Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of alcohol on performance on a distraction task during simulated driving.

BACKGROUND Prior studies report that accidents involving intoxicated drivers are more likely to occur during performance of secondary tasks. We studied this phenomenon, using a dual-task paradigm, involving performance of a visual oddball (VO) task while driving in an alcohol challenge paradigm. Previous functional MRI (fMRI) studies of the VO task have shown activation in the anterior cingulate, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Thus, we predicted dose-dependent decreases in activation of these areas during VO performance. METHODS Forty healthy social drinkers were administered 3 different doses of alcohol, individually tailored to their gender and weight. Participants performed a VO task while operating a virtual reality driving simulator in a 3T fMRI scanner. RESULTS Analysis showed a dose-dependent linear decrease in Blood Oxygen Level Dependent activation during task performance, primarily in hippocampus, anterior cingulate, and dorsolateral prefrontal areas, with the least activation occurring during the high dose. Behavioral analysis showed a dose-dependent linear increase in reaction time, with no effects associated with either correct hits or false alarms. In all dose conditions, driving speed decreased significantly after a VO stimulus. However, at the high dose this decrease was significantly less. Passenger-side line crossings significantly increased at the high dose. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that driving impairment during secondary task performance may be associated with alcohol-related effects on the above brain regions, which are involved with attentional processing/decision-making. Drivers with high blood alcohol concentrations may be less able to orient or detect novel or sudden stimuli during driving.
Neurogenesis, Angiogenesis, and MRI Indices of Functional Recovery From Stroke

This article analyzes the mechanisms underlying the potentiation of functional recovery poststroke by cell-based and pharmacologic agents, which amplify endogenous neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and angiogenesis in the border of the ischemic lesion in the animal. Discussion of the interaction between angiogenesis and neurogenesis is provided and data are described demonstrating a role for matrix metalloproteinases expressed in periinfarct vasculature as chemotactic for neuroblasts migrating from the subventricular zone. Monitoring angiogenesis and structural changes in the ischemic brain associated with functional recovery by means of MRI is described. We demonstrate that injured brain can be stimulated to promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis, which are coupled restorative processes that contribute to functional recovery from stroke and that MRI indices of these neurorestorative events are highly correlative with neurologic function and may be used in real-time monitoring of recovery from stroke.
Control Strategies for Augmenting LVRT Capability of DFIGs in Interconnected Power Systems

This paper presents a new control scheme for the enhancement of the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of doubly fed induction generators. The LVRT capability is provided by extending the range of operation of the controlled system to include typical postfault conditions. Controllers are designed simultaneously for both the rotor- and grid-side converters using a linear quadratic output-feedback decentralized control strategy. The nonlinear terms in the power system model are represented in this paper by an uncertain term derived from the Cauchy remainder of the Taylor series expansion. A genetic algorithm is used to calculate the bound on the uncertainty. The robust controller resulting from this design provides acceptable performances to enhance voltage and transient stability margins and thereby to limit the oscillations, the peak value of the rotor current, and the dc-link voltage fluctuations. The performance of the designed controller is demonstrated under different operating conditions by large-disturbance simulations on a test system.
Making good features track better

This paper addresses robust feature tracking. We extend the well-known Shi-Tomasi-Kanade tracker by introducing an automatic scheme for rejecting spurious features. We employ a simple and efficient outlier rejection rule, called X84, and prove that its theoretical assumptions are satisfied in the feature tracking scenario. Experiments with real and synthetic images confirm that our algorithm makes good features track better; we show a quantitative example of the benefits introduced by the algorithm for the case of fundamental matrix estimation. The complete code of the robust tracker is available via ftp.
Spatially Localized Two-Dimensional J-Resolved NMR Spectroscopy via Intermolecular Double-Quantum Coherences for Biological Samples at 7 T

Background and Purpose Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) constitutes a mainstream technique for characterizing biological samples. Benefiting from the separation of chemical shifts and J couplings, spatially localized two-dimensional (2D) J-resolved spectroscopy (JPRESS) shows better identification of complex metabolite resonances than one-dimensional MRS does and facilitates the extraction of J coupling information. However, due to variations of macroscopic magnetic susceptibility in biological samples, conventional JPRESS spectra generally suffer from the influence of field inhomogeneity. In this paper, we investigated the implementation of the localized 2D J-resolved spectroscopy based on intermolecular double-quantum coherences (iDQCs) on a 7 T MRI scanner. Materials and Methods A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) aqueous solution, an intact pig brain tissue, and a whole fish (Harpadon nehereus) were explored by using the localized iDQC J-resolved spectroscopy (iDQCJRES) method, and the results were compared to those obtained by using the conventional 2D JPRESS method. Results Inhomogeneous line broadening, caused by the variations of macroscopic magnetic susceptibility in the detected biological samples (the intact pig brain tissue and the whole fish), degrades the quality of 2D JPRESS spectra, particularly when a large voxel is selected and some strongly structured components are included (such as the fish spinal cord). By contrast, high-resolution 2D J-resolved information satisfactory for metabolite analyses can be obtained from localized 2D iDQCJRES spectra without voxel size limitation and field shimming. From the contrastive experiments, it is obvious that the spectral information observed in the localized iDQCJRES spectra acquired from large voxels without field shimming procedure (i.e. in inhomogeneous fields) is similar to that provided by the JPRESS spectra acquired from small voxels after field shimming procedure (i.e. in relatively homogeneous fields). Conclusion The localized iDQCJRES method holds advantage for recovering high-resolution 2D J-resolved information from inhomogeneous fields caused by external non-ideal field condition or internal macroscopic magnetic susceptibility variations in biological samples, and it is free of voxel size limitation and time-consuming field shimming procedure. This method presents a complementary way to the conventional JPRESS method for MRS measurements on MRI systems equipped with broad inner bores, and may provide a promising tool for in vivo MRS applications.
No-reference quality estimation for compressed videos based on inter-frame activity difference

This paper presents a no-reference (NR) based video-quality estimation method for compressed videos. The proposed method does not need bitstream information. Only pixel information is used for the quality estimation. An activity value which indicates a variance of luminance values is calculated for every given-size pixel block. The activity difference between an intra-coded frame and its adjacent frame is employed. In addition, blockiness and blur levels are also estimated at every frame and are taken into account. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves accurate video-quality estimation. The correlation coefficient between subjective quality and estimated quality is 0.925. The proposed method is suitable for automatic quality check when the original videos cannot be used.
Cellulases from Penicillium species for producing fuels from biomass

This review focuses on cellulases from Penicillium species with emphasis on cellulose biodegradation; the most laborious step in the production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. Extracellular multienzyme systems secreted by various Penicillium species proved to be highly efficient destroyers of cellulose in comparison with competitive producers of cellulases. Data on cellulase production levels by Penicillia, enzyme induction and regulation, composition of the secreted multienzyme systems, examples of their application for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic residues, as well as reasons for their high saccharification performance, are discussed. Analysis of the data shows that Penicillium cellulases are very promising candidates for production of the second-generation biofuels; however, some issues should be resolved in order for them to become cost competitive to enzymes produced by other microorganisms (in particular, to those from Trichoderma reesei).
Transactive Memory Systems and Firm Performance: An Upper Echelons Perspective

A substantial body of research uses the concept of transactive memory systems to describe, explain, and predict the behavior and performance of teams. In a multirespondent study of 99 small to midsized technology-based firms, we extend the concept into the unique context of top management teams and discuss its implications for firm performance. Building on the multifunctional and boundary-spanning role of top managers, we develop a novel theoretical account of how the performance implications of transactive memory are shaped by the individual and conjoint influences of a top management team's external social network ties and the rate of dynamism in the firm's competitive environment. In so doing, we link top management team transactive memory to firm performance through transformation-more than through application-of existing scholarly understanding and through distinct operating mechanisms informed by an upper echelons perspective of the firm. Our theory and supportive findings provide new evidence on the relationship between transactive memory and firm performance. We conclude by tracing the implications of our findings for upper echelons and transactive memory research.
Energetic inequivalence in eusocial insect colonies

The energetic equivalence rule states that population-level metabolic rate is independent of average body size. This rule has been both supported and refuted by allometric studies of abundance and individual metabolic rate, but no study, to my knowledge, has tested the rule with direct measurements of whole-population metabolic rate. Here, I find a positive scaling of whole-colony metabolic rate with body size for eusocial insects. Individual metabolic rates in these colonies scaled with body size more steeply than expected from laboratory studies on insects, while population size was independent of body size. Using consumer-resource models, I suggest that the colony-level metabolic rate scaling observed here may arise from a change in the scaling of individual metabolic rate resulting from a change in the body size dependence of mortality rates.
Patulin in apple juices from the Romanian market

The aim of this study was to determine patulin levels in apple-based juices from the Romanian market and to establish a health risk assessment. For this purpose, 50 samples of apple-based juices have been purchased from the Romanian market. Aliquots were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction using ethyl acetate, analysed and quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The patulin level in the apple juices from Romania ranged between <0.7 μg/l and 101.9 μg/l. In 6% of the 50 samples analysed, the maximum limit for patulin as set by the European Union (50 μg/l) was exceeded.
Functional Classification of BRCA2 DNA Variants by Splicing Assays in a Large Minigene with 9 Exons

Numerous pathogenic DNA variants impair the splicing mechanism in human genetic diseases. Minigenes are optimal approaches to test variants under the splicing viewpoint without the need of patient samples. We aimed to design a robust minigene construct of the breast cancer gene BRCA2 in order to investigate the impact of variants on splicing. BRCA2 exons 19–27 (MGBR2_ex19–27) were cloned in the new vector pSAD. It produced a large transcript of the expected size (2,174 nucleotides) and exon structure (V1‐ex19‐27‐V2). Splicing assays showed that 18 (17 splice‐site and 1 silencer variants) out of 40 candidate DNA variants induced aberrant patterns. Twenty‐four anomalous transcripts were accurately detected by fluorescent‐RT‐PCR that were generated by exon‐skipping, alternative site usage, and intron‐retention events. Fourteen variants induced major anomalies and were predicted to disrupt protein function so they could be classified as pathogenic. Furthermore, minigene mimicked previously reported patient RNA outcomes of seven variants supporting the reproducibility of minigene assays. Therefore, a relevant fraction of variants are involved in breast cancer through splicing alterations. MGBR2_ex19–27 is the largest reported BRCA2 minigene and constitutes a valuable tool for the functional and clinical classification of sequence variations.
Inhibitory networks of the amygdala for emotional memory

The amygdala is important for emotional memory, including learned fear. A number of studies for amygdala neural circuits that underlie fear conditioning have elucidated specific cellular and molecular mechanisms of emotional memory. Recent technical advances such as optogenetic approaches have not only confirmed the importance of excitatory circuits in fear conditioning, but have also shed new light for a direct role of inhibitory circuits in both the acquisition and extinction of fear memory in addition to their role in fine tuning of excitatory neural circuitry. As a result, the circuits in amygdala could be drawn more elaborately, and it led us to understand how fear or extinction memories are formed in the detailed circuit level, and various neuromodulators affect these circuit activities, inducing subtle behavioral changes.
Chronic exposure to 2.9 mT, 40 Hz magnetic field reduces melatonin concentrations in humans

Karasek M, Woldanska‐Okonska M, Czernicki J, Zylinska K, Swietoslawski J. Chronic exposure to 2.9 mT, 40 Hz magnetic field reduces melatonin concentrations in humans. J. Pineal Res. 1998; 25:240–244. © Munksgaard, Copenhagen
Intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in airway diseases.

UNLABELLED Several factors have been shown to trigger the pathogenesis of asthma and airway inflammation mechanisms. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid have been detected in asthmatic patients. Cytokines exert as potent stimuli in inflammatory responses through up-regulation of many gene expressions, including cytokines, chemokines, cytosolic phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases. The extent of these gene expressions is correlated with the severity of inflammation. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying the expression of target proteins regulated by these factors are elusive. The mechanisms underlying actions by cytokines may be integrated to the signaling networks that augment airway inflammation by recruiting leukocytes and leading to airway remodeling. Although cytokines have been reported to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases including p42/p44 and p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, the relationship between the activation of these pathways and expression of inflammatory genes remains unknown. Moreover, many genes regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases are dependent on NF-kappaB for transcription. NF-kappaB has also been shown to be involved in target protein expression at the transcriptional level in various cell types. We review the mechanisms underlying the intracellular signaling involved in several target protein expressions induced by cytokines in airway resident cells. CONCLUSION Increased understanding of signal transduction mechanisms underlying target protein gene expression will create opportunities for the development of anti-inflammation therapeutic strategies.
Increase in bloodstream infections in Finland, 1995–2002

SUMMARY A national, population-based laboratory surveillance of bloodstream infections (BSI) in Finland was performed. Blood-culturing rates were determined from data from clinical microbiology laboratories and trends in rates were evaluated using Poisson regression. During 1995–2002, 51 510 cases of BSI were notified; the annual incidence increased from 104 to145 cases/100 000 (40%). Rates increased in all age groups but persons aged ⩾75 years accounted for 28% of cases and showed the largest rate increase. Escherichia coli, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 58% of isolates and their relative proportions were unchanged over time. The annual blood-culturing rate increased by one-third during the study period but the number of BSI detected per blood cultures remained unchanged. Regional BSI incidence was significantly associated with blood-culturing rates. We conclude that the increase in BSI rates may have been due to more frequent blood culturing but was not associated with changes in the reporting system or aetiology of BSI.
Drebrin-Dependent Actin Clustering in Dendritic Filopodia Governs Synaptic Targeting of Postsynaptic Density-95 and Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis

Dendritic spines have two major structural elements: postsynaptic densities (PSDs) and actin cytoskeletons. PSD proteins are proposed to regulate spine morphogenesis. However, other molecular mechanisms should govern spine morphogenesis, because the initiation of spine morphogenesis precedes the synaptic clustering of these proteins. Here, we show that synaptic clustering of drebrin, an actin-binding protein highly enriched in dendritic spines, governs spine morphogenesis. We immunocytochemically analyzed developing hippocampal neurons of low-density cultures. Filopodia-like dendritic protrusions were classified into two types: diffuse-type filopodia, which have diffuse distribution of drebrin, and cluster-type filopodia, which have drebrin clusters with filamentous actin (F-actin). Most cluster-type filopodia were synaptic filopodia. Postsynaptic drebrin clusters were found in both most synaptic filopodia and spines. Postsynaptic PSD-95 clusters, however, were found in only one-half of synaptic filopodia but in most spines. These data indicate that cluster-type filopodia are not mature spines but their precursors. Suppression of the upregulation of drebrin adult isoform (drebrin A) by antisense oligonucleotides against it attenuated synaptic clustering of PSD-95, as well as clustering of drebrin and F-actin. Furthermore, the restoration of drebrin A expression by injection of the expression vectors of drebrin A tagged with green fluorescent protein into the neurons treated with the antisense oligonucleotides induced synaptic reclustering of PSD-95 on clusters of the labeled drebrin A. These data indicated that the synaptic clustering of drebrin is necessary for that of PSD-95 in developing neurons. Together, these data suggest that synaptic clustering of drebrin is an essential step for spine morphogenesis.
Microbial Diversity and Community Structure of Sulfate-Reducing and Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria in Sediment Cores from the East China Sea

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) have been studied extensively in marine sediments because of their vital roles in both sulfur and carbon cycles, but the available information regarding the highly diverse SRB and SOB communities is not comprehensive. High-throughput sequencing of functional gene amplicons provides tremendous insight into the structure and functional potential of complex microbial communities. Here, we explored the community structure, diversity, and abundance of SRB and SOB simultaneously through 16S rRNA, dsrB and soxB gene high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR analyses of core samples from the East China Sea. Overall, high-throughput sequencing of the dsrB and soxB genes achieved almost complete coverage (>99%) and revealed the high diversity, richness, and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) numbers of the SRB and SOB communities, which suggest the existence of an active sulfur cycle in the study area. Further analysis demonstrated that rare species make vital contributions to the high richness, diversity, and OTU numbers obtained. Depth-based distributions of the dsrB, soxB, and 16S rRNA gene abundances indicated that the SRB abundance might be more sensitive to the sedimentary dynamic environment than those of total bacteria and SOB. In addition, the results of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering analysis and redundancy analysis revealed that environmental parameters, such as depth and dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations, and the sedimentary dynamic environment, which differed between the two sampling stations, can significantly influence the community structures of total bacteria, SRB, and SOB. This study provided further comprehensive information regarding the characteristics of SRB and SOB communities.
Hippocampal pattern completion is linked to gamma power increases and alpha power decreases during recollection

How do we retrieve vivid memories upon encountering a simple cue? Computational models suggest that this feat is accomplished by pattern completion processes involving the hippocampus. However, empirical evidence for hippocampal pattern completion and its underlying mechanisms has remained elusive. Here, we recorded direct intracranial EEG as human participants performed an associative memory task. For each study (encoding) and test (retrieval) event, we derived time-frequency resolved representational patterns in the hippocampus and compared the extent of pattern reinstatement for different mnemonic outcomes. Results show that successful associative recognition (AR) yields enhanced event-specific reinstatement of encoding patterns compared to non-associative item recognition (IR). Moreover, we found that gamma power (50–90 Hz) increases – in conjunction with alpha power (8–12 Hz) decreases not only distinguish AR from IR, but also correlate with the level of hippocampal reinstatement. These results link single-shot hippocampal pattern completion to episodic recollection and reveal how oscillatory dynamics in the gamma and alpha bands orchestrate these mnemonic processes. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.17397. 001