Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Precision Timing with α–β Oscillatory Coupling: Stopwatch or Motor Control?

Abstract Precise timing is crucial for many behaviors ranging from conversational speech to athletic performance. The precision of motor timing has been suggested to result from the strength of phase–amplitude coupling (PAC) between the phase of alpha oscillations (α, 8–12 Hz) and the power of beta activity (β, 14–30 Hz), herein referred to as α–β PAC. The amplitude of β oscillations has been proposed to code for temporally relevant information and the locking of β power to the phase of α oscillations to maintain timing precision. Motor timing precision has at least two sources of variability: variability of timekeeping mechanism and variability of motor control. It is ambiguous to which of these two factors α–β PAC should be ascribed: α–β PAC could index precision of stopwatch-like internal timekeeping mechanisms, or α–β PAC could index motor control precision. To disentangle these two hypotheses, we tested how oscillatory coupling at different stages of a time reproduction task related to temporal precision. Human participants encoded and subsequently reproduced a time interval while magnetoencephalography was recorded. The data show a robust α–β PAC during both the encoding and reproduction of a temporal interval, a pattern that cannot be predicted by motor control accounts. Specifically, we found that timing precision resulted from the trade-off between the strength of α–β PAC during the encoding and during the reproduction of intervals. These results support the hypothesis that α–β PAC codes for the precision of temporal representations in the human brain.
Cognitive Styles and Person-Environment Fit: Investigating the Impact of Cognitive (Mis)fit

There is currently considerable interest in the key elements of person-environment fit to understand vocational behaviour and to develop strategic human resource management practices. In the light of this interest, we wanted (1) to investigate with the new Cognitive Style Indicator whether people within similar functions have similar cognitive styles, and (2) to examine the consequences of cognitive (mis)fit on three work attitudes. We used two largescale databases (N = 24,267 and N = 2,182) to address these issues. We identified mainly a knowing-oriented cognitive climate in finance, information technology (IT), and research and development (R&D) functions; a planning-oriented cognitive climate in administrative and technical and production functions; and a creating-oriented cognitive climate in sales and marketing functions and general management. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that people with a creating style show more job search behaviour and intention to leave than people with a planning style, irrespective of the cognitive climate they are working in. We contribute to increased understanding of the influence of cognitive styles on organisational behaviour and work attitudes. This study is relevant for selection and recruitment policies of organisations and in the context of training, job design, and workforce planning.
The Effect of Alternative Prey on the Functional Response of Notonecta Hoffmani

Continuous observations were made to determine the effect of alternative prey on the functional response of the aquatic bug Notonecta hoffmani to mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens). Mosquito larvae and two alternative prey, the zooplankter Daphnia pulex and vestigial—winged Drosophila (representing terrestrial prey trapped on the water surface), were presented to the predator at various densities. Preference, searching times, capture times (searching time per prey captured), and handling times for mosquito larvae were estimated. The predator showed a significant preference for Daphnia relative to mosquitoes in three of the nine prey combinations tested, and a significant preference for Drosophila relative to mosquitoes in all prey combinations tested. The presence of Daphnia did not significantly affect searching or capture times for mosquitoes, whereas the presence of Drosophila was associated with a significant decreased in searching time and a significant increase in mean capture time. Mosquito handling time decreased slightly as Daphnia density increased. The results predict that Drosophila will have a greater effect than Daphnia on the ability of notonectids to control mosquito larvae. The prediction was supported by a longer term experiment in which the largest number of mosquitoes reached the pupal stage when Drosophila were present as alternative prey. The study shows that relative preferences alone are not sufficient to predict the effect of alternative prey on a predator's functional response. Factors such as handling time (which affects searching time) and behavioral changes such as a change in capture time, must also be considered when assessing the role of alternative prey in a biological control program.
Reproductive plasticity of the American mink Mustela vison in Belarus

Reproduction of the American mink Mustela vison Schreber, 1777 population introduced to Belarus was studied in 1983-1992. Material consisted of 52 male genitalia, carcasses of 45 pregnant females, and observations of 19 litters with blind cubs and 31 litters with larger cubs. The study was conducted in two areas in northern Belarus: Rossony, where the decrease of mink numbers due to excessive trapping was recorded, and Gorodok, where the expansion of American mink in the presence of the native European mink Mustela lutreola was observed.
P2Y receptors: New subtypes, new functions

The orphan receptor GPR86 was recently identified as a new ADP receptor coupled to Gi and named P2Y13. This brings to eight the number of genuine P2Y receptors. On the basis of sequence homology, they can be subdivided into two subgroups: P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, and P2Y11; and P2Y12, P2Y13, and the UDP‐glucose receptor that should be renamed P2Y14. Some pharmacological properties of the P2Y13 receptor are significantly different from those of the P2Y12 receptor:
Obesity-induced astrocyte dysfunction impairs heterosynaptic plasticity in the orbitofrontal cortex

Overconsumption of highly palatable, energy dense food is considered a key driver of the obesity pandemic. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is critical for reward valuation of gustatory signals, yet how the OFC adapts to obesogenic diets is poorly understood. Here we show that extended access to a cafeteria diet impairs astrocyte glutamate clearance, which leads to a heterosynaptic depression of GABA transmission onto pyramidal neurons of the OFC. This decrease in GABA tone is due to an increase in extrasynaptic glutamate, which acts via metabotropic glutamate receptors to liberate endocannabinoids. This impaired the induction of endocannabinoid-mediated long-term plasticity. In obese rats, this cascade of synaptic impairments was rescued by restoring astrocyte glutamate transport with the nutritional supplement, N-acetylcysteine. Together, our findings indicate that obesity targets astrocytes to disrupt the delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the OFC. Highlights Diet-induced obesity induces hypertrophy of astrocytes and impairs their ability to transport glutamate. Failure of astrocytes to clear extrasynaptic glutamate drives endocannabinoid-mediated inhibitory long-term depression of principal output neurons in the OFC. Astrocytic glutamate transporter function is restored with NAC, which rescues the synaptic deficits.
Peptide-Mediated Release of Folate-Targeted Liposome Contents from Endosomal Compartments1

An egg phosphatidylcholine-derived liposome preparation has been developed that achieves low pH-dependent cargo unloading in the absence of a pH-sensitive lipid component by use of the 30 amino acid residue peptide, EALA. This peptide adopts an amphiphilic α-helical conformation in a mildly acidic environment, and when encapsulated into neutral liposomes or covalently attached to one of its lipid components, the peptide can facilitate the release of liposome contents. Our liposomes have also been designed to be tumor cell specific by incorporation of a folate−PEG−PE lipid conjugate which allows the liposomes to enter receptor-bearing cells through the pathway of folate receptor-mediated endocytosis. In combination, these features allow for the cytoplasmic release of 20−25% of the encapsulated cargo of internalized liposomes within several hours of administration. To quantitate the extent of the cytoplasmic unloading of liposomal contents, a new methodology was developed that exploits the dramatic increase.
Assessment of the Effects of Environmental Factors on the Response of Wheat to Fertilizer in On-farm Trials in a Mediterranean Type Environment

SUMMARY A series of researcher-managed wheat fertilizer trials was conducted on representative farmers' fields across northwest Syria between 1986 and 1990. Wheat grain and straw yields were strongly correlated with seasonal (October-May) rainfall, almost irrespective of soil fertility, crop sequence or fertilizer rate, with a highly significant response to nitrogen fertilizer which increased with increasing rainfall and decreasing initial soil mineral-nitrogen values. These results were summarized in regression equations which express yield in terms of fertilizer rates, seasonal rainfall and their interactions. The equations with applied nitrogen and seasonal rainfall were the most appropriate for determining fertilizer needs. Economic analysis indicated that all fertilizer treatment rates were profitable under existing price conditions and that fertilizer use would still be beneficial for a nitrogen price up to three times higher than that of the price of grain (weight for weight) with a seasonal rainfall of 250 mm, and up to six times higher with a seasonal rainfall of 450 mm.
Cryo-EM of human Arp2/3 complexes provides structural insights into actin nucleation modulation by ARPC5 isoforms

ABSTRACT The Arp2/3 complex regulates many cellular processes by stimulating formation of branched actin filament networks. Because three of its seven subunits exist as two different isoforms, mammals produce a family of Arp2/3 complexes with different properties that may be suited to different physiological contexts. To shed light on how isoform diversification affects Arp2/3 function, we determined a 4.2 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of the most active human Arp2/3 complex containing ARPC1B and ARPC5L, and compared it with the structure of the least active ARPC1A-ARPC5-containing complex. The architecture of each isoform-specific Arp2/3 complex is the same. Strikingly, however, the N-terminal half of ARPC5L is partially disordered compared to ARPC5, suggesting that this region of ARPC5/ARPC5L is an important determinant of complex activity. Confirming this idea, the nucleation activity of Arp2/3 complexes containing hybrid ARPC5/ARPC5L subunits is higher when the ARPC5L N-terminus is present, thereby providing insight into activity differences between the different Arp2/3 complexes. Summary: The Arp2/3 complex stimulates formation of branched actin filament networks and exhibits isoform diversity in mammals. We show how different Arp2/3 subunit isoforms contribute to differences in complex function.
Dispersal among populations of Caridina sp (Decapoda : Atyidae) in coastal lowland streams, south-eastern Queensland, Australia

Caridina sp. is an atyid shrimp occupying coastal streams in south-eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Shrimps from two geographic regions in south-eastern Queensland were examined. An analysis of 7 allozyme loci showed very high levels of genetic differentiation among catchments (F ST = 0.65) with much lower levels within catchments. This indicates extremely limited dispersal among catchments with greater levels within catchments. The levels of genetic differentiation were even greater than previously reported for two other atyid shrimp species occurring in upland rainforest streams. Populations from the Noosa River were more similar to those from the Glasshouse Mountains than to those from the geographically closer Tin Can Bay streams. This pattern was remarkably similar to that of a fish species occurring in the same streams and may reflect a recent confluence of streams from the Glasshouse Mountains and the Noosa River regions.
Proteomic and functional mapping of cardiac NaV1.5 channel phosphorylation reveals multisite regulation of surface expression and gating

Phosphorylation of NaV1.5 channels regulates cardiac excitability, yet the phosphorylation sites regulating channel function and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Using a systematic quantitative phosphoproteomic approach, we analyzed NaV1.5 channel complexes purified from non-failing and failing mouse left ventricles, and we identified 42 phosphorylation sites on NaV1.5. Most sites are clustered, and three of these clusters are highly phosphorylated. Analyses of phosphosilent and phosphomimetic NaV1.5 mutants revealed the roles of three phosphosites in regulating NaV1.5 channel expression and gating. The phosphorylated serines-664 and -667 regulate the voltage-dependence of channel activation in a cumulative manner, whereas phosphorylation of the nearby serine-671, which is increased in failing hearts, decreases cell surface NaV1.5 expression and peak Na+ current. No additional roles could be assigned to the other clusters of phosphosites. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ventricular NaV1.5 is highly phosphorylated, and that the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of NaV1.5-encoded channels is highly complex, site-specific and dynamic. Abbreviations A, alanine; E, glutamate; HEK-293, Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells; INa, peak Na+ current; INaL, late Na+ current; IP, immunoprecipitation; mαNaVPAN, anti-NaV channel subunit mouse monoclonal antibody; MS, Mass Spectrometry; MS1, mass spectrum of peptide precursors; MS2 or MS/MS, fragmentation mass spectrum of peptides selected in narrow mass range (2 Da) from MS1 scan; NaV, voltage-gated Na+ channel; pS, phosphoserine; pT, phosphothreonine; S, serine; T, threonine; TAC, Transverse Aortic Constriction; TMT, Tandem Mass Tag.
Variation in Growth Pattern of Male Moose Alces alces After Two Contrasted Periods of Hunting

Exploitation by humans impacts wildlife in many ways. Selective harvesting regimes affect demography of the remaining population, and increased mortality shortens life expectancy affecting optimal life-history strategies. We studied this in a Finnish moose (Alces alces) population using harvest data on age, carcass weight, antler spread and tine number, and compared the growth in body weight and that of antlers in male moose after adult-biased and mixed age class harvesting. According to our results, both body weight and antler growth of young males increased after mixed age class harvesting. Changes in growth patterns were affected by population density and sex ratio, but as the period effect still remained in the growth patterns after removing the effects of density and sex ratio, we suggest that the change in male moose growth patterns might have resulted from the harvest-induced young-male age structure and higher harvest pressure among young male moose.
Complementary and divergent roles for Ctage5 and Tango1 in zebrafish

Coat protein complex II (COPII) factors mediate cargo export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but bulky collagens and lipoproteins are too large for traditional COPII vesicles. Mammalian CTAGE5 and TANGO1 have been well characterized individually as specialized cargo receptors at the ER that function with COPII coats to facilitate trafficking of bulky cargoes. Here, we present a genetic interaction study in zebrafish of deletions in ctage5, tango1, or both to investigate their potential distinct and complimentary functions. We found that Ctage5 and Tango1 have different roles related to organogenesis, collagen versus lipoprotein trafficking, stress-pathway activation, and survival. While deletion of both ctage5 and tango1 compounded phenotype severity, deletion of either factor alone revealed novel tissue specific defects in the building of heart, muscle, lens, and intestine, in addition to the previously described roles in the development of neural and cartilage tissues. Together, our results suggest that Ctage5 and Tango1 have overlapping, but also divergent roles in tissue development and homeostasis. Summary In this genetic study Ctage5 and Tango1 endoplasmic reticulum cargo receptors were investigated together in vivo for the first time. Cell differentiation, survival, trafficking, and stress pathway activation were investigated.
Personality, subjective well-being, and the serotonin 1a receptor gene in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Of the three rating-based studies of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) personality, one did not find domains resembling those labeled Conscientiousness or Openness. Because this discrepancy may have been partly attributable to the fact that many purported markers of Conscientiousness were excluded because of concerns about interrater reliability. We therefore followed up this study by increasing the number of common marmosets that were rated, bringing it up to 128 from 77. We also gathered the same amount of new data on subjective well-being and genetic data related to serotonin 1a receptor polymorphisms. Factor analysis revealed evidence for an Openness domain and a domain labeled “Impulsiveness” that combined low Conscientiousness and high emotional instability. The other domains included Sociability, Dominance, and Negative Affect, and resembled those found in previous studies of common marmoset personality. Correlations between these factors were higher than expected and a second-order factor analysis indicated the presence of a domain, Pro-Sociality, related to high Sociability and both low Dominance and Impulsiveness, and a domain, Boldness, related to high Openness and low Negative Affect. Further analyses could not discern the extent to which Pro-Sociality and Boldness were not artifacts, but a higher- level of personality organization in this species. Correlations between the domains and the subjective well-being measures were consistent with those found in other species and supported the construct validity of the factors. There were no reliable associations between personality and genotype. New analytic methods and larger samples may help to better understand personality in common marmosets.
Metabolic and haemodynamic resting-state connectivity of the human brain: a high-temporal resolution simultaneous BOLD-fMRI and FDG-fPET multimodality study

Simultaneous FDG-PET/fMRI ([18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography functional magnetic resonance imaging) provides the capacity to image two sources of energetic dynamics in the brain – glucose metabolism and haemodynamic response. Functional fMRI connectivity has been enormously useful for characterising interactions between distributed brain networks in humans. Metabolic connectivity based on static FDG-PET has been proposed as a biomarker for neurological disease; but static FDG-PET cannot be used to estimate subject-level measures of connectivity, only across-subject covariance. Here, we applied high-temporal resolution constant infusion functional PET (fPET) to measure subject-level metabolic connectivity simultaneously with fMRI connectivity. fPET metabolic connectivity was characterised by fronto-parietal connectivity within and between hemispheres. fPET metabolic connectivity showed moderate similarity with fMRI primarily in superior cortex and frontoparietal regions. fPET metabolic connectivity showed little similarity with static FDG-PET metabolic covariance, indicating that metabolic connectivity is a non-ergodic process that cannot be used to infer individual-level connectivity from across-subject covariance. In sum, our results highlight the complementary strengths of fPET and fMRI in measuring the intrinsic connectivity of the brain, and opens up the opportunity for new multivariate metabolic neuroimaging biomarkers for neurological disease.
Metals Alter Membership but Not Diversity of a Headwater Stream Microbiome

Our results suggest that microbiomes can be reliable indicators of ecosystem metal stress even when surface water chemistry and other metrics used to assess ecosystem health do not indicate ecosystem stress. Results presented in this study, in combination with previously published work on this same ecosystem, are consistent with the idea that a microbial response to metals at the base of the food web may be affecting primary consumers. ABSTRACT Metal contamination from mining or natural weathering is a common feature of surface waters in the American west. Advances in microbial analyses have created the potential for routine sampling of aquatic microbiomes as a tool to assess the quality of stream habitat. We sought to determine if microbiome diversity and membership were affected by metal contamination and identify candidate microbial taxa to be used to indicate metal stress in stream ecosystems. We evaluated microbiome membership from sediments at multiple sites within the principal drainage of an EPA superfund site near the headwaters of the Upper Arkansas River, Leadville, CO. From each sample, we extracted DNA and sequenced the 16S rRNA gene amplicon on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We used the remaining sediments to simultaneously evaluate environmental metal concentrations. We also conducted an artificial stream mesocosm experiment using sediments collected from two of the observational study sites. The mesocosm experiment had a two-by-two factorial design: (i) location (upstream or downstream of contaminating tributary), and (ii) treatment (metal exposure or control). We found no difference in diversity between upstream and downstream sites in the field. Similarly, diversity changed very little following experimental metal exposure. However, microbiome membership differed between upstream and downstream locations and experimental metal exposure changed microbiome membership in a manner that depended on origin of the sediments used in each mesocosm. IMPORTANCE Our results suggest that microbiomes can be reliable indicators of ecosystem metal stress even when surface water chemistry and other metrics used to assess ecosystem health do not indicate ecosystem stress. Results presented in this study, in combination with previously published work on this same ecosystem, are consistent with the idea that a microbial response to metals at the base of the food web may be affecting primary consumers. If effects of metals are mediated through shifts in the microbiome, then microbial metrics, as presented here, may aid in the assessment of stream ecosystem health, which currently does not include assessments of the microbiome.
Uncaria tomentosa extract: evaluation of effects on the in vitro and in vivo labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m

The influence (in vivo and in vitro) of an Uncaria tomentosa extract (Cats claw) on the labeling of red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma and cellular proteins with technetium-99m (Tc-99m) was evaluated. For the in vivo treatment, animals were treated with Cats claw. For the in vitro treatment, heparinized blood was incubated with Cats claw before the addition of stannous chloride (SnCl2) and Tc-99m. Samples of plasma (P) and RBCs were separated and also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid. The soluble and insoluble fractions of P and RBCs were isolated. The analysis of the results of the in vivo study, indicates that there is no significant alteration on the uptake of Tc-99m by the blood constituents, but it significantly decrease (p<0.05) the labeling of blood constituents by in vitro methods. These effects could be due to chelation of stannous and /or pertechnetate ions and blockage of the Tc-99m bindings sites.