Task rule and choice are reflected by layer-specific processing in rodent auditory cortical microcircuits.

The primary auditory cortex (A1) is an essential, integrative node that encodes the behavioral relevance of acoustic stimuli, predictions, and auditory-guided decision-making. However, the realization of this integration with respect to the cortical microcircuitry is not well understood. Here, we characterize layer-specific, spatiotemporal synaptic population activity with chronic, laminar current source density analysis in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) trained in an auditory decision-making Go/NoGo shuttle-box task. We demonstrate that not only sensory but also task- and choice-related information is represented in the mesoscopic neuronal population code of A1. Based on generalized linear-mixed effect models we found a layer-specific and multiplexed representation of the task rule, action selection, and the animal's behavioral options as accumulating evidence in preparation of correct choices. The findings expand our understanding of how individual layers contribute to the integrative circuit in the sensory cortex in order to code task-relevant information and guide sensory-based decision-making.

Betaine mediated synthesis of annulated dihydrofurans from oxobis(methylthio)ketene acetals and N-butyl-N'-methyl ethane-1,2-diamine as precursors via NHC elimination.

First in situ generation of a betaine intermediate has been developed using two new precursors oxobis(methylthio)ketene acetals and N-butyl-N'-methyl ethane-1,2-diamine for the synthesis of annulated dihydrofurans. This protocol adds a new dimension for the formation of annulated dihydrofurans through a series of selective consecutive formation of C-C and C-O bonds after reacting with enone rings. This in situ generated betaine intermediate corresponds to deoxy-Breslow intermediates in the reaction via elimination of NHC.

Regioselective synthesis of fused imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines via intramolecular C-N bond formation/6-endo-dig cycloisomerization.

An efficient regioselective cascade synthesis of N-fused imidazo heterocycles has been developed. This cascade transformation proceeds via a transition-metal (copper/silver) catalyzed coupling reaction between 2-aminobenzimidazole, aldehydes, and alkynes leading to the formation of propargylamine intermediate, which regioselectively undergoes 6-endo-dig cyclization through intramolecular N-H bond activation interceded C-N bond formation leading to highly functionalized imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines in good to excellent yields.

Experimental studies of active and passive flow control techniques applied in a twin air-intake.

The flow control in twin air-intakes is necessary to improve the performance characteristics, since the flow traveling through curved and diffused paths becomes complex, especially after merging. The paper presents a comparison between two well-known techniques of flow control: active and passive. It presents an effective design of a vortex generator jet (VGJ) and a vane-type passive vortex generator (VG) and uses them in twin air-intake duct in different combinations to establish their effectiveness in improving the performance characteristics. The VGJ is designed to insert flow from side wall at pitch angle of 90 degrees and 45 degrees. Corotating (parallel) and counterrotating (V-shape) are the configuration of vane type VG. It is observed that VGJ has the potential to change the flow pattern drastically as compared to vane-type VG. While the VGJ is directed perpendicular to the side walls of the air-intake at a pitch angle of 90 degree, static pressure recovery is increased by 7.8% and total pressure loss is reduced by 40.7%, which is the best among all other cases tested for VGJ. For bigger-sized VG attached to the side walls of the air-intake, static pressure recovery is increased by 5.3%, but total pressure loss is reduced by only 4.5% as compared to all other cases of VG.