Science materials for the gifted in grades two and three

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit

Frequent somatic mutations of GNAQ in uveal melanoma and blue naevi.

BRAF and NRAS are common targets for somatic mutations in benign and malignant neoplasms that arise from melanocytes situated in epithelial structures, and lead to constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. However, BRAF and NRAS mutations are absent in a number of other melanocytic neoplasms in which the equivalent oncogenic events are currently unknown. Here we report frequent somatic mutations in the heterotrimeric G protein alpha-subunit, GNAQ, in blue naevi (83%) and ocular melanoma of the uvea (46%). The mutations occur exclusively in codon 209 in the Ras-like domain and result in constitutive activation, turning GNAQ into a dominant acting oncogene. Our results demonstrate an alternative route to MAP kinase activation in melanocytic neoplasia, providing new opportunities for therapeutic intervention

Construction and evaluation of group tests in reading for grades one, two, and three.

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit

Emotional processing of natural visual images in brief exposures and compound stimuli : fMRI and behavioural studies

Can the brain register the emotional valence of brief exposures of complex natural stimuli under conditions of forward and backward masking, and under conditions of attentional competition between foveal and peripheral stimuli? To address this question, three experiments were conducted. The first, a behavioural experiment, measured subjective valence of response (pleasant vs unpleasant) to test the perception of the valence of natural images in brief, masked exposures in a forward and backward masking paradigm. Images were chosen from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) series. After correction for response bias, responses to the majority of target stimuli were concordant with the IAPS ratings at better than chance, even when the presence of the target was undetected. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the effects of IAPS valence and stimulus category were objectively measured on nine regions of interest (ROIs) using the same strict temporal restrictions in a similar masking design. Evidence of affective processing close to or below conscious threshold was apparent in some of the ROIs. To further this line of enquiry, a second fMRI experiment mapping the same ROIs and using the same stimuli were presented in a foveal (‘attended’) peripheral (‘to-be-ignored’) paradigm (small image superimposed in the centre of a large image of the same category, but opposite valence) to investigate spatial parameters and limitations of attention. Results are interpreted as showing both valence and category specific effects of ‘to-be-ignored’ images in the periphery. These results are discussed in light of theories of the limitations of attentional capacity and the speed in which we process natural images, providing new evidence of the breadth of variety in the types of affective visual stimuli we are able to process close to the threshold of conscious perception.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceEconomic and Social Research Council (ESRC)GBUnited Kingdo

The behavioural epidemiology of sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis:where are we, and where do we need to go?

In the last decade, studies into sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis have raised important questions regarding its role in this condition. Specifically, evidence is needed on whether sedentary behaviour might exacerbate adverse inflammatory arthritis outcomes, and whether reducing sedentary behaviour might offer an effective avenue for self-management in this population. Research exploring these important research questions is still very much in its infancy and lacks the direction and scientific rigour required to inform effective intervention design, delivery and evaluation. Behavioural epidemiology refers to research that aims explicitly to understand and influence health behaviour patterns to prevent disease and improve health. To this end, the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework specifies a focused approach to health behaviour research, which leads to the development of evidence-based interventions directed at specific populations. In this review, we introduce the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework in the context of research into sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis and ask: where are we, and where do we need to go

Perspectives on Astrophysics Based on Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Techniques

About two generations ago, a large part of AMO science was dominated by experimental high energy collision studies and perturbative theoretical methods. Since then, AMO science has undergone a transition and is now dominated by quantum, ultracold, and ultrafast studies. But in the process, the field has passed over the complexity that lies between these two extremes. Most of the Universe resides in this intermediate region. We put forward that the next frontier for AMO science is to explore the AMO complexity that describes most of the Cosmos.Comment: White paper submission to the Decadal Assessment and Outlook Report on Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Science (AMO 2020

Correlates of sedentary behaviour and light physical activity in people living with rheumatoid arthritis: protocol for a longitudinal study

Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with adverse health outcomes in the general population. Replacing sedentary time with light intensity physical activity (LPA) has been linked with improvements in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in adults. People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) typically spend long periods of time sedentary, but the health consequences of ‘too much sitting’, and possible benefits of LPA, have not been fully explored in this population. Moreover, little is known regarding the determinants of these behaviours among people living with RA, and such knowledge is required for the development of effective behavioural interventions. Aims: To examine longitudinal relationships between:1) objectively-assessed SB/LPA with health outcomes in RA, 2) hypothesised determinants of SB/LPA with objectively-assessed SB/LPA in RA. Methods: This longitudinal study will secure assessments at baseline (Time 1) and 6-month follow-up (Time 2) from RA patients. At both time points, physical assessments will be undertaken, and questionnaires administered to measure physical (e.g., percentage body fat, disease activity, physical function, pain) and psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety, vitality) health outcomes. Additional questionnaires will be administered to establish hypothesised determinants (i.e., psychosocial, individual differences, and physical environmental). Participants will wear the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer and activPAL3 for 7 days to objectively measure SB and LPA. Discussion: Findings will elucidate the health correlates of SB in RA, as well as the relevance of interventions targeting reductions in SB by promoting LPA. Results will also assist in identifying intervention targets (i.e., determinants), with the potential to encourage SB change in RA

Self-Regulation Therapy to Reproduce Drug Effects: A Suggestion Technique to Change Personality and the DRD3 Gene Expression

This study proposes a strategy, based on self-regulation therapy, to change personality and its biological substrate, the DRD3 gene expression. It has been demonstrated that acute doses of stimulating drugs, like methylphenidate, are able to change personality and the expression of certain genes in the short term. On the other hand, self-regulation therapy has been proven to reproduce the effects of drugs. Thus, it is feasible to hope that self-regulation therapy is equally effective as methylphenidate in changing personality and the gene expression. This is a preliminary study with a single-case experimental design with replication in which 2 subjects participated. The results and potential implications for research and psychotherapy are discussed.Amigó Borrás, S.; Caselles Moncho, A.; Micó Ruiz, JC. (2013). Self-Regulation Therapy to Reproduce Drug Effects: A Suggestion Technique to Change Personality and the DRD3 Gene Expression. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 61(3):282-304. doi:10.1080/00207144.2013.784094S282304613Accili, D., Fishburn, C. S., Drago, J., Steiner, H., Lachowicz, J. E., Park, B. H., … Fuchs, S. (1996). A targeted mutation of the D3 dopamine receptor gene is associated with hyperactivity in mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 93(5), 1945-1949. doi:10.1073/pnas.93.5.1945Amigó, S., Caselles, A., & Micó, J. C. (2008). A dynamic extraversion model. The brain’s response to a single dose of a stimulant drug. British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology, 61(1), 211-231. doi:10.1348/000711007x185514Amigó, S., Caselles, A., & Micó, J. C. (2010). General Factor of Personality Questionnaire (GFPQ): Only one Factor to Understand Personality? The Spanish journal of psychology, 13(1), 5-17. doi:10.1017/s1138741600003644Barbanti, P., Bronzetti, E., Ricci, A., Cerbo, R., Fabbrini, G., Buzzi, M. G., … Lenzi, G. L. (1996). 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The Spanish journal of psychology, 14(2), 675-692. doi:10.5209/rev_sjop.2011.v14.n2.16Comings, D., Gade-Andavolu, R., Gonzalez, N., Wu, S., Muhleman, D., Blake, H., … MacMurray, J. (2001). A multivariate analysis of 59 candidate genes in personality traits: the temperament and character inventory. Clinical Genetics, 58(5), 375-385. doi:10.1034/j.1399-0004.2000.580508.xCzermak, C., Lehofer, M., Renger, H., Wagner, E. M., Lemonis, L., Rohrhofer, A., … Liebmann, P. M. (2004). Dopamine receptor D3 mRNA expression in human lymphocytes is negatively correlated with the personality trait of persistence. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 150(1-2), 145-149. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2004.01.009Daly, S. A., & Waddington, J. L. (1993). Behavioural effects of the putative D-3 dopamine receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT in relation to other «D-2-like» agonists. Neuropharmacology, 32(5), 509-510. doi:10.1016/0028-3908(93)90177-5Gilbert, D. G., & Hagen, R. L. (1985). 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Assessing the abuse potential of methylphenidate in nonhuman and human subjects: a review. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 68(3), 611-627. doi:10.1016/s0091-3057(01)00464-6Lejeune, F., & Millan, M. J. (1995). Activation of dopamine D3 autoreceptors inhibits firing of ventral tegmental dopaminergic neurones in vivo. European Journal of Pharmacology, 275(3), R7-R9. doi:10.1016/0014-2999(95)00106-uLevant, B. (1998). Differential distribution of D3 dopamine receptors in the brains of several mammalian species. Brain Research, 800(2), 269-274. doi:10.1016/s0006-8993(98)00529-0LEVINE, D. G. (1974). «Needle Freaks»: Compulsive Self-Injection Drug Users. American Journal of Psychiatry, 131(3), 297-300. doi:10.1176/ajp.131.3.297LYNCH, J. J., STEIN, E. A., & FERTZIGER, A. P. (1976). AN ANALYSIS OF 70 YEARS OF MORPHINE CLASSICAL CONDITIONING. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 163(1), 47-58. doi:10.1097/00005053-197607000-00007Merchant, K. M., Figur, L. M., & Evans, D. L. (1996). 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Characteristics and outcome of infants with candiduria in neonatal intensive care - a Paediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is limited information in the literature on the presentation and prognosis of candidal urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was a prospective cohort study performed in 13 Canadian NICUs. Infants with candidal UTI without extra-renal candidal infection at presentation were enrolled.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty infants fit the study criteria. Median birth weight and gestational age were 2595 grams (range 575-4255) and 35 weeks (range 24-41) with 10 infants being < 30 weeks gestation. The most common primary underlying diagnosis was congenital heart disease (n = 10). The median age at initial diagnosis was 16 days (range 6-84 days). Renal ultrasonography findings were compatible with possible fungal disease in 15 of the 26 infants (58%) in whom it was performed. Treatment was variable, but fluconazole and either amphotericin B deoxycholate or lipid-based amphotericin B in combination or sequentially were used most frequently. Extra-renal candidiasis subsequently developed in 4 infants. In 2 of these 4 infants, dissemination happened during prolonged courses of anti-fungal therapy. Three of 9 deaths were considered to be related to candidal infection. No recurrences of candiduria or episodes of invasive candidiasis following treatment were documented.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Candidal UTI in the NICU population occurs both in term infants with congenital abnormalities and in preterm infants, and is associated with renal parenchymal disease and extra-renal dissemination. A wide variation in clinical approach was documented in this multicenter study. The overall mortality rate in these infants was significant (30%). In one third of the deaths, <it>Candida </it>infection was deemed to be a contributing factor, suggesting the need for antifungal therapy with repeat evaluation for dissemination in infants who are slow to respond to therapy.</p