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Modulation of the firing times of neural oscillators has long been an important control objective, with applications including Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, and learning. One common goal for such modulation is desynchronization, wherein two or more oscillators are stimulated to transition from firing in phase with each other to firing out of phase. The optimization of such stimuli has been well studied, but this typically relies on either a reduction of the dimensionality of the system or complete knowledge of the parameters and state of the system. This limits the applicability of results to real problems in neural control. Here, we present a trained artificial neural network capable of accurately estimating the effects of square-wave stimuli on neurons using minimal output information from the neuron. We then apply the results of this network to solve several related control problems in desynchronization, including desynchronizing pairs of neurons and achieving clustered subpopulations of neurons in the presence of coupling and noise.The water quality and trends in 12 tropical rivers in northeastern Brazil over a 27-year period (1990-2016; N = 39,008 samples) were evaluated. The analyzed parameters included temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrogen (NH4+), total phosphorus (P), and fecal coliforms. Densely populated basins (> 1000 inhab km-2) presented lower DO values (average 3.4 mg l-1; 43% DO saturation), while those with low demographic density ( 40,000 MPN 100 ml-1, indicating the input of improperly treated domestic/industrial liquid wastes. For the period from 1990 to 2016, 45% of the stations (N = 19) showed a rate of DO reduction that ranged from 0.01 to 0.17 mg l-1.O2 year-1. An increase in NH4+ concentrations was observed in 33% of the stations (N = 14), with an estimated average increase rate from 0.013 to 1.8 mg l-1 NH4+ year-1. These results demonstrated that the rates of increase in anthropogenic factors were significant (p less then 0.05), while the natural factors remained constant.Metal and metalloid contamination in drinking water sources is a global concern, particularly in developing countries. This study used hollow membrane water filters and metal-capturing polyurethane foams to sample 71 drinking water sources in 22 different countries. Field sampling was performed with sampling kits prepared in the lab at Hope College in Holland, MI, USA. Filters and foams were sent back to the lab after sampling, and subsequent analysis of flushates and rinsates allowed the estimation of suspended solids and metal and other analayte concentrations in source waters. Estimated particulate concentrations were 0-92 mg/L, and consisted of quartz, feldspar, and clay, with some samples containing metal oxides or sulfide phases. As and Cu were the only analytes which occurred above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 10 μg/L and 2000 μg/L, respectively, with As exceeding the guideline in 45% of the sources and Cu in 3%. Except for one value of ~ 285 μg/L, As concentrations were 45-200 μg/L (river), 65-179 μg/L (well), and 112-178 μg/L (tap). Other metals (Ce, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn) with no WHO guideline were also detected, with Mn the most common. This study demonstrated that filters and foams can be used for reconnaissance characterization of untreated drinking water. However, estimated metal and other analyte concentrations could only be reported as minimum values due to potential incomplete retrieval of foam-bound analytes. A qualitative reporting methodology was used to report analytes as "present" if the concentration was below the WHO guideline, and "present-recommend retesting" if the concentration was quantifiable and above the WHO guideline.Over the last several decades, studies in humans and animal models have successfully identified numerous molecules required for hearing and balance. Many of these studies relied on unbiased forward genetic screens based on behavior or morphology to identify these molecules. Alongside forward genetic screens, reverse genetics has further driven the exploration of candidate molecules. This review provides an overview of the genetic studies that have established zebrafish as a genetic model for hearing and balance research. Further, we discuss how the unique advantages of zebrafish can be leveraged in future genetic studies. We explore strategies to design novel forward genetic screens based on morphological alterations using transgenic lines or behavioral changes following mechanical or acoustic damage. We also outline how recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9 can be applied to perform reverse genetic screens to validate large sequencing datasets. Overall, this review describes how future genetic studies in zebrafish can continue to advance our understanding of inherited and acquired hearing and balance disorders.The ability to process and perceive sensory stimuli is an essential function for animals. this website Among the sensory modalities, audition is crucial for communication, pleasure, care for the young, and perceiving threats. The auditory cortex (ACtx) is a key sound processing region that combines ascending signals from the auditory periphery and inputs from other sensory and non-sensory regions. The development of ACtx is a protracted process starting prenatally and requires the complex interplay of molecular programs, spontaneous activity, and sensory experience. Here, we review the development of thalamic and cortical auditory circuits during pre- and early post-natal periods.

The recognition that IL-17 is produced by many lymphoid-like cells other than CD4+ T helper (Th17) cells raises the potential for new pathogenic pathways in IBD/psoriasis/SpA. We review recent knowledge concerning the role of unconventional and conventional lymphocytes expressing IL-17 in human PsA and axSpA.

Innate-like lymphoid cells, namely gamma delta (γδ) T-cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, together with innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are found at sites of disease in PsA/SpA. These cells are often skewed to Type-17 profiles and may significantly contribute to IL-17 production. Non-IL-23 dependent IL-17 production pathways, utilising cytokines such as IL-7 and IL-9, also characterise these cells. Both conventional CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes show pathogenic phenotypes at sites of disease. A variety of innate-like lymphoid cells and conventional lymphocytes contribute towards IL-17-mediated pathology in PsA/SpA. The responses of these cells to non-conventional immune and non-immune stimuli may explain characteristic clinical features of these diseases and potential therapeutic mechanisms of therapies such as Jak inhibitors.