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Control Network (control + network)
Selected AbstractsEnhancing therapeutic loading and delaying transport via molecular imprinting and living/controlled polymerizationAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010Asa D. Vaughan Abstract This work demonstrates for the first time molecular imprinting using a "living/controlled" polymerization (LCP) strategy to enhance template loading/affinity and delay release in weakly crosslinked gels. Two gel systems were studied: poly(DEAEM- co -HEMA- co -PEG200DMA) gels imprinted for diclofenac sodium and poly(MAA- co -EGDMA) gels imprinted for ethyl adenine-9-acetate. Experimental evidence confirms that template diffusion coefficients within imprinted gels can be heavily influenced by template binding affinity. Recognition studies revealed significant increases in template loading/affinity with large increases in loading for LCP, and dynamic template release studies showed that imprinting via LCP extends the template release profile by twofold over that of imprinting via conventional free-radical polymerization techniques and fourfold over the control network (less Fickian and toward zero-order release with a profile coefficient of 0.70). Analysis of reaction kinetics indicated that LCP with reversible termination events increases the chemically controlled chain propagation mechanism, and that binding sites are formed during this phase of the polymerization. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source] Compact harmonic control network for Doherty power amplifierMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2009Paolo Colantonio Abstract In this contribution, an innovative design solution to realize small size Doherty power amplifier is presented. The idea consists in the realization of a unique output matching network for both carrier and peaking devices without losing the Doherty behavior. Experimental results performed on uneven Doherty amplifier using GaN HEMT device is given to demonstrate the proposed approach. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 256,258, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23983 [source] Alpha power is influenced by performance errorsPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Joshua Carp Abstract Error commission evokes changes in event-related potentials, autonomic nervous system activity, and behavior, presumably reflecting the operation of a cognitive control network. Here we test the hypothesis that errors lead to increased cortical arousal, measurable as changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha band power. Participants performed a Stroop task while EEG was recorded. Following correct responses, alpha power increased and then decreased in a quadratic pattern, implying transient mental disengagement during the intertrial interval. This trend was absent following errors, which elicited significantly less alpha power than correct trials. Moreover, post-error alpha power was a better predictor of individual differences in post-error slowing than the error-related negativity (ERN), whereas the ERN was a better predictor of post-error accuracy than alpha power. These findings imply that changes in cortical arousal play a unique role in modulating post-error behavior. [source] Brain,computer interfacing based on cognitive controlANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2010Mariska J. Vansteensel PhD Objective Brain,computer interfaces (BCIs) translate deliberate intentions and associated changes in brain activity into action, thereby offering patients with severe paralysis an alternative means of communication with and control over their environment. Such systems are not available yet, partly due to the high performance standard that is required. A major challenge in the development of implantable BCIs is to identify cortical regions and related functions that an individual can reliably and consciously manipulate. Research predominantly focuses on the sensorimotor cortex, which can be activated by imagining motor actions. However, because this region may not provide an optimal solution to all patients, other neuronal networks need to be examined. Therefore, we investigated whether the cognitive control network can be used for BCI purposes. We also determined the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for noninvasive localization of the cognitive control network. Methods Three patients with intractable epilepsy, who were temporarily implanted with subdural grid electrodes for diagnostic purposes, attempted to gain BCI control using the electrocorticographic (ECoG) signal of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Results All subjects quickly gained accurate BCI control by modulation of gamma-power of the left DLPFC. Prelocalization of the relevant region was performed with fMRI and was confirmed using the ECoG signals obtained during mental calculation localizer tasks. Interpretation The results indicate that the cognitive control network is a suitable source of signals for BCI applications. They also demonstrate the feasibility of translating understanding about cognitive networks derived from functional neuroimaging into clinical applications. ANN NEUROL 2010 [source] Legacy of the Pacific Islander cancer control networkCANCER, Issue S8 2006F. Allan Hubbell MD, MSPH Abstract The groundwork for the Pacific Islander cancer control network (PICCN) began in the early 1990s with a study of the cancer control needs of American Samoans. The necessity for similar studies among other Pacific Islander populations led to the development of PICCN. The project's principal objectives were to increase cancer awareness and to enhance cancer control research among American Samoans, Tongans, and Chamorros. PICCN was organized around a steering committee and 6 community advisory boards, 2 from each of the targeted populations. Membership included community leaders, cancer control experts, and various academic and technical organizations involved with cancer control. Through this infrastructure, the investigators developed new culturally sensitive cancer education materials and distributed them in a culturally appropriate manner. They also initiated a cancer control research training program, educated Pacific Islander students in this field, and conducted pilot research projects. PICCN conducted nearly 200 cancer awareness activities in its 6 study sites and developed cancer educational materials on prostate, colorectal, lung, breast, and cervical cancer and tobacco control in the Samoan, Tongan, and Chamorro languages. PICCN trained 9 students who conducted 7 pilot research projects designed to answer important questions regarding the cancer control needs of Pacific Islanders and to inform interventions targeting those needs. The legacy of PICCN lies in its advancement of improving cancer control among Pacific Islanders and setting the stage for interventions that will help to eliminate cancer-related health disparities. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] |