Optimal spectral tracking - with application to speed dependent neural modulation of tibialis anterior during human treadmill walking

A novel method of optimal spectral tracking is presented which permits the characterisation of trial-varying parameters. Many experimental studies suffer from the limitations of available analysis methodologies, which often impose a condition of stationarity. This severely limits our ability to track slow varying or dynamic responses with any statistical certainty. Presented is a complete framework for the non-stationary analysis of trial-varying data. Theory is introduced and developed in the characterisation of speed dependent neural modulation of the locomotor drive to tibialis anterior (TA) during healthy treadmill locomotion. The approach adopts adaptive filter theory while retaining a spectral focus, thus remaining compatible with much of the current literature. Spectral tracking procedures are evaluated using both surrogate and neurophysiological time-series. Confidence intervals are derived in both empiric and numerical form. Analysis of the pre-synaptic drive to TA under the modulation of treadmill belt speed follows, with results demonstrating clear speed dependent influences on the spectral content of TA, suggesting dynamic neural modulation of the locomotor drive. Findings include speed-modulated components at 7-12 Hz (early swing) and 15-20 Hz (pre-stance). Speed invariant components were identified at 8-15 and 15-20 Hz during early and late swing, in agreement with previous studies. Modification to the method permits a sub-optimal alternative, encouraging the exploration of short epoched data

Impact of perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients with primary extremity soft tissue sarcoma: retrospective analysis across major histological subtypes and major reference centres

Background: The role of radiotherapy (RTx) and chemotherapy (CTx) in primary extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS) patients is not precisely defined. Methods: All consecutive primary eSTS patients treated within three European and one North American reference centres in a 20-year time span were included. The tendency to perform chemotherapy/radiotherapy (CTx/RTx) was explored using multivariable binary logistic models. Five and 10-year overall survival (OS) and crude cumulative incidence (CCI) of local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) were estimated. Multivariable analyses of OS, CCI of LR and CCI of DM were performed. The effect of CTx administration was explored with a propensity score matching analysis. Results: Overall, 3752 patients were included. Median follow-up was 79 months (interquartile range 44\u2013119). Ten-year OS, CCI of LR and CCI of DM were 66.3% (64.3\u201368.2%), 8.2% (7.2\u20139.2%) and 28.2% (26.6\u201330.0%), respectively. Centre and histology significantly influenced administration of RTx/CTx. RTx was associated with a better local outcome, especially in myxoid liposarcoma, vascular sarcoma and myxofibrosarcoma, without being associated with survival. Chemotherapy was not an independent prognostic factor for OS in all patients (p = 0.73). In a propensity score\u2013matched analysis, patients treated with CTx had longer survival although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.054). The use of perioperative CTx in patients with primary localised eSTS was not associated with worse survival after occurrence of DM. Conclusion: Some histologies gain a greater benefit from perioperative RTx in terms of LR risk reduction. The trend towards a 5% survival benefit associated with CTx administration is consistent with the published literature, but definitive conclusions are awaited from ongoing randomised controlled trials. Perioperative CTx for primary eSTS does not hamper post-DM survival

Water Pollution Control In Democratic Societies: A Cross-National Analysis Of Sources Of Public Beliefs In In Japan And The United States

Postindustrial society seems to bring with it an inevitable heightening of official and public concern with environmental pollution. In light of this fact it becomes important to understand the dynamics by which public opinion is formulated in this area of public policy. What factors are associated with citizens placing concern for environmental pollution above other public policy concerns? What individual characteristics are associ- ated with the development of the view that government ought to take direct action to prevent or deal with environmental pollution? Are such factors common to postindustrial democratic societies generally? The study reported here identifies the similarities and differences in the patterns and correlates of pollution relevant beliefs and behavior in Japan (in the cities of Llishima, Fuji and Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture] and the United States (Spokane City and County, Washington State). A comparative study of pollution policy can be especially instructive inasmuch as unique cultural, economic, historical and social patterns may generate distinctive citizen conceptions of desired policy outcomes and means to achieve them. Copyright 1985 by The Policy Studies Organization.