High content of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in red blood cells of Kenyan Maasai despite low dietary intake

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increasing land restrictions and a reduced livestock-to-human ratio during the 20th century led the Maasai to lead a more sedentary, market-orientated lifestyle. Although plant-derived food nowadays contributes substantially to their diet, dairy products being high in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) still are an important energy source. Since reliable data regarding the Maasai diet date back to the 1980s, the study objective was to document current diet practices in a Kenyan Maasai community and to investigate the fatty acid distribution in diet and red blood cells.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 26 Maasai (20 women, 6 men) from Loodokilani, Kajiado District, Kenya. Food intake was described by the subjects via 24-h recall, and both food and blood samples were analysed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two main foods - milk and <it>ugali </it>- constituted the Maasai diet in this region. A total of 0.9 L of milk and 0.6 kg of <it>ugali </it>were consumed per person and day to yield an energy intake of 7.6 MJ/d per person. A major proportion of ingested food contributing 58.3% to the total dietary energy (en%) was plant-derived, followed by dairy products representing 41.1 en%. Fat consumed (30.5 en%) was high in SFA (63.8%) and low in PUFA (9.2%). Long-chain n-3 PUFA (EPA, DPA and DHA) made up only 0.15% of the ingested fatty acids, but 5.9% of red blood cell fatty acids.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study indicates the Maasai diet is rich in SFA and low in PUFA. Nevertheless, red blood cells are composed of comparable proportions of long-chain n-3 PUFA to populations consuming higher amounts of this fatty acid group.</p

Linking brain structure, activity and cognitive function through computation

Understanding the human brain is a “Grand Challenge” for 21st century research. Computational approaches enable large and complex datasets to be addressed efficiently, supported by artificial neural networks, modeling and simulation. Dynamic generative multiscale models, which enable the investigation of causation across scales and are guided by principles and theories of brain function, are instrumental for linking brain structure and function. An example of a resource enabling such an integrated approach to neuroscientific discovery is the BigBrain, which spatially anchors tissue models and data across different scales and ensures that multiscale models are supported by the data, making the bridge to both basic neuroscience and medicine. Research at the intersection of neuroscience, computing and robotics has the potential to advance neuro-inspired technologies by taking advantage of a growing body of insights into perception, plasticity and learning. To render data, tools and methods, theories, basic principles and concepts interoperable, the Human Brain Project (HBP) has launched EBRAINS, a digital neuroscience research infrastructure, which brings together a transdisciplinary community of researchers united by the quest to understand the brain, with fascinating insights and perspectives for societal benefits

3D-визуализация в ультразвуковой дефектоскопии

На сегодняшний день существует множество средств визуализации ультразвуковых данных, но все они, как правило, интегрированы в дефектоскопы. Когда у нас возникает потребность извлечь данные сканирования, произвести собственную обработку, и представить в трехмерном изображении, то мы оказываемся лишенными возможности визуализации. Предложенное программное обеспечение на основе алгоритма SAFT позволяет произвести постобработку данных сканирования (А-сканов) и двумерную и трехмерную визуализацию

DNA-Methylome based Tumor Hypoxia Classifier Identifies HPV-negative Head & Neck Cancer Patients at Risk for Locoregional Recurrence After Primary Radiochemotherapy

BACKGROUND Tumor hypoxia is a paradigmatic negative prognosticator of treatment resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). The lack of robust and reliable hypoxia classifiers limits the adaptation of stratified therapies. We hypothesized that the tumor DNA methylation landscape might indicate epigenetic reprogramming induced by chronic intratumoral hypoxia. METHODS A DNA methylome-based tumor hypoxia classifier (Hypoxia-M) was trained in the TCGA-HNSCC cohort based on matched assignments using gene expression-based signatures of hypoxia (Hypoxia-GES). Hypoxia-M was validated in a multicenter DKTK-ROG trial consisting of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-negative HNSCC patients treated with primary radiochemotherapy (RCHT). RESULTS While hypoxia-GSEs failed to stratify patients in the DKTK-ROG, Hypoxia-M was independently prognostic for local recurrence (LR, HR=4.3, p=0.001) and overall survival (OS, HR=2.34, p=0.03) but not distant metastasis (DM) after RCHT in the both cohorts. Hypoxia-M status was inversely associated with CD8 T-cells infiltration in both cohorts. Hypoxia-M was further prognostic in the TCGA-PanCancer cohort (HR=1.83, p=0.04), underscoring the breadth of this classifier for predicting tumor hypoxia status. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight an unexplored avenue for DNA Methylation-based classifiers as biomarkers of tumoral hypoxia for identifying high-risk features in patients with HNSCC tumors. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospective observational study from the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK-ROG), not interventional

Performance of the EDELWEISS-III experiment for direct dark matter searches

We present the results of measurements demonstrating the efficiency of the EDELWEISS-III array of cryogenic germanium detectors for direct dark matter searches. The experimental setup and the FID (Fully Inter-Digitized) detector array is described, as well as the efficiency of the double measurement of heat and ionization signals in background rejection. For the whole set of 24 FID detectors used for coincidence studies, the baseline resolutions for the fiducial ionization energy are mainly below 0.7 keV$_{ee}$ (FHWM) whereas the baseline resolutions for heat energies are mainly below 1.5 keV$_{ee}$ (FWHM). The response to nuclear recoils as well as the very good discrimination capability of the FID design has been measured with an AmBe source. The surface $\beta$- and $\alpha$-decay rejection power of $R_{\rm surf} < 4 \times 10^{-5}$ per $\alpha$ at 90% C.L. has been determined with a $^{210}$Pb source, the rejection of bulk $\gamma$-ray events has been demonstrated using $\gamma$-calibrations with $^{133}$Ba sources leading to a value of $R_{\gamma{\rm -mis-fid}} < 2.5 \times 10^{-6}$ at 90% C.L.. The current levels of natural radioactivity measured in the detector array are shown as the rate of single $\gamma$ background. The fiducial volume fraction of the FID detectors has been measured to a weighted average value of $(74.6 \pm 0.4)\%$ using the cosmogenic activation of the $^{65}$Zn and $^{68,71}$Ge isotopes. The stability and uniformity of the detector response is also discussed. The achieved resolutions, thresholds and background levels of the upgraded EDELWEISS-III detectors in their setup are thus well suited to the direct search of WIMP dark matter over a large mass range

The coming decade of digital brain research: a vision for neuroscience at the intersection of technology and computing

In recent years, brain research has indisputably entered a new epoch, driven by substantial methodological advances and digitally enabled data integration and modelling at multiple scales— from molecules to the whole brain. Major advances are emerging at the intersection of neuroscience with technology and computing. This new science of the brain combines high-quality research, data integration across multiple scales, a new culture of multidisciplinary large-scale collaboration and translation into applications. As pioneered in Europe’s Human Brain Project (HBP), a systematic approach will be essential for meeting the coming decade’s pressing medical and technological challenges. The aims of this paper are to: develop a concept for the coming decade of digital brain research, discuss this new concept with the research community at large, to identify points of convergence, and derive therefrom scientific common goals; provide a scientific framework for the current and future development of EBRAINS, a research infrastructure resulting from the HBP’s work; inform and engage stakeholders, funding organisations and research institutions regarding future digital brain research; identify and address the transformational potential of comprehensive brain models for artificial intelligence, including machine learning and deep learning; outline a collaborative approach that integrates reflection, dialogues and societal engagement on ethical and societal opportunities and challenges as part of future neuroscience research

Bericht zum Programmmonitoring 2012/2013 im Modellprogramm "Kulturagenten für kreative Schulen"

Der vorliegende Bericht ist ein Ergebnis des Forschungsprojekts „Entwicklung von kultureller Bildung zwischen Schule und externen Partnern“, das von der Stiftung Mercator gefördert wird. … Zum Jahreswechsel 2012/2013 ging das erste Teilprojekt der Begleitforschung zum Modellprogramm „Kulturagenten für kreative Schulen“ ins Feld. Im Rahmen des Programmmonitorings wurden die zentralen Programmakteure an allen teilnehmenden Schulen der Länder Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Hamburg, Nordrhein-Westfalen und Thüringen angesprochen. Das Ziel der ersten Befragung in diesem Teilprojekt bestand darin, einen vergleichenden Überblick zum Stand der Programmarbeit in den Schulen zu erarbeiten. Dazu wurden von den Beteiligten Einschätzungen zu institutionellen und personalen Rahmenbedingungen, zu Prozessen der Programmgenese und -durchführung sowie zu ersten Ergebnissen erbeten. … In diesem Bericht werden zentrale Befunde des ersten Programmmonitorings dargestellt. (DIPF/Orig.

Entwicklung Kultureller Bildung in Schule durch das Modellprogramm "Kulturagenten für kreative Schulen" 2013-2015

Fragen danach, ob Kunst- und Kulturarbeit in der Schule tatsächlich positive Effekte auf die Schüler/-innen – wie auch auf die Schule als Ganzes – hat und welche Gelingensbedingungen bedeutsam für eine erfolgreiche Kunst- und Kulturarbeit an der Schule sind, sind bisher empirisch noch nicht ausreichend beantwortet. Der vorliegende Bericht will dazu einen Beitrag leisten, indem er Resultate aus der längsschnittlichen Untersuchung des Modellprogramms „Kulturagenten für kreative Schulen“ zu den Erhebungszeitpunkten (2012/)2013 und (2014/)2015 präsentiert. Mit Bezug auf das erste Programmmonitoring aus 2013 wurden 2015 wesentliche Fragestellungen beibehalten, um die Ergebnisse zu den beiden Erhebungszeitpunkten vergleichen zu können. Zusätzlich wurden einzelne neue Fragestellungen und Perspektiven aufgenommen. Im ersten Kapitel wird das Modellprogramm „Kulturagenten für kreative Schulen“ kurz skizziert (1.1), sowie die Ziele und Inhalte der drei Teilkomponenten (Teilprojekte) des Gesamtprojekts erläutert (1.2). Im zweiten Kapitel folgen Hinweise zum methodischen Vorgehen. Aufgeteilt wird dieses Kapitel in eine Darstellung des Forschungsdesigns (2.1) und eine Beschreibung der Erhebungsinstrumente (2.2). Im letzten Unterkapitel werden die teilnehmenden Schulen und die Rücklaufquote thematisiert (2.3). Im dritten Kapitel werden die Ergebnisse des Programmmonitorings vorgestellt, dabei werden Kontexte, Prozesse, Veränderungen und Perspektiven an den Schulen berücksichtigt. (DIPF/Orig.

The Human Brain Project: Creating a European Research Infrastructure to Decode the Human Brain

Decoding the human brain is perhaps the most fascinating scientific challenge in the 21st century. The Human Brain Project (HBP), a 10-year European Flagship, targets the reconstruction of the brain’s multi-scale organization. It uses productive loops of experiments, medical, data, data analytics, and simulation on all levels that will eventually bridge the scales. The HBP IT architecture is unique, utilizing cloud-based collaboration and development platforms with databases, workflow systems, petabyte storage, and supercomputers. The HBP is developing toward a European research infrastructure advancing brain research, medicine, and brain-inspired information technology