Quantitative Kinematic Characterization of Reaching Impairments in Mice After a Stroke

Background and Objective. Kinematic analysis of reaching movements is increasingly used to evaluate upper extremity function after cerebrovascular insults in humans and has also been applied to rodent models. Such analyses can require time-consuming frame-by-frame inspections and are affected by the experimenter's bias. In this study, we introduce a semi-automated algorithm for tracking forepaw movements in mice. This methodology allows us to calculate several kinematic measures for the quantitative assessment of performance in a skilled reaching task before and after a focal cortical stroke. Methods. Mice were trained to reach for food pellets with their preferred paw until asymptotic performance was achieved. Photothrombosis was then applied to induce a focal ischemic injury in the motor cortex, contralateral to the trained limb. Mice were tested again once a week for 30 days. A high frame rate camera was used to record the movements of the paw, which was painted with a nontoxic dye. An algorithm was then applied off-line to track the trajectories and to compute kinematic measures for motor performance evaluation. Results. The tracking algorithm proved to be fast, accurate, and robust. A number of kinematic measures were identified as sensitive indicators of poststroke modifications. Based on end-point measures, ischemic mice appeared to improve their motor performance after 2 weeks. However, kinematic analysis revealed the persistence of specific trajectory adjustments up to 30 days poststroke, indicating the use of compensatory strategies. Conclusions. These results support the use of kinematic analysis in mice as a tool for both detection of poststroke functional impairments and tracking of motor improvements following rehabilitation. Similar studies could be performed in parallel with human studies to exploit the translational value of this skilled reaching analysis

Non supersymmetric strong coupling background from the large N quantum mechanics of two matrices coupled via a Yang-Mills interaction

We derive the planar large N non-supersymmetric background of the quantum mechanical hamiltonian of two hermitean matrices coupled via a Yang-Mills interaction, in terms of the density of eigenvalues of one of the matrices. This background satisfies an implicit non linear integral equation, with a perturbative small coupling expansion and a solvable large coupling solution, which is obtained. The energy of system and the expectation value of several correlators are obtained in this strong coupling limit. They are free of infrared divergences.Comment: Latex, 13 page

Analisis Program Pembangunan dan Pemberdayaan Kewilayahan di Kota Bandung

Perbedaan hasil penyerapan anggaran PIPPK Di Kelurahan Cihapit dan Kelurahan Merdeka dapat dijadikan dasar berjalan dengan baiknya suatu program.Terjadinya perbedaan perbedaan penyerapan anggaran antara dua kelurahan antara kelurahan merdeka dan cihapit menjadi fondasi penulis melakukan analis akan inovasi program yang sedang berjalan saat ini, yaitu program PIPPK di kota Bandung. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dan data diperoleh dengan studi kepustakaan dan studi lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan salah satu penyebab perbedaan penyerapan anggaran antara dua kelurahan tersebut terdapat pada kegiatan dan program yang dilakukan oleh kelurahan dan dukungan yang optimal dari pihak Aparatur dan Masyarakat, sehingga menghasilkan kelurahan Cihapit dengan dukungan aparatur dan desa dapat mengoptimalkan dana dari program PIPPK beda dengan kelurahan Merdeka di mana yaitu kurangnya partisipasi masyarakat dan juga masih kurangnya aparatur di kelurahan merdeka membuat sosialisasi kepada masyarakat menjadi kurang. mengemukakan saran Pemerintah Kota Bandung Perlu peninjauan ulang mengenai tambahan SDM ahli sebagai tenaga pendamping di Kelurahan khusus untuk menangani PIPPK agar hasilnya lebih maksimal mengingat dengan adanya PIPPK tentunya memberikan tambahan beban kerja bagi SDM yang ada di Kelurahan yang jumlah personil nya hanya 7 sampai 8 orang

Perancangan dan Analisis Antena Dipole pada Frekuensi 2,4 GHz untuk Modul Xbee S2 Pro Menggunakan HFFS 14.0

Xbee s2 pro module works at 2,4 Ghz using IEEE 802.15.4 standard and polarization are linear. There are many types of antennas that can be used, which one is the dipole antenna. The simulation model implemented in this study uses Ansoft HFSS 14.0 software. HFSS stands for high frequency structure simulator is a pioneer in the use of finite element method for electromagnetic wave simulators that implement tangential vector finite elements, adaptive meshing and Adaptive Lanczos-Pade Sweep (ALPS) technology. By using HFSS 14.0 simulation, the axial ratio value of 35.0359 dB that means linier polarization. For the value of s-parameter -21,1851 db and VSWR value approaches 1, that is 1.5195 db. The gain value obtained is 0.7469 dB, the gain value needs to be optimized by using a metamaterial to get a good gain

Neuroplastic Changes Following Brain Ischemia and their Contribution to Stroke Recovery: Novel Approaches in Neurorehabilitation

Ischemic damage to the brain triggers substantial reorganization of spared areas and pathways, which is associated with limited, spontaneous restoration of function. A better understanding of this plastic remodeling is crucial to develop more effective strategies for stroke rehabilitation. In this review article, we discuss advances in the comprehension of post-stroke network reorganization in patients and animal models. We first focus on rodent studies that have shed light on the mechanisms underlying neuronal remodeling in the perilesional area and contralesional hemisphere after motor cortex infarcts. Analysis of electrophysiological data has demonstrated brain-wide alterations in functional connectivity in both hemispheres, well beyond the infarcted area. We then illustrate the potential use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques to boost recovery. We finally discuss rehabilitative protocols based on robotic devices as a tool to promote endogenous plasticity and functional restoration

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric varices.

Clinical Perspectives in Hepatology aims to engage two experts with opinions supporting differing perspectives on the management of a case. Typically, the case represents an area of debate or evolving practice in clinical hepatology. The patient presented below gives us the opportunity to discuss balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) for treatment of gastric varices. Although described since the mid-1990s and accepted as effective therapy, particularly in Japan, BRTO is used sporadically in the United States and Europe. In fact, it is not mentioned in the U.S. (AASLD) or European (EASL/Baveno V) guidelines. Hopefully, increased awareness of and expertise in this modality will generate the evidence-based data needed to establish the role and safety of BRTO in patients with gastric varices

Sequence analysis of the VSX1 and SOD1 genes in families with Keratoconus and a review of the literature

AbstractObjectiveKeratoconus (KC) is a non-inflammatory disorder of the cornea in which the cornea becomes thin and conical, inducing myopia and irregular astigmatism and resulting in mild to marked impairment of vision. The present study was designed to screen two candidate KC genes to identify pathogenic sequence variants responsible for KC in Saudi families.MethodsPeripheral blood samples from members of five Saudi families with KC from the Northern region were collected. Genomic DNA was isolated, and bidirectional sequencing was performed of all coding exons of VSX1 and SOD1 genes using Sanger sequencing.ResultsAll five of the KC families showed a pattern of autosomal recessive inheritance. Phenotyping of these families was performed by a senior ophthalmologist. Sequence analysis of the VSX1 and SOD1 genes failed to reveal any pathogenic sequence variant that could account for KC in the affected individuals.ConclusionOur failure to detect sequence variants in two of the known KC associated genes triggers an interest in other known KC candidate genes, including miR-184, DOCK9, IL1RN and SLC4A11. Future genotyping with dense SNP arrays followed by exome sequencing in these families will be a useful approach to identify the gene(s) underlying KC in this Saudi cohort, which may be different from those reported elsewhere

15N photo-CIDNP MAS NMR analysis of a bacterial photosynthetic reaction center of rhodobacter sphaeroides wildtype

Solid state NMR/Biophysical Organic Chemistr

Sub-LET Threshold SEE cross section dependency with ion energy

This study focuses on the ion species and energy dependence of the heavy ion SEE cross section in the sub-LET threshold region through a set of experimental data. In addition, a Monte Carlo based model is introduced and applied, showing a good agreement with the data in the several hundred MeV/n range while evidencing large discrepancies with the measurements in the 10-30 MeV/n interval, notably for the Ne ion. Such discrepancies are carefully analyzed and discussed