Coordinated neuronal ensembles in primary auditory cortical columns.

The synchronous activity of groups of neurons is increasingly thought to be important in cortical information processing and transmission. However, most studies of processing in the primary auditory cortex (AI) have viewed neurons as independent filters; little is known about how coordinated AI neuronal activity is expressed throughout cortical columns and how it might enhance the processing of auditory information. To address this, we recorded from populations of neurons in AI cortical columns of anesthetized rats and, using dimensionality reduction techniques, identified multiple coordinated neuronal ensembles (cNEs), which are groups of neurons with reliable synchronous activity. We show that cNEs reflect local network configurations with enhanced information encoding properties that cannot be accounted for by stimulus-driven synchronization alone. Furthermore, similar cNEs were identified in both spontaneous and evoked activity, indicating that columnar cNEs are stable functional constructs that may represent principal units of information processing in AI

Author Correction: The CaMKII/NMDA receptor complex controls hippocampal synaptic transmission by kinase-dependent and independent mechanisms.

The originally published version of this Article contained errors in Figure 5, for which we apologise. In panel c, the scatter graph was inadvertently replaced with a scatter graph comprising a subset of data points from panel d. Furthermore, the legends to Figures 5c and 5d were inverted. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article, and the incorrect version of Fig. 5c is presented in the Author Correction associated with this Article

The CaMKII/NMDA receptor complex controls hippocampal synaptic transmission by kinase-dependent and independent mechanisms.

CaMKII is one of the most studied synaptic proteins, but many critical issues regarding its role in synaptic function remain unresolved. Using a CRISPR-based system to delete CaMKII and replace it with mutated forms in single neurons, we have rigorously addressed its various synaptic roles. In brief, basal AMPAR and NMDAR synaptic transmission both require CaMKIIα, but not CaMKIIβ, indicating that, even in the adult, synaptic transmission is determined by the ongoing action of CaMKIIα. While AMPAR transmission requires kinase activity, NMDAR transmission does not, implying a scaffolding role for the CaMKII protein instead. LTP is abolished in the absence of CaMKIIα and/or CaMKIIβ and with an autophosphorylation impaired CaMKIIα (T286A). With the exception of NMDAR synaptic currents, all aspects of CaMKIIα signaling examined require binding to the NMDAR, emphasizing the essential role of this receptor as a master synaptic signaling hub

A mouse model of autism implicates endosome pH in the regulation of presynaptic calcium entry.

Psychoactive compounds such as chloroquine and amphetamine act by dissipating the pH gradient across intracellular membranes, but the physiological mechanisms that normally regulate organelle pH remain poorly understood. Interestingly, recent human genetic studies have implicated the endosomal Na+/H+ exchanger NHE9 in both autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Plasma membrane NHEs regulate cytosolic pH, but the role of intracellular isoforms has remained unclear. We now find that inactivation of NHE9 in mice reproduces behavioral features of ASD including impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and altered sensory processing. Physiological characterization reveals hyperacidic endosomes, a cell-autonomous defect in glutamate receptor expression and impaired neurotransmitter release due to a defect in presynaptic Ca2+ entry. Acute inhibition of synaptic vesicle acidification rescues release but without affecting the primary defect due to loss of NHE9

A1_6 Ali G Cracks The Safe

Ali G sets up an elaborate plan to break into a safe - he links a series of cars together via their batteries to a human chain, to carry an electric current along, break into a safe and retrieve a video tape. We found the current needed to melt the lock of the safe to break it to be 7.98x10^5 A. The current calculated that reaches the safe in the scenario is 4.59x10^-5 A, therefore it would not be possible to break into the safe via the method used in the film

A1_2 One Punch Man - Speed Test

Saitama, the hero of "One Punch Man" has seemingly immeasurable strength and speed. We attempt to quantify his speed from a scene in which he jumps from the Moon to the Earth. We calculated Saitama's velocity during this action as 6.7% of the speed of light, and that his collision with the Earth would create a crater of 600m in diameter. This is comparable to a Near-Earth Object impact of 8 on the Torino Scale