TMS over V5 disrupts motion prediction

Given the vast amount of sensory information the brain has to deal with, predicting some of this information based on the current context is a resource-efficient strategy. The framework of predictive coding states that higher-level brain areas generate a predictive model to be communicated via feedback connections to early sensory areas. Here, we directly tested the necessity of a higher-level visual area, V5, in this predictive processing in the context of an apparent motion paradigm. We flashed targets on the apparent motion trace in-time or out-of-time with the predicted illusory motion token. As in previous studies, we found that predictable in-time targets were better detected than unpredictable out-of-time targets. However, when we applied functional magnetic resonance imaging-guided, double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over left V5 at 13–53 ms before target onset, the detection advantage of in-time targets was eliminated; this was not the case when TMS was applied over the vertex. Our results are causal evidence that V5 is necessary for a prediction effect, which has been shown to modulate V1 activity (Alink et al. 2010). Thus, our findings suggest that information processing between V5 and V1 is crucial for visual motion prediction, providing experimental support for the predictive coding framework

TMS Over V5 Disrupts Motion Prediction

Given the vast amount of sensory information the brain has to deal with, predicting some of this information based on the current context is a resource-efficient strategy. The framework of predictive coding states that higher-level brain areas generate a predictive model to be communicated via feedback connections to early sensory areas. Here, we directly tested the necessity of a higher-level visual area, V5, in this predictive processing in the context of an apparent motion paradigm. We flashed targets on the apparent motion trace in-time or out-of-time with the predicted illusory motion token. As in previous studies, we found that predictable in-time targets were better detected than unpredictable out-of-time targets. However, when we applied functional magnetic resonance imaging-guided, double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over left V5 at 13-53 ms before target onset, the detection advantage of in-time targets was eliminated; this was not the case when TMS was applied over the vertex. Our results are causal evidence that V5 is necessary for a prediction effect, which has been shown to modulate V1 activity (Alink et al. 2010). Thus, our findings suggest that information processing between V5 and V1 is crucial for visual motion prediction, providing experimental support for the predictive coding framewor

Unintentional traumatic injury and hearing acuity among central ohio cash grain farmers: A case-control study

Farming has been identified since the late 1930s as one of the most hazardous occupations in the world, but in general has the least regulation and laws to protect agricultural workers. Several studies have found a higher prevalence of hearing loss among farmers as compared to their non-farming peers. The purpose of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between unintentional injury and hearing threshold levels (HTLs) among male principal operators (PO) living and working on central Ohio cash-grain farms using data from the Ohio Farm Family Health Survey (OFFHS). Five hundred ten male POs participated in Phase 2 of this study where hearing threshold levels were used to assess the risk between HTLs and injury risk. The most noteworthy result was that thresholds poorer than 25 dB for 6000 Hz in the left ear resulted in an OR of 3.35 (p=0.01, 95% CI=1.29-8.73) increased risk for injury compared to those subjects with thresholds 25 dB or better for 6000 Hz in the left ear after controlling for several potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression. Other significant findings for injury risk for those with >25 dB HTLs were the right, left, and binaural threshold at 6000 Hz, left high-frequency pure tone average, and binaural 500 Hz and 1000 Hz. Based on the p-value and 95% CI, four final ORs were found to be statistically significant (Lt 500, Lt 1000, Lt 6000, Bi 1000). Hearing conservation programs as well as audiometric testing at 6000 Hz for this population will help to reduce the incidence of hearing loss, therefore, likely reducing injury risk among agricultural populations

Le Minor (Jean-Marie) dir., Anatomies et pathologies : Les collections morphologiques de la Faculté de Médecine de Strasbourg

Cet ouvrage est un hommage au caractère exceptionnel de l’œuvre de nos prédécesseurs qui, depuis les origines de notre Faculté, ont su constituer des collections, comparables et parfois supérieures à celles qui furent réunies à Paris, à Londres, à Berlin, à Vienne ou à Padoue, pour ne citer que les principales. De 1517, date de la première dissection humaine à Strasbourg et de la première publication de deux feuilles volantes gravées sur bois représentant les viscères et le squelette humain,..

Retrouver le chemin de la parole en environnement audio-graphique synchrone

La situation d'apprentissage présentée ici constitue une des premières études sur une formation en langues se déroulant entièrement à distance dans un environnement audio-synchrone. Il s'agit d'une formation pour non spécialistes destinée à un public universitaire mélangeant formation initiale et continue, avec tout ce que cela implique d'hétérogénéité dans les compétences et le vécu langagier. L'objectif pédagogique se concentre sur la participation, voire l'animation de tâches professionnelles collaboratives dans laquelle la langue étrangère seule, en l'occurrence l'anglais, sert de principal vecteur pour accomplir ces tâches. L'étude menée permet de mesurer précisément le degré d'investissement des apprenants en ce qui concerne la production langagière, particulièrement orale. Les résultats que nous présentons ici permettent donc se faire une idée de l'intérêt de ce type d'environnement technologique en apprentissage des langues, pour des compétences jusqu'alors réservées au présentiel

Las puntas y rejas prehispánicas de metal en los Andes y su continuidad hasta el presente

Este artículo intenta, por un lado, mostrar la continuidad entre las herramientas multiusos elaboradas a partir de 900 d.C. por los sicanes de Batán Grande, departamento de Lambayeque (Perú), compuestas por puntas y rejas de cobre arsenical insertadas en cabos de madera y algunos de los instrumentos de acero utilizados actualmente en los Andes del norte del Perú y del sur del Ecuador: barretas, barretillas, barretones y pequeñas lampas. Y por otro, indicar, en base a datos etnográficos, la relación entre estos instrumentos y los allachus, kituchis y chaquitacllas que emplean los campesinos de las tierras alto andinas del centro y el sur del Perú. Esto con la finalidad de abogar para la elaboración de una historia de la tecnología andina.Cet article tente de montrer la continuité entre les instruments à usages multiples composés de pointes et des socs en cuivre arsenical insérés sur des manches en bois qui ont été élaborés à partir de 900 d. C. par les Sicán de Batán Grande, département de Lambayeque (Pérou), et certains instruments en acier utilisés actuellement dans les Andes du nord du Pérou et du sud de l’Équateur : les barretas, barretillas, barretones et les petites pelles. Il s’agit d’indiquer, sur la base d’informations ethnographiques, la relation entre ces instruments et les allachus, kituchis et chaquitacllas dont se servent les paysans des hautes terres du centre et du sud du Pérou, ceci dans le but de contribuer à l’élaboration d’une histoire de la technologie andine.This article shows the continuity in the production of multiple use tools that where made beginning AD 900 by the Sicán people of Batán Grande, in the Department of Lambayeque, Peru. These tools are arsenical cooper points or ploughshares inserted on wood sticks and they are related to the following steel instruments used today in north Peruvian an south Ecuadorian Andes: barretas, barretillas, barretones, and small lampas. On the basis of ethnographic data, this articles explores the relationship between those instruments and the allachus, kituchis and chaquitacllas used by the peasants of the central and southern highland of Peru. This represents a contribution to a history of the Andean technology still to be written

Die Situational Action Theory (SAT)

Manuskriptversion weicht in der Seitenzählung vom Original a

Multimodule Web-Based COVID-19 Anxiety and Stress Resilience Training (COAST): Single-Cohort Feasibility Study With First Responders

BACKGROUND Since the emergence of COVID-19, health care workers and first responders have been at a high risk for mental health symptoms owing to their exposure to the virus and increased work stress during the pandemic. Although interventions exist to address mental health issues following exposure to disasters, emergencies, and humanitarian crises, considerably less is known about web-based unguided interventions to help mitigate the negative impacts of such events. Additionally, in contexts in which emergencies reduce access to in-person care, remote forms of support are critical, yet there are limited studies on the use of such interventions. Evidence-based, easy-to-use, scalable interventions are direly needed for this population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of an unguided electronic mental health program, COVID-19 Anxiety and Stress Resilience Training (COAST), tailored to first responders and health care personnel, based on scientific evidence and empirically based techniques. METHODS We developed COVID-19-specific training modules focusing on several domains that are previously reported as key to resilience and stress recovery: self-efficacy, mindfulness, sleep quality, and positive thinking. The program was made available to 702 first responders between May and August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic, work-, and COVID-19-related information was collected, and psychometric questionnaires were completed. We examined user acceptance and user activity, including module choice and participant feedback. RESULTS In total, 52 of 702 (7%) first responders to whom we reached out used the program at least once. COAST use was independent of age, sex, or baseline levels of self-efficacy, mindful awareness, sleep quality, and positive thinking (for all, P>.39). First responders who had tested positive and those who had been quarantined were more likely to engage in the program. A click count analysis per module showed that participants used the self-efficacy and mindfulness modules most often, with 382 and 122 clicks, respectively, over 15 weeks. Overall, first responders expressed satisfaction with the program. CONCLUSIONS Engagement of first responders in the multimodule web-based COAST program was feasible and the first responder cohort expressed overall satisfaction with the program. Those in more difficult circumstances, including those in quarantine and those who tested positive, may be more likely to engage in such programs. Further controlled studies could pave the way for efficacy studies and the development of additional modules, including just-in-time interventions or blended interventions combining individual use of an unguided self-help intervention, such as COAST, with subsequent individual psychotherapy for those who continue to experience stress and psychological symptoms

Prospective evaluation of prognostic factors uPA/PAI-1 in node-negative breast cancer: Phase III NNBC3-Europe trial (AGO, GBG, EORTC-PBG) comparing 6 × FEC versus 3 × FEC/3 × Docetaxel

Contains fulltext : 98255.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Today, more than 70% of patients with primary node-negative breast cancer are cured by local therapy alone. Many patients receive overtreatment by adjuvant chemotherapy due to inadequate risk assessment. So far, few clinical trials have prospectively evaluated tumor biology based prognostic factors. Risk assessment by a biological algorithm including invasion factors urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) will assess up to 35-55% of node-negative patients as low-risk and thus avoid chemotherapy. In contrast, a clinical-pathological algorithm will only classify 20-40% of patients as low-risk. High-risk node-negative patients should receive chemotherapy. Anthracycline-based regimens are accepted as a standard, the additional benefit of taxanes remains an open question. METHODS/DESIGN: The international NNBC3 ("Node Negative Breast Cancer 3-Europe") trial compares biological risk assessment (UP) using invasion factors uPA/PAI-1 with a clinical-pathological algorithm (CP). In this trial, the type of risk assessment (CP or UP) was chosen upfront by each center for its patients. Fresh frozen tissue was obtained to determine uPA/PAI-1 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients assessed as high-risk were stratified by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and then randomised to receive anthracycline-containing chemotherapy 5-Fluorouracil (F)/Epirubicin (E)/Cyclophosphymide (C) or an anthracycline-taxane sequence (FE(100)C*6 versus FE(100)C*3 followed by Docetaxel(100)*3). DISCUSSION: In this trial, 4,149 node-negative patients with operable breast cancer from 153 centers in Germany and France were included since 2002. Measurement of uPA/PAI-1 by ELISA was performed with standardised central quality assurance for 2,497 patients (60%) from 56 "UP"-centers. The NNBC 3-Europe trial showed that inclusion of patients into a clinical phase III trial is feasible based on biological testing of fresh frozen tumor material. In addition, 2,661 patients were classified as high-risk and thus received chemotherapy. As adjuvant chemotherapy, 1,334 high-risk patients received FE(100)C-Docetaxel(100), and 1,327 received French FE(100)C. No unexpected toxicities were observed. Chemotherapy efficacy and comparison of UP with CP will be evaluated after longer follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinical Trials.gov NCT01222052

Detector design for high-resolution MeV photon imaging of cargo containers using spectralinformation

Monte Carlo simulations of a pixelated detector array of inorganic scintillators for high spatial resolution imaging of 1-9 MeV photons are presented. The results suggest that a detector array of 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm x 5 cm pixels of bismuth germanate may provide sufficient efficiency and spatial resolution to permit imaging of an object with uncertainties in dimension of several mm. The cross talk between pixels is found to be in the range of a few percent when pixels are shielded by {approx} 1mm of lead or tungsten. The contrast at the edge of an object is greatly improved by rejection of events depositing less than {approx} 1 MeV. Given the relatively short decay time of BGO, the simulations suggest that such a detector may prove adequate for the purpose of rapid scanning of highly-shielded cargos for possible presence of high atomic number (including clandestine fissionable) materials when used with low current high duty factor x-ray sources