These radicals are subsequently involved in either oxidative coupling (i.e., bond formation) or bond cleavage of target organics. These bifunctional actions catabolic versus anabolic are readily identifiable in in vivo metabolic processes involving laccases. Here, we characterize the bifunctionality

of laccase-mediated oxidation of small organics and present the view that knowledge of the biological functions of these metabolic processes in vivo STI571 in vitro can illuminate potential biotechnological applications of this bifunctionality.”
“BACKGROUND: A virtual reality neurosurgery simulator with haptic feedback may help in the training and assessment of technical skills requiring the use of tactile and visual cues.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simulator for craniotomy-based procedures with haptic and

graphics feedback for implementation by universities and hospitals in the neurosurgery training curriculum.

METHODS: NeuroTouch was developed by a team of more than 50 experts from the National Research Council Canada in collaboration with surgeons from more than 20 teaching hospitals across Canada. Its main components are a stereovision system, CB-5083 price bimanual haptic tool manipulators, and a high-end computer. The simulation software engine runs 3 processes for computing graphics, haptics, and mechanics. Training tasks were built from magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients with brain tumors.

RESULTS: Two training tasks were implemented for practicing skills with 3 different surgical tools. In the tumor-debulking task, the objective is complete tumor removal without removing normal tissue, using the regular surgical aspirator (suction) and the ultrasonic aspirator. The objective of the tumor cauterization Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase task is to remove a vascularized tumor with an aspirator while controlling blood loss using bipolar electrocautery.

CONCLUSION: NeuroTouch prototypes have been set up in 7 teaching hospitals across

Canada, to be used for beta testing and validation and evaluated for integration in a neurosurgery training curriculum.”
“Executive functioning (EF) is an overarching term that refers to neuropsychological processes that enable physical, cognitive, and emotional self-control. Deficits in EF are often present in neurodevelopmental disorders, but examinations of the specificity of EF deficits and direct comparisons across disorders are rare. The current study investigated EF in 7- to 12-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and typical development using a comprehensive battery of measures assessing EF, including response inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning, fluency and vigilance. The ADHD group exhibited deficits in vigilance, inhibition and working memory relative to the typical group; however, they did not consistently demonstrate problems on the remaining EF measures.