Development of thalamocortical connections between the mediodorsal thalamus and the prefrontal cortex and its implication in cognition

The mediodorsal thalamus (MD) represents a fundamental subcortical relay to the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and is thought to be highly implicated in modulation of cognitive ability. Additionally, it undergoes highly conserved developmental stages, which, when dysregulated, can have detrimental consequences. Embryonically, MD experiences a tremendous surge in neurogenesis and differentiation, and disruption of this process may underlie the pathology in certain neurodevelopmental disorders. However, during the postnatal period, a vast amount of cell loss in the MD occurs. These together may represent an extended critical period for postnatal development, in which disturbances in the normal growth or reduction of the MD afferents to the PFC, can result in PFC-dependent cognitive, affective, or psychotic abnormalities. In this review, we explore the current knowledge supporting this hypothesis of a protracted critical period, and propose how developmental changes in the MD contribute to the successful prefrontal cortical development and function. Specifically, we elaborate on the unique properties of MD-PFC connections compared with other thalamocortical afferents in sensory cortices, examine how MD-PFC innervation modulates synaptic transmission in the local prefrontal circuitry, and speculate on what occurs during postnatal development, particularly within the early neonatal stage, as well as juvenile and adolescent periods. Finally, we discuss the questions that remain and propose future experiments in order to provide perspective and novel insights into the cause of neuropsychiatric disorders associated with MD-PFC development

Grey Critical Chain Project Scheduling Technique and Its Application

Based on the idea of Grey System and interval number coefficient notation, a Grey Critical Chain scheduling approach is studied. According to Grey system theory, the time of project or task completion can be considered as the object that extension is definite but intension is uncertain, which is coincident with the character of the project management. The Grey Critical Chain Scheduling Technique mainly aims at the single project time management, but the management idea can also be applied to the other knowledge areas of the project management. In this Technique, we improve the selection method of the buffer time in the Critical Chain, in order to obtain reasonable Feeding Buffer time and Project Buffer time. In this paper, we will use an example to discuss the Grey Critical Chain Scheduling Technique, compare Grey Critical Chain with Program Evaluation and Review Technique, Critical Chain and Fuzzy Critical Chain, analyze the advantages, disadvantages and applicable scope of their own. Key words: Critical Chain, Grey System, Interval Number, Schedule Management, Project Management Résumé: Sur la base de l’idée de Système Gris et la notation du coefficient de nombre d’intervalle, l’approche de pragrammtion d’une Chaîne Critique Grise est étudiée. Selon la théorie du Système Gris, le temps du projet ou de la tâche peut être considéré comme l’objet dont l’extention est définitive mais l’intention est incertaine, qui est conforme au caractère du management de projet. La Technique de Programmation de la Chaîne Critique Grise vise essentiellement le management du temps du projet simple, mais l’idée de management peut aussi être appliquée dans d’autres domaines du management de projet. Avec cette technique, nous améliorons la méthode de sélection du temps d’amortissement dans la Chaîne Critique afin d’obtenir le temps d’amortissement de l’alimentation raisonnable et le temps d’amortissement de projet. Dans l’article présent, nous allons utiliser un exemple pour discuter la Technique de Programmation de la Chaîne Critique Grise, comparer la Chaîne Critique Grise avec l’Evaluation du Programme et la Technique de révision, la Chaîne Critique et la Chaîne Critique Floue, et analyser leurs avantages, désavantages et champ d’application. Mots-Clés: Chaîne Critique, Système Gris, nombre d’intervalle, management de programme, management de proje

DEVELOPMENT AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT BODIES OF KNOWLEDGE

Some international-influence project management associations, as well as bodies of knowledge, are reviewed. Comparative analysis on the bodies of knowledge is made in the terms of content, structure and guideline. Finally, this article suggests a uniform project management body of knowledge should be formed and researched further. Key words: Project Management Associations, Bodies of knowledge, Comparative Analysi