Computer-based learning of neuroanatomy: A longitudinal study of learning, transfer, and retention.

A longitudinal experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of new methods for learning neuroanatomy with computer-based instruction. Using a three-dimensional graphical model of the human brain and sections derived from the model, tools for exploring neuroanatomy were developed to encourage adaptive exploration. This is an instructional method that incorporates graphical exploration in the context of repeated testing and feedback. With this approach, 72 participants learned either sectional anatomy alone or whole anatomy followed by sectional anatomy. Sectional anatomy was explored either with perceptually continuous navigation through the sections or with discrete navigation (as in the use of an anatomical atlas). Learning was measured longitudinally to a high performance criterion. Subsequent tests examined transfer of learning to the interpretation of biomedical images and long-term retention. There were several clear results of this study. On initial exposure to neuroanatomy, whole anatomy was learned more efficiently than sectional anatomy. After whole anatomy was mastered, learners demonstrated high levels of transfer of learning to sectional anatomy and from sectional anatomy to the interpretation of complex biomedical images. Learning whole anatomy prior to learning sectional anatomy led to substantially fewer errors overall than learning sectional anatomy alone. Use of continuous or discrete navigation through sectional anatomy made little difference to measured outcomes. Efficient learning, good long-term retention, and successful transfer to the interpretation of biomedical images indicated that computer-based learning using adaptive exploration can be a valuable tool in instruction of neuroanatomy and similar disciplines. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the relationship between lateralized brain function and orienting asymmetries: Correction to Teufel et al. (2010).

Reports an error in On the relationship between lateralized brain function and orienting asymmetries by Christoph Teufel, Asif A. Ghazanfar and Julia Fischer (Behavioral Neuroscience, 2010[Aug], Vol 124[4], 437-445). In the article, we wrote that “the likelihood of obtaining at least one significant result at p n. The probability of obtaining at least one significant result is therefore 1 — (1— α)n. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2010-16138-001.) Hemispheric specializations for language perception constitute one of the classic topic in cognitive neuroscience. Evidence has accumulated to suggest that lateralized acoustic processing is not restricted to humans but is also found in numerous animal species. One of the methods used to track such lateralization is the orienting-asymmetry paradigm, a simple, noninvasive means to study lateralization that has been applied to a range of different species ranging from harpy eagles to humans. Here we summarize and compare the results of studies employing the orienting-asymmetry paradigm, showing that these studies yield largely inconsistent results. We critically discuss the methodology's implicit assumptions and conclude that the empirical inconsistencies produced by the orienting-asymmetry paradigm, and the lack of sufficient evidence supporting the paradigm's underlying assumptions, warrant serious caution when interpreting results obtained by the method. Nontrivial interpretations of orienting-asymmetry results will require a much better understanding of how lateralized brain functions interact with overt behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Are word representations abstract or instance-based? Effects of spelling inconsistency in orthographic learning.

In Experiment 1, 62 10-year-old children studied printed pseudowords with semantic information. The items were later represented in a different format for reading, with half of the items spelled in the same way as before and half displayed in a new phonologically equivalent spelling. In a dictation test, the exposure to an alternative spelling substantially increased the number of errors that matched the alternative spelling, especially in good spellers. Orthographic learning predicted word identification when accuracy on orthographic choice for words was controlled. In Experiment 2, the effects on dictation responses of exposure to a misspelling versus the correct spelling, and the interactive effect of spelling ability, were confirmed relative to a no-exposure control in adults. The results support a single-lexicon view of reading and spelling and have implications for abstractionist and instance-based theories of orthographic representations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Neutrinos from photo-hadronic interactions in Pks2155-304

The high-peaked BL Lac object Pks2155-304 shows high variability at multiwavelengths, i.e. from optical up to TeV energies. A giant flare of around 1 h at X-ray and TeV energies was observed in 2006 [1]. In this context, it is essential to understand the physical processes in terms of the primary spectrum and the radiation emitted, since high-energy emission can arise in both leptonic and hadronic processes. In this contribution, we investigate the possibility of neutrino production in photo-hadronic interactions. In particular, we predict a direct correlation between optical and TeV energies at sufficiently high optical radiation fields. We show that in the blazar Pks2155-304, the optical emission in the low-state is sufficient to lead to photo-hadronic interactions and therefore to the production of high-energy photons.     

Translating Policy Into Brownfield Solar Development

Developing solar power generating resources on dormant, suspect property is an evolving activity, growing in popularity.     

Development and evaluation of surface treatments to enhance the fiber-matrix adhesion in PAN-based carbon fiber/liquid crystal polymer composites. Part I: Coupling agent and amine surface treatments

Several surface treatments, using both commercially available coupling agents and reagents containing multiple amines, were applied to commingled continuous as-received AS4 carbon reinforcing fiber/liquid crystal polymer (LCP) matrix fibers. Unidirectional composites (normally 60 vol% carbon fiber) were prepared from as-received and treated commingled fibers and characterized. To estimate the effect the effect of the treatments on fiber-matrix adhesion, short beam shear (SBS) tests were conducted, the failure surfaces were examined, and spectroscopic studies wee performed. The mean SBS strength of the as-received unidirectional AS4 carbon fiber/LCP matrix composite system was 49 MPa. The best coupling agent and amine treatments yielded increases in composite shear strength of ∼ 10 to 20%, relative to the as-received AS4/LCP system. For the amine treatments, ESCA and FTIR analyses suggested of both the carbon and LCP fibers may have caused the increased adhesion. Moreover, SEM analysis of the failure surfaces of SBS specimens from composites prepared with the treated fibers may have caused the increased adhesion. Moreover, SEM analysis of the failure surfaces of SBS specimens from composites prepared with the treated fibers (both with coupling agents and amines) showed that strong fiber-matrix adhesion was present. That is, failure occurred in the LCP matrix material.     

Impact of Uremic Toxins on Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a highly increased risk of cardiovascular complications, with increased vascular inflammation, accelerated atherogenesis and enhanced thrombotic risk. Considering the central role of the endothelium in protecting from atherogenesis and thrombosis, as well as its cardioprotective role in regulating vasorelaxation, this study aimed to systematically integrate literature on CKD-associated endothelial dysfunction, including the underlying molecular mechanisms, into a comprehensive overview. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of literature describing uremic serum or uremic toxin-induced vascular dysfunction with a special focus on the endothelium. This revealed 39 studies analyzing the effects of uremic serum or the uremic toxins indoxyl sulfate, cyanate, modified LDL, the advanced glycation end products N-carboxymethyl-lysine and N-carboxyethyl-lysine, p-cresol and p-cresyl sulfate, phosphate, uric acid and asymmetric dimethylarginine. Most studies described an increase in inflammation, oxidative stress, leukocyte migration and adhesion, cell death and a thrombotic phenotype upon uremic conditions or uremic toxin treatment of endothelial cells. Cellular signaling pathways that were frequently activated included the ROS, MAPK/NF-κB, the Aryl-Hydrocarbon-Receptor and RAGE pathways. Overall, this review provides detailed insights into pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in CKD. Targeting these pathways may provide new therapeutic strategies reducing increased the cardiovascular risk in CKD.     

Immature Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Healthy Murine Arteries and Atherosclerotic Plaques: Localization and Activity

The local development of atherosclerotic lesions may, at least partly, be associated with the specific cellular composition of atherosclerosis-prone regions. Previously, it was demonstrated that a small population of immature vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) expressing both CD146 and neuron-glial antigen 2 is postnatally sustained in atherosclerosis-prone sites. We supposed that these cells may be involved in atherogenesis and can continuously respond to angiotensin II, which is an atherogenic factor. Using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, wound migration assay xCELLigence system, and calcium imaging, we studied the functional activities of immature VSMCs in vitro and in vivo. According to our data, these cells do not express nestin, CD105, and the leptin receptor. They are localized in atherosclerosis-prone regions, and their number increases with age, from 5.7% to 23%. Immature VSMCs do not migrate to low shear stress areas and atherosclerotic lesions. They also do not have any unique response to angiotensin II. Thus, despite the localization of immature VSMCs and the presence of the link between their number and age, our study did not support the hypothesis that immature VSMCs are directly involved in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Additional lineage tracing studies can clarify the fate of these cells during atherogenesis.     

The Deubiquitinase OTUB1 Is a Key Regulator of Energy Metabolism

Dysregulated energy metabolism is a major contributor to a multitude of pathologies, including obesity and diabetes. Understanding the regulation of metabolic homeostasis is of utmost importance for the identification of therapeutic targets for the treatment of metabolically driven diseases. We previously identified the deubiquitinase OTUB1 as substrate for the cellular oxygen sensor factor-inhibiting HIF (FIH) with regulatory effects on cellular energy metabolism, but the physiological relevance of OTUB1 is unclear. Here, we report that the induced global deletion of OTUB1 in adult mice (Otub1 iKO) elevated energy expenditure, reduced age-dependent body weight gain, facilitated blood glucose clearance and lowered basal plasma insulin levels. The respiratory exchange ratio was maintained, indicating an unaltered nutrient oxidation. In addition, Otub1 deletion in cells enhanced AKT activity, leading to a larger cell size, higher ATP levels and reduced AMPK phosphorylation. AKT is an integral part of insulin-mediated signaling and Otub1 iKO mice presented with increased AKT phosphorylation following acute insulin administration combined with insulin hypersensitivity. We conclude that OTUB1 is an important regulator of metabolic homeostasis.