MEG responses to the perception of global structure within glass patterns

The perception of global form requires integration of local visual cues across space and is the foundation for object recognition. Here we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study the location and time course of neuronal activity associated with the perception of global structure from local image features. To minimize neuronal activity to low-level stimulus properties, such as luminance and contrast, the local image features were held constant during all phases of the MEG recording. This allowed us to assess the relative importance of striate (V1) versus extrastriate cortex in global form perception.

Disconnected brains:what is the role of fMRI in connectivity research?

In this paper we consider how functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has been used to study cortical connectivity in autism and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). We discuss those studies that have contributed to the evidence supporting a model of disordered cortical connectivity in autism and (ASD), with a focusing emphasis on the application to research into the underconnectivity model. We note that the analytical techniques employed are limited and do not allow interpretation in terms of effective, or directional connectivity, nor do they provide information about the temporal or spectral characteristics of the functional networks being studied. We highlight how currently the features of neural generators that are being assessed by functional connectivity in fMRI are unclear. In addition, we note the importance in clinical studies of considering the consequences of task choice for the nature of the imaging data that can be collected and also of individual differences in participant state and trait characteristics for the accurate interpretation of imaging data. We discuss how alternative techniques such as EEG/MEG may address the limitations of fMRI in assessing brain connectivity, and additionally consider the potential of multimodal approaches. We conclude that fMRI has made significant contributions towards our understanding of the brain in terms of neural systems but that the conclusions drawn from its application in the sphere of autism research need to be approached with caution. It is important in research of this kind that we are aware of the need to examine the methodological and analytical techniques closely when applying findings in clinical populations, not only when they are used to support the development of theoretical models but also to inform diagnostic or treatment decisions.

Brain mechanisms of altered consciousness in generalised seizures

In spite of the inherent difficulties in achieving a biologically meaningful definition of consciousness, recent neurophysiological studies are starting to provide some insight in fundamental mechanisms associated with impaired consciousness in neurological disorders. Generalised seizures are associated with disruption of the default state network, a functional network of discrete brain areas, which include the fronto-parietal cortices. Subcortical contribution through activation of thalamocortical structures, as well as striate nuclei are also crucial to produce impaired consciousness in generalised seizures.

Interviewing suspected offenders

Poor practices in interrogation and interviewing techniques, including those that the scientific literature suggests are counterproductive in eliciting reliable information, have led to many miscarriages of justice around the world, undermining the reputation and trust of the legal processes and organizations involved. This chapter provides a background and history of interrogation and interviewing, one that includes a description of current models and practices and highlights the fundamental differences in the two primary philosophies in Western countries. The chapter also explores the ultimate purpose of interviewing and interrogation together with the questioning strategies that science suggests are the most effective. It is argued throughout the chapter that modern, scientifically backed, interviewing approaches should be used at all times, no matter the challenge or situation, as a pathway towards both the collection of accurate information and diligent adherence to the standards of international human rights.

Étude sur la prière pour autrui : critiques méthodologiques, épistémologiques et éthiques

Depuis 2000, les études concernant l’efficacité de la prière sur l’amélioration de la santé physique et psychologique des gens pour lesquels on prie se sont multipliées. La consultation de trois banques de données (PsycINFO, Medline, Current Content) a permis de répertorier 189 publications de 1979 à 2007. Outre la méta-analyse de Master, Spielmans et Goodson (2006), nous avons retenu les études qui répondaient aux deux critères suivants: a) la prière pour autrui est utilisée pour traiter un problème de santé physique ou psychologique et b) la présence d’un groupe « de prière » et d’un groupe contrôle. L’analyse des résultats soulève plusieurs questions sur des critères méthodologiques et épistémologiques ainsi que quelques considérations éthiques. Nous discutons en outre de l’éternel antagonisme entre la démarche scientifique et la démarche théologique.

Étude sur la prière pour autrui : critiques méthodologiques, épistémologiques et éthiques

Depuis 2000, les études concernant l’efficacité de la prière sur l’amélioration de la santé physique et psychologique des gens pour lesquels on prie se sont multipliées. La consultation de trois banques de données (PsycINFO, Medline, Current Content) a permis de répertorier 189 publications de 1979 à 2007. Outre la méta-analyse de Master, Spielmans et Goodson (2006), nous avons retenu les études qui répondaient aux deux critères suivants: a) la prière pour autrui est utilisée pour traiter un problème de santé physique ou psychologique et b) la présence d’un groupe « de prière » et d’un groupe contrôle. L’analyse des résultats soulève plusieurs questions sur des critères méthodologiques et épistémologiques ainsi que quelques considérations éthiques. Nous discutons en outre de l’éternel antagonisme entre la démarche scientifique et la démarche théologique.

On the Virtualization of CUDA Based GPU Remoting on ARM and X86 Machines in the GVirtuS Framework

The astonishing development of diverse and different hardware platforms is twofold: on one side, the challenge for the exascale performance for big data processing and management; on the other side, the mobile and embedded devices for data collection and human machine interaction. This drove to a highly hierarchical evolution of programming models. GVirtuS is the general virtualization system developed in 2009 and firstly introduced in 2010 enabling a completely transparent layer among GPUs and VMs. This paper shows the latest achievements and developments of GVirtuS, now supporting CUDA 6.5, memory management and scheduling. Thanks to the new and improved remoting capabilities, GVirtus now enables GPU sharing among physical and virtual machines based on x86 and ARM CPUs on local workstations,computing clusters and distributed cloud appliances.

Strategies to prevent oral disease in dependent older people (Protocol).

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:
To assess the effects and costs of primary, secondary and tertiary strategies to prevent oral disease in dependent older people.

Primer dato de reproducción del flamenco, Phoenicopterus ruber, en las salinas de Santa Pola (Alicante).

[ES] El día 8 de octubre de 1973 visitamos las salinas de Santa Pola (Alicante) para realizar observaciones ornitológicas. Allí hablamos con el guarda de la finca y nos comunicó (sin darle mayor importancia) que los flamencos habían criado en las salinas este año. Ante esta noticia quisimos que nos diera una información más detallada, pero siempre sin hacerle ver la importancia del dato, para evitar que exagerara los hechos.

CONTRIBUIÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS ACERCA DOS RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS: UM ESTUDO DE CASO

A presente pesquisa visa contribuir com informações e discussões sobre o gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos domiciliares gerados nos municípios de Silveira Martins e Ivorá, localizados no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Remete para a necessidade que as administrações municipais, com base na Legislação Ambiental do Estado e perante as normatizações específicas, estabeleçam um Plano de Gerenciamento objetivando encontrar soluções viáveis e ambientalmente adequadas para a questão dos resíduos sólidos. Torna-se imprescindível o treinamento e a qualificação técnica de pessoal, assim como o monitoramento dos procedimentos adotados no manejo dos resíduos, no intuito de evitar os problemas ambientais decorrentes de um gerenciamento inadequado. A questão dos resíduos sólidos necessita de responsabilidade política e ações concretas para enfrentar a problemática.