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The current study provides a detailed qualitative description of the organization of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, orexinergic, and GABAergic sleep‐related systems in the brain of the blue wildebeest (Connocheates taurinus), along with a quantitative analysis of the pontine cholinergic and noradrenergic neurons, and the hypothalamic orexinergic neurons. The aim of this study was to compare the nuclear organization of these systems to other mammalian species and specifically that reported for other Cetartiodactyla. In the brain of the blue wildebeest, from the basal forebrain to the pons, the nuclear organization of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, and orexinergic systems, for the most part, showed a corresponding nuclear organization to that reported in other mammals and more specifically the Cetartiodactyla. Furthermore, the description and distribution of the GABAergic system, which was examined through immunostaining for the calcium binding proteins calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin, was also similar to that seen in other mammals. These findings indicate that sleep in the blue wildebeest is likely to show typically mammalian features in terms of the global brain activity of the generally recognized sleep states of mammals, but Cetartiodactyl‐specific features of the orexinergic system may act to lower overall daily total sleep time in relation to similar sized non‐Cetartiodactyl mammals. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1977–1997, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy

The unusual sleep patterns and physiology during summer appear to be related to high ambient air temperatures that affect both intrinsic and extrinsic factors necessary for survival. The Arabian oryx appears to use sleep physiology as an adaptive thermoregulatory mechanism in the hot summer months.

Forensic facial comparison is a commonly used, yet under-evaluated method employed in medicolegal contexts across the world. Testing the accuracy and reliability of facial comparisons requires large scale controlled and matching facial image databases. Databases that contain images of individuals on closed-circuit television (CCTV), with matching formal and informal photographs are needed for this type of research. Although many databases are available, the majority if not all are developed in order to improve facial recognition and face detection algorithms through machine learning, with very limited if any measure of standardisation. This paper aims to review the available databases and describe the development of a high resolution, standardised facial photograph and CCTV recording database of male Africans. The database is composed of a total of 6220 standardised and uncontrolled suboptimal facial photographs of 622 matching individuals in five different views, as well as corresponding CCTV footage of 334 individuals recorded under different realistic conditions. A detailed description of the composition and acquisition process of the database as well as its subdivisions and possible uses are provided. The challenges and limitations of developing this database are also highlighted, particularly with regard to obtaining CCTV video recordings and ethics for a database of faces. The application process to access the database is also briefly described.

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The Arabian oryx inhabits an environment where summer ambient temperatures can exceed 40°C for extended periods of time. While the oryx employs a suite of adaptations that aid survival, the effects of this extreme environment on inactivity/sleep, where ambient temperatures often exceed mammalian thermoneutral zones, are unknown.To determine how the oryx manages inactivity/sleep seasonally we used fine and coarsegrain actigraphy, in 16 animals, to reveal when the animals were inactive/sleeping in relation to variations in ambient temperatures and light levels. We demonstrate that during the cooler winter months the oryx is inactive/sleeping during the cooler parts of day (pre-dawn hours), showing a diurnal activity pattern. In contrast, in the summer months, the oryx displayed a crepuscular activity pattern, with the major inactivity/sleep bouts occurring equally during both the coolest part of the night (pre-dawn hours) and the hottest part of the day (afternoon hours). Interestingly, the daily rhythm of the timing of changes in core body temperature did not vary seasonally, although the amplitude did change. The transition from winter diurnal activity to summer crepuscular activity occurred in May, while the reverse occurred in September. By having half of the major summer sleep bouts during the hottest part of the day, the oryx may take advantage of the thermoregulatory physiology of sleep to mitigate increases in body temperature. The seasonal summer desynchronization of circadian entrained daily rhythms (core body temperature and daily activity patterns) is suggestive of temperature acting to mask, or modify, output pathways from the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Perception of our environment entirely depends on the close interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system. In order to communicate each other, both systems must develop in parallel and in coordination. During development, axonal projections from the CNS as well as the PNS must extend over large distances to reach their appropriate target cells. To do so, they read and follow a series of axon guidance molecules. Interestingly, while these molecules play critical roles in guiding developing axons, they have also been shown to be critical in other major neurodevelopmental processes, such as the migration of cortical progenitors. Currently, a major hurdle for brain repair after injury or neurodegeneration is the absence of axonal regeneration in the mammalian CNS. By contrasts, PNS axons can regenerate. Many hypotheses have been put forward to explain this paradox but recent studies suggest that hacking neurodevelopmental mechanisms may be the key to promote CNS regeneration. Here we provide a seminar report written by trainees attending the second Flagship school held in Alpbach, Austria in September 2018 organized by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) together with the Journal of Neurochemistry (JCN). This advanced school has brought together leaders in the fields of neurodevelopment and regeneration in order to discuss major keystones and future challenges in these respective fields.

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