The Neuronal Transition Probability (NTP) Model for the Dynamic Progression of Non-REM Sleep EEG: The Role of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Little attention has gone into linking to its neuronal substrates the dynamic structure of non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep, defined as the pattern of time-course power in all frequency bands across an entire episode. Using the spectral power time-courses in the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG), we showed in the typical first episode, several moves towards-and-away from deep sleep, each having an identical pattern linking the major frequency bands beta, sigma and delta. The neuronal transition probability model (NTP) – in fitting the data well – successfully explained the pattern as resulting from stochastic transitions of the firing-rates of the thalamically-projecting brainstem-activating neurons, alternating between two steady dynamic-states (towards-and-away from deep sleep) each initiated by a so-far unidentified flip-flop. The aims here are to identify this flip-flop and to demonstrate that the model fits well all NREM episodes, not just the first. Using published data on suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) activity we show that the SCN has the information required to provide a threshold-triggered flip-flop for timing the towards-and-away alternations, information provided by sleep-relevant feedback to the SCN. NTP then determines the pattern of spectral power within each dynamic-state. NTP was fitted to individual NREM episodes 1–4, using data from 30 healthy subjects aged 20–30 years, and the quality of fit for each NREM measured. We show that the model fits well all NREM episodes and the best-fit probability-set is found to be effectively the same in fitting all subject data. The significant model-data agreement, the constant probability parameter and the proposed role of the SCN add considerable strength to the model. With it we link for the first time findings at cellular level and detailed time-course data at EEG level, to give a coherent picture of NREM dynamics over the entire night and over hierarchic brain levels all the way from the SCN to the EEG

Airway smooth muscle as a target of asthma therapy: history and new directions

Ultimately, asthma is a disease characterized by constriction of airway smooth muscle (ASM). The earliest approach to the treatment of asthma comprised the use of xanthines and anti-cholinergics with the later introduction of anti-histamines and anti-leukotrienes. Agents directed at ion channels on the smooth muscle membrane (Ca(2+ )channel blockers, K(+ )channel openers) have been tried and found to be ineffective. Functional antagonists, which modulate intracellular signalling pathways within the smooth muscle (β-agonists and phosphodiesterase inhibitors), have been used for decades with success, but are not universally effective and patients continue to suffer with exacerbations of asthma using these drugs. During the past several decades, research energies have been directed into developing therapies to treat airway inflammation, but there have been no substantial advances in asthma therapies targeting the ASM. In this manuscript, excitation-contraction coupling in ASM is addressed, highlighting the current treatment of asthma while proposing several new directions that may prove helpful in the management of this disease

Creating and Solidifying Knowledge by Incorporating Feedback into Group-Based, Two-Stage Collaborative Exams

Individual testing, often via multiple choice questions, tends to be the norm in post secondary education. Collaborative testing has been proposed as an alternative and the benefits have been widely documented (Lusk & Conklin, 2003; Sandahl, 2009, Cortright et al, 2003). In the first stage of collaborative testing, students write the exam individually. In the second stage students write the same exam in groups (ideally 4) where they are required to come to consensus. Our own experience with these 2-stage collaborative midterm exams in very different programs (Nursing and Engineering) resulted in improved performance and overwhelmingly positive student review, consistent with the results of Gilley & Clarkston (2014), whose 2-stage model we followed. Using the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF-AT) scratch cards (Epstein, 2001), we created the opportunity to dispel misconceptions, allow students to discover correct answers during testing, and provide partial credit for multiple-choice questions. In addition to the improved self-confidence and metacognitive skill development promoted by collaboration (Carvalho, 2010), we hypothesize that delivering the guided answers using IF-AT cards, at a time when students are most receptive, aids in retention of the tested concepts. We will present preliminary data providing some support for this hypothesis from our recent study to assess whether collaboration with immediate feedback or collaboration alone is superior in encouraging retention. A hands-on simulation of this procedure will be included, along with tips for implementing this form of testing in other science (and non-science) classrooms. Carvalho, M. K. F. (2010). Assessing changes in performance and monitoring processes in individual and collaborative tests according to students\u27 metacognitive skills. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 22(7), 1107-1136. Cortright, R.N., Collins, H.L., Rodenbaugh, D.W. & Di Carlo, S.E. (2003). Student Retention of Course Content Is Improved By Collaborative-Group Testing. Advances in Physiology Education, 27: 102-108 Epstein, M.L., Epstein B.B., and Brosvic, G.M. (2001). Immediate Feedback During Academic Testing. Psychological Reports, 88(3 Pt 1), 889-894. Gilley, B. H. & Clarkston, B. (2014). Collaborative Testing: Evidence of Learning in a Controlled In-Class study of Undergraduate Students. Journal of College Science Teaching, 43(3), 83-91. Lusk, M., & Conklin, L. (2003). Collaborative testing to promote learning. The Journal of nursing education, 42(3), 121-124. Sandahl, S. S. (2009). Collaborative testing as a learning strategy in nursing education: A review of the literature. Nursing education perspectives, 30(3), 171-175

EFEKTIFITAS PENAMBAHAN HORMON GONADOTHROPIN PADA MEDIUM MATURASI mSOF TERHADAP TINGKAT MATURASI OOSIT

ABSTRAK Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektifitas supplementasi hormon gonadotrophin pada medium kultur maturasi sel terhadap tingkat pematangan oosit kambing secara in vitro. Materi yang digunakan adalah oosit kambing immature, FBS (GIBCO), NaCL Fisiologis 0,9%, mSOF, FSH, LH, hCG,PMSG (Intervet) Streptomicyn, Penicillin (Meiji),. Oosit kambing diperoleh dengan aspirasi ovarium kambing dari RPH Sukun – Malang. Ovarium dibawa dalam termos suhu 38 0C, diaspirasi folikel berdiameter 2 – 6 mm. Evaluasi didasarkan expansi cumullus oophorus dan keberadaan first polar body. Percobaan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap dan dilanjutkan dengan uji BNT, pada masing-masing perlakuan penambahan hormon .Hasil menunjukkan bahwa tingkat maturasi oosit kambing berdasarkan pengamatan ekspansi cumullus oophorus adalah 54% (FSH + LH) dan 44% (PMSG + hCG). Tidak ada pengaruh penambahan hormon yang berbeda terhadap tingkat maturasi. Tingkat maturasi berdasarkan first polar body adalah 64,5% (FSH + LH) dan 68 % (PMSG + hCG). Hasil analisa statistika tidak menunjukkan pengaruh penambahan hormon yang berbeda. Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah penambahan hormon FSH + LH dan  PMSG + hCG tidak berbeda nyata. Disarankan menambahkan hormon PMSG + hCG untuk maturasi in vitro pada medium mSOF karena harga hormon tersebut lebih murah dan perlu dilakukan mengenai ukuran penambahan dosis hormon yang sesuai. Kata Kunci: medium m SOF, IVM, Gonadotrophin, Oosit, Kambing   THE EFFICIENCY OF GONADOTROPHINB SUPPLEMENTATION OF MSOF MEDIUM ON THE MATURATION RATE OF IMMATURE OOCYTE IN VITRO.   Abstract The aims of the research is to stydy effectifity of gonadothrophin supplementation on maturation rate of immmature oocyte of goat in vitro. Immature oocyte was isolated from 2-6 mm diameter of folicles. Medium stock was suplemented with different treatment of Gonadotrophin : mSOF, FSH, LH, hCG (Intervet), PMSG (Intervet) Streptomicyn (Meiji), Penicillin (Meiji), Maturation rate was evaluated base on the cumulus oocyte  expantion and fisrt polar body extruction.  Result showed that there are no significant effect of hormomal suplementation on mSOF medium, wich  cumulus expantion of  54% (FSH + LH) dan 44% (PMSG + hCG). Meanwhilebase on extruction of first polar body was 64,5% (FSH + LH) dan 68 % (PMSG + hCG). It was conluded that hormonal treatment resulted in not diffetent effect to maturation rate . Suggested to, for practical purposes, using   PMSG + hCG  for IVM for the reason of in expensive and feasibility of hormone.   Key words: medium m SOF, IVM, Gonadotrophin, Oosit, Goa