Physical activity, approach-avoidance temperament and depressive symptoms

The goal was to assess the connections between vigorous physical activity (VPA), approach-avoidance temperament and depressive symptoms. Two studies were conducted. Study 1, correlational, to assess the mediating role of both dimensions of temperament, approach-avoidance contrast, between physical activity and depressive symptoms. Participants, 335 college students, completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Depressive Symptoms Scale (DSS) and the Approach-Avoidance Temperament Questionnaire (Ap-AvTQ). Results showed that approach-avoidance contrast could be considered a potential mediator between VPA and depressive symptoms. The global model was significant, F(2, 351)=3.22, p<.001, R2=14.91%, R2 adjusted=14.42%, and the bootstrapped upper and lower limits did not contain zero with the lower limit at -.05 and the upper at -14, suggesting a connection between VPA and depressive symptoms mediated by the approach-avoidance contrast temperament. Study 2, longitudinal, to test if a physical activity program could produce changes in approach-avoidance contrast temperament, manipulating the depressive symptoms. A VPA program was conducted with 149 college students. Participants completed the DSS and the Ap-AvTQ. The true intraindividual change modeling technique, a more direct approach to modeling interindividual differences in intraindividual change without using a control group, showed that participants’ depressive symptoms were predicted through the mediation of the approach-avoidance contrast temperament (γ=-.36, p<.001). VPA was positively linked to the approach-avoidance contrast temperament that was negatively connected to depressive symptoms, and negatively linked to the approach-avoidance contrast temperament that was positively connected to depressive symptoms. It seems possible to influence depressive symptoms through approach-avoidance contrast temperament using VPA

Purification and Characterization of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus 4-Hydroxybenzoate 3-Hydroxylase after Its Overexpression in Escherichia coli

4-Hydroxybenzoate 3-hydroxylase [EC 1.14.13.2] from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus was purified to homogeneity following the 40-fold overexpression of this gene (pobA) in Escherichia coli. Overexpression was accomplished by placing the folA gene (encoding trimethoprim-resistant dihydrofolate reductase) directly downstream of the pobA gene, and demanding growth of recombinants on elevated concentration of trimethoprim. Presumably, the surviving variants have undergone a genetic alteration which allowed the overexpression of both folA and pobA. 4-Hydroxybenzoate 3-hydroxylase was purified in two chromatographic steps, characterized biochemically, and its properties were compared to those of its homolog from Pseudomonas fluorescens. The two enzymes differ in their reponse to Cl− ion inhibition. A single ami no acid change in the putative NADPH-binding site is proposed to account for this difference. The inhibitory and catalytic properties of substrate analogs were also examine

Design and Implementation of a HardwareModule for MIMO Decoding in a 4G Wireless Receiver

Future 4th Generation (4G) wireless multiuser communication systems will have to provide advanced multimedia services to an increasing number of users, making good use of the scarce spectrum resources. Thus, 4G systemdesign should pursue both highertransmission bit rates and higher spectral efficiencies. To achieve this goal,multiple antenna systems are called to play a crucial role. In this contribution we address the implementation in FPGAs of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) decoder embedded in a prototype of a 4G mobile receiver. This MIMO decoder is part of a multicarrier code-division multiple-access (MC-CDMA) radio system, equipped with multiple antennas at both ends of the link, that is able to handle up to 32 users and provides raw transmission bit-rates up to 125 Mbps. The task of the MIMO decoder is to appropriately combine the signals simultaneously received on all antennas to construct an improved signal, free of interference, from which to estimate the transmitted symbols. A comprehensive explanation of the complete design process is provided, including architectural decisions, floating-point to fixedpoint translation, and description of the validation procedure. We also report implementation results using FPGA devices of the Xilinx Virtex-4 family

Arm Swing Asymmetry Measurement from 2D Gait Videos

Arm swing during gait has been positively related to gait stability and gait efficiency, particularly in the presence of neurological disorders that affect locomotion. However, most gait studies have focused on lower extremities, while arm swing usually remains ignored. In addition, these studies are mostly based on costly, highly-specialized vision systems or on wearable devices which, despite their popularity among researchers and specialists, are still relatively uncommon for the general population. This work proposes a way of estimating arm swing asymmetry from a single 2D gait video. First, two silhouette-based representations that separately capture motion data from both arms were built. Second, a measure to quantify arm swing energy from such a representation was introduced, producing two side-dependent motion measurements. Third, an arm swing asymmetry index was obtained. The method was validated on two public datasets, one with 68 healthy subjects walking normally and one with 10 healthy subjects simulating different styles of arm swing asymmetry. The validity of the asymmetry index at capturing different arm swing patterns was assessed by two non-parametric tests: the Mann–Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The so-called physiological asymmetry was observed on the normal gait sequences of both datasets in a statistically similar way. The asymmetry index was able to fairly characterize the different levels of asymmetry simulated in the second set. Results show that it is possible to estimate the arm swing asymmetry from a single 2D gait video, with enough sensitivity to discriminate anomalous patterns from normality. This opens the door to low-cost easy-to-use mobile applications to assist clinicians in monitoring gait condition in primary care (e.g., in the elderly), when more accurate and specialized technologies are often not available

Role of endogenous cannabinoids in the control of basal ganglia activity

The cannabinoid system is a novel intercellular signaling system that plays a prominent role, among others, in the control of basal ganglia function. This finding can be concluded from the data obtained in different series of anatomical, biochemical, electrophysiological and pharmacological studies. These data demonstrated: (i) that the basal ganglia contain high levels of endocannabinoids and their receptors, mainly including the cannabinoid CB1 receptor subtype but also a related receptor type, the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor; (ii) that the activation or the blockade of this system produces important changes in motor behavior, changes that are originated as a consequence of interactions of the cannabinoid system with various classic neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine or glutamate; and (iii) the occurrence of marked changes in specific elements of the cannabinoid signaling system in various basal ganglia disorders, with emphasis in the induction/upregulation of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor subtype. This large evidence relating endocannabinoids and their receptors to the function of the basal ganglia, both in the healthy and the pathological brain, has provided support for the idea that cannabinoid-based medicines, with selectivity for different targets of the cannabinoid signaling system (synthetic enzymes, receptors, inactivation system), might have therapeutic potential to alleviate symptoms and/or provide neuroprotection in basal ganglia disorders, in particular Parkinson´s disease and Huntington´s chorea. The present chapter will review the knowledge on this issue trying to establish the future lines for the research on the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoid signaling system in basal ganglia disorders.peer-reviewe

Organic Blueberry Production Systems – Grower Practices and Impact on Plant Nutrient Concentration, Content, and Biomass

The certified organic blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) market has continued to expand in the last two decades, including in Oregon. The development of an industry-public research coalition has fostered expansion. In 2015, a survey consisting of on-site, in-person interviews with certified and transitional organic growers in Oregon found the majority of the 28 operations interviewed were small farms of 8 ha or less and had a total blueberry area less than 2 ha – 71% also grew other crops. Production systems used varied among farms: 70% had blueberry fields at least 10-years-old; 14% used drip irrigation, 61% overhead and 25% a combination of both; slightly less than half were grown on flat ground; and all pruned at least some part of their fields annually. Soil and tissue testing, use of pre-plant soil amendments, and fertility management practices varied widely among growers. The most important pest problems were noted. Growers described a wide variety of harvest methods and marketing outlets for their blueberry fruit with the vast majority producing for fresh direct consumer sales or for fresh wholesale or retail buyers. A comprehensive organic highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) research trial was established at Oregon State University’s North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Oct. 2006 with industry funding and advisement on research priorities. A subset of this trial was studied in 2015-2016 for the effect of fertilizer source (fish solubles and feather meal at 140 kg·ha-1 N), mulch [porous, black polypropylene ground cover (“weed mat”) and sawdust], and cultivar (‘Duke’ and ‘Liberty’) on dry weight (DW), and nutrient concentration, content, and allocation for plant parts (roots, crown, wood, fruit, and leaves) at various stages of development (immature fruit and postharvest in 2015 and dormancy in 2015 and 2016), senescent leaves and ripe fruit in 2015. There were multiple treatment effects on nutrient concentrations at all stages of development in multiple plant parts. Leaf nutrient levels, on average per plant, either decreased from the immature green fruit stage to the postharvest stage and then to senescence (N, P, K, S), increased (Ca, B, Fe, Mn, Al), or remained relatively stable (Mg, Cu, Zn). Declines in leaf N, P, K, and S concentrations from the postharvest stage to senescence likely indicated remobilization of these nutrients prior to dormancy. Dormant plant parts differed in nutrient concentrations between years for all macronutrients except K and S in stems and roots, N and Ca in whips, P and K in old wood, and N and K in the crown, often with a cultivar interaction. Many fruit nutrients changed in concentration during fruit ripening with values affected by year, harvest number (season), cultivar, fertilizer source, and mulch, depending on the nutrient. Cultivar had the greatest effect on nutrient concentrations and ‘Liberty’ had more DW and nutrient content and losses than ‘Duke’. Fertilization with fish solubles, a product that also contains higher levels of P, K, Mg, and B than feather meal, increased %N and %P of roots, crown, and fruit, %P of stems and leaves, and %K of leaves and fruit, depending on cultivar. Fish solubles also increased plant uptake of K. Fertilization with feather meal increased DW (roots, green fruit, and total) and Ca concentration (fruit, roots) and content of roots and crown, compared to fish solubles, confirming feather meal was a good source of Ca. Fertilizer source had little other impact on nutrient content or losses. Plants grown with weed mat, on average, had greater DW of senescent leaves than with sawdust and a greater above- to below-ground DW ratio. Weed mat also increased N, P, K and B, but reduced Ca and Mg concentrations of many plant parts at various stages, compared to sawdust mulch, with some interactions with fertilizer source. Plant uptake of N, P, K and B was increased with weed mat compared to sawdust, but the opposite was found for Mg. Weed mat increased N content of green and ripe fruit, leaves at postharvest stage, and dormant stems and old wood. The increased uptake of N with weed mat compared to sawdust was lost in senescent leaves. Mulching with weed mat increased K content of ripe fruit, leaves and stems at postharvest stage, and senescent leaves. The average total estimated nutrient losses in harvested fruit, senescent leaves, and pruning wood for the mature planting were 34.8, 3.5, 25.2, 20.7, 4.5, and 3.7 kg∙ha-1 of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, respectively, and 162, 1038, 1336, 40, and 73 g∙ha-1 of B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, respectively. If planting management could be modified to recover organic matter and nutrients currently lost in senescent leaves and pruning wood, making them available to the blueberry plants in the row, application of fertilizer nutrients may be reduced. Greater nutrient uptake and losses with weed mat, a common mulch used by growers, may indicate a need for nutrient management programs specific to this mulch

Nutrient management of blackberry cultivars grown in organic production systems

The impact of fertilizer source and cultivar on growth, fruit quality, and yield was evaluated in organic blackberry (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson) from 2011-2013 in three studies. In all studies, plants were drip irrigated, and weeds were managed using a woven polypropylene, permeable landscape fabric (weed mat). At a grower collaborator site, fertilizer source (liquid fish and molasses blend; soybean meal; pelletized, processed poultry litter) had little effect on yield or fruit quality and results were inconsistent among cultivars ('Marion', 'Black Diamond', 'Obsidian', 'Triple Crown') and years. Fertilizer source (corn steep liquor and fish waste digestion; fish solubles and molasses blend) also had little effect on the machine-harvested yield, plant growth, and fruit quality of 'Marion' and 'Black Diamond'. When these fertilizers were applied through the drip system, emitter flow rates decreased an average of 4.5% in the first year and 19% in the second year, but system performance was not affected by fertilizer source or flushing. Primocane leaf tissue nutrient concentrations were within recommended levels for all nutrients, except for Ca and B which were below recommended standards, in all cultivars and Mg which was deficient in some. Cultivars differed in yield and fruit quality in all of the organic production trials. At the grower collaborator site, 'Triple Crown' produced the greatest yield in both years, whereas 'Black Diamond' and 'Marion' had the lowest yield in 2011 and 2012, respectively. 'Triple Crown' fruit had the highest percent soluble solids and were the least firm in 2011, while 'Marion' fruit were the least firm in 2012. 'Black Diamond' produced a greater machine-harvested total yield than 'Marion' in the second study, but also produced a greater proportion of unmarketable fruit. In the third study, all of the cultivars tested responded well to the organic production system used based on yield and plant growth, but 'Onyx' and 'Metolius' were considered to have a low yield for commercial production. In contrast, the higher yielding 'Obsidian' and 'ORUS-2635-1' appeared to be the best suited for fresh market, organic production due to their greater fruit size, firmness, and sugar to acid ratio and a low post-harvest percent moisture loss ('ORUS-2635-1') and a long number of marketable days of storage ('Obsidian'). Plantings were successfully established and maintained using the organic sources of fertilizer studied. Supplemental fertilization with B, Mg, and Ca would be required with each fertilizer studied to maintain recommended soil and plant fertility levels. Since the cultivars responded similarly to the fertilizer sources studied, cost of the nitrogen (N) in the fertilizer should be taken into account, which varied from $5.60 to$18.00 per kg of N

Autoeficacia, autorregulación y aprendizaje cooperativo en estudiantes españoles y portugueses de Educación Secundaria

International reports show more positive academic and drop-out results in the neighbor Portugal than in Spain, but comparisons should be considered carefully. Data which reflect students’ own perceptions on pedagogical and psychological variables significant for learning are needed. The goal of this study was to compare two similar groups of students in Portugal and Spain in relation to their academic self-efficacy, self-regulated learning, and cooperative learning. An ex post facto research design was followed. A total of 1619 students (816 Portuguese, 795 Spanish) enrolled in 27 different schools in Spain and Portugal participated. Ages varied between 12 and 17 years. The only condition to participate was having experienced cooperative learning in the last six months. The multivariant lineal general model showed significant differences based on country, sex and age. Portuguese students scored significantly higher in interpersonal skills, group processing and positive interdependence, while Spanish students scored higher in individual accountability, academic self-efficacy and self-regulated learning prior, during and after. Women scored significantly higher in all the variables except academic self-efficacy, where there were no differences. Regarding age, as it increases the scores decrease in promotive interaction, academic self-efficacy and self-regulated learning prior, during and after. Finally, the generalized linear model showed that group processing and the three dimensions of self-regulated learning predicted academic self-efficacy. In conclusion, Portuguese students perceived that cooperative learning was more intensely promoted in their classes. The Spanish students showed stronger academic self-efficacy and self-regulated learning, which contradicts the worst results obtained in the latest PISA reports. These students could suffer the “Dunning-Kruger” effect and not be aware of the knowledge they lack.Los informes internacionales muestran resultados académicos y de abandono escolar mucho más positivos en la vecina Portugal que en España, pero las comparaciones deben tomarse con precaución. Son necesarios datos que reflejen las percepciones de los propios estudiantes sobre variables pedagógicas y psicológicas significativas para el aprendizaje. El objetivo de esta investigación fue comparar dos poblaciones similares de estudiantes de Portugal y de España en relación a la autoeficacia académica, el aprendizaje autorregulado y el aprendizaje cooperativo. Se siguió un diseño de investigación ex post facto prospectivo. Un total de 1619 estudiantes (816 portugueses, 795 españoles), enrolados en 27 centros educativos distintos de España y Portugal participaron. Sus edades oscilaron entre los 12 y los 17 años. El único requisito para participar era que hubieran experimentado en sus clases aprendizaje cooperativo en los últimos seis meses. El modelo lineal general multivariante mostró diferencias en función del país, sexo y edad. Los estudiantes portugueses puntuaron más alto en habilidades sociales, procesamiento grupal e interdependencia positiva, mientras que los españoles lo hicieron en responsabilidad individual, autoeficacia académica y autorregulación antes, durante y después. Las mujeres puntuaron significativamente más alto en todas las variables, salvo en autoeficacia académica en la que no hubo diferencias. Respecto a la edad, según aumenta esta más disminuyen las puntuaciones en interacción promotora, autoeficacia académica y autorregulación antes, durante y después. Finalmente, el modelo lineal generalizado mostró que el procesamiento grupal y las tres dimensiones de autorregulación del aprendizaje predijeron la autoeficacia académica. En conclusión, los estudiantes portugueses percibieron que en sus clases se trabajaba de una manera más intensa el aprendizaje cooperativo. Los españoles presentaron una mayor autoeficacia académica y una mayor autorregulación del aprendizaje, lo que contradice los peores resultados obtenidos en los últimos informes PISA. Estos estudiantes podrían sufrir el efecto “Dunning-Kruger” y no ser conscientes de los conocimientos que les faltan

Exploring the Emerging Domain of Research on Video Game Live Streaming in Web of Science: State of the Art, Changes and Trends

In recent years, interest in video game live streaming services has increased as a new communication instrument, social network, source of leisure, and entertainment platform for millions of users. The rise in this type of service has been accompanied by an increase in research on these platforms. As an emerging domain of research focused on this novel phenomenon takes shape, it is necessary to delve into its nature and antecedents. The main objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive reference that allows future analyses to be addressed with greater rigor and theoretical depth. In this work, we developed a meta-review of the literature supported by a bibliometric performance and network analysis (BPNA). We used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) protocol to obtain a representative sample of 111 published documents since 2012 and indexed in the Web of Science. Additionally, we exposed the main research topics developed to date, which allowed us to detect future research challenges and trends. The findings revealed four specializations or subdomains: studies focused on the transmitter or streamer; the receiver or the audience; the channel or platform; and the transmission process. These four specializations add to the accumulated knowledge through the development of six core themes that emerge: motivations, behaviors, monetization of activities, quality of experience, use of social networks and media, and gender issues