Motor cortex excitability during unilateral muscle activity.

The effect of unilateral tonic muscle activity with and without co-activation of the antagonists on motor cortex excitability has been studied. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the first dorsal interosseus muscles of both hands in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during relax, isometric index finger abduction and antagonistic co-activation. The intracortical inhibition (ICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were investigated by paired-pulse TMS with interstimulus intervals of 3 and 13 ms. The unilateral tonic activation of the right hand facilitated contralateral and ipsilateral responses (cMEP and iMEP) recorded from both hands with an exception of iMEPs recorded from the left hand. During paired-pulse TMS ICI for cMEPs was not influenced by the unilateral tonic activity in both hands, while ICF was suppressed when MEPs were recorded from the active right hand. The effect of unilateral tonic activity on iMEP in response to paired-pulse TMS was essentially different: generally, ICI was greater for iMEPs and ICF was completely abolished with an exception of iMEPs recorded from the left hand during right finger isometric abduction when a strong ICF was evident. The decreased ICF and/or increased ICI are assumed to reflect mechanisms underlying the co-activation of antagonists.     

Standardization of in vitro micropropagation of Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) using nodal explants

Present investigation was carried out to arrive at an effective micropropagation protocol for Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) using nodal segments from actively growing plants as explants. Explants were collected from current season shoots during April-May just after the initiation of new flush. Combined sterilization treatment of explants with 1.0% NaOCl₂ for 10 min followed by 70% ethanol for 10 s recorded highest culture survival (63.88%) and optimum culture asepsis (63.88%) followed by the treatment containing 0.1% HgCl₂ for 10 min followed by 70% ethanol for 10 s with culture survival (61.11%) and culture asepsis (69.44%). Highest culture establishment (80.55%) and minimum days to bud sprouting (7.62 days) was recorded with Benzyl adenine + Kinetin (3.0 + 1.0 mgL^?1) but maximum length (4.33 cm) and leaf number (7.78) of established micro shoots was recorded with Benzyl adenine + Kinetin (1.0 + 0.5 mgL^?1). Maximum proliferated shoots (2.41) and an optimum proliferation percentage (77.78 %) was recorded with Benzyl adenine + Kinetin (3.0 + 0.5 mgL^?1). Minimum size of proliferated shoots (2.02 cm) was recorded with Benzyl adenine + Kinetin (3.0 + 1.0 mgL^?1) followed by 2.25 cm recorded with Benzyl adenine + Kinetin (3.0 + 0.5 mgL^?1). Highest rooting (63.93%), primary root number/microshoot (4.74) and longest primary roots (34.67 mm) were recorded with IBA (2.0 mgL^?1). IBA yielded better results than NAA in terms of higher rooting percentage and root number. However, days to root initiation were found minimum (22.00) with 2.0 mgL^?1 of NAA. Highest ex vitro survival of rooted microshoots (89.67%) was recorded with IBA (2.0 mgL^?1).     

A bioluminescent whole-cell reporter for detection of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenol in soil

A bioreporter was made containing a tfdRP(DII)-luxCDABE fusion in a modified mini-Tn5 construct. When it was introduced into the chromosome of Ralstonia eutropha JMP134, the resulting strain, JMP134-32, produced a sensitive bioluminescent response to 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at concentrations of 2.0 microM to 5.0 mM. This response was linear (R(2) = 0.9825) in the range of 2.0 microM to 1.1 x 10(2) microM. Saturation occurred at higher concentrations, with maximal bioluminescence occurring in the presence of approximately 1.2 mM 2,4-D. A sensitive response was also recorded in the presence of 2,4-dichlorophenol at concentrations below 1.1 x 10(2) microM; however, only a limited bioluminescent response was recorded in the presence of 3-chlorobenzoic acid at concentrations below 1.0 mM. A significant bioluminescent response was also recorded when strain JMP134-32 was incubated with soils containing aged 2,4-D residues.     

Elementary polysynaptic potentials of hippocampal neurons

Synaptic connections of 26 pairs of hippocampal neurons were studied in nonanesthetized rabbits by spike-triggered averaging of intracellularly recorded activity. Synchronized activity was detected in 5 pairs and considered to represent common inputs to the neurons recorded. Hyperpolarizing or depolarizing potentials with 3--4 ms latency were revealed in 3 additional pairs. These potentials are considered to be individual postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) evoked in the target neuron by spikes of the adjacent (0.5--2 mm apart) neuron. A quantum analysis of the individual PSPs was performed. The mean quantum content (0.27--0.65) and quantum size (35--200 mkV) were found to be of the same order as those of the excitatory PSPs previously recorded after intracerebral stimulation. It is concluded that most hippocampal synapses are of low efficacy.     

Amphipod crustaceans from anchihaline cave waters of the Galapagos Islands

Three species of blind Amphipoda are recorded from anchihaline cave waters in the Galapagos Islands. One of these, Galapsiellus leleuporum (Monod, 1970) was previously know from the islands; the male is described for the first time. The other two belong to families with predominantly (though not exclusively) deep-sea members: Valettietta cavernicola sp. nov. (family Lysianassidae; and Antronicippe serrata gen. et sp. nov. (family Pardaliscidae). The genus Valettietta was not previously recorded from caves; it contained two abyssal species in the Atlantic, while a third species was recorded from the Pacific in a vertical haul between 0 and 5300 m. Antronicippe is closely related to Spelaeonicippe , a genus with two species known from anchihaline caves in the Canary Islands and the West Indies.     

Wavelength dependence of the optically recorded action potentials in guinea pig atrial muscles.

The optically recorded action potentials of the frog atrial muscles which lack transverse tubules showed different features from those reported by Heiny and Vergara (Heiny JA, Vergara J. Optical signals from surface and T system membranes in skeletal muscle fibers. J Gen Physiol 1982;80:203-230) in skeletal muscles (Fujishiro N, Kawata H. The wavelength dependence of optically recorded action potentials in the atrial muscles of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Comp Biochem Physiol 1996;114A:153-157). We examined whether or not the differences were consistent in other atrial muscles which lack transverse tubules with guinea pig atrial muscles. Two dyes (merocyanine rhodanine and merocyanine oxazolone) were used, and the dependence of the maximum rising phase of the optical signals on the wavelength of the incident beam was analyzed. No dependence was observed between them, and this finding was consistent with the structure of the membrane system of the guinea pig atrial muscles. The optical signals recorded at 718 nm of the incident beam from the guinea pig atrial muscles which stained with merocyanine oxazolone showed a more prominent second rising phase after the initial rapid rising phase of the optical signal than that recorded in the frog atrial muscles. This phase was not observed in the optical signals recorded at other wavelengths. The features of the optically recorded action potentials in guinea pig atrial muscles were consistent with those recorded in frog atrial muscles. Nifedipine did not affect the second rising phase.     

Satellite tracking and diving behaviour of sub-adult narwhals (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Monodon monoceros</Emphasis>) in Svalbard,Norway

Three juvenile narwhals captured during August 1998 in the northeast of Svalbard, Norway, were equipped with satellite-relayed data loggers (SRDLs) that transmitted diving and swim-speed data, in addition to location, for up to 46 days. A total of 1,354 complete dive cycles were recorded. Most of the diving was shallow and of short duration. Maximum recorded dive depth was 546 m, maximum recorded dive duration was 24.8 min, and maximum recorded swim-speed was 4.7 ms⁻¹. Ascent speed, vertical ascent speed, descent speed and vertical descent speed were all significantly higher during deep dives (>200 m) than for shallow dives (<200 m). In addition both ascent and descent angles were much steeper for deep dives than during shallow dives. Most of the shallow diving seemed to be associated with travelling, with the animal shifting between various locations, while the deep diving (often to the bottom) for extended periods in some specific areas might have been associated with foraging. Even though the sample size in this study is small, the data are the first information available for movements and diving behaviour of narwhals near Svalbard.     

Traditional knowledge of wild medicinal plants used by the inhabitants of Garam Chashma valley,district Chitral,Pakistan

Garam Chashma valley is a mountainous valley situated in the Hindukush mountain range in Pakistan. This area is blessed with rich and diverse medicinal flora extensively utilized by the local community to cure health issues. The present article aims to explore and document the indigenous traditional knowledge about wild plants and their curative properties. This survey was carried out during April 2018 to September 2019. Data was collected from 153 indigenous people through semi structure questionnaire, group discussion, field survey and formal talks with elder people. Quantitative analysis of recorded data was obtained by applying quantitative indices like Frequency of Citation (FC) Use Reports (UR), Family Use Value (FUV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). About 83 plant taxa belonging to 36 different families were recorded for the treatment of 95 different disorders grouped into sixteen disease categories. Herbs were the most leading plant habit (81.9%) and dried plant material (51.8%) usually preferred for therapeutics uses. Among families Asteraceae (16.86%) was recorded as major taxon with highest number of species followed by Lamiaceae (12.06%). Leaves 33% were recorded most abundantly used plant part followed by flowers (17%). Regarding to formulations, decoction (39.3%) and powder (17.1%) were recorded most frequent mode of preparation while oral intake (78%) was most preferred administration route. About (40%) plants species were utilized to treat Gastrointestinal diseases (GIT) disorders. Informant consensus revealed that Gastrointestinal disorders and Dermatological disorders were top ranked ailments categories with 0.94 consensus. The current study imparted that medicinal plants are still used by the indigenous communities of Garam Chashma valley, district lower Chitral, Pakistan. Thus, this investigation provides basis for the conservation of medicinal flora in the area. Medicinal plants (MPs) having high value of FC, RFC, UV, FUV, FL and ICF should be further study for phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology to evaluate novel active ingredients for new drugs discovery.     

Temporally patterned activity recorded from mandibular nerves of the isolated subesophageal ganglion of Manduca

We recorded bursts of motor neuron activity from closer and opener mandibular nerves of isolated subesophageal ganglia (SOG) and compared them with the feeding motor pattern of intact Manduca larvae. Closer bursts recorded from isolated SOG lasted from 1 to 4s, interburst interval durations lasted from 2 to 49s, and within- and between-animal variability was great. In contrast, motor activity bursts (EMGs) measured from mandibular closer muscles of intact, feeding animals lasted 0.08 to 0.24s with interburst intervals of 0.26 to 0.57s. Variability both within and between animals was small. Bath application of 10(-4)M octopamine to the isolated SOG tended to increase frequency and reduce the duration of bursts, so that they became more like those recorded during feeding.     

Kinetocardiogram recording from a freely moving person]

Radiokinetocardiogram (RKCG) recorded with the aid of telemetric system and electromagnetic kinetotransducer was sufficiently differentiated and was of the shape identical to the directly recorded kinetogram. A possibility of reliable recording of the RKCG in a freely moving man (during a micropause in the process of movement) was demonstrated under laboratory and natural working conditions.     

Mechanoluminescence properties of gamma-ray-irradiated BaSO4:Eu phosphors

BaSO(4) activated with various concentrations of Eu were prepared by solid-state reaction technique. Thermoluminescence (TL) and mechanoluminescence (ML) of γ-ray-irradiated BaSO(4):Eu(2)O(3) phosphors were recorded. In the TL glow curve of the phosphor a single peak at 170°C was observed. The TL of the phosphors were also recorded after deforming the phosphors by dropping a piston of mass 0.4 kg onto them with different impact velocities. TL intensity (after deformation) decreased with increasing the impact velocity. In the ML intensity vs time curve two peaks were observed. ML intensity increased with increasing impact velocity of the piston and the time corresponding to peak ML intensity shifted to a shorter time value. ML intensity decreased drastically when it was recorded after annealing the sample at 170°C. The BaSO(4) phosphors activated with 0.1 mol% of Eu(2)O(3) showed optimum TL and ML. The photoluminescence emission spectrum of the sample showed that Eu enters as Eu(2+) ion in host lattice.     

A comparison of 3 hand-held dynamometers used to measure hip abduction strength

Quantification of strength with hand-held dynamometers is commonplace. Hand-held dynamometers offer ease of use; however, previous investigations have shown much variability between repeated measures using the same dynamometer. Even less is known regarding the degree of variability between various dynamometers. Therefore, the intent of this investigation was to compare measures of hip abduction strength recorded with 3 different but commonly used hand-held dynamometers, specifically the Microfet 2 Load Cell, Jamar Hand-Held, and Dial Push-Pull Gauge. Maximal isometric hip abduction strength was recorded in 10 women (27.6 +/- 6.2 years) over 3 consecutive days using a different device each day. A significant difference in recorded force was noted between the devices (p < 0.001) as the Microfet showed significantly less force than the others. This was supported by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.277 to 0.688. These data suggest that consideration must be given to using the same dynamometer when quantifying strength over repeated sessions.     

Prevalence of Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Other Mosquitoes in the Eastern Coast of Victoria

Adult mosquito populations were monitored using dry-ice baited EVS light traps at weekly intervals for four seasons (1991–95) in Avon, Bairnsdale, Rosedale and Hastings, and for three seasons (1991–94) in Tambo, in the eastern coast of Victoria. Among the 20 species of adult mosquitoes recorded, Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson) was dominant (74–99%). Higher Ae camptorhynchus adult populations were recorded in the 1992–93 and 1993–94 seasons, than in 1991–92 and 1994–95 seasons. Rosedale shire recorded higher Ae camptorhynchus adult populations than the Avon, Bairnsdale, Hastings and Tambo shires. In all shires, two peaks of Ae camptorhynchus activity reaching high (100–1,000 adults/trap) to very high (> 1,000 adults/trap) levels were recorded, with the first peak in the middle of December (summer) and the second peak in the middle of April (autumn). the Ae camptorhynchus activity in the coastal region increased with an increase in the minimum temperature.     

Control of respiratory activity of the genioglossus muscle in micrognathic infants

The genioglossus (GG) muscle activity of four infants with micrognathia and obstructive sleep apnea was recorded to assess the role of this tongue muscle in upper airway maintenance. Respiratory air flow, esophageal pressure, and intramuscular GG electromyograms (EMG) were recorded during wakefulness and sleep. Both tonic and phasic inspiratory GG-EMG activity was recorded in each of the infants. On occasion, no phasic GG activity could be recorded; these silent periods were unassociated with respiratory embarrassment. GG activity increased during sigh breaths. GG activity also increased when the infants spontaneously changed from oral to nasal breathing and, in two infants, with neck flexion associated with complete upper airway obstruction, suggesting that GG-EMG activity is influenced by sudden changes in upper airway resistance. During sleep, the GG-EMG activity significantly increased with 5% CO2 breathing (P less than or equal to 0.001). With nasal airway occlusion during sleep, the GG-EMG activity increased with the first occluded breath and progressively increased during the subsequent occluded breaths, indicating mechanoreceptor and suggesting chemoreceptor modulation. During nasal occlusion trials, there was a progressive increase in phasic inspiratory activity of the GG-EMG that was greater than that of the diaphragm activity (as reflected by esophageal pressure excursions). When pharyngeal airway closure occurred during a nasal occlusion trial, the negative pressure at which the pharyngeal airway closed (upper airway closing pressure) correlated with the GG-EMG activity at the time of closure, suggesting that the GG muscle contributes to maintaining pharyngeal airway patency in the micrognathic infant.     

Ontogenetic development of electrocorticogram in the rat

Spontaneous electrocorticogram (ECoG) was recorded in frontal (sensorimotor) temporal (auditory) and occipital (visual) cortical regions of 86 male rats (immobilized with d-tubocurarine) aged from 3 days to adulthood. Activity which could be classified as ECoG was for the first time recorded in 5-day-old rats; it was formed by groups of slow waves with unstable frequency intermingled with periods of isoelectric line. Discontinuous ECoG activity was regularly registered even in 10-day-old rats, exceptionally in 12-day-old rats. During further maturation of the continuous ECoG an increase in frequency and an establishment of a basic rhythmic activity synchronous over both hemispheres took place, so that 25- and 30-day-old rats did not differ from the adult ones. Autocorrelagrams and power frequency spectra demonstrated a broad frequency range of the basic rhythm as well as delay in the development of occipital cortical areas in comparison to frontal areas.     

The prevalence and species richness of spiders associated with marine strandlines on different shore types around Banks Peninsula,New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Marine strandlines provide habitat for a variety of littoral and terrestrial invertebrates, including arachnids. In this study we recorded spiders in strandlines at 35 sites on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. On average, only 1.5 named species were recorded per thirty-minute hand search, and many sample visits (30%) recorded no spiders. Species accumulation curves suggested further species could be recorded with further sampling, but these may be tourist species rather than strandline residents. Thirty-eight species were recorded in total, with the introduced theridiid Steatoda capensis being the most common (30 records) and widespread (17 locations). The New Zealand endemic species Otagoa nova (25 records) (Toxopidae), Anoteropsis litoralis (15) and Anoteropsis hilaris (15) (Lycosidae), and the introduced Tenuiphantes tenuis (24) (Linyphiidae), were also common. Spiders were more frequent in strandlines on boulder beaches compared with shingle beaches, although there was no statistical differences in the numbers of species recorded on the different beach types.     

Follicular fluid nitric oxide and ascorbic acid concentrations in relation to follicle size, functional status and stage of estrous cycle in buffalo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in follicular fluid nitric oxide (NO) and ascorbic acid (AA) concentrations with varying follicle size and functional status, and stage of estrous cycle in buffalo. The main effect of follicle size on NO concentration and size-by-status interaction were statistically significant (P<0.05). Small follicles had a higher (P<0.05) NO concentration compared to medium and large follicles. Further, estrogen-active (EA) small follicles showed increased (P<0.05) NO concentrations than the corresponding estrogen-inactive (EI) follicles. Within EA category, higher (P<0.01) concentrations were recorded in small compared to medium and large follicles. There was no significant main effect of stage (P>0.1) on NO concentration but the stage-by-size interaction was significant (P<0.05) with medium follicles showing a higher (P<0.05) concentration during late luteal stage compared to the mid luteal stage. During early and mid luteal stages, higher (P<0.05) NO concentrations were recorded in small than in medium follicles. A significant (P<0.01) main effect of size on AA concentration was observed with higher values in medium than in small and large follicles. Size-by-status interaction for AA approached statistical significance (P<0.06) with higher (P<0.05) concentrations recorded in medium than in large EA follicles. The main effect of stage on AA concentration was, however, non-significant (P>0.1) but the stage-by-size interaction approached statistical significance (P<0.06) with lower (P<0.05) levels recorded in large compared to medium size follicles during the follicular stage. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the concentrations of follicular fluid NO and AA vary according to the follicle size, functional status and stage of estrous cycle suggesting their possible role in process of follicular development during estrous cycle in buffalo.     

Convergent properties of 3 types of visual cortex neurons recorded with various action potential amplitudes

Responses of visual cortex neurones recorded with large (N1), mean (N2) and small (N3) amplitudes of action potentials to photic, acoustic and electro-cutaneous stimuli were studied. It was shown that N1 neurones as differing from N3 were predominantly polymodal, often reacted with inhibitory responses and their background activity was characterized by random distribution of interstimuli intervals. Inputs for heteromodal stimuli were found to differ in N1 and N3 neurones. The results suggest existence of functional heterogeneity of neurones, recorded with different action potential amplitudes.     

Atmospheric concentration of pollen grains at human height

An atmospheric survey at human height (1.5–1.8 ft) was carried out from February 1988 to January 1990, in four different ecozones of the Delhi metropolis. The samples were collected by using Burkard Personal Volumetric Sampler at weekly intervals. The sampler was operating for 15 min three times a day (07, 14, 20 hrs). Altogether, 84 pollen types were identified. Some of the dominant pollen types recorded were Poaceae (25.1%), Cheno/Amaranthaceae (14.5%) and Ricinus communis (12.3%) followed by Morus, Cannabis, Prosopis, Parthenium and Artemisia. Weekly variations were recorded for the total number of pollen of different types in different months. Two major pollen seasons 1. February — April and 2. August — October were observed, although pollen was recorded throughout the year. Significant variation in total and individual pollen concentration was recorded from different inhabited areas in the same urban locality. Any definite daily pattern in the occurrence of pollen was not recorded. The concentration at lower height was also poor.     

Intercentral reticulo-cortical relations of brain electrical activity during "animal hypnosis" in rabbits

The electrical activity of the right and left sensorimotor and premotor cortical areas and right and left medulary reticular formation was recorded during "animal hypnosis" in rabbits. In this state, the spectral power of potentials (predominantly, in the delta-range) recorded from the left reticular formation was higher than that recorded from the right side. The value of the function of coherence between the right and left reticular recordings was decreased to 0.1-0.2 in the whole frequency range. The tight-side intrahemispheric coherence between the activities recorded from the sensorimotor cortex and reticular formation was higher than respective left-side values, whereas the coherent relations between the activities recorded from the reticular formation and premotor cortex were not changed (as compared to nonhypnotic state).