Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Activation of Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptors Increases Spike Firing of Nucleus Accumbens Neurons via G-Protein βγ Subunits

Dopamine in the nucleus accumbens modulates both motivational and addictive behaviors. Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are generally considered to exert opposite effects at the cellular level, but many behavioral studies find an apparent cooperative effect of D1 and D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens. Here, we show that a dopamine-induced enhancement of spike firing in nucleus accumbens neurons in brain slices required both D1 and D2 receptors. One intracellular mechanism that might underlie cooperativity of D1 and D2 receptors is activation of specific subtypes of adenylyl cyclases by G-protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) released from the Gi/o-linked D2 receptor in combination with Gαs-like subunits from the D1 receptor. In this regard, dopaminergic enhancement of spike firing was prevented by inhibitors of protein kinase A or Gβγ. Furthermore, intracellular perfusion with Gβγ enabled D1 receptor activation but not D2 receptor activation to enhance spike firing. Finally, our data suggest that these pathways may increase spike firing by inhibition of a slow A-type potassium current. These results provide evidence for a novel cellular mechanism through which cooperative action of D1 and D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens could mediate dopamine-dependent behaviors.
Simultaneous Non‐Invasive Epicardial and Endocardial Mapping in Patients With Brugada Syndrome: New Insights Into Arrhythmia Mechanisms

Background The underlying mechanisms of Brugada syndrome (BrS) are not completely understood. Recent studies provided evidence that the electrophysiological substrate, leading to electrocardiogram abnormalities and/or ventricular arrhythmias, is located in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The purpose of this study was to examine abnormalities of epicardial and endocardial local unipolar electrograms by simultaneous noninvasive mapping in patients with BrS. Methods and Results Local epicardial and endocardial unipolar electrograms were analyzed using a novel noninvasive epi‐ and endocardial electrophysiology system (NEEES) in 12 patients with BrS and 6 with right bundle branch block for comparison. Fifteen normal subjects composed the control group. Observed depolarization abnormalities included fragmented electrograms in the anatomical area of RVOT endocardially and epicardially, significantly prolonged activation time in the RVOT endocardium (65±20 vs 38±13 ms in controls; P=0.008), prolongation of the activation‐recovery interval in the RVOT epicardium (281±34 vs 247±26 ms in controls; P=0.002). Repolarization abnormalities included a larger area of ST‐segment elevation >2 mV and T‐wave inversions. Negative voltage gradient (−2.5 to −6.0 mV) between epicardium and endocardium of the RVOT was observed in 8 of 12 BrS patients, not present in patients with right bundle branch block or in controls. Conclusions Abnormalities of epicardial and endocardial electrograms associated with depolarization and repolarization properties were found using NEEES exclusively in the RVOT of BrS patients. These findings support both, depolarization and repolarization abnormalities, being operative at the same time in patients with BrS.
The Role of Human Parietal Area 7A as a Link between Sequencing in Hand Actions and in Overt Speech Production

Research on the evolutionary basis of the human language faculty has proposed the mirror neuron system as a link between motor processing and speech development. Consequently, most work has focused on the left inferior frontal cortex, in particular Broca’s region, and the left inferior parietal cortex. However, the direct link between planning of hand motor and speech actions has yet to be elucidated. Thus, the present study investigated whether motor sequencing of hand vs. speech actions has a common neural denominator. For the hand motor task, 25 subjects performed single, repeated, or sequenced button presses with either the left or right hand. The speech task was in analogy; the same subjects produced the syllable “po” once or repeatedly, or a sequence of different syllables (“po-pi-po”). Speech motor vs. hand motor effectors resulted in increased perisylvian activation including Broca’s region (left area 44 and areas medially adjacent to left area 45). In contrast, common activation for sequenced vs. repeated production of button presses and syllables revealed the effector-independent involvement of left area 7A in the superior parietal lobule (SPL) in sequencing. These data demonstrate that sequencing of vocal gestures, an important precondition for ordered utterances and ultimately human speech, shares area 7A, rather than inferior parietal regions, as a common cortical module with hand motor sequencing. Interestingly, area 7A has previously also been shown to be involved in the observation of hand and non-hand actions. In combination with the literature, the present data thus suggest a distinction between area 44, which is specifically recruited for (cognitive aspects of) speech, and SPL area 7A for general aspects of motor sequencing. In sum, the study demonstrates a previously underspecified role of the SPL in the origins of speech, and may be discussed in the light of embodiment of speech and language in the motor system.
Design of an Osteoinductive Extracellular Fibronectin Matrix Protein for Bone Tissue Engineering

Integrin-mediated cell-matrix interactions play an important role in osteogenesis. Here, we constructed a novel osteoinductive fibronectin matrix protein (oFN) for bone tissue engineering, designed to combine the integrin-binding modules from fibronectin (iFN) and a strong osteoinductive growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein-2. Compared with iFN, the purified oFN matrix protein caused a significant increase in cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells (p < 0.05).
Behandlung dissoziativer Anfälle

Zusammenfassung Das Thema der nicht epileptischen, dissoziativen Krampfanfälle gewinnt an Bedeutung, was an der steigenden Anzahl an Publikationen deutlich wird. Erfreulicherweise steigt auch die Zahl der Beiträge zur Behandlung der Störung. Eindeutige Aussagen sind aufgrund fehlender, methodisch überzeugender Therapiestudien nicht möglich, denn Therapiemaßnahmen werden meist an die individuellen Notwendigkeiten angepasst. Jedoch wurden neuerdings Studien mit standardisierten Therapieprotokollen publiziert. Aufgrund dieser Entwicklungen in Verbindung mit eigenen Erfahrungen werden Vorschläge für die Behandlung dissoziativer Anfälle referiert. Wichtig erscheint die therapeutische Trias aus Akzeptanz der Diagnose, Anfallsunterbrechung und Konfliktlösung. Das bedeutet die wertfreie Kommunikation der Diagnose auf der Grundlage eines biopsychosozialen Störungsmodells, das Erlernen von Strategien zum angstfreien Umgang mit Anfällen und deren Unterbrechung sowie die Auseinandersetzung mit Konflikten auf der Grundlage ihres Entstehens. In einem gesonderten Abschnitt wird auf die Möglichkeiten in der Behandlung dissoziativer Anfälle bei intelligenzgeminderten Patienten eingegangen. Summary The topic of non-epileptic, dissociative seizures becomes more important, which can be seen in the increasing amount of publications. Fortunately, the number of contributions for therapeutic options increases as well. However, explicit therapeutic statements are not possible, because convincing study designs are missing and therapeutic interventions are adapted to individual necessities. Nevertheless, some studies with standardized treatment protocols were published lately. Based on these new developments, in conjunction with own experiences the proposals for contents of the treatment on dissociative seizures are reported. The triad of accepting the diagnosis, seizure control and problem solving of inner conflicts appears to be important. This implies to communicate the diagnosis objectively on the basis of a biopsychosocial model, to train strategies for fear free handling and controlling seizures, to resolve inner conflicts on the basis of etiology. Possible treatment options of dissociative seizures in patients with intellectual disabilities are being addressed in a separate paragraph.
Wafer thinning for 3D integration

We are fast approaching the limits of what can be achieved by shrinking IC groundrules. Moore's Law, which states that the number of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years, is no longer true. Transistor counts are expected to increase at a slower pace for the next few years, doubling only every three years or so. In light of this decreasing trend, the increase in functionality can be expected to come from a combination of transistor count and packing density - 3D chip stacking or 3D packaging. Since the thinner the die, the more die can be stacked per unit volume, a common thread through virtually all modern packing processes is wafer thinning. We will discuss an all-chemical wafer thinning process (WaveEtch™) that is inexpensive, single-sided, and that is compatible with wafer thickness of down to 40 μm, or less. The WaveEtch™ process effectively decouples chemistry from transport phenomena, thus increasing uniformity and providing greater flexibility in working with novel chemistries. Aside from blanket thinning, it can also create unique final surface textures on scales of nanometers to micrometers. The tools' design allows for uniform etching of nearly any substrate type and material; from round to rectangular, for semiconductor, optical, and solar applications.
Single image fog removal using COIN filters

The proposed novel algorithm helps to resolve the problem of degraded illumination and the assessment of its range in foggy weather. Like contrast restoration methods, the proposed algorithm improves the accuracy of object of interest present in the foggy image using Convergence Index Filters. The existing methods work based on the statistical measures and it may not work for the images where the scene objects are inherently similar to the atmospheric light. In the proposed algorithm the gradient energy magnitude along with its directional information is used as an additional parameter to find the objects embedded in foggy image. Some of the convergence index filters are Coin filter (CF), Adaptive Ring filter (ARF), IRIS filter (IR), Sliding Band filter (SBF). The gradient of an image can be an important source of information for texture discrimination. The property of the COIN filter works with vector data and does not depend on the contrast information. When this property is applied in fog removal, the proposed algorithm estimates the transmission map to maximize the contrast of the output image.
Promotion of cooperation by selective group extinction

Multilevel selection is an important organizing principle that crucially underlies evolutionary processes from the emergence of cells to eusociality and the economics of nations. Previous studies on multilevel selection assumed that the effective higher-level selection emerges from lower-level reproduction. This leads to selection among groups, although only individuals reproduce. We introduce selective group extinction, where groups die with a probability inversely proportional to their group fitness. When accounting for this the critical benefit-to-cost ratio is substantially lowered. Because in game theory and evolutionary dynamics the degree of cooperation crucially depends on this ratio above which cooperation emerges, previous studies may have substantially underestimated the establishment and maintenance of cooperation.
Spectral Unmixing: Analysis of Performance in the Olfactory Bulb In Vivo

Background The generation of transgenic mice expressing combinations of fluorescent proteins has greatly aided the reporting of activity and identification of specific neuronal populations. Methods capable of separating multiple overlapping fluorescence emission spectra, deep in the living brain, with high sensitivity and temporal resolution are therefore required. Here, we investigate to what extent spectral unmixing addresses these issues. Methodology/Principal Findings Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based reporters, and two-photon laser scanning microscopy with synchronous multichannel detection, we report that spectral unmixing consistently improved FRET signal amplitude, both in vitro and in vivo. Our approach allows us to detect odor-evoked FRET transients 180–250 µm deep in the brain, the first demonstration of in vivo spectral imaging and unmixing of FRET signals at depths greater than a few tens of micrometer. Furthermore, we determine the reporter efficiency threshold for which FRET detection is improved by spectral unmixing. Conclusions/Significance Our method allows the detection of small spectral variations in depth in the living brain, which is essential for imaging efficiently transgenic animals expressing combination of multiple fluorescent proteins.
Lacrimal bone thickness at the lacrimal sac fossa.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Because laser dacryocystorhinostomy techniques have become more popular during the past few years, interest has grown concerning the anatomic structures that need to be penetrated in these procedures. The authors therefore studied the thickness and the histologic type of the lacrimal bone at the lacrimal sac fossa. PATIENTS AND METHODS The thickness of 69 lacrimal bones at the lacrimal sac fossa from 48 patients was measured. RESULTS The mean thickness was 106 microns. In 67% of the patients the mean thickness of individual lacrimal bone was less than 100 microns and in 4% it was more than 300 microns. The thinnest measured cross section of the lacrimal bone sample was 11 microns and the thickest was 722 microns. The lacrimal bone was composed of a thin plate of lamellar bone. CONCLUSION In most cases the lacrimal bone at the lacrimal sac fossa is so thin that it can be easily penetrated with most surgical instruments.
Interpreting Thermal 3D Models of Indoor Environments for Energy Efficiency

In recent years 3D models of buildings are used in maintenance and inspection, preservation, and other building related applications. However, the usage of these models is limited because most models are pure representations with no or little associated semantics. In this paper we present a pipeline of techniques used for interior interpretation, object detection, and adding energy related semantics to windows of a 3D thermal model. A sequence of algorithms is presented for building the fundamental semantics of a 3D model. Among other things, these algorithms enable the system to differentiate between objects in a room and objects that are part of the room, e.g. floor, windows. Subsequently, the thermal information is used to construct a stochastic mathematical model– namely Markov Random Field– of the temperature distribution of the detected windows. As a result, the MAP(Maximum a posteriori) framework is used to further label the windows as either open, closed or damaged based upon their temperature distribution. The experimental results showed the robustness of the techniques. Furthermore, a strategy to optimize the free parameters is described, in cases where there is a sample training dataset.
Emotional Contagion in the Online Environment: Investigating the Dynamics and Implications of Emotional Encounters in Mixed-Motive Situations in the Electronic Context

This paper explores the effects of individual emotional encounters in mixed motive situations on each individual outcomes, dyadic outcomes, and attitudes in an electronic communication context. Results of the experiment show that positive emotions expressed online tended to lead to greater emotional contagion than did negative emotions, and can be beneficial for a future relationship, while negative emotions online tended to exert influence over individual gains. Specifically, our data indicates that those participants who negotiated with an emotionally negative other obtained lower individual outcomes than did their counterparts, while those negative counterparts had the biggest share of the pie among all conditions. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Funcionamiento neuropsicológico de un paciente con trastorno orgánico de la personalidad

El trastorno organico de la personalidad (TOP) se caracteriza por la presencia de desinhibicion producida por una alteracion organica que afecta a la conducta y al funcionamiento del dominio cognitivo, en especial a las funciones ejecutivas. Este trabajo analiza los deficits neuropsicologicos de un paciente con TOP y su posible relacion con los altos niveles de discapacidad que presenta. La evaluacion realizada al paciente muestra una capacidad intelectual global evaluada con la WAIS-III muy por debajo de la media; ademas, se observan deficits atencionales, en la memoria a corto y largo plazo, y en funciones ejecutivas. Los hallazgos podrian ser consistentes con una alteracion general de las funciones ejecutivas que, a su vez, podrian estar comprometiendo la capacidad del paciente para autoregular sus acciones y respuestas. Partiendo de datos anteriores disponibles del paciente se observa un posible deterioro en el funcionamiento intelectual general. Los actuales deficits del paciente, su evolucion, asi como una consideracion de las alteraciones neuropsicologicas, como predictoras de la funcionalidad, podrian explicar sus dificultades. Se propone una intervencion rehabilitadora basada en el aprendizaje de estrategias metacognitivas en un contexto que permita la transferencia de lo aprendido a situaciones cuotidianas. Se recomienda que la intervencion se haga en el marco de una intervencion integral y que la exploracion neuropsicologica sea una pieza clave del proceso de rehabilitacion del paciente con TOP.
Del Acto al Pensamiento: El Proceso en la Comunidad Terapeutica From Action To Thought: The Process In The Therapeutic Community

The Therapeutic Community for Personality Disorders at Clinica San Miguel has been functioning since March 2007 with the purpose of conducting an intensive psychother - apeutic treatment of people with severe personality disorders. In this paper we describe the theoretical basis of our model, relating both to our conception of personality pathology, and to the unit structure, the day to day functioning and the experience along these last six years.
Localization Study of a Non-Local Energetic Damage Model

The contribution presents an analysis of a rate-independent non-local damage model, recently proposed by (Mielke and Roubicek, 2006). An analytical as well as numerical solution of a simple one-dimensional bifurcation problem is performed, demonstrating that, for the elementary localization test, the model is free of pathological features.
A 2-Approximation Algorithm for Scheduling Parallel and Time-Sensitive Applications to Maximize Total Accrued Utility Value

For a time-sensitive application, the usefulness of its end results (also called the application's accrued utility value in the paper) depends on the time when the application is completed and its results are delivered. In this paper, we address the accrued utility value maximization problem for narrow parallel and time-sensitive applications. We first consider the problem in the context of a discrete time domain and present the Spatial-Temporal Interference Based (STIB) scheduling algorithm. We formally prove that the STIB algorithm is a 2-approximation algorithm. Second, we extend our work to a continuous time domain and present a heuristic scheduling algorithm, i.e., the Continuous Spatial-Temporal Interference Based (STIB-C) algorithm to maximize the system's total accrued utility value when the system operates in a continuous time domain. The extensive empirical evaluations reveal that: (1) in a discrete time domain, the systems' total accrued utility values obtained through the STIB algorithm are consistent with the theoretic bound, i.e., they never go below 50 percent of the optimal value. In fact, on average, the STIB algorithm can achieve over 92.5 percent of the optimal value; (2) compared to other scheduling policies listed in the literature, the developed STIB and STIB-C algorithms have clear advantages in terms of the system's total accrued utility value and the profitable application ratio. In particular, in terms of the system's total accrued utility value, both the STIB and the STIB-C algorithms achieve as much as six times for both the First Come First Come Serve(FCFS) with backfilling algorithm and the Gang Earliest Deadline First (EDF) algorithm, and 4.5 times for the 0-1 Knapsack based scheduling algorithm. In terms of the profitable application ratio, both the STIB and the STIB-C algorithms obtain as much as four times for both the FCFS with backfilling algorithm and the Gang EDF algorithm, and two times for the 0-1 Knapsack based scheduling algorithm.
Binary histogram based split/merge object detection using FPGAs

Tracking of objects using colour histograms has proven successful in various visual surveillance systems. Such systems rely heavily on similarity matrices to compare the appearance of targets in successive frames. The computational cost of the similarity matrix is increased if proximate objects merge into a single object or a single object fragments into two or more parts. This paper presents a method of reducing this computational cost with the use of a reconfigurable computing architecture. Colour histogram data of moving targets are used to generate binary signatures for the detection of merged or fragmented objects. The main contribution in this paper is how binary histogram data is generated and used to detect split/merge object with the use of logical operations native to the hardware architecture used for its implementation. The results show a 10 fold improvement in processing speed over the microprocessor based implementation, and that it is also capable of detecting split/merge objects efficiently.
Degrees of Freedom of a MIMO Multipair Two-Way Relay Channel With Delayed Channel State Information

We study the degrees of freedom (DoFs) of a multiple-input multiple-output <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$K$</tex-math></inline-formula>-pair two-way relay channel with delayed channel state information (CSI) with <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$J$</tex-math></inline-formula> distributed relays. In the considered model, we assume that the users are equipped with <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$ </tex-math></inline-formula> antennas and the relay with <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$</tex-math> </inline-formula> antennas. We propose two schemes, where the signaling design can be carried out either in each individual time slot or across multiple time slots with and without knowledge of CSI. The scheme involves a joint design of user beamforming matrices, relay beamforming matrices, and user postprocessing matrices, so as to meet interference neutralization and rank conditions. We show that the optimal DoF of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\frac{N}{2K}$</tex-math></inline-formula> per user can be reached for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\frac{M}{N}\geq 1$</tex-math></inline-formula> for an arbitrary number of user pairs when <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$J=1$</tex-math></inline-formula>. This implies that delayed CSI does not compromise the DoF performance of the considered model when <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX"> $\frac{M}{N}\geq 1$</tex-math></inline-formula>.