SummaryA 4‐month‐old colt foal was admitted to the hospital with a history of acute stranguria and colic signs. On presentation, he was tachycardic, tachypnoeic and pyrexic. Blood work showed marked leucocytosis and severe azotaemia. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed a reduced bladder lumen and a large volume of free peritoneal fluid. Abdominocentesis confirmed uroperitoneum. The foal underwent a general anaesthetic to repair the bladder. Unfortunately, the following day, the uroperitoneum recurred, so a revision surgery was performed. The bladder wall was repaired and a large impaction of the terminal small colon and rectum was diagnosed at this point. Rectal examination post‐operatively revealed a spherical mass compressing the dorsal aspect of the rectum, which reduced its diameter by approximately 75%. Ultrasound examination, cytology and culture of a fine‐needle aspirate of the mass revealed it to be a perirectal abscess, and this was drained per rectum and lavaged several times. The foal recovered well, regained the ability to micturate and remained healthy at subsequent post‐operative checks. It is suspected that the perirectal abscess led to overdistention and subsequent rupture of the bladder.
Sex‐specific differences in oxidative stress markers and collagen expression in perioral skin wrinkling
Authors: Brown Isabelle D. , Dillen Carly , Ly Bao Chau , Shyam Nikhil , Kang Sewon , Chien Anna L. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWrinkling is the hallmark of skin ageing. We previously reported that perioral wrinkling is more severe in females; however, the molecular basis is unknown. This study assessed sex differences in the molecular expression of key ageing regulators in perioral skin. Twelve subjects (n = 6 male/female) were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study and biopsies were taken from the perioral and periocular regions. RNA expression of collagen I, collagen III, cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) was assessed by qPCR. There was no difference between females' and males' Griffith's grades (6 and 5.67, respectively, p = 0.092) or periocular wrinkling grades (3.2 and 2.6, p = 0.421), but females had more severe perioral wrinkling grades than males (6.2 and 2.8, p = 0.020). Females not only expressed significantly more CYR61 (p = 0.018) in the perioral region than malesm but also expressed more collagen III (p = 0.016). There was no difference in collagen I (p = 0.115) or IGF‐1 (p = 0.124) expression in the perioral region between sexes. In the periocular region, there were no significant differences between sexes in the expression of all four markers. The significant molecular differences in the perioral region between the sexes may contribute to the greater perioral skin wrinkling seen clinically in females.
Fifth‐generation fractal antenna design based on the Koch Snowflake geometry. A fractal theory application
Authors: Paun Maria‐Alexandra , Nichita Mihai‐Virgil , Paun Vladimir‐Alexandru , Paun Viorel‐Puiu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe projection of fifth‐generation (5G) fractal antennas and their advantageous geometry are examined. The fact that fractal‐shaped antennas based on Koch Snowflake geometry are suitable for higher frequencies was shown above all. By the instrumentality of this technology, which aims to serve a large number of subscribers by implementing revolutionary devices (e.g. Massive MIMO, beam‐forming, high‐performance processors, etc.), it is possible to obtain multiple facilities. Fractal geometrics forms have been made using fractalKoch function from MATLAB R2018b, having as initial characteristic the series of successful repetitions. 2D and 3D characteristics of directivity at the values of 455, 465, 755.5 and 789.5 MHz (designed antennas), for two, three respectively four iterations of Koch's Snowflake fractals have been highlighted. We mention that all the software and programs developed for the fractal antennas design obtained in this paper are new and genuine.