scholarly journals UCancellation: A New Mobile Measure of Selective Attention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Pahor ◽  
Randy E. Mester ◽  
Audrey A. Carrillo ◽  
Eunice Ghil ◽  
Jason F. Reimer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Selective Attention ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Psychomotor Speed ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Remote Assessment ◽  
Valid Test ◽  
Insight Into

Measuring selective attention in a speeded task can provide valuable insight into the current concentration ability of an individual, and can inform neuropsychological assessment of attention in aging, traumatic brain injury, and in various psychiatric disorders. There are few tools to measure selective attention that are freely available, psychometrically validated and can be used flexibly both for in-person and remote assessment. To address this gap, we developed a self-administrable, mobile-based test of selective attention, psychomotor speed, and inhibitory control called ‘UCancellation’ (University of California Cancellation) with two stimulus sets: Letters and Pictures. UCancellation takes less than 7 minutes to complete, is automatically scored, allows for multiple testing sessions, and is compatible with a variety of IOS and Android devices. Here we report the results of a study that examined 1-week retest reliability and convergent validity of UCancellation in a sample of 104 college students. UCancellation Letters and Pictures showed adequate retest reliability (r=.71-.83, p<0.01) and internal consistency (ɑ=.73-.91). It also showed convergent validity with another widely used cancellation task, D2 Test of Attention (r =.43-.59, p<0.01), and predicted performance on a cognitive control composite (r = .34-.41, p<0.05). These results suggest that UCancellation is a valid test of selective attention and inhibitory control, which warrants further data collection to establish norms.

Study of the resistor material of an automotive spark plug by use of the charge-up effect along with elemental mapping in an electron microprobe

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 742-743
Author(s):  
D. R. Liu ◽  
S. S. Shinozaki ◽  
J. S. Park ◽  
B. N. Juterbock
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microprobe ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Coated Sample ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Elemental Mapping ◽  
Spark Plug ◽  
Carbon Coated ◽  
Electron Image ◽  
Electron Imaging ◽  
Insight Into

The electric and thermal properties of the resistor material in an automotive spark plug should be stable during its service lifetime. Containing many elements and many phases, this material has a very complex microstructure. Elemental mapping with an electron microprobe can reveal the distribution of all relevant elements throughout the sample. In this work, it is demonstrated that the charge-up effect, which would distort an electron image and, therefore, is normally to be avoided in an electron imaging work, could be used to advantage to reveal conductive and resistive zones in a sample. Its combination with elemental mapping can provide valuable insight into the underlying conductivity mechanism of the resistor.This work was performed in a CAMECA SX-50 microprobe. The spark plug used in the present report was a commercial product taken from the shelf. It was sectioned to expose the cross section of the resistor. The resistor was known not to contain the precious metal Au as checked on the carbon coated sample. The sample was then stripped of carbon coating and re-coated with Au.

Quantum Mechanical Interpretation of the Ultra-Low Energy Methyl-Rotation Dynamics in Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks Probed by Low-Frequency Vibrational Spectroscopy and ab initio Simulations

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Li ◽  
Adam J. Zaczek ◽  
Timothy M. Korter ◽  
J. Axel Zeitler ◽  
Michael T. Ruggiero
Keyword(s):  
Ab Initio ◽  
Metal Organic Frameworks ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Rotor Dynamics ◽  
Quantum Mechanical ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Void Space ◽  
Ab Initio Simulations ◽  
Metal Organic ◽  
Insight Into

<div>Understanding the nature of the interatomic interactions present within the pores of metal-organic frameworks</div><div>is critical in order to design and utilize advanced materials</div><div>with desirable applications. In ZIF-8 and its cobalt analogue</div><div>ZIF-67, the imidazolate methyl-groups, which point directly</div><div>into the void space, have been shown to freely rotate - even</div><div>down to cryogenic temperatures. Using a combination of ex-</div><div>perimental terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, low-frequency</div><div>Raman spectroscopy, and state-of-the-art ab initio simulations,</div><div>the methyl-rotor dynamics in ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 are fully charac-</div><div>terized within the context of a quantum-mechanical hindered-</div><div>rotor model. The results lend insight into the fundamental</div><div>origins of the experimentally observed methyl-rotor dynamics,</div><div>and provide valuable insight into the nature of the weak inter-</div><div>actions present within this important class of materials.</div>

A Review of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies of Inula Species

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 557-567
Author(s):  
Aparoop Das ◽  
Anshul Shakya ◽  
Surajit Kumar Ghosh ◽  
Udaya P. Singh ◽  
Hans R. Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Important Ingredient ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
The Family ◽  
Pharmacological Studies ◽  
Perennial Herbs ◽  
Insight Into

Background: Plants of the genus Inula are perennial herbs of the family Asteraceae. This genus includes more than 100 species, widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa and Asia including India. Many of them are indicated in traditional medicine, e.g., in Ayurveda. This review explores chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of Inula species. Methods: Major databases and research and review articles retrieved through Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline were consulted to obtain information on the pharmacological activities of the genus Inula published from 1994 to 2017. Results: Inula species are used either alone or as an important ingredient of various formulations to cure dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, central nervous system and digestive system, and for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, cancers, skin disorders, hepatic disease, fungal and bacterial infections. A range of phytochemicals including alkaloids, essential and volatile oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and lactones has been isolated from herbs of the genus Inula, which might possibly explain traditional uses of these plants. Conclusion: The present review is focused on chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of Inula species and provides valuable insight into its medicinal potential.

scholarly journals Test–retest reliability and convergent validity of the test of nonverbal intelligence-fourth edition in patients with schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuan-Wei Chen ◽  
Ya-Chen Lee ◽  
Tzu-Ying Yu ◽  
Li-Jung Cheng ◽  
Chien-Yu Chao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Stable Condition ◽  
Practice Effect ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Nonverbal Intelligence ◽  
Fourth Edition ◽  
Random Measurement Error ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background Fluid intelligence deficits affect executive functioning and social behaviors in patients with schizophrenia. To help clinicians manage fluid intelligence deficits, a psychometrically sound measure is needed. The purposes of this study were to examine the test–retest reliability and convergent validity of the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-Fourth Edition (TONI-4) assessing fluid intelligence in patients with schizophrenia. Methods A total of 103 patients with stable condition were assessed with the TONI-4 twice with a 4-week interval to examine the test–retest reliability. We further used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Tablet-Based Symbol Digit Modalities Test (T-SDMT) to examine the convergent validity of the TONI-4. Results The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.73 for the TONI-4. The percentages of standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for the TONI-4 were 5.1 and 14.2%, respectively. The practice effect of the TONI-4 was small (Cohen’s d = − 0.03). Convergent validity showed small to moderate significant correlations between the TONI-4 and the MoCA as well as the T-SDMT (r = 0.35, p = .011 with the T-SDMT and r = 0.61, p < .001 with the MoCA). The results demonstrated that the TONI-4 had good test–retest reliability, limited random measurement error, and a trivial practice effect. The convergent validity of the TONI-4 was good. Conclusions These findings indicate that the TONI-4 has potential to be a reliable and valid assessment of fluid intelligence in patients with schizophrenia.

Validity and reliability of the Mandarin version of the Treatment Burden Questionnaire among stroke patients in Mainland China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Ke Zhang ◽  
Miao Li ◽  
Jiaxin Gu ◽  
Xintong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Treatment Burden ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Objectives To examine the validity and reliability of the Mandarin version of the Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) among stroke patients. Background Stroke patients need long-term management of symptoms and life situation, and treatment burden has recently emerged as a new concept that can influence the health outcomes during the rehabilitation process. Methods The convenience sampling method was used to recruit 187 cases of stroke patients in a tertiary grade hospital in Tianjin for a formal investigation. Item analysis, reliability and validity tests were carried out. The reliability test included internal consistency and test–retest reliability. And as well as content, structure and convergent validity were performed for the validity test. Results Of the 187 completed questionnaires, only 180 (96.3%) were suitable for analysis. According to the experts’ evaluation, the I-CVI of each item was from 0.833 to 1.000, and the S-CVI was 0.967. The exploratory factor analysis yielded three-factor components with a cumulative variation of 53.054%. Convergent validity was demonstrated using measures of Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale 8 (r = –0.450, P &lt; 0.01). All correlations between items and global scores ranged from 0.403 to 0.638. Internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability were found to be acceptable, as indicated by a Cronbach’s α of 0.824 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.846, respectively. Conclusions The Mandarin TBQ had acceptable validity and reliability. The use of TBQ in the assessment of treatment burden of stroke survivor may benefit health resources allocation and provide tailor therapeutic interventions to construct minimally disruptive care.

scholarly journals Compound heterozygous variants in LAMC3 in association with posterior periventricular nodular heterotopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla De Angelis ◽  
Alicia B. Byrne ◽  
Rebecca Morrow ◽  
Jinghua Feng ◽  
Thuong Ha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cortical Development ◽  
Occipital Cortex ◽  
Compound Heterozygous ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Malformation Of Cortical Development ◽  
Nodular Heterotopia ◽  
Compound Heterozygous Variants ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is a malformation of cortical development characterized by nodules of abnormally migrated neurons. The cause of posteriorly placed PNH is not well characterised and we present a case that provides insights into the cause of posterior PNH. Case presentation We report a fetus with extensive posterior PNH in association with biallelic variants in LAMC3. LAMC3 mutations have previously been shown to cause polymicrogyria and pachygyria in the occipital cortex, but not PNH. The occipital location of PNH in our case and the proposed function of LAMC3 in cortical development suggest that the identified LAMC3 variants may be causal of PNH in this fetus. Conclusion We hypothesise that this finding extends the cortical phenotype associated with LAMC3 and provides valuable insight into genetic cause of posterior PNH.

scholarly journals Mathematical Thinking Styles—The Advantage of Analytic Thinkers When Learning Mathematics

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 289
Author(s):  
Jaime Huincahue ◽  
Rita Borromeo-Ferri ◽  
Pamela Reyes-Santander ◽  
Viviana Garrido-Véliz
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Thinking ◽  
Quantitative Approach ◽  
Mathematical Tasks ◽  
Thinking Styles ◽  
Mathematical Performance ◽  
Test Instrument ◽  
Analytical Thinking ◽  
Learning Mathematics ◽  
Valid Test ◽  
Insight Into

School is a space where learning mathematics should be accompanied by the student’s preferences; however, its valuation in the classroom is not necessarily the same. From a quantitative approach, we ask from the mathematical thinking styles (MTS) theory about the correlations between preferences of certain MTS and mathematical performance. For this, a valid test instrument and a sample of 275 16-year-old Chilean students were used to gain insight into their preferences, beliefs and emotions when solving mathematical tasks and when learning mathematics. The results show, among other things, a clear positive correlation between mathematical performance and analytical thinking style, and also evidence the correlation between self-efficacy, analytical thinking and grades. It is concluded that students who prefer the analytical style are more advantageous in school, since the evaluation processes have a higher valuation of analytic mathematical thinking.

scholarly journals Detecting Convergence Trends among EU Universities

Economies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Maria Adamakou ◽  
Dimitris Kallioras ◽  
George Petrakos
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
University Ranking ◽  
Convergence Clubs ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Empirical Analysis ◽  
Insight Into

Universities are emerging growth determinants. This is so as, in addition to the fulfillment of their traditional role in teaching and (basic) research, universities, as aptly described within the helix framework, are expected to engage in regional development processes. The paper aims to detect trends of convergence among EU universities in terms of performance. To the best of our knowledge, this topic has not hitherto been examined. The empirical analysis of the paper covers the period 2014–2021, utilizes data obtained from URAP (University Ranking by Academic Performance), and employs the methodological approach of convergence clubs. The findings of the paper provide valuable insight into both theory and policy-making. We conclude that despite the unification of EU educational space, trends of divergence among EU universities are still present, and notable divisions still remain. Consequently, this indicates that the impact of EU universities on the formation of spatial disparities across EU space is not neutral.

scholarly journals Exploration of Alternative Splicing Events in Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 737
Author(s):  
Ji-Eun Jeong ◽  
Binna Seol ◽  
Han-Seop Kim ◽  
Jae-Yun Kim ◽  
Yee-Sook Cho
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Induced Pluripotent ◽  
Insight Into

Although comparative genome-wide transcriptomic analysis has provided insight into the biology of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs), the distinct alternative splicing (AS) signatures of iMSCs remain elusive. Here, we performed Illumina RNA sequencing analysis to characterize AS events in iMSCs compared with tissue-derived MSCs. A total of 4586 differentially expressed genes (|FC| > 2) were identified between iMSCs and umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (UCB-MSCs), including 2169 upregulated and 2417 downregulated genes. Of these, 164 differentially spliced events (BF > 20) in 112 genes were identified between iMSCs and UCB-MSCs. The predominant type of AS found in iMSCs was skipped exons (43.3%), followed by retained introns (19.5%), alternative 3′ (15.2%) and 5′ (12.8%) splice sites, and mutually exclusive exons (9.1%). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially spliced genes (|FC| > 2 and BF > 20) were mainly enriched in functions associated with focal adhesion, extracellular exosomes, extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, and actin binding. Splice isoforms of selected genes including TRPT1, CNN2, and AP1G2, identified in sashimi plots, were further validated by RT-PCR analysis. This study provides valuable insight into the biology of iMSCs and the translation of mechanistic understanding of iMSCs into therapeutic applications.

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