Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Neural Changes after Low-Frequency Bilateral Globus Pallidus Internus Deep Brain Stimulation for Post-Hypoxic Cortical Myoclonus: Voxel-Based Subtraction Analysis of Serial Positron Emission

Post-hypoxic myoclonus (PHM) and Lance–Adams syndrome (LAS) are rare conditions following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The aim of this study was to identify functional activity in the cerebral cortex after a hypoxic event and to investigate alterations that could be modulated by deep brain stimulation (DBS). A voxel-based subtraction analysis of serial positron emission tomography (PET) scans was performed in a 34-year-old woman with chronic medically refractory PHM that improved with bilateral globus pallidus internus (Gpi) DBS implanted three years after the hypoxic event. The patient required low-frequency stimulation to show myoclonus improvement. Using voxel-based statistical parametric mapping, we identified a decrease in glucose metabolism in the prefrontal lobe including the dorsolateral, orbito-, and inferior prefrontal cortex, which was suspected to be the origin of the myoclonus from postoperative PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after DBS. Based on the present study results, voxel-based subtraction of PET appears to be a useful approach for monitoring patients with PHM treated with DBS. Further investigation and continuous follow-up on the use of PET analysis and DBS treatment for patients with PHM are necessary to help understanding the pathophysiology of PHM, or LAS.
Differential stimulation of the retina with glutamate toward a neurotransmitter-based retinal prosthesis

Subretinal stimulation of the retina with neurotransmitters, the normal means of conveying visual information, is a potentially better alternative to electrical stimulation widely used in current retinal prostheses for treating blindness from photoreceptor degenerative diseases. Yet, no retinal stimulation study exploiting the inner retinal pathways exists. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of differentially stimulating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) through the inner nuclear layer of the retina with glutamate, a primary neurotransmitter chemical, in a biomimetic way. We show that controlled pulsatile delivery of glutamate into the subsurface of explanted wild-type rat retinas elicits highly localized simultaneous inhibitory and excitatory spike rate responses in OFF and ON RGCs. We also present the spatiotemporal characteristics of RGC responses to subretinally injected glutamate and the therapeutic stimulation parameters. Our findings could pave the way for future development of a neurotransmitter-based subretinal prosthesis offering more naturalistic vision and better visual acuity than electrical prostheses.
Insights into Genomic Epidemiology, Evolution, and Transmission Dynamics of Genotype VII of Class II Newcastle Disease Virus in China

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is distributed worldwide and has caused significant losses to the poultry industry. Almost all virulent NDV strains belong to class II, among which genotype VII is the predominant genotype in China. However, the molecular evolution and phylodynamics of class II genotype VII NDV strains in China remained largely unknown. In this study, we identified 13 virulent NDV including 11 genotype VII strains and 2 genotype IX strains, from clinical samples during 1997 to 2019. Combined NDV sequences submitted to GenBank, we investigate evolution, and transmission dynamics of class II NDVs in China, especially genotype VII strains. Our results revealed that East and South China have the most genotypic diversity of class II NDV, and East China might be the origin of genotype VII NDVs in China. In addition, genotype VII NDVs in China are presumably transmitted by chickens, as the virus was most prevalent in chickens. Furthermore, codon usage analysis revealed that the F genes of genotype VII NDVs have stronger adaptation in chickens, and six amino acids in this gene are found under positive selection via selection model analysis. Collectively, our results revealed the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of genotype VII NDVs in China, providing important insights into the epidemiology of these viruses in China.
Dynamics of perineuronal nets over amphibian metamorphosis

Extracellular matrix materials known as perineuronal nets (PNNs) have been shown to have remarkable consequences for the maturation of neural circuits and stabilization of behavior. It has been proposed that, due to the possibly long‐lived biochemical nature of their components, PNNs may be an important substrate by which long‐term memories are stored in the central nervous system. However, little empirical evidence exists that shows that PNNs are themselves stable once established. Thus, the question of their temporal dynamics remains unresolved. We leverage the dramatic morphological and behavioral transformations that occur during amphibian metamorphosis to show that PNNs can be highly dynamic in nature. We used established lectin histochemistry to show that PNNs undergo drastic reconstruction during the metamorphic transition. Pre‐metamorphic tadpoles have abundant lectin‐labeled pericellular material, which we interpret to be PNNs, surrounding neurons throughout the central nervous system. During the metamorphic transition, these structures degrade, and begin to reform in the months following metamorphosis. We show that PNN sizes and staining intensity further change over metamorphosis, suggesting compositional rearrangement. We found PNNs in brain regions with putative homology to regions in mammals with known PNN function, and in other shared regions where PNN function is unknown. Our results suggest that PNNs are susceptible to remodeling by endogenous mechanisms during development. Interpreting the roles of PNNs in circuit maturation and stability requires understanding their temporal relationship with the neurons and synapses they surround. Our work provides further impetus to investigate this relationship in tandem with developmental and behavioral studies.
Production of Itraconazole Nanocrystal-Based Polymeric Film Formulations for Immediate Drug Release

In order to improve the solubility properties of BCS class II drug itraconazole, fast dissolving oral polymeric film formulations based on itraconazole nanocrystals were produced. Drug nanocrystals were manufactured by the wet pearl milling technique. In polymeric film formulations, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was used as a film forming polymer, and glycerin was used as a plasticizer. For nanocrystal suspensions and film formulations, thorough physicochemical characterization was performed, including particle sizing and size deviation, film appearance, weight variation, thickness, folding endurance, drug content uniformity, disintegration time, and dissolution profile. After milling, the nanoparticles were 369 nm in size with a PI value of 0.20. Nanoparticles were stable and after redispersion from film formulations, the particle size remained almost the same (330 nm and PI 0.16). The produced films were flexible, homogeneous, fast disintegrating, and drug release rate from both the nanosuspension and film formulations showed immediate release behavior. Based on the study, the film casting method for production of itraconazole nanocrystal based immediate release formulations is a good option for improved solubility.
Semantics Based on the Physical Characteristics of Facial Expressions Used to Produce Japanese Vowels

Previous studies have reported that verbal sounds are associated—non-arbitrarily—with specific meanings (e.g., sound symbolism and onomatopoeia), including visual forms of information such as facial expressions; however, it remains unclear how mouth shapes used to utter each vowel create our semantic impressions. We asked 81 Japanese participants to evaluate mouth shapes associated with five Japanese vowels by using 10 five-item semantic differential scales. The results reveal that the physical characteristics of the facial expressions (mouth shapes) induced specific evaluations. For example, the mouth shape made to voice the vowel “a” was the one with the biggest, widest, and highest facial components compared to other mouth shapes, and people perceived words containing that vowel sound as bigger. The mouth shapes used to pronounce the vowel “i” were perceived as more likable than the other four vowels. These findings indicate that the mouth shapes producing vowels imply specific meanings. Our study provides clues about the meaning of verbal sounds and what the facial expressions in communication represent to the perceiver.
The Topological Entropy of Cyclic Permutation Maps and Some Chaotic Properties on Their MPE sets

In this paper, we study some chaotic properties of s-dimensional dynamical system of the form Ψ(a1, a2, . . . , as) � (gs(as), g1(a1), . , gs−1(as−1)), where ak ∈ Hk for any k ∈ 1, 2, . , s { }, s≥ 2 is an integer, and Hk is a compact subinterval of the real lineR � (−∞, +∞) for any k ∈ 1, 2, . , s { }. Particularly, a necessary and sufficient condition for a cyclic permutation map Ψ(a1, a2, . . . , as) � (gs(as), g1(a1), . , gs−1(as−1)) to be LY-chaotic or h-chaotic or RT-chaotic or D-chaotic is obtained. Moreover, the LY-chaoticity, h-chaoticity, RT-chaoticity, and D-chaoticity of such a cyclic permutation map is explored. Also, we proved that the topological entropy h(Ψ) of such a cyclic permutationmap is the same as the topological entropy of each of the following maps: gj ∘ gj−1 ∘ · · · ∘g1l ∘gs ∘gs−1 ∘ · · · ∘gj+1, if j � 1, . , s − 1and gs ∘gs−1 ∘ · · · ∘g1, and thatΨ is sensitive if and only if at least one of the coordinates maps of Ψ is sensitive.
Adaptive Finite-Time Neural Network Control of Nonlinear Systems With Multiple Objective Constraints and Application to Electromechanical System

This article investigates an adaptive finite-time neural control for a class of strict feedback nonlinear systems with multiple objective constraints. In order to solve the main challenges brought by the state constraints and the emergence of finite-time stability, a new barrier Lyapunov function is proposed for the first time, not only can it solve multiobjective constraints effectively but also ensure that all states are always within the constraint intervals. Second, by combining the command filter method and backstepping control, the adaptive controller is designed. What is more, the proposed controller has the ability to avoid the “singularity” problem. The compensation mechanism is introduced to neutralize the error appearing in the filtering process. Furthermore, the neural network is used to approximate the unknown function in the design process. It is shown that the proposed finite-time neural adaptive control scheme achieves a good tracking effect. And each objective function does not violate the constraint bound. Finally, a simulation example of electromechanical dynamic system is given to prove the effectiveness of the proposed finite-time control strategy.
A Comparison of Classification Techniques to Predict Brain-Computer Interfaces Accuracy Using Classifier-Based Latency Estimation†

P300-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) performance is vulnerable to latency jitter. To investigate the role of latency jitter on BCI system performance, we proposed the classifier-based latency estimation (CBLE) method. In our previous study, CBLE was based on least-squares (LS) and stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SWLDA) classifiers. Here, we aim to extend the CBLE method using sparse autoencoders (SAE) to compare the SAE-based CBLE method with LS- and SWLDA-based CBLE. The newly-developed SAE-based CBLE and previously used methods are also applied to a newly-collected dataset to reduce the possibility of spurious correlations. Our results showed a significant (p<0.001) negative correlation between BCI accuracy and estimated latency jitter. Furthermore, we also examined the effect of the number of electrodes on each classification technique. Our results showed that on the whole, CBLE worked regardless of the classification method and electrode count; by contrast the effect of the number of electrodes on BCI performance was classifier dependent.
Fungi on grasses and sedges: Paratetraploa exappendiculata gen. et sp. nov., Petrakia paracochinensis sp. nov. and Spadicoides versiseptatis sp. nov. (dematiaceous hyphomycetes)

Three new dematiaceous hyphomycetes are described, based on collections of decaying grass and sedge samples in Hong Kong. Paratetraploa exappendiculata gen. and sp. nov. has semi-macronematous conidiophores and Tetraploa-like conidia, which lack an apical appendage, but have conspicuous punctate wall ornamentation. Petrakia paracochinensis sp. nov. resembles Piricauda cochinensis in having conidia which are similar in size and shape. Spadicoides versiseptatis sp. nov. is a distinctive species in having both pseudosepta and eusepta in each conidium.
Reprogramming to the nervous system: A computational and candidate gene approach

REPROGRAMMING TO THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: A COMPUTATIONAL AND CANDIDATE GENE APPROACH By Bradly John Alicea The creation of stem-like cells, neuronal cells, and skeletal muscle fibers from a generic somatic precursor phenotype has many potential applications. These uses range from cell therapy to disease modeling. The enabling methodology for these applications is known as direct cellular reprogramming. While the biological underpinnings of cellular reprogramming go back to the work of Gurdon and other developmental biologists, the direct approach is a rather recent development. Therefore, our understanding of the reprogramming process is largely based on isolated findings and interesting results. A true synthesis, particularly from a systems perspective, is lacking. In this dissertation, I will attempt to build toward an intellectual synthesis of direct reprogramming by critically examining four types of phenotypic conversion that result in production of nervous system components: induced pluripotency (iPS), induced neuronal (iN), induced skeletal muscle (iSM), and induced cardiomyocyte (iCM). Since potential applications range from tools for basic science to disease modeling and bionic technologies, the need for a common context is essential. This intellectual synthesis will be defined through several research endeavors. The first investigation introduces a set of experiments in which multiple fibroblast cell lines are converted to two terminal phenotypes: iN and iSM. The efficiency and infectability of cells subjected to each reprogramming regimen are then compared both statistically and quantitatively. This set of experiments also resulted in the development of novel analytical methods for measuring reprogramming efficiency and infectability. The second investigation features a critical review and statistical analysis of iPS reprogramming, specifically when compared to indirect reprogramming (SCNT-ES) and related stem-like cells. The third investigation is a review and theoretical synthesis which stakes out new directions in our understanding of the direct reprogramming process, including recent computational modeling endeavors and results from the iPS, iN and induced cardiomyocyte (iCM) experiments. To further unify the outcomes of these studies, additional results related to Chapter 2 and directions for future research will be presented. The additional results will allow for further interpretation and insight into the role of diversity in direct reprogramming. These future directions include both experimental approaches (a technique called mechanism disruption) and computational approaches (preliminary results for an agent-based population-level approximation of direct reprogramming). The insights provided here will hopefully provide a framework for theoretical development and a guide for traditional biologists and systems biologists alike.
THE ARMY-ANT BEHAVIOR PATTERN: NOMAD-STATARY RELATIONS IN THE SWARMERS AND THE PROBLEM OF MIGRATION

The problem of migration occupies a position of considerable importance in the study of animal psychology, involving as it does questions such as "instinct," reproductive functions influencing behavior, sensory and ecological factors in behavior, and others of significance. Numerous writers have suggested, with reason, that the scientific explanation of animal migration may be improved not only through further investigations of the best known migrants, among birds and fishes, but also by studying other instances wherever they arise in the phyletic series. By investigating migration and related patterns in a variety of animal types, it may well be possible to clarify both the essential fundamental characteristics of migration and characteristics which may differ or be absent according to the given biological setting. Accordingly, our present discussion introduces such an exercise in the study of one of the social insects. The most characteristically pedestrian of all insects, species of the ant subfamily Dorylinae in the American tropics, commonly known as "army ants," seem committed to a wandering of their colonies without any possibility of more than relatively brief nesting stops. In this respect they resemble their Old World relatives, the "driver ants," of which Savage (1847) said:
Genetic diversity in holm-oak (Quercus ilex L.): insight from several enzyme markers

La variation genetique (a l'interieur des populations et entre les populations) a ete etudiee chez Quercus ilex, espece anemophile caracterisee par une forte variabilite phenologique et une distribution continue dans les regions mediterraneennes. Trois marqueurs allozymatiques ont ete utilises: loci PGI1 (phosphoglucose isomerase), ADH1 (alcool deshydrogenase) et IDH1 (isocitrate deshydrogenase)
On the validity of Nemipterus furcosus (Valenciennes) (Nemipteridae)

Nemipterus furcosus (Valenciennes), cite par la plupart des auteurs recents sous le nom de N. peronii (Valenciennes), est ici reconnu comme une espece valide et redecrit. N. peronii est considere comme le synonyme senior de N. tolu (Valenciennes).
The Resilience of the Logarithmic Law to Pressure Gradients: Evidence from DNS

Wall-bounded turbulence in pressure gradients is studied using a Poiseuille-Couette flow, and Direct Numerical Simulation at appreciable Reynolds numbers. The key motivation is to include adverse pressure gradients, unlike the favorable ones in the wellstudied Poiseuille flow. The central question is how the logarithmic law reacts to the gradient in the total shear stress, and ratios of “log region” stress to wall stress, τ, ranging from roughly 0.6 to 1.8 have been obtained. The normalized pressure gradients p ≡ dτ/dy at the two walls are −0.00056 and +0.034. The outcome is in agreement with the experimental findings in boundary layers by Head and Galbraith: the logarithmic velocity profile is vastly more resilient than two other, equally plausible assumptions, namely universality of the mixing length at l = κy and of the eddy viscosity νt = uτκy. This is with a unique Karman constant κ, of course. This appears new as a DNS result, and free of the experimental uncertainty over skin-friction. It is probably more remarkable in the adverse gradient, in that the wall shear stress is small and could be expected to be overwhelmed by the stress in the bulk of the flow. We view this finding as somewhat counter-intuitive, but also as quite well-established.
Relation between macrophyte vegetation and environmental condition in the Ipel' River (Slovakia): case study

The aquatic macrophyte vegetation along a selected part of Ipel' River and adjacent tributaries situated between Zelene and Pincina villages was investigated in July and August 2000. In the 90 river sections of variable length (2-1000 m; overall length was almost 14.4 km) all macrophytes were mapped and their relative abundance estimated using a standard method. Abiotic variables within each section were also recorded. The distribution of plants was related to the abiotic factors. Three types of floristic-ecological zones (A-C) were recognized: habitat A represents natural meandering parts of river, habitat B represents regulated parts (including short stretches - termed B2 - characterized by weirs), and habitat C represents embanked sections, with slow water flow and thick silt. All types of habitat were characterized in terms of their plants. A total of 22 vascular taxa and 4 bryophytes were found in the study area.
Computational Analysis of Environmental Risk Conditioners

The intense urbanization process since the 1970s, coupled with the lack of adequate housing and social policies, has led large urban centers to disordered occupations and situations of geotechnical risk. These occupations were not implemented in a technically correct manner from the point of view of civil engineering, considering landscaping, drainage and paving, as well as edification. Areas at risk are regions where it is not recommended to build houses or facilities because they are very exposed to natural disasters, such as landslides and floods. In Brazil, the main institution responsible for monitoring areas at risk is the Civil Defense. There is a large database with history of occurrences of risk areas served by the Municipal Civil Defense, in Juiz de Fora city, Minas Gerais state - Brazil, from 1996 to 2017. Some important information contained in this database are the physical aspects of the soil, such as slope, geolocation, amplitude, curvature and accumulated flow, as well as processed data from the sliding risk susceptibility methodologies. The objective of this work is to apply machine learning techniques to identify, from the mentioned database, the susceptibility to the risk of environmental disasters in regions that have not yet participated in events attended by the municipal civil defense. This database is large and unbalanced, thus it is necessary to apply data analysis methodologies so that the machine learning model can correctly identify the standards with the least human intervention. In this study, areas were classified according to risk susceptibility. After the whole process, it was possible to analyze the performance of the algorithms and select some of them, which obtained the best results, with an accuracy of around 80%.
An unprecedented new genus and family of Tetractinellida (Porifera, Demospongiae) from New Zealand's Colville Ridge, with a new type of mitochondrial group I intron

A remarkable sponge with unprecedented megascleres and systematic affinities was collected recently from a previously unidentified volcano on Colville Ridge to the north-east of New Zealand. The sponge has the appearance of a tetillid sponge (family Tetillidae Sollas, 1886) with a perfectly spherical external form, radiating internal skeleton of huge oxeas and triaenes, and microspined sigmaspires as microscleres. The triaene megascleres, however, are unprecedented in their form and ornamentation; they are huge clubbed orthotriaenes the upper third of which is acanthose. Stupenda singularis gen. et sp. nov. is described here and the phylogenetic affinity and taxonomic position of this unique sponge is explored in relation to a broad range of tetractinellid sponges (order Tetractinellida Marshall, 1876) using the Folmer + Erpenbeck fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and a nearly complete sequence of the 18S rDNA gene. Mitochondrial introns are rare in sponges but S. singularis gen. et sp. nov. possesses a mitochondrial group I intron at position 387 in COI; it hosts a putative LAGLIDADG endonuclease gene. This intron is the first of its kind in sponges: the self-splicing intron is homologous to a placozoan COI intron whereas the LAGLIDADG endonuclease gene may be related to Fungi LAGLIDADG endonuclease genes. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London