2016 field monitoring report

Compiled June 2019.Colorado Forestry Best Management Practices

2018 field monitoring report

Compiled August 2020.Colorado Forestry Best Management Practices

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Word Processing in the Human Brain

We examined the spatiotemporal dynamics of word processing by recording the electrocorticogram (ECoG) from the lateral frontotemporal cortex of neurosurgical patients chronically implanted with subdural electrode grids. Subjects engaged in a target detection task where proper names served as infrequent targets embedded in a stream of task-irrelevant verbs and nonwords. Verbs described actions related to the hand (e.g, throw) or mouth (e.g., blow), while unintelligible nonwords were sounds which matched the verbs in duration, intensity, temporal modulation, and power spectrum. Complex oscillatory dynamics were observed in the delta, theta, alpha, beta, low, and high gamma (HG) bands in response to presentation of all stimulus types. HG activity (80–200 Hz) in the ECoG tracked the spatiotemporal dynamics of word processing and identified a network of cortical structures involved in early word processing. HG was used to determine the relative onset, peak, and offset times of local cortical activation during word processing. Listening to verbs compared to nonwords sequentially activates first the posterior superior temporal gyrus (post-STG), then the middle superior temporal gyrus (mid-STG), followed by the superior temporal sulcus (STS). We also observed strong phase-locking between pairs of electrodes in the theta band, with weaker phase-locking occurring in the delta, alpha, and beta frequency ranges. These results provide details on the first few hundred milliseconds of the spatiotemporal evolution of cortical activity during word processing and provide evidence consistent with the hypothesis that an oscillatory hierarchy coordinates the flow of information between distinct cortical regions during goal-directed behavior

Quantifying the Differences between 3D Virtual Planning and Attained Postoperative Reduction on CT for Patients with Tibial Plateau Fractures; a Clinical Feasibility Study

Background: Three-Dimensional Virtual Planning (3DVP) has been proven to be effective for limiting intra-articular screw penetration and improving the quality of reduction for numerous fractures. However, the value of 3DVP for patients with tibial plateau fractures has yet to be determined. Purposes: The research question of this study is: Can Computed Tomography Micromotion Analysis (CTMA) provide a reliable quantification of the difference between 3DVP and the postoperative reduction on CT for tibial plateau fractures? Methods: Nine consecutive adult patients who received surgical treatment for a tibial plateau fracture and received pre- and postoperative CT scans were included from a level I trauma center in the Netherlands. The preoperative CT scans of the patients were uploaded in a 3DVP software. In this software, fracture fragments were reduced and the reduction was saved as a 3D file (STL). The quality of the reduction from the 3DVP software was compared with the postoperative results using CT Micromotion Analysis (CTMA). In this analysis, the translation of the largest intra-articular fragment was calculated by aligning the postoperative CT with the 3DVP. Coordinates and measurement points were defined in the X, Y, and Z axes. The combined values of X and Y were used to define the intra-articular gap. The Z-axis was defined as the line from cranial to caudal and was used to define intra-articular step-off. Results: The intra-articular step-off was 2.4 mm (Range 0.5–4.6). Moreover, the mean translation of the X-axis and Y-axis, which was defined as the intra-articular gap, was 4.2 mm (Range 0.6–10.7). Conclusions: 3DVP provides excellent insight into the fracture and its fragments. Utilizing the largest intra-articular fragment, it is feasible to quantify the difference between 3DVP and a postoperative CT using CTMA. A prospective study to further analyze the use of 3DVP in terms of intra-articular reduction and surgical and patient-related outcomes has been started by our team.</p

HopeLink: A program evaluation

In January 2009, a four-member team of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Department of Public Administration students set out to evaluate the effectiveness of HopeLink, a transitional housing program in Henderson, Nevada. The research team was tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of the agency and assisting the Committee on Homelessness in deciding future funding allocations. This paper provides our review and analysis, including program strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for future program and funding improvements. According to the 2007 U.S. Census, there are approximately 11,000 homeless people in Clark County, Nevada, with 75% of those utilizing transitional housing programs, compared to a national average of 55%. The fact that Clark County had a higher percentage of homeless people using transitional housing programs made the research team aware of the importance of transitional housing agencies and their success rates in this community. HopeLink\u27s transitional housing program helps homeless families ~ mainly women and children who become dispossessed as a result of domestic violence situations ~ achieve positive housing outcomes. A review of current and closed client files, followed with statistical analyses, staff interviews, an attempt to survey clients, and a literature review, provided the research team with information that led to both quantitative and qualitative findings and seven recommendations to assist the agency improve upon its successes. The primary recommendation is to continue the funding of this agency and, if possible, increase funding. There is one case manager who is responsible for 26 families at any given time. The dedication and effort she puts forth is a key to the success the agency has achieved thus far, and we believe that additional resources would allow for further improvements. Additional recommendations are to increase emphasis on client training, establish standard criteria for program acceptance, and utilize volunteers. We also provide recommendations on improving the efficacy of the HMIS system