For the scanning purpose, large hardware was needed so that the software could function optimally. The result of the scanning indicates that the size of the brain is the determining factor. The dog’s brain size is relatively large. Human brain is considered very big, reaching a proportion of 1:50 of the average total body weight. The size of the dog’s brain turned out to be 1:125 of the dog’s total body weight. It is the ratio found in almost all types of puppies, in comparison with other animals, the size of a horse’s brain is only 1:600 and the size of a lion’s brain is slightly better at 1 : 550 of the total body weight. So, among other animals, the size of a dog’s brain is indeed quite large and can accommodate more cognitive and affective development.

It is the ratio found in almost all types of puppies. The word ‘it’ refers to…

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of highly inheritable behavioral disorders that pose major personal and public health concerns. Patients with ASDs have mild to severe communication difficulties, repetitive behavior and social challenges. Such disorders significantly challenge an individual’s ability to conduct daily activities and function normally in society. Currently there are very few medication options that effectively treat ASDs.

Recognizing a need to better understand the biology that produces ASD symptoms, scientists at Duke-NUS and NNI, Singapore, have identified a novel mechanism that potentially links abnormal brain development to the cause of ASDs. This new knowledge will help to improve the diagnosis and development of therapeutic interventions for ASDs.

This new knowledge will help to improve the diagnosis and development of therapeutic interventions for ASDs. The phrase ‘This new knowledge’ refers to…

The research team showed that miR-128 targets a protein called PCM1 that is critical to the cell division of neutral precursor cell (NPCs). NPCs during early brain development have two fates-they either stay as NPCs and undergo self-renewal or become neurons through differentiation. The dysfunctional regulation of PCM1 by misregulated miR128 impairs brain development, which may underline brain size changes in people with ASDs.

For the first time, the researchers have managed to show that miR-128 is a mechanism that regulates early neuronal behavior during brain development. They believe that targeting this mechanism may be the answer to diagnose and treat ASDs that are caused by abnormal brain development.

They believe that targeting this mechanism may be the answer to diagnose and treat ASDs that are caused by abnormal brain development. The word ‘they’ refers to…

Berlin (Reuters)–No more Coca-Cola or Budweiser, no Marlboro, no American whiskey or even American Express cards - a growing number of restaurants in Germany are taking everything American off their menus to protest the war in Iraq.

Although the protests are mainly symbolic, waiters in dozens of bars and restaurants in Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Bonn and other German cities are telling patrons, "Sorry, Coca- Cola is not available any more due to the current political situation."

The word “their” in paragraph 1 refers to…….

The boycotts appear to be part of a nascent worldwide movement. One Web site, www.consumers-against-war.de,calls for boycotts of 27 top American firms from Microsoft to Kodak while another, www.adbusters.org, urges the "millions of people against the war" to "Boycott Brand America."

Consumer fury seems to be on the rise. Demonstrators in Paris smashed the windows of a McDonald's restaurant last week, forcing police in riot gear to move in to protect staff and customers of the American fast-food outlet. The attackers sprayed obscenities and "boycott" on the windows.

The phrase “the attackers” in the last paragraph refers to …..

Climate change is a complex phenomenon, and its full-scale impacts are to predict far in advance. But each year scientists learn more about how climate change is affecting the planet and our communities, and most agree that certain consequences are likely to occur if current trends continue.

In addition to impacting our water resources, energy supply, transportation, agriculture, and ecosystems, the United States Global Change Research Program concludes that climate change also poses unique challenges to human health, for example, significant increases in the risk of illness and death related to extreme heat and heat waves are very likely. Some diseases transmitted by food, water, and insects are likely to increase. Certain group, including children, the elderly, and the poor, are most vulnerable to a range of climate-related health effects. These impacts will result in significant costs to our families and the economy.

The word “its” in paragraph 1 refers to…..

Here is the good news: technologies exist today to make cars that run cleaner and burn less gas, modernize power plants and generate electricity from nonpolluting sources, and cut our electricity use through energy efficiency. The challenge is to be sure these solutions are put to use.

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is tackling global warming on two main fronts – cutting pollution and expanding clean energy. Transitioning to clean energy economy will bring new jobs and reduce air pollution. We cannot afford to wait.

The author uses the word ‘we’ that stands for …