Present and past selves : a steady-state visual evoked potentials approach to self-face processing

The self-face has a prioritized status in the processing of incoming visual inputs. As the self-face changes over the lifespan, this stimulus seems to be well-suited for investigation of the self across time. Here, steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP, oscillatory responses to periodic stimulation with a frequency that mirrors the frequency of stimulation) were used to investigate this topic. Different types of faces (present self, past self, close-other's, unknown, scrambled) flickered four times per second in two types of stimulation (‘identical', with the same image of a given type of face; ‘different', with different images of the same type of face). Each of the 10 stimulation sessions lasted 90 seconds and was repeated three times. EEG data were recorded and analyzed in 20 participants. In general, faces evoked higher SSVEP than scrambled faces. The impact of identical and different stimulation was similar for faces and scrambled faces: SSVEP to different stimuli (faces, scrambled faces) was enhanced in comparison to identical ones. Present self-faces evoked higher SSVEP responses than past self-faces in the different stimulation condition only. Thus, our results showed that the physical aspects of the present and past selves are differentiated on the neural level in the absence of an overt behavior

Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS), a ryzyko występowania cukrzycy ciążowej (GDM)

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy. In the course of pregnancy, elevated levels of hormones and other proteins having insulin-antagonistic effects lead to higher insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, followed by hyperinsulinemia. Risk factors for the development of GDM have been well-established. However, the debate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may predispose to GDM continues. Patients with PCOS are often affected by obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia ,and tissue-specific insulin resistance. Obesity occurs in 50% of the cases, while tissue-specific insulin resistance is observed in 20-40% of the affected patients. This paper aims at systematizing risk factors that could contribute to the development of GDM, as well as reviewing literature reports and analyses on the occurrence of a potential correlation.Cukrzyca ciążowa (gestational diabetes mellitus – GDM) jest częstym stanem patologicznym wikłającym ciążę. W przebiegu ciąży dochodzi do zwiększenia stężenia w organizmie hormonów oraz innych białek o działaniu antagonistycznym w stosunku do insuliny, co prowadzi do wzrostu insulinooporności tkanek obwodowych, a następnie do hiperinsulinemii. Pomimo, że znane są czynniki ryzyka prowadzące do rozwoju GDM, od lat toczy się dyskusja czy zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) może predysponować do wystąpienia cukrzycy ciążowej. U pacjentek z PCOS często występuje otyłość, dyslipidemia, hiperinsulinemia oraz brak wrażliwości tkankowej na insulinę. Otyłość występuje u 50% przypadków, a brak wrażliwości na insulinę u 20-40% pacjentek. Celem poniższego opracowania jest usystematyzowanie czynników ryzyka, które mogłyby u pacjentek z PCOS prowadzić do rozwoju GDM, a także przegląd badań oraz analiz dotyczących występowania potencjalnej korelacji

Modeling electricity loads in California: a continuous-time approach

In this paper we address the issue of modeling electricity loads and prices with diffusion processes. More specifically, we study models which belong to the class of generalized Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes. After comparing properties of simulated paths with those of deseasonalized data from the California power market and performing out-of-sample forecasts we conclude that, despite certain advantages, the analyzed continuous-time processes are not adequate models of electricity load and price dynamics.Comment: To be published in Physica A (2001): Proceedings of the NATO ARW on Application of Physics in Economic Modelling, Prague, Feb. 8-10, 200

Risk factors for cesarean section after using the Foley catheter for labor induction

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the value of the Bishop score and ultrasound examination of the cervix in predicting the success of labor induction with the use of the Foley catheter determined by the mode of delivery. Material and methods: Foley catheter induction of labor was performed in 135 pregnancies between 38 to 42 weeks gestation. The study group was divided into two groups, depending of the mode of delivery: vaginal vs. cesarean. Results: The Bishop score was significantly higher in the vaginal delivery group when compared to the caesarean section group (5.2; 95%CI: 4.4 – 6.2 vs. 3.9; 95%CI: 2.8-4.9). Cervical length was not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that patient-specific risk for caesarean section decreases with increasing maternal age and the Bishop score (Detection Rate [DR] of 52% at fixed False Positive Rate [FPR] of 10%). Conclusions: Failure of labor induction with the use of the Foley catheter can be predicted by maternal age and pre-induction Bishop score

A possible role of tachykinin-related peptide on an immune system activity of mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L.

Tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) are important neuropeptides. Here we show that they affect the insect immune system, especially the cellular response. We also identify and predict the sequence and structure of the tachykinin-related peptide receptor (TRPR) and confirm the presence of expression of gene encoding TRPR on Tenebrio molitor haemocytes. After application of the Tenmo-TRP-7 in T. molitor the number of circulating haemocytes increased and the number of haemocytes participating in phagocytosis of latex beads decreased in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Also, Tenmo-TRP-7 affects the adhesion ability of haemocytes. Six hours after injection of TenmoTRP-7, a decrease of haemocyte surface area was observed under both tested Tenmo-TRP-7 concentrations (10-7 and 10-5 M). The opposite effect was reported 24 h after injection, which indicates that the influence of Tenmo-TRP-7 on modulation of haemocyte behaviour differs at different stages of stress response. Tenmo-TRP-7 application also resulted in increased phenoloxidase activity 6 and 24 h after injection. The assessment of DNA integrity of haemocytes showed that the injection of Tenmo-TRP-7 at 10-7 M led to a decrease in DNA damage compared to control individuals. This effect was only visible 6 h after Tenmo-TRP-7 application. After 24 h, Tenmo-TRP-7 injection increased DNA damage. We also confirmed the expression of immune-related genes in nervous tissue of T. molitor. Transcripts for genes encoding receptors participating in pathogen recognition processes and antimicrobial peptides were detected in T. molitor brain, retrocerebral complex and ventral nerve cord. These results may indicate a role of the insect nervous system in pathogen recognition and modulation of immune response similar to vertebrates. Taken together, our results support the notion that tachykinin-related peptides probably play an important role in the regulation of the insect immune system. Moreover, some resemblances with action of tachykininrelated peptides and substance P showed that insects can be potential model organisms for analysis of hormonal regulation of conserved innate immune mechanisms

Investigating the influence of Fe speciation on N2O decomposition over Fe–ZSM-5 catalysts

The influence of Fe speciation on the decomposition rates of N2O over Fe–ZSM-5 catalysts prepared by Chemical Vapour Impregnation were investigated. Various weight loadings of Fe–ZSM-5 catalysts were prepared from the parent zeolite H-ZSM-5 with a Si:Al ratio of 23 or 30. The effect of Si:Al ratio and Fe weight loading was initially investigated before focussing on a single weight loading and the effects of acid washing on catalyst activity and iron speciation. UV/Vis spectroscopy, surface area analysis, XPS and ICP-OES of the acid washed catalysts indicated a reduction of ca. 60% of Fe loading when compared to the parent catalyst with a 0.4 wt% Fe loading. The TOF of N2O decomposition at 600 °C improved to 3.99 × 103 s−1 over the acid washed catalyst which had a weight loading of 0.16%, in contrast, the parent catalyst had a TOF of 1.60 × 103 s−1. Propane was added to the gas stream to act as a reductant and remove any inhibiting oxygen species that remain on the surface of the catalyst. Comparison of catalysts with relatively high and low Fe loadings achieved comparable levels of N2O decomposition when propane is present. When only N2O is present, low metal loading Fe–ZSM-5 catalysts are not capable of achieving high conversions due to the low proximity of active framework Fe3+ ions and extra-framework ɑ-Fe species, which limits oxygen desorption. Acid washing extracts Fe from these active sites and deposits it on the surface of the catalyst as FexOy, leading to a drop in activity. The Fe species present in the catalyst were identified using UV/Vis spectroscopy and speculate on the active species. We consider high loadings of Fe do not lead to an active catalyst when propane is present due to the formation of FexOy nanoparticles and clusters during catalyst preparation. These are inactive species which lead to a decrease in overall efficiency of the Fe ions and consequentially a lower TOF

Oxidative carboxylation of 1-decene to 1,2-decylene carbonate

Cyclic carbonates are valuable chemicals for the chemical industry and thus, their efficient synthesis is essential. Commonly, cyclic carbonates are synthesised in a two-step process involving the epoxidation of an alkene and a subsequent carboxylation to the cyclic carbonate. To couple both steps into a direct oxidative carboxylation reaction would be desired from an economical view point since additional work-up procedures can be avoided. Furthermore, the efficient sequestration of CO2, a major greenhouse gas, would also be highly desirable. In this work, the oxidative carboxylation of 1-decene is investigated using supported gold catalysts for the epoxidation step and tetrabutylammonium bromide in combination with zinc bromide for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide in the second step. The compatibility of the catalysts for both steps is explored and a detailed study of catalyst deactivation using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy is reported. Promising selectivity of the 1,2-decylene carbonate is observed using a one-pot two-step approach

How far can the self be extended? Automatic attention capture is triggered not only by the self-face

The preferential processing of self-related information is thought to be driven by its high level of familiarity. However, some behavioral studies have shown that people may exhibit a preference for initially unfamiliar stimuli that have been associated with themselves arbitrarily. One of the key questions that needs to be addressed concerns the role of early attention in the prioritization of newly acquired information associated with the self. Another question is whether both highly familiar as well as new information referring to a subjectively significant person (i.e. close-other) benefits from preferential attentional processing. We aimed to tackle both questions by investigating the neural mechanisms involved in processing extremely familiar stimuli, like one’s own face or the face of a close-other, as well as stimuli (abstract shapes) that were newly linked to each person. We used a dot-probe paradigm that allowed us to investigate the early stages of attentional prioritization. Our analysis of the N2pc component unveiled that attention was automatically captured by the self-face, a shape associated with oneself, and the face of the close person. However, a shape associated with the close-other did not elicit the same attentional response, as the N2pc was absent. Thus, both the self-face and information referring to the extended self (self-assigned shape, close-other’s face) benefit from preferential early and automatic attentional processing