Face matching impairment in developmental prosopagnosia

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is commonly referred to as ‘face blindness’, a term that implies a perceptual basis to the condition. However, DP presents as a deficit in face recognition and is diagnosed using memory-based tasks. Here, we test face identification ability in six people with DP, who are severely impaired on face memory tasks, using tasks that do not rely on memory. First, we compared DP to control participants on a standardised test of unfamiliar face matching using facial images taken on the same day and under standardised studio conditions (Glasgow Face Matching Test; GFMT). DP participants did not differ from normative accuracy scores on the GFMT. Second, we tested face matching performance on a test created using images that were sourced from the Internet and so vary substantially due to changes in viewing conditions and in a person’s appearance (Local Heroes Test; LHT). DP participants show significantly poorer matching accuracy on the LHT relative to control participants, for both unfamiliar and familiar face matching. Interestingly, this deficit is specific to ‘match’ trials, suggesting that people with DP may have particular difficulty in matching images of the same person that contain natural day-to-day variations in appearance. We discuss these results in the broader context of individual differences in face matching ability.

Estimating fuzzy membership functions parameters by the levenberg-marquardt algorithm

In previous papers from the authors fuzzy model identification methods were discussed. The bacterial algorithm for extracting fuzzy rule base from a training set was presented. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm was also proposed for determining membership functions in fuzzy systems. In this paper the Levenberg-Marquardt technique is improved to optimise the membership functions in the fuzzy rules without Ruspini-partition. The class of membership functions investigated is the trapezoidal one as it is general enough and widely used. The method can be easily extended to arbitrary piecewise linear functions as well.

Parameters determination for the coupled electromagnetic transformer model, with particular reference to winding faults studies

In the past few years, a considerable research effort has been devoted to the development of transformer digital models in order to simulate its behaviour under transient and abnormal operating conditions. Although many three-phase transformer models have been presented in the literature, there is a surprisingly lack of studies regarding the incorporation of winding faults. This paper presents a coupled electromagnetic transformer model for the study of winding inter-turn short-circuits. Particular attention will be given to the model parameters determination, for both healthy and faulty operating conditions. Experimental and simulation test results are presented in the paper, demonstrating the adequacy of the model as well as the methodologies for the parameters determination.

Nutritional modulation of innate immune parameters in the epidermal mucus of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)=Influência da dieta nos parâmetros da resposta imunitária inata do muco de linguado (Solea senegalensis)

Dissertação mest., Biologia Marinha, Universidade do Algarve, 2008

Evaluation of enzymatic and metabolic parameters of quality in sole eggs (Solea Senegalensis, Kaup, 1858)=Avaliação dos parâmetros enzimáticos e metabólicos de qualidade em ovos de linguado (Solea senegalensis, Kaup, 1858)

Dissertação de mest., Biologia Marinha, Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e Ambiente, Univ. do Algarve, 2008

Impact of an evidence-based online module on best practice in physical therapy for children with developmental coordination disorder: a mixed methods study

Aims : This study evaluates the impact of a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) evidence-based online module including synthesized resources, practical strategies, and interactive component on self-reported physical therapist (PT) knowledge, skills, and practice. Methods : PTs from across Canada completed questionnaires before, immediately after, and 2 months following completion of the module. Questionnaires used 7-point Likert scale items and short open-ended questions; analyzes used paired t-tests and a thematic approach. Results : Fifty PTs completed both pre- and post-questionnaires; 41 of these completed the follow-up questionnaire. Most items (79%) evaluating self-reported knowledge and skills increased significantly following module completion and this increase was maintained two months later. Most participants (92%) reported an increase in their confidence to provide DCD evidence-based services. Participants plan to modify their evaluative practices (e.g., involving children in goal setting) and their management of DCD (e.g., using best practice principles, providing resources to families and physicians). At the 2- month follow-up, 46% of participants had returned to the module to review information (e.g., video, resources) or to download handouts. Conclusion : An online module developed collaboratively with PTs has the potential not only to increase PTs’ knowledge, but also to support them in implementing evidence-based services for children with DCD.

Working with physical therapists to develop and evaluate an evidence-based online module for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): bridging the knowledge-to-practice gap

Aims: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a chronic condition with potential negative health consequences. Clinicians working with children with DCD need access to tailored, synthesized, evidence-based DCD information; however a knowledge-to-practice gap exists. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an evidence-based online DCD module tailored to physical therapists’ (PTs) identified needs. Methods: Guided by the Knowledge to Action framework, we interviewed PTs working with children with DCD (n=9) to identify their information needs. Their recommendations, along with synthesized DCD research evidence, informed module development. PTs (n=50) responded to scaled items and open-ended questions to evaluate module usefulness. Results: The module incorporated important PT DCD content areas including: 1) Identification; 2) Planning Interventions and Goals; 3) Evidence-Based Practice; 4) Management; and, 5) Resources. Case scenarios, clinical applications, interactive media, links to resources, and interactive learning opportunities were also embedded. PTs perceived the module to be comprehensive and useful and provided feedback to improve module navigation. Conclusions: Involving end-users throughout the development and evaluation of an online PT DCD module contributed to its relevance, applicability, and utility. The ongoing clinical use of this module may have the potential to improve the quality of PT DCD services.

Cloning of the Bone Gla Protein gene from the teleost fish Sparus aurata (gilthead seabream). Molecular organization, developmental appearance and evolutionary implications

Tese de Doutoramento, Biologia Molecular, Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Universidade do Algarve, 2001

Connectivity patterns and early life history of the black-faced blenny Tripterygion delaisi (Cadenat and Blache, 1970)

Tese de doutoramento, Ciências do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2015

Differential Benefit: Preschool Children, Quality of Early Childhood Education Environment and Developmental Gains Important for School Readiness

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2014

How does developmental plasticity differ between diverse types of nutrition regimes?

Tese de mestrado em Biologia Evolutiva e do Desenvolvimento, apresentada à Universidade de Lisboa, através da Faculdade de Ciências, 2016

Sex-specific disruption of murine midbrain astrocytic and dopaminergic developmental trajectories following antenatal GC treatment

The mammalian midbrain dopaminergic systems arising in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical for coping behaviours and are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders where early life challenges comprise significant risk factors. Here, we aimed to advance our hypothesis that glucocorticoids (GCs), recognised key players in neurobiological programming, target development within these systems, with a novel focus on the astrocytic population. Mice received antenatal GC treatment (AGT) by including the synthetic GC, dexamethasone, in the mothers' drinking water on gestational days 16-19; controls received normal drinking water. Analyses of regional shapes and volumes of the adult SNc and VTA demonstrated that AGT induced long-term, dose-dependent, structural changes that were accompanied by profound effects on astrocytes (doubling/tripling of numbers and/or density). Additionally, AGT induced long-term changes in the population size and distribution of SNc/VTA dopaminergic neurons, confirming and extending our previous observations made in rats. Furthermore, glial/neuronal structural remodelling was sexually dimorphic and depended on the AGT dose and sub-region of the SNc/VTA. Investigations within the neonatal brain revealed that these long-term organisational effects of AGT depend, at least in part, on targeting perinatal processes that determine astrocyte density and programmed cell death in dopaminergic neurons. Collectively, our characterisation of enduring, AGT-induced, sex-specific cytoarchitectural disturbances suggests novel mechanistic links for the strong association between early environmental challenge (inappropriate exposure to excess GCs) and vulnerability to developing aberrant behaviours in later life, with translational implications for dopamine-associated disorders (such as schizophrenia, ADHD, autism, depression), which typically show a sex bias

Be careful what you wish for: the legal parameters of EU withdrawal

Easiness with which the political circles talk about withdrawal from the European Union is rather surprising and proves that the legal parameters of an EU exit are not treated seriously enough. In theoretical terms Article 50 TEU allows for a unilateral exit as well as for a consensual divorce. Arguably, the first is an interesting abstract proposition, which, however, in practical terms seems to be an unworkable solution. Hence, the only realistic option is a proper divorce based on a withdrawal agreement. As per Article 50 TEU, it would be negotiated by the European Union with a departing country and should cover the terms of withdrawal and “take account of future relations” between the EU and the divorcee. It is submitted that in order to avoid a legal vacuum, this agreement should not only “take account of future relations” but actually deal with them thoroughly. This will make the negotiations difficult and, most likely, time consuming. One also has to envisage a scenario whereby a country leaving the European Union would join EFTA and become a EFTA-EU Member State of the European Economic Area. Should that happen the scope of a EU withdrawal agreement would be limited to the terms of exit, while future relations between the divorcee and the European Union would be mainly covered by the EEA Agreement. This chapter unlocks the mechanics of Article 50 TEU and the withdrawal procedure it provides for. It covers the issues that should be attended to by the negotiators and provides an overview of dossiers that are likely be covered in a withdrawal agreement.

Developmental switch in the kinase dependency of long-term potentiation depends on expression of GluA4 subunit-containing AMPA receptors

The AMPA-receptor subunit GluA4 is expressed transiently in CA1 pyramidal neurons at the time synaptic connectivity is forming, but its physiological significance is unknown. Here we show that GluA4 expression is sufficient to alter the signaling requirements of long-term potentiation (LTP) and can fully explain the switch in the LTP kinase dependency from PKA to Ca2(+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II during synapse maturation. At immature synapses, activation of PKA leads to a robust potentiation of AMPA-receptor function via the mobilization of GluA4. Analysis of GluA4-deficient mice indicates that this mechanism is critical for neonatal PKA-dependent LTP. Furthermore, lentiviral expression of GluA4 in CA1 neurons conferred a PKA-dependent synaptic potentiation and LTP regardless of the developmental stage. Thus, GluA4 defines the signaling requirements for LTP and silent synapse activation during a critical period of synapse development.

Mass spectrometry parameters optimization for the 46 multiclass pesticides determination in strawberries with gas chromatography ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry

Multiclass analysis method was optimized in order to analyze pesticides traces by gas chromatography with ion-trap and tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The influence of some analytical parameters on pesticide signal response was explored. Five ion trap mass spectrometry (IT-MS) operating parameters, including isolation time (IT), excitation voltage (EV), excitation time (ET),maximum excitation energy or “q” value (q), and isolationmass window (IMW) were numerically tested in order to maximize the instrument analytical signal response. For this, multiple linear regression was used in data analysis to evaluate the influence of the five parameters on the analytical response in the ion trap mass spectrometer and to predict its response. The assessment of the five parameters based on the regression equations substantially increased the sensitivity of IT-MS/MS in the MS/MS mode. The results obtained show that for most of the pesticides, these parameters have a strong influence on both signal response and detection limit.Using the optimized method, a multiclass pesticide analysis was performed for 46 pesticides in a strawberry matrix. Levels higher than the limit established for strawberries by the European Union were found in some samples.