bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Policies or knowledge: priors differ between a perceptual and sensorimotor task
Authors: Chambers Claire , Fernandes Hugo , Kording Konrad Paul 
Published: April 2019

If the brain abstractly represents probability distributions as knowledge, then the modality of a decision, e.g., movement vs. perception, should not matter. If, on the other hand, learned representations are policies, they may be specific to the task where learning takes place. Here, we test this by asking whether a learned spatial prior generalizes from a sensorimotor estimation task to a two-alternative-forced choice (2-Afc) perceptual comparison task. A model and simulation-based analysis revealed that while participants learn prior distribution in the sensorimotor estimation task, measured priors are consistently broader than sensorimotor priors in the 2-Afc task. That the prior does not fully generalize suggests that sensorimotor priors are more like policies than knowledge. In disagreement with standard Bayesian thought, the modality of the decision has a strong influence on the implied prior distributions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We do not know whether the brain represents abstract and generalizable knowledge or task-specific policies that map internal states to actions. We find that learning in a sensorimotor task does not generalize strongly to a perceptual task, suggesting that humans learned policies and did not truly acquire knowledge. Priors differ across tasks, thus casting doubt on the central tenet of many Bayesian models, that the brain’s representation of the world is built on generalizable knowledge.
Case Studies in Neuroscience: The electrophysiology of a human obsession in nucleus accumbens
Authors: Miller Kai J. , Prieto Thomas , Williams Nolan R. , Halpern Casey H. 
Published: April 2019

Microelectrode recordings were performed during awake deep brain stimulation surgery for obsessive-compulsive disorder, revealing robust brain oscillations that were plainly visible throughout the ventral striatum. There was an elegant topological correspondence between each oscillation and the underlying brain anatomy, most prominently a ~35-Hz gamma-oscillation specific to the nucleus accumbens. Direct provocation of the patient’s contamination obsession modulated both firing rate and gamma-oscillation amplitude within the nucleus accumbens. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Surgical implantation of deep brain stimulating electrodes (DBS) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an option for patients who have not fully responded to medical intervention or cognitive behavioral therapy. We measured the electrophysiology of a collection of deep brain structures during awake DBS surgery for an OCD patient with an obsession about cleanliness and contamination. The anatomic delineation of these deep brain structures was revealed by distinct brain rhythms, most notably a ~35 Hz oscillation specific to the nucleus accumbens. In the first ever measurement of a human obsessive thought, we found that this ~35-Hz biomarker, as well as the local neuronal action potential rate, were modulated by handing the patient a toothbrush to bring to his face and instructing him to “imagine brushing your teeth with this dirty toothbrush.”
Prolonged time course of population excitatory postsynaptic potentials in motoneurons of chronic stroke survivors
Authors: Son Jongsang , Hu Xiaogang , Suresh Nina L. , Rymer William Z. 
Published: April 2019

Hyperexcitability of spinal motoneurons may contribute to muscular hypertonia after hemispheric stroke. The origins of this hyperexcitability are not clear, but we hypothesized that prolongation of the Ia excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in spastic motoneurons may be one potential mechanism, by enabling more effective temporal summation of Ia EPSPs, making action potential initiation easier. Thus, the purpose of this study is to quantify the time course of putative EPSPs in spinal motoneurons of chronic stroke survivors. To estimate the EPSP time course, a pair of low-intensity electrical stimuli was delivered sequentially to the median nerve in seven hemispheric stroke survivors and in six intact individuals, to induce an H-reflex response from the flexor carpi radialis muscle. H-reflex response probability was then used to quantify the time course of the underlying EPSPs in the motoneuron pool. A population EPSP estimate was then derived, based on the probability of evoking an H-reflex from the second test stimulus in the absence of a reflex response to the first conditioning stimulus. Our experimental results showed that in six of seven hemispheric stroke survivors, the apparent rate of decay of the population EPSP was markedly slower in spastic compared with contralateral (stroke) and intact motoneuron pools. There was no significant difference in EPSP time course between the contralateral side of stroke survivors and control subject muscles. We propose that one potential mechanism for hyperexcitability of spastic motoneurons in chronic stroke survivors may be associated with this prolongation of the Ia EPSP time course. Our subthreshold double-stimulation approach could provide a noninvasive tool for quantifying the time course of EPSPs in both healthy and pathological conditions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spastic motoneurons in stroke survivors showed a prolonged Ia excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) time course compared with contralateral and intact motoneurons, suggesting that one potential mechanism for hyperexcitability of spastic motoneurons in chronic stroke survivors may be associated with this prolongation of the Ia EPSP time course.
Formation and decay of auditory short-term memory in the macaque monkey
Authors: Teichert Tobias , Gurnsey Kate 
Published: April 2019

Echoic memory (EM) is a short-lived, precategorical, and passive form of auditory short-term memory (STM). A key hallmark of EM is its rapid exponential decay with a time constant between 1 and 2 s. It is not clear whether auditory STM in the rhesus, an important model system, shares this rapid exponential decay. To resolve this shortcoming, two rhesus macaques were trained to perform a delayed frequency discrimination task. Discriminability of delayed tones was measured as a function of retention duration and the number of times the standard had been repeated before the target. Like in the human, our results show a rapid decline of discriminability with retention duration. In addition, the results suggest a gradual strengthening of discriminability with repetition number. Model-based analyses suggest the presence of two components of auditory STM: a short-lived component with a time constant on the order of 550 ms that most likely corresponds to EM and a more stable memory trace with time constants on the order of 10 s that strengthens with repetition and most likely corresponds to auditory recognition memory. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first detailed quantification of the rapid temporal dynamics of auditory short-term memory in the rhesus. Much of the auditory information in short-term memory is lost within the first couple of seconds. Repeated presentations of a tone strengthen its encoding into short-term memory. Model-based analyses suggest two distinct components: an echoic memory homolog that mediates the rapid decay and a more stable but less detail-rich component that mediates strengthening of the trace with repetition.
Language Specificity in Phonetic Cue Weighting: Monolingual and Bilingual Perception of the Stop Voicing Contrast in English and Spanish
Authors: Schertz Jessamyn , Carbonell Kathy , Lotto Andrew J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground/Aims:This work examines the perception of the stop voicing contrast in Spanish and English along four acoustic dimensions, comparing monolingual and bilingual listeners. Our primary goals are to test the extent to which cue-weighting strategies are language-specific in monolinguals, and whether this language specificity extends to bilingual listeners.Methods:Participants categorized sounds varying in voice onset time (VOT, the primary cue to the contrast) and three secondary cues: fundamental frequency at vowel onset, first formant (F1) onset frequency, and stop closure duration. Listeners heard acoustically identical target stimuli, within language-specific carrier phrases, in English and Spanish modes.Results:While all listener groups used all cues, monolingual English listeners relied more on F1, and less on closure duration, than monolingual Spanish listeners, indicating language specificity in cue use. Early bilingual listeners used the three secondary cues similarly in English and Spanish, despite showing language-specific VOT boundaries.Conclusion:While our findings reinforce previous work demonstrating language-specific phonetic representations in bilinguals in terms of VOT boundary, they suggest that this specificity may not extend straightforwardly to cue-weighting strategies.
The Students’ Ability to Solve Realistic Mathematical Problems through Polya Type Problem Solving Learning Model
Authors: Widiana I Wayan , Japa I Gusti Ngurah , Suarjana I Made , Sujendra Diputra Komang 
Published: April 2019

This study was done to analyze the effect of Polyatype problem solving learning oriented toward realistic mathematics on the ability to solve mathematical word problems. This study belongs to an experimental research with the Posttest Only Control Group Design. The population used in this study was the students of grade 4 at Gugus VIII Sukawati Gianyar elementary schools with the total number of 138. The sample was selected through random sampling. The result of selection by lottery assigned Grade 4 students of SDN 4 SingapaduKaler to the control class and Grade 4 students of SDN 1 SingapaduKaler to the experiment class. The data were collected through an essay test that had been validated. The data that had been collected were analyzed through a difference test (t-test). Based on the result of data analysis it can be concluded that the use of Polya type problem solving teaching model oriented toward realistic mathematics gave a positive effect to the ability to solve word problems among the Grade 4 students in Gugus VIII Sukawati Gianyar.
Preparing A Strategic Learner By Using Metacognitive Strategies: From Theory Into Practice
Authors: Djudin Tomo 
Published: April 2019

It is unrealistic to expect students to have future literacy about science, information, and technology if their education includes only facts and concepts relevant during the school years. While life presents situations that cannot be solved by learned responses, the metacognitive strategy is brought into play. Metacognitive skills are needed when habitual responses are not successful. Metacognitive skills will enable students to successfully cope with new situations. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a practical model of implementing strategies to increase students’ ability to comprehend texts and find solutions to word problems based on the theories and empirical background of metacognition. In addition, the distinction between metacognition and cognition and explicit instruction on the learning strategies to develop students metacognitive skills were discussed. It concludes that teachers can raise the level of metacognitive thought in their classrooms by modeling the processes. The use of metacognitive strategies will enable students to be independent and strategic learners.
The Key Role of Warm Rain Parameterization in Determining the Aerosol Indirect Effect in a Global Climate Model
Authors: Jing Xianwen , Suzuki Kentaroh , Michibata Takuro 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGlobal climate models (GCMs) have been found to share the common too-frequent bias in the warm rain formation process. In this study, five different autoconversion schemes are incorporated into a single GCM, to systematically evaluate the warm rain formation processes in comparison with satellite observations and investigate their effects on the aerosol indirect effect (AIE). It is found that some schemes generate warm rain less efficiently under polluted conditions in the manner closer to satellite observations, while the others generate warm rain too frequently. Large differences in AIE are found among these schemes. It is remarkable that the schemes with more observation-like warm rain formation processes exhibit larger AIEs that far exceed the uncertainty range reported in IPCC AR5, to an extent that can cancel much of the warming trend in the past century, whereas schemes with too-frequent rain formations yield AIEs that are well bounded by the reported range. The power-law dependence of the autoconversion rate on the cloud droplet number concentration β is found to affect substantially the susceptibility of rain formation to aerosols: the more negative β is, the more difficult it is for rain to be triggered in polluted clouds, leading to larger AIE through substantial contributions from the wet scavenging feedback. The appropriate use of a droplet size threshold can mitigate the effect of a less negative β. The role of the warm rain formation process on AIE in this particular model has broad implications for others that share the too-frequent rain-formation bias.
Evaluating the Benefits of Merging Near-Real-Time Satellite Precipitation Products: A Case Study in the Kinu Basin Region, Japan
Authors: Mastrantonas Nikolaos , Bhattacharya Biswa , Shibuo Yoshihiro , Rasmy Mohamed , Espinoza-Dávalos Gonzalo , Solomatine Dimitri 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
After the launch of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission in 2014, many satellite precipitation products (SPPs) are available at finer spatiotemporal resolution and/or with reduced latency, potentially increasing the applicability of SPPs for near-real-time (NRT) applications. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the NRT SPPs in the GPM era and investigate whether bias-correction techniques or merging of the individual products can increase the accuracy of these SPPs for NRT applications. This study utilizes five commonly used NRT SPPs, namely, CMOPRH RT, GSMaP NRT, IMERG EARLY, IMERG LATE, and PERSIANN-CCS. The evaluation is done for the Kinu basin region in Japan, an area that provides observed rainfall data with high accuracy in space and time. The selected bias correction techniques are the ratio bias correction and cumulative distribution function matching, while the merged products are derived with the error variance, inverse error variance weighting, and simple average merging techniques. Based on the results, all SPPs perform best for lower-intensity rainfall events and have challenges in providing accurate estimates for typhoon-induced rainfall (generally more than 50% underestimation) and at very fine temporal scales. Although the bias correction techniques successfully reduce the bias and improve the performance of the SPPs for coarse temporal scales, it is found that for shorter than 6-hourly temporal resolutions, both techniques are in general unable to bring improvements. Finally, the merging results in increased accuracy for all temporal scales, giving new perspectives in utilizing SPPs for NRT applications, such as flood and drought monitoring and early warning systems.
The Applicability of Color-Labeled Microspheres in a Rabbit Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Hasdai David , Fuchs Limor , Ohad Dan , Battler Alexander 
Published: April 2019

This study was designed to examine the ability of color-labeled microspheres to depict different states of myocardial perfusion in a rabbit model of ischemia-reperfusion. A thread was passed under the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the first left marginal artery of anesthetized New Zealand White rabbits. Blue-labeled microspheres (500/g body wt) were injected into the left atrium. The thread was tightened in rabbits belonging to the experimental group (n = 8), and red-labeled microspheres (500/g body wt) were injected. The snare was loosened, and yellow-labeled microspheres (500/g body wt) were injected before (n = 5) or after (n = 3) methylene blue injection. In animals belonging to the "sham" group (n = 4 and n = 2, respectively), the sequence of injections was similar, but the snare was not tightened. The animals were euthanized, and 0.3-1 g sections were cut from ischemic and nonischemic regions, as determined by methylene blue in the experimental subgroups and from the corresponding regions in the "sham" subgroups. The tissue samples were digested with 4 M KOH, ethanol 70%, and ultrasonication, and the microspheres were recovered by vacuum filtration. The dye was chemically removed from the microspheres, and the photometric absorption of each sample was determined. There was no significant difference between the experimental and "sham" groups in baseline uptake of blue-labeled microspheres. Rabbits belonging to the experi mental subgroups had significantly lower mean uptake of red microspheres during ischemia relative to "sham" (0.51 ±0.08 vs 1.06 ±0.24 and 0.36 ±0.19 vs 0.91 ±0.12, respectively). After loosening of the snare there was no difference in uptake of yellow- labeled microspheres. Color-labeled microspheres depict myocardial ischemia in the rabbit. The ability of color-labeled microspheres to depict reperfusion hyperemia remains to be proved.
Non-specialist palliative care: A principle-based concept analysis
Authors: Nevin Mary , Smith Valerie , Hynes Geralyn 
Published: April 2019

Background: Building palliative care capacity among all healthcare practitioners caring for patients with chronic illnesses, who do not work in specialist palliative care services (non-specialist palliative care), is fundamental in providing more responsive and sustainable palliative care. Varying terminology such as ‘generalist’, ‘basic’ and ‘a palliative approach’ are used to describe this care but do not necessarily mean the same thing. Internationally, there are also variations between levels of palliative care which means that non-specialist palliative care may be applied inconsistently in practice because of this. Thus, a systematic exploration of the concept of non-specialist palliative care is warranted. Aim: To advance conceptual, theoretical and operational understandings of and clarity around the concept of non-specialist palliative care. Design: The principle-based method of concept analysis, from the perspective of four overarching principles, such as epistemological, pragmatic, logical and linguistic, were used to analyse non-specialist palliative care. Data sources: The databases of CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library and Embase were searched. Additional searches of grey literature databases, key text books, national palliative care policies and websites of chronic illness and palliative care organisations were also undertaken. Conclusion: Essential attributes of non-specialist palliative care were identified but were generally poorly measured and understood in practice. This concept is strongly associated with quality of life, holism and patient-centred care, and there was blurring of roles and boundaries particularly with specialist palliative care. Non-specialist palliative care is conceptually immature, presenting a challenge for healthcare practitioners on how this clinical care may be planned, delivered and measured.
Evaluation of a manual identification system for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a primary tuberculosis laboratory in China
Authors: Zhao Ping , Yu Qin , Zhang Yu 
Published: April 2019

Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of the manual BACTEC™ Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT™) system (M-MGIT) with the automated BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 system (A-MGIT) and Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) culture method in detecting mycobacteria in sputum specimens from patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Methods For this cross-sectional study, sputum samples were taken from patients aged ≥18 years attending a TB clinic in Beijing, China between July 2015 and October 2016. Processed sputum samples were inoculated into the MGIT systems and L-J medium for up to 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Results The M-MGIT and A-MGIT methods detected significantly more Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolates than L-J culture from the 565 sputum samples (39%, 40% and 32%, respectively). Using a positive result from any of the three culture systems as reference, the sensitivity of M-MGIT, A-MGIT and L-J methods were 92%, 94%, and 74%, respectively. The time-to-detection of mycobacteria was 12.9±4.2 days for M-MGIT, 11.8±5.2 days for A-MGIT and 24.2±8.7 days for L-J. Conclusions M-MGIT has a similar diagnostic performance to A-MGIT, and is a fast and reliable alternative to conventional culture methods in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in a developing country.
Extended Indications for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Operating Room
Authors: Kelly Barry , Carton Edmund 
Published: April 2019

Background: The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for cardiorespiratory support is increasing. Traditional absolute contraindications are currently deemed relative contraindications. Extracorporeal life support is now considered for a wider cohort of patients on a case-by-case basis. Method: We performed a review of the literature and examined current Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidelines that support the use of ECLS in the operating room, based on the underlying pathology and surgical procedure proposed. We discuss specific surgical populations and different modes of ECLS and cannulation strategies. Results: Based on the available literature, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used for the management of complex tracheobronchial and lung surgery, both in the elective and in the emergent setting. Elective veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO for cardiocirculatory support should be considered in high-risk patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia ablation. Extracorporeal life support should be considered as a potential life-saving intervention in almost all parturients with severe respiratory failure or refractory cardiogenic shock. V-A ECMO should be considered in unanticipated intraoperative cardiac arrest in patients without preexisting end-organ failure. Conclusion: As the number of indications for ECLS in the operating room is growing, anesthesiology and surgical staff should become familiar with the perioperative management of patients on ECLS.
The Efficacy of Antimalarials in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Esdaile John M. 
Published: April 2019

The use of antimalarial drugs to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is reviewed regarding their value in SLE of mild-to-moderate disease activity, as corticosteroid-sparing agents, and as an adjunctive therapy in severe SLE. A retrospective controlled study of a variety of antimalarials and a randomized discontinuation trial of hydroxychloroquine support the considerable clinical belief that antimalarials are of benefit in mild-to-moderate SLE. Anecdotal reports and the opinion of experienced clinicians suggest that antimalarials permit the use of lower doses of corticosteroids. No controlled study has confirmed a corticosteroid-sparing role for antimalarials, although no controlled study has been conducted specifically to address this hypothesis. The data on antimalarials in severe SLE are scant. Antimalarials are likely effective in at least a subgroup of SLE patients with mild-to-moderate disease activity. Whether these agents are corticosteroid sparing and prevent severe disease exacerbations is unproven. Given the low toxicity of antimalarials, further studies are clearly warranted.