Methods for identifying and understanding brain structure–function relations have evolved over the past century, from astute observations of selective impairments associated with focal brain damage to dissociations measured by combining quantitative neuropsychologic assessment and brain imaging. Enhanced spatial and temporal resolution in brain imaging modalities has led to refined visualization and quantification of the brain’s substructures, microstructural integrity, and functional connectivity of neural networks. The double dissociation model has been a gold standard used to demonstrate that a particular cognitive, emotional, sensory, or motor process is selectively related to a particular brain region or neural network and not to others. This model has provided a fruitful means for testing hypotheses of functional localization and enabled examination and establishment of component processes contributing to complex cognitive and motor functions, parsing multifactorial behaviors and identifying brain regions, and networks subserving these complex abilities. In this chapter we discuss the evolution of the dissociation model and highlight how the modifications of this model are used presently to establish selective brain–behavior relationships in disorders such as chronic alcoholism with a neuropathologic signature but no localizable, space-occupying lesion.
Navigating the Future of Afterschool Science: Afterschool Science Networks Study Recommendations
SRI’s Afterschool Science Networks (ASN) study provides new insights and empirical findings regarding the offering of science learning opportunities at scale.
Deuterium Protection of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids against Lipid Peroxidation: A Novel Approach to Mitigating Mitochondrial Neurological Diseases
Oxidative stress is associated with numerous neurological disorders. Mitochondrial malfunction contributes to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in proximity to mitochondrial membranes rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). ROS initiate PUFA autoxidation, a chain reaction that alters membrane fluidity and promotes toxic reactive carbonyl products (RCP) that damage proteins and DNA. Due to the stochastic nature of ROS generation, increased antioxidants cannot prevent such injury. However, deuterium-for-hydrogen substitution at bis-allylic sites reduces the rate-limiting step of autoxidation and results in inhibition of the subsequent PUFA oxidation chain reaction, decreasing toxic RCP levels. We propose a novel approach, using such isotopic reinforcement, to alleviate oxidative injury and have pre-clinical evidence demonstrating neuroprotection in an oxidative stress model of Parkinson’s disease. We hypothesize that site-specific PUFA deuteration will mitigate progression of degeneration in other disorders that manifest oxidative injury either as a primary or secondary insult.
Homeostasis, Complexity, and Educational Policy Informatics: Exploring Unanticipated Consequences and Unrealized Opportunities of Policy Decisions
Sustainable Use of Dynamic Representational Environments: Toward a District-Wide Adoption of SimCalc-Based Materials
In this chapter, we will discuss pilot research in our multiyear effort aimed at aiding a large, urban school district in the state of Florida to adopt SimCalc MathWorlds® as a sustainable and integral part of middle school mathematics education. Building upon analyses that identify important factors in sustainable use of SimCalc-based materials, we have built local capacity to support the program and designed teacher professional development and district rollout plans to increase the likelihood of sustained use in the district. We have found that our efforts resulted in a replication of prior effectiveness results, as well as strong local support for SimCalc-based materials. These factors have allowed us to steadily increase our presence in the district, and now the district and project team are actively working toward our shared vision of the materials being used by every middle school mathematics teacher in the district. We end with a discussion of next steps and risks associated with our ongoing efforts.
Role Of Technology In Student-Scientist Partnerships: Perspective From The National Science Foundation
Abstract A variety of student-scientist partnerships (SSPs) have evolved over the years in the K-12 classroom, providing students, teachers, and scientists with activities and experiences not available from any other source. Characteristically these activities are inquiry-based or design-oriented and aligned with Benchmarks (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1993), (National Research Council of the National Academy […]