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Retinal and Cortical Contributions to Phosphenes During Transcranial Electrical Current Stimulation
No full textIt is generally believed that the phosphenes induced by transcranial electric current stimulation (tECS) are a product of retinal activation, even when electrode placement is directly over the primary visual cortex. However, the origins of these tECS-induced phosphenes have not yet been conclusively determined. In this study, phosphene detection thresholds using an FPz-Oz montage were compared with those from (i) an Oz-Cz montage to determine whether prefrontal regions, such as the retina, contribute to phosphenes and (ii) an FPz-Cz montage to determine whether the visual cortex in the occipital lobe contributes to phosphenes. Twenty-two participants received transcranial current stimulation with each of these montages (as well as a T3-T4 montage included for exploratory purposes) at 6, 10, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 Hz. To estimate differences in current density at the retina and occipital lobe across montages, modeling of current density at phosphene thresholds was measured across 20 head models. Consistent with the proposal that tECS-induced phosphenes are generated in the retina, increasing current density near the retina (FPz-Oz relative to Oz-Cz montage) reduced phosphene thresholds. However, increasing current density near the occipital cortex (FPz-Oz relative to FPz-Cz montage) also reduced phosphene thresholds while also requiring less current density at the retina according to the modeling estimates. This suggests that tECS of this occipital cortex also contributed to phosphene perception
The magnitude of placebo analgesia effects depends on how they are conceptualized
No full textObjective: Placebo effects are usually calculated as the difference between placebo treatments and no treatments. Recently, placebo-like effects have been investigated using open and hidden administrations of active treatments. The aim of the study was to directly compare the two types of placebo effects and examine how they are influenced by personality traits. Methods: In a within-subject, randomized, blinded, balanced placebo trial design study with 48 healthy volunteers, we compared placebo and placebo-like effects and tested if expectancy, absorption and suggestibility correlated with these effects. Subjects completed the Tellegen Absorption Scale and the Sensory Suggestibility Scale, and pain was induced by injections of hypertonic saline into the masseter muscle. Participants received four injections of hypertonic saline with lidocaine or matching placebo in randomized order: open treatment, hidden treatment, placebo and control. The placebo effect was defined as the difference in pain between the placebo and the control condition and the placebo-like effect as the difference in pain between the open and hidden condition. Results: Placebo effects were significant both in the traditional paradigm: mean placebo effect AUC 1626 mm2 (95% CI 958–2293) and the open–hidden paradigm: mean placebo-like effect AUC 801 mm2 (95% CI 134–1469), but there was a significant difference between the magnitude of the two effects (p = 0.049). Absorption and suggestibility did not predict the placebo or the placebo-like effect. Estimated expected pain relief correlated with placebo effects but not placebo-like effects. Conclusion: The magnitude of placebo effects differs depending on how they are conceptualized and calculated
Complete Genomic Landscape Reveals Hidden Evolutionary History and Selection Signature in Asian Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
No full textTo identify the genetic determinants of domestication and productivity of Asian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), 470 genomes of domesticated river and swamp buffaloes along with their putative ancestors, the wild water buffaloes (Bubalus arnee) are sequenced and integrated. The swamp buffaloes inherit the morphology of the wild buffaloes. In contrast, most river buffaloes are unique in their morphology, but their genomes cluster with the wild buffaloes. The levels of genomic diversity in Italian river and Indonesian swamp buffaloes decrease at opposite extremes of their distribution range. Purifying selection prevented the accumulation of harmful loss-of-function variants in the Indonesian buffaloes. Genes that evolved rapidly (e.g., GKAP1) following differential selections in the river and swamp buffaloes are involved in their reproduction. Genes related to milk production (e.g., CSN2) and coat color (e.g., MC1R) underwent strong selections in the dairy river buffaloes via soft and hard selective sweeps, respectively. The selective sweeps and single-cell RNA-seq data revealed the luminal cells as the key cell type in response to artificial selection for milk production of the dairy buffaloes. These findings show how artificial selection has been driving the evolutionary divergence and genetic differentiation in morphology and productivity of Asian water buffaloes
Single-exposure x-ray dark-field imaging via a dual-energy propagation-based setup
No full textX-ray dark-field imaging visualizes scattering from sample microstructure and has found application in medical and security contexts. While most x-ray dark-field imaging techniques rely on masks, gratings, or crystals, recent work on the Fokker–Planck model of diffusive imaging has enabled dark-field imaging in the propagation-based geometry. Images captured at multiple propagation distances or x-ray energies can be used to reconstruct darkfield from propagation-based images but have previously required multiple exposures. Here, we show single-exposure dark-field imaging by exploiting the harmonic content in a monochromatized synchrotron beam and utilizing an energy-discriminating photon-counting detector to capture dual-energy propagation-based images. The method is validated by filming time-varying samples, showing the advantage of the dark-field contrast in analyzing dynamic evolution. We measure and adjust for the impact of detector charge-sharing on the images. This work opens the way for dynamic dark-field x-ray imaging without the need for a high-stability setup and precision optics
Influence of hydroperiod on aquatic food-web structure and energy production in a floodplain wetland: implications for environmental flow management
No full textContext. Environmental water is often used to manage floodplain wetlands that support many taxa, both terrestrial and aquatic. It is important to optimise the managed hydroperiod to maximise the provision of aquatically derived resources from wetlands. Aims. To test the hypothesis that increasing hydroperiod affects food-web structure and energy production in floodplain wetlands. Methods. Fatty acids and stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N were used to define food-web structure, and estimate total energy production throughout a managed inundation event in a wetland in the northern Murray–Darling Basin. Key results. Food-web complexity increased with an increasing hydroperiod in line with predictable patterns of community assemblage development, before reducing sharply immediately prior to drying. Energy availability increased with an increasing hydroperiod and there was a strong correlation (ρ = 0.669, P = 0.0001) between energy availability and fatty acid concentration, which was in turn related to patterns of taxon occurrence. Conclusions and implications. Hydroperiod exerts a strong influence on aquatic invertebrate community trophic dynamics and energy provision. Planned flows should support maturation and stabilisation of the invertebrate community to optimise energy provision to consumers
Paddock trees promote pasture biomass accumulation and improve soil properties in grazing systems
No full textBackground and aims Pasture systems occupy approximately three billion hectares and contribute almost $21 trillion to the global economy. They are important for food production, carbon storage, water catchment reserves, biodiversity maintenance and cultural and recreational needs. However, pasture systems sustainability and productivity may be reduced with increasing climate hazards, such as heat stress and drought, due to global warming. Strategically integrating trees into pastoral landscapes may improve pasture system resilience and productivity by benefting pasture leaf function and enhancing soil fertility. Methods To evaluate if trees in pasture systems are favourable for pasture performance and sustainability, we conducted feld experiments in the New England Tablelands of New South Wales and assessed soil properties and measured leaf functional traits of pasture species, under tree canopies, at tree canopy edges and beyond tree canopies (i.e. in open felds). Functional traits measured were net carbon assimilation, photosynthetic heat tolerance, specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content. Results Aboveground and belowground pasture biomass were significantly higher under paddock tree canopies compared with canopy edges and in open fields. Similarly, concentrations of measured soil elements (organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) were all significantly higher under tree canopies compared with canopy edges and in open fields. Leaf functional traits did not vary with proximity from paddock tree canopies, and higher undercanopy pasture biomass was not associated with leaf functional traits. Leaf trait-trait relationships were mixed and varied with proximity from paddock tree canopies. Conclusions This study demonstrates the significant role of paddock trees within tree-pasture systems in driving pasture productivity, particularly through improved soil fertility. The results emphasize that paddock trees can contribute to climate change resilience of pastures in grazing systems by facilitating greater resource capture
Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition – Australia 2023
No full textThe Biennial Conference of Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition – Australia was held on 27–28 July 2023. The special issue contains latest research in the field of animal nutrition across the most economically significant animal species, including poultry, pigs, sheep, cattle, companion animals and aquaculture.The Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia (RAAN-A) conference in 2023 continued its tradition of fostering the sharing of the latest research in the field of animal nutrition across the most economically significant animal species, including poultry, pigs, sheep and cattle, and also companion animals and aquaculture. RAAN-A is one of the few conferences worldwide devoted to animal nutrition science across the species, and this unique meeting brings together intensive and extensive production systems, industry and research, making it one of the most thought provoking and stimulating symposia in Australia
Balancing economic growth and sustainability for environmental protection in Southeast Asia: a regional perspective
No full textPurpose – This paper examines the complex relationship between environmental protection and economic growth in Southeast Asia, focusing on the region’s efforts at balancing rapid development with environmental sustainability. It analyzes current challenges, emerging trends and potential solutions for achieving sustainable development while maintaining economic growth. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a comprehensive literature review methodology, analyzing academic sources, government reports and international organization publications from 1998 to 2025. It combines qualitative analysis of policy frameworks and case studies with quantitative assessment of environmental impacts and economic costs. The research framework integrates multiple perspectives on environmental governance, technological innovation and sustainable development. Findings – The analysis reveals that Southeast Asia contributes approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with energy-related emissions projected to rise by 34–147% between 2017 and 2040. Environmental degradation costs the region 1–9% of their GDP. However, promising developments include increasing renewable energy adoption (projected 35% solar photovoltaic technology by 2025), improved sustainability reporting frameworks and innovative financial instruments. The study identifies key challenges in institutional capacity, policy implementation and resource management while highlighting successful initiatives in countries like Singapore and Vietnam. Originality/value – This article brings together important historical events, present problems and expected future changes in Southeast Asian economic growth and environmental protection. By linking environmental governance, technological progress and economic growth, it gives lawmakers, companies and academics useful ideas and analysis. The study is especially helpful for figuring out how emerging countries can deal with environmental problems and still grow in a way that does not harm the environment
Unraveling the phenotypic and genomic background of behavioral plasticity and temperament in North American Angus cattle
No full textBackground Longitudinal records of temperament can be used for assessing behavioral plasticity, such as aptness to learn, memorize, or change behavioral responses based on affective state. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genomic Background of North American Angus cow temperament measured throughout their lifetime around the weaning season, including the development of a new indicator trait termed docility-based learning and behavioral plasticity. The analyses included 273,695 and 153,898 records for yearling (YT) and cow at weaning (CT) temperament, respectively, 723,248 animals in the pedigree, and 8784 genotyped animals. Both YT and CT were measured when the animal was loading into/exiting the chute. Moreover, CT was measured around the time in which the cow was separated from her calf. A random regression model fitting a first-order Legendre orthogonal polynomial was used to model the covariance structure of temperament and to assess the learning and behavioral plasticity (i.e., slope of the regression) of individual cows. This study provides, for the first time, a longitudinal perspective of the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying temperament, learning, and behavioral plasticity in beef cattle. Results CT measured across years is heritable (0.38–0.53). Positive and strong genetic correlations (0.91–1.00) were observed among all CT age-group pairs and between CT and YT (0.84). Over 90% of the candidate genes identified overlapped among CT age-groups and the estimated effect of genomic markers located within important candidate genes changed over time. A small but significant genetic component was observed for learning and behavioral plasticity (heritability=0.02±0.002). Various candidate genes were identified, revealing the polygenic nature of the traits evaluated. The pathways and candidate genes identified are associated with steroid and glucocorticoid hormones, development delay, cognitive development, and behavioral changes in cattle and other species. Conclusions Cow temperament is highly heritable and repeatable. The changes in temperament can be genetically improved by selecting animals with favorable learning and behavioral plasticity (i.e., habituation). Furthermore, the environment explains a large part of the variation in learning and behavioral plasticity, leading to opportunities to also improve the overall temperament by refining management practices. Moreover, behavioral plasticity offers opportunities to improve the long-term animal and handler welfare through habituation