Executive function effects and numerical development in children : behavioural and ERP evidence from a numerical Stroop paradigm

Most research on numerical development in children is behavioural, focusing on accuracy and response time in different problem formats. However, Temple and Posner (1998) used ERPs and the numerical distance task with 5-year-olds to show that the development of numerical representations is difficult to disentangle from the development of the executive components of response organization and execution. Here we use the numerical Stroop paradigm (NSP) and ERPs to study possible executive interference in numerical processing tasks in 6–8-year-old children. In the NSP, the numerical magnitude of the digits is task-relevant and the physical size of the digits is task-irrelevant. We show that younger children are highly susceptible to interference from irrelevant physical information such as digit size, but that access to the numerical representation is almost as fast in young children as in adults. We argue that the developmental trajectories for executive function and numerical processing may act together to determine numerical development in young children.

Using text-spotting to query the world

The world we live in is well labeled for the benefit of humans but to date robots have made little use of this resource. In this paper we describe a system that allows robots to read and interpret visible text and use it to understand the content of the scene. We use a generative probabilistic model that explains spotted text in terms of arbitrary search terms. This allows the robot to understand the underlying function of the scene it is looking at, such as whether it is a bank or a restaurant. We describe the text spotting engine at the heart of our system that is able to detect and parse wild text in images, and the generative model, and present results from images obtained with a robot in a busy city setting.

Navigating, recognizing and describing urban spaces with vision and lasers

In this paper we describe a body of work aimed at extending the reach of mobile navigation and mapping. We describe how running topological and metric mapping and pose estimation processes concurrently, using vision and laser ranging, has produced a full six-degree-of-freedom outdoor navigation system. It is capable of producing intricate three-dimensional maps over many kilometers and in real time. We consider issues concerning the intrinsic quality of the built maps and describe our progress towards adding semantic labels to maps via scene de-construction and labeling. We show how our choices of representation, inference methods and use of both topological and metric techniques naturally allow us to fuse maps built from multiple sessions with no need for manual frame alignment or data association.

Defining and describing what we do : doctrinal legal research

The practitioner lawyer of the past had little need to reflect on process. The doctrinal research methodology developed intuitively within the common law — a research method at the core of practice. There was no need to justify or classify it within a broader research framework. Modern academic lawyers are facing a different situation. At a time when competition for limited research funds is becoming more intense, and in which interdisciplinary work is highly valued and non-lawyers are involved in the assessment of grant applications, lawyer-applicants who engage in doctrinal research need to be able to explain their methodology more clearly. Doctrinal scholars need to be more open and articulate about their methods. These methods may be different in different contexts. This paper examines the doctrinal method used in legal research and its place in recent research dialogue. Some commentators are of the view that the doctrinal method is simply scholarship rather than a separate research methodology. Richard Posner even suggests that law is ‘not a field with a distinct methodology, but an amalgam of applied logic, rhetoric, economics and familiarity with a specialized vocabulary and a particular body of texts, practices, and institutions ...’.1 Therefore, academic lawyers are beginning to realise that the doctrinal research methodology needs clarification for those outside the legal profession and that a discussion about the standing and place of doctrinal research compared to other methodologies is required.

An extended theory of planned behavior intervention for older adults With Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

A randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a 4-wk extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) intervention to promote regular physical activity and healthy eating among older adults diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease (N = 183). Participants completed TPB measures of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention, as well as planning and behavior, at preintervention and 1 wk and 6 wk postintervention for each behavior. No significant time-by-condition effects emerged for healthy eating. For physical activity, significant time-by-condition effects were found for behavior, intention, planning, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm. In particular, compared with control participants, the intervention group showed short-term improvements in physical activity and planning, with further analyses indicating that the effect of the intervention on behavior was mediated by planning. The results indicate that TPB-based interventions including planning strategies may encourage physical activity among older people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Accelerated professional development and peer consultation : two strategies for continuing professional education for nurses

A comparison was made of accelerated professional development (APD) for nurses (n=64), involving peer consultation and reflective practice, and peer consultation alone (n=30). Although APD participants had a higher completion rate, improvements in caregiver behaviors and work environment were not significantly different.

Reinventando los museos

Cap. 1. Museos en la posmodernidad : restos y desafíos. Iñaki Arrieta Urtizberea. Cap. 2. Never let a crisis go to waste. John Coppola. Cap. 3. Logique du don et biens communs : réinventer le musée. François Mairesse. Cap. 4. Procesos de hibridación: la evolución de las infraestructuras museísticas, gestión independiente y autogestión como reinvención del sistema del arte. Nekane Aramburu. Cap. 5. Patrimoine et musées du XXIe. Lieux de vie fédérateurs d’actions sociales. Lieux de vie créateurs d’innovation. Annette Viel. Cap. 6. El museo etnográfico: su prolongada adaptación a la crisis. Experiencias en Galicia. Xosé C. Sierra Rodríguez. Cap. 7. Reflexiones en torno a una “refundación”: El nuevo Museu Marítim de Barcelona. Olga López Miguel. Cap. 8. “El museu de todos, el museo para todos”: la accesibilidad como política. Carme Comas Camacho. Cap. 9. Pedagogía pública en participación a través de la construcción de un retrato transmedia de un territorio: caso de estudio en el Barco Museo Mater. Margarita León Guereño, Izaskun Suberbiola Garbizu, Lierni Gartzia Telleria, Josu Aramberri Miranda, José Miguel Correa Gorospe. Cap. 10. ¿Hacia una gestión de museos en red (MGMenRED)?: postcrisis, benchmarking y Euskal Hiria. Karmele Barandiaran e Igor Calzada.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder children with a 7-repeat allele of the dopamine receptor D4 gene have extreme behavior but normal performance on critical neuropsychological tests of attention

An association of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene located on chromosome 11p15.5 and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been demonstrated and replicated by multiple investigators. A specific allele [the 7-repeat of a 48-bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in exon 3] has been proposed as an etiological factor in attentional deficits manifested in some children diagnosed with this disorder. In the current study, we evaluated ADHD subgroups defined by the presence or absence of the 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene, using neuropsychological tests with reaction time measures designed to probe attentional networks with neuroanatomical foci in D4-rich brain regions. Despite the same severity of symptoms on parent and teacher ratings for the ADHD subgroups, the average reaction times of the 7-present subgroup showed normal speed and variability of response whereas the average reaction times of the 7-absent subgroup showed the expected abnormalities (slow and variable responses). This was opposite the primary prediction of the study. The 7-present subgroup seemed to be free of some of the neuropsychological abnormalities thought to characterize ADHD.

钠离子通道类毒素的细胞毒性和检测方法的研究

赤潮毒素广泛存在于各种赤潮藻和各类海洋生物中，不仅对渔业、养殖业危害甚大，而且还直接威胁着人类的生存健康。其中，离子通道类毒素是一类毒性较高的毒素。除一些赤潮藻可以产生此类毒素之外，海洋中还存在某些生物也能够产生离子通道类毒素。为进一步阐明钠离子通道类毒素对细胞的毒性效应机制，本文选取一株小鼠神经母细胞瘤（Neuro-2a）作为受试对象，研究了四种钠离子通道类毒素STX、GTX1,4、GTX2,3、TTX对Neuro-2a细胞的毒性影响机制，并利用STX和TTX，建立了钠离子通道类毒素的细胞毒性检测方法，且应用此方法检测了贝体内、藻体内的毒素含量，进一步与小鼠法和HPLC法进行了比较。 研究表明：STX、GTX1,4、GTX2,3、TTX四种钠离子通道类毒素在长时间内均会对Neuro-2a细胞的增殖产生不利影响。在短时间（24h）内，以上各毒素均没有抑制Neuro-2a细胞的增殖，但是48h后，以上各毒素对Neuro-2a细胞的增殖均产生了抑制作用，且随着各毒素剂量的增加，细胞增殖受抑制程度也表现出一定程度的增高，二者呈剂量-反应关系。STX、GTX1,4、GTX2,3、TTX对Neuro-2a细胞的48h半数抑制浓度（IC50）分别为：250ng/ml、1000ng/ml、1300ng/ml、700ng/ml。本论文还首次研究了STX、GTX1,4、GTX2,3、TTX四种钠离子通道类毒素对Neuro-2a细胞内酶活性的影响。研究发现，STX、GTX1,4、GTX2,3、TTX四种钠离子通道阻断剂类毒素均能够影响Neuro-2a细胞内Na+-K+-ATP酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶TChE的活性。当各毒素作用24h后，Neuro-2a细胞内Na+-K+-ATP酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶TChE的活力均会受到抑制，并且随着各毒素剂量的增加，两种酶的活性也逐渐降低。可见，钠离子通道阻断剂类毒素能对细胞内酶的功能产生一定的影响，此影响连同阻断细胞膜钠离子通道，造成离子流的失衡作用，进一步对细胞产生毒性效应。在对细胞膜通透性的研究中发现，上述四种钠离子通道阻断剂类毒素各剂量组细胞培养液乳酸脱氢酶LDH的漏出率与对照组相比均无显著差异，它们均未引起Neuro-2a细胞膜内LDH的改变，看来钠离子通道阻断剂类毒素不会通过影响细胞膜的通透性而对细胞引起毒性效应。 本研究还利用STX和TTX两种钠离子通道标准毒素以及乌苯苷、藜芦定两种生物毒素，参照Jellett（1992）方法，建立了STX和TTX两种钠离子通道类毒素的细胞毒性检测的标准曲线，分别为：Y=0.266X+51.184和 Y=1.6068X+47.186。检出限分别为5ng/ml和0.8ng/ml。并且利用已建立的细胞毒性检测方法检测了来自浙江舟山和连云港赣榆市的19个织纹螺样品和5株实验室培养的亚历山大藻，得到的实验结果与小鼠生物测试和HPLC检测的结果存在较好的相关关系。鉴于该方法具有高通量、省时、检出限低等优点，因此更具有在沿海环境检测中推广应用的潜力。

Revoluções no fotojornalismo

Tese apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Doutor em Ciências da Informação, especialidade em Jornalismo

HPV16 antibodies as risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer and their association with tumor HPV and smoking status.

BACKGROUND: Antibodies (Abs) to the HPV16 proteome increase risk for HPV-associated OPC (HPVOPC). The goal of this study was to investigate the association of a panel of HPV16 Abs with risk for OPC as well as the association of these Abs with tumor HPV and smoking status among patients with OPC. METHODS: IgG Abs to the HPV16 antigens E1, E2, E4, E5, E6, E7, L1, L2 were quantified using a programmable ELISA assay. Sera were obtained from 258 OPC patients at diagnosis and 250 healthy controls. HPV16 tumor status was measured by PCR for 137 cases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for the association of HPV16 Abs with risk for OPC. RESULTS: HPV16 E1, E2, E4, E5, E6, E7 and L1-specific IgG levels were elevated in OPC patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). After multivariable adjustment, Ab positivity for NE2, CE2, E6, and/or E7 was associated with OPC risk (OR [95% CI], 249.1 [99.3-624.9]). Among patients with OPC, Ab positivity for these antigens was associated with tumor HPV status, especially among never or light smokers (OR [95% CI], 6.5 [2.1-20.1] and OR [95% CI], 17.5 [4.0-77.2], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies to HPV16 proteins are associated with increased risk for HPVOPC. Among patients with OPC, HPV16 Abs are associated with tumor HPV status, in particular among HPV positive patients with no or little smoking history.

Una revisión de la Cadena Datos-Información-Conocimiento desde el Pragmatismo de Peirce

La Cadena Datos-Información-Conocimiento (DIC), denominada “Jerarquía de la Información” o “Pirámide del Conocimiento”, es uno de los modelos más importantes en la Gestión de la Información y la Gestión del Conocimiento. Por lo general, la estructuración de la cadena se ha ido definiendo como una arquitectura en la que cada elemento se levanta sobre el elemento inmediatamente inferior; sin embargo no existe un consenso en la definición de los elementos, ni acerca de los procesos que transforman un elemento de un nivel a uno del siguiente nivel. En este artículo se realiza una revisión de la Cadena Datos-Información-Conocimiento examinando las definiciones más relevantes sobre sus elementos y sobre su articulación en la literatura, para sintetizar las acepciones más comunes. Se analizan los elementos de la Cadena DIC desde la semiótica de Peirce; enfoque que nos permite aclarar los significados e identificar las diferencias, las relaciones y los roles que desempeñan en la cadena desde el punto de vista del pragmatismo. Finalmente se propone una definición de la Cadena DIC apoyada en las categorías triádicas de signos y la semiosis ilimitada de Peirce, los niveles de sistemas de signos de Stamper y las metáforas de Zeleny.

Vitamin D Receptor Modulates the Neoplastic Phenotype Through Antagonistic Growth Regulatory Signals

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) can modulate functionally antagonistic growth regulatory pathways, involving beta-catenin/E-cadherin on one hand and osteopontin (OPN) on the other. This study investigates effects of VDR ligand treatment on the balance of these discordant signals and on associated cell behavior. Treatment of Rama 37 or SW480 cells by 1 alpha,25-(OH)(2) D-3 or analogs suppressed beta-catenin/Lef-1/Tcf signaling and upregulated E-cadherin, consistent with a cancer-inhibitory action. Conversely, treatment also increased transcription of OPN that may be implicated in tumor progression. Molecular crosstalk was observed between the antagonistic VDR-dependent signals, in that beta-catenin/Lef-1/Tcf molecules modulated VDR activation of OPN. Treatment effects on cell growth were related to a constitutive balance of OPN and E-cadherin expression. No growth effects were observed in Rama 37 cells that have low OPN and high E-cadherin expression. Conversely, treatment of Rama 37 stably transfected subclones that had high OPN and/or low level E-cadherin induced small but significant increases of cell attachment to fibronectin, anchorage-independent growth or invasion. This study shows that relative expression levels of key VDR downstream genes may influence growth regulation by 1 alpha,25-(OH)(2) D-3 or analogs. These findings may be relevant to the cell- or tissue-specificity of vitamin D growth regulation. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Apc(MIN) modulation of vitamin D secosteroid growth control

A central paradox of vitamin D biology is that 1alpha,25-(OH)(2) D(3) exposure inversely relates to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk despite a capacity for activation of both pro- and anti-oncogenic mediators including osteopontin (OPN)/CD44 and E-cadherin, respectively. Most sporadic CRCs arise from adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutation but understanding of its effects on vitamin D growth control is limited. Here we investigate effects of the Apc(Min/+) genotype on 1alpha,25-(OH)(2) D(3) regulation of OPN/CD44/E-cadherin signalling and intestinal tumourigenesis, in vivo. In untreated Apc(Min/+) versus Apc(+/+) intestines, expression levels of OPN and its CD44 receptor were increased, whereas E-cadherin tumour suppressor signalling was attenuated. Treatment by 1alpha,25-(OH)(2) D(3) or rationally designed analogues (QW or BTW) enhanced OPN but inhibited expression of CD44, the OPN receptor implicated in cell growth. These treatments also enhanced E-cadherin tumour suppressor activity, characterized by inhibition of beta-catenin nuclear localization, T-cell factor 1 and c-myelocytomatosis protein expression in Apc(Min/+) intestine. All secosteroids suppressed Apc(Min/+)-driven tumourigenesis although QW and BTW had lower calcium-related toxicity. Taken together, these data indicate that the Apc(Min/+) genotype modulates vitamin D secosteroid actions to promote functional predominance of E-cadherin tumour suppressor activity within antagonistic molecular networks. APC heterozygosity may promote favourable tissue- or tumour-specific conditions for growth control by vitamin D secosteroid treatment.

Evaluation of corneal endothelium and keratic precipitates by specular microscopy in anterior uveitis

Background - The study of corneal endothelium, by specular microscopy, in patients with anterior uveitis has largely been restricted to observations on the endothelial cells. In this prospective study 'keratic precipitates' (KP) in different types of uveitis were examined in different stages of the disease process and the endothelial changes occurring in the vicinity of the KP were evaluated in comparison with the endothelium of the uninvolved eye. Methods - 13 patients with active unilateral uveitis were recruited. The mean age was 42.9 years (range 20-76 years). A Tomey-1100 contact wide field specular (x10) microscope was used to capture endothelial images and KP until the resolution of uveitis. Data regarding type of uveitis, number, size, and nature of KP were recorded. Automated morphometric analysis was done for cell size, cell density and coefficient of variation, and statistical comparisons of cell size and cell density were made (Student's t test) between the endothelium in the vicinity of fresh and resolving KP, fresh KP and normal endothelium, and resolving KP and normal endothelium. Results - On specular microscopy, fresh KP were seen as dense, white glistening deposits occupying 5-10 endothelial cells in diameter and fine KP were widely distributed and were one or two endothelial cells in diameter. The KP in Posner-Schlossman syndrome had a distinct and different morphology. With clinical remission of uveitis, the KP were observed to undergo characteristic morphological changes and old KP demonstrated a large, dark halo surrounding a central white deposit and occasionally a dark shadow or a 'lacuna' replaced the site of the original KP. Endothelial blebs were noted as dark shadows or defects in the endothelial mosaic in patients with recurrent uveitis. There was significant statistical difference in the mean cell size and cell density of endothelial cells in the vicinity of fresh KP compared with normal endothelium of the opposite eye. Conclusion - This study elucidated the different specular microscopic features of KP in anterior uveitis. Distinct morphological features of large and fine KP were noted. These features underwent dramatic changes on resolution of uveitis. The endothelium was abnormal in the vicinity of KP, which returned to near normal values on resolution of uveitis.