5,190 Matching Annotations
  1. May 2017
    1. Toxoplasmosis

      A disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondiiand.

      It is usually transmitted by eating uncooked food that contains cysts or by exposure to infected cat feces.

    2. electron microscopy

      A technique that uses a beam of electrons as a light source and has a magnification of up to 1,000,000x (a light microscope's magnification power is 1,500x).

    3. microcephaly

      An abnormally small head due to failure of the brain to grow sufficiently. It is associated with mental disability.

      The growth of the brain can be impaired by many genetic and environmental factors, including infections by viruses and genetic syndromes.

    4. Zika virus (ZIKV)

      A RNA virus transmitted by mosquitos and sexual interaction with a carrier.

      It was first isolated from the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947. It was previously only known to occur in a narrow range in Africa and Asia. However, in 2015 there was a Zika outbreak in Brazil.

    1. Matthew effect

      The Matthew Effect can be summarized as, "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer." It describes the idea that benefits are distributed unevenly, and that those who already have benefits will continue to accumulate them while those without will not have the chance.

      In scientific publication, the Matthew Effect refers to the phenomenon where researchers who are established publish more often simply because they are established (and regardless of the quality of their work).

    2. regression

      Regression is a measure of the relation between the mean value of one variable and corresponding values of other variables. There are different types of regression, all of which are used to identify trends in data.

    3. Poisson regressions

      A Poisson regression is a form of regression analysis where we have a random variable, which is equal to the number of events over a period of time if these events are independent and occur at a constant speed.

    4. institutional affiliation

      An applicant's institutional affiliation is the organization that has agreed to be the legal recipient of the grant. This organization can be a nonprofit, a university, or an employer.

    5. standard deviation (SD)

      Standard deviation is a statistical measure that is used to describe how much variation there is in a data set. A high standard deviation means that the data is very spread out.

    6. value-added

      Value-added is the amount by which the value of the product is increased. Here, it means by how much peer review increases new insights about the quality of grant applications.

    7. U.S. National Institutes of Health

      A grant is a money given to enterprises, organizations, and individuals for research, development, and education. Grants do not have to be returned, but most granting organizations require a report about the progress of the outcome.

  2. Apr 2017
    1. forme fruste

      An atypical or less severe form of a disease.

      Here, the authors use the term to mean that although their mouse model replicates most of the major signs of CTE, it is limited in not developing the mature NFTs seen in human cases.

    2. Barnes maze

      A tool used to study spatial learning and memory. The fact that blast-exposed mice took longer to escape and had poorer memories of the maze suggests a cognitive deficit due to blast exposure.

    3. candidate mechanisms

      Although we understand a lot about the hippocampus and its function, there is still a lot of active research into the exact way that learning and memory work. Because of this, the word "candidate" is used to qualify this statement.

    4. long-term potentiation

      Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a measure of synaptic plasticity, or the ability of synapses to adapt and change. LTP is important to learning and memory. If it is impaired, it can cause cognitive deficits, specifically in processes important to memory.

    5. axonal conduction

      The movement of electrophysiological signals along the axon. Slowed (or prolonged) conduction is a sign of a defect in the relaying of signals between different parts of the brain.

    6. inclusion bodies

      Clumps of stable molecules found in the nuclei and cytoplasm of cells. They are usually a sign of viral infection and are the site of viral multiplication, but they can also indicate neurological disease.

    7. pyknotic

      Neurons whose nuclear chromatin has condensed and gathered within the nucleus. This is a step that cells undergo during apoptosis or necrosis, two methods of cell death. Pyknotic neurons are either dead or dying.

    8. brain parenchyma

      "Parenchyma" refers to the bulk component of a tissue. The brain parenchyma includes the dense network of brain cells and their processes, but does not include membranes, vascular elements, etc.

    9. dynamic pressure

      Dynamic pressure is more complex than static pressure. It includes not only the pressure that results from particles in natural, random motion, but collisions of particles that result from movement in the flow direction.

    10. static (incident) pressure profile

      Like all moving fluids, blast shockwaves have two different pressure measures: static and dynamic. Static pressure is the pressure exerted on one particle of the fluid when it is at rest. Dynamic pressure incorporates the movement of the fluid (or gas), and is a measure of the kinetic energy of the fluid.

      Static pressure can be measured with a "side-on" sensor.

    11. posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

      A disorder that develops in some people who have a terrifying or dangerous experience. There are many symptoms, but the major signs are increased anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

    12. microglia

      Microglia are immune cells in the brain that are related to the cells in our peripheral immune system. Cells from our peripheral immune system cannot enter the brain, so the brain has to develop its own innate immune system. Microglia are a key component of this.

    13. glial tangles

      Similar to NFTs but in glial cells instead of neurons. These tangles are also associated with abnormal tau protein accumulation and, when they are observed in the brain, are an indicator of disease.

    14. intracerebral hemorrhage

      Bleeding in the brain.

      An intracerebral hemorrhage can disrupt blood flow and deprive the brain of oxygen, put pressure on brain tissue around the hemorrhage, and introduce toxins into the brain.

      Intracerebral hemorrhage can be fatal.

    15. basilar aneurysm

      Weakness in the walls of the basilar artery at the base of the brain, resulting in ballooning. Rupture of this blood vessel can cause sudden onset of neurological symptoms and is often lethal.

    1. take-make-waste model

      Western-industrial countries tend to extract resources from the earth (e.g., mine for minerals and ore), then make products for people to purchase (e.g., cellphones), and when people are done using the product, they throw it away.

    2. informal

      Informal social collectives are groups of people that form because of shared interests, preferences, or physical proximity. For instance, people in a neighborhood don't necessarily know anyone when they move in and they are not obligated to interact. Yet, they may join together with other neighbors to solve a neighborhood-level problem or to socialize.

    3. situational drivers

      Cues about how to behave. Cues can be provided by the way buildings are designed, sets of rules, and social feedback. People pay attention to cues about how they should behave in order to avoid negative consequences such as making mistakes and being laughed at.

    4. formal social collectives

      Formal social collectives are groups of people who have an official purpose. Businesses, religious groups (e.g, parishes, synagogues, mosques, sangas, etc.), governmental bodies, and schools are examples of formal social collectives. This can be used interchangeably with "formal organizations."

    5. Formal organizations

      Formal organizations are groups of people who have an official purpose. Businesses, religious groups (e.g, parishes, synagogues, mosques, sangas, etc.), governmental bodies, and schools are examples of formal organizations.

    6. industrial infrastructure

      The large physical systems that communities develop to manage shared resources such as energy creation and delivery, water purification and delivery, communication (e.g., fiberoptics), sewage and waste collection, and transportation (e.g., roads, bridges, subways, trains).

    7. ecologically-consistent organizational learning

      Learning organizations have cultures that support change. In these type of organizations, members are continuously encouraged to learn and try new things. These kinds of organizations are flexible and dynamic, and thus well-equipped to change and adjust to new circumstances.

      The Natural Step is just one of several programs that help learning organizations adapt specifically to the new ecological realities of our planet, such as limited resources.

    8. “biophilic” designs

      Techniques for creating buildings that reflect the natural habitat in which humans evolved. Buildings can directly use nature in their design (e.g., using walls of vegetation) or are built with natural materials. More commonly, biophilic design uses textures, shapes, and forms that mimic the natural environment.

    1. nerve sheath

      Nerves do not very often just hang out by themselves; they usually are part of a nerve sheath, a collection of nerves bundled together.

      A major type of cell responsible for "bundling" or ensheathing these cells are Schwann cells. These cells are discussed below.

      You can think of these as the cords connecting to your computer, most of you likely have all of your cords nicely wrapped and bound together. You don't have single cords going everywhere.

      http://www.highlands.edu/academics/divisions/scipe/biology/faculty/harnden/2121/images/neurium.jpg

    2. glycosylphosphatidylinosotol (GPI)–anchored protein

      You have very likely heard of transmembrane proteins, proteins that integrate into the plasma membrane of a cell. A glycosylphosphatidylinosotol (GPI)-anchored protein is a very similar idea.

      In the case of GPI-anchored protein, GPI is what actually integrates into the plasma membrane as opposed to the protein itself as in in a transmembrane protein. Because GPI is bonded to the protein it becomes anchored along with GPI. Now, a protein that was once free-floating and cytoplasmic is now bound to the plasma membrane.

      Although it does have the same structure as GPI, the following diagram does show conceptually what is happening:

      http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/sigma-aldrich/articles/biology/Glycobiology/structure-of-gpi-anchored-proteins.jpg

    3. limb blastema

      The limb blastema is the site of regeneration. It is the region where the salamander's limb has been damaged and/or removed and the limb will regrow.

      The limb blastema is composed of mesenchymal progenitor cells. These cells are able to become mesenchymal tissue such as cartilage, muscle, and connective tissue.

      The blastema is formed after "healing," which ensures there isn't serious blood loss. For a picture, see:

      http://openi.nlm.nih.gov/imgs/512/397/2656220/2656220_jbiol105-1.png

    4. limb blastemal cells

      The limb blastema is the site of regeneration. It is the region where the salamander's limb has been damaged and/or removed and the limb will regrow. The limb blastema cells are composed of specialized cells that are able to regenerate structures of the limb.

      The blastema is formed after "healing," which ensures there isn't serious blood loss. For a picture see:

      [http://openi.nlm.nih.gov/imgs/512/397/2656220/2656220_jbiol105-1.png] (http://openi.nlm.nih.gov/imgs/512/397/2656220/2656220_jbiol105-1.png)

  3. Mar 2017
    1. industrialization

      The Industrial Revolution about 200 years ago introduced factories, various chemical processes, and other technologies that altered society and our relationship with the natural world.

    2. contingency trap

      The conflict between short- and long-term interests. Short-term benefits usually outweigh long-term costs, and short- term costs often discourage action, even when it would lead to long-term benefits.

  4. Feb 2017
    1. G2

      This is the second gap phase of the cell cycle, between DNA replication (S phase) and mitosis (M phase). During G2, the cell prepares to divide.

      To move on to the next phase (the M phase), a checkpoint ensures that all chromosomes are fully replicated and have no other types of damage.

    2. DNA complements of 2n or 4n

      The number of full chromosome sets in a cell is indicated as a multiple of n. A eukaryotic cell with two complete sets of chromosomes is therefore described as being "2n" (or "diploid").

      After DNA replication in the S phase, the cell's DNA content doubles, and it now contains four complete copies of the genome, making it "4n." Then, after the cell divides in the M phase, there are two daughter cells, each with two complete sets of chromosomes (2 x 2n cells).

      Most cells cycle between being 2n and 4n. Sperm and egg cells (gametes), however, are special cases: They are "haploid" and contain only one set of chromosomes, making them 1n or simply n. Gametes therefore cycle between being 1n and 2n.

    3. cell cycle

      Each time the cell divides into two, it goes through a sequence of events that may include growth, DNA replication, preparation to divide, and finally division. We collectively refer to these events as the "cell cycle," and to the four major events as "phases" (G1, S, G2, and M phase).

      Specialized proteins called "cell cycle regulators" or "checkpoint proteins" regulate the progression from one phase to the next. The progression through these checkpoints is a strictly regulated process that usually works without errors. When errors do occur, they can have catastrophic consequences, including the development of cancer.

      Use this interactive tutorial to learn more: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/eukaryotic-cell-cycle-and-cancer

    1. copy number variants

      Phenomenon in which sections of the genome are repeated (2), deleted (1) or inverted (3). It has been shown that CNVs at specific locations increase the risk to develop autism.

    2. de novo mutation

      A mutation is de novo when it appears for the first time in an individual, rather than being inherited. It is usually the result of a mutation in a germ cell of one of the parents, or a mutation that arises in the fertilized egg itself. It is also known as a new mutation.

    3. homozygosity mapping

      A method for mapping genes that are involved in rare, recessive disorders. It is used in inbred populations (populations where many individuals are related to each other). Because these populations are very highly related, individuals will share large areas of their chromosomes surrounding target genes.

    4. mapped several loci

      Locus (pl. Loci.) : The locus of a gene is its physical location on a specific chromosome.

      Mapping consists of locating the genes on the chromosomes. Example for the gene BRCA:

    5. autism-spectrum disorders

      Autism-spectrum disorders (ASD), sometimes referred to collectively as "autism," are a family of developmental disorders that have different symptoms and intensities.

    1. PSGL-1

      P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 interacts with the P-selectin found on platelets.

      For reference, P-selectin functions as a cell adhesion molecule on activated platelets. Ligands are molecules that produce a signal by binding to a site on a target protein (in this case, the P-selectin on platelets).

  5. Jan 2017
    1. Montastrea annularis

      Montastrea annularis (now known as Orbicella annularis) is a species of coral that can grow into giant boulder-shaped heads. It is commonly known as boulder star coral.

    2. Coral reefs

      Corals are a group of colonial marine animals that form hard calcium skeletons. They have stinging cells that can be used to catch and kill small prey but also often carry symbiotic algae inside that they can use to convert sunlight into cellular energy.

      When corals live together in large groups, they can form a buildup of sediment and minerals in the ocean called a reef. The complex structures of reefs are habitats for many other ocean animals.

    3. Acropora palmata 

      Acropora palmata is commonly known as Elkhorn coral for its antler-like appearance. As a result of its complex 3-d shape, Acropora palmata adds significant structure to coral reefs and forms an important habitat for many other marine organisms.

    1. Fisher’s method

      Fisher's method is a statistical procedure for conducting meta analyses, in which the results of all included studies are combined. The procedure examines the p-values of the individual studies, and allows inferences on whether the null hypothesis (that there are, in fact, no effects) holds.

    2. transparency

      Transparency here means that the process in which a specific result was achieved is made as accessible for other researchers as possible, by explaining publicly, and in detail, everything that was done in a study to arrive at a specific result..

    3. P value

      A p-value is a statistical threshold for determining if a result is extreme enough to be considered compelling evidence, because it is unlikely that this result would manifest in the data if the effect did not exist in reality.

    4. eye tracking machines

      Eye tracking machines are devices that can record eye-movements and make it possible to show what information people look at without asking them explicitly what they are attending to.

    5. social psychology

      Social psychology is a subdiscipline of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environment, and how their thoughts and behaviors are affected by others.

    6. correlation coefficient (r)

      A correlation coefficient describes the linear interdependence of two variables. It shows both the direction (positive coefficient: as A increases, B increases as well; negative coefficient: as A increases, B decreases), and the strength of the relationship (coefficient close to zero: strong relationship; coefficient close to +/- 1: weak relationship).

      For example, there might be a positive correlation between years of attendance to school and crystallized intelligence: with increasing school attendance, people could acquire more knowledge. On the other hand, there could be a negative correlation between age and fluid intelligence: with increasing age, people could get worse at solving problems in new situations.

    7. sufficient

      Sufficient conditions are the circumstances that are enough to find a specific effect. If these conditions are not met, the effect could still be found in another way.

      For example, to find the effect that people can be manipulated to be more prosocial, it is sufficient to study what happens after you ask participants to think about a time where someone was generous to them, and then ask them to make a donation. This circumstance could be enough to make people more prosocial (it would therefore be sufficient), but you could think of other circumstances that could achieve the same result.

    8. necessary

      Necessary conditions are the circumstance that must be met in order to find a specific effect. If these conditions are not met, the effect cannot be found.

      For example, to find the effect that prosocial people are more likely to give change to a beggar, a necessary condition would be studying human subjects, not penguins.

    9. moderate

      In statistics, moderations refers to the dependence of the relationship between two variables on a third variable.

      For example, the positive relationship between socioeconomic status and health (the higher one's status, the better one's health) could be moderated by one's sense of control: people in low income groups with high sense of control might show health levels comparable with people from high-income groups, whereas people in low income groups with low sense of control have worse health (Lachman & Weaver, 1998).

    10. Reproducibility

      Reproducibility is the feature of an experiment that speaks to whether it can be run again, and if the same results as in previous runs of this experiment can be found. If an experiment has been reproduced successfully, it has been conducted more than once, and the overall evidence suggests that the original findings holds in the reproducing studies (also referred to as replication studies, or replications) as well.

    1. eudaimonic

      Eudaimonic well-being, as compared with hedonic well-being, relates more to the achievement/fulfillment of meaning in life.

      It relates to happiness/well-being that is achieved through a virtuous or transcendent life.

    1. C cycling

      Carbon "cycling" happens when carbon changes forms in the environment, for example, when dissolved organic carbon oxidizes to form carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), or when plants use CO<sub>2</sub> for photosynthesis. Carbon is not destroyed in the environment, but it frequently changes forms.

      Image Description Image from globecarboncycle.unh.edu

    2. partial oxidation

      Partial oxidation is when organic carbon is broken down, but not all the way. Partially oxidized carbon is not released into the atmosphere. Partial oxidation still requires oxygen (not as much as complete oxidation), though no carbon dioxide is produced.

      An example would be "fading" of a colored fabric that you leave out in the sun, like a favorite blue hat that you wear all the time. The dye (which is made of organic carbon) gets broken down by light and fades in color, but it isn't converted into CO<sub>2</sub>.

    3. CO2

      Carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), is the main form of carbon in the atmosphere.

      CO<sub>2</sub> is a “greenhouse gas,” which means that extra CO<sub>2</sub> in Earth’s atmosphere contributes to global warming.

      It is made when other forms of carbon are completely oxidized.

    4. complete oxidation

      Complete oxidation is when organic carbon is broken down as much as possible to form inorganic carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>).

      Oxidation of organic carbon to CO<sub>2</sub> requires oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) and is an important piece of the carbon cycle, that is, the cycling of carbon between its organic forms (organic carbon, DOC), and inorganic carbon (CO<sub>2</sub>).

      One molecule of oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) is required for each molecule of CO<sub>2</sub> that is produced from the oxidation of organic carbon.

    5. Carbon

      Carbon is an element that is found in all living things and in many other substances in the environment, such as carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>). It can also be found in soil and can be dissolved in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

  6. Dec 2016
    1. arborescent gorgonians

      Gorgonians are part of a group of corals often called "soft corals" due to their lack of a rigid calcified skeleton. Arborescent means "tree-like," referring to gorgonians that specifically have upright tree-like forms.

    2. hydrocoral Millepora spp.

      A hydrocoral looks like a coral, but is actually in the class Hydrozoa rather than the class Anthozoa, like true corals. Millepora hydrocorals are also known as fire coral due to their painful sting.

    3. Diadema antillarum

      Diadema antillarum is commonly known as the long-spined sea urchin. Before populations of Diadema antillarum died off in 1983 in massive numbers, they were a common sight in Caribbean reefs and played an important role in controlling the growth of macroalgae.

    4. Agraria spp.

      Agaricia is a genus of corals that form flat leaf-like or plate-like structures. The "spp." means "multiple species of." So Agaricia spp. means "species of the genus Agaricia."