BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE - Application of an Adaptive Bi-stage Classifier based on RBF-HMM

Brain Computer Interface is an emerging technology that allows new output paths to communicate the users intentions without the use of normal output paths, such as muscles or nerves. In order to obtain their objective, BCI devices make use of classifiers which translate inputs from the users brain signals into commands for external devices. This paper describes an adaptive bi-stage classifier. The first stage is based on Radial Basis Function neural networks, which provides sequences of pre-assignations to the second stage, that it is based on three different Hidden Markov Models, each one trained with pre-assignation sequences from the cognitive activities between classifying. The segment of EEG signal is assigned to the HMMwith the highest probability of generating the pre-assignation sequence. The algorithm is tested with real samples of electroencephalografic signal, from five healthy volunteers using the cross-validation method. The results allow to conclude that it is possible to implement this algorithm in an on-line BCI device. The results also shown the huge dependency of the percentage of the correct classification from the user and the setup parameters of the classifier

Brain Computer Interface. Comparison of Neural Networks Classifiers.

Brain Computer Interface is an emerging technology that allows new output paths to communicate the user’s intentions without use of normal output ways, such as muscles or nerves (Wolpaw, J. R.; et al., 2002).In order to obtain its objective BCI devices shall make use of classifier which translate the inputs provided by user’s brain signal to commands for external devices. The primary uses of this technology will benefit persons with some kind blocking disease as for example: ALS, brainstem stroke, severe cerebral palsy (Donchin et al., 2000).This report describes three different classifiers based on three different types of neural networks: Radial Basis Functions RBF, Probabilistic Neural Networks PNN, and Multi-Layer Perceptions MLP. The report compares the results produced by them in order to obtain conclusions to apply to an on-line BCI device; it also describes the experimental procedure followed in the experiments. As result of the tests carried out on five healthy volunteers an estimation of the success rate for each type of classifier, the type and architecture of the classifier, and filtering windows are established

Feedback effect analysis by comparison of discrimination capability of On-line and Off-line experimental procedures based on LDA

This paper analyses the user’s feedback influence in the mental task discrimination capability through the comparison of results obtained from Off-line and On-line Brain Computer Interface experimental procedures. Experiments performed under these two paradigms were carried out by five male volunteers. In order to develop a wearable BCI device only two electrodes in C3 and C4 zones have been used for electroencephalographic signal acquisition. These procedures apply seven different types of preprocessing windows and Linear Discrimination Analysis technique to reduce the dimension of the feature space before the quantification of the discrimination capability between the proposed mental activities. The discrimination capability is quantified through statistical analysis, based on bilateral contrast test, between the population of the LDA transformed feature vectors

Linyphiidae (Araneae) en oquedades de roble en un bosque Mediterráneo: nuevas descripciones y distribución temporal de especies notables

Hollows in mature trees provide a variety of habitats for high species richness and diversity of different arthropod groups. The scarcity of samplings carried out in tree hollows, especially on spiders and on mature oaks, predict the existence of taxonomic novelties in these rich microenvironments. A total of 18 Linyphiidae species, including one species new to science, were sampled with 49 tree hollow emergence traps set in deciduous Quercus forests in the Western Iberian Peninsula. Both sexes of Scotinotylus vettonicus Barrientos & Hernández-Corral sp. nov. and the female of the endemic Iberian Pelecopsis monsantensis Bosmans & Crespo, 2010 are described and both sexes of these two species and of Centromerus succinus (Simon, 1884) are illustrated. In addition, the spatial and temporal distribution of P. monsantensis, C. succinus, Midia midas (Simon, 1884) and Lepthyphantes minutus (Blackwall, 1833) is figured. Furthermore, the checklist of Linyphiidae species recorded in Salamanca province (Spain) is updated to a total of 40 species, representing 13% of all the linyphiids occurring in the Iberian Peninsula.Las oquedades en árboles maduros proporcionan una variedad de hábitats para una alta riqueza de especies y diversidad de diferentes grupos de artrópodos. La escasez de muestreos llevados a cabo en oquedades, especialmente sobre arañas y en robles maduros, hace prever la existencia de novedades taxonómicas en estos ricos microambientes. Un total de 18 especies de Linyphiidae, incluida una especie nueva para la ciencia, fueron colectadas utilizando 49 trampas de emergencia en oquedades de bosques caducifolios de Quercus en el Oeste de la Península Ibérica. Se describen ambos sexos de Scotinotylus vettonicus Barrientos & Hernández-Corral sp. nov. y la hembra del endemismo ibérico Pelecopsis monsantensis Bosmans & Crespo, 2010, y se ilustran ambos sexos de estas dos especies y de Centromerus succinus (Simon, 1884). Además, se representa la distribución espacial y temporal de P. monsantensis, C. succinus, Midia midas (Simon, 1884) y Lepthyphantes minutus (Blackwall, 1833). Además, se actualiza la lista de especies de Linyphiidae presentes en la provincia de Salamanca (España) a un total de 40 especies, lo que representa el 13% de todos los linífidos citados en la Peninsula Ibérica.Financial support was provided by the “Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación”, Spain (CGL2011-23658, CGL2016‐78181‐R)

New data about the spiders (Araneae) of the Aitana mountain range (Alicante, Spain)

Una serie de muestreos realizados en el municipio de Confrides, en las sierras de Aitana y La Serrella (Alicante) han aportado 115 especies, 109 géneros y 27 familias de arañas. Se describe una especie nueva: Dysdera ferrandezi Barrientos & Hernández-Corral sp. n.; también se describen por primera vez la hembra de Dysdera valentina Ribera, 2004 y el macho de Cybaeodes dosaguas Ribera & De Mas, 2015. Son primera cita para la provincia de Alicante la familia Phrurolithidae, 21 géneros y 49 especies. Además, 37 especies son primera cita para la Comunidad Valenciana y dos lo son para la Península Ibérica. El 13% de las especies encontradas son endemismos ibero-baleáricos. Se representan y comentan los datos fenológicos de las especies más abundantes.A sampling effort carried out in the municipality of Confrides, in the Aitana and La Serrella mountain ranges (Alicante), have produced 115 species, 109 genera and 27 families of spiders. A new species, Dysdera ferrandezi Barrientos & Hernández-Corral sp. n., is described; the female of Dysdera valentina Ribera, 2004 and the male of Cybaeodes dosaguas Ribera & De Mas, 2015 are described for the first time. The family Phrurolithidae, 21 genera and 49 species are new to Alicante province. Furthermore, 37 species are first records for the Comunidad Valenciana adminstrative region and two for the Iberian Peninsula. 13% of the species found are Iberian-Balearic endemics. The phenological data of the most abundant species are given and commented upon

Arachnids (Arachnida) in non-coastal sands of Almorxó, Pruna, Peñarrubia and Zafra (Alicante, Spain)

Se presenta el resultado del muestreo realizado en varios hábitats arenosos situados en las localidades interiores de Petrel y Villena (Alicante, España). Se han analizado un total de 752 especímenes de arañas. Se encuentran representadas 49 especies distribuidas entre 41 géneros y 17 familias. Son primera cita, tanto para la Comunidad Valenciana como para la provincia de Alicante (además de 9 y 10 especies, respectivamente), la familia Atypidae Thorell, 1870 y los géneros Atypus Latreille, 1804, Rhysodromus Schick, 1965, Psammitis Menge, 1876 y Metatrachelas Bosselaers & Bosmans, 2010. El 16,3% de las especies encontradas han resultado ser endemismos ibero-baleáricos. Se menciona también la presencia de los arácnidos Buthus ibericus Lourenço & Vachon, 2004 y Gluvia dorsalis Latreille, 1817.The result of the sampling carried out in several inland sandy environments of the localities of Petrel and Villena (Alicante, Spain) is presented. A total of 752 specimens have been analyzed. 49 species of spiders distributed among 41 genera and 17 families are represented. First records, both for the Valencian Community and for the province of Alicante, are the family Atypidae Thorell, 1870, the genera Atypus Latreille, 1804, Rhysodromus Schick, 1965, Psammitis Menge, 1876 and Metatrachelas Bosselaers & Bosmans, 2010, in addition to 9 and 10 species, respectively. 16,3% of the species found are Ibero-Balearic endemisms. The presence of the arachnids Buthus ibericus Lourenço & Vachon, 2004 and Gluvia dorsalis Latreille, 1817 are included

Spiders (Araneae) from arboreal cavities of the Cabañeros National Park (Ciudad Real, Spain)

El análisis taxonómico de un muestreo realizado con trampas de emergencia en oquedades arbóreas del Parque Nacional de Cabañeros ha aportado 65 especies, 55 géneros y 26 familias de arañas. Se describe la hembra de Scotophaeus dolanskyi Lissner, 2017. Se discuten las afinidades de Eratigena serrana (Barrientos & Sánchez-Corral, 2013) n. status. Se destaca la mención de 22 especies como primera cita para el P. N. de Cabañeros; de ellas, 17 lo son también para la provincia de Ciudad Real. Se vincula con el hábitat estudiado la importancia relativa de algunas especies como Drassodes luteomicans (Simon, 1878), Scotophaeus validus (Lucas, 1846) e Icius subinermis Simon, 1937.The taxonomic analysis of an emergence trap sampling carried out in tree hollows of the Cabañeros National Park has produced 65 species, 55 genera and 26 families of spiders. The female of Scotophaeus dolanskyi Lissner, 2017 is described. The affinities of Eratigena serrana (Barrientos & Sánchez-Corral, 2013) n. status are discussed. The mention of 22 species stands out as the first record from Cabañeros N. P.; of these, 17 are also new to Ciudad Real province. The relative importance of some species such as Drassodes luteomicans (Simon, 1878), Scotophaeus validus (Lucas, 1846) and Icius subinermis Simon, 1937 is seen as linked to the studied habitat.Este trabajo ha sido parcialmente financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Proyecto CGL2008-04472)

The use of the CNIC-Polypill in real-life clinical practice: opportunities and challenges in patients at very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – expert panel meeting report

Although the cardiovascular (CV) polypill concept is not new and several guidelines state that a CV polypill should be considered an integral part of a comprehensive CV disease (CVD) prevention strategy, there are still some barriers to its implementation in the real-world setting, mainly in secondary CV prevention. As the CNIC-polypill is the only one approved for secondary CV prevention in patients with atherosclerotic CVD in 27 countries worldwide, a panel of four discussants and 30 participants from 18 countries conveyed in a virtual meeting on April 21, 2022, to discuss key clinical questions regarding the practical use of the CNIC-Polypill and barriers to its implementation. Data presented showed that, although the use of the CV polypill is not explicitly mentioned in the current 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on CVD prevention, it may be used in any patient for secondary CVD prevention tolerating all their components to improve outcomes through different aspects. The favourable results of the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly (SECURE) trial now reinforce this recommendation. The panellists presented algorithms on how to switch from any baseline regimen when starting treatment with the CNIC-polypill in different situations, including patients with hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and a previous CV event; at discharge after a cardiovascular event; in chronic ischemic conditions; and in cases of polypharmacy. The panellists and expert discussants did agree that available studies conducted so far with the CNIC-polypill demonstrate that it is as efficacious as the monocomponents, equipotent drugs, or other therapies; reduces the risk of experiencing recurrent major CV events; improves medication adherence; reduces health care costs and resources compared to patients treated with loose drugs; and the patients prefer it over the multipill strategy. In conclusion, the data presented by the participants provided the evidence behind the use of the CNIC-polypill to help fulfil the goal of encouraging its adoption by physicians.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Allotopic expression of mitochondrial-encoded genes in mammals: achieved goal, undemonstrated mechanism or impossible task?

Mitochondrial-DNA diseases have no effective treatments. Allotopic expression—synthesis of a wild-type version of the mutated protein in the nuclear-cytosolic compartment and its importation into mitochondria—has been proposed as a gene-therapy approach. Allotopic expression has been successfully demonstrated in yeast, but in mammalian mitochondria results are contradictory. The evidence available is based on partial phenotype rescue, not on the incorporation of a functional protein into mitochondria. Here, we show that reliance on partial rescue alone can lead to a false conclusion of successful allotopic expression. We recoded mitochondrial mt-Nd6 to the universal genetic code, and added the N-terminal mitochondrial-targeting sequence of cytochrome c oxidase VIII (C8) and the HA epitope (C8Nd6HA). The protein apparently co-localized with mitochondria, but a significant part of it seemed to be located outside mitochondria. Complex I activity and assembly was restored, suggesting successful allotopic expression. However, careful examination of transfected cells showed that the allotopically-expressed protein was not internalized in mitochondria and that the selected clones were in fact revertants for the mt-Nd6 mutation. These findings demonstrate the need for extreme caution in the interpretation of functional rescue experiments and for clear-cut controls to demonstrate true rescue of mitochondrial function by allotopic expression

Increasing crop heterogeneity enhances multitrophic diversity across agricultural regions

International audienceAgricultural landscape homogenization has detrimental effects on biodiversity and key ecosystem services. Increasing agricultural landscape heterogeneity by increasing seminatural cover can help to mitigate biodiversity loss. However, the amount of seminatural cover is generally low and difficult to increase in many intensively managed agricultural landscapes. We hypothesized that increasing the heterogeneity of the crop mosaic itself (hereafter “crop heterogeneity”) can also have positive effects on biodiversity. In 8 contrasting regions of Europe and North America, we selected 435 landscapes along independent gradients of crop diversity and mean field size. Within each landscape, we selected 3 sampling sites in 1, 2, or 3 crop types. We sampled 7 taxa (plants, bees, butterflies, hoverflies, carabids, spiders, and birds) and calculated a synthetic index of multitrophic diversity at the landscape level. Increasing crop heterogeneity was more beneficial for multitrophic diversity than increasing seminatural cover. For instance, the effect of decreasing mean field size from 5 to 2.8 ha was as strong as the effect of increasing seminatural cover from 0.5 to 11%. Decreasing mean field size benefited multitrophic diversity even in the absence of seminatural vegetation between fields. Increasing the number of crop types sampled had a positive effect on landscape-level multitrophic diversity. However, the effect of increasing crop diversity in the landscape surrounding fields sampled depended on the amount of seminatural cover. Our study provides large-scale, multitrophic, cross-regional evidence that increasing crop heterogeneity can be an effective way to increase biodiversity in agricultural landscapes without taking land out of agricultural production