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T Prieto

Publications and source records attributed to T Prieto.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Human brain language areas identified by functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) was used to identify candidate language processing areas in the intact human brain. Language was defined broadly to include both phonological and lexical-semantic functions and to exclude sensory, motor, and general executive functions. The language activation task required phonetic and semantic analysis of aurally presented words and was compared with a control task involving perceptual analysis of nonlinguistic sounds. Functional maps of the entire brain were obtained from 30 right-handed subjects. These maps were averaged in standard stereotaxic space to produce a robust "average activation map" that proved reliable in a split-half analysis. As predicted from classical models of language organization based on lesion data, cortical activation associated with language processing was strongly lateralized to the left cerebral hemisphere and involved a network of regions in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. Less consistent with classical models were (1) the existence of left hemisphere temporoparietal language areas outside the traditional "Wernicke area," namely, in the middle temporal, inferior temporal, fusiform, and angular gyri; (2) extensive left prefrontal language areas outside the classical "Broca area"; and (3) clear participation of these left frontal areas in a task emphasizing "receptive" language functions. Although partly in conflict with the classical model of language localization, these findings are generally compatible with reported lesion data and provide additional support for ongoing efforts to refine and extend the classical model.

Adolescent↗

Experimental electrical injury studies.

Voltages from 10 to 14,000 volts demonstrated currents up to 70 amperes with resistances of approximately 200 ohms in studies in hogs. Below 1,000 volts, a current reduction is observed following arcing and skin necrosis. At the higher voltages, this phenomenon was not observed. The energy required for tissue damage was dependent upon the voltage and time of application. The tissue electrode resistance with stainless steel disc was proportional to the diameter. Skin buring commenced at the periphery of the electrodes and moved inwards. For application of currents between the hindlimbs of the hog, the current per tissue cross-section was greatest in artery and nerve, followed by muscle, fat, bone marrow, and bone cortex.

Animals↗

Evaluation of nonlinear dynamics in postural steadiness time series.

Fractal and correlation dimensions have been computed for time series obtained from tests of balance (postural steadiness). Although these measures appear to be reliable and differentiate subject groups, it has become clear that random (noise) time series may have finite dimensions and appear to demonstrate dynamics characteristic of nonlinear systems. Consequently, it is necessary to apply a test to distinguish a time series with putative nonlinear dynamics from random noise. A simple predictor was utilized to compare center of pressure (COP) time series with surrogate data constructed to have similar time and frequency domain characteristics. It was found that the original time series was more predictable than the surrogate data, suggesting that the COP data is derived from a nonlinear system.

Adult↗

Determination of tissue viability in experimental electrical injuries.

Electrical burns or ischemia (induced by vascular ligation) were produced in the legs of 15 anesthetized dogs to study evolution of tissue changes compared with impedance alterations. After the application of 1-ampere currents at 60 Hz, animals were monitored from 1 to 4 days. Muscle impendance was measured with frequency sweeping to determine tissue destruction. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (phosphorus 31) was used to assess metabolic activity, and results were compared to impedance measurements. In burned limbs, 70% reduction in muscle impedance was seen, which corresponds to decreased metabolic activity (absent organic phosphates) and suggests necrosis. Visually viable tissue had impedance decreases of 25% and levels of organic phosphates slightly lower than normal. Relaxation frequencies in dogs with severe burns exceeded 80 kHz; in viable tissue, 30 to 40 kHz (normal: 30 kHz). In ischemic muscle, organic phosphates decreased rapidly (1 to 2 hours); impedance changes evolved more slowly (1 day), but they ultimately reached the same degree of severity. Measurement of impedance may be a valuable adjunct in the evaluation of electrical burns, since significant changes strongly suggest nonviability.

Animals↗