The Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder With Auditory Neurofeedback: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial Using the Mente Autism Device

Introduction: Children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have impairment of social interaction and demonstrate difficulty with emotional communication, display of posture and facial expression, with recognized relationships between postural control mechanisms and cognitive functions. Beside standard biomedical interventions and psychopharmacological treatments, there is increasing interest in the use of alternative non-invasive treatments such as neurofeedback (NFB) that could potentially modulate brain activity resulting in behavioral modification.Methods: Eighty-three ASD subjects were randomized to an Active group receiving NFB using the Mente device and a Control group using a Sham device. Both groups used the device each morning for 45 minutes over a 12 week home based trial without any other clinical interventions. Pre and Post standard ASD questionnaires, qEEG and posturography were used to measure the effectiveness of the treatment.Results: Thirty-four subjects (17 Active and 17 Control) completed the study. Statistically and substantively significant changes were found in several outcome measures for subjects that received the treatment. Similar changes were not detected in the Control group.Conclusions: Our results show that a short 12 week course of NFB using the Mente Autism device can lead to significant changes in brain activity (qEEG), sensorimotor behavior (posturography), and behavior (standardized questionnaires) in ASD children

Analysis of ground reaction force and electromyographic activity of the gastrocnemius muscle during double support

O documento em anexo encontra-se na versão post-print (versão corrigida pelo editor).Purpose: Mechanisms associated with energy expenditure during gait have been extensively researched and studied. According to the double-inverted pendulum model energy expenditure is higher during double support, as lower limbs need to work to redirect the centre of mass velocity. This study looks into how the ground reaction force (GRF) of one limb affects the muscle activity required by the medial gastrocnemius (MG) of the contralateral limb during step-to-step transition. Methods: Thirty-five subjects were monitored as to the MG electromyographic activity (EMGa) of one limb and the GRF of the contralateral limb during double support. Results: After determination of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), a moderate correlation was observed between the MG EMGa of the dominant leg and the vertical (Fz) and anteroposterior (Fy) components of GRF of the non-dominant leg (r=0.797, p<0.0001; r=-0.807, p<0.0001) and a weak and moderate correlation was observed between the MG EMGa of the non-dominant leg and the Fz and Fy of the dominant leg, respectively (r=0.442, p=0.018; r=-0.684 p<0.0001). Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that during double support, GRF is associated with the EMGa of the contralateral MG and that there is an increased dependence between the GRF of the non-dominant leg and the EMGa of the dominant MG

Search for CP violation in D+→ϕπ+ and D+s→K0Sπ+ decays

A search for CP violation in D + → ϕπ + decays is performed using data collected in 2011 by the LHCb experiment corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb−1 at a centre of mass energy of 7 TeV. The CP -violating asymmetry is measured to be (−0.04 ± 0.14 ± 0.14)% for candidates with K − K + mass within 20 MeV/c 2 of the ϕ meson mass. A search for a CP -violating asymmetry that varies across the ϕ mass region of the D + → K − K + π + Dalitz plot is also performed, and no evidence for CP violation is found. In addition, the CP asymmetry in the D+s→K0Sπ+ decay is measured to be (0.61 ± 0.83 ± 0.14)%

Differential branching fraction and angular analysis of the decay B0→K∗0μ+μ−

The angular distribution and differential branching fraction of the decay B 0→ K ∗0 μ + μ − are studied using a data sample, collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at s√=7 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb−1. Several angular observables are measured in bins of the dimuon invariant mass squared, q 2. A first measurement of the zero-crossing point of the forward-backward asymmetry of the dimuon system is also presented. The zero-crossing point is measured to be q20=4.9±0.9GeV2/c4 , where the uncertainty is the sum of statistical and systematic uncertainties. The results are consistent with the Standard Model predictions

Model-independent search for CP violation in D0→K−K+π−π+ and D0→π−π+π+π− decays

A search for CP violation in the phase-space structures of D0 and View the MathML source decays to the final states K−K+π−π+ and π−π+π+π− is presented. The search is carried out with a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb−1 collected in 2011 by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. For the K−K+π−π+ final state, the four-body phase space is divided into 32 bins, each bin with approximately 1800 decays. The p-value under the hypothesis of no CP violation is 9.1%, and in no bin is a CP asymmetry greater than 6.5% observed. The phase space of the π−π+π+π− final state is partitioned into 128 bins, each bin with approximately 2500 decays. The p-value under the hypothesis of no CP violation is 41%, and in no bin is a CP asymmetry greater than 5.5% observed. All results are consistent with the hypothesis of no CP violation at the current sensitivity

Search for the lepton-flavor-violating decays Bs0→e±μ∓ and B0→e±μ∓

A search for the lepton-flavor-violating decays Bs0→e±μ∓ and B0→e±μ∓ is performed with a data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0  fb-1 of pp collisions at √s=7  TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment. The observed number of Bs0→e±μ∓ and B0→e±μ∓ candidates is consistent with background expectations. Upper limits on the branching fractions of both decays are determined to be B(Bs0→e±μ∓)101  TeV/c2 and MLQ(B0→e±μ∓)>126  TeV/c2 at 95% C.L., and are a factor of 2 higher than the previous bounds

Observation of the decay Bc→J/ψK+K−π+B_c \rightarrow J/\psi K^+ K^- \pi^+

The decay $B_c\rightarrow J/\psi K^+ K^- \pi^+$ is observed for the first time, using proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3fb$^{-1}$. A signal yield of $78\pm14$ decays is reported with a significance of 6.2 standard deviations. The ratio of the branching fraction of \B_c \rightarrow J/\psi K^+ K^- \pi^+ decays to that of $B_c \rightarrow J/\psi \pi^+$ decays is measured to be $0.53\pm 0.10\pm0.05$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.Comment: 18 pages, 2 figure

Participative territory management for the conservation of the Espinal native forests: A case study in Argentina

Los sistemas naturales en la Argentina fueron desapareciendo como consecuencia del cambio de uso de la tierra, reduciéndose así su capacidad para brindar los servicios ecosistémicos (SE) esenciales para el bienestar de las comunidades. En este contexto se enmarca la cuenca media del Río Chocancharava, inmersa en una matriz urbano-agrícola que produjo una gran fragmentación de los bosques, quedando pequeñas áreas remanentes distribuidas en forma de parches aislados. A partir de esta problemática socio-ambiental local, en este artículo se narran las potencialidades y desafíos de una experiencia de gestión comunitaria. En primer lugar, se realizó un diagnóstico del estado de conservación de los remanentes de bosque como punto de partida para convocar la primera reunión de instituciones vinculadas al territorio. Esta unión interinstitucional permitió un diagnóstico más holístico y la formulación de planes de acción. El primer resultado fue la creación de una reserva provincial periurbana. La gestión de la reserva exigía una mayor participación de la comunidad y la construcción de un espacio en el que se pudieran escuchar todas las voces posibles. Por ello, se realizó el primer taller participativo, en el que se problematizaron los vínculos con el ambiente a través del marco de los SE. Esta experiencia fue importante para reflexionar sobre los modelos de toma de decisiones unilaterales y comprender el valor de las redes comunitarias para generar políticas más inclusivas. Además, el taller proporcionó un espacio para co-producir conocimiento sobre los principales actores y tensiones en los usos de los recursos naturales. Además, este proceso permitió reflexionar sobre la propia práctica, indispensable para generar nuevos procesos comunitarios con resultados legítimos, válidos y relevantes para transformar los conflictos socio-ambientales.Natural systems in Argentina have gradually faded as a consequence of land use change, resulting in a diminished capacity to provide the ecosystem services (ES) essential for the well-being of the communities. The basin of the Chocancharava River fits within that context and is immersed in an urban-agricultural matrix that has produced major forest fragmentation. Based on this socio-environmental problem, the present report recounts the challenges and possibilities pertaining to an experience in community management. First of all, a conservation-status assessment of the forest remnants was used as a steppingstone to convene the first meeting of institutions linked to the territory. This interagency coupling allowed for a more holistic diagnosis and the formulation of action plans. The first result was the creation of a peri-urban provincial reserve. Managing the reserve demanded a wider involvement from the community and the provision of a space where all possible voices could be heard. Therefore, the first participative workshop was held, in which ties with the environment were problematized through the ES framework. This experience was of importance when pondering about unilateral decision-making models and grasping the value of community-based networks to generate more inclusive policies. In addition, the workshop provided a space for the co-production of knowledge regarding main actors and tensions about natural resources uses. Furthermore, this process constituted a road of reflection regarding our practices, which are vital for new community processes with results that are legitimate and relevant for the socioecological transformation of the system.Fil: Natale, Evangelina Sandra. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, María Inés. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Astudillo, Carola Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Territoriales y Educativas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Territoriales y Educativas.; ArgentinaFil: Sala, Juan Emilio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Junquera, Julia E.. Fundación Conservación y Desarrollo; ArgentinaFil: Balbi, Gustavo. Secretaría de Recursos Hídricos de la Provincia de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Oggero, Antonia Josefina. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: de la Reta, Marina Julieta. Fundación Conservación y Desarrollo; Argentin

Measurement of the relative rate of prompt χc0, χc1 and χc2 production at √s=7TeV

Prompt production of charmonium χc0, χc1 and χc2 mesons is studied using proton-proton collisions at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of √s=7TeV. The χc mesons are identified through their decay to J/ψγ, with J/ψ→μ+mu− using photons that converted in the detector. A data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0fb−1 collected by the LHCb detector, is used to measure the relative prompt production rate of χc1 and χc2 in the rapidity range 2.0<y<4.5 as a function of the J/ψ transverse momentum from 3 to 20 GeV/c. First evidence for χc0 meson production at a hadron collider is also presented