Resting-state hyperconnectivity of the anticorrelated intrinsic networks in schizophrenic patients and their unaffected siblings

Abnormal connectivity of the intrinsic anticorrelated networks, the task-negative network (TNN) and task-positive network (TPN), is implicated in schizophrenia. Comparisons between schizophrenic patients and their unaffected siblings offer an opportunity to further understand illness susceptibility and pathophysiology. We hypothesized that schizophrenic patients would demonstrate hyperconnectivity in the intrinsic networks and that similar, but less pronounced, hyperconnectivity would be evident in the networks of the unaffected siblings. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images were obtained from schizophrenic patients (n=25), their unaffected siblings (n=25), and healthy controls (n=25). The posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PCu) and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were used as seed regions to identify the TNN and TPN. Interregional connectivity strengths were analyzed using overlapped intrinsic networks composed of regions common to the intrinsic networks of the three subject groups. In the TNN, schizophrenic patients alone demonstrated hyperconnectivity between the PCC/PCu and left inferior temporal gyrus and between the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and the right lateral parietal cortex. Both schizophrenic patients and their unaffected siblings showed increased connectivity in the TNN between the bilateral inferior temporal gyri. In the TPN, schizophrenic patients showed hyperconnectivity between the left DLPFC and right inferior frontal gyrus relative to unaffected siblings, though this trend only approached statistical significance in comparison to healthy controls. Resting-state hyperconnectivity of the intrinsic networks may underlie the pathophysiology of schizophrenia by disrupting network coordination. Similar, though milder, hyperconnectivity in unaffected siblings of schizophrenic patients may contribute to their cognitive deficits and increased risk to develop schizophrenia

Cognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia

Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are pervasive, severe, and largely independent of the positive and negative symptoms of the illness. These deficits are increasingly considered to be core features of schizophrenia with evidence that the extent of cognitive impairment is the most salient predictor of daily functioning. Unfortunately, current schizophrenia treatment has been limited in addressing the cognitive deficits of the illness. Alterations in neuroplasticity are hypothesized to underpin these cognitive deficits, though preserved neuroplasticity may offer an avenue towards cognitive remediation. Key neuroplastic principles to consider in designing remediation interventions include ensuring sufficient intensity and duration of remediation programs, "bottom-up" training that proceeds from simple to complex cognitive processes, and individual tailoring of remediation regimens. We discuss several cognitive remediation programs, including cognitive enhancement therapy, which embrace these principles to target neurocognitive and social cognitive improvements and which havebeen demonstrated to be effective in schizophrenia. Future directions in cognitive remediation research include potential synergy with pharmacologic treatment, non-invasive stimulation techniques, and psychosocial interventions, identification of patient characteristics that predict outcome with cognitive remediation, and increasing the access to these interventions in front-line settings

Feasibility study of structural systems made from ceramics

The objective of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of making structural systems from ceramics. Segmental and composite systems are quantitatively studied, partial application of ceramics to traditional systems is considered, and the special application of a lunar base is studied. The quantitative and qualitative studies made indicate both advantages and disadvantages for ceramics in structural systems. However, the structural systems proposed may stimulate further studies to eliminate the disadvantages.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30157/1/0000536.pd

Vision-Based Displacement Sensor for Monitoring Dynamic Response Using Robust Object Search Algorithm

This paper develops a vision-based displacement measurement system for remote monitoring of vibration of large-size structures such as bridges and buildings. The system consists of one or multiple video cameras and a notebook computer. With a telescopic lens, the camera placed at a stationary point away from a structure captures images of an object on the structure. The structural displacement is computed in real time through processing the captured images. A robust object search algorithm developed in this paper enables accurate measurement of the displacement by tracking existing features on the structure without requiring a conventional target panel to be installed on the structure. A sub-pixel technique is also proposed to further reduce measurement errors cost-effectively. The efficacy of the vision system in remote measurement of dynamic displacements was demonstrated through a shaking table test and a field experiment on a long-span bridge