A Multivariate Approach to Functional Neuro Modeling

This Ph.D. thesis, A Multivariate Approach to Functional Neuro Modeling, deals with the analysis and modeling of data from functional neuro imaging experiments. A multivariate dataset description is provided which facilitates efficient representation of typical datasets and, more importantly, provides the basis for a generalization theoretical framework relating model performance to model complexity and dataset size. Briefly summarized the major topics discussed in the thesis include: ffl An introduction of the representation of functional datasets by pairs of neuronal activity patterns and overall conditions governing the functional experiment, via associated micro- and macroscopic variables. The description facilitates an efficient microscopic re-representation, as well as a handle on the link between brain and behavior; the latter is obtained by hypothesizing variations in the micro- and macroscopic variables to be manifestations of an underlying system. ffl A review of two micros..

Spatial temperature distribution in human hairy and glabrous skin after infrared CO2 laser radiation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>CO₂lasers have been used for several decades as an experimental non-touching pain stimulator. The laser energy is absorbed by the water content in the most superficial layers of the skin. The deeper located nociceptors are activated by passive conduction of heat from superficial to deeper skin layers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In the current study, a 2D axial finite element model was developed and validated to describe the spatial temperature distribution in the skin after infrared CO₂laser stimulation. The geometry of the model was based on high resolution ultrasound scans. The simulations were compared to the subjective pain intensity ratings from 16 subjects and to the surface skin temperature distributions measured by an infrared camera.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The stimulations were sensed significantly slower and less intense in glabrous skin than they were in hairy skin (MANOVA, p < 0.001). The model simulations of superficial temperature correlated with the measured skin surface temperature (r > 0.90, <it>p </it>< 0.001). Of the 16 subjects tested; eight subjects reported pricking pain in the hairy skin following a stimulus of 0.6 J/cm²(5 W, 0.12 s, d1/e²= 11.4 mm) only two reported pain to glabrous skin stimulation using the same stimulus intensity. The temperature at the epidermal-dermal junction (depth 50 μm in hairy and depth 133 μm in glabrous skin) was estimated to 46°C for hairy skin stimulation and 39°C for glabrous skin stimulation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>As compared to previous one dimensional heat distribution models, the current two dimensional model provides new possibilities for detailed studies regarding CO₂laser stimulation intensity, temperature levels and nociceptor activation.</p

New sociotechnical insights in interaction design

New challenges are facing interaction design. On one hand because of advances in technology – pervasive, ubiquitous, multimodal and adaptive computing – are changing the nature of interaction. On the other, web 2.0, massive multiplayer games and collaboration software extends the boundaries of HCI to deal with interaction in settings of remote communication and collaboration. The aim of this workshop is to provide a forum for HCI practitioners and researchers interested in knowledge from the social sciences to discuss how sociotechnical insights can be used to inform interaction design, and more generally how social science methods and theories can help to enrich the conceptual framework of systems development and participatory design. Position papers submissions are invited to address key aspects of current research and practical case studies

Association between contemporary hormonal contraception and ovarian cancer in women of reproductive age in Denmark : prospective, nationwide cohort study

Supported by a grant (11645) from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The funder had no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, in the writing of the paper or in the decision to submit the paper for publication.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Hormonal contraceptive use and risk of pancreatic cancer : A cohort study among premenopausal women

Drs. Mørch and Lidegaard were supported by a grant (No 11645) from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The funder had no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the paper; or in the decision to submit the paper for publication. Correction: Hormonal contraceptive use and risk of pancreatic cancer—A cohort study among premenopausal women; Sedrah Arif Butt, Øjvind Lidegaard, Charlotte Skovlund, Philip C. Hannaford, Lisa Iversen, Shona Fielding, Lina Steinrud Mørch; PLOS, Published: March 28, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214771Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The lancet weight determines wheal diameter in response to skin prick testing with histamine

BACKGROUND:Skin prick test (SPT) is a common test for diagnosing immunoglobulin E-mediated allergies. In clinical routine, technicalities, human errors or patient-related biases, occasionally results in suboptimal diagnosis of sensitization. OBJECTIVE:Although not previously assessed qualitatively, lancet weight is hypothesized to be important when performing SPT to minimize the frequency of false positives, false negatives, and unwanted discomfort. METHODS:Accurate weight-controlled SPT was performed on the volar forearms and backs of 20 healthy subjects. Four predetermined lancet weights were applied (25 g, 85 g, 135 g and 265 g) using two positive control histamine solutions (1 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL) and one negative control (saline). A total of 400 SPTs were conducted. The outcome parameters were: wheal size, neurogenic inflammation (measured by superficial blood perfusion), frequency of bleeding, and the lancet provoked pain response. RESULTS:The mean wheal diameter increased significantly as higher weights were applied to the SPT lancet, e.g. from 3.2 ± 0.28 mm at 25 g to 5.4 ± 1.7 mm at 265 g (p<0.01). Similarly, the frequency of bleeding, the provoked pain, and the neurogenic inflammatory response increased significantly. At 265 g saline evoked two wheal responses (/160 pricks) below 3 mm. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The applied weight of the lancet during the SPT-procedure is an important factor. Higher lancet weights precipitate significantly larger wheal reactions with potential diagnostic implications. This warrants additional research of the optimal lancet weight in relation to SPT-guidelines to improve the specificity and sensitivity of the procedure