bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for sharing free hours between providers
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth
Published: February 2017

How do we support and empower children to manage transitions and provide continuity of care, especially given the possibility that many will share the 30-hour offer between different settings?
A box full of your thoughts
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: February 2017

The first in a new series that will explore practical activities for introducing mathematical learning and language in your setting using everyday resources and junk materials – this month, we use boxes.
Space to create a feeling
Authors: Thomas Jeff
Published: February 2017

What is Play Therapy and how can it help children? In part two of our short series, Jeff Thomas explains why creative arts media are used alongside toys and games to promote emotional wellbeing.
Involving healthcare professionals and family carers in setting research priorities for end-of-life care
Authors: Diffin Janet , Spence Michael , Spencer Rebecca , Mellor Peter , Grande Gunn
Published: February 2017

It is important to ensure regional variances are considered when setting future end-of-life research priorities, given the differing demographics and service provision. This project sought to identify end-of-life research priorities within Greater Manchester (United Kingdom). Following an initial scoping exercise, six topics within the 10 national priorities outlined by The Palliative and end-of-life care Priority Setting Partnership were selected for exploration. A workshop involving 32 healthcare professionals and a consultation process with 26 family carers was conducted. Healthcare professionals and carers selected and discussed the topics important to them. The topics selected most frequently by both healthcare professionals and carers were ‘Access to 24 hour care’, ‘Planning end-of-life care in advance’ and ‘Staff and carer education’. Healthcare professionals also developed research questions for their topics of choice which were refined to incorporate carers' views. These questions are an important starting point for future end-of-life research within Greater Manchester.
Allergic rhinitis in children: MASTering a common problem
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: February 2017

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition amongst children which can impact upon their quality of life and school performance. Mark Greener analyses the causes, symptoms and co-morbidities, and suggests how the condition can be successfully managed

Estimates of the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children vary widely between countries. However, up to 40% of children in the UK may have allergic rhinitis, which seems to be linked to numerous factors and can impair educational performance and quality of life, exacerbate co-morbid asthma, and increase the risk of internalising behaviours. The assessment of patients with allergic rhinitis should cover four areas, encompassed by the mnemonic ‘MAST’: medication, associated conditions, severity, and timing.
Feline lower airway disease: asthma and beyond
Authors: Taylor Samantha
Published: February 2017

Lower airway disease is common in cats and includes a spectrum of disease from feline asthma to chronic bronchitis, both presenting with a chronic cough. Asthmatic cats may additionally suffer reversible bronchoconstriction causing dyspnoea. Diagnosis is made via thoracic radiographs and bronchoalveolar lavage, with other conditions causing similar clinical signs, such as congestive heart failure, having been excluded. The mainstay of treatment is corticosteroids, initially orally but followed by inhalational therapy, which is well tolerated and should be introduced slowly while providing owners lots of support and guidance. Bronchodilators may be useful for cats with asthma particularly during an acute episode, and triggering allergens should be avoided.
Does weak discernibility determine metaphysics?
Authors: Arenhart Jonas Rafael Becker
Published: February 2017

Two entities are weakly discernible when an irreflexive and symmetric relation holds between them. That weak discernibility holds in quantum mechanics is fairly uncontroversial nowadays. The ontological consequences of weak discernibility, however, are far from clear. Part of the literature seems to imply that weak discernibility points to a definite metaphysics to quantum mechanics. In this paper we shall discuss the metaphysical contribution of weak discernibility to quantum mechanics and argue that, contrary to part of current literature, it does not provide for a fully naturalistic determination of metaphysics. Underdetermination of the metaphysics still plagues the way of the naturalist.
Histological changes of liver tissue and serobiochemical relation in does with pregnancy ketosis
Authors: Azmi A.F.M. , Ghani A.A.A. , Saadan A.S. , Mokrish A. , Lai K.S. , Zamri-Saad M. , Zuki A.B. , Hassim H.A.
Published: February 2017

Histological changes of liver in does with pregnancy ketosis were characterized. Twenty pregnant does at day 80 of pregnancy were used for this experiment. A total of 10 does were fed by grass (Napier) and goat concentrate with water ad libitum. Those 10 goats considered as healthy pregnant goat, and another 10 goats showing clinical and subclinical signs of ketosis considered as unhealthy pregnant does. Liver biopsies were performed when clinical signs appeared. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), free fatty acid (FFA), and glucose were dosed. Histological preparation revealed similar incidence and intensity of mild liver steatosis with lower cellular vacuolation in hepatocyte presence in healthy late pregnant does. Almost all of the pregnant does with ketosis state (n=8/10) had large amount of small lipid droplets in almost every hepatocyte over the whole liver acinus with higher number of cellular vacuolation, and related with higher BHBA and FFA levels while low in glucose level.
Methane emission factors for enteric fermentation in beef cattle using IPCC Tier-2 method in Indonesia
Authors: Widiawati Yeni , Rofiq M.N. , Tiesnamurti B.
Published: February 2017

Methane emission from enteric is a sub-category considered under the Agriculture sector greenhouse gas emissions by UNFCCC, thus Indonesia developed calculation on enteric CH4 EF for ruminant using Tier-2 method as country-specific emission factors (EF). Indonesia has huge amount of beef cattle population, which contributes significant amount to national enteric methane emission. The aim of this study was to estimate enteric methane EF for beef cattle in Indonesia using IPCC Tier-2 method.  The EF generated from this study is then used to estimate the methane emitted from beef cattle. Data on beef cattle population was obtained from BPS, data on energy content of feed, feed intake and digestibility were compiled from laboratory analysis and published paper. Equations were adopted and followed the instruction of IPCC 2006. Local cattle has different CH4 EF among each sub-category, which are  ranging from 18.18 to 55.89 Kg head-1 yr-1, with the average of 36.75  head-1 yr-1. Imported beef cattle has lower  CH4 EF (25.49 kg head-1 yr-1) than the average for local beef cattle. Overall, the national CH4 EF of beef cattle calculated by using IPCC Tier-2 method in Indonesia is 33.14 head-1 yr-1. The value is lower than default EF from IPCC for Asia country (47 kg head-1 yr-1). The conclusion is enteric CH4 EF for beef cattle in Indonesia calculated using Tier-2 method shows the real livestock system in Indonesia condition. Further research needed to be addressed are calculation of EFs for various breeds and feeding systems, since large variations of breeds and types of feed among provinces in Indonesia.
Raw starch degrading α-amylases: an unsolved riddle
Authors: Božić Nataša , Lončar Nikola , Slavić Marinela Šokarda , Vujčić Zoran
Published: February 2017

Starch is an important food ingredient and a substrate for the production of many industrial products. Biological and industrial processes involve hydrolysis of raw starch, such as digestion by humans and animals, starch metabolism in plants, and industrial starch conversion for obtaining glucose, fructose and maltose syrup or bioethanol. Raw starch degrading α-amylases (RSDA) can directly degrade raw starch below the gelatinization temperature of starch. Knowledge of the structures and properties of starch and RSDA has increased significantly in recent years. Understanding the relationships between structural peculiarities and properties of RSDA is a prerequisite for efficient application in different aspects of human benefit from health to the industry. This review summarizes recent advances on RSDA research with emphasizes on representatives of glycoside hydrolase family GH13. Definite understanding of raw starch digesting ability is yet to come with accumulating structural and functional studies of RSDA.
Free vibrations of non-uniform CNT/fiber/polymer nanocomposite beams
Authors: Seidi J. , Kamarian S.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, free vibrations of non-uniform multi-scale nanocomposite beams reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are studied. Mori-Tanaka (MT) technique is employed to estimate the effective mechanical properties of three-phase CNT/fiber/polymer composite (CNTFPC) beam. In order to obtain the natural frequencies of structure, the governing equation is solved by means of Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) approach. The accuracy and efficiency of the applied methods are studied and compared with some experimental data reported in previous published works. The influences of volume fraction and agglomeration of nanotubes, volume fraction of long fibers, and different laminate lay-ups on the natural frequency response of structure are examined.
Urbanization and species occupancy frequency distribution patterns in core zone areas of European towns
Authors: Jokimäki Jukka , Suhonen Jukka , Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki Marja-Liisa
Published: February 2017

More and more of the globe is becoming urbanized. Thus, characterizing the distribution and abundance of species occupying different towns is critically important. The primary aim of this study was to examine the effect of urbanization and latitude on the patterns of species occupancy frequency distribution (SOFD) in urban core zones of European towns (38 towns) along a 3850-km latitudinal gradient. We determined which of the three most common distributional models (unimodal-satellite dominant, bimodal symmetrical, and bimodal asymmetrical) provides the best fit for urban bird communities using the AICc-model selection procedure. Our pooled data exhibited a unimodal-satellite SOFD pattern. This result is inconsistent with the results from previous studies that have been conducted in more natural habitats, where data have mostly exhibited a bimodal SOFD pattern. Large-sized towns exhibited a bimodal symmetric pattern, whereas smaller-sized towns followed a unimodal- -satellite dominated SOFD pattern. The difference in environmental diversity is the most plausible explanation for this observation because habitat diversity of the study plots decreased as urbanization increased. Southern towns exhibited unimodal satellite SOFD patterns, central European towns exhibited bimodal symmetric, and northern towns exhibited bimodal asymmetric SOFD patterns. One explanation for this observation is that urbanization is a more recent phenomenon in the north than in the south. Therefore, more satellite species are found in northern towns than in southern towns. We found that core species in European towns are widely distributed, and their regional population sizes are large. Our results indicated that earlier urbanized species are more common in towns than the species that have urbanized later. We concluded that both the traits of bird species and characteristics of towns modified the SOFD patterns of urban-breeding birds. In the future, it would be interesting to study how the urban history impacts SOFD patterns and if the SOFD patterns of wintering and breeding assemblages are the same.
Preparation and characterization of sorbents from food waste
Authors: Grycova Barbora , Pryszcz Adrian , Lestinsky Pavel , Chamradova Katerina
Published: February 2017

Waste coffee was treated by pyrolysis in the conventional laboratory apparatus at 800°C. Afterwards, a mass balance of the final yields, gas chromatographic analysis and assessment of solid and liquid residues were done. The selected waste material was also subjected to microwave pyrolysis in terms of adsorbents preparation. The solid residues were further activated with potassium hydroxide. Final characterization of prepared sorbents was made by sorption of nitrogen at 77 K. Activated sorbents had much better sorption properties. The surface area according to Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) theory of activated material (from conventional pyrolysis) was measured 1794 m2·g−1.
Common mechanisms of catalysis in small and heterotrimeric GTPases and their respective GAPs
Authors: Gerwert Klaus , Mann Daniel , Kötting Carsten
Published: February 2017

GTPases are central switches in cells. Their dysfunctions are involved in severe diseases. The small GTPase Ras regulates cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis by transmitting external signals to the nucleus. In one group of oncogenic mutations, the ‘switch-off’ reaction is inhibited, leading to persistent activation of the signaling pathway. The switch reaction is regulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), which catalyze GTP hydrolysis in Ras, and by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, which catalyze the exchange of GDP for GTP. Heterotrimeric G-proteins are activated by G-protein coupled receptors and are inactivated by GTP hydrolysis in the Gα subunit. Their GAPs are called regulators of G-protein signaling. In the same way that Ras serves as a prototype for small GTPases, Gαi1 is the most well-studied Gα subunit. By utilizing X-ray structural models, time-resolved infrared-difference spectroscopy, and biomolecular simulations, we elucidated the detailed molecular reaction mechanism of the GTP hydrolysis in Ras and Gαi1. In both proteins, the charge distribution of GTP is driven towards the transition state, and an arginine is precisely positioned to facilitate nucleophilic attack of water. In addition to these mechanistic details of GTP hydrolysis, Ras dimerization as an emerging factor in signal transduction is discussed in this review.
Successful resection of pancreatic head cancer in a patient with circumportal pancreas: a case report with technical consideration
Authors: Kawamoto Hiroshi , Fujikawa Takahisa , Tanaka Akira
Published: February 2017

We report a case of pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer with circumportal pancreas (CP). A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with complaint of generalized pruritus. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) revealed an unenhanced mass at the head of the pancreas and a dilated main pancreatic duct (MPD) behind the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). She was diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer with CP and underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSpPD). The pancreas was transected both beneath and above the SMV, and the dominant dorsal edge of the pancreas was mobilized and anastomosed with the gut, whereas the ventral edge was closed by suture and attached to the gut. The postoperative course was uneventful without the occurrence of pancreatic fistula or bleeding. CP is a rare anomaly in which a portal vein (PV) is encircled by the annular pancreatic parenchyma. CP is usually asymptomatic without any significant comorbidity but may become a surgical hazard when pancreaticoduodenectomy is performed. We report our successfully treated case, with special references to the technical approach for pancreatic anastomosis.
Linear and Nonlinear Causality between Corn Cash and Futures Prices
Authors: Xu Xiaojie
Published: February 2017

This study investigates linear and nonlinear causality between the daily Chicago Board of Trade corn futures price series and each of seven regional cash series from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kansas for January 2006–March 2011. Empirical results suggest bidirectional linear causality between cash and futures prices under a bivariate vector autoregressive model in differences (Bi-VAR-Diff) which consists of the futures and one of the seven cash series that are not cointegrated, and unidirectional linear causality from futures to cash prices under an octavariate vector error correction model (Octa-VECM) which consists of the futures and all of the seven cash series that are cointegrated. With linear relationships among prices removed using the Bi-VAR-Diff or Octa-VECM filtering, nonlinear causality is tested through a bivariate vector autoregressive model in levels (Bi-VAR-Lev) on residuals associated with the futures and a cash series from the linear models, and is found to be unidirectional from the futures market to Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in general. Finally, a GARCH-BEKK specification is added to a Bi-VAR-Diff or the Octa-VECM to obtain residuals for the nonlinear causality test using a Bi-VAR-Lev, and the futures market leadership against Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio is still identified.
The Stability Properties of Monetary Constitutions
Authors: Paniagua Pablo
Published: February 2017

The financial crisis brought about a higher degree of monetary policy unpredictability. To anchor expectations and promote nominal stability, there is a need for predictable monetary rules or stable constitutions. This paper’s purpose is to define the general expectational properties that monetary constitutions should possess to work as coordination devices. I use Buchanan’s predictability criterion, as well as the expectational monetary transmission mechanism, to propose that monetary constitutions should be considered stable as long as they contain dynamics allowing self-reinforcing expectations of monetary neutrality. Self-reinforcement of expectations is an integral property of monetary constitutions for them to be agents of coordination and therefore stable. I find that these expectational properties are consistent with the stability properties established in the constitutional literature.
Stability constant determinations for technetium (IV) complexation with selected amino carboxylate ligands in high nitrate solutions
Authors: Omoto Trevor , Wall Nathalie A.
Published: February 2017

The stability constants for Tc(IV) complexation with the ligands IDA, NTA, HEDTA, and DTPA were determined in varied nitrate concentrations using liquid-liquid extraction methods. The determined log β101 stability constants at 0.5 M NaNO3 were found to be 9.2±0.3, 10.3±0.3, and 15.3±0.3 for IDA, NTA, and HEDTA, respectively. The log β111 stability constant for DTPA was determined to be 22.0±0.6. These determined stability constants show a slight decrease in magnitude as a function of increasing NaNO3 concentration. These stability constants were used to model the total dissolution of Tc(IV) in acidic aqueous solutions in the presence of each ligand. The results of these predictive models indicate that amino carboxylic ligands have a high potential for increasing the aqueous dissolution of Tc(IV); at pH 2.3, 0.01 M ligand yield dissolved Tc(IV) concentrations of 1.42·10−5 M, 1.33·10−5 M, 6.07·10−6 M, 9.65·10−7 M, for DTPA, HEDTA, NTA, and IDA, respectively.
Elevated serum ubiquitin-proteasome pathway related molecule levels in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Cetin Ihsan , Bulut Hamdullah , Şimsek Şeref
Published: February 2017

Introductıon

We aimed to determine the serum levels of transactive response of DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), which are ubiquitin-proteasome pathway related molecules and have not been investigated so far, in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

The study group was composed of thirty children aged between 6 and 10. They were diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria. They were the subjects who applied to Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Child Psychiatry in Diyarbakır, Turkey. Children with ADHD were assessed via Turgay DSM-IV Based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale and Stroop test. Serum TDP-43 and UCH-L1 levels were analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The TDP-43 and UCH-L1 serum levels of children with ADHD were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of controls. On the other hand, we found that serum levels of TDP-43 correlated with interference effect and hyperactivity–impulsivity in children with ADHD.

Conclusıon

Imbalances in serum UCH-L1 and TDP-43 levels, and the correlation of TDP-43 levels with clinical parameters in children with ADHD may suggest that ubiquitin-proteasome pathway alterations are associated with ADHD. Deterioration of this pathway may cause intracellular TDP-43 aggregation.
The relation between ischemia modified albumin level and autoimmunity/chronic inflammation in celiac disease
Authors: Yuksel Mahmut , Kaplan Mustafa , Ates Ihsan , Ozin Yasemin Ozderin , Kilic Hasan , Kuzu Ufuk Barıs , Kayacetin Ertugrul
Published: February 2017

Objective

We established an expectation that ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels are higher in the celiac disease since it is an autoimmune/chronic inflammatory disease. In this study, we determined the level of IMA and its relation to autoimmunity/chronic inflammation in celiac disease.

Material and methods

The level of IMA of 65 patients diagnosed with celiac disease and 65 healthy volunteers, was measured with the serum ELISA kit. C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-gliadin antibodies immunoglobulin A (AGA-lgA), anti-gliadin antibodies immunoglobulin G (AGA-lgG), anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A antibodies (Anti-t-TGA), anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin G antibodies (Anti-t-TGG) levels were studied.

Results

IMA (30.8 ng/mL vs. 20.1 ng/mL, p=0.006; respectively) levels in celiac patients were higher than the control group. In celiac patients who were antibody positive, IMA level was found to be higher compared to antibody negative patients. A positive correlation was determined between IMA level and AGA-IgA (r=0.504, p<0.001), AGA-IgG (r=0.445, p<0.001), Anti-t TGA (r=0.485, p<0.001), Anti-t TGG (r=0.477, p<0.001) and CRP (r=0.385, p=0.011) levels.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity were found to be associated with high levels of IMA. To use IMA as a diagnosis and follow-up criterion in celiac disease, IMA levels must be compared before and after treatment of active celiac disease.
Cloning and expression analysis of ZmABI3 gene in Zea mays
Authors: Weng Qiaoyun , Song Jinhui , Ma Hailian , Yuan Jincheng , Zhao Yanmin , Zhao Yan , Liu Yinghui
Published: February 2017

Objective

ABI3 is a B3 domain transcription factor existed in various plant species. Studies showed that ABI3 play important role in plant growth and development.

Methods

The ZmABI3 gene was cloned by reverse transcription PCR. Expression analysis was done by quantitative real-time PCR after various abiotic stresses.

Results

One gene contained B3 domain was isolated from maize, designated as ZmABI3. The full cDNA sequence of ZmABI3 contains a 1017 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 339 amino acids, and the calculated molecular mass was 37.19 kD. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that ZmABI3 clustered together with Brachypodium distachyon ABI3 protein. The promoter of ZmABI3 was cloned, which was about 948 bp upstream of ZmABI3 and predicted to contain important regulatory elements including TATA-box, CAAT-box and elements responding to drought, heat, cold, SA and MeJA.

Conclusion

A new gene contained a B3 domain was cloned and named as ZmABI3 from maize. Analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, the expression of ZmABI3 in maize was induced by abiotic stresses included heat, high-salt, cold, PEG, heat stress and dehydration treatments, but not by ABA. These results suggested that ZmABI3 might be a stress related gene in maize.
Lipid-protein microdomains in tonoplast of Beta vulgaris L.: comparison between the results obtained by detergent and detergent-free isolation techniques
Authors: Ozolina Natalia V. , Nesterkina Irina S. , Spiridonova Ekaterina V. , Dudareva Lubov V. , Nurminsky Vadim N. , Salyaev Ryurik K.
Published: February 2017

Objective

The membranes of plant and animal cells contain lipid-protein microdomains (LPMs) in their structure. We aimed to compare biochemical and biophysical characteristics of LPMs isolated by the two techniques from beet root tonoplast.

Methods

For the purposes of comparison the biochemical characteristics of LPMs the content of protein (Bradford’s method), the content of lipids (gravimetric method) were assessed. For the purpose of separating different kinds of lipids, one-dimensional thin layer chromatography (TLC), two-dimensional TLC and different specific systems of solvents were used. The content of fatty acids and sterols was determined by chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry correspondingly. In order to determine the orderings of the lipids in LPMs the laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy was used.

Results

Significant differences were revealed as a result of investigation of biochemical and biophysical characteristics of LPMs. The total content of proteins was substantially higher (4 times as large) in LPMs identified by the detergent-free technique than in LPMs identified by the detergent technique. The orderings of lipids in LPMs isolated by detergent-free technique was substantially lower than that of LPMs isolated by detergent technique.

Conclusion

These results may suggest an existence of several types of LPMs in tonoplast.
Detecting Soil Inclusion Inside Piles in the Laboratory Using DTS Method
Authors: Xiao H. L. , Liu Y. L. , Fan M. , Li L. H. , Lei W. K.
Published: February 2017

In order to standardize and promote the distributed temperature sensor instrument applied in the detection of pile with soil, model piles with a 0.6 m height and 0.8 m diameter were designed in which the ratio of concrete to clay mass is 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, also including pure concrete pile and clay pile model for comparison. Because of the effect of the clay in the pile to the pile thermal conductivity, the temperature change of the pile was monitored. The change of piles' thermal conductivity, the relationship between temperature and heating power, temperature and piles' materials, and temperature and clay content, were quantitatively studied. Experimental results showed that the temperature linearly increases with the increasing of heating power, but with the increase of clay content, temperature gradient increased; for different piles' material, there are obvious differences regarding the coefficient of temperature and heating power, but with increasing of the clay content increased.
NEUROD2 RegulatesStim1Expression and Store-Operated Calcium Entry in Cortical Neurons
Authors: Guner Gokhan , Guzelsoy Gizem , Isleyen Fatma Sadife , Sahin Gulcan Semra , Akkaya Cansu , Bayam Efil , Kotan Eser Ilgin , Kabakcioglu Alkan , Ince-Dunn Gulayse
Published: February 2017

Calcium signaling controls many key processes in neurons, including gene expression, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity. In contrast to calcium influx through voltage- or neurotransmitter-gated channels, regulatory pathways that control store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in neurons are poorly understood. Here, we report a transcriptional control ofStim1(stromal interaction molecule 1) gene, which is a major sensor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium levels and a regulator of SOCE. By using a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing approach in mice, we find that NEUROD2, a neurogenic transcription factor, binds to an intronic element within theStim1gene. We show that NEUROD2 limitsStim1expression in cortical neurons and consequently fine-tunes the SOCE response upon depletion of ER calcium. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism that regulates neuronal calcium homeostasis during cortical development.
Coupled Decision Processes Update and Maintain Saccadic Priors in a Dynamic Environment
Authors: Kim Timothy Doyeon , Kabir Mohammad , Gold Joshua I.
Published: February 2017

Much of what we know about how the brain forms decisions comes from studies of saccadic eye movements. However, saccadic decisions are often studied in isolation, which limits the insights that they can provide about real-world decisions with complex interdependencies. Here, we used a serial reaction time (RT) task to show that prior expectations affect RTs via interdependent, normative decision processes that operate within and across saccades. We found that human subjects performing the task generated saccades that were governed by a rise-to-threshold decision process with a starting point that reflected expected state-dependent transition probabilities. These probabilities depended on decisions about the current state (the correct target) that, under some conditions, required the accumulation of information across saccades. Without additional feedback, this information was provided by each saccadic decision threshold, which represented the total evidence in favor of the chosen target. Therefore, the output of the within-saccade process was used, not only to generate the saccade, but also to provide input to the across-saccade process. This across-saccade process, in turn, helped to set the starting point of the next within-saccade process. These results imply a novel role for functional information-processing loops in optimizing saccade generation in dynamic environments.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSaccades are the rapid, ballistic eye movements that we make approximately three times every second to scan the visual scene for interesting things to look at. The apparent ease with which we produce saccades belies their computational sophistication, which can be studied quantitatively in the laboratory to provide insights into how our brain manages the interplay between sensory input and motor output. The present work is important because we show for the first time how this interplay operates both within and across saccades to ensure that these eye movements are guided effectively by learned expectations in dynamic environments. More generally, this study shows how sensory-motor decision processes, typically studied in isolation, interact via functional information-processing loops in the brain to produce complex, adaptive behaviors.
Development of the Cerebral Cortex across Adolescence: A Multisample Study of Inter-Related Longitudinal Changes in Cortical Volume, Surface Area, and Thickness
Authors: Tamnes Christian K. , Herting Megan M. , Goddings Anne-Lise , Meuwese Rosa , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne , Dahl Ronald E. , Güroğlu Berna , Raznahan Armin , Sowell Elizabeth R. , Crone Eveline A. , Mills Kathryn L.
Published: February 2017

Before we can assess and interpret how developmental changes in human brain structure relate to cognition, affect, and motivation, and how these processes are perturbed in clinical or at-risk populations, we must first precisely understand typical brain development and how changes in different structural components relate to each other. We conducted a multisample magnetic resonance imaging study to investigate the development of cortical volume, surface area, and thickness, as well as their inter-relationships, from late childhood to early adulthood (7–29 years) using four separate longitudinal samples including 388 participants and 854 total scans. These independent datasets were processed and quality-controlled using the same methods, but analyzed separately to study the replicability of the results across sample and image-acquisition characteristics. The results consistently showed widespread and regionally variable nonlinear decreases in cortical volume and thickness and comparably smaller steady decreases in surface area. Further, the dominant contributor to cortical volume reductions during adolescence was thinning. Finally, complex regional and topological patterns of associations between changes in surface area and thickness were observed. Positive relationships were seen in sulcal regions in prefrontal and temporal cortices, while negative relationships were seen mainly in gyral regions in more posterior cortices. Collectively, these results help resolve previous inconsistencies regarding the structural development of the cerebral cortex from childhood to adulthood, and provide novel insight into how changes in the different dimensions of the cortex in this period of life are inter-related.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDifferent measures of brain anatomy develop differently across adolescence. Their precise trajectories and how they relate to each other throughout development are important to know if we are to fully understand both typical development and disorders involving aberrant brain development. However, our understanding of such trajectories and relationships is still incomplete. To provide accurate characterizations of how different measures of cortical structure develop, we performed an MRI investigation across four independent datasets. The most profound anatomical change in the cortex during adolescence was thinning, with the largest decreases observed in the parietal lobe. There were complex regional patterns of associations between changes in surface area and thickness, with positive relationships seen in sulcal regions in prefrontal and temporal cortices, and negative relationships seen mainly in gyral regions in more posterior cortices.
Visuospatial Asymmetries Arise from Differences in the Onset Time of Perceptual Evidence Accumulation
Authors: Newman Daniel P. , Loughnane Gerard M. , Kelly Simon P. , O'Connell Redmond G. , Bellgrove Mark A.
Published: February 2017

Healthy subjects tend to exhibit a bias of visual attention whereby left hemifield stimuli are processed more quickly and accurately than stimuli appearing in the right hemifield. It has long been held that this phenomenon arises from the dominant role of the right cerebral hemisphere in regulating attention. However, methods that would enable more precise understanding of the mechanisms underpinning visuospatial bias have remained elusive. We sought to finely trace the temporal evolution of spatial biases by leveraging a novel bilateral dot motion detection paradigm. In combination with electroencephalography, this paradigm enables researchers to isolate discrete neural signals reflecting the key neural processes needed for making these detection decisions. These include signals for spatial attention, early target selection, evidence accumulation, and motor preparation. Using this method, we established that three key neural markers accounted for unique between-subject variation in visuospatial bias: hemispheric asymmetry in posterior α power measured before target onset, which is related to the distribution of preparatory attention across the visual field; asymmetry in the peak latency of the early N2c target-selection signal; and, finally, asymmetry in the onset time of the subsequent neural evidence-accumulation process with earlier onsets for left hemifield targets. Our development of a single paradigm to dissociate distinct processing components that track the temporal evolution of spatial biases not only advances our understanding of the neural mechanisms underpinning normal visuospatial attention bias, but may also in the future aid differential diagnoses in disorders of spatial attention.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe significance of this research is twofold. First, it shows that individual differences in how humans direct their attention between left and right space reflects physiological differences in how early the brain starts to accumulate evidence for the existence of a visual target. Second, the novel methods developed here may have particular relevance to disorders of attention, such as unilateral spatial neglect. In the case of spatial neglect, pathological inattention to left space could have multiple underlying causes, including biased attention, impaired decision formation, or a motor deficit related to one side of space. Our development of a single paradigm to dissociate each of these components may aid in supporting more precise differential diagnosis in such heterogeneous disorders.
Nieko geriau už paskaitą? Apie socialinio darbo universitetinių studijų mokymo(si) metodus
Authors: Švedaitė-Sakalauskė Birutė , Gevorgianiene Violeta
Published: February 2017

Straipsnyje svarstoma, kurie mokymo(si) metodai tinkamiausi universitetinėms socialinio darbo studijoms. Remiantis socialinio darbo bakalauro ir magistro studijų studentų apklausa nustatyta, kad paskaita kaip metodas labiausiai padeda jų kompetencijų ugdymuisi. Labiausiai stebina tyrimo rezultatas, kad paskaitų metu studentai ne tik įgyja žinių, bet ir jaučiasi labiausiai išmokstantys žinias taikyti. Šie tyrimo rezultatai kviečia diskutuoti, kodėl paskaita - klasikinis universitetinių studijų metodas net ir tokioje į praktiką orientuotoje specialybėje kaip socialinis darbas pasirodo esantis populiariausias ir duoda studentams daugiausiai naudos. Vienas iš galimų atsakymų – paskaitos, kaip tarpusavio sąveika kuriamo gyvo naratyvo, įtaigumas ir ugdomasis poveikis, atveriantis kur kas daugiau mokymo ir išmokimo galimybių.
Šeima kaip privatinės teisės institutas ir esminis viešosios teisės integralumo veiksnys
Authors: Arlauskas Saulius
Published: February 2017

Straipsnyje, pateikiant teorinį viešosios ir privatinės teisės santykio aiškinimą, siekiama pažvelgti į visuomenės moralines nuostatas dėl šeimos instituto teisinio reguliavimo. Kritikuojama nekorektiškai aiškinama valstybės teisinio neutralumo tezė, pagal kurią, šeimos kūrimas yra visiškai autonominis privačių subjektų reikalas, ir todėl valstybė negali piršti kokio nors šeimos idealo. Parodoma, kad tokia pozicija remiasi nekritišku teisės ir moralės skyrimu, teisei ir moralei bendrų universalių vertybių neigimu. Straipsnyje teigiama, kad liberaliojoje teisės doktrinoje, remiantis visuomenės kolektyvinėmis etinėmis nuostatomis, neišvengiamai preziumuojama kaip viešosios teisės imperatyvas individo unikali prigimtis, jo teisės į lygybę ir pasirinkimo laisvę. Tokiu būdu parodoma, kad privatinės teisės kompetenciją ginti individų laisvą susitarimą lemia ne jų individuali gamtinė, bet visuomeninė kolektyvinė būtis. Remiantis visuomenės narių laisvės ir lygybės bendruomenine kilme, nagrinėjama šeimos instituto pagrindinė prokreacinė funkcija, kurios reikalauja bendruomeninis identitetas (bendruomenės siekis išlikti istorijoje). Parodoma, kad, valstybei proteguojant skirtingų lyčių santuokas, ne paneigiama individų pasirinkimo laisvė, bet, atvirkščiai, pasirinkimo laisvei suteikiamas prasmingas turinys, kuris išplaukia iš universalių vertybių, bendrų teisei ir moralei. Straipsnyje teigiama, kad siekis sumenkinti tradicinės šeimos socialinę svarbą yra grėsmingas, nes pažeidžia pagrindinį socialinės integracijos modelių šaltinį – tradicinę šeimą.
Linear relationship found by magnetic resonance imaging between cerebrospinal fluid volume and body weight in dogs
Authors: Reinitz László Z. , Bajzik Gábor , Garamvölgyi Rita , Benedek Bianka , Petneházy Örs , Lassó András , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Lőrincz Borbála , Sótonyi Péter
Published: February 2017

Despite numerous studies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its importance during hydrocephalus or myelography, no reliable values exist about its overall volume in dogs. In this study, our aim was to measure the intracranial (IC) volume of CSF in dogs and assess its possible relationship with body size and the symmetry of the lateral ventricles. We ran a 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence on the central nervous system of 12 healthy, male mongrel dogs between 3–5 years of age and 7.5–35.0 kg body weight. A validated semiautomatic segmentation protocol was implemented to segment the CSF and measure its volume. Values for the volume of the ventricular compartment were between 0.97 and 2.94 ml, with 62.1 ± 11.7% in the lateral ventricles, 17.6 ± 4.9% in the third ventricle, 4.9 ± 1.6% in the aqueductus mesencephali and 15.5 ± 6.6% in the fourth ventricle. In 11 cases a significant asymmetry was found between the lateral ventricles. The results suggest that it may be normal for a dog to have one of the lateral ventricles 1.5 times larger than the other. The correlation between body weight and CSF volume was linear, indicating that the current dosage protocols for myelography, based on a hypothetical proportional relationship with body weight, may have to be revised.
Endometrial mRNA expression of prostaglandin synthase enzymes PTGS 2, PTGFS and mPTGES 1 in repeat-breeding cows with cytologically determined endometritis
Authors: Janowski Tomasz , Barański Wojciech , Łukasik Karolina , Skarżyński Dariusz , Zduńczyk Sławomir , Malinowska Katarzyna
Published: February 2017

Little is known about the inflammatory response of the endometrium in repeat-breeding cows with subclinical endometritis (SE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the mRNA expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS 2), prostaglandin F2α synthase (PTGFS) and prostaglandin E2 microsomal synthase 1 (mPTGES 1) in the endometrium of repeat-breeding cows with and without SE. SE was diagnosed cytologically using the cytobrush method, with the threshold being set at 5% polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Biopsy samples were obtained from the endometrium of repeat-breeding cows with SE (n = 10) and without SE (n = 10). The mRNA expression of the synthases was evaluated using qRT-PCR. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) expression of the PTGS 2 gene was detected in the repeat breeders with SE, whereas there was no significant difference in the expression of PTGFS and mPTGES 1 mRNAs between repeatbreeding cows with SE and those without it (P > 0.05). Our study confirms that increased endometrial expression of the PTGS 2 gene is involved in the inflammatory response in repeat breeders.
Characterisation of the nucleic acid binding features of the PRRSV 7ap and its ability to induce antinuclear antibodies
Authors: Olasz Ferenc , Dénes Béla , Bálint Ádám , Magyar Tibor , Belák Sándor , Zádori Zoltán
Published: February 2017

A short alternative open reading frame named ORF7a has recently been discovered within the nucleocapsid gene of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) genome. Proteins (7ap) translated from the ORF7a of two divergent strains — a type I and a type II — are able to completely reduce the motility of nucleic acids at relatively high molar charge ratios in gel retardation assays indicating strong dsDNA- and ssRNA-binding capability. Conserved RNA- and DNA-binding properties suggest that nucleic acid binding is a functional property of the divergent 7aps, and not an arbitrary consequence of their net positive charge. Sera from Hu7ap-immunised pigs and mice did not react with Hu7ap or Hu7ap-GFP; however, antinuclear antibodies were detected in the sera of the immunised animals, suggesting an ability of Hu7ap to interact with or mimic autoantigenic macromolecules.
PENDUGAAN BIOMASSA IKAN PELAGIS DI PERAIRAN TELUK TOMINI DENGAN METODE AKUSTIK BIM TERBAGI
Authors: Natsir Mohammad , Sadhotomo Bambang , Wudianto Wudianto
Published: February 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan estimasi biomassa ikan pelagis di wilayah perairan Teluk Tomini dengan mrnggunakan metode akustik, khususnya metode akustik bim terbagi, yang penggunaannya untuk keperluan eksplorasi sumber daya perikanan, khususnya ikan pelagis telah berkembang dengan pesat di beberapa negara maju.
DISTRIBUSI KELIMPAHAN DAN STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS PLANKTON PADA MUSIM TIMUR DI PERAIRAN TELUK TOMINI
Authors: Awwaluddin Awwaluddin , Suwarso Suwarso , Setiawan Rahmat
Published: February 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari distribusi kelimpahan dan struKur komunitas plankton (komposisi jenis, keragaman, keseragaman, dan dominansi) pada musim gugur di perairan Teluk Tomini berdasarkan pada pengambilan contoh di 36 stasiun pada bulan Juli atau Agustus 2003.
Serum Uromodulin and Mortality Risk in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography
Authors: Delgado Graciela E. , Kleber Marcus E. , Scharnagl Hubert , Krämer Bernhard K. , März Winfried , Scherberich Jürgen E.
Published: February 2017

The mucoprotein uromodulin is the most abundant protein in mammalian urine and has important roles in ion transport, maintenance of water and electrolyte balance, and clearance of bacteria from the urinary tract. Low urinary uromodulin concentrations have been associated with increased mortality risk. However, measuring uromodulin in urine has several preanalytic drawbacks, and sensitive assays for the detection of uromodulin in blood have become available. In this study, we investigated the association of serum uromodulin concentration with cardiovascular biomarkers and mortality risk in a large cohort of patients referred for coronary angiography. Uromodulin concentrations were available in 3057 of 3316 participants of the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study. Higher serum uromodulin concentration associated with a favorable metabolic profile, lower prevalence rates of comorbidities (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart failure), and a lower risk for 10-year mortality, with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.65 (0.54 to 0.78), 0.71 (0.58 to 0.88), and 0.57 (0.45 to 0.73) in the second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively, compared with the first quartile. The association with reduced mortality was independent of other cardiovascular risk factors, including eGFR, and stronger after adjustment for the genotype of the rs12917707 polymorphism at the UMOD locus. Adding serum uromodulin concentration to established cardiovascular risk prediction scores improved risk prediction. Uromodulin may, therefore, be a useful marker for cardiovascular and renal health.
Incisional hernia: risk factors, clinical presentations, and pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh repair
Authors: Inamdar Mohammed Faheem , Singh Amit Raj , Inamdar N. M.
Published: February 2017

Background: Incisional hernia is a common surgical condition accounting for 15% to 20% of all abdominal wall hernias. Of all hernias, they can be the most frustrating and difficult to treat. Several technical and patient-related factors have been linked to their occurrence. There is no conclusive evidence that demonstrates that the type of suture or technique of incisional closure at the primary operation affects hernia formation. Recurrence rates (10-50%) and are typically reduced by more than half with the use of prosthetic mesh. People of all ages and ethnic backgrounds may develop an incisional hernia after abdominal surgery. This study was an effort to evaluate the risk factors, clinical presentations and polypropylene mesh repair (pre-peritoneal) management of incisional hernia.Methods: A total of 50 patients having incisional hernias admitted in our hospital between 2009 to 2011 have been studied. Strangulated, incarcerated, unfit patients with recurrent hernias and pregnancy have been excluded. Preperitoneal mesh repair was done in all the patients and follow up was done for 2 years.Results: Incisional hernia is more common in the obese and in middle aged females. Common risk factors are post op infection, obesity and multiparity. Most of the patients had incisional hernia within a year of previous surgery.Conclusions: Females are more prone. Most patients present as abdominal swelling with cough impulse and reducible on lying supine. Most of them occur within a year of previous surgery. Common risk factors include obesity, post op infections and multiparity.