Added load increases the peak frequency of intermuscular coherence.

Cortical motor neuron activity appears to drive lower motor neurons through two distinct frequency bands: the β range (15-30 Hz) during weak muscle contractions and γ range (30-50 Hz) during strong contractions. It is unknown whether the frequency of cortical drive shifts continuously or abruptly between the β and γ frequency bands as contraction strength changes. Intermuscular coherence (IMC) between synergistic arm muscles was used to assess how the frequency of common neuronal drive shifts with increasing contraction strength.

Deterministic Tractography of the Descending Tract of the Spinal Trigeminal Nerve Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

Background And Purpose: Pain information from the face enters the pons via the trigeminal nerve before creating an anatomical "elbow" that turns caudally into the spinal trigeminal tract (SpTV). Visualization of the descending tract of the trigeminal nerve as it begins its descent from the nerve root entry zone (NREZ) in the pons would improve the accuracy of current procedures aimed at altering or lesioning the trigeminal nerve within the brainstem. The focus of this study was to develop a standardized protocol using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and deterministic tractography methods to image the SpTV.

Lateralization of simulated sources and echoes differing in frequency based on interaural temporal differences.

This study examined listeners' ability to process interaural temporal differences (ITDs) in one of two sequential sounds when the two differed in spectral content. A correlational analysis assessed weights given to ITDs of simulated source and echo pulses for echo delays of 8-128 ms for conditions in which responses were based on the source or echo, a 3000-Hz Gaussian (target) pulse. The other (distractor) pulse was spectrally centered at 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 Hz.

Microsurgical Pontine Descending Tractotomy in Cases of Intractable Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Background: Current treatment strategies in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) include trials of medical therapy and surgical intervention, when necessary. In some patients, pain is not adequately managed with these existing strategies.

Objective: To present a novel technique, ventral pontine trigeminal tractotomy via retrosigmoid craniectomy, as an adjunct treatment in TN when there is no significant neurovascular compression.

Spinal cord cavernoma resection using a fiber-optic CO2 laser.

Background: Spinal cord cavernomas are rare, and progressive growth can lead to neurologic deterioration. Complete microsurgical resection using the OmniGuide® fiber-optic CO2 laser is safe, precise, and can prevent further neurological deterioration. We describe the process, risks, and benefits associated with this approach.