The Relationships Between Cortical Activity while Observing Images Featuring Different Degrees of Ambiguity and Ambiguity Tolerance.

We performed a fMRI study during which 18 healthy subjects passively viewed abstract images and tried to name them. The images were geometric primitives, impossible images (Penrose images), and ambiguous images (Rorschach inkblots). Activation and deactivation areas were revealed for each task. The results of psychological assessment of ambiguity tolerance according to MSTAT-I inventory were used as regressors. Deactivation of the precuneus (Brodmann area 7) and neighboring structures (especially when observing geometric primitives and inventing names for them) and in the fronto-temporal areas was associated with high ambiguity tolerance. Similar links were observed for both activation and deactivation (depending on the certain contrast) of the occipito-cerebellar area.

Possible role and application of fMRI in the screening of release-active drugs.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain was applied for preclinical evaluation of the efficiency of Divaza preparation intended for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. Psychological testing (Stroop task) in the magnetic field of fMRI was performed before and after 12-week treatment course using a double blind placebo-controlled protocol. It was shown that standard psychological and neuropsychological protocols do not allow fully estimate the results of treatment, whereas fMRI targeted the pool of cerebral structures activated during task solution. In the treatment group (in contrast to placebo), active zones in these structures were found only during task solution. Thus, resolution capability of fMRI significantly extends the range of rational screening by identifying active zones and can radically change the procedure of selection and clinical trials.

[Game biofeedback: networking].

Analyzed in the paper are stages of networking of game biofeedback. Three main stages are defined on the basis of practical experience, they are: unification of local databases, use of game biofeedback in local network and training in game biofeedback via Internet. Possible solutions are suggested; technical and organizational issues are discussed on working out and using a set of therapeutic and health-improving training equipment based on the principles of LAN game biofeedback.

[Computer biocontrol systems: trends in development]. / Komp'iuternye sistemy bioupravleniia: tendentsii razvitiia.

The paper considers the basic trends in the development of the new computer technology, such as biocontrol based on the analysis of its development in the past 10 years. New variants of biocontrol, new advances in engineering and use are noted. Emphasis is laid on the new branch of biocontrol computer remedial games.

[Determination of limb loading parameters on standard external fixators]. / Opredelenie parametrov nagruzheniia konechnosti na tipovykh apparatakh vneshnei fiksatsii.

For the compression-traction osteosynthesis system CTS, the grounds for evaluating the existing parasitic deformity of loaded apparatus elements, such as pins and rings are shown. The measuring procedure for testing the axial and angular rigidity of a regenerate zone is presented. The angular rigidity is estimated by the ellipse of rigidities, i.e. by three parameters: a vector of the maximum rigidity (CU), a vector of the minimum rigidity (CV) and an azimuth of CU position in the ring plane. Some more useful functions of CTS, including the posthospital treatment of patients are described.

[Current trends and problems in the measurement of limb loading parameters during transosseous osteosynthesis using external fixation devices]. / Aktual'nost' i problemy izmereniia parametrov nagruzheniia konechnosti v protsesse chreskostnogo osteosinteza apparatami vneshnei fiksatsii.

The problem in question is whether it is reasonable to equip a conventional limb external fixation apparatus with means for the diagnosis of loading parameters: the forces and displacement of the opposite supporting elements of the apparatus. It is assumed that during distraction osteogenesis it is expedient to apply load to the limb by the load rate only at the initial stage of callus regeneration (the plastic or slightly elastic mechanical state) while the most effective way to do so is to act force at later stages. A number of functions derived from the modified parameters which might aid a physician to choose the optimum limb loading parameters at different stages of treatment were considered by using as example a hypothetical ring-type apparatus equipped with means for continuous measurement of current forces applied to the apparatus and current displacements of opposite ring blocks. Specifications for the measuring system of loading parameters were defined by using an Ilizarov apparatus as an example and why possible rough measurement errors may occur is revealed. The paper shows it necessary to develop methods for calculation of parasitic deformations, i.e. those of the loaded elements of the apparatus for the evaluation of the reciprocal displacement of bone fragments.

[Organizing diagnosis of parameters of limb loading during transosseous osteosynthesis by external fixation devices]. / Organizatsiia diagnostiki parametrov nagruzheniia konechnosti v protsesse chreskostnogo osteosinteza apparatami vneshnei fiksatsii.

The presented system for compression-traction osteosynthesis (CTS) involves a modified Ilizarov apparatus, a set of force and length detectors, PC controlled measuring system, a set of cables and original software. The system apparatus allows for angular displacement of bone fragments in the range of +/- 30 degrees or 0-60 degrees and lateral displacement of bone fragment edges in the joint along any azimuth in the ring plane. It was mathematically proved that the axial and angular displacement of the two apparatus ring blocks relative to each other can be described with three parameters: axial displacement of the ring center, the ring deflection (turn) angle and the ring axis turn azimuth (angle). Formulas for calculation of the displacement of three pairs of displacement control nuts so the plane of the fracture displacement angle (correction) cross the axis of the required ring plane turn azimuth (angle) were deduced for the reciprocal angular displacement of the bone fractures. No additional removable joints or the apparatus reconstruction for angular fracture displacement are needed. The CTS features the display of the current reciprocal position of bone fragment axes during the course of apparatus loading on the PC monitor.

[Clinico-hemodynamic characteristics of patients with initial signs of hypertension]. / Kliniko-gemodinamicheskaia kharakteristika lits s nachal'nymi stadiiami gipertonicheskoi bolezni.

Multifactor analysis was used to make clinical and hemodynamic comparisons in 42 patients with borderline arterial hypertension, 27 with Stage I hypertension, 40 with Stage II hypertension, and 40 healthy persons. Central hemodynamic parameters at rest and during graded bicycle ergometer exercise were measured by the Defares carbon dioxide return respiration method modified by V. L. Karpman. As compared with patients with hyperkinetic circulation, those with hypokinetic one were older, had a longer history of arterial hypertension, obesity, more common left ventricular hypertrophy, higher baseline diastolic pressures and total peripheral vascular resistance, less increase in cardiac index and greater enhancement of total peripheral vascular resistance during submaximal exercise. There was a clear-cut correlation between the progression of arterial hypertension and increase in values of factors I (clinical and hemodynamic) and III (cardiotonic).