Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuronal firing in the medial temporal lobe reflects human working memory workload, performance and capacity

The involvement of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) in working memory is controversially discussed. Critically, it is unclear whether and how the MTL supports performance of working memory. We recorded single neuron firing in 13 epilepsy patients while they performed a visual working memory task. The number of colored squares in the stimulus set determined the workload of the trial. We used the subjects’ memory capacity (Cowan’s K) to split them into a low and high capacity group. We found MTL neurons that showed persistent firing during the maintenance period. Firing was higher in the hippocampus for trials with correct compared to incorrect performance. Population firing predicted workload particularly during the maintenance period. Prediction accuracy of single trial activity was strongest for neurons in the entorhinal cortex of low capacity subjects. We provide evidence that low capacity subjects recruit their MTL to cope with an overload of working memory task demands. 1 Significance Humans are highly limited in processing multiple objects over a short period of time. The capacity to retain multiple objects in working memory is typically associated with frontal and parietal lobe functioning, even though medial temporal lobe (MTL) neural architecture seems capable to process such information. However, there are conflicting findings from patient, electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies. Here we show for the first time that correct performance, workload and individual performance differences are reflected in separate mechanisms of neural activity within the MTL during maintenance of visual information in working memory. The data suggest that low capacity subjects use the MTL to process the overload of information.
Genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhoea virus ( BVDV ) from Peru and Chile 1

Ståhl K. , Benito A. , Felmer R. , Zuñiga J., Reinhardt G. , Rivera H. , Baule C. & Moreno-López J. 2009. Genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) from Peru and Chile. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):41-44. Joint Virology Research and Development Division, National Veterinary Institute and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: Karl.Stahl@bvf.slu. se Twenty-five BVDV strains, detected in serum from persistently infected cattle from Peru (n=15) and Chile (n=10) were genetically characterized. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 5’ UTR showed that all 25 strains belonged to genotype 1. Twenty-three of the strains could further be subdivided into subtype 1b, and two out of ten Chilean strains into subtype 1a. In conclusion, in total 23 out of 25 strains analyzed were of genotype 1, subtype 1b. This is the predominant BVDV subtype in many countries all over the world, including USA. The close homology with previously described strains reflects the influence of livestock trade on the diversity of BVDV circulating within and between countries and continents. Peru and Chile have imported large numbers of cattle from USA and Europe, mostly with insufficient or lacking health documentation.
Plasticity in parental effects confers rapid larval thermal tolerance in Nematostella vectensis

Parental effects can prepare offspring for different environments and facilitate survival across generations. We exposed parental populations of the estuarine anemone, Nematostella vectensis, from Massachusetts to elevated temperatures and quantified larval mortality across a temperature gradient. We find that parental exposure to elevated temperatures results in a consistent increase in larval thermal tolerance (mean ΔLT50: 0.3°C), and larvae from subsequent spawns return to baseline thermal thresholds when parents are returned to normal temperatures. Histological analyses of gametogenesis in females suggests these dynamic shifts in larval thermal tolerance may be facilitated by maternal effects in non-overlapping gametic cohorts. We also compared larvae from North Carolina (a genetically distinct population with higher baseline thermal tolerance) and Massachusetts parents, and found larvae from heat-exposed Massachusetts parents have thermal thresholds comparable to larvae from unexposed North Carolina parents. North Carolina parents also increased larval thermal tolerance under the same high-temperature regime, suggesting plasticity in parental effects is an inherent trait for N. vectensis. Overall, we find larval thermal tolerance in N. vectensis shows both a strong genetic basis and phenotypic plasticity. Further understanding the mechanisms behind these shifts can elucidate the fate of thermally sensitive ectotherms in a rapidly changing thermal environment.
Pulmonary toxicity and inflammatory response of e-cigarettes containing medium-chain triglyceride oil and vitamin E acetate: Implications in the pathogenesis of EVALI but independent of SARS-COV-2 COVID-19 related proteins

Recently, there has been an outbreak associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products, associated lung injury (EVALI). The primary components of vaping products, vitamin E acetate (VEA) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) may be responsible for acute lung toxicity. Currently, little information is available on the physiological and biological effects of exposure to these products. We hypothesized that these e-cig cartridges and their constituents (VEA and MCT) induce pulmonary toxicity, mediated by oxidative damage and inflammatory responses, leading to acute lung injury. We studied the potential mechanisms of cartridge aerosol induced inflammatory response by evaluating the generation of reactive oxygen species by MCT, VEA, and cartridges, and their effects on the inflammatory state of pulmonary epithelium and immune cells both in vitro and in vivo. Cells exposed to these aerosols generated reactive oxygen species, caused cytotoxicity, induced epithelial barrier dysfunction, and elicited an inflammatory response. Using a murine model, the parameters of acute toxicity to aerosol inhalation were assessed. Infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes was accompanied by significant increases in IL-6, eotaxin, and G-CSF in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In mouse plasma, eicosanoid inflammatory mediators, leukotrienes, were significantly increased. Plasma from e-cig users also showed increased levels of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETEs) and various eicosanoids. Exposure to e-cig cartridge aerosols showed the most significant effects and toxicity compared to MCT and VEA. In addition, we determined at SARS-COV-2 related proteins and found no impact associated with aerosol exposures from these tested cartridges. Overall, this study demonstrates acute exposure to specific e-cig cartridges induces in vitro cytotoxicity, barrier dysfunction, and inflammation and in vivo mouse exposure induces acute inflammation with elevated pro-inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of EVALI.
Controlling protein nanocage assembly with hydrostatic pressure

Controlling the assembly and disassembly of nanoscale protein cages for the capture and internalisation of protein or non-proteinaceous components is fundamentally important to a diverse range of bionanotechnological applications. Here, we study the reversible, pressure-induced dissociation of a natural protein nanocage, E. coli bacterioferritin (Bfr), using synchrotron radiation small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and circular dichroism (CD). We demonstrate that hydrostatic pressures of 450 MPa are sufficient to completely dissociate the Bfr icositetramer into protein dimers, and the reversibility and kinetics of the reassembly process can be controlled by selecting appropriate buffer conditions. We also demonstrate that the heme B prosthetic group present at the subunit dimer interface influences the stability and pressure lability of the cage, despite its location being discrete from the inter-dimer interface that is key to cage assembly. This indicates a major cage-stabilising role for heme within this family of ferritins.
Effects of Lactobacillus buchneri on the nutritive value of sugarcane silage for finishing beef bulls

Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 and the fibrolytic enzymes β-glucanase and xylanase were applied to chopped sugarcane to study their effects on the nutritive value of silage. Sugarcane was mechanically harvested after 14 mo of growth and treated without (control) or with L. buchneri at a theoretical application rate of 5 × 104 cfu/g, 1 × 105 cfu/g, or 1 × 105 cfu/g plus enzymes. Forage was packed into farm-scale bag silos (40 t/silo) and stored for 92 d. Fifty-six bulls (32 Nellore and 24 Charolais × Nellore) were housed in 20 collective pens and fed diets comprising (dry matter [DM] basis) 458 g/kg sugarcane silage and 542 g/kg concentrates for an 84-d period. Treated silages had higher concentrations of acetic acid and lower concentrations of ethanol. Total mixed rations (TMR) containing inoculated silages exhibited significantly lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration and, consequently, higher in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD). Thus, animals fed TMR containing treated silages spent less time chewing per day and per kilogram of DM intake (DMI), even at higher DMI levels. Nonetheless, the intake of NDF was similar across treatments (0.77 to 0.79 kg/100 kg BW) but markedly lower than the value reported for traditional forages. Average daily gain was significantly greater for animals fed TMR based on inoculated silages due to the higher DMI (14% on average) and the higher energy content of the diets, as indicated by the higher feed efficiency (12% on average). The dose of inoculants used and the addition of fibrolytic enzymes had no significant effects on silage parameters or animal performance. Therefore, inoculation of L. buchneri during sugarcane ensilage can alter the fermentation pattern by increasing acetic acid yield, reducing silage nutrient losses, and improving feed efficiency by bulls.
Maternal cortisol is associated with neonatal amygdala microstructure and connectivity in a sexually dimorphic manner

The mechanisms linking maternal stress in pregnancy with infant neurodevelopment in a sexually dimorphic manner are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, measured by hair cortisol concentration, is associated with microstructure, structural connectivity and volume of the infant amygdala. In 78 human mother-infant dyads, maternal hair was sampled postnatally, and infants underwent magnetic resonance imaging at term-equivalent age. Higher hair cortisol concentration was associated with higher left amygdala fractional anisotropy (β=0.677, p=0.010), lower left amygdala orientation dispersion index (β=-0.597, p=0.034), and higher fractional anisotropy in connections between the right amygdala and putamen (β=0.475, p=0.007) in girls compared to boys. Maternal cortisol during pregnancy is related to newborn amygdala architecture and connectivity in a sexually dimorphic manner. Given the fundamental role of the amygdala in the emergence of emotion regulation, these findings offer new insights into mechanisms linking maternal stress with adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes of children. Impact Statement Prenatal stress is transmitted to infant development through cortisol, which imparts sex-specific effects on the development and connectivity of the amygdalae.
Phase dynamics of cerebral blood flow in subarachnoid haemorrhage in response to sodium nitrite infusion

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating subset of stroke. One of the major determinates of morbidity is the development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Disruption of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and consequently the control of cerebral blood flow (CBF), known as cerebral autoregulation, is believed to play a role in its pathophysiology. Through the pharmacological manipulation of in vivo NO levels using an exogenous NO donor we sought to explore this relationship. Phase synchronisation index (PSI), an expression of the interdependence between CBF and arterial blood pressure (ABP) and thus cerebral autoregulation, was calculated before and during sodium nitrite administration in 10 high-grade SAH patients acutely postrupture. In patients that did not develop DCI, there was a significant increase in PSI around 0.1 Hz during the administration of sodium nitrite (33%; p-value 0.006). In patients that developed DCI, PSI did not change significantly. Synchronisation between ABP and CBF at 0.1 Hz has been proposed as a mechanism by which organ perfusion is maintained, during periods of physiological stress. These findings suggest that functional NO depletion plays a role in impaired cerebral autoregulation following SAH, but the development of DCI may have a distinct pathophysiological aetiology.
Temporal patterns of inorganic nitrogen uptake by mature sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) trees using two common approaches

Background: Plant uptake of nitrogen influences many ecosystem processes, yet uptake by trees in northern forests of the United States has not been quantified throughout the growing season. Aims: To measure NH4 + and NO3 − uptake by mature sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and red spruce (Picea rubens) trees during the early, mid and late growing season. Methods: At Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, we used two approaches to measure nitrogen uptake capacity by mature trees: an in situ depletion method using intact roots and an ex situ 15N tracer method using excised roots. Results: NH4 + uptake was greater than NO3 − for both methods and tree species (P < 0.05). NH4 + uptake was lowest during the early growing season, while NO3 − uptake was lowest during the late growing season. Measured rates of NH4 + uptake were 2–3 orders of magnitude greater using the in situ depletion method compared with the ex situ 15N tracer method. Conclusions: These results demonstrate seasonal differences in nitrogen uptake by two dominant tree species in a northern forest and show that the method employed can significantly impact measured rates of uptake, which could have implications for understanding the magnitude of plant nitrogen uptake and for cross-study comparisons of this process.
Automotive Software Process Improvement In Software Product Line Using Aspla Model

: A Software Product Line is generally utilized in huge automotive associations for software advancement. Organizations in the making of programming regularly experience alterations that require adaptability. Agile programming standards and strategies are regularly associated with upgrading the adaptability of programming organizations. In any case, it has its preferences and imperatives to present light-footed practices. Dexterous selection rules are being recommended to give systems to executing deft practices so as to intensify preferences and all emirate troubles. One model is known as Agile Maturity Models (AMMs). A key reuse of programming is important to manage the developing unpredictability of the advancement and to save the nature of incalculable renditions of programming. In any case, the advancement technique requires to be balanced constantly to meet the developing necessities of the market. To create amazing programming, presenting agile programming development systems guarantees adaptability to react to client change demands and market prerequisites. Regardless of this need, joining light-footed programming advancement with product offerings is as yet testing. Regularly it is hard to decide the development of a light-footed execution. Surveying the present mix situation is an initial move towards effectively coordinating nimble techniques into product offerings for car software. Based on a meeting research with 16 respondents and a writing audit, make the alleged ASPLA Model that permits group self-evaluations to decide the current situation with spry programming advancement related to product offerings for programming. The model incorporates seven fields of progress and suggests that the present status be improved. The blend in the car area of dexterous programming advancement and programming product offerings is seen as a promising technique. With this methodology, it is conceivable to accomplish a shorter time to advertise and a snappier learning circle about the product development. It is hard to recognize the present status of nimble execution inside the product offering of programming. In this article, the components to be respected for an adjusted assessment model that surveys the current state of an association as to spry programming improvement and product offerings for programming ought to be analyzed. A few assessment models are utilized for the models CMMI and ASPICE, XP, ISO 26550
Passive Novel Isodamping Dynamometer for Mobile Measurement of Plantar Flexor Function

Isokinetic dynamometers are the gold standard tools used to assess in vivo joint and muscle function in human subjects, however, the large size and high cost of these devices prevents their widespread use outside of biomechanics lab. In this study, we developed a mobile dynamometer to allow for field measurements of joint level function. To ensure subject safety, we designed a new “isodamping” dynamometer that acted as passive energy sink which constrains velocity by forcing incompressible oil through an orifice with an adjustable diameter. We validated the performance of this device by testing plantar flexor function in six healthy adults on both a commercial isokinetic dynamometer and this novel device at three velocities/damper settings and at three different effort levels. During maximal effort contraction, measurements of peak moment and velocity at peak moment of the novel device and the commercial device were strongly correlated along the predicted quadratic line (R2 > 0.708, p ≤ 0.008). The setting of the damper prescribed the relationship between peak moment and velocity at peak moment across all subjects and effort levels (R2 > 0.91, p < 0.001). The novel device was significantly smaller (0.75 m2 footprint), lighter (30 kg), and lower cost (~$2,200 US) than commercial devices compared to commercially-available isokinetic dynamometers (5.95 m2 footprint, 450 kg, and ~$40,000 US respectively).
CyTOF analysis identifies unusual immune cells in urine of BCG-treated bladder cancer patients

High grade non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours are treated with transurethral resection followed by recurrent intravesical instillations of Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG). Although bladder cancer patients respond well to BCG, important questions remain unanswered, including how to identify at early stages non-responder patients and patients at risk to abandon the treatment. Here, we analysed the cells released into the urine of bladder cancer patients longitudinally 3-7 days after BCG instillations. Mass cytometry (CyTOF) analyses revealed that most cells were granulocytes and monocytes rather than effector lymphocytes, and most expressed activation markers. A novel population of CD15+CD66b+CD14+ CD16+ cells was very abundant in several samples and expression of these markers was confirmed using flow cytometry and qPCR. Samples of patients with a stronger inflammatory response contained more cells in urine; however, this was not due to haematuria, as the proportions of the cell populations observed were different from blood. We provide the proof-of-concept for a new approach to analyse samples that may help classify patients and identify those at risk of BCG infection and other unwanted BCG-related events.
Extracellular amylase from the isolate, Aspergillus tubingensis

The soil samples were collected from different depths of paddy and sugarcane fields. The samples were primarily screened for isolation of amylase producing fungi. Among the isolated fungi, amylase producing isolates were identified by growing on starch agar media. The isolate (20E) which form the maximum zone of clearance on starch agar media by iodine was identified and it was subcultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The isolate (20E) was morphologically characterized by performing cotton blue staining and scanning electron microscopic observations under required magnifications. Molecular characterization of isolate (20E) was performed by ITS/5.8S rRNA gene sequence analysis and it was confirmed as Aspergillus tubingensis (MTCC Acc. No. 11398). Optimization of cultural conditions for maximum production of amylase was carried out by different cereal flours, incubation periods, temperatures, nitrogen sources and with different phosphate concentrations. Aspergillus tubingensisshowed maximum amylase activity (245±0.54/mg protein) when cultured in pearl millet at 35 0 C for 54hrs of incubation period.
Dynamics of Tpm1.8 domains on actin filaments with single molecule resolution

Tropomyosins regulate dynamics and functions of the actin cytoskeleton by forming long chains along the two strands of actin filaments that act as gatekeepers for the binding of other actin-binding proteins. The fundamental molecular interactions underlying the binding of tropomyosin to actin are still poorly understood. Using microfluidics and fluorescence microscopy, we observed the binding of fluorescently labelled tropomyosin isoform Tpm1.8 to unlabelled actin filaments in real time. This approach in conjunction with mathematical modeling enabled us to quantify the nucleation, assembly and disassembly kinetics of Tpm1.8 on single filaments and at the single molecule level. Our analysis suggests that Tpm1.8 decorates the two strands of the actin filament independently. Nucleation of a growing tropomyosin domain proceeds with high probability as soon as the first Tpm1.8 molecule is stabilised by the addition of a second molecule, ultimately leading to full decoration of the actin filament. In addition, Tpm1.8 domains are asymmetrical, with enhanced dynamics at the edge oriented towards the barbed end of the actin filament. The complete description of Tpm1.8 kinetics on actin filaments presented here provides molecular insight into actin-tropomyosin filament formation and the role of tropomyosins in regulating actin filament dynamics.
Evaluation of Trichoderma virens and Burkholderia cepacia for antagonistic activity against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita.

Summary ‐ The bacterium Burkholderia cepacia (strain Bc-2) and the fungus Trichoderma virens (strain Gl-3) were investigated for activity against the nematode Meloidogyne incognita . Culture e ltrates from Bc-2 and Gl-3 contained extracellular factors that inhibited egg hatch and second-stage juvenile (J2) mobility. Size fractionation results and lack of detectable chitinase or protease activities from Bc-2 and Gl-3 culture e ltratessuggested that the inhibitory factors in the in vitroassays were non-enzymic. Tomato root explant cultures of M. incognita treated with T. virensculture e ltrate had 42% fewer eggs and J2 per g of roots than cultures treated with control medium that had not been inoculated with T. virens. In glasshouse tests with tomato, Bc-2 and Gl-3 were applied individually as seed coatings and as root drenches in both viable and non-viable formulations. At the 65-day harvest, non-viable B. cepacia was the only treatment that suppressed eggs and J2 per g of roots (29% suppression) compared to water controls. Resume ‐ Evaluation de l’ activite antagoniste de Trichoderma virens et Burkholderia cepacia envers le ne matode Meloidogyne