Welcoming remarks by Mr Fernando Restoy, Chairman, Financial Stability Institute, Bank for International Settlements, at the FSI-IADI conference on crisis management, resolution and deposit insurance: what's next and how to prepare, Basel, 4 September 2019.

Acoustic overexposure, such as listening to loud music too often, results in noise-induced hearing loss. The pathologies of this prevalent sensory disorder begin within the ear at synapses of the primary auditory receptors, their postsynaptic partners and their supporting cells. The extent of noise-induced damage, however, is determined by overstimulation of primary auditory receptors, upstream of where the pathologies manifest. A systematic characterization of the electrophysiological function of the upstream primary auditory receptors is warranted to understand how noise exposure impacts on downstream targets, where the pathologies of hearing loss begin. Here, we used the experimentally-accessible locust ear (male, Schistocerca gregaria) to characterize a decrease in the auditory receptor's ability to respond to sound after noise exposure. Surprisingly, after noise exposure, the electrophysiological properties of the auditory receptors remain unchanged, despite a decrease in the ability to transduce sound. This auditory deficit stems from changes in a specialized receptor lymph that bathes the auditory receptors, revealing striking parallels with the mammalian auditory system.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Noise exposure is the largest preventable cause of hearing loss. It is the auditory receptors that bear the initial brunt of excessive acoustic stimulation, because they must convert excessive sound-induced movements into electrical signals, but remain functional afterward. Here we use the accessible ear of an invertebrate to, for the first time in any animal, characterize changes in auditory receptors after noise overexposure. We find that their decreased ability to transduce sound into electrical signals is, most probably, due to changes in supporting (scolopale) cells that maintain the ionic composition of the ear. An emerging doctrine in hearing research is that vertebrate primary auditory receptors are surprisingly robust, something that we show rings true for invertebrate ears too.

It has been proposed that people can generate probabilistic predictions at multiple levels of representation during language comprehension. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG), in combination with representational similarity analysis, to seek neural evidence for the prediction of animacy features. In two studies, MEG and EEG activity was measured as human participants (both sexes) read three-sentence scenarios. Verbs in the final sentences constrained for either animate or inanimate semantic features of upcoming nouns, and the broader discourse context constrained for either a specific noun or for multiple nouns belonging to the same animacy category. We quantified the similarity between spatial patterns of brain activity following the verbs until just before the presentation of the nouns. The MEG and EEG datasets revealed converging evidence that the similarity between spatial patterns of neural activity following animate-constraining verbs was greater than following inanimate-constraining verbs. This effect could not be explained by lexical-semantic processing of the verbs themselves. We therefore suggest that it reflected the inherent difference in the semantic similarity structure of the predicted animate and inanimate nouns. Moreover, the effect was present regardless of whether a specific word could be predicted, providing strong evidence for the prediction of coarse-grained semantic features that goes beyond the prediction of individual words.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Language inputs unfold very quickly during real-time communication. By predicting ahead, we can give our brains a "head start," so that language comprehension is faster and more efficient. Although most contexts do not constrain strongly for a specific word, they do allow us to predict some upcoming information. For example, following the context of "they cautioned the...," we can predict that the next word will be animate rather than inanimate (we can caution a person, but not an object). Here, we used EEG and MEG techniques to show that the brain is able to use these contextual constraints to predict the animacy of upcoming words during sentence comprehension, and that these predictions are associated with specific spatial patterns of neural activity.

Despite their opposing actions on food intake, POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) are derived from the same progenitors that give rise to ARH neurons. However, the mechanism whereby common neuronal precursors subsequently adopt either the anorexigenic (POMC) or the orexigenic (NPY/AgRP) identity remains elusive. We hypothesize that POMC and NPY/AgRP cell fates are specified and maintained by distinct intrinsic factors. In search of them, we profiled the transcriptomes of developing POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons in mice. Moreover, cell-type-specific transcriptomic analyses revealed transcription regulators that are selectively enriched in either population, but whose developmental functions are unknown in these neurons. Among them, we found the expression of the PR domain-containing factor 12 (Prdm12) was enriched in POMC neurons but absent in NPY/AgRP neurons. To study the role of Prdm12 in vivo, we developed and characterized a floxed Prdm12 allele. Selective ablation of Prdm12 in embryonic POMC neurons led to significantly reduced Pomc expression as well as early-onset obesity in mice of either sex that recapitulates symptoms of human POMC deficiency. Interestingly, however, specific deletion of Prdm12 in adult POMC neurons showed that it is no longer required for Pomc expression or energy balance. Collectively, these findings establish a critical role for Prdm12 in the anorexigenic neuron identity and suggest that it acts developmentally to program body weight homeostasis. Finally, the combination of cell-type-specific genomic and genetic analyses provides a means to dissect cellular and functional diversity in the hypothalamus whose neurodevelopment remains poorly studied.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons are derived from the same hypothalamic progenitors but have opposing effects on food intake. We profiled the transcriptomes of genetically labeled POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons in the developing mouse hypothalamus to decipher the transcriptional codes behind the versus orexigenic neuron identity. Our analyses revealed 29 transcription regulators that are selectively enriched in one of the two populations. We generated new mouse genetic models to selective ablate one of POMC-neuron enriched transcription factors Prdm12 in developing and adult POMC neurons. Our studies establish a previously unrecognized role for Prdm12 in the anorexigenic neuron identity and suggest that it acts developmentally to program body weight homeostasis.

When thinking of this fruit we love so much what is the image that first pops to mind? Perhaps a green or a yellow with a greenish tint energy food? Or maybe a banana packaged in a perfect shade of yellow? If that’s the case, then it is time to broaden that perspective. Say hello to the Fe’i banana! This traditional [...]

Banana split, banana muffins, banana bread, banana pudding, banana pancakes – whether plain, cooked, baked or fried, bananas are among the most widely consumed fruits on the planet. However, how much do we really know about this most produced and exported fruit? Here are 11 interesting facts you should know about bananas: Based on written references discovered in Sanskrit around the year [...]

The 15th-century edition of Hafez's "Divan" will be sold at Sotheby's next month

The marble slab appears to be Greek in origin and may have been written in response to the death of a tyrant on the island of Kos

This eruption is the longest since 2018 when the volcano caused a deadly tsunami

The city's residents sorted waste materials for reuse in future projects, according to new research

Buried in a mass grave in Mexico City, the trio may have been part of the first generation abducted from their homeland and brought to the New World

Sunset at Lake Wanaka

A Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) surveys its surroundings from a vantage point at sunset, with the imposing Torres del Paine (Chile) in the background. Scouts like this individual keep an eye out for predators.

A grandmother indulges her grandchild by allowing her to get makeup on her face.

I imagine the year to be 1957, when Havana was the world's 4th-most-expensive city at the time. Many vintage buildings remain in Havana today, and many of my friends still play and live in such buildings. Today, as the Castro era wanes, Cuba's youth have their doubts, dreams and stories... It is time to make new memories and new histories, while revisiting and reevaluating old ones...1957 is a collection of portraits and stories of my friends in Cuba...This one is called Havana Queen Story, a portrait for the drag Queen Salma. Drag Queens, together with many of the LGBT community are all issues that haven’t been tolerated well at all until recently. In recent years, they are playing to sell-out crowds again every night.

Anaconda Glacial Cave in Iceland

The hair-care magnate at the center of the new Netflix series 'Self Made' left her imprint on the city where she launched her career

In 1799, Alexander von Humboldt set foot in the jungles of Cumana, in present-day Venezuela. What ensued was a detailed scientific mission to learn more about the natural world.

Fire scientist say that Saskatchewan say Canadian Forest Service is updating their interactive maps every month from May to September this year so people can check the fire map in their region. Saskatchewan is one of the highest chances of fire this year.

The tourism and hospitality industries, which play a large role in the economy of almost every community in northwestern Ontario, are taking a beating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the manager of Tourism Thunder Bay is figuring out how “dire” the situation is, and what could be done to help.

Despite some pockets of severe activity, Canadians are succeeding at flattening the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s federal health minister, Patty Hajdu, said Thursday.

Canada Day celebrations and Live on the Waterfront programming will be delivered virtually in response to Ontario government orders, and physical distancing mandates, the City of Thunder Bay announced in a written release Thursday.

A 9-year-old girl was found safe in the Lanaudière region, after she had gone missing Thursday evening in the woods behind her family's second home. 

The Korean baseball league opens its delayed season Tuesday in empty stadiums across South Korea and Canada's Jamie Romak, along with the rest of the league's players, are getting used to a new baseball normal that includes rules against high fives and spitting, daily temperature checks and the absence of fans.

About one in 12 Manitoba jobs disappeared during the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Statistics Canada's latest monthly survey of Canadian employment.

The National Capital Commission has reversed its decision and will now allow passersby to take photos at this year's Canadian Tulip Festival.

Skating to Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier captured their first Canadian ice dance title on Saturday.

Ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier headline the Canadian team that will compete at this year's world figure skating championships, but Skate Canada is waiting until next month to make a final decision on several of their teammates.

For Canadian champion Roman Sadovsky and former Canadian champions Nam Nguyen and Keegan Messing, the Four Continents results will determine who takes the one spot available in the men's event at the worlds.

Canada's Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier won the silver medal in ice dancing on Friday at the ISU Four Continents figure skating competition in Seoul, South Korea.

Canada's Joseph Phan was eighth after a highly competitive men's short program Wednesday at the world junior figure skating championships.

Former Canadian figure skater and Olympic medallist Joannie Rochette will be working at Quebec's long-term care homes hit hard by COVID-19.

Florida point guard Andrew Nembhard, who ranked second in the Southeastern Conference in assists last season, has declared for the NBA draft for the second consecutive year.

Canadian basketball players Dylan Ennis and Kevin Pangos, who both play in Liga ACB, opted to stay and weather the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.

The Chicago Bulls announced Marc Eversley as their new general manager on Friday, making him the first Canadian GM in NBA history.

11 startups to pitch at NEXT Canada's virtual Venture Reveal  BetaKit

In isolation with dog Charlie, Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair recalls "dream come true" of 2012 Olympic bronze and "heartbreak" of repeat in Rio in an interview with CBC Sports.

On this week's edition of Olympic Games Replay, CBC Sports showcases some of the big moments from Canada's journey through the women's soccer tournament at the Rio Olympics.

A showman and all-star with the Milwaukee Wave, Canadian Ian Bennett is a marquee goal-scorer in the Major Arena Soccer League. Still, the 36-year-old Hamilton native flies under the radar north of the border.

Teenaged Edmonton soccer star Alphonso Davies said he welcomes being a role model to young kids and wants to put his platform to good use.

After the Canadian Football League confirmed its request for financial assistance from Ottawa on Wednesday, the Canadian Premier League and Canadian Elite Basketball League have followed suit.

More than 1,000 people looking for work in the tech industry are signed up for a virtual job fair on Thursday afternoon.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters isn't spending much time evaluating Oklahoma defensive lineman Neville Gallimore and Notre Dame receiver Chase Claypool, as neither are expected to set foot in the CFL for some time, if ever.

Last month, the National Arts Centre launched #CanadaPerforms, an initiative that pays musicians and writers to perform from their living rooms. Poet Zoey Roy gave an intimate performance from her living room in Kingston. 

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a restructured deal for the Canadian offensive lineman.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Canadian receiver Chase Claypool in the second round of the NFL draft Friday night. Claypool was the 17th player taken in the round, 49th overall.

A Quebec-born Super Bowl champion is making the move from the offensive line to the medical front line.