Sylvian fissure and parietal anatomy in children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social functioning and language and communication, with restricted interests or stereotyped behaviors. Anatomical differences have been found in the parietal cortex in children with ASD, but parietal subregions and associations between Sylvian fissure (SF) and parietal anatomy have not been explored. In this study, SF length and anterior and posterior parietal volumes were measured on MRI in 30 right-handed boys with ASD and 30 right-handed typically developing boys (7–14 years), matched on age and non-verbal IQ. There was leftward SF and anterior parietal asymmetry, and rightward posterior parietal asymmetry, across groups. There were associations between SF and parietal asymmetries, with slight group differences. Typical SF asymmetry was associated with typical anterior and posterior parietal asymmetry, in both groups. In the atypical SF asymmetry group, controls had atypical parietal asymmetry, whereas in ASD there were more equal numbers of individuals with typical as atypical anterior parietal asymmetry. We did not find significant anatomical-behavioral associations. Our findings of more individuals in the ASD group having a dissociation between cortical asymmetries warrants further investigation of these subgroups and emphasizes the importance of investigating anatomical relationships in addition to group differences in individual regions.This study was supported by a program project grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (U19 DC 03610), which is part of the NICHD/NIDCD funded Collaborative Programs on Excellence in Autism, as well as funding for the GCRC at Boston University School of Medicine (M01-RR0533). We thank all of our research assistants for help in collecting the data and Andrew Silver, Melanee Schuring, Danielle Delosh, and Jeremy Siegal for completing the total hemisphere measurements. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the children and families who participated in this study. (U19 DC 03610 - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; NICHD/NIDCD; M01-RR0533 - Boston University School of Medicine)Published versio

Examination of effects of ultraviolet radiation and hydrolysis on Kevlar-49 using Raman spectroscopy [abstract]

Abstract only availableThe effects of environmental degradation on polymer matrix composites is an area of concern for researchers and engineers, as these materials are subjected to high stress environments. As a result of this, a need for nondestructive evaluation of such materials exists. This project looks at the aramid fiber Kevlar 49, which is used in aerospace applications where high tensile strength is crucial. The nondestructive method being evaluated is Raman spectroscopy, which has been shown to reveal a consistent spectrum for Kevlar 49, with distinct peaks characterizing specific intermolecular bonding. Of interest are the effects of ultraviolet radiation and hydrolysis on the Raman spectrum of Kevlar.College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Optio

Lessons from LIMK1 enzymology and their impact on inhibitor design

LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1) is a key regulator of actin dynamics. It is thereby a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of fragile X syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Herein, we use X-ray crystallography and activity assays to describe how LIMK1 accomplishes substrate specificity, to suggest a unique ‘rock-and-poke’ mechanism of catalysis and to explore the regulation of the kinase by activation loop phosphorylation. Based on these findings, a differential scanning fluorimetry assay and a RapidFire mass spectrometry activity assay were established, leading to the discovery and confirmation of a set of small-molecule LIMK1 inhibitors. Interestingly, several of the inhibitors were inactive towards the closely related isoform LIMK2. Finally, crystal structures of the LIMK1 kinase domain in complex with inhibitors (PF-477736 and staurosporine, respectively) are presented, providing insights into LIMK1 plasticity upon inhibitor binding

Changes in hospital mortality for United States intensive care unit admissions from 1988 to 2012

Introduction A decrease in disease-specific mortality over the last twenty years has been reported for patients admitted to United States (US) hospitals, but data for intensive care patients are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe changes in hospital mortality and case-mix using clinical data for patients admitted to multiple US ICUs over the last 24 years. Methods We carried out a retrospective time series analysis of hospital mortality using clinical data collected from 1988 to 2012. We also examined the impact of ICU admission diagnosis and other clinical characteristics on mortality over time. The potential impact of hospital discharge destination on mortality was also assessed using data from 2001 to 2012. Results For 482,601 ICU admissions there was a 35% relative decrease in mortality from 1988 to 2012 despite an increase in age and severity of illness. This decrease varied greatly by diagnosis. Mortality fell by \u3e60% for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seizures and surgery for aortic dissection and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mortality fell by 51% to 59% for six diagnoses, 41% to 50% for seven diagnoses, and 10% to 40% for seven diagnoses. The decrease in mortality from 2001 to 2012 was accompanied by an increase in discharge to post-acute care facilities and a decrease in discharge to home. Conclusions Hospital mortality for patients admitted to US ICUs has decreased significantly over the past two decades despite an increase in the severity of illness. Decreases in mortality were diagnosis specific and appear attributable to improvements in the quality of care, but changes in discharge destination and other confounders may also be responsible

Thermal Storage for High-Power Small Satellites

As the power levels and sizes of small satellites grow, new capabilities become possible along with new challenges for thermal control. Greater amounts of heat must be transported across longer distances, making it more difficult to control component temperatures using simple, passive systems. This paper describes the performance of an innovative thermal storage technology for small satellite thermal control systems. The thermal storage unit helps maintain temperature stability by efficiently incorporating a solid/liquid phase-change material (PCM). This paper describes the results of an analysis and testing program that proved the feasibility of the PCM thermal storage concept. We formulated a simple model for a high-power small satellite in an orbital thermal environment. We found that proper selection of the PCM depends on the thermal environment, thermal control system characteristics, and characteristics of the thermal load. The model shows that a properly designed thermal storage system can dramatically reduce temperature variation. We designed and built a sub-scale PCM thermal storage unit and measured its performance with a heat pipe under conditions that simulate operation in a small satellite thermal control system. Results of these tests demonstrate the capability of the thermal control system to reduce temperature variation during transient operation

Transfer Pricing In Transnational Operations: A Case- And Literature-Based Analysis

This paper represents a combined case- and literature-based analysis of transnational pricing and highlights the difference in the issues and perspectives of the business and academic environments.  Following an introduction to the issue (noting the growing importance of the transfer of goods from one organizational entity to another within a multinational firm), a short case - The Henderson Company - illustrates how a relatively simple announcement can lead to a lengthy and heated discussion that points out the differences in opinion both between the headquarters and the subsidiaries and between the various regional entities themselves.  The analysis of the case reflecting the concerns and perspectives of the members of the international management team (in terms of involvement and partnership, legal and operational concerns, competitive marketing strategy, and evaluation, compensation, and motivational issues) is followed by a literature-based analysis that looks at the complexities of the situation in terms of management, economics, taxation, and finance research.  The paper concludes with the recognition that the issue of transnational pricing is a complex one that needs to be addressed from both an organizational perspective and from an international viewpoint emphasizing the development of ways of more accurately reflecting cost allocations

Bacterial Peroxidase on Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide for Highly Sensitive H₂O₂ Detection

Peroxidase enzymes enable the construction of electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive and selective quantitative detection of various molecules, pathogens and diseases. Herein, we describe the immobilization of a peroxidase from Bacillus s. (BsDyP) on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layers. XRD, SEM, AFM, FT‐IR and Raman characterization of the sensor confirmed its structural integrity and a higher enzyme surface occupancy. The BsDyP‐ERGO/ITO/PET electrode performed better than other horseradish peroxidase‐based electrodes, as evinced by an improved electrochemical response in the nanomolar range (linearity 0.05–280 μM of H(2)O(2), LOD 32 nM). The bioelectrode was mechanically robust, active in the 3.5–6 pH range and exhibited no loss of activity upon storage for 8 weeks at 4 °C

Aspects of topology of condensates and knotted solitons in condensed matter systems

The knotted solitons introduced by Faddeev and Niemi is presently a subject of great interest in particle and mathematical physics. In this paper we give a condensed matter interpretation of the recent results of Faddeev and Niemi.Comment: v2: Added a reference to the paper E. Babaev, L.D. Faddeev and A.J. Niemi cond-mat/0106152 where an exact equivalence was shown between the two-condensate Ginzburg-Landau model and a version of Faddeev model. Miscelaneous links related to knotted solitons are available at the author homepage at http://www.teorfys.uu.se/PEOPLE/egor/ . Animations of knotted solitons by Hietarinta and Salo are available at http://users.utu.fi/h/hietarin/knots/c45_p2.mp

fMRI activation during a language task in adolescents with ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by language and communication impairments, social impairments, and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. Previous studies of semantic functions have found differences in semantic processing and differences in the activation of the language network in adults with ASD compared to controls. The goal of this study is to examine semantic functions in adolescents with ASD compared to typically developing adolescents. We utilized fMRI with a reading version of a response-naming task to investigate activation in 12 right-handed adolescent boys with ASD and 12 typically developing boys. Both groups performed the task at ceiling levels. Boys with ASD had significantly stronger activation than controls in Broca's area, which was less left lateralized in ASD individuals. Controls had a significant correlation between frontal and temporal language area activation in the left hemisphere, whereas ASD adolescents did not. Direct group comparisons revealed additional regions activated in the ASD group relative to the control group. These results suggest differences in semantic organization, approaches to the semantic task, or efficiency in semantic processing in ASD adolescents relative to typically developing adolescents. (JINS, 2008, 14, 967-979.