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Abstract The hypothalamus is the key regulator for energy homeostasis and is functionally connected to striatal and cortical regions vital for the inhibitory control of appetite. Hence, the ability to non-invasively modulate the hypothalamus network could open new ways for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Here, we tested a novel method for network-targeted transcranial direct current stimulation (net-tDCS) to influence the excitability of brain regions involved in the control of appetite. Based on the resting-state functional connectivity map of the hypothalamus, a 12-channel net-tDCS protocol was generated (Neuroelectrics Starstim system), which included anodal, cathodal and sham stimulation. Ten participants with overweight or obesity were enrolled in a sham-controlled, crossover study. During stimulation or sham control, participants completed a stop-signal task to measure inhibitory control. Overall, stimulation was well tolerated. Anodal net-tDCS resulted in faster stop signal reaction time (SSRT) compared to sham (p = 0.039) and cathodal net-tDCS (p = 0.042). Baseline functional connectivity of the target network correlated with SSRT after anodal compared to sham stimulation (p = 0.016). These preliminary data indicate that modulating hypothalamus functional network connectivity via net-tDCS may result in improved inhibitory control. Further studies need to evaluate the effects on eating behavior and metabolism.

IntroductionProof-of-principle human studies suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may improve depression severity. This open-label multicenter study tested remotely supervised multichannel tDCS delivered at home in patients (N=35) with major depressive disorder (MDD). The primary aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of our protocol. As an exploratory aim, we evaluated therapeutic efficacy: the primary efficacy measure was the median percent change from baseline to the end of the 4-week post-treatment follow-up period in the observer-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Mood Rating Scale (MADRS).MethodsParticipants received 37 at-home stimulation sessions (30 minutes each) of specifically designed multichannel tDCS targeting the left DLPFC administered over eight weeks (4 weeks of daily treatments plus 4 weeks of taper), with a follow-up period of 4 weeks following the final stimulation session. The stimulation montage (electrode positions and currents) was optimized by employing computational models of the electric field generated by multichannel tDCS using available structural data from a similar population (group optimization). Conducted entirely remotely, the study employed the MADRS for assessment at baseline, at weeks 4 and 8 during treatment, and at 4-week follow-up visits.Results34 patients (85.3% women) with a mean age of 59 years, a diagnosis of MDD according to DSM-5 criteria, and a MADRS score ≥20 at the time of study enrolment completed all study visits. At baseline, the mean time since MDD diagnosis was 24.0 (SD 19.1) months. Concerning compliance, 85% of the participants (n=29) completed the complete course of 37 stimulation sessions at home, while 97% completed at least 36 sessions. No detrimental effects were observed, including suicidal ideation and/or behavior. The study observed a median MADRS score reduction of 64.5% (48.6, 72.4) 4 weeks post-treatment (Hedge’s g = -3.1). We observed a response rate (≥ 50% improvement in MADRS scores) of 72.7% (n=24) from baseline to the last visit 4 weeks post-treatment. Secondary measures reflected similar improvements.ConclusionsThese results suggest that remotely supervised and supported multichannel home-based tDCS is safe and feasible, and antidepressant efficacy motivates further appropriately controlled clinical studies.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05205915?tab=results, identifier NCT05205915.

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with alterations in cortical perfusion that correlate with cognitive impairment. Recently, neural activity in the gamma band has been identified as a driver of arteriolar vasomotion while, on the other hand, gamma activity induction on preclinical models of AD has been shown to promote protein clearance and cognitive protection. Methods In two open-label studies, we assessed the possibility to modulate cerebral perfusion in 15 mild to moderate AD participants via 40Hz (gamma) transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) administered 1 h daily for 2 or 4 weeks, primarily targeting the temporal lobe. Perfusion-sensitive MRI scans were acquired at baseline and right after the intervention, along with electrophysiological recording and cognitive assessments. Results No serious adverse effects were reported by any of the participants. Arterial spin labeling MRI revealed a significant increase in blood perfusion in the bilateral temporal lobes after the tACS treatment. Moreover, perfusion changes displayed a positive correlation with changes in episodic memory and spectral power changes in the gamma band. Conclusions Results suggest 40Hz tACS should be further investigated in larger placebo-controlled trials as a safe, non-invasive countermeasure to increase fast brain oscillatory activity and increase perfusion in critical brain areas in AD patients. Trial registration Studies were registered separately on ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03290326 , registered on September 21, 2017; NCT03412604 , registered on January 26, 2018).

Abstract Methodological studies investigating transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) in paediatric populations are limited. Therefore, we investigated in a paediatric population whether stimulation success of multichannel tDCS over the lDLPFC depends on concurrent task performance and individual head anatomy. In a randomised, sham-controlled, double-blind crossover study 22 healthy participants (10–17 years) received 2 mA multichannel anodal tDCS (atDCS) over the lDLPFC with and without a 2-back working memory (WM) task. After stimulation, the 2-back task and a Flanker task were performed. Resting state and task-related EEG were recorded. In 16 participants we calculated the individual electric field (E-field) distribution. Performance and neurophysiological activity in the 2-back task were not affected by atDCS. atDCS reduced reaction times in the Flanker task, independent of whether atDCS had been combined with the 2-back task. Flanker task related beta oscillation increased following stimulation without 2-back task performance. atDCS effects were not correlated with the E-field. We found no effect of multichannel atDCS over the lDLPFC on WM in children/adolescents but a transfer effect on interference control. While this effect on behaviour was independent of concurrent task performance, neurophysiological activity might be more sensitive to cognitive activation during stimulation. However, our results are limited by the small sample size, the lack of an active control group and variations in WM performance.

Baculoviruses are insect-specific DNA viruses that have been exploited as bioinsecticides for the control of agricultural and forest pests around the world. Mixed infections with two different baculoviruses have been found in nature, infecting the same host. They have been studied to understand the biology of virus interactions, their effects on susceptible insects, and their insecticidal implications. In this work, we summarize and analyze the in vivo baculovirus co-infections reported in the literature, mainly focusing on pest biocontrol applications. We discuss the most common terms used to describe the effects of mixed infections, such as synergism, neutralism, and antagonism, and how to determine them based on host mortality. Frequently, baculovirus co-infections found in nature are caused by a combination of a nucleopolyhedrovirus and a granulovirus. Studies performed with mixed infections indicated that viral dose, larval stage, or the presence of synergistic factors in baculovirus occlusion bodies are important for the type of virus interaction. We also enumerate and discuss technical aspects to take into account in studies on mixed infections, such as statistical procedures, quantification of viral inocula, the selection of instars, and molecular methodologies for an appropriate analysis of baculovirus interaction. Several experimental infections using two different baculoviruses demonstrated increased viral mortality or a synergistic effect on the target larvae compared to single infections. This can be exploited to improve the baculovirus-killing properties of commercial formulations. In this work, we offer a current overview of baculovirus interactions in vivo and discuss their potential applications in pest control strategies.

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and interaction, and stereotyped, repetitive behaviour and sensory interests. To date, there is no effective medication that can improve social communication and interaction in ASD, and effect sizes of behaviour-based psychotherapy remain in the low to medium range. Consequently, there is a clear need for new treatment options. ASD is associated with altered activation and connectivity patterns in brain areas which process social information. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique that applies a weak electrical current to the brain in order to modulate neural excitability and alter connectivity. Combined with specific cognitive tasks, it allows to facilitate and consolidate the respective training effects. Therefore, application of tDCS in brain areas relevant to social cognition in combination with a specific cognitive training is a promising treatment approach for ASD. Methods A phase-IIa pilot randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group clinical study is presented, which aims at investigating if 10 days of 20-min multi-channel tDCS stimulation of the bilateral tempo-parietal junction (TPJ) at 2.0 mA in combination with a computer-based cognitive training on perspective taking, intention and emotion understanding, can improve social cognitive abilities in children and adolescents with ASD. The main objectives are to describe the change in parent-rated social responsiveness from baseline (within 1 week before first stimulation) to post-intervention (within 7 days after last stimulation) and to monitor safety and tolerability of the intervention. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of change in parent-rated social responsiveness at follow-up (4 weeks after end of intervention), change in other ASD core symptoms and psychopathology, social cognitive abilities and neural functioning post-intervention and at follow-up in order to explore underlying neural and cognitive mechanisms. Discussion If shown, positive results regarding change in parent-rated social cognition and favourable safety and tolerability of the intervention will confirm tDCS as a promising treatment for ASD core-symptoms. This may be a first step in establishing a new and cost-efficient intervention for individuals with ASD. Trial registration The trial is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00014732 . Registered on 15 August 2018. Protocol version This study protocol refers to protocol version 1.2 from 24 May 2019.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a neuromodulatory non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has shown promising results in basic and clinical studies. The known interindividual variability of the effects, however, limits the efficacy of the technique. Recently we reported neurophysiological effects of tDCS applied over the primary motor cortex at the group level, based on data from twenty-nine participants who received 15min of either sham, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mA anodal, or cathodal tDCS. The neurophysiological effects were evaluated via changes in: 1) transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potentials (MEP), and 2) cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) via arterial spin labeling (ASL). At the group level, dose-dependent effects of the intervention were obtained, which however displayed interindividual variability. Method: In the present study, we investigated the cause of the observed inter-individual variability. To this end, for each participant, a MRI-based realistic head model was designed to 1) calculate anatomical factors and 2) simulate the tDCS- and TMS-induced electrical fields (EFs). We first investigated at the regional level which individual anatomical factors explained the simulated EFs (magnitude and normal component). Then, we explored which specific anatomical and/or EF factors predicted the neurophysiological outcomes of tDCS. Results: The results highlight a significant negative correlation between regional electrode-to-cortex distance (rECD) as well as regional CSF (rCSF) thickness, and the individual EF characteristics. In addition, while both rCSF thickness and rECD anticorrelated with tDCS-induced physiological changes, EFs positively correlated with the effects. Conclusion: These results provide novel insights into the dependency of the neuromodulatory effects of tDCS on individual physical factors.

Desde el punto de vista económico, hay dos momentos fundamentales en los que las personas evalúan su inserción en la formalidad: en el acceso y en la permanencia en ella. Este artículo analiza la relación que hay entre el nivel de informalidad en el país y el conjunto de requerimientos que deben de cumplir las personas para adquirir el derecho de llevar a cabo sus actividades económicas dentro de la formalidad y posteriormente el conjunto de requerimientos para conservarse en la formalidad.

Los baculovirus son patógenos aislados de insectos, principalmente del orden Lepidoptera. Se caracterizan por su alta especificidad, pues poseen un espectro de hospedadores reducido, y por ser inocuos para artrópodos benéficos, plantas y mamíferos. Estas características les confieren a los baculovirus propiedades óptimas para su uso como bioinsecticidas. Su aplicación permite el control de plagas claves en cultivos de lechuga, tomate, berenjena, morrón y maíz en elevados porcentajes de efectividad. El empleo de estos agentes en la horticultura va en aumento a nivel regional. En Latinoamérica su utilización se asocia principalmente a sistemas hortícolas con producción orgánica. En la Argentina se han caracterizado numerosos aislamientos baculovirales autóctonos que poseen un alto potencial para su aplicación como bioinsecticidas en el control de plagas presentes en sistemas hortícolas. La incorporación de estos agentes en programas de manejo de plagas permite disminuir el uso de insecticidas sintéticos y minimizar el impacto negativo sobre alimentos de consumo humano y el ambiente.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique able to transiently modulate brain activity, is surging as one of the most promising therapeutic solutions in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, profound limitations exist in current placebo (sham) protocols that limit single- and double-blinding, especially in non-naïve subjects. Objective: To ensure better blinding and strengthen reliability of tDCS studies and trials, we tested a new optimization algorithm aimed at creating an “active” sham tDCS condition (ActiSham hereafter) capable of inducing the same scalp sensations perceived during real stimulation while preventing currents from reaching the cortex and cause changes in brain excitability. Methods: A novel model-based multielectrode technique — optimizing the location and currents of a set of small electrodes placed on the scalp — was used to control the relative amount of current delivered transcranially in real and placebo multichannel tDCS conditions. The presence, intensity and localization of scalp sensations during tDCS was evaluated by means of a specifically designed questionnaire administered to the participants. We compared blinding ratings by directly addressing subjects’ ability to discriminate across conditions for both traditional (Bifocal-tDCS and Sham, using sponge electrodes) and our novel multifocal approach (both real Multifocal-tDCS and ActiSham). Changes in corticospinal excitability were monitored based on Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) recorded via concurrent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and electromyography (EMG). Results: Participants perceived Multifocal-tDCS and ActiSham similarly in terms of both localization and intensity of scalp sensations, whereas traditional Bifocal stimulation was rated as more painful and annoying compared to its Sham counterpart. Additionally, differences in scalp localization were reported for active/sham Bifocal-tDCS, with Sham tDCS inducing more widespread itching and burning sensations. As for MEPs amplitude, a main effect of stimulation was found when comparing Bifocal-Sham and ActiSham (F(1,13) = 6.67, p = .023), with higher MEPs amplitudes after the application of Bifocal-Sham. Conclusions: Compared to traditional Bifocal-tDCS, ActiSham offers better participants’ blinding by inducing very similar scalp sensations to those of real Multifocal tDCS both in terms of intensity and localization, while not affecting corticospinal excitability.

Over the past few years, the possibility of modulating fast brain oscillatory activity in the gamma (γ) band through transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has been discussed in the context of both cognitive enhancement and therapeutic scenarios. However, the effects of tACS targeting regions outside the motor cortex, as well as its spatial specificity, are still unclear. Here, we present a concurrent tACS-fMRI block design study to characterize the impact of 40 Hz tACS applied over the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in healthy subjects. Results suggest an increase in blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) activity in the targeted bilateral DLPFCs, as well as in surrounding brain areas affected by stimulation according to biophysical modeling, i.e., the premotor cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). However, off-target effects were also observed, primarily involving the visual cortices, with further effects on the supplementary motor areas (SMA), left subgenual cingulate, and right superior temporal gyrus. The specificity of 40 Hz tACS over bilateral DLPFC and the possibility for network-level effects should be considered in future studies, especially in the context of recently promoted gamma-induction therapeutic protocols for neurodegenerative disorders.

Combining non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a promising approach to characterize and potentially optimize the brain networks subtending cognition that changes as a function of age. However, whether multifocal NIBS approaches are able to modulate rs-fMRI brain dynamics in aged populations, and if these NIBS-induced changes are consistent with the simulated electric current distribution on the brain remains largely unknown. In the present investigation, thirty-one cognitively healthy older adults underwent two different multifocal real transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) conditions (C1 and C2) and a sham condition in a crossover design during a rs-fMRI acquisition. The real tDCS conditions were designed to electrically induce two distinct complex neural patterns, either targeting generalized frontoparietal cortical overactivity (C1) or a detachment between the frontal areas and the posteromedial cortex (C2). Data revealed that the two tDCS conditions modulated rs-fMRI differently. C1 increased the coactivation of multiple functional couplings as compared to sham, while a smaller number of connections increased in C1 as compared to C2. At the group level, C1-induced changes were topographically consistent with the calculated electric current density distribution. At the individual level, the extent of tDCS-induced rs-fMRI modulation in C1 was related with the magnitude of the simulated electric current density estimates. These results highlight that multifocal tDCS procedures can effectively change rs-fMRI neural functioning in advancing age, being the induced modulation consistent with the spatial distribution of the simulated electric current on the brain. Moreover, our data supports that individually tailoring NIBS-based interventions grounded on subject-specific structural data might be crucial to increase tDCS potential in future studies amongst older adults.

Abstract Background Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non-invasive technique with promising neuromodulatory effects on spinal cord (SC) circuitry. Computational studies are essential to guide effective tsDCS protocols for specific clinical applications. This study aims to combine modelling and experimental studies to determine the electrode montage that maximizes electric field (E-field) delivery during cervical tsDCS. Methods Current and E-field distributions in the cervical SC were predicted for four electrode montages in a human realistic model using computational methods. A double-blind crossover and randomized exploratory study was conducted using the montage that maximized E-field delivery. tsDCS was applied for 15 min in 10 healthy subjects (anodal, cathodal, sham, with polarity assigned to the cervical electrode), with a current intensity of 2.5 mA, resulting in a total current charge density delivery of 90 mC/cm2. Upper limb motor (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and sensory evoked potentials (MEP, SEP), M-waves, H-reflex and F-wave responses were analysed. Central and peripheral conduction times were determined using MEP. Repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman test were used for statistical analysis (significance level α = 0.05). Results All montages presented higher current density and E-field magnitudes in the cervical SC region between the electrodes. However, electrodes at C3 and T3 spinous processes (C3-T3) originated the highest E-field magnitude (0.50 V/m). Using C3-T3 montage we observed significant changes in N9 SEP latency (p = 0.006), but significance did not persist in pairwise comparisons (sham-anodal: p = 0.022; sham-cathodal: p = 0.619; anodal-cathodal: p = 0.018; α = 0.017, Bonferroni corrected). MEP latency and central motor conduction time (CMCT) modified significantly on stimulation (p = 0.007 and p = 0.015, respectively). In addition, pairwise comparisons confirmed significant differences between sham and cathodal conditions after Bonferroni correction for MEP latency (sham-anodal: p = 0.868; sham-cathodal: p = 0.011; anodal-cathodal: p = 0.023) and CMCT (sham-anodal: p = 0.929; sham-cathodal: p = 0.010; anodal-cathodal: p = 0.034). Conclusions Computational models predicted higher E-field delivery in the cervical SC for the C3-T3 montage. Polarity-dependent effects in motor responses were reported using this montage consistent with spinal motor modulation. tsDCS experimental protocol designs should be guided by modelling studies to improve effectiveness.

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC), can produce significant effects on working memory (WM) performance and associated neurophysiological activity. However, results from previous studies are inconsistent and occasionally contradictory. This inconsistency may be attributed to methodological and individual differences during experiments. This study therefore investigated two hypotheses: (1) A multichannel-optimized montage was expected to be more effective than a classical bipolar montage, because of increased focality. (2) The subjects were expected to benefit differently from the stimulation depending on their initial task performance. In a sham-controlled crossover study, 24 healthy participants received bipolar, multichannel, and sham stimulation for 20 min in randomized order, targeting the lDLPFC while performing a 2-back WM task. After stimulation, electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded at rest and during 2-back and nontarget continuous performance task (CPT) performance. Bipolar and multichannel stimulations were both well tolerated and effectively blinded. We found no effect of stimulation on behavioral performance or neuronal oscillations comparing the classical bipolar or multichannel montage with sham stimulation. We did, however, find an interaction between stimulation and initial task performance. For multichannel stimulation, initially low-performing participants tended to improve their WM performance while initially high-performing participants tended to worsen their performance compared to sham stimulation. Both tDCS montages induced changes in neural oscillatory power, which correlated with baseline performance. The worse the participants’ initial WM performance was, the more task-related theta power was induced by multichannel and bipolar stimulation. The same effect was observed for alpha power in the nontarget task following multichannel stimulation. Notably, we were not able to show a superiority of multichannel stimulation compared to bipolar stimulation. Still, comparing both montages with sham stimulation, multichannel stimulation led to stronger effects than bipolar stimulation. The current study highlights the importance of investigating different parameters with potential influence on tDCS effects in combination. Our results demonstrate how individual differences in cognitive performance and electrode montages influence effects of tDCS on neuropsychological performance. These findings support the idea of an individualized and optimized stimulation setting, potentially leading to increased tDCS effects.

Several decades of research suggest that weak electric fields may influence neural processing, including those induced by neuronal activity and proposed as a substrate for a potential new cellular communication system, i.e., ephaptic transmission. Here we aim to model mesoscopic ephaptic activity in the human brain and explore its trajectory during aging by characterizing the electric field generated by cortical dipoles using realistic finite element modeling. Extrapolating from electrophysiological measurements, we first observe that modeled endogenous field magnitudes are comparable to those in measurements of weak but functionally relevant self-generated fields and to those produced by noninvasive transcranial brain stimulation, and therefore possibly able to modulate neuronal activity. Then, to evaluate the role of these fields in the human cortex in large MRI databases, we adapt an interaction approximation that considers the relative orientation of neuron and field to estimate the membrane potential perturbation in pyramidal cells. We use this approximation to define a simplified metric (EMOD1) that weights dipole coupling as a function of distance and relative orientation between emitter and receiver and evaluate it in a sample of 401 realistic human brain models from healthy subjects aged 16-83. Results reveal that ephaptic coupling, in the simplified mesoscopic modeling approach used here, significantly decreases with age, with higher involvement of sensorimotor regions and medial brain structures. This study suggests that by providing the means for fast and direct interaction between neurons, ephaptic modulation may contribute to the complexity of human function for cognition and behavior, and its modification across the lifespan and in response to pathology.

RESUMO: Objetivos – Avaliar e comparar a eficácia de três diferentes tipos de treino propriocetivo e a relação desta na redução da incidência de entorses da tibiotársica em atletas juvenis masculinos de futebol 11. Método – Foram avaliadas e comparadas a força muscular na tibiotársica e a propriocetividade entre três grupos: um com treino propriocetivo com supervisão (GE), outro sem supervisão (GC1) e outro com treino de gesto técnico (GC2) durante um período de nove semanas, duas a três vezes por semana. Resultados – Ambos os GE e GC1 verificaram aumentos significativos (p

The U.S. agrifood system was built upon land redistribution, enslavement, and labor exploitation. This system encompasses economic, social, and biophysical components deployed under a set of policies that negatively affect Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics. Researchers have studied the problematic issues affecting marginalized groups and published their analyses, while leaving intact the issues they document and research. Researchers have the responsibility to redress the exploitative premise of the agrifood system for communities whose circumstances have helped advance academic careers. Marginalized communities can be essential partners in practical and intellectual innovation and improvement of the agrifood system. The most effective way to redirect our system is to redefine the purpose of that system. Nations that invest their public resources equitably produce greater overall well-being for people of all incomes. The purpose of public investment in our food system should be to nourish and maximize overall health and well-being. We should establish an overarching national policy to create norms leading to equitable outcomes.

Background: The behavior of the dendritic or axonal membrane voltage due to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is often modeled with the one-dimensional cable equation. For the cable equation, a length constant is defined; it describes the axial decay of the membrane voltage in the case of constant applied electric field. In TMS, however, the induced electric field waveform is typically a segment of a sinusoidal wave, with characteristic frequencies of the order of several kHz. Objective: To show that the high frequency content of the stimulation pulse causes deviations in the spatial profile of the membrane voltage as compared to the steady state. Methods: We derive the cable equation in complex form utilizing the complex frequency-dependent representation of the membrane conductivity. In addition, we define an effective length constant $lambda_{mathrm{eff}}$, which governs the spatial decay of the membrane voltage. We model the behavior of a dendrite in an applied electric field oscillating at 3.9 kHz with the complex cable equation and by solving the traditional cable equation numerically. Results: The effective length constant decreases as a function of frequency. For a model dendrite or axon, for which the low-frequency length constant is 1.5 mm, the effective length constant at 3.9 kHz is is decreased by a factor 10 to 0.13 mm. Conclusion: The frequency dependency of the neuronal length constant has to be taken into account when predicting the spatial behavior of the membrane voltage as a response to TMS.

This experiment was conducted in Ames, Iowa, USA, to compare dry matter accumulation patterns of maize genotypes contrasting in height and leafiness, and to test whether reduction in plant height an leaf number through the use of dwarfing genes or earliness can improve grain dry matter allocation. Five plant genotypes were tested: a full season hybrid adapted to central lowa (NK 4525), a short season hybrid adapted to northern Minnesota (C1070), and three dwarf lines (156-A, 302-E and I17- A). The dwarves contained, respectively, the homozygous, independent, recessive dwarfing genes d3, d1 and br2. Each genotype was sown at four plant populations: 25, 50, 75 and 100.000 plants. ha-1. Hybrids had the greatest rates of decrease in total biomass and grain dry matter per plant when population was increased, though they also had larger absolute values of these variables at any given density. Hybrids produced more grain dry matter per unit of leaf area, and a higher harvest index, regardless the plant population used. Reduction in plant height or leaf number did not improve maize efficiency in producing and partitioning dry matter to the grain.Este experimento foi conduzido em Ames, Iowa, Estados Unidos, tendo como objetivos comparar os padrões de produção e distribuição de matéria seca de genótipos de milho contrastantes quanto a estatura e número de folhas, e verificar se a redução nestas características, mediante a utilização de genes para nanismo ou cultivares precoces, pode aumentar a eficiência da planta em alocar matéria seca para a produção de grãos. Cinco genótipos foram testados: um híbrido de ciclo normal adaptado à região central de lowa (NK 4525), um híbrido de ciclo precoce adaptado à região norte do estado de Minnesota (C 1070), e três linhagens anãs (156-A, 302-E and 117-A), contendo os genes recessivos de nanismo d3, d1 and br2, respectivamente Cada genótipo foi semeado em quatro populações, equivalentes a 25, 50, 75 e 100,000 plantas.ha-1. Os híbridos tiveram maiores laxas de redução na matéria seca dos grãos do que as linhagens anãs com o aumento na população. Contudo, eles também apresentaram maiores valores absolutos para esta variável do que os materiais de porte baixo em todas as densidades avaliadas. Os híbridos produziram maior quantidade de matéria seca de grãos por unidade de área foliar e maior índice de colheita do que as linhagens anãs. A redução na estatura ou número de folhas por planta não aumentou a eficiência do milho em alocar matéria seca para a produção de grãos.

Both biophysical and neurophysiological aspects need to be considered to assess the impact of electric fields induced by transcranial current stimulation (tCS) on the cerebral cortex and the subsequent effects occurring on scalp EEG. The objective of this work was to elaborate a global model allowing for the simulation of scalp EEG signals under tCS. In our integrated modeling approach, realistic meshes of the head tissues and of the stimulation electrodes were first built to map the generated electric field distribution on the cortical surface. Secondly, source activities at various cortical macro-regions were generated by means of a computational model of neuronal populations. The model parameters were adjusted so that populations generated an oscillating activity around 10 Hz resembling typical EEG alpha activity. In order to account for tCS effects and following current biophysical models, the calculated component of the electric field normal to the cortex was used to locally influence the activity of neuronal populations. Lastly, EEG under both spontaneous and tACS-stimulated (transcranial sinunoidal tCS from 4 to 16 Hz) brain activity was simulated at the level of scalp electrodes by solving the forward problem in the aforementioned realistic head model. Under the 10 Hz-tACS condition, a significant increase in alpha power occurred in simulated scalp EEG signals as compared to the no-stimulation condition. This increase involved most channels bilaterally, was more pronounced on posterior electrodes and was only significant for tACS frequencies from 8 to 12 Hz. The immediate effects of tACS in the model agreed with the post-tACS results previously reported in real subjects. Moreover, additional information was also brought by the model at other electrode positions or stimulation frequency. This suggests that our modeling approach can be used to compare, interpret and predict changes occurring on EEG with respect to parameters used in specific stimulation configurations.

This experiment was conducted in 1994 at Ames, Iowa, US to test whether cytoplasmic male-sterility can be used to decrease barrenness and to increase grain yield of maize at two plant populations. Four genotypes were tested: a hybrid (NK 6330) and an inbred, wifh sterile and fertile counterparts. Each genotype owas evaluated at plant populations equivalent to 25,000 and 75,000 pl. ha-1. Hybrids produced higher grain yield than inbreds at both plant populations. Gram yield was higher at 75,000 than at 25,000 pl. ha-1. No difference in gram yield, number of ears per plant, number of grains per ear, tassel length, and tassel number of branches was found between sterile and fertile counterparts of the inbred and hybrid, regardiess of plant population. Fertile genotypes bore heavier tassels at anthesis than their sterile counterparts. Adequate precipitation distribution and high fertility level in the soil probably decreased competition between tassel and ears, mitigating potential yield benefits of suppressing genetically pollen production.Este experimento foi conduzido em Ames, Iowa, US durante o ano agrícola de 1994, tendo como objetivo avaliar se a macho-esterelidade genético-citoplasmática pode ser utilizada para aumentar o rendimento de grãos de milho em diferentes populações de planta. Quatro genótipos foram utilizados: um híbrido (NK 6330) e uma linhagem, ambos em suas versões fértil e macho-estéril. Cada genótipo foi avaliado em duas densidades de semeadura, equivalentes a 25.000 e 75.000 pl.ha-1. Os híbridos produziram maiores rendimentos de grão do que as linhagens nas duas populações utilizadas. O rendimento de grãos por área foi maior em 75.000 do que em 25.000 pl.ha-1. Nenhuma diferença significativa em termos de rendimento de grãos, número de espigas por planta, número de grãos por espiga, comprimento e número de ramos do pendão, foi observada entre genótipos férteis e macho-estéreis, independentemente da população de plantas. As versões férteis apresentaram pendões mais pesados do que os genótipos macho-estéreis. A adequada distribuição da precipitação e a alta fertilidade do solo possivelmente diminuíram a competição entre o pendão e as espigas, minimizando os benefícios da supressão genética da produção de pólen sobre o rendimento de grãos.