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Active zone material is an organelle that is common to active zones along the presynaptic membrane of chemical synapses. Electron tomography on active zones at frog neuromuscular junctions has provided evidence that active zone material directs the docking of synaptic vesicles (SVs) on the presynaptic membrane at this synapse. Certain active zone material macromolecules connect to stereotypically arranged macromolecules in the membrane of undocked SVs, stably orienting a predetermined fusion domain of the vesicle membrane toward the presynaptic membrane while bringing and holding the two membranes together. Docking of the vesicles is required for the impulse-triggered vesicle membrane-presynaptic membrane fusion that releases the vesicles’ neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. As at other synapses, axon terminals at frog neuromuscular junctions contain, in addition to SVs, vesicles that are larger, are much less frequent and, when viewed by electron microscopy, have a distinctive electron dense core. Dense core vesicles at neuromuscular junctions are likely to contain peptides that are released into the synaptic cleft to regulate formation, maintenance and behavior of cellular apparatus essential for synaptic impulse transmission. We show by electron tomography on axon terminals of frog neuromuscular junctions fixed at rest and during repetitive impulse transmission that dense core vesicles selectively dock on and fuse with the presynaptic membrane alongside SVs at active zones, and that active zone material connects to the dense core vesicles undergoing these processes in the same way it connects to SVs. We conclude that undocked dense core vesicles have a predetermined fusion domain, as do undocked SVs, and that active zone material directs oriented docking and fusion of these different vesicle types at active zones of the presynaptic membrane by similar macromolecular interactions.

Synaptic vesicles dock at active zones on the presynaptic plasma membrane of a neuron's axon terminals as a precondition for fusing with the membrane and releasing their neurotransmitter to mediate synaptic impulse transmission. Typically, docked vesicles are next to aggregates of plasma membrane-bound macromolecules called active zone material (AZM). Electron tomography on tissue sections from fixed and stained axon terminals of active and resting frog neuromuscular junctions has led to the conclusion that undocked vesicles are directed to and held at the docking sites by the successive formation of stable connections between vesicle membrane proteins and proteins in different classes of AZM macromolecules. Using the same nanometer scale 3D imaging technology on appropriately stained frog neuromuscular junctions, we found that ∼10% of a vesicle's luminal volume is occupied by a radial assembly of elongate macromolecules attached by narrow projections, nubs, to the vesicle membrane at ∼25 sites. The assembly's chiral, bilateral shape is nearly the same vesicle to vesicle, and nubs, at their sites of connection to the vesicle membrane, are linked to macromolecules that span the membrane. For docked vesicles, the orientation of the assembly's shape relative to the AZM and the presynaptic membrane is the same vesicle to vesicle, whereas for undocked vesicles it is not. The connection sites of most nubs on the membrane of docked vesicles are paired with the connection sites of the different classes of AZM macromolecules that regulate docking, and the membrane spanning macromolecules linked to these nubs are also attached to the AZM macromolecules. We conclude that the luminal assembly of macromolecules anchors in a particular arrangement vesicle membrane macromolecules, which contain the proteins that connect the vesicles to AZM macromolecules during docking. Undocked vesicles must move in a way that aligns this arrangement with the AZM macromolecules for docking to proceed.

The docking of synaptic vesicles at active zones on the presynaptic plasma membrane of axon terminals is essential for their fusion with the membrane and exocytosis of their neurotransmitter to mediate synaptic impulse transmission. Dense networks of macromolecules, called active zone material, (AZM) are attached to the presynaptic membrane next to docked vesicles. Electron tomography has shown that some AZM macromolecules are connected to docked vesicles, leading to the suggestion that AZM is somehow involved in the docking process. We used electron tomography on the simply arranged active zones at frog neuromuscular junctions to characterize the connections of AZM to docked synaptic vesicles and to search for the establishment of such connections during vesicle docking. We show that each docked vesicle is connected to 10-15 AZM macromolecules, which fall into four classes based on several criteria including their position relative to the presynaptic membrane. In activated axon terminals fixed during replacement of docked vesicles by previously undocked vesicles, undocked vesicles near vacated docking sites on the presynaptic membrane have connections to the same classes of AZM macromolecules that are connected to docked vesicles in resting terminals. The number of classes and the total number of macromolecules to which the undocked vesicles are connected are inversely proportional to the vesicles' distance from the presynaptic membrane. We conclude that vesicle movement toward and maintenance at docking sites on the presynaptic membrane are directed by an orderly succession of stable interactions between the vesicles and distinct classes of AZM macromolecules positioned at different distances from the membrane. Establishing the number, arrangement and sequence of association of AZM macromolecules involved in vesicle docking provides an anatomical basis for testing and extending concepts of docking mechanisms provided by biochemistry.

Two experiments assessed how racial ambiguity and racial salience moderates the cross-race effect (CRE). In experiment 1, White and Black participants studied and identified the race of Asian, Black, Latino, and White faces that varied in ethnic typicality (high or low ET). For White participants, the CRE was larger when comparing high-ET White faces to high-ET other-race faces than low-ET other-race faces. Black participants showed a similar CRE reduction by ethnic typicality, but also showed a less prevalent CRE than White participants. Experiment 2 replicated experiment 1 procedures, but without the race identification task and only with White participants. Experiment 2 findings were comparable to experiment 1. Furthermore, experiment 2 showed a noticeably smaller CRE on Black faces than experiment 1, eliciting questions about increased racial salience amplifying the CRE. Results' general implications and the conceptual roots that indirectly link the CRE and racism will be discussed.

Using Spanish-English bilingual Latino-Americans, this studytested whether priming Latino or American culturalrepresentations facilitated the accessibility of the Spanishmeaning or English meaning of Spanish-English homographs.Seventy-four participants were randomly assigned to a Latinoprime, American prime, or no prime condition. After beingprimed, subjects performed an English lexical decision taskwherein they indicated whether a letter string formed anEnglish word. Homographs, English controls, and non-wordswere included in the array. As predicted, there was asignificant prime condition by word type interaction, F(2,70)= 5.48, p= .006, partial eta squared = .136, suggesting thatprime condition modulated reaction times to homographs.Planned contrasts showed that participants in the Latino primecondition had slower reaction times to homographs thanEnglish controls, F(1, 22)= 4.84, p= .039, partial eta squared= .180, suggesting that the Latino prime facilitated access tohomographs’ Spanish meaning.

Abstract During memory formation, the hippocampus is presumed to represent the content of stimuli, but how it does so is unknown. Using computational modelling and human single-neuron recordings, we show that the more precisely hippocampal spiking variability tracks the composite features of each individual stimulus, the better those stimuli are later remembered. We propose that moment-to-moment spiking variability may provide a new window into how the hippocampus constructs memories from the building blocks of our sensory world.

Abstract Background Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most frequent, severe, mental conditions and is associated with a serious burden of disease. Treatment for patients with BPD involves structured psychotherapy. In addition and in order to improve access to care, psychiatric treatments are available. So far, it remains unclear if brief psychiatric intervention according to Good Psychiatric Management (GPM) produces a reliable effect on a variety of clinical outcomes. The assessment of mechanisms of change contributes to focus the treatment on the essential ingredients of change. The current study aims to demonstrate the emotional processing as a mechanism of change, assessed in an ecologically valid experimental context, of brief GPM. Methods The present two-arm randomized controlled study aims at testing the effects (i.e., reduction in borderline symptoms) and emotional processing as mechanism of change of a brief psychiatric treatment (10 sessions over 4 months), compared with treatment as usual. Participants are N = 76 patients with BPD who are either randomized to a 4 month GPM or a 4 month TAU without any BPD-specific content. All patients undergo assessments of borderline symptoms using ZAN-BPD and experiential enactment for assessment of emotional processing, at intake, 2 months and 4 months (discharge). Results The effect of a brief version of GPM is not different from the effect of TAU on the total score of the ZAN-BPD at 4 month (d = 0.04). At the level of the secondary effects, GPM is more effective in reducing relationship problems on the ZAN-BPD sub-scale (F(1, 61) = 5.53; p = .022, d = 0.52), and in reducing impulsivity and social problems, and it increases treatment retention. Change in emotional processing between intake and month 2 mediates the reduction on the ZAN-BPD subscale relationship problems assessed between months 2 and 4, in an ecologically valid experimental context. Conclusions Overall, brief GPM is not different from TAU in terms of reduction in borderline symptoms, but it may produce reduction in relationship problems between months 2 and 4 into the brief intervention. Change in emotional processing in an experimental context may function as mechanism of change of brief GPM. This study is in line with the top priority of establishing efficacy of brief interventions for BPD and proposes an evidence-based explanation for efficacy. These results should help disseminate brief psychiatric treatments for BPD, which contribute to reduce the societal burden related with BPD. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT03717818 (date of registration of Abstract October 24th, 2018). Protocol number 2 from February 9th, 2018.

Abstract Background Small intestinal obstruction (SIO) is a blockage of the intestinal lumen by blunt foreign bodies, neoplasms originating from the intestinal wall or thick chyme. This study analysed the medical records (only data) of 110 cattle with SIO and described the clinical findings, treatment and outcome. These findings were compared between surviving and non-surviving cattle, and among the affected regions such as the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Results Colic occurred in 42.7% (47/110) of the cattle. Rumen motility was absent in all cattle and intestinal motility was reduced or absent in 82.6% (90/109). Ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation were positive on the right side in 63.3% (69/109). Little or no faeces in the rectum occurred in 93.6% (102/109) of the cattle. Dilated loops of small intestines could be palpated transrectally in 46.8% (51/109) and the actual obstruction (palpated as a firm mass in the small intestine) in 5.5% (6/109) of the cattle. The main laboratory changes were hypokalaemia (80.9%, 89/110), hypermagnesaemia (75.3% 58/77), hypocalcaemia (71.8%, 56/78), haemoconcentration (66.4%, 73/110), azotaemia (66.4%, 73/110) and positive base excess (63.3%, 62/98). Abnormal ultrasonographic findings included dilated loops of small intestines (94.3%, 83/88) and subjectively reduced or absent small intestinal motility (85.4%, 70/82). The actual obstruction could be visualised in 3.4% (3/89) of the cattle by ultrasonography. In the 14 non-surviving and the 96 surviving cattle the frequencies of abdominal dilatation (57.1%, 8/14 vs. 22.1%, 21/95) and the presence of blood, mucus and/or fibrin in the rectum (92.9%, 13/14 vs. 63.2%, 60/95) were significantly different. Abomasal reflux syndrome was significantly worse in the cattle with duodenal obstruction (26/110) than in those with jejunal (51/110) or ileal obstruction (33/110). A total of 107 cattle underwent right flank laparotomy, and the obstruction was resolved by massaging the affected area or it was removed via enterotomy. Of the 110 cattle, 14 (12.7%) were euthanized and 96 (87.3%) were discharged 3 to 10 days after surgery. Conclusions Transrectal and/or ultrasonographic diagnosis is the exception, and in almost all cases laparotomy, was required. The prognosis is good provided that surgical treatment is carried out promptly.

Abstract We introduce an experimental setup to chemically image corrosion processes at metal-electrolyte interfaces under stagnant, confined conditions—relevant in a wide range of situations. The setup is based on a glass capillary, in which precipitation of corrosion products in the interfacial aqueous phase can be monitored over time with optical microscopy, and chemically and structurally characterized with microscopic synchrotron-based techniques (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy). Moreover, quantification of precipitates through X-ray transmission measurements provides in-situ corrosion rates. We illustrate this setup for iron corrosion in a pH 8 electrolyte, revealing the critical role of O2 and iron diffusion in governing the precipitation of ferrihydrite and its transformation to goethite. Corrosion and coupled reactive transport processes can thus be monitored and fundamentally investigated at the metal-electrolyte interface, with micrometer-scale resolution. This capillary setup has potential applications for in-situ corrosion studies of various metals and environments.

Abstract Domestication – the artificial selection of wild species to obtain variants with traits of human interest – was integral to the rise of complex societies. The oversupply of food was probably associated with the formalization of food preservation strategies through microbial fermentation. While considerable literature exists on the antiquity of fermented food, only few eukaryotic microbes have been studied so far for signs of domestication, less is known for bacteria. Here, we tested if cheese starter cultures harbour typical hallmarks of domestication by characterising over 100 community samples and over 100 individual strains isolated from historical and modern traditional Swiss cheese starter cultures. We find that cheese starter cultures have low genetic diversity both at the species and strain-level and maintained stable phenotypic traits. Molecular clock dating further suggests that the evolutionary origin of the bacteria approximately coincided with the first archaeological records of cheese making. Finally, we find evidence for ongoing genome decay and pseudogenization via transposon insertion related to a reduction of their niche breadth. Future work documenting the prevalence of these hallmarks across diverse fermented food systems and geographic regions will be key to unveiling the joint history of humanity with fermented food microbes.

Abstract The capacity to initiate actions endogenously is critical for goal-directed behavior. Spontaneous voluntary actions are typically preceded by slow-ramping activity in medial frontal cortex that begins around two seconds before movement, which may reflect spontaneous fluctuations that influence action timing. However, the mechanisms by which these slow ramping signals emerge from single-neuron and network dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we developed a spiking neural-network model that produces spontaneous slow ramping activity in single neurons and population activity with onsets ~2 s before threshold crossings. A key prediction of our model is that neurons that ramp together have correlated firing patterns before ramping onset. We confirmed this model-derived hypothesis in a dataset of human single neuron recordings from medial frontal cortex. Our results suggest that slow ramping signals reflect bounded spontaneous fluctuations that emerge from quasi-winner-take-all dynamics in clustered networks that are temporally stabilized by slow-acting synapses.

Abstract The human brain facilitates information processing via generating and receiving temporal patterns of short voltage pulses, a.k.a. neural spikes. This approach simultaneously grants low‐power operation as well as a high degree of noise immunity and fault tolerance at a small footprint and simplistic structure of the neurons. To date, the latter two key features are critically missing from the toolbox of artificial spiking neural network hardware, hindering the development of scalable and sustainable artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. Here, a compact, gate‐tunable neuron circuit is demonstrated, and its potential as a functional leaky integrate‐and‐fire (LIF) neuron is explored. It relies on a single nanoscale three‐terminal (3T) memristor device, which has been downscaled by 30% compared to previous work, where the set voltage and, thereby, the spiking probability of the neuron circuit can be widely tuned by the low‐voltage operation of the gate electrode. The influence of the gate voltage on the two‐terminal (2T) current–voltage characteristics is measured, statistically analyzed, and further utilized in a custom‐built LTspice model. The circuit simulations account for the experimentally observed, adjustable set voltage. The presented results demonstrate the merits of 3T memristors as compact, tunable, and versatile artificial neurons for neuromorphic computing applications.

ABSTRACT Indole derivatives are microbial metabolites of the tryptophan pathway involved in gut immune homeostasis. They bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), thereby modulating development of intestinal group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) and subsequent interleukin-22 production. In mice, indole derivatives of the maternal microbiota can reach the milk and drive early postnatal ILC3 development. Apart from the gut microbiota, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) also produce indole compounds during milk fermentation. Using germ-free mice, the aim of our study was to test if maternal intake of a dairy product enriched in AhR-activating indoles produced by fermentation could boost maturation of the intestinal innate immune system in the offspring. A set of 631 LAB strains were genetically screened for their potential to produce indole compounds. Among these, 125 strains were tested in combination with standard strains to produce yoghurts that were screened for their ability to activate AhR in vitro using the HepG2–AhR–Luc cell line. The most active yoghurt and a control yoghurt were formulated as pellets and fed to germ-free dams during pregnancy and lactation. Analysis of the offspring on postnatal day 14 using flow cytometry revealed an increase in the frequency of small intestinal lamina propria NKp46 +ILC3 s in the pups born to dams that had consumed the purified diet containing an AhR-active yoghurt (AhrY-diet) compared to control yoghurt (ConY-diet). Selection of LABs based on their ability to produce a fermented dairy able to activate AhR appears to be an effective approach to produce a yoghurt with immunomodulatory properties.IMPORTANCEKey progresses in the sequencing and functional annotation of microbial organisms have revolutionized research in the fields of human metabolism and food biotechnology. In particular, the gut microbiome is now recognized as an important mediator of the impact of nutrition on human metabolism. Annotated genomes of a large number of bacteria are now available worldwide, which selectively transform food through fermentation to produce specific bioactive compounds with the potential to modulate human health. A previous research has demonstrated that the maternal microbiota shapes the neonatal immune system. Similarly, this report shows that lactic acid bacteria can be selected to produce fermented food that can also modulate postnatal intestinal immunity.

Abstract Background We describe a collection of themes for a research agenda for personality disorders that was originally formulated for the ESSPD Borderline Congress in 2022. Methods Experts with lived and living experience (EE), researchers and clinicians met virtually, exchanged ideas and discussed research topics for the field of personality disorders. The experts - patients, relatives, significant others - named the topics they thought most relevant for further research in the field. These topics were presented at the ESPPD conference in October 2022. Results The five top themes were: 1. Prevention, early detection and intervention, 2. Recovery beyond symptom improvement, 3. Involvement of relatives in treatment, 4. Gender dysphoria, and 5. Stigma. Conclusions In general, the topics reflect current issues and changes in societal values. Overarching aims of research on these topics are the improvement of social participation and integration in society, better dissemination of research, and better information of the general public and political stakeholders.

Abstract Background Families and significant others of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show increased levels of psychological distress. Family Connections®, a 12-week group intervention based on the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, was designed to provide families with both information about the disorder and emotion regulation skills. It has been progressively implemented in French-speaking European countries. Methods We conducted an observational, multicenter study in France and Switzerland. In total, 149 participants of the Family Connections program were included among five centers. Burden, depression, coping, and emotion regulation were assessed before and after the intervention. Results One-way repeated measures MANOVA showed that the burden, depressive symptoms, emotion regulation and coping all changed significantly after the intervention (p

Abstract Pollinator-driven evolution of floral traits is thought to be a major driver of angiosperm speciation and diversification. Ophrys orchids mimic female insects to lure male pollinators into pseudocopulation. This strategy, called sexual deception, is species-specific, thereby providing strong premating reproductive isolation. Identifying the genomic architecture underlying pollinator adaptation and speciation may shed light on the mechanisms of angiosperm diversification. Here, we report the 5.2 Gb chromosome-scale genome sequence of Ophrys sphegodes. We find evidence for transposable element expansion that preceded the radiation of the O. sphegodes group, and for gene duplication having contributed to the evolution of chemical mimicry. We report a highly differentiated genomic candidate region for pollinator-mediated evolution on chromosome 2. The Ophrys genome will prove useful for investigations into the repeated evolution of sexual deception, pollinator adaptation and the genomic architectures that facilitate evolutionary radiations.

HER2-Low is defined as low levels of HER2 expression, based on a score of 1+ on immunohistochemical (IHC) assay or as an IHC score of 2+ and negative results on in situ hybridization (ISH or FISH). They are a heterogeneous population of breast cancers that vary in prognosis and sensitivity to systemic treatments. The frequency and clinical characteristics of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in HER2-Low breast cancer (BC) patients is not defined. We analyzed results from patients with BC who underwent multi-gene panel testing (MGPT) (maximum 145 genes) between 2018–2019. We reclassified HER-2 status accordingly. Relationships between the variables of interest were assessed by adopting the proportional regression Cox models. Of a total of 167 BC patients who underwent MGPT, half were hormone-receptor-positive. The median age was 45 years. About two thirds of the patients were in the earlier stage of BC. A total of 57% of the cases were reclassified as HER-2-negative or -Low. PGVs were found in 19% of the patients overall, as follows: seven BRCA1, four BRCA2, two ATM, one ATR, two CFTR, three CHEK2, one FANCA, one MERTK, one MLH1, three MUTYH, one RAD50, three RAD51C, one RECQL4, and two TP53 mutations. In HER2-Low, 26.5% of the patients had PGVs, and in the overall cohort, this was 19.8%. In conclusion, differences in the prevalence of deleterious germline mutations in HER2-Low BC patients compared to non-HER2-Low BC patients were identified. Similar alterations in BRCA were observed in this group of patients compared to the overall cohort. Germline genetic tests should be evaluated in larger cohorts of patients with HER2-Low status to better address the findings.

Abstract Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often characterized by severe functional impairment, even after a decrease in symptoms. A comprehensive understanding of psychosocial functioning in BPD is necessary to tailor treatment offer, which should address relevant aspects of daily life. The aims of the present study are to (1) conduct a cross-sectional comparison of functioning of a group with BPD and a non-BPD clinical comparison group at service entry, and to (2) assess the relationship between intensity of BPD symptom domains and psychosocial functioning. Methods The sample consists of N = 65 participants with BPD and N = 57 participants from the clinical comparison group without BPD (non-BPD group). The Revised Borderline Follow-up Interview (BFI-R) was used to evaluate psychosocial functioning and the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB-R) to assess BPD symptoms. Linear, logistic, and multinomial regression models were run separately for each aspect of functioning as a function of BPD status or BPD symptom domains. Results Only 23% of participants in the BPD group fulfilled criteria for good overall psychosocial functioning, compared to 53% in the non-BPD group. Furthermore, participants in the BPD group were less likely to have completed a high number of years of education, to work consistently, to be financially independent, to be in a cohabiting relationship and have a good relationship with parents. In addition, various links were identified between BPD symptom domains and functional impairments. Conclusions Consistent with prior research, the main impairments in functioning in the BPD group are found in the educational and vocational domains. Though some domains show impairment, others, like friendships, may act as potential resources. Further investigation on the relationships with symptom domains is required.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in concrete production is crucial to achieve sustainability goals. One of the primary solutions is employing environmentally friendly cements with lower clinker content, such as those containing supplementary cementitious materials. However, concretes produced with some of these cements are vulnerable to fast carbonation, which raises durability concerns regarding corrosion of the steel reinforcement. While traditional approaches focus on preventing concrete carbonation and corrosion initiation, evidence shows that corrosion rates of steel in carbonated concrete do not necessarily compromise durability. In this context, the fundamental understanding of the kinetics of carbonation-induced corrosion must be improved, considering the role of the concrete pore solution, pore structure, and moisture content, as discussed in this paper. Open questions and promising approaches to clarify them are also discussed. Based on this knowledge, corrosion propagation can be properly included in the service life design of reinforced concrete structures, reconciling the goals for both sustainable and durable structures.

Abstract Unraveling bacterial gene function drives progress in various areas, such as food production, pharmacology, and ecology. While omics technologies capture high-dimensional phenotypic data, linking them to genomic data is challenging, leaving 40–60% of bacterial genes undescribed. To address this bottleneck, we introduce Scoary2, an ultra-fast microbial genome-wide association studies (mGWAS) software. With its data exploration app and improved performance, Scoary2 is the first tool to enable the study of large phenotypic datasets using mGWAS. As proof of concept, we explore the metabolome of yogurts, each produced with a different Propionibacterium reichii strain and discover two genes affecting carnitine metabolism.

Abstract Background Torsion of the spiral colon (TSC) describes twisting of the spiral colon around its mesentery. The present study reviewed the medical records of 58 cows and heifers with TSC and described the findings, treatment and outcome. Results All cases had an abnormal general condition, and the main vital sign abnormalities were tachycardia (72.4%), tachypnoea (67.2%) and decreased rectal temperature (51.8%). Signs of colic were seen in 62.1% of the cows. The most common intestinal abnormalities were an empty or almost empty rectum (96.6%), reduced or absent rumen motility (93.2%), positive ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation on the right side of the abdomen (87.9%), reduced or absent intestinal motility (84.5%) and dilatation of the large intestines (spiral colon and/or caecum, 70.7%) diagnosed by transrectal palpation. The main biochemical changes were hypermagnesaemia (70.8%), hypocalcaemia (70.8%), and acidosis (66.7%). Haemoconcentration was found in 63.8%. The main ultrasonographic findings were reduced to absent small intestinal motility (83.3%), dilated small intestines (69.6%) and ascites (66.7%). The spiral colon was dilated in 44.0% of the cows and the caecum in 24.0%. The actual site of torsion could not be visualised. Based on the clinical findings, TSC was diagnosed in 22.4% and caecal dilatation in 50.0% of the cows. A tentative diagnosis of small intestinal ileus was made in another 10.3% of the cows, and a definitive diagnosis of small intestinal ileus in 17.3%. Fifty-three cows underwent right flank laparotomy, and the TSC could be reduced in 26. Twenty-six of the 58 (44.8%) cows were discharged and 32 (55.2%) were euthanased before, during or after surgery. Conclusions Acute illness, a sparse amount of faeces in the rectum and dilated spiral colon and caecum are characteristic findings of TSC. The final diagnosis often relies on the surgical or postmortem findings. Cattle with TSC should be treated surgically without delay. The prognosis is guarded with a survival rate of 44.8%.

Abstract We present a multimodal dataset of intracranial recordings, fMRI, and eye tracking in 20 participants during movie watching. Recordings consist of single neurons, local field potential, and intracranial EEG activity acquired from depth electrodes targeting the amygdala, hippocampus, and medial frontal cortex implanted for monitoring of epileptic seizures. Participants watched an 8-min long excerpt from the video “Bang! You’re Dead” and performed a recognition memory test for movie content. 3 T fMRI activity was recorded prior to surgery in 11 of these participants while performing the same task. This NWB- and BIDS-formatted dataset includes spike times, field potential activity, behavior, eye tracking, electrode locations, demographics, and functional and structural MRI scans. For technical validation, we provide signal quality metrics, assess eye tracking quality, behavior, the tuning of cells and high-frequency broadband power field potentials to familiarity and event boundaries, and show brain-wide inter-subject correlations for fMRI. This dataset will facilitate the investigation of brain activity during movie watching, recognition memory, and the neural basis of the fMRI-BOLD signal.

Abstract Cathodic protection was introduced two centuries ago and since has found widespread application in protecting structures such as pipelines, offshore installations, and bridges from corrosion. Despite its extensive use, the fundamental working mechanism of cathodic protection remains debated, particularly for metals in porous media such as soil. Here, we use in-situ and ex-situ characterisation techniques coupled with electrochemical measurements to characterise the spatio-temporal changes occurring at the steel-electrolyte interface. We show that upon cathodic protection, the interfacial electrolyte undergoes alkalinisation and deoxygenation, and that depending on polarisation conditions, an iron oxide film can simultaneously form on the steel surface. We further demonstrate that these changes in interfacial electrolyte chemistry and steel surface state result in altered anodic and cathodic reactions and their kinetics. We propose a mechanism of cathodic protection that integrates previous theories, based on both concentration and activation polarisation, complimentarily. We discuss the implications of this study in enhancing corrosion protection technologies and the safe, economical, and environmentally friendly operation of critical steel-based infrastructures.

Mutation of rod photoreceptor-enriched transcription factors is a major cause of inherited blindness. We identified the orphan nuclear hormone receptor estrogen-related receptor p (ERRS) as selectively expressed in rod photoreceptors. Overexpression of ERR[beta] induces expression of rod-specific genes in retinas of wild-type as well as [Nrl.sup.-I-] mice, which lack rod photoreceptors. Mutation of ERR[beta] results in dysfunction and degeneration of rods, whereas inverse agonists of ERR[beta] trigger rapid rod degeneration, which is rescued by constitutively active mutants of ERR[beta]. ERR[beta] coordinates expression of multiple genes that are rate-limiting regulators of ATP generation and consumption in photoreceptors. Furthermore, enhancing ERR[beta] activity rescues photoreceptor defects that result from loss of the photoreceptor-specific transcription factor Crx. Our findings demonstrate that ERR[beta] is a critical regulator of rod photoreceptor function and survival, and suggest that ERR[beta] agonists may be useful in the treatment of certain retinal dystrophies. Crx | ligand | neurodegeneration | retina | development doi/ 10.1073/pnas.1000102107

To propose breeding strategies for drought conditions, we investigated gene expression associated with morphophysiological traits in four S7 popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) inbred lines using a partial diallel cross design with two testers. We evaluated morphological traits (plant height; the dry mass of stems, leaves, and reproductive organs; and root weight density (RWD) across five soil sections), water status indicators (leaf water content, cumulative evapotranspiration, agronomic water use efficiency, and carbon isotope signatures), anatomical traits (stomatal number and index), and leaf pigments. Significant variations were observed between lines and hybrids for plant height, shoot biomass traits, water status indicators, and RWD across all soil sections, particularly under water deficit conditions. Overall, the inbred lines were more adversely affected by drought than the hybrids. Dominance gene effects played a significant role in increasing anthocyanin content, cumulative evapotranspiration, stable carbon isotope signatures, and RWD in most soil sections. The superior water utilization observed in hybrids compared to inbred lines suggests that exploiting heterosis is likely the most effective strategy for developing drought-resilient popcorn plants.

Despite the development of adapted popcorn cultivars such as UENF WS01, strategies such as bacterial inoculation are being explored to enhance plant resilience to abiotic stress. This study investigates the impact of drought stress on popcorn cultivation. Specifically, the aim was to identify the benefits of Bacillus cereus interaction with the drought-tolerant hybrid UENF WS01 for its morphophysiology and growth by comparing inoculated and non-inoculated plants under water-stressed (WS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. This evaluation was conducted using a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement. For WS with inoculation samples, there were significant increases in relative chlorophyll content, maximum fluorescence intensity, and agronomic water use efficiency. Chlorophyll content increased by an average of 50.39% for WS samples, compared to a modest increase of 2.40% for WW samples. Both leaf and stem biomass also significantly increased for WS relative to WW conditions. Overall, B. cereus inoculation mitigated the impact of water stress, significantly enhancing the expression of physiological and morphological traits, even when paired with a drought-tolerant hybrid.