Everything you wanted to ask about EEG but were afraid to get the right answer

We answer several important questions concerning EEG. We also shortly discuss importance of nonlinear methods of contemporary physics in EEG analysis. Basic definitions and explanation of fundamental concepts may be found in my previous publications in NBP

The mycoremediation potential of the armillarioids: a comparative genomics analysis

Genes involved in mycoremediation were identified by comparative genomics analysis in 10 armillarioid species and selected groups of white-rot Basidiomycota (14) and soft-rot Ascomycota (12) species to confine the distinctive bioremediation capabilities of the armillarioids. The genomes were explored using phylogenetic principal component analysis (pPCA), searching for genes already documented in a biocatalysis/biodegradation database. The results underlined a distinct, increased potential of aromatics-degrading genes/enzymes in armillarioids, with particular emphasis on a high copy number and diverse spectrum of benzoate 4-monooxygenase [EC:1.14.14.92] homologs. In addition, other enzymes involved in the degradation of various monocyclic aromatics were more abundant in the armillarioids than in the other white-rot basidiomycetes, and enzymes involved in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were more prevailing in armillarioids and other white-rot species than in soft-rot Ascomycetes. Transcriptome profiling of A. ostoyae and A. borealis isolates confirmed that several genes involved in the degradation of benzoates and other monocyclic aromatics were distinctively expressed in the wood-invading fungal mycelia. Data were consistent with armillarioid species offering a more powerful potential in degrading aromatics. Our results provide a reliable, practical solution for screening the likely fungal candidates for their full biodegradation potential, applicability, and possible specialization based on their genomics data

Application of non-thermal plasma reactor for degradation and detoxification of high concentrations of dye Reactive Black 5 in water

Degradation and detoxification efficiency of high concentrations of commercially available reactive textile dye Reactive Black 5 solution (40, 80, 200, 500, 1000 mg L-1), were studied. Advanced oxidation processes in water falling film based on dielectric barrier discharge in a non-thermal plasma reactor were used. For the first time, this reactor was used for the treatment of high concentrations of organic pollutants such as reactive textile dye Reactive Black 5 in water. Solution of the dye was plasma treated in a thin aqueous solution film that was constantly regenerated. The reactor works as a continuous flow reactor and the electrical discharge itself takes place at the gas-liquid interphase. The dye solution was recirculated through the reactor with an applied energy density of 0-374 kJ L-1. Decolorization efficiency (%) was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Samples were taken after every recirculation (similar to 22 kJ L-1) and decolorization percentage was measured after 5 min and 24 h post plasma treatment. The efficiency of degradation (i.e., mineralization) and possible degradation products were also monitored by determination of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and by ion chromatography (IC). Initial toxicity and toxicity of the solutions after the treatment were studied using Artemia salina test organisms. Efficiency of decolorization decreased with the increase of the dye concentration. Complete decolorization, high mineralization and non-toxicity of the solution ( lt 10 %) were acomplished after plasma treatment using energy density of 242 kJ L-1, while the initial concentrations of Reactive Black 5 were 40 and 80 mg L-1

Output from VIP cells of the mammalian central clock regulates daily physiological rhythms

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) circadian clock is critical for optimising daily cycles in mammalian physiology and behaviour. The roles of the various SCN cell types in communicating timing information to downstream physiological systems remain incompletely understood, however. In particular, while vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) signalling is essential for SCN function and whole animal circadian rhythmicity, the specific contributions of VIP cell output to physiological control remains uncertain. Here we reveal a key role for SCN VIP cells in central clock output. Using multielectrode recording and optogenetic manipulations, we show that VIP neurons provide coordinated daily waves of GABAergic input to target cells across the paraventricular hypothalamus and ventral thalamus, supressing their activity during the mid to late day. Using chemogenetic manipulation, we further demonstrate specific roles for this circuitry in the daily control of heart rate and corticosterone secretion, collectively establishing SCN VIP cells as influential regulators of physiological timing

Multi-Scale Motility Amplitude Associated with Suicidal Thoughts in Major Depression

Major depression occurs at high prevalence in the general population, often starts in juvenile years, recurs over a lifetime, and is strongly associated with disability and suicide. Searches for biological markers in depression may have been hindered by assuming that depression is a unitary and relatively homogeneous disorder, mainly of mood, rather than addressing particular, clinically crucial features or diagnostic subtypes. Many studies have implicated quantitative alterations of motility rhythms in depressed human subjects. Since a candidate feature of great public-health significance is the unusually high risk of suicidal behavior in depressive disorders, we studied correlations between a measure (vulnerability index [VI]) derived from multi-scale characteristics of daily-motility rhythms in depressed subjects (n = 36) monitored with noninvasive, wrist-worn, electronic actigraphs and their self-assessed level of suicidal thinking operationalized as a wish to die. Patient-subjects had a stable clinical diagnosis of bipolar-I, bipolar-II, or unipolar major depression (n = 12 of each type). VI was associated inversely with suicidal thinking (r =  –0.61 with all subjects and r =  –0.73 with bipolar disorder subjects; both p<0.0001) and distinguished patients with bipolar versus unipolar major depression with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 79.2%. VI may be a useful biomarker of characteristic features of major depression, contribute to differentiating bipolar and unipolar depression, and help to detect risk of suicide. An objective biomarker of suicide-risk could be advantageous when patients are unwilling or unable to share suicidal thinking with clinicians

The mycoremediation potential of the armillarioids: a comparative genomics analysis

Genes involved in mycoremediation were identified by comparative genomics analysis in 10 armillarioid species and selected groups of white-rot Basidiomycota (14) and soft-rot Ascomycota (12) species to confine the distinctive bioremediation capabilities of the armillarioids. The genomes were explored using phylogenetic principal component analysis (pPCA), searching for genes already documented in a biocatalysis/biodegradation database. The results underlined a distinct, increased potential of aromatics-degrading genes/enzymes in armillarioids, with particular emphasis on a high copy number and diverse spectrum of benzoate 4-monooxygenase [EC:1.14.14.92] homologs. In addition, other enzymes involved in the degradation of various monocyclic aromatics were more abundant in the armillarioids than in the other white-rot basidiomycetes, and enzymes involved in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were more prevailing in armillarioids and other white-rot species than in soft-rot Ascomycetes. Transcriptome profiling of A. ostoyae and A. borealis isolates confirmed that several genes involved in the degradation of benzoates and other monocyclic aromatics were distinctively expressed in the wood-invading fungal mycelia. Data were consistent with armillarioid species offering a more powerful potential in degrading aromatics. Our results provide a reliable, practical solution for screening the likely fungal candidates for their full biodegradation potential, applicability, and possible specialization based on their genomics data

Point process time–frequency analysis of dynamic respiratory patterns during meditation practice

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is largely mediated by the autonomic nervous system through its modulating influence on the heart beats. We propose a robust algorithm for quantifying instantaneous RSA as applied to heart beat intervals and respiratory recordings under dynamic breathing patterns. The blood volume pressure-derived heart beat series (pulse intervals, PIs) are modeled as an inverse Gaussian point process, with the instantaneous mean PI modeled as a bivariate regression incorporating both past PIs and respiration values observed at the beats. A point process maximum likelihood algorithm is used to estimate the model parameters, and instantaneous RSA is estimated via a frequency domain transfer function evaluated at instantaneous respiratory frequency where high coherence between respiration and PIs is observed. The model is statistically validated using Kolmogorov–Smirnov goodness-of-fit analysis, as well as independence tests. The algorithm is applied to subjects engaged in meditative practice, with distinctive dynamics in the respiration patterns elicited as a result. The presented analysis confirms the ability of the algorithm to track important changes in cardiorespiratory interactions elicited during meditation, otherwise not evidenced in control resting states, reporting statistically significant increase in RSA gain as measured by our paradigm.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01-HL084502)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01-DA015644)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant DP1-OD003646)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant K01-AT00694-01

Phase Shifting Capacity of the Circadian Pacemaker Determined by the SCN Neuronal Network Organization

In mammals, a major circadian pacemaker that drives daily rhythms is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), at the base of the hypothalamus. The SCN receive direct light input via the retino-hypothalamic tract. Light during the early night induces phase delays of circadian rhythms while during the late night it leads to phase advances. The effects of light on the circadian system are strongly dependent on the photoperiod to which animals are exposed. An explanation for this phenomenon is currently lacking.We recorded running wheel activity in C57 mice and observed large amplitude phase shifts in short photoperiods and small shifts in long photoperiods. We investigated whether these different light responses under short and long days are expressed within the SCN by electrophysiological recordings of electrical impulse frequency in SCN slices. Application of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) induced sustained increments in electrical activity that were not significantly different in the slices from long and short photoperiods. These responses led to large phase shifts in slices from short days and small phase shifts in slices from long days. An analysis of neuronal subpopulation activity revealed that in short days the amplitude of the rhythm was larger than in long days.The data indicate that the photoperiodic dependent phase responses are intrinsic to the SCN. In contrast to earlier predictions from limit cycle theory, we observed large phase shifting responses in high amplitude rhythms in slices from short days, and small shifts in low amplitude rhythms in slices from long days. We conclude that the photoperiodic dependent phase responses are determined by the SCN and propose that synchronization among SCN neurons enhances the phase shifting capacity of the circadian system

Substrate Specificity within a Family of Outer Membrane Carboxylate Channels

Characterization of a large family of outer membrane channels from gram-negative bacteria suggest how they can thrive in nutrient-poor environments and how channel inactivation can contribute to antibiotic resistance