scholarly journals Forecasting Seasonal Habitat Connectivity in a Developing Landscape

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Katherine Zeller ◽  
David Wattles ◽  
Javan Bauder ◽  
Stephen DeStefano
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Habitat Connectivity ◽  
Black Bears ◽  
Movement Model ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Education Campaigns ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Human Wildlife Conflict ◽  
Dynamic Connectivity

Connectivity and wildlife corridors are often key components to successful conservation and management plans. Connectivity for wildlife is typically modeled in a static environment that reflects a single snapshot in time. However, it has been shown that, when compared with dynamic connectivity models, static models can underestimate connectivity and mask important population processes. Therefore, including dynamism in connectivity models is important if the goal is to predict functional connectivity. We incorporated four levels of dynamism (individual, daily, seasonal, and interannual) into an individual-based movement model for black bears (Ursus americanus) in Massachusetts, USA. We used future development projections to model movement into the year 2050. We summarized habitat connectivity over the 32-year simulation period as the number of simulated movement paths crossing each pixel in our study area. Our results predict black bears will further colonize the expanding part of their range in the state and move beyond this range towards the greater Boston metropolitan area. This information is useful to managers for predicting and addressing human–wildlife conflict and in targeting public education campaigns on bear awareness. Including dynamism in connectivity models can produce more realistic models and, when future projections are incorporated, can ensure the identification of areas that offer long-term functional connectivity for wildlife.

Hydrogeological responses in tropical mountainous springs

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Isotope Composition ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
Geochemical Composition ◽  
Transit Times ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Best Fit ◽  
Term Data

This study presents a hydrogeochemical analysis of spring responses (2013-2017) in the tropical mountainous region of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The isotopic distribution of δ18O and δ2H in rainfall resulted in a highly significant meteoric water line: δ2H = 7.93×δ18O + 10.37 (r2=0.97). Rainfall isotope composition exhibited a strong dependent seasonality. The isotopic variation (δ18O) of two springs within the Barva aquifer was simulated using the FlowPC program to determine mean transit times (MTTs). Exponential-piston and dispersion distribution functions provided the best-fit to the observed isotopic composition at Flores and Sacramento springs, respectively. MTTs corresponded to 1.23±0.03 (Sacramento) and 1.42±0.04 (Flores) years. The greater MTT was represented by a homogeneous geochemical composition at Flores, whereas the smaller MTT at Sacramento is reflected in a more variable geochemical response. The results may be used to enhance modelling efforts in central Costa Rica, whereby scarcity of long-term data limits water resources management plans.

Hibernating black bears have blood chemistry and plasma amino acid profiles that are indicative of long-term adaptive fasting

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (9) ◽  
pp. 1257-1263 ◽  
Author(s):  
T D Lohuis ◽  
T D.I Beck ◽  
H J Harlow
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Ursus Americanus ◽  
Muscle Protein ◽  
Blood Chemistry ◽  
Black Bears ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Amino Acid Profiles ◽  
Protein Conservation ◽  
Branched Chain

Blood samples were drawn from six black bears (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) active in the summer and six others in early and late hibernation. Plasma urea:creatinine ratios and concentrations of amino acids, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase dropped during the winter denning season, suggesting a decreased protein breakdown. Fifteen amino acids (3 branched chain and 12 glucogenic) were lower in the early winter than in the summer, but 6 of these amino acids rose back to summer levels by the late denning season. Hydroxyproline and glycine were also elevated during late winter, suggesting an increase in collagen breakdown. This profile suggests a dynamic process of adaptive fasting and protein conservation during the winter with a mobilization of non-myofibrilar collagen and perhaps smooth muscle protein reserves to augment a potential but slight increased breakdown of skeletal muscle during the late winter.

The instability of functional connectivity in patients with schizophrenia and their siblings: A dynamic connectivity study

2018 ◽  
Vol 195 ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuixia Guo ◽  
Wei Zhao ◽  
Haojuan Tao ◽  
Zhening Liu ◽  
Lena Palaniyappan
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Dynamic Connectivity

scholarly journals Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Correlate with Psychosocial Development in Contemplative Practitioners and Controls

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 728
Author(s):  
Omar Singleton ◽  
Max Newlon ◽  
Andres Fossas ◽  
Beena Sharma ◽  
Susanne R. Cook-Greuter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Adult Development ◽  
Psychosocial Development ◽  
Neural Correlates ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Contemplative Practice ◽  
Temporoparietal Junction ◽  
Posterior Cingulate

Jane Loevinger’s theory of adult development, termed ego development (1966) and more recently maturity development, provides a useful framework for understanding the development of the self throughout the lifespan. However, few studies have investigated its neural correlates. In the present study, we use structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the neural correlates of maturity development in contemplative practitioners and controls. Since traits possessed by individuals with higher levels of maturity development are similar to those attributed to individuals at advanced stages of contemplative practice, we chose to investigate levels of maturity development in meditation practitioners as well as matched controls. We used the Maturity Assessment Profile (MAP) to measure maturity development in a mixed sample of participants composed of 14 long-term meditators, 16 long-term yoga practitioners, and 16 demographically matched controls. We investigated the relationship between contemplative practice and maturity development with behavioral, seed-based resting state functional connectivity, and cortical thickness analyses. The results of this study indicate that contemplative practitioners possess higher maturity development compared to a matched control group, and in addition, maturity development correlates with cortical thickness in the posterior cingulate. Furthermore, we identify a brain network implicated in theory of mind, narrative, and self-referential processing, comprising the posterior cingulate cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, and inferior frontal cortex, as a primary neural correlate.

scholarly journals A floristic description of the Afromontane fynbos communities on Platberg, Eastern Free State, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Brand ◽  
Pieter J. Du Preez ◽  
Leslie R. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Alien Invasive Species ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
The North ◽  
Shrub Community ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Twinspan Classification

Within the Platberg area and the wider Drakensberg region, the shrinking natural resources and the threat posed to biodiversity are of concern to conservation management and require an understanding of long-term ecological processes. The vegetation of Platberg was investigated as part of an ecological survey to establish Afromontane floristic links to the Drakensberg as well as for the management of natural resources. From a TWINSPAN classification, refined by the Braun-Blanquet method, four main plant communities were identified, which were subdivided into fynbos, wetland, a woody/shrub community and grassland. A classification and description of the fynbos are presented in this article.The analysis showed the fynbos divided into two communities comprising four sub-communities and seven variants. The fynbos community had an average of 28.34 species per relevé, ranging from 14 to 54 species per sample plot. Twenty-four endemic or near-endemic Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC) species and 22 exotic (alien-invasive) species were recorded. Numerous floristic links with the DAC, Cape flora fynbos and grassland bioregions to the north and west were also found. The description of the fynbos plant communities can serve as a basis for the formulation of management plans for the area.

Nocebo context modulates long-term habituation to heat pain and influences functional connectivity of the operculum

Pain ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 156 (11) ◽  
pp. 2222-2233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Ellerbrock ◽  
Antonius Wiehler ◽  
Manuela Arndt ◽  
Arne May
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Heat Pain

scholarly journals A vegetation description and floristic analyses of the springs on the Kammanassie Mountain, Western Cape

Koedoe ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cleaver ◽  
L.R. Brown ◽  
G.J. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Mountain Catchment ◽  
Habitat Factors ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Twinspan Classification ◽  
Geological Origin ◽  
The Difference

The Kammanassie Mountain is a declared mountain catchment area and a Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra population is preserved on the mountain. The high number of springs on the mountain not only provides water for the animal species but also contributes to overall ecosystem functioning. Long-term conservation of viable ecosystems requires a broader understanding of the ecological processes involved. It was therefore decided that a classification, description and mapping of the spring vegetation of the Kammanassie Mountain be undertaken. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed 11 major plant communities that could be related to geological origin. Habitat factors associated with differences in vegetation include topography, soil type and grazing. Descriptions of the plant communities include diagnostic species as well as prominent and less conspicuous species of the tree, shrub and herbaceous layers. The results also indicate a high species richness compared to similar regions and the difference between plant communities of wet and dry springs. This data is important for long-term monitoring of the spring ecosystems as well as for the compilation of management plans.

scholarly journals Brain functional connectivity changes in long-term mental stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-41
Author(s):  
Ali Darzi ◽  
Hamed Azami ◽  
Reza Khosrowabadi
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Brain Functional Connectivity

scholarly journals Selective increase of functional network connectivity in Arc-positive neuronal engrams after long-term potentiation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuheng Jiang ◽  
Antonius M.J. VanDongen
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Network Effects ◽  
Network Connectivity ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Early Gene ◽  
Memory Traces ◽  
Term Potentiation ◽  
Memory Engram

ABSTRACTNew tools in optogenetics and molecular biology have culminated in recent studies which mark immediate-early gene (IEG)-expressing neurons as memory traces or engrams. Although the activity-dependent expression of IEGs has been successfully utilised to label memory traces, their roles in engram specification is incompletely understood. Outstanding questions remain as to whether expression of IEGs can interplay with network properties such as functional connectivity and also if neurons expressing different IEGs are functionally distinct. We investigated the expression of Arc and c-Fos, two commonly utilised IEGs in memory engram specification, in cultured hippocampal neurons. After pharmacological induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the network, we noted an emergent network property of refinement in functional connectivity between neurons, characterized by a global down-regulation of network connectivity, together with strengthening of specific connections. Subsequently, we show that Arc expression correlates with the effects of network refinement, with Arc-positive neurons being selectively strengthened. Arc positive neurons were also found to be located in closer physical proximity to each other in the network. While the expression pattern of IEGs c-Fos and Arc strongly overlaps, Arc was more selectively expressed than c-Fos. These IEGs also act together in coding information about connection strength pruning. These results demonstrate important links between IEG expression and network connectivity, which serve to bridge the gap between cellular correlates and network effects in learning and memory.

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