Prestimulus α/β power in temporal-order judgments: individuals differ in direction of modulation but show consistency over auditory and visual tasks

The processing of incoming sensory information can be differentially affected by varying levels of α-power in the electroencephalogram (EEG). A prominent hypothesis is that relatively low prestimulus α-power is associated with improved perceptual performance. However, there are studies in the literature that do not fit easily into this picture, and the reasons for this are poorly understood and rarely discussed. To evaluate the robustness of previous findings and to better understand the overall mixed results, we used a spatial TOJ task in which we presented auditory and visual stimulus pairs in random order while recording EEG. For veridical and non-veridical TOJs, we calculated the power spectral density (PSD) for 3 frequencies (5 Hz steps: 10, 15, and 20 Hz). We found on the group level: (1) Veridical auditory TOJs, relative to non-veridical, were associated with higher β-band (20 Hz) power over central electrodes. (2) Veridical visual TOJs showed higher β-band (10, 15 Hz) power over parieto-occipital electrodes (3) Electrode site interacted with TOJ condition in the β-band: For auditory TOJs, PSD over central electrodes was higher for veridical than non-veridical and over parieto-occipital electrodes was lower for veridical than non-veridical trials, while the latter pattern was reversed for visual TOJs. While our group-level result showed a clear direction of prestimulus modulation, the individual-level modulation pattern was variable and included activations opposite to the group mean. Interestingly, our results at the individual-level mirror the situation in the literature, where reports of group-level prestimulus modulation were found in either direction. Because the direction of individual activation of electrodes over auditory brain regions and parieto-occipital electrodes was always negatively correlated in the respective TOJ conditions, this activation opposite to the group mean cannot be easily dismissed as noise. The consistency of the individual-level data cautions against premature generalization of group-effects and suggests different strategies that participants initially adopted and then consistently followed. We discuss our results in light of probabilistic information processing and complex system properties, and suggest that a general description of brain activity must account for variability in modulation directions at both the group and individual levels

Aedes koreicus, a vector on the rise: Pan-European genetic patterns, mitochondrial and draft genome sequencing

25openYesBackground The mosquito Aedes koreicus (Edwards, 1917) is a recent invader on the European continent that was introduced to several new places since its first detection in 2008. Compared to other exotic Aedes mosquitoes with public health significance that invaded Europe during the last decades, this species’ biology, behavior, and dispersal patterns were poorly investigated to date. Methodology/Principal findings To understand the species’ population relationships and dispersal patterns within Europe, a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI or COX1) gene was sequenced from 130 mosquitoes, collected from five countries where the species has been introduced and/or established. Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing techniques were combined to generate the first complete nuclear and mitochondrial genomic sequences of Ae. koreicus from the European region. The complete genome of Ae. koreicus is 879 Mb. COI haplotype analyses identified five major groups (altogether 31 different haplotypes) and revealed a large-scale dispersal pattern between European Ae. koreicus populations. Continuous admixture of populations from Belgium, Italy, and Hungary was highlighted, additionally, haplotype diversity and clustering indicate a separation of German sequences from other populations, pointing to an independent introduction of Ae. koreicus to Europe. Finally, a genetic expansion signal was identified, suggesting the species might be present in more locations than currently detected. Conclusions/Significance Our results highlight the importance of genetic research of invasive mosquitoes to understand general dispersal patterns, reveal main dispersal routes and form the baseline of future mitigation actions. The first complete genomic sequence also provides a significant leap in the general understanding of this species, opening the possibility for future genome-related studies, such as the detection of ‘Single Nucleotide Polymorphism’ markers. Considering its public health importance, it is crucial to further investigate the species’ population genetic dynamic, including a larger sampling and additional genomic markers.Kurucz, Kornélia; Zeghbib, Safia; Arnoldi, Daniele; Marini, Giovanni; Manica, Mattia; Michelutti, Alice; Montarsi, Fabrizio; Deblauwe, Isra; Van Bortel, Wim; Smitz, Nathalie; Pfitzner, Wolf Peter; Czajka, Christina; Jöst, Artur; Kalan, Katja; Šušnjar, Jana; Ivović, Vladimir; Kuczmog, Anett; Lanszki, Zsófia; Tóth, Gábor Endre; Somogyi, Balázs A; Herczeg, Róbert; Urbán, Péter; Bueno-Marí, Rubén; Soltész, Zoltán; Kemenesi, GáborKurucz, K.; Zeghbib, S.; Arnoldi, D.; Marini, G.; Manica, M.; Michelutti, A.; Montarsi, F.; Deblauwe, I.; Van Bortel, W.; Smitz, N.; Pfitzner, W.P.; Czajka, C.; Jöst, A.; Kalan, K.; Šušnjar, J.; Ivović, V.; Kuczmog, A.; Lanszki, Z.; Tóth, G.E.; Somogyi, B.A.; Herczeg, R.; Urbán, P.; Bueno-Marí, R.; Soltész, Z.; Kemenesi, G

Isolation of infectious Lloviu virus from Schreiber’s bats in Hungary

Some filoviruses can be transmitted to humans by zoonotic spillover events from their natural host and filovirus outbreaks have occured with increasing frequency in the last years. The filovirus Lloviu virus (LLOV), was identified in 2002 in Schreiber’s bats (Miniopterus schreibersii) in Spain and was subsequently detected in bats in Hungary. Here we isolate infectious LLOV from the blood of a live sampled Schreiber’s bat in Hungary. The isolate is subsequently sequenced and cultured in the Miniopterus sp. kidney cell line SuBK12-08. It is furthermore able to infect monkey and human cells, suggesting that LLOV might have spillover potential. A multi-year surveillance of LLOV in bats in Hungary detects LLOV RNA in both deceased and live animals as well as in coupled ectoparasites from the families Nycteribiidae and Ixodidae. This correlates with LLOV seropositivity in sampled Schreiber’s bats. Our data support the role of bats, specifically Miniopterus schreibersii as hosts for LLOV in Europe. We suggest that bat-associated parasites might play a role in the natural ecology of filoviruses in temperate climate regions compared to filoviruses in the tropics

Geographical and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 clades in the WHO European Region, January to June 2020

We show the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 genetic clades over time and between countries and outline potential genomic surveillance objectives. We applied three available genomic nomenclature systems for SARS-CoV-2 to all sequence data from the WHO European Region available during the COVID-19 pandemic until 10 July 2020. We highlight the importance of real-time sequencing and data dissemination in a pandemic situation. We provide a comparison of the nomenclatures and lay a foundation for future European genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.Peer reviewe

Modeling and control of nonlinear systems using soft computing techniques

This work is an attempt to illustrate the utility and effectiveness of soft computing approaches in handling the modeling and control of complex systems. Soft computing research is concerned with the integration of artificial intelligent tools (neural networks, fuzzy technology, evolutionary algorithms, …) in a complementary hybrid framework for solving real world problems. There are several approaches to integrate neural networks and fuzzy logic to form a neuro-fuzzy system. The present work will concentrate on the pioneering neuro-fuzzy system, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). ANFIS is first used to model non-linear knee-joint dynamics from recorded clinical data. The established model is then used to predict the behavior of the underlying system and for the design and evaluation of various intelligent control strategiesPeer reviewe

Recursive Fuzzy Predictions of Future Patient Paths to Support Clinical Decision Making in ICU

Non peer reviewe

The Algerian Chapter of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Evolutionary, Genetic, and Epidemiological Prospect

To explore the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Algeria, a dataset comprising ninety-five genomes originating from SARS-CoV-2 sampled from Algeria and other countries worldwide, from 24 December 2019, through 4 March 2021, was thoroughly examined. While performing a multi-component analysis regarding the Algerian outbreak, the toolkit of phylogenetic, phylogeographic, haplotype, and genomic analysis were effectively implemented. We estimated the Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) in reference to the Algerian pandemic and highlighted the multiple introductions of the disease and the missing data depicted in the transmission loop. In addition, we emphasized the significant role played by local and international travels in disease dissemination. Most importantly, we unveiled mutational patterns, the effect of unique mutations on corresponding proteins, and the relatedness regarding the Algerian sequences to other sequences worldwide. Our results revealed individual amino-acid replacements such as the deleterious replacement A23T in the orf3a gene in Algeria_EPI_ISL_418241. Additionally, a connection between Algeria_EPI_ISL_420037 and sequences originating from the USA was observed through a USA characteristic amino-acid replacement T1004I in the nsp3 gene, found in the aforementioned Algerian sequence. Similarly, successful tracing could be established, such as Algeria/G37318-8849/2020|EPI_ISL_766863, which was imported from Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage. Lastly, we assessed the Algerian mitigation measures regarding disease containment using statistical analyses

Suggestive Therapeutic Pathways Using Hyper-Heuristics

Therapeutic decision support can be used to promptly assist clinical decision making process. This paper presents a novel approach to interpreting multiple data streams in intensive care environments, the resulting model can be used to correct and maintain patients' health whilst treating underlying illnesses. Rather than simply directing which treatments to be applied, multiple suggestive treatment pathways can be provided allowing several "what-if" scenarios to choose from. Hyper-heuristics are used to guide the treatments and therapeutic pathways selection. Algorithmic validation is made using a human cardiovascular system model parameterised with various post surgery conditionsNon peer reviewe

Sensory reinforced corticostriatal plasticity

Background: Regional changes in corticostriatal transmission induced by phasic dopaminergic signals are an essential feature of the neural network responsible for instrumental reinforcement that occurs during action discovery. However, the timing of signals in early models of corticostriatal plasticity is difficult to reconcile with behavioral reinforcement learning where the reinforcer is normally delayed with respect to the selection and execution of causally-related actions. Objective: While recent studies have started to address the relevance of delayed reinforcement signals and their impact on corticostriatal processing, our objective was to establish a model in which a sensory reinforcer triggers appropriately delayed reinforcement signals relayed to the striatum via intact neuronal pathways and to investigate the effects on corticostriatal plasticity. Methods: We measured corticostriatal plasticity with electrophysiological recordings, a light flash as a natural sensory reinforcer, and pharmacological manipulations in an in vivo anaesthetized rat preparation. Results: We demonstrate that the spiking of striatal neurons evoked by single pulse stimulation of motor cortex can be potentiated by a natural sensory reinforcer, operating through intact afferent pathways, with signal timing approximating that required for behavioral reinforcement. The observed potentiation of corticostriatal neurotransmission was attenuated by pharmacological blockade of dopamine receptors. Conclusion: This novel in vivo model of corticostriatal plasticity offers a behaviorally relevant framework with which to address the physiological, anatomical, cellular and molecular bases of instrumental reinforcement learning